A big "thanks!" to Raina (check out her great blog "If The Lamp Shade Fits") who let us know that J.Crew's Jenna Lyons is featured over at Cookie Magazine (click here to see all the images of the picks).That Mom: Jenna Lyons
By Jane Sung
As the creative director of J.Crew and Crewcuts and mother of Beckett, 2, the California-raised, Brooklyn-based Lyons is a master of easy elegance. These are just a few of the tricks from her style arsenal.
- Key Piece. "Phillip Lim's dresses are whimsical and elegant. He always manages to create a beautiful, slightly playful silhouette." Handkerchief-neckline dress, $650, 3.1 phillip lim, (212) 334-1160.
- Final Touch. "A statement necklace makes an everyday outfit more interesting—plus, it's something for your kid to fiddle with." Serena glass-pearl necklace, $225, Roxanne Assoulin for Lee Angel, NeimanMarcus.com for stores.
Color Palette. "I love makeup-y nudes and cinnamons paired with little shots of neon—we'll be seeing more of that this fall."- Beauty Trick. "My favorite shade of red lipstick is this perfect blend of red and orange. It makes my skin look vibrant." Heat Wave lipstick, $24, Nars, NarsCosmetics.com.
Kids' Kicks. "Crewcuts carries a few of the classic brands we love, in addition to our own line." Sneakers, $50, Adidas, JCrew.com. MacAlister boots, $95, J. Crew, JCrew.com. Topsiders, $48, Sperry, JCrew.com.- Carryall. "I used a nylon backpack for my diaper bag. It folds up into its own little package." Collapsible pack, $15, Reisenthel, TouchOfEurope.net.
- "I'm newly obsessed with this day cream. I find that as I get older my face doesn't have any shine to it anymore, and this makes me look dewy, not matte. You want there to look like there's moisture in your skin, so it reflects a little light." Quince day cream, $36, DrHauschka.com.
"I'm so excited for when Beckett fits into all of the Crewcuts stuff—we just did a kids' skinny jean, which I'm taking home to him to try on tonight." Sandlot kids' jeans, $40, crewcuts by J.Crew, JCrew.com.- "I try to wear things that my son is comfortable rubbing against if I pick him up. I don't think I've worn any sequins more than once since having a baby! They're on the back burner for now." Mohair Souffle cardigan, $88, JCrew.com.
- "Makié clothes are just beautiful, quality pieces; I wish Beckett wasn't about to grow out of their sizes!" Kids' kimono cardigan, $115, Makié, MakieClothier.com.
- "These jeans have a soft leather waist band I love—it's actually really soft and considering my stomach is not what it used to be, it's great." Hancock jeans, $220, Paige Denim, PaigeUSA.com.
"I love heels, and I wear a ton of them. Every once in a while I even wear them to the playground, but then I always feel hysterical." Jemma jeweled T-strap heels, $325, JCrew.com.
I thought the list was a fun read to go through. Also, I really love the photo of Jenna and her son- too cute (and the clothes are gorgeous)! The only comment that threw me a bit, was the skinny jeans for kids. I am not sure how practical they will be since skinny jeans are usually not the easiest clothing piece to put on (speaking from personal experience of course!) :) I can't imagine how difficult it will be for parents to get their kids into a pair of skinny jeans in the morning before rushing off to school. ;)
Do you agree or disagree with any of the items selected by Jenna? Have you used or owned any of the items she has choosen? What items would you add to the list? :)
I think a great shade of red lipstick is a must for many women. I agree with that. Skinny jeans sound silly and trendy. Don't most toddler jeans fit close to the body anyway? Whaddevah. Most of this is unrelatable to me.
ReplyDeleteHer son is so cute!
I agree that it's lovely to have a good shade of red lipstick and maybe HeatWave looks wonderful on Jenna. It doesn't work for me, or for many women, tho'; it's really, really, really orangey. In other words, I don't "disagree" with this choice, but I don't think it's as uniformly flattering as some of her other picks.
ReplyDeleteI do want to try out the lipstick because I'm still searching for my perfect red - and I agree with liking something soft around the kids. Oh, who am I kidding - I want the comfy clothes, too.
ReplyDeleteNot so sure about the skinny jeans for toddlers, though...especially if you are potty-training. (thank goodness we are past those days!)
""I try to wear things that my son is comfortable rubbing against if I pick him up. I don't think I've worn any sequins more than once since having a baby! They're on the back burner for now." Mohair Souffle cardigan, $88, JCrew.com."
ReplyDeleteI find this hilarious. No sequins, but *mohair*? Even the thought of rubbing against someone wearing mohair makes me itch...
Sounds like we are in for months (years?) of the washed-out neutrals (make-upy nudes??? That is like saying "I love it when my face matches my sweater!). I like her design choices, not her color choices. Though now that I think about it, some of these ruffled and chiffon thingies would look pretty silly in bright colors...
ReplyDeleteCute kid.
I bought skinny jeans fir my girl - cannot climb park equipment in them! Even with some stretch, they don't stretch enough.
ReplyDeleteAnd Jenna Lyons? I don't know, she bothers me. Cannot pin point it. Is it because she is made to look like a celebrity? Still, I want to try a lotion that makes my skin look dewey. I have to check that out.
Thanks so much for the shout-out, Alexis!
ReplyDeleteJenna's son is so cute, love his curly locks! This article was a fun read, from a momma POV especially. Heels to the park? Expensive jewelry as toddler toy? Mohair to cuddle? We all have our bizarre justifications for the things we do, huh?
ReplyDelete"No honey, I did shower today, the baby just threw up on me again!" was much more likely to be heard around these parts.
Skinny jeans for children are a throwback to the styles worn in the 1950's and early 60's. That's just how jeans were cut back then. Watch a few episodes of Leave It To Beaver on the oldies channel and you'll see what I mean. Boys and girls wore very slim-fitting jeans.
ReplyDeleteHer son is adorable and I love her, even if she's ridiculous sounding in some of these quotes.
ReplyDeleteThe $115 kid cardigan gave me pause... She does sound ridiculous in some of the quotes, but I have to wonder how much of that is her and how much of that is Cookie and the editing. It's a ridiculous magazine.
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ReplyDeleteOkay, you all knew I had to chime in...what with me having a son the same age as Jenna does (and a small daughter, too).
ReplyDeleteThe skinny leg jeans sound ridiculous, when they are called that. If Jenna and co. just called them "tumble-around" jeans, then they would be your average, everyday, Gymboree pair of "skinny" jeans. :) I do know from experience that no matter how impractical crewcuts clothing sounds and looks, there are many child-friendly elements in each like the adjustable waistband, durable fabrics, and easy-to-do up buttons and closures.
As far as Jenna herself, I LOVE that she wants to remind moms that they can be elegant and vivacious even if they are dealing with runny noses and diapers and preschool all day long. For instance, even though I am now staying at home instead of working, I still have an incredible desire to look good, even if it is only for the few hours that I am out of the house. (Or in the house...I mean why buy these awesome clothes if I never wear them?) We went out to have dinner at McD's and then to Toys R Us and I wore the convertible grey strappless dress with the pearl cluster necklace and a pair of pretty sandals. It felt great! My hubby thought I was odd but one I explained my impetus for the look he got it!
As far as Jenna herself, I think what bothers me is the way she photographs...it always looks like she is sort of sneering (even when she smiles). It is a bit off-putting...if she really looked like that in real life I would probably be a bit frightened of her because I would figure she wouldn't want to be friendly to me because I wasn't fabulous enough for her!
Alexis, thank you for putting up this post, and Raina, thanks for the find (I cannot wait to get my issue in the mail). I look forward to seeing what the others think of Jenna and her ideas.
Oh, and I agree that her son is PRECIOUS!
My 3 year old refuses to wear skinny jeans...though they look cute it's not comfy for them either.
ReplyDeleteI agree with some of the stuff like not wearing sequins around her kid, but wearing heels to the park and having your baby pull on your necklaces? I beg to differ.
Agree with everyone's views on the washed out makeupy nudes. As it is I am a very pale-skinned blonde woman so makeupy-looking nude clothing colors make me even paler! And forget the neons as I look like a freak in neons! I love Jenna's designs but please bring back the luscious deep clothing colors. Sigh
ReplyDeleteOK, I just got off the phone from the most successful CS phone call ever! I'd ordered a cute crewcuts madras bikini for my DD for next summer for like thirteen bucks. When the package came it only had the bikini top in it, boo. Call to CS, they refunded me right away so I can return it at my leisure, and price adjusted a different suit to the price I'd paid for the first one. Then they sent out the new suit overnight. I had to order the next size up since that was what was left, so it will be a bit before Gracie can wear it, but I was ordering up in the first place to get the deal. It's just so nice to have such a good CS experience! The woman who helped me, Vanessa, was as pleasant and helpful as possible. Yea!
ReplyDeleteCute article. I like the outfit Jenna is wearing. Can anyone ID the belt she is wearing w/ the schoolboy blazer?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the article Raina and Alexis.
ReplyDeleteSeems like every time JL is interviewed she is raving about totally different products from the last time. Not that there's anything wrong with that and it would be plenty boring if she always said, "I use La Prairie face cream" every time.
Looks like she is wearing the butterscotch schoolboy blazer. And are those Madewell dark denim leggings? LOL :D
I too am disappointed to hear that the make-up nudes will remain. To hear they will be combined with neon is dreadful news. I was so hoping for some nice vibrant color. I have been dreaming of rich greens and reds. Well I guess it will be a cheap fall around here.
ReplyDeleteMy eight year old daughter HATES skinny jeans. HATES them with a passion. No matter how much I beg her to try them again she won't. She says they are uncomfortable and they look silly. But then again my budding fashionista also hates t-shirts with words on them. She says she doesn't want to be a billboard. She's no fun.
NYT's "The Moment" posted a piece on J.Crew's director of men's style, Frank Muytjens:
ReplyDeletehttp://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/13/asked-and-answered-frank-muytjens-of-j-crew/
I loove her outfit this pic. She looks fab.
ReplyDeleteI could be mistaken, but I believe that is the falling petals jacket. It looks great on her.
ReplyDeleteThis is OT, but I just wanted to report on my back-ordered Minnie pants in British Khaki, which arrived yesterday. I looove them. I am ordering another pair in black. I ordered my regular size--I probably could have sized down, but because the pant is so stretchy I wanted to avoid a leggings look. I am 5'4" and they hit me at the ankle bone, which I actually prefer to the low shin fit on the model. Very happy with these.
ReplyDeleteOT -- Attn Bay Area JCAs
ReplyDeleteWalnut Creek will be getting new merch on Monday nite, 8/17. If you are interested in a shopping event next Saturday, please email me. We'll meet with a personal shopper and all receive 20% off of $125 or more. Let me know what time would be best for you and I will request a timeframe with the store based on the reponses.
gigiofca at gmail
Skinny jeans for kids reminds me of the SNL skit for thong diapers.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I want that belt. It's Sonya Rykiel but I don't know where to find it or even what is a good knock-off. Help!
Ok.....I NEED to wear COLOR. The nudes, beiges, peach, stone, etc. make me look like a dead woman, really....totally washed out and so pale. I need to wear cool tones and it seems so many JC pieces look best on those with warm skintones.
ReplyDeleteI've wasted my money trying to wear those colors, when I know they are not flattering to me. I am disappointed that JC will be continuing this same palette. I wish they would realize that this palette does NOT work for many women. I love the J Crew styles and versatility, but I am afraid that I will need to find a different store that offers a wider range of color choices.
Sigh. I'm such a fan of JCrew, anyone else remember their very first catalog..full of tshirt dresses and huraches? I like Jenna, think I'd like her IRL...but I think it's getting ridiculous that the catalog is all about her sole vision - which is to always throw something that makes me ask WTH? on to an outfit! For example, her article outfit with her son is awesome..but the glasses are silly. And so are socks with heels. And bug pins. And skinny jeans for children. Sigh. I miss the days when I wanted EVERYTHING in the catalog (and prices weren't so OTT). And Jenna, I love beiges too - but give me some gold, red, purple, and royal blue!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lori J, somethings are rally fabulous...but others I do question. The whole tights with shorts and heels is a little over the top for me. And some of thier statement necklaces....are too much of a statement.
ReplyDeleteWith that said I still Adore J. Crew and can't wait till I can fit into my cloths again. Too bad they don't make maternity clothes.
^That's the highly fashioned direction being discussed over in the J Crew stock post. Interesting read with some excellent comments from our readers.
ReplyDeleteGosh, I dislike the neutrals as well. Sorry to hear they will be continuing with the awful neon to boot!
ReplyDeleteNothing says Summer or Fall 2009 than nudes and neutrals! That is why I did not buy the Eden jacket in the Dark Blossom color. Too trendy. I like my clothes to last more than one season. I chose the deep indigo...a color that will not scream the trend and/or year.
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ReplyDeleteHi Goldcoastgal, you can always do a phone exchange by calling J.Crew. I did that before to exchange a different size and they even honored me the same discounts (I bought something with 20% off) along with free shipping.
ReplyDeletei have a tall skinny daughter who can't wear most pants/jeans because if they fit her waist then they're too short (and she doesn't like cropped pants). if they're long enough then they fall off of her -- even "skinny" jeans. i wish children's clothing came in petit and tall like adult clothing does.
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ReplyDeleteJenna said she wears Paige jeans with a leather waistband. I must be living in the denim dark ages, because I have never heard of or seen such a thing!
ReplyDeleteSallyO - if you check out the magazine link, you can get the link to the actual jeans.
ReplyDeletehttp://paigeusa.com/Womens_Hancock__Eclipse/pd/c/6/np/-1/p/40000527.html
Skinny jeans on kids? I...don't think so. I've had kids looking and tugging on Jcrew necklaces before and I didn't consider the additional use a plus at the time. And Whoa on the Leather waistbanded jeans. Way to remind me that we live in two very different worlds.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm also beginning to detect a sneer out of Jenna. Maybe she inspired those crewcut covergirls with attitudes.
I like a lot of the nude colors (and find that they flatter my skin tone), but even I am ready for a change--even some more pastels would be great!
ReplyDeleteI actually like the neon/nude pairings, but bright pink socks wouldn't fly in my office...
I am hoping they bring in a bit more color, as well as some less stylized items...I am only in my 20s, but I still miss the more classic items that made me fall in love w/jcrew as a teenager-- cable sweaters (without mini pockets), cardis without chiffon and/or ruffles (not that i don't like either), and streamlined basics.
As has been said before, fuschia ankle socks & 3.5" strappy heels don't fit into everyone's day-to-day lifestyle.
Thanks for posting this Alexis, I loved reading it!
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