The Recessionista Reviews Trina Turk for Banana Republic

Pictured: Trina Turk’s colorful dresses at Banana Republic. (photo: M. Hall)

A few weeks ago, Banana Republic launched a special summer collection by Los Angeles based designer Trina Turk.  First, let me say, I love Trina Turk, and I own many of her pieces, but I have mixed emotions about her Banana line.  I purchase Trina’s designs at local sales like Divine Design and Nordstrom’s Rack. Ms. Turk designs everything from great dresses for work or cocktails to beach totes. Her Banana Republic collection is just one flavor of the designer’s range:  resort wear.  The whole collection has a very 1960s vintage Palm Springs vibe, with retro like distinctive prints. These are original Trina Turk prints on many of the dresses in the collection, and they are a swirling kaleidoscope of bright colors. There are pinks, tangerine, greens and blues.  There are also some gorgeous solid silk tops with ties at the collar.  Sizing is all over the map on the collection.  The print maxi dress priced at $150.00  runs large, and is free flowing.  The shorter botanical Twist strip dress priced at $130.00 is fitted and runs small. The pink swirl tunic dress is pretty, but loud and depending on the wearer’s height may be more tunic than dress. Most of the pieces are silk, and the dresses are lined.

There was plenty of everything in the collection in stock at my local Banana store, and a quick check of the website shows there is plenty of the everything is stock.  This collection, although it’s very good looking, isn’t exactly selling like hot cakes.  To me, that’s for two reasons.  The price point is too high for casual summer dressing and the loud prints won’t suit many women, at least not for over $100.00 per dress.  I think the entire collection will go on sale, and if you like the prints and styles, wait a few weeks. This line is not selling like the Madmen Banana Republic collections have, but that’s to be expected, as there is no TV show tie in to help move it out of stock.

Pictured: The Trina Turk collection of costume jewelry at Banana Republic.  (photo: M. Hall)

For me, the more appealing part of the Trina Turk collection for Banana is the costume jewelry and the accessories. The jewelry is really good looking and perfect for summer. The handbags are in gorgeous solid blues and oranges. The best pieces may be the silk scarfs. They are gorgeous!  I like some of the prints better as accent pieces on scarves than as  dresses.

Pictured: The Recessionista’s Top Picks, the Trina Turk for BR Accessories.

Bottom line, there are some great pieces in this collection, but I do think it’s a bit over priced for what it is.  If you like this collection, I would say be patient, wait for the sale.  If you’re a Trina Turk aficionado check back here later this week as I am going to be giving away a Trina Turk summer tote bag from her boutique line.  Wait for it 🙂