Happy Mother's Day! {celebrating with J.Crew?}

Happy Mother's Day Everyone! (Okay, I might be early with this, since Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 10th. But I still wish everyone a great Mother's Day!) ;)

Similar to the other holiday posts, I thought it might be fun to have a post on what we plan on wearing on Sunday. Especially since many of us will be celebrating with our children or with our moms (like me).

I have been waiting for the rain to give up in New England a bit to break out my Crocodile Cocktail Jacket (Item 12154; was $168.00, now $99.99) and the Frankie Bag (Item 96818; was $395.00, now $129.99). I am going to also wear a pair of trouser jeans (a staple in my closet) and a plain white tee shirt underneath.

What are you planning to wear this Mother's Day? Are you planning to go "head to toe" J.Crew or parts J.Crew?

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?

Product Review: Crocodile Cocktail Jacket

Crocodile Cocktail Jacket
Click here for product page
Item 12154
Regular: $168.00
Now: $99.99

After the Fall and Winter roll-outs, I thought I had enough of the A-line, swingy jackets from J.Crew. But then came the Crocodile Cocktail Jacket. :) I had been stalking this jacket ever since it came out. I finally decided to get it the moment it went on sale in stores, since I had a feeling it would sell out quickly then.

The Crocodile Cocktail Jacket is very similar to the Canvas Atelier Jacket (Item 13105; was $148.00, now $89.99) when it comes to shape and fit. The only difference (besides the design) is the fabric- the Crocodile Cocktail is made of a "refined cotton/linen" which is quite smooth to the touch (but still sturdy in holding its shape), while the Canvas Atelier is made of the classic "cotton", (very similar to the San Telmo Jacket [refer to this post]).

As for the design, the graphic print really is quite lovely. It is neither overly dramatic or understated. The shade of grey is also perfect to wear all year round. Moreover, the jacket can be dressed up (with a pair of black trouser pants & heels) or dressed down (with a pair of comfy jeans & flip flops) very easily- only adding to its versatility.

The jacket also has some fabulous details. First, I love the stand up collar- which has just the right amount of ruffle to frame one's face. Just to clarify that last point, I find that some ruffle collars are difficult to wear with my hair down- but not this jacket. Second, the plastic ball buttons are super cute.

As for sizing, I am normally a size 2 in J.Crew. But as of lately (the past few seasons), I have been a size 0 (with no change in my weight or height). With this jacket, I find the size 0 works best for me. The body of the jacket is an a-line shape, so the smaller the better. Unlike some of J.Crew's other jackets (refer to the "Product Review: Herringbone Fiona Jacket" post as an example of when sizing down), the shoulders of this jacket (in size 0) fit great too! I was pleasantly surprised to find this. :)

Overall, I really love this jacket and would highly recommend it to any Aficionada interested.

What are your thoughts on this jacket? Were you planning on purchasing one in the future? Do you already own this jacket? If so, please let us know what you think of it. :)

J.Crew Email: A long awaited sale...

J.Crew sent an email this morning reminding us about their Spring Sale (click here). The subject of the email, "A long awaited sale...", makes me wonder if they are going to update the Sale section today with lots of goodies. Oh, I really hope so! I would love to see new sale items & items that are available for purchase after clicking on the item itself. :)

New Arrivals Hitting Store Shelves {wahoo!}

A big "thanks!" to Happy Life who shared with us the following from her personal shopper at J.Crew:

Just a note to let you know we have a new shipment of summer styles arriving on Friday, May 8th. Come check out our new knit dresses, Pima cotton cardi's, utility shorts, V neck ringspun tees, and more...

Don't forget it's Mothers Day on Sunday, we have lots of outfits to make the day!

As always, you are welcome to make a personal shopper appointment for the most individualized service.

We'll see you soon!

So chances are, your local store will be bringing out new arrivals for purchase this week too. {yey!} :)

If you plan on stopping by a store to check out the arrivals, please share what new items you spot. Also, it would be super-helpful if you could mention which location you visited and if you recommend other Aficionadas to visit the store. "Thanks!" in advance! ;)

J.Crew's Easterly Fish Board Shorts For Men

A big "thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada who let us know that a pair of J.Crew swim trunks was featured over at GQ (click here). What is amazing about the pair of Easterly Fish Board Short (Item 11706), a "collector's item in quick-drying nylon with an exceptional print from a top Italian mill", is that it retails for $135. Has J.Crew offered swim shorts in this price range before? (Maybe I haven't noticed it until now.)

Although the school of fish design is cute, I personally prefer the 7" Solid Board Short (Item 91258; $54.50) and the Wild Lily Floral Board Short (Item 13898; $59.50). But to each their own! ;)

What are your thoughts on the Easterly Fish Board Shorts? Do you like or dislike them? Would you get them? What are your favorite pair of swim trunks from J.Crew? :)

Madewell Email: Summer's Essential Tank

Madewell sent an email featuring their Tomboy Tank. The tank is described as "loose-fitting and laid-back with unfinished edges- we've totally reinvented an old favorite" and retails for $22.

J.Crew is also reminding us about their "Denim After Dark" events that are held on Thursdays, at most Madewell stores. What is great about these events is that they are offering clients: $25 off any pair of jeans, free denim hemming & custom embroidery, & denim styling & fit consultants.

As for the tank, it is a pass for me. Why? Because of the unfinished edges and the loose fit. To be honest, I am over the "loose fit". I want to get back to "tailored". But maybe that's just me. ;)

What are your thoughts on Madewell's Tomboy Tank? Which fit, in general, do you prefer (loose versus fitted)? Have you attended a "Denim After Dark" event? If so, please share with us your experience.

Some Changes To the JCA...

Okay- here's the deal. I just got another email describing how disappointed (which is the nice & easy way I will put it) she was by my handling of the "Article With J.Crew's Jenna Lyons & Production" post. I get it, I suck as a moderator, even as a blogger. No really, I do. Please, no need to defend me- I got it, loud & clear.

Here's the deal... Come this Mother's Day marks the one year anniversary of this blog. I can't believe a whole year has passed. There have been some amazing moments and a few not so great ones. With that said, as of lately, any post published seems to draw an incredible amount of mean-spirited comments- and I am not referring to different views (which I enjoy reading), but snarky comments and personal attacks. I just think that any personal attack is unnecessary.

There are days when even I actively avoid this blog because I fear what will happen with the comments. And when I do avoid the blog, I get called out for not removing certain comments fast enough or get called out for removing some comments but not others. (A lose-lose for me.)

I am not going to lie, for the past few months I have been stressing out about this blog and "what the comments will be today". So much so, that I am strongly considering the discontinuation of the blog. I know I have mentioned it before, but I am tired.

I try very hard to keep my posts and comments positive. And I continue to post because I know some members find the content useful. However, what I find is I am not posting follow up comments anymore- mainly because I am worried about being personally attacked myself (which I am).

So come tomorrow, I am changing the format- no longer will there be anonymous posting. I have hesitated doing this before (and to be honest, I really hate the idea), but I am willing to try it for a couple of weeks to see if the spirit of the blog can improve. If the blog stays negative or the comments dwindle, I will just retire this blog altogether.

Lastly, I am really sorry about everything- I feel like a failure for not maintaining the blog in the positive direction. And now, I am getting off my soapbox...

J.Crew {New} Shoes Review :)

"Thanks!" to Summer Shoe Post (in this post) who came up with a great post topic: "How about creating a post on summer shoes? There are so many to choose from, including J.Crew and other stores. I'm wondering what everyone else will be wearing with their shorts, casual skirts, etc. I would love some recommendations on stylish sandals from fellow JCA's!"

I haven't seen too many of the new arrival shoes in my local stores, so I too would love to hear any and all reviews of them. Especially since there are so many great pieces, like the Bamboo-Tassel Ballet Flats (Item 15444; $158.00), the Augusta Ballet Flats (Item 14140; $160.00), and of course the Lyla Printed Peep Toes (Item 15447; $250.00). I would also love to know how Aficionadas plan on incorporating their new arrival shoes with their wardrobe. :)

Have you tried on any of J.Crew's latest shoes (heels, flats, & sandals)? If so, please share. Also, how do you plan on wearing your new J.Crew shoes? :)

J.Crew's Celebrating In Asheville + $25 Off

A big "thanks!" goes to Em who shared with us another great promotion from J.Crew. The J.Crew at Asheville, NC is celebrating its first anniversary and offering $25 off purchases of $150+. This offer expires 5/19/09.

Just click on the image above or here (which will take you to a larger version of the image) and print it out (so the associate can scan the bar code).

Congrats to all those in the area!!! :)