J.Crew has posted a new inspiration board (click here) for us to view. {yey!} It offers a glimpse behind the creation of new arrivals in the latest LookBook for Women (click here).I have to admit, that I enjoy the subtle color palette chosen. It is both lovely and chic. Definitely colors that will transition well between seasons.
I am also really loving two items from the LookBook: the Halter (Item 12966; $128.00; debuts in March 2009) and the Butterfly Bauble Bracelet (Item 14392; $125.00). However, I am seriously questioning how wearable either item is. (I just know that Halter is not "machine washable".) ;)What are your thoughts on the Inspiration Board? What would you have liked to have seen included? What are your thoughts on the items in the new Women's LookBook? :)
FYI - if you go to the Spring Look Book link on the website, click over to the picture of the halter and then click on it, it is "available" to add to your shopping cart now with an expected ship date of 2.13.09. This is also the case with several other items in the lookbook that are supposedly not debuting until later months. Haha and you are right, that halter is Dry Clean only!
ReplyDeleteI love that inspiration board! That pink and green are especially nice!
ReplyDeleteI want that skirt, so pretty!
ReplyDeleteOhhh I love that halter!
ReplyDeleteI really loved looking at the inspiration board, so gorgeous! The styling of J.Crew is what brings me back again and again.
ReplyDeleteWould love to have all those patterned swatches as ballet flats. Does anyone see the bright and pearl necklace on the website or b&m? I am loving it.
ReplyDeleteI don't care for the mosaic or pink/green patterned fabric so anything with those things are out. I'm not huge on pattern anyway so it takes something unique to please me.
ReplyDeleteI think the layered skirt could be fun for spring/summer, it's cotton which is nice, and the price isn't bad. I'm also curious about that chiffon tee. Either it's going to be cute or a total disaster.
Does anyone know how J.Crew ties run? Are they standard length? I know this seems like a silly question, but my husband is 6'7" and always needs their tall section... however, they don't offer any ties in extra length or a "tall" size! I have to buy him "tall" ties so they don't look too short, or the under piece is too short and sticks out...
ReplyDeleteHope you know what I'm talking about, I know that description wasn't very clear.
Does anyone know if they have offered tall in the past?
Zoom in on the halter top's braided trim. It is unfinished with raw fraying edges. Not a look I want to sport...esp. for the price.
ReplyDeleteWhile I love the top in theory it doesn't look too wearable with the flower. Maybe if the flower was detachable....
pretty!
ReplyDeleteI think the inspiration board is beautiful...I absolutely love the color palette for Spring, and a lot of the new items, too. :)
ReplyDeleteAnon at 5:12. Your husband could NOT wear J. Crew ties. Mine is 6' 3" and can not wear them. I do not know that they have ever offered x-long ties. I have been in and out of retail for years. It is really hard to find great X-long ties, but we have found Nordstrom always has a nice selection. Dillards often does too, but not sure where you live.
ReplyDeleteReceived three new items yesterday. Yeah! Mini-reviews:
ReplyDeleteCluster ring. This is the first cocktail ring I have ever purchased. It is very charming and much smaller IRL than in pitcures. A definite keeper.
Palm leaf necklace in fresh mint. It is a definite statement piece. Beautiful on and much lighter weight than it would appear. I am a SAHM and still think I will be able to wear aroung town. However, I like to dress nicely and often wear bold jewelry, so it is not for the faint of heart.
Miriam Cardi - I like but do not love this piece. This probably will go back. It is darling and the ruffles make it our cardi berry option for the Spring. My lack of love is that I am currently pregnant and while I can still wear most cardis, this one just does not work. However, it is pretty classic and very lightweight, so would work into the summer. Larger busted JCAs beware. Because of the v-neck and the ruffles (they are a little bigger than I thought they would be)this would probably not work for you. From both a size perspective and a ruffles-sticking-out-to-there perspective.
Oh, BTW. I preorderd the palm leaf necklace the day I received my Spring Collection Lookbook from my local B&M. It arrived with my other two items that I purchased immediately after the website update last week. Was really pleased about that. (Sorry, confusing. At the same time as, but in a different box)
ReplyDeleteI like the inspiration board however I am fair and pale and I cannot wear alot of the colors this season, with the exception of green/blue colors, and I already own a lot of grey so it is hard trying to put together outfits without looking sombre looking.
ReplyDeleteFor those who can wear these colors you are lucky, enjoy the season.
Anon @ 5:26 - You have a good eye for detail. The fraying edges on the braid trim would ruin the look of this cami for me. It looks like it is old and falling apart right from the get-go. I'm sure the flower could be removed, but then there would be more focus on the fraying braid trim.
ReplyDeleteSome of the jewelry looks nice in the lookbook and online, but knowing how cheaply made it is, there is no way I would buy any of it. Who needs to be dropping little resin balls wherever they go? Besides, I think the larger bracelets would be clunking around on my desk/computer all day and drive me crazy.
The small oslo bag is now available online in terra cotta, champagne, dark peony AND ash. Search for item #10075 as the overall update hasn't happened yet.
ReplyDeleteAs a few JCAs have mentioned, more cool colors in the palette, please.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wear green of any shade, even mint. It looks awful on me so even the pretty pink and green print is out.
I'm not finding a lot I like overall and nothing in the lookbook. Just not for me so I'll have to shop elsewhere for the next month I guess.
Nothing too inspiring. I am still waiting for the Milla tank. I wonder if it will be released. Has anyone seen it in their B&M? It is the tank from the hard copy lookbook that was in stores. It has a drapey neckline and is a rosy pink with a scarf print on it.
ReplyDeleteAnyone?
TIA
Does anyone own an item in Jasmine? Is the color peachy at all, or is it a cool pink?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Just curious - how long did it take for the Oslo bag to go on sale? I love the current bags but can't afford FP. Thanks for any input!
ReplyDelete~Michelle
This is the item from the store lookbook that I am seeking. The photo is from Slastena's blog post of the lookbook. Hope you don't mind Slastena, I can't find the tank anywhere else.
ReplyDeletehttp://s466.photobucket.com/albums/rr21/jcrewchick/?action=view¤t=IMG_0350-1.jpg
Someone called it the Milla tank in a previous post but I'm not sure where they got that information. I would love to buy this tank, if it is available. Any info would be much appreciated.
TIA
Anon @ 7:34
anon 7:35: Jasmine is a saturated natural pink color, not too bright and not pale like the Shell color. I have a Ringspun tee in this color and it is nice. It is not peachy all all, it is a true pink. HTH
ReplyDeleteThe inspiration board is a nice touch! I am always interested to know what inspires designers from season to season. While I love several pieces in the lookbook I probably won't be buying any of it because I am very fair and this pastel palette just washes me out. I hope they bring in a few bold colors as well for the pale among us.
ReplyDeleteAnony@7:27
ReplyDeleteThanks for the "good eye" compliment. I pride myself on having a good eye for possible defects, etc. A good friend of mine taught me how to look over a garment when I was 16-she has the best eye and I learned from her:) I can't imagine how JCrew can sell this halter as is. It is cheaply made--all they had to do was finish the edges before braiding it. They make cheap sound charming and I am not falling for it!
NO GO on the halter for me. Dislike the "flower fluff" on the right shoulder. Not me at all! Great for a model shoot but not practical!
ReplyDeletethe inspiration board is so pretty! i (very unexpectedly, i guess i didn't realize how much i actually spent) got a rewards card last week. so now i am probably going to get a few things, even though i shouldn't. i love the green/pink print cardigan- that's one of the things i'll most likely get.
ReplyDeletei love the colors. i am so glad j.crew has the pastels, since i feel like i'm seeing so many super brights every where and i prefer pastels.
anon @ 5:12am re: ties,
ReplyDeleteMy bf is average height (5'9"?) and jcrew ties seem to look pretty normal-- not too long, not short. their ties might be too short for someone as tall as your husband... but just to be sure, maybe ask a male salesperson next time you are in a store.
Shannon, the skirt is available for purchase now as well and it says it's in stock.
ReplyDeleteThere's something truly pretty about the mint green and blush pink ...
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more!
OT: I received my final sale delivery yesterday. My 2nd final sale delivery. Both times, they include a receipt with the return shipping label. I cannot find "Final Sale" indicated anywhere! Am I missing something, or did they miss something ;) ? I want to return a few items without the hassle of talking CS into it. tia!
I doubt the flower is that perky. they probably pinned the heck out of it to make it look in bloom. It probably actually looks like the sad petals on the astrid, slub silk penelope, etc.
ReplyDeleteLynda,
ReplyDeletego for it! If the receipt doesn't say final sale, then take it back to the store.
Alexis, the halter is to die for and is absolutely the item I want to have. May be it's time to spend my reward card?:)
ReplyDeleteHeather, have you seen the Penelope in real life? Is the flower as sad as the one on the boucle astrid?
ReplyDeleteI would love the halter in a non pattern. Also, it looks like the version in the picture has a fluffier flower then the one they will be putting up for sale:/
ReplyDeleteSlastena,
ReplyDeleteYou might want to zoom in on theh frayed braided neckline.
It's a pass for me.
la belle helene,
ReplyDeletehaven't seen it IRL, but judging by the pictures it doesn't look good. They don't even try to mask its droopiness.
I think the inspiration board is pretty but it does not inspire me to buy anything. I prefer more saturated colors and brights for spring. I don't mind neutrals here and there, but I will not be wearing an entire outfit of no-color colors (like "greige").
ReplyDeleteThere are very few items from the entire JC line that interest me right now - that is definitely good for the wallet!
I also love the Halter and can't wait to see if it comes in any other colours, but you are right it very mush is not machine washable... :(
ReplyDeleteI think it would look great with a dark pair of jeans and some heels for a night on the town, or under a blazer for work. so versatile.
Love it!
Thanks, Heather.
ReplyDeleteI just got an email from J.Crew saying more items had been added to final sale.
Just when I think I'm safe from spending any more money at J.Crew they come out with more lovely things that I want! I must have the butterfly bracelet.
ReplyDeleteLynda,
ReplyDeleteNONE of my FS stuff has had final sale on the invoice. I just sent a bunch of it back with my fingers crossed!
heh heh, I can honestly say that extra-long ties is something I have never thought about. I don't know why but it amuses me...
I just wanted to give a big shout out to Gwen, who is so very kind. She not only bought and mailed me one of the gorgeous Target pearl necklaces, she didn't even charge me. Gwen, you are so sweet - I hope I can pay it forward to another JCA some time soon!
When I received the Look Book and saw the halter-- I immediately thought it was a "Must Have"..... I just ordered it and cannot wait to see it in person. My understanding was that it was going to only be available in the NYC stores.
ReplyDeleteOT, is patent-leather real leather? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteOT-
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled to see the meatier brunette model(new to me p.74)that they are using in much of the Spring catalog's swimwear. I know some people would say meatier is a stretch, but she is not stick thin). Way to go J Crew! BRA-VO!!
On the other hand--is it me or is there something totally bizarre going on with the model/pic on page 89? I mean the picture almost seems warped?? Talk about RAIL thin.
As for the Lookbook-the halter is cute, my computer is not allowing me to blow up and zoom in on the halter's frayed edges ("computer says, Naooo") but I think on first glance it is cute. I do agree though, less forgettable means less wear.
I am not all that impressed with this Spring catalog. It is like they blessed me with a lackluster catalog to ease the ban I placed on myself:) All those with $ to burn-ENJOY!!
bug pin,
ReplyDeletemeatier, lol! I know what you mean, though. :) She looks fit + healthy, like a volleyball player, perhaps.
Can't wait to see the halter IRL!
ReplyDeleteAnon 6:53 I got the cluster ring after going in person to see it at the store. It isn't as big and gawdy as one would think and I love it as well.
OT: kate walsh wearing j.crew:
http://justjared.buzznet.com/gallery/photos.php?yr=2009&mon=02&evt=walsh-sundress&pic=kate-walsh-sundress-07.jpg
actually, maybe soccer player. she reminds me a bit of mia hamm back in the day...
ReplyDeletei think the red head in the catalog is really cute. i wish i had that reddish hair, tan and freckles.
ReplyDeleteI bought the fresco print items solely based on the fact that I love the way the pink and green marry so well...yet are still fresh (not too over-the-top preppy). I hopefully can get some pics of these onto my blog before too long!
ReplyDeleteI should have the cardigan in hand by Friday, and the silk shell after the 20th (it's back-ordered till then). I may get more of the pieces, like the darling bikini, but I will wait a bit longer for those.
I did the same thing last year with the Bahia print.
J. Crew does the prints so well, I wish they would have a few more every season...
On the halter....
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the flower could be removed and made into a pin (to add or not) by a good seamtress? Certainly not me! (but I'd love to try).
Also, I like the casualness the frayed edge adds to the piece. You're right, however- I may have to be prepared for it fraying more than I'd like.
Just ordered the ring....!!
Deni
I love the pictured halter, it's on my wish list for spring! The new jewelry pieces are gorgeous too!
ReplyDeleteI love the new bracelets! I might just have to get the butterfly one.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah. That Ring is really growing on me...
While I think the halter is really pretty, I am not loving the flower.... I would have much preferred it without. However, I am lusting after the buterfly bauble bracelet, and will definitely get that, as well as the cluster ring.... I just have to decide on either the black or orange!
ReplyDeleteWhat practicality are people expecting from a silk cami? Are you gonna wear it while taking out garbage or doing the dishes?
ReplyDeleteI think the halter is SOOO pretty, I love the flower and I will absolutely buy it. And yes, I zoomed in and fraying does not bother me.
Anon at 11:13 am...
ReplyDeleteI wear my silk camis all year round, while doing a lot of different activities. I just have to be careful while doing some of them...but I figure...why the heck not? Clothes are meant to be worn...and wear them I do. :)
I will make sure in the winter to pair them with a cardi, so as not to freeze!
himmie fan, totally agree. I didn't like the ring at first but it has totally grown on me and I kind of want it now!
ReplyDeleteAnon, I see camis as an everyday wear item to work, under a cardi, on its own in summer. I think they are totally practical. Much as I'd like to though, I just cannot bring myself to pay full price for the cute camis - $88 plus. I'm too cheap-o for that.
I love the mint skirt and the dream dress, so I will probably order them and see how they fit.
ReplyDeleteThe cami is cute, but I already got the penelope dress and I prefer a solid colored cami as well.
No one's mentioned this, but I like the skit underneath the cami that everyone's talking about. :) It reminds me of the Pembridge dot skirt, which I absolutely loved.
ReplyDeleteI am not liking the print on the halter cami--the color combo is awful; if it was in a solid it would be more wearable. The print is very limiting. I guess it would be OK for vacation or if I lived in Hawaii. LOL
ReplyDeleteFYI, lots of new items on the sale site! including:
ReplyDeleteVictoria stripe cami first time I've seen it marked down
Duchess dot skirt
Berry Trim Blue Astrid in P0
I think ppl were looking for those. HTH! I'm not biting : ), already did my shopping ban cheat for the month!
I love the pinks and greens on the inspiration board!
ReplyDeleteI think the halter is very pretty but I can't help but think it would look really awkward on me. I think if that flower is really as puffy IRL as it is in the pic it while dwarf my head. I am petite and it seems as if that flower would be rite up against my head instead down lower on my neckline.
I will probably get the bracelet when it goes on sale.
I just noticed that the chambray Wendy skirt is on sale/ promo for$59.50 already. Has anyone esle noticed any new reductions?
ReplyDeleteOT: but on the J. Crew IRL note. Here is Suze Yalof Schwartz from Glamour Mag wearing the silk garland cami on the CBS Morning Show.
ReplyDeleteSorry my above link didn't work Here it is again.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the Halter. The print is stunning. I also like the way the flower is placed at the side of the neck. I'm hoping that the flower is removable. It's gets cool in Vancouver, even in the summer, particularly in the evenings and I would need to be able to wear a cardigan with the halter in order to keep warm.
ReplyDeleteOther thing, with my hair the length it is, the flower's going to get in the way. Maybe by the time I buy it, my hair would be much longer and I'd be able to tie it up. Otherwise, I would be looking at a war between my hair and the flower. lol!
paper bag princess
ReplyDeletethanks for the shout out..
your welcome :)
I love seeing inspiration boards! And that halter... omg... gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThere is an orange zebra tee. Look different than the one previously seen. http://www.jcrew.com/browse/multi_product_detail.jsp?externalProductCodes=11899%3A13854%3A12068%3A13633&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302023894&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441771606&bmUID=1233773101355
ReplyDeleteFresco cardigan
ReplyDeleteTissue bubble short-sleeve tee - light pewter
Patent-leather jeans belt - blush
duh... that's what i just ordered. ;) ^
ReplyDeleteI love the inspiration page and the spring colors and combos. The Lookbook is inspiring me to pair pewter and guava. I hope those guava beads on the inspiration page will be part of the jewlery collection. I am having a really hard time not ordering things - but hoping a promo is coming. In my cart:
ReplyDeleteSaturday pants: pewter & bright coral
Tissue chiffon trim tee: pewter
Featherweight cashmere sets:spicy guava and soft seashell
Merino Michelle: light pewter and dusty rose
Pearl/chain bracelet
Butterfly bracelet
OT for Sothern Cal JCAs -- I saw 2 of the pearly cluster necklaces similar to the J Crew necklace at Target/Manhattan Beach/Sepulveda yesterday...
--lucegirl
I love to see the creative process. Keep it coming!
ReplyDeleteOT: I'm just bringing this up again since someone was wondering but I just returned a "final sale" item at my B&M. My receipt did not say final sale so they accepted it. I didn't point it out either obviously but I'm very happy because the shoes I ordered did not fit for some strange reason.
ReplyDeleteI got a Claudine dress last week and it came today with the receipt showing final sale, HOWEVER it came in the wrong color, doh! I called JCrew and they're sending me a return receipt. Yay, I didn't like the fabric (cotton cady) anyway so it worked out good in the end :o)
I ordered the bauble bracelet and was so excited to see my package had arrived today. No bauble bracelet inside. They also left out the Jayne dress.
ReplyDeleteKate: How many items did you order?
ReplyDeleteI am due to receive a package that seems low in weight to me, my first thought JC short shipped me.
J Crew is also screwing up the tracking# on their packages. You receive so many conflicting messages when you speak to CS, you know they are all lies. Just admit to the mistake, instead of covering it up.
J Crew is truly in a mess, from the website to shipping, and even their usual gold standard of Customer Service is declining, they are probably fed up dealing with the fallout from the website also.
I like the way the halter looks on the model, but when you go to the actual item page, where it is the picture of just the item itself, I think it looks awful. They actually advertise the frayed braid as part of the appeal/look of the cami but I hate it! I agree that the flower probably comes looking like the boucle astrid one... yuck. Come on JCrew. If I want intentionally frayed items I can bust out my destroyed Abercrombie jeans from high school.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I like many of the other items but I can't imagine wearing a mint colored skirt to work. I wish I worked in a more creative field than the law...
I am glad to hear people like the cluster ring in real life. I will get one eventually.
Love, love, love the cami, including the frayed edges! The raw organza literally gives what would otherwise be a prim little cami some fashion edge. I will consider paying full price for this one. Whether I do or not will depend on fit and quality of construction.
ReplyDeletehas anyone tried on or bought the treasure jacquard blazer? how does it fit? it looks kinda big on the model
ReplyDeleteFinally got the Butterfly bauble bracelet. Very noisy. Kinda cheap looking for the money. But the colors are perfect with alot of the spring clothes. I will have to think this one over.
ReplyDeleteI just ordered tha Havana Tank. Does anyone have it? If so, what are your thoughts about it? Also, has anyone purchased the butterfly bracelet? Thoughts on that also. Thanks
ReplyDelete