J.Crew updated their index page with a small pink box to the left, that links to the items recently worn by Michelle Obama (on her appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno).- Pembridge-dot pencil skirt (Item 99737; $148.00)
- Italian Deco tank (Item 97338: $148.00 select colors $99.99)
- Crystal-button colorblock cardigan (item 96233; was $118.00 select colors $89.99
I find it interesting that the image above has the line, "{BUY NOW, BEFORE IT SELLS OUT}". Usually, J.Crew does not make those kind of announcements on their website for almost sold out items. :)Normally, I would not have imagined pairing all those yellows together. However, the look worked on Michelle Obama (minus the pin she wore on the cardigan). I, unfortunately, do not think this look would work well on me. ;)
What are your thoughts on these three items being used in a single outfit? Is it stylish or too much yellow? :)
I think the profusion of yellow worked fine for the bright lights of a tv studio, as it was styled for. It would have a different effect in person, good or bad, I can't tell.
ReplyDeleteTotally off-topic... but has anyone purchased the Pima Cotton V-Neck cardigan (item 97677)? I am interested to know how it fits...
ReplyDeleteI think it's great and I love JC's line about 'all politics aside' - hey, this is a high profile person wearing J Crew with her own sense of style. All politics aside, what's so bad about that!!!! And fun of them to play it up on their website.
ReplyDeleteI love those pieces individually but not so much together. I think she pulled it off OK, but that was T.V. Too much of everything in real life.
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew must have been getting a lot of interest in her look! Cheers to J.Crew for responding to their inquiries!
ReplyDeleteI didn't care for this ensemble at all...too much yellow and in varying shades. I DO like each piece by itself...perhaps even the cardigan and the skirt together would work, but with a solid or more subtle *printed* shirt. I just think all three pieces together along with the pin look too *busy*.
ReplyDeleteI think the skirt does appear a little too light and it does look like alot of yellow as we look at it on the computer---However, I think it all reads well on camera and that's the main thing. It also could have played well with her skin-tone as well.
ReplyDeleteI actually like the brooch, also.
I just find it exciting that she was wearing jcrew on the show and I'm sure JCREW thought it was exciting as well, that is why they mentioned it on their website! :-)
I think it worked on MO, but, for me too much going on. Like that there are diff. patterns though. Welcome back Alexis!
ReplyDeleteThat should have said *too many varying shades*. :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this skirt! I've been thinking about purchasing it, but I can't decide between the two colors... any advice from aficionadas who already own one or both, or who've seen it in stores? As for the rest of it, I would look absolutely terrible in both tops, and I wouldn't have paired them either, particularly not with this skirt; however, I thought MO looked fine and that the whole outfit was coherent with what seems to be her personal style. So, on the balance, I say kudos to her for taking risks and devising unusual pairings!
ReplyDeleteOH, and I might add, that I actually sometimes like pieces pulled together that are a bit off...that is probably why I like it. Too predictable for me --I cant do too much of that. Love you guys, though! And glad to see Alexis is back!
ReplyDeleteI think it's an outfit that looks much better on TV then in real life. She looked great in it though!
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ReplyDeleteI agree this is an outfit better suited to the lights of the TV studio, minus the pin. In person, I think it would be a fashion don't on the back pages of Glamour (do they still do that???)I love the skirt and the deco tank. Personally, I have never loved that sweater, but know that others really do. Just so much fun to see J Crew everywhere these days. Between this and the show Privileged, they are getting A LOT of TV exposure.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I'm not sure this outfit would work IRL, like others have said; but I do like seeing things I normally wouldn't have put together. Sometime the result is something offbeat and fun, and different from your everyday, which always makes me feel good. Most shades of yellow also don't work for my skin tone, but I do like the skirt (more gold than yellow) and tank.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I also haven't seen a pic with her in the outfit, so.
I loved it, but I also wear lots of yellow and mix patterns, so maybe I'm biased. :)
ReplyDeleteThe skirt is a little too shiny for me, but I agree that it works under tv lights.
The brooch was ok but could have been better. She was probably trying to add a personal touch, I can appreciate that.
Here is the PV set I made of the ensemble, I put jcrew shoes I thought would work (I don't know what shoes she actually wore).
ReplyDeleteMarta B,
there's a pic of MO in the set too, so you can see the look on her.
I love my crystal button colorblock cardigan that I bought back in August and could not wait til cooler days to wear it! I had asked Fab. FL Mommy to make pairings for me long ago, and LOVE her suggestions with white J Crew cami (I had a silk one already) and tan slacks.
ReplyDeleteAt first, I thought the deco tank was interesting with it, but after putting it in my shopping cart and thinking about it, I deleted it. It really wouldn't look good on me (fair and blonde) - but it looked ok on MO.
Has anyone tried on the Italian deco tank? I'm curious how it fits.
ReplyDeleteAnd it was all Yellow . .
ReplyDeleteThe skirt is too shiny as heather said. I'd be afraid it would make me look fat, but, as usual Michelle rocked it.
ReplyDeleteI think MO looked just lovely in this outfit. I also think the yellow really made her dark coloring pop. I would look horrible in the ensemble..but it was great on TV and on MO. (I actually really liked the pin clasp she put on it!)
ReplyDeleteOT - I see the Sketchbook Roses Belle skirt is on the sale page now for $99. If you see this in your store for the additional 20-30% off, please email me so I can call them! mrsnonia@aol.com.
ReplyDeletedesert flower,
ReplyDeletehope you find one and snatch it up, b/c I've seen pics of michelle obama wearing that skirt, too! ;)
It would be interesting to know if MO assembled that outfit herself or if she had a stylist from the show or her campaign put the outfit together. The outfit looked good, but seemed a little contrived.
ReplyDeleteI remember when the actress Jill Hennessy wore the San Telmo print dress on either the Letterman or Leno show. The dress sold out very quickly. She looked great in it.
I have been eyeing the art deco tank and was pleased to see it on Obama. OT - what does everyone else do to keep their jeans tucked into their knee-high boots? Is there anything I can buy, like straps or something to keep them down?
ReplyDeleteI have read articles where people have said MO does not have a stylist, but she does have relationships with local fashion designers in Chicago (or at least is loyal to a local few boutiques and shops at them often). I'm sure the designers assist/advise in some way, but I also think MO has a good sense of style to begin with.
ReplyDeleteugggh, don't remind me about the Jill Hennessy dress! I had to buy off Ebay after my size was gone for a fortune. Love it, sure J. Crew loved that is sold out as well. I think its cool that we see a political person not looking like they were dressed up like an uptight relic that raided the old Dynasty costume trialer or an Upper East side granny's closet! Have fun with fashion or create your own style, you don't all have to be a shadow of Jackie O!!! I would be interesting to see if her hubby wins what happens to her wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI tried on the Pembridge dot skirt (ivory) earlier this week. I found I had to size up. I'm planning to wear it with a more neutral colored cardigan. I didn't care for the yellow color blocked cardigan for myself. But I thought Michelle was able to carry the yellow off well on T.V.
ReplyDeleteLindsey
re: jeans and boots,
ReplyDeleteMeant to say I fold the jeans around my leg *near the ankle*.
Anon 10:17-
ReplyDeleteMost riding/equestrian shops should have clip straps that will hold your jeans down.
I LOVE YOUR SITE SO MUCH!!!! PLEASE DON'T LET THE HATERS GET YOU DOWN!!
ReplyDeleteI loved Mrs. O's yellow outfit, although agree that the broach was too much but note that she regularly wears such sparkly items, and would have never thought to pair all three together.
ReplyDeleteSam
Lily--I couldnt agree with you more--and well said! :-)
ReplyDeleteHey Heather--it's DySsign from Polyvore!
I thought the colors looked good in the clip--but I don't know about in person.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great idea for JCrew to capitalize on the visibility of that outfit.
The way she had the cardigan buttoned (I guess it was really brooched together??) at the top made her look a lot bigger than she is when she was sitting down though. She's a very toned woman, so I think it would have worked better with a belt or something to accentuate her figure.
The yellows of the cardigan and the shirt have different, clashing tones (shirt: warm orange tone; cardigan: cool lemon tone). I would never, ever pair the the two. I'm particular about all colors, really. Haven't you ever had a blue-toned black piece and been tempted to want to pair with a brown-toned black piece? Just not good.
ReplyDeleteI am glad, however, that black is becoming more acceptable with navy blue, as well as brown with black. As long as the outfit looks intentional and well-designed, those color combinations are freshly creative, partly because for so long they've been regarded as faux pas.
Colors of contrasting tones or undertones can sometimes work--don't get me wrong--but Michelle's outfit looked horrible (especially with the PLACEMENT of the brooch).
We've seen better from you, Michelle! But I don't blame you... and in fact, I thank you. It will be interesting to see who meanders into J.Crew, curious because you gave them all the free advertisement. It would be cool, I admit, to actually wear the same clothes as the [possibly next] president's wife. Queen and commoner.
I have the art deco tank-got it yesterday in the mail-ordered it on sunday. I say it runs a bit big. I tried on a 6 and it totally fit me in the upper part, but I have big hips-size 12-so I got a 12and it's definitely too big under my arms and across the front, but I will always wear a cardi or some sort of sweater jacket with it anyway, so I dont care. I like the way it's sorta drapey now due to the excess fabric, and the 12 fits my hips perfectly without bunching up.I am going to wear it with a black cashmere cardi and dark matchsticks, and pointy black flats, along with the black glass beaded ribbon tie necklace. love it!!
ReplyDeleteI like each piece by itself but not together. And the flats and the pin. Terrible.
ReplyDeleteCristina...the pima cotton v-neck is TTS/ a little baggy on me by itself but looks good with a button-up shirt underneath.
ReplyDeleteot- Does anyone have have thoughts on the two drastically marked down Clea jackets in the sale section? I'm thinking they could be a sweet deal if an extra 20% sale comes up. Is the metallic persimmon hideous? It look ok in the pics? TIA!
ReplyDeleteOh, by the way-- (from the anom who just last posted)--
ReplyDeleteI agree with who said the yellow looks great on her. It does look lovely, lovely with her skin tone, and it really fits what seems to be her personality. I always associate yellow with happiness and goodness, as well as confidence.
However, I think the BEST J.Crew color for her would be PLUM. Plum would look fantastic on her... How about the strapless, pleated silk chiffon plum dress with the tie belt? It's on sale, now. Pair that with a nice, conservative cardigan, as well as a statement necklace like she often chooses, and wah-lah: gorg.
I guess jcrew is voting for ugly, because that is an ugly ensemble.
ReplyDeleteI truly don't believe they think it looks good. Otherwise, they would have done it themselves. Must have been hard to eeek out an endorsement (again, not caring who is voting for whom), with the backing that this is the "IT" outfit...but then again, free advertising is so up Mickey's alley right now.
10:58 & 11:06= same anon. Oops...forgot how comments come here so quickly.
ReplyDeleteLovely day, ladies! (and lads)
hi lyssa/DySsign! :)
ReplyDeleteanon@ 11:58,
I started wearing black + brown again about 2 falls ago! I'll wear plaid with polka dots, but I was nervous about wearing black and brown together for the longest time, LOL! :P
There has been some black & navy happening in jcrew (navy cardigan with black ruffles, black and navy pumps). I like it, but haven't tried it yet.
I probably shouldn't say anything here because I think I very innocently started a HUGE brew-ha,ha when I brought up her outfit in the UGLY post but...again, I agree with many.
ReplyDeleteThis outfit SO SURPRISINGLY worked on TV but I had those pieces in my hands and they DO NOT WORK IRL! I am all for mixing it up for interest--it's so great when one can pull together the unexpected but these pieces do not work. The yellows are all wrong. Love the pieces separately though. The broach was all wrong only because the cardi has these beautiful diamond-like buttons. Who adds a a brooch--it's overkill. I feel bad for someone unsure of how to style themselves and thinking,I am going to get that outfit (because MO wore it) or seeing it on their website & then wearing IRL-YIKES!
Thanks, Heather! Wish there was a pic of her standing up, but I get the idea.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I need those clips, too. If my boots don't zip on the side and are pull on, jeans tend to get bunchy and harder to fix.
Crap! After I saw the post on how someone loved the sketchbook roses skirt, I decided I needed it...but on sale :-P. And I don't have access to JCrew at work! Might have to hop out to my local B&M at lunch and order through the store! hehe.
Not sure if this is the right place to post. Those with the Victoria cami, do you find the material (silk) to be clinging/staticky? What do you do? Would a cami-style half slip work? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI had just tried on that skirt and cardi at J Crew and so glad I didn't buy b/c everyone would know it as Michelle Obamas outfit - I would have neve imagined paring all of that together and I think on TV it looked much better then me wearing it around. Too much yellow - individually though love the pieces. As as "Jen" said the lighting worked perfectly for her and the color was great on her.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED it on her! But would not work for me.
ReplyDeletedesert flower: My store (Palo Alto, CA) had a bunch of them on sale, but I didn't check the price. They were also doing a 40% off promotion. I was in there just yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate each of the pieces separately but together it reminds me of a 1970s kitchen.
ReplyDeleteI'd guess that MO has a JCrew personal shopper - someone that has experience with styling for tv. I bet she just tells the PS, 'going on tv next week, put something together for me' and they go from there. With all the schedule insanity that candidates & their families have, I can't imagine MO coordinating ensembles on Polyvore at 4am! (but you never know ;)
ReplyDeleteAnon 10:14 "It would be interesting to know if MO assembled that outfit herself or if she had a stylist from the show or her campaign put the outfit together. The outfit looked good, but seemed a little contrived."
ReplyDeleteI've been wondering the same thing. I know she mentioned on Leno that she ordered J.Crew online, but the skirt she was wearing was a limited edition color only available at the collection store. So I'm assuming someone had to pull it for her.
I know even with our smaller state campaigns a lot of the candidates get assistance when it comes to their appearance.
Anon 11:24-I bought the Victoria cami in ivory and while I don't find it staticy it is sheer and that bothers me.
I will have to layer it over a nude cami so I can wear it by itself. Otherwise I might forget, take off my cardigan and show off my bra through the cami to everyone;)
OT does anyone know when something comes up sold out on-line does that mean they will never get it again? I really want the bright blue serge skirt but it now says SOLD OUT.
ReplyDeleteI think it's kind of strange wearing J.Crew from head to toe on a TV appearance. And I think that her skirt was too tight and short on her, riding up her thighs, not very "ladylike" to use a J.Crew expression. The brooch was hideous. But yellow worked fine on Michelle Obama, nice contrast with her skin. I wonder what kind of semiotic message her stylist was trying to get across having her wear J.Crew from head to toe. For me it conveys a certain rigidity in taste/style, no matter how sparkly the colors. The Art Deco top is lovely, however.
ReplyDeleteOk, for the color blind that think that these colors go toghether, whatever, that's cool. Colors are colors.
ReplyDeleteBut 3 distinctly different patterns? The cardi is a matted wool, very dull, rough to the touch. Kind of like a refined brillo pad. When I saw this at the store, it was brand new, but looked like they had fished it out of someone's closet.
The cami. Cute by itself, very soft, very casual. Love the acorn print. Is MO wearing her Acorn guilt close to her heart?
The skirt has gold sparkle dots that are somewhat raised on the skirt. Raised. Not a flat print. The skirt is beautiful, but apologetically, not with the other 2 items.
Hope Mrs O can redeem herself!
OT, can anyone who owns JC dress boots tell me how they hold up through the winter? Obviously I wouldn't wear them through the snow but do they last a full season or more without falling apart? I need new boots but have not had good experiences with the durability of JC shoes. TIA.
ReplyDeleteI think it looked great on her on TV, but it's not a look I could pull off. I actually really liked the brooch. She seems to try and personalize a lot of her outfits with a unique piece of jewelry and I think she looked beautiful on Leno.
ReplyDeletejcrewlover: Your outfit sounds awesome! Where did you find your black, pointy toe flats? I have searched for a pair for months, but have not yet found a pair that I truly like.
ReplyDeleteI think the outfit looks beautiful on Michelle. The yellow and the brown balance out well with the brown of her complexion. It may look too yellow for someone with much lighter complexion.
ReplyDeleteJCrewlover or anyone who owns the DECO TANK,
ReplyDeleteDoes the deco tank have a side zipper?
Just wondering if it pokes or fits like the rose "camo" tank that came out in Aug. I had to size down not to get the zipper to poke even though I liked the fit of my usual size better the zipper drove me crazy.
Thanks for the zipper info.
Julie
I, too, would love to see MO standing in the outfit. I have just seen pics of her sitting down and am interested how the whole thing looks together with the fuller, printed top and open cardigan.
ReplyDeleteOn the way to work, I was listening to XM and two political commentators were trying to find the outfit on JCrew and failing miserably. It was funny, not only because there is an obvious link on the women's page but the commentators also said you could type "Obama" as a search word and it would pull up the outfit. They couldn't find the search box on the web page - I was yelling "look toward the upper right of the screen!" but I did find humor in a “JCrew novice" having trouble finding something as basic as the search field on JCrew's "new and improved" website.
Kudos to JCrew for not marking the tank and cardigan back to full price once the media frenzy started!
Agree that the pin didn't work, but at least MO wasn't wearing the "bug" pin from the JC jewelry collection!
ReplyDeleteanon @ 12:45, i wanted to buy the chiffon ruffle cardi when it first came out about 2 months ago and was told it sold out when i called the "let us find it for you" service. then 2 weeks ago it popped back up online. now it's gone again. dunno if your item will come back for sure but try calling the "find it for you service".
ReplyDeletejcrew junkie and julie:
ReplyDeleteI actually got my pointy flats 2-3 years ago at macy's-they are steve maddens and I absolutely love them. they are called SYBEL-maybe you can find them on Ebay? They run a little small, I ended up with a 1/2 size bigger than I normally wear.I wear them ALLTHETIME! Thanks for the compliments on the ensemble.
As for the italian deco cami, it does NOT have a side zipper-it just goes on over one's head. It is the same cut as the hammered-silk tank but without the zipper.
and the colors are actually a deeper yellow, a warm chestnut brown and a dark-dark-dark almost black-brown, which is why you can totally get away with wearing it with black pieces.
OT here, but, anyone else a Philles Phan????? I live outside of Philly, my husband works in Philly, this city is GOING CRAZY!!
OT - i noticed someone brought up the victoria ruffle cami. has anyone brought it to the dry cleaners yet? i'd like to get it but am doubtful the ruffle will stay so pretty after getting cleaned.
ReplyDeleteI finally saw the entire clip of her on Leno, and the outfit looked fabulous under the TV lights, especially next to her skin. You could also see her walking over, and she looked great standing up.
ReplyDeletedesert flower -- there are a ton of sketchbook roses skirts at the Michigan Ave, Chicago store in the sale area (with an extra 30% off). 312 951 0784
jeff -- I couldn't figure out why I had coldplay in my head while reading this post until I saw your entry...now it all makes sense!
anon at 12:45 -- just keep checking. That skirt in blue keeps popping up every now and then, so don't give up yet!
anon at 12:49 -- I'm really hard on my boots (I'm always tripping, scuffing them, and stubbing the toe area), but I can get J.Crew boots to make it through a Chicago winter, even when I grab them 4+ times a week. I wish they would last a little longer, but they hold up pretty well given what I put them through. I'm going to take my Richmond boots from last year to a shoe repairman and see if he can spruce them up a bit, and then maybe I can get two winters out of them.
I thought the outfit looked great on television. Unique pattern and color combos are not my personal styling forte, but some people are great about it. I was just in J Crew recently and the personal shopper there had on a J Crew catalog outfit that didn't quite match, but looked fantastic on her (I noticed her because she had on the tank MO had on during her appearance).
ReplyDeleteTo anonymous who asked about what to keep your jeans down in boots: definitely look into equestrian style straps. I have a pair my mom saved from the last boot craze in the 70's and they work like a charm.
I don't think it was too much yellow at all. Hey, today I am wearing the overdyed matchstick jeans in honey glaze with the Marcella blouse in the same color and I think it works. The outfit looked lovely on MO, except for the brooch. With the jeweled buttons it looked off. .
ReplyDeleteYAY! You're back!
ReplyDeleteI thought this outfit looked fabulous on her, though like others I don't think I ever would've put these items together myself. Even now looking at the photos side by side on the J.Crew site I never would've thought to pair them up. Guess that's what FFM is for. :)
Ok, i know i asked this a couple days ago (and got a great response, thank you to who responded) but i am going to the city on monday to see the collection store. i also want to go to a regular jcrew. whoever responded very nicely told me the less busy places to go? but does anyone know which store has the largest women's sections? or are they pretty much the same? im hoping to see some stuff in the store that isn't out in other stores yet... when i went to the city back in april this was the case... i just went to the rockefeller store though. is there any better store to try? THANK YOU
ReplyDeleteOh and i'd just like to say...
ReplyDeleteif i had millions of dollars and could dress in any designer i would still choose to dress jcrew. so while im going with my sister in law to the city, i can't think of any store i care to go to except jcrew.
but are there any other suggestions? if i was going into the city just for the day, is there any store that is unique there that i should try to take a look?
i would LOVE to go to Eres, but from what i have heard i think that is sadly out of my price range.
I love that cardigan. And it looked great on Michelle, making me so jealous! I tried it on, and my boyfriend, who loves J Crew too, told me it was a little too old ladyish for me. He was right, it did give me the look of an 80-year-old. But I just love that cardigan! Stewart
ReplyDeleteI love each piece but not combined together...
ReplyDeleteMichelle Obama needs FFM :)
OT - for those that are interested in Cole Haan shoes/bags, Friends & Family is going on 10/30-11/9, 30% off, with code GUEST9. I believe if you walk into a B&M, all you have to do is mention F&F and they will apply it. Happy shopping!
ReplyDeletekitchy7: Lol, I hear ya.
ReplyDelete. . . Look at the stars, look how they shine for you . . .
Way off-topic...thank you for being patient with us and blogging again! We greatly appreciate it!! Have a safe and wonderful week! ...and keep Jcrew blogging!! =) =) =) =)
ReplyDelete-jenel in AZ
JCrewlover,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the info. on the top.
Julie
Anon @ 3:55. I always do 5th Ave. It is large, lots of great merch and never as busy. Some other nice New York stores to try are Searle, Scoop, New York Look and Intermix. These stores have great style and can be pricey though. Zara can be popular too, but I was never a fan. If you like Ann Taylor there is flagship stores about 20 blocks from the Collection store on Madison.
ReplyDeleteAs for which stores to visit in NY -- an SA at Columbus Circle once told me that they were the second most productive store in the country, and that while they don't have the most stuff, they have more different pieces than other stores. It's my personal favorite, and they often have a pretty good sale section. It's often pretty empty during the day on weekdays as well, I would definitely recommend checking it out. It's also like a 10 minute walk down to Rockefeller Center from there, if you don't quite get your fix (and then like another 10 minute walk to the store on Madison and 45th, and then you could just hop on the M4 bus up to the Collection store!). Woah. I'll stop now. Enjoy, wherever you go!
ReplyDeletethanks alee and jen brak!
ReplyDeleteHere is a couple of more JCrew items (Ellie jacket and Talitha patchwork dress) worn by celebrities:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thestylenotes.com/wheredtheygetthat.htm
So far none of the three items have sold out. Maybe this marketing ploy is backfiring on them. Not everyone wants to dress like MO. I love the skirt, and will still buy it though. OT, does anyone know when JC will be releasing new stuff? I am bored with their selection right now. Anyone else?
ReplyDeleteJCaddict in Cali
Sorry to be OT, but does anyone know if the Long Fabienne high-heeled boots have a side zipper? It doesn't look like they do in the picture online. The charcoal looks stunning! But it's hard to wear pull-up boots over pants.
ReplyDeletejcrewjunkie and jcrewlover - I also have 2 pairs of the Steve Madden Sybel flats from a few years ago. I wore the heck out of the camel ones but I have a pair of dark red ones that I wore, like, once and they've sat in my closet since. If anyone wants a size 5.5, let me know.
OT, did anyone else get an invite to view the Holiday Collection with JL on November 11 ?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I wont be able to make it bc of a prior commitment.
Anon @ 3:55 (and 3:57): Go to CENTURY 21! It's right across from the world trade center site, and it's essentially a huge designer discount store (but HUGE!- it's about the same size as the Macys in NYC). Price ranging from $30-$2000+, everything there is at least 50% off usually, if not more. However, it's kind of like thrift store shopping, because it's not very well organized. Also, it's if you're going on a weekend be prepared for the crowd.
ReplyDeleteWhatever you think of the this particular ensemble, MO does great things for retail establishments when she is seen in their clothes. Remember over the summer when she made that appearance (on The View, I think) in a White House, Black Market dress? The dress sold out and it was fantastic publicity for them. Of all the high-profile political wives I can think of in recent years (with the exception of Elizabeth Edwards), MO seems the most like a regular working woman. No stodgy pantsuits or unattainable couture. It's nice to see someone powerful who also looks normal.
ReplyDeleteI think it's hard to tell what goes together with just the colors from the website. I cannot tell you how careful I have gotten about ordering reds, oranges, and yellows from the website. Reds especially are SO different in person than what I see on my computer screen. Makes for lots of annoying returns.
ReplyDeleteConstance - Good call for Anon- I can not believe I forgot to mention Century 21, I used to live two blocks from there!
ReplyDeleteOT, but have to vent for a quick sec....my phone just rang and, lo and behold, it's the Santa Fe JC calling. I live an hour south in Albuquerque and it's the only store in the state of NM. Anyway, the SA introduces herself and let's me know that since I'm "such a great customer, she has sent me a $50 gift card in the mail and she would love to set up a PS experience for me. Of course, for a split second I'm psyched!! Wow...free money to spend at JC! Totally cool. Then reality bites me in the tush and I ask "wait, is this my rewards card?" and she says, "Yes". I was so torqued! Don't try to pass off a "$50 gift card" because I'm so wonderful. Give me a break! I had to spend $1000 to get that $50...is she kidding me??? A "gift" from JC?? Phuleeze!!! I told her I already used it online, but thanks for the info. I'm beginning to get a little over JC and their slick marketing tactics.
ReplyDeleteLeslie - I am an SA, and she should NOT have phrased it like that. Sorry that happened, we would never say that at our store. We do call, but more as a reminder that your card is coming and that the store is near and available That would have REALLY irritated me too.
ReplyDeleteThanks anon: I used to live in Southern Cal. and my Mission Viejo store SA's would NEVER had phrased it like that. It was so weird....she made it seem like I was going to receive an "extra" gift. Oh well, a girl can dream....
ReplyDeleteAll I can think is that she is new or inexperienced. Not to get her in trouble, but I might mention it to a manager next time I was in the store (if you ever travel there and feel comfortable doing so). You would not even need to mention the SAs name. I know my manager would love to know something like that happened, just to use it as a training opportunity. My manager is so intense about EVERY customer having a great J Crew experience.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great manager then, and he will go far with the company. The JC experience is very important to drive sales. Mickey would be proud of him!!
ReplyDeleteI probably wouldn't have assembled the three pieces together because they are not my personal style, and i don't care for the crystal button cardigan. I do think for TV and the lights they passed.
ReplyDeleteI really like the dot camilla skirt and could totally see it with the upcoming cascading flowers astrid for a festive touch. I'm always cold though. I wonder if the skirt is warm ? :)
I have JCrew leather dress boots that have lasted for several years. When I get new boots with leather soles I immediately take them to the shoe repair and have rubber sole savers and lifts (heel pads) put on before the first wearing. This step really helps protect the soles and heels.
ReplyDeleteThen I spray with a leather protectant, especially the seams and where sole meets boot and then let dry. If the boots get wet or muddy, I clean and dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel and never leave them near a direct heat source, such as the furnace vent. Salt stains can be gently removed with a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth.
I also polish my boots and shoes with colour-matched polish at least twice per year and then spray again with leather protector. For a quick fix polish, I use lemon Pledge furniture polish sprayed on a cloth and buff the boots with the cloth. I also use Pledge on my leather shoes, jackets and purses, but only if they are not the matte finish, I don't use Pledge on the tumbled Borge Gaveri leather purses but I do give them a coat of protectant regularly.
For suede boots I do the same with the soles/heels and spray with protectant. I have a nubuck eraser and also a combo brush that has a bristle brush to clean suede and nubuck and a rubber brush that raises the nap. The combo brush and nubuck eraser are available at shoe repair stores.
After a year of wear I use liquid leather dye to refresh the sides of leather soles and any other areas where the colour has faded. The dye comes in a bottle with a plush brush attached to the cap inside and is super simple to use. I do the dye touch-up just before the bi-annual polish.
The key to making footwear last is to care for it. Protectant is key and polish/Pledge will add moisture to the leather and keep it supple. Ask your shoe repair professional for tips and product recommendations.
As you can probably tell, I am passionate about my leather goods and treat them with special care. I own some very expensive designer items and don't want to retire anything because of my own neglect. It sounds like a lot of work but I will take a rainy afternoon, put on some favourite music, pour a glass of wine and do them all up at once so it's really not such a chore.
OT but the Coldplay concert in boston yesterday was so good!
ReplyDeleteIt's cold here.. Tomorrow will hopefully be warmer, but it's been in the 40s, and with the wind it feels like 30s!
OT, did anyone else get an invite to view the Holiday Collection with JL on November 11 ?
ReplyDeleteI don't live in the area and thus did not get this, but I actually will be in NYC for the day on November 11 and would be interested in attending if you don't mind sharing the details.
Thanks!
Sorry, I forgot to address my comments to anon @12:49, who asked about how well the dress boots hold up over winter.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of those in the spot light wearing J Crew: Ugly Betty is wearing the bright blue berry Astrid Jacket tonight.
ReplyDeleteMom - NYC: Yes, I received an invitation to view the Holiday Collection with JL on November 11 today... I'm going! I am also watching Ugly Betty tonight, and she is wearing the blue berry Astrid :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree with previous posters who said MO's outfit looked good on TV but may not IRL. I remember seeing a photo of one of Hillary's people holding up 3 suits in different colors in front of the stage for the cameras so that they could see what it would look like for television viewers. She ultimately picked the orange suit. Now, most women would never wear an orange suit. However, on TV, it looked pretty good on her. As for MO's mixing of textures, I think that's okay too. I wonder what Michelle would think regarding all this scrutiny about her outfit. I'm sure she would have a good laugh.
ReplyDeleteI just posted this in another thread where people were complaining about final sale, but I thought I would repost here as this thread seems more active:
ReplyDeleteAmerican Express will take back a certain number of items per year if the merchant will not accept them as a return.
It's called Return Protection:
No More Shopping Regrets - Return Protection offers guaranteed product satisfaction on designated items purchased entirely with an eligible American Express® Card.
90 Days of Protection - If you try to return an eligible item purchased in the U.S. within 90 days from the date of purchase and the merchant won't take it back, American Express will refund the purchase price.
Up to $300 Coverage - You are covered for up to $300 per item, excluding shipping and handling, up to $1,000 annually per Card account.
Perhaps an incentive to make your J. Crew purchases with Amex instead of the J. Crew card?? You can get your money back from day 60-90 instead of store credit as well.
anon at 8:48:
ReplyDeleteAmex also calls customers for every "suspicious activity"- My fiancee ordered flowers for his sister in law on a british website and they called him right away. Not to mention Starwood points with Amex.... We recently had a free stay at the W in Seattle.
I regret getting JCrew credit card...for every $1000 I spend on the card I get $50 (I can't even get a bug pin for that ;(
sanfranciscoca -
ReplyDeleteI just got one of the new iPod nanos and a Nike+ kit for free using gift cards bought with Amex Membership Rewards points...also got a dining room buffet and hutch from Crate and Barrel 2 years ago. I charge EVERYTHING to my card and pay in full each month and the points pile up pretty quickly so I use them for "extras" that I would not spend real money on.
I have used Buyer's Assurance in the past (extended warranty program) but not Returns Protection.
-Anon 8:48
^ He, he--bug pin--that thing has made me so happy in life:) I am SO glad they made it!
ReplyDeleteLoved all the Yellow on Michelle, but agree that very few could pull it off!
ReplyDeleteOT- I was in Des Moines for work today and of course made time to swing by the local J Crew- They had one Berrry-Trim Astrid in Charcoal in the Sale Section for $179 +30% off!! I believe it was size 0. Of course I already have one that I purchased at Full price months ago But for any of you other aficionada's that may not have gotten your hands on one- it is the J Crew in West Des Moines.
Glad everyone is back and cheerful:)
Twiga
OMG love my Amex too! Just ordered a $200 gift card to Pottery Barn kids and am getting some fun furniture for the kids.
ReplyDeleteIt has some of the best rewards-love it!
Twiga
I posted an OT comment earlier today asking people to let me know if they saw the Sketchbook Roses Belle skirt at their store with an additional percent off. Two people emailed me about it! One of them gave me some information about a store where it was 40% off, I called and the skirt is on it's way to me for $59. And on Monday I posted about wanting a papaya bubble necklace and someone emailed me about that and sold me hers. I just want to express my gratitude to all the wonderful Aficionadas who helped me out. What a lovely community!
ReplyDeleteholiday collection with JL...who is JL?
ReplyDeleteI think it is Jenna Lyons, the J. Crew designer.
ReplyDeleteWhat store did you get your Sketchbook skirt from?
ReplyDeleteAnon 9:43, I got it from the Palo Alto store. They were $99 and then 40% off!
ReplyDeleteThere are a few new items in the sale section: solid silk gianna blouse & poplin kasia blouse for 69.99 instead of 88 and Tafetta A-line skirt on promo for 98.
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks desert flower. I may have to check that out!
ReplyDeleteI think yellow looked good on Mrs. O, but the pattern between the tank top and the skirt definitely clashes.
ReplyDeleteI think I will get the ivory dot skirt when it goes on sale.
Great outfit for MO... I have the cardigan and I personally love the cardigan...it looks very classy for me.
ReplyDeleteRene
so tell us about the invitation for those who received it....view the holiday collection with JL...at the collection store? details!!!! please....how exciting....
ReplyDeleteAnonymous @ 11:05 a - I haven't seen the Clea, but I think it's cute. Definitely post if you get it.
ReplyDeleteI think MO's outfit was perfect for her. I liked the combination of prints and color..well done. Yellow is not an easy shade for me to wear so I doubt that the exact outfit would work for me, but a variation in blues or purples would.
ReplyDeleteandformynexttrick,
ReplyDeleteI take care of my shoes almost exactly like you do minus the pledge.
Question. What are heel lifts/pads??? Do they go on the inside or outside of the boots?
THanks.
Julie
Honey glaze is my new favorite color... :-)
ReplyDeleteHave we ever done a post simply on what our favorite J.Crew colors are? There are so many lovely colors... I think it would make for a fun, lighthearted topic.
anon @5:55
ReplyDeleteHeel lifts are the rubber "soles" on the heel of the boots/shoes. I don't know why they are called lifts, perhaps because they lift the rest of the heel off the ground.
Most new footwear come with cheap plastic heel lifts that wear out quickly. Rubber lifts last much longer and aren't as slippery as the plastic ones.
I got the tip of using Pledge on leather from my shoe repair guy. He swears by it and it works great for me.
hi girls and boys!
ReplyDeletei wantttt this outfit to wear for thanksgiving...thing is, i'm not THAT crazy about the cardigan (plus it is sold out anyway)
could anyone suggest another cardigan that would go with this outfit?
thanks! ally