Referencing {FAQ}

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Dear FFM: Help Put Together A J.Crew Outfit For Me

FabulousFloridaMommy (FFM) regularly guest blogs on outfits she creates with items that you, the members, request. :)
FFM has done it yet again! A big "thank you!" to FFM, who has created a fabulous outfit for almost every single request in the "Dear FFM: Help Put Together A J.Crew Outfit For Me" post!

FFM writes:
I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you once again to Alexis for asking me to Guest Blog, and to thank all the Aficionadas/Aficionados who have submitted requests, posted compliments, and offered their support to me as I have done this each week…you are all FABULOUS!!!

Also, if you have previously submitted a request that wasn’t created and would still like to have one made…please resubmit and let me know that it was a prior request, and I will put it at the top of my list for this week.

Thanks again everyone!

Sincerely, FabulousFloridaMommy

To view the wonderful sets, click on the links below. (The name of the link relates to the request for an outfit.)

Are there any items from J.Crew (that you either own or are thinking about getting) that you would like FFM to create outfit ideas. Feel free to include additional info like: the climate/season you want to wear the item/outfit, as well as age bracket/lifestyle. :) After a few days, FFM will select a few items (from the feedback) to 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! :)

55 comments:

  1. Great job, FFM. :) Gray is one of my favorite colors to wear so it's always nice to (indirectly) see what kind of shades go with them!

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  2. Another round of great sets! I also love gray.

    OT -- what is the difference between white and sea salt? Looking at a jersey top.

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  3. gigiofca-Sea Salt is supposed to be a brighter color than white. I was told this by CS but cannot confirm. Also, check your stores before purchasing on-line, this top is down to 9.99 @ stores (w/a % off).

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  4. I'm talking about the Silky jersey pleated top being on sale-sorry I forgot there was more than one.

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  5. Tigs:

    Thanks for the tip! I was wondering...what store did you see this in? Unfortunately, my local jcrew didn't carry this in sales at all, so I think I'll have to make some calls.

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  6. FFM:

    Thank you! *grins* I've been going through all the outfits, and "borrowing" ideas.

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  7. Dear FFM,
    Lets see what fabulous things you can do with a J.Crew classic black suit. I love your style!!!!

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  8. Some ideas please for the blue starlite jacket...also I am getting the blue watercolor floral skirt this week...some ideas for it too please:)

    Thank you.

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  9. Thanks again everyone! :)

    gigiofca: I personally think the white silky jersey is a little brighter than the sea salt. Sea salt is more of an off-white whereas the white is a *true* white. I received both at the same time, and to be honest, they are very, very similar in color.

    auryane: I left you a message on last weeks FFM Blog about the Strappy Florence Dress...did you see it?

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  10. FFM: Thanks for the ideas on the deep atlantic belle skirt for fall. I think I have most of those items anyway, and knowing that it will go well with black will help me come up with other ideas! By the way...when you did the set with the blue liberty shirt, I looked it up and found that it was on sale too--so I got both for a great deal! I'm currently wearing that outfit now with tall brown leather boots--it's adorable :) Thanks!

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  11. FFM,

    Prior request here. :) I was wondering if you could show the polka dot san telmo for fall with a bright pop of color worked in. I have been wearing mine with too much black and white and then using color in my accessories. Thanks so much!

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  12. anon @8:22: Here is a set with the Polka Dot San Telmo that I did awhile ago: Click Here . There are several more that were done around that same time if you look through my sets. :) I will also create another one for you this week.

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  13. appgal: Thanks again for the compliment, and congrats on the blue liberty shirt...that's awesome!

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  14. Love the color combo on the Merino Paige Jacket Professional Look #1! The Cashmere Academy Cardigan Two Ways looks sharp too. I'm also digging the Coral Vintage Boot Cut Cords Casual Chic Look #1. Coral and medium gray look so good together - great idea.

    Another nice job!

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  15. Thanks FFM! Now I can wear my navy suit without any risk of being mistaken for a stewardess! And thanks to you I will be the most stylish prof in my department.

    - History Prof

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  16. Love the looks FFM!
    I find sea salt to be a "warmer" white than the usual "bright white" (if that makes any sense).

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  17. FFM: Love the charcoal gray with the Metallic Houndstooth clea jacket. Thanks for your help.

    Olivia

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  18. Thanks tigs, ffm and montrose. Good descriptions. I suddenly remembered that I own the boot cut cords in sea salt. Duh. I agree that sea salt is a warmer white. And thanks for the tip on price, tigs. I'll have to check out b&ms next time I'm out.

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  19. Great Job FFM!

    OT, but has anyone seen the new women's collection at Johnstone & Murphy? I love both those plaid coats! Who'd of thunk it??? Some of the bags and shoes are cute too, but really want to see them in person first. looks like it is time for a trip to the city. The Collection store opens this week too, doesn't it?

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  20. Off topic, but I need help. I'm looking to bid on a Bella on ebay, but am not sure about the size. I know people said that it does run a little small. I have a 6 regular in the Ecole. I normally wear a 6 tall. I ordered the Bella in 6 regular and it was pretty tight. Would you all think an 8 would be just too big? In other words, are there any size 6 people that wear a size 8 Bella? I just wonder if I am in between sizes and there is no Bella that will fit me. Thanks!!

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  21. repeat request: I would love help with the J. crew herringbone Academy pant. They are sitting in my closet dying to be worn to work and out for a night on the town, but I don't know what to do with them! thanks!

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  22. Thank you FFM! I LOVE the Rose and Andie Professional look. I would never have thought of pairing the Rose Tee and the Flame Andie with charcoal, or even the Mushroom Tartine. I love it! You're so good at this. Thank you very much for taking the time to help me out.

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  23. FFM, wow, you've been busy. Thanks for putting together something for us too. And I actually have most of the items in the first outfit. Guess that means we think the same or I shop too much.

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  24. Anon @11:59: I styled a set for the Academy Pant awhile ago seen Here . There are also a few sets of mine with the Herringbone skirt in the same color that you could replace with the pants instead. I hope this will help for now, and I will be sure to get you another set created this week. :)

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  25. Dear FFM - - Please be my Fabulous Fashion Mentor for the dotted gold/cream Annette blouse: It's virtually see-thru! Any FFM advice about a layering piece that could be worn beneath (or, I suppose, over) the blouse would be much appreciated.

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  26. argyle:

    I typically wear a 6 in J.Crew jackets. I got a 6 in the velvet Bella and it's too tight across the chest. If it was available, I would definitely have gotten the size 8.

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  27. Dear FFM (hi again!)

    Thanks for the merino (charcoal) jacket and the orange hoodie + platinum gold uptown tote combinations. I am printing them out for my little red book of style! I tried the cashmere orange hoodie on with the Slub-cotton beaded crest tee (since the cami you recommended is back ordered :( ) and it looked quite decent with black shorts (casual and comfy, just the way I like it)


    Now again, a plea for help!

    1. I have the cashmere argyle ruffle sweater in honey graphite gold (Item 90566). I LOVE the color and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sweater but I am not sure what to wear it with. I wore it with a white tee underneath and vintage jeans similar to the J Crew ones (92222) and gold flats but that's pretty much the only combination I came up with (I'd prefer not to wear it with skirts).

    2. Featherweight merino glass-button cardigan 96033 in DEEP PERSIMMON (looks great with honey glaze and "fools gold" like Marc Jacobs Faridah tote) I was wondering what other colors/items I could combine it with?

    3. Cotton argyle hoodie 92678 in navy- I can't think of anything to wear it with (besides white shorts) :(((

    4. Flamenco dot popover blouse 94196 ( would it look good with anything besides black skirt/pants????)

    If you could switch to your fabulous casual chic mode and help me out again, I'd really appreciate it. :))

    Thank you

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  28. Suggested item - Penelope Mary Janes 94670 - silver yellow

    TIA :-)

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  29. thanks so much for the ideas about the academy pants!

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  30. Hi FFM_
    Here's what I am: Casual--jeans kinda gal-working mom. looking for styles with added flare for going out on sat night but still more jeans not trousers or skirts...

    I think I have snagged some great FS items but they are kinda limited in their wearability because they are jackets that cross at the neck (double-breasted) but don't seem to be as good open. For example:

    *San Telmo in Black (wouldn't you love it if some of that lining showed somewhere-gorgeous!)

    *Hayden in Charcoal Grey

    *French Stripe Tie-jacket

    It's almost as if it doesn't matter what you wear underneath as it won't show. Therefore, it's kinda what-you-see-is-what-you-get. Esp when just wearing jeans whether trouser jeans or matchstick. If anyone wants to chime in on what they have worn that would be appreciated as well:) Even if dressier.

    Question-does anyone have or tried on Trixie heels? How do they run and how do they feel-comfy?

    What about dylan tank in Ochre pattern floral-that looks so pretty--how does it fit?
    Thanks!

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  31. as for the trixie heels... Personally I LOVE jcrew shoes and have about seven pairs but NONE are comfortable. I have flats and heels and all of jcrew shoes hurt after awhile. You have to decide style or comfort. With jcrew shoes you won't get both!

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  32. That's really a shame about the comfort level on the Trixie Heels, and apparently all J.Crew shoes in general. The Trixie Heels are so ADORABLE and work well with so many outfits! Some on the blog have mentioned using the Dr.Scholl's inserts to help *up* the comfort level a little bit.

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  33. I tend toward wedge type boots and shoes so I am not used to true "pumps" per se but I LOVED the Liza print peep toe heels I recv'd this summer so much that I got a second pattern (on sale). They are gorgeous and actually comfortable for short bouts but given I don't wear heels all the time--I am not the best judge on the long wearing comfort. I wear them out to dinner so sitting most of time:)
    That's shame about the Trixie though--is it uncomfortable from the get go or does it get worse as time wears on??

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  34. FFM-
    I loved that fun brown boot you put in your polyvores and the price looked great (I think it read $125) until I went to the site and they were $500 and something dollars:) Oh well--a girl can shop it out and find a nice immitator:) Thanks for all you do!

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  35. they are not uncomfortable from the get go, only if you wear them for a couple hours, but I always wear them for a little while. I haven't tried inserts, maybe I will do that. Thanks for the tip!

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  36. covert5: are you talking about the flat brown boots with the buckle from fiorentini and baker? I love them too...they are on my wishlist...hope they go on sale at some point! ;) Steve Madden makes a similar pair called the Flankk Boot that is selling in Black for $139.95 on Endless.com. I try to use mainly J.Crew merchandise in my sets, but sometimes pull from other retailers because they make what I need to complete the look. The key to any piece in my set is to take the idea and look for the item at a price point that is affordable for you. :)

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  37. Off topic, I know, but . . .

    have any of you ever attended a Carol Anderson by design party (Cabi)? What's the stuff like? Can I be nice and polite? Will my snob evil twin say something snarky?

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  38. Dear FFM, could you help me style a cashmere keepsake cardigan in black? I'm thinking of wearing it with dark jeans and am afraid that the overall effect will be too dark.

    Your outfits are gorgeous!!

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  39. FFM:

    I just saw it now. I definitely agree that it's not a fall item. However, I live in southern california (though not by choice--I'm a winter/fall person!), and it's 95 degrees today :(

    So if you do have spring/summer ideas, I'd love to see it...I'm sure that it would work for this climate

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  40. I just bought the Trixie Heels in warm ivory. I had been eyeing them for what seemed like forever. I work in a casual dress office and am looking for your suggestions for either a work or a casual chic outfit. Thanks!

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  41. Fidele: I think my mom owns some of that Carol Anderson stuff. I had never heard of it before, but last time I was home, I saw a cute item of clothing of hers (can't remember for the life of me what it was) and she said she had gotten it at some party. For the record, she is 52, but very stylish and un-frumpy! I know that doesn't tell you much, but you never know, you might end up finding something you like!

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  42. Hi Fidele: I used to sell CAbi back in 2005-2006. I always prefer Carol's fall/winter clothes as opposed to spring/summer. The show experience is always a good time and you will probably find a few things you like. Price wise CAbi runs about $50-80 for a top and $80-110 for pants. Sweaters are typically $80-100 as well. I strongly prefer JCrew to CAbi, but that's just my opinion. HTH!!!

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  43. FFM - I love the cashmere argyle casual chic outfit, in part because I love grey and am besotted with the perfect fit tanks (I picked up 4 on vacation and LOVE them! Brava!! What a classy combo.

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  45. gigiofca said...
    fidele...the sweet twin. *lol* I haven't been to a Cabi party, but they always have one or two pieces that are darling. You should go and check it out. I haven't seen the quality of the items. It's policy to no longer drink when I go to those types of parties. Anyone want a red/white & blue faux Louis? At least you won't have the AM headache I woke up with.

    Maybe you'll find something cute and your evil twin will wonder where you got it. Then spring Cabi on her. ;-)

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  46. isn't cabi for stay at home mom's trying to make a few bucks hosting parties and getting a discount on clothing for themselves?

    i've heard it's a lot of wine and cheese and trunks of overpriced clothing, all targeted at 40 plus women.

    i don't know, i think i would definitely buy tupperware over this...

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  47. I love these sets, FFM!

    Could you pretty please help me pull together an outfit or two around the Gianna blouse in slate? I need something I can wear to work, and on casual days. My office is freezing cold, so some layering ideas would be wonderful!
    Thank you!!!
    Julie

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  48. @covert5 sorry, I just noticed that you were asking about the trixie heels. I agree JCrew's shoes are notorious for being uncomfortable but the trixie heels are quite comfy. I wore them all day without a problem, and I walk a considerable amount to and from the subway/work. They run true to size.

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  49. FFM,

    I just tried on the orange cashmere hoodie combination you created with the navy cami and it looks sooooooo good (the aviators-what a nice touch!) The bag goes GREAT with both orange and navy and since I had white matchstick jeans at home I was REALLY happy with the final look!!!!! I have no idea how you can create sets that look so good without trying these items on....

    Having said that, if there was a "Polyvore JCrew Set IQ test", you'd be considered a genius already

    Thank you so much!

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  51. hi ffm, i just discovered the aficionada website last night and i love it and your sense of style! i ordered the whisper lame slim shirt in shell last month and when it came it turned out being more of a soft pink than the cream color i thought it was online. can you help me with some outfit options for both casual as well as work?

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  52. Hi FFM!

    I am very excited that I just ordered the Wool Flannel Watercolor dress! The lower portion of the dress is described as "heather charcoal." I plan to wear the dress to an upcoming wedding. What color of hosiery and socks do you recommend? I was thinking "off-black" hose and black shoes??? Would charcoal tights be too heavy? qmpctPlease help!

    Thanks for everything!

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  53. Hi, I bought the Elizabeth halter in soft azalea and would love to wear it with the favorite-fit wool trousers for going out. Any ideas/suggestions on how I should wear the top (tucked, untucked, belted...), as well as accessories, will be greatly appreciated! :)

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  54. PS - how do you get the collar all ruffled for the Elizabeth halter - like how it's shown on the model online? Thanks in advance for your help! :)

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)