Referencing {FAQ}

Monday, August 4, 2008

Back to School with J.Crew

Anonymous at 12:48 AM (in the "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post) came up with a great suggestion which is a "back to school" post about what items from J.Crew would we purchase for "going away to college with a chic, j.crew, wardrobe". Moreover, we can also discuss what items we would purchase for work and even provide links to Polyvore made outfit-sets. I love this post suggestion! :)

Personally, I love the outfit shown on the image to the right. I keep staring at this outfit combination in the new Fall catalog. I think this is an excellent outfit because it is both casual [thanks to the the Merino lady jacket (Item 96538; $138.00) and the Slub-cotton beaded shoe tee (Item 97627;$39.50)] and tailored [thanks to the Sparkle plaid tweed pencil skirt (Item 96176;$175.00),] making it an overall polished look.

What items from J.Crew would you purchase for the new school semester or for work? What outfits would you put together?

P.S. Don't forget to enter J.Crew Crewcuts Set-for-School Sweepstakes (click here to enter) for a chance to win a new wardrobe with a $2,000 J.Crew gift card.

27 comments:

  1. this is a cute outfit! but I can't imagine someone walking on campus wearing this unless she is walking to an interview in the law or biz schools!

    I've been buying jcrew stuff since high school - and plan to buy more soon when I have time to head into the store/use the red phone. the stuff I'm going to buy for fall include several perfect-fit scoopneck tees (97759) and perfect-fit short sleeve crewnecks (97785). also the linen-cotton henley tees(94429). The only thing
    I want to buy not in the tees n shorts range is a tartine sweater (not the cardigan) plus maybe a dress.

    and yes I know I can get cheaper variations of the basics at other places but I happen to like jcrew's quality n style a little bit more...

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  2. thanks to ffm & alexis btw for calling cs in regards to student discounts over the redphone - i'll report back

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  3. I tried on the Sparkle Plaid Tweed Pencil Skirt and it was really pretty...just not practical with my lifestyle at that price...maybe when it goes on sale. :)

    I would suggest the Silk Jersey Tops...they are so comfy and chic...look great worn loose or belted...I made two Polyvore sets of actual outfits I will personally be wearing seen Here , and Here . I think they would also be great for College students to look Casually Chic. I have numerous sets that I have created for Back to School...for students and teachers...you can see them under FFM on Polyvore if you are interested. :)

    terrablanca: You're welcome! :)

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  4. I love that outfit, particularly the skirt, but not with the graphic tee shirt (at least not for me).

    I agree with you, FFM, it's not in my budget or practical given my lifestyle. Maybe around the holidays. It certainly is festive, and will probably be cheaper then!

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  5. FFM! LOVE your sets on Polyvore! I'm trying like a Mad Woman to find the Primark Military Belt...any suggestions? I'm also a SAHM and have a full closest of J Crew and am having a hard time wearing it with my lifestyle of a 2 & 4 yr old. Also, are the Born Welly shoes comfy for a day with the kids? Thanks so much...musthavejcrew

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  6. musthavejcrew: Thanks for the compliment on the Polyvore sets! The Born Wellys are very comfortable, and work perfectly for a day of running errands and chasing after little ones. :) I do not have the Primark Belt, either, but just purchased the Roughed Out Leather Belt seen Here from my J.Crew yesterday. I got the Cognac color, and it matches the Born Wellys in Cuoio perfectly...even the associates couldn't believe how well it matched and how FAB it looked with the Cropped Chinos and Silk Jersey top...the combo of the two really helped pull the outfit together. :) The belt is in the men's section of the store, but the website has it listed as women or men...I seem to remember seeing it on one of the female models, too.

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  7. Terrablanca: I agree that a student on campus might not be wearing the look I offered on the post- but I was thinking more of a casual work look. :) I also love the cut of J.Crew tees- they are not only soft but fitted quite nicely.

    Also, I hope you get your student discount over the phone. :)

    FabulousFloridaMommy: Your sets are some of the best! The ones you linked in your comment are both exactly what you describe them: casual chic! :)

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  8. Thanks Alexis! I am really in love with that Silk Jersey Pleated top...the picture on the website doesn't do it justice, at all...it was only $42 after the educator discount, and I think they are completely worth it...even my personal shopper at the store said that she was getting some after seeing me put my outfits together in the dressing room. She still attends college and wants them so that she looks "casual chic" but is still as comfy as being in a tee. :)

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  9. I think the most important thing for me when I was on campus as a student and now as an instructor are layers. Moving between buildings and in and outside means lots of temperature differences. Perfect fit tees (in short and long sleeve) along with cardigans and sweater jackets make it easy to pile on or take off the layers as needed. For lazy days, the sunwashed cotton swing skirt (96201) with a sweatshirt or pull-over sweater would look great! Also, lots of flats. Hiking across campus in heels can lead to sore toes :)

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  10. As a high school teacher, I try to look professional. I do have my casual days, but even then, I'm still somewhat dressy. I actually had a student tell me that last year, too (evidently, she didn't think I knew how to be casual :P). I love the favorite fit chinos, jackets, blouses, knit dresses, and flats! I do occasionally wear wedges, but I prefer flats. The 2 new purchases I am most excited about wearing to school are the fiona jacket and fiji floral cardigan. The item I am coveting is the cashmere argyle vest. I just don't know if I can wait for a sale! :)

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  11. Haus_frau: Flats are a basic staple for my wardrobe. Love J.Crew flats too! :)

    Math Teacher: The floral cardigan is beautiful- congrats on the purchase! I also agree with you that "casual/dressy" is the best way to go for work- you look put together but relax at the same time. I love J.Crew in how all their pre-coordinated outfits (e.g. outfits in their catalog) all look easy to wear and yet put together at the same time. :)

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  12. Alexis: I also love their catalog outfits. I wish I could buy several! I love the outfit you chose, too, although I would feel strange in the tee with a "fancy" skirt. I love the look but don't think I could pull it off. :P

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  13. I caved and joined Polyvore - please comment like crazy on my sets - don't hold anything back :)

    Do I need a gmail account to have an official login here?

    I put my pic up on Polyvore - I'm wearing the Grace silk dress in brown at a wedding - my favorite dress cut!

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  14. jcrewbug: you don't need a gmail account. I used my hotmail account, so I know for a fact.

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  15. jcrewbug: YAY!!! You finally made it onto Polyvore! Great pic...I always like being able to put a name to a face. :)

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  16. Math Teacher: Okay, I'll try with my email. Thanks!

    FFM: I'm looking forward to your critiques!! :)

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  17. I have a blue name now!! Thanks Math Teacher!

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  18. I meant to say a face to a name...not the other way around...sorry!

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  19. jcrewbug: congrats! I wonder why I waited so long. It's so nice not to have to type "math teacher" every time I want to leave a comment. :)

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  20. I just moved into a more customer-facing position at my work - before, I was more behind the scenes supporting other people. I would buy nicer dress flats, because I have none since I've been showing up to work in flip flops and casual flats for the past year! So if you guys see any good ones, please show me the way! :)

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  21. Math Teacher: I agree that I would love to buy several "outfits" from the catalog.:)

    Melanie: I love their flats. I would definitely recommend the solid suede flats (which I am sure will be a part of their second fall collection series). They are fantastically stylish in their simplicity!

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  22. musthavejcrew- I'm a sahm of a 4yo too, so ikwum! I wear crew almost everyday, just the more casual items though. Tees, cardis, the occasional button up and skirt. I get the "u look dressed up" comment sometimes but I like to look pulled together, even if just for a 4yo lol.

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  23. Personally, I'm not too crazy about this overall outfit (seen on page 60). I have seen the Slub Cotton Beaded Shoe tee, which I like because of the shoe theme (who doesn't love shoes?)

    The outfit I love is on page 44, with the Watercolor Flora Skirt and Floral Twisted Placket Shirt and Simone Jacket. Very eye catching and feminine.

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  24. That Polyvore thing is addictive! I'm eyeing a purple cashmere V-neck, and decided to Polyvore it up three ways, with office, campus Saturday night, and sultry fun in mind:

    Office
    Campus Saturday Night
    Sultry Fun

    The outfits all include pieces and accessories I own (or that are similar to pieces I own). BTW, I'm SarahP, and pretty new to this jcrewaficionada following and J. Crew in general. I'm a thirtysomething who's lost 30 lbs since January. With my new size 8 figure, I'm interested in well-cut, quality clothing as my reward! I'm intimidated by the ongoing website problems y'all are experiencing, though.

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  25. sarahp: Congrats on the weightloss...that is awesome, and your Polvore sets are really cute! :)

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  26. Thanks, FabulousFloridaMommy! Your sets were lots of fun to look at and showed me just how much there is to play with at Polyvore.

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  27. i love the shoe tee! is anyone else bothered by the material of the 'seize the day' tee? i loved the design of the 'seize the day', but the weave is very stretchy...almost sweater-like. does anyone else know what i mean?

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