The Love of the Tee

C'mon ladies, do we need another J. Crew Tee?  Of course!  I go through stages of feeling like a need a tee intervention, but they continue to pop up like little art pieces.  In Oprah's February 2010 magazine, T-shirts make the list of "100 Things that are getting Better".  At number 90., J. Crew is noted as one of the companies that continue to evolve this shirt with better fabrics, embellishments making them a great option under a blazer or as they note, "befitting a blouse".

So I do have a couple favs from the new arrivals including the Tulle blossom art tee and the Hand-cut flower art tee.  I do going into the B&M just to get a feeling for the textures and color options, but cringe at the $45 and up price tags!   The applique flower art tee comes in at $78!  They are fabulously cheery in the winter though...come on Spring.

Jenna's Eye Candy, Behind the Design Video & February 2010 Catalog!

I just got the pop of color and inspiration I needed from J. Crew with this month's Jenna's Picks or Jenna's Eye Candy.  I love the focus on accessories.  Because I am not quite ready to depart from all the fabulous Fall/Winter clothing pieces, this is a nice departure to get me thinking and hoping Spring will come soon.
From those picks, I really like these Alecia suede platform peep toes shown here in Paris Pink @ 4265.  I also love the simplicity and under-stated glamour of the Crystal glamour bracelet at $70.  

I was also thrilled to see the mini-video Behind the Design with Jenna  previewing the inspiration for the 2010 collection.  Love the nude tonal play and just the sweet feminine look of this collection.  She also mentions that they are still loving the "piling" and layering of jewelry saying "go big or go home!"  I am down with that.  You have seen my recent jewelry loves and I am moving right in that direction.

Lastly, the 2010 February Catalog is now online!  Good night for now...too much to say and too little time!

Lightweight Denim J. Crew Trouser

Surprise, surprise, well sort of!  I actually ordered these Lightweight trousers in workwear wash two months ago and they were on backorder.  I completely forgot about them.  I believe I only paid $19.99, but I must tell you that these are the most comfortable jeans that I have ever worn!  They are super soft and the length is perfect.  This could be a great dress up jean, hence the name "trouser".  They are very flattering in the seat and through the hips.  The next jean I will definitely get which is closest to this is the Downtown denim trouser in clean rinse wash currently at $108.

It's here, it's here (finally)! J. Crew Cardmember Rewards

Today I received my Spring Rewards!  $50 buckaroos exclusively for J. Crew cardmembers to be used by 3/15/10 (which I will have no problem spending long before then)!!  What will I buy...for sure something I have outlined below.  The sneak peek mailer is lovely previewing pieces from the Spring collection (check out the Merino Larkspur Cardigan 23171).  Happy shopping!

My Current 2010 J. Crew "Hit and Miss" List

Let me start by saying, that I have been waiting for some "wow" factor from J. Crew as we head out of the holidays and into pre-spring.  After perusing the LookBook and runway reports, I have been moderately excited about what is to come from JC.  I am going to start a "Hit and Miss" list where I share my thoughts on those items new or carryover that peak my interest or those that simply miss (frequency TBD).  Unfortunately some of the "miss" items are just short of fashion disaster for me and create confusion for me as to how they even got interwoven into the beautiful collections that J. Crew has to offer.

Without further ado, let's start with my current selections as "Hits".  Many of these items are new as of January 2010.

1. The Crinkled Silk Shell at $88 is a great departure from all the ruffles and bows which you hear me ranting about of recent.  I am ready to see a more minimalist layering piece that is still feminine, but not to "girly girl-ish".  This piece would work equally well for work or with shorts for a more dressed-up look into summer.

2.  The Silk chiffon Taryn dress at $215 is so romantic and feminine.  It  comes in an extraordinary selection of colors with rich hues including some lighter such as dusty shale, sweet thistle and berry.  It's drapey chiffon is hemmed a bit shorter making it a great choice for a dressier night out, special occasion to warm weather vacation.  It is a bit steep in price, but could be a terrific piece for years.

3. The Gallery short at $58 has a nice modern edge that could dress up a tee or wear with blouse.  Not sure this would be a great choice for us hippy girls, but I like the edge of this short.  It has nice flat back pocket/slit detailing which gives it a very finished look.  I would wear these with a heel or flops.

4. These Rosebud metallic capri sandals at $78 are sweet, dressy and a nice alternative to full dress shoe in warmer weather.  I must admit that you can never seem to have enough of these just like the tees.  At $78, not sure I would buy one in each color (metallic graphite, platinum gold and platinum silver, but that are tempting.  They would be lovely with shorts or with a longer summer dress.

5. I am still hanging on to really liking this  Crystal-and-pearl pastiche bracelet and necklace for that matter although the $88/$135 price points make me cringe.  I have patiently waited through my eBay list of watch items so more to come if I actually push through and purchase either of these statement pieces.  I like that they are a little on the edge without being completely obnoxious like the Fenton & Fallon for J. Crew piece on my "Miss" list below.

6. I continue to have a bit of an obsession with a sweet clutch such as this new Panier clutch at $88.  The texture of this is really pretty.  I have always been a "big" bag person, but these are such statement pieces with a pop of color, even if you can only hold a tube of lipstick in them at best!

7. I will find a place to wear this Jersey promenade gown at $118 whether is is on vacation or summer party.  It has such a bohemian feel to it and I love this lilac color which would look fantastic with the rosebud metallic capri sandals.  I love the empire waist and cinching with the jersey fabric.  It looks incredibly comfortable.  This dress would provide a great opportunity to show off some fantastic jewelry pieces as well.  It also comes in dark pewter which is lovely as well.

 

8.  This Ruffled gamine jacket is pricey at $178, but I love the detail on the stitching on this.  And, I always love transitional jackets that can not only go from season into season, but can be worn as jacket to blazer.  I also like where this jacket hits on the thigh.  It is super flattering.  This was the last of the items that immediately caught my eye.

And now my "Miss" list for a variety of reasons, but mostly because that looked completely out of place in my opinion to anything else.  Or they simply represent my growing irritation to seeing ruffles, layers, bows...or I trend I could never adopt -- you get the picture.  I am ready for a departure and these just don't cut it.

1.  This is just a mess (Dogwood decadence).  I would not be caught dead in this necklace.  Ok, so I'm being a bit dramatic, but seriously it looks like the necklace that got all the leftover and scrap materials all tied into it.  At $135, it further drives my distaste.

2.  Couple seasons later, I still cannot embrace the Anklet and shoe of any kind.  And not sure how it ever became a trend.  As a 40-something cannot envision myself wearing this to work, an occasion or anywhere for that matter!  I get the styling, but don't think that too many women can pull this one off.

3.  Need I say more?  This Cotton papillon blouse is described to be adorned with butterflies and at first glance looks like more RUFFLES...redistributed to blouse.  Worse, I would rather be detailed with ruffles than a creature.  Again, where is the reinvention or the innovation of a great shirt.  

4.  I don't even know what to say about this.  Vintage-inspired or not, this Bow tie skirt would not even be flattering on my 8-year old daughter.  So whomever invests and I mean invests in this $350 must have a real passion for BOWs.  Please, stop the madness.

5.  This Embossed organza O'hara gown looks like it could be friends with the skirt above.  It looks like a very bad drape meets bedspread endeavor and am fairly sure would end up on a major Glamour "Don't" list.  This one comes in at $2,200.  While JC touts the fabric that it comes from the famed Marco Lagattolla mill based in Lake Como, Italy, I still don't appreciate the beauty of this one.  Ok, I will stop...but one more - it reminds me of a bad Disney World Princess gown say for "Belle"?

6.  I already reviewed this Fenton and Fallon/J. Crew inspired Carrington Crystal bow necklace.  While I am a fan of the jewelry designer, I did not appreciate the look so much on Michelle Obama and it further fuels my charge to end bows with J. Crew!  I do like the attempt for the edge.  I probably would have been far more interested in the piece without the bows.  It just ruins it for me completely and nevermind the $295 pricetag.  Argh.

7.  I am running out of energy for this and the Rosette ruffle cardigan at @128 isn't helping.  More ruffle-like layering.  I probably would have appreciated this three seasons ago when it was still feeling new and fresh, but now it just adds to lack of creative inspiration for me.  How many of these cardi's can one girl possibly have in her wardrobe.

8.  More ruffle-layering with the Sweeping ruffles shirt at $98.  Need I say more?  Beach or no beach....stop the look completely.

So that wraps up my early 2010 "Hit and Miss" list.  I do love that J. Crew is threading in this feminine and rather understated look with their pieces.  This lends nicely to Spring around the corner.  The colors as always are lovely.  I just wish that if they are going to push the envelope creatively, they do it in a way that better marries with their brand and entire collection.  Some of the pieces I would categorize as a "miss" are pushing the limit on ugly.  I love eclectic style finds, but some these feel priced expensively for the sake of it without the goods to back it up!  That is my opinion only and would love to hear others comments!  Happy shopping ladies...

Worth the Wait!

My most recent spend was on the stretch flannel del pelato dress from J. Crew.  It fits beautifully with just enough stretch to feel comfy.  It is very fitted through the waist and has a very classic look.  It is heather carbon in color and the neckline is probably the sweetest part.  It is layered chiffon (black and carbon) petal like layers.  It breaks the simplicity of the dress.  I did order one size up as I suspected it was pretty fitted waist up - good call!  At $99 (originally $178) with 20% off week and a half ago, it turned out to be a nice little investment piece.  I still don't think I can pull off these looks with ankle socks and booties or with the shirt underneath?  Anyways it is a lovely semi-conservative dress that will make it through a few seasons.

Sparkly baubles, treasures found.

A couple posts ago I stated that I really wasn't a "big" jewelry kind of girl, but for some reason I keep getting drawn to more sparkly baubles.  Maybe it is this dreary time of year.  There is something very fun about looking into your jewelry box and seeing these finds.  The one on the top is a pendant by Ben- Amun which I got through Gilt Groupe.  If you are not a member let me know and I can send your email as a friend to get signed up.  They run fabulous sales on many designers.  Interestingly the cocktail ring below I picked up right after Christmas at Banana Republic and they look like they are a set!  So I am thrilled and love the purple which I have been all over this season.  So I found two great finds which look like they were made for each other!  One last suggestion, if you love statement jewelry, make sure that you check out Charm & Chain which features some fabulous jewelry designers including Fenton and Fallon which J. Crew recently collaborated with on the Carrington crystal bow necklace.  Alexandra Galgano is the founder of Charm & Chain and has a phenomenal representation of jewelry + meets art.  There are great sales on there as well and follow the blog!

J. Crew and The American Hero - "The Sperry Top-Sider"

Remember those formative years where "The Official Preppy Handbook" by Lisa Birnbach was a staple for many middle school girls & boys shaping everything from pet choices to proper speak? It even had a chapter on "Where to Shop" (Catalogs) and while L. L. Bean was the modern girl's preppy catalog then, many of us have modernized our choices of dress through many of the classics that J. Crew has to offer.  J. Crew has clearly picked up some utterly preppy staples and added a modern twist.  Take the Sperry Top-sider which was a shoe of choice for many prepsters.  We had several pairs just in case the lab chewed the suede strings off of them.  On page 129 of the Handbook, #10 notes that the Sperry Top-siders "have been in Prep closets since sailing lessons started in sixth grade" and "they're the automatic choice with khakis"! Now they are back through J. Crew in Platinum Gold!  I am not sure I can revive this classic back into my wardrobe, but they JC's sure are pretty or least a little cooler than when I first wore them back in the 80's (oh no)!  And like most things, J. Crew seems to make it work...will see if this will grow on me again!  Afterall, it has been a style icon since 1935.  Love to hear your thoughts on this modern update of a true classic shoe.

My Amazement with Anthro's Packaging

Sometimes I am more in love with Anthropologie's "gifting" (packaging) than the actual gift.  I love, love this recent gift card holder which reminds me of my daughter's Ugly Doll collection!  Kudos to their packaging/gift designers who continue to wow me.  Of course the gift cards are lovely too!

Lucky Day at the B&M!

So I got lucky.  I ran over to the B&M at lunch noodling to spend my last few dollars on the gift card and for ONCE, I got lucky.  Even though it was pretty picked over, there were still some items and I managed to walk away with three lovely pieces.  I picked up the  Bling-Button Cardigan in soft violet and also the watercolor/leopard skirt which is gone!  They are both lovely and versatile pieces and so worth it with the Extra 30%!  I could not believe how pretty these cardis were and somehow I have overlooked them.  I also picked one up on ebay the other evening in the heather fossil color.  What I like most are the little crystal-like buttons (hence bling) and the mix of 45% acrylic/37% super fine alpaca/18% merino making them just warm enough for Spring as well as a Fall into Winter.  See these sweet lil' buttons.   I also picked up the (Cashmere V-neck Sweater) in dark poppy (like a cherry red) which I have been looking for!  So ladies, there is hope.  Take another chance.  There are still some things hanging around, getting returned, etc.

Anthropologie's Egg Crate

So what on earth does this have anything to do with fashion, J. Crew or things girl's love?  I was on a hunt to find clever ways to hold my treasures especially rings, earrings (like the Infinity ones below!) and wholah!  I discovered these little ceramic egg crates in white and baby blue at Anthropologie (Anthro Egg Crates).  They are fabulous and show off my sparklers - quite handy to keep things organized.  Found out that these are one of Giada's favorites too which she highlighted on her site (Giada's Kitchen), but for egg storage!.  I love things that are non-traditional.  I also picked up a couple lovely bowls to hold bracelets.  Shop away and enjoy looking at your things in a lovely setting!

Infinity Earrings

I bought these little beauties in dried orchid and they are lovely.  I was afraid they would be clunky like the the similar ones with the black/butterscotch and crystal (which are actually a different style altogether "Garland").  I must admit that I have never been much of a "big earring girl" but they are growing on me.  And I know I have been on a rant of late on the ruffles and bows, but one thing I do hope that J. Crew continues to mix in are these vintage-inspired pieces.  I will keep these treasures for a long time.  They are just as pretty to look at as to wear!

J. Crew, Beautiful Model (Liya) with Goodwill (March '09)

See more videos on modelinia.com

Jenna Lyons for J. Crew (Fall '09)

The Wool Professor Blazer

It came, it came!  I ordered the Wool Professor blazer in black (on sale @ $149.99) and I am really pleased.  It is a beautiful jacket.  It is such a great piece to pair with a pretty white blouse or tee with jeans or slacks.  It is super cute!  It was one of those pieces that caught my eye when it first came out so glad I mustered the patience to wait until its first markdown.  Love love!

New Year, New Me.

The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul. G.K. Chesterton