Thursday, September 13, 2012

J.Crew Sponsors GOOP

"Thanks!" to Boston Brit, Michelle, as well as JSR (in this post), who let us know that the latest issue of GOOP.com (click here) features J.Crew and their latest collection.

As many of you have noticed, the issue was sponsored by J.Crew. I guess this is J.Crew's way of breaking into the blogging community?

The outfits each have a theme with a brief note:
  • Pick 1: Transitioning into Fall
    A warm, peach-toned jacket to get you through the fall with a pair of boyfriend shorts for the last warm days of summer.

  • Pick 2: The Work Week
    A tweedy black sweater makes for a great work basic.

  • Pick 3: The Weekender
    Loving the contrast between the bright blue jeans and the navy blue blouse. The sunglasses and handbag complete the outfit.

  • Pick 4: Suiting up
    Add a pop of turquoise to your classic grey work suit.

  • Pick 5: The Classic Camel Coat
    Opting for a toggle for this fall's camel coat.

  • Pick 6: Jewel Tones
    Bringing this season’s cobalt blues and deep reds together.

  • Pick 7: Prep School
    Fall’s preppy must-haves: torn jeans, a schoolboy blazer and velvet slippers.

  • Pick 8: Everyday Tweed
    A brown tweed coat pairs well with these bright blue jeans.
Gwyneth Paltrow looks amazing in all her outfits. She really wears the items well. In fact, I think the clothes are styled better in GOOP's issue than in J.Crew's catalog!

So I am not going to lie, I do not enjoy GP. She is a fine actress (and her mother is an amazing actress!) but there is just something about her and her GOOP site that bugs me. Maybe I am still jealous that she played young Wendy in the film "Hook" all those years ago. Apologies in advance to any of her fans out there.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's feature over at GOOP? Do you like how the clothes are styled?

55 comments:

  1. The styling is nice but there's nothing there that is really making me go "wow" - but this is how I felt when I saw the roll-out on the website yesterday, so not a big surprise.

    I have also noticed that J. Crew is moving more aggressively into the blogging world, putting Caroline Issa and Julia Sarr-Jamois front and centre in their current ad campaign, both of whom are favourites of big name street fashion bloggers like Scott Schumann (Sartorialist), Garance Doré and Tommy Ton.

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  2. She has a few interesting topics on her blog, but there is way too much moronic rambling for me to read it regularly.

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  3. Much as it pains me to admit it (since I, too, find her a bit insufferable), she DOES look great in those pics! She wears the JC clothes well, and I love the styling. Also, I now really want a pair of those toothpick ankle jeans in dark denim! :)

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    1. I LOOOVE those jeans (the huron wash), I keep trying them on. AND I just noticed they are on promo (aka they are down to the price ankle jeans used to be in previous seasons, $108 which now looks cheap)

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  4. The clothes look great. I agree that the clothes are better styled (and more helpfully) on goop. I liked the way that they showed how to change the look with different pieces. Unfortunately, now there are so many things I'm adding to my "want" list - the Eisenhower jacket, Etta pumps, the graphic print pencil.....so tragic for my wallet. I need a promo!

    PS glad you spotted the "sponsored by" in tiny letters....I missed it and wondered........

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  5. The Eishenhower jacket looks SO much better on her than on the J.Crew model. I have not read her blog and don't have any plans to.

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  6. The looks are very 'everyday wearable' to me; if I could afford all the pricey Collection and designer collaboration items.

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  7. 6 and 7 (minus the slippers) are my faves, but I could only pull off 6. I just don't look rich and preppy or effortless enough to wear 7 the right way, despite my best efforts.

    Sigh. Ah, dreams ...

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  8. It's probably the case that many of us find her insufferable because it is maddening how she can pull of almost anything and make it look cool, modern, chic, beautiful, etc. She's waif thin without looking anorexic and she wears clothes so beautifully it hurts. Her in that white, caped Tom Ford gown at the 2012 Oscars slayed me. Seeing this particular editorial with her really brought it home how thin she is--in looks 3 and 6 the toothpick jeans look downright roomy on her legs, while my own muscle-y gams can barely even get them pulled on in the dressing room! Le sigh.

    Overall I liked the looks. The heel width on the Ettas looked too thick for me and the Collection Eisenhower jacket (look 1) and Edie purse (look 3) didn't work for me either, but these are minor gripes. Louise @ INGREDIENT's comment brought to mind a street style/bloggers article I read today on NYT that makes me wonder now every time I see a blogger wearing JCrew, even though JC isn't called out in the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/13/fashion/new-york-fashion-week-street-style-is-often-a-billboard-for-brands.html?pagewanted=2&pagewanted=all

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    1. Two more things I forgot to add to my typically long comment: anyone else notice how both Gwyneth and Gayle said their first purchase from JC was a gray rollneck sweater, GP in 1992 and Gayle in 1983, both of them claiming they wish they still owned it? Might be truthful but it feels fishy, like a manufactured detail.

      Also, eye-roll to the number of Collection and collaboration picks as noted by maryeb. Maybe Jcrew can branch into three stores: Factory, Regular, and Collection (like how Gap has 3 tiers of brands). Dear J. Crew, go have fun in a separate store with your overpriced Collection duds and leabe the old JC to its longtime fans.

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    2. LemonFraternite, that was a really interesting article, thank you for sharing. This is something I started to suspect a while back - that popular bloggers are receiving much of their clothing as gifts, so it's a calculated product placement and not really genuine, spontaneous street fashion anymore.

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    3. Thanks for sharing that great article! The whole c/o for bloggers is definitely a trend that is growing.

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  9. I don't read Goop but I like the outfit pairings - classic and everything fits her well. Off to wish the Etta pumps on sale again ...

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  10. I think she looks amazing and I agree that the styling is appealing. But am I the only person who thinks ripped jeans are OVER?

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    1. I don't understand buying a pair of ripped jeans. I never did.

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  11. I like the styling and she looks good - but lets face it - her job is to look good. I'm not a fan of GP or GOOP so for me this is a "whatever" moment. Personally, I'd rather see Lauren Hutton again-I thought she was great.

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  12. LOVE Gwyneth and she looks amazing in the clothes. Also, her hair and overall look has never been better-- and she's 40! That said, I do not love GOOP.

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  13. I like ripped jeans. I don't buy them that way, but if they happen to start coming apart, I think it's fine to still wear them. As long as it isn't too excessive.

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  14. I know some fashion bloggers wear the shorts and cashmere sweater look while taking outfit photos in their Utah driveways or random (right) artful NYC alleys, but really, where is she going in Look 1? Bare legs in Chino shorts on the bottom and a "plush chunky" 5 gauge cashmere sweater and a stadium cloth "high density wool" jacket on top..?!

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    1. HA! I always think the same thing when I see shorts matched with some serious winter gear on top. I guess it is okay on trendsetters who throw on some black leggings under the shorts. But bare legs... I just don't get it too!

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  15. Gwyneth has been my favorite actress since the 90's and I think I've seen every movie she's ever been in - including DUETS, FFS - so I love seeing her in J.Crew (even if it it's mainly the stuff I can't afford, haha). I don't have that lean, toned figure of hers, but the way she is styled in those pics above = my style when I'm not at work. This is *great* timing for J.Crew since People magazine just named her the "Best Dressed Woman in the World".

    GOOP is so pretentious and hate-reading it is one of my favorite things to do on a Thursday. I always ask myself: "Is that how I would act if I had that freaking much money and all of my friends also had that freaking much money?" The post in which she details her daily routine is priceless. I hope she blogs forever.

    @ JulieStyles: LOVED when J.Crew used Lauren Hutton as a model, she is timeless.

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    1. LOL @ "hate-reading"- I love that term. I am going to use it from now on!!!

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    2. Ah, yes, the daily routine newsletter was a gem! As was the newsletter where she dissected cooking with her good friend, Ina ... us commoners know her as the Barefoot Contessa. :)

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    3. The thing I like best about GOOP is the hilarious name-dropping. My personal favourite was when she referred to Billy Joel as William.

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  16. I love it! Not a stripe or a sequin to be seen, so Jenna and Gayle must not have attended the shoot.

    I'm a mother of two, and all of these outfits are something I could personally see myself in. Well, see myself in a few years from now when I don't have to worry about drool and sticky fingers! That's not something I can always say that about JCrew's catalog styling, between the pattern mixing and the arms filled with bangles and bracelets. Looks great on a catalog model or a style blogger, looks ridiculous on little old me...

    And, to be fair to GP and Gayle...JCrew did sell the rollneck sweater for a LONG time. I have one in a gray wool/cotton mix from the mid-90s with nary a pill on it...

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    1. A gray wool rollneck was also one of my first J. Crew purchases! And I also regret getting rid of it. Although it was too big for me and not something I would wear out of the house, it was incredibly cozy and warm for lounging inside in winter, or on a camping trip.

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  17. Alexis, I feel the exact same way about GP and GOOP. Most of my friends adore her, and when they ask me why I don't, I can't put my finger on it. She just rubs me the wrong way.

    That said, ITA that the styling here is much better than J. Crew, though I've never been a fan of GP's style. This spread is a little safe and boring for my taste, but not completely schizophrenic like J. Crew has been of late.

    On the plus side, J. Crew's failure to style well has forced me to think more creatively about my wardrobe instead of copying their outfits verbatim (not that I ever did that...right...) I recently paired the floral Allie dress, which most people rightfully said was more 'spring' than 'fall' with peacock Juliets and a brown tweed Robert Noble jacket. Looked great and I was quite proud of myself ;)

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    1. Right! Can't put my finger on why, but I just don't care for GP.

      Your outfit sounds amazing- can never go wrong with a brown tweed Robert Noble Jacket! :)

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  18. I guess Ike wore an orange jacket so the enemy wouldn't mistake him for a jeep and shoot at him. Or maybe because camo was over even then...

    So about JC and bloggers and social media: at the same time as we were reading about that developing relationship, Dear Leader was holding forth on CNBC:

    "I never wanted to compete on price in my history because on price, you don't always win," he said.

    Drexler also cautioned retailers against turning to social media as a way to grow their apparel and accessories businesses long term.

    “I’ve yet to see a correlation in my industry between great social media and great numbers," he said. "You’ve got to be there, but on the other hand, it’s a very hyped-up thing right now.”

    Here is the link to the story: http://www.cnbc.com/id/49020963

    As for Gwynnie, enough already, although I also applaud the absence of sequins and stripes. And please, what is basic about a winter coat with loose short sleeves? even with gloves, the snow or rain can get in. Why not call it a coat made of warmish fabric with an interesting shape that's not for really cold weather or precipitation?

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    1. Good memory on Mr. Drexler's quote about social media!!!

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    2. I liked what he said about social media. I'm one who doesn't get the hype about it. Crawling back in my cave now lol...

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  19. I don't like the first look and while I would totally wear any of the other ones, it doesn't seem very inventive to pair everything with a pair of jeans (although it is pretty much my style).

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    1. I agree. I think the reason she looks so great in these photos isn't so much about the clothes or the styling--it's that she's quite tall and quite thin, and carries herself well.

      It reminds me of how people gush over, for example, Audrey Hepburn as being a style icon, and when you deconstruct her style, big deal, a pair of cigarette pants and a Breton top. She was petite and adorable and would look good in a garbage bag. Not necessarily something everyone else can duplicate nor anything groundbreaking.

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  20. Alexis-
    Agreed there's just something about GP that is annoying. I loved Emma, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (Don't Laugh), and both Iron Mans, but it's more than likely the fact she tries to portray herself as another normal "wife and mom of two" when she's a freaking loaded A-list actress! I have nothing wrong with the rich or "elite", but they should seriously not pretend to be the every-man it's annoying.
    But all that said she wears all those looks very well.

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    1. Jinks, I hear you! I will watch movies she is in. Loved Iron Man. I thought GP's best film was "Sliding Doors". But I just don't get her outside of acting.

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    2. I liked "Sliding doors" as well but I don't think she is a very good actress. She is probably a better cook. She will probably end up being the Martha Stewart of our generation.

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    3. God, I love Sliding Doors. Must go watch now....

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  21. I think she looks great in the JC outfits, but I don't care for her. She does not come across as a friendly person...

    It has always bugged me (even though its completely NONE of my business) that she does not like to be seen/photographed with her husband. She's married and has two children...geesh what's the big deal??Enjoying the comments!

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  22. In look 4 I love the turquoise shirt. Anyone know what shirt that is? Having trouble finding it.

    Thanks:)
    Tish

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    1. I think it's this one. Remember that the website colours are always more washed out than in real life.

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  23. I never read goop but I like Gwyneth. She is cute and looks good in just about anything.

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  24. LOL FOREVER @ the working moms article Alexis linked to. I mean, if only every worker mother had a FISHMONGER. Who makes deliveries. Motherhood is EASY, yo. (;

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    1. Oh, thank you, gumdrops, I was afraid I might be the only lady without a personal fishmonger. I so dislike being made to feel underprivileged.

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    2. LOL! I like the last line of the article too: "I'd kill to "slum it up" like Gwyneth and her friends for a day." So true!

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    3. Thanks for pointing out the link. A fishmonger? Great tips. Like having your personal trainer come to your house, sure who hasn't figured that out yet? Or get an amazing assistant, and if you can't afford to hire one use one of your children! All very realistic advice.

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  25. Well, I'm not sure how I feel about GP. I bought her cookbook and was completely underwhelmed. It's no wonder she is so skinny. I felt like the book was missing, um, food! Anyway, what bothers me about GP is that I feel she tries too hard. She looks amazing, but I feel she wears outfits to get attention. Her dress length is usually uncomfortably short. Or she is showing midriff or other inappropriate body parts. Often seeming desperate or cougar-ish for someone of her age. Don't get me wrong I think she looks great. It's not a jealous thing, it's just a class thing. A drop dead gorgeous, successful, forty year old actress does not need to do that. Stop trying so hard! Anyway, I liked the styling of the pieces. I flipped through my new JC catalog and found nothing that I liked, but then I saw the GP shoot and was in love with a lot of the unaffordable collection pieces. Now I'm back in lust with JC!

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  26. I think it's ridiculous that the new "collection" toggle coat is nearly identical to last year's toggle coat in wool cashmere, except the "collection" one has shorter bell-like sleeves and a looser body (which I think is actually uglier imo!) Oh, and it's nearly DOUBLE the price. It's almost like they think they can slap a collection label on anything and we'll swoon with desire and buy it. Kinda makes me mad just thinking about it! Not sure what they're thinking but they must be drunk on their own crewlade!

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  27. My husband loves her! I agree that she does look good in almost everything because she just has that 'it' factor; something that you are either born with or not. I DO NOT have that, but I can appreciate someone who does. She does take really good care of herself (eats very healthfully and does pilates several times a day) and that may be the reason for who good she looks all the time. She hit the genetic jackpot!

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  28. I think she looks great. I don't understand how people dislike a complete stranger.

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  29. I love Gwynnnie, I would love to be more like her, she is good at so many things, and I think she seems a really pleasant individual.

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  30. Okay, shes lookin a little pissed off in the first few photos......

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  31. I agree that this styling is much better than what is in the J.Crew catalog right now. I love Look 7 (other than the ripped jeans), and often wear similar outfits once the weather cools down here.

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  32. Gwyneth and Katie wearing J. Crew is about as impressive as their movie and TV roles. Completely forgetable. I wouldn't waste $10.00 to see either of them in a film and them modeling JC clothes isn't going to make me buy. It seems so desperate and pathetic.

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  33. I think she wears it well. Perfectly classic looks and the right body proportions.
    But does she not have a somewhat painful expression in Look 4? Maybe from holding her breath so they can get that jacket buttoned? And don't sit down in those pants!:) I actually love the look of this--perhaps, one size up. It looks like a modern interpretation of the suit.

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