Packing Tips From J.Crew's Creative DirectorWhen she heads for the beach, J.Crew creative director Jenna Lyons keeps it light.
By Clark Mitchell
From February 2009
For this 18-year J.Crew veteran, there’s no place like Turks and Caicos to unwind with her two-year-old son, Beckett, and husband, artist Vincent Mazeau. It comes as no surprise that Lyons packs a lot of J.Crew—she designs with her lifestyle in mind. Here, her vacation bag must-haves....
Once you click on the slideshow link (click here to view), you can see her choices including the following text:
- “The sherbet colors of these jacquard pants and gauzy cover-up [on the next slide] are part of my new J.Crew collection, which was inspired by the pale-hued houses in Turks and Caicos.”
- Sherbet-colored gauzy cover-up
- “I never have time to read, except on the beach—right now, the book I’m carrying is In an Instant by Lee and Bob Woodruff.”
- “We created this raffia hat to collapse for easy packing.”
- “My everyday watch: a Rolex gold-band Oyster bracelet.”
- “I’m drawn to things that are timeless, like these Marni sunglasses.”
- “Our garment bag comes in bright colors and makes me happy when I’m on the road.”
- “I slather California Baby sunscreen all over myself and Beckett—it never washes off.”
- “The jersey Lomellina bikini uses a thick rubber strip rather than elastic in its waistband, so you can avoid the dreaded ‘muffin top’ effect.”
- “Metallic-gold J.Crew sandals are a great summer neutral."
- “Nothing sets off a light tan better than pink Bobbi Brown lip gloss.”
- “It’s meant for under your eyes, but I put Kiehl’s eye cream on my entire face, especially during a long flight.”
I love the hat, but I hope it comes in different colors. I need hats when I'm in the sun, so I'm always looking for cute ones to wear!
ReplyDeleteBut I'm sorry Jenna, I am not putting my eye cream all over my face. Fail!
Orange in the summer, orange in the winter, orange all the time-I love that color!
ReplyDeleteI like her picks but I'm not a big fan of the capris she picked (I wouldn't know how to wear them)
I LOVE THAT HAT! It better be online in the new release!
ReplyDeleteI like the hat, too. I actually have a similar one I picked up last year at Walmart and the quality is great...only cost $5, too.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the sandals IRL, and they are not worth full price, IMHO.
I do like all the orange, especially in the bag...very fun!
I guess we now know why J.Crew hiked its prices - it's so Jenna Lyons can vacation in Turks & Caicos wearing her Rolex Oyster. Gah.
ReplyDeleteI won't be doing my "unwinding" in the Turks and Caicos this year (or any!). I'll have to make do with a few glasses of red wine and some pad thai with a DVD up here in rust-belt Cleveland (which I do like, in spite of the weather). I won't be needing the sun hats and sandals any time soon, but I like her choices. I think she is a major force behind what I love so much about J Crew--the colors!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of orange, it just doesn't work for me and I seldom see it look classy, it seems to give things a more casual look, which is fine for the beach.
ReplyDeleteAs for the leather garment bag, you are just asking for dishonest luggage handlers to either go through or outright steal your luggage. Unless you're flying on a private plane, nondescript luggage is best. I'm sure the orange won't cheer you up when half your stuff is missing.
I love Kiehl's products, especially the extra-strength hand cream. I wouldn't put eye cream all over my face, but I do use an evian mister during flights. It fits in my purse nicely and is very refreshing.
She did say "we made it..." about the hat so hopefully it is available.
Anon @ 7:34
ReplyDeleteI would think that brightly colored luggage would actually deter dishonest luggage handlers from stealing. There are dozens of luggage handlers checking bags, if one of the other baggage handlers is going to remember seeing something suspicious I would imagine that bright orange luggage would help jog their memory.
Love the choices, keeping it simple and light and easy to mix and match..... I too love Bobbie Brown pink lipcare.... (I splurged --desert bronze pink-- is gorgeous but $$$ $18 for chapstick!)..... eye cream on my face? I love Kiels-- but would not do that-- they have great suncare.... and the Rolex, well-- I guess my Tag will have to due... ;)
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 7:47 - I travel a lot and read the travel advisories for many countries. Often the entire team of baggage handlers are in on theft from passenger luggage so it's not as simple as one ratting out the other. Besides, there are reasons to manually check bags and if you've got something small (camera, cash, etc) inside the bag it's easy enough for the checker to remove it without being seen. You could report it missing at your destination but honestly, there is little recourse and action taken.
ReplyDeleteIt's a rampant problem that airlines and airports like to keep quiet, but if you travel a lot, you will know about it. They may like it so much they just take the entire bag. Google "theft from airline luggage" and you'll come up with 80K+ results.
Does she really wear that tiny bikini? Maybe I can wear one, too...
ReplyDeleteWho packs for the beach and doesn't include a sundress??
ReplyDeleteI like the style of the hat but don't like the yellow - it looks like it was spray painted on.
I don't care for the capris, either - and, that material couldn't possibly be comfortable on a hot/humid tropical day.
It irritates me that she sdvertises she wears a Rolex everyday.
FFM: I know what you mean about those sandals! Overpriced for what they are. I have last years version, which doesn't come up around the ankle and let me tell you ladies.....one of the most uncomfortable pair of sandals ever!!! That band across the front goes right over your toes in a funny spot and REALLY hurts. I do not recommend these, as they are essentially the same style.
ReplyDeleteOther than that, cute choices by Jenna. I have to agree though, that gold rolexes and the Turks and Caicos are a little out of most peoples reach, including mine. Oh well....we can dream!
xoxo,
ReplyDeleteAt this point doesn't everyone know to put all electronics and other small valuables (i.e. jewelry) in their carry on? I travel a lot and I've rarely heard of anyone's clothing getting stolen.
Anon@7:47
I don't know Jenna Lyons from a hole in the wall, but she has worked at J. Crew for the last 18 years (according to the article). She has worked her way to one of the top positions in her field and was listed as one of the 50 most influential people in fashion (blog entry from last year). Why shouldn't she wear a Rolex? Has the economy so soured people that successful people have to apologize for their luxury purchases. My goodness, shouldn't we be applauding a woman who has done so well for herself!
ReplyDeleteAlso - I really like the hat and have used eye cream all over my face for years. My mom taught me the trick. You just put a very thin layer. Eye cream is just really rich moisturizer anyway. Mom is 60 and often mistaken for my sister.
Wish I could afford the orange luggage, but not in my budget.
hi alexis, i am new to this blog.
ReplyDeleteyou are doing a great job!
i found another artikel about jenna lyons. it is on cookie magazins website(cookiemag.com). if you scroll down to most popular and readers top 5 you find the artikel:meet the mom behind jcrew!
HTH ina
That hat looks like a big ol' badminton birdie.
ReplyDeleteAnon at 9:36 - "artikel." Really???
ReplyDeletePeepers, you crack me up! I was thinking that the hat looks like a hard-boiled egg, but you're much more accurate.
ReplyDeleteOMG...I am DYING for that bag!
ReplyDeleteHi, I have received my T&L copy in the mail some time ago and I have a winter vacation coming up (in fact, I'm packing right now and leaving on Saturday, yeah), so when I saw the article I immediately looked for some of the items that catched my eye (the gauge shirt and the hat) but they're not in the stores yet. Bummer! However, as someone else already said, I don't understand the choice of the jacquard pants: they are way too heavy (they're lined) and I can't think of anything less practical to put in a vacation bag (unless you want to spend your vacation ironing). I bought a pair at the Jcrew sample sale for $20 and in my opinion they're not even worth this price, they have the most un-flattering fit ever (by the way: I was able to return them in store and get a store credit for the current selling price).
ReplyDeleteSo instead of the hat and shirt of the article I bought the rafia hat that is on the website which is absolutely stunning, the best beach hat ever (I'm not sure how I'm going to pack it though, it doesn't look collapsible. Any idea?) and the beaded tunic that was in the January catalog for $27(pretty nice but not worth the FP).
Xoxo, agree to what you pointed out. Speaking from personal experience, I did lose a few small items from dresses to shirts during the past three years of intense traveling. Now I always take a carry on garment bag with me to make sure the nicest clothes would be safe!
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion J.Crew clothes really can help make a person look more together or enhances their look. In this case, I think J.Crew clothes has helped Jenna look more appealing. There's something about her facial appearance that isn't quite attractive, but the J.Crew brand helped.
ReplyDeletexoxo and Chiffon Cupcake, I have also experienced clothing, gifts and shoes missing from my checked luggage. Of course, when you report it you fill out a form for insurance and I don't think anything ever happens as far as investigation. Especially if you're travels involve airport transfers. The airlines do not have the time or staff to do a thorough investigation for my lost $300 jacket.
ReplyDeleteI try to pack the most basic, plain clothing possible and carry on the best items. It's a good practice anyway if you are going to a poorer country. If you look rich, you are a target, and not just when travelling.
I agree, those pants are ridiculous to take to a hot, humid vacation. Probably just a plug for the item to help it sell.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 1:59, what was funny is I thought I was being absent-minded and was convinced I did not pack that dress/ did not pick it up at the dry cleaner/ my sister borrowed it when my stuff disappeared on arrival the first time. When it started happening repeatedly, I know why. And all luggages cannot be locked traveling to/ from the US since 9/11 definitely increases the chance of thefts.
ReplyDeleteI believe my job as a Flight Attendant, a 15 year veteran no less, leaves me with a few packing tips of my own.
ReplyDeleteBe sure to pack a pair of sunglasses that are one color and cannot translate easily from poolside to chic evening out.
Be sure to pack pants that are not only lined but silk so when something spills on them you are at the mercy of the Resort's Dry Cleaning Service.
Be sure to pack a hat that is so noticeable all of the resort can track your comings and goings all week long, including your bikini changes.
Be sure to invest in a bright orange garment bag so that when you are forced to check your bag(no matter who you are due to a full closet or overhead, etc.), it can get dirty and ripped.
But especially be sure to apply eyecream during the flight. I would hate for everyone who wears J.Crew clothing to arrive with skin that is hanging down around their metallic sandals.
HAHAHAHAHAhaaaaaaaaaa, thanks for the laugh!
ReplyDeleteAnon at 10:09 - "artikel" is article in several other languages. Perhaps the poster at 9:36 lives in a country where that is how it is spelled? How rude of you to be the Spelling Police. Maybe you should try to give the benefit of the doubt before you put people down. Anon at 9:36, I hope you stay and keep posting!!
ReplyDeleteina / Anon at 9:36 AM: Thank you so much for sharing that article with us. I will be sure to create a post with that for tomorrow morning. Also welcome to the blog! Please feel welcomed to comment anytime!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the lugano luggage in orange. I splurged last year and bought the entire set with 20% off and I love it!
ReplyDeleteOhh that's a garment bag. I'd love it as a cary-on lol
ReplyDeleteLove the tips from the Flight Attendant. Hilarious, yet I have witnessed some of them!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOMG the flight attendant's comment is hillarious!!!
ReplyDeleteI love that bag but I definitely wouldn't check it in (it could be nice for carry on though)
I also did NOT notice that the hat was multicolored. I am sitting here, reading other people's comments and thinking "why are they calling it an egg?" (I guess I was too tired when I saw it last night). Then I noticed white and yellow, and the egg comments made me laugh!
yeah, it does look like a fried egg. i am hungry...
ReplyDeleteFlight Attendant: Funny!!! I thought about my friend who packs for destination/non-leisurely trips with nothing but white and a lot of jewelry. We stand out wherever we go and her attire screams "Please rob me, I'm a wealthy American with not a lot of travel sense."
ReplyDeleteBut, re: Jenna -- let's face it. She makes some serious coin. And practicality is not a necessity when you're loaded.
^ Plus, that article was targete to the wealthy (if we have any left in the US with this economic meltdown). It was in T&L, not Frommer's travel -- which, unfortunately for me, is the travel periodical that is more suited to my income ;)
ReplyDelete^ Plus, that article was targete to the wealthy (if we have any left in the US with this economic meltdown). It was in T&L, not Frommer's travel -- which, unfortunately for me, is the travel periodical that is more suited to my income ;)
ReplyDeleteAh, sandals.
ReplyDeleteI've found that every pair of pretty gold sandals I have bought from J.Crew has been horribly uncomfortable & unwearable for one reason or another. Badly placed hardware & straps, super heavy wedge soles, dangerously slippery bottoms...they cannot possibly be road-testing these shoes before putting them out.
It's a shame- I simply will not buy J.Crew shoes anymore.
Good to know. My b&m doesn't carry size 11 shoes and every so often I am tempted to order a pair.
ReplyDelete