Questionable Item of the Week: Collection Pajama Pant

"Thanks!" to silver_lining (in this post) who pointed out an interesting addition to J.Crew's collection line: Collection pajama pant (item B1452; $475.00). J.Crew describes the overpriced pjs as the following:

Last night we had a dream. It was about the ultimate pajama pant (ones that aren't just for sleeping): wide-legged but not baggy in lustrous silk foulard with silvery medallions, contrast piping and deep, dramatic pleats. Fassbender may have made an appearance. When we woke up, we took a (cold) shower and found them hanging in our closet. Please, if we're still asleep, don't wake us up. 

Whaat?!? Michael Fassbender? Whaat?!? That is one amazing description for pants! Is this like J.Crew-fan-fiction? Part of me doesn't understand it and another part of me actually loves it. ;)

As for the actual item... I would never pay that much for a pair of pants that resembles pajama bottoms. Sorry, I just can't. There are so many other pretty items at J.Crew that I would much rather spend that money on (hello Harper Scalloped Suede Flats, I am talking about you!) I am not sure who would buy/wear them either. What would be the function?

Now, if J.Crew is including Michael Fassbender with the purchase... then consider those pants SOLD!

What are your thoughts on the Collection Pajama Pants? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

J.Crew Declares: "This + that + this = genius outfit"

J.Crew sent out an email this morning that features an outfit that J.Crew proudly declares "genius".

The look even has its very own mathematically equation: "short cardigan + long shirt + short shorts = proportion play at its very best." Is it? Is it really?

The whole look seems sloppy. Now it might be the angle of the photo, but it all looks off. The shirt seems way too long for those shorts. People are going to think the model is wearing no pants at all. Well, if they are standing to the left of her anyways... ;) And the shorts are cuffed weird. It's folded twice at one point and only once on the side.

The outfit has promise, but it needs better execution. Just swap out the shorts for a pair of skinny jeans and leave the shirt alone.

I guess my main issue is that J.Crew stylists are not wowing me. They need to step up their game and offer truly genius outfits.

What are your thoughts on the look? Would you wear it as is? How would you wear the items shown above?

Questionable Item of the Week: Collection Cashmere Popcorn Sweater

"Thanks!" to Silver Lining (in this post) who pointed out an interesting addition to J.Crew's Collection line: the Collection Cashmere Popcorn Sweater (item 08441).

Some of you might think its the whopping $498 price tag alone, that got the Popcorn Sweater nominated for this dubious honor. As Silver Lining amazingly noticed, it is the care instructions that are baffling: "We recommend folding (never hanging) and storing in tissue paper." This is preceded by, "Treat yours with love and it will last forever." Why don't they just say, "We strongly recommend not wearing the sweater to maintain shape. For best results, store it in a locked cedar chest and throw away the key. With love and non-use, it will last forever."

Plus, did you check out the following: "This is not the popcorn sweater you had in the '80s. Ours is superplush and covered in raised dots everywhere except the sides, so it's still slim in the right places." Yeah, when you mention 80's and sweaters... I am going to think Cosby sweaters. Now that is all I can think when I see this. I am gonna pass on this hand-wash-only-top.

What are your thoughts on the Popcorn Sweater? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

P.S. Every time I see or hear "popcorn", I think of Schmidt from Fox's the New Girl... video here.

Questionable Item of the Week: Paint Splattered Khakis

Over at J.Crew's 770 bog, there was a post featuring photos from their recent Spring / Summer 2013 Collection.  Among the images there was a pair of pants covered in paint that caught my eye: the Paint Splattered Army Green Khakis.

J.Crew loves to offer variations of "pants with paint" every year. What I want to know is why? Why is J.Crew still producing khakis with random paint marks on them? Who is even buying them? If someone is buying them, are they doing it ironically? Are customers purchasing the pants really styling them with high heels and an evening bag?

Remember that scene in "Mean Girls" where Rachel McAdams' character says, "stop trying to make fetch happen". (Click here to watch over at YouTube.) I feel like someone needs to do this with J.Crew's paint pants.

What are your thoughts on the Paint Splattered Army Green Khakis? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

Quick Poll: Do you like the Paint Splattered Army Green Khakis (or "Paint Pants" in general)?

Questionable Item of the Week: Hawaiian Sunset Tie

"Thanks!" to Cousy (in this post) who pointed out an interesting addition to J.Crew's accessories line: Hawaiian sunset tie (item 11588; $65.00).

J.Crew shares the following: "We're always borrowing his ties, so we figured we might as well design one of our own: This handmade version in a breezy beach print is understated yet pretty—and it's just what we've been waiting for." Whaat?!? Understated?

The style of this tie (out-dated) seems like the complete opposite of what J.Crew portrays themselves as: classic with a twist. All I can think is the 80's tv show "Miami Vice". No, this tie will not do.

What are your thoughts on the Hawaiian Sunset tie? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

Questionable Item of the Week: Signature Tee

"Thanks!" to hannah L (in this post) who pointed out an interesting addition to J.Crew's latest arrivals: the Signature Tee (Item 30459; $45.00) that J.Crew describes as:

A labor of love from our women's design team to you: Each member penned their signature on this tee—and some even added a little message (our in-house embellishment designer also drew a little jewel by her name). Then Grace, our in-house graphic designer, placed the signatures to create a perfectly scattered feel.

Apologies if you like the tee, however I do not understand who is willing to buy this particular item that has a bunch of signatures of people they do not personally know (and most likely no one else will know).

Now, I get some signatures on clothing. Like a tee from summer camp with all your friends signing it. (Fun!) I can even understand famous signatures, like a tee with the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Or a tee with the signatures of all the Beatles over a band photo. But for in-house designers of mass retailer J.Crew... really? I find it hard to believe that a regular shopper is going to put down $45 on the counter for this top.

Honestly, this makes me wonder about J.Crew. I know they are doing well and they are heralded in the press as one of the few retailers outperforming expectations. But let's not believe a tee full of their designers' signatures is worthy enough to sell to customers. This tee is the type of thing that should be either a free gift with purchase, related to some type of charity event / donation program, or given to J.Crew employees (preferably to those who did the signing).

What are your thoughts on the Signature Tee? Am I being too harsh on this tee? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

Quick Poll: Do you like the Signature Tee?

Questionable Item of the Week: Collection Stretch Suede Leggings

"Thanks!" to C who pointed out an interesting addition to J.Crew's Collection: the Collection Stretch Suede Leggings (item 13794) that retail for a whopping $650!!!

There is nothing wrong with these leggings, they look attractive enough. It is just the price tag that seems outrageous to me.

The reasoning behind the cost is that J.Crew "went all the way to France to find this incredibly luxe (and supercomfortable) stretchy suede". A round trip ticket to Paris costs less than these leggings.

What are your thoughts on the Collection Stretch Suede Leggings? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

Quick Poll: Do you like the Collection Stretch Suede Leggings?

Questionable Item of the Week: Tangerine Resin Petal Necklace

"Thanks!" to Cousy (in this post) who pointed out an interesting addition to J.Crew's Jewelry Collection: the Lulu Frost for J.Crew tangerine resin petal necklace (item 25490; $278.00).

I have to share Cousy commentary on this statement piece because it is pretty amazing:

You know how there are J Crew items that aren’t your style but you can see how other people might like them? I call that Not My Thing, or NMT for short. ...

But every once and again there’s an extraordinary item that defies taste, reason and the laws of nature. Judgments about these items aren’t subjective, but objective: their hideousness is fact, not opinion. These items join the Pantheon of Ultimate Ugliness (PUU, pronounced “pee-you”). To qualify for PUU status, it has to be universally unfathomable that the item was designed, approved, manufactured, wholesaled, priced and offered to the masses. Indeed, it must boggle the mind that dozens of experienced people signed off on it.

It is our sad obligation to acknowledge another entry into the PUU: the Lulu Frost for J Crew Tangerine Resin Petal necklace. Please – before you click on the link, make sure your children are in bed and your pets are secured.

...I am a deep believer in the Almighty, but one look at this necklace caused me to fall to my knees and plead WHY??? WHY???

And then it dawned on me. This $278 “pitch perfect mash-up” can unite the world. This necklace is so dreadful ... JCA’s, together we can draw the line, take a stand and right a wrong. J Crew, for the good of all mankind, please don’t sell this necklace! Do I hear an AMEN?

LOL! Oh yes, this necklace is hideous. The definition says "showstopping" and that it does. That it does.

This looks like a craft project, where someone took the tin can full of remnants (from necklaces of yore,) and pieced them together. (How did J.Crew come up with "marigold" as its color?!) The individual pieces are quite lovely, but all together it looks ...complicated.

If you are interested in this necklace that features "a pitch-perfect mash-up of antique, vintage and modern influences that makes for supersweet retro-chic designs with a twist", you will have to wait until November 5th. (Is this wait-listed?)

P.S. The Bugle-Beaded Bug Pin (Item 11348; $50.00) is looking really good right now! ;)

What are your thoughts on the Tangerine Resin Petal Necklace? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

Quick Poll: Do you like the Tangerine Resin Petal Necklace?

Madewell Email: Shop it first: Alexa Chung for Madewell tee (+ free shipping)

"Thanks!" to IRL who shared the following email from Madewell today.

The email announces that Alexa Chung's newest Collection will arrive September 22, 2011. The email also showcases the very first piece: the Alexa Chung for Madewell I'm Serious Tee (Item 53014; $50.00). They carefully describe it as:

We couldn't wait to see what our favorite style icon turned fashion designer would pull out of her hat for her latest Madewell collection. Once again, she's created an inspired lineup of covetable-cool pieces, like this destined-to-be-a-favorite tee, silk-screened with a drawing plucked straight from the pages of Alexa's sketchbook.

I know the item is called "I'm Serious", but are they kidding me? FIFTY DOLLARS!?! Fifty dollars for an ill-drawn cotton jersey tee?! Are the proceeds going to some charity that I don't know about? I rather buy a Hanes Tee and take a Sharpie Permanent Marker to it. It will cost $45 less, achieve the same look, and I have an extra 2 tees in case something goes wrong. Seriously though, this tee will probably be sold out after one day or something.

What are your thoughts on the "I'm Serious" tee? Am I being overly critical? Are you a fan of the Alexa Chung for Madewell line?

Madewell Email: Not just jeans (+ free shipping)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Ketan & Irina, who shared the following email from Madewell today.

The email features the Heritage Premium Worksuit in Bighorn Wash (Item 39802; $200.00), which is lovingly described as:

Our latest and greatest invention: workwear gone irresistibly cool in small-batch, high-quality denim—simply roll, add sandals and try not to let all the compliments go to your head. Cotton. Slouchy fit. Long sleeves. Button placket. Belt loops. Chest patch pocket, slash pockets, back patch pockets. Import. Machine wash.

O.M.G. This is just the worst... the worst. Premium? Worksuit? Bighorn? $200? Ugh. And to say it's their greatest invention? No Madewell, you have done better (much, much better than this). I especially found the "try not to let all the compliments go to your head" line peculiar. I doubt that scenario would happen.

I have to say that I have been giving a lot of props to Madewell lately for its recent collection. But this is a huge step back. I mean, the denim jumpsuit looks dirty. Check out the item page, it shows what looks like dirt and paint splatters on the pant legs. Questionable item of the week? You betcha!

What are your thoughts on the Worksuit? Am I being too harsh in describing this one of kind piece? Have you tried this on or own it? If so, please share! :)

Mini Update: So J.Crew sent another email with Jenna Lyon's pick from Madewell, the Share with... Le Minor® Dip-Dyed Tee (Item 48155; $95.00). This sailor striped tee is apparently "custom-dip-dyed just for us by hip Montauk boutique Share With".

Meh. The tee looks like it got accidentally bleached. This reminds me when I accidentally washed a red scarf with my Vintage Bateau Tee from J.Crew. To reverse the effect of bleeding on the tee, I tried boiling water + bleach and ended up with a similar effect. I decided the tee was no longer good enough to wear outside and demoted it to a house-lounge tee. Had I only known I was creating the next fashion trend— at a fraction of the price! ;)

Questionable Item of the Week: Leather Tee {you read it right!}

I can't believe how long it has been since the last "Questionable Item of the Week" post. But something has come up that is too good to ignore. "Thanks!" to Closet Crisis (in this post) who pointed out a quite interesting addition to J.Crew's Collection.

Leather Tee
Click here for product page
Item 38542
Regular $795.00

J.Crew describes this top as the following:

This tee cleans up nicely—it's done in exquisitely supple lambskin and fit to flatter. But what makes it truly special are the crisscross seams, the hallmark of a beautifully engineered garment. Short sleeves. Part of J.Crew Collection. Import. Spot clean.

Wow. I would not think of leather tees and J.Crew together. Leather jackets, leather shoes, leather bags... Yes. Leather Tee... Oh no!

Where would you wear this tee to? Honestly, I don't know how I would wear this. Plus, I would need to wear something underneath this like a cotton tee (for perspiration reasons). I couldn't imagine sweating in the leather top and having to spot clean it.

The two images above show a varying amount of shine for the same tee. Which makes me wonder, how shiny is this leather tee?

As for the price... yikes! I rather go with a leather jacket that has sleeves, and I can easily slip on and off.

Lastly, I give credit to J.Crew for not going crazy with the product name. It's just "Leather Tee", exactly what it is. I am also surprised that the product description is not lengthier, describing how it's someone's "pick of the season", etc.

Do you think I am being overly-critical? What are your thoughts on this Leather Tee? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

Quick Poll: Do you like the Leather Tee?

Questionable Item of the Week: Cashmere Tank {you want how much?}

Cashmere Tank
Click here for product page
Item 30380
Regular $298.00

"Thanks!" to Dina who suggested this tee for a "Questionable Item of the Week" post because of the price.

J.Crew describes this top as the following:

With raw-edged trim at the neck and a shirttail hem, our superluxe Italian cashmere jersey tank looks equally brilliant over jeans or tucked into a statement skirt. Part of the J.Crew Collection. Import. Dry clean..

When I glanced over the Collection section of J.Crew's online site, I did not even notice this top. It looks like your every day tank top. But now, upon closer look...

This "cashmere jersey tank" is a little too see-through for my liking. I mean, you would definitely have to wear something (like a $10 tank top) underneath it. It is also a bit odd looking (in terms of fit) from the catalog images. It looks tight on top but loose around the stomach. Meh.

As for the price... yikes! I understand that cashmere costs a lot because it is cashmere. However, that price for that top (extremely thin & just a tank— no sleeves!) seems really outrageous to me. I mean, it costs more than J.Crew's Cashmere Popover Hoodie (Item 29627; $198.00) and that sweater uses additional cashmere for the hood & kangaroo pockets!

Do you think I am being overly-critical? What are your thoughts on this Cashmere Tank? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

What's Up w/ the Vintage Zebra-Stripe Trench?

Vintage Zebra-Stripe Trench
Click here for product page
Item 22365
Regular: $188.00

J.Crew describes this trench as the following:

All the true-to-tradition details of a classic trench, updated in a brushstroked zebra stripe (what can we say, we're animal lovers). The best part? The playfully tiered ruffles in back. Yup, this is the piece that will make you pray for rain. Cotton/poly/metallic threads. Long sleeves. On-seam pockets. Functional tabs at cuffs. Fully lined. Hits at hip.

The Vintage Zebra-Stripe Trench is no Snow-leopard Simone Peacoat (which I absolutely adore!) Instead, this trench makes me wonder if J.Crew is straying from the classic but chic appeal of their line by going to ruffle-overdrive. Apparently, I am not the only one...

A big "thanks!" to Tiffany Rose for suggesting this item for a "Questionable Item of the Week" post. At first glance, this jacket from the front view does not seem so bad. In many regards, it has a cute zebra print with a classic trench shape. However, from the back... there are a lot of ruffles goin' on. The tiers of ruffles on the back side are way too much. I love ruffles and I think J.Crew does a great job of incorporating ruffles in the past few seasons, but maybe they shouldn't stick ruffles onto every new arrival. ;)

Also, a big "thanks!" to Mack who took notice of this jacket for a different reason. She found a mini-blooper with the stock photos of this jacket. In particular, the image of the jacket on the model shows cuffs around the sleeves while the image on the mannequin does not. To emphasize this blooper, the cuffs disappear/ reappear when you zoom in and out from the image of the jacket (shown on the model).

What are your thoughts on this jacket? Do you like or dislike the style (e.g. ruffles) or print? Do you own this jacket? If so, please share your review (& let us know if it came with cuffs or not). :)

Questionable Item of the Week: Dogwood Decadence Necklace {aka: wtf?}

Dogwood Decadence Necklace
Click here for product page
Item 24160
Regular: $135.00

J.Crew describes this necklace as the following:

Czech crystal-studded flowers and masculine oval links, hand-dyed silk satin ribbon and smoky acrylic faceted drops combine to create one of the most elegant statement necklaces of the season. 1" silk ribbon. 18K gold-plated metal casting with steel chain. Signature spring clasp closure.

When I glanced over the Jewelry section of J.Crew's online site, my eyes could not believe the mess that is the Dogwood "Decadence" Necklace. I put the decadence in quotes, because I am not sure if J.Crew was being ironic.

Seriously J.Crew, WTF? (Pardon my language ladies & gentleman.) I don't know what I find more outrageous, the crazy design that is being referred to as an "elegant statement necklace" or the ridiculous price tag of $135!

As for the design, it looks like an art project that either has yet to be finished or was done half-ass (again, pardon my language).

J.Crew can promote the "hand-dyed silk satin ribbon" all they want, but they totally cheapen the necklace with its random placement and frayed edges. As for the "masculine oval links", they are just plain weird. It actually reminds me of my childhood summers rummaging papa's tool storage in the garage for bolts & the like to make a necklace.

Oh J.Crew, you can do better than this. You can do much better!

Do you think I am being overly-critical? What are your thoughts on this necklace? Would you buy it or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

Quick Poll: Do you like the Dogwood Decadence Necklace?

J.Crew's Best of the Worst Items

I was randomly thinking about J.Crew's worst items they offered. After having a good chuckle, I thought it would be a fun post to list my top 5 "what were they thinking?" (aka: a bit ridiculous that they offered them) items from recent years.

The following (in no particular order) are my top 5 "what were they thinking?" items from J.Crew. I tried to include items from different item categories. I am sure there are other items that should have made the list too (I just couldn't remember them at the time!) ;)

1. Jumpsuit (Item 83998). This little number came out in the Spring/ Summer of 2007 and was priced over $100. (Not sure of the exact amount). I was shocked that it sold out. Yeah, it looks cute on the model... but she's a model! Jumpsuits rarely transition well to real-life. Unless it's on a toddler. Also, the jumpsuit doesn't seem to fit with J.Crew's over all style.

2. Lucido Jacket (Item 96559). This outerwear item, which debuted September of last year, made it to one of the "Questionable Items of the Week" post and for a good reason. Often referred to by fellow JCAs as the "murder jacket", this raincoat retailed for a ridiculous $1,800! For this price, why not turn to the classic style of Burberry? I have no idea if any were sold. When I attended the first ClothingLine + J.Crew sample sale in NYC this January, I saw a whole bunch of these sad-looking coats on the rack. No one, and I mean no one, went near them.

3. Atomic Flower Necklace (Item 14831). J.Crew has produced several necklaces that have been complete disasters. However, this one takes top honors. From the size to the design... it's just a hot mess no matter how I look at it. This necklace, from Spring 2009, wasn't cheap either, it was priced at $150!

4. Soleil d'Or Jacket (Item 93420). This jacket came out in May of 2008. My first impression from the images online and in the catalog: pretty! However, in person... not so much. At my local brick & mortar (B&M) store, I tried it on and immediately thought I looked like a horrible space cadet. The material was incredibly stiff. Unlike the image shown, the belted jacket would not stay open at the collar for a casual look. The metallic-foil finish was just too modern to wear anywhere too. It just didn't seem like J.Crew. It seemed like a piece I would find at a local boutique selling oddly shaped cardigans. During the "J.Crew is in T.J. Maxx" phase, I was able to find this regular $278 jacket for an amazing $14.99 price in my size. I left it behind.

5. Sienna Fringed Moccasin Booties (Item 17499). Semi-reasonably priced at $88, these booties made their debut this Summer. This item has been discussed on the blog before (refer here). I saw these floppy booties at my local B&M store and thought "I don't get it." This is another item that doesn't seem to fit with J.Crew's overall style. I guess you would wear them with jeans, but why not wear cute Ballet Flats instead?

For tomorrow: a Top 5 post on the most loveliest items from J.Crew, the "OMG, now we are talking!" items from the most recent years.

What are your thoughts on the Top 5 "what were they thinking?" items? What items (from recent years) would make it to your list? :)

Questionable Item of the Week: Jeweled Chino Short

Jeweled Chino Short
Click here for product page
Regular: $88.00
Item 15024

A big "thanks!" to Crewbie who suggested these shorts for a "Questionable Item of the Week" post. ;)

Described as "a supersoft and lovingly broken in style with a frayed hem, brilliantly dressed up with jewel details", these shorts seem all wrong (in my opinion). I mean, cut-offs AND jeweled? It just seems like a weird combination.

And the "jeweled details" are completely random on the front of the shorts. I would be constantly brushing them off, thinking they were crumbs or something. At least the jewels on the back seem "planned". (Although, how comfortable is it when it comes to sitting? Also, how secure are those jewels? Would a few sittings loosen them?)

Lastly, the price tag ($88) for these cut-offs (that's right! cut-offs!) seem expensive to me.

Do you think I am being overly-critical? What are your thoughts on these shorts? Would you buy it or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

Quick Poll: Do you like the Jeweled Chino Short?

Questionable Item of the Week: Chiffon Cascade Jersey Tee

Chiffon Cascade Jersey Tee
Click here for product page
Item 14150
Regular: $48.00

"Thanks!" to Em (in this post) who suggested this tee for a "Questionable Item of the Week" post.

At first glance, this "wonderfully light and silky" scoop-neck tee looks fine. But upon closer look, the reaction of "what's really going on with that t-shirt?" eventually hit me.

Why is there a loose "panel of chiffon cascading down the center front"? The model (who is absolutely perfect!) looks like she has a kangaroo pouch from the side view. I can't imagine how I, a regular shopper, would look like with this tee on.

I appreciate J.Crew's attempt at coming up with unique designs, especially for the essential staple of a tee. But sometimes, it's better to leave a classic tee as a... classic tee.

Do you think I am being overly-critical? What are your thoughts on this tee? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

Quick Poll: Do you like the Chiffon Cascade Jersey Tee?

Questionable Item of the Week: Crystal Bow-Tie Necklace

Crystal Bow-Tie Necklace
Click here for product page
Item 16943
Regular: $98.00

"Thanks!" to Anon at 2:44 PM (in this post) who suggested this necklace for a "Questionable Item of the Week" post. After looking at the necklace online, it is clear why she suggested it! ;)

This necklace is (and I am truly sorry if I offend anyone...) just ridiculous! I am sorry, but it really is (in my humble opinion). ;)

It's just huge and abstract-looking-- like a craft-project gone wrong. It also, kind of reminds me of Christmas ornament-garland. In either case, it's not meant to be worn around my neck (let alone worth $98).

It's a shame too, because I adore the materials its comprised of: faceted acrylic beads, silk chiffon string, and nylon tulle bows. I think a great Project Runway-esque challenge for J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados is to create a necklace using the same materials. I bet there would be some fantastic creations (and for a fraction of the $98 price)! :)

Do you think I am being overly-critical? What are your thoughts on this necklace? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

Quick Poll: Do you like the Crystal Bow-Tie Necklace?

Questionable Item of the Week: Atomic Flower Necklace

Atomic Flower Necklace
Click here for product page
Item 14831
Regular: $150.00

"Thanks!" goes to Anon at 7:28 AM (in this post) who alerted us all to this necklace. She suggested this item for a "Love It or Leave It" post. However, after seeing it online, I just knew it was better suited for a "Questionable Item of the Week" post. ;)

When I first saw this necklace online, I immediately thought "ewl!" I never think that about J.Crew, so I just had to click on the necklace's item page to see more images. Maybe I missed something and the first image was just a bad angle of the necklace. ...However, that was not the case. Once I saw the image of the entire necklace on the mannequin, I thought "say what?!?"

First, that thing is h-u-g-e! Seriously, it's ginormous. ;) It also looks incredibly heavy too. The description includes stats like "set on a 12K gold-plated brass chain" and "Length: 26 1/2", but they may also want to consider including the weight.

Moreover, the necklace is described as "this season's most spectacular statement necklace—it'll turn even the most basic outfit into something brilliant". This necklace will definitely turn heads! :) I am not exactly sure what to make of the "explosion of teardrop and flower-shaped resin beads and various-size round, grooved wooden beads". It's not really much of a shape, more like a clump of... well I am not really sure of what. ;)

Lastly, I will add that I have not seen this necklace in person. Who knows, this necklace might be gorgeous in real life! :) But I will say this, I am totally keeping "an eye out" for this necklace the next time I am visiting a B&M J.Crew store. Heck, I might just try it on for fun too! ;)

Do you think I am being overly-critical? What are your thoughts on this necklace? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

Questionable Item of the Week: Mounted Antlers Jersey Union Suit

Mounted antlers jersey union suit
Click here for product page
Item 99841
Regular: $69.50

A big "thanks!" to Jeff who pointed out this little number that J.Crew is offering. At first, I was going to use it for a "Love It or Leave It" post, but upon closer look I thought it was better "suited" for the "Questionable Item of the Week".

Where to begin... ;) First, I totally agree with Jeff's comment of "I especially like the model's pose in the first pic. It's as if he was wearing a suit or something." It's true! The model (shown in the image to the left) is striking such a serious pose. The pose would be fine if he was wearing a regular three-piece suit, but not so much for pajamas that have antlers all over. ;)

Second, I am totally not loving the close up of the behind. The image (shown to the right) is unflattering. For some reason, I find the description of "button placket" super un-sexy too.

Third, of course the pajamas "wards off the chill on cold winter nights", since a guy is most likely to wear these comfortably around the home when he is alone. ;) (In all fairness, I have clothes I wear around the house, like sweatpants, that I would not be caught dead with in public.)

Fourth, I think that price of $69.50 seems a bit high for some pajamas with a "festive hunting lodge antler print". When I showed this item to my husband and asked if he would buy let alone wear it, he laughed, said "c'mon", and walked away laughing some more.

I should quickly add that I do think the pajamas would look a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e on any one of the {super cute} boys featured in J.Crew's Crewcuts catalog. But on a grown man... not so much. ;)

What are your thoughts on the union suit for men? Do you think I am being overly critical? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions? Do you think this would make an excellent gift for the holidays? ;)