Spring Fashion 2009: Trend or faux?By Lisa Freedman
Mar 19, 2009
Jenna Lyons and Frank Muytjens, J.Crew’s creative director and head of men’s design respectively, riff on the fads that have graced—or disgraced—our fashion world.
Ripped-up jeans that cost a fortune
Lyons: I love them, and I hate them. I love the look and understand that not everyone has the time or the creativity to make them look that way. But I hate that the store-bought ones cost a fortune.
Muytjens: I like the idea of them. I wear unwashed jeans and break them in myself. When you buy jeans, they’re so rigid, but you wear them throughout the years, and they become yours; they mold to your body, and they fade on their own. When you earn it, it’s real and it’s genuine.
Bow ties for men
Muytjens: The bow tie has a bad rap. It all depends on the guy. If you remove the bow tie from its East Coast, preppy context and put it on a guy wearing an oxford shirt with rolled-up sleeves and skinny jeans, it definitely has a place.
Lyons: If you’re Barack Obama you can sport a bow tie anytime you want. Aside from that, I love bow ties on younger guys. I think there’s something really playful and tongue-in-cheek about a younger guy wearing jeans and a bow tie.
Teeny, tiny “It” bags
Lyons: Tiny little bags, tiny little cell phones and tiny little charms for your phone all go in the same category for me: What? I have no appreciation for them whatsoever. I have total appreciation for an evening bag, in which a girl can keep her keys, her credit card, her safety cash and her lipgloss. But I just don’t get small bags. Small bags have no reason for being.
Muytjens: I completely agree with Jenna. I don’t look at women’s bags every day, but I do notice a woman with a classic bag that can last for years and years. It’s like a woman’s signature. You don’t have to change it every month or follow the latest trends.
Animal prints
Lyons: Oh God. They’re hard because they just don’t die. It’s not like I don’t like them, I just wish they would come in and then just go away for a while. But they seem to stay forever.
Muytjens: But they sell well…
Super-duper high heels
Lyons: I love heels, so I think it’s unfortunate that a taller woman—five foot seven and above—looks proportionally better in a pair of heels than really small girls. Small girls in high heels look like they’re on stilts, and it can look ridiculous, not elegant.
Muytjens: It’s about how you put it together. For instance, Jenna will wear high heels and combine it with cargo pants to make it more interesting and not so cookie-cutter.
Sweatpants in public
Muytjens: No. They’re made to work out in.
Lyons: For men, I totally agree. Girls can pretty much do anything they want if it’s done right. A pair of gray sweatpants by Phillip Lim with a little cuff at the bottom and paired with little heels, an oversize men’s blazer and a little sequin top, then yeah, totally there. But sweatpants tucked into Uggs? No.
Tight pants on menMuytjens: On the right guy, it looks really cool. With Converse sneakers and all that. At the same time, you have to be careful not to make it too trashy.
Jenna: If you can see his package, there’s a problem. Trends are scary because when something becomes a trend, people decide to wear them whether they look good in them or not, and that’s where people fall off the cliff. Skinny jeans are for guys who have the body to wear skinny jeans. If you don’t have the body, then it’s not for you and don’t do it. It becomes grotesque when you’re spilling out of it.
Leggings as pants
Lyons: I love it! As long as they’re not cheap, poorly made ones—or too tight.
Muytjens: I agree. Of course, we don’t ever talk about leggings on guys. I like it on girls, though, absolutely.
Speedos
Lyons: No! Unless you’re Michael Phelps you cannot wear a Speedo. And if you’re Michael Phelps you’d better always wear a Speedo.
Muytjens: No, absolutely not.
I really loved this article. It's great to hear different perspectives on these topics... I have to agree with both Jenna and Frank about small bags- I love them for an evening out, but they simply don't work for me when it comes to everyday use. I have to disagree with Jenna when it comes to heels on "small girls" (whatever that means). I think heels can work at any height. As for the animal prints, I thought it was great that Frank pointed out to Jenna that they are big sellers. I think every season, J.Crew has introduced an item with an animal print. Lastly, how funny is Jenna with the tight pants for men comment!?! ;)
What are your thoughts on this article? Disagree with any of the opinions shared? :)
The tiny girls on stilts comment I have problems with. So are small girls suppose to wear flats ? I would love to know what Jenna thinks small girls should wear. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteI agree that massive heels on a small girl looks stilt like but I think the same applies for tall gals as well. What kind of heel height are we talking about Jenna?
I agree on the bags. Small bags not a daytime thing. Also its nice to hear that a girl can have a signature bag.
Laughing about the ripped up jeans.
I think Jenna's right on about the skinny jeans. I always see guys wearing skinny jeans - going for that specific look - and they just can't pull it off. Don't have the right shape to do it and it ends up looking not so great.
ReplyDeleteGreat article
I have to laugh at the ripped up jeans comment, especially since they charge $150 for them.
ReplyDeletei actually agree with jenna's comment about small girls. i'm 5'1 and when i try on shoes with anything more than a 4-inch heel, i look ridiculous. i think it's a matter of proportion -- taller frames look better with heels because their legs are longer. if you give huge heels to a petite girl, then you throw her proportions off. when i wear massive heels, my upper body looks way too small for my lower body. i don't think she means short girls should wear flats, i think she's talking about keeping a sense of proportion. i, for one, consider high heels to be 2-3 inches high.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with the bag comments...I like them all. I change my bag almost daily. At the most I carry a bag for a week and then switch.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the vast majority of Frank and Jenna's comments.
ReplyDeleteI do not agree with:
Sweatpants working with a pair of small heels and an oversized blazer.
How small we talkin' about a small bag? I love wristlets for a night out...my fav one will fit my cell phone, my lip goo, cash, keys, ID, and credit card. Perfect.
Sweat pants with heels and a blazer? Riiiight....
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about some of Jenna's comments. If she's opposed to expensive ripped up jeans and animal prints, then who is making the decisions to carry these items in the store? Marketing? Do they succumb to focus groups of animal-print-loving fashionistas? I don't get it. They were hired to bring their taste to the job, correct? I understand they can't just make everyone wear what they want them to wear, but, um, well they could do that as long as sales don't drop.
ReplyDelete**I also think the super-distressed jeans and trends in general are a waste of money. That's my personal opinion - and yes, some trends can be fun to join in on once in awhile - but for me I'd rather spend the money on staple pieces.
I'd love to know what "a classic bag that can last for years and years." looks like. I'm not a bag person, but I'd love one good one.
ReplyDeleteAnd the comments about the jeans are fabulously hypocritical. Love it. Check FFM's blog to see how to do it yourself. It's so easy, and I love the idea of sneaking a brand new pair of jeans into the house only to destroy them. :-)
If you can see his package, there's a problem!
ReplyDeleteLove that quote! and so true - also if you can see his beer belly and flat butt he should not be wearing tight skinny jeans.
I'm done with spring clothing - when will we see summer?
Sweatpants tucked into Uggs sound much better to me than the way these two style them...Yeah, right! NOT!
ReplyDeleteyeah...i'm gonna have to disagree with the sweatpants comment. people shouldn't be wearing sweatpants in public, period! Now, with that said, there are times that perhaps you are on your way to or from the gym, and there are ways to make that look passable. But sweatpants with a blazer? Eh.
ReplyDelete[speaking of sweatpants, there was a teacher who worked at the school i was previously at who would wear sweatpants to work at least twice a week. how she got away with this, i'll never know]
I loved this article, but I must disagree with the idea that both of them loved leggings...oh no! oh the 80s!!
ReplyDeleteI, for one, really love the distressed jeans look. I bought JC's pair last year for 20% off of $148 and they are still my fave jeans and probably will be for awhile. It sounds easy to distress your own, but I'm such a spaz. I'd find a way to mess it up.
ReplyDeleteI really wish, though, that JC had a statement bag in their collection. I'd absolutely invest in a sweet, leather bag if they had one worth buying.
And, as for the heels, Jenna should bring more midheels to the collection. These 3.5" are beautiful but killing me.
I would never wear sweatpants to work (and I am a teacher) We could not wear jeans where I worked for 10 years...not even nice ones. Our principal (a woman) had a strict dres code.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think nice sweats in public are fine.
I don't agree with most of what these two said...interesting article though.
ReplyDelete"Short" girls can wear heels... just don't wear anything too high and you won't look ridiculous. Goes for tall girls too.
ReplyDeleteNice to see that they have a definite view point on many of the trends. I still think the paint splatered jean are bad news as are the ripped ones hanging on store racks.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the bow tie has a bad rep; I'd love to wear one, but just can't seem to find the courage.
Great thread Alexis.
AppGal,
ReplyDeleteI also work in a school and my colleagues regularly (and shamelessly) wear sweats to work. I don't understand it, and as someone who takes a bit of pride in putting my look together each morning, I'm a little offended.
That said, I wore JC sweats to Yoga on Saturday, and had some errands to do just before and after, and ended up wearing the sweats for most of the morning. Yes I was out in public, and no, I didn't pair them with kitten heels or a blazer. They had a satin tuxedo stripe, so that was snazzy enough for me! Sorry to disappoint, but I just can't change outfits 3 times in a morning! Sweats for errands: okay. Sweats for work: never.
OT but any Canadian JCA's out there, Joe Fresh has a necklace nearly identical to the coveted J.Crew Fireball necklace, for only 19$ in their stores right now.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know when their spring items are due to hit the web? Considering the sale inventory looks way low and nothing has been added in a while, it seems poor timing for them to encourage me to spend $195.00 for "must have" items.
ReplyDeleteI have heard from other
ReplyDelete"fashion" sources like Vogue and W that petite girls who wear really high heels can look like Minnie Mouse. Of course, one should take all this "fashion" advice from magazines, Jenna et al. with a grain of salt.
I liked Jenna's comment about people wearing trends that don't necessarily fit with their body types. I can't tell you how many times I have seen girls wear too short of skirts, leggings or jeans that do not enhance their rear end, thighs or muffin top. If you are spilling out, DON'T WEAR IT!
The only fashion gripe I have is our society's perception that it is ok to dress like a slob. For any situation. I have seen people wear sweats to the theatre. bad. There are ways to dress nicely but not slovenly. People need to have respect for themselves and others and dress appropriately for situations.
Sweats for running errands are fine. esp. after a workout...I am not going to run home and change...yeah right.
ReplyDeleteSweats: errands, working out, staying home with the kids: FINE.
Did these two just "pan" a goodly percentage of what JCrew is trying to sell to us?
ReplyDeleteI'm with all of you on the topic of sweat pants. I ahve three pair of J.Crew sweats and wear them daily, at home. Sweat pants are possibly the most comfortable and least flatering item of clothing invented. But just because they feel comfortable doesn't mean they should should be worn out to work. If people insist on wearing sweat pants in public get some that can look good like Lululemon and such.
ReplyDeleteI agree w/ Mary's comments ~ sweats for work is just too, too sloppy, even velour juicys. I love, love when people make an effort to look pulled together! I have worn sweats to run errands, etc., but never w/ a heel, or blazer. Hate leggings, shows too much, for me.
ReplyDeleteOk, and as for sweats/ lounge clothes being worn in public... The copy for the cotton nightgown "Saturday dress" I think it was called noted that it could be worn outside the house. If they want us wearing our pjs outside, and our sweatpants with heels and a blazer, why not post workout errands in sweats? Funny. (rolls eyes) It's reasoning like that that reinforces me not following trends or listening to the experts. Then again, I've never been voted best dressed, so maybe I should rock a tiara and bling with my flats (since I'm not over five seven) and sweatpants the next time I'm NOT working out.
ReplyDeleteI would never wear sweats or yoga gear outside the house. I would feel like I'm walking around in my pyjamas. And haven't we all seen someone walking around in plaid PJ pants? Fortunately I have a gym in my home. No need to venture out improperly dressed.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best statement bags from J.Crew is the Frankie bag in cherry. It is a stylish classic, well made and functional. I received several compliments on my Frankie at the spa last week. Wore my navy Tuesday double-serge trench, which sets it off beautifully.
eeps. - anything more than a 4 inch heel?! eeps indeed!
ReplyDeleteCaliglam: Juicy Sweats are definitely the offender's "sweats of choice". Friends, just because you paid $200 for your track suit with rhinestones on it does not mean you should wear it to work. It means you foolishly overpaid for sweatpants. Juicy Couture, IMO, is "lipstick on a pig". Sorry if I offend any wearers of this trend. It's just not my style!!!
ReplyDeleteJuicy Couture is anything but couture. Cheap and tacky IMO
ReplyDeleteI've worn joga pants over my tights and changed into my skirt at work when it is really cold in winter. Of course, in that weather I wear a long down coat, big shearling boots, hat, mittens, scarf. No one can be fashionable when it's ridiculously cold. But at least when you're all covered up, no one can tell who you are with just your eyes peeking out, either.
Am I the only American who doesn't hate Speedos? I'm tired of the huge baggy to-the-knees trunks men wear to the beach. Bring back the banana hammocks!
ReplyDeleteI just love how Jenna disses overpriced destroyed jeans and animal prints... when these are pretty prevalent at JCrew! Too funny. And no one looks good in ridiculously high heels... you just look like you're trying too hard/are going to tip over at any minute!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alexis, for posting this! Very interesting.
Ever since Jenna made the blonds in pink comment I have had a hard time taking her fashion advice seriously. I mean she looks like a yellow banana half the time I see pictures of her. Sweatpants are for when you sweat, hence the name “sweats”, not for wearing as an outfit to an event or work. I guess some of the comments are insightful but others are just plain silly.
ReplyDeleteJust call the sweats "knit slacks" and then you can wear them wherever you want. LOL
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Fireballs:
ReplyDeleteAnn Taylor has some pretty fireball style earrings and necklaces right now and priced right too.
Thanks Alexis for this article. I agree, very interesting!
ReplyDeleteI also have been a little annoyed with Jenna lately. She seems pretty snotty. Her comments about blondes, heels, and just her general attitude are a real turn off. Good thing she is not in PR...
I think the article should be taken for what it's worth. Everyone has an opinion and I like being provided with insight that I wouldn't normally receive. I loved it! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteeeps--I agree with you. We actually had a discussion in the office about a similar topic last Friday...it is all about proportions.
ReplyDeleteI must say I thought Jenna's comments were hilarious and I figured some people would not like it, but hey...
I swim regularly 3/4 times a week and wear a Speedo square trunk, and I have seen other regular swimmers who wear the speedo briefs. It is the beginners who wear board shorts with loud patterns, thinly-strapped bikini's and other questionable attires, which actually hinders the swimming and detracts from the learning experience. If people swim well or are trying to swim well, they can wear all the Speedos they want.
ReplyDeleteThat was a entertaining article. Everyone has an opinion it does not mean ones word is set in stone or should be taken seriously. I like their interaction. They were funny.
ReplyDeleteOT, but has anyone purchased or checked out the Boardwalk bags? I would love the natural colored one, but how would you clean it?
ReplyDeleteWho cares what Jenna thinks?
ReplyDeleteLeggings as pants
ReplyDeleteLyons: I love it! As long as they’re not cheap, poorly made ones—or too tight.
Muytjens: I agree. Of course, we don’t ever talk about leggings on guys. I like it on girls, though, absolutely.
Hmm, how do leggings qualify as too tight? Or really, not too tight? Wouldn't they be like sweats if they are not tight?
Yes, we don't ever talk about leggings on guys. Whaaaaa, was he thinking? That just sounds hilarious.
ITA w. jcrew guy ~ sweats ARE the most comfy things, but they really are the least flattering things yu can wear.
ReplyDeleteOT, I'm looking for a review on the Belle satchel. It looks a bit like a Birkin bag. :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the article. People are taking the advice too seriously.
ReplyDeleteI can see that if you are skinny and tall you can get away with a very trim nice sweatpants with heels and blazer. Nowadays denim with nice blouse and jacket and heels can be 'dressed up', so no reason why sweats can't.
Actually my favorite J Crew items are their shawl cardigans made with sweat shirt material. It's comfy and not sloppy.
I think you should be able to wear whatever you want whenever you want as long as you are not working....
ReplyDeleteSpeedo's are meant for business - if you're really and truly swimming for exercise/sport.
ReplyDeleteIf you're just hanging out and having fun, though, I think a suit with more material is appropriate.
OT: But can anyone tell me how the Cashmere heirloom henley fits? If its fits TTS I might order up one size (S), but if it fits small, I might order up two sizes (M), for my growing baby belly. Any help would be great. Thanks
ReplyDeleteJenna thinks sweatpants on women are ok other than to work out? Barf. It's wrong, I don't care who makes them. Jenna just dropped 50 points on the respect meter.
ReplyDeleteOT - does anyone have any sizing advise on Martin & Osa? Tops?
ReplyDeleteOT (sorry): Is anyone a member of the Gilt or Rue La La shopping websites? If you don't mind to send me an invite, I'd really appreciate it! email is cjackson523@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI do not agree with the small bag comments, I'm so sick of these huge bags I think they look silly. This woman will be saying something different when small bags are the trend.
ReplyDeleteAppGal, your Gilt invite is on its way.
ReplyDeleteAnother OT: Does anyone have a BR code (10-15% off or something like that)? Thanks! Don't worry J. Crew... you're still my favorite.
ReplyDeletehypocrisy sucks
ReplyDeleteAnon 5:17
ReplyDeleteI'd say that Martin + Osa sizing is pretty much TTS based on their sizing chart. For reference, I normally order a size 0, 2, xs at JCrew, despite what the sizing chart says, but at M+S, I've consistently been a size 4 or s, which is right based on my measurements on the chart.
Basically, I'm just saying really poorly that I don't think the stuff is vanity-sized and that you should order your true size! HTH!
(btw, they have a great free return policy, so if whatever you order doesn't fit, you can just ship it back for another size!)
lol@the jeans comment.. the irony
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this article Alexis!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading Jenna's opinion and agree with her on many of the topics.
The sweats with heels comment is insane.
ReplyDeleteFunny with the ripped jeans comment from Jenna....since she is wearing them.
I think the Cashmere Heirloom henley fits TTS if not a little large. I always get a small (except got an XS in the shawl collar cashmere sweater from this year) and the heirloom henley fits well, a little loose but no one likes a tight sweater!
ReplyDeleteI see Jenna's infamous fart picture was recycled, haha.
ReplyDeleteIn case anyone is looking for it:
ReplyDeleteI was at the Madison Ave store in NYC and they have the rumpled terry cardigan (the long one) for $39.99. I noticed that at a few other stores, this cardi was $49.50.
P.S. I am from San Francisco and I've been to a bunch of stores in the Bay Area (stonestown, downtown, palo alto, arden fair (sac), roseville). And I used to live in Boston, so I've been to the Copley and Cambridgeside stores too.
I'm in NYC for vaca for the week and I'm pretty sure I've gone to every single store in the city, I think. And wow!! I'm so jealous of you New Yorkers! The store on Madison is GIGANTIC! I'm sure you guys are used to it, but most of the stores in the bay area/sacramento area are 1/3 the size. Maybe one has shoes. None have half the stuff at the Madison store, plus there's so many sales associates working at every singe one it's unbelievable!
Had a great time at the NYC stores!
I'm not one to harp on high prices. I figure if you can afford it, go for it. However, I really like the print on that pink dress in the new catalog and was hoping I could get the tank.
ReplyDeleteI called CS tonight to inquire about item #'s and prices. The dress, item #11729, is $495 (ouch). The Milla tank, item #11836, is $175.
I'm a bit bummed that the one thing I thought I might try in the new catalog is $175 tank. That is out of my price range for a tank. Maybe when I see the whole catalog this week, they'll be something else I like. Otherwise, I'll wait for summer to rear it's head.
THANK YOU Jodi!! :)
ReplyDeleteeverybody's favorite silk pleated skirt is already on sale.
ReplyDeleteNichi - Thank you for the item numbers. I LOVE the Milla tank and have been waiting for it to appear online. I will definitely be buying it and maybe the dress as well.
ReplyDeleteI seldom buy prints but I REALLY love the scarf-type prints. I have three blouses already, one by Hermes, one Escada and one Clifford & Wills, all purchased at a vintage consignment boutique. There is just something about this classic look that really does it for me. For that reason I will justify the tank price because I know it is going to be fabulous and I'll wear it for years.
The dress looks lovely too. Especially in that long length. I can't wait to see the details. I can picture myself wearing it to an upcoming event. Have the perfect pair of heels in mind too. :D
OT for all you (Canadian) JCAs that use Jane Iredale, www.spaboutique.ca is offering 20% Jane Iredale today only. Use code JANEMARCH09 at checkout for the discount.
ReplyDeleteI believe they also ship to the U.S.
Great products made from minerals and not chemicals. I work for in a cosmetic surgeon's office and the products can be used by people immediately following laser resurfacing, they are that pure and gentle.
Hope it helps someone.
SJ's Mommy -
ReplyDeleteThe Cashmere Heirloom Henley fits TTS, but with just a bit of room, for layering.
Hope that helps.
I've always thought this picture of Jenna looked strange. Her posture makes her appear as if she suffers from hemorroids.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone own the Nicolette strappy heels? I'd love to hear if they are comfortable.
ReplyDeleteThe gold one in the photos online appears to have some issues with the heel so if you've got them, are they decent or questionable?
TIA
I have a sneaking feeling Jenna is talking about distressed jeans in the $200+ category of expensive jeans. I'm still annoyed I spent $99 for my JCrews, although I do kind of love them.
ReplyDeleteYes, very petite girls tend to look odd in 4+" heels (those platformy ones). She's not talking about the 3"-4" range.
I like JCrew's animal prints, they do them in innovative designs each season. She needs to get over that one.
Oh, the Spring 2009 LemLem clothes are so cute. I especially like the smocking dresses and white and blue striped rompers and dresses. Just darling.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lemlem.com/spring-2009.html
I can't wait to see what is in the J.Crew catalog.
I had to post here as the other thread is no longer active.
Animal prints have become a basic like black, navy, ivory, camel. It's just a matter of how much and how to wear them, based on what is the current trend. Seems there is always room for animal prints in come incarnation or other each season. Especially since J.Crew offers them consistently. Witness how many JCAs love the giraffe cami and shorts this season, the serengetti prints last season. At least with J.Crew they are able to reinvent the animal print in new and exciting ways...
ReplyDelete3d/4th the Heirloom Henley being TTS with a bit of room for layering-- I have 2, am wearing one now, and LOVE it!!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
ReplyDeleteI forgot top mention that the CS rep said she found a bathing suit while she was flipping through the new catalog that had the same pink scarf print.
I didn't inquire about the type or the price, but if you love the print I thought you might like to know.
The ripped up jeans they mentioned-you can but them at Gap for $59.50-identical to J crew's for a lot less. Loved the article-it's great to get a sense of what J crew's leadership thinks. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Nichi - I may have to pick up the swimsuit as well. :D
ReplyDeleteI adore Jenna, so I'm disappointed and annoyed at the animal print comment made by both - they sell animal prints every season. I feel like a fool knowing that they don't always stand behind thier designs, and that they're only doing it for the profit. As the head of such a public and American brand, you shouldn't make fun of your own customers. Shame on them!
ReplyDelete