"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who let us know about J.Crew's most recent email, which showcases all of Jenna Lyons' picks for the latest catalog. (That image is super long. To see it larger, click here.) ;)My least favorite item Jenna selected has to be the Crystal Bow-Tie Necklace (refer to the "Questionable Item of the Week: Crystal Bow-Tie Necklace" post). My favorite item Jenna selected is the Bamboo-Tassel Ballet Flats (Item 15444; $158.00). What can I say, I am a sucker for J.Crew's ballet flats. ;)
Do you agree or disagree with any of the items selected? What's your favorite and least favorite item Jenna selected? What are your thoughts on the color palette? Which items (or colors) did you hope to see?
I love items 1, 3 and 5 -- the belts, the linen halter dress, and the strappy slingbacks.
ReplyDeleteI really like two of the colors JCrew has introduced: bistro orange and bronzed sand. I should admit I haven't seen the bronzed sand color in person. According to CS, the measurements on the cargo jacket are HUGE! I agree with you on the flats, and I've ordered the belt. Hope it looks as great as the picture.
ReplyDeleteI like #2 (poplin cargo jacket). Everything else is a pass for me.
ReplyDeleteThe color palette is so blaaaah. I don't think JC is hitting the right mark with the neon pieces, but I don't mind them trying, since so far they are only offered in classic styles (ballet flats, skinny belt).
If JC starts offering neon pink (any color for that matter) harem pants-- "of the moment and completely irresistible," right? *eyeroll*-- it's over.
When they realized just how bad the crystal bow-tie necklace actually is, they decided to make it a "Jenna's pick", in an attempt to make us believe that style-maven Jenna might actually choose to wear it. HA! I wonder if the Lucido coat was a Jenna's pick...
ReplyDeleteJenna's picks is just a marketing trick to make people "want" certain items or think they are IN with the crowd...a nice little marketing scheme that I am sure many will fall for. Not to say though if you really like something of your own accord and need it then buy it!
ReplyDeleteI like the belts A LOT and did order them before I knew they were Jenna's picks.
ReplyDeleteI don't buy JCrew's ballet flats anymore b/c they are cheaply made and uncomfortable even when I add liners. I can get cute, higher quality shoes for the price elsewhere. I have shoes that are 10 years old that I take very good care of and my JCrew ballet flat fell apart after a few wearings. That is the only way to send a message to JCrew that their shoes are crap. Stop buying them! (and send them a complaint email).
I don't really like any of these. the cargo jacket is not stylish, the necklace is like a little kids project, the ballet flats boring and the same as every season every year, the coffin clutch useless, neon belt is dated, and the straw belt- well I don't think it will last past one or two wearings. I'm looking forward to the June arrivals!
ReplyDeletest,
ReplyDeleteI like the bistro orange, too. Thinking of getting a bathing suit in that color, and maybe chino shorts. It's been around, I remember the pepper suede flats, jeweled sunburst flats (I think?), and twyla midheels offered in the color, can't think of any other items off the top of my head...
How many "picks" does Jenna get? The emailed "picks" differ from the "picks" on the website.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to pick, I'd buy the shorts from the email. If I had to pick from the website version of Jenna's picks, I'd still pick the shorts.
As far as colors, I'm loving the color Dark Persimmon (from what I've read it sounds like others do too).
I'm hoping for some more reddish/orange and blue colors.
P.S.
I'm wearing the Nola sweater from this past winter for the first time today and it is sooo soft and comfy.
The poplin jacket looks awfully close to the military jacket, no?
ReplyDeleteAnon 10:31 -
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads-up on ballet flats - I've been curious but not a big fan of JC shoes. Have Tori Burch flats (not too comfy) and Tod's, which are much better.
Fair to say that the picks are nothing more than a marketing antics. If your products are good and priced right, people will beat a path to your door, whether they're on the pick list or not.
Seriously, though, am I the only one who's becoming fed up with JC's daily e-pitch?
I generally do not pay much attention to "Jenna's Picks" but I have been eyeing the halter dress that she posted (but since I'm on a temporary shopping ban, eyeing is ALL I'm going to be doing). I am not a fan of the bulky jacket featured. I think it could be cute on some, but it looks far too manly for my liking!
ReplyDeleteI actually like this
ReplyDeleteAthleta Jacket better than JCrew's poplin jacket (if I was in need of a jacket).
IRL,
ReplyDeleteThat Athleta jacket is nice. I like UO's darlita trench, too. It appeals to me because it's more fitted and funkier than the JC's poplin cargo. I guess out of Jenna's "picks" I find #2 the least objectionable (although it probably runs huge like the military jacket!).
The linen halter does look quite pretty, but that style of dress, that only has a very small "window" of sizes that would fit into the chestal region, just never does it for me. Or the girls. Fie on the molded cups, fie! I'd love the dress in the lavender though, sigh...
ReplyDeleteThe items I hoped to see were ... an incredible update to the sale section!!! But my hopes were dashed, again.
ReplyDeleteHi all,
ReplyDeleteYep, I recv'd that email too. Although I've heard a lot about the up incoming roll out... I haven't seen any must - haves. Certainly no "haute colours" & "irresistible prints". I must say, that while I admire Jenna's contributions to JCrew, her personal style is very different from mine.
I have to admit, I find the design page more inspiring:
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/Designers.jsp
I guess that's the beauty of jcrew... Always something for anyone & everyone :}
Hope you all find your something special & on sale!
Heather:D
Tastymoog
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a different coat indeed! I'm guessing you'd sport a pair of colorful tights w/that trench. :P I'm kidding as I've seen your polyvore sets. :)
The JCrew poplin looks like something from another store imo. I'll stick w/my pick...the shorts!
I saw the Space Dyed Cardigan this weekend and it is so long, it would be unflattering to wear if you are short. Surprising the larger sizes are selling fast on-line at $108.00, and is hand wash only!
ReplyDeleteIRL,
ReplyDeletehehe, probably! ;) I bought a new pair this weekend, a sage/pistachio color that I thought would be nice for spring. :)
The linen shorts are ok, they look comfy, but I am a little wary of the fabric (are the lighter colors see-through??).
I'm having a really hard time getting excited about anything JCrew offers right now. Is it that I've spent too much money with my red card, or is the stuff uninspiring? Hard to tell.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to say that those belts are terrible...Just my two cents, but I don't think those colors can ever be stylish.
ReplyDeleteI think my love affair may be coming to an end. One of the things I really liked about JCrew was being treated well by customer service. It really made doing business with them pleasant, and relatively worry free. Now they are trying to cut costs, and obviously cutting back on some of those perks (like making up for mistakes, defects, etc. with free shipping or other small kindnesses) that made the customer feel special and well cared for. And, after spending at least 3k this past fall and at least 1-2k this spring, I am sad that I didn't rate the gift cards. Let the attacks begin!, call me a whiner, call me someone who feels entitled, whatever you want. This is how I feel. In this economy, they shouldn't be cutting back on niceties. They should be continuing them, IMO.
ReplyDeleteI think the jacket is fug, seriously. It has a very retro vibe, and not in a good way. I find poplin to be too stiff for a jacket and usually looks unkempt.
ReplyDeleteLOL - the bowtie necklace. Wasn't the atomic flower necklace one of Jenna's picks as well?
Shorts are very similar to linen shorts from a few years ago that I still have in navy. Nice.
My favorite is the linen halter dress. Looks so comfortable. I love linen for summer.
Everyone, enjoy YOUR picks for May. ;)
I like the space-dyed cardi (didn't need Jenna's pitch though) but it is way too pricey at $108 and the material seems really thin too.
ReplyDeleteI can't look at that clutch without thinking of coffin liner. I laugh every time I see it, thanks to the witty JCA who dubbed it such!
ReplyDeletefor those commenting on the outdated-ness or off the mark-edness of the neon colors, J.Crew really isn't in terms of the fashion world - neon is a big trend right now for the spring. Think the white printed (not beaded) zebra tee, the delfine skirt, neon capris, etc. Whether you like neon or not, J.Crew *is* technically on trend for this season.
ReplyDeleteInstead of sending me multiples emails I wish J Crew would send me a cataloq!
ReplyDeleteI like all of Jenna's picks except no. 4: the WTF necklace. I am so loving the flower sash belt, but wonder it could be a little whimsical for everyday?? Regardless, it is adorable and I think I must have it!
ReplyDeleteIt seems that they are really digging the bows this season! Anon@10:25- lol! I am loving the skinny belts in bright colors and the patterned flats, and that cardigan (#13).
ReplyDeleteJ Crew colors are bland this season, so off the mark, other retailers have nice blue, greens, purples and pinks.
ReplyDeleteEverytime I read a list of her picks, or the must have list for the guys I always wonder if this is a marketing ploy or the real deal.
ReplyDeleteI must admit in some way it works because lately I have many of the must haves on the mens list.
Neon is a trend. That pretty much sums it up IMO.
ReplyDeleteMarketing ploy, totally. I suspect they try to hard-sell what they have stock piles of! (:
ReplyDeleteNeon wouldn't work for most people who shop at Jcrew....
ReplyDeleteI am so tired of the "maternity" style camis. I have to belt it or it looks like I'm expecting.
ReplyDeletePaperbag Princess,
ReplyDeleteI thought so too but it is on back order until mid June. The belt sold out in a matter of a few hours of being online.
I have to think the back order stuff is a game to incite people's desire. I wanted the Delfine, which is also "back ordered" until mid-June, but the old "99" trick showed they were still in stock. (This was until I read here that the Delfine was neon pink). Perhaps I'm cynical?
ReplyDeleteHmmm, anon 4:02, perhaps I am being overly cynical - hard not to be when it comes to retail marketing!
ReplyDeleteOh nooo! My belt is back order already?
I saw the Delphine skirt in store this weekend. The color of the stripes is like a neon watermelon. It reminded me of the "radical red" crayola crayon from the early 90s.
ReplyDeleteJenna's picks are not my picks. If I had to choose 5 things for summer- I'd go with the ringspun painter henley in persimmon, the short sleeve cashmere cardigan in amythest, good ole chino shorts (5 inch length), the rosette linen dress, and the small gallery hobo in tan rose.
ReplyDeleteI like the space dyed sweater but not much else.
ReplyDeleteThe dyed cardigan is cute but not much else. I am so glad there is nothing I am lusting over. I just made a big purchase. Did get the belle satchel in pebble. Did anyone else make that purchase? not yet gotten it but dying to hear more about it. Please post your thoughts if you have the bag. Not getting sucked into "Jenna's picks".
ReplyDeletei'm not a huge fan of the neon trend, but all of the 5th ave stores are carrying it now so i guess j crew isn't so far off the mark. it makes me cringe to see a beautiful louis vuitton bag splatter painted with neon graffiti :( and neon cc's on chanel sunglasses. i prefer classic styles and colors especially if i am investing in quality (read expensive) pieces lol.
ReplyDeleteNeon looks out of date so fast, I can't bring myself to buy any of it. I don't follow the trends much so have no need to be "current" in that sense. Just like to look good in my own style.
ReplyDeleteThe shoes are cute, but I've heard they are so uncomfortable it's hard to buy for looks alone. Blisters are so unappealing!
Shorts run big...can't wear them.
ReplyDeleteThe sleeveless blouses are too big...can't wear them.
From what it sounds like, the jacket is also too big. So besides the tee shirt, I couldn't wear any of those things without looking horrible so I can't really give my opinion. Spring/summer was really great two years ago, *sniff*
The thing that gets me is that they have the jenna's picks thing on the big wall behind the registers at my local B&M, with big pictures of many of these items... yet they only actually carry a couple of them in the store. Not going to work very well if they are trying to get people to impulse buy because Jenna likes something.. if it isn't even available in the store. Yes, I know about the red phone... but that takes the impulse out of it. And waiting for packages to come just sucks!
ReplyDeleteI also like the bamboo flats... and they have leather soles.
Yet another example of JCrew being cheap and ripping us off at the same time... the Everyday Leather flats were $138, had soft leather linings and soles. Their new "updated" (cheapened) version for 2008, the Perfect Leather Flats, go for $155 and have those awful man made linings and soles. I don't mine the soles too much but the leather lining is soooo much nicer.
The problem is some of the shoes are just too damn adorable and I will buy them no matter what the lining is made of. I may have a problem.
Love that I just came across your blog! I am a JCrew-aholic myself, so I feel very at home!!
ReplyDeleteI don't remember if the chiffon rose tee was one of Jenna's picks but I wore mine and the jokster guy at work said, "hey, a pink cow-pie tee shirt!" Everyone LOL'd including me. Now I will think of that every time I wear the tee.
ReplyDeleteStill makes me chuckle... :-D
I wonder if Jenna even picks these items. I bet some assistant does and she just signs off on the choices....
ReplyDelete