This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.
Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)
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ReplyDeletecompletely jcrew inspired look - chambray with stripes. hot pink chinos are jcrew.
ReplyDeletehttp://hailtothechic.wordpress.com/2011/07/30/faded-hot-pink/
thanks!! i love your blog...
-sinta jimenez owens
Subscribing. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like there are some new arrivals online (about 1-2 per category).
ReplyDeleteI received the chambray bermuda shorts in my LOVEIT order, and I do indeed love them ... but am a little stumped as to what to pair with them. Specifically, for office wear. The other day I wore them with my Modern Red vintage cotton cowlneck sleeveless tee. Any other ideas? I didn't see much on Polyvore.
ReplyDeleteAlso, now I want some pink shorts! Darn you hailtothechic! ;)
Thanks!
I'd like some ideas about how to wear blazers with casual outfits. I never have really worn them, but I bought a fitted, buttonless black blazer (http://tinyurl.com/43c9fy9) recently. I like the way Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, for example, wear blazers with t-shirts, shorts, and jeans, but I'm curious as to how the JCAs wear blazers in a non-work environment. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAmy: I wear blazers casually a lot when the weather cools down and have numerous sets of those outfits on Polyvore. I've created too many to put all the links here, but if you want to look through my sets you can find them here.
ReplyDeleteAny suggestions for bottoms and accessories to pair with all the Vibrant Flame tops this fall? Tan/khaki and leopard are the obvious ones, but what else will you be wearing with this color?
ReplyDeleteAmy -- That is basically my fall and winter uniform. :) Pairing with a tee and jeans is super easy, or with a casual button-down (think chambray, gingham, plaids). FFM turned me onto wearing my jaspe hoodie under them as well. Maybe try searching on Polyvore under schoolboy blazer, Lexington or Bella - tons of great ideas there!
ReplyDeleteruffles: Navy blue and cobalt blue both look great with bright orange shades.
ReplyDeleteHi JCAs - An important question! I have an interview next week with a law firm in NYC. I have a black j crew suit that I would like to wear, but what is appropriate underneath? I know law summer associate interviews should be conservative, but I feel like wearing a button down underneath makes me look predicatble and like wait staff at a restaurant!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of wearing the new black lace cami - with the cream under layer. What are your thoughts?
Seperate topic - what about shoes?
Thanks ladies! I appreciate it!
Hi Katherine,
ReplyDeleteIt's a pretty conservative environment, especially at an interview. Personally, I would not wear lace anything. How about a silk blouse or cami (not low-cut) with jewelry or a scarf? I'd stick with closed-toed 3" max heels.
Good luck!!
Mommydearest - thanks! I was thinking of the Leslie Lace Shell.
ReplyDeleteYou make some great points. Looks like I need to go shoe shopping for some new black pumps!
Patent or Regular Leather?
Thanks ladies - looking forward to your thoughts.
@Katherine: if you wear a patterned button-down shirt - like the perfect shirt in teaberry - you won't look like a waitress.
ReplyDeleteAnd, the shirt is a thin cotton/silk material, so you can take off the blazer when outside in the 90-degree weather, and put the blazer on once you arrived at an air-conditioned environment.
Re shoes - I'd vote for regular leather with non-pointy toes.
Good luck with the interview!
Katherine - have you checked out corporette.com? It's geared mainly towards lawyers but has great advice for all.
ReplyDeleteI 2nd the opinion of no lace for an interview. I'd stick with regular leather closed toe too. No reason to give anyone any room to mark you down. (yes, people should care more about your skills vs what kind of shoes you are wearing but judgements do happen and you want to be spot on.)
Err on the side of too conservative. It's a tough market out there!
Good luck!!
Off Topic... but i JUST got the email: 20% off and free shipping for card holders until august 25.
ReplyDeletethat sound you hear is my wallet wincing.
Katherine: I agree with mommydearest, better safe than sorry. Button down is def safe but if you did a bright color that might be unexpected. The Jcrew Jackie shell always looks great with a suit. Or a round neck or vneck (not too low a v) merino or cotton sweater. I would not wear lace to an interview. Once you work at the firm you may find the dress code more lenient. But some firms and areas of the law are still very conservative. For shoes, pointy or almond toe black pumps 1-3 inch heel in a classic leather not patent for an interview. Good luck!
ReplyDeletepiggybacking on Amy's question, i have trouble with blazers / jackets in warm weather. i can't say why, but i feel like they age me. :( my canvas schoolboy is just sort of hanging there waiting to be worn ... hanging, hanging .... with the tag on. blah.
ReplyDeleteChiming in on no lace for the law interview ... conjures up visions of lingerie. If it were me, I'd wear some kind of solid-color silk cami in a bright jewel tone. Something like the Tulipe cami, or the Joelle from eons ago. Then I'd add a sort of subdued statement necklace -- a contradiction in terms, sure, but you don't want to look like a magpie, lol.
ReplyDeleteThat's JMO though. Overall I've never really worked in a super buttoned-up environment.
Kathryn, chiming in on mommydearest, kristin, jordyn. No animal prints.
ReplyDeleteCareful with accessories. V. tailored shoulder bag, big enough for extra copies of resume and of any articles of yours that have seen print, no glaring hardware.
Watch. Small non-bling bracelet, if any. No religious jewelry. As they say, it's tough out there. You're not there to tell them how the world should be. You're basically asking them for money. You want to live in their memory as "the one with the good answer to ---" NOT "oh, yeah, the one with those earrings."
Thanks for the blazer suggestions! I have always been a cardigan person, but am trying to branch out. Follow-up question: do you wear suiting jackets as blazers with casual outfits? I have the navy gabardine jacket (yes, the one that's been on sale for months) and I'm wondering if it would work over a nice t-shirt and dark jeans. I think of blazers as jackets that aren't part of a suit ensemble, maybe because they're a more casual fabric or a bright color, or patterned.
ReplyDeleteKatherine, any chance you have the Fineline cami? I like that under a suit jacket because the neckline is high, it is silk, but I think it looks more youthful and pretty than a collared shirt under a suit jacket. Maybe there are some other silk shells in the sale section that would work, as long as the neckline is high and they're not too flimsy. However, I agree that it cannot hurt at all to err on the conservative side.
My work life so far has been in Finance/Audit (including the big audit firms), and I have been on both sides of the table in interviews with conservative firms.
ReplyDeleteI would go with your conservative suit, but would wear a solid colored silk blouse or silk shell in a color that looks great on you. If you want a little bit of texture, look for a hammered silk shell or one with a little pattern. I have a tank from Ann Taylor with a subtle basket weave and a loose bow tie that looks amazing with suits and addes just the right amount of personality.
Personally, I rarely have seen a cotton button front on a candidate that really looked great with their suit. Getting collars to lie right can be a challenge.
Subtle lace might work later, but skip it for an interview.
I would wear almond or round toed mid heels.
@ Katherine, to chime in with my $.02, don't wear anything lacy to an interview at a law firm. In fact, I'd suggest you wear something with sleeves rather than a cami, because if for some reason you're in a situation where it's appropriate to take off your jacket (do law firms even take candidates to lunch any more?) then you're stuck. Maybe an SS silk tee.
ReplyDeleteAnd wear nylons! I know there is a lot of debate among younger women about this, but it's an interview, you'll survive. After you get the job you can see whether the office culture permits bare legs.
(Hubby #1 was a partner at the firm where I'd been an associate and let's just say I learned a lot about how big firm partners think.)
Thanks for all of this great feedback! You gals are great.
ReplyDeleteI have heard that I should wear a suit instead of pants. Do you agree?
Kristin: I have checked out corporette which was very helpful!
An OT question: how do JC waitlists work? (It's been a long time since I wanted a JC item enough to be patient for it.)
ReplyDeleteWhen I ordered my hacking jacket, the estimated ship date was 8/9, and that's what my confirmation says, but the site now says 9/6. Do you think that means they sold out of the August shipment waitlist, or that the entire shipment has been delayed until September? I plan to reorder with my educator discount and wonder if canceling my first order would cause me to lose my place on the earlier waitlist. I doubt they would adjust the price on my earlier order, right?
Katherine: Go regular leather, midheel pumps, plain, with a silk blouse. I am an attorney and I always wear a silk button down blouse to interviews because I hate wearing a regular cotton one (for many reasons including the one you cited!) and it still looks conservative. Once you've snagged the job go ahead and wear lace under your suit but for now, err on the side of overly conservative. Oh, and wear pearls or something else conservative for jewelry. This is not my style at all but for an interview I totally don't want the interviewer staring at my necklace!
ReplyDeleteHere is a set showing what I wore to my last job interview. I got the job. Yes, the blouse is bright, but under a dark suit it is not too much.
Katherine, I always wear a skirt but that's just because I am more comfortable that way. Just make sure when you sit down no thigh is showing (duh, I know, but if you're tall this can be difficult!) Oh and I agree with Hexicon, you must wear hose if you wear a skirt.
ReplyDeleteMiss JR - more detail please ; ). Is there a code?
ReplyDeleteMegCrew:
ReplyDeletehere's the details: Just for card members with a specific code...
*Subject to credit approval. One-time use offer valid on purchases made online at jcrew.com using your J.Crew Credit Card only through Thursday, August 25, 2011, 11:59pm ET. Free shipping offer is valid on Internet orders shipped via regular shipping (3 to 6 business days). Savings and free shipping are applied at checkout. Enter code XXXXXXXXXXX at checkout to redeem. Offer may not be combined with any other promotion and does not apply to previous purchases, alterations or the purchase of gift cards. Offer does not apply toward third-party branded merchandise. Offer not valid in J.Crew retail or Factory stores. Offer not valid on phone orders.
I totally agree with the comments to Katherine, especially hosiery with skirts. There's so much great hosiery out there, I'm particularly fond of Calvin Klein matte sheer because it's not shiny and you can hardly even see it. It provides a nice polish.
ReplyDeleteI personally think that lace or any other fabric that gives the impression that it can be seen through, even if it can't because there's an opaque lining, is totally inappropriate in most workplaces. You lose power if the people you're working with aren't listening to what you're saying but instead trying to catch a glimpse of you through your clothes. Same goes for low cut tops, short skirts. Also, beware of vents in the backs of pencil skirts. Those vents tend to pull apart and if yours goes up to the middle of your thigh or higher, guaranteed you will be showing a lot more than you realize. I should take some pictures out on the street here in downtown Chicago, it's pretty scandalous, and the worst thing is I don't think these women know what's going on back there! Haha.
I have never been able to work a true 'suit jacket' with casual clothes. It just always feels wrong to me. I'm happy to wear a velvet or wool Schoolboy with a casual outfit, but something about the wool gab / wool crepe versions ... I've never been able to pull it off.
ReplyDeleteRuffles, I love the vibrant flame / flame / poppy / persimmon / modern red colors with navy and a pop of turquoise as a playful accent. One of my all-time favorite outfits is my persimmon double-serge wool skirt, a navy haberdashery button-down and a string of aqua beads. Love! I always feel like a million bucks in it. HTHs.
ReplyDeleteFFM and Elaine, thank you for the suggestions! I am pulling out various shades of blue items now and you are so right, they look terrific with Modern Red and Vibrant Flame :)
ReplyDeleteKatherine: I wouldn't wear a black lace top underneath the black suit, and definitely not for an interview with a law firm. Stick to solid, basic, lighter colour tops. I agree, a button-down shirt is too predictible. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteMissJR, I got the same e-mail. YAY, J Crew!
ReplyDeleteI got the cardholder offer too! Excellent!! Of course, it comes RIGHT after I used my rewards card last weekend and after I already purchased my "must haves" for fall. I don't feel like playing the returning game for $24. I'm sure I'll get something as I don't want to let a good offer like this slip by.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice on the interview attire, I concur with all comments being a conservative CPA. :)
Blazers are awesome for casual wear!! I don't really have many suits anymore after leaving public accounting, so most of mine are cotton, wool, or other fabrics. But they look great with tank tops or t-shirts with jeans!! I also love draping a long scarf around the collar, so cute! And they can also look super cute with a cluster of vintage pins or a floral pin. I've found some really fun ones on Etsy that liven up my blazers.
Have a great Thursday everyone!
Thank you so much for the details. I'm still waiting for the email but it isn't uncommon for me to get it later. I just hope it didn't go to the same place my catalog seems to be disappearing to!
ReplyDeleteI just got the 20% + Free ship on anything email as well. Hmm. Don't need anything but..
ReplyDeleteIf it weren't for this blog, I would have ignored this email - I got a similar one earlier from my non JCrew card email account. Thanks y'all!!!
ReplyDelete@Katherine: I work at a very conservative law firm and I have been on both sides of the interview table. As the others have said, the Leslie lace top is probably not a good choice. I would pick a high quality silk top (blouse or shell) with good coverage (i.e. no cleavage, not sheer), and one or two pieces of simple jewellery, a pair of the best quality leather pumps that you can afford and a good shoulder bag. Good shoes do make a difference. I don't know about others, but it is probably the first thing I look at. (And the shoulder bag would be the next thing I would look at.)
ReplyDeleteIf anyone does not intend to use their cardholder code and is willing to part with it, please email me at maqsadshop at gmail dot com. I would really really appreciate the favour!
ReplyDeleteJ Crew's going to show at Fashion Week in NYC? I hadn't heard this before .....interesting!
ReplyDeleteHi JCA's! I need some advice on sizing for the classic leather ballet flats. I originally ordered my normal size 6.5, but they were really tight in the toe box (I have wide feet). I exchanged them for a size 7, which feel much better, but now the right shoe is slipping off my heel a bit. So, do I buy heel pads for the 7's, or go back to my original size and hope they stretch out? Thanks for your help!
ReplyDeleteI just bought the toga dress in orange and am now worried it will be too shapeless. Has anyone tried belting this? That was my intent when buying it so I'm hoping it works well. TIA!
ReplyDelete@ifky12: I wear mostly JC ballet flats and based on my personal experience I take my normal shoe size. I have wide feet and found the Abby styles and some patent leather styles to be more snug than other styles.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried using a heel cushion, but I would say get your normal size since the classic leather styles tend to stretch faster and more than other styles. I hope this helps.
ifky12, I have a wider foot and I always size up 1/2 size in their ballet flats and then insert a heel pad/cushion in both shoes to make up the length. I don't have a pair of the classic leather flats, so I don't know if they'll stretch.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSomeone (Pathos maybe?) posted last week about how to wear navy Bermuda shorts without looking like a school uniform or Angus Young. I must confess, I had to go look up Angus Young before I could reply. I thought the name sounded like an accountant and boy was I wrong. :P
ReplyDeleteAnyhoo, I like to wear my navy or grey Bermudas with a pink sleeveless top like the Jackie shell in neon azalea. Navy is such a basic neutral that you could really wear a Jackie, or similar, shell in any color with the shorts. There is no way anyone would consider that combo a school uniform or Angus Young outfit. At least not from the photos I have seen online.
I bought the gorgeous vibrant flame minnies. I've tried leopard, navy blue, and neutrals with it. Nothing makes me feel chic. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! Just saw the maraschino cherry color on the puff-sleeve tee and fell in love. Has anybody seen this color in real life? Does it have a blue undertone or a yellow one? I wish they had more items in this color.
ReplyDeleteRe: Amy and blazers
ReplyDeleteI own the JC Tuxedo Jacket and crewcuts Schoolboy Blazer and I love them to pieces. I think the best way to "dress down" a blazer is thinking of it as a layering piece like a cardigan instead of a tailored jacket. I wear my blazers with everything from sundresses to shorts to skirts.
You can look through my blog archive (there are too many blazer outfits for me to list) here. little tin soldier
So, I ordered the wool capri in yacht blue with the 20% code. Backordered until September. How are folks styling these?
ReplyDeleteHi! I have this chartreuse pencil skirt with a bow (its from a few seasons ago) and I have no idea what to wear it with!! I have a pink ruffled cardigan (also jcrew, a few seasons old), but does that go ok with chartreuse? What else can I match it with?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
Lisa G,
ReplyDeleteI've never worn it without a belt. Without it I look like i threw on a bath towel.
I belt it with a metallic suede belt and always get complements so it must look ok to other people.
HTH
Can anyone enlighten me if these burgundy pants are out yet?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sweaters/turtlenecksandhoodies/PRDOVR~51663/51663.jsp
They are burgundy with a bow tie belt and seem to be wool. Gorgeous!
Roselilah - I would try navy or other shades of blue w/the chartreuse.
ReplyDeleteI just ordered the Silk Serenade dress in deep lagoon for an upscale dinner, but am having trouble deciding how to style it. Any help would be appreciated.
ReplyDeletexoxo: I laughed at your post. I take it you are not a rock chick. :D
ReplyDelete