The following (in no particular order) are my top 5 "what were they thinking?" items from J.Crew. I tried to include items from different item categories. I am sure there are other items that should have made the list too (I just couldn't remember them at the time!) ;)
1. Jumpsuit (Item 83998). This little number came out in the Spring/ Summer of 2007 and was priced over $100. (Not sure of the exact amount). I was shocked that it sold out. Yeah, it looks cute on the model... but she's a model! Jumpsuits rarely transition well to real-life. Unless it's on a toddler. Also, the jumpsuit doesn't seem to fit with J.Crew's over all style.
2. Lucido Jacket (Item 96559). This outerwear item, which debuted September of last year, made it to one of the "Questionable Items of the Week" post and for a good reason. Often referred to by fellow JCAs as the "murder jacket", this raincoat retailed for a ridiculous $1,800! For this price, why not turn to the classic style of Burberry? I have no idea if any were sold. When I attended the first ClothingLine + J.Crew sample sale in NYC this January, I saw a whole bunch of these sad-looking coats on the rack. No one, and I mean no one, went near them.
3. Atomic Flower Necklace (Item 14831). J.Crew has produced several necklaces that have been complete disasters. However, this one takes top honors. From the size to the design... it's just a hot mess no matter how I look at it. This necklace, from Spring 2009, wasn't cheap either, it was priced at $150!
4. Soleil d'Or Jacket (Item 93420). This jacket came out in May of 2008. My first impression from the images online and in the catalog: pretty! However, in person... not so much. At my local brick & mortar (B&M) store, I tried it on and immediately thought I looked like a horrible space cadet. The material was incredibly stiff. Unlike the image shown, the belted jacket would not stay open at the collar for a casual look. The metallic-foil finish was just too modern to wear anywhere too. It just didn't seem like J.Crew. It seemed like a piece I would find at a local boutique selling oddly shaped cardigans. During the "J.Crew is in T.J. Maxx" phase, I was able to find this regular $278 jacket for an amazing $14.99 price in my size. I left it behind.5.
Sienna Fringed Moccasin Booties (Item 17499). Semi-reasonably priced at $88, these booties made their debut this Summer. This item has been discussed on the blog before (refer here). I saw these floppy booties at my local B&M store and thought "I don't get it." This is another item that doesn't seem to fit with J.Crew's overall style. I guess you would wear them with jeans, but why not wear cute Ballet Flats instead?For tomorrow: a Top 5 post on the most loveliest items from J.Crew, the "OMG, now we are talking!" items from the most recent years.
What are your thoughts on the Top 5 "what were they thinking?" items? What items (from recent years) would make it to your list? :)
Great idea for a post Alexis! I agree with your list. The only 1 I have seen in person is the atomic necklace and it was yucky! (can't think of another word to describe it!)
ReplyDeleteI've kinda always liked the Soleil D'Or jacket, though it is a highly unwearable piece. I'd wear it with all black to a gallery opening, perhaps. I like the idea of a modern, dressy jacket, but it needs to fit and move well.
ReplyDeleteI too left behind a once expensive piece at tj maxx because it simply would not work-- the antiqued gold sequin tank. Also $14.99, but it was huge and looked stupid when I tried to layer it with other items!
Actually, the sequin tank may have been $9.99 at tjm, I'm not sure. Either way, amazing since it retailed around $400.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for a post! I personally agree with you on these "questionable" items. I thought the worst offenders were the jumpsuit and the atomic necklace. Both of those items are pretty crazy!
ReplyDeleteFrom this line of the new arrivals, I think I vote for the silk pants and the shearling jacket.
I am excited to see what you think the nice pieces are: I'd love to nominate the professor blazer!e
I like those fringed booties on display, I've never seen anyone try them on though. I wonder if they look good on. I like them in gray. so cute.
ReplyDeletebut i agree, they don't seem to go at all with j crew's style.
Great post Alexis! I agree with you on the jumpsuit, Lucido coat, and Atomic necklace. However, I actually like the Soleil d'Or jacket and think the Moccasin Booties are ok, too. :)
ReplyDeleteI actually purchased the Sienna booties in a fit of, "I can make these work!" Well it turns out I can't. I thought they looked super cute in the catalog but when I tried pairing them with skirts and tights I looked absolutely absurd. So back to the store they go.
ReplyDeleteWhat's odd is that I found them in my B&M last week after I had backordered them online months ago and was still waiting... so are people buying these and not returning them or did J.Crew decide to offer them first and produce them later??
I agree with most of the items but I have the Atomic necklace, although purchased on sale for $49.99 and it looks great with a number of simple clothing items I have. I have also received numerous compliments on it and have a co-worker that is constantly trying to steal it from me.
ReplyDeleteI should mention that the reason I walked out of the store with the Siennas in the first place is because are were soooo comfy. I tried on the Nottingham tall suede flat boots first and those were horribly uncomfortable for flat boots, so I think I got a little carried away once a comfy shoe was on my foot.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE my Sienna Fringed Booties! They are cute and super comfortable. IMHO, the booties have not been styled very well . . . leather fringe and silky party dress?!? Really? My advice for styling is = if you would normally wear your UGG boots with said style, then try the Sienna Booties for a fun new look!
ReplyDeletei agree with all of these except the moccasins since i have them :) they're hard to style like many others have mentioned, but they are so comfortable!
ReplyDeleteI actually have the Soleil d'Or Jacket & love it. I do wear it to artsy-type events as tastymoog suggested with jeans or black capris and get compliments on it. And that antiqued gold sequin tank has turned into a year-round staple for me - its even in my avatar pic now. Guess I'm just a fan of gold!
ReplyDeleteFunny post! I actually like the booties, though, haha! I don't own a pair, though. I can't think of anything off the top of my head that was a big "WHAT THE HECK?" moment, but I CAN think of many many many "YAWN" moments.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing that came to mind for me was the BUG PINS!! :) Wow, were those strange.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone! Thanks for sharing. It's fun to hear everyone's perspective. I think we all have our personal "top 5" for the best of the worst. ;)
ReplyDeleteThe last two items- the jacket and booties- were difficult choices to include. I ended up going with them because they didn't seem (in my completely unprofessional opinion) to fit with J.Crew's overall style.
Lastly, I am sure there are plenty of JCAs who can "work it" with one or two of those items I choose. :)
Mack - I totally agree with the bug pins. Those were weird! They were fabric too...odd.
ReplyDeleteSort of on this same thread, has anyone noticed that J.Crew is bringing back pleated front pants. I grabbed a pair by accident thinking they were plain black trousers so I tried them on for grins and remembered why these should never be worn by men or women again.
ReplyDeleteYeah, what about the bug pins and the jeweled broaches made in some kindergarten class?
ReplyDeleteI purchased the Soleil d'Or jacket from FFM on the swap exch, so I'm a fan. And the moccasins are cute, though maybe not for J Crew. I think the new silk pants are interesting, but unrealistic. The new silk shorts are perhaps already on their way to FS.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the questionable items was the flutter bow cardigan. You know, the Thriller cardi , which is now on sale in-store.
Great, lighthearted post!
ReplyDeleteI also don't hate the moccasins- I wouldn't wear them myself but I don't want to die at the sight of them.
LOL! The craft pins are another good choice!!! You know the sad thing, that stupid bug pin grew on me. After seeing it so much, (it was everywhere in the catalogs & emails) I thought it was oddly cute. :)
ReplyDeleteInstead of the booties, I should have listed the current Linen-Silk City Pant (Item 20184; $98.00). Prone to wrinkles thanks to the fabric, these cropped pants made the model look fat (and we all know she isn't). ;)
Hey, the thriller cardi looked absolutely great on Michelle Obama!!!
ReplyDeletefunny thing is, most JCrew designs look good on somebody. . . the jewelry is the weirdest to me. The bug pins, that sluggy-looking snake bracelet (ew), and, I have to say, that new twisted mess of pearls and cheap chains. Sorry. Looks like something that washed up on the beach.
Off topic, I know, but did anyone get their rewards card yet? Weren't they supposed to go out October 15 or so?
LOL, that necklace sure is a hot mess (sorry Deanna)! I don't even remember that horrible jumpsuit (a blessing perhaps?) :D
ReplyDeleteWould love to see more of this kind of post, Alexis! Fun!
Great comments on best of the worst. Although I have to admit to liking the moccasins.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of these though I also recognize it's a matter of taste. There was a feathered collection dress last fall that the community here seemed to despise but I loved it (can't remember the name).
ReplyDeleteEvery time I see the Atomic Necklace I think of PFP's J.Crew math on it. And then I LOL.
roxy I think you are referring to the Gwen dress, which is still for sale at the regular price of $2K!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/dresses/solidstextures/PRDOVR~99367/99101586495/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~gwen/99367.jsp
OT, stopped in to 45th & Madison B&M today. The sale section was stocked with the silk tiered camis in different colors plus the print, cashmere v-neck cardigans, several of the print button down shirts, and some of the long sleeve t-shirts. Also they had a decent amount of jewelry on sale. It's at the front by the registers, not by the jewelry case. I got 3 fun pieces for $19.99 each.
ReplyDeleteI would need to spend some time going through catalogs for a good list, but yep, there are some!
ReplyDeleteYou know what I wish they still had? The Crewmutts line!!! Not the sweaters (unless you have a dog that wears sweaters) but I really loved the plaid collars and leashes. Love them! But I'm all about tartan and pink and green for pups of all sizes.
Roxy, I loved the white Gwen dress, too. You can still find it online for $2000. Never went on sale, lol.
ReplyDeleteWhat about those terrible madras/ plaid/ tweed/ corduroy/ paisley patchwork pants and sportcoats that are always offered for men? You just know a guy or two bought the top and bottom as a suit, instead of mixing + matching (which only lessens the crazy a smidge, lol). :D
Alexis this post made me laugh. There are some pretty big misses for sure. That Lucido coat was ridiculous. I thought it was a rain slicker but then honestly, why wouldn't it have long sleeves?
ReplyDeleteI'm also one who likes the moccasins. I think they are a great alternative to driving mocs for the cooler months.
This is totally off topic, but do you alloy anthropologie items to be listed in the jcrew weekly exchange?
ReplyDeleteAlexis, great post! That Lucido coat...ew squared. fidele, ITA on that wiener bracelet! That one was so funny, a gift that keeps giving.
ReplyDeleteI'd add the skull and crossbones printed wellies to the list of the bottom five, not because they were so horrid, just that from JC? Way more Avril Lavine than Michelle O. I'd include the current crystal tassel necklace since it looks like bedazzled baby corn! Maybe that's just the next big thing. Studded squash belt buckles. Crystal glitter heirloom tomato brooches. Fluffy cabbages made out of tattered silk chiffon adorning sweaters and headbands... Oh, wait, that's hitting too close to the truth now.
I also hold no grudge against the mocs, just the way they're styled at JC. They're kind of simple and comfy, I have a short pair I stitched myself. They don't belong anywhere near a silk dress though!
Alexis are you saying that there is no more "j crew at TJ Maxx" and I missed out?
ReplyDeleteBaybaybay and tastymoog -- yes that's it! Still above my price range though.
ReplyDeleteI love the list, please add the neon ankle socks with peep toed shoes and the mc hammer pants they are currently offering. Too sad to say anymore than that...YUCK!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post! I'd agree with the first three choices. I missed the whole J.Crew in T.J.Maxx...where was I?
ReplyDeletehahahah this post was hilarious alexis!
ReplyDeletei would wear those moccasins though... :)
hee hee, Roxy. The Atomic poo-poo Cloud necklace. [Though nothing is unrockable by SOME fashionable JCAs.]
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with everyone who mentioned the bug pin. It doesn't offend my senses or anything, but it's just a weird mess of a concept.
Such a great post, Alexis! I agree that you need to add the "neon sock/peep-toe heel" look to your list! :) Looking forward to the Most Loveliest J. Crew Items!!
ReplyDeleteI just had to add that the moccs were actually featured in the latest Self magazine (November, I believe) as part of the "Killer Knits" spread with some of the "Twilight" stars. They styled it pretty well there - as they should be styled really, with chunky sweaters and hats. (As opposed to a cocktail dress!)
ReplyDeleteHello again! Love the comments!!!
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I wholeheartedly agree about the neon socks. Why bring that back? And to wear them with heels? It just seems wrong. ;)
I was thinking about a "honorable mention" section and including them- along with J.Crew's recent layer-overload. ;)
I was looking through the catalogs I have since 2005 and the styling back then was so much more realistic. Don't get me wrong- the layering in recent catalogs are interesting (and in some cases, quite pretty) to look at- but just very difficult to duplicate in real life. Unlike the older styling- where whole outfits can be recreated. :)
iwish4jcrew & JCmama: Yes, the "J.Crew appearing at TJ Maxx" is over. For a few weeks in the Spring (of this year) J.Crew items were in the stores at ridiculously low prices. :) I don't think J.Crew will ever do it again.
The Lucido coat takes the icing, IMO - just not a single redeeming feature about it. I'd be interested in seeing a documentary on how this disaster ever came into being, if any were ever ordered (and kept) and whether there were repercussions for creating so expensive a dud (I know prices are marked up, but it still had to cost a pretty penny to produce). Perhaps we can sic Michael Moore on the investigation :-)
ReplyDeleteI remember that Gwen dress - was intrigued by it and would still love to try it on, even though I'd never spend the $$ on it...
I know the Nov. catalogue just came out, but at some point we should be seeing a special "Holiday" catalogue, n'est pas? Those are usually among my favorites - love the festive tones. I just hope we don't get more of the contrived & inane styling that's sullied the last few catalogues.
Alexis, i have to agree with you on the necklace and the Lucido jacket. The other three are just passing thoughts; i don't have strong feelings about them. But I must add the Gemma cardigan to the mix. Was anyone able to rock this cardigan?
ReplyDeletetastymoog, I totally forgot to add my forth to the list -- the men's patchwork merchandise. I must have blocked it out. :)
ReplyDeleteLike you and Roxy, i like the Gwen dress.
Yeah, the patchwork for grown men is a bit silly, but it's so cute on little guys and girls. DD is on her second patchwork two piece swimsuit, they're just darling.
ReplyDeleteI nominate the current Giverny day coat. It is worse than my oldest bathrobe. Can't believe that two-toned thing is $695.
ReplyDeleteAlexis, I think you may have to to a Top 10 of JC's best...there are way too many gems to limit the list to only 5 :)
ReplyDeleteHow about some of the colors that looked great in the catalog but awful in real life? I have a Pure Guava cashmere V-neck from two years ago that just looks hideous on. I wore it once to a job I had working with little kids, and in just one hour, three separate children said something along the lines of "You look like a clown" and "Why would you wear an orange sweater?" :)
ReplyDeleteThe Guava shade is much more flattering this year--not as much orange in it, I guess.
Oh, and those bright fushia cords from last year. Maybe somewhere out there can rock them, but I absolutely could not.
And sortof an odd choice that maybe others look good in--the cafe mosaic (I think that's the name) capris from this past summer. They were on the sales rack at my B&M--along with a very similar printed short--forever. I liked them on the hanger, but even on the model, I thought they looked silly. A little bit too "old man on the golf course" for me.
I also think the neon anklets will go down as a big ol' miss.
What about the men's Mounted Antlers Jersey Union Suit which were little boy pajamas for men. Who would wear this?? The name alone is a little disturbing.
ReplyDeleteI just took a second look at the Linen-silk city pant and decided I love them! For pajamas. Here's hoping they go down to $19.99! (With that cut and those patch pockets in back, could they be anything BUT pajamas??)
ReplyDeleteI also want to give a shout out in this category to the Falling petals jacket. Gorgeous in theory, completely wrong IRL. Overly expensive, see-through, flimsy, and right in line with the Freddy Krueger look. Plus with those ruffles underneath, let's just say when I tried it on I understood why they only photographed the model with a belt and from a side angle. I instantly became 6 months pregnant in that thing. Wow! No thanks.
I'm another one who didn't "get" the Gwen dress at all. In my case it wasn't the feathers so much as the buttons down the front... it just felt like a number of different designs thrown together.
A little shocked that I can't think of more disasters!
I remember the Lucido ("killer") coat- we made comments along the lines of it being a good cleaning coat because it wouldn't stain :)
ReplyDeleteI just found these articles, they're somewhat off (item) topic but still JCrew related:
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,285731,00.html
http://www.ripoffreport.com/Clothing-Stores/J-Crew/j-crew-catalog-lists-country-867qd.htm
I doubted my choice of the Soleil d'or Jacket but then I saw it on eBay and it all came back to me- the reason why I chose it. From the shiny material to the boxy sleeves.
ReplyDeleteFor the real life image from the Ebay listing, click here.
I am sure some of you can rock this jacket, but the majority (especially me) probably cannot.
I should add to my previous comment, that the Soleil d'or Jacket in the eBay listing is in Silver, while the one J.Crew actually offered is Gold.
ReplyDeleteI fall in the "love the Gwen dress" category. The ivory tweed, it screams Chanel to me and if I had the money and the social agenda to wear it, oh yes!
ReplyDeleteLoved this post! Surely tomorrow should be top 10?!!
ReplyDeleteJust found this site! Thanks for the free shipping code, I just ordered the Wool Herringbone Professor Blazer in black! What a great site!
ReplyDeleteI got to stand with Deanna on the Atomic Flower Necklace. This piece definitely was a show stopper and could really make a ho-hum outfit. Somewher on my blog I paired it with a denim dress, but wore it a lot with a simple white tank. It is a stunner!
ReplyDeleteDon't know if anyone has mentioned this one yet, but the Wool Ruffle Shift, Item 20624, from the side view is another "J. Crew what were you thinking?" in my book. Not real sure why any woman would want large ruffles down the entire frontside. However, I will say I have not seen it IRL.
ReplyDeleteOT- At the 5th Avenue store in NYC, there were two watercolor tortoiseshell skirts in size 0 and 2 for $19.99. I know-- what?! Just checked and they're $148 online. But they were marked and in the sale section.
ReplyDeleteAlso, there's about 8 of those glittery goldish in-store only totes, $150 marked down to $49.99.
I'd like to nominate the Clasic Union Suit from the October new arrivals. When I saw it in the catalog I tought it was a henley tee and it looked nice but then I found out that it was long johns, yikes. It is something that maybe my grandpa would have worn 40years ago.
ReplyDelete