London Calling!

London Calling! by crewcat featuring high rise pants

More Sweater Love...J. Crew's Silkspun Sweater!

Can I just say that J. Crew's new Silkspun sweater is probably one of the softest sweaters I've ever owned? It is a blend of wool, silk and nylon with just the tiniest bit of shine.  It can easily be tucked into a pencil skirt or high-waisted pant and feels like it is barely there.  And, it does suit for a little dressier occasion if you like.  I bought it in navy because I'm on a kick instead of traditional black everything.  However, it is so sumptuous that I can dream of it in every color!  The sienna (shown right), autumn blaze and deep turquoise are a few favorites.  If you have the patience for a markdown or sale, more power to you, but at $69.50, is almost worth the investment for a sweater you can fall in love with!  Cheers.

Rachel Zoe for a Day!

Rachel Zoe for a Day! by crewcat featuring a faux fur gilet

Tip Toe Through the Tulips...Come Fall?

With colors like vibrant flame, viridian green, heather fern and deep turquoise, how could one think "tulip" follows?  Well, it does, at least at J. Crew.  With the September catalog already in hand and new items popping up online for Autumn, who'd have imagined that this "Spring-like" color would end up being one favorite for Fall?  Thematically it makes a lot of sense since they shot this catalog in Saint Petersburg, Russia where beautiful little ballerinas stood graceful at the Mariinsky and Yakobson dance schools.  I love the pictures from this shoot, a little unexpected, especially the color palate, not for the dancers but for Fall.  Light gray, camel, white and "tulip" sweaters adorned their beautiful bodies.  The parallels of quality and perfection are synonymous with both the dancers and J. Crews standards of excellence.  I am a true collector of their cashmere, so when I was moved with these lovely colors, I thought, "Why not?" and was immediately drawn to the "tulip" color especially in the boyfriend cardigan.  But that sweater came in like a lion and out like a lamb!  GONE in that style so I had to opt for the basic v-neck style.  Am sharing a couple of the shoot's photos thanks to jenniferscreams.com, thank you!  Never thought this would be a favorite Fall color of mine, but it goes beautifully with just about everything from camel skirts to pairing with a black dress.  Love.  And if your are crazy for this color theme, will also share my favorite, pink lipstick from Nars called Schiap, semi matte and gives a major pop of color without looking neon.  Is even more beautiful after I use a light bronzer on my cheekbones, forehead and chin.

J. Crew's September Catalog & Beauty Tips? Check It Out!

I love this post entitled "J. Crew's September Catalog + Beauty Tips fromREFINERY29.com (one of my absolute favorite sites) written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano.  She explores beauty tips from none other than Marissa Webb, who in addition to being J. Crew's VP of Women's Design is stunning! We all see the gorgeous and natural looking models gracing the pages of the catalogs that we eagerly await to see each month.  Who knew that looking somewhat messy to achieve these beautiful looks would actually take a process of sorts.  Katie asks Marissa Webb to share "some of the brand's beauty secret's" as written below.

J.Crew's September Catalog + Beauty Tips!

By Katie Hintz-Zambrano

One of the reasons the J.Crew catalog sucks us in so fast? The ridiculously fresh-faced girls that grace every single page. The dewy complexion, slightly undone hairdo, and bright burst of lip-color—we trust you know exactly who we’re talking about. To find out how to achieve this fresh, understatedly fancy look on your own, we tapped Marissa Webb, J.Crew’s VP of Women’s Design, and asked her to share some of the brand’s beauty secrets. And, while she was at it, she threw in an exclusive preview of the September catalog, which should be hitting your mailbox any day now. Check it out, and prepare to get mega-inspired. We know we are.

We’re obsessed with the girls in the J.Crew catalogs. What are your rules when it comes to creating the signature J.Crew beauty look?

Marissa Webb: “I think it’s been pretty consistent for a number of years now. It’s usually a clean face and dewy complexion and an emphasis either on the lips or the eye, but never on both. And on the lip there’s often a really vibrant color.”

If someone wanted to recreate the makeup look at home, what tips would you give them?
“For the everyday J.Crew girl, there are just three simple three steps. For your face, keep the makeup not too heavy and don’t wear too much overall. For myself, I don’t cake on a lot of foundation. And with bronzer I keep it light with maybe just a little light cheek powder. Then, to keep it fresh looking, if you put a boldly colored lip on, just add mascara. That’s it. Don’t do the bold eye at the same time. Or just emphasis your eye.”
Tell us about the Fall 2011 collection and how the beauty look fit into it.
“The J.Crew fall look is very classic. It was based on two movies, Bonnie and Clyde and The Great Gatsby. So, there’s a lot of whimsy, but also lots of structured garments and the color is very intense and bright. We really wanted to focus on tailoring and clean brights, so it’s more primary than we’ve done in the past. To pair the makeup with that, we played down the face a little bit and allowed the lip to pop in certain areas of the catalog. For J.Crew it’s usually about the lip. And in this case it’s nice to have a softer lip to play off of the bolder colors of the apparel. In the catalog there’s a mixture of some looks with a softer frosty lip, because you don’t always want primary colors head to toe. But if you turn to the next page, she has a vibrant lip again. And that bright coral is still there and we all still love it! So, there are two shades that you’ll notice.”

In the past, you guys have spilled that NARS Red Square is one of your favorite shades. Are there other specific brands or colors you use on your models?“It’s tricky because we have never selected just one beauty brand for a whole shoot because we’ve worked with so many makeup artists and each one of them have different brands that they like to work with. So, I wouldn’t say that it’s all NARS or it’s all this or that. We have our signature coral red lipstick and I don’t think that’s going away anytime soon. And then this season, again, we mixed it up a bit where you might see a more frosty lip, which I think goes really well with those primary colors.”
How would someone achieve the perfect coral hue?
“I wear the coral lipstick myself all the time and you can achieve that lip in so many different ways. It’s all about trying out different coral shades and it’s usually just not a shot of one color, but a mixture of a lipstick and then a pencil on top or a powder on top. Right now we’re offeringour own Poppy King lipstick, which just came out last month. It wasn’t used in the catalog, but it was based on our coral lipstick. We received so many requests for that lipstick, so Poppy King and I worked on developing it. It took us a long time, but we tried the shade on people all around the office and it’s exciting because the coral really does work on many, many people. It’s sort of a way to achieve that lip without having to figure it out yourself.”

What are your rules when it comes to creating the easy-breezy hairdos in the catalog?
“For the most part, we are pretty consistent with the hair, too. It’s natural. It’s always a little bit messy. It’s never too perfect, too uptight, or too coiffed. It’s usually either a center part, a little bit of a side part, or a soft pulled back look. If you’re too tailored from your head to your toe, there’s a bit of added interest and texture if you have a more natural look to your hair. Just remember to pull it back lightly and gently.”
J.Crew's September catalog was shot in St. Petersburg, Russia and features the famed Mariinsky Ballet dancers. Look out for it in your mailbox!
I love that they focus on accentuating a models best features without over-doing them.  I am all for "clean and dewy" with a beautiful pop of lipstick.  As I've reached my 40's (sigh!), I feel more comfortable with this approach.  Makeup is one of the best accessories you can wear everyday.  I always get the most complements when I have a just flushed blush and lip gloss.  We can radiate from within and that is important in my opinion of achieving these looks.  So, thank you Katie and REFINERY29.com!

Fall is Coming...Beautiful Tone on Tone Colors from Eileen Fisher.

I love the easiness of Eileen Fisher's pieces.  I love the women that she places in her campaigns, real women with all different shapes.  And this month is no different reflecting the "Sartorial Slouch" and if that doesn't peak your interest just a little bit...!  Let's just say that there are beautiful pieces with a "slouch" that are perfect for "every" woman.  And the colors are to die for, perfect for Autumn's first callings.  One link is also themed "The Nature of Color" a clever little twist on words that do in fact pull us closer to nature's greatest hues and completely wearable.  My personal favorite is the drape neck slouchy Top in fine gauge cashmere, color is Sienna and perfectly so.

The colors are so rich and this is probably one of my most favorite times of year to view her site, stunning.  And I just love all the layering options from silk to cashmere, merino wool to viscose knit with Lycra.  I am also loving the Mandarin Collar Boxy Shirt in Silk Crepe de Chine, color choice Cranberry which is so rich.  Are you and EF fan and which pieces are calling you this Fall?  Cheers.

Jenna Lyons Does "Borrow from the Boys"...

This week's magazine issue of Net-a-porter features asks its readers whether their style was more like "femme fatale" or like a "guy" with two guests perspectives.  Mr. Porter's styling director Dan Mays says "man up" and features who do you think?  Jenna Lyons of course (page -5-)!  I am glad this trend continues to be featured because I love such femininity mixed with a masculine staple.  Featured are 5 androgynous pieces such as an ankle boot, masculine blazer, cropped pant, masculine parka and buttoned shirt with beautiful details.

I love an ultra fem blouse paired with masculine-looking pants as shown left in Stella McCartney (pants) and Alexander Wang (blouse).

I think it is all in the details.  If you are going for that masculine look accessories become just as important as the clothing.  A beautiful stripy heel (loving J. Crew's Medina shoes), feminine clutch or a piece of jewelry can make an outfit.  J. Crew's recent capsule collection features Lulu Frost with some gorgeous bangles this one shown with a turquoise stone.  Love!

Happy Pairing!

Little Previews for Early Fall...

Oh the colors, vibrant and alive like Fall is just peeking through.  I don't know about you, but I am ready for the thick heat to retire for awhile to let us begin pulling our Autumn sweaters out and maybe with a beautiful, light scarf.  And, it is that time of year where most of the fashion magazines, double in size, mostly advertisements, but I love them just the same.  I walked out with September issues for both In Style and Vogue tonight and needless to say, it was bordering a bit heavy.  I will turn the pages, start sometimes from the back, turn the corners, cut and paste favorites and all in all immerse myself with the beautiful photographs and striking editorial.

This is also the time of year I am looking for richer eye shadows, deeper blush and pops of fabulous lip color.  I've got a new favorite.  Nars pure matte lipstick is super pigmented and like the description says, "it nourishes lips in a velvety vitamin-rich formula."  Ok, all I know is that this is the bomb!  I bought nearly every color Madere which is a plumb brown and the perfect shade to ease into Fall. Love.

It is also time to store away the light and floral fragrance and bring on a more sensual, deeply vibrant  scent.  My favorite is Coco by Chanel which breathes oriental passages and warmth.  This is one of the few perfumes that I wear and people always notice how beautiful it smells.  And for a splurge, get the shower/bath gel and cream in the jar which is far more fragrant than the lotion.  The gel is by far the most luxurious, bubbly lather I've ever used.

And if you hadn't noticed I am crazy for all the poplin' colors of sweaters, skirts and dresses.  J. Crew has a lovely September catalog which I picked up today.  I'm rolling toward a cashmere binge.  I love the shawl -collar sweater in tulip.  You might think this is a bit Summer/Spring-ish, but I think that paired with a camel skirt or pant it would be lovely.  Or how 'bout the Hutton trouser Super 120s in warm sienna?  Really any of the pencil skirts would pair well with this.

I am crushing on the vintage tweed jacket.  No offense J. Crew, but could you have called it anything else besides "mustard"?.  I am sour on mustard, maybe "maize"?  Anyways, this smart jacket is the perfect pop to freshen up to conservative blazers that drown my closet.  I really like the uneven weave and vintage-inspired buttons.  There is just enough detail in this one to make it special.
Love, love, love.

What are your early Fall favorites?  Is there something that you have to have in your wardrobe?

I am getting ready  to majorly clear out some of my closet both in apparel, shoes and handbags so will let you know when I get it all posted to eBay.

Lastly, if you haven't stocked up on the gigantic fashion magazines, here is a short list of my labs.  Happy weekend!  Cheers.

September Calling!

September Calling! by crewcat featuring shearling coats

Last Minute Details!

Last Minute Details! by crewcat featuring puff sleeve tops

The Girl Loves Her Red!

The Girl Loves Her Red! by crewcat featuring a jersey skirt

Smile for the Camera, Little Darling...

Smile for the Camera, Little Darling... by crewcat featuring a black lace skirt

A Love Affair.

A Love Affair. by crewcat featuring a tweed hat

September Sweater and Other Sweet Finds...J. Crew

September sweater...This gorgeous sweater looks far better at the B&W verses online.  So much so, that I opted two which I rarely do.  When I saw it online, I was thinking this is the boxiest sweater but with the v-neck, it gives it a more feminine look.  I am loving the shorter sleeves on sweaters.  The heather blue sea and heather moss are quintessential colors for Fall.  I like this sweater definitely for the layering potential but also because it hits below the hip so it is perfect for belting as well.  I am envisioning it now...cool, crisp September morning layered up, walking my dogs!

I also bought the Stripe-out tee in Modal fabric, perfect for packing and just a bit of "dress" up for a tee.  I bought it in the vintage elm in parallel with the heather moss sweater (are you seeing a trend here?!). Aaaaand another one, bought the Featherknit shirred henley tee also in a nice drapey fabric (viscose and linen).  I opted for navy...very pretty.

One last note.  My "heart" of the week is the Double-cloth metro coat.  J. Crew describes as:

Everything you love about our lady day coat, with modern updates like a slimmer silhouette, a longer length and a flattering-on-everyone cut. Still as feminine as ever with a beautiful drape in textured Italian wool hailing from Italy's Manifattura di Carmignano mill, known the world over for its exceptional woolens. The double-cloth fabric is one of our all-time favorites, and you won't find it anywhere else (Manifattura di Carmignano makes it exclusively for J.Crew). Point collar. Long sleeves. Flap pockets, welt pockets. Functional buttons at cuffs. Fully lined. Hits at knee.

Of course I love this in "vibrant flame" which has quickly become my favorite color for this coming Fall.  I am also digging the mustard...so different.  I am adoring the bright color palette.


Cheers.

Smile for the Camera, Little Darling...

Smile for the Camera, Little Darling... by crewcat featuring high heels

Always Talbots, Always Classic.

Always Talbots, Always Classic. by crewcat featuring high heel shoes

A Perfect Square - The Bow Bridge Kennedy by Kate Spade

I'm in love, or at least very much intrigued.  So much so that I nearly talked myself into $445 for Kate Spade's new Bow Bridge Kennedy handbag!  The only thing that saved me was my Nordstrom's only had the floor samples of this new bag which I would never accept at that price.  
On the website, they describe the inspiration of this tote from "one of the most memorable places in Central Park which has a bow bridge as it's focal point—a nineteenth century cast iron beauty that stretches across the lake near 74th street.  Speaking of iconic, we turned to one of our own favorite signatures the bow and crafted this tote in smooth natural leather."  
I am allured by the cube, not so practical but very chic indeed.  I think that I saw one similarly by Chloe or MaxMara earlier, I cannot recall.  Either way, this is a shift from all the unstructured hobos and shoulder bags from previous seasons.
I love the detailing as well.  While I do not love bows on anything, this flat placed bow on the front adds a femininity to this cool, masculine cube.  It comes in natural, cliff gray and black.  The description and details on the Bow Bridge Kennedy include the following:

• smooth natural cowhide with matching trim
• short shoulder with crossbody strap; zip top closure
• 14-karat light gold plated hardware
• double slide interior pockets; interior zipper pocket; exterior flap pocket
• black/cream book stripe lining
• kate spade new york light gold staple signature
• 3.5'' handle; 19.75'' strap length
• imported
• style # pxru2701
• 9.0''h x 10.5''w x 5.1''d

Similar detailing in a true tote, is her Bow Bridge James shown in cliff gray.  This is more reflective of Spade's totes but love the detailing in this line all together.

Love it or hate it?  Do you like the cube concept? 

Cheers.

Crazy 'bout Jenna!

Crazy 'bout Jenna! by crewcat featuring beaded bangles