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! :)
Hi, Ladies
ReplyDeleteI have the open-front sweater-blazer (petite S) in merino wool. They appear to have stopped using 100% wool and this year's version (called the Sophie) is a cotton/poly/wool blend. The product description suggests that this is to produce a lighter weight version (as opposed to cutting costs), but I am a little skeptical.
Any opinions from the JCAs on the differences between the two versions? Does the new Sophie version pill more easily? Some reviews suggest that this is the case, but others seem to love the new version.
I would appreciate your thoughts.
Thank you!
Hi - I have the new version in camel and I can confirm that it pills quite easily. I wore last week for the second time since I'd purchased it earlier this year and when I took it off it was covered in pills on the chest and under the arms. Not sure if I should have gone with a smaller size but I also find the arms to be a bit big as well. Hope this helps.
DeleteI haven't seen it but I can't imagine anything made with a blended fabric - especially polyester - would be anything but a pill-fest. I have one of the merino sweater blazers and it's still in such good condition (and does not feel that heavy to me). I didn't know they switched to a blend this year but not surprising (disappointing, but not surprising). I was flipping thru the new Boden catalog last night and their $300 Conwy coat is 50% wool, 50% poly. 50%!! I was mad when things started going to 80/20 a few years back but 50/50!
DeleteLove the style but I’ve worn my Sophie one time for exactly four hours and the underarms and sides are pilled and ratty already. It’s unfortunately what I expect from J Crew now ... whether the style is new or a “version” of a classic, it’s fast-fashion quality. I’ve lowered my expectations and I just pay what I think is reasonable and don’t expect more than one season. It’s too bad because it’s a great style that could be a wardrobe workhorse.
DeleteThanks, everyone. That's disappointing, but not surprising. I appreciate the feedback.
DeleteI still have some nice (i.e. from the "old days") J Crew Fall pencil skirts, tweedy wools and the like. Any styling ideas to dress these down a bit? I am tall and love a good pencil skirt but they seem a touch "fancy" for my everyday life. I don't dress up for work so I really only wear them around town/coffee shop/lunch date. I was going to try one with ankle boots and a cropped sweatshirt... ?
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this question. I’ve been pondering the same styling issue lately. Is it possible to style a wool pencil skirt for very casual trips to the grocery store or library? I gave up my office job a couple years ago, but I don’t want to give up my huge collection of wool pencil skirts. I do like your idea of pairing a skirt with a sweatshirt.
DeleteAbsolutely! I typically just tuck in a tee shirt and throw on some low tennis shoes (like converse)
Deletewhat about with a button down chambray shirt?
DeleteYes!! That would be perfect!
Deletethanks Barbara and Lauren! A chambray or denim shirt is a great idea. Also think I will try low tennies as Mrs. G suggested. There are so many older j crew pencil skirts on ebay and poshmark right now... I guess the look is going "out", but I still like the classic silhouette.
DeleteDenim shirts always work, but I also like thermal shirts, distressed t shirts anything that is the "opposite" of fancy. I just purchased the cropped hoodie to wear with some of my dressier things. I like the contrast of things like that.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is interested in the cropped hoodie that I mentioned in my comment to Julie, it is a nice quality. I purchased the extra small (I am 5'2") The sleeves are extremely "bell" style. I took it to alterations to have them taper the sleeves to a regular fit. This way I can layer it under blazers, my trench coat, etc.
ReplyDeleteThere are cords on it give a nice detail.
Styling the Factory sleeveless sweater in camel ($29!) and skinny jean in Astoria wash ($34) with a luxe plaid blazer on the blog today. Also styling the disc earrings (only $8.99!!).
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