How to Work a Silk Scarf

Confession time: I hoard beautiful silk scarves. (Some of my favorites are J.Crew's location scarves like the London Scarf.) Why do I hoard? I find it difficult wearing them. I never know how to wrap it around my neck without it looking "off".

Thankfully I came across a post from one of my favorite British retailers, Joules, that wonderfully illustrates how to tie silk scarves. (Refer to the "To tie or not to tie" post for more.)

I love how simple they made it all look. More importantly, they are all stylish ways to work the silk scarf.

Do you wear silk scarves? If so, how do you tie them? Are there any tricks/tips you use? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Stylists Lose Their Minds

"Thanks!" to Rashawnda (in this post), who shared the following:

I am sure that this is out of place for today's topic but am I wrong to think that JCrew really passed off the striped PJ short set with the white linen blazer (in the One Piece/2 ways feature)? Is that really an outfit that one would wear outside the house? JCrew couldn't find real shorts cute enough to display the jacket with? Or is the PJs set that cute that it is wearable outside the house as loungewear? I was just a little perplexed by that display and thought that maybe I missed the boat on the concept...

Yes, I think you are right to question this look. No, this is not really an outfit one would wear outside the home. Do I think the model looks cute in her outfit, sure does. But is that an outfit that someone, anyone, could legitimately wear? Oh no.

What is even funnier is the tag line: "Dressed up. A no-brainer with polished pearls and stripes." First, the pj set is not dressed up because J.Crew slapped on some pearls and covered it with a jacket. Second, the no-brainer comment is ironically spot on. People will think you have lost your mind trying to dress up what is clearly an "around-the-house" top and bottom. Especially, for a "dressed up" event.

What are your thoughts on the style? Do you think I am being overly harsh? Is this a look you think "rocks" or is "rock bottom"? Share your thoughts!

J.Crew Styling: the Sneaker Trend Edition

JCAs took notice in (at least) the last four catalogs, a new styling trend... sneakers with everyday outfits!

Normally sneakers are accompanied with some type of workout outfit, or jeans and a t-shirt. However, J.Crew decided to dress them up! When J.Crew offered the The Nike® Vintage Collection Air Pegasus ’83 Sneaker this holiday season, J.Crew's Style Director Gayle said: "It’s a great old-school fashion sneaker. You’re definitely not wearing this one to the gym.”

J.Crew thinks pairing a pencil skirt and sneakers are the way to go. And not in a "Working Girl", got to walk a few blocks to work, kind of way. While I think it is challenging to pull off a running sneaker with a pencil skirt or 2-piece suit, I do think pairing the footwear with J.Crew's Pixie Pants and button down is totally on point! The look below is a perfect example of how wearing a pair of sneakers works with the whole outfit.

Well, J.Crew is clearly onto something because whatever sneaker they promote, sells out like hotcakes! J.Crew's Nike Vintage Collection Air Pegasus ’83 Sneaker for Women sold out so quickly, that I don't even think they were available when the second catalog featuring them came out.

 Their Women's New Balance® for J.Crew 620 sneakers (item 06690, $80.00) is on track to sell out quickly too. The "Dusty Beechwood" and "Pebble" versions are long gone. Since they were created exclusively for J.Crew, pop-backs are the only way to go.

I have to admit, I was not on board with this shoe-trend when I first saw it splashed throughout J.Crew's Fall catalog. However, I am totally on board now. Plus, footwear that is both stylish and comfortable is pretty sweet! 

What are your thoughts on the sneaker trend? Are you rocking this look? If so, how are you pulling your outfit together? Please share! :)

J.Crew's Gayle Spannaus Schools Us {the art of the collar}

Over the weekend, J.Crew sent an email from fashion director and head stylist Gayle Spannaus on how to work the collar of a button down shirt.

What makes the email interesting? It provides several {really good} fashion tips on updating the classic shirt style. This email offers advice that I am actually tempted to try!

First, Gayle insists on wearing the collar completely buttoned-up with the sleeves scrunched up. The only times I did that (buttoning up the shirt) is when it is really cold outside and I am freezing. But I have to admit that the look Gayle offers (reference the top image) is pretty fresh! It is something I am going to try tomorrow. (Plus, the timing is great. The weather is crazy cold where I am.)

Gayle also offers three ways to style the collar... The first tip is to "layer two or more bold necklaces over (not under) the shirt..." This looks so pretty in the catalogs and on the store mannequins at J.Crew. However, I never figure out how to do this in real life. I always worry about the necklaces damaging each other. Then, I end up choosing one statement necklace and calling it a day. So JCAs, if you know the art of making this work... please let me know your technique!

The second tip is "give your baubles a break and borrow a men's patterned pocket square instead for a new spin on a statement necklace". This is a really clever idea! Plus, it is super simple to create. Got to love that.

The third tip is "two collars are sometimes better than one", "let a pop-bright shade (or a soft stripe or Liberty print) peek out underneath a neutral chambray". I love the layered look presented here. It is eye-catching thanks to the pop of color from underneath. However, I do wonder how it will feel to wear two button down shirts together. Are the sizes of the shirts important (one shirt needs to be slightly bigger than the other)?

What are your thoughts on the tips shared in the email from J.Crew? Do you have any suggestions to make these tips work? What are your own style techniques when it comes to collars?

Learn How to Wear a Scarf {video time!}

"Thanks!" to Elaine (in this post) who raised a great style-related question:

...First, I need someone to tell me how to start working scarves. I have a small box FULL of JC scarves because I can't resist the beautiful prints, but then they just sit there unworn!

When I try to casually loop them around my neck atop a tank or cami, the way women in their 20s do (I'm 39), or the way the scarves are looped in the hero shots online, I look like a neckless bag lady and like I have no idea what I'm doing. ...

This topic pops up often in the fashion-blog-o-sphere. Truth is, it can be really tricky figuring out how to properly loop the scarf into a chic style around one's neck.

One post to check out is Slastena's "How to Wear Scarves in Summer". A lot of visuals to help illustrate the tips mentioned.

Also, there is a great tutorial that has been making the rounds on the net. (For example, check out the "25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes!" and "How to Wear a Scarf" posts.) The video showcases several easy ways to wear the same scarf:


As long as retailers keep rolling out amazing prints for their scarves, we will be rocking them! They are a great, and simple, way to accessorize any outfit.

How do you wear your scarves? Do you have any tricks of the trade that you employ? If so, please share! :)

Style Guide by J.Crew {April 2012}

A big "thanks!" to Kittywitty who shared the following news with us:

...Just wanted to pass along in case you or your readers don’t already know ... that J Crew is coming out with a printed “Style Guide.” I saw an “ad” for it in the fitting room yesterday. The cover of the guide looks like a catalog. The model Heloise Guerin is on the cover and under her picture it reads “Style Guide.” The date on the cover reads April 2012. The ad said something like “Ask for your complimentary copy.” So, I did of course and the SA didn’t even know what I was talking about LOL. She had to ask a manager and the manager said they were getting them soon. ...

Very cool to offer a printed style guide! I can't wait to see what it will showcase and what advice & styling tips it will offer.

P.S. Too funny that J.Crew makes stores put up an ad to ask for an item that is not yet available! ;)

Have you seen the ad for the Style Guide? Have you already received your complimentary copy? If so, please share! :)

Fashion Do & Fashion Don't: Shorts

Preface: I will run into an outfit from J.Crew that makes me think "fashion do!" or "fashion don't". So every once in awhile, I will take two looks at opposite ends of the spectrum for me and post about them. Please feel free to share your thoughts on the Do's and Don'ts featured. :)

It's no secret that I like to wear running shorts, hidden under my skirts & dresses (refer here). It is more comfortable for me, as well as provides protection from a gust of wind. (You laugh. But this is how it all started. I saw a girl in Barcelona wearing a beautiful dress when a gust of wind came by, and her dress went up. Thankfully she was wearing underwear.)

However, what is going on with this outfit shown above? Is this how we are wearing our dresses now, opened to reveal denim shorts? J.Crew, it's hard to say this to you, but this is a fashion don't.

I often wear outfits that are recreations from images found in J.Crew's catalogs and online product shots. The image above is a perfect example of an outfit I will most definitely recreate. This is how you wear shorts! Simple? Yes! Classic? Absolutely. J.Crew, this is a fashion do!

What are your thoughts on the two images? Do you find the first image a style you would try? Is the second image "classic" or "boring" for you? Please share!

J.Crew's Holiday Style Tips: Fashion Do or Don't?

By popular JCA request, this post is about J.Crew's latest style tips for Holiday 2009 (which can be found online here). Many JCAs have questioned the "advice" (and oh yes, that word is in quotes for a reason) being offered by J.Crew this merry season. Perhaps someone got to the eggnog a bit early this year. Read on for more...

Holiday Style Tips: Our resident stylist reveals her secrets for how to make your party attire a little less predictable

Style Tip #1: There's more to holiday dressing than costumey holiday sweaters and black cocktail dresses. 'Tis the season to get creative. A celebratory sequin reindeer tee and thigh high socks (rather than conventional tights) give an otherwise classic ensemble a chic twist.

Style Tip #2: Who says sparkle is only for evening? Nothing makes a better day-to-night piece than a sequin sweater jacket. Layer it over a shock of holiday red and when the sun goes down lose the casual cords for sexy cropped black pants and sky-high heels.

Style Tip #3: There's always a winter occasion that calls for an all-out glamour gown. Heels are the most obvious footwear choice, but glittery flats make a bigger style statement- not to mention prep your feet to dance the night away.

Style Tip #4: Not only is a borrowed-from-the-boys buffalo check tie a festive accent, it also keeps this ladylike taffeta skirt from feeling too fancy. Fishnet anklets are the perfect playful finishing touch.

Style Tip #5: The quickest way to get more mileage out of a frilly party dress is to wear it the day after with a boyish blazer and motorcycle boots. I can see a cool mom wearing this outfit to her kid's school Christmas pageant.

Style Tip #6: Throw a tuxedo jacket over a sequin sweatshirt with dark skinny jeans and strappy heels for an effortlessly cool remedy to little black dress boredom.

{gasp} I am still collecting my thoughts around the tips...

Okay, now that I had a moment I can properly reflect. The outfits selected with each style tip is over. the. top. C'mon now J.Crew!

For example (style tip #5), do you honestly think some "cool mom" is going to rock that outfit at her kids Christmas pageant? Really? Right. What about style tip #2, that whole outfit (including trapper hat, that's right a trapper hat!) screams "sloppy" to me. Not so much sexy. And I can't believe I am saying this, but we get it J.Crew you like sequin tops.

Needless to say, I am not a fan of the style tips or outfits showcased. I am going to go with the ever popular phrase that "less is more" and hope J.Crew will recognize that too.

What are your thoughts on the Holiday Style Tips? Are you a fan of any (or all) of the styles? Are there any "tips" that you strongly disagree or agree with? :)