The Smell of Fall...

Viridian & Vibrant Flame by CrewCat featuring scoop neck t shirts

J. Crew Brings on Fall with Classic Favorites and Beautiful Bright Colors!

 Ok, so it's confirmed, no more J. Crew online catalogs?  I am a bit disappointed by this, but I can tell you that the sales associates at the B&M I visited were not even aware.  They were as puzzled as I.  And they say to me, "must be those bloggers who keep posting all the pictures".  (Gasp) Really?  I offered up that "those bloggers" including me, help their overall sales with all our free advertising.  Well, their cheeks turned a rosy pink and then they nervously nodded at me most agreeably.  Fortunately, Fabulous Florida Mommy has scanned the August 2011 catalog, so happy viewing and thanks to FFM!

I do have some favorites from the New Arrivals.  I am happy to see major bursts of color coming across so many collections and J. Crew has some beautiful pieces.  I will start with their Classic No. 2 pencil skirt.  Always a great investment piece, but if you are looking to expand the color wardrobe here, you will be pleased.  My personal fav is the viridian green as shown. Jazzy purple and vibrant flame are close seconds.  I think J. Crew still holds first for this key staple to our wardrobes.  The double serge wool give it a nice weight and they've thinned the waistband a bit for overall comfort.


I am loving the cashmere boyfriend sweater in 14 beautiful colors!  I am personally crushing on the "tulip" as shown, kind of untraditional for Fall, but completely feminine nonetheless.  Heather indigo (cobalt), bright dahlia, vibrant flame and plum orchard are also gorgeous and rich colors.  This cardi is slightly oversized this season as well which makes it easier for layering.

The vibrant flame that is popping up is really the color of the season in my opinion.  I am waiting for a pair of wool "poppy" or "Chile red" colored pants to show up somewhere and under $1,000!

The schoolboy blazer in velvet has not historically been a fav of mine, but guess what, it comes in "poppy" and I'm completely smitten.  The bristol blue was my second favorite.  These colors seem much richer than in years past so I may definitely give this one a run.

Drawn again to the rich colors makes the silk Lucinda blouse a stunner for me.  Vibrant flame pops up here again as a color choice, but I love the spicy gold as shown.  It is not quite mustard, has more yellow in it which really brightens this up.  Suit or jeans, this is a pretty, feminine and practical blouse for every wardrobe.

The Albertus Swanepoel fedora made for J. Crew will likely be on my "splurge" list.  I was drawn to the camel leopard print because I continue to be on a hunt for anything with animal prints, love.  But, this fedora in particular is made by the "South African-born and Brooklyn-based milliner whose creations have topped off the looks of some of the biggest names in fashion..." as J. Crew describes.  I think this one may be a nice, eclectic accessory to hold your head high with for Fall, very cool.

And off my splurge and onto my "must-have" are the Hutton trousers in pinstripe Super 120s.  I am very attracted to these in particular because of the beautiful drape and how high waisted they appear to be.  These sorts of cuts work well with my 5'10" height, so I will definitely be getting these.  These pants are also a great staple for day-to-day work wear.  Love!

And back to color is the chic Edie tote which I love in what they are just calling "flame".  It is a hot handbag and I love the streamlined look of this tote.  The only thing I wish J. Crew would pay a bit more attention to in these bags are the linings.  They are awfully "bland" and would love to have seen this one for example with a pretty silk-striped lining.  I would almost be able to justify the $348 a bit more if this detail were a focus.  So many beautiful handbags have attention to this detail such as Kate Spade where the linings become part of her brand and trademark look.  Just a suggestion J. Crew!

The Capelette coat has caught my eye in a beautiful navy, this poncho-like overcoat has a 3/4 length sleeve and a hood which I love for dreary, wet Autumn days in the Midwest.  The heavy wool is used traditionally for U.S. Navy peacoats which makes the investment all the more justifiable.  In addition to its "chicness", it should be very warm for sure.


I love the new Cafe Capri in wool.  I like these in the bright dahlia.  They come in very pretty colors.  I just wish that these came in a size beyond 12.  They do not fit us curvy girls so well with this cut, so hopefully added sizing will become available.  This pant gives a great opportunity for color blocking a bright on top and bottom.  On the homepage, they show it as number 2/5 of the Fall favorites with the bright dahlia capri and what looks like a vibrant flame sweater or blouse on top.  The contrasting colors this Fall are big and J. Crew got it right for sure with this! I also loved the leopard print clutch in the picture, but was nowhere to be found on the site (tisk, tisk)!  That drives me absolutely insane when the styling includes major pieces that don't seem to be available with the current set of offerings.  If my eyes have missed this, please let me know!

So these are some of my early favorites for sure.  J. Crew, please bring the online catalog back.  I personally love to chat about the pieces that I see online and it is great to preview this before it actually hits the B&Ms.  All in all, I think that the trends are beautiful both in details and color.  I am getting more and more excited about Fall, particularly with this horrible heat!  What are your favorites?  Do you like the direction that J. Crew is heading for Fall?  Cheers.

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Chris, What's In Your Handbag - July 2011

Happy Summer everyone! I love these "What's In Your Handbag" pages in several magazines.  You may ask what could be so interesting in my handbag?  I think there is a curious fascination in just about every woman's handbag from the products she may use to what is on her reading list.

Getting this glimpse gives me "favorites" from other women and if it has made it in her handbag, then it is likely tested and true for her!

Here is a glimpse of my handbag and the items I've been carrying around (on my short walking trips with my healing back!)...you never know when you might need any of these things!

J. Crew's Silk & Cotton Rib-Stitch Tunic..."Instant, easy chic!"

New in stores and online, J. Crew's Silk & Cotton Rib-Stitch Tunic is definitely as described, an "instant (easy) chic".  In a color called muslin, this medium weight sweater-tunic has a beautiful texture and love that it could be belted with a gorgeous leather belt or worn with a fitted pant as a tunic.  It fits as described, but if you buy a size down, you could definitely wear as a more fitted option either way.  

This piece is much prettier in person compared to its simple look online. It's a must-have in my opinion.

There are some pretty items that are filtering in before the official "pre-fall" inventory comes in toward the end of July. There are also some beautiful jewelry items that have come into the stores not shown on the site.  All I will say is that they are classically "sparkly" and the perfect jewel-tones which make it very hard to resist!

Tangerine Dream

Tangerine Dream by CrewCat featuring coral jewelry

Could There Ever Be Another Carrie?

So my husband and I had a lively bicker the other evening as to whether or not Sex and The City, the movies had "jumped the shark".  He further raised my "dander" by suggesting that perhaps it was time for a new "Carrie".  Now for some perspective as to why I would possibly be defensive.  If you are even remotely a fan as I am, you likely have also watched every single episode at least twice.  I've seen the movies at least three times each and I would agree that the second lost some steam, but I didn't care.  I still loved their challenges, outfits and relationships with each other.  I firmly squared off in that there could only be the original SATC girls.  Having younger women take over their roles would be such a let down in my opinion!

I remember reading a headline from Vogue.com (UK) back in February which asked a similar question..."The New Carrie?"  There was apparently buzz that Blake could possibly play the young Carrie in a Sex and the City prequel which is based on Bushnell's novel The Carrie Diaries.  Now mind you the prequel is about the coming of age of these characters, but I don't think it would have the same appeal.  Even when I read the book I envisioned SJP throughout.  Could there be another?


I love everything about Carrie and SJP has made herself and the character a fashionable icon.  Her humor had so many of us belly-rolling with our girlfriends over their stories, trends and challenges.  Carrie made us dream of Manolo's and her fabulous wardrobe in general. That, could never be replaced.  And besides, Blake wears Louboutins!


What are your thoughts?  Has SATC "jumped the shark"?  If you are a fan would you be just as excited to see different stars playing the girl's roles in the prequel?  Should they make another SATC movie with SJP and friends?  

Nordstrom "Pre-Anniversary Sale"...Love Rebecca Minkoff!

"Passport" Ostrich embossed flap walle 

If you are a Nordstrom store credit card holder, you probably know that the "Pre-Sale" to the Anniversary Sale is going on right now through 7/13.  The general public sale follows on the 15th.  At our Nordstrom, they had special curtained areas where customers could go to buy the Anniversary catalog items in advance.  Handbags & accessories are always hot items.  I was "coveting" Rebecca Minkoff's "Covet" Ostrich Embossed Leather Satchel (Item #357096).  With one left in "almond brown" as shown in color on the wallet, it was a lucky day!


This bag has a distinctive texture with a logo-embossed turnlock at the flap closure. An optional shoulder strap provides a convenient carrying option.  I love this feature because you can turn it into a large, sophisticated clutch as well.  

I love Rebecca Minkoff's bags.  If you go to her site, you can see her subtly edgy handbags, apparel and accessories have made it into the hands of many celebrities.

I hope you are able to make the pre-sale at your Nordstrom.  They are letting card-holding customers take merchandise the day they purchase this year.  This is a new process.  They have some items in stock and some not which they will ship for free to you.  Happy shopping!

Color Us Happy, Color My Closet! A Great Opportunity for Organization...

Color my closet!  I love J. Crew's online updates with bright ideas for our wardrobes.  I love seeing this spectrum of colors for sure.  The Rumi dress in poppy is so pretty.   This is the perfect dress to style with flats or a scarf as they pair together on the site.

Coincidentally, I have also been in the process of color coding my own closet.  T.J. Maxx, my love affair for sure has been carrying a "huggie" type hanger in a beautiful range of colors other than just the beige, black and cream.  I love these!  Not only do they help to size down the space in my closet, but now they are helping me organize by colors!

I love J.Crew's updates.  In addition, there is also free ship on all orders of $150+ with code FREESHIP.  All the sale items have also gone to FINAL SALE, so we can expect deep discounts and hopefully an additional % off soon!  Happy holiday and Cheers!