Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Dear FFM: Help Put Together A J.Crew Outfit For Me

FabulousFloridaMommy (FFM) regularly guest blogs on outfits she creates with items that you, the members, request. :)FFM has done it yet again! A big "thank you!" to FFM, who has created a fabulous outfit for almost every single request in the "Dear FFM: Help Put Together A J.Crew Outfit For Me" post!

To view the sets, click on the links below. (The name of the link relates to the request for an outfit.)
Cashmere Argyle V-Neck For The Office- Look #1 | Look #2
Cashmere Argyle V-Neck Casual
Whisper Lame- Casual Chic | Chic
Monochromatic Whisper Lame- Casual Chic | Casual
Silvered Tweed Pencil Skirt For The Office- Look #1 | Look #2
Chessy Jacket Casual Chic- Look #1 | Look #2
Italian Jacquard Fiona- Professional | Casual Chic
Daisy Eyelet- Professional | Casual Chic
Printed Silk Slub Shell- Casual
The Jersey Knit Bow Skirt, Gianna, and Paige
Primrose Cardigan Casual- Look #1 | Look #2
Elizabeth In Fresh Clover For Fall
Ruffled Seaside Jersey On A Tropical Getaway
Mercerized Cotton V-Neck Tee in Honey Glaze
Featherweight Merino Tunic- In Navy | In Ivory
Belle In Rhubarb Casual Chic
Engagement Photo- Look #1 | Look #2 | Look #3
Phoebe Dress Professional
College Campus Chic- Look #1 | Look #2
Engineering PhD Feminine Chic- Look #1 | Look #2 | Look #3


Are there any items from J.Crew (that you either own or are thinking about getting) that you would like FFM to create outfit ideas. Feel free to include additional info like: the climate/season you want to wear the item/outfit, as well as age bracket/lifestyle. :) After a few days, FFM will select a few items (from the feedback) to create a couple of Polyvore outfits with those items (which will then be posted for all).

What J.Crew pieces do you often wonder how to use in an outfit? What J.Crew items would you like to see an outfit created for (please include item name or item number)? Do you have any J.Crew items in your closet that you are unsure how to style with? Please, let us know! :)

87 comments:

  1. FFM, you have done it yet again! Thanks for all the outfits, the time and wardrobe inspiration! *one-woman ovation* =)

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  2. FFM....you are amazing!!! I have added you to my RRS feed, so I get these everytime I log on to my email. LOVE IT!!! I always have such a hard time putting creative things together. You've taken the guesswork out of getting dressed in the morning. Thanks!

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  3. FFM: I love what you did with the Silvered Tweed Pencil Skirt For The Office. I have been wanting the Jacinda since it came out...now you're giving me more reason to get it!

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  4. FFM, I absolutely LOVE your outfits. Can you help me? I desperately need help with my Deep Atlantic and my Bright Rhubarb Belle skirts. I purchased both skirts and don't know what to wear with them to the office. Can you help?

    Karen

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  5. *faints* FFM, I truly think you have outdone yourself this time. AMAZING!!

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  6. FFM you should get commission from jcrew for being essentially a personal shopper! I bet people see these sets and then go to their store and tell the PS "I want THAT." :D

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  7. If you have time, could you do something for the Herringbone ecole in Sweet Potato? All I can think to wear underneath is a button-up shirt. Thanks so much!

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  8. FFM: What a great job! You're super-great!
    You should work for Jcrew and help them put outfits together!

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  9. thank you so much ffm:)
    these ideas are absolutely amazing, I will try them first thing tomorrow:D

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  10. Sorry this is off-topic, but I have to vent: J.Crew just cancelled an item from my order this week. Grrr. Sadly I was prepared from having read about it so much on this blog ....

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  11. lbh, have you called JCrew to ask if they still have it? The reason I ask is that I had the same thing happen and I ended up calling and receiving 2 of the item:) Crazy - but if it is something you really want, it is worth a try!

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  12. hmm, anon, I hadn't thought of that. I figured if they had, they'd send it... boy, they make us go to great lengths to buy from them, don't they ;-) Thanks for the advice :-)

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  13. Thanks everyone! Your compliments and kind words really mean so much to me! :) Have a FABULOUS afternoon!

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  14. I know so many of you hated the jersey knit pants! BUT when I was in the Lenox store in Atlanta I tried them on and loved them. I didn't buy them immediately because I don't compulsive shop, and last Friday when I went to the store in Greenville, SC they didn't even know what I was talking about. They called Atlanta and Rockefeller for me and evidentally they are entirely sold out! Online I ordered them and got a ship date of November 25... I hope they actually come! So if I do happen to get them do you have any suggestions for outfits? I am 22 and just got married.

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  15. Hi FFM- When you get a chance could you put together an oufit for the Metallic boucle Clea jacket (buttercup) Thanks.

    Phoebe

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  16. FFM: Thanks so much for creating four looks for me! I am famous for buying pieces and not knowing how to match them later. I love the color schemes and accessories you used in creating the outfits. Awesome!

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  17. I paired my chessy jacket with an ivory t, roasted pepper cafe capri, and pumpkin katy heels.

    The thing I love about J Crew is that I can easily find things to match from different season's offerings.

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  18. FFM: I think that my PS may have gotten some of her ideas from YOU!! You remain my personal barometer for fashionable dressing! Kudos to you! :)

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  19. I mentioned this is another post but maybe I should do it here? A color for men's suits that go with chocolate brown dresses? It's for my wedding. :) The other colors I'm using are yellow and pink so something that could go with a tie in one of those colors would be super!

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  20. melanie: are you specifically looking to J.Crew for the color of the Men's suits, or just a color in general for them?

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  21. FFM, these are beautiful! Thanks so much for doing this.

    For the next round of outfits, I'd love to see any ideas you have for taking Joelle camis and Piper tanks into the fall as layering pieces. I think you mentioned a while back that you like the Joelle camis. I love them!

    Not to beat a dead horse, but I think (or maybe I hope) that the reason people were upset about Chatter was because they were worried about losing great members such as FFM. I don't post enough to ever warrant a Chatter invite, but I want you all to know that I love hearing your thoughts! (Especially when everyone is respectful of one another.)

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  22. Just a color in general, if that is okay, FFM. And ideas on how to tie yellow and pink accessories together for the men and women. :)

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  23. these are great! thanks so much, FFM! you really have a great eye for creating unique outfits that look good even on a computer screen!

    I also second the request of anon @ 1:08 for outfits with the Bright Rhubarb Belle skirt. I have problems with tops being too long, which doesn't mesh well with the gathers!

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  24. Anon at 3:13--You know, I didnt think I would like those pants too, but today I went to check them out online again, and they ARE sold out until November... It makes me wonder. They are darling except for the zipper, but I guess any sweater or shirt you would wear would cover that part.. I second your motion to see what would look good with those pants :)

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  25. melanie: what month is the wedding and is it day or evening?

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  26. FFM:

    Did you forget to do my ruffled lame skirt for warm weather? I'm sure I probably mentioned it in the wrong forum but I so need your help. Next time?

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  27. ladolcevita: I actually did 2 sets for you with the Whisper Lame' Tiered Skirt: Click Here and Here. Is this the wrong skirt? If so, can you please give me the item number of the skirt you do have?

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  28. Btw...the set with the cardigan is for day to evening...just in case the weather cools down with the evening breeze. :) Both tees could easily be substituted with tank tops, as well.

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  29. Dear FFM - I am so impressed with your outfit combos - in particular, the clean lines, attention to detail with accessories and most notably, your skill with colour - you really know how to coordinate colour - which isn't easy.

    You capture the effortless elegance that is the epitome of JCrew style. I can't wait to see more of your outfits - Bravo!

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  30. FFM: You are the best in the world, thank you so much for doing all this. It has really helped out how I mix and match. Friends have made sweet comments on how I have been dressing lately and I just smile inside knowing that its because of you and the people on this blog.

    THANK YOU ALL!

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  31. FFM -

    OMGOSH....what is wrong with me? Can I blame it on a long day at work?! Both are amazing.....and I'm buying the pieces to complete both looks. You really should get a commission from jc for all the items we buy after looking at your outfits!!! Thank you, thank you! XO

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  32. Fabulous again! Thanks for ideas for the lame'

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  33. FFM you are truly amazing! I have been reading this blog for a few months now and your talent has inspired/motivated me to post for the first time! I have the paintbruch floral belle and I am stumped on how to wear it as it grows colder here in New England. I'm 24 and work as a family therapist so it can be a bit fun. Any thoughts?

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  34. dear FFM, that's a lot for your suggestions about the Fiona, and in general with all these great outfits!

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  35. FFM, I am totally in awe. Seriously, I love what you did with each of the photos for our engagement session!! I really cannot thank you enough as you saved me from being stranded and wading through all of the fall styles by myself.

    You are FABULOUS!

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  36. Ladolcevita: How does the ruffled lame skirt fit? Any comments about it? Thanks!

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  37. FFM: thank you so much! I actually several pieces that are similar to what you paired with the whisper lame tank, so I'll be trying out your suggestions!

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  38. FFM - this is my first time looking through your creations and I am absolutely floored by your talent!! You not only have an impeccable eye for color and detail, you understand how to dress real women - with real bodies and real lifestyles - to perfection. In fact, I think the J.Crew stylists could take several lessons from you on how to create fabulous outfits that work for the average gal (ie. not a jet-setting model).

    And to think I actually paid stylists to put together career outfits for me (not that they weren't good, mind you). Honestly, I feel more in my element in your designs and accessories!

    You completely inspired me and I will be checking back frequently to see what fabulous ensembles you've created. I'm also going to share your talents on my blog so fellow shoppers can get regular inspiration from you.

    Alexis, you're already a prominent link on my blog so people can get their daily fix of all things J.Crew...

    amy -- I have the Herringbone in Sweet Potato and I've matched it with a charcoal cashmere turtleneck, trouser jeans, and long opera pearls. Perhaps it could also work with one of the charcoal suiting dresses and the double-strand flower necklace or the glass-bead ladybug necklace. Maybe even with the cashmere Audrey dress in heather silver? Of course I'm sure FFM can do a better job for you...

    Speaking of the cashmere Audrey dress in silver, what could be paired with it to make it warm? I can't think of anything except a cardigan on top. Would something work underneath it? What about a jacket over it? I was thinking of wearing it with tall taupe or black boots, but I'm hoping to also find some options with tights and pumps. Let me know your thoughts.

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  39. FFM, you are amazing, I just can't put clothes together like that.
    I am going to Paris (France not Texas)between x-mas and new year. Can you help me put together some sheek, Parisan worthy, outfits for my trip. I have lots of jcrew cardis, jeans, cords and belle skirts. thanks so much

    -Penny

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  40. I am loving what FFM does, what a great sense of style and fashion know how. I believe you've found your calling!

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  41. FFM: On a whim I got the Lame shirt in Dark Gold (FS). If I don't want to look like I SHIMMER when walking into ballgames, PTA meetings and preschool what can I put OVER it that will tone it down (quite) a bit? What would work with jeans and brown boots? AAAAAaaahhhh!! Help me...help, help. LOL.

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  42. jcrewjunkie: Wear a Dark Brown/Chocolate Cardi with it...I just did a set last week with that exact combo: Click Here. You can also wear it with your Honey Glaze Jackie Cardigan, too.

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  43. ^Oh,and I just clicked on your name- I live in Alexandria, too! :)

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  44. amy: thank you so much for the compliment...it really means a lot! I have previously made a set with the Sweet Potato Ecole seen Here . I absolutely love the look of blazers with a turtleneck, as well. I will be sure to create a set or two with the Ecole this week for you. :)

    3-penny princess: thank you so much for all the kind words. I do try to create for the *everyday* woman and actually think about whether or not the items I put in sets truly work together in real life. I'm glad you are enjoying the sets, and I look forward to seeing them mentioned on your blog, as well. :)

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  45. Thanks so much, FFM! However, I just realized I gave you the wrong color. When I clicked on it on final sale, it said "sweet potato" so I went with it, despite thinking that it didn't look like the other sweet potato items! I actually have the pinkish/red one- it's no longer online so I don't know the color name, but I'm assuming it's rhubarb or persimmon or something. Thank you!

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  46. Hi Amy! I'm pretty sure it's called Rhubarb...I'll be sure to make the sets with that color! :) Btw...if you have any top or tank in Honey Glaze, try it with your Rhubarb Ecole now. The Rhubarb/Honey Glaze combo is really pretty together, especially with Gold accessories. :)

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  47. ^Thanks again, FFM! I don't have anything in the honey glaze (I haven't been sure of how the color looks against my skin tone) but perhaps this is a good excuse to try again.;)

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  48. FFM-have been enjoying your sets! Can you recommend some outfits with the Ivory serge skirt and the Honey Glaze boucle pencil skirt-a professional look for those of us close to 40! I look best in cool colors/silver-thanks!

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  49. Phoebe: I have created a casual set for the Clea in Buttercup...did you also need a set appropriate for an office environment?

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  50. beachbum: did you have any particular color of the joelle or piper in mind?

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  51. lindsey b: are you also looking for an office look for the rhubarb belle or a more casual one? I notice you mentioned the issue with shirts being to long for the pleats on the skirt...I would suggest trying one of the Cashmere Tees for a dressier look and a basic tee for a more casual look. They should both hit at the hip right where the pleating starts, giving your torso a longer, leaner line, and then the skirt will *belle* out from there. Have you tried tucking your shirts in? A fitted tank and cardigan is also an option to try.

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  52. jcrewjunkie: did you purchase the lame' shirt or tank? I made the sets for the tank last week, but the same ideas should work for the shirt, as well. The would both look really pretty with the Trouser Cords in Sea Salt or Ivory for Fall/Winter.

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  53. Oh my FFM...I will be shimmering all over the place because I didn't just go with the tank...I got the SHIRT!! LOL.

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  54. Thank you so much, FFM! I really look forward to your outfits. It's as good as, or even better than, getting a new J.Crew catalogue in the mail! Keep it up. Applause, applause!!

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  55. FFM: Are you still loving the Astrid ruffle jacket in the persimmon color? I am not so sure since the cuff ruffle disappeared and would like to hear what you think as I know you mentioned this was on your wish list! Thanks.

    Clare

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  56. Thank you for the cashmere argyle V-neck sets! I need to buy some honey glaze layering pieces!

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  57. Good morning to everyone. I have a question for FFM and anyone else who might have a suggestion or viewpoint.

    I'm going to wear the metallic jaquard gold/seaweed tank (zoey tank I think) and matching mini skirt to a wedding in late October. Do I wear them with gold shoes? Is that too much gold? I saw a picture recently, it showed a woman (model) in a gold dress but with black tights and black shoes. Is this weird? It looked good on her. Help me out please!

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  58. Hi FFM,
    Your outfits have been inspiring me to create some great looks in my own closet : ) I'm stuck on what to do with a kelly green cambridge cable sweater. I'm a mom running around in cold New England but still want to look stylish. Thanks for your help.

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  59. Hi mekiki! I would recommend a neutral or *taupe* shoe...I think gold would be a little *too* much metallic, and I'm not a fan of the black tights/black shoes look with the metallics, either. Although I'm sure there are many who can pull off that look quite well. :)HTH...let me know if you have any other questions about it.

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  60. Thank you FFM! I will look at taupe/neutral shoes. I have to get ready for work now, but I will leave you all with this: Have you seen the shoe website 6pm? I think it's the sale section of Zappos, and they have some great deals!

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  61. mekiki: 6pm.com is one of my fave shoe sights...the prices are fabulous and there are some really great shoes/boots to be found there, too! :) Have a great day!

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  62. FFM, What are your feelings on the Ruffle Astrid? Still like it without the cuff trim? Thanks:)

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  63. Hi Clare and anon @8:20! I must say that I do not like the Astrid as much without the ruffle trim on the cuffs...I feel it loses quite a bit of the *wow* factor this way. Chanel has previously done a couple of jackets quite similar to this J.Crew look, and the trim was left on the sleeve. There is also a Chanel Vest done with the ruffle look that is fab, as well. I wish that the Astrid had been done in another color WITH the trim on the sleeves...it would have been a definite *buy it* for me then. I know a blogger who did get it without the sleeve trim and still loves it....I guess it's really going to come down to personal style and opinion, and for me it's a *no go* without the sleeve trim. :)HTH!

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  64. Btw...I referenced the Chanel Jackets because they are beautiful, and the trim on the sleeve completes the look...that is why I the Astrid was on my wishlist, because I felt is was so pretty, but it just loses something without the trim on the sleeves, IMHO.

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  65. Yes, I am feeling the same way...thanks for you thoughts though...It would have to be on super duper sale for me to get it. I doubt that will happen though as there are only about 6 left in my size the CS rep said....there are no backorder dates on it either...it will be sold out she said.

    Clare

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  66. FFM: I got the Astrid w/o the trim (and returned it) and you are exactly right...it DOES lose something without it there. Maybe some of its femininity? Something.

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  67. jcrewjunkie, glad to hear you agree...I don't feel bad then about missing out on it rather just wishing JCrew had kept the sleeve trim...esp. for the price!

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  68. clare and jcrewjunkie: have you considered the Penny Jacket that is out now? It is a truly classic and timeless piece...I love it in the Ivory, too! :)

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  69. FFM:

    Could you please give me just a few tips & pointers on what would look especially FABULOUS with the black merino Paige jacket (sz.small)? I'm 5'8" tall, wear a size 6, artsy type, live in New Mexico, and am eurasian (mom is Japanese, dad is german), danke shoen fur deine hilfen! und domo arigato!

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  70. FFM: I have my rehearsal dinner next week and I am so desperately trying to come up with an outfit. I have a couple in the works, but I REALLY want to do something with the Sketchbook Rose Belle skirt. I liked the way they have it pictured on the site, with the black tartine, and I even made an outfit using it on polyvore. I tried that on though, and it just didn't seem to lay right on me. I like the idea of pairing the skirt with black and white; there is something about it that seems Chanel to me. Can you help me?

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  71. michelle: what about layering a black jackie shell over the white button down shirt? Perhaps that silouhette will work better...let me know what you think, and if you are able to try it on to *test* it out. I will also try to think of another option for you, as well. :)

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  72. FFM: I will be going to a b&m on Saturday, so I might be able to try it then if they have the Jackie shells. It might not have helped that the tartine was an XS instead of an S. I wonder if an S would be any different. Also, I tried the tartine on with a white shell underneath, and I think I actually liked the cardi buttoned so you couldn't see the white. But then it was too plain in the front. Maybe I need a skinnier belt? The black patent belt at J.Crew seemed strange on me. I'm a mess.

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  73. To FFM

    In case you don't speak German or Japanese (not many people in the US do) I said: "Thanks for your help" in German and "Thank you very much (formal)" in Japanese. Sorry, was just trying to be emphatic in my PLEAS for HELP!

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  74. michelle: possibly try just a perfect fit tank under the cardigan along with one of the metallic silver skinny belts...this combination would help to give a leaner silohuette to the entire outfit. Most of us can't pull off the looks they put together on the superskinny models, but we can modify to achieve a similar look that is more flattering to our own personal body type. :) Btw...if you don't care for the metallic silver belt then try it with the black skinny belt.

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  75. I used to get a magazine that would show hot new pieces/outfits, along with less expensive alternatives with a similar look. It might be fun to do that with J. Crew outfits - e.g., a "money is no object" going-out outfit, along with more of a "budget" going-out outfit. Same with office, cocktail party, whatever you're inspired to do. :)

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  76. I got an awesome deal on the Florentine print pencil skirt (item 95380). Any ideas on how to wear it without looking too stuffy?

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  77. beachbum: Congrats on the Florentine skirt...I think it's beautiful! Can you please tell me what the colors in the skirt are? Is the dark color Navy or Black? The other colors are orange, yellow, and cream...but what shades? For example is the yellow a spicy mustard or sour lemon? It's hard to tell from the web. THANKS!!!

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  78. Hi FFM!

    I am considering purchasing the stretch vintage boot-cut cord in CORAL. I just think the color is great. Any suggestions for outfits? A few pieces I have are the cooper jacket in british khaki, and the tartines in black and heather mushroom. I am also envisioning those cords with something gray on top, would that be better than with the other pieces I mentioned? I do have a heathered gray boat-neck perfect fit 3/4 length sleeve top, would that be best with the coral cords? Thanks for sharing your talent!

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  79. FFM: thanks! :)
    The colors are navy, grey, red, orange (same as my featherweight merino ruffle cardi (90991), which is "orange"), and a deeper yellow than citron, but not quite spicy mustard...the closest match I have is my plush terry popover hoodie, which is "burnished yellow," but it's a touch deeper than that - and definitely deeper than the "lemon twist" cotton-cashmere primrose cardi. The navy is so dark that I thought it was black until you asked about it. The red is pretty bright - there aren't a lot of reds this season, so I don't have a name for it. :( The cream background is pretty close to a "flax" skirt that I have from a couple of years ago, but a bit lighter. Does this help at all?

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  80. Hi Fabulousfloridamommy!

    I hope you don't mind this request. I am a 23 year old who just graduated from college and will be starting a job soon in the museum/art field (as an archivist/curator in a museum that is opening and I will be training in cataloging art collections as well).

    I love j.crew but no specific items in mind. I also have no idea how to dress for the first job so I hope you can help me with some outfit ideas.

    Thank you very much!

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  81. Emergency!!! I have a 10-year high school class reunion coming up soon! It's in a warm climate, and there are three events - an evening "mixer/icebreaker" at a bar with pizza, an evening "main event" with cocktails and heavy hors d'oeurves the second night, and a "family day" barbecue the third day - although I may skip the barbecue since I don't have kids and my fiance isn't able to attend. What do you suggest for each of these events? Thanks in advance for your help!!

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  82. Hi FFM. I need help. This summer I bought the luxe twill suit (jacket and pants) in navy. I wore them to work on Friday and I thought I looked good, but I got teased for looking like I work at a hotel or for an airline. Please help me make this suit look modern and stylish. I am a 33 year old woman and a college professor. Thanks!

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  83. How about some ideas for the blue Starlite jacket with the crystal buttons...transitioning into fall in a casual manner for mid/late 30's mom:) Thanks.

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  84. FFM,

    As always, I truly enjoy looking at your sets :) :)

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  85. How about some ideas for a junior league meeting? i'm looking for something young, not too dressy, not too casual.

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)