J.Crew's July Catalog {double check it!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marisa as well as goldcoastgal, who let us know that the latest catalog sent may have a unique promotional code (for something like 20% off on any order, free shipping with no minimum, or $20 off a certain amount).

In particular, Marisa shared the following:

I just got a catalog, July, with a 20% off card inside. On the cover it says that there is a little surprise inside on page 21, so maybe everyone is getting this code? Good thru July 4 and it seems to be a one-time use sort of code

So check your catalog to see if you got a unique promo code too! :)

J.Crew Video: Handbag's Day In Rome

I so want to be on holiday in Italy right now...

I can't believe I am writing this, but I am jealous of a handbag. I mean, it has a better vacation than I will this summer. ;)

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Christy, Fiona, & Silver_Lining (in this post), as well as Marietta & Irina, who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website today (click here to view online).

There are some new arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here). {wahoo!} Of course, Crewcuts got updated too (click here). Even the J.Crew Collection (click here) displays new arrivals for Summer.
J.Crew has also provided the latest catalog online (click here to view). As for the new arrivals...

I am in love... Island Paisley Perfect Shirt (Item 28026; $78.00) looks amazing!!! The intricate and feminine design on the shirt has already won me over. :)

Cute... I think the Reusable Canvas Totes (Item 24934; $10.00) are adorable. I love that they keep updating the design on the bag.

My eyes hurt... What is up with the Hooded Cotton Slicker (Item 27894; $128.00)? Shapeless rain slickers are not J.Crew's forte. Remember the 2008 disaster of the Lucido Jacket (Item 96559, $1,800.00)?

What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you expecting a bigger roll-out today? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)
Quick Poll: What are your thoughts on the newest arrivals?

J.Crew Video: When In Rome...

Remember Rome? I do, I do! There are a series of "behind the catalog" videos from the production company J.Crew hired, called Alarming Pictures (click here for their YouTube channel).

Perfect to watch on a lazy Summer afternoon. Charming music, vibrant colors, and such happy faces... I love it all!

I also plan on posting the other catalog/videos for the next few days because they are awesome! (Let's stretch out the walk down memory lane.) :)

J.Crew's Latest Catalog + Jezebel = Hilarious!

"Thanks!" to La Belle Helene (in this post) who shared a {very funny} link from Jezebel about J.Crew's latest Summer catalog (click here to read the "J.Crew's Summer Abroad: Sweet Swimsuits, Sharp Shorts & Dreadful Dresses" post).

The line of "Memorial day is the unofficial start of summer, and J.Crew has what you need to kick off the season: Slinky little bathing suits, preppy little shorts, and dresses so hideous you may need to shield your eyes." is great. My favorite might be (because they are all so good!): "I'm all for swimming in jewelry — I am the kind of person who keeps all rings, watches and bracelets on while frolicking in the Mediterranean — but this ensemble — long necklaces and long-sleeved, belted sweater — is not conducive to doing a laps in the lake. Do not attempt!"

And remember to read the user comments below. Some of them are hysterical!!! ;)

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Desert Flower, Marietta, & Irina, who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website today (click here to view online).

There are some new arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here). {wahoo!} Although the J.Crew Collection (click here) & catalog online (click here to view) displays the same new arrivals for Summer from last time.

What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you expecting a bigger roll-out today? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)

J.Crew's June Catalog {double check it!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Desert Flower & Erica (in this post) as well as ZanyAZ, who let us know that the latest catalog sent may have a unique promotional code (for something like 20% off on any order, free shipping with no minimum, or $20 off a certain amount).

What's even more interesting is the specific code that ZanyAZ received. She shares the following:

...in my June catalog there was a one time use coupon for 20% off if I use my AMEX. It's unclear whether it's sponsored by AMEX or J.Crew, but it's still awesome. It's only valid online through June 6 and not valid on non J.Crew items. ...just thought the other JCAs should double check their catalogs. ...it's deep purple and mine was on page 3 with a purple circle on the front saying special offer inside with the AMEX logo.

So check your catalog to see if you got a unique promo code too! :)

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, Desert Flower, & Irina, who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website today (click here to view online).

There are some new arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here). {wahoo!} Although the J.Crew Collection (click here) displays the same new arrivals for Summer from last time.

J.Crew has also provided the latest catalog online (click here to view). The Men's catalog for June is available too. As for the new arrivals...

What I am feeling. I am head over heels for all the madras and gingham in the catalog! In particular, I love the Gingham Schoolboy Blazer (Item 27098; $148.00). I think it such a great jacket for the summer.

Definitely Questioning. I do not like the stripes on the Spritzer-Stripe Satchel (Item 27961; $278.00) at all. J.Crew describes the stripes as "webbed cloth panel with fun stripes in splashy summer shades. Think of it as our quirky take on nautical." The stripes is what kills the bag for me-- it makes it look like a duffel bag I used to carry in junior high to swim class.

In general. I am "over" the art-tees with random paint spots that look like flowers but aren't really. Moreover, is it just me, or does it appear to be an overabundance of mini-skirts? Don't get me wrong I like mini-skirts, just not on me. I recall back-in-the-day, when J.Crew would carry additional lengths besides the mini (let's say for example, knee-length). ;)

J.Crew is also offering 20% off & free shipping on all Men's & Women's Swimwear. This offer is automatically applied (no code needed) and expires 5/31/10. The fine print reads:

Prices as marked. Offer valid at J.Crew stores and jcrew.com only and cannot be redeemed for cash or applied to previous purchases. Offer valid through Sunday, May 23, 2010, 11:59pm ET on Internet orders shipped via regular shipping (4 to 7 business days). Free shipping applies only to online orders of men's and women's swim. Free ground shipping on men's and women's swim is applied automatically at checkout. Offer not valid on phone orders.

What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you expecting a bigger roll-out today? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)

Sneak Peek Into J.Crew's June Catalog {part II}

A big "thanks!" to Slastena (check out her "Sneak Peek: J Crew's June 2010 Catalogue -The Good..." post from her {amazing} About All and Nothing at All blog) who shared some more sneak peeks from the newest catalog with us. {yey!} Just click on any of the images to view them larger.
I honestly thought by now, the new arrivals would be on the website. But I am now guessing they want the SUMMER (20% off) promo to end first. So hopefully the new arrivals & catalog should be up tomorrow morning. :)

P.S. Who else is happy to see the madras print back at J.Crew!?! {yey!}

What are your thoughts? Has your opinion on the upcoming Summer line changed? Have you received the latest catalog? Are you looking forward to the new arrivals from J.Crew?

J.Crew's May Catalog {double check it!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Stephanie, as well as Allison & Desert Flower (in this post), who let us know that the latest catalog sent may have a unique promotional code (for something like 20% off on any order, free shipping with no minimum, or $20 off a certain amount).

So check your catalog to see if you got a unique promo code too! :)

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Christy (in this post), LilyBart (in this post), as well as Marietta, who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website today (click here to view online).

There are some new arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here). {wahoo!} Even the J.Crew Collection (click here) displays the new arrivals for Summer.


J.Crew has also provided the latest catalog online (click here to view). It is another destination location of Turks & Caicos with the tag line of "a day in paradise". Gorgeous! :) Also available is is the Men's only catalog for May 2010. :) As for the new arrivals...

Loves it! I love love love the Dizzy Floral Perfect Shirt (Item 26239; $78.00)! The floral design reminds me of my Hello Kitty stickers that I still own (& use!) The Featherweight Cotton Ruffle Cardigan (Item 26603; $79.50) is lovely. It has just the right amount of ruffles along the front and comes in the most delicious shades. I am also drooling over the Piped-and-Twisted Pocket Cardigan (Item 26139; $88.00). It comes in classic shades that make you want to go back to college. :) I also love that the Ladies' Companion Totes (Item 24934; $10.00) are now available online. So cute!!!

Can't decide yet. I don't know about the Cozumel Tunic (Item 26153; $78.00). The Pale Lilac looks "meh" on the model, however the Saltwater Grey & Champagne versions look quite nice. The Sea Urchin Ring (Item 28023; $50.00) doesn't look that great online, but it could in-person. I don't know why, but it reminds me of Ursula in the Little Mermaid.

Oh my! Did you catch the La Sequin Crochet Dress (Item 27120; $1,400.00)? I really dislike this dress. Unless you have a perfect body (like the model shown), every bump will show up ...with sequins to point it out too! Who needs that kind of pressure? ;)

Hmm. The Liberty print for the Plume-Print Plunge Tank (Item 27132; $125.00) reminds me a lot of the Liberty for Target bathing suit (click here) & tiered dress (click here).

Hates it! The Ruffled Zip Shell (Item 26013; $128.00) could have been nice, but this version just looks weird. The Tissue Flutter Tank (Item 26315; $35.00) looks messy on the one side. I honestly think it's one of those pieces that is a bit too difficult to wear. All I can say about the Denim Vest (Item 27362; $88.00) is no, no, no!
What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you expecting a bigger roll-out today? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)

Sneak Peek Into J.Crew's May Catalog

We got to see some sneak peeks into the latest catalog in the "Sneak Peek: What's to Come in May!" and the "Sneak Peek: What's to Come in May! {round 2}" posts, and now here is a bit more...

A big "thanks!" to dinagideon (in this post) who let us know that she posted several pages of the latest May Catalog from J.Crew over at her {amazing} My Superfluities... blog. Check out her "A One Day Early Sneak Peek into J. Crew's May 2010..." post to see more!

Incidentally, as many of you have mentioned, it looks like tomorrow the website will be updated with new arrivals. {yey!}

What are your thoughts on the catalog? Do you like or dislike any of the items shown? Are you excited about the website updating with new arrivals tomorrow? :)

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Heidi, Christy, & maureen1125 (in this post), as well as Marietta, who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website today (click here to view online).

There are some new arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here). {wahoo!} Although the J.Crew Collection (click here) looks to be the same with its new arrivals from last time.

J.Crew has also provided the latest catalog online (click here to view). Since I am so ready for Spring, I find the catalog to be delightful! All the bright colors & lovely flowers {randomly tucked in belts and bags} are gorgeous. Also available is is the Men's only catalog for April 2010. :) As for their new arrivals...

Hearts-a-flutter! I know the Dotsalota Chiffon Cami (Item 24733; $138.00) looks kind of clownish, but I love it! I am a sucker for polka a dots and ruffles. And how cute is the item name!?! I am also loving the Watercolor Pastiche Perfect Shirt (Item 25238; $78.00). Not only is the watercolor pattern perfect for Spring, but the cotton-silk fabric will work well for those warm Spring days. Lastly, the Waterfloral Pastiche Delphinia Gown (Item 25144; $650.00) might be the loveliest item of all. So pretty! If it weren't for the price, this little number would be going home with me. :)

Hearts-a-breaking. The Denim Utility Shirt (Item 24431; $88.00) looks tired. Frankly, it looks more Madewell than J.Crew. Stick to what works well, like the polish looking Chambray Cotton Contrast-Stitch Perfect Shirt (Item 15463; $78.00). What's up with the Magpie Medallion Vest (Item 25163; $750.00). It might be the way it's styled, but it looks blah. And that price tag? Let's just hope they only made 2 of these. ;)

Say what now? Um, is the Luxe Terry Un-Sweatpant (Item 26049; $59.50) for realz? (An image of it is shown above.) Is this an item that one would honestly wear outside the home? I just think sweatpant-skinny pants (with an ankle zipper!) screams disaster. Did you also catch the Gallery Overalls (Item 23572; $168.00)? (Image shown to the right.) J.Crew states this is "a great alternative to jeans" and it couldn't be farther from the truth. I just don't think the slightly oversized, faded, paint splattered, cropped leg (yes, its cropped!) overalls are anywhere near "great". And the price tag... at $168 I would expect it to look a lot better than something I would find in the trash. (There I said it! I think this piece is rubbish.)

Final Sale. As many of you have pointed out, the Final Sale section (click here to shop online) had quite an update today. It might be a good time to check it out, in search of any coveted items that you missed the first time around. :)

What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you expecting a bigger roll-out today? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)

J.Crew's March Catalog {double check it!}

In the past few months, JCAs found something extra in the catalog J.Crew mailed them (refer to the "J.Crew's Latest Catalog {double check it!}" & "J.Crew's October Catalog {double check it!}" posts). J.Crew had been offering one-time promotion codes— ranging from free shipping codes with no minimums, to 10% to 20% off any order with no minimums, and the like.

Well, it looks like J.Crew is doing something similar again! :)

"Thanks!" to Justyna who let us know she received her catalog the other day with a one-time promotion code for 20% (no min) on her next order.

So if you get the latest J.Crew catalog in the next week or two, double check inside to see if there's a special offer.

Oddly enough, I did receive the Portugal catalog on Monday with an expired code. (It read: "but hurry... offer is good only until Sunday, February 14th". ...right!). ;) But in all seriousness, I am really happy for those JCAs who received something extra in their copy of the catalog.

Congrats to all those with an offer! :)

J.Crew in the News: Catalogs Add to the Shopping Experience

There is an article over at eConsultancy (click here) that discusses how retailers (in particular J.Crew) who use catalogs can benefit in this digitally driven age.

Case Study: J.Crew shows what print catalogs can add to the online shopping experience
By Meghan Keane
March 3, 2010

Impressive advances in e-commerce websites— and consumer web proficiency— have changed the business of online shopping. But while retailers may have started to downplay the importance of catalogs a few years ago, there is still plenty of insight to be gained from those print products.

In fact, according to Coy Clement, who runs catalog and multichannel direct marketing consultancy clementDirect, online shoppers who read retail catalogs are often better at using e-tail websites than those that get there through search engines. A look at one of his client's website's — J.Crew — shows how retailers can take those lessons to heart.

Clement, who spoke with eMarketer, has clients that include Procter & Gamble and Hewlett-Packard as well as J.Crew. He finds that catalogs are an excellent way to direct consumers, both online and off: "I’ve seen cases where people who’ve received the catalog buy the featured items. They know what they’re looking for, and they use the catalog as a guide to what the company is selling. People who show up through organic search or a corporate high-traffic site have much more difficulty navigating the Website because they really don’t know what the key items are."

But that also means that retailers are doing a better job creating their catalogs than organizing content on their websites. Clement's been trying to change that: "I’ve helped retailers design three or four different methods of accessing the Website, for instance shopping by intended gift recipient, by occasion, by a category or by price point. If you offer people on the Website the ability to do any of those four things, what you figure out is which ones are most used."

There are plenty of ways to demonstrate how retailers are taking catalog lessons to heart. For instance, features like this one from J.Crew that shows how the clothes can work together.

The web also provides more room to explore features that may not fit in the pages of a catalog, where conversations started offline can continue. J.Crew has implemented that strategy with its March catalog, which featured real life women who "inspire" J.Crew style. Online, the company has interviews with the women that customers can read:

Features like this may not directly send customers to product links, but they help convey a lifestyle that a brand like J.Crew would like to promote — something that catalogs and magazine features do so well.

J.Crew has gone through sizable efforts to help guide customers through the online shopping experience. While consumers can shop by items of clothing, they can also see entire outfits styled by J.Crew's team and see the clothes in ways that are hard to imagine in a grid of all shirts on sale.

Giving customers multiple options is one way to test out how different deliveries work with consumers. But also, search metrics can help with product layouts. According to Clements: "Another thing I’ve done with retailers is look at search terms and learn about the customers’ terminology. Is she looking for blouses or tops? Merchants might be talking terms like tops, but maybe the customer isn’t ever using that word for search. Search terms can give you an insight into the actual way customers are thinking about your products."

But while catalogs are still a great way to reach consumers, the ways that people interact with them are changing. Says Clement: "If you’re selling electronics for instance, anybody who’s a sophisticated electronics shopper knows that by the time you get the catalog, it’s old news. So if you send out catalogs, there’s got to be a purpose other than announcing new products in the electronics field. For a given audience or product category, print meets the customers’ needs differently."

I totally agree with the author that catalogs from J.Crew help me find items online a lot faster. Like many of you, when a catalog arrives at my home I start tabbing the pages of items I want. From those pages, I go online and search for merchandise using the item numbers. Moreover, I use the catalogs for outfit inspiration. On several occasions, I have re-created looks from head to toe because they are so beautifully styled in the catalogs (from throughout the years) . :)

What are your thoughts on the article? Do you disagree or agree that paper catalogs add to the customers' shopping experience?

J.Crew's March Catalog: Behind the Muse {w/Jenna}

There is a great article over at the StyleList (click here) that has J.Crew's Creative Director, Jenna Lyons, discussing the lovely ladies behind this month's catalog.

J.Crew Spring Catalog - First Look With Jenna Lyons
By Jennifer Paull
March 1, 2010

Remember those dashing real guys from J.Crew's November catalog? They've met their match in a group of real-life ladies featured in the upcoming March mailing (out this week).

Creative director Jenna Lyons gives StyleList a sneak peek at the company's new "muses."

In good Grecian style, J.Crew highlights nine muses, each with an arty bent. The creative team selected these women for their inventive and inspiring tastes. None are professional models, but each has a keen aesthetic sense which shaped their catalog ensembles.

Lyons plucked a few of the muses from her own circle of friends, including author and fashion consultant Amanda Brooks and interior designer Celerie Kemble.

Stylist Dianna Lunt was recruited after the J.Crew team saw her picture on the Sartorialist street style blog. "I have pictures of her on my wall," confesses Lyons. "We cold-called her because we've been personally stalking her style."

A couple of muses cropped up in J.Crew's own backyard. Molly Carey is a designer for the line who creates bib necklaces on the side. Mei Tao, a photographer who works with the company, "wears J.Crew like no one else," promises Lyons.

And who's that girl that you can practically hear laughing right in the center of the catalog cover? Naomi Beckwith, a curator at The Studio Museum in Harlem, whom Lyons met at a museum event.

Each of these women reveal more about their personal style and their creative endeavors on the J.Crew site. These aspects influenced their catalog looks. "We created outfits for them that they'd be comfortable in, that would make them feel like themselves," explains Lyons.

For instance, the polished Kemble appears in a pencil skirt and chiffon-and-petal embellished cardigan. Tougher-edged Lunt, on the other hand, rocks a bomber jacket.

Further into the catalog, the professional models step in, posing in the new season's line. While glimpses of a boat, palm fronds and azure water evoke warm weather, the shots focus on a feeling rather than a location.

"We used the outside more like a studio," said Lyons. "We wanted you to feel that intense sun when summer comes around."

How about one of the biggest seasonal trends: shorts? The catalog is full of them, paired with everything from a boyfriend sweatshirt to sequins.

"Shorts right now are the skinny jeans of summer," counsels Lyons. "If you have the legs for it, by all means, go for it! No holds barred. I think a big oversized men's shirt and little shorts is so sexy."

The menswear pages, meanwhile, also have special guests: The men of "Monocle," a London-based global-culture magazine. J.Crew's CEO Millard "Mickey" Drexler has known "Monocle"'s editor-in-chief Tyler Brûlé for years and gradually the idea of a catalog feature developed.

The "Monocle" staff agreed to let J. Crew do the styling; the photos were snapped in the editorial offices and in front of the brand's shop. "Tyler has an office full of smart, interesting, adorable boys!" enthused Lyons. "What more could you want?"

I loved learning more about J.Crew's "muses". Jenna Lyons has the most-awesome circle of friends too! All of the {inspirational} women selected are absolutely beautiful. I would love to see J.Crew continue this marketing concept in more of their catalogs.

Incidentally, who else laughed out loud when they read the next big thing is ...shorts! I guess I was expecting something more specific (like cuffed satin shorts in navy or something). ;)

What are your thoughts on the article? Are there any tidbits you found particularly interesting? Would you like to see this concept continued in future catalogs?

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including opheliasmom (in this post), as well as Christy, Heidi, & FFM (in this post), & Marietta, who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website today (click here to view online).

There are some new arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here). {wahoo!} Although the J.Crew Collection (click here) displays the same slide show of new arrivals from February.

J.Crew has also provided the latest catalog online (click here to view). Also available is is the Men's only catalog for March 2010. :) As for the new arrivals...

Crushin' on: I already mentioned some of my favs in an earlier post (refer to "J.Crew's Catalog for March 2010 {thanks FFM!}"), like the the Roses Vines Perfect Shirt (Item 23484; $78.00) which has a fabulous print. Of course, I found more items to love! I am also crushin' big time on the Cotton-Gauze Petal Cardigan (Item 24596; $98.00). The scalloped petals down the front placket are absolutely lovely. Although, I am not a fan that it is "hand wash" (really J.Crew?) There is also the Sunshine Peony Cardigan (Item 24938; $98.00) with its "ready for Spring" watercolor floral print.

Hatin' on: Why, oh why, did you include the Matte Jersey Curator Pant (Item 25507; $168.00)? Call them "curator pants" all you want, but those are harem pants. No one can rock these. No one. And to call them a "a work of genius" makes me really question you sometimes J.Crew. Seriously, you can do better. Much better. While we are in the pants section, I do not care for the Silky Linen Slouchy Pant (Item 24575; $69.50). It is the distant cousin to last year's Linen-Silk City Pant (Item 20184; $98.00). This is one family reunion I am going to have to pass on. I also have to mention the Crystal Nebula Bracelet (Item 25319; $78.00). I saw it in person and gawked at the massive size of the orbs. I don't know how anyone could legitimately wear this bracelet for a whole day without banging into stuff constantly. Bigger is not always better. Better is better. (You know what I am talking about Mickey!) :)

What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you expecting a bigger roll-out today? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)

J.Crew's Catalog for March 2010 {thanks FFM!}

First, we saw some pages ("thanks!" to Audreybella in the "Sneak Peek to the Latest J.Crew Catalog {thanks Audreybella!}" post). Now we can view the entire catalog. {yey!} A super big "thanks!" to FFM (in this post), who let us know she scanned the entire catalog and posted it all for us to drool over at her {great} Fabulous Florida Mommy blog (refer to her "J.Crew March 2010 Catalog Preview" post).



Several brick & mortar (B&M) stores have been putting new arrivals on their floors yesterday. A few JCAs on this blog mentioned the new March roll-out will be happening online soon (in particular, this Thursday).

What I do know is that I look forward to browsing this new catalog! :) Especially because it's so cold outside (& snowing!) I need to see better weather (which the catalog refreshingly provides with its Spring-time palette of colors & styles).

I am loving the Roses Vines Perfect Shirt (Item 23484; $78.00) on page 53. What can I say? I am a sucker for small flower prints on a button-down! :) I am also crushin' on the Reese Gladiator sandals (with & without the studs) on page 5. I love the zipper on the heel— super convenient for putting on!

What I am *not* loving still? That Silk-Linen Jumpsuit (Item 22736; $148.00) that J.Crew lovingly refers to as its "one-piece wonder" and the "jumpsuit in luxurious silk-linen (yes, you really can wear it)". ;)

Lastly, I think J.Crew's Designer Molly Carey is absolutely stunning, but she makes some over-the-top necklaces! Did you catch the one-of-a-kind bib necklace she created (on page 2 & 11)? (She is also the designer behind those one-of-a-kind necklaces from last year. Refer to the August 31st "J.Crew Accessory: One of a Kind Necklace {sold}" post.)

What are your thoughts on the latest catalog (from the selected images shown)? Are you a fan (or not a fan) of the latest styles being offered? Do you like J.Crew's use of inspirational women as models?

Sneak Peek to the Latest J.Crew Catalog {thanks Audreybella!}

A big "thanks!" to GigiOfCa (in this post) who let us know that Audreybella has posted some images from the newest J.Crew Catalog over at her {fantastic} Life is Short...Buy the Shoes (refer to her "What I Like" post to view the original post as well as additional images). Just click on any image below for a larger view.

Audreybella also shares with us the following interesting tidbit about the catalog:

The theme - Who's That Girl? They used women "who inspire us every day" - a museum curator, a freelance stylist, a ballerina, an author, some photographers and a mom to be to name a few to be models in the first few pages of the catalog.

I am looking really forward to getting the latest catalog! The floral swimsuit looks absolutely stunning. I hope the same print gets used for other articles of clothing too (e.g. button down shirts, skirts, etc.). I also love the idea of using inspirational women as models. In the past, J.Crew has used some of their employees to model. But I love this new take on it. Bravo J.Crew! :)

Side Notes: (1) How do some JCAs score the latest catalogs so early? Lucky ducks! :) (2) J.Crew should consider a maternity line. One of the women featured in the catalog (who happens to be pregnant) looks so beautiful with her black J.Crew dress.

What are your thoughts on the latest catalog (from the selected images shown)? Are you a fan (or not a fan) of the latest styles being offered? Do you like J.Crew's use of inspirational women as models?