J.Crew Email: Straight from Jenna's desk

"Thanks!" to Marietta, Desert Flower, & Twiga, who let us know about another email J.Crew sent out today.

The email above features the not-yet-officially-released-online Monza racing jacket (Item 29779; $595.00). J.Crew describes this Fall bad-*ss jacket as:

Inspired by the slim cut and buttery feel of a vintage Italian racing jacket, this chic adaptation was crafted in hand-washed Italian leather and is fitted and flattering in all the right places. But it's the design details—a distressed finish, chunky button-flap pockets and rib trim—that make it truly covetable. Rounded collar. Zip closure. Long sleeves. Fully lined. Hits at hip. Part of the J.Crew Collection. Import. Dry clean. Catalog/jcrew.com only.

It does look nice. But it is too hot to think about wearing such a jacket right now! (We are experiencing a bit of a heatwave in New England.) Right now, tank tops and shorts is all I can bear to look at. ;)

What are your thoughts on the jacket? Do you like the style? Will you get it?

J.Crew Email: A VIP look at a design team favorite

J.Crew is a busy bee with all these emails sent out today! ;) "Thanks!" to Walt, who let us know about another email J.Crew sent out to the Guys today.

The email above features the not-yet-officially-released-online Alden® for J.Crew Cap Toe Cordovan Boots (Item 20853; $595.00). J.Crew describes these shoes as:

A handcrafted masterpiece in genuine shell cordovan leather by Alden® (est. 1884), an icon of old-school American shoemaking—and it's ours alone. Alden's integrity and attention to craft have long made us loyal followers, and these boots are no exception. Each one is handcrafted entirely in the U.S. using shell cordovan (for its magnificent lustre and extraordinary durability), which is vegetable tanned for six months at one of the country's oldest tanneries. Features all of Alden's hallmark details including their famed Goodyear® welt, full-leather lining and tempered steel shank. They don't make them like this anymore. If properly cared for, these boots will last for generations (to make sure they do, you can send them back to Alden for resoling). Because these are handmade, your size may be on back order. We recommend putting yourself on the waiting list (trust us, it's the worth the wait). Double leather outsole. USA. This shoe was shaped over a Barrie last and runs o

The description is pretty interesting for a few reasons: (1) It looks like they didn't get to finish it. The last sentence leaves me wanting more. (2) I like how they state up-front that these shoes may *already* be on back-order. Didn't they *just* come out? (3) I love that they insist you get on the wait-list staring now. How about ordering enough so no wait-list is needed? ;)

As for the shoes itself, they do look pretty darn awesome! And I have to give it to Alden for actually resoling shoes for customers anytime. (I am curious, will they offer this service for free or for a fee? If it's free, than the price of the shoes seem way more reasonable.)

What are your thoughts on the Alden® for J.Crew Cap Toe Cordovan Boots? Do you like the shoes? Will you order it?

J.Crew Email: Straight from Jenna's desk

"Thanks!" to xoxo, as well as Girlification of Jules (in this post), who let us know about another email J.Crew sent out today.

The email above features the not-yet-officially-released-online Exhibitor Mega Tote (Item 29448; $375.00). J.Crew describes this Fall bag as:

For those of us who love keeping their carryall options open, we're thrilled to introduce this cleverly tough-chic design chameleon in luscious black leather with glossy gold zipper and chain hardware. This ingeniously designed handbag features a bottom that unzips to add even more capacity, and a crossbody strap that can be attached to the middle of the bag, creating a much smaller foldover. Crafted in smooth, luxurious soho cow leather, it has antiqued-finish gold-plated hardware, a magnetic snap closure and oodles of pockets, including two roomy main compartments separated by a zip pocket, as well as a plethora of extra hiding places. At any size, this uber-versatile three-in-one wonder is our hands-down-must-have this season. Exterior zip pocket. Interior back-wall zip pocket, front-wall split-patch cell pocket. Cotton twill lining. Part of the J.Crew Collection. Import. Comes with dust bag. Removable, adjustable shoulder strap fully extends to 22". 8 1/2" handle drop. 15"H x 20"W

Personally, I am not feeling the bag. Which I am surprised at, because I usually love bags with lots of pockets and with a shoulder strap. But it's my impression from only seeing one image. I would need to see it in-person to make any final judgment.

Slightly off topic... You know how J.Crew offers additional views of the bag, including an interior shot, for select handbags? It would be great to see those varying shots (from the side, inside, and on a live model) available for all bags, and not just some. :)

What are your thoughts on the Exhibitor Mega Tote? Do you like the bag? Will you order it?

J.Crew Shares Fall LookBook

The JCAs have seen previews of the Fall 2010 Collection for sometime (refer to the June 16th "J.Crew Email: Exclusively yours: a behind-the-scen..." and April 2nd "J.Crew's Fall Preview Is Here!" posts).

But here's some more for your viewing pleasure!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Lyssa, Twiga, Danielle, Jordyn, LouiseR, JCrew Guy In Canada, as well as Silver_Lining (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew has posted the Fall 2010 Look Book on their website, as well as share those images with us.

I decided to not post the slide show of the images because I find it slows down the blog a bit (i.e. it takes awhile for the page to load on some computers). Instead I will post the following links:

• Click HERE to view the Women's Fall 2010 Look Book
• Click HERE to view the Men's Fall 2010 Look Book

Men's Collection looks absolutely amazing. Everything is flawless in its execution. For the Women's Collection... Personally, I am not crazy about the styling. It's also hard to see what the individual pieces look like with all that layering goin' on. With all that said, I know me. I know that there will be an item or two from the Fall Collection that I will fall "head over heels" in love with. So I will reserve final judgment in the Fall. ;)

What are your thoughts on the Fall 2010 Collection? Do you like the Look Book recently released? Would you like to see more styles from J.Crew?

J.Crew Email: Even more new arrivals, in stores and online

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, Desert Flower, & Irina, who let us know about J.Crew's most recent email.

The email reminds us that new Summer arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here) are not only available online, but in brick & mortar (B&M) stores too!

Moreover, as many of you have noticed, the Final Sale section had quite an update this morning (click here to shop Sale online).

Have you checked out the latest arrivals in-person at your local store? Were there any pieces you are super excited (or disappointed) about? :)

J.Crew Collection Video {what's that song?}

On Thursday, J.Crew updated their website with new arrivals (refer to the "J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!" post). On the homepage, there is a new Collection video which features a model wearing several outfits while dancing. Since then a lot of JCAs have been wondering about the music playing behind the Collection video on J.Crew's homepage.

A big "thanks!" to Kumi (in this post) who shared with us the following insight:

Loveprints- I did a little research, as I really love the song. I found that the text in the song didn't come up with anything on the web linking it to a song or singer. The first lyric is "je ne me laisserai pas seduire" and then some stuff and then "je ne ferai pas l'amour". It's kind of an anti-love song. So I e-mailed J.Crew and here is the response (my e-mail question is in the latter part of this entry):

Hi Kumi,

Wish I had a better answer for you but it's an original song we composed for the Collection Video. It doesn't have a name. I'm sorry for any disappointment.

If there is anything else I can help you with, please feel free to contact me directly. I've provided my contact information below for your convenience.

Best,
Jennifer

The video & song are cute. I thought it was clever how the outfits incorporated one item from the previous outfit. :) However, I enjoyed the videos (e.g. Rome, Patagonia, Paris) from previous years a bit more. (Maybe it's an unfair comparison since the other videos included amazing locales.)

What are your thoughts on the song? Do you like the Collection video? :)

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 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 Spotted In Vogue {let's swim!}

A big "thanks!" to Eleni, who not only let us know about J.Crew items being spotted in the latest issue of Vogue Magazine, but also scanned the image for us to view! (Click on the image to see it larger.) The article features two items from J.Crew...

The first is the ever-classic-beach-staple of the Seaside Tote (Item 24909; $45.00). The magazine shows a delicious shade of red which is currently *unavailable* online. The only shade for purchase on their website is "Natural Straw". What makes me love this bag is that "it's foldable and packable, so you can stuff it in your suitcase and it keeps its shape every time".

The second item is the Solid Scallop Underwire Tank (Item 25134; $80.00) in Black. This one-piece bathing suit boasts laser-cut scallop detailing & an under wire for additional support. It has that classic appeal to make this suit the kind that you use for years to come.

What are your thoughts on the bag & bathing-suit featured? Do you own either item? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Spotted in People's Style Watch {all over the place again!}

A big "thanks!" to Desert Flower, who not only let us know about several J.Crew items being spotted in the latest issue of People Style Watch, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the images to see it larger.)
What are your thoughts on the items featured in the magazine? Have you tried on or purchase any of the items listed here? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Email: New arrivals for her, in stores and online

"Thanks!" to many of you,who shared the following email from J.Crew this morning.

The email reminds us that new Summer arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here) are not only available online, but in brick & mortar (B&M) stores too!

Have you checked out the latest arrivals in-person at your local store? Were there any pieces you are super excited (or disappointed) about? :)

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? :)

J.Crew Spotted in Ladies Home Journal {wahoo!}

A big "thanks!" to Desert Flower, who not only let us know about several J.Crew items being spotted in the June 2010 issue of Ladies Home Journal, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the images below to see it larger.)

The first image of the post has two items. First, the Linen-Silk Cargo Pant (Item 27542; $89.50) with a sideways pocket (um, okay). The linen-silk combo sound super comfy to wear. However, they probably would make the pants look like a mess on with all the wrinkles! ;) Second, the super cute Gabby Satchel (Item 27907; $325.00). It's nice to see how big (in terms of proportions) the bag is next to an actual person!

The second page features either the Vintage Cotton V-Neck Tee (Item 24500; $29.50) or the Perfect-Fit Petal Tee (Item 27272; $29.50, now $25.00) from J.Crew. In either case, a simple white tee can really make an outfit. Love it!

The third page features the Solid Ruched Halter Tank (Item 27781; $80.00) in "Neon Purple". The ruching on the bathing suit looks like it will flatter any body type!

What are your thoughts on the items featured in the magazine? Have you tried on or purchase any of the items listed here? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Spotted in InStyle Magazine!

A big "thanks!" to Desert Flower, DrDrama, & SunInSeattle, who not only let us know about J.Crew items being spotted in the latest issue of InStyle Magazine, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the image to see it larger.)

The first page features a J.Crew Dress ($168) that is a part of the new arrivals discussed in this past Sunday's "Sneak Peek: What's to Come This Summer {& later this week!}" post. I l-o-v-e the dress but not feeling the price. Seems a bit high for what I see (in terms of fabric).

The second page features the Denim Minnie Pant (Item 23559; $98.00, now $78.00) which J.Crew's touts as "our blockbuster pant of the year—Minnie —now in two-way-stretch Turkish denim. We added exposed ankle zippers too—a small but elegant design detail you'll love".

What are your thoughts on the dress & jeans featured? Do you like the style of the dress? Do you own the jeans? If so, please share! :)

Sneak Peek: What's to Come This Summer {& later this week!}

A big "thanks!" to Slastena (check out her "J Crew Summer Preview" post from her {amazing} About All and Nothing at All blog) who shared some more sneak peeks with us. {yey!} There is a little something for everyone in this batch of photos! Just click on any of the images to view them larger.
Word among the JCAs is that new arrivals are expected to hit brick & mortar (B&M) stores and online this week. Can't wait! :)

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

Cardmember Email: Just for Cardmembers: a sneak preview of our newest Timex

"Thanks!" to Dane, who shared with us another email from J.Crew to its card members.

The email above features the not-yet-officially-released-online Timex® Vintage Field Army Watch (Item 27460; $150.00). J.Crew describes this military style watch as:

Presenting the watch of the hour: a new white-faced version of our popular military watch (also created with legendary American watchmaker Timex). Based on an iconic 1940s military style from the Timex archives (and only available here), we gave it a new subtly distressed, off-white dial face, Arabic numerals and olive-toned watch strap. Like our other version, this piece is built for the trenches: it has a quartz analog movement and is water-resistant to 50 meters. A timeless blend of functional design and modern crafting, you won't find this anywhere else. (It's already the preferred everyday watch for our troops.) Stainless steel watch case. Nylon strap. Quartz analog movement. Off-white dial with full Arabic hour markers. 24 hour markings. Battery powered. 50M water-resistant.

I love J.Crew's original Timex Military Watch (Item 10884; $150.00). So of course, I love this latest version too! I really like the off-white dial face & olive-toned watch strap— it has a fresh feel for Spring & Summer. I guess I am not the only one who is loving this piece, because it is already wait-listed (expected to ship 07.19.2010).

What are your thoughts on the Timex® Vintage Field Army Watch? Do you like this version more? Do you think you will purchase one?

Cardmember Email: Just for Cardmembers: a chic peek for summer

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Desert Flower, Marietta, Cass, & Irina, who shared with us the latest email from J.Crew to its card members.

The email above features the not-yet-officially-released-online Embroidered Flower Patch Shell (Item 27285; $148.00). J.Crew describes this silk top as:

We love a rich mix of textures , as seen in this dressier silk top all done up with a front panel of embroidered flowers and bedazzling sequins. For a modern touch, our designers finished it off with an exposed back zipper, bracketed by strips of the same embroidered flowers. Part of the J.Crew Collection.

From what I am seeing so far, not a fan of the design for the price tag. It's cute but does n0t necessarily stand out as a "must-have". But that is just me. :)

On a better note, this email means that new arrivals and a new June catalog are just around the corner! :)

What are your thoughts on the Embroidered Flower Patch Shell? Do you like the style- from the sequins to the style with its flowers?

J.Crew Spotted in Lucky Magazine {pretty dress!}

A big "thanks!" to Desert Flower & Lisa (of the lovely "Respect The Shoes" blog), who not only let us know about a J.Crew item being spotted in the recent issue of Lucky Magazine, but also scanned the image for us to view! (Click on the image to see it larger.)

The item featured is the Raj Strip Dress ($395.00). The magazine states that it is "a cute cocktail-perfect number, made seductive—and sophisticated— by a short hemline and an interesting mix of colors". If the dress looks a bit familiar, it's because we saw it back in November (refer to the "More Sneak Peeks for J.Crew's 2010 Collection" post).

I really love the dress— from the style to the stripes to the pockets!— it is just fantastic. But the length seems a bit too short for me. (It might just be the angles of the photos, but doesn't it appear almost too short in the Lucky picture?) And that price tag... my wallet says ouch! ;)

What are your thoughts on the dress featured in the magazine? Do you like the fabric & style of the dress? :)

J.Crew Spotted in Real Simple Magazine

A big "thanks!" to Linda (the stylish blogger behind the amazing "Little Tin Soldier" blog) who not only let us know about a J.Crew item being spotted in the recent issue of Real Simple magazine, but also scanned the image for us to view! (Click on the image to see it larger.)

The item featured appears to be a yet-to-released J.Crew Silk-and-Linen Dresses ($148.00). The real-person model states that "the dress has built-in molded cups that make my athletic body look curvier than it is... I feel sexy yet completely sophisticated".

The dress looks amazing on the real-person model in the image. However I still can't decide if I like the print or not. It seems a bit busy. I am thinking it would work quite nicely with a solid black cardigan (to kind-of tone the print down a bit).

What are your thoughts on the dress featured in the magazine? Do you like the print & style of the dress? :)

J.Crew Spotted in People's Style Watch {all over the place!}

People's Style Watch (click here) is crushing on J.Crew big time for awhile now. Honestly, who can blame them? Certainly not this J.Crew Aficionada!
A big "thanks!" to Desert Flower, who not only let us know about several J.Crew items being spotted in the May 2010 issue of People Style Watch, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the images to see it larger.)

What are your thoughts on the items featured in the magazine? Have you tried on or purchase any of the items listed here? If so, please share! :)