Pretty Snazzy

Thursday, October 4, 2012


Recently, I wrote about my falling out with Gap and J. Crew. I still loved them, but our relationship wasn't clicking. We've renewed our friendship over the last few months, and I couldn't be happier. This can be attributed, in part, to J. Crew's newest catalog. Apparently it took a trip to Tokyo to find themselves. It came in the mail about a month ago, but wasn't available online until now. Because I'm lazy and computer challenged, I opted to wait and hope they would appear in a digital format rather than trying to scan them. It was worth the wait. I promise.

I'm so happy that these once classically styled brands have returned to the fundamentals of what made them great for all these years. Flipping through this catalog gave me so much wardrobe inspiration. While I won't be investing $100+ on a cardigan anytime soon, I can easily recreate these looks with what I have, and the rest can be found at outlets/discount stores. Or with patience, once they go on sale.

Here are the looks I ripped out of the catalog and reference when I'm feeling uninspired:

 
 

As you can see, I prefer a sort of casual elegance. I like to appear put together, but without a crazy time commitment. And comfort is key. It is definitely possible to strike that balance. Besides, who looks cute when they're super uncomfortable? I often see girls on campus who have on an admirable outfit, but the fact that they are constantly tugging and arranging and looking down at themselves self-consciously detracts from the cuteness. Why bother?

What I also love about these looks is that they're adaptable. Exchange the jeans for dressier pants and I've got a work outfit. Exchange the skirt for jeans and I have a weekend outfit. What's more, these looks will still be on trend years from now. While I have a sincere respect for those ladies who follow trends every season, it is just not me.  I don't have the body type or patience to try and pull off crazy prints or intense asymmetrical looks. But kudos to those who can and do!

What are your favorite looks this season?

P.S. Am I crazy for LOVING this hen sweater?!


P.P.S. A $500 sweater?!  It must be a magic sweater. I wonder if it would make my coffee in the morning.


3 comments :

  1. I think the hen sweater is awesome!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm glad I'm not the only one. I think it's darling!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love the pink Coat and turquoise jacket!! Thanks for linking up !!!

    ReplyDelete

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