Thursday, January 3, 2013

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

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! :)

63 comments:

  1. I purchased a wool schoolboy in vibrant fuschia. I love the color, but am having a hard time styling it. I think it will look great with my electric plaid blouse, but beyond that and a solid color t-neck, I've got nada. Thoughts? Thanks in advance! And if you think I should return it and save up for the navy color instead, I'm open to that, too :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wendy, what about navy/white stripes under the vibrant fuchsia. Think pink/orange. A floral print would work as well, including something with the right orange tones in it.

      Delete
    2. I like fuschia with navy and denim.

      Delete
    3. Love fuchsia with tan!! I also think polka dots would be pretty, but I think the blazer would be gorgeous with a pair of camel/tan trousers. I love the idea of navy too! I have a fuchsia blazer I wear with green Bennett chinos.

      Delete
    4. The combo I wear most with the bright fuchsia color (I have the tippi cardi, it looks to be the same shade as the schoolboy) is navy. It looks fabulous! I love gigi's suggested to wear navy and white stripes, too.

      Delete
    5. I love fuschia with the chambray dot shirt and with blues (gingham, stripes)

      Delete
    6. Just bought the blazer myself and was inspired to create a few polyvore sets based on this post:
      http://miigwan.polyvore.com/

      Delete
    7. Thank y'all SO much--you ladies rock! Awesome ideas!

      Delete
  2. I bought the "Lustre lace mockneck tee" (link:http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/knitsandtees/PRDOVR~28229/28229.jsp) in navy because it was SO PRETTY and I HAD to have it...but aside from a pair of brown slacks I have I'm not sure how to wear it. I tried it over a pink dress (belted) and that looked ok....but I'm not super satisfied. I wanted to wear it with jeans but my husband says that look makes me seem "too much like a blueberry"! Help style me please! Worth noting-- I'm short, busty and like bright colors. I'm thinking I can wear it with khakis and perhaps with the lime green cafe capris I got at the outlet a while ago but what else?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i love the way that Cee of To Brighten My Day styled it with jeans. She is a master of layering. http://tobrightenmyday.blogspot.com/2012/12/navy-lace.html

      Delete
    2. I wore it with jeans, both very dark rinse and light wash. I plan on wearing it with white slacks and shorts when the weather warms up again. If you're not afraid of color, wear it with colored cords. And I also saw it styled over a white button down shirt which I thought was really cute but haven't tried it yet.

      Delete
    3. I have that top in Navy also...and I'm pretty similar to your description of yourself :) I've worn mine with Yellow skinny jeans (old navy), turquoise cafe capris, and my burgundy pencil skirt. (I'm a red head and I treat navy like black - it's my go to neutral!)

      Delete
    4. Such great advice! Thanks all.

      Delete
  3. Hi JCAs - review of the no 2 pencil skirt in dot brocade in this post.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey ladies,,,, this is on a totally different topic but I could use your advice.... I've been eyeing the lady day coat in golden sun but am not sure if I should get it..... Being that its a winter cost in such a bright color, is it really practical? I am a stay at home mom who spends her days going to and from school pick up/ grocery store/ soccer games. Any thoughts?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do you get much slush in your day-to-day travels? That would be the only thing I'd watch for, but even that should clean off of the coat one way or another. If I liked it, I'd get it and try not to wear it on messy/wet days.

      Delete
    2. I don't think bright colors have to be relegated to the warm months. I think brightly colored winter coats are really fun! The golden sun color is gorgeous; I say go for it, after considering what cate said about slush!

      Delete
    3. Just got it recently and really love it! I live in cold climate so I am rotating it in with my other coats. The golden sun color looks really fabulous with dark jeans so it has a practicality element there. I do not regret it all - especially considering the current sale price with % off.

      Delete
    4. I have the gramercy coat from a few years ago in bright flame (really brilliant orange!) and I never get so many compliments as I do when I wear that coat. There is something about a bright coat on a winter day . . .

      I say do it!

      Delete
    5. Thank you all! I just ordered it! Can't wait to wear it

      Delete
  5. I'm looking for sizing help - I hope it's ok that I post this!! I received this year's wool flannel schoolboy blazer in camel, and had to size up - while the navy schoolboy fits TTS. I'm thinking about biting on the double-serge hacking jacket - but I don't know what size to buy! And since it's final sale, I want to make sure to get my correct size! I'm usually a 12 in blazers but that darn wool flannel schoolboy was too small. Can anyone help me with what size I should get? Thank you JCAs!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't tried on this year's double-serge Hacking jacket, but I thought last year's double-serge Hacking jacket ran smaller than last year's herringbone Hacking jacket. I don't like things tight in the shoulders and I think that was what bothered me about it. It felt constricting (and it was a dense/thick material). I bought the same size in last year's herringbone Hacking jacket and it feels great. Hopefully someone can help you with this year's sizing, because we all know things can fit differently year-to-year.

      Delete
    2. I found school boy blazers in red and grape to run smaller this year too, ESP around the shoulder and upper arm. Probably best for you to call jcrew and ask for dimensions and compare to other blazers you have. I have the hacking jacket in burnt orange from last year (true to size) and absolute adore it. Good luck and keep us posted on what you end up getting

      Delete
    3. I would order two sizes...speak with CS first and ask to be able to return one. I have done this in the past. Carolyn from Vancouver

      Delete
    4. I'm usually a 2 in schoolboys, but took a 4 in the wool flannel. When I tried on the hacking (tipped and mint), the 2 was ridiculously tight, the 4 was better, but still tight, and the 6 was a flashback to the 80s.

      Delete
    5. Thank you all! Unless I hear differently, based on this feedback I don't think I can risk final sale... which stinks. I love the schoolboys but I think hacking would actually be more flattering on me. I hate final sale!

      Delete
    6. The hacking jackets fit smaller in the shoulders than the schoolboys, I have found.

      Delete
  6. Bella - sorry cannot hit reply. Re: the bright yellow coat - if your complexion can handle it, DO IT. I bought the lady day in citron in 2009 (which is even brighter than golden sun). I wear it all the time and get compliments and smiles all the time. People love it. I pair it with bottle green accessories normally but I also wear it with brown, light yellow, cream, and tan. I am sure it complements other colors as well. I was completely on the fence about buying such a crazy color but have never regretted it,

    ReplyDelete
  7. OT: There was finally an update to the sale section earlier this morning. I noticed some new promo-priced items, as well as markdowns on previous promo items. I have noted them in this post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FFM, thank you so much for keeping track of the markdowns. It is so helpful! I giggled when I saw that the signature tee is down to $14.99 with all sizes left. Gee, what a surprise!

      Delete
    2. You're welcome J.CrewJD. It's always nice to hear that the lists are helpful, so I really appreciate your comment! :)

      I thought the same thing about that tee! Perhaps they should just try giving it away...

      Delete
    3. Does anyone know if they did markdowns in store last might? I think wednesday is the day they usually do, but i dont want to drive down there just to see.

      Delete
    4. hanna L: My store (Orlando) said they did have a few markdowns this week. The SA I spoke with also said the markdowns used to be on Wednesday, but now it changes each week.

      Delete
  8. My nearest b&m is 2.5 hours away so I'm last to see anything in person. Do any of the collection polka dot cashmere sweaters look good with the herringbone excursion vest??

    ReplyDelete
  9. anyone aware of whats happening in the sale section of the Vancouver store?

    ReplyDelete
  10. OT, but saw this and thought of you all immediately: http://www.shefinds.com/2013/former-j-crew-designer-marissa-webb-to-launch-debut-solo-collection-this-january/

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm really thinking about biting on the Stadium-cloth Cocoon Coat in Smoky Coral. I know it doesn't say Final Sale, so I can probs return it if I don't like it.

    But how do you feel about the Cocoon Coats in general? Do they run big? Do they look silly styled with skirts? Maybe I need to stick with skinny pants/jeans.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i have the cocoon coat in Green. I love it now.. it does run big. I got the bow coat in size 2 and it fits me perfectly but size 2 in coccon was big so I sized down to 0 and it is perfect. The shape of the cocoon coat is not fitted so I have heard people not liking the look. I think sizing down really helped the look of the coat and i get so many compliments on the coat. I highly recommend. For reference I am size 0 in most of Jcrew's pants/skirts. Size 2 in perfect shirts and blazers. 5'3"

      Delete
    2. oh it looks good with both pants and skirts. I wore it with both and it's very stylish imo.
      if it's not final sale, i would go for it!

      Delete
    3. i was watching elementary on cbs. Lucy Liu had on the cocoon coat in stone color. She looked super cute on. She had it on with mini skirt.
      She actually had on other jcrew items. it's crazy i notice these things now... :)

      Delete
    4. I have and love the Cocoon coat (mine is grey). I get compliments on it every single time I wear it, and I love that it is more relaxed than the double breasted and trench styles. I wear a 2 or 4 in coats and took a 2 in this one. HTH!

      Delete
    5. Love the cocoon coat! It does run big. Am a 0 normally in tops and other jcrew coats but the 0 in the cocoon coat was so big. The 00 fits perfectly. Have the grey color and I wear it all the time. I like the less fitted look of this coat.

      Delete
  12. I'm wondering, hypothetically, how you would all wear the Collection Fair Isle turtleneck--the one that comes in purples or greens.

    Would you wear a long sleeve tshirt under it? Would you want to wear a button up shirt, in which case you might size up for layering?

    Advice appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't seen this sweater, but I don't see wearing a button-up under a turtleneck, seems like the collar would be bunchy. Under similar, I like a crew-neck long-sleeved tissue tee. I have the tissue turtleneck, but so far I haven't tried wearing it under another turtleneck, I think that would be bunchy too.

      Delete
    2. I have this sweater and don't wear anything under it - it's warm enough as it is.

      Delete
    3. Thank you all so much!

      I guess I'm wondering--and please forgive me for being so anal--but if you are inside, and you get too hot in this sweater, do you just wear the thin t-shirt? I was trying to imagine how I would go from outside to inside.

      I bought the sweater once, then returned it, because indoor heating is so hot, and I'm not sure I could wear the sweater indoors. But now I'm regretting the return, but still wondering how to handle the outdoor/indoor transition.

      Delete
    4. Unknown, the tissue tees are thin enough that they don't cause too much extra warmth but they're fine to wear on their own if you need to shed the sweater. I wouldn't wear a heavy sweater without a layer under it because I get hot when I go indoors.

      Delete
    5. Cate--Thank you so much! I know I sound crazy asking such a detailed question, but until recently, my approach to buying clothes was to buy what I liked in a mish mash way, usually at thrift stores of sample sales, so I don't know how *how* things are supposed to work.

      Now I get the reason for Tissue Tees, and added one to my order.

      This is not the first time you have responded to me. Thank you. Thank you also to LTee!

      Delete
  13. Any thoughts on the double cloth symphony coat? TTS? Classic?

    ReplyDelete
  14. anybody tried Jules dress in botanical print? No reviews and it is almost sold out...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saw it at the store. Didn't look as nice in person as on the web. I wear petite so I didn't bother tryin on their regular size but it seemed to run big. I wouldn't pay that kind of $ for this dress.

      Delete
  15. Hello,

    This is off topic, however, has anyone seen the Sperry Top-Sider Shearwater boots on sale at any of the J.Crew stores? Thank you! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A Sister Thing - Sperry shearwater boots (23697) are an online only item.

      Delete
  16. Also--totally OT--I got a JCrew delivery today and there was a card in the box that said that swimwear gets free shipping and free returns. So . . .

    ReplyDelete
  17. I got the pencil skirt (navy with white polka dots) from JCrew Factory and while it feels like a really simple piece, I'm at a loss. Part of it is that I don't like to go bare-legged, but what kind of tights would go with navy? Just navy? And what kind of shoes do I wear? I feel silly to ask, but I really love what you guys are doing, and I'd love to step it up this year, fashion-wise. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Is it like the pop art polka dot pattern?

      I could picture this skirt with heather grey/oatmeal tights and brown knee-high boots (not dressy boots, more like Fryes).

      If you're willing to go barelegged, I do think it'd look good with neutral heels but also with flat, dressy loafers.

      Delete
  18. Ladies, I need advice. In a crazed moment, I purchased the tippi in iced Lilac ($27-ish), the tippi in stripped (black with lilac and mint stripes-$30) AND the cashmere collection colorblock in grey and lilac (about $100)...Is there any universe in which I can justify keeping them all? Will I regret keeping them all? they all do work with other stuff I have!

    I went in to return the cashmere sweater but ended up coming back with a pair of tights :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't figure out what sweater that last one is... style # or description?

      Delete
    2. Hi Cate, here is the link or style # 25412 for the last sweater.
      http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sweaters/jcrewcashmere/PRDOVR~25412/99102858471/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17+4294966948~90~~~~~~~/25412.jsp.
      Thanks so much!

      Delete
  19. Need some help! Ordered the stadium cloth duffle in a size zero after speaking to CS. I tried it on and it seems snug around the armpits a bit, but I'm not sure if I should size up. I wear a size 0 in schoolboys and I ordered a size 2 in the double cloth trench which has some room. To top it off, I bought it final sale. Any advice or insight would be grately appreciated!

    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! :)