"Thanks!" to D, Mia, Em, & Amy, who shared an article over at the Daily Mail (click here to read the article in its entirety) that discusses J.Crew and its availability "across the pond" thanks to its partnership with Net-A-Porter (click here to shop online).Michelle Obama's favourite label J Crew is now available here - but does it live up to the hype?Let me start off by saying that I was disappointed by the "if J Crew were a woman, she would know how to bake cupcakes, and prefer the bedroom to the boardroom" comment. What the frak? If J.Crew were a woman, she would do all those things: bake cupcakes, as well as like the bedroom & the boardroom. Clearly the author doesn't know the kind of woman J.Crew really is: she is a daughter, a mother, a sister, a best friend, a wife, and she works at home, in the boardroom, on the floor, and even volunteers while earning her advanced degree. (P.S. I still do not know how to cook, so there!) ;)
By Liz Jones
May 10, 2010
The last time I got this excited about an American brand becoming available on these shores was in March 2008, when Banana Republic opened its doors in London.
That label filled a yawning gap in the British High Street: well-made, affordable clothes for work that put those of its rivals to shame.
Banana Republic has been a big hit, despite initial criticism that it charges us more than our American counterparts - a totally spurious accusation given the higher cost of running just three stores here rather than the 500 it has in America. ...
If J Crew were a woman, she would know how to bake cupcakes, and prefer the bedroom to the boardroom. I can see SATC's Charlotte in J Crew, but none of the others.
I would also say it's a teensy bit like Boden - worn by outdoorsy mums who like picnics and boats and labradors -but not as wholesome, or as remotely affordable.
J Crew has been around for almost 30 years. It built its reputation on providing preppy, sporty, hard-wearing clothes in neutral colours for off-duty Americans, and indeed today you can still find the chinos and the simple shirts and tees.
But for summer 2010, the brand has moved away from that super-safe and conservative image, and come up with edgier, quirkier designs as well, such as the soft and simple floral cotton jackets that can be slung over anything.
As well as clothes, the brand is big on accessories. Bags are big and slouchy - you'll pay about £200 for a large tote - and I love, too, the vintagey diamante necklaces.
The bad news is that there is, as yet, no childrenswear available here - which is a shame because it's so fabulous it almost makes me want to go through childbirth. ...
We will have to wait, too, for the bridalwear - silk chiffon empire-line gowns that are so simple and affordable they make me want to get married again. Well, almost.
For now, J Crew womenswear is only available here online, from www.net-a-porter. com, which means you won't be able to try it on first. So I thought I would put the brand to the test with a few key pieces to take me to work, to summer parties, and on holiday.
THE T-SHIRT
The first summer staple I always need is a good tee that washes well and holds its shape. J Crew's has a scooped neck, which I hate, and although the neon colours are pretty, the fabric is far too flimsy. I can imagine very few women who would not feel self-conscious and exposed in it. Anyway, at £32 it's way too expensive. ...THE SHIRT
One of its shirts is gingham and a bit skimpy - all narrow arms and tiny waist - and at £47 is again too pricey. I like a shirt to have a bit of Lycra so it hugs the body and doesn't look creased. ...THE CASUAL SKIRT
This is chambray tiered skirt is just awful. It's £38 but looks as though it's from Primark. ...
THE COMFY DAY DRESS
J Crew's black-and-white striped silk sack dress with a drop waist is very pretty. Wear it over a bikini on holiday, and over leggings in town. It is quite sheer, though, so this is not a label for anyone wanting to conceal lumps and bumps, or a bra line. At £85, it is also not cheap. ...THE CASUAL JACKET
Now I love this olive military boyfriend jacket - again, very summer 2010 - that I just know will look as good in 20 years' time. I'd wear this nipped in with a wide brown leather belt over anything - a soft, long sarong and flat glads, jeans, a pencil skirt. ...THE MAXI DRESS
For casual parties and for holiday, this long, pink and beige silk chiffon maxi with rope belt is a bit shapeless, and for £230 it looks very cheap. ...
THE PLAYSUIT
Do you really need a play suit? What are you, 12 years old? Its romper suit is very floral, very sheer and very expensive - £71 for something you will hardly ever wear. ...
THE PENCIL SKIRT
This skirt is nude, which is the colour for summer, and has vertical black panels on the hips that shave inches off your silhouette. It is well cut, lined, and has the nice touch of a vivid pink waistband. My only gripe is the price: £78. ...
A SPECIAL DRESS FOR WEDDINGS AND PARTIES
There's a J Crew dress that looks fabulous in photographs, but don't be deceived. The embellishment is too heavy for the fabric, and the horizontal stripes make even the slimmest woman look wide. I asked a friend to guess the price, and she said £60. In fact it's £458. ...
J Crew is available at net-a-porter.com from early May.
What I did like about the article is the author's honesty on the individual clothes she gave mini-reviews for. She really called out some of the pieces' quality at the price points J.Crew is charging. However I don't think she really captured the essence of J.Crew's offerings with the items she selected to discuss. There are lots of other {great} J.Crew pieces that are worth investing in that could have been included on her list. Ah well!
Lastly, I am looking forward to seeing what pieces make the cut over at Net-A-Porter.
What are your thoughts on the article? Will you shop J.Crew via Net-A-Porter? Are there any pieces you are interested in?
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