Jenna Lyons, J.Crew's Creative Director, has selected a few items that are the "have to haves and other fall favorites." They are:- Wood-acorn charm bracelet (Item 98342, $85.00)
- Watercolor garden lydia blouse (Item 97750, $110.00)
- Satin fleur clutch (Item 97736, $98.00) &
Serengeti midheels (Item 94408, $175.00) - Featherweight merino glass-button cardigan (Item 96033, $88.00) &
Abstract rose-print dress (Item 96517, $165.00) - Donegal tweed école jacket (Item 97471, $198.00) &
Faux-topaz star pin (Item 10377, $65.00) - Skinny patent-leather belt (Item 98093, $35.00)
- Personal Shopper (link)
- Wool-cashmere plaza coat (Item 96914, $325.00) &
Fontaine dress (Item 96056, $650.00)
What do you think of Jenna's picks? What items do you agree are the "have to haves" and which ones do you disagree with? Which items do you think should have made the list?
Um...the Fontaine dress...Seriously? I don't agree with that one at all. YUCK! But I do agree with the Serengeti mid-heels. I have these and LOVE them. Beautiful, go with everything. btw, my size (5H) is already waitlisted and so are the 8H, 9, and 11s.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I bought the Plaza coat on *major* sale two years ago in the camel (pictured) and black. One (or actually two) of the greatest Jcrew purchases I've ever made. They're a staple in my wardrobe.
I felt that some of her items were a miss. I can't fathom paying upwards of $80 for costume jewelry that's cute/kitschy, when I can go to etsy.com, type in "acorn jewelry" and come up with stuff that's equally fantastic, a fraction of the price, and supports a local business person.
ReplyDeleteI do think she may be right about the general trends...yellow is big, classic jackets are big now, and I heard florals will be big this fall too...
Somehow, I don't see myself wearing that acorn bracelet...
ReplyDeleteThe plaza coat is what got me hooked to J Crew coats in the first place. Also like the skinny belt. All others I'll pass.
ReplyDeleteI personally would put the cashmere flora dress in the list, and the Lucille jacket.
Oh, I got the andrea jacket today in the bright rhubarb. It's actually kind of pink, and the cut is not good on someone who is more than a B cup. I wish those comes in more sedated colors and minus the chest front pockets. It also runs big.
ReplyDeleteAlso got the Lucille in orange. It's the same color as bright flame in previous season. I liked the shape, but still debating on the color as I have 2 bright flame pieces already. It's lighter than andrea and the fabric is not as scratchy.
The Watercolor Garden Lydias are sold out in my size in all the B&M's around here, so I ordered it via red phone. Can't wait to get it, it is so pretty! I think I will pair it with the summer weight cashmere cardigan in Deep Yellow which I just ordered today (and I told myself I was done with final sale!).
ReplyDeleteThose pins are overpriced and look like crap. There were a bunch of them displayed on a tray in-store, and at least half of them had missing rhinestones.
I'm intrigued by the acorn bracelet, but I can't decide if I would just look ridiculous wearing it.
I also don't like the merino cardigan. It is way too big and shapeless, IMHO. Some people (i.e. tall people) seem to be able to pull it off, but it just looked awful on me.
ReplyDeleteI think Jenna is right on trend in her picks: Ruffles, Fitted Blazers, *Boyfriend Cardigans*, Skinny Belts, Clutches, Florals, Animal Prints, and Chunky Jewelry are all forecasted as big trends for Fall...however, I don't personally care for the specific J.Crew pieces she chose to showcase her take on the season's trends (except for the Lydia and Serengeti Heels). There are better options to choose from in order to achieve the same type of look. :)
ReplyDeleteMy Watercolor Garden Lydia just arrived yesterday, and it is sooo lovely! J.Crew got it right with this silk tank! Where the Pipers had the rather stiff zipper, and the Watercolor Rosette had the questionably "camo" pattern", this tank is perfect! No sipper, lovely pattern, and just the right amount of shoulder showing so that a regular bra can be worn with the top. (However, if you have a racerback tank or a little clip you can hook on the back of your bra to pull the straps inward, I'd suggest that.)
ReplyDeleteThis one is definitely a hit for Jenna (and anyone who owns it!)
jcrewmama
i like the look of the merino cardigan but haven't tried it on yet. the rest, meh... i'm not so into prints. but actually i love that coat too.
ReplyDeletejcrewmama: do you find that the Watercolor Garden Lydia runs large or is the style very wide? I tried it on in a S and the armpits fit very low and it was very "flowly," i.e lots of fabric around the midsection. I ordered the XS but haven't received it yet. Typically, i wear a small, so i'm wondering if it's the style.
ReplyDeleteMy favorites are the Serengeti heels and the Lydia, however I can't pull off either of them. My feet are too wide to wear any of J.Crew's shoes except the grosgrain flip flips, and when I tried the Lydia in plum on at the store, I looked like a ruffly plum cream puff. I am really disappointed, because the fabrics and colors in the Lydia are beautiful and a lot of people love them. And don't get me started about my paddle feet. Congrats to those who can wear both of these ... you are very lucky :)
ReplyDeletecleo26: The Lydia runs big. I am normally an S too, but even the XS was billowy on me. The arm placement was ok in the XS, there was just a lot of fabric in the middle, so I think that is how it's supposed to fit. I hope it works out for you ... it's a beautiful blouse.
ReplyDeleteWeab & Anon at 12:33 AM & Melissa : I agree with you about the Plaza coat- I think that is a great staple in any closet. :)
ReplyDeleteAudrey: I think the general trend of yellow is going to be big for fall- just not sure about bright yellow. :) Also, I love Etsy too!!! :)
Ashley: Congrats on getting the garden Lydia!!! :) I am with you on the pins- I can't believe J.Crew would even bother with them.
JCrewMama: Congrats on already getting the garden Lydia!!! :)
FFM: I agree with you on the trend of ruffles and fitted blazers!!! (Two of my personal favs right now.) :)
I love the Lydia blouse, the coat, the print of the shoes, and the idea of the blazer. However, I don't think the ecole was a good pick b/c not everyone can wear it. After passing on the bella last year (and regretting it), I wanted to love the ecole. It's just not a good shape for all body types.
ReplyDeleteany other reviews on the serengetti heels? I love them but definitely need comfort. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI really can't see myself wearing the acorn bracelet - it looks so impractical for sitting in front of a computer all day, resting my hands in on the keyboard.
ReplyDeleteThe Fontaine dress looks nice the way it is styled in the photograph, but it looks awful in other pictures. The length is really weird.
I'm in love with satin clutches right now, so I totally agree on that point!
sarah: I have the serengeti heels but have only worn them around the house for five minutes. So far they're fine on comfort but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they stay that way. They're a little stiff and don't have much padding inside so I wonder if they'll begin to hurt after a full day of wear...not sure...but will keep you posted!
ReplyDeletei personally think that the yellow belt trend has been around for a while and is a bit too trendy at this point...esp. now that you see them everywhere including old navy now. it's cute but not a "must have" for me any more. i did like them when they first came out (was it about a year ago) but hesitate to buy into it at this point since they're not that unique any more...even old navy sells them now. i did buy 3 of the jcrew skinny belts though - in black, root and the gold. yes, i agree that the gold is trendy but i like this one...it's a nice matte finish and goes with everything.
ReplyDeletethe Satin fleur clutch reminds me of my 80's highschool prom :0...and definitely not worth $98.
the other "picks" that i really like are the blazer and cardigan which are both pretty timeless. and i love the Serengeti midheels, they look very sleek and fun. :)
I would love to have the acorn bracelet if it were MUCH SMALLER...
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of ruffles, has anyone tried on or bought the ruffle henley? My mother and sister are in J.Crew and they asked if I wanted one - I chose white because I thought the ruffles would be less noticeable. Is that the case, or are they more "obnoxious" ruffles?
ReplyDeletekatherined: I have this and am going to buy another one today. The ruffles are subtle. Not too big, not obnoxious. I'm also very particular about ruffles around my neck and cannot do the lydia that everyone loves. But the henley does not have the "over the top" look at all imo.
ReplyDeleteWhile I have an abstract admiration for several of those choices, many of them are not for me.
ReplyDeleteLove, love the plaza coat. I have no need for another coat right now (bought azalea Lady Day and chocolate Agnes last year). And I'm starting to acquire enough orange that I may need something like that print Lydia even though the combination of the ruffles and the bright print is probably too much for me.
I would like the topaz star pin if it were actually set in a metal bracket--and for that price it should be, rather than sewn on to a fabric backing (and don't get me started on those camp project pincushion bug pins).
Actually, this might be a good idea for a fun post--if each of us put together a list of our own six or eight must-have fall items.
thanks weab!
ReplyDeleteSomeone commented a day or so ago that they wait a week? was it? before buying anything...letting it digest and sit with them before spending the money...I think that is a great idea! I would have bought 3 jackets last Sunday or Monday but now that I have made myself really sit back and think about it I may only get one and it is NOT one of those first 3 I thought I liked....Thanks:)
ReplyDeleteAlso, wish I had a store to go to...must rely on the crappy online but I am still going to wait another week or too...
I love the Lydia, and just ordered the garden print in XS (had to size down). I'm wondering which cardigan to pair it with. Specifically, what style and color. I can't wear yellow, so that it out. I ordered the Jackie in regal purple. Any other style or color suggestions?
ReplyDeletekatherined: I LOVE the ruffle henley! It's something you can just throw on, but instantly look more put together because of the ruffles. I have two and I need to get more. The plum and the kelly green are very pretty.
ReplyDeleteArgyle: Maybe you could try some red or pinkish color cardigans with it, like persimmon, rhubarb, etc? Also, neutrals would work as well.
Ashley - the store my sister was at (Riverside Square) had a bunch on sale with the additional 40% off, if you're interested. =)
ReplyDeleteFFM is right, Jenna has a good handle on the trends and I think she and her team did an admirable job translating those trends in to J.Crew-style.
ReplyDeleteLydia water color--Gorgeous; IMHO, probably one of the best pieces in the Fall collection. Its very current and classic at the same time. The print has a great color palate--royal voilet, burnished olive and a nice orange It is generously cut so if you want a closer fit, order down a size. The print has a great color palate--royal violet, burnished olive and a nice orange tones.
Serengeti Heels--Love the idea, but not keeping. The cut/construction are typical J.Crew, a bit narrow and too much toe cleavage. IMHO, its time for the shoe designers to get over the toe cleavage.
Acorn Bracelet: Love it. Acorns are not that large and it feels playful to me. Wood and gold construction makes it easy to incorporate into many looks
The PLAZA coat is a style that is timeless. It will never go out of style. Great pick!
ReplyDeleteHI-
ReplyDeleteLOVE the ruffle tops--so comfy and just DARLING on--got it in white, plum and dark slate (my favorite!)
I am confused by posting about toe cleavage with Serengetti shoes as they don't have peep toe from what I can tell??
Love the Lydia--wondering if it is going to be too much fabric for me even in xs--I don't like the pregnant look with too much fabric--can anyone comment that wears a 2/4 J crew size blouse and would normally wear small tops but J Crew (Lydia) being so big they buy xsmall?? I LOVE the color so this!
Anyone have the Katie sweater that can comment on fit and love/dislike of style--I am considering one on sale. THanks!
ReplyDeletemic5: I usually wear 2 or XS in J. Crew tops; and thus will be getting the Lydia in XS. You probably will want to size down to XS, because the small has lots of volume.
ReplyDeletemic5, toe cleavage is not from a peep-toe. The "cleavage" is from where your toes actually connect to the rest of your foot.
ReplyDeleteI actually like toe cleavage--I think it's sexy!
Oh--I get it--toe cleavage:) Thanks for clarifying.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the shoes: If you like the animal print patent-leather look but need comfort, you might consider
ReplyDeletethese nike air heels from cole haan. They also come in a non-slingback closed-toe version, a mary jane version and a non-sling back OT version. I am completely obsessed with the nike air heels. I was considering the pearlized champagne juliet heels, but found
these, which at the sale price are the same amount at the juliets ($215) but have all the sneaker cushioning inside! I got them from zappos next day, free shipping, and they are a very pretty pearlized patent and have the funky faux snake heels to jazz them up.
mic5, have the katie. It is cute but runs small across the back and bust area and I am small busted and found it tight...I washed it and put a lot of fabric softener in the water and stretched it out...
ReplyDeleteweab and cass - thanks so much for your comments on the shoes and the link to the cole haan pair. I'll probably end up ordering some and walking around the house a lot to see how they will break in. The Cole Haans are especially lovely - I've wanted to try a pair of their line with Nike.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone own the chateau cardigan from last year? Can you advise on sizing? Thanks in advance :-)
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 3:56 PM: Unfortunately, I don't personally own the chateau cardigan or had the chance to try it on- hopefully someone on this blog can help you out a bit more. I did look at a picture of the cardigan (click here) and it looks to run true to size. :)
ReplyDeletecleo26: the Lydia does run big - nearly as big on me as the Seaglass Piper. I ususally wear an8R (or 8P/10P depending on the cut), and I ordered down to a Small with the Lydia. Even so, it's still quite loose in the armpit area. I wore it today and it looks lovely. I could probably have sized down to the XS, but I'm afraid it would have been too tight in the bust (32D). As for the amount of fabric, the shape is billowy. Today I wore the Lydia with a pair of 7FAMK jeans, the J.Crew dark gold jeans belt and J.Crew gold sparkle capri sandals. I tucked the blouse in just in the front and on the sides, then bloused it out a bit, leaving the front of my belt exposed. It looked much sleeker this way, but casually drapey. I am petite but hippy, and the shape of this tank, like the Piper, works well on me. I plan to wear this to work by itself now in the warm weather and under my honey glaze velvet ecole jacket into the fall/winter. The royal purple would look great over it, too. You could go with orange, but it would be a lot of orange going on. White could work, as could black or a muted green. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteCass: I JUST bought those Cole Haan shoes, but in the Mary Jane Pump. I wore them to work 3 times this week and was innundaed with compliments. I am on my feet all day - standing, walking, sprinting around the hospital - and these shoes stood up to the test. This is my third pair of Cole Haan Nike Air (I also have patent black in the Mary Jane Slingback, and I have the Opten toe Slingback in the tumbled gold leather.) I got the first pair (the gold) on eBay in a lightly-worn condition, b/c I wanted to try them out before dropping anything close to full-price on them. One day in them and I was sold! A shoe this lovely, this well-made and this easy to wear is worth every penny.
katherine d: I am a big fan of the ruffled henley. I got it in white and dark slate. They are casual yet elegant and go with jeans, shorts, chinos, cord skirts, even trousers with a cardi or jacket over it. Very soft and drapey fabric yet easy to care for. The white is on the sheer side, so I wear a cami under it for work or a nude bra for wearing outside of work. You can even button it higher than shown for more modesty.
Sorry so long!
jcrewmama
mic5: I have the Katie sweater in black and white stripes, and I got a Medium. It fits well, not too big or small, very true to size. It is a gorgeous sweater and very comfortable. It looks very chic with white denim trousers and a black tank underneath, worn with the bow tied at the neck. I get lots of compliments every time I wear it!
ReplyDeletejcrewmama
Someone was looking for the Paintbrush floral Belle skirt - I saw them in the Liberty Place store in Philadelphia, 215 977 7335. I hope you find you size!
ReplyDeleteHow does the ruffle henley fit? I am between a size 8 and 10 and in some tops I wear a small and others a medium (though this summer I wore an XS in some tops). Since it is final sale I want to get it right. Is it a tight fitting top? Is it best to go with a medium?
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
Liana - I usually wear an XS in sweaters and looser tops, but I always take a small in tighter fitting tops (t-shirts, waffles.) I found that for the ruffle henley, I could wear an XS just fine. The ruffle henley from earlier this year is much tighter, but this one is a different material. It's still form fitting, but I didn't need to size up as is mostly the case with tees.
ReplyDeleteThanks Katherine! That was very helpful :) I am going to call a store tomorrow and see if they have them in stock so I can get them with the extra 40% discount. I am going to the US in two weeks and I can't wait to shop at an actual store!
ReplyDeleteJCrewmama,
ReplyDeleteTotally agree about the cole haans--I am on my third pair now too, and I never used to spend more than $60 on a pair of shoes. I agree that these are worth it, and when cole haan has markdowns plus the 20% promotions or zappos has a markdown, you can get some decent deals. I got a pair of the slingback maryjane airs for $150 two weeks ago from the colehaan.com sale section (markdown plus 20% off), close to half price.
I have the acorn bracelet & the skinny belt (only in bright peacock) and love them both. The acorns are now as huge or heavy as some of their other bracelts. I also am dying to get the Ecole in tweed in Sweet Potato.
ReplyDeleteAfter getting my first pair of Cole Haan's Nike Air, there was no turning back ... to other brands. I now have several pairs in flats, sandals & boots. Most I got at 20% off (on top of sale price), a deal they offer several times within the season.
ReplyDeleteI've always justified my spending on shoes, bags & coats on a cost per wear basis. If it's classic, fits well & durable, I'm probably spending less than a dollar for these items on a cost per wear basis. As example, I find JCrew's Selima eyeglasses reasonable at $325 since I wear this everyday compared to a $45 dollar shirt which I will only wear during the summer.
I have to jump in on the Cole Haan topic! I LOVE Cole Haan shoes. I will branch out to other brands once in awhile - but for comfort, quality and style, Cole Haan is always a sure thing. I have always found GREAT deals on them at Nordstroms - especially during their sales. I have foot issues (plantar faciatiis) and Cole Haan - heels or flats - are one of the few brands I can always wear (aside from running shoes, which don't go over well at the office :) Take care of your feet! These are worth the extra $$
ReplyDeleteMack & Other Cole Haan Fans: I am with you- I love my Nike Air Cole Haan ballet flats. I was able to get the pair for sale ($100) at Nordstroms and they were totally worth every penny. :) These are the only pair of shoes that I don't need to worry about wearing stockings (or band aids) with. They are just fabulous!
ReplyDeleteAlexis, Marie, Mack, Cass and other Cole Haan addict - I am so glad I'm not alone in my love for these shoes. I also have had plantar fasciitisin the past, and I am extra careful about what I wear on my feet so it does not recur. I also have loose ligaments in my ankles, so I am prone to ankle wobbliness. I need solid shoes that are supportive and NOT ugly! I am hooked on these shoes and I also have a pair of the Ballet Flats, Alexis - they are great as well. I especially like the hidden platform in the high heel varieties that allow them to look like 3-inch heels but feel like 2-inch heels on my feet! Next on my Cole Haan wish list is a pair of their knee-high boots! We have a Cole Haan outlet near my house, and I'm heading there on my next day off to check it out - I hear they even have discounts on the Nike Air line!
ReplyDelete:-)
jcrewmama
Wow, all these raves for the Cole Haans have me thisclose to plunking down the cash! I went to the JCrew store today and tried on the Juliet pumps just to see how my feet liked them, and I couldn't even jam my foot into my regular size. I can rationalize spending Cole Haan prices for a good shoe, right? Do any of you have the tortoise color? Are they classic/versatile enough to warrant the price?
ReplyDeleteSarah the CH's are very good quality and should last longer than a cheaper and/or thinner soled shoe. My only advice is size up perhaps 1/2 size b/c they tend to run a little small/narrow. I think they are starting to come out with a few styles in wide sizes (check their website) due to complaints about the running small issue. Also, if you don't live near a store, you may want to order your first pair from zappos so you can return them for free if you have any issues with them.
ReplyDelete