Today, I thought I would share the images found on the The Terrier and Lobster blog (click here) of J.Crew's November 2007 catalog. There is a little something for both women and men! Just click on any of the images to view them larger.
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Once again... I love these images! I know I sound like a broken record, but I really do think the outfits, styles, and of course locations are all just gorgeous.
Wait there will be even more! Next week, I plan on posting images from J.Crew's catalog of Fall 2005. You will be amazed at how great the items from that year are as well. :)
What are your thoughts on these catalogs from the past? Do you enjoy looking through them for outfit inspirations? Do you find these looks classic (like I do) or do you think they are dated?
ohmygoodness--I am happy for you guys to re-live these memories that you enjoy but there isn't a single thing (not even in the men's section--which REALLY surprises me) that I would wear here. with
ReplyDeleteBrava Alexis--you are amazing--to be able to wrangle your blog community of such divergent opinions with such a diplomatic tone and an equanimous atmosphere! Thank you.
Highlander cow? What a cutie!
ReplyDeleteLove, love the pics! Thanks for posting them, Alexis!
Much nicer stuff than now-a-days Crew (sniff, sniff), why can't Jena bring it all back??? BTW the blond model is from Barcelona, where I used to live, I remember when she started out, she still has that little girl's face, beautiful...
ReplyDeleteAlexis and JCAs,
ReplyDeleteWhich was the collection Lyons diverged from J.Crew's traditional offerings and went all fashion-y?
I ask only because I moved overseas in 2007 and when I returned last year, it seemed J.Crew was a very different retailer.
Thanks!
Raina
Love the throwbacks. I remember seeing a picture of a crinkled shirt on a girl drinking coffee in the city, and a few years later a vintage-y shoot in an old library. Sadly I was still too small for adult clothes. Can you find those?
ReplyDeleteI am newer to J Crew, but I also find these older catalogs too preppy in an uptight sort of way. While I believe that quality has gone down, which is regrettable, I still like the edgier J Crew of today.
ReplyDeleteOT, has anyone tried the alpaca tirette cardigan? I am wondering what people think, I am surprised that it looks like the first fabric is acrylic. Also looks like it might snag easily. Item 30712. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI still remember this catalogue. It has my favorite coat ever -- the Sybil coat with the Bella-esque collar. Though the lining on mine completely tore out, I paid $50 to have it replaced by a tailor and it's as good as new. I hope I can wear it for years to come because it's so classic and I get lots of compliments on it! My best friend from college has the same coat and we loved it so much that we didn't care to be seen wearing it at the same time! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope I'm not the only one who saves all their catalogs and pulls them out every so often obsessing over the pages. They just make me so happy!
ReplyDeletei am fairly new to jcrew(i started buying around 2008),so i never looked at the older catalogs.
ReplyDeletei guess the "old"jcrew is a little to preppy for me and i like the edge that jenna lyons brought to the line.
i just wish the quality would be better.
i am so glad for this blog and that we all share the same interest for jcrew.
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ReplyDeleteI'm still kicking myself for not getting that stadium-cloth toggle coat!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with gem twin - usually anything polarizing in the blogosphere tends to create a negative atmosphere, but JCA's on both sides of the old/new JC spectrum seem to be able to peacefully coexist! :)
I wish J.Crew would still feature Anouk and Vanessa in their catalogs. They are both by far my all-time favorites out of all the models ever hired by J.Crew.
ReplyDeleteCute pictures. I like the location and smiling models, but there is nothing on these pages that I would wear. I tried to Sybil coat at the time and didn't like it even back them. Cute cut, but the black was boring and the colors it came in were just too bright for me. Also, these minis were pretty mini (too short for me) and the full skirts are just so...unflattering, even on the models who are probably 4-6 inches taller than I am.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking back to my purchases from these well loved catalogs after the post yesterday. I bought two of the argyle sweaters (navy/grey/olive & grey/mustard/black) and the navy boulevard coat from the Paris catalog, the alpine green Gramercy coat from the holiday catalog that followed this one and a flutted herringbone skirt (I think from 2006). That was it from the 2006/2007 fall lines. I still have the skirt and sweaters, but they really aren't my taste any longer and I sold the Gramercy last Christmas as it was too big and too bright and I never really wore it. The navy coat was beautiful, but never did really fit me right. I've done a whole lot more damage at J Crew in the last 2 years than that.
Thanks for the walks down memory lane, Alexis, but I don't want to go back...
I guess the age-old debate of old-classics vs. newer trendy styling prevails amongst J Crew fans. I wish they were keeping more of the classics for those of us who miss these Higherlander days. These images are such gems.
ReplyDeleteRaina Cox,
ReplyDeleteI moved overseas in 2007 and had bought a lot of JCrew about 6 years prior to my move. I just returned last year as well! (But still travel overseas a few time a year.) Anyway, I was able to buy lots oin 2007 and 2008 through shipping to family but you are so right. Since my return I have only bought a handful of items. It was like returning to another world. I miss the old JCrew so much.
However, I don't think these pages nec. represent to me the items I liked and purchased.
The belted open cardi is still a fairly popular look that I see everywhere, including J.Crew styling. Love those colorful coats, I believe I bought my Lady Day in royal purple that year, one of my all time favs. Still wearing and loving quite a few 2007 items, like the plaid wool minis that are so thick and soft - and 16, not 15 inches long - and the cashmere v-neck and argyle cardis. Many of these items are still in the lineup in one form or another.
ReplyDeleteI definitely prefer the richer colors of 2007 over the military fatigue inspired tones this season that just are not flattering on the majority of people. Very bland as we saw in the "look we love" email yesterday.
I have the plaid wellies from these photos. I agree with xoxo that the color selection was so much better then. I have seen several items I like in the last year only to click on them and find the color selection is limited to only one or two colors and neither is flattering to me.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy getting out all my old catalogs from time to time and looking at them. So fun!
I prefer the looks in 2004-7 the best. I am glad I over bought at the time b/c now I spend so little at JCrew but I still the pieces I have and love JCrew for what they used to do. I still check this blog for the latest news and instead of checking their website daily or multiple times per day I now check twice a week or so.
yay, i still have some scotland pages, too! sadly, when i moved, i just ripped out pages i liked instead of keeping the whole thing. i did keep all of the first argentina holiday (dec 2007? they went again in 09). love that one, too.
ReplyDeleteTotally OT, but I just received an email that the 25% off $150+ is now going on in the b&m's as well!
ReplyDeleteI love all of the tartan/plaid -- for me it never goes out of style. Today I have to get my fix from Lands End Canvas.
ReplyDeleteWho is the silver fox in the last couple of pics? He is gorgeous. I must not have received this catalog (it's a constant struggle to remain on that mailing list) becasue I would have remembered this guy. Not all this plaid and argyle but definitely the guy.
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff! Thanks for posting because I don't have this catalog.
ReplyDeleteJennyemm - no, you're not the only one! I've got a big pile of past catalogs sitting by my sofa right now.
It would be great if J. Crew could include a few more bright colors and include some "old J. Crew" type of pieces in its jewelry selection because in a perfect world, we'd have something for everyone!
OT, cole haan F&F today through monday, 25% off everything with code ff2010.
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite catalog and that Holiday line that followed was awesome. It was preppy, but so much more versatile...in other words, even people who didn't dress preppy shopped at J Crew because they had great colors and classic styles, often with a twist. I think the color issue with the current J Crew is really really bad...I am very fair and cannot wear ANY of the colors they offer in t-shirts and many sweaters (except black, and if I buy anymore black, my closet will look like Morticia's). They used to offer a huge array of colors that could suit many different people of different coloring. I personally don't know anyone who isn't dissappointed in the current J Crew, but maybe it's an age thing (I'm 31).
ReplyDeleteBy the way...is anyone else sort of reminded of this shoot when they see the new Tommy Hilfiger ads? They made me think of these pics for some reason...same feel, similar plaid, retro feel.
ReplyDeletethe quality difference between 2007and now is so blatantly apparent in these images. The fabrics back then look thick and luxurious, the tweed looks like it won't unravel, and the sweaters look pill-proof.
ReplyDeleteI literally have people stop me on the street when I wear my bright yellow sybil coat. It is my most favorite J. Crew item (outside of the frog necklace, the shimmer paisley dress, and the AR Trapp sunglasses). I would replace the lining a thousand times if need be. LOL. :)
ReplyDeleteLucky me, I also was able to get the Bumble Tartan mini in my size (Vanessa is wearing it in the image where she is near the bridge walking with Anouck) because of a fellow JCA selling it on the exchange. That was my last "need" from this catalog!
Scotland is such an amazing place and when I saw this catalog the first time I was in LOVE, as much as I love the Paris one, this is the best catalog for sheer "atmosphere."
I look forward to the Fall 2005 catalog...I just purchased a gorg orange tweed jacket with a tie silk contrast collar that I believe is from that time...it would be neat to see it styled in the catalog!
Thanks for sharing these images, Alexis. I totally remember this catalog because I've visited Scotland before and loved it!
ReplyDeleteOh, lovely Vanessa is just glowing! The outfit with the two dogs and the bike is just so cute!
Emily: You are right about Tommy Hilfiger. There was an article about him on Fashionologie yesterday where he mentioned *preppy with a twist*.
ReplyDelete"After suffering in the late '90s and early '00s, 2009 was the best year in his brand's 25-year history, Tommy Hilfiger said yesterday. And he owes at least a bit of that success to Karl Lagerfeld.
When Hilfiger was trying to figure out how to turn the line around, he met with Karl Lagerfeld and asked him how he was able to reinvent Chanel successfully. “He said, ‘It was very simple. I looked at the Chanel archives and decided to modernize what existed already and make it relevant for today.’ As simple as it sounds, that’s exactly what we did,” Hilfiger said.
Now, Hilfiger has Peter Som consulting on the brand and made sure it has returned to what it stood for over the years: “a cool, American classic brand — preppie with a twist. That’s exactly what we were when we started."
But he's not stopping there — Hilfiger said he started the brand "based on what I wanted to wear. I wanted preppy clothes that were easy and relaxed . . . Brooks Brothers was very uptight, Ralph was Ralph . . . and I decided to redefine the classics.” And now he's taking on Ralph Lauren in another capacity — he just launched a new, younger-skewing TOMMY line, with its first concept shop in Manhattan (more are following in US and Canada), which could be seen as Hilfiger's answer to Ralph Lauren's Rugby."
That same blog that posted the Highland shoot has the Fall 2005 posted. I think that's the library one that was referenced by Clare. In my humble opinion, J Crew's best years were 2003-2007...wish I had a way-back machine!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info, FFM! That's really interesting, considering "preppy with a twist" is often used to describe J Crew of the past.
ReplyDeleteCharlotteSometimes, I have the alpaca tirette cardigan. I was concerned about the acrylic too, but decided to chance it because I needed a gray sweater jacket and the arrow was just too heavy for me, and the collar too exaggerated. The tirette is much easier to wear, I think. I've worn it 3 times and haven't had any problems. The knit is loose, so you do have to be a little careful about snagging, but it doesn't seem nearly as fragile as the lumiere cardigan.
ReplyDeleteAs for the photos, they're fun to look at but I'm with gem twin and some others - I think the bright colors are the problem for me, which is why as much as I try I can't love the Boden adult clothes (their childrens' line is another matter).
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ReplyDeleteSpeaking of TH, they are having a 25% off sale starting today.
ReplyDeleteOT: there is a chiffon Cecelia top in a size 8 at the Asheville store for $29.99. A great deal with the in store promo!
ReplyDeleteI remember this catalog fondly. :)
ReplyDeleteI do feel that JCrew needed to evolve, but there is also something to be said about classic pieces. The current color palatte just really disappoints me. Like Emily, I'm fair skinned with blonde hair and cannot wear most of the colors offered today. So that, more than anything, has slowed down my purchasing. A girl can only have so much black or navy blue! (BTW Emily, I'm 32 . .so it might be an age thing.)
So I'll continue my hunt of the bright colors amongs the neutrals . . .double serge skirt in Bright Dalia, I have my eye on you! :)
I have the JCrew Sybil coat in bright poppy and I still adore it! Its classy and beautiful and I get compliments every time I wear it. This year I think I'll treat myself to the Colletta in spicy russet or dark plum. Or nightfall blue? Too many gorgeous colors to choose from...
ReplyDeleteHAH! I kept this catalog. Still have it. I have that argyle sweater too. Just love it. J. Crew used to be so much better! Thanks for posting this. Can't BELIEVE it was THREE years ago!!!
ReplyDeleteWow - gorgeous shots of the scenery and nice cheerful colored clothes. And those Westies look just like my two! :)
ReplyDeleteWas 2007 the year they debuted the tartan plaid ball gown skirt? I think they paired it with a black turtleneck sweater, and it was worn by an older model with silver-grey hair. I can still see the image in my mind! I thought it looked very accessibly-elegant. And while I don't think I could pull off the look, I thought it was certainly eye candy!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I do prefer the newer J. Crew, but I would wear a couple of those sweaters and plaid pencil skirts.
ReplyDeleteEmily, I totally agree with you on the color selection! I am very very fair and blonde with blue eyes and the ochre, brown, murky colors just look terrible on me. What happened to bright vibrant colors or even pastels? I often really like an item and am disappointed when I click through and there is not a single color I can wear.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post Alexis (and T&L blog!)! Cute!!! Everything looks so thick and high-quality. I LOVES it. I really like the styles of yore, but I also *mostly* like today's JC (quality and hot mess issues not withstanding!) I'm not one for some of the bright colours of yore and sometimes I prefer just a teeeeny bit less prep in the styling. But I can whole-heartedly appreciate both JC eras.
ReplyDeleteI must confess though, that since BR started shipping to Canada my JC consumption has slowed WAY down. I think I'll always come back to JC cardis and sweaters though - for the cute styles and colours. BR doesn't do sweaters as well.
NY&Paris, I think that gorgeous long tartan skirt was from the previous Holiday, 2006 or maybe 2005. The tartan cocktail dress (which I own and love) was from the Holiday 2007...it's strapless, and short, and a different plaid. I love plaid, like a good irish girl.
ReplyDeleteThese pictures look fabolous and they do a great job showcasing the Highlands. I just did a tour of the Highlands just this past weekend while I was in Scotland so it was nice to see the pictures and actually recognize some of the places! (like the picture with the castle, that's Elise Donan Castle-so gorgeous there).
ReplyDeleteI remember visiting a B&M in the Bay Area when I was visiting family during that season. Everything looked a bit too bright and cheerful (but that was just cos I was going through a not so good period of time in my life). My college-aged cousin wore her lady day coat in salt and looked so adorable. She also had on an argyle vest with a tee and jeans. And I was schlumping about in my old sweats and khakis, thinking I wish I had clothes like my cousin, who's 16 years younger, haha. Sounding like a broken record, but just really enjoying all the colourful clothes and great location shoot in this catalog. Keep them coming, Alexis!
ReplyDeleteI have the bumble tartan mini shown in many of the pics... love it! But don't wear it often since it's a mini. Thank you for posting these. i love the setting of the shoot.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the Fall 2005 images because I've recently acquired several jackets from that season.
Raina, I think Fall 2009 was the start of the crazy styling. That was when they had the neon fishnet ankle socks with boots with shorts with 10 tops layered. JCAs correct me if I'm wrong.
Kind of off topic, but in the realm of on-topic as many of you are lamenting how avant-garde J. Crew is becoming...I saw this skirt at the UK Net-a-Porter today and was kind of appalled at it. I don't know...I like most of what they have out today (I love it all, old, new, from 1994, whenever), but I definitely cannot get into this one. It is called the Naomi feather and sequin silk skirt, and it is a short skirt with sequins everywhere (which actually is okay in my book), but then the designers placed a whole bunch of ostrich feathers (I'm assuming) all over the front...it just looks odd and unappealing.
ReplyDeleteI am sure it will sell out in a heartbeat, but man. (I won't be buying it, though, lol.)
I made a polyvore poking fun at it, plus you can click through the polyvore to the item page which then leads you to the net-a-porter page where you can see it up close and personal! Enjoy!
http://www.polyvore.com/hilarity/set?id=24633041
Again, it's really interesting to hear everyone's take on these photos. The discussion is really great! :)
ReplyDeleteI think what is great about (most of) J.Crew's older pieces is that we can style them with current pieces- making them fresh again.
Raina, I agree with Em that late 2008/2009 was the start of the change in Jenna's tastes. :)
I agree, great discussion.
ReplyDeleteKris, thank you, I am on my way after just receiving my rewards card to see if it's still available. Any advice on sizing?
I don't think fair skin means you can't wear neutrals. I think the warm or cool undertones are more important. I'm pale but warm tone, and maybe it's just my hatred of them, but I HATE bright, crayola colors. Ugh. Even if they did look best on me, I don't think I could stomach them. So, if I look washed out, so be it.
Emily & FFM, I posted about some lovely TH finds this spring. A refined cotton-cashmere sweater similar to J.Crew's piped and twisted cardi but not see-through and it was so soft. I've worn that cardi a lot over the last few months without any pilling and it still looks like new. I also bought a sailor-stripe tee that had wider stripes than any of the J.Crew striped tees I tried and returned, I love it. I make a habit of popping into TH and also Benetton whenever I'm in that particular mall, which is about twice a year. Always find something cute to bring home with me.
ReplyDeleteI think with color it's great to have choices. As someone else mentioned, when you like the style of an item and then see it is only available in two colors, the chances one of those two colors will work for you are small, especially if they are both from the same palette, like two neutrals or say, two greens. A wider variety would be nice, even if there were fewer stock in each color. More happy customers, I would think.
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ReplyDeletexoxo: I remember you mentioning your TH purchases. I'm glad to hear that they're wearing well. It sounds like they're really paying attention to quality, details, and also to what their customers are looking for. I haven't shopped TH in years, but will definitely be checking them out now. Thanks for the information! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting, Alexis! I loved those days and wish I'd known Jenna was going in a different direction so I could have stockpiled more. And the happy models, well, we've covered that already.
ReplyDeleteEm, I totally thought JCrew when I saw the new Hilfiger ads. TH is not quite my style, but definitely reminiscent of old Crew. BTW, just clicked over there to look again and they're having 30% off online :)
Nothing much really grabbing me here. The fit is too loose and the colours a little too bright for me. Good to know what's currently happening is working.
ReplyDeleteFFM, I totally forgot about a pair of TH cream and black plaid cigarette pants that I bought this spring because I have already put them away for the summer. They are really flattering and comfortable. Slightly preppy, but more sexy in that Audrey Hepburn kind of way. The TH quality has been good and I'll be going back for holiday shopping soon, will report back.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the older images and catalogues, thank you Alexis for providing them for us here.
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful eye candy, but I prefer the new j crew. The clothes today are more tailored and edgy. I find the older styles a little too collegiate and preppy for me, although in my school years I would have loved them like many of you.
CharlotteSometimes, I think it runs large. I'm usually a small in sweaters, but the xs was much better in this one.
ReplyDeleteI think it says a lot that when I go to a J Crew store, the cashmere in bright colors are usually sold out in my size (S and M) and the only ones left are the drab gray-olive-brown ones that I can get at other retailers. Obviously the marketplace wants more color and J Crew should listen more closely.
ReplyDeleteThis was one of my favorite catalogs! I found myself thinking that the women models were healthy looking and HAPPY! I get depressed looking at the new catalogs - seems like every model has a mouth-open/vacant expression...
ReplyDeleteYes!!! My favorite J.Crew catalog issue! Loved the scenery & the clothes. The bright colors drew me in! I wish I'd known J.Crew before 2007.
ReplyDeleteI think I prefer the 'seasons past' to now.
So glad I got the Sybil coat, in poppy:) It makes dark & cold winter days brighter.