Thursday, October 22, 2009

Sneak Peek for J.Crew Women's Collection in 2010



A big "thanks!" to PrettyBallerina (in this post) who let us know about a post over at Fashionista featuring a sneak peek at the Women's Collection for 2010 (click here for their post).
J.Crew Goes Girly for Spring
By Britt Aboutaleb

October 22, 2009


Editors swooned over J.Crew’s spring/ summer collection at the company’s Astor Place headquarters yesterday.


Creative Director Jenna Lyons presented a slouchy, girly, heavily layered look. There were liberty print rompers (that won’t make it into stores, even though I’d buy five), camo jackets, sequined shorts and tanks, a bunch of grandpa cardigans and one great gown all paired with brogues and what looked like Kork-Ease wedges.


There were touches of neon everywhere (even more than for fall) and chunky jewelry layered atop itself on wrists and necks, including those Miriam Haskell pieces Lyons was so excited about.


Pants-less looks made more than one appearance, with plaid ruffled high-waisted bloomers and what looked like grey knit short, short shorts. And though the clothes were fantastic, it’s the brilliant styling that made everyone want to jump in and live in J.Crew world.
That and the pigs in a blanket they were passing around.
Also, "thanks!" to Amanda (in this post) & AMW who let us know about a post over at Vogue (click here) featuring three additional images of the Women's Collection for 2010 as well. Click on any of the images below to see them larger.
Something Old, Something New:
How to Dress for Spring 2010 the J.Crew Way

By Mark Holgate

October 22, 2008


When plenty of women are diving into that little boutique at home called Their Own Closet, how does fashion convince them it might be time to go buy something exciting and new? Well, here are the options: Ignore that idea of home shopping and just keep producing more and more stuff. Acknowledge that it’s happening, do your darnedest to produce beautiful things, and pray that that economic sunny day will shine soon. Or, if you’re like J.Crew, go with the flow and smartly rationalize that new and old can—and will have to—work together brilliantly.


Which brings us to J.Crew’s presentation yesterday afternoon at its HQ near Astor Place in New York. Specifically, to the necklace worn by J.Crew’s creative director Jenna Lyons, assembled from all sorts of bits and pieces: a yellow enamel flower brooch, a gilded bee, wooden buttons from a cardigan that never made it into production, and strands from a diamante necklace that got smashed up and stitched onto this one. “The necklace started with things that we never used or that no one wanted but that we kind of liked,” Lyons says. “So, we decided to use them; recycle them, in a way.” Those necklaces are actually on sale right now at J.Crew, but the approach Lyons and her team took played a big part in shaping how they designed spring.


For instance, the pale pink shorts (above) actually started out as khaki pants, but Lyons wasn’t into them, so she decided to rework the shorts when completing the collection. She cut them up and dip-dyed them, and then they were paired with a tweed cardigan jacket and a slouchy striped top. Her feeling is: If you like the idea of casual shorts with something sparkly and smart, then why not buy the top and jacket and doctor your own shorts? And if you don’t want to do that, well then, simply go get the spring 2010 shorts instead.


This idea is now more important and relevant than ever before: Be happy with what you already have, but also allow yourself the pleasure of buying a new piece or two to add to the mix. And there was plenty at J.Crew with enough newness to spread some joy around, like the floral military jacket in camouflage colors; or the lightweight linen blazer, its perfect, lean proportions contrasting nicely with the crumpled, love-worn texture of the fabric; or embroidered sequined dresses which can be worn with tees underneath; or, one of the delicate Swiss lace blouses or short, ruffled skirts in next season’s palette of pale, makeup shades. Chances are you’ll have plenty already you could wear with any of these. Lyons certainly does. The jacket she was wearing at the presentation? A washed-green utility number that’s from this fall’s collection.
After looking through the photos, I am disappointed. I thought the sneak peek was for Madewell until I read the articles that clearly state it is for J.Crew. First, I am not excited about any of the pieces. Maybe, just maybe, the striped skirt (or is it a dress?) that was paired with the denim jacket in the slideshow. Second, I am tired of neon. No more, pretty please. Third, what is going on with some pieces? Is the brown sack for a shirt with the sleeves rolled up a for-real item?

I should add, that the previous {quick} judgments are based on these initial photos. I have been known to change my mind once I see them in person. ;) Moreover, if J.Crew is listening... One of the reasons I love your clothes is because it is lovely at any age and many of the pieces are timeless classics (e.g. Jackie Cardigan). As Roxy (in this post) eloquently put it, "You stay classy, J.Crew!"

Thoughts on the upcoming arrivals from J.Crew? Any pieces that you find particularly exciting? Are you liking the styles from the women's section?

63 comments:

  1. Meh, I'll reserve judgment until we see what actually makes the cut. But these pieces look highly fussy + expensive, unfortunately. Liberty rompers? Aw hell ho. wtf is up with this no pants business? I like the frizzy hair.

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

    ReplyDelete
  3. Seriously??? That is J Crew? What are the designers thinking?

    Enough with the pale washed out tones and wierd laying already.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What the....?!?!

    I can't even sort through what is being worn to discern something I may like -- yipes! Well, maybe I need to go back to Fall Sale and see what I can get to wear for Spring 2010...

    ReplyDelete
  5. I agree, Alexis, I am not impressed. Okay, some of the jewelry may be pretty - it's hard to tell. And, I like pants! Some of the button-up shirts are okay, but how original is that? Hope it's better than that short preview.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I don't want to live in that JCrew world. No thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Here's some shots from Vogue: http://www.style.com/vogue/voguedaily/2009/10/something-old-something-new-jcrew/

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yeah, I love the stripy skirt but they'll probably only make it in sizes up to 12 like they do with their prettiest skirts. I think all the rest of the comments should be directed to the "WTF styling post" since that's all I could see here: misbuttoned tops, baglady-esque Olsen layers, unkempt hair, and obtrusive lipstick. They may have eked out a pretty top or a well cut jacket, but who can tell under all that fuss?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Just like tastymoog I will reserve judgement until I see what actually gets produced. However, I don't really see anything overly appealing in this sneak peek..sort of feel like I'm looking at a preview of F21.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm equally disappointed, but then again, I often find that the styling for these runway shoes is amped up so much that the actual pieces themselves may look radically different unadorned and in person. Also, I do like that blue sweater and the printed button down shirt.

    But yeah. A lot of it seems just plain unflattering and young, young, young. Well, for this 36 year old, anyway, lol!

    ReplyDelete
  11. So basically, more of the same - right down to Mona Johannesson. Thanks for the warning, JC!

    ReplyDelete
  12. From the Vogue shoot, I really like the tweed jacket, possibly the shorts, too. There's red and a cream chambray shirts I'll definitely be getting from the men's selection.

    ReplyDelete
  13. J Crew is going off in another direction with their styling and I am also not impressed. The color palette looks pale again blah!

    ReplyDelete
  14. What is that big beige thing being worn by the seated, frizzy-haired model? wtf?

    But, the jackets look cute, and I like the beige oxfords and the boy/girl mix.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love that Spring color palette, and there's a leather bag and necklace I will be watching for.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sorry Jenna. I'm passing on the shorts....

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love the quote about genius styling the same day we are all talking about how much we hate it. Jenna is going for the "fashion" crowd with this and forgetting us, fashion-y as we are, that actually BUY things.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Just found your blog through "SweetDreamsPreppy" VERY excited to follow!! :) JCREW needs to add you to their payroll! Xo

    ReplyDelete
  19. Say it isn't so! I was so disappointed with the last few seasons and hoped they were temporary blips, but I'm with everyone else. Who are you and what did you do with the real J Crew? Where are the classics with quirks (and by that I don't need endless chiffon trim and ruffles), interesting fabrics, real style with that J Crew twist? I have bought a LOT of J Crew, but I miss what was going on two years ago. And stylists, it ain't the economy; I'd buy the real J Crew even today!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Um..... DO NOT WANT

    Thanks for the preview ladies! I'm looking forwarding to spending my spring money with smaller labels that are not so wrapped up in themselves. Sorry Jcrew

    ReplyDelete
  21. Although some of these pieces look a little "out there", maybe that's a good thing for my pocketbook!! I can just buy one or two "out there" pieces come Spring and pair it with all my boring and classic stuff from J. Crew '02-'08... perfect!
    I can't really pass judgement until I see the pieces in the stores and on fellow JCA's, though! Thanks for the posts about Spring!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I kind of love it *ducks behind computer*

    Obviously very stylized, I wouldn't wear stuff that way but it appears to be a presentation for a high fashion crowd so it makes sense to me.

    It is also hard to pick out individual pieces to look forward to but the look is great to me.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I do hope that these looks are styled the way they are for the show, and not how they'll be styled in the catalogue. Certainly a lot of weird-ass stuff in there! I agree Alexis, that stripped skirt was probably the only thing that looked good.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I liked that striped skirt but secretly hope it is a really cute babydoll type dress (similar to the library print dress shape).

    ReplyDelete
  25. It looks like everything that I have not liked about the recent collections, but springier. (And maybe fewer ruffles? lol.)

    I'm not excited by the pale color palette, because that is all they've been using lately. I need more color.

    And the brown potato sack? wtf.

    Also, not digging the belt over the scarves. Just looks silly.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wait... did they say *more* heavy layers? (But only on the top half of the body, apparently.)

    Fidele - yeah! The frizzy-hair model in the big beige apron looks like she was getting a bad perm in the salon....

    Not my cup of tea. I am going to check out Ann Taylor for their professional, timeless moerino sweaters.

    ReplyDelete
  27. There's another set of angles here: http://www.coutorture.com/5788067
    So you can see the stripey piece is indeed a dress.

    ReplyDelete
  28. What is with the scarves tucked into belts look? I saw a least two models doing that....

    ReplyDelete
  29. Ok I get that this was for an editorial audience, but it seems to me like the crew is really missing the mark. I agree with whoever said it was olsen-esque and totally unappealing. If it weren't for the cool-colored coats and the pretty pretty pretty shoes that they still put out year after year jcrew wouldn't be getting any of my money. Everything else is beyond over the top.

    I know it's beating a dead horse to say this, but I miss the old crew!!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. OK but where's the Liberty romper that the writer would buy 5?

    ReplyDelete
  31. Shorts and short skirts and matchstick jeans are 3 styles I can't wear. I just don't have the proportion or legs for them. It seems these styles are central to this new collection.

    It also seems very young, which isn't a bad thing - it's just that there are so many retailers that do this already. I don't want to have to wear boring or over the top trendy.

    I'll wait to see the stores and catalog but color me crestfallen.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Completely agree with kitsmommmy, I'm tired of these muted washed out colors! Where is the old j crew with vibrant, rich colors that we love? :(

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm pretty sure one of the models (standing in centre foreground) was not wearing pants, shorts or a skirt of any kind <:-0

    ReplyDelete
  34. Ai yi yi... I must be a glutton for punishment because I clicked through the other links, hoping for something a little more...well, anything!

    So I know it's early, and we haven't seen the men's roll-out yet , but do you think they would even *think* to style the menswear line as crazy as this? Granted, sometimes I agree with DH - some of the JC male models look as if they are trust-fund guys who lounge around near the boathouse all day (with occasional forays at the board meeting in a Ludlow suit), but I don't see the same kind of zaniness with men's styling...ever!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I have to say that these items look almost bizarre.

    What happened to the classic looks they've had before? "Classic with a twist". Maybe I just don't get it.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Agreed with FMM on both points - let’s wait and see what actually ends up on the floor. And yes, the photos do look like a F21 store. And that is exactly where I would go to buy trendy things that I won’t wear for more than one season and wouldn't pay JC prices! I'll be interested to see how it pans out in spring. Right now I am a little relieved... my wallet, I should say, is relieved.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Looks like a mess to me. I will wait and see, but J Crew come on I know you can do better.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I didn't see anything past Liberty print romper. At that point I fell over in a dead faint, possibly of relief that we won't be seeing those in stores. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  39. Based on the photos, I am not impressed.... but, I will wait and see what actually arrives in stores, and hope for the best! Otherwise, I'll be shopping my closet more often for past JC items that I heart.

    OT - someone had mentioned in another thread that they were looking for the medallion print perfect shirt. There was one tonight in the sale section, $49.99 in size 2 at the 5th Ave b&m, NY.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Messy! That poor woman with the knotted hair :(. I felt she looked like a child who hadn't been looked after. I actually found the whole collection to look like children playing dress up in mommy's closet - piling random things on their bodies.

    Where are the classic, well-cut pieces?

    ReplyDelete
  41. Agree with Audball - it fells like I'm going to look at Fall Sale again:)

    ReplyDelete
  42. I agree a lot of the looks are hot messes. They read young (as in *school yard* young) and/or "mental institution" due to the sloppy overworked layering. JCrew needs to get its soul back: stay with the classy! We're women, not tweens. And bring the bright saturated colors back, because we have the closets full of neutrals and faded shades.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Yuck, how many dishwater grey tops are they going to make???

    ReplyDelete
  44. OT, I was very surprised to just receive one of the invites to the private shopping event at the collection store on Nov. 10. I have a silver JC card but definitely do not spend as much as some of the other JCAs (often b/c a lot of things I want are not made in my size). I wonder if they chose based on income level/other demographic info they got from the cc company. Anyway, I am going to RSVP yes b/c it should still be fun to see the stuff and maybe pick up some accessories. I think I saw that Marietta is going--any other JCAs?

    Will report back!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Cass, I will be there! We should meet up!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Khaki, neon, frizzy hair and too many accessories. That about sums it up. I'm off the crewlade this spring!

    ReplyDelete
  47. marietta, email me at femme55@hotmail.com when you get a chance. :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. The sad thing is that "J. Crew" and "editorial" will never appear in the same sentence uttered by anyone who knows anything about real high fashion. So they're ending up at this awkward in-between place where you give up relative timeliness/classiness and you don't even get the eclat of a real label in return. Depressing!

    ReplyDelete
  49. I kind of like it - lately J. Crew's styling has been unusual, to say the least, but now it's really starting to grow on me (although how much of that will translate into a real life outfit, I can't say, since I'm not much of a fashion risktaker)

    ReplyDelete
  50. Look at how gorgeous the men's side is! http://secretforts.blogspot.com/2009/10/coming-attractions-j-crew-ss10.html

    Sigh! Not only is the color palette wonderful (blue/purple/lavender with olives! red! greens!) but there's put-together and casual looks, both of which are so considered. The depth and quality of the collaborations (Alden!) - why is this not happening with the women? (I wish there'd be a women's brogue.)

    ReplyDelete
  51. Beyond disappointing, unwearable - not only this collection, but more and more entire JCrew. The quality issues, sizing inconsistency, ridiculously high prices, shipping fees, and confusing sales and discount rules...enough already!

    ReplyDelete
  52. I actually liked some of the pieces at first glance--were those turquoise paper bag waist shorts? I hope it is, and just a micromini skirt. I liked them if they were shorts, kind of modern retro.

    And the fabrics looked like they had more texture than the last few collections.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thanks for the informative post. I'm interested to see what actually makes to consumers but I hope the tan A-line skirt with the gold and neon orange stripes makes it to stores.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Not impressed at all. What is up with the frizzy hair? I guess I will be saving my money for the Spring.

    ReplyDelete
  55. The men's styling looks a lot more like the "old Crew", but even then, the sweatshirt and shorts with the bleached/painted areas? You can do that with a sweatshirt/cargo shorts from Target and some bleach and paint on your own.

    As for the women's, what else can I say that hasn't been said by the other JCA's? Although, one thing I can say is that I've noticed that I haven't really gotten into the Crewlade lately with the latest rollouts - a few pieces here and there. But I've been able to hold out and resist - either due to price or practicality. I can much easily go to Ann Taylor (who're on the upswing with their designs!) and Martin+Osa (who've got classic and quality but non-expensive down) and spend away there.

    J.Crew's Lyons and co. have easily alienated many with their stylings and ambition to become "exclusive", including me. It is with deep sadness that I say this, because I love J.Crew! If that's this is the direction (editorial, "high fashion", and like Diana Draw said, "*school yard* young" ) they deem best for business, then I will have to sadly take my business elsewhere. :(

    ReplyDelete
  56. Interested in some of it. Not interested in a lot of it though, like the brown potato sack poncho. The overall feel for me is reminiscent of James Coviello and Leifsdottir in seasons past. Really like the men's looks. Just the right amount of classic and twist.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I'm sadden by J Crew latley! It's like they have forgotten who they are. If I want to buy fashion forward designer pieces, I will glady fork over the money. However, I'm looking for the classic piece with something special--J.Crew a la 3-4 yrs. ago. I live in a small town and not a big city the old Jcrew was fashionable enough! Please give us our old crew back and if this means goodbye to Jenna then oh well!

    I know this has been said many times and I'm sorry to repeat but I'm sure the powers at be read this blog. To put this into perspective I would probably spend close to 1000k on average every season (ha ha my husband is watching me post and he says more $). I did this for about 3-4 years and stopped 2 years ago. In the past 2 years I've maybe spent 1000k total--maybe. If you look in my closet every item with the exception of shoes, handbags, and jeans is from Jcrew. I can't wear this clothes forever so if your designs don't come back to "True Jcrew" senses, I'll be (and I'm sure a lot of others) taking my money elsewhere. The economy has NOTHING to do with these non-sense you are calling Jcrew designs!

    Suggestions on "Jcrew Replacement Stores" anyone?

    Land's End (quality is good but style is blah:( )- it's all I've got as I've been so loyal to Jcrew I have no idea what's out there in the world of clothes.....

    ReplyDelete
  58. Hm.... I did not say ' wow' to any of the outfits :/

    ReplyDelete
  59. I like the oxfords, I like the yellow tweed jacket and what I think is a plaid tweed jacket, in fact the plaid tweed jacket looks like it could be pretty cute. I also like the blue and white plaid shirt. Those are the only ones I can tell from.

    The styling is funny. If you go to the second link someone posted and zoom on the shots, that one model is wearing a jacket and layers over...a swimsuit! Yes, she is ready to meet the girls for lunch and then, swim! No pants are needed!

    ReplyDelete
  60. So I guess the background music they had at this event included the song, "She's Homeless," by Crystal Waters. Lyrics are great, too...

    The winds are blowing every morning
    Just to do her hair now...

    *sigh* I also have nothing positive to contribute. I am still convinced J Crew is taking the Grey Gardens look too far. It's chic gone tattered. Not put on tattered, and ending up with a homeless look. I see the same familiar sequins, a parfait stripe, not much new to see. And if they want us to feel otherwise, they need to style in a way so we can see the pieces!

    ReplyDelete
  61. I like muted colors and layers, but at the end (and at the beginning!)of the day) I really can't wear shorts or sequins to work.

    ReplyDelete
  62. My initial reaction: when did Lady Gaga start designing for J.Crew??

    ReplyDelete
  63. Oh ladies, I think J.Crew and Jen Lyons are doing a superb job at styling this to showcase the spring collection. Stop criticizing it. This is how it would look like if it were shown on a high end fashion runway, and when it hits the stores, its stripped down to simplicity, so your simple minds can comprehend how to piece the outfits yourselves. I like the direction they are going. Gap, Banana, Ann Taylor doesn't do this, and if you want simple, blah clothes, go shop there. I love that JCrew is edgier, classy, and the quality is excellent. With countless features on fashion mags, and recently featured - men's fall 2010 collection on GQ...JCrew is on the right track...and I'm right there to support them.

    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! :)