March Brings Promise...J. Crew, Spring Emerging!

From the cover to new items, J. Crew brings "promise" and what I mean by that is hope, potential and a great return to their pretty classics!  Finally, I am taken by their very Spring-like cover and a beautiful palette between the pages.  This is the first time in awhile that I've really been excited about what lies beneath and have some early favorites for sure.

I love, love, love the Deveaux sandals.  I will be eager to see if these come in a poppin' color come Summer, but for now am keeping my eye on the "toffee".

I am on board with their styling suggestions and themes tied to motifs (from Paisely to floral and madras) mixed with contrasting textures and vibrants accents.  Now, if I can only pull this off!  Some days I feel braver than others.  I think this sort of mixing takes  a bit of confidence.

This sailor stripe boy shirt is fabulous!  And in true J. Crew form, gotta love how they can updo the copy text even on a basic dress shirt.  They say:


"The boyfriend shirt, reimagined in an insanely plush slub cotton twill fabric (we washed it with a special softener to get it as cozy as possible) and in the mariner stripes that we love. With a classic silhouette, updated with seams at the bust for a subtly feminine fit. Long roll-up sleeves."


Insanely plush slub cotton?!  I will have to touch it to believe it :)!

Seriously, I love how they have this styled with the skirt, but would be super pretty with jeans and a wide belt.  Or, could be a terrific shirt under suit or with a pencil skirt.  This will be a "must buy" for sure.

I will take anything in this cornflower (blue) on the cotton Alexi sweater.  In this range of colors they are all what they call "speckled" which adds a little texture to an otherwise very basic item.  Pretty nonetheless and my second favorite is the speckled cerise.

Page -28- of the catalog has the sun-drenched sweatshirt and once again I am drawn to this blue called "abstract blue".  I love the heavy terry and 3/4 length sleeves.  The shorter length is fun so will be the perfect lounging sweatshirt over a long tee.

I previewed the Maritime dress a few posts ago, but the stripe is "sail blue".  Are you starting to pick up on my "blue love" here?  I just love it!  Very fresh and represents water, so please bring on the rains as I am getting tired of the snow!

My super wish -- the Mackintosh Kilmany coat in ruby (also page -48-).  At $950, really - one thing that J. Crew is consistent with, infusing an over-the-top item that seems to stretch the boundaries both in look and the wallet...this is a long way from the slub tees and chino shorts.  A girl can dream, right?!  I really just adore the ruby red.  All I have to say is that this water-resistant, bonded cotton better keep a girl absolutely dry!

On pages 64 and 65, I really like the Corsa collection handbags and the Portia pant.

I am "digging" the tote in sand dune which is a happy medium between a light pink and peach...  It has a "vintage" look as they describe.  I've seen this twice at the B&M and so wondering how many times I will walk by it before I actually purchase it!

The wool Portia pant is one of the prettiest I have seen in awhile, but I so hope the "off the runway" sizing goes past a size 8!  Some of us are a little curvier than that.  This seriously looks like it would be flattering on many sizes and shapes.  The fold-over waist is a lovely detail that I have not seen elsewhere.

So those were my early picks.  I was not horrified by anything (thank goodness)!  Items like that tinsel pouchette last season about pushed me over the edge!  I feel that JC is returning to a prettier, more classic with an edge direction offering a nice range to make the preppy, corporate gal and/or light-hearted rocker happy.  What are your favorites?  Do you love the colors as much as I do?  Were there any items that took your breath away!

Cheers.

Julianne Moore for Talbot's Spring 2011...Gorgeous, Imaginative & for Every Woman!

Talbot's has done it again, that is for me at least.  They've lured me in with stunning and imaginative, almost fantasy-like photographs.  And I cannot imagine a more beautiful and "real" celebrity model to represent Talbot's like Julianne Moore!  She looks like a pretty little fairy and I just adore how Talbot's has placed her with their Spring line of gorgeous new clothing items and accessories that are stunning.  

The tuileries floral skirt is definitely on my wish list and comes in a swing jacket with the same beautiful print.  I also love the satin puff sleeve blouse in aqua blue.  I could have every color of this blouse from chartreuse to creme caramel, who could resist!  The floral stone bib necklace is so beautiful and validates my continued love for giant gems!  

I was so excited for Talbot's Spring and was even more thrilled with Julianne Moore as the "face".  Do you love the line?  How about Talbot's picking Julianne Moore?  It seems to be a trend with such pairings including J. Crew and Lauren Hutton, Ann Taylor and Katie Holmes...does this help the brands?

One last item on my wish list - I love this poplin full skirt and the chartreuse is growing on me for Spring, like pretty forsythia or Summer's yarrow.  It has kind of a retro 50's appeal to me, but very feminine and a nice diversion from the pencil skirts at least in my wardrobe which are taking over.  The skirt also comes in Geraneum, Marzipan, Sweet Almond and Black.  It is priced at $79.50, so a pretty reasonable price point given it's Talbot's and sure to last a few seasons at least.

More Stripes from J. Crew and I Love It! Reviewing the Maritime dress...

I don't want to jinx a good thing, but I am loving the stripes that J. Crew continues to weave into their items.  I certainly hope this does not turn into the ruffles and sequins repetition!  I just picked up the Maritime dress at the B&M to which the salesperson said had been one of the most requested items for Spring.  The sail blue is so pretty and is a perfect length to go as a belted dress or very long tunic.

It is super soft for sure.  I would describe it as "easy" fit, but not "elegant" as JC describes.  It is a thick, soft, sweatshirt-like well, sweatshirt!  Sometimes I wish they would just call it like it is instead of overglamour-izing!  The price is pretty right at $78 and finally gave me a reason to spend my rewards dollars before they expire mid-March.

New catalog in stores tomorrow!

A Little Crewzy for Eileen Fisher's Spring 2011 Preview!

Last Spring, Eileen Fisher's pieces caught my eye and I had purchased one in particular.  The crinkled cotton/steel trench made me fall in head over heels in love with the line.  I love the simplicity, but was actually initially attracted to this jacket because it was something I had not seen in the way of a traditional trench before.  Not only from a textural standpoint, but the actual way it fit my body was so feminine.  I get more complements on this pretty little tie-coat than just about any Spring jacket I wear.  It has a subtle shimmer which the picture does not do justice.

The Spring 2011 preview is up on EF's site and is absolutely beautiful with bursts of color.  I love the masculine military green color represented through a feminine little dress.   I also love that autumnal burnt orange which can represent Spring just like Fall but lighter, airier.

I think the unexpected is what draws me to the pieces. The steely grays remind me of Spring storms and love the infinity linen wrap in the bright mustard which pops like a different daffodil.  I think the draping is prettier than usual. I also love how EF continues to use a blend of ages and ethnicities with the models used in their campaigns.  There is a sense of empowerment that comes with this line.

I adore the Cascading jacket in linen viscose stretch (left).  The draping is so pretty and love the belted look. This could easily be a jacket or a modern blazer which is the beauty of Eileen Fisher in my opinion.  The simplicity matched with a subtle line make each piece a classic with a stroke of modernity.

I can't help but yearn for Spring with colors like lemongrass, rhubarb (in cashmere sweater to the right), dapple and dark pearl. The fabrics range from cashmere, organic cotton, silk georgette crepe to linen and are those that grace our skin Spring into Summer.

Also, take a peek at the Spring preview video.  What are your thoughts on Eileen Fisher's Spring preview? Are you a loyal follower or have never purchased?  Do you love these colors for Spring?

Sharing from Vogue.com J. Crew Makes a Colorful Splash for Spring 2011

Sharing from Vogue.com  This article by Esther Adams previewing J. Crew's Spring Collection for 2011(vogue.com) actually posted back in November (2010), but worth sharing to ignite a passion for Spring...I think I am more than a little bit ready!  Let me just say that I love the "Lauren Hutton-esque" open blouse and exaggerated wide-legged pant (last image).  This is a year-round favorite style for me.  And believe me if I had a place to wear the long sequin skirt, I probably would!  I am so loving any shade of blue this Spring whether it be denim/chambray, baby blue, cobalt, midnight...that and pale pink are striking my fancy.  I am not so much liking the neon pops of color that are popping up now in nearly every Fall show I see as well though it may grow on me for summer, definitely not for Spring.  Spring for me is about subtlety and neon pink or bubble bright doesn't appeal to me in a Spring collection.  I also like the "disheveled" look every so slightly, but some of these models look as though they have completely rolled out of bed.  I like the classic pants and pretty blouses.  Some things just never go out of style.

“We always bring a touch of glamour to daywear,” says J.Crew creative directorJenna Lyons at a preview of the spring 2011 collection, held at Milk Studios in New York. “But this time around, it was about looking to Hollywood icons likeLauren Hutton and Audrey Hepburn.” That explains the season’s new proportions: Waists on shorts were higher, hems on skirts were longer, and pant legs were wider—much wider—an altogether exciting offering for those seeking springtime cool for less. 

Says Marissa Webb, vice president of women’s design: “We loved the color, richness, and texture of Hans Hoffman’s artwork, which became the collection’s starting point.” The result? Dazzling neon-pink shorts and tangerine frocks, and washed-out denim shirts that added an air of insouciance to long, pewter sequin skirts. But there was plenty for the anti-sparklers among us. From long, silken, bias-cut dresses under nylon khaki parkas to wide-leg cotton pants and linen shirts in stone, J.Crew has its cross-generational fan base pretty much covered. “That mix of menswear with womenswear, day with evening, is all part of our heritage,” says Lyons. “However it’s done, we always strive for a slightly disheveled look.” So, whichever pieces make your checklist, take your cues from their models and complete the getup with an electric-orange lip and gently tousled updo. -- Esther Adams

November 08, 2010 4:25 p.m.

And She's Spotted Again...Jenna Lyons (Fashion Week Parties: Boy's Night)

Photographed by Donna Alberico

Thank you again vogue.com under your Parties section where so many great photos are captured making me feel almost as if I am there (well, almost!)...lucky for me I can enjoy in the comfort of my favorite jams with a glass of wine!


Joseph Altuzarra and Jenna Lyons at La Esquina - once again, love the glasses and she can definitely carry off "one of the boy's" goes girly!  I just LOVE the tangerine clutch she is carrying and that she can pull off a casual chic look that is clearly pretty effortless.  


Sharing from Vogue.com  "A busy Saturday led into a very busy Saturday night with designers Joseph Altuzarra, Prabal Gurung, and Zac Posen throwing parties to celebrate successful shows—and surviving, at least so far, another New York Fashion week.

First up on the itinerary was the intimate friends-and-family dinner Joseph Altuzarra held at La Esquina. The guests, who included Jenna Lyons, Amanda Brooks, Mark Holgate,and the designers from Current Elliot (they are working on a collaboration with Altuzarra for fall) were greeted in the kitchen by owner Derek Sanders and ushered downstairs for fish tacos and margaritas with Joseph's family, including his brother and ultra-chic mom.

In SoHo, Prabal Gurung threw what turned out to be a major dance party—thanks to an amazing DJ—at the newly opened SoHo Mondrian. Champagne flowed as guests Monique Péan, model Joan Smalls, Barbara Bush, and Maggie Betts toasted the designer's amazing collection (who didn't love, love, love Karlie in that ravishing red dress?) and danced with him until the wee hours of the night. 

Lastly, Zac Posen and Purple magazine stormed The Standard and threw a wall-to-wall party that stretched from Le Bain to the Boom Boom Room—all in honor of the designer's latest line, Z Spoke. If you could make your way through the madness, you would have spottedAlexander Wang breaking it down on the dance floor and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsentucked in a corner, as well as Kanye West and Jason Wu." 

Valentine's Day with Victoria's Secret...Love is Really in the Air!

Whether you have a significant other or not, Victoria's Secret can make you feel very special on this coming day of hearts and love.  I was out shopping last night and thought, this will be just what I need to lift my spirits for Valentine's Day and managed to pick up some things that reflect  love all around.

First of all, the VS stores are just bustling right now with couples shopping for little romantic items.  There was a whole different set of teens running between Pink and VS for makeup and panties too small for my liking anymore!  And there were just lots of women like me, maybe married or single but out to pick up some pretty things and somehow the fact that Valentine's day is around the corner made it seem all the more justifiable.

The stores are warm and all aglow with reds and pink merchandise and lots of Valentine printed items as well.  The beauty items are beautifully packaged with red bows and so inviting I don't know how anyone could leave the store without something in hand.

I set out just to get a couple items and must tell you it is the perfect pick me up.  Shopping at VS is an intimate experience and so I personally prefer to mill through the store without the girls half my age pushing to assist me, but happy nonetheless to see so many pretty items begging me to buy them.

I loved all the sets with pink and with prints that seemed to scream Valentine's day and ended up buying a pretty full coverage bra with a pretty print.  Of course there were matching panties everywhere and while I did not indulge in the "5" for anything, I did walk away with a cute Valentine's panty that felt so made for me!

So it wouldn't be Valentine's day without purchasing something that smelled lovely and have to tell you that I am a fanatic for absolutely all of VS's body dusting powders.  I don't know about you but it is hard to find dusting powder in general and VS has been carrying the most pretty, lightly shimmery powders that I wear every day.  It is that special something you can do for yourself each morning and I love how it never clashes with any of my perfumes.  I bought the Bombshell luminous body powder.  It smells so phenomenal with peony and vanilla orchid and the shimmer is just gorgeous.  Of course, the pretty white duster with black ribbon encased in a pink striped box helped my purchase as well!  I am hooked for sure.

The best part of all was that I received a beautifully packed box of Godiva chocolates with my purchase specially merchandised with Victoria's Secret pink and red signature stripes and their logo!  This made my experience even better.

I loved the whole night there and walked away feeling a little Valentine's spirit, well a lot quite frankly!  Victorias's Secret has made their mark around this holiday for sure.

http://vsallaccess.victoriassecret.com/2011/02/03/a-valentines-day-message-from-victorias-secret/

http://vsallaccess.victoriassecret.com/

And of course, Victorias's Secret has it down with their website which is all decked out and filled with Valentine's promotions for just about everything they sell.  Their VS Access area is also filled with "love", supermodels and what's new in the VS world.  There is even a Valentine's message for us!  Love is truly in the air!

Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

Talbot's Has Perfected the "(Un)suit" with Versatile Pieces That Go Day to Night...

Talbot's has perfected the (un)suit with suiting separates to update and beautify any woman's wardrobe.  And as always, I love that Talbot's creates for a real woman with many options for shapes and sizing.  Their approach to fitting through an updated angle to "fit" on jackets is a great example of this and the (un)suit options align to this concept as well.  I love that these pieces are feminine and beautiful, but easy to wear day into night!

Talbot's new Yvette tweed media dress is a perfect example of their "unsuit" options that provide classic and modern in several beautiful options.  This beautiful tweed also comes in their "Grace" fit jacket, so if you prefer a jacket that can be worn with many things, this is the one and quite a versatile piece into Spring.  Talbot's Grace fit Yvette tweed jacket would be a great choice to polish off this dress or can be worn with other (un)suiting separates across the line.


My other favorite versatile line includes the "fluid crepe" pieces which come in a real jet black.  I bought the Jackie fit fluid crepe boyfriend jacket and the Heritage fit fluid crepe wide-legged pants.  These pieces are effortless yet timely and sure to stick in my wardrobe for many years to come.

If you prefer something a bit more feminine and off the beaten path of the "boyfriend" style jacket, there is an equally beautiful Jackie fit cocktail jacket in the same line.  I love this one in particular because it can easily dress up a pair of jeans or truly go into the cocktail hour paired with any one of these fluid crepe options.  The fluid crepe sheath dress is a great example.  This sheath has a stunning line and equally beautiful belted as shown.  

The double weave crepe sheath offers a straighter line if "fluid" is not what you see.    

Also, if you want to venture away from the more traditional wide-legged suit pant, the fluid crepe crops are a perfect option (shown left).

The fabrics are so comfortable and beautifully blended so they are literally "wrinkle-proof" and if you travel, this is certainly a must.  I never thought I would preview to "black" separates, but the Talbot's "(un)suit" approach is so much more and with so many options, a wardrobe could be easily updated.

On an accessorie side note, I am really wanting to get the bead flower cuff in this beautiful steely gray.  I think this is a fabulous transitional piece of jewelry and would look amazing with any of this (un)suiting!

One last note, if you are a cardmember, any full price pieces are currently at 20% off plus free shipping on $175+.  The promo code is LOVEIT.  Happy "pre" V-day to you all!

Jenna Lyons & Rachel Roy at the Kate Betts Book Party...Vogue.com

Photographed by Mimi Ritzen Crawford

NYC, 02.09.2011

Both Jenna Lyons and Rachel Roy (two of my absolute favorite creatives/designers) were photographed by Mimi Ritzen Crawford at the Kate Betts book party in New York City (featured through vogue.com under "Parties"..  

By the way, if you were not already a loyal follower, www.vogue.com is a guilty pleasure for sure.  I love checking out great party photos such as the ones I've attached.

From Vogue's article:

"I had the idea when the Obamas went to Europe on their first trip and met the Queen of England," said Kate Betts Tuesday night at the party for her new book, Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style (Clarkson Otter). "I saw them on this global stage, and the pageantry of it inspired me because I like writing about style in a cultural context—and especially in a political context."  And, apparently, many like reading about style as much as Betts likes writing about it because the festive room at Milk Studios boasted the likes of Calvin Klein, Rachel Roy, and J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons."

I love that Jenna manages to look boyishly, femininely cute with her oversized glasses, fabulous heels and cropped pants (a J. Crew regular combination) and looks like she had also snuck in a military-inspired shirt or blazer?  I really don't know how she can pull off so many trends in one outfit including an over-sized animal-print bag (love that too!).  Do you think it is too much or charmingly Jenna?  

Photographed by Mimi Ritzen Crawford

And in classic Rachel Roy style, a beautiful combination of florals with a stunning pencil skirt and ultra-feminine, abstract floral-print trench infused with teal (one of my favorites for early Spring so far!).  Rachel always looks polished with her gorgeous hair pulled back and beautiful, chunky jewelry.  I have recently been on a kick for Rachel's pieces and love them even more with a sale!  I linked to the outerwear sale and so you know, I had previously purchased the faux curly lamb swing jacket which is adorable and unbelievably warm (below, right).

I love both of these women's sense of style which is obviously reflected in the pieces they sell.  I also think it is pretty cool that they both stay true to the trends they speak to and pretty consistently wear publicly.  Jenna is very funky and Rachel so feminine, but both equally beautiful in different ways.  What do you think of Jenna and Rachel's outfits?  Are you a fan to one or the other?  How would you describe your day-to-day style and which designer to speaks to you most?

Cheers.

Jenna Lyons & Marissa Webb Share "5 Wake-Up-Your Wardrobe TRICKS! People StyleWatch February 2011

Still Lifes by Don Penn

People's StyleWatch February 2011 magazine issue features Expert Tips in their "Fashion" section.  Jenna Lyons and Marissa Webb are featured on page -70- as "J. Crew's top stylemakers" and they give "5 Wake-Up-Your-Wardrobe TRICKS" which will freshen your look!

Of course they share "7 picks from their line" and I personally love the "Cora" silk romper.  I am not sure my curvy shape would be caught in this little number, but I love the teal print.  Jenna suggests to "pair it with a glam necklace and tights".  I think I could do that and maybe with a pair of simple riding boots?

I also love the "statement shoes" featured as their Linen-cotton heels.  These definitely look like more of a Spring, Summer number and am still adoring the lace tie-up look.

I like Marissa's advice to "work casual jewelry".  I find this can work any stale wardrobe out of a rut.  Jewelry can dress up a minimalist outfit or add a bit of classic when paired with a bohemian top and jeans.

And remember the dress that Malin Akerman is shown in!  I loved this print so much. I hope there are some pretty prints to come real soon for J. Crew.  I am ready to see some stand-outs for sure.  Oh, I love both the outfits that Jenna and Marissa are wearing for this article.  Jenna's lace shirt paired with the masculine camo pants are rockin'.  She continually reinforces the juxtaposition that works between masculine and feminine.  Her blunt haircut definitely looks fresh too! And I always have a pretty white blazer in my wardrobe as Marissa is wearing.  I think that the Memorial Day rule of no white before no longer applies?  Alexis, feel free to share with your fellow JCAs!