"Thanks!" to many of you, including Christy & Fabulous Florida Mommy (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website today (click here to view online).There are some new arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here). {wahoo!} It looks like Crewcuts (click here) got updated, but the J.Crew Collection (click here) appears to be the same from last time (click here for reference).
The latest January catalog (click here to view) is not yet available to view for some of us. Hopefully it will be up soon. :)
As for the new arrivals...
Loving. I have enough of J.Crew's jewelry that I don't need anymore. Yet, they keep coming out with another piece I have to have. This time it's the Crystal Venus Flytrap Necklace (Item 39566; $85.00). The name is awesome and the style is stunning! It's one of those pieces that will work beautifully with any outfit- from a tee shirt and a pair of jeans to a little black dress and heels.
Intrigued. There is something about the Hoodie Fairground Cardigan (Item 34007; $128.00) that needs to be seen in person. The button-zipper cardigan can play out either way (either a unique, fresh take or too funky to work). 
The Nylon Schoolboy Blazer (Item 33364; $148.00) has the right shape, but not sure about the fabric. Yeah, it's weather resistant. But will I look too shiny in it?
Oh My! J.Crew's dresses tend to make me drool. Especially previous seasons (oh how I love the Library Doll Dress and the Vintage Violet Shirt Dress!) So it saddens me to see J.Crew's new arrivals include the Silk Serenade Colorblock Dress (Item 36068; $158.00) 
and the Cashmere Shift Dress (Item 37327; $1,000.00). I just don't understand how these shapeless dresses deserve those price tags.What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you expecting a bigger roll-out today? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)
gah the cashmere shift dress, aka the $1000 potato sack. i love mod, 60s inspired design a lot, but this is just unfortunate.
ReplyDeleteNot a huge roll out, but definitely some pieces I am interested in for spring. I haven't been interested in much lately so I'm surprised! There a lot of great basics, like the updated cafe capri, some nice silk blouses and tunics, and wedge sandals. The only disappointment for me is the continued trend to very short skirts and dresses. Nothing in the new releases in those section that I could wear. Otherwise, I think it's a pretty decent rollout. This is when I would love it if J. Crew had a wishlist feature. I'd load it up!
ReplyDeleteballet flats made from stingrays? ugh. i guess the fashion industry is looking for different hides to slaughter.
ReplyDeleteTastymoog: I know!!! That Cashmere Shift Dress does look like a potato sack thanks to its Camel shade. ;) It just doesn't seem that special for $1,000.
ReplyDeleteDesert Flower: I couldn't agree more about the length of dresses and skirts. It would be nice to see some longer pieces for some of us. :)
J.Crew used to make some great, nicely crafted shoes. Not these days...everything is still so clunky and ugly. I think their design strategy goes something like this, "Ankle boot, check. 15 Buckles, check. Glue gun, check." 30 minutes later they come up with the Loxley buckle peep toes. U-G-L-Y! It's depressing that's the best they can do. I do think that (other than the hot mess of the color block dress) there are some pretty dresses, like the Silk organza Alannah dress, that may warrant purchase consideration. =)
ReplyDeleteAlexis - I purchased the Venus Flytrap Necklace in the b&m during the 25% off promo, it is so pretty, and extremely light! You will love it!
ReplyDeletemlnolan00: I know what you mean! Some of their shoes and bags don't fit the style that J.Crew use to offer.
ReplyDeleteMarietta: I am so happy to hear you love your necklace! It looks amazing- I can't wait to get it myself! :)
Next to their pants I used to buy mainly skirts and dresses from JCrew. I agree these new offerings no longer tempt me...disappointing.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, more pretty skirts and dresses will come out for spring and summer:)
I have seen and tried on the nickely bib blouse and really like it. I do wish it came in some colors though, instead of more gray. How much gray do I need in my wardrobe? :) That said, I will pick one up on sale. I also tried on the shelby eyelet dress in white and loved it and bought it, even though it will be months before I can wear it. :) Btw, it is not as short as it looks, although I'm only 5'4". I am intrigued by the bevin blouse, just wish it were washable and pure white. I love the idea of a higher rise jean - I will definitely try those on! I like the new pencil skirt, but already have pencil skirts in both colors. I like both wedge sandals and the flat sandals. And I'd like to try on the belmarin pant. I love the new cafe capris, but I already have all those colors. I do not like the serenade dress at all. My favorite look in the catalog is on page 8 and I plan to recreate that with what I already own (minus the shoes) soon! Not much crewcuts, which is a bummer as I like to buy for my niece and nephew.
ReplyDeletei need to see it in person, but i really like the ripple stripe pencil skirt in black. might look cheap in person though.
ReplyDeletei also agree with alexis' comment on the fairground cardigan.
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ReplyDeleteI'm fairly disappointed in the selection. Nothing really stood out to me and I'm not really ready to start thinking about spring yet. (I mean, we just got our first blizzard!) I looked at the New café capri and Cropped Maggie trouser but that's it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else on the shapeless dresses, short skirts and what's up with their bags?
Nothing is really standing out to me right now- but that is usually how I feel right when I see things online vs seeing them IRL!
ReplyDeleteNothing really grabbed me, but I'm not in the mood for new stuff right now.
ReplyDeleteAnd why did they name a leather ballet flat the "Leatherette"? Do they know what leatherette is?
I'm very interested in the Brigadier Utility jacket but not sure which size. Has anyone seen it in the store? I wear an 8 or 10 top due to bust but lots of times the Large is too large. I've skipped the previous military style jackets because they were too military but this looks more safari style and that I'm all for. If anyone sees this jacket in the store, would love to hear about it.
ReplyDeleteI like the silken crewneck sweater. Not sure if I'd actually buy, though, since it seems kinda slouchy.
ReplyDeleteOverall, pretty underwhelmed. :\
The ripple stripe pencil skirt and the silk camp blouse are interesting, as is some of the swimwear. I love that blousey one-piece. The hoodie fairground cardigan is actually from a prior roll out, and I really like it. I haven't worn it yet, seems more early spring-appropriate to me. I really like it though, fits tts.
ReplyDeleteUh, I hate waking up to a big update that is mostly already sold out or not available in my size. I might be heading to B&M today to checkout what's left for 40% off. Is this nationwide?
ReplyDeleteRegarding the new arrivals, I do love the light and airy beach cottage feel of this spring line.
Nickleby bib top:
I didn't know the name of it the time, since it was only in store, but I bought this shirt a couple weeks ago and it's a beaut. However, b/c this is not TTS I left it in store the first go around. I rarely have to size down with blouses like these, but this one is a must for sizing down. It is rather big and drapey otherwise. I especially love the very beautiful and unique Waterfront color, that goes beatifically with my olive tone. This blouse goes with everything, and pairs well with the Dulphine bling-button cardigan in Heather Graphite.
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ReplyDeleteNickleby bib top...
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention this blouse is a bit on the short side (Hits at Hip). Still, one of my favorite purchases for some time. It's a very feminine, without the sequins and being low cut.♥
Not sure where to put this...
ReplyDeleteBoutonierre Blazer in Urban Grey
I received my 2nd one in the mail yesterday. A rebuy after it dipped in price. The 2nd one, in the same size, fit better than the first all around, especially in the shoulders. I so love the style of this blazer.
Tweed Tatum jacket
I got this yesterday as well. TTS, but very fitted overall. As in, no room for layering. The overall style is cute and very classic from a far. But up close the unfinished ribbon edging throughout gives this jacket a less than polished look. Doesn't seem worth the almost $300 price tag. Good thing I got it on the cheap. Still a nice keeper.
I like the Stripe drawstring dress. Looks so cute and nautical and I like that it is linen, it should be cool for those hot summer days.
ReplyDeleteI also like the Ripple stripe pencil skirt. It seems to be popular given the comments here. Hopefully someone can review it fairly soon.
Other than that I did not see a whole lot of interest. I'm sure once I can actually flip through the real catalog I will find much more that I have to have.
I just saw most of the new arrivals in store. Nothing that I must have. The only thing that I really wanted to try was the new Lemlem dress (I am in the mood for resort clothes because of an upcoming vacation. Boy, was it unflattering, I felt like a preacher in the desert!
ReplyDeleteI am disappointed that the short-sleeve chambray shirt that looked so cute in the previews has a chinched waist (and it's online only). Unless it is not that one? Can anybody chime in?
Alexis, I have the Venus necklace as well (hubby Xmas present) and I love it. I posted pictures last week if you are interested.
On another note, I went to the soho store and the sale section was still decent. With the 40% off there are pretty good deal to be made.
I love those Lexington booties. Finally, the right heel height and vibe together! Has anyone tried the Bandolier? It looks like the Lexington is made on the same last or platform. Do the Bandoliers fit tts or the "normal" deal for J.Crew where you need to go a half size up?
ReplyDeleteEma: I think the short sleeve Chambray Cinch Shirt is a different one than in the Spring 2011 preview seen here. The one with the sequin skirt has white buttons and looks just like a short sleeve version of the Selvedge chambray shirt that's been out for a long time now.
ReplyDeletei'm going on vaca in a week and was excited to see new beach wear, but why does jcrew think beach coverups should be moo-moos?
ReplyDeleteI'm with Kendra with regard to the moo-moo beach coverups. For the past 2 years I've fallen in love with a particular style or pattern, ordered it and returned it. I loved the Soleil print last year and even ordered it at full price, but no matter what I did (I even tried to belt it and wear it as a dress with some cute knee high boots!) it just made me look like I was wearing a sack. So sad because some of the prints are so lovely, and while I realize they come in suits too, I already have 2 beautiful J.Crew swimsuits I rarely get the opportunity to use.
ReplyDeleteSo anyway I just came from the 45th & Madison store in NYC and there are two must haves for me: the eyelet dress everyone has been talking about (yay to it not being strapless this year! I have the '08 strapless version and love it) and another dress which was black with a corseted top with hooks and a strip of cream fabric at the placket. But since we have a few more months of cold weather here, I'm going to try my hardest to stalk these dresses until the first markdown :)
Fidele, I have the bandelier boots in both the bronzed beige and the black. They are really comfortable and TTS. The heel is not too bad, and the bronzed beige ones are really eye-catching. I got them on the promos in early December. I bought more shoes than anything this fall, primarily boots.
ReplyDeleteSorry if this has been discussed before, but I am wondering about the fit of the stretch twill minnie pant. I am a very petite person (5'2, 97 lbs), and JCrew pants are usually huge on me, so I don't bother. But I see that these come in petite 00 and are stretchy, so there might be hope. Can anyone comment on fit for these? Thanks in advance!
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ReplyDeleteJust got back from my nearest b&m where I tried on several new arrivals, including the Shelby Eyelet dress and the Drawstring Stripe dress. Check out the post here.
ReplyDeleteThanks AppGal, nice photos and reviews. I posted a comment on your blog.
ReplyDeleteHexicon: Isn't Leatherette fake lookalike[sic] leather? I used to have it in my X3 years ago. LOL!
ReplyDeleteFrankly I'm busy today and tomorrow since I have out of town guests coming for dinner tomorrow so I haven't had a chance to check out the new arrivals. I'm leaving on a vacation next week but somewhere cold so I wouldn't be needing new resort wear.
I did go to my closest B&M couple days ago and the sale section was really picked over. Nothing left in my size. Just few pairs of shoes and really nothing. Since this B&M is the only one here in my area I think it's really picked over and the line was really long. I did see some new arrivals but nothing I wanted to try on.
wandered around in B&M after returning a few things to let my feet dry some, and had a horrifying thought: could it be possible that I have enough striped shirts? Has this ever happened to anyone else? (not the wet feet, the awful thought)?
ReplyDeleteIn case anyone is looking for these:
ReplyDeleteShort icon trench in the pinkish color was on sale at my B&M (Boca Raton) for $89.99 (plus an additional 40% off). I debated about the size 2 for about 20 minutes since it's a fantastic price, but I already have a similar coat. They had size 2, 4, 10 and 12.
Also several of the buffalo check jackets (size 0, 4 and then 10+) for $129.99 before discount. And a few Sunnies for $89.99 (in both the yellow and gray color but can't remember sizes).
Lots of nice but expensive outwear but for that amount of money------the Canada Goose Chateau parka for me is a slam dunk!!! The only problem is I have to wait until August 2011 to get one----wow why is Canada Goose so white hot!!!!
ReplyDeleteWFF--the striped shirt question haunts me. I think you can never have too many because they come in and out of "trend" and I wear them regardless of fickle fashion cycles so stock up when they are available. A financially-healthier obsession than buying too many gemstones too.
ReplyDeleteJust looked up controversial cashmere dress...
ReplyDeleteMy $.02: think it is actually very elegant (sans fussy added belt and with my skin tone some black tights and booties)
Was at the B&M yesterday and it was blah, blah, blah. My sister and I were commiserating at how awful everything was. Caveat: this store probably didn't get everything and I haven't looked online yet. But I'm not holding my breath :(
ReplyDeleteWent into my local store (Towson, MD) tonight to do some returns. I almost never go in there when my PS isn't working and I was reminded exactly why tonight. AWFUL customer service at the checkout from the SA- totally poor attitude the entire time. I had to bite my tongue from asking if I was inconveniencing her. UGH. Normally, it isn't like this. The store was a disaster and there were clothes everywhere. I suspect that they were rather busy today, but it doesn't excuse the crummy attitude I got. Not much of the new stuff caught my eye. Walked out with 2 sale items, both 40% off. There was a buffalo check jacket in size 4 in the sale section if anyone was looking for it.
ReplyDeletejbird-I feel for ya!! Been there, been treated that way!
ReplyDeleteI saw the new arrivals in store and saw nothing that I would buy. It's so generic looking... I could buy similar pieces in any other store for much less money. And don't even get me started on the current shoe offerings...
ReplyDeleteSeems like many of us were underwhelmed with the new items.
ReplyDeleteI still love that bright pencil skirt in Bright Dahlia (I just put it in my blog as part of a whole J Crew outfit), but I wonder if I can justify yet another pencil skirt . . . . (But it is such a great color!)
Does anyone else think that maybe J Crew should just roll out A LOT of stuff all at once? I find that if I check the website weekly (okay, twice a week--okay, okay, Every Day) - it is hard to find the stuff that they just posted (one or two new items) and the "new" stuff that is really a month old. I wonder why they trickle it out little by little, rather than just launching their New Items for January or something?
I personally would love to see more color. In the winter, things are drab and the only color we can get sometimes is the clothing we wear.
Thanks, Elizabeth! My booties may finally have arrived. I tried the Britten platforms, but they were too severe for my life. These look just right. . . will review.
ReplyDeleteOooh - I DO like that cropped Maggie trouser.
ReplyDeleteI am only 5'3" so I bet it wouldn't look right on my frame. I do like it on the model though. It looks like the Minnie trouser, but not as tight, which is probably a better approach.
Stingray...really? First of all...who wants to spend $500 on some ballet flats. Second, Stingrays are cute, it would be like having kitten ballet flats.
ReplyDeleteFFM, thanks for confirming that it's not the same shirt. I will wait for the release of the one that we saw in the previews.
ReplyDeleteDara, I agree on the coverups and swimwear. I also ordered the soleil tunic last year and it was very unflattering (not to mention that the color was very different than pictured and didn't like it at all). I tried some bikinis and a one-piece yesterday and they were just meh. BTW, the grey/white striped bikini runs HUGE. I am usually a S in their bikinis and the bottom was falling off my butt (and I didn't loose weight, quite the opposite in fact).
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ReplyDeleteJ Crew may have finally lost me.
ReplyDeleteJ Crew used to be so amazing. I'd call it 'classic with modern twists'. Basics, but not too basic, and with a few very special pieces. Out over the last several seasons, their clothes have been, well ...off. (and the quality has declined: holes in new shirts and sweaters, pilling etc). Does anybody know what changed - who changed?
Through the change I have been frustrated and sad. And with the last few releases, I've just felt ... nothing. I’ve checked their site and fan sites much less frequently. But with this last new release, I think I've given up. I'm like the girlfriend who's just tired of dealing. Ready to move on.
Is J Crew happy with their direction? It seems they've gotten too hip for their loyal clients. Is it just me? Do you think they’ll succeed with their new direction?
Suggestion: How about one of you start a blog for Negative, Whiny Women Who Aspire to Dress Like Their Mothers, Even Though They Are 28 Years Old? That will clear out about 70 percent of the posts here. The people who remain would actually be "aficionadas" of JCrew who take pleasure in fashion, creativity, and the brand. The rest can go get their khakis and sweater sets at Talbot's and LLBean and call it a day.
ReplyDeleteSarah: If that comment was directed at me, I would suggest that you don't know me at all.
ReplyDeletePardon me if I don't aspire to wear pilling sweaters that have dodads and wads of tulle poorly attached to them. (and poor quality too, yikes - all the buttons for new coats, jackets and sweater that had to be resewn!)
The reason that J Crew was so appealing is that is WASN'T Lands End or Talbots. It was fresh without being to edgy.
I know that some will like the direction they have decided to take, but will they have as broad appeal (and therefore sales) as they did during, say 2007?
And you don't have to be so snarky.
I for one am very grateful for warnings from dear JCAs that certain items pill, lack linings, have unfinished seams, develop holes, etc.
ReplyDeleteI am equally grateful for JCA tips that other items are wonderfully made, do not itch, are nicer than they look on the website, fit TTS, etc.
Despite a very good JD and other qualifications, I will never be able to afford the clothes my mother wore, nor the time she spent in buying them or having them made, but I am also grateful that she taught me how to judge quality and craftsmanship, how different things should fit, and how long to expect things to last.
And, from the other side of the family I am grateful that my Nana taught me to look for the Union Label, which sadly I never see on JC items. More about that at the end of March if still posting. Meanwhile, hoping for better days in 2011 for all of us!
wellfedfred - Ditto on the union label and love to your Nana. Unions get such a bad rap and people don't realize they help keep quality up. They're far from perfect, but the upside is that an outline of standards is set. I see vintage clothes from years ago that can still be worn. Many of the clothes we're wearing these days might make it to the dust rag bag and that's about it.
ReplyDeletelilybart - We shall see what happens w/J Crew. They seem to be on repeat. The new pararuffle shirt is an abbreviated version of the sweeping ruffles and swann shirtdress. I suppose they are happy to attract a new customer, but I'm not convinced spenders w/the big bucks are excited about the new direction. It's a risk to potentially alienate the core, imo.
When I lived in a smaller town MANY years ago I used to find a few well made goodies at Fashion Bug WITH the Union label and/or Made in the USA. Love to see that. I wonder if that store still carries items like that? Haven't been in one in almost 5 years.
ReplyDeleteI can't afford to dress like my mother either, at least not yet, and maybe not ever. I do love her style and she taught me a lot about fabric, tailoring and quality, not to mention accessories and shoes. I'd rather not be one of the sheeple following trends, I prefer what looks good on me, makes me feel confident and beautiful and lasting more than a few wearings is always good too.
ReplyDelete"Fashion is temporary, style is forever." - Yves Saint-Laurent
I want to thank WFF for all your wonderful posts I really really enjoy reading them I hope you don't stop posting here!!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year everyone!!
Well said xoxo. Advice from top designers and stylists always recommend to invest in classic pieces and add on some trends in small, inexpensive doses. I know what I like and what flatters me, I don't want to be sold on the latest trend.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing excellent information. Your website is very cool. Fully useful your blog post... Online New Arrival
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