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.