"Thanks!" to many of you, including green_dino (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew updated its home page (click here) with an Inspiration Board. They write: "Our designers are passionate about what they do- from their first sketches to custom colors to making sure each and every piece is perfect (right down to the last detail), especially when it comes to creating inaugural week outfits for the First Family. We are honored to have played a part in their historic week."
The images provide a glimpse into the process that J.Crew undertook to create the pieces that the First Family wore for Inauguration Day. Insights include:For the girls' inauguration outfits, we really wanted luxurious, cozy dresses- with a bit of fluff peeking out from the hem- in the most beautiful colors. The coats are inspired by our crewcuts Herbie coat, which was a favorite from our holiday collection. We're so happy with the way their outfits came out, and there are no words to describe how thrilled we were to see the girls in our clothes. -Jenny, Crewcuts Designer
Every we designed fro the girls became a true inspiration for us... so much so that we hope to include a few similar pieces in our upcoming crewcuts collections.
We loved the idea of a simple shell done in the most exquisite French metallic lace. The cashmere pencil skirt is a classic silhouette and the unique color of the sweater (it's called Golden Cypress) adds great contrast to the other pieces. -Tom, Women's Designer
We're always inspired by people who can effortlessly mix designer pieces with everyday pieces- it perfectly captures the aesthetic here at J.Crew.
What are your thoughts on the Inspiration Board? Do you like or dislike the concept and why? What would you have liked to have seen included? :)
Are they calling J. Crew a "designer piece" or an "everyday piece"? I'm not sure that I think they fit into either price point.
ReplyDeleteHere is a quote from Sean Gregory taken from his article in Time Magazine:
ReplyDelete*No matter how J. Crew plays it, the company won't be the only one seeking the First Daughters' approval. "This is just the beginning of four to eight years of marketing opportunities," says Cohen. "The First Lady's staff will be inundated with all kinds of products, offerings and gifts for the girls. Keeping up with them will be a full-time job." Right now, J. Crew is the lucky leader. That coat looked pretty cute on Rosebud, and plenty of kids will want to match her style.*
The entire article is Here .
FFM: Thanks for the article link! :)
ReplyDeleteAnon at 7:03AM: I thought the exact same thing you did- which one are they- weren't they moving towards the high end with the Collection line? But it could all work into J.Crew's master Collection marketing plan. They have always maintained they were entering the luxury market with more affordable (affordable for luxury of course) prices. ;)
Well, apparently the marketing tactics have worked; just saw J.Crew stock soared 10% yesterday!
ReplyDeleteI also think this is perfect timing for Mickey and the J.Crew Collection. It appears as if Michelle Obama has quite a following in Hollywood and the actors/actresses would be more than able to afford the Collection items, as well as pay full price for the rest of the J.Crew line.
ReplyDeleteGuess her skirt wasn't the blue double serge pencil skirt, although it looks close. A cashmere skirt would fee great!
ReplyDeleteOh, and also all of them that have kids now...that could be REALLY big for J.Crew with the Crewcuts line!
ReplyDeleteI wrote this in a earlier post, but I thought some of you might be interested in seeing some of my pics/ read my experiences from the inauguration. I have posted them on my blog here. Thanks!
ReplyDeletehttp://readthingshere.blogspot.com/
Hey! They took my idea of putting the information on the splash page to help avoid website traffic looking for the outfits.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice, I like it.
^ I mentioned this idea in a post yesterday evening...
ReplyDeleteI like seeing the sketches and hearing what the designers have to say, it's a nice insight into the creative side of jcrew. :)
ReplyDeleteIt may not be the bright blue double-serge pencil skirt, but we can certainly mimic the outfit with our own pieces. I like the swatch of blue herringbone that is on the website. I wonder if they will have skirts and jackets in that fabric this fall. I love herringbone and tweed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a boost for J.Crew. Yes, in a way it is sad for us JCAs. It's like, "Quick, pull up the ladder, they've found our clubhouse." :(
The girls are adorable. Designers may compete for them but I think J. Crew/Crewcuts really seems to suit their family :)
ReplyDeleteNot that I personally care, but this idea is a total take off from Kate Spade's home page. Not that Kate Spade's page is necessarily original. Whatever... I get ideas from both sites. But it just makes JCrew look obvious and lame.
ReplyDeleteOT: any comments on the fit of the cherie camis? I am afraid it would be too bulky in the middle, even if I size down. I am normally a size 4, but I take a size 2 in most J.Crew blouse-y things (e.g. victoria cami, harlow blouse, whisper lame zoe tank). TIA!
ReplyDeleteI should add that the hammered silk tank, even in a size 2, was too bulky around the middle when I tried it on. A size 0 wouldn't have fit in the shoulders though.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 9:05, what are you talking about???
ReplyDelete^ She means the splash page "What Inspires J.Crew (Every Day)". She is saying that is the same as Kate Spade's website.
ReplyDeleteI have seen similar many times and it is often the type of things you will see in a designer's portfolio so it is not new to Kate Spade either. Been around forever.
It's likely a response to promote the outfits and also maybe reduce the number of calls or website attempts to find the exact pieces.
OT - Piperlime is offering an additional 20% off sale items with code EXTRA. Through 1/24/09.
ReplyDeleteI have no qualms about paying J Crew prices for my own wardrobe, but I don't see myself buying too many crew cuts items. Why pay so much when the kids don't care, and are just going to hurl on it anyway?!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know what happened to the JCrewaholics blog? It's redirecting to the J.Crew homepage now!
ReplyDeletesweet pea, I totally agree. I don't see kids in school running aroun in crewcuts, and let's fact it, there just aren't that many occasions when kids need to be dressed up. I also question just how practical/affordable the clothes are for most parents, given that kids grow out of clothes in 6-8 months. On deep sale, sure, but not at full price. Lastly, can the clothes be machine washed? That's a HUGE factor in buying kids clothes (save overcoats & such).
ReplyDelete^ Meant to say, let's face it, not fact it :-)
ReplyDeleteThis morning on Good Morning America, they specifically named J. Crew and said that the amount of traffic yesterday looking for the First Girls' outfits crashed the site. Great publicity for J. Crew. I still won't pay for Crew Cuts, but the girls looked great.
ReplyDeleteI think the whole first family looked great. However, I would like JC to be "inspired" to fix their website so that regular Americans who actually pay for their clothes can order. I get all the hype, and the girls looked cute, but it's sad to think that all the extra traffic "crashed" their site. I mean, really, these "Stay Tuned" messages have been happening for 7 months now....well before the Obama's set foot on the National Mall for inauguration.
ReplyDeleteOT again, today only at Banana Republic online, extra 25% off sale items, use code TAKE25
ReplyDeleteYes, the site crashed ALL THE TIME well before the First Family brought extra traffic to it.
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew, fix your website!
I have always dressed my DS (turning 5 in a couple of weeks) pretty well, and he cares about looking neat already. I have always thought that I can't expect him to learn to make good clothing choices when he gets older and appreciate clothing, if he is not taught to as he grows up.
ReplyDeleteCrewcuts runs a bit short and wide for him, so we tend to buy other lables (such as Janie and Jack) with comparable price points. He has nice things, but probably has far fewer wardrobe items than most children.
The six to eight months that any one size (and season) fits DS, at this age, is plenty of time to wear out even the best clothing from normal use when a child only has what they need instead of a pile of ill-made, cheaper garments.
My only concern is that his items be mostly washable. I don't mind that his favorite blazer is dry-clean only as we have successfully spot cleaned it and it only gets dry cleaned occassionally.
That being said, I find the price points on some of the coats and other items to be truly outrageous.
I have loved crewcuts from its inception. The pieces are very well designed. I would say some are better quality than women's pieces. But to have coats priced at $300+ for kids who normally can wear these clothes for 1-2 seasons, is out of reach of many. Especially in this economic climate they seriously need to look their prices.
ReplyDeleteYes, it will help that they have managed the patronage of the first kids, but they need to maintain sales from average folks to continue.
I would love it if they bring their price points down. Until then, I just wait for a good sale before I buy.
My son wears a lot of Crewcuts. However, I prefer he be dressed nicely. I have a personal aversion to all the children running around in sweatpants and T-shirts all the time. It is not how I was raised and I do not want him to grow up thinking looking sloppy is OK. We are lucky that he attends private school with an enforceable dress code right now. I am sure dressing him correctly will become much more difficult when he starts public school in a few years. He'll want to look like all the other kids and we will have to fight that battle then.
ReplyDeleteI like how J. Crew is getting publicity from the outfits. They were quite adorable. I do laugh that they are being referred to as Crewcuts though. Face it, they just received a custom made wardrobe. It is as it should be for such a monumental occasion. However, I find it somewhat misleading for all involved to try to pass these clothes off as Crewcuts. This is an entirely different animal.
anon re: "He'll want to look like all the other kids and we will have to fight that battle then."
ReplyDeleteI don't mean this remotely meanly, but you do not stand a chance in this battle.
anon 11:34, yeah, that's what I've been thinking, too - people aren't going to find those exact items on crewcuts - and people will definitely be put off by the prices. I suspect we'll see jcrew's stock dive right back down again by next week, when interest peeters out.
ReplyDeleteFurther to Marietta's post, a lot of the sale items at BR are new spring markdowns, with 40% off taken at first markdown. With the extra 25% off I got some really good deals on new spring merch.
ReplyDeleteThe first family opting for jcrew is all well and good. BUT it would be nice if they can also start the trend of buying MADE IN USA. Rather than made in china and all the other places where jcrew et al employ 100,000s workers for pennies while we have the highest unemployment rate in decades at home.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought....
I will say this, and only this J. Crew and Crewcuts are both amazing, amazing lines that were created by extremely talented people. These two lines are not for everyone. They were made for people who truly love fashion, and see the bigger picture. Companies should be inspired by J. Crew's many successes.
ReplyDelete^are there clothes made in the US? There are clothes made in China, Phillippines, other third-world countries, and then there's couture made in France, Italy, other first-world countries. Honestly, who sells clothes that are made in the US?
ReplyDeletethanks for stopping by and posting at 12:05, jenna lyons :-)
ReplyDeleteall three of my boys (5, 5 and 2.5)wear crewcuts-but only bought on sale and mostly just the graphic tees. I have bought them a few pairs of critter pants and jeans on major clearance (back during the 6:45 AM updates, sniffle sniffle, how I miss those!)but their nicer pieces like button down shirts, jackets, cashmere? No way. too expensive and they would get destroyed. On sale, yes. And I like that I can coordinate them in different colors but the same style outfit. Thank goodness I dont have any girls-I'dbe in BIG trouble!!
ReplyDelete^Actually, J.Crew. I noticed the other day that some of my bootcut jeans were made in the U.S., but from imported fabric.
ReplyDeleteTextile industry in the U.S. has been dying for years. Even if a manufacturer wanted to mass produce in the U.S., it may have a difficult time finding a factory that could do it and do it with quality.
That said, I think that JC needs to clamp down on its foreign manufacturers when it comes to QC checks. Far too much shoddy merchandise is reaching customers. Its not good for the bottom line or the brand image.
PS: Manufacturing quality issues are not limited to JC. I've stopped buying anything from Crate and Barrel. I have encountered far too many damaged pieces of wood, missing parts, and far too much glue overspray. And dealing with their CS is a PIA. I just won't buy from them any more.
Completely OT
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have an internet code for Ann Taylor Loft, either additional discount or free shipping -- or both?
lilac cupcake:
ReplyDeleteI also wear a 2 in the camis.(hammered silk and quinn) so my ps told me to go ahead and get the cherie and zoey in a 2 as well.
my ps emailed me the measurements:
size 2
Chest Circumference 37.5 inches
Waist Circumference 38.75 in.
Sweep Circumference 42.5 in.
for a zero, subtract 1 inch from each and for a 4 add 1 inch.
HTH!
To anon @ 12:27 and all my fellow coupon lovers heres a great site I always go to for coupon codes.
ReplyDeletehttp://dealspl.us/
happy shopping.
Some older pieces I have from J.Crew were made in U.S.A. and also their former Clifford & Wills line had a lot of domestic-made items. A lot of hosiery is still made in U.S.A. and Canada.
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of J.Crew swimsuits that are made in Canada. I'm Canadian and we actually have a garment industry that is quite good and there are several stores that sell a lot of made in Canada: Le Chateau and Tristan for example. Our low Canadian dollar helps, I'm sure. But also the fact that a lot of Canadians (not everyone of course) prefer to buy Canadian and will look for the opportunity. One of my friends shops at Tristan almost exclusively for this reason.
It would be wonderful if quality garments could be made domestically and still be affordable. Perhaps there are some innovators out there who will bring some of the business back onshore.
I like the sketch with the white pants, shirt and pink coat. It would be great if they made a light pink trench coat. I'd be first in line for that one.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Ashley!
ReplyDeleteThese 2 bags are inspiring me to buy, but I can't decide. I want something I can use for day to day. I like a larger bag although I never fill them up. I've done searches on both bags and they both get good reviews. So I'm stuck and can't decide. The price is right for either of them. TIA!
ReplyDeleteClick Here For Owen Hobo
Click Here For Ivory Uptown tote
Anonymous @ January 22, 2009 11:34 AM:: I agree with you about how you want to teach your son to dress. I disagree he'll want to look like everyone else. I have been dressing my son nice, foregoing the oversized sweats & team jerseys from the getgo. At the ripe old age of seven, he picks out his nice clothes for the appropriate occasions. I also make a point of commenting on sloppy dressers to him. He does wear sweats, etc. to play & has clothes for getting dirty but he doesn't look like a bum. I also try to dress each day even though we don't go anywhere to set an example for him. (I wish I could say as much for the 'straightness' factor of my house!)
ReplyDeletedani:
ReplyDeleteI recently saw the tote IRL and was surprised at the size...I don't know why, but I expected it to be bigger. Not sure it that helps, but just letting you know :)
If you plan to get a lot of stuff in and out of the bag, maybe a tote is easier? Although, tote would be less secure because of the open top style.
Ha! I don't think I'm helping you at all! Sorry :) They're both cute.
OT: Banana Republic has some purses on sale right now. Does anyone have any experience with their purses? I'm eyeing the Flatiron medium shoulder bag in chalk/white (every purse I own is brown leather!). I have a 20% off coupon for today so the price would be really good. Any thoughts?
ReplyDeletePersonally I think it's far more important to teach little children the value of honesty and solid learning skills rather than instill in them an early sense of materialism.
ReplyDeleteAs a J.Crew aficionada I can't be anything but happy that the first family chose JCrew for the inaugural. I personally didn't like the blue coat on Sasha (I thought it was a weird color especially paired with black), but I'm sooo happy for all the hype and attention that the event has drawn to the brand. JCrew is the quintessential american brand to me and the first family incarnates the modern version of the american dream come true, they are a perfect match. Long life to JCrew and the first family!!!
ReplyDeleteRe: Uptown tote.
ReplyDeleteI bought the uptown tote in burgandy a couple of years ago and I love it when I need a bigger bag. I don't really use it as an every day "pocketbook," but I tend to use smaller handbags than most people.
If I am going somewhere and need to bring a camera, water bottle or notepad along, I shove it into the uptown tote, and use a small Vera Bradley bag in the tote to organize my wallet, keys and phone -- otherwise they get kind of lost.
I just ordered the vachetta uptown tote to use in warmer months.
dani california - I have both the Uptown and Owen and use each for different purpose.
ReplyDeleteThe Uptown is definitely a tote and not a purse per se. You can use the snaps to close the top in and it is a little more secure and purse-like. You just open the snaps to give yourself more room when you need it. It's great for running errands and holding a lot of stuff. It only has one interior zipper pocket so offers little help for organization but it does allow you to pack a lot in there. It sits easily on your shoulder, over your arm or carried by the straps. I have it in aqua and use it at least once a week.
The Owen is more of a purse and has a magnetic snap closure to provide some security. It has two inside pockets and is lined. I've read some JCAs mention the horn handle takes some getting used to if you wear it on your shoulder as it is solid. For a purse, it can hold quite a bit, but not nearly as much as the Uptown.
Both are classic pieces IMO. Depends on what you need more, a purse or a tote.
BTW - the Uptown totes are all shown with the snaps done up except item # 78082 in Golden Yellow Maple.
ReplyDeleteOh, and the Multicolor in the mannequin shot.
anon 2:16
^ sorry, lemon-lime, not golden yellow maple.
ReplyDeleteI paid full price for my Uptown tote last spring and I don't ever regret it. So useful. I never had a tote besides a beach bag before and I find I reach for it more and more often. I don't like large purses but there are times when you need to carry more and backpacks are so hideous.
ReplyDeleteDani, the Owen is just toooooo fabulous. I want you to get it so I can live vicariously...
ReplyDeleteWhat colours are you thinking about?
Lilac Cupcake: I reviwed the Cherie cami on my blog. I have the P0 hammered silk tank which fits great. I also got P0 for Victoria camis but can wear the regular 0 - I just prefer the smaller armholes.
ReplyDeleteThe petite (for the polka dot cherie) is a little shorter but not too much a difference in the arm hole size.
I think the cut of the Cherie would accomodate larger arms and bust more so than the hammered silk - the CS has all the measurements so you can imagine how billowy it is.
Dani in California-the J Crew @ Mayfair Mall in WI has the tote - it is cream with a Navy lining and I believe is $139 + 30%. 414-302-0800.
ReplyDeleteFYI -the other aficionadas that love crewcuts- Crewcuts FS section is 50% off!!! Not sure how long it lasts?
Twiga
I have bought my 7 yr old daughter many Crewcuts pieces over the years. They are overall very cute, and good quality. Other than swimwear (which is adorable), I have not paid full price (and would never pay it) for Crewcuts items. I don't feel they are worth it. I buy many European children clothing (made in Europe, not in China like JCrew) and you can definitely tell the difference...
ReplyDeleteAs for the Obama girls wearing JCrew, I have mixed feelings. If I were the First Lady, I would have also picked JCrew to dress my daughters, and their outfits were very cute (except for the orange shade, I did not like the pink/orange combination). However, I'm afraid that this will result in a further increase of JCrew prices and less available inventory at reasonable prices for people like us aficionadas who actually pay for their clothes!
ashley and jcbellemarie: Thank you so much! I went with the size 2, which looks like it will work out. I am thinking about ordering the petite in the polka dot, so that info was helpful too. I appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteWith the publicity J Crew is receiving, I really believe this will increase prices, and we will be forced to pay fp because the items will sell out very fast.
ReplyDeleteLauren H: I have a BR leather bag. I've received it as a Xmas present 3 years ago and for 3 years I wore it almost every day and it still looks very beautiful. The leather quality is great. Here is Ebay item
ReplyDelete180321866281 that has the same color and leather quality as my bag.
casual-crew: True. But this also means J.Crew will have a higher chance of surviving compare to other retail stores.
ReplyDeletedani_california: I agree with smarty about the size of the bag. The way this bag is pictured on the site and in the catalog it appears bigger than is real life. I bought this bag and I like it. I did not want a huge bag but big enough to fit my small Apple laptop. Just so you know this tote is not lined. For some people it is an issue. I personally think this bag does not need one. HTH
ReplyDeleteJC makes very adorable kids clothings. I don't have kid otherwise I would be buying them stuff from JC. However, on sale only - I cannot see myself paying $100 for cashmere sweater kid size when a similar sweater adult size costs as much.
ReplyDeleteKatherine Heigl from Grey's in J Crew..I believe it is the Victoria cami and the spotted cardigan! http://theskinnywebsite.com/site/2009/01/22/new-katherine-heigl-photos/
ReplyDeletelilac cupcake, no prob - you're welcome! I was going to return a P2 Yellow Polka Dot to the store (currently sold out online). It's super cute but I have to draw the line at having THREE of the Cheries!
ReplyDeleteLet me know ASAP if you are interested and I could mail it to you for $55 in a priority flat envelope. jcbellemarie at gmail.
People, get over yourselves! We are not the only ones in America that purchase J Crew! This whole Obama thing will not increase prices and it will be a passing thing. You either like J Crew or you don't. I don't think too many people are going to start shopping at a store just because of one person (famous or not). Especially not in these economic times. Most of you are being really selfish as if you own J Crew. You are about 1%of J Crew's sales! Please stop the whining....
ReplyDeleteI filled up my shopping cart this morning and by lunch only two items were still in stock. These clothes are flying off the shelves! I need to start ordering when I fill up my shopping cart, instead of waiting a few hours to think about it :) You snooze you lose, I guess
ReplyDeleteLauren H: I cannot praise BR bags enough!! The y are very well made and the leather is gorgeous!! I went to BR today to get the flatiron tote since it's on promo for 30%off and I had an additional coupo. For 25% off using my BR card. Unfortunately they didn't have it in store. If you are going to the store I believe you can use your coupon on top of the promo price! You are getting a steal on that bag...run, don't walk to your nearest BR! LOL!
ReplyDeleteOT: BR just did store markdowns today. I got 2 pair of shoes, a gorgeous bangle, a bauble necklace, a silk dress, a metallic brocade sheath dress, a silk top, a pair of white jeans, a silk skirt (similar to the bells) and a long merino cardi for under $170!!! Ridiculous sale. I highly recommend going.
I think some mommies are going to log on to the J Crew website and be shocked at how much some of the Crewcuts outfits cost.
ReplyDeleteI don't think many people realize how pricey J Crew can be if you don't get it on sale. I really do think that a lot of people are going to be turned off by the high prices.
wow leslie! congrats on such a great deal for only $170! you got a ton of stuff!
ReplyDeleteSorry for all my typos on the above post. I'm posting from my phone and the auto correct feature is driving me crazy!!
ReplyDeleteanon 3:50: The kids are already setting a trend according to ABC news, one of the girls put something on the back of her backpack and there was an increase in sales. When Michelle Obama wore the yellow cardigan on a talkshow the cardigan sold out in days.
ReplyDeleteAs for the increase in prices less inventory sometime in early 2009 + more people = greater demand for their items less opportunity for the item to get reduced.
As for being selfish? - I don't see making a comment about rising prices to be selfish, personally I am purchasing alot less of J Crew so I really do not give a rats behind, I am just stating my opinion. AT least I put a name to my opinion and do not hide behind Anon.
Lauren H - today only at Banana Republic online, extra 25% off sale items, use code TAKE25
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone that gave me input about the Uptown and the Owen.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to go for the Uptown. I think it will work better for my on-the-go life!
Twiga - I'm going to call that store right now!
My personal opinion (and just that): they're pushing it a bit with these daily updates.
ReplyDelete1. A lot of people LOVE JCrew clothing anyway
2. everyone will want to know what Michelle Obama and her daughters wore on this important day, they don't need to advertise it this much...
Hey guys!
ReplyDeleteJust browsed the New Haven, CT store.
-chiffon rosette belts (fuschia) 4.99
-satin rosette belts (black/grey, brown/pink, yellow/grey) for 6.99
-bejeweled feather sash belt (clay, black) 12.99
-wool earmuffs (citron) 14.99
-wide patent leather belt (dusty rose) XS/S 12.99
-wide patent leather belt (yellow) S,M,L 12.99
-patent leather belt (root, orange), size M 6.99
-one gold metallic belt, size L 6.99
-distressed 1 in leather belt 19.99
-metallic sheath collection dress, size 10 229.99
-oshawa glittens (black, white, papaya) 19.99 but i'm pretty sure are 9.99
-cable ballet slippers with pom pom (pink, white, citron), size 6,7,8,9 19.99
All with 30% off and %15 for educators.
there were three jar fulls of the rosette and feather belts, two whole baskets of earmuffs (estimated 30), a basket of ballet slippers, and about 10 patent belts (wide and thin).
hope you JCA's snag these good deals!<3
Has anyone seen the regular (non-fuzzy) earmuffs for sale, and in what color? My local stores have all cleared them out.
ReplyDelete^ new haven, CT has normal earmuffs in citron. they're the non-explosion-of-fur ones... :)
ReplyDeleteBooooooo! Just got the dreaded "News about your Jcrew order" email. Just once I'd like good news included in that email, like "your entire order is free" or "we've been secretly holding some awesome bargains for you and we're including them with your order because we love you". Not bad news "your item is cancelled"
ReplyDeleteHere's an interesting article regarding the Obamas and J Crew from the Wall Street Journal's "HEARD ON THE RUNWAY" page:
ReplyDeleteJanuary 22, 2009, 5:50 pm
J.Crew’s Continuing Obama Moment
Even though the inauguration is over, J.Crew Inc. is still hoping to see its clothing pop up in White House photo opps.
The label, which specially designed coats for 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha to wear on Inauguration Day, says it created a total of 15 ensembles for Michelle Obama and her daughters for possible use during inaugural events. So far, the two children have worn two sets each and Mrs. Obama has worn one to inaugural festivities.
The first lady’s team had approached J.Crew in November about submitting sketches of outfits for the family, says Jenna Lyons, the label’s creative director. The brand was given more details on what the children liked and invited to submit more sketches in December, Ms. Lyons says. (A spokeswoman for Mrs. Obama could not be reached for comment.)
“Malia, she likes pleats and pared-down things and is not a huge fan of sparkles, but little Sasha loves bright colors and sparkly things,” says Ms. Lyons, who says her team submitted 20 sketches based on the details they received.
Producing the ensembles after J.Crew got the green light from the Obamas in mid-December was no small feat – the label makes many of its coats and clothing in Hong Kong but because those factories were closed for the holidays, the company ended up making the pieces in New York, Ms. Lyons says. Also, the label was up against a tight deadline – it had to send the clothing to the Obamas by early January, she says.
Adding to the challenge was the fact that, the volume of items that J.Crew had to produce on short notice was significant — each ensemble comprised about six pieces as they came with extra items such as an additional skirt or pair of pants that could be swapped in to create a different look, Ms. Lyons says.
“It was crazy,” Ms. Lyons says. “But it was an electric environment here internally—we didn’t know if they were going to wear any of it, but it felt very exciting.” Although the team never communicated directly with Mrs. Obama, they wanted to wish her and her daughters well, says Ms. Lyons. “We tucked little notes in the coat pockets saying, ‘Congratulations, we love you guys!’”
Ms. Lyons notes that the items created were not a gift and that Mrs. Obama will be charged for the clothing. The bonus that J.Crew gets, of course, is the connection with the first family on Inauguration Day. The company sent out a press release about the coats on Tuesday, published its sketches for the Obamas on Jcrew.com today and plans this fall to introduce coats in its crewcuts by J.Crew line that are similar to the ones Malia and Sasha wore on Tuesday.
“They’ll be versions of them but not the exact coat, in that color, with those buttons,” Ms. Lyons says. “Malia and Sasha will not go to school next year and see the girl next to them wearing the same coat.”
– Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan
Sorry to take up the web page with my copied article! Next time I'll just provide the link. :]
ReplyDeleteIt is very tacky the way Jcrew is advertising Mrs. Obama and the children's clothing. I think most people can see through this.
ReplyDeleteFFM-thanks for the link this morning
ReplyDeleteAmy 5:28p-you are funny:)Great to have a sense of humor about it--cause what else can you do?!
Meredith--thanks for that insider's peek, too!
ReplyDeletecasual-crew, believe it or not, some people don't know how or don't have the patience to create an ID. Posting as Anon is just so much easier, it's not necessarily done to hide.
ReplyDeleteReally, a person could make up a new ID each time they made a snarky post if they wanted to. It's just an ID, it's not like you get to see the person IRL.
Anon at 6:18...I agree that J Crew will soon have to stop riding the Obama wave before it turns sour. It will soon start to seem tacky, something contrary to J Crew's image.
ReplyDeleteexcited to see J-Crew step it up a bit. While I definately love their fashions, the added pressure to create this high end line I think is exciting.It could really change things up. I loved the coats and I am sure that this next fall some really amazing things will pop up due to the first lady.
ReplyDeleteAmy:I'm sorry your item got canceled but your post was really funny! :) Thanks for the laugh! I hope you eventually get your item.
ReplyDeleteVic, Marietta, Leslie: Thanks for your help! I ordered the Flatiron bag today : )
ReplyDeleteOn another note, J. Crew cancelled my order for the navy travel trench. Grrrr....
amy, you are funny. :) I don't want to check my email because I am afraid to see the "News about your order"
ReplyDeleteLee: Did they have any outerwear (lucille)? Any candy tees? Any boots? I may go to NH tomorrow. TIA!
ReplyDeleteWow, who got the Janelle cashmere sweater for 159.99? I'm jealous-those went fast!
ReplyDeleteI know this is OT, but it shows an interesting contrast between the people on this blog and other Americans. There is a Forbes article about businesses that will not make it through 2009 and the article quotes a recent survey stating that 1/3 of respondents plan to make NO clothing purchases in 2009. That number is usually around 4%. Can most of us imagine going a whole year without making a clothing purchase? I know I can't
ReplyDeleteanon 7:44- If you can do it, it would be a very smart thing to do, so many people in my city have been laid off this month from all types of jobs.
ReplyDeleteI know this is ridiculous, but I had been waiting for the bottle sequin jacket to go for a second markdown. I am a sucker for sequins and loved the idea of the graduated size and the unusual color. Had checked the website for it EVERYDAY and was convinced that it would get another markdown as all sizes were left. Well, went to check today and poof. Vanished into thin air. Where oh where can my green sequins be?
ReplyDeleteLauren H:
ReplyDeleteI have last season's flatiron tote from BR and absolutely LOVE it; it is my go-to bag. Very well made- great leather and nice silk lining. definitely worth the price, IMO.
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ReplyDeleteHey everyone,
ReplyDeleteDue to some law suit, everyone can get free makeup at the mall. I have more info on my blog but I went today and its totally legit!
I miss being a little kid and getting to wear pink and orange together. That was so cute. I liked the color combination. Malia looked nice, too.
ReplyDeleteIs anyone looking for a pair of Lucie D'Orsay pumps in platinum gold, size 8? I have a BN pair I'd like to find a new home for. Contact me at iyl82 AT yahoo DOT com.
ReplyDeleteBirdE - It is totally legit. It is at major department stores and lasts until Monday or as supplies last. It is a class action settlement.
ReplyDeleteWell, now that I think about it I don't miss being a little kid, but that outfit was cute. I wonder if I could put together a color combination like that and get away with it, but not likely.
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ReplyDeletegot this email update on the sample sale... select reductions
ReplyDeleteall Men's & Women's tee's & polo shirts (reg. to $34.50) $10, now any 2 for $15
all Men's Thomas Mason for J. Crew shirts (reg. to $125) $35, now any 2 for $60
all Men's & Women's cashmere sweaters (reg. to $198) now $50
all Women's basic dresses (reg. to $168) now $45
all Women's suits now $100 [blazers (reg. to $238) now $60, pants (reg. to $138) now $40]
other select reductions available, too
New Shipment Update
We received new shipments of over 10,000 pieces for Men, Women & Kids* over the past three days. Including tee's, shirts, polo's, sweaters, cashmere, pants, dresses, blazers, outerwear and more.
We will be receiving an additional shipment Friday afternoon & Saturday morning of 5,000 pieces that will include stock merchandise and lots of cashmere.
* Because the sale features sample inventory, crewcuts styles cannot be worn by children under 3.
F I N A L 3 D A Y S
Hours:
Friday January 23 10 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday January 24 11 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday January 25 11 am - 5:00 pm
Dressing rooms will be closed for the duration of this sale.
Our entrance and selling floor closes up to 30 minutes prior to close of store.
Amelia
ReplyDeleteI wear my Martine in pink with orange trim and I feel fabulous and flirty-he, he :)
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ReplyDeleteprice reduction at the sample sale and new shipments!!
ReplyDeleteall Men's & Women's tee's & polo shirts (reg. to $34.50) $10, now any 2 for $15
all Men's Thomas Mason for J. Crew shirts (reg. to $125) $35, now any 2 for $60
all Men's & Women's cashmere sweaters (reg. to $198) now $50
all Women's basic dresses (reg. to $168) now $45
all Women's suits now $100 [blazers (reg. to $238) now $60, pants (reg. to $138) now $40]
other select reductions available, too
We received new shipments of over 10,000 pieces for Men, Women & Kids* over the past three days. Including tee's, shirts, polo's, sweaters, cashmere, pants, dresses, blazers, outerwear and more.
We will be receiving an additional shipment Friday afternoon & Saturday morning of 5,000 pieces that will include stock merchandise and lots of cashmere.
soooo sorry i repeated that!!
ReplyDeleteBug Pin - I hear you. I'll bet I could come up with something. I like it when people mix color combinations that are not always common.
ReplyDeleteAlexis--- have you seen the article in the NY Times?
ReplyDeletehttp://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/21/j-crew-gets-a-seat-at-the-inauguration/?ref=fashion
If that link doesnt work... its on the Fashion & Style page
Anon @ 7:32:
ReplyDeleteNew Haven had tons of black peacoats (all sizes) but no lucilles! They used to have them in the fall, I tried one on... it was lovely. I also put a ivory peacoat on hold in size medium, if you want it. BTW peacoats are 99.99 plus 30% off (ahh!). They also have a Kate flannel dress in 0 and 12 (I have an 8 NWT that I'm willing to part with) for 39.99. Some jersey dresses. Lots of white/orange candy tees (I think 24.99) and the Safari, Bon Voyage shirts, same price. I'm surprised they have so many accessories... :)
Come to NH!
I thought the girls looked fabulous and would have been absolutely shocked if J. Crew had not promoted their custom pieces...it's business! I am glad to hear their stock went up as well.
ReplyDeleteALSO:
ReplyDeleteOne pair ofsuede Brewster in acorn, size 7 1/2 (99.99). A pair of poppy juliet mid heels for 79.99. So many cords. Super 120s Blair dress in both purple and black for 59.99. I mean... they just have STUFF!
I don't think they are exploiting the girls.
ReplyDeletePeople are just fascinated with new things, and it's been a while since they have kids in the white house.
I thought the outfits were nice in terms of style and color. Having a boost like this will help them stay in business, I hope.
Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that I saw a couple of platinum sheath dresses and pencilskirts on sale at the King of Prussia location outside of Philadelphia today. I was in a hurry so I forgot to look at the sizes (larger, I believe) I know these are sort of hard to find items, so wanted to let everyone know.
ReplyDeleteAnon at 3:47, and Katherine Heigle is wearing the necklace I just bought at the B&M tonight
ReplyDeleteLee, thank you very much!! I will try to get there today!
ReplyDeleteI love jcrew and I adore the Obamas what a great combo!
ReplyDelete