Thursday, May 2, 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! :)

68 comments:

  1. A few price notes. The colorblock shift dress, cove paisley dress & villa stripe are $69.99 in-store. Links to those reviews & previous In-Store Price Notes

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  2. I'm expecting my neon floral mini today in the mail. I think it may be a hard piece to style. I'm hoping to use it daytime causal and date nights.

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    1. I just got it and whoa they weren't kidding when they called it neon. Wow, I think I glow in the dark!!

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    2. I haven't seen the color yet IRLand mine is on back order. I'm thinking simple: white, black, navy. Maybe.a stripe if you can find the right color. For night a cute halter or tank with dangle earrings and flat sandals.

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  3. Also, I'm thinking about ordering the punk floral halter tank one piece swimsuit. I understand the quality of j crew swimsuits has been great, but the sizing has been all over the place. I'm a size 4 in most j crew, but very busty (32G). I'm wondering if I should even try a bathing suit...

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    1. I think their one-pieces are true-to-size, but you might be right about the bust. I'm a 34C and have a J. Crew halter one-piece and the bust coverage bothers me a bit. It feels kind of revealing toward the outside, and dips a bit low in front. It looks good, but I feel too exposed, if that makes any sense. I've learned I'm more comfortable in their bandeau style one-pieces. I'm a size 8 in any J. Crew one-piece I've tried on, though (and size 6-10 in J. Crew clothing). It's the two-pieces that run large, I think.

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    2. I just got that exact swim suit in my last order. I'm pretty busty (34G) and it didn't even come close to fitting me. The one I got was also sewn crooked in the front (the halter v was not in the middle). It is very cute material, so you could always give it a try, as YMMV.

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    3. Jessimurph, the halter one piece is not large bust friendly. Mine is small compared to you (34D) and the side coverage is just not there for me at all in that style. AT ALL. There is no... allowance for boobs. You know what I mean? It is just a triangle of material, not good. It just flattens and whatever does not fit into that triangle hands out.

      Agree that the one pieces run TTS. But most of them are not for the well endowed!

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  4. Are the vintage cotton tees see through? Do they run about the same size as the perfect fit tees? Thanks!

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    1. I have several of the vintage cotton v-neck tees from summer of last year. IMO they run a little bit looser/bigger than the perfect fit tees. I'm 5'9" generally wear a size 6/8 in JC and a small in these tees fits fine. While I love these tees two of them have formed holes in the back stitching along the neckline. All of the ones I have are darker colors and they are not see through. I would think the lighter colors and white might be. The vintage cotton tees are not as "sturdy" feeling as the perfect fit tees, but I still love my vintage cotton tees just the same.

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    2. I agree. I have a couple of the perfect fit tees (previous years) in S and this year in the vintage cotton I have been consistently needing an XS. Also, they are definately more sheer. HTH.

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    3. The vintage cotton tees def run bigger than the perfect fit tees! I feel like they are a little looser through the body and longer in length. I can wear an xs or s in the vintage cotton but need a s in the perfect fit. I feel like the lighter colors are more sheer but I usually wear a tank under the v-neck ones anyway, and a nude bra with the crew neck and don't feel like it's an issue.

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    4. Thank you all! Now I know what size to get!

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  5. Has anyone bought the daisy lace mini? I am thinking about it, styling ideas? Also I would wish it was a tad bit longer and was thinking of sizing up. I am usually a 4. Per on line chat-size 4 -31.25" in the waist, the size 6- 32.25" in the waist and the size 8 -34.25" in the waist. Seems large?

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    1. I have this in red and it's one of my favorite pieces ever. I have only worn it daytime casual with a solid colored tank top tucked in and flat sandals, but I think it would be easy to dress up for a night out with some heels and dressier jewelry. Even though it's red I've paired it with lots of different colored fitted tank tops tucked in...no belt. I get a ton of compliments on it. I'm a size 4 and don't find the 4 too short.

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    2. I have the red one and I absolutely love it! You can dress it up or down for work or causal easily.
      It's true to size, fits much better than their pencil skirt! I have a few pix of my wearing it on my blog here: http://www.fitfabfunmom.com/lace-stories/

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    3. Sarah from Classy Girls Wear Pearls has the skirt in red. I generally style my mini skirts like this as well.

      http://www.classygirlswearpearls.com/2013/04/cherry-blossom.html

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    4. I tried on the white one. I thought it ran a touch small, but it seems like it may stretch a bit with wear. It seemed like I could pull it lower after having it on for only a few minutes. The length wasn't scandalous on me, I thought it would be worse.

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    5. Thanks for everyone's advice and reviews! I was going to order the white but now I might order the red also to try on. Luv your styling jane!

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    6. That skirt looks so cute online. I don't have it, but if I were to style something like that I would do a chambray button down (red or white skirt). I think the red would especially look good with a white button down (maybe sleeveless for the summer), a big fabulous necklace, and nude heels! I've also noticed that the JCrew Tippi sweaters go well with most skirts that I have. Not sure what kind of climate you're in, but if its cool enough for a light sweater, that might work. I live in a moderately warm climate and I can still wear the Tippi when its 70 degress out and feel fine.

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  7. Punk Floral Swoop top...any ideas what you would pair it with? Other than jeans or navy capri pants? Need ideas, or I might return it. :)

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    1. I have this and I struggle a bit styling it as well. The flowers are black, yellow and purple/pink. I think white or black are easy bottom pairings. I'd like to find a yellow pair of shorts or skirt, but the yellow has to be a pretty close match and I haven't found anything. I was hoping to make it a little more casual with shorts, but I don't think it's working. I have put it on three days with shorts and taken it off because it looked odd. as much as I love the style and print of the shirt, I think it fits oddly.

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    2. JCREWGAL, how about a cotton pencil skirt in the 'natural' colour? It's a white. I would also wear it with a very pale pink or a mauve. Usually, I don't like the green/yellow pairing most of the time, but a very pale yellow would also work on the bottom, IMO.

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    3. Rynetta showed it styled in store with a seersucker pencil skirt and I thought it looked amazing with that.

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    4. I agree with Cate about the seersucker. Also, what about white jeans/skirt/shorts? Ema from 'My Closet, My Baby, and I' tried it on with mint jeans and I thought that looked really good too!

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    5. I am pairing mine with the striped No 2 pencil skirt. I bought the punk floral top and the skirt at the same time, tried them on together, it was love at first sight. Love the seersucker skirt with it too!

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    6. What about the cafe capri? I'm sure they have them in a color that would look good with that top. Black never fails with something like that. But I LOVE WhatLillyFound's idea of pairing it with a striped pencil skirt. That top definitely screams for a bold pairing. I would definitely do something as equally loud and cheeky as the top. The No.2 pencil skirt in yellow could be cute, with the top tucked in and a purple skinny belt as well!

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    7. I love the seersucker or striped pencil skirt idea! Thanks to all of you. :) I am definitely going to test run some of these suggestions over the weekend!

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    8. Jcrewgal I also really love the colour that they styled the punk floral pants with on the product page on the website - the copper/spice colour. If you happen to have any bottoms in a similar shade I think it would make a very striking and unexpected pairing!

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  8. What are people pairing the Navy Pinwheel Eyelet Pencil skirt with? I know you can do white on top but it seems to boring.... would love to sex this up a bit for an evening out as well as wear it to work. Thoughts?

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    1. I've only worn mine once so far, but I paired it with the silk-collar tee in gray and yellow wedges. LOVED how that outfit turned out.

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    2. I haven't worn mine yet since it's not warm enough around here, but I would treat it as a neutral, so almost anything goes.

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    3. I love how navy looks with all sorts of greens - very fresh, and I think navy and green make a really pretty springtime combination.

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    4. Navy + hot pink is one of my favorite color combinations.

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  9. Ladies, I have a question re: the eyelet front sweatshirt. Do you think there is much difference in the length between XS and S? I have the XS but am wondering if I should try to find a size S. Sometimes the next size up is just wider and not longer.

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    1. item 44933?

      i tried both XS and S. i don't have exact length measurements for both, but from trying it on, i just thought the S got boxier and not really longer. (i kept the XS)

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  10. Yes, Miss JR, that's the one. Thank you SO much for your help. I will stick with the XS. It fits well and is so cute; just wish it was a wee bit longer.

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    1. I just got mine yesterday and love it too!

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    2. It is just adorable. I kept seeing women wearing it all over the place and then just had to have it. It's cold here again so I'm going to wear it this weekend, maybe with a perfect fit tank underneath so I don't flash my midriff at anyone - haha!

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  11. I still can't seem to get the reply to work...boo...few comments:
    vintage cotton tees - I find that these fit more generous than the perfect fit tees - I take a medium in the vintage tees and a large in the perfect fit (usually a 10-12 on top). And yes, I usually need another tank under them, I find them to be a bit on the sheer side.

    @JCrewgal - I saw a few JCAs on Instagram pairing the punk floral with seersucker / navy & white stripes and though it looked great.

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    1. Yeah, really liking that combo! Thanks for the suggestion! :)

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  12. Ideas on tops to pair with the seersucker pencil skirt? Right now all I can think of is pattern-mixing with navy/white polka dots, and of course certain solids...

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    1. AppGal I have seen the Punk Floral Swoop top matched with seersucker and thought it looked really good! Also, maybe a floral print tee like the midnight floral tee or even a Liberty print (Junes Meadow) shirt?

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    2. Yeah I've seen the punk floral with it...looks really cute! However I don't foresee myself getting that top any time soon. I do have some other florals that could work though...thanks!

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    3. AppGal, I paired my seersucker pencil skirt from last year with the piqué polo in neon papaya. Be warned, the neon is very bright. I think it pairs well, though! I've also worn it with the painter elbow-sleeve boatneck tee in nautical strip in modern red. Since this year's version of the skirt has the piping, the painter tee in neon peach might work better (it's a much more subdued color than the piqué polo). Both shirts are on sale online.

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    4. I have a papaya vintage cotton tee that would work well. Thanks for the idea! :)

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    5. AppGal, I would treat is as a neutral. Here's a polyvore set I made with this last year.

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  13. anyone had any experience with the lacey dress in cotton cady....sizing/fit etc? Let me know! Thanks!

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  14. Hello! I'm new to your blog. Love it already. Any suggestions of what to wear with the Butterfly Shorts. I think you/another blogger paired it with the Tilda Rhinestone Oxford top & it was lovely but too pricey for me right now. Ideas to dress up & down, colors?

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    1. I'm wearing mine with a white sleeveless silk top or a chambray shirt with the sleeves rolled up. HTH!

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    2. I just thought of pairing it with a blue & white striped top. What do you think? Im also looking for a light blue too like te Tilda color. I subscribed to this blog but i dont get the email subscriptions. Anyone know how to fit it?

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  15. i have an interview tomorrow and, instead of a plain white blouse with my black skirt suit, i was wondering if I could wear the sparkle row cami in champagne? i'm worried it might be a bit too sparkly.

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    1. i also have the blythe in alabaster but i find that the collar can look messy under my blazer since its flimsy somewhat...

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    2. Unless you are interviewing in a creative field - PR, advertising, the arts, entertainment, etc. - I worry that sparkle clothing in an interview ensemble = not taken seriously.

      Maybe a print or silk cami with some texture, or a lovely statement necklace?

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    3. Agree the blythe is best without a blazer. I personally don't think it's too sparkly, but I also think better safe than sorry!

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    4. suisui - I wouldn't do the sparkle row cami. The white blouse & black skirt will look good if you can add some personal flair. A small touch. Maybe a scarf. Or a cardigan w/a costume jewelry pin on it. I like ruffles suggestion of a top w/a print or something w/a texture.

      Good luck!!

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    5. If you're going to an interview that requires a suit then the sparkle row cami is not appropriate. What about a colored shirt? Don't do sleeveless because what if you had to take off your jacket? If you go with the plain blouse maybe do add something like a scarf or small necklace. Black suit with white blouse says young and inexperienced to me. Probably because that's what I wore to interviews when I was young and inexperienced! I thought it was BAD to wear anything that could in any way be construed as not conservative enough because that's what everyone told me. But it's ok to wear say a blouse in your favorite color or print or even a pretty scarf. Especially if it makes you feel confident. Confidence is really the most important thing you need to wear anyway!

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    6. A striped or checked button shirt or a subdued floral would look good. When I'm not sure how to dress for a meeting that requires a suit, I wear a tame liberty print shirt or a striped or checked shirt with pearls or a simple necklace.

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  16. I feel like I've shared this already on The Mothership, but in case I haven't...review of the Mila cap-toe flats.

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  17. What goes with... style ideas including the factory double-serge pencil skirt, pinwheel eyelet skirt & more.

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  18. I received the Panama Hat yesterday, and I love it. I ordered both the white and the natural, and I'll be keeping the natural. The small-medium is a tad too big for my head, but not noticeably so. The construction is beautiful, and it looks like it'll stand up to a lot. It'll be perfect for the farmer's markets, outdoor craft fairs, and jazz festivals that pop up throughout the summer. Here's a polyvore of how I plan to wear it: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=80916922.

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  19. VPS experience is written about in this WSJ article:

    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323982704578452750295412238.html?mod=WSJ_hps_MIDDLE_Video_Third

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  20. Hi ladies, has anyone bought the factory printed skinny jeans. I got the lavendar vine color & its sooo nice. Not my usual but kinda Anthropologie like. However, it is kinda bright. Its really difficult to see thr color. It is also listed under outfit obsession, outfit #6. But im having second thougjts that its too much. Maybe the blue vine is better. Couldnt find any modeled pics online. PS the lavender vine pairs great with the factory eyelet top in wither white or blue. I boughy both colors. Thinking about the yellow too. Its super comfy. The small runs big but i like the looser fit. The poka dot chambray shorts are darling. Any thoughts on the skinny printed jeans. Vote on a print?

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  21. How would you wear the Allie Gladiator Sandals (Item #68992) in the Wisteria color? It's a pinky-lavendar color, and there is also the shiny gold heel. Thanks for any help!

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  23. How would you style the Bazaar print capri pants?

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