Tuesday, February 14, 2012

J.Crew Works Fashion Week {2012}

J.Crew had its presentation today at Fashion Week. We can pretend we were there thanks to all the media coverage!

The following list is just a start, I will update as they come in. "Thanks!" to many of you, including J.CrewJD (in this post), Catherine & Disco George (in this post), One Step (in this post), as well as Michelle, Susan, & SarahV, who shared the following:

Articles with images

Images

Also, "thanks!" to Michelle who shared the following juicy tidbit with us: "Big news: the J Crew Fall 2012 Partnership is with Manolo Blahnik." This news has been confirmed by Racked in their "J. Crew Scores a Manolo Collaboration for Fall" article. They share:
Jenna Lyons told WWD that J. Crew will be doing a collaboration with none other than Manolo Blahnik for fall. The only details we have so far are via WWD's twitter feed, which reports that the capsule will be sold online.
How exciting! Can't wait to learn more about the partnership. I am also curious at what prices those pieces will start at. (Probably a lot of $$$!)

As for the Fashion Show, I think the above image says quite a bit. If you are not a fan of Jenna Lyons, you might just be in trouble! If you are a fan of her style, then you are in luck! As the Daily Mail UK points out in their article: "J Crew's Jenna Lyons takes inspiration from HERSELF for latest collection... and the fashion pack can't get enough of it".

What are your thoughts? Are you excited about J.Crew's presence at Fashion Week?

67 comments:

  1. That was my first thought whern I read the blurb, why are the girls wearing Blahniks on the runway...? Oy. This should be interesting!

    Overall the looks were not for me, especially the patterned sweaters and jacquard capris. Just not my style and not practical for my everyday life. I'm content to be that girl with the sad little sweater/tee/skirt in a color that was chosen for me...will be interested to see how things shake out for summer.

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  2. I love the yellow coat thrown over the model shoulders.

    I want a closer look at the black toile print.

    I wonder if jenna shoes are part of the collections, those i love.

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  3. I also like looking at these though they are never styled to my taste. There did seem to be a few cute pieces sprinkled in.

    Had to lol at the girl with the glasses styled to look like Jenna. I think you'd have to have a mighty big ego to stand in front of a group of models, one of whom is obviously styled as an homage to you. I like geek chick but those glasses are not flattering--on Jenna or the model. When you can make a woman, who is essentially paid to look good, look bad, you may want to re-think. I'm just sayin...

    Love the cute orange short coat though!

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  5. Grr, made a grammatical error. Blegh. Re-try...

    I will hold off until I see the style.com report, I really like the way they cover the shows and they give some nice, clear images of each model. :)

    But from what I could see, there was a lot of "meh" interspersed with "yeah, I am digging that."

    MommysShoppingAgain, I agree with the Jenna comment, one of those girls IS Jenna. HIGH-LAIR-EE-US. LOL. Come on, now. Let's get off the Jenna train for one season, 'kay folks? Jenna is really pretty and her style works for her but wow, do the models have to be her?

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  6. Finally photos! Thanks!!
    After breezing through, I was drawn to most of the jackets. I will have to look again later as I was starting to get sick of seeing the sillouette of ultra thin legs in various printed pants.
    Looking forward to hearing everyone else's picks and pans.

    Sidebar: Jenna on Whitney When will it be time to not indulge her?

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  7. I actually like what I see. The shoes I'm loving; I live in pointed toe pumps for work and I'm drawn to the retro ski-looking sweaters. Interesting to see what actually makes it to stores and online.

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  8. Why would J.Crew want to collaborate on high heels, something they actually do really well? I don't get it...

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  9. All of the images of the show can be found here fyi:

    http://www.wwd.com/runway/fall-ready-to-wear-2012/review/jcrew?src=rss/recentstories/20120214

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  10. I do not care for those sweaters: very Bill Cosby 1980's, they look like acrylic even in the grainy photos.
    I also look forward to the style.com photo coverage, with ya Dina!
    Pretty cool re the Blahniks, wow, good one.

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  11. Thanks for the link one step.
    I like the plaid dress with the matching plaid shoes. There's a giant clutch handbag that looks like it is covered with fake fur.

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  13. Thanks for the link. I love that jacket in look 16. It looks beautiful and sharp! But they will probably price it sky high!

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  14. Some great looks there!

    Does a Manolo collaboration mean $500+ shoe prices?

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  15. Question for Mickey: When will the Jenna eyeglass frames be available on your website? I already have plenty of Jenna cardigans, and a Jenna bracelet, but I really NEED the frames to complete my J.Crew look...

    Hehehe...actually most of it looks nice, but somewhat predictable.

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  16. Love the tweed(?) printed outfit and heels as well as the navy floral pant outfit. Beginning to accept the fact that Blahniks + J.Crew = me spending my entire clothing budget for the season on those 3 items alone. *sigh*

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  17. Dani, that is exactly what I thought when I saw those sweaters - acrylic!

    krb, it's so true, very predictable. Some new prints and colors but the same styles with minor tweaks, if at all. And enough with the capris already! Spend the extra money for enough fabric to make the rest of the pants.

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  18. I don't want to look like Jenna. When is J. Crew going to realize that not everybody wants to be Jenna? I like the print of the pants that she was wearing. But by the time the pieces are online I've fallen out of love with them.

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  19. didn't really see anything that grabbed my heart. Maybe by late summer I will think differently but today, not at all interested in what was presented. Looks boring if you ask me.

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  20. I agree. Enough with the capris for fall/winter. I want full-length pants for cold weather.

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  21. OK, SERIOUSLY? I don't see how a mass retailer can stick to this one trick pony, and deem itself "successful." According to me, and I am NOT in any way versed in retail or business, this is narrow minded and marginalizing. And for the love of God, that last shot of her with her twin model is just plain creepy. Hellow, Disney wax museum.

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    1. Agree. It's one thing for Chanel to have presented a timeless (real) tweed ensemble every season, but what of you don't care to be a clone of Jenna circa 2009-2010? Especially in 2012-13?

      And I'm bored with nerd-revenge glasses.

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  22. what I loved:

    the colors, the pointed-toe pumps, that black and white floral print featured on several of the pieces (hopefully it will show up on a dress or pencil skirt)

    not for me: the styling, all the capri pants (just too many - wish they had shown more skirts), the pieces covered in feathers/sequins/fur

    I'm really curious about the shoe collaboration - especially the price points

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  23. Another very strong season, well done Frank and team. J.Crew continues with the slim pants, marled sweaters and tweed jackets. A definite evolution of the style we've seen the past couple of seasons. Nothing revolutionary and that will certainly equal success.

    The deep, rich blues really caught my eye. I can see that my wallet will feel fall/winter 2012.

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  24. I am intrigued, though I agree with Dani, the sweaters remind me of bill Cosby! Please let me resist!!

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  25. ohh no. I can't pull off Jenna...

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  26. JCrew Guy: Jealous! The looks for Men are very strong, I did scan them however briefly, I do shop it for my husband, the colors: great, the lines: slim and masculine, if we'd only be so lucky to have this level of design on the ladies side.
    WMM, you know I was thinking the sweaters with the pattern+color, almost look like Bill Cosby mashing up with Strawberry Shortcake!

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  27. Sorry I have to say this but the fall collection is disappointing and UGLY. The clothes are not flattering at all even on the models. I can't see myself paying for pieces that will make me look dowdy and matronly. They're paying Jenna millions to rehash items from the Forenza archives? Not even a Manolo Blahnik can save next season. I'm just going to console myself with viewing Alexis' J.Crew of Seasons Past.

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  28. I see a few items that look interesting, but nothing that is really 'wowing' me.

    The black and white print they are showing reminds me a lot of this print from the Tory Burch Fall 2012 runway show. Actually, numerous items in the preview remind me of TB.

    On another note: will someone PLEASE take those glasses away from Jenna? Enough is enough already.

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  30. Overall, I like what I'm seeing. I prefer the more fashionable pieces from JC.

    The new style feels updated, not so matronly or overly preppy (I'm glad the days of critter shorts are gone!). If you look at what people are wearing- Jenna is capturing it (mixing patterns, decorative pieces, vintage inspired paired with new, unexpected pops of color, mod, hipster, etc...). I personally feel like JCrew has gone beyond being just a mall store and catalog company. JCrew is getting a new a whole new audience by moving the brand into the interest of those who truly love high-fashion in terms of design and styling (they can work on quality but so can a lot of retailers). This new style is a risk especially if you're use to the old JC.

    Now, most of the collection might not translate to everyday 'life' depending on your lifestyle but I see a few pieces that are so "me". However, I have a feeling most of the pieces will be collection and priced accordingly :(

    Lastly, finally shoes with a little toe cleavage! Hoping they have a high heel *crossing-fingers*

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    1. I agree. Most pieces won't translate into everyday life so in such cases you are buying "statement" pieces to make an outfit or to to cherish year after year. And the problem with Jcrew doing is that they fail to make their clothes of lasting quality so to even truly be statements and be "keepers". In the end it's a collection of quirky items that don't look good mixed with normal everyday wardrobes, and furthermore don't last beyond the season it was released in. It's very H&M , people!

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  31. Wow... I'm really disappointed. I'm sure there will be some pieces I like, but overall... meh. Totally agree with styling comments.. they will not translate well. I'm interested in the Manolo collaboration but TBH, if I want Manolos - I'll buy Manolos. They better pass a MUCH higher quality control at the Crew factory or Manolos name will be dragged through the low-quality Crew mud of late.

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  32. A lot of it looks too much like Tory Burch, as FFM noted. I've seen the TB clothing in person. Quality for the regular price point was meh. Made in China. Pretty, though too expensive foe what you're truly receiving.

    OT:
    I ordered the stadium cloth engineer coat, which is a "Collection" item. Well, this supposedly top quality item had uneven stitching such that the stripes didn't match up at the seams unlike the stock photo. I exchanged it twice ontly to have the same problem all three times. So much for Collection items being extra special on sale for $150. What a bummer.

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  33. Good grief, that's what I get for typing quickly on the IPhone. Sorry for all the typos.

    Basically, cute items, remind me a lot of TB =$$$$ for what I suspect will be loose threads, cheap polyester lining and lots of acrylic blends.

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  34. There were a few cute items, but I just wasn't drawn to much. Printed pants and boxy tops just aren't my thing. I did love the colors in look 3, but I'll need to see the item details on that top.

    I'm going to buy up all of their great summer merch, b/c fall is looking scant.

    :-/ Jen

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  35. Yeah, not really loving alot of it. And since not all of us are 6 foot tall, thin and willowy, I'm guessing alot of the Jenna look just ain't gonna look good on me. In fact, my spending has dropped off at JC. While I do in theory love some pieces, many simply aren't flattering on me. I'm getting to the point where I want to feel really good in what I wear and that's not always the case w/some of my JC stuff. There are still some things I love, but I'm trying to be alot more discerning and realistic about what looks flattering in addition to being cute. Sorry, I guess I got off topic a bit.

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  36. In2itive, interesting comment about the days of critters being gone. As soon as I saw the capri pants with the bows printed all over, my first thought was that they were bringing back the critters. I was never a fan and those pants have the same look IMO.

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  37. As a runway show, I loved it. I want to see something different and interesting that pushes the boundaries during NYFW. I hope to see unique styling, and I don't think I will see real life. So in that sense, it succeeded. I see some individual pieces I'm really intrigued by. I'm not big on pattern for my own wardrobe but there were plenty of items I'm wanting to get a closer look at.

    I think the Blahnik collaboration sounds interesting. The heels look classic and I like the colors I see.

    I keep going back through the slide show. I am looking forward to this stuff! The menswear looks really good too.

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  40. Let's just say I miss Marissa Webb.

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  41. JC will have to see if it works without alienating the average JC customer. However, this is runway and most runway stuff comes across unwearable. No one wants a fashion show that looks like a JCPenny catalog-lol

    I've noticed on JCA that a number of JCA's reject the new styles only to find themselves buying it months later. Hence, the multiple JC bloggers trying to copy the online/catalog styling. Some do it just to see if it works IRL, others rely on it. If they position the brand correctly, they won't have to rely on JC addicts/bloggers to get behind them-but "we" always do-LOL

    I've also noticed that more non JC bloggers with huge followings (The First Lady helps too-lol) are getting more people interested in the brand. Now, will those people translate into lifelong customers-only time will tell. You also have a number of other high street retailers copying JC due to it's popularity.

    It's a fine balance and I believe they will have something for everyone. With that being said, I don't think gingham or tartan shirts are going away. I don't drink the Crewlade but I do like the fact they're taking a risk!
    Sidenote (typing on IPAD sucks-lol)

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  42. I knew there was a reason why I loved the shoes!

    My verification is "medrol" me drool indeed:)

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  43. I am really digging one of those cosby sweaters- the tan/black/red version. It better not be acrylic!! I am tempted by the mint zig zag stripe top- we'll see how that pans out. Not a lot of variety in flattering silhouettes though.

    The duffle coat with the super short sleeves looks like an interesting re-imagining!

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  44. Wow. I'm just "warming" up to Spring/Summer styles. It's too early to look at Fall/Winter stuff!

    I like a few of the pieces and can imagine myself wearing some of them, albeit styled very simply, as in, one piece at a time. The over-the-top styling is very much runway/magazine editorial driven. Can't relate, but we've seen in the last couple years that the lookbook and runway looks are diluted quite a bit when the pieces finally hit the catalog and stores.

    Agree about the Blahnik collab...Manolo better keep an eye on the production quality, wouldn't want his namesake shoes to take a whacking because of JC's quality assurance. Phht.

    As for the Men's collection. Don't like the hipster stylings (I live on the West Coast...it's so very tired, just like those nerd/Jenna frames). Don't know that many guys would want to wear peg legged pants. Hmm.

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  45. I thought the collection presented was amazing. Tom Mora did a great job at execution. 'Runway' shows are meant to wow the crowds, it is not intended to be worn on the streets from head to toe. You can if you want (to each her own). So don't worry if the presentation looked over the top. This is high fashion ladies, its Mercedes Fashion Week, not your local mall display window. I think the collection is edgy, fashion forward, with J.Crew's signature elements thrown in-colors, mismatched patterns, sportswear...If you want this company to stay relevant throughout the years, you have to stay on top, always. AND yes...a capsul collection from Manolo Blahnik?! How major is that!

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  46. ..and my favorite outfits are the ones with colors of - camel/cream/gray/black. Total 50's..with the pointy heels...To die for.

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  47. Style.com is even saying that the sequins ,styling and layering is a bit much. Maybe now that fashion professionals are saying it J.Crew will reign it in.

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  48. I'm frighted of the shoe prices. Some of the ones now are getting ridiculous (over $350 - hello?) and they don't have the same quality as the premier brands. What will they do when they attach a big name?

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  49. I will begin my fall shoe savings account now. I sure hope they aren't much higher than 3.5"

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  50. I've been mulling these photos over since yesterday. While I take the points about a runway show and the difference btw what these styles look like here and what they'll look like in store, what I don't see--and, hence, what doesn't inspire me--is fun. The models look bored, angry, or vapid. Part of the overall look is styling, sure, but the pieces themselves don't seem fun. Fashion, for me at least, has to have some exhuberance; it has to allow me to 'play' aesthetically. I want to enjoy what I wear and maybe even have a bit of a sense of humor about it. These looks and the models themselves all seem too earnest, as though trying to be 'high' fashion. And maybe they are, but, if so, they achieve a certain cache at the expense of uniqueness or quirkiness or whatever word you want to insert.

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  51. I do so wish it were ok to say one's not feeling the way they put the clothes together without peeps always piping up and explaining that runway looks are not meant to be translated directly to real life.

    Those of us who comment here regularly DO understand that, shocking though that may be to all the 'real' fashionistas out there who so kindly took a moment (or three) to educate us on the finer points of runway shows.

    I for one don't need the tutorial, and I don't appreciate the tone of those types of comments. I might like a mall retailer's clothes, but that doesn't make me a dimwit.

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  52. I live on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where my "local mall" is Madison Avenue in the 60's and 70's. I am also fortunate enough to have a house on the East End of Long Island where my "local mall" is Job's Lane in Southhampton, and I get to travel a lot, mainly to large European cities known for fashion, art and 3-star restaurants, where the concept of a "local mall" doesn't exist. Yet strangely I have never felt the need for sequins, feathers or nerd glasses, my reaction to the shots that were so kindly shared yesterday was - Groundhog Day. I saw last FW's styles with a few tweaks. I'm not surprised to realize that not every item is for every woman, but I was surprised by the stunning lack of originality. I think the kindest word I can find, after due reflection, is repetive.

    Oh, and is this the spot where I'm supposed to say I admire Jenna? Maybe I'll give it a rest. That too is getting repetitive.

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  53. wellfedfred I agree, I've just had a good look at the images on style.com, it's repetitive, I couldn't be less enthused. Patterned pants, pink neon, bit of color-blocking, chunky sweaters that will most likely be acrylic out of production (which was a big disappointment imo this last fall), mona-style pumps in different colors that will be overpriced for the quality and wearability...

    Elaine I also agree, all of us here very clearly understand the difference between runway and mall display and we do not need it pointed out, and besides, we also understand that this is not couture, it's ready-to-wear.

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  54. @in2itive - the crew isn't high fashion, it's a mall retailer whose mainstream addicts/fans keep them rolling in the green and those people will also tell you that there has been shoes with toe cleavage for years now, as discussed on this blog. Their shoes are crap anyway, cleavage or not.

    Some people pan the clothes at first and then buy them later but there is a ton of stuff that hangs around forever and no one buys it even at a fraction of the price so we aren't all suckers.

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  55. Elaine, well said. It happens every time and I find it both naive and patronizing.

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  57. Thank you, Elaine!
    After looking again at the photos, most of the pieces did not wow me. Meh.
    I like to see trends evolving from JC season to season. I like RTW J. Crew and covet my signature/timeless no 2's, fitted jackets, ballet flats, woven shirts. The acrylics and sequin is tired. I am not looking to glam up a house party outfit nor do I need dark framed glasses now that college is well in the rear view mirror.
    I want my JC to be classic with a twist, not Jenna crew indulgent or disposable. I will buy and buy again pieces designed with solid construction and quality fabrics. And is it too much to ask to want models who are fresh faced and looking carefree?

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  58. Went back and looked at the mens pieces--there's a lot more to love there. I wish Frank would influence the women's pieces a bit more.

    Sidenote: I also found the current spring lookbook to be meh and there's plenty of cute stuff out now for me to spend my pennies on. I'll remain hopefull for the fall, despite what we saw yesterday. I have a lot of love for JCrew, despite their sometimes wayward ways. At least the catalog/web styling has returned to the land of the normal. We endured some crazy moments with Mona layered like some sort of bag lady with her mouth hanging open. They seem to have moved past that at least. I still do nearly all of my shopping at JCrew because in the end, they always seem to pull themselves back from the brink and deliver their trademark--preppy with an edge and the most beautiful colors.

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  59. Well if the spring lookbook is any indication half of these looks won't make it to production. And why are the models so morose and scowling?

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  60. I kind of like the crazy "Cosby" sweaters... but I wouldn't pay full-price for them.

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  61. First of all, I'm not sure some comments are being directed to me but let me say no one said that the collection was flawless or that you have to be into high fashion to like. What I stated was it's a risk they're taking and it can alienate the common JC customer and they will have to strike a fine balance (this line was presented at NYFW, I wouldn't expect them to show plaid shirts, schoolboy blazers or double-serge skirts). Overall, from what I read online the line is getting good reviews from the fashion world.

    Now, I don't post here that much but that doesn't mean my opinion is less because I don't post here daily or know posters by their blogs or users names (this is just one of the blogs I look at and I don't always feel the need to repeat what's being stated in the comment section).

    No one implied that Jcrew was a high fashion retailer (hence I stated "other" high-street retailers copy JC) there's even a JC like retailer weekly post on JCA. However, they're trying to market the brand beyond being the local mall store (for one being at NYFW and secondly by getting non-JC customers interested in the brand). JCrew is changing, it is what is it is...

    Now, I don't exclusively purchase JC (and most of you here don't either) with that being said we can all have an opinion about what we like or don't like. Again, because I don't post here daily, I do notice people hate a new style or line only to post a review of it later and nothing is wrong with that-we all have the right to change our minds. Many people voice concerns about the quality but still buy at full price and during promotions or discounts. I know I do too :)

    Who knows if the risk will pay off-only time will tell.

    I know JC has had shoes with toe cleavage, I'm talking about the styles being shown that I'm seeing at NYFW. I personally don't own a pair of JC shoes and I don't wear flats and heels at $298-$350 for JC shoes isn't my cup of tea. I prefer to spend my $ on a pair of real designer heels.

    Lastly, no one is trying to imply the local suburban mom or whatever your status is can't have style or know/love fashion. Don't remember stating anything like.

    *Back to lurk mode*

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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! :)