J.Crew's Jenna on Mochila Bags

"Thanks!" to GemTwin & Rifka, who shared the following article from the New York Times (click here to read the article in its entirety).

Mochila Bags: In the Moment, and Long Gone
By Karin Nelson
June 30, 2010

IT takes the women of the Wayuu tribe of Colombia and Venezuela up to a month to weave a mochila bag, working eight hours a day, every day. It took no time at all for J.Crew, which featured the strappy satchels in its June catalog, to sell all of them. In fact, they were gone before many customers had even flipped open the issue.

“Craftsmanship is something rare and very valuable,” said Jenna Lyons, J.Crew’s creative director, who was not at all surprised by how quickly the bags went. “There are few things that are still made by hand, much less in a technique that is handed down through generations and is a means of support for a community.” On top of that, she added, “It’s a beautiful bag.”

But there is more to it than that. Recently, the mochila has become something of a cult item, toted around town by fashion editors and It girls, and the subject of chatter on style blogs. “It seems to be the iconic tribal bag,” said Anne Slowey, the fashion news director of Elle, who has picked up a few on her travels. “The perfect mix of practical, exotic and chic.

Much of the craze can be traced to November when the Vogue editor Lauren Santo Domingo organized the Mochila Project. For it, 40 designers, from Alexander Wang to Oscar de la Renta, were each given a traditional bag and asked to rework it in their own style. The extraordinary results — the Calvin Klein was trimmed in snakeskin; the J. Mendel, in fur — were then auctioned off at a charity event in Miami that left those nowhere near South Florida somewhat envious. ...

The PS1 bags, each of which takes five to seven mochilas to make, are $1,100 to $2,250 and will be hitting Barneys New York later this month. In the meantime, J.Crew has just received a second shipment of dusty-hued mochilas, which are $175 at its shop at 1035 Madison Avenue. At least, last we checked, they were.

I remember having a mochilla-style bag growing up. It was lovingly made by my Tia Maria as a gift. And thus, no where near these prices discussed in the article. I am actually surprised to hear how fast J.Crew's version sold out too! Those really didn't last long, did they? ;)

What are your thoughts on the article? Did you find any points shared particularly interesting? Do you like the style of the Mochila Bags?

Keeping Time with J.Crew's Classic Timex Watch {DIY style}

Me loveth this watch! I have been wearing it non-stop since I got it over the Holidays. Slowly, I am starting to collect the watch straps (up to six besides the black strap that it comes with). ;)

This blog has discussed J.Crew's Timex Military Watch (Item 10884; $150.00) a number of times (refer here, here, & here, as a few examples). There was even a post about a J.Crew Timex comparable watch (refer to the "Keeping Time with J.Crew's Classic Timex Watch {double take}" post.

A big "thanks!" to A who shared her do-it-yourself (DIY) tutorial on creating her own Timex for J.Crew-comparable-watch. The following is her how-to guide:

I was slow to warm up to the Timex Military Watch ($150, 10884), but I loved how Summerilla and DaniBP styled it so I added it to my (already quite long) J.Crew wishlist. I couldn’t justify spending that much on a new watch when I had just received a fairly nice watch from my husband as a birthday gift, so I did some sleuthing to figure out if I could get a cheaper substitute.

I ended up finding the Timex Men’s Metal Field Watch (#T40091) selling for $34.48 on Amazon.com and ordered it to see how close of a match it was. When I received it, I was thrilled to see it was almost an identical match! Of course it came with an absolutely hideous watch band and I wanted to take advantage of J.Crew’s cute interchangeable bands.

I considered taking it to a jeweler to remove the band, but since I knew I was never going to use the existing band, I decided to carefully cut the band off myself with kitchen shears. After removing the band, I put the watch face onto one of the J.Crew watch bands and voila—a Timex Military Watch for less than a third of the J. Crew price!

I’m including a picture of my watch and the version sold on by J.Crew. One difference I’ve noted is the word “Expedition” below “Timex” on my version, and there are a few other small differences, but the measurements and specs are identical, so it’s easy to use the interchangeable bands.

Also, note that Amazon also sells a version of the same watch with a green face, so make sure you don’t order that one if you want the dark gray face (although some people might like the green, it looks like it could be cute!) Anyways, hope this info helps other people who might be interested in duplicating my little experiment!

I have to say that the watches look amazingly similar. What is even better about A's version, besides the price tag, is the calendar date function on the face of the watch. Fantastic!!!

What are your thoughts on the Timex for J.Crew & comparable watches? Do you like the style? Do you own J.Crew's Timex or a similar version? If so, please share! :)

Cardmember Email: Jenna's favorite necklace

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Rosa In DC & Marietta, who shared with us the latest email from J.Crew to its card members.

The email above features the not-yet-officially-released-online Martha Necklace (Item 28402; $165.00). J.Crew describes this crystal grand strand as:

Dark silver ox-plated brass with Swarovski crystals. Signature spring clasp closure. Part of the J.Crew Collection.

This necklace is actually very similar to the necklace Jenna Lyons had on the Martha Stewart show last Winter (refer to the November 25th "J.Crew's Jenna Lyons to Appear with Martha Stewart {yes, that Martha Stewart!}" post). The necklace she wore on the segment was still in pre-production. Maybe they named it after Ms. Martha Stewart herself! :)

I really like the style of this necklace. I love the look of large glass stones— which is both simple and elegant. The length is just perfect around one's collarbones.

On a related note, I purchased both the Crystal Colletto Necklace (Item 25976; $118.00, in stores for $59.99) and the Small Crystal Colletto Bracelet (Item 26089; $70.00, in stores for $39.99) in Black recently. This necklace is very similar to the one featured in this email. I have to say I love love love them! This set looks so chic and can work with any outfit. I definitely would recommend it.

Incidentally, does this email only indicate that new arrivals will be available online soon? If so, then wahoo!

What are your thoughts on the Crystal Rock Necklace? Do you like the style- from the size to the style with its glass stones & chains?

Product Review: Wool Floral Scarf

I love it when JCAs share their product reviews! I find myself looking for a review from a fellow JCA on the blog roll, before making any purchases now. Not only has it saved me a few returns by purchasing the right size, I have also picked up a new piece or two that I would not have otherwise. :) Now to the review...

The Wool Floral Scarf (Item 23288; $59.50), aka Potpourri Scarf, has been very popular with the JCAs. I can understand why, with both its delicious Papaya & Cotton Candy versions. J.Crew describes it as:

Our classic fine-wool scarf/wrap, updated in buoyant spring florals. We borrowed two of our favorite prints from the women's collection for this style, which adds instant spring glamour to absolutely anything. Plus, we've perfected the wool blend to be floaty and light but still superwarm, so it's as chic over blouses and tees as it is knotted under your Macintosh coat on a brisk day.

A big "thanks!" to Belle de Jour who shared the following review:

There were two colourways for this scarf. This is the one with black, pink and papaya and matches the Ames dress. It's also available in a mini and a jacket.

I loved the colours on-line. As it was sold out, I rushed to call one of the stores listed by some friendly JCA. With some confusion on their part (they haven't done many phone sales, particularly to Canada), they promptly sent my beauty on its way.

I was thrilled when the parcel arrived. But not so thrilled when I opened the package. I'm a redhead with typical redhead colouring. I can wear black beautifully, and the papaya is stunning on me; however, the pink is pink and only makes me look pinker.

The scarf itself is soft and easily maniputable. It unwraps and untwists and unknots without a wrinkle. Unfortunately, this is a print not a weave, and you have to be careful how you wrap it. One side is vibrant and the other is faded.

This is as good as any of the J Crew scarves, just doesn't work for my colouring.

"Thanks!" again to Belle de Jour for her great review of this scarf!

For some reviews & real life images of this scarf, you have to check out:

• "JCrew New Arrivals: More IRL Pics" post
  over at the "My closet, my baby and I" blog
• "New J.Crew Items: Part I (Ruffle Henley, watercolor potpourri scarf, slub v-neck)" post
  over at the "Objects of My Closet's Affection" blog
• "Watercolor, Ruffles, and the Schoolboy: IRL Pics" post
  over at the "Fabulous Florida Mommy" blog

What are your thoughts on the Wool Floral Scarf? Have you seen or own this scarf? If so, what is your review of the fabric & print? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

Madewell Email: Vintage meets modern

"Thanks!" to Marietta, HeidiG, & Jaden, who shared the latest email Madewell (click here) sent yesterday.

The email features the Crystal Collage Necklace ($88.00) which is described as the following: "an artful mosaic of chunky crystals— an elegant mix of old and new". I am usually not a fan of Madewell's jewelry, and unfortunately I am not impressed with this necklace.

I am not a big of fan of J.Crew's overall "go big or go home" slogan for the featured pieces in its jewelry collection as of late. But that is just me & my preferences. And who knows? I might see a JCA, or two, rockin' this or some other large piece from J.Crew which makes me want to own it too. :)

What are your thoughts on the Crystal Collage Necklace? Do you like or dislike the style?

Keeping Time with J.Crew's Classic Timex Watch {double take}

This blog has discussed J.Crew's Timex Military Watch (Item 10884; $150.00) a number of times (refer here, here, & here, as a few examples).

If you flip through J.Crew's catalog, you will have noticed that this watch is *the* accessory to have. In part, thanks to the delicious shades that the Watch Strap (Item 19474; $20.00) comes in, like Neon Rose and Birch.

My initial thought when the watch first came out is that I like it *and* that it is very {very} pricey for a Timex. However, over time I fell in love with it. I tried to find a cheaper alternative online, as well as with visits to Wal-Mart and Target, but found nothing close.

Between the fantastic styling from J.Crew's holiday catalogs & Summerilla's "Sum Sunshine" blog (refer here, here , & here, as some examples), I caved in. I ended up not only getting the watch at J.Crew, but some of the watch straps (in gorgeous Authentic Red & stunning Bronzed Biege).

Sorry for the rambling on. Now here comes the point of this post... A big "thanks!" to Danielle who found a J.Crew-Timex comparable watch for a fraction of the price, from a post over at Trip's "A Trip Down South" blog (click here).

The watch on the left is J.Crew's version. The watch on the right is the Squad Leader Watch (Item #16163; $31.99) from U.S. Calvalry. From the images, the watches are remarkably similar. Even better? Danielle shares that the bands for both watches measure 18mm", so one could use J.Crew's watch straps {in super pretty shades} for the Squad Leader Watch.

What are your thoughts on the Timex & Squad Leader watches? Do you like the style? Do you own either one? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Email: The statement piece of the season (plus, FREE SHIPPING)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Dina & Marietta, who shared with us the latest email from J.Crew this morning.

The email above features the Crystal Devoté Necklace (Item 23752; $150.00). J.Crew describes the statement necklace as:

One of our favorites of the season, with a multitextured mix of metal meets glass (and a touch of delicate silk ribbon thrown in for good measure). Finished with a golden fireburst of hand-set Czech rhinestones, it's the one that gets you compliments every time. Hand-set Czech rhinestones on a light antiqued steel chain with 18K gold-plated metal castings. Hand-knotted smooth and faceted beads with silk ribbon. Signature spring clasp closure.

I am feeling "meh" on the overall design of the Crystal Devoté Necklace. I like the two star-bursts & the main chain, but the additional ribbon & beads seem "too much". I would love to see this necklace without the additions. Or the starbursts on a single or double beaded necklace. But that is just me. ;)

J.Crew has some of the loveliest *simple* necklaces at their brick & mortar (B&M) stores. Like the single strand chain with randomly placed pearls and stones for less than $40. I would love to see those get featured. :)

J.Crew is also offering customers free shipping on purchases of $150+ with promo code SHIP150. This offer expires 2/24/10.

What are your thoughts on the necklace? Do you like the design? Will you be taking advantage of this free shipping promotion?

Cardmember Email: Psst. The gotta-have-it spring necklace, just for Cardmembers.

"Thanks!" to many of you, including HeidiG, Rosa In DC, Marietta, Twiga, Cass, & Alisa, who shared with us the latest email from J.Crew to its card members.

The email above features the not-yet-officially-released-online Crystal Rock Necklace (Item 26074; $128.00). J.Crew describes the rock candy necklace (which comes in either Gunmetal or Copper) as:

A bold statement piece, assembled completely by hand with oversize stones (we love the contrast of their heft with the beautiful luminosity of the faceted glass). Equally at home peeking from beneath a button-down shirt or grazing the neckline of a favorite dress, it's the one you'll wear again and again—and again. Round glass stones on a hematite-plated (gunmetal) or copper-and-gold-plated (copper) brass-and-steel chain. Signature spring clasp closure with connector ring.

Frankly, I am not sure if I like this necklace or not. The round glass stones (in both shades) are lovely. However, I am not sure what to make of the stones surrounded by cheap-looking chain. And the size factor... dayum! Is it just me, or does it look huge on the mannequin?

Incidentally, does this email only indicate that new arrivals will be available online soon? If so, then wahoo!

What are your thoughts on the Crystal Rock Necklace? Do you like the style- from the size to the style with its glass stones & chains?

J.Crew Email: Buy now, love forever

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who shared with us the latest email from J.Crew this morning.

The email above features the Grommet Parlour Hobo (Item 23176; $298.00). We already got a sneak peak to this bag awhile back (refer to the January 21st "Cardmember Email: A sneak preview from our spring collection (just for Cardmembers)" post). J.Crew describes the hobo as:

Our design team (and everyone else) is mad for this handbag. Part motorcycle chic, part impeccable uptown construction, it's one of our favorite shapes in soft pebbled leather and a tricked-out body with a smattering of studs and grommets. With multiple pockets to keep you organized and an adjustable strap for versatility. Top snap closure with two zip pockets. Shiny gold hardware. Interior front-wall split-patch cell pocket, back-wall zip pocket. Cotton twill lining. Part of the J.Crew Collection.

There are now more colors/ versions to enjoy. Originally it came in either Black or Pale Buff. Now it also comes in Rosy Peach and Soft Dove (grey).

I originally did not care for the bag. After seeing it in person... I actually think the Pale Buff version is quite lovely. The gold tinted grommets actually play quite well against the light tan leather. I also saw the Black version in person and it did not seem that bad either.

What are your thoughts on the hobo? Have you seen it in-person? Has your opinion on the hobo change? Do you like the style- from the size to the style with its studs & grommets?