J.Crew Carries Spanx Now {are you cool or cold with the move?}

"Thanks!" to Christy (in this post) who let us know that J.Crew is now offering Spanx.

Right now, there are only two items being offered: the SPANX® Hide & Sleek® Strapless Full Slip (Item 32654; $72.00) and the SPANX® Slim Cognito® Mid-Thigh Shaping Bodysuit (Item 32652; $72.00).

According to J.Crew:

We've long been devotees of Spanx's line of über-slimming shapewear. (We wouldn't dream of donning a strapless or pencil skirt without it.) So we couldn't be happier to offer a selection of their figure-flattering wares.

There was a discussion (refer to this post) about whether or not J.Crew should offer Spanx and what message it sends to customers.

I love the concept of Spanx. (Although I find them a bit difficult to wear. I feel like I need to size up the recommended size for me to even put them on.) They add that bit of security for when you need it.

The only message I interpreted was that J.Crew is going crazy with all their partnerships. As in, it feels like they are teaming up a bit too much. ;) When you click on the "JCrew in Good Company" link, the list has 25+ names now.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's partnership with Spanx? Do you think this is a good partnership for J.Crew? What message do you think it sends? :)

Madewell Email: Summer's cool jewels

"Thanks!" to Irina & Marietta, who shared the following email from Madewell today.

The email announces that Lizzie Fortunato Jewels are now available for Madewell. They describe it as "a curated collection of artfully inspired pieces, all with a hand done feel". To shop Madewell's Jewelery line, click here.

The item featured in the image above is the Lizzie Fortunato Jewels for Madewell Bouquet Necklace (Item 29697; $118.00) which is lovingly described as:

In the spirit of its true artisan sensibility, this emerging jewelry line designed by talented twin sisters from Delaware has crafted some exclusive pieces for Madewell—including this statement bib necklace of florets sculpted from scraps.

LOL! I love how the price tag is a whopping $118 while the description acknowledges the pieces are created from scraps.

Also, don't forget that Madewell & Tablet is offering customers a chance to win a NYC shopping weekend, a $1,000 Madewell gift cards, & VIP shopping discount for the rest of the year at madewell.com. There is even a daily prize of "a summery tote with a $25 Madewell gift card inside".To enter, click HERE. This sweepstakes ends 7/20/10.

What are your thoughts on the latest partnership of Madewell's? Do you like the Bouquet Necklace? Have you seen it in-person? If so, please share! :)

Madewell + Shareen Vintage {event in LA today}

"Thanks!" goes to Heidi, who shared the following article & event from Madewell. Over at the L.A. Times (click here), there is an article about Madewell teaming up with Shareen Vintage to offer some unique items for Madewell customers at an event today!

Shareen Vintage stocks Madewell stores with fun summer finds
By Melissa Magsaysay
June 15, 2010

Anyone who used to stop in at Shareen Mitchell’s always-crowded booth at the Melrose Trading Post flea market or frequents her nondescript warehouse on the outskirts of downtown L.A. knows about her well-edited stash of affordable vintage dresses, boots and blouses.

In addition to her warehouse location (and her studio on 17th Street in New York, which you will only know is open for business when a red dress hangs in the window) Shareen Vintage wares will also be stocked in Shareen_Madewell the Madewell store in Century City and SoHo starting Thursday, offering girls some well-loved pieces to style in with their matchstick jeans and lace-up oxfords.

Madewell’s marketing director Gigi Guerra and Kin Ying Lee, the brand’s head designer, have been longtime fans of Shareen Vintage, combing the warehouse for items when in town. “Shareen has such an amazing eye and a knack for pulling in pieces that are really ahead of the curve. She intuitively understands what’s cool, plus her prices are truly affordable,” says Lee, who admits to exiting Mitchell’s warehouse with bagfuls of dresses to take back to home to New York.

Madewell chose pieces from Mitchell’s collection that would specifically pair well with jeans, chambray shirts and jean jackets. “The collection has a very laid-back, high-summer vibe,” says Lee. “Think floaty dresses and floral skirts with a boy-meets-girl feel.”

Mitchell (who is currently taping a docu-series for Planet Green about her work and constant journey seeking out and buying vintage clothing, which will debut in late fall) also reworked Indian print vintage fabric into what she calls the “Coachella” top – a lightweight, batwing blouse that she can’t keep in stock in her own store and will have hanging in Century City and SoHo Madewell locations.

Madewell is having a shopping event to kick of the Shareen Vintage collaboration Thursday. The event is open to the public, but judging by how crowded Mitchell’s booth at the Melrose flea market used to get, you may want to RSVP.

To RSVP for this event being held today (7-9PM), send an email to laevents at madewell dot com. The location for the event is:

Century City Mall
10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90067

Congrats to all those in the area! :)

Cosabella Now Available at J.Crew Stores!

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including Marietta & Belle de jour (in this post), who let us know about J.Crew's latest partnership. In particular, "thanks!" to CMG (in this post) who shared the following:

Also my b&m has started selling Cosabella lace bikini underwear for 19.00. As Whoopi Goldberg would say, "What the hell!". I asked the SA about them, but she started explaining that Cosabella is a fancy brand of underclothes. Umm, I'm familiar with the brand. My question is why here? Are the underwear exclusive j crew colors? She didn't know. Strange. I guess if you're in a hurry to buy an outfit you can get it all at except the bra at the b&m. Maybe you can find an Essie lacquer to match the underwear, no? Lol!

Back in the day, J.Crew offered an intimates line for the ladies under their name. I am not sure why they decided to discontinue it.

It's interesting to see that they are teaming up with Cosabella (click here) now. It's even more interesting that they are showing up in regular brick & mortar stores, as oppose to their specialty stores (like their Bridal Boutique in NYC).

Have you seen Cosabella at your local J.Crew? What are your thoughts on the line? Do you think this is a good partnership for J.Crew to expand to?

J.Crew Email: A special gift from J.Crew & Tablet Hotels

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including Marietta, Twiga, Faith, RatsOnParade, JustVisiting, & DrDrama, as well as Corry, kellyanne311, Drewablank, JBird, IRL, DaniBP, FFM, & dinagideon (in this post), who let us know the latest promotion from J.Crew.

The email announces that J.Crew is teaming up with Tablet Hotels for some special perks (click here to read more on it). Essentially customers can get a free membership to the Table Plus Program.

Not going to lie, I am confused by this combination. Not really sure why J.Crew would team up with Tablet Hotels. But it seems like a nice offer.

What are your thoughts on this promotion? Is this a good extension of J.Crew's partnerships? Will you sign up? :)

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?

Miriam Haskell Partners Up With J.Crew {part III}

As mentioned in the April 22nd "Miriam Haskell Partners Up With J.Crew {part II}" and April 6th "Miriam Haskell Partners Up With J.Crew" post, J.Crew is teaming with Miriam Haskell on a new line of bridal jewelry.

A big "thanks!" to Jessie B (in this post) who shared the following article from Aisle Dash (click here) about the collaboration.

New Collection: Miriam Haskell for J.Crew
By Erica Sigel
April12th 2010

One of our favorite couture costume jewelers, Miriam Haskell, will now be selling her pieces at the J.Crew Madison Avenue Bridal Store and jcrew.com beginning in May. The collection consists of 34 new designs including necklaces, rings, bracelets, brooches and earrings.

Miriam's pieces are all handmade with gold-plated filigree, beads, crystals and pearls to create jewelry with a vintage, timeless feel. The collection will retail from $150 - $1,400.

Although the article doesn't mention anything we didn't already know, it *does* provide images of the entire collaboration. Just click on the article link to view their Flash slide show.

Now that you have seen what the Collection looks like, what are your thoughts on this latest collaboration? Do you like the overall style of the pieces? Would you consider purchasing one?

Miriam Haskell Partners Up With J.Crew {part II}

As mentioned in the April 6th "Miriam Haskell Partners Up With J.Crew" post, J.Crew is teaming with Miriam Haskell on a new line of bridal jewelry.

A big "thanks!" to Peggy, who shared the following article from WWD (click here) about the collaboration. Just click on the image above (or here) to read the article. Even better, the article includes a picture of one of the pieces.

What are your thoughts on this latest collaboration? Do you like the necklace featured in the article?

Launch Party for Fenton/Fallon's + J.Crew

"Thanks!" to Raina (of the lovely "If The Lamp Shade Fits" blog) who shared the following article from NY Mag's The Cut (click here for the entire article):

Sally Singer Wears Target, and Everyone She Knows Buys J.Crew
By Caitlin Petreycik
April 14, 201

Vogue's Sally Singer wears clothes from Target — the designer ones, anyway. "I loved the Rodarte for Target collaboration, and I bought a lot of it and wear it," she gushed at the launch party for Fenton/Fallon's limited-edition jewelry collection for J.Crew last night. She added, "I love what Vena Cava did for Converse." Singer also said she wears a lot of J.Crew, which one would expect from a hostess of a J.Crew party. "I buy a lot of the shirts because I love the way that they’re fitted from the inside," she told us. "Whenever they work with Liberty or any of those shirtmakers I buy even more of them. I buy pants here. I buy flats here, all the little ballet slippers and things. Not only do I buy J.Crew, everyone I know buys J.Crew."

Even Anna Wintour? "I never ask Anna Wintour what she’s wearing." Singer replied. " I don’t speak for my boss’s clothes. But a lot of people at Vogue wear J.Crew." Things must be busy over at the Vogue offices — Singer revealed that CBS's one-hour special on Fashion's Night Out has started filming, though she's not involved in the project. ...

First, only Jenna could pull off that outfit. On her, it looks rather pulled-together and chic. On me, it would look like I am some reject Muppet character. (It's not quite a mop, and it's not quite a puppet, but MAN ha ha heh...)

Second, the Fenton/Fallon + J.Crew collaboration kind of reminds me of Chrysler's PT Cruiser. I remember reading an article where Chrysler initially found that the majority of consumers disliked the car. However, there was a small percentage who loved the style of the car and was willing to pay the price tag to own it. That is like this collaboration. Even though I am not a big fan, I think there is a small percentage of JCAs who absolutely adore it and don't mind the cost. Which I totally get & respect. :)

Third, it is great that J.Crew is adored by so many in the fashion community. It speaks volumes about its transformation in recent years.

What are your thoughts on the article? Disagree or agree with any of the points made? Anything you found particularly interesting? :)

J.Crew Email: Exclusive Tretorn sneakers for her

"Thanks!" to Marietta again, who shared another email from J.Crew this morning. (J.Crew is a busy-bee with all these emails!) :)

The email features the Tretorn® Sneakers (click here to shop online), ranging from $68-78, which are described as:

Established in 1891 and considered the first luxury sport shoe, Tretorn sneakers—synonymous with good taste and practicality—have been worn on (and off) tennis courts around the world. This lightweight canvas shoe, inspired by a vintage sneaker from the 1950s, epitomizes everything we love about the iconic Swedish brand and features new, exclusive colors you won't find anywhere else.

The shoes are pretty darn cute in its simplicity. Although the price tag is once again, a bit high for me (its just a pair of simple sneakers!)

I recently got a pair of sneakers {from Wal-mart!} after seeing them being worn over at the {stylish} Little Tin Soldier blog. (Seriously, she wears the best outfits. I love her site!) The downside: the sneakers went on clearance already. Out of three stores, I only found one pair of sneakers in a size bigger than my usual. The upside: the sneakers were only $5 and after an insert & heel pad, they fit me quite nicely. :) (Even without the inserts, the shoes were more comfortable than J.Crew's ballet flats, which I own way too many of.) ;)

What are your thoughts on these sneakers ? Have you tried them on or purchased them? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Email: FENTON/FALLON for J.Crew (plus, FREE SHIPPING)

"Thanks!" to Desert Flower, Marietta & HeidiG who shared the following email J.Crew sent today.

The email once again announces the Fenton/Fallen for J.Crew collaboration. They also share the following:

Jewerly designer Dana Lorenz, visionary behind the rebel-chic statement jewelry lines Fenton and Fallon created a covetable collection just for us (you won't find it anywhere else).

Also, "thanks!" to Raina who shared the following article from Style.com (click here for the original article):

Dana Lorenz Is New To The Crew
By Maya Singer
April 14, 2010

When you need a favor, it helps to have friends in high places. Or, in the case of Jenna Lyons, to be a friend in a high place. Several months ago, Lyons, the creative director of J.Crew, was trying (and failing) to track down a few pieces of Fenton/Fallon jewelry, a problem with no real solution until she ran into Fenton/Fallon designer Dana Lorenz (pictured, with Lyons) at a dinner. “It was a party hosted by Maria Cornejo,” Lorenz recalled last night the Soho J.Crew store. “I remember, I was wearing a chambray shirt with paint all over it, because I hadn’t expected to be able to make it. Anyway,” Lorenz continued, “Jenna told me that she was looking for these pieces, and they were all sold out. I offered to make them up for her, as a favor.” Lyons decided that the real favor Lorenz could do for her was to join the J.Crew fold for a season.

The Fenton/Fallon for J. Crew collection is on the sales floor now; Lorenz describes the range as a “mash-up” of her two brands. “It’s a little less statement-y than Fenton, a little more statement-y than Fallon,” Lorenz said, “and I’m kind of loving the contrast with the preppy little blazers and things.” Prices start at $95 for the Carrington chain bracelet, below.

This is the type of collection where customers fall into one of two camps: "loves it!" or "hates it!". Frankly, I fall into the latter. To each their own! :)

What are your thoughts on the collection? Have you seen any in-person at your local brick & mortar stores? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Teams Up with Warehouse Denim

"Thanks!" to James & AppGal who shared the following news with us.

Over at the DenimBlog (click here), there is news that J.Crew is teaming up with the Japanese denim label, Warehouse Denim. The post shares the following:

J.Crew to Collaborate with Warehouse
By Jennifer
April 13, 2010

Once known for it’s American classics, J.Crew has quickly becoming a haute fashion Mecca. J.Crew’s popularity is sure to increase with the brand’s collaboration with Japanese denim designer, Warehouse.

Frank Muytjens, J.Crew’s head of men’s design, said he discovered Warehouse denim while on a trip to Tokyo last year. “I haven’t been able to take them off since,” said Muytjens of his jeans.

The collaboration will be called Lot 484 (named after J.Crew’s 484 fit as well as the Men’s shop address in NYC), which will be constructed from Warehouse’s 14 ounce selvedge denim. The fabric originates with cotton grown in Memphis and dyed in Japan, that will be untreated, yielding a beautiful fade with wear.

Lot 484 will feature traditional Warehouse signatures, such as a 34-inch inseam, rivets and fly buttons. The collection should have a similar price point to previous collections, around $170 and should be in stores soon.

Moreover, HypeBeast (click here) add the following:

New York retailer J.Crew has collaborated with Japanese selvedge denim label Warehouse on this exclusive men’s style, the “Lot 484″. The Lot 484 has been created from Warehouse’s 14-ounce selvedge denim; with the fabric being composed entirely of Memphis-grown cotton that has been both woven and dyed in Japan. Details include steel rivets and fly buttons that have been designed to rust over time. The Lot 484 will retail at $300 USD and will become available on J.Crew’s webstore and within its Men’s Shop and Liquor Store locations.

This brand is for the "diehard of denim aficionados". So it makes sense for J.Crew to seek out a partnership with them. However, call me crazy, but I don't understand paying close to $200-300 for steel rivets and fly buttons that "rust over time". It seems like that would be a flaw, not a feature of the jeans.

What are your thoughts on the latest collaboration? Are you a fan of Warehouse Denim? :)