JenG came up with a fabulous post topic (in the "J.Crew Stores: Take An Additional 30% Off Final Sale" post): "What ONE JCrew item can transform and update your wardrobe?" Bang for the buck/good investment piece/style updater... What one thing can we, aficionadas, buy that says chic and modern (without breaking the bank and buying an entire new wardrobe each season)?"
This is a great question and it would be great to hear everyone's take on it. :)
What one J.Crew item would you recommend an Aficionada and Aficionado to purchase as an investment piece and/or style updater? What are some of the reasons behind that item selection? :)
The yellow maggie coat, the olive ruffled silk sleeveless shirt, and the metallic green pumps.
ReplyDeleteI think once you've been shopping jc for a year, you would have already accumulated all the basics; blue jeans, cords, chinos, white shirts, cardis, and a jacket or two. So these are my three pops of color for the Fall!
J.Crew 120 suits. They're such classics, well-made and tailored, great colors. I'm hoping that one day they will line the 120s pants so i can purchase both pant and skirt suits. (I'm very sensitive to wool.)
ReplyDeleteI would say something metallic or fall-hued (plum or honey glaze would be my picks) that can mix in easily with neutrals or other colored basics. Could be a belt, pencil skirt, or blazer.
ReplyDeleteIf you're not feeling the need to invest in color, then I would say a single piece with ruffles (like the victorias in the new catalogue! - thanks again for the sneak peek!). Can be wore alone, under blazers, cardis, or coats, unbuttoned or buttoned, with or without jewelry for different effects.
There's an Extra20 coupon for final sale on the website.
ReplyDeleteI bought the LuLu Metallic Peep Toe pumps as a birthday gift to myself and I adore them. To me, they're classic (and at $250, an investment for me!). They're comfy, they're cute, and trendy without being over the top.
ReplyDeleteThe Double Serge Pencil skirt in Bronzed Ochre is a close runner-up. Man, I love that skirt. And for being such a bizarre color, it goes with sooo many things. Such a nice surprise!
My rose tee. I can shamelessly say that I've worn the black/white version every week since I've gotten it. W/a black skirt and tartine sweater, w/jeans and a cardigan, with cords...It is so versatile, I am wishing I got two so that I could have a backup in case I ruin the one I have. Call me crazy...haha.
ReplyDeleteWhat are the rules for this post? Do the suggestions have to work for both an Aficionada and Aficionado?? ;-)
ReplyDeleteanonymous @ 12:59:
ReplyDeletewhere is this coupon? I read in another post about there being a 20% off FS which I don't see on my JCrew site. Then there is the EXTRA25 from an email coupon code posted on another blog site which isn't working for me right now.
Extra20 is the advertised discount on the sale section- don't you see it?
ReplyDeleteThe extra20 appears on the main sale page for me.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI just went in through Mozilla Firefox and I can see it! What in the heck is happening with using Internet Explorer? I think I'm switching to Fire Fox,
ReplyDeleteThank you ladies!
Did you see the EXTRA25 off 'markdowns' coupon? The coupon is displayed on another blog, and I don't know if there is a minimum because the entire coupon is not displayed site. Someone posted about it in the new catalog post on Alexis' blog. It's not working for me but I thought I'd let you know in case you want to try it.
ReplyDeleteI would say for me, the new pencil skirts (the double serge wool and the refined serge cotton) are something that I am collecting, as with a little tailoring I should be able to get a couple years of wear out of them.
ReplyDeleteThe wool blazers are good too...I still have the houndstooth plaid blazer with the suede elbow patches from 2004. I feel like the blazers are the best in terms of quality and craftsmanship.
The jewelry is my third favorite collection/investment pieces, although I am dissapointed to see that they are using 12k gold to electroplate some pieces instead of the 18k gold used on the older pieces. The beaded necklaces with the bejeweled claps are my favorite and always add interest to my outfits.
The suiting is a bit hit or miss, along with their coats. BUT for the price point that is to be expected. Jcrew is not Chanel or Bespoke.
I vote for the suiting pieces (I'm partial to the Italian wool). I no longer wear full suits very often...nowadays, I normally stick to just a blazer, or just a pencil skirt, but after over a year of heavy use, that suit still looks new. And in a classic color (navy pinstripe) and classic cut (simple pencil skirt, 3-button jacket), I'd expect to still be wearing this in 20 years. (whether or not I'll fit into it is another story--and Jcrew wouldn't be to blame if I did not!). I do agree with flaneuse, however, that the suits are a hit-or-miss. I adore this particular style, but have returned 2-3 other suits because I either disliked the fabric, or the cut was unflattering.
ReplyDeleteAnd this is a bit of a given, but the Bella's from last year were an investment piece for me. When mine eventually wears out, I plan to hand the remains to my tailor to see if she can salvage the buttons and re-create something similar--I love that style THAT much.
I love my patent leather mary janes. It was the first time that I paid over $100 for a pair of shoes that wasn't a boot. I still wear it sparingly, but it's my go-to shoe when I need an extra boost of confidence. (entirely psychological, I know...but hey, when you need it, every bit counts).
I second (third? fourth?) the 120 suits as well as the non-trendy coats (like... I love this year's yellow French serge coat but I would not buy it unless on drastic sale) and the blazers. The cut is great and the fabric holds up well.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, the best thing I bought from J. Crew was the most frivolous: a sky blue, metallic polka-dotted floofy knee-length dress called, I think, the Maribelle? From 2006/2007. It was the most expensive thing I think I've ever gotten from there but the times I've worn it have made it worth every penny.
cashmere cardigan, I love the new colors it comes in for the Holidays.
ReplyDeleteaudrey,
ReplyDeleteis this the dress?
http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/maribelle-short-metallic-dot-dress
it is so cute!
As far as a piece for longevity, I would say a Peacoat, Lady Day Coat, or Plaza coat in a neutral color such as Black, Camel, Ivory, or Gray.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's the one! I think it came in a long white/cream wedding gown style, too.
ReplyDeleteOT:
ReplyDeleteI am writing this just to let people know to be careful still when ordering, esp. holiday gifts. I have placed 4 orders recently in the past month and no problems. However, my order from last Thurs. that I placed early in the morning has not yet shipped. I have received a shipping confirmation email on Monday but no tracking number. One Monday I was told it would have a number soon. Tuesday no number. Today I was told it delayed due to their system upgrade as of recent and they do believe still sitting waiting to be shipped but they aren't really sure. They hope to ship it Thurs.
I placed another, different order on Sunday and it has already shipped out an is expected to arrive TODAY! when I checked UPS just now.
Still be careful if you really need something by a certain date. I really have a sinking feeling this item may be lost??? There are plenty in stock still too....
Clare
anon 6:50 That happened to me the order I placed early am was in Open status for 6 days when there was plenty of stock, I spoke to a Supervisor who got the order going for me ( when it did ship the order was fine no problems), however my last order (same item diff color) shipped out fast.
ReplyDeleteOverall huge improvement compared to the summer!
i think it completely depends on your personal style. i tend to be very plain with clothes, i don't like a lot of ruffles, patterns, etc. i wear a lot of black. for a while i loved anthro and all the cutesy ruffly stuff from jcrew, but every time i wore any of it i felt weird. maybe because i am petite it's hard for me to pull off without looking sloppy, i don't know. i felt so wasteful because i had all these clothes that i didn't know how to wear.
ReplyDeleteso for me, "investment" pieces mean things i can wear a lot and always feel good in. jackie cardigans, featherweight merino vnecks, perfect fit tees, low-fit pencil skirts, lady day and peacoats, and jcrew suiting all comes to mind. a great pair of jeans that makes your butt look great. bags without a lot of decoration. cole haan nike air pumps. i am willing to spend a little on this stuff. i am lucky to not be in danger of losing my job or house during these hard times; but, the current economy has definitely motivated me even more to "clean house," getting rid of a lot of excess stuff and going back to basics with the above items that i love!
Definitely a suit. The pieces can be worn together or separately, for a variety of different occasions. The whole thing can be worn to work. The jacket can be worn with jeans, skirts, cords, whatever. The pants can be worn with almost any top. JCrew's suits are classic and never go out of style (I've had several for over 5 years and still wear all of them). Colors, ruffles, patterns, etc. can go out of style, but never a classic suit.
ReplyDeleteMarin I'm totally with you on the Rose tee. I got it in black and am so afraid to ruin it! I wish I bought them in both colors. I work in a semi conservative environment, but that tee with a cardi, a charm bracelet and the double serge pencil skirt is so chic together.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say the Trixie shoes in warm ivory. Everytime I wear them I feel elegant, chic and different. I think they are a statement, an investment (hellooo, $250!) but worth every penny. They MAKE every outfit pop and are so beautiful.
The other item I would say was a smart buy is the Denim Pencil. I can make that work with city ballet flats and a tee, or I can dress them up (with the trixie heels) and an elizabeth blouse and step out for a dinner with the girls. It's very versatile.
I would say that for this year it was the Cashmere Butterfield. I have it in Silver, but also plan on getting it in Orange. It is so snuggly and cozy and looks so Jackie O. It also goes with many of my basics so I can just toss it on and look chic and feel comfy at the same time!
ReplyDeleteI love J Crew for their coats. I love their fabrics, their colors and their slighly retro styling. For me, these are investment pieces are are worth every dime!
ReplyDeleteIf I could purchase only one piece, it would definitely be a coat.
Have any of you suit lovers had problems with dye lot mismatches? J. Crew doesn't appear to label the dye lot on their items. I ordered a suit top and bottom on sale this summer in different orders and although both are labeled the same color, they are different enough shades to be obvious. I may keep both, but I can't wear them together. As they were summer pieces, it will be really hard to find others to swap and there is no way to know ahead of time if an exchange would correct the problem.
ReplyDeleteI have some Eileen Fisher pieces which are obviously not as formal as a suit, but even on a shell and a cardigan, they label the dye lot so I can make sure that 2 pieces match.
I love the cambridge turtle neck sweaters. You can wear them with anything, jeans, skirts and pants. They can be dressed up or dressed down.
ReplyDeletecleo26 - I love the 120 suits, too, but don't buy the pants because they're unlined! I wonder why? Lining is important to preserve shape and prevent wrinkles...
ReplyDeleteWell for me, and mind you I am still waiting to buy it because I am too poor now and hoping they never stop making it: The Wool Hacking Jacket. Its just one of those timeless pieces that can go with so many things and be so ultimately useful.
ReplyDeleteFrankly I made my boyfriend buy a navy blazer for the same reason a few years ago (he still wears it the most out of every item in his closet).
Overall, if you are going to invest in something. I always say invest in a suit, even if you don't wear it on a regular basis. I agree with cleo and think the 120s are a great choice. Having at least one suit that you spend money to tailor perfectly is worth every penny.
I have not had problem with my suit dye lots but I had serious issues last winter trying to get tops/bottoms of terry fleece seperates to match. It was really awful as the colors were so different.
ReplyDeleteanon at 8:23: I have found that most high end wool dress pants are not lined and I also thought it was odd. My husband used to work for Ralph Lauren in NY and he told me that the fabric drapes better and it's completely normal. Go figure!!
ReplyDeleteEither the wool flannel pants in charcoal or the merino v necks. Thes esweaters wear so well, no pilling, they hold their shape and the weight is perfect for going with jean or a suit.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to choose just one, then definitely the Lady Day coat! It is classic, fits like a dream, and I always get compliments on it! Now, if I could add more to the list, then the Double Serge Pencil skirt & the Sparkle Plaid Tweed Pencil skirt. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 823 -- I have inquired at the store before as to why the suiting pants are unlined and the reasoning seems to be that the super 120s fabric is such a refined fabric (the count has a lot to do with this) and therefore the pants do not need to be lined to maintain their shape.
ReplyDeleteHope that helps!
As for investment piece -- I am with everyone else and would choose a coat. I have purchased one or two for the past couple seasons (usually getting a great deal on sale!) and continue to wear each of them every fall/winter. Except for a few of the very trendy styles, the rest of timeless pieces!
(And not so much an investment piece, but a staple -- the jackie cardigan -- always a perfect layering piece!) Okay I better stop now :)
I've got to go with the denim trousers. Not quite what I'd normally think of as an "investment piece," but I have to say, my pair is one of my most versatile items. They're great for casual day at work (some people don't even realize they're denim because they're so dark and lightweight), and they work for so many other situations--I feel like I look pulled together but not stuffy.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the double serge pencil skirt is fantastic and will definitely be warm during the winter.
The JCrew Classic Peacoat or Lady Day. You will wear them for years. The colors are wonderful and there's usually several from which to choose, inculding neutrals if you aren't sure about the bold colors. My peacoat (green) is about 9 years old. Lady Day (yellow) is going on 2. Getting them with Thinsulate is a good investment, too, if you live where winters are more harsh.
ReplyDeleteI also have a knee-length toggle coat (light blue), but I think the peacoat and lady day are timeless.
My picks:
ReplyDeleteJackie cardigan
Double-serge pencil skirt
Favorite-fit Everyday Chino
I would also pick a Jackie cardigan and one of the wool winter coats, in a neutral color. :)
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if anyone knows whether or not charcoal gray is a common offering in winter coats? It seems there's only a couple of coats offered in that but it's my preferred dark coat color, as I think black is too severe!
jcrew cashmere, i actually think they are great quality for the price and cashmere sweaters never go out of style imo.
ReplyDeletei like the grey argyle one i have from last year and this year's peplum and femme are definitely keepers too.
I have to say a fabulous coat (but then, I live in Chicago, and we had a brutal winter last year). I have a little J.Crew coat collection, some neutral, some very bright, but it feels fabulous to step out in a wonderfully made and pretty coat - especially when you do it every day for months on end! And if you pick a bright one you really love, you end up thanking yourself for it every time you walk out in dreary February.
ReplyDeletehaha, so i guess i answered the 'style updater' sidenote to this question ... definitely a neutral colored blazer is worth the investment, e.g. the navy JCrew blazer I wear every week.
ReplyDeleteI've made the 'mistake' of picking up sale pieces of suits here and there, but should have invested in one matching suit (beware the pinstripes change in their spacing season to season!) Luckily some of the past-season suits pop up on final sale later.
The coats (I have a lady day in black that I wear constantly) are wonderful as well.
Anonymous @ 10:43 AM - I agree that the J Crew dark denim is very chic. I always get compliments or someone asks where I got them. I thought they looked nice but mostly average so they've been my surprise go-to item.
ReplyDeleteMine would have to be the snow leopard simone jacket, which is also my favorite purchase in a long time. Also the wool plaza coat and lady day coat. Love them all!
ReplyDeleteThe idea that I had when suggesting this post, was more along the lines of what ONE piece will update your wardrobe for this season? Like, what one thing could you add to your current JCrew wardrobe that would spruce it up (without buying an entire season of new clothes). For example, a great necklace or belt, a new cut of jacket, a great colored tee, a stand out shoe... I was wondering what ONE thing could be added to current wardrobes that we all own, that can update and make it special and 'now'? The "investment" piece part of the post is great, but would be an entirely different line of answers. I would 'invest' in a great suit, but I would 'update' my wardrobe with the chiffon flower belt... Different questions, BOTH great to explore.
ReplyDeleteJenG.
PS I have found great 'bang for the buck' in my honey glaze scoop neck tee. I feel that I 'invested' in the classic high-waisted denim pencil skirt. The skirt I will wear for years (timeless), the honey glaze scoop neck tee feels more 'now' due to the color.
Thanks for the post, Alexis!
I agree with many of you, J crew's coats are the best investment piece. To choose only one, it would have to be the Classic Peacoat but the Tuesday Trench is a very very close second.
ReplyDeleteAlso have to say the cashmere is timeless and comes in such great colors and styles. You can't go wrong with these!
JenG: In that case, I'd say the Maggie Jacket would be a great item to update your wardrobe. You can throw it over any t-shirt or sweater with no worries about how old any of the items underneath it are.
ReplyDeleteTo go outside of J crew a bit, I'd have to say a great handbag is the best way to turn any outfit into a chic, updated look. If you throw a great black patent bag over your shoulder but have on ripped jeans and an old ratty tee, you'll still look pulled together IMHO! :)
I have a question for you all. As some of you may know, I moderate the J.Crew Aficionada group on Polyvore. From time to time, people ask me if we will have contests in our group. I was thinking of maybe choosing a crazy piece from J.Crew and then asking people to use it in a set. Does anyone have an idea for a contest?
ReplyDeletebbcee,
ReplyDeleteHow do you wear your Simone? I have one and have yet to decide what to wear it with...for me the arm hole openings seem a bit smaller than their other blazers I have bought this year...(or maybe mine was just made wrong!)
Anyway, any ideas would be great!
L.
I purchased the washed corduroy blazer (for men since I am one!), and I have worn it about 5 days/week since- even weekends. I love it- it matches everything and is really hot with jeans. I have to admit I was inspired to buy it after seeing Daniel Radcliffe wearing a similiar one in a Potter movie. Yes, I'm 39, but it's a timeless/ageless look!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I'd suggest a contest to make the best use of the "serial killer jacket" ... but that may be too hard! ;)
ReplyDeleteFlaneuse--I would say jewelry also, since the pieces are enamel or plated it seems like an "investment" for everyday wear. But I must say, I have been very disappointed of late. I'm a big bracelet fiend, but am a bit wary of JCrew’s quality of late. I adore the sand dollar bracelet that I bought over the summer. I believe it was 24k over brass. Now the 24k is totally rubbing off and is dark in some areas, like the inside of the links, which diminishes the overall look of the piece. I picked up the central park charm bracelet a couple of weeks ago, but had to return it because one of the crystals was missing. I was sad because I didn’t even get to wear it and I decided to return it rather than exchange it because it seemed too risky that the crystals could so easily fall out.
ReplyDeleteOther than that, I would have to say it’s the handbags for me. And I’m not a big handbag person! I would love one of those lady day coats as well.
silver lining: that's exactly the item I had in mind! HA!
ReplyDeletej crew cashmere V-necks with monogram
ReplyDeleteThe "long brewster leather boot" is a fabulous wardobe addition (and for me investment peice for me considering i am a 15 year old and my only ocupation is babysitting). They look good with just about ANYTHING!!! The leather is so luxurious!!!
ReplyDeleteRegarding lined 120 suit pants, it's not whether or not they drape / hang better without lining, or even that some high-end designers do not line their pants. (Has anyone noticed that these designers are also not fully lining coats, especially cashmere ones?) The issue for me is that the fabric while it feels nice itches without lining.
ReplyDeleteI have tried on some suits that were of lightweight wool and unlined but they didn't itch. I guess i just want to be able to buy the matching J. Crew suit pants for a change. Silk lining would be a dream. :)
Anyway, if the pants hang better without lining, anyone know why the skirts are lined, or for that matter, the jackets?
cleo,
ReplyDeletethat's what struck me about the reasoning, too: If lining is left out so the pants drape better, then why not the same for the skirt and jacket? The excuse just doesn't hold water. I'm guessing it's just another cost-cutting move. They can't very well not line a suit jacket, and a lining for a skirt is so very simple - but for pants, it's more complicated, so save the $$.
I have many suit pants in wool and wool-cashmere blend, and every one of them is lined.
Anon @ 7:59: I'm tending to agree with the cost-cutting theory, even on the very high-end.
ReplyDeletesilver_lining @ 3:14 PM - I laughed out loud! Where has MOLLY been? She is the one that gave it the alter ego name. *lol*
ReplyDeleteJenG - I keep thinking about the snow leopard belt w/the rhinestone buckle. I really think I would get more wear out of it than I know and it would be a fresh update. There aren't many patterned belts like that out there. It would go w/jeans and the silky pleated tee. It can go over my black Georgia dress. And with other items. So that's my piece to quickly update my wardrobe and at a low low cost.
I do not agree that unlined pants = cost cutting on j.crew's part. I believe that unlined with the quality in the j.crew pants does look better unlined. Lining can hide a myriad of problems.
ReplyDeleteso you don't buy anything that's lined? That just doesn't make sense. Lining is part and parcel of quality items, like Chanel suits, just as an example.
ReplyDeleteI mean by that logic, people should stay away from the 120s jackets and skirts and just buy the pants...
I've always preferred lined pants, I feel that on me at least they hang a lot better and no worries about VPL :) but I just realized that most of hubby's suit pants are unlined. I think the reason Jcrew does it isn't just a cost cutting measure, if it is at all, but also so you can really get 3 season wear out of it (since lined pants are sooo hot in the fall/spring/summer, basically any time outside of winter!) and also for the draping issue. A lot of people find the lining uncomfortable, and as thin as the lining can be, it does add bulk.
ReplyDeleteInitially I was very disappointed with the lack of lining but I've gotten used to it now.
Jackets have to be lined - unlined jackets do not have any structure at all. I guess you could argue that with pants as well but pants don't really hug the body the way a jacket does.
As for skirts - I have only one unlined skirt and I guess it sounds counterintuitive to line skirts but not pants, but pants do cut away from the body after the hip, vs. skirts (esp suiting skirts since jcrew refuses to offer an a-line or full skirt option :( are very sleek, and the lining helps to ensure that they are not inappropriate for the workplace.
i agree that the brewster boots are great! i bought mine last fall, and i get compliments every time i wear them. very classic--never will go out of style.
ReplyDeletea: men's pants are usually only lined down to the knee. And I have to agree - I much prefer lined pants. My experience with unlined pants - even expensive ones - are that they bag out because I sit down all day.
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ReplyDeleteGreat article. Totally agree with you. On my own, I want to add that you can also invest in securities and much more. For all this, there is an Aetrust platform that will allow you to choose one of the types of investments (Real Estate, Metals, Loans, Companies, Energy, etc), which is very convenient.
ReplyDelete