Georgia Girl (in this post) suggested a wonderful post topic "...the posts about the Gala clutch made me think that a fun idea for a topic could be our favorite J.Crew accessories. It would be difficult for me to choose just one, I do love the J.Crew handbags very much. Come to think of it, I have a lot of J.Crew gloves, hats, scarves, belts and hair accessories too. Not to mention shoes!"I have to agree with Georgia Girl- it is very difficult to pick just one accessory! There are so many accessories that I absolutely adore from J.Crew. I will pick one item that I am currently coveting... the Small Leather Gallery Hobo (Item 13383; $250.00) in tan rose. What an absolutely gorgeous item. It can be worn multiple ways (as a handbag or as a messenger bag), and has just enough room to carry all my needs. Least favorite accessory... it would have to be the Atomic Flower Necklace (Item 14831, Regular: $150.00) (refer to this post).
What is your all-time favorite J.Crew accessory and why? What is your favorite J.Crew accessory that you are currently coveting? Which J.Crew accessory is your least favorite, and makes you wonder how that even got mass-produced? ;)
I agree with Alexis' least favorite accessory! Woof!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite (that I don't actually own) is the Gala tote... I just think it's really cool in a totally impractical way.
If shoes count, my favorite that I own are my Penelope Peep Toes in Canyon. The first time I wore them I got multiple comments, and one woman actually told me they were the cutest shoes she'd ever seen. I have to agree with her!
I am addicted to the cashmere scarves! It started a few years ago when I got them on a winter sale and every year I add a few more.
ReplyDeleteI've been finding a lot of them on ebay for great prices. The ones that are the best are from the past seasons because they had different patterns/ colors on each side making them even more versatile.
OT -- I'm visiting New York City this weekend and I was wondering if any JCAs in NYC could tell me which J.Crew is the best in the city. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI love my coral large odile bag- I get complimented on it all the time. I also LOVE my Taj Mahal necklace- it's a real conversation starter.
ReplyDeleteI love the wood barrel bracelet. It's ridiculously big, but I love it. I also love the crystal pillow necklace.
ReplyDeletemy favorite accessory has to be their spectator flat from, what, fall '06, something like that. i love them so much that i haven't even worn them yet! i just let them sit prettily in the box!
ReplyDeletethe hair accessories are adorable, but the quality is beyond horrible, yet somehow I never learn. I keep buying them only to have the bands snap after a couple of wearings or the headbands stretch out & lose shape. I actually sent customer service an email last year after 2 leather headbands I bought at the store snapped within days of each other, but of course got no response. At $16.50 each, I considered returning them, but my closest shop is 1 hr away, so I just wrote off the loss. Boo
ReplyDeleteI adore my acorn necklace and bracelet! To me it's such a random and quirky thing to have on your jewelry, that it makes it wonderful and fun and unique!
ReplyDeleteI could do without the head-bands with the big flowers on them. Some women look great in them and have the personality and style to pull it off, but most of us just look like we're 12 with big leaves stuck in our hair.
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ReplyDeleteI love scarves in general and JCrew scarves are no exception;I have the paris striped scarf, mohair scarf (and many others) but I'd choose their cashmere scarf in cantaloupe as my favorite JCrew accessory.
ReplyDeleteLeast favorite: I have to say THE BUG PINS!
Oh, and I know we're supposed to pick ONE favorite accessory but I can't leave the Uptown totes out! Absolutely adore them :)
ReplyDeletei love the jewelelry and have to say i love the enameled bangles and the stone-bead neclaces(i have green and black).
ReplyDeletethe scarves are wonderful too!
ina
I love the lightweight totes: madras, canvas, various prints. I don't carry leather bags in the summer so these are great and lightweight and hold a lot:) Many of mine are from past seasons--several years ago and have worn well. I even carry the Crewcuts smaller critter totes. I just love them and have too many to count!
ReplyDeleteHard to choose a favorite! I think my most treasured piece is my Taj Mahal necklace, but my small Odile in mushroom and my Desert Floral Bauble bracelet also just make me REALLY happy when I wear them.
ReplyDeleteMy greatest regret ever is not getting the iridescent Juliets in Champagne, will never get over it.
Least favorite, EASY. Atomic Flower!!!
I love the jewelry in general and the cashmere scarves. I have been coveting one from the holiday season that is exclusively (at list in NYC) sold the Madison Avenue store and is a lightweight combination of cashmere and silk in a very pretty color palette (I like the gray the best). But the price ($150) wouldn't bulge!
ReplyDeleteLeast favorite: the slippers (and the hair accessories but I don't wear them, so it isn't fair).
Anon: except for the Soho store, which is the only one that carries Crewcuts (but it's a pretty small store), the other NYC stores are pretty much equal. I would visit the Madison Avenue (midtown) and the Rockerfeller center (they are at 5 minutes walk from each other). Otherwise, we have the Madison Avenue Collection store which is obviously the one to go to if you're interested in collection pieces (but they have a very limited selection of the other stuff). Hope it helps!
Great post idea!!
ReplyDeleteI have 2 favorites. My new favorite is the twisted crystal necklace - it makes everything look better.
But my all-time favorite is the dog charm bracelet I got Fall 2007. Every time I wear it, I rake in the compliments, and I love the colors in it.
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ReplyDeleteMadison and Rockefeller are my favorite J Crews in the city too. They seem to stock slightly different items (or they sell out of different items, whatever).
ReplyDeleteAnony 1:37, I have many J.Crew hair accessories and they have all held up beautifully. I have 7 resin hairbands alone and wear them a lot, a couple of them daily during my workouts. Haven't bought any in the past 2 years because my old ones are still great so I don't know if the quality has gone down. All the J.Crew resin hair accessories I have are made in France, unlike most cheaper ones that are plastic and made in China.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to the resin hair bands I have some in wool tartan, silk and three of the no-hassle headscarves that are great for the beach. Also plenty of barrettes that I've had for at least 5 years and use often. Never a problem with any of them and they are so much nicer than other cheap plastic brands.
I LOVE my fireball necklace purchased from the very first sample sale - $18! Sweet!
ReplyDeleteAnd, my Julie Midheels purchased from TJM! I guess the price point helps on both of these!
My favorite winter accessory has to be anything J.Crew shearling. I have gloves, mittens, scarves, hats and even a pair of boots that are fully lined in shearling. Every year I buy more when they pop up on FS. I live in Canada and walk to work so the warmth of shearling is a huge comfort. I just recently received the long shearling gloves in natural and wore them Sunday when a winter storm rolled in.
ReplyDeleteThe J.Crew bags are my favorite accessory, especially the Borge Garveri. I've purchased each one of the BG bags and if J.Crew makes more I will add them to my collection too!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite J.Crew bag has to be the Frankie in red. I just find it so stylish and such a departure from my typical neutral choices. I feel happy when I carry Frankie around.
ReplyDeleteI love the jewelry and the shoes. I think their charm bracelets are just so cute :) On the flip side, I think that some of their silk handbags are ridiculous...I cannot imagine using one for more than 1 hour before it would get destroyed.
ReplyDeleteI love the belts and own many. They have always been great quality whether fabric or leather.
ReplyDeleteI want to pick up a couple of the patent jeans belts from this season but haven't been able to justify the price without a discount. Cleaned up during the winter sales so now it is difficult to pay full price.
definitely the printed/"tie" belts. i probably have 20-30 of them, all different patterns and thicknesses. i really liked the patchwork ones that came out last year at this time, i got the navy/pink and green/pink. :)
ReplyDeletei also like the hair accessories and had never had problems with any of them. they've held up great for me!
Wow - I would say Madison and Rochefeller are my least favorite stores. Yes, they are close to each other and in divine proximity to other great shopping. However, I much prefer 5th Ave and Time Warner Center. 5th has the same items as Rock and Madison, but I think slower traffic. Regardless the store is always much neater and the staff less harried. I like TWC because I always find sizes and items there that are sold out at other locations. I love the staff at Soho, but it is often messy with very long lines because of how small the store is. I always check out in the lower level there.
ReplyDeleteAnon - I think it is safe to say you will be good at any store in Manahttan. However, do not bother with Seaport.
Okay, I will bite, but the decision is killing me.
ReplyDeleteI have loved almost all of the J. Crew accessories I own, the scarves (Paris striped is my fave), the headbands (tie-silk and metal ones), the headscarves, the jewelry, and the shoes (oh, you fabulous alessia peep-toes and cate slingbacks).
That said...drumroll...my absolute favorite is my double-strand frog necklace from Fall 2007. I just adore the quality, the unique styling, and of course, the colors.
Favorite acessory - tie between double strand frog necklace and the cashmere/wool wraps.
ReplyDeleteLeast favorite - All J. Crew driving mocs - because I love the style, but the fit NEVER works for me.
Thanks anon, I have never been to the Time Warner store. I'll have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteSoon to be PhD - I think that TWC suffers from being on the second floor of what is really still not a place where locals prefer to shop. Means better choices for us. Plus, you can go to Bouchon Bakery for a quick bite or to get my favorite mussels in the city at Landmarc.
ReplyDeleteEasy! My favorite accessory is the no-hassle-headscarf, of which I have seven. I LOVE them. I surf and swim all summer and they area great for coming right out of the ocean. They protect my scalp, as well as my highlighting job, while looking cute. They are also great for when the dog wants to go on a walk early Sunday morning, when the humidity is making my curls got hay-wire, or when I am doing a facial masque and need all my hair back. Love these guys!
ReplyDeleteAlexis, thank you for using my suggestion. I love accessories because I'm pretty reliant on my basics and the add-ons help me create interest and liven up my outfits.
ReplyDeleteI adore J.Crew handbags and own many, these would have to be my favorite. The pop of color or change of texture is always a welcome addition to what I am wearing. I wish there would be more photos of the bags available online, but it doesn't stop me from purchasing the bags and I have yet to return any.
I have a lot of other J.Crew accessories and I have not seen the quality decline at all, with the exception of the shoes. Used to be a huge fan of the shoes and now, not so much. I find myself buying more expensive shoes in place of J.Crew shoes though: Chie Mihara, To & Co, Coclico, etc. If J.Crew would go back to the quality construction and materials I would totally be back because the styles are really cute.
I think my all-time favorite would have to be this necklace--
ReplyDeletehttp://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m173/azaccone/necklace.jpg
...which I stalked on eBay for months until I could find one haha. I love the colors, I love the flower, and the weight of it just makes it feel so substantial for a piece of costume jewelry.
Is it taboo to say that I do not own ANY J. Crew accessories?
ReplyDeleteI don't have a lot of bags and shoes in my closet. I'm a devotee when it comes to the brands I buy for my shoes (Cole Haan, Ugg) and my bags (MARC by Marc Jacobs and Kooba), and all the jewelry that I wear (other than my wedding set and my diamond studs) comes from my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother.
Nichi, you are missing out. J.Crew has some great belts, scarves, gloves, hats and hair accessories too. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention what I think is the worst J.Crew accessory. Hands down I would have to say the atomic flower necklace. I saw that piece and just LOL.
ReplyDeleteI don't wear costume jewelry, but I can see how some of the J.Crew jewelry could be quite appealing. I like the design of the Taj Mahal necklace especially.
Makes me sigh in delight every time I pull them out--for elegance or simple playfulness:
ReplyDeleteJ. Crew Opera Gloves
My favorite accessory is the purses, especially my guava Frankie bag. It goes with everything, has a cool shape, is the perfect size, and is made of good quality leather. My least favorite group of accessories are the winter knits as a whole. I've bought a bunch over the last ten years with wildly varying results. Glove sizes are all over the map. I got a pair on final sale that had pinky fingers longer than the index and middle fingers! The glittens I got last year are adorable, but shoddily made. I've bought a crewcuts hat that was too big for me to wear in size s/m, and a regular one size ladies' knit hat that my two year old grew out of this year. It's not that they don't make cute things, it is just sizing a quality is schitz.
ReplyDeleteIt's sooo hard to choose... My favorite right now is the Large Oslo bag in the Champagne color. I never got my hands on Terracotta that I really wanted.
ReplyDeleteRight now that is my favorite! Hopefully I'll find the Terracotta some day...
As far as jewelry goes, I LOVE the silk ribbon chain necklace in shell! It is so elegant and can even be worn with a casual dress. I get compliments on it ALL the time! It is simply gorgeous and can spice up any outfit.
ReplyDeleteEveryone: Thanks for your great comments. I loved reading (and in some cases seeing) the items chosen.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with those of you about the Frankie bag. I have the guava version and I adore it. It is the perfect size and has the most lovely shape & material.
Nichi: I think your jewelry (coming from your great-grandmother & grandmother) makes your items even more special! :)
I think the skirt is a dog hair print, and that's what they meant by dog print. I was originally thinking dog "critters" or something. Who wants to bet that skirt gets marked down to 19.99 within a few weeks of hitting the sales floor? And the furry purple thing.
ReplyDeleteThe jeweled tees and ruffle blouses are nice though.
Anon at 12:40 - The best J.Crew store in NYC, I think, is the Fifth Ave Chelsea store. It's nice and spread out and easy to navigate. The staff is excellent too. I think the Columbus Circle Time Warner Center location is smaller, and doesn't always carry everything.
ReplyDeleteMy fave accessory is shoes! I love all the ballet flats and the fancy heels, particular fave right now is the spectator peep-toes in gray patent leather.
The best and worst is jewelry! I have several gold necklaces I love but that cobra bracelet is the absolute worst!
I absolutely love the turtle cabachon rhinestone bracelet from this Fall (retail only item). I also get alot of compliments on the Double Strand Giraffe Necklace from last Spring..it goes with so many things in my wardrobe. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnon at 12:40- I personally like the J. Crew at 17th and 5th avenue- good store in a great shopping area, Banana Republic, Coach, Anthropologie, Free People, Ann Taylor the works!
ReplyDeleteNichi,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are doing fine with accessories from other companies! :)
Stick with your family jewelry. It is made better and looks classy unlike JCrew's costume "junk" I love vintage jewelry:)
vintage jewelry is a wide reaching term. Some of it can be just as crappy as modern stuff.
ReplyDeleteOh this is a HARD choice. I guess I will "have" to go with my Cloud necklace - the pinky one from last Fall. The color is so gorgeous and subtle. I love the way the ribbon ties in the back -- And I like that it makes noise when I move around - it kind of keeps me company when I have it on!
ReplyDeleteVERY close runners up are the Crystal Snowball and the Pink Garden Ring from last year as well.
--lucegirl
Nichi, I'm with you on the real stuff! My grandmother's vintage jewelry includes a 14K enamel bamboo style bracelet. I'm so glad I hung onto this through out the years. I is High Style these days! Other stuff, so-so but, you never know....
ReplyDeleteI also list the Frankie bag as my favorite, in cherry red. Such a beautiful bag in a timeless design, always garners many compliments. It is the perfect size, goes with everything and I really enjoy the rich texture of the leather.
ReplyDeleteI'm another one who used to buy a lot of J.Crew shoes, but I've given up on them now. I wear heels 99% of the time and the synthetic lining and sole versions are usually not comfortable to walk in.
I love my Primrose Garden bracelet. It has a fun 1950's retro vibe to it.
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to get a Fireball necklace on Ebay for some time now, but they are too high-priced. Now I understand the reason why! So many ladies mentioned it as a favorite, so I guess I won't get lucky and see a used one listed in a Monday Exchange!
Love this topic! My favorite J. Crew accessory would have to be handbags, with jewelry in second place. I am crazy about my Patent Leather Quincy Hobo in Navy. Woman (and men) have literally stopped me in the street to pay compliments on this unusual bag. I wish I had it in the Victorian Rose...sigh. My favorite jewelry piece, although I do not wear it often because it is very bold, is the double-strand beaded elephant necklace. The khaki-colored transparent beads go with a lot of outfits, and the pink/gold elephant is just adorable. Worst J. Crew accessory, without any doubt, is the Atomic Flower necklace.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to agree with JKW and say handbags. :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite accessory is the ombre ring from this fall. Every time I wear it, I get compliments. It's so big, but it's a fun ring.
ReplyDeleteI have picked up a lot of jewelry at JCrew, but I only buy when its on sale.
ReplyDeleteI love the glass bead ribbon necklace (11487) in dark fog.
I also love my fireball ribbon necklace in light blue. I spotted it on ebay and had never seen it in store before. I made a plea on this lovely blog and got three replies about stores that had them still in stock and on sale! Straight from Georgetown DC to Washington State, I got my necklace and am forever greatful to my fellow JCA's!
I do have a question about the glass bead ribbon necklace. Has there been two different versions of the dark fog color? I was flipping thru an old catalog and saw the older version that looks to be light gray and cloudy. The current version is dark and see through. Anyone know about this?
Sarah H - I think one of the versions was the glass bead and the other was the stone bead. The glass being the see-through and the stone the cloudy version. Not 100% positive but I think that's how it went.
ReplyDeleteWOW this is a hard one as I am obsessed with a lot of J Crew accessories... I am currently in love with my Garden Ring in Black- it is so substantial and fun and in a close second is the Leather Thompson tote in Shell Pink-OMG it is SO soft & Super cute.
ReplyDeleteTwiga
Speaking of accessories: For anyone who still buys JC's shoes, how are the slingback peep toe mary jane heels that came in the spring rollout? I too was looking for a pink shoe and that one looks cute. How is the sizing? TIA!
ReplyDelete