Tuesday, February 10, 2009

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 numerous requests on styling J.Crew's "new arrivals" in the "Dear FFM: Help Put Together A J.Crew Outfit For Me" post!

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! :)

79 comments:

  1. I love that first outfit with the dusty rose shoes and belts. It's almost making me want to get the coat too. But I'm on a bit of a shopping hiatus (except for a suit that I need).

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  2. I love all of them! Another fabulous job!! If you have a chance, could you make one with the library cardi in pewter? I like it with a white tee, but I can't figure out what else would go. Thanks a million!!

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  3. I'm stuck on what to pair with my Metallic-flecked pencil skirt. If you could give me any suggestions, it would be great. I live in Canada so it's pretty cold right now and I'm a teacher so I do not wear tops that are revealing. Thanks!

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  4. As always-beautiful:)
    Twiga

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  5. As usual your sets are awesome. You have learned a lot for you. I have a few requests:

    Styling - organge organza skirt

    Sizing - How do the Safari mid-heels run. I see a pair a half-size higher on ebay that I am watching.

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  6. ffm: I agree with Michelle the pewter color for a top is hard to match, I have tried to put color with it and it just looks off. What colors do you suggest? I have it in tees, Saturday pants, cocktail capris, and the new hoody sweatshirt.

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  7. Michelle and casual-crew: The Light Pewter can be worn as a neutral with many colors: Navy, Shell, Charcoal, Black, Bright Fuchsia, Melon, Citron Yellow, Dusty Rose, Warm Blush, Key Lime, Guava, and even Brown (The Sartorialist has pics of Light Gray and Brown worn together in Paris Click Here and Here . Even though the pics are of men, the color concept is the same.) My personal favorite color with Light Pewter is Pale Pink. HTH! :)

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  8. I am stuck on what to wear with the light gray silk dupioni skirt. Any suggestions?

    Thanks!!! I get most of my outfit ideas from your blog...

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  9. Hi all! Another amazing job by FFM! BTW, for anyone considering the crackle metallic Claudia pump, I've got a mini review on my blog and some IRL pics - IMO they run large!

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  10. Oh, one more thing, I just got the linen aubrey (the new arrival one on sale right now) and it is lovely, but IMO it suns a wee bit small in the shoulders. If you are broad shouldered you may want to consider sizing up. It is a great little jacket - cute with jeans or a skirt. And, it looks lovely cinched with a belt!

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  11. Sale section has been updated

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  12. FFM - Will you do something with some fun ideas on the current snow leopard cardigan and/or the snow leopard tartine cardigan?

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  13. As always - beautiful job, FFM! You inspire me to take a good look in my closet and re-think how I can wear things/put items together! THANKS!

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  14. Love! I'd be interested in your ideas for the metallic Phoebe jacket. I work for a non-profit and so am interested in casual, work appropriate looks. So far Im thinking of trouser jeans and a longer black turtleneck - but that's it! TIA

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  15. Thank you so much FFM! I would have never thought to pair grey with the brown but I LOVE it!! It has taken me years to move into colors but you have definitely helped!!

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  16. FFM -- good suggestion to think of light pewter as a neutral. :-)

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  17. I have tons of light pewter tops, and I've always paired it with cream/ivory. It's a very soft look.

    I like the mint green skirt in the spring look (#11804), but can't think of another color to pair it with. I don't want to look like an easter egg. Any ideas?

    -South Bay Addict

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  18. totally OT, but does anyone have any thoughts on the Pembridge-dot Camilla dress? One popped up in my size and it seems very pretty. How is the fit? thanks!

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  19. Jenn:

    I did a polyvore set with the snow leopard tartine. I stink at posting html, so here is the link to copy and paste.
    http://www.polyvore.com/blue_yellow_brown...they_can_go/set?id=6300128

    I am sure FFM has some great ideas up her sleeve, but I wanted to add one more!

    Dina.

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  20. Jenn:

    AGH! Sorry...the link is wrong, pasted poorly in the comment section.

    Tell you what, go to polyvore, go to my name "dinagideon" and it is called "blue, yellow, brown...they can go together."

    Sorry again!
    Dina.

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  21. The pembridge dot camillia dress is very pretty, butit accentured the stomach area a bit too much on me. I opted for the skirt in the same fabric and loved it.

    - South Bay Addict

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  22. OT, but is the Gap Final Sale new? I've only known JC to do Final Sale. On the Gap Final Sale page: "No returns or exchanges online or in stores"!! Whoa, if this catches on, that'd be a death of shopping.

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  23. Gap has added a new category of sale items: "New! Final Sale".

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  24. FFM- will you add some more IRL pics to your blog please?

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  25. FFM, you rock, as always! :) I like the pop of soft pastel color of the belt and pumps. It is disarmingly cute.

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  26. Thanks Dina! I love your set! I'm blonde, and yellow makes me look ghastly, so I'm always jealous of those who can wear it. :) Your set gives me a bunch of other ideas of colors to put it with. I have to be dressy for work (or in a suit), but I also want to wear the cardi with jeans. Have you found it's a versatile piece?

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  27. Hi Jen! I've done several sets with the Snow Leopard Cardigan, both casual and dressier: Click Here , Here , Here , and Here . I personally think the Snow Leopard Cardigan is beautiful and extremely versatile. :)

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  28. Jenn:

    You are welcome. I am a dark blonde, maybe that is why I can get away with yellow. Who knows?

    I love my tartine cardigans...I have another one in pewter. I bought those two specifically because they work so well with other colors.

    I love to pair my pewter one with yellow, pink, teal, orange, and gold. I pair the leopard with yellow, blue, red, dark pink, and teal.

    The pewter could be mixed with printed tops and bottoms, too.

    I hope this helps. Have fun playing around with colors!

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  29. Thanks again everyone!


    Anon @1:02: I will be including more IRL pics on my blog this week. :)

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  30. Michelle - I wear gray with pink often and it looks great. I also find it works well with orange, red, purple and blue.

    I don't want to open the orange and black discussion again, I just want to say that I love the way orange and gray work together. It softens the orange, especially very bright shades like the cerise Victoria cami. IMO it brings the orange up a level from fun to more serious/classy.

    JMHO - I would never tell anyone else what NOT to wear. Apparently that job is already taken.

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  31. Love all the outfits FFM! I wish I had you on those mornings when I am standing in the closet clueless about what I am going to wear.

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  32. Quick Fit Question

    Saturday pant - TTS or Size up? Can you tell me if you bought them in store or online when you comment please?

    TIA

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  33. size up on the saturday pants. especially if you are going for a light color.

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  34. FFM- I love your sets, you have inspired many purchases! Any suggestions for the Paradise jacquard pant in bright canteloupe (how's that for subtle?)They had them paired with the men's dark chambray work shirt, but I am looking for other ideas. THANKS!

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  35. Saturday pants should be eating-at-Chilly's pants. Pants that I feel comfortable tooting in.

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  36. anon 3:20: I ordered 2 pairs of Saturday Pants in 2 different sizes, I ended up sending the bigger size back, they were too loose in the waist, and in the leg.
    HTH

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  37. Pamela Anderson - 2 funny! Never been to Chilly's, but I've done the other thing. (*_*)

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  38. It sounds like Saturday pants may be one of those things where I have to buy 2 sizes and try them at home. I am small on the bottom with a small waist and not curvy at all. I wonder if one's shape would determine the TTS or SU/SD factor with these pants.

    How are people liking the fit, are these a keeper?

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  39. FFM / Alexis,
    Sorry to go OT with my questions about the Saturday pants. I love your sets FFM and usually check out your OOTD. Unfortunately I'm in Canada so can't always imitate but I get some great ideas.

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  40. anon 4:37: If you are not curvy the smaller size or your regular size should be fine, I found the pants to be tighter in the hips, but not enough for me to size up. To be sure I would call CS for the measurements.

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  41. I forgot to add if you buy the lighter color Stacey is right you might want to size up because you can see the pockets on the lighter colors. I got pewter you cannot see the pockets.

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  42. Sizing up for toots is preferred by 2/10 Canadians.

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  43. Does anyone know if the Ingrid patterned-fabric peep toes are TTS? I usually wear a 5.5, but the smallest there is is a 6. Any chance these run small?

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  44. Does anyone know what happened to "the professor" who used to post on here?

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  45. I wonder if the posters with the potty humor happen to have a small child at home? Just curious, the little ones seem to find that type of humor particularly hilarious. Not that I wasn't LOL about the 2/10 comment. tee hee.

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  46. These posts have made me laugh, because yesterday I had beans for lunch, and then tooted (quietly, though) my entire two-hour flight in the evening. Thankfully the seat next to me was empty.

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  47. I vaguely remember some rude comments made by anonymous posters in response to something the Professor posted and it was after this that the Professor disappeared. Too bad because I like reading her posts.

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  48. Does anyone have the silk dupioni skirt in fuschia? How do you wear it? I bought this color as I like pink and I thought it was fun. It is a bit brigher IRL than online but I decided to keep it. So far I have worn with white Seize the Day chiffon tee, black glitter dot merino cardi (from last year) and black textured tights and John Fluevog ankle boots. I also put together a spring outfit - skirt, grey ribbon tank (from last year - has binding and a bow at one side of the front strap), silver distressed metallic MJ (Collection item 07 I think) and the domino dot jacquard jacket from last Summer. It looked surprisingly good....thoughts? I can post a pic if anyone wants. I feel like the skirt will be easier to style in spring and summer with bare legs, but would like to wear it now too. Although it was photographed in the catalog with the orange IRL I think it is a bit much in this combo...
    A :)

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  49. Hey y'all - so I have a question that I'm sure some of the stylish ladies here can help me with. I just found out that I've been invited to go down to Atlanta two weeks from now as part of an accepted students weekend with the graduate program in history at Emory. My dilemma is that I will have to take a very early morning flight to Atlanta, and go straight from the airport to a professional lunch followed by meetings with faculty, a campus tour, wine and cheese reception, and then dinner with my potential adviser. Needless to say, I need an outfit that will be cute, comfortable, and versatile and appropriate for the situation. I would be so thankful if someone could give me some tips! Thank you thank you thank you in advance!

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  50. It's too bad when regulars get run off by gutless anon posters.

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  51. Julia, do you have anything in boucle? I find boucle wonderful for travel, because it doesn't wrinkle, and it is professional looking. I have a black boucle suit that I've gotten miles and miles out of.

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  52. Hi Julia,

    Having to be dressed before flying is always a dilemma. I am wondering if you have any cashmere dresses? I wore the cashmere flora in grey with grey textured tights, black ankle boots and violet tulip coat, floral chiffon scarf, on the plane recently. I got several compliments. If you have a cashmere dress it will survive fine on the plane and you could even take different shoes if you wanted, then dress it up with a sheer scarf of some sort and a coat that you can take off? Other dresses/skirts in other fabrics may get creased on the plane and you won't feel so 'put together'. Of course you could also do a dress pant and wear a nice top and jacket too - all JC pants are too big for me so I mostly wear skirts and dresses.
    Let us know what you come up with.
    A :)

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  53. This dicussion reminds of that Bluefly commercial with the woman going naked through airport security save a pair of pumps. Makes me laugh every time :-)

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  54. I know this doesn't have anything to do with this post, but has anyone gotten the 3 in a row for the Honeymoon Sweepstakes??? I always get 2 in a row...it's so frustrating. Can you imagine the $2000 gift card?

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  55. Anon @ 5:27 try the fuschia skirt with a gray top and shoes. Or you could wear gray tights and shoes with a soft white or light pink cardi buttoned up on top. I love pink and gray, especially transitioning from winter to spring when I don't want to be all brights just yet.

    Julia, I have worn my double-serge pencil skirt on a six-hour flight and it held up very well and was very comfortable due to the higher waist and longer length. I would wear it with a twinset or shorter wool jacket and blouse or dressy tee. Understated accessories and a flashy scarf you can throw on to add some fun if the situation calls for creativity or warmth. As a student you don't necessarily have to wear the full uniform suit and I'd recommend wearing something you find comfortable, both in fit and personality. It will give you one less thing to worry about during a stressful although fun day.

    Best of luck to you.

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  56. Thanks y'all! I'm thinking I might wear a pair of khaki trousers with a cardigan and tshirt underneath and wear my Tory Burch flats that I know are comfortable. How is the fit on the stretch bistro pants and, more importantly, will they survive the day? You all are amazing! <33

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  57. Hi all! Well, I am Canadian, but I can't say as I've sized up for toots...

    (:

    OT, but just want to say, I am now a believer in the mom jean! High - heeled flare - woot! Love them. So flattering. Please tell me they aren't going to stretch out all to heck in the arse!! Tell me!

    But one clunker to report on - super 120's high pencil skirt in dusty rose. Boo-urns on the fit (on me), boo-urns on the colour (on me).

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  58. When I worked in ATL for 2 yrs, the standard uniform was khakis and a polo shirt for most office workers. I did not wear suits yet was always overdressed compared to my peers but I just could not make myself wear that standard outfit. I'm sure you'll be dressed on par with the rest of the population, Julia.

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  59. Paper Bag Princess - The S120s high pencil didn't work for you either? Boo! I was bummed as I really loved the color.

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  60. Actually silver lining, I think I remember you posting on that because it set off some warning bells for me...looks like we both struck out!

    Had I sized up from my normal, it MIGHT have worked...but I'm not sold on it anyway. Duh on me, I guess the high part means high waisted!

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  61. an4mynexttrick - re the fuschia skirt - thank you for the suggestion. The grey shoes and tights is a very good idea as that is softer than black. I do have a heather blush (pale pink) cashmere cardi - I think the grey legwear and shoes, contrasting with the bright skirt and pale pink cardi would be really pretty and not too 'matchy matchy'. I missed out on the JC spectator peep toes in grey patent, but I do have a patent nine west pump with trim. Plus I've been lusting after the grey Fluevog Giulia ankle boots for ages - maybe it is time to pull the trigger :)

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  63. Anon 7:37 - I love how gray softens so many bright colors. Adds a whole dimension of versatility.

    The Fluevog Audreys are on sale in gray suede and other colors right now, although they have a 3.5" heel that may be too much for some. I had to check the Fluevog website as the brand has been mentioned a few times today. The Giulia boots are really sweet. Very retro and the pink lining is adorable. :D

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  64. I totally love the High Heel Flare also! They are totally high waisted and my boyfriend makes fun of how high they are, but he agrees that they are extremely flattering! Great for the behind and also very leg lengthening! I own three pairs!

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  65. FFM, I need you around when I am trying to get dressed for work! I love your sets!

    Have you done anything with the Merino Wave cardigan---the yellow, cream, gold, and bronze pattern? I am at a loss. White jeans and white t?

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  66. I have a lot of the light pewter stuff. i treat it all as a neutral. However, I love it MOST with jewel tones...especially plum.

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  67. ^ and ^^
    I agree, gray is a wonderful neutral that works beautifully with jewel tones and subdues some of the brightest, fun shades. It would be great to be able to wear whatever we want but the reality is that some of us have to follow the corporate line, especially with the economic downturn. I've suggested to my staff that they step it up a bit because I can't afford to lose any of them and although they are top performers, now they must dress like it too.

    I'm thankful for the wonderful suggestions on this and related blogs as well as the many talents that FFM shares with us to provide ideas that inspire the daily grind.

    Thanks to you all and thanks for J.Crew.

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  68. thanks dina and mmf! Ok, I think i'm going to get the cardigan...i was stuck at wearing neutral colors with it, but obviously i can have a lot more fun... :)

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  69. Heatherb: I did a polyvore set with the merino wave...my first set in fact. Search for dinagideon (on polyvore) and it is the set entitled "january pick-me-up." I also have a pic of it on my blog, dated 1/15/09.

    I am sure ffm has some awesome ideas, though! :) I think the cardigan WOULD look great with white jeans!

    enjoy!

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  70. FFM,
    Can you give me some ideas as to how to style the dazzling dots pencil skirt in mint(item 11804)? It was styled in the Lookbook with the halter with a flower around the neckline. It wasn't supposed to be available until March but I actually ordered it via the link in the Lookbook and received it. It is a gorgeous skirt. A bit shiny but gorgeous nonetheless. However I can't quite figure out what colors it would go with. Can you help me? Thanks.

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  71. Hi there! I love this look and this blog!

    Question: I purchased the Victoria ruffle cami in olive and I love love love it.

    See here:
    http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/shirtstops/camisblouses/PRDOVR~99742/99742.jsp

    The problem is that when it arrived the pleated ruffles along the front placket are totally flat...no pretty fluttery shape. Do you or one of your fabulous readers have any suggestions on how I manipulate the neckline to look like it does in the stores?

    I'd love to see some styling suggestions as well! Thanks so much!

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  72. Hi FFM! I know I'm late posting, but last night I was trying to think of what to pair with my honey glaze cord pencil skirt from the fall, and I just couldn't come up with anything. Do you have any ideas? Thanks so much!!

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  73. Hi Kat! I styled a few sets with the Honey Glaze cord skirt awhile ago...maybe they'll help give you some ideas. :) Click Here , Here , and Here . HTH! :)

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  74. Thank you SO much! I actually have that argyle cardigan, earrings, bracelt, and Nine West gray boots (wearing them today) from the third set!! It's perfect!! I love the other ones too. You're amazing :)

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  75. Any ideas for the linen silk beach cardigan? I bought it last summer in navy and adore it but always seem to be pairing it with a tank underneath. Would love some other options.
    Thanks
    Amy

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  76. While chatting about light pewter... What color shoes would you wear with the light pewter slub cotton-silk melody dress?

    link:
    http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Feature_Assortment/NewArrivals/dresses/PRDOVR~12071/99101651960/12071.jsp

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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! :)