Tuesday, February 17, 2009

J.Crew's Jenna Lyons In Real Simple Mag

A big "thanks!" to Sharon who not only let us know that J.Crew's Jenna Lyons, as well as some items of J.Crew, are featured in this month's Real Simple, but also scanned the images for us. {How nice of her!!!}

In the first image, Jenna Lyons is quoted as saying: "Blonds in hot pink can look saccharine," says Jenna Lyons, creative director of J.Crew. "Wear the color away from the face."

The second image showcases J.Crew's Ringspun Cotton Rosette Tee (Item 13126; $48.00), Patent-leather jeans belt (Item 13767; $35.00), and glass bead necklace. Also, under "Worth the investment?" Jenna Lyons is quoted as saying: ...when it comes to clothing, Lyons says, "the color demands that the fabric be of better quality."

What are your thoughts on Jenna Lyons quotes (disagree or agree)? Also what are your thoughts on the second image- do you care for the J.Crew items featured? :)

117 comments:

  1. Maybe her statements are taken out of context, but she sounds really snotty to me.

    1) I think blondes can wear hot pink just fine. I am not blonde.

    2) I find it ironic that Lyons is talking about the quality of clothes when Jcrew could work on quality control themselves.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Maybe she thinks everyone should be in yellow since it pops up all the time. *lol*

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm just wondering when the March issue is going out. Being a JC card member is NOT crack up to be

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm blonde, and I wear pink all the time. I actually think even hot pink works nicely on blondes. Now, I'll agree that it wouldn't be the best color to level out an already trashy outfit, but neither would any of the other random, bright colors. Is it just me or does she introduce one heinous color each season? Then again, I adore much of what she's done with the line, so what do I know,

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I think you can wear any color, any way you want, if you so please. Jenna Lyons is just giving good tips on how to make it look classy. After all, we love the way they look on JCrew models, and these models most likely follow these tips. I, for one, appreciate her talking about what color neutrals would look good on my skin tone. I will follow her advice, and see what happens)

    ReplyDelete
  7. She said this back in the interview article as well.

    I am blond and look fine in pink and melon and yellow. I think it brings out the color in my face rather than washing out. White can wash me out sometimes because I am so pale, but I don't agree with the comment.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Who cares, blondes have more fun. Stick to the code.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love ya Jeff! LOL.

    I have dark blond hair and I enjoy wearing all shades of pink.

    Yellow looks good on so few people. Also, just read a Fashion Week article that only 10% of the population look good in the current popular nude tones. I have not bought one single item from JCrew's new arrivals and have no plans to...the colors do not work for me. First time no purchases in spring in 5 years!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh well since its an opinion and they are like ....... All hair color and skin tones can mix things up a little bit to add some punch to a look. LOL Jenna's alright with me.

    ReplyDelete
  11. She sounds a little snotty, but I love her sense of style and the aesthetic she's infused into the clothing.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anyone who REALLY wants that rose tee and is holding off for it to go onsale might want to rethink that.

    Once something gets that kind of attention, it could sell out pretty darn quick.

    ...Just a thought.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the outfit in the second photo. I want the necklace(s) she is wearing but I don't see it/them on the website.

    The caption says that it is the glass bead necklace, but the ones on the site are grey & black and the beads don't go all the way around the neck.

    The closest match is the stone bead ribbon necklace in cornsilk, but the beads don't go all the way around the neck either.

    Anyone???

    ReplyDelete
  14. Few things are more universally annoying than being told what colors one may or may not wear. It's all personal preference. Personally, I think hot pink/fuchsia is flattering on pretty much everyone, blondes included.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lyons says, "the color demands that the fabric be of better quality."

    Obviously she's never owned any of her own company's shoddy dream sweaters.

    ReplyDelete
  16. 1) I think a blonde in candy pink can look "little girlish." That being said, I think blondes can easily wear hot pink or berry tones.

    I hate the current nudes. I refuse to buy them.

    2) That outfit looks terrible on the model. Maybe it's just her pose, but the skirt is pulling over the thighs and rippling/bagging under the waist/over the rear. Ugh!

    I am always willing to pay a little more for quality fabrics. I walk thru the store and feel fabrics on my first go-round.

    ReplyDelete
  17. 1) I think a blonde in candy pink can look "little girlish." That being said, I think blondes can easily wear hot pink or berry tones.

    I hate the current nudes. I refuse to buy them.

    2) That outfit looks terrible on the model. Maybe it's just her pose, but the skirt is pulling over the thighs and rippling/bagging under the waist/over the rear. Ugh!

    I am always willing to pay a little more for quality fabrics. I walk thru the store and feel fabrics on my first go-round.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I think the second model looks terrible as well. The skirt is way too tight and the colors are too washed out. Ironic given Jenna's comments about color.

    ReplyDelete
  19. The thing with blondes is that so few are true blondes. Most come from a bottle. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

    Now, before I set off a firestorm by all the bottle-blondes and real blondes, the reason I say that is because people walking around with blonde hair can have such varied complexions it is really not a fair for Jenna to lump all blondes in to one. I've seen a dark-skinned woman with a cropped blonde afro wearing hot pink and she looked divine.

    Also, there are a lot of shades of blonde. I think ash blonde would look fab with hot pink. Warm platinum blonde, not so much.

    JMHO

    ReplyDelete
  20. I do not like the new pastel and nude tones they are pushing. They do not work for me as I need saturated colors.

    Also, I do not like blanket dictates such as blondes shouldn't wear this or that. "Blonde" encompases a vast array of hair colors and those haircolors go with a variety of skin undertones.

    I don't think the looks in either picture are great. But then again, as much as I love individual pieces, I often think that the clothing is poorly presented on the models in the catalog. Skirts are often too tight, sleeves too short, cardigan sweaters are worn open that obviously are too tight to button.

    ReplyDelete
  21. No kidding on the fit of the nude skirt. What a terrible photo to put in a magazine. And I think I know why the models arms are folded over the tummy area of the infamous shirt. :P

    That fuschia dress looks like something from Flashdance. Lack of tailoring is sign of poor quality. It looks frumpy on the model even.

    I have only purchased the Nicky skirt so far this spring as nothing else interests me. If these two photos are any indication, I'll be spending money elsewhere this season. Jenna can keep her stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Jenna is clueless. I mean, to work in the fashion industry and make a blanket statement like that. Clueless! No respect for her opinion whatsoever!

    ReplyDelete
  23. She cannot make blanket statements about blondes wearing pink! This comes from a women who pushes bright oranges and yellows season after season on customers, who for the majority cannot wear these colors.

    I cannot wear most of the colors this Spring with the exception of pewter, and the aqua greens. The tea rose color is also hard to wear it is an orangy red that does nothing for me.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I washed Ringspun Cotton Rosette Tee in the washing machine and tumble dried by mistake. Now my tee looks like a hairless dog...I just wore only one time, but now it's completely destroyed.

    Why does J.Crew make Tees we can only wash by hand? All of J.Crew tees are "hand wash", which drive me crazy! Who wants to wash tees by hand? Please make them machine washable.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sharon: Thank you for sharing info with us! I didn't know J.Crew was futured in Real Simple.

    ReplyDelete
  26. It is all about skin tone. For sure...just like anon @ 8:19 said.

    I love LOVE hot pink and I am a dark blonde in winter and a lighter blonde in summer (I have actual real blonde hair...no bottle for me). That said, I also wear a lot of orange and yellow, and yep, they work with my skin tone.

    I have met a lot of blondes though that wouldn't touch the colors I wear, mainly because their skin tone is totally different than my own. I have noticed more redheads can wear the colors I wear and even though I am blonde, I have some reddish undertones, so I think I would probably match the skin tone of a redhead more than a freckled light blonde.

    I am glad to hear others agree with me that Jenna made too broad of a statement to totally ring true!

    ReplyDelete
  27. that second picture is just sad. that skirt is all tight and wrinkly. what were they thinking?!

    and OT: Banana Republic Fans,
    20% off $100 purchase
    enter code: BRSPRING

    AND extra 10% off that (or any other purchase) when you use your Banana Card
    enter code: EXTRA10

    happy shopping! :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. I don't like Jenna's know-it-all attitude. She should not be out in public.

    Everyone has different styles. She assumes blonds look like same, but they don't. She does not have a right to talk about do and donts.

    Personally, I think her style is really outdated. J.Crew should change a creative director.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I find both of Jenna's statements irritating. I also agree that skin tone and not hair color should be the determining factor in what colors a person should wear.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Site updated for today:)

    ReplyDelete
  31. OT - does anyone know the the stores are having an extra percent off?

    ReplyDelete
  32. Please, give me a break Jenna. Talk about irritating... I don't know where she gets her ideas from. She gets on my nerves. Sorry. The blonde and pink comment is a joke to me, and the color and quality comment.. what the heck does that even mean??? Did she really say that about quality??? I wash my tees or jackie cardigans by hand and after a couple times, they start to look terrible. I even don't like to dry them. She sounds like a know it all to me. I hate most of the oranges and citrons, and green that she loves so much. I look sick in those colors. I just can't deal with that kind of attitude. I kind of wish jcrew would go back to how they used to be, and stop using her so much in the catalogs with her "picks", etc. I'll pick my own things.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I agree with previous posters- FFM and dinagideon to name a couple. I am a redhead with a fair complexion and freckles. I've been told redheads shouldn't wear yellow or red, or many other colors for that matter. However, I love bright, saturated colors and wear them often. I think it's inappropriate for Jenna to make blanket statements about what looks good based solely on hair color. Many other factors account for what looks good and what doesn't.

    I agree with Anon @ 903- J Crew needs a new creative director. I vote FFM for the job! At the very least, the quality of clothes and the wearability would greatly improve!

    ReplyDelete
  34. The reason JCrew was "featured" in RealSimple is because JC spends ALOT of money advertising in that mag.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Yes, I spotted Jenna's remarks in Real Simple this weekend and she came off pretty obnoxious imo...

    1. Making a blanket statement about blondes wearing pink just makes her sound like an idiot imo. Hot pink is usually one of JCrew's "standard" colors...I am guessing this statement was made to make this season's nudes more palatable. (My blonde self can wear hot pink much better than these nudes which for the record I won't be buying.)

    2. The statement regarding fabric quality...Jenna, perhaps you should be looking at JCrew's fabric quality before you go making such comments...need I remind you about ringspun cotton, cashmere, dream...really?

    ReplyDelete
  36. same old, same old with the site. Everything on sale turns out to be sold out when clicking on the link.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'm a caramel blonde. I think I'll bundle up the bright berry Astrid I have plus my azalea Bella jacket and send them to Jenna with a note "I read you don't think I, as a blonde, should be wearing these colors near my face, so please refund my money. Most insincerely, _____"

    Sacre bleu. I love a good bright pink!

    ReplyDelete
  38. The girl who lived in my place previously never changed the address on her RS subscription, so I've been getting her magazine for almost a year, and I have noticed that they often feature jcrew items in their fashion sections. I wonder if they have some sort of friendship/relationship with the company? I don't recall seeing any interviews with Jenna before, though. I also think as a creative director, she should avoid making blanket statements about hair color/clothing color. Just doesn't come across very well.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I am a Blonde and personally "LOVE" hot pink, and have many items in my closet that color.
    The current pastel pallet does not work on my skin tone at all.
    I made a purchase at my local B&M this weekend and was given a 10% off coupon for my next in-store purchase for sharing my email address.
    Of course they already had my email address, but the SA said go ahead again, and handed me the coupon!

    ReplyDelete
  40. They are desperate for sales - if you flash them, you'll get a card for 50% off :-)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Well, given the ecomony and the wash out colors this season...no wonder sales are bad...I mean neutrals and pales may be in style but blah+blah= low sales. Plus, comments like Jenna's turn people off off off.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I'm getting tired of seeing Jenna in all of these magazines. Like she's some kind of uber person. She is more of a turn off than an inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I think it is interesting that Jenna has been featured recently in several magazines, but to be honest, if it wasn't for this blog, I wouldn't know who she was even though I love JCrew. I don't know if it is positive or not. I don't know how many people associate the creative director with "I-NEED-to-buy-their-clothes." Instead, having nice looking clothes featured along with the article would be more positive.

    The fit on the skirt on the second photo is disgusting.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I know that certain colours look better on me than others but I don't really care. If I like a colour I wear it anyway, even if doesn't flatter me. I just can't pass up a nice colour, even if it makes me look a bit deathly.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Ooh, btw, I might be in the minority, but I love both of the outfits pictured on the models.

    ReplyDelete
  46. It's funny that Jenna should mention quality.........

    Last night I received an order from Jcrew that displayed their fantastic "quality" items. Out of the four items I received, three have to be returned because of defects! The wool Sutherland top coat for my husband looked like it had been hanging in someone else's closet for years - wrinkled, pilled and worn out. The cashmere Harper sweater looked like some kind of maternity shift from the 1950s, and the pleating on the front was not even. One of the pleats went all the way across my chest to my ribs. And the cherry on top was the Crawford blouse with the big, black, frayed snag across the front.

    Seriously! I keep ranting about their shoddy workmanship and bad CS, but this is it for me for a while. I'm so disgusted and disappointed.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I hate the fact that Jenna designs for tall skinny girls.
    I'm short & curvy (not fat), & most of the dresses end up with the waist sitting too high up b/c I have *gasp* REAL BOOBS. Nothing huge, but a healthy C cup. J.Crew clothes make me feel like having a womanly body instead of being pin-thin is too low-rent to look nice in their dresses.
    She needs to design for a body type other than her tall boyish figure & quit w all those nasty yellow-greens & oranges. Most women aren't shaped like that & cannot wear those colors.
    Rant over.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I with you La Belle Helene. I'm also a warm toned blonde. I get compliments all the time on my Victoria blouse in fuschia which I usually wear under a light pewter cardigan or sweater jacket. Fuschia is a wonderful pop of color.

    I think Jenna's statements re: blonde is too generalized. She makes it sound like blondes look like trailer trash in pink.. when there are some many different shades of blonde.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Anon 10:10 AM

    Me too. I am tired of seeing Jenna in magazines.

    I love J.Crew, but it doesn't mean that I have to "like" her.

    J.Crew, please stop associating the corporate image with her.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I saw this article too; it is ironic what she says about quality of fabric, esp w/ problems JC is having of late. But, love the roses T; as a brunette think I'm gonna go for the natural colour.

    ReplyDelete
  51. OT, but when does JC do markdowns in the BM? Someone said tues/wed? Also, my SA sent me an email that the store is having an 'event' sat. nite w/ appetizers, and 2nd Spring collection.

    ReplyDelete
  52. As a former blond (before the gray set in) and now a bottle blond, I look great in all shades of pink except for light, light pink. I just can't do the nudes J. Crew has right now. They'd make me look washed out. As for the model in the second photo, she needs a slip big time, and probably a better-fitting skirt. And get some color on her!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Its true what Anon says about tall reed thin models, most American women are not built like this. I wear a size 4/6, but the JC skirts fit oddly on me. This model w/ skirt needs the next larger size, or some spanx w/ that skirt ~

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi all, sorry to be OT, but quick question. I send a bunch of stuff back to JC - one item was past the 3 month mark so no refund, just credit. Today I got a 'thanks for your order' for a gift card I didn't order - would that be the credit kicking in? The amount is about right. ha ha, my first thought was that someone broke into my account! And I am too paranoid about security to check my online banking at work...
    (:

    ReplyDelete
  55. Wow. The statements from Jenna are so poorly received here, I'm sure the general public feels the same way. If they even know who Jenna is, of course.

    Reading this hearkened back to the TV interview where I thought Jenna was tremendously unprepared. I chalked it up to nerves but honestly, if you are going to have yourself or your words on TV or in print, you'd better think about what you are presenting. Statements like this present a lack of credibility more than anything else.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I have to agree with the previous posters that I think the skirt on the second model doesn't fit very well! Also, I can't afford $48 for a thin little tee (especially in a light color when it will have pit stains after two wears in the sun). At the same time, I think the tee is beautiful and I love the model's laugh - it's quite a contrast to the sullen models BR's been using :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. anaon at 12:14-yes that's your credit for your return. Happened to me just a few weeks back. I returned SIX final sale items and they took all 6 back, and issued me a GC for all of them, which was fine by me.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Spanx? My goodness, what would she possibly be sucking in? I think it's supposed to look tight/high on her. Perhaps not how most of us would style it...but it's a look.

    ReplyDelete
  59. If we are all tired of seeing Jenna is because everytime that she appears in a magazine we read about it in this blog. She's having her moment thanks to the Obamas effect, but I'm sure she'll disappear from the newstands pretty quickly. Personally, my purchases are more influenced by what the other posters think than by Jenna Lyons ...

    ReplyDelete
  60. Jenna looks like a guy- not someone I want designing for me. I'm a size 4 & cannot make many J.Crew clothes work lately.
    Her designs are very unfriendly to girls who are shaped like girls.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Just read the details and only the tee, belt and necklace are J.Crew. The silk skirt is Alberta Ferreti and likely very pricey, but doesn't look it based on the photo.

    I can't get over the 80's dress with elastic belt. I think I still have one of those belts hanging in my closet. The dress is rayon and priced at $248. Um, do they know there is a recession?

    ReplyDelete
  62. OT, but JCrew will be holding two more "sample sales" in NYC - 17-19 March and week of April 13.

    After the prices and variety of goods at their last sample sale and now with goods being offered at TJMaxx, I certainly will not be going to this one.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Wow, people sure have a hate on for Jenna. Not sure all the criticism is fair...looks like a man? Not too nice.

    ReplyDelete
  64. c'mon - i think her comments hit a nerve and were not too nice in themselves. Calling blondes in pink saccharin? How sweet of her.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Maybe the "fame" has gone to Jenna's head?

    ReplyDelete
  66. I've loved J Crew's clothes more than any other for the last twenty years, but recently had some disturbing information about the company's manufacturing practices brought to my attention, and was wondering whether anyone else had read articles or seen reports about their environmental and/or labor policies.

    There's a brief summary of some charges made against J Crew here:

    http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/responsibleshopper/company.cfm?id=244

    ReplyDelete
  67. Yes, it is a bit strange to me that the atmosphere on the blog is quite negative toward Jenna.

    ReplyDelete
  68. She looks great in both pictures - but her skirt in the second one looks a bit tight, might just be the way she is standing. I am blonde, blue eyed and fair, and pink looks great on me. I wear it often and always get compliments when I do. I will say that rose pink doesn't do much for me, I either need a pale or bright pink. Whatever you think of her comments, she has done wonders for J.Crew.

    ReplyDelete
  69. 1.) In my opinion, blondes can and should wear pink. J. Crew is known for their rainbow of shades, including pink. As with every other color, it depends on skin tone and color tone.

    2.) The necklace shown is in stores (at least in the Baltimore area)

    3.) The rosette tee is selling out. It already sold out in pink in my store. The nude shade is about to sell out, and is in low quantities through the catalog. Please be aware that the tee does have hand-sewn chiffon flowers on it. If you want to keep your tee looking like new I strongly suggest drycleaning it. Even hand washing it can fray the flowers.

    4.)J.Crew stands by their quality. If you do not like the way something has worn (and you haven't been wearing it every day for a year), please let your store know.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I expect J Crew is guilty of labour abuses, as are most large scale apparel retailers. I wish I didn't have to choose between clothing that is stylish/work-appropriate and the un-dyed hemp tunics that seem to comprise the bulk of accessible fair trade clothing. If anyone knows of fashionable, certified fair-wear, please share - I suspect we'd all be interested.

    ReplyDelete
  71. All this speak about nude, washed our colors remind me of the recent 'Tide' commercials with Tim Gunn advertising how the Tide formula does not dull out colors.

    ReplyDelete
  72. This blog is definitely not representive of body type and size. Most posts people wear size 0, 2, or 4. Whether you are curvy or rail thin these are not the average size and what I see most often typed about by regular here as well as people who now how their own JCrew blogs with photos of themselves in JCrew clothes.

    ReplyDelete
  73. I actually really like both pics. Love the fuschia dress and the pretty pastel pink skirt(boo! j.crew to your "coral" 120s skirt). Jenna's comments should serve as a *loose* guide for those who are without their own personal style and not sure where to start. For those of us who do not lack confidence, wear all colors of the rainbow to your heart's content! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  74. Ah, the quality issue. I just got some White & Warren cashmere gloves in the mail and it is shocking how different they feel than my four recent cashmere purchases from Jcrew. I have a feeling these will not pill after one wear, either. Then again, it's my own fault for continuing to buy Jcrew because I love the colors, even though I know I get better quality elsewhere.

    ReplyDelete
  75. I totally disagree. If you look at the weekly exchange it is obvious that women of all sizes/shapes are on this blog.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Alexis- JCrew bridesmaid dresses are featured in W magazine (Jan 09 issue)

    Jenna and Mickie talk about how they came up with the idea of "JCrew wedding" section and how exactly JCrew bridesmaid dresses are different than designer ones

    ReplyDelete
  77. Anon at 1:57 pm...

    I am a happy size 8 or 10. :) And I am not alone.

    I met some of the 0s, 2s, and 4s this weekend. No eating disorders anywhere in sight. It is because we all are different heights and body shapes!

    I encourage you to come back often and check out more blogs associated with J. Crew...you will find there are more "bigger" sized women and men than you may have thought at first.

    ReplyDelete
  78. I didn't see the necklace at a retail store either. Can anyone provide a style #?

    ReplyDelete
  79. Sheesh. Jenna, as quoted, said blondes *can* look saccharine in hot pink. And she's right, blondes *can* look saccharine in hot pink. But so what? Who cares? If you like the color, wear it!

    I'm blonde and wear all shades of pink. I don't care if I look like Barbie's dream house puked all over me. I like pink, so I'll wear it.

    Also think the second outfit is divine (aside from the fit issues with the skirt)...

    ReplyDelete
  80. J Crew is using toxic chemicals in the mens Barn Jacket, Boo J Crew!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Anon 2:27 - what chemicals? How do you know? More info, please!

    ReplyDelete
  82. @Anon2:27
    Yes, more info please! My toddler has the crewcuts Barn Jacket! This is startling news; please share where you saw this...

    ReplyDelete
  83. If you want to read more about the toxic chemicals read anon 1:26 post in this thread the link is there at the bottom of the comment regarding JC charges.

    ReplyDelete
  84. I still stand by my statement. The majority of people who post on this blog are size 0, 2, 4 or XS, S. And, OMG. I did not mention eating disorders! Take a chill. Really! (or maybe you have one since you brought it up)

    I do look through the weekly exchange and RARELY see anything my size (size 8)

    I have been with this blog since day one as well. Not a new reader.

    ReplyDelete
  85. anon @ 1:57, 3:09,

    Don't know what to say that won't offend you... I think when/if anyone mentions their size here, it is to give/get fit advice, not to brag, if that is what you are implying... but I don't know what point you're trying to make, not sure why size was brought up. *shrug*

    While maybe it does not get talked about as much here, JCrew does make items in those "bigger"/average (10-12-14) size, and even has some items in size 16, that is a good thing. Hopefully there can be more discussion of those items to help out the JCAs who wear those sizes. :)

    ReplyDelete
  86. I disagree with Jenna...I think anyone can wear pretty much ANY color as long as they change up their makeup to accomodate it!

    For example: when wearing bright pink, I generally go for nude lipcolors...and when wearing nude/pastel shades, I wear brighter lipcolors.

    How condescending to tell people that they just cannot wear hot pink! Isn't she a dark blonde herself? Perhaps we should dig up a picture of her in pink and bring it to her attention.

    Also, I agree with a previous poster that FFM should be given Jenna's position, wearable and realistic is what we need and what JCrew needs (especially in this economy)!

    ReplyDelete
  87. anon @ 3:09 pm:

    oh no...I didn't mean it like that!!!

    Well, I will one day be putting things up for sale (or exchange) in the weekly exchange...so when I do...definitely will be more 8s and 10s!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  88. In fairness to Jenna, a lot of time, those 1 sentence quotes are taken out of context so they sound like some sort of goofy directive from above. Jenna could have been talking about a certain type of blond that the writer/editor felt (wrongly) was not necessary to include in the story.
    I may be in the minority on this blog, but I like and use the more body conscious skirt& pants fit that JCrew favors for its models. It's far more flattering on me. As long as I'm not seeing ridges (that model is tiny - I suspect the ridges on the skirt are due to its material - chino, maybe?)

    ReplyDelete
  89. Yeah, I guess I am at a loss as to why Anon is even bringing up size. What was the broader point - that the small size people are sticking up for Jenna?

    If you think there isn't enough size diversity in the blogs, then start one! I think a lot of people would like to read.

    ReplyDelete
  90. I am just curious how "blondes can look saccharine in hot pink, wear it away from your face" becomes "blondes should not wear pink?" A lot of you are kind of stretching it a little too far. Re-read her comments and think how often we read these little throw-away comments in fashion mags. Next month the magazine will want to do a feature stressing that bright colors should only be worn on the bottom and some poor designer from Banana Republic will have to face our wrath with the one sentence of their response that Real Simple decided to include. I agree with the other poster about all the Jenna hate or is it jealousy? Every time she is featured on this blog people attack her. Kind of weird seeing that they are "fans" of J. Crew and she is, more than anyone today, the face of the brand.

    ReplyDelete
  91. 1. I liked the outfits
    2.I agree that the quotes are most likely were taken out of the context. I appreciate Jenna giving an advise on how to wear nudes. I will try her suggestion next time I am at the store.

    ReplyDelete
  92. Gee, this blog is really becoming a daily repeat. Bash. Bash back. Defend, then bash the bashers. Explain what you really meant, then bash in a nice way. Repeat.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Apparently the barn jacket contains Teflon, as of a few years ago anyway. I'd wonder about whether other semi-weatherproof outerwear was also chemically treated. A lot of the 'nicer' feeling fabrics are. (Teflon's the stuff that when heated on too high a temperature will will your pet birds - it's a blood contaminant.) Clothing manufacturers can treat your clothes without having to list it on the materials tag - often the only way to know is to ask them directly, in writing.

    I too wish there were more fashion-forward companies investing in greener practices, producing competitively stylish clothes. The best catalog I've found is Fair Indigo, but they're nothing like J Crew as far as their colors, youthfulness, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  94. OT - I found it interesting to see the number of the posts in the weekly exchange is much greater for those looking to sell/trade than those looking to find. I don't have an enlightened insight or anything, just thought it was interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Paperie,

    It makes perfect sense as to why size was brought up.

    Reread these posts:

    Anony@ 10:34, 12:10, 12:37

    ReplyDelete
  96. I remember a few years back, Glamour magazine ran an article with snippets from old articles and they were poking fun at the photos and advice contained therein. It was intended to be humurous and there were comments like, "Can you believe we thought these things went together?" and, "Who would be caught dead in those colors today?"

    It was pretty funny.

    I think any fashion advice is best taken with a grain of salt and your own good sense. Especially from people who are trying to sell you something. If it works for you, then work it.

    ReplyDelete
  97. Environmentally friendly, fashion-forward clothing companies. Hmmm, maybe there is an opportunity for some stimulus funding if such a company were created, under the provision for "Green Jobs".

    whaddyallthink? We could hire FFM as our style director.

    ReplyDelete
  98. omg, I bought a barn jacket for DH a few yrs ago (I think in 2005). I hope to god that it wasn't one of the teflon coated jackets. I wonder if I write to them to inquire whether they will be honest about it.

    ReplyDelete
  99. Thank you for the article about the JC wedding/bridesmaid collection. Someone already posted in the comments on the W site that JC SAs DID NOT let me order the dresses for in store try-on. I had to buy the dresses, ship to my house, and then send back the ones that did not work back to JC. I think may be SAs at my local JC were not aware that they actually offer the in store try-on service.

    ReplyDelete
  100. I know this is completely off-topic, but if there are JCAs out there who have a special place in their hearts for sale cashmere, the White and Warren website (someone mentioned earlier) has a lot of amazing items on sale right now, including lots of great scarves and gloves and sweaters. I just got a pair of opera-length grey cashmere gloves for $29.

    ReplyDelete
  101. Thank you Sharon for the article and photos. Interesting takes on the upcoming season.

    ReplyDelete
  102. thinking: the glass bead necklace looks like two of the Double-strand bridesmaid's necklaces (item 14622) or the Double-strand jeweled flower necklace that they sold last year

    ReplyDelete
  103. FYI - Clothingline is having two J.Crew sample sales : for women only - Mar 17th and for women, men, children - April 13th.

    ReplyDelete
  104. jbird: I *totally* agree with you that FFM would be an excellent stylist/creative director for J.Crew!!! :)

    SanFranciscoCA: You might be interested in this post: J.Crew Article: Bridesmaid Dresses {pretty!}

    In regards to quality... I wore my black button cuff cardigan for the second time today. After 1 minute, one of the black buttons just fell off. I was shocked. There was no reason for it to fall. :(

    Lastly, I have heard often that the members of this blog are all size small. I don't think this is true. I think the members who read here come in all {fabulous} sizes. :)

    ReplyDelete
  105. Unless it is directly relevant to a fit question, people should just not talk about size. It just leads to arguing. Some people feel there is a small-size bias with the clothes. That may very well be true. And it sucks. But still, comments like 'looks like man', 'curvy body of woman' etc. are not appropriate either. REAL WOMEN come in all shapes and sizes, right? Not just XS and not just curvy 12. You're not special because your a size 0, just like you're not a 'real woman' because you're curvy. Seriously - everyone needs to stop talking about it!

    ReplyDelete
  106. I understand that some people get frustrated, sad, annoyed, whatever when others discuss size but honestly, this blog is about clothes and in another post people were asking if others could post their size and even height, weight and body shape when commenting on fit. I don't think you'll ever make everyone happy, but that's not the purpose of this blog. Sometimes, size matters and rather than wait for the direct question, it can be supplied in advance. We aren't all sitting here waiting for a response to our post.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Okay, I have to put in my two cents as someone who, like everyone else, has no control over their body shape and bone structure.

    I am a size 2-4 at Jcrew. I am tired of absolute strangers telling me that I'm skinny (yes, it's just as nasty as telling someone they're fat), and I'm tired of people saying that since you're thin, you're not a 'real' woman! Do size 10 ladies have control over how curvy their hips are? If you're a D cup and need a larger size shirt to accomodate that, is it your fault? Of course not!! Just like it isn't my fault that I have slim hips and a small chest, I just don't gain weight in those areas. I'll never be curvy, and eating a cheeseburger will not make me grow hips!! ughhh!

    That is all.

    ReplyDelete
  108. I think the point was that someone was frustrated that they feel J.Crew styling/fit are biased towards women built more like Ms Lyons herself- i.e. tall/thin/straight in shape.
    It can be frustrating when one loves a particular brand, but it does not flatter their individual shape. Perhaps a larger range of style choices for both curvy & more slim women would be the answer, but many designers seem to have a body-type preference & design for it.

    I doubt posters are all out to personally attack this woman.

    ReplyDelete
  109. wow, i had no idea this article and jenna's comments would inspire so much negativity! i agree with sizzles that i think these were just jenna's opinions, not the opinions of everyone at jcrew or the fashion bible. i figure as creative director, she probably has to make bold statements and opinionated decisions. (or am i just replaying episodes from ugly betty in my head?) plus, edited comments can be dangerous =D

    contrary to most commenters here, i love the outfit on the nude color page, and i am loving all the nudes and pastel pinks and greys in the spring line. i have no idea if it looks good on me...i'm nowhere near as talented as most on this blog when it comes to fashion...but i just know i like the colors =)

    and as for the whole body type thing, i've heard my friends complain that jcrew isn't for them because they're not thin and tall. that was the first time i realized why i naturally gravitated tojcrew -- because it was finally a place where clothes feel right on me. for those feel like every designer makes clothes for tall thin people...please let me know what those stores are =) every time i shop elsewhere i get disappointed by the fit.

    ReplyDelete
  110. shares,

    I am the same as you. That is why I shop at JCrew. The clothes fit a woman that is tall and thin with a small bust. I shopped for most of my life and didn't buy much b/c I could spend hours and entire weeks looking for something/anything that fit me and there wasn't anything! I have shopping nightmares...JCrew did away with all that when I found them in 2001.

    ReplyDelete
  111. Seriously? I don't mean this in an unfriendly way at all, but I thought you tall/thin ladies had it made, as deisgners totally love your body type! Look at runway models- they aren't 5 feet tall with big boobs; they are tall like you girls.

    I always thought it would be the coolest/easiest thing to be nice & tall & skinny (I mean "skinny" in a very positive & complimentary way- grass is always greener & all that).

    ReplyDelete
  112. Hi, I found the necklace from the "nude" tones picture. It was on a mannequin and didn't have a tag. The SA thought it was double strand bridesmaid necklace and was on sale. It isn't the bridesmaid necklace because it doesn't have a jewel clasp, just a tiny rhinestone hook type clasp AND it isn't the same colors: it is basically "nude" color glass beads. They thought it was on sale for $99.00 and I didn't argue! It was the only one they had so I don't know if it is new, old, rare, online only, etc. I am not sure I would do it on bare skin but it looks great with the summer palette.

    ReplyDelete
  113. Maggie May you scored big time! The nude double strand necklace is $129!

    ReplyDelete

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! :)