J Crew Archives | Blueprint for Style

Stores & Sites to See

j.crew is hemorrhaging

They’ve been attempting a financial and sartorial turnaround across the last year or two ~ they let go of the popular creative director Jenna Lyons and then they revamped their overall style messaging from upscale, suburban gamine to understated urban fem. But J.Crew is still hemorrhaging… So their new strategy is to go the way of Starbucks! It’s hiring Adam Brotman as president and chief experience officer. Brotman hails from Starbucks Corp. What’s the goal? My guess is to up customer

2018/02/20

Accessories

4 Must-Haves Under $50 for Summer

Every summer you’ll get this list and plus-or-minus it doesn’t change less a quick switch with something that is more pressing…like sunscreen. This summer’s list of must-haves is easy: a simple tee, handheld bag, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The simple tee: for me, there’s nothing “simple” about it because I like color so mine is a vintage/destroyed tee or sleeveless u-neck so I can keep cool. [show_shopthepost_widget id=”2704369″] The handheld bag: this is because that quick run to the coffee

2017/06/12

Style

A YSL-esque Blazer

Let me repeat for the record: J.Crew has fallen off a little bit BUT they still have some great pieces including this absolutely-perfect-classic-navy-blazer-for-every-occasion! It’s double-breasted. The juxaposition of the satin lapels and textured wool fabric make it not overly formal but super versatile! The fit is slightly tailored and, once on, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an occasion where it doesn’t work… My advice: don’t go without it! Yes…I scooped it too!

2016/12/14

Holiday Finds

Dress Like A Good Houseguest

During my trip to Hawaii, I packed my J.Crew nightshirt and decided it was one of the most perfect pieces….and not only because it work nicely when I got locked out of my room!!! And now as I get ready for holiday house guests, I’m finding this piece to work equally as well to transition from bed to morning coffee with family (+ some leggings too). That said, I am equally in love with this J.Crew grosgrain pajama set –

2016/12/10

Style

Curating a T-shirt Collection

I just did a massive dump of most of my tees because I realized they weren’t what I really wanted. I’m starting from scratch with a few winners including this one by J.Crew. It’s part of their destination art series and while there’s a Paris one (white without the tougher navy edging) and a London that’s grey, this is me. The New York t-shirt will make an excellent start to my new t-shirt collection…. I’ll continue to share my new

2016/12/07

Accessories

Holiday Party Attire: Dramatic Earrings

They frame the face so they’re essential: statement-making earrings like these antique chandelier earrings is key to setting off a t-shirt and denim look as much as a sequinned dress number! Tassels are having their day in the sun and these earrings are definitely fabulous enough to do the trick… Are your accessories holiday-ready? If not, head to J.Crew for a few fun options….

2016/12/07

Outerwear

To Be A True Fashion Icon, You Need….

A peacoat! She is a queen of cool…. Emmanuelle Alt – the editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris since February 2011, succeeding Carine Roitfeld. She’s one of my style icons and she does denim and anything casual with such upscale, effortless sophistication that it makes me cry sometimes. She is also well-known for rocking a peacoat – it’s one of the four standard coats that every woman should own. If you’re looking for your own version of reasonably-priced, laidback cool check out

2015/12/09

Footwear

A Fabulous Fall Flats Closet

Are you looking for some fab flats for fall? Here are 11 pairs of fall flats sure to add flavor and polish to any look you put together (starting from the upper left and moving in a circle to the right): Riley leopard print flat, $100 – get extra 10% off if it’s your first visit Suede ballerina with embroidery, $160 – only a few left Baylee Louise et Cie tweed flat, $129 – an easy way to amp up

2015/10/05

Summer

Are You Ready For The 4th?!

I consider Memorial Day, the 4th, and Labor Day weekends the quintessential “holiday” weekends that warrant lots of pre-gaming to avoid looking too contrived. I’ve culled all three long weekends down to five items. Here are my caveats: Memorial Day weekend – it may not be warm enough so you’ll need to substitute the breezy cover-up for a more, sweater-like option. Gotcha covered! PLus bring a rain hat Labor Day weekend – I’ve rarely run into an occasion where it’s

2015/06/26

Stores & Sites to See

Sale: Madewell

It’s the baby sister to J.crew but FIRE! Madewell is making awesome stuff that lasts, is contemporary and relevant, has a classic underpinning, and Kin Ying Lee is battig 100%! I don’t typically post sales but I found several pieces that I not only purchased but recommended to clients because we’re ALL ready for spring and what better way to shake off the winter blues than by shopping! There are lots of pieces worthwhile but I found four pieces that

2015/04/03

closed brands, Kate Spade Saturday, C. Wonder, Piperlime

Trends

They’re Going The Way of The Samurai

Piperlime. C. Wonder. Kate Spade Saturday.These are just a few of the popular clothing and accessory brands that are shuttering their proverbial doors in 2015. They are going the way of the samurai…but why? I’m sure the analysis has been done that says they weren’t generating enough revenue to cover expenses, or the profit margins were declining incrementally with no end in sight. I’ll go with any/all of those explanations ~ along with my own. In a time of shorten

2015/02/10

Accessories

The History of High Heels

The fables are long and some even funny but, here’s the truth about high heels and how they came about. Ladies – high heels were actually made for men, worn by men, and had to be wrested away from men by women! Lots of women hate high heels because they’re uncomfortable and for some, they think it’s a man’s way of keeping them down (or up…..!). Men think they are sexy sometimes but also don’t understand the female fascination…. I love

2015/02/06

Tops

T-Shirt Trauma

There are tons of things I could be talking about or you could be thinking of when you read the title. I could be talking about that sticky situation I got myself into when I hooked up my friend with another friend (I will make an oath to stay out of ‘grown folk’s business in the future); or I could be referring to my desire to find that perfect winter white coat for my client even though I’m loathed to

2015/01/13

Tops

Quintessential White Shirt

What’s one of the items that you’d miss immediately if it were gone?? [Hint: look at the title of this post] If you didn’t say “my white shirt” that just means you don’t have that one white shirt that is fabulous! Thank me later but here you go….. I have been on the hunt for my new perfect white shirt….because my old go-to (Nara Carmicie) cannot be obtained anymore. I believe my new fave will be by Anne Fontaine (here) and

2014/11/14

Bottoms

Luxe & Less

I rarely (if ever) show luxe & less but this one just popped out and I had to share! Perhaps because I had been waiting patiently for this J.Crew fluted surf skirt to go on sale ~ it’s the perfect mix of casual and informal business. The cotton/poly bonded jersey reads casual with an oversize button down and sneakers but does an immediate change-up with a fitted blazer and heels. I saw and fell in love. The dark charcoal would

2014/09/30

Tops

Quinessential White Tee

It’s basic, necessary, irreplaceable, versatile, and comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s likely one of the first items you thought about when getting “ready” for summer and should be one of the first items that goes into your bag for travel and any overnight foray. My go-to tee for the last four or five years has been the J.Crew perfect fit v-neck tee…but alas I am expanding since they have not seen fit to cut me in on the

2014/06/16

Accessories

Essential Vacation Piece: Hat

There are lots of options but I’m partial to the fedora. This one by J.Crew comes in white, natural and navy blue. As you look forward to your vacation, aren’t you thinking of a beach and sand? At least some sun, right? After this winter and spring? Be smart and protect your greatest asset – your face! You can choose a floppy hat, fedora or baseball hat – I choose fedora because it’s the best of both worlds….protection and style.

2014/05/21

Dresses & Outfits

Outfit: Dinner with the Girls

Dinner with girls can be anything from casual to fancy but, in this case, I got to spend the better part of a weekend with my DC ladies as we did a weekend at Salamander Resort. We had a 8pm reservation at Harriman’s (after relaxation and some spa services) so we decided to look “nicer than usual”. I didn’t want to get too fancy so I used the items I already had: JCrew sweatshirt, 7 for all Mankind black leather

2014/03/19

Accessories

Thanks Mizhattan for Leopard Print Shoes

While I love leopard print, this post is 100% inspired by a fellow style blogger, Mizhattan because it just made so much sense. Leopard print is a staple print and it’s coming back in a big way; and one of the easiest ways to integrate the print into your current closet is shoes. Flats are something that every woman should own and, yes, leopard print in small doses is just as essential. Think about it ~ have you ever just

2013/08/28

Bottoms

I Absolutely Will Not Buy This

It’s ridiculous. It’s overpriced. It’s not “all that”. It’s so ordinary. But….. It’s the perfect color, style/shape, and fit. This Goldsign for J.Crew holly skirt in martel wash is $268!

2013/02/07

Lingerie

Midday Weekend Want

It’s winter. It’s cold outside. I wanna stay inside. I want to lounge comfortably. I want to be prepared for package signing or impromptu cocktail visits by friends. I want to snuggle with my human Christmas present. All this is achievable with this sleepwear ~ wearable around the house but able to snuggle or mix a hot toddy at a moment’s notice. Buy Now: J.Crew pajama set in flannel gingham, $85 (an extra 25% off using code HOLIDAY)

2012/12/14

Stores & Sites to See

J.Crew Cashmere Shop

It’s J.Crew. So it’s a brand you know. It’s Loro Piana cashmere. So you know it’s quality. I like J.Crew enough but this is not about the brand but about the quality of the product. J.Crew’s cashmere is sourced from the same place as high-end retailer Loro Piana, so that means you’re getting exceptional quality. The J.Crew Cashmere Shop is vast, it’s worthy of a visit, and definitely worth the purchase. I’m getting a few. Which ones are you investing

2012/10/15

Furnishings

Old Timer

What watch(es) do you own? Are they new or old? Ornate or simple? Any movements? You can still be ‘king of the hill’ with old duds. J.Crew in conjunction with Mougin & Piquard (a defunct French brand from the 1920s) re-upped the classic pilot’s watch and now it can be yours. They have an alarm and a waterproof case. We love them because: what’s old is new again leather wears well the movements make sense nothing beats a classic priced

2012/08/20

Stores & Sites to See

J.Crew Fall Lookbook

We’ve be sharing some of the trends for Fall 2012 and today we’re looking at J.Crew‘s Fall 2012 Lookbook. Why we don’t necessarily agree or like all of the trends, we’ve chosen 8 looks to highlight what you’ll be seeing in-store and what you can order now: pointy toes embellished fabrics textural prints slim fits classic cuts (lots of 60s styling) navy is the new black My favorite look is No.26 {I love the entire look and would rock it

2012/08/10

Outfits/Complete Looks

An Orange Outfit

This is a fun look for a weekend in Miami, a day of vintage shopping, an afternoon stroll with brunch plans included, the weekend jazz fest in the park, or just running errands {in hopes of seeing him}. It’s laid back, feminine, casual, easy, relaxed, vibrant, complementary, and pulled together ~ after all, you are a busy, chic woman on-the-go, correct? Shopping List: Cream linen inverted pleat skirt ($64, Topshop) ♥ Converse Jack Purcell Plimsolls ($84, Converse) ♥ Colorblock stripe top ($50,

2012/08/02

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

j.crew is hemorrhaging

4 Must-Haves Under $50 for Summer

A YSL-esque Blazer

Dress Like A Good Houseguest

Curating a T-shirt Collection

Holiday Party Attire: Dramatic Earrings

To Be A True Fashion Icon, You Need….

A Fabulous Fall Flats Closet

Are You Ready For The 4th?!

Sale: Madewell

They’re Going The Way of The Samurai

The History of High Heels

T-Shirt Trauma

Quintessential White Shirt

Luxe & Less

Quinessential White Tee

Essential Vacation Piece: Hat

Outfit: Dinner with the Girls

Thanks Mizhattan for Leopard Print Shoes

I Absolutely Will Not Buy This

Midday Weekend Want

J.Crew Cashmere Shop

Old Timer

J.Crew Fall Lookbook

An Orange Outfit

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