We're Loving: J.Crew's Fall CollectionBy Kelly O'Reilly
August 13, 2009
Score another one for J.Crew: the retailer reaches a crescendo with a thrillingly eclectic Fall collection. The longtime favorite has evolved into a pitch perfect mix of standby goodies (cashmere, pants with an impeccable fit, cute cocktail dresses) and intelligent, fashion-heavy accents (tailored coats, trend-driven shoe styles, vintage-inspired jewelry). And to top it all off, Creative Director Jenna Lyons has cultivated some truly brilliant styling inspiration, composing a chic parade of looks for next season.
No one wants to wish away the summer, but when presented with a merry band of mash-ups of seasonally versatile roll shorts with layered jewelry, metallic accessories in serene neutrals and candy colors, womanly blazers, coats with ruffles, dip-dyed skirts and dazzling prints -- we can't help but pine for autumn now.
I will say that the Fall Collection from J.Crew is looking delicious! I tried on the Velvet Eden blazer (Item 17306; $148.00) and fell in love with the material and style. (Is it just me, or is the velvet on the Eden better than the one on the Ecole Jacket [Item 97130; was $168.00, now $39.99] from last year?) I can't wait to see the next roll out of Fall's new arrivals.
Have you checked out J.Crew's Fall arrivals in person? Are you a fan of what you have seen so far or are you hoping for something more? Are you eagerly awaiting for the next roll-out? :)
Fall collections from jcrew, actually from all major brands, are dissapointing! I guess recession mood made designers play this safe, in order words make boring clothes.
ReplyDeleteBTW, velvet bella is still the best velvet jacket in recent years.
I do kind of agree with Anon- retailers do seem to be playing it safe this year, but that's fine with me. J Crew has never been a store I've shopped at for "one-of-a-kind" items; I save that for my beloved Nanette Lepore or DVF or Rebecca Taylor. What I do enjoy from J Crew are their usual takes on the very basics, and for that I think their fall collection is just fine. I would like to see more jewel-toned colors (I feel like the pale colors are a bit too anemic for me) but oh well.
ReplyDeleteYou know who I think has been hitting lots of home runs lately? Ann Taylor Loft. I used to never give them a second look, and suddenly it's like...holy smoly. Lots of cute stuff that fits really well!
I'm new to J. Crew and my "fresh eyes" perspective is that there is a very serious "disconnect" between online/catalog items and IRL items -- both in appearance (quality) and proportion. I asked the SA in store (I asked her so many ?s, I hope I didn't make her feel violated :) ) about sizing and it seems like it's all over the place. As for fall collection enchantment, some items I like very much and some not at all.
ReplyDeleteI agree with anonymous and Chloe, *everyone* is playing it safe. Like previous seasons, I believe that will hurt many retailers' bottom lines (especially luxury). As for color palatte, it's fine with the exception of camel (which makes me look sickly).
I have been buying MUCH less this fall and it's because there aren't many really exciting things to buy.
Carole
sasy.com
There is no argument J Crew has style and nice looking clothes, but if the quality is hit and miss (depending on what you buy), and if you don't have a good fit, style is not worth much.
ReplyDeleteI thought this article was a little to heavy on the cheery positive. Sorry, but this fall at JCrew did not do a whole lot for me. I bought the only two new items I really liked. Eden blazer and a sweater but zero other must haves. I have gone in two other times since those purchases and walked out with nothing. The velvet on the Eden is nice but nothing to write home about. I thought the Dark Blossom velvet looked cheap and not very well made on the two I looked at so went with a darker color. I think the Bella quality is much better. I do not have the Ecole from last year. Did not give it a second glance as it was too basic in style for me.
ReplyDeleteI went into AT Loft for the first time in about two years and was pleasantly surprised. Did not buy b/c the store was so busy!!! but plan to go back and continue to check them out.
I have to agree with Chloe about ATL. Maybe the homeruns are b/c of the homage being paid to JCrew with some of their items this fall. Noticed an take of the Elizabeth cami and Victoria stripe shirt.
ReplyDeleteI am encouraged by J.Crew's fall releases so far, which exceed their summer stuff by miles IMHO. I agree the neutral palette is kind of ho-hum but there are at least five or six items I want. They've just started releasing items...there's more to come.
ReplyDeleteThere are definitely several pieces from J.Crew's new Fall line that I am planning on buying. For me, I am particularly smitten with the boyfriend blazer, the eden blazer, several of the new ruffle camis, and the jewelry!
ReplyDeleteI think J.Crew does have a lot to offer this Fall, however, they are not my ONLY go-to store. Like Chloe said above, Ann Taylor Loft has really been on its game lately and is offering really cute pieces. Not to mention an AMAZING petite section! I have already snatched up several blouses, a dress, and a ruffle trench!
Agree, a little too upbeat on what's currently avail. The only things I needed immediately were acessories, actually ... the Campo bag and the Tortoise Juliets. The Eden, the Maya, the Frances, etc. all were OKAY, got a couple of them, but I love my former versions of those items from 2007-2008 much better. Looking forward to October, though.
ReplyDeleteTotally agreed with Genny, Marymoo, Chloe and Gingersnap -- Ann Taylor Loft is the up-and-coming news. It has always had a great fit for petites and good quality material, but used to look a bit dowdy. Now that it has borrowed J.Crew's eye-candy styling, it is becoming the model for J.Crew's quality control improvements.
ReplyDeleteOT, but I just received my "falling petals" jacket in the mail (I'd ordered it during the 20% off, free shipping deal and it was back-ordered). Nothing on the paperwork or the plastic packaging says "final sale", so does that mean it isn't final sale and I can return it? If I can return it, I probably will... but if not, I may wear it to a wedding today if I can figure out as a pale blonde what the @#$ to wear with it... (polyvore help anywhere???)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely looking forward to trying the new fall items though!!!
I'm eager to see what's coming out in October from JC. I've only purchased few items from current catalog. I'm hoping to see some more colors for fall...I've bought too many gray colored tops.
ReplyDeleteI like many of the styles but just not the colors. JCrew please bring back the Jewel Tones! 3 seasons of washed out colors is enough for this gal! Oh how I miss honey glaze and royal purple and deep fuschia!
ReplyDeleteThis article gushes more than is justified by the collection, IMO. I was just flipping through last year's August catalog, and I had flagged so many things that I wanted, compared to almost none for this year. The iris Eden was my only must-have, and even that is pretty basic.
ReplyDeleteTo jump on the ATL bandwagon--my local mall is pretty downscale, so I'd always assumed that I wouldn't find much at ATL. After hearing a couple of raves here on JCA, I've been pleasantly surprised to find some great items there--and truly great sale prices, with quality at least as good as JC.
OT: I'd posted earlier about my love for the Minnie pant. I felt a little in between sizes but did not size down as I did not want a "legging" look. After wearing them a couple of times I think that I should have sized down, as they seem to loosen up quite a bit upon wearing.
I love my new downtown field jacket. ATL never makes anything with structure like that. They do okay with cotton knits and basics, but just try to find a soft, well-cut jacket like the Eden there. Sorry, but I found ATL's color palette a bit cheesy and their choices predictable . . . though I do check out their sales!
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ReplyDeleteI found that ATL still uses a lot of synthetic fabrics (read 100% polyester). I agree, however, about their great petite offerigs.
ReplyDeleteThis article seems to be written by a charter member of the J.Crew/Jenna Lyons fan club. I don't find the latest rollout nearly so exciting. I purchased the collection wool pencil skirt and I love it. Other than that, the only things of interest so far are the double-serge pencil skirts in new fall colors. Nothing else is catching my eye. Of course, this is just the first preview, I'm sure there will be more lovely items to come.
ReplyDeleteAlexis, maybe a good idea for a post would be favorite items from the spring and summer rollout and what makes them our favorites. That may be interesting as there is still some summer left to use styling ideas and it could be helpful to those perusing the final sale and wondering if an item is worth a chance or not.
I actually really love what J. Crew has put out this Fall. I have bought the corduroy toothpick ankle pants in warm maple and the dark purple color and just love them. I also purchased the merino maya cardigan, and the bryn dress and couldn't be happier. The only thing I would like to see is more bold and exciting colors. I am very excited to see what they come out with next!
ReplyDeleteI know this is off topic, but I'm new to the site so I'm trying to find my way around!:)
ReplyDeleteHowever, I wanted let everyone on here know that I have the Wool-Cashmere Carrie Coat in size 14 BLACK......I ordered it, but unfortunately it was a size to big and it's sold out:(
If anyone is interested please let me know! Or if you know of a place I can sell it, that would be great also!
Thanks so much!
i do love jcrew and there is a sweater on my wish list that i cant wait to get..... BUT i wasnt that intrigued with the fall clothes as i usually am. i usually have every page in my catelog marked for my wish list but not this time.
ReplyDeleteI know some are saying j crew is boring, but I am feeling exactly the opposite! I picked up the field jacket, schoolboy blazer in charcoal, maya cardigan in the flannel color, and the ocelot cardi. My SA said the next rollout would be in October.
ReplyDeleteI do love the new wool double-serge pencil skirts. I am drooling over the fuschia and copper colored ones. I also love the wool blazers this year, finally hip length and work appropriate and not shrunken like last year. So I do have hope that the October rollout will have lots of nice surprises!
ReplyDeleteThe bad news with the fall roll out is the cost; my MasterCard usually gets a good workout.
ReplyDeleteI just used the free shipping code posted and scored some great items; Refined wool pinstripe Ludlow suit pant in a charcoal pinstripe and a couple of shirts, point-collar shirt in reverse bengal in white and a point collar shirt in Fulton check. The Fulton check is a new item while the other two were great deals. The pants were $79.99 down from $175 and the shirt was $29.99 down from $59.50.
I really seem to be drawn into all things gray recently. How many of you are buying gray/charcoal?
There is a 20% off coupon code for Crewcuts via Cookie Magazine. Enter "cookie" at checkout. I haven't tried the code yet but it says "take 20% off your first purchase" which would be unfortunate if it is true. Through Sept. 7th.
ReplyDeleteGrey and charcoal seems to be the big color for Fall, I saw it today in BR, Gap, and a couple of other places. I have too much of it already so I am trying to stay away from it. The Gap has surprised me, their new jeans are good and they have some nice sweaters in the jewel tones.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention on my earlier post that I love J Crew's matchstick cords this year. I had no problems with the fit or the sizing.
sasyone - welcome to jcrew and jcrewaficionada. you're not alone. jcrew's ridiculously inconsistent sizing has been the subject of many rants, er, posts on jcrewaficionada.
ReplyDeletemaryamjan: I am with you! i miss honey glaze soo much. I was able to score a couple pieces on popbacks recently (although one isn't going to work out because it doesn't fit...Dream crewneck sweater in HG, anyone?) I do like the plum raisin color though, but agree that they need more jewel tonage soon.
ReplyDeleteSteven: welcome! On Mondays, you can list items to sell on the JCA weekly exchange. It's a happenin' place ;)
Idc - I was able to return a Jackie cardigan that was under final sale because nothing on the receipt or package said Final Sale.
ReplyDeletemarisa-
ReplyDeleteToo bad! That would have been a good tip, but I just tried that promo code for the crewcuts and it didn't work :( I'm wondering if it has to do with the conflicting promo of free shipping that is automatically applied, or if they really mean "first purchase" as in fisrt ever pruchase at the J Crew site?
Oh well....
I'm a fan of the boyfriend blazer and the black skinny ankle jeans. There are some other pieces that are cute but I don't know if I'll be buying, especially without a coupon code. I agree with early posters about AT and ATL - The pieces lately are pretty nice and definitely stepped up recently.
ReplyDeleteMy heart still belongs right now to DVF.
Every few years there is a J.Crew season with barely any items I like and a lot of it has to do with color. Even promising pieces like the Maya cardi just are not availble in colors that will work for me. I loved the idea of the toothpick ankle cords but I'm too tall - it looks like I'm wearing crewcuts. :(
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ReplyDeleteWon't there be a September roll-out? I thought Sept. was usually *the* big month/cat. for autumn. August's offerings certainly haven't made my heart flutter - other than the double-serge pencil skirt, I haven't seen anything of interest. The schoolboy blazer is on my list if I catch it on sale, but that type of jacket is fairly ubiquitous. I frequent J.Crew because I've come to expect something unique, a la the Bella jacket & its chic ruffled stand collar. I thought the Ecole jacket last year (which j.crew marketed as their "it" jacket of the season) was a very poor follow-up because it certainly wasn't a unique cut.
ReplyDeleteThis thread makes me want to check out ann taylor loft. I've found quite a number of great items at ann taylor since March - lovely boucle suits, perfectly cut pencil skirts & delightful dresses. They've intrigued me far more the past six months than J.Crew has.
So, here's hoping for an irresistible September J.Crew catalog set somewhere fabulous :-)
For some reason J.Crew is a little blah for me now. I am not excited to shop anymore. I generally LOVE the products, but the prices do not reflect the quality of the items. Seriously! Plus, they have been limiting on good sales promotions. What's going on J.Crew?
ReplyDeleteThe fall collection is just not as fabulous as I had hoped.
ReplyDeleteI dropped into my local B&M to pick up the tortishell belt which was sold out. I must say I am not really feeling the collection. I need color, saturated color! I just do. I can wear greys, black, and navy well but not neutrals. Neturals wash me out. For my own happiness I need color in my life. Not muted colors, color!
The ethereal ruffle cardigans were pretty but the colors just didn't pop as much as I had hoped. I miss the saturation of last year's colors.
I tried on the minnie pants. I did not care for the fit. I have short legs and the cut felt odd in the thighs. I tried the toothpick cropped cords and discovered that despite my general petiteness my calves must be enormous because the pants felt a little too snug there. I went up a size and they were too big in the waist and hips. Loved the colors though.
I tried on the Anton sweater and I couldn't decide whether it was worth $98 or not. It was beautifully soft but I wanted it a little thicker because the yarn was so soft. I am still thinking about it. I should have tested its pilling factor but forgot. Plus they only had it in grey. Honestly how many grey sweaters can a person own?
I tried on the distressed vintage slim. I immediately put my foot through the hole in the leg as I was trying them which was a huge turn off. I figure they would last a week before I split the leg apart. They were too big and yet my normal size in J Crew jeans. Hmmm... .
I ended up with a lovely charcoal and ivory rose abstract tee. Very pretty and potentially fabulous with some color in a scarf or a cardigan.
I saw the flower corsage top in green. Beautiful color but I could tell the top would be a big box on me like it was on Gigi. Shame.
The shop was buzzing with customers but not sure how many were buying. My favorite sales girl told me that the new catalog will be out this week and new items in the store on Tuesday. I am not holding my breath. I loved last year's collection so much more. And yet because of that darn belt I will be calling on Tuesday to see if more arrived.
I dropped into Banana and saw little I liked. The sweaters were huge hanging sack like things. The colors were a little more jewel toned than J Crew but no different from last year's BR collection.
As I wandered the mall I realized that J Crew does have the best looking clothes.
j.crew has some great items, but I've been really into ATL and Boden this season. Boden has some ADORABLE things...I just got a pair of their ballet flats and they are AWESOME. 100% leather for less than the j.crew flats and less expensive to boot. Went to Ann Taylor today and they also have some surprisingly great items, plus LOTS of great coupons. Oh, and Boden also does free shipping/free returns. yey!
ReplyDeleteI'm holding off on buying too much fall until I can really start wearing stuff. 90 degrees with 100% humidity doesn't put me in the mood to buy wool and cashmere. Hopefully by the time it's actually fall this past rollout will be on sale and I can buy all I want at a discount anyway! :)
I have mixed feelings about the fall collections. I am a fan of the neutrals and pastels, but I do wish they would add more color options in the tops and sweaters. It is early for me to buy cords and sweaters, but a few items have caught my eye:
ReplyDeleteCord toothpick pants- So cute on the model, but IRL they looked like cord leggings. I think a size up would have been too big in the hips/waist, but I didn't try it. Esp tight in the calves (and I am 5'7" and a size 2)
Vintage matchstick cords- not blown away. Seemed to fit TTS.
Minnie pants- Nooo! A horror on me-- they looked like leggings-- even though they were not skin tight, you could see any and every bump and curve--and I have a very flat behind so there was extra material there. No for me.
Frances cami- I needed to size down (hate these boxy cuts!)--the ruffles were a bit much/big for me-- I wasn't blown away
Tshirts- I wish they'd cut down on the chiffon and beading, and add some more color
Merino Ethereal Ruffle cardi- Love this, but Id like to see it in at least one blue/purple color besides navy! Not everything has to be beige, light pewter, rust, or green leaf!
Cambridge cable cardi- NOT digging the pockets on this : (
Things I still want to try- anton cardi, stretch olive dress, watercolor tortoise skirt, tortoiseshell flats
Frances cami and Corsage cami both ran true to size on me and were NOT boxy at all. However, I did not buy either one. The corsage cami is just way over priced for what it is--a cotton top with two flowers slapped on it. The Frances was just pleat and ruffle overload! One or the other but not both! I was just not blown away by either ones style and/or price point or the color was not flattering.
ReplyDeleteI am usually a huge fall/winter JCrew fan (it's where I spend most of my JCrew dollars-- sweaters, coats, cords, fall/winter-weight skirts), and I'm not too fond of what I've seen so far. Other than a hat and pencil skirt, there is little I intend to buy right now. I'm sick of ruffles, humongous bags and jewels, and bland colors.
ReplyDeleteSince I live in temperate Southern California, I probably won't be buying a ton of F/W things.
ReplyDeleteOf course, once cashmere sweaters get slashed down, I'll be paying attention.
As for ATL, I am a dying breed -- I've always been more interested in AT proper's stores and Web site. I have shopped AT since 1990, and prefer a bridge look.
Agree w/ previous posters - I really hope to see more saturated colors w/ the future fall releases, especially a few warm shades, such as the yellow - I have trouble wearing the deep purples, etc.
ReplyDeleteWould also like to see a couple simplied silk tops and interesting suits/blazers for fall - I work in a conservative, dark suit environment, and try to maintain a sense of color and style! The Frances tops and such, lovely as they are, are really not super practical for me.
does anyone have the dressy jersey ruffle sleeve dress? i'm wondering if it runs big. thanks!
ReplyDeleteHello JCA's. If the right items pop back this week or if there's a 20% off, I'm going to place a FS order. I have my eye on the ringspun painter henley (item 15287) and have a fit question. I have the ringspun ruffle henley in Small and the crew neck ringspun painter tee in XS. Does anyone know how the painter henley runs? (It's crew neck with near elbow length sleves) Any recommendations? I hate buying something I'm not familiar with on FS. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteI actually like the Fall collection. I will say I'm not impressed by the shoes I've seen so far. I live in Cali so the Winter collection is out. I like the light cardigans, the dressy jersey ruffle-neck dress, and the Slub cotton imperial tee. They could offer more coupons though. We are in a recession.
ReplyDeleteA side note. ATL has definitely made a comback!
bkp, that ruffle sleeve dress is on the ginormous size. It's sacklike on, and generally unflattering. Even sizing down was a miss for me. Sorry!
ReplyDeleteAlthough autumn is my favorite season I am not ready to consider summer over just yet. I'm pretty sure that is part of the reason I'm not enthralled with the latest fall releases - I'm not ready! Like others though, I would prefer some jewel tones or at least saturated colors. I love the idea of burgundy, rust, plum and navy. I have enough gray in every shade already, thankyouverymuch.
ReplyDeleteRecently picked up a few silk blouses on FS. The treasure tunic, a beautiful blouse which has been lauded quite a bit already and should transition well into fall in the brown and blush tones. Also the georgette suit blouse in both buff and pewter, which is a really good basic suiting blouse that you can also wear under cardis and crew or v-neck sweaters, or just wear it alone on those warm late-summer days.
I also bought the crocodile cocktail cardigan and it is really soft cotton in a pretty and unique print that should also transition into fall nicely. Hmm, maybe I *am* getting ready for fall. :P
Anyway, if someone is searching for some quality basic pieces on FS then these items are worth a look.
CheesyGoodness, thank you so much. I will def pass on the dress.
ReplyDeletelike a few of the other posters, i live in cali (socal, specifically), in a dark suit profession. although i really like a lot of the offerings this fall, i have a recessionary mindset and will not really pay attention until jcrew starts offering promotionals or discounts.
ReplyDelete