Pick a Pack of Polka Dots at J. Crew!

Designer Dots!

There must be a comeback of the polka dot or "dot".  Dots are pretty much the feel-good trend of the season(s).  They are perfect to wear to work in a stylish polka dot dress which can carry you right through cocktail hour.  The dot print is also perfect to style up a pair of jeans.  And J. Crew is not the only retailer hailing dots as I have seen them at Ann Taylor, Talbot's and the Gap to name a few.  And they graced the runways with several designers as well.  Their really isn't a scarcity of these cute little spots.

Polka-Dot Tie-Neck Dress

I will say that the styling J. Crew does is smart so if I wanted to wear dots every day (which I wouldn't because I don't love them quite that much), but one certainly could and mix it up reasonably well.  Polka dots seem to graze every category of J. Crew. There is the large dot, silky dot, polka dot and optic dot!  I honestly didn't know that there were so many types of dots. You too can have some dots from J. Crew ranging anywhere from $12.50 for a pair of socks to $268 for a Collection cashmere sweater.  I am scratching my head here because I certainly do not want a "cheap dot" but whether you have one on cotton or cashmere will certainly drive the polka dot rate!

Collection Cashmere Polka-Dot Sweater
$268

But, with every good thing - it must come to a sharp halt so that it does not border annoying from one season to the next.  Do you remember just a few seasons ago how happy JC got with all the ruffles?  I hated them after two seasons in fact I pulled them completely out of my wardrobe.  My hope is that the dots exit more swiftly so that we can love them all the more if that makes sense.  I appreciate J. Crew's keen sense of design and clearly they are watching trends, but I would like to see them move on to other trends.

Invitation Clutch in Dot

Here is a very odd thing.  So I really thought the dots played out well in both their catalog and online, but when I visited one of their B&M's today, they seemed lackluster.  In fact, these wonderful round spheres fell completely flat, at least for me.  The Invitation Clutch in Dot seemed drab compared to the website which featured a sharper, sleeker black bag. I was thinking this $158 clutch would have major appeal, but I was a little disappointed.

Naomi Top in Polka Dot

Polka Dot Scarf

So here is where I landed with the dots.  I picked the Polka Dot Scarf and the Naomi Top in Polka Dot - one accessory and one apparel piece, just so I didn't overload!  How do you feel about the dots?  Do you like this trend?  Do you think that J. Crew overdoes a good thing when it comes to trends?  Cheers!
Dots, Dots and More Dots...

Cafe Capri in Silky Dot

and More Dots!

Ruffle Henley

Large Dot Trouser Socks
$12.50

NARS 2012 Fall Collection!

I have to admit that I am feeling a little guilty for wanting to indulge right now in beautiful makeup given my role at work was just eliminated, HOWEVER - and once again, I am simply in love with NARS and his latest collection for Fall 2012.  It is absolutely breathtaking.  And, the more that I thought about it, it makes me appreciate it even more since I am taking time to make myself feel good and really enjoying the products.  If you didn't notice, I just justified my upcoming purchases!

Kristen McMenamy without makeup

Each product in this latest collection is divine from the smokey and mysterious eye color to the rich autumnal lip color which I cannot wait to get!  My first attraction to this set was through NARS fabulous choice of models, Kristen McMenamy who you may recall as one of the 90s iconic supermodels.  I was blown away with how flawless her foundation looked which had Siberia Sheer Matte Foundation and Snow Loose Powder.  The new Multiple, Undress Me was also used on her cheeks.  I love how fully lined her eyes were with the Black Moon eyeliner pencil.  The new eye colors (High Society 3 color and Vent Glace' two color sets) were applied boldly for this striking look.  On her lips are the Papua Lip Liner Pencil topped with the Belize Lip Gloss.

Outlaw

Rouge Tribal Larger Than
Life Lip Gloss

I was thrilled with the new sheer lipstick Autumn Leaves and the Pure Matte Lipstick Amsterdam.  These rich colors are at the top of my buy list.  And I also cannot wait to get the Outlaw blush.  I wear the Super Orgasm blush daily and this new color is a little deeper which is going to work well with the other.  Rouge Tribal Larger Than Life Lip Gloss is beautiful!  It has a deep, rich brick red color to it. It is a burgundy with metallic as it's described.

I have featured these before, but this beautiful makeup is all a waste without knowing how to best apply. So check out the NARS Artistry How-To-Films which make application virtually goof proof.  It is like having your own makeup artist right at your service!  I am hoping they add another one for the Fall collection.  I would love to see how to best apply the eye colors as they were done on McMenamy.  I really like the foundation films so that you can really focus on creating the perfect base for all this makeup.  I feel like if you don't get that right, then the whole look just seems off.

High Society Trio Eyeshadow

There is also a new Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in More and an Opaque Nail Polish in Storm Bird.  I cannot sing enough praises on this collection.  It is rare that I like every single product with the release of these collections, but I am seriously considering buying all of the products! And again, it is great to see Kristen McMenamy again for this campaign.  She was and still is one of my favorite models of all time.  She is the perfect blend of edgy and mysterious for NARS and this Fall collection.

Cheers!

Pink is my passion!

Pink is my passion! by crewcat featuring statement necklaces

I love pink year-round and it is one of the colors that weaves through my wardrobe regardless of season.  Pink makes one feel happy and hopeful.  I also think that pink makes me feel feminine and chic all in one!  Pink is very sexy!

Cheers.

Summer is still a blazin'...

Summer is still a blazin'... by crewcat featuring strappy high heels

Creatures of the Wind for J. Crew

Online and in the catalog, J. Crew congratulates Creatures of the Wind, Chicago-based designers Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters whom are the 2011 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Runners-Up.  Their name "Creatures of the Wind" actually comes from the lyrics of a Johnny Mathis song.  

In celebration, J. Crew proudly presents a limited edition capsule collection with four-pieces made exclusively for them by the designers who wanted to add an "interesting element" to one's wardrobe while being very functional.  Their work is inspired by the 60s and rebellious youth culture as J. Crew notes and these fun pieces add a sense of eclectic for J. Crew silhouettes and fabrics.  The designers go on to say that their focus was on clothing with a "strong identity" without "compromising femininity...at the same time a little demure."  The duo is inspired by color and says that they have "changed the color of their walls at home like three times."

I love the Creatures of the Wind for J. Crew broken striped sweater in 14-guage cashmere knit @ $245.  This above the hip and shrunken fit style boasts strong colors across each stripe which took the designers over 20 times to get them just right.

There is also a sleeveless dress which uses a Liberty-print skirt in Angelica flora with a chambray bodice boasting a moto-inspired zip. This is as J. Crew describes Creatures of the Wind's work with JC silhouettes as "classic American fashion meets a dreamy take on avant-garde." This feminine dress meets edgy functionality.  This cotton dress is $350.

They also designed oxford shoes for J. Crew which also breathe a mixture of color, texture and pattern which best represent Gabier's and Peter's aesthetic.  These eclectic shoes have acid hues in matte and patent leathers and there are also glitter swirls.  These leather shoes retail for $295 and are made in Italy.

The last piece is a cashmere short sleeve sweater also inspired with the broken stripes.  COTW describes this one styled as a 70s-inspired cropped sleeve cut reminiscent of a boy's tee.  This one retails at $195 and pairs nicely with the cardigan.

COTW also put together their idea of a "warm weather wardrobe" curating J.Crew's pieces and as JC states, there is obviously a healthy dose of color and prints.  I like it when the other designers show what their collection would look like using J. Crew's staples.  This breathes the duo's aesthetic again for sure!

So, here is where I end up with this capsule collection.  I love the cardi and cashmere tee.  I love the colors that COTW chose and the broken stripe design overall.  I am not feeling the dress or the shoes at all.  I would not wear them.  To be fair, I felt the shoes were maybe just a bit out of my demo.  The dress is a miss for me completely.  I don't like the Liberty-print with this collection.  I almost felt this dress was a little stodgy.  The sweaters and shoes feel very modern and hip and the dress seems to fall short.  I would have actually liked to have seen another print from the designers or at least more fully influenced by them.  And, like many of the capsule collection prices, they are really high.  I get the designers have their stamp on them, but I would really have to love the pieces to pay this amount and I just don't unfortunately.  The dress at $350 just blew me away completely.  I think of a DVF dress for example that costs in this range and cannot believe that JC would actually think their customers would put this dress at that same level and price range.  I felt just a little insulted as a consumer, sorry JC.

What are your thoughts on this collection?

Cheers.

A Preview from Net-A-Porter's Guide to Fall's Essential Looks

If you are ready for a sneak peek on coming trends, check out NET-A-PORTER's Style Updates which feature their edits on trends for Fall's Essential Looks. Firstly, NET-A-PORTER is my number one go to for any preview on trends with their beautiful website and stunning photographs.  It gets me excited for what is to come!  And check out their weekly Magazine online or on your iPads or cell phones which will keep you up to date on the latest fashion, culture and beauty trends.  You can even shop from the Magazine and previous week's Magazines are archived on the site as well.  It is a delicious dish!

Below are the 14 trends featured and I am hitting on a couple in particular that I love.  Number #6 is "Scarlet Fever" and to me, scarlet is the red of the reds with richest hues, I am excited that Net-a-Porter is seeing designers from across the globe using this color.  Seasonally, a color focus is great so one can weave a trend through in a subtle way.  Last year, a rich coral was everywhere and we saw it right through Spring/Summer as well.  I love red in Fall and Winter especially and its always been a classic color staple in my wardrobe.

TREND EDIT

• 1. Go For Baroque
• 2. Black And White Ball
• 3. Tough Love
• 4. Country Cool
• 5. Berry Bags
• 6. Scarlet Fever
• 7. Animal Magnetism
• 8. The Slipper
• 9. Fit And Flare
• 10. Costume Drama
• 11. Check It
• 12. Sweater Girls
• 13. Straight Laced
• 14. The Jet Setter

J. Crew Lula Python Flats $200

I am jazzed over J. Crew's Lula Python flats in red python from India.  Paired at right with J. Brand cut-off denim, these little beauties can go super casual to dressy with a flounce skirt and feminine blouse. I was actually excited to see this bright red flat.  I have so many flats, but so few make a statement.  I can see wearing distressed jeans, a white blouse and these flats and they will be a stand out for sure.

Erickson Beamon

Number #10 on NAP's trend list is Costume jewelry and boy do I love this.  I really focused on accessorizing last Fall and Winter seasons.  I can thank J. Crew for this one too with clever layering of bracelets and funky rings and necklaces.  The bigger the better and the brightest colors are so cool!  There is a way to wear them though without being to heavy and gaudy.  Statement jewelry with a little black dress can be smart if worn with a costume necklace or maybe just a big cocktail ring.  Or a standout bracelet such as Erickson Beamon's Frostbite silver-plated Swarovski crystal bracelet would be absolutely stunning.  This piece has so many fuchsia and clear Swarovski crystals which promises tons of sparkle for an evening.  A piece like this one is a great investment ($730) overall which would add flair to any jewelry box.

Oscar de la Renta

Costume jewelry can play up simple outfits such that I described previously with jeans and a white blouse.  I love the Oscar de la Renta Gold-plated crystal clip earrings ($370) featured.  With your hair pulled back, these earrings would definitely catch attention with vibrant-colored crystals.

This is one of my favorite trends overall.  Costume jewelry can be as costly as some fine jewelry, but if you focus on a couple pieces that you know you'll wear from one season to the next, then it is very worthwhile.

The last trend that I wanted to highlight from NAP's feature is #13 on "Lace".  Once thought to be demure, they show how this beautiful material can be quite daring and powerful.  I have never been a huge fan of lace for the very reason it seems so "demure", but I started loving it this past Spring as it showed up in tees and skirts and beautiful dresses.  So, I was glad to see this one continue in this way.

Anna Sui 

This Anna Sui Embellished lace top is so gorgeous.  This is definitely a statement piece with lavish lace, beading and sequins which could go day to a night out.  I can see wearing this over and over.  And the embroidery and piping makes it look so couture.  There is button fastening at the keyhole back. And the drawstring waist is ultra-feminine. Anna Sui also designed matching Scalloped lace shorts which would create a totally glamorous look!

Christian Louboutin

And for true lovers of lace, you must buy Christian Louboutin's Milady 100 Chantilly lace and satin peep-toe pumps!  These glam shoes are 4" tall and crafted with pale-pink satin with black Chantilly lace overlay. Worn with a minimalist dress, these can finish a modern look or they can look romantic with a sweet skirt or dress pant.  

Check out Net-A-Porter's 11 other essential trends which are just beautiful.  Even if you are not quite ready to preview Fall's up and comers, this feature will help you to get in the mood and I am sure you won't be disappointed.  What trends are you looking forward to this coming Fall?  Were there any from previous seasons that you either disliked or plan to carry through your wardrobe this Fall?

Cheers.

I Am Woman...

I Am Woman... by crewcat featuring chanel eyeliner

Happy 4th of July to all.  I was inspired by midnight, the color blue which is a beautiful backdrop to fireworks no less.  I also created a quick set on Polyvore further inspired by this color.  

Cheers!