J. Crew January 2010

Ok, so not super wowed, but gave me enough to get even a little hopeful for spring.  Still, lots of ruffles and so didn't get the edge or shift I would have liked to see, but here were a few things that caught my eye.

Super 120s Metro Dress

Ruffled Gamine Jacket

Crystal Supernova Ring

J. Crew, Please Surprise Me...Ruffle and Bow-Free!

I am so hoping that J. Crew can surprise me in the New Year.  When I saw a sneak peek of the above "Crystal Box" necklace  (thanks to Alexis @ JCrewAficionada and Arely) which was  apparently inspiredby the Fenton and Fallon jewelry lines, I was a little disappointed. I am personally wowed by this jewelry designer www.fallonjewelry.comhowever, it did not translate for me with J. Crew.  All I could think was, "please, no more bows"!While it has been noted that Jenna Lyons of J.Crew and Dana Lorenz had met and collaborated further, it does not provide the edge I might have hoped for.I love statement pieces, but it seems there have been so many iterations of baubles, bows and endless ruffles from their clothing to their jewelry. Also, upon a recent visit to the B&M, I was less than enthusiastic about some of the what seemed to be "resort wear" on the majority of the back of the store.Does anyone else feel this way? I am ready to be wowed and these early peeks are not cutting it for me so will hope that I will be proved wrong. I have always been inspired from catalog to catalog, so will hope for anew in the New Year!

November J. Crew

It is time for JC to take a departure from all the ruffles and bows.  What started as sweet pieces here and there are now included in nearly every set they have.  There were a couple standout items for me, but all in all, I was a little disappointed with November's offerings.

I love the la plume statin pumps in spicy olive.  They are really different.  I also like the continued vintage inspired jewelry such as the crystal and pearl pastiche necklace.  However, at $135, it is a little steep so have gotten creative with my many strands to come up with something similar which I actually like so much more (see top)!  It is easy enough to wrap strands of long necklaces into pearls or other beaded items.  I also do adore the layering they continue do with all their blouses, knits, sweaters and blazers.  I don't think I will weave the flannel in!  So 80's...  Another pretty item in this catalog are the satin limelight clutches (right).  I love these as accent pieces and is a nice shift from the big hobo-styled bags.

Perfect Pencil Skirt

It is as they say - a "perfect pencil skirt" and I wish I had the fuschia, black and gray.  I opted for the burnt orange which is autumn at its best.  It fits beautifully and will go great with pumps into boots with silk blouses and sweater sets.  It is a great classic wardrobe update in wonderfully rich colors.

At Last...October

I never seem to be as wowed with October, but it has got jewel-toned surprises and classics with an edge.  I noted earlier that the Tweed Pencil skirt immediately caught my eye.  It is heavy, but will play nicely with a conservative sleeveless blouse or military jacket and tall boots.  My wish list is still hanging on to the Stretch Flannel Del Pelato Shift Dress.  Very lovely.

New Fall Item - J. Crew Tweed Pencil Skirt

Went to B&M today and some new items are in!  I rarely pay full price, but there are some great classic pieces that are going to go quick.  Shown is the new Tweed pencil skirt (item 17909E) @ $128.  It is a beautifully lined skirt of wool oona.  It is pretty heavy, so definitely a later in the Fall to wear piece.   I also convinced the J. Crew assistant to pass on the October catalog which will preview new items in TWO more days online!

Little Treasures

I am falling in love again with my little pins which J. Crew has also been touting as accessories this Fall.  So glad I did not get rid of them as I have collected a few from Anthropologie, vintage shops and my grandmother's jewelry box!  They are great on coats, sweaters, belts and even shoes.  I do love J. Crew's, perhaps another day.

J. Crew October Catalog

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
What a Sunday morning surprise...love when the new catalog surfaces.

Cotton Candy Fall

I love the J. Crew cotton-candy mohair sweater.  I recently purchased in "shocking pink" which was stepping out a bit on my typical color palette.  It was a difficult choice with colors of the mohairs in golden olive, heather grey-silver-camel, guava and misty lavender.  It looks fantastic with worn out jeans or layered over a pencil skirt.  This warm cardigan will be around in my collection for a long time.