Pages

11.22.2011

J.Crew: The Look for Less (No One Will Guess!!!)

Since the age of 13, the arrival of the latest J.Crew catalogue has made me nothing short of giddy. Admittedly, my excitement is a bit more justifiable these days. J.Crew is far more fashion forward today than in 1994. This surge of fabulousness is due, in large part, to the vision and leadership of Jenna Lyon, the brand's president, creative director and major style icon.  Since its start in 1983, J.Crew has become a serious player in the world of fashion, launching their first Ready-to-Wear show at New York Fashion Week this past fall.

J.Crew has amassed a cult following of suburban moms and fashion bloggers alike. The brand offers  wearable, pulled-together and understated looks that can be dressed up or down without losing a fresh perspective. Sometimes J.Crew's frocks are worth every penny, like their stylish outerwear and excellent cashmere for the price point. Other times, it's not a bad idea to curl up with their latest catalogue, seek some inspiration and hit the mall (or internet) to find a stylish interpretation for a fraction of the price.The Holiday 2011 catalogue appeared in my mailbox last week and the photo below caught my eye. I decided to see if I could replicate this look for less. Here's how my self-imposed challenge turned out.


Photo from the J.Crew Holiday 2011 Catalogue
Sweater: Honeycomb Cable Sweater in Bright Dahlia
Blouse: Blythe Blouse in silk in Maraschino Cherry
Necklace: Bubble Necklace in Red
Bag: Biennial Satchel in Saddle
Total Cost: $675.50

Sweater: ASOS Colored Aran Sweater in Red, Asos
Blouse: Vero Moda Classic Shirt in Tomato Red, Asos
Necklace: Gold Mother's Day Red Diamond Cut Bib Necklace and Earrings, Bonanza.com
Bag: Plaited Shopper, Zara
Total Cost: $258.98
 J.Crew doesn’t offer sizes larger than 12 and the occasional 16 (with the exception of some dresses available online). Just because they doesn't offer a full array of sizes doesn't mean the looks they offer can't be translated for all body types. Below is an example of this look for sizes 16 and up.

Sweater: Women's Fine Gauge Cotton Cable Crew Sweater Dark Berry, Land's End, $69.50
Blouse: Women's Long Sleeve Easy-care Broadcloth Blouse in Loganberry, $34.50
Necklace: Stephan & Co. Statement Necklace in Purple, Nordstrom, $18
Bag: Plaited Shopper, Zara, $149
Total Cost: $271


No comments: