Thursday, September 13, 2018

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! :)

16 comments:

  1. So I have a wedding to go to on early October... Which means the weather could be anything really. It's a "casual" backyard wedding. I was thinking of just wearing a black knit wrap dress, flats (maybe metallic Gemma's?), jewelry, etc.

    But... If it's chilly, is it totally inappropriate to wear pants? I mean like black maddie pants with flats and a blouse and maybe a cardigan as the night wears on?

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    1. We don't go to too many weddings anymore, but I often wear pants, and have for many years. Why should men have all the fun!
      Not knowing your crowd it's hard to say if casual is "casual" or not, but I think the idea of metallic or glitter shoes and a fun top is perfect with pants.

      Will they set up a tent and floor? That changes the situation more than if it's just a backyard (like the old 1980's Rodney Dangerfield movie "Easy Money" where the wedding was in a tiny backyard of semi-attached houses which was actually a few blocks from my neighborhood growing up! 😂)
      I'd also change attire based on whether it was a cocktail party or dinner/dancing.
      Good luck and have fun! Last year the JCAs helped me decide on my 'Madewell metallic wide leg crops for a family event and the outfit was such a hit, my mom still talks about it.

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    2. I'm assuming a tent or something. But it's a second marriage for both, they're very non-frills people and a decent chunk of the guest list is our mountain bike team. I believe it starts at 3 pm.

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    3. I went to a similar type afternoon wedding last October (also early in the month), and it was one of those days that started off cool and became sweaty. I try not to wear black to weddings unless it's black-tie. I wore a sleeveless floral dress (tea length) with a cropped cashmere 3/4 sleeve cardigan, and ballet flats. Was really perfect once the weather got hot and my feet didn't hurt from standing and running around.

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    4. I personally would not wear pant and flats. Perhaps dressier pants with a heel, as part of a cocktail or festive look, but not pants and flats. To me, black pants and flats is too workish. The pants Suz wore look like a party and more outfity. Just my two cents.

      The most recent tented party I attended was for a 70th birthday party at a country club and I wore silk leopard jogger style pants with a black satin pump with gold heel, black sleeveless blouse, and black silk blazer, clutch and jewels. That was for a 70th birthday party.

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    5. I agree with the heel but not everyone is comfortable in heels and I thought grass might have been a concern (that's why I asked about the tent/floor.)

      I know in other areas black might be frowned upon but in the NYC metro area it's unusual to not see many people wearing black to weddings.

      That said the floral dress and cardi sounds very cute. It all depends on your personal style. Over the years I've realized I would pretty much wear a black "suit" anywhere and just change up the shoes and accessories.

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  2. Do you have a top that looks like a party? Something a bit extravagant?

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    1. I think the most extravagant (because I'm a very casual dresser) would be a navy lace top (LUSTRE LACE MOCKNECK TEE
      item 28229). I don't picking up a new top if need be so suggestions are welcome.

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    2. That is a pretty top! Perfect for a party.
      Do you have pants that are not black?

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    3. yeah... navy. HAHAHAHA.

      i have the really nice party dress but i know it'll be overkill for the wedding. i work in a very casual environment so i'm just limited in that "nicer but not fancy party" kind of clothing.

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    4. Well, you could do the navy top and navy pants with your metallic shoes. Do you have a metallic belt or a scarf you could belt that would break up the monochrome. Oh, and big earrings?

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    5. Navy and black is big right now if the navies clash. Depending on your style pearls or a fun necklace and other accessories will make it more festive. OT but I much prefer "festive" attire for a wedding, even if it's "casual." Have fun with it. There's nothing worse than going to a,fun event and not loving/feeling comfortable in your clothes because everyone knows! (I mean there's LOTS worse but you get my drift). If you're comfortable and can have fun in what you're wearing you'll have a better time and be smiling, that's the most important part!
      This reminds me, about ten years ago we had a wedding at a famous "jersey" location. It wasn't a close friend (it was my brothers friend) and the only real obligation we felt aside from the check was to have fun. I wore a jcrew dress I've since gotten rid of, it was a lightweight wool dress, fairly conservative length but fitted (I went through a black dress phase I guess). My mother in law had passed on a short white fur coat and I knew it would be perfect as it was a December wedding. My husband and I danced all night, had so much fun and I was super comfortable. Plus I got lots of compliments from the women who worked there on my coat, 😂

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  3. Did anyone see the CBS interview w Jim Brett last week talking about the J Crew relaunch? First time I’ve seen him speak since he took the helm. I watched it online and I’m wondering what the JCAs thought about it.

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    1. Ruffles - Thanks for posting this. I finally watched the interview. Apparently the customers he's listening to are nothing like me. I want high quality classics-with-a-twist in pretty colors. I have zero interest in larger sizes, cheap fast fashion or "Southern California bohemian looks," although those are apparently things someone out there has been requesting. While focusing on sustainability and fair trade are good things, they're also not the main factor I consider when I choose to purchase a clothing item.

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  4. OT: My local Marshall's store received a small shipment of nice boots this week, just in time for fall. The pair I really wanted, BedStu Manchester knee high boots weren't available in my size, but I did pick up a pair of Gee Wawa lace up boots and a pair of A.S. 98 ankle boots. All were priced at only $39.99 each. I think I'll check the other Marshall's store near me tomorrow to see if they have anything good. Last fall I bought a pair of Rag & Bone suede chukka boots and a pair of Frye double zip ankle boots at TJ Maxx.

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  5. Styling the ruffle neck sweater and pom pom earrings for $12 with my favorite Factory white denim on the blog today.

    Partial to Pink

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