FabulousFloridaMommy (FFM) has been a wonderful asset to this blog. I said it before and I will say it again, we are lucky to have her! She has been fantastic: offering insights to sharing advice. Lately, I have noticed that many of you have been seeking her out for outfit advice. (I completely understand why too- she has a great eye for creating outfits!)As a result, I have asked FFM to guest blog about outfits she creates with items that you, the members, request!
So how does this work? This first post is to find out what items from J.Crew (that you either own or are thinking about getting) that you would like outfit ideas on. (In addition to the items you want to see outfits for, feel free to include additional information like: the climate/season you want to wear the item/outfit (a Fall outfit in NYC might look different than a Fall outfit in Hawaii), as well as age bracket/lifestyle (because an item used in an outfit for a college student may look different than an outfit for a tenured professor). :) After a day or two, FFM will select a few items (from the feedback) to focus on and create a couple of Polyvore outfits with those items (which will then be posted for all).
What J.Crew pieces do you often wonder how to use in an outfit? What J.Crew items would you like to see an outfit created for (please include item name or item number)? Do you have any J.Crew items in your closet that you are unsure how to style with? Please, let us know! :)
Off on a quick end-of-summer tangent.... How did anyone wear the cropped overdyed matchstick jeans this summer? I just heard Stacy, on What Not to Wear, say (this last Friday) to a client that colored denim should NEVER be worn by a woman. (Girls, yes, fun-park employees, yes---women, NO). I know that the models always looked great in the JCrew catalog, but in the real world, I think that the colored denim screamed TEENAGER. Any thoughts? P.S. I own the poppy and nectarine and now don't think that I should wear them....
ReplyDeleteI love love love the watercolor Lydia blouse, but can only think to wear it under a cardi. Any other ideas?
ReplyDeleteI think this is a GREAT idea!! FFM, I admire your style from afar and very excited to see how this part of the blog goes!
ReplyDeleteI don't listen to what not to wear...anony @ 1:19 if you have the body and like them--wear them---
ReplyDeleteI am 39 and I look about 29 at most and I wear the JCrew madras minis and people compliment me on how nice I look in them...use Stacy as a GUIDELINE not the fashion goddess!
Yes please any combos with the watercolor Lydia would be very welcome!
ReplyDeleteAnd how about my Studio Ball Skirt? Please show me some combos with that.
Thanks FFM!!
My personal shopper recently showed me the Double-serge pencil skirt (96477) in deep persimmon, and although I liked the skirt, I didn't buy it because I didn't like any of the tops she suggested (and I couldn't think of any good ones either). Everything made me think of Halloween! FFM, can you help?
ReplyDeleteFor me personally, tucking things in (like the model on the website) is undesirable.
Alexis this is a GREAT idea. I have a closet full of J Crew and I need new ideas of how to wear them. FFM is AWESOME and has given me suggestions in the past. I'm so excited about this!
ReplyDeleteI have the water color Lydia and I LOVE how J.Crew traci put it with the cream dream tie on ployvore.
I was with a PS yesterday and he paired the tartine with the lydia and like others I thought there would be too many ruffles but it totally worked! I paird the grey lydia with the light pewter tartine and it was breathtaking! Even the district mgr in the store immediatly grabbed them both in her size! Try it!
Great idea, thanks Alexis and FFM!! I LOVE the peacock hammered silk tank, but can't figure out what to pair it with. I work in a professional office, and am 30. It looks great under suit jackets, but I dress a tad less professional. The only thing I could come up with was the Jackie in black. Any other suggestions? THanks FFM!!
ReplyDeletegreat idea alexis! and ffm, i always love reading your comments...
ReplyDeletei just broke down and ordered the stretch vintage cord pencil skirt in faded cement. any suggestions on what to wear with it? i love the color but am afraid it doesn't go with much now!
FFM,
ReplyDeleteHow about the cord pencil shirt in the mustard color. I love it, but want to get a good use out of it also.
anon @ 1:19 a.m.: I bought them in the regular denim color and I have a couple of polyvore outfits using them. You can look me up there, same user name. But I did try them in grey (only b/c the white was too see through). Personally on the lemon, lime and the papaya colors I agree with Stacy. Colored jeans are for children.
ReplyDeleteffm (and alexis): this is great! I always love seeing the new outfits you come up with on polyvore! I'm so excited to see how this area of the blog develops!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Thanks Alexis and FFM!
ReplyDeleteanon @ 1:19a - I agree that if you have the body to wear them...wear them. I like the look of a tank and cardigan with it. My guess is to definitely wear layers on top. If you only wear a t-shirt then you are on your way to being a fashion faux pas.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like my hibiscus (pink with orange trim) Martine (93398) is actually on its way after being cancelled. This was an impulse buy during the 40% off sale and I think I bought it only because Jenna Lyons looked so great in it.
ReplyDeleteFFM or anyone, I need ideas. Depending on what's going on, my office is extremely conservative during busy season and business casual during the rest of the year. During busy season I am frequently on TV (OK, that makes me sound more important than I am but gives you an idea of why I like to look good!).
Also, though I'm comfortable in bright colors I have a phobia about wearing too many colors at once, which makes this an atypical purchase for me.
Any suggestions would be most welcome! Thanks!
anon @ 1:19 AM: i have the cropped overdyed matchstick jeans in grey (i'm not a fan of the bright colors on women)...i wear them with a t shirt and cardigan and sandals or flip flops...or they can be worn with a flowey blouse...and i'm 39 :) i have one polyvore outfit with the grey ones and a couple with the regular denim ones...the denim i wear all the time - any way i would wear regular long matchstick jeans, dressed up or down....:)
ReplyDeleteI have been eyeing the Long Washed-Silk Scarf (98282) in autumn sunset. i think scarves can look so classy, but I have no idea what to wear them with or even how to wrap or tie them! I'm going for a more casual look - maybe something with jeans or a casual skirt? I'd appreciate any ideas!
ReplyDeleteanon @ 8:16: I saw the peacock hammered silk tank paired with the bright blue jackie in the August catalog...stunning.
ReplyDeleteAlso, from the Morocco catalog I have the aloe cropped matchstick jeans that are shown paired with the amelia tank in ivory, the Baird McNutt linen jacket, and the sergenti sandals and belt. I got everything (except the belt/shoes) from the FS, wore it the other day, and loved it. BTW, I am 49 but look 39 possibly younger. I was an older mom so my kids expect me to be a "cool dresser" which J Crew amazingly allows me to do!
Anon (49 who looks 39) - check out my blog "40 is the New Black" :-)
ReplyDelete40 is the New Black
Hexicon: I just bought the Martine in pink and orange also! I took it with me to my PS appt yesterday and he matched it with a navy tank and the stone color watson pants. I was also thinking I would wear my rip jeans for something very casual. Hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteI don't know why but I bought the J.Crew Talitha Patchwork dress on Ebay (this is the knee length version not the maxi one) and I am afraid to wear it. It's so colorful. I am clueless as to why I was attracted to it.
ReplyDeletemolly: I HAVE!! It is awesome!!! :)
ReplyDeletemusthavejcrew: One of the favorite fit navy tanks? I just bought the Martine in pink/orange and was wondering about what to wear it with too. What about shoes?
Anon 11:24: Yes, it was the favorite fit navy tank, the stone martin pants and the lizzie tumbled-leather driving mocs in chocolate. It looked great. I would have never bought the mocs but my PS brought them out for me to try on with my outfits and they were REALLY comfortable and went with everything. I think these will be my main shoes this fall!
ReplyDeleteLightweight stretch trouser jean in smooth rinse wash. Item# 92871.
ReplyDeleteI just purchased these beautiful trousers, and plan on wearing to work at a "casual dress" publishing Company!
Please help me transition these "dressed-up" jeans into Fall, for a more casual look.
I'm 20-something petite gal and feel I need to pair these with heels to avoid looking stumpy. Help please:)
musthavejcrew: The outfit sounds amazing. Thank you so much for the info. :)
ReplyDeleteyeah FFM! You are the official aficionada stylist! I can't wait to see even more of your fabulous outfits - I love your style. I think you're going to be the next stacy london...:)
ReplyDeleteas for a piece I really need help with. In Spring 2007 I bought this dress shown in the first photo, but in plain black instead of the san remo print (I wish I could have found a picture of it in black, but I couldn't. makes me miss the old website even more because you could find such things!). I loved it so much that I paid full price in a moment of insanity, but it has now sat in my closet with the tags on for 1.5 years. How can I style it so I don't continue to regret buying it? I'm a grad student in the Washington DC area, and spend most of my time in libraries, but was thinking of using the dress for dinners out OR academic lectures conferences.
Thank you so much FFM!
OT--Thos with the Martine sweater--what size did you buy--is it fitted, run bigger/smaller?? Thanks for your help!
ReplyDeleteDear FFM, I bought a black Cynthia dress earlier this summer because it was dirt cheap -- and for some reason, looked good on me in the store. Now it doesn't. And my boyfriend (who is causing other problems) told me it looks like a nightgown. I am five feet tall and slim and have worn it with slingback open-toe heels. But it still needs something -- a belt, maybe? Could you suggest one? The dress just seems to hang there and is too babydollish. I want to wear it to work -- I'm a newspaper reporter, so I don't have to get too dressed up. Thank you for any ideas!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the ideas everyone! I am flattered and excited that Alexis has asked me to do this, but I do have to admit I am a bit nervous doing it *officially*. :) I've been reading through the posts and already have some ideas for several of the items. Thanks so much for the responses! :)
ReplyDeleteHi FFM
ReplyDeleteI am on phone with crew now--what store do yu shop where you got the pleated cami's on sale?? THNAK YOU!!
mic5: Mall at Millenia in Orlando, Florida...407-226-9732
ReplyDeleteGood Luck! Let us know what happens!
OMG--it worked!! Thanks SO MUCH FFM! I got them for 40% off so they were $34.99 plus 40% off equal $20.99 each and NO SHIPPING AND HANDLING cause I told the gal I had been in the store and they were out of them (which I had:)YES! PLUS--I got the 40% off sale items that I ordered off of online sale--NICE!
ReplyDeletemic5: Congratulations! That's really great...what colors did you get?
ReplyDeletehexicon: about the Martine...try it with a Navy or Charcoal Gray Pencil Skirt or Pants, and a White Blouse or Turtleneck. :) It's a similar look to Jenna's, except you are replacing the jeans with something more professional for the office and television appearances. :) The blouse the model has on in the picture on the website looks really pretty with it, too...it is the Brushstroke Rose Bateau Blouse. One more thing...you could also wear an Ivory Pencil Skirt and then the navy blouse that musthavejcrew suggested. :)
ReplyDeleteFFM, we all knew all along that you were Fabulously Fashionable and Stylistically Spectacular - and now it's official! In no time, you'll not only have us all styled, but we will learn how to do it ourselves and, undoubtably, will be hired to serve as J.Crew Ambassadors to the stylistically-challenged, with you as our Fabulously Fashionable Mentor!
ReplyDelete:-)
jcrewmama
Hi FFM,
ReplyDeleteI agree you have a great sense of style and excellent suggestions! I was hoping you could help me as well. I purchased the Cashmere Trois Fleurs shell (item 94091) and the Cashmere soutache shell (item 93395). Unfortunately both run very big and I won’t be able to wear them alone, as I’d planned to, without them looking like maternity tops. :( Do you have any suggestions for how to wear them so they won’t look obviously oversized? E.g., I’m wondering if I should layer it over a shirt and if so, if it should be short vs long-sleeved, what color would be best, etc. Any suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks in advance!
Allie
allie: Have you considered returning the shells or asking to exchange for a smaller size? I'm assuming they were final sale, but I would ask to return them because the sizing is not correct...you purchased according to the size charts, but the garments are not correctly sized, so a return is warranted. Let me know...if you plan to keep them then I will be sure to try and help you, but if you would rather return them, I say try that first. :)
ReplyDeleteI have to say that J Crew is very good about FS returns that have a valid reason. I just returned several FS items that simply did not fit according to the size chart. I would def send them back with that explanation. NEVER keep something that you are not 100% satisfied with. :)
ReplyDeleteFFM: I just got the bright rhubarb Belle skirt for $20!! I couldn't pass it up for the price, because I LOVE the Belle skirt (so incredibly flattering and feminine), but I have no idea how I can pull it off for work. I am starting my first post-law-degree job on Tuesday working as a law clerk for a judge. It has to come off as pretty conservative despite the color, (which is beautiful by the way! Just really bright). Please help me!
ReplyDeletemichelle: Congratulations on the Belle Skirt! I have been contemplating the Deep Atlantic and Rhubarb, both...they are very pretty. For your new position as a law clerk: I'm assuming the weather is still fairly warm, but you will be in the A/C, correct? Do you feel you need to wear a blazer or is the atmosphere more business casual for you?
ReplyDeleteFFM: I highly recommend the Belle. I now have the paintbrush floral, the rhubarb and the buttercup haha! But yes it is warm here; I am in the Philly area. The a/c will probably be on, but the weather will cool considerably in the next few weeks. I will spend most of my time in chambers which is more "biz cazh", but I will also be going into court to observe hearings, trials, etc. and having conferences with attorneys(which is where the conservative comes in).
ReplyDeleteP.S. If you search for "belle" on the site, a new Belle comes up that isn't on the main site (or at least I didn't see it when I looked). Here it is. Totally over-priced, but how curious!
michelle: that new skirt is very pretty! I think it's the one that jacquelyn mentioned is in Lucky magazine. :)
ReplyDeleteFFM and jcrewjunkie-
ReplyDeleteThanks to both of you for your encouragement on getting what would be a rightful exchange/return. It had occurred to me to take that route, but you wouldn't believe me if I told you how much effort I have already put in to getting these items at what should be my size and for the instore sale price. So the thought having another potentially confrontational discussion with CS about exchanging/returning them just depresses me! But if I cannot find a satisfactory way to wear them, I will call about a return. FFM- do you have any quick thoughts on the soutache shell in particular? It is the heather stone color and I should mention is also much longer than the look on the model, it hits well below the hip. Thanks again!
Allie
Hi Allie: I have to say that the Soutache Shell is really very pretty. I think the idea of wearing a sleeveless tank while it is warm and then a long sleeve tee under the sweater would look cute. I would suggest a white or heather gray tank, and black might even do. Same when you put the long sleeve tees under it. You may be able to find a long sleeve tee close to the color of the sweater, as well. Have you tried tucking it in? I think that would help with the maternity looking issue, too. I would also wear a cardigan or jacket over it...try it buttoned, too, as it will help give definition to your waist since the shell doesn't. It would be adorable with jeans, black pants, or even a pencil skirt. I would try to keep your pants, skirts closer to the body, since the shell is more voluminous. I hope this helps...btw...since the shells are now on waitlist, it is actually a good time to call about a return since they don't have a smaller size to exchange at the present time, and you can tell them you don't want to wait...unless you do, and then it will be October before they ship.
ReplyDeleteEveryone: Thanks for posting your comments and questions for FFM! :) I think she will do a fabulous job creating a few outfits for us and I can't wait to see them! :)
ReplyDeleteFFM: Thanks again for agreeing to guest blog! I really appreciate it. :)
ccbmum - I have the cropped matchsticks in grey also. I purchased them by accident at Pleasanton. I meant to walk around & pair them w/color or at least ensure that I like the idea of them with a black top and black flats but my transaction was complete before I realized it.
ReplyDeleteFFM -- I am so excited about your 'official' blog/duties/help. You are very quick minded about these things and knowledgeable about J Crew items. I know who to go to when I need help! :-)
Kater, I saw your request for suggestions for the black version of the ruffle shirt dress, and I had a flash of a great outfit that would dress it down nicely for library wear. I'd pair it with grey or dark plum tights, a long cardigan, a pashmina-style scarf in plum or brilliant blue, and a great pair of brown boots. The whole idea makes me want this dress!
ReplyDeletechelsea! thanks so much for the idea. I hadn't thought about putting boots with it - the outfit sounds so awesome. Chic, but still casual. And I have the perfect cardi in mind - featherweight merino glass button in light pewter. I think that color will be so pretty with plum!
ReplyDeleteNow just to get some tights and find the right scarf. Oh, and buy the cardi! Thanks again!
Kater I'm so glad you like the idea! I had the glass button merino in mind, too, I think it would be perfect. It's kind of sad that it's still August (admittedly rainy and dreary) and I'm longing for colder days to justify tights and boots!
ReplyDeletechelsea - I think it's the rain, because I've been feeling the same exact way - bring on the boots!
ReplyDeleteHi FFM,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all the wonderful ideas! Layering over something definitely helped. It seemed to work best over a cashmere tee of the same color. I tried it with a cotton t-shirt too, but the shell is so big it helped to have something thick underneath to help minimize the ‘tent-effect’. Tucking it in and putting a cardigan over it was a great suggestion too. It looks like I’ll be able to make this work—Thank You!!!
Allie
Allie: You're very welcome! I'm glad it's working out for you...what about the other shell? Did you try the same ideas?
ReplyDeleteHi FFM,
ReplyDeleteYes the flower shell is actually easier for me to work with. It’s not quite as oversized as the other and it’s a heavier knit (12 vs 14 gauge), which makes it less drapey. I put the solid black Kayla blouse under it and really like how it looks! The Kayla is a very sheer fabric and matches nicely with the ribbon flowers on the shell. It gives a dressier look that will work well at the office. Thank you again for taking the time to help me!
Allie
Hi FFM, I would like some help with ideas for the sea glass piper tank...how to wear it in a cooler summer climate/warmer fall climate...i.e. 60-65 degree temps. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHere's one for ya--Metallic-linen Casa Rossa jacket item 93406. I actually was persuaded to buy this by someone on this blog that laid out a DARLING sounding outfit and now I cannot find her post. The outfit sounded pretty fab and I was like " I'm gonna check that jacket out." When it was major cheap on sale--I bought it! This is something I wouldn't even normally THINK of buying but she had it sounding so cute and of course it's neutral therefore not gonna go to waste:)
ReplyDeleteWho has the vintage ripped jeans that they have shown with everything this year??
ReplyDeleteWho has trouble wearing them not rolled up like they show in all the pics?
Who has trouble rolling them so they look tight/small like the catalog?
What's everyone's thought on these jeans?
Thanks!
Anon @12:13: about the Cynthia dress...I have a couple of suggestions. :) I agree with you that a belt is an option with the dress. Choose a skinny belt and wear it at the top of your hip where lower rise jeans and pants hit...then *blouse* the dress over the top of the belt slightly. This look can also be worn over jeans or pants, if you want to make the dress more of a tunic, rather than a dress. I think it would be really cute with your open toe heels or even flats and sandals, if your job allows it. For Fall wear it with tights and heels or boots...you could also put a turtleneck under it for the cooler weather, as well.
ReplyDeleteAnother idea is to wear a cardigan over the dress and button one or two of the buttons at your waist to give definition to the dress. The cardigan will keep the dress casual, but give it more stucture at the same time. I think it will help change the *nightgown* effect your boyfriend feels is going on. ;) Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. :)
I know I might be the only guy from the blog doing this. It was early Saturday morning and I played around and now I'm hooked. It's cheaper than shopping.
ReplyDeleteFFM, I just bought the Belle skirt in the deep atlantic and am not sure how to wear it. I have thought of pairing it with white and other neutrals. I bought the tartine in heather mushroom to wear with it. I love the one set you have made already - that is what inspired my purchase of the heather mushroom tartine. Any other fabulous ideas? I can't wear yellow or orange - so those color combinations are out. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteargyle: I also created a second set for the Deep Atlantic Belle Skirt and it will be added to the post for this coming week. However, you can preview it in my Polyvore sets before then if you like. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks FFM! I'm going to wait until that patterned shirt goes on sale, and then I'll get it to wear with the skirt. Thanks so much for the Polyvore set!
ReplyDeleteDark brown wool gabardine suiting - to wear with?
ReplyDelete