Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Dear FFM: Help Put Together A J.Crew Outfit For Me

FabulousFloridaMommy (FFM) regularly guest blogs on outfits she creates with items that you, the members, request. :)
FFM has done it yet again! A big "thank you!" to FFM, who has created a fabulous outfit for almost every single request in the "Dear FFM: Help Put Together A J.Crew Outfit For Me" post!

FFM writes:
"I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to Alexis for asking me to Guest Blog…I can’t believe we are already on the 7th week now! I also want to thank all the Aficionadas who have submitted requests, posted compliments, and offered their support to me as I have done this each week…you are all FABULOUS!!!

Also, if you have previously submitted a request that wasn’t created and would still like to have one made…please resubmit and let me know that it was a prior request, and I will put it at the top of my list for this week.

Note: I have had a couple of requests in the past week or so that I have not specified by name on Polyvore, but ARE included in the other sets I have made. For instance, the Anonymous blogger who requested creations utilizing skirts, tops, and belts can use the ideas in numerous sets that have a name such as Museum Curator, or Engineering PhD Professional in the title, as well as many others. :)

Thanks again everyone!

Sincerely,
FabulousFloridaMommy"

To view the sets, click on the links below. (The name of the link relates to the request for an outfit.)
Deep Atlantic Belle At The Office
Rhubarb Belle For The Office- Look #1 | Look #2
Rhubarb Ecole- Professional | Casual Chic
Jersey Knit Pant Casual Chic- Look #1 | Look #2
Metallic Boucle' Clea Tweed Jacket Casual Chic
Paintbrush Floral Belle Skirt For Fall/Winter- Look #1 | Look #2
Cashmere Audrey Dress For Fall- Look #1 | Look #2
Ivory Serge Pencil Skirt For The Office- Look #1 | Look #2
Italian Boucle' Pencil Skirt For The Office- Look #1 | Look #2
Kelly Green Cambridge Cable Sweater *Mommy Chic*- #1 | #2
Piper and Joelle For Fall
The Merino Paige Jacket *Artsy Chic*- Look #1 | Look #2
Chiffon Rosette Belt (Fall/Winter)- Casual Chic | Bus. Casual | Professional
Metallic Giraffe Day Coat- Professional | Casual Chic #1 | Casual Chic #2
A Trip To Paris For The Holidays- Look #1 | Look #2
Florentine Print Pencil Skirt- Look #1 | Look #2
Coral Vintage Boot Cut Cords Casual Chic- Look #1 | Look #2
10 Year Class Reunion- Icebreaker Night Casual Chic | Main Event Night
Museum Curator- Look #1 | Look #2


Are there any items from J.Crew (that you either own or are thinking about getting) that you would like FFM to create outfit ideas. Feel free to include additional info like: the climate/season you want to wear the item/outfit, as well as age bracket/lifestyle. :) After a few days, FFM will select a few items (from the feedback) to create a couple of Polyvore outfits with those items (which will then be posted for all).

What J.Crew pieces do you often wonder how to use in an outfit? What J.Crew items would you like to see an outfit created for (please include item name or item number)? Do you have any J.Crew items in your closet that you are unsure how to style with? Please, let us know! :)

59 comments:

  1. FFM-Love your taste and need your assistance. I just purchased the merino Paige jacket and would love some ideas for how to put it together for a work. (I work in a pretty dressy environment) but really do not like matchy-matchy suits so I am always looking for ways to dress up blazers or jackets.
    Thanks!
    Twiga

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  2. FFM - Me too. I do love your style ideas! Everytime I run out of my idea what to ware tomorrow, I always click your polyvore:) Especially I love your elegant styles!

    Recently I bought cashmere argyle short sleeve sweater. But I am wondering how to wear it in fall... I have a couple of short sleeve cardigans which rest in my closet... How does everyone wear a short sleeve sweater? It is too hot in summer but too cold in winter:( I appreciate your help!

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  3. Hi, I love your ideas for outfits! I have a request on a slightly older piece, but I went back and looked at your Polyvore sets and didn't see it used in the past. I have the Gayle ruffle trench in bright flame. It's a fun little coat, and I got the bright flame for its interesting color, but sometimes it's so bright I shy away from wearing it (especially for work). I live in a moderate climate so the jacket is pretty useful most of the year, and would love to be brave enough to wear it more often to work. Any ideas?

    Thanks!
    Amy

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  4. As I mentioned in a post earlier today, I just bought the Whisper Lamé Slim Shirt in dark gold (on super sale, giggle!) and would really like to see it incorporated into a look for work. Can it be done???

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  5. FFM, fabulous again. :) Love the color combinations!

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  6. Dear FFM,

    I love the colors you used for college chic look! :)
    If you have time...please help. I just bought the:

    1. metallic platinum gold tote ( item 99000)
    2. cashmere black hoodie (item 98631)
    3. cashmere cover up hoodie in orange (item 84747)
    4. merino lady jacket (item 96538)

    I'm not quite sure how to wear them (especially the bag!)

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  7. P.S. The merino lady jacket I mentioned in previous post is BLACK!


    Sorry this took 2 posts and thank you for wonderful ideas (I printed out 2 of your sets and added them to my little book of style)

    Elma

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  8. FFM - I love your creations so much! Sorry for the stupid question, but how do I print them? Thanks so much.

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  9. I need an idea for the Green Silk Lawn Twisted Placket shirt. As always...casual...but chic! :)

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  10. Thank you FFM for your help with "mommy chic" ideas for my kelly green cambridge cable sweater. it's tough to have the pieces in the closet but not to know what you do with them! you were spot on and i loved the pairing with gold shoes/jewelry since i mostly stick with silver. Thanks again : ) fabRImom

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  11. FFM: I love the outfit you created for the Metallic Houndstooth clea jacket. I really like the idea of the gray suede leather boots and jean...it compliments the jacket well.

    Could you create an outfit with the same jacket for the office?

    Thanks again.

    Olivia

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  12. FFM- I noticed you haven't done a menswear look. I have the navy cashmere v neck sweater (85984), I don't know with what besides the color khaki to pair the sweater.

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  13. I requested this in an earlier post, but I still need help with the women's luxe twill blazer and pants in navy. The last time I wore this, I got teased for looking like a stewardess/hotel employee. Please help me make this suit chic! I am a 33 year old history professor. Thanks!

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  14. i absolutely love the rhubarb ecole jacket, when i went to the store on sat, i was just wearing a plain white tee and jeans, and gosh that color just made my outfit pop. and i wwill be wearing mine with everything, blk pants, charcoal pants, jeans and skirts. it is a must have piece for anyone and everyone, i just canpt stop gushing asbout it, along with the ruffle henley tee which are my two absolute favourite items this season.

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  15. FFM - your eye for color and combining is amazing, you should work as a style editor for a magazine! Since 75% of my closet is jcrew, I've gotten so many ideas from you...so thank you!

    I recently picked up a cream colored cord skirt in the same shape as the wool pencil skirt...can you help me put together business casual looks for 30's yr old? Also, I'd like to wear it into the Texas winter and don't care for cream tights, what tight/shoe combo would you suggest?

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  16. FFM: Thanks for the Metallic Giraffe Day Coat combos. I've already printed them out, along with many others, and they are in a binder in my closet. I highly recommend a "Look Book" with FFM's ideas for everyone. Thanks again!

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  17. I just traded a stuffy cubicle job for a dream job in the design world... I am totally in love with your FFM posts! They're great inspiration for how to transition my corporate wardrobe into something much more fun and chic. Please don't EVER stop, your creativity is infectious! LOVE your blog all-around, am a cult follower now ;P
    xoxo
    Lulu

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  18. who's going to paris for the holidays? I want to come along.

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  19. Bravo, bravo! Let's have a standing ovation for FFM!

    I adore the The Merino Paige Jacket *Artsy Chic* Look #1, all the Rhubarb looks, and the 10 Year Class Reunion *Icebreaker* Night Casual Chic. And, thank you so much for the 2 Audrey looks! Audrey is in the mail as we speak and I can't wait to try the looks!

    Also, I'm going to try the Elizabeth In Fresh Clover For Fall. I have everything but the Lizzie driving mocs. Do you think I could do gold flats instead?

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  20. FFM: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thanks for putting together a bunch of outfits for me. I LOVE the Deep Atlantic and the Bright Rhubarb Belle Sets. I would never have thought of putting the Mushroom Tartine with the Rhubarb. What a pretty combination. I also LOVE your Metallic Giraffe Day Coat Professional look.
    You have such an eye for combining colors and textures. I'm so boring when it comes to combining colors, but thanks to you, I don't have to be boring anymore. :)

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  21. FFM, could you please help me put yet another outfit together? I recently purchased the Ringspun Rose Tee in the SeaSalt as well as the Andie Bag in the Flame. I would like to wear both of them at the same time. I need a professional look (particularly with the tee) for the office. Can you help me out with it? Thank you FFM!

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  22. ffm: where are you??? I haven't seen you around since yesterday - I hope everything is ok!

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  23. FFM, thank you SO much for the rhubarb ecole outfits. You are fantastic!!!!

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  24. FFM, I love your style! I would love you to wardrobe the cashmere academy cardigan with matchstick jeans and then maybe something dressier. I want something unique under it...any suggestions?

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  25. anon @ 11:06: My Rhubarb Ecole came yesterday, and I agree, it is beautiful! I can't wait to wear it! :)

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  26. jcrewjunkie, congrats on yours! i'm in canada so it will take a couple more days probably, hopefully, before it gets to me. i seriously can't wait to wear it!!! i am very anxiously waiting for my pkg to come.

    irene

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  27. Once again, these outfits are truely inspirational to my closet!

    OT - We were discussing making J.Crew-ish flower pins yesterday in a different thread... Well, I made some today and posted the pics on my blog! You can't beat making them yourself... esp for the price! Just thought I might be able to inspire someone to get crafty ;)

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  28. FFM - i have this metallic jacquard jacket (93404) which i really like but haven't yet figured out how to wear it -- i rarely wear dresses or skirts - am thinking it might go well with jeans/tee/boots but not sure - it doesn't look quite right with cords.

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  29. Jcrewjunkie and Anon @11:06: I too have the Rhubarb Ecole and am in love with it! Congratulations to you both!

    FFM: What awesome looks! You do have a superb sense of style that I definitely wish I had. A few pieces I would love help with. I recently got my hands on the khaki cha cha skirt from the spring. I also have the Candy tweed jacket from an earlier season (i have a picture on my polyvore). I have no idea how to wear it stylishly without it being too over the top.

    Thanks for the suggestions!

    Also, how do you print from Polyvore??? I would love to take my looks home with me for a style book!!

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  30. lindsey b.: those flower pins look awesome! I especially like the pink one! Nice job! btw, happy birthday to your little one! :)

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  31. Hi Everyone! Thanks again for all the compliments...I'm so pleased you are enjoying my sets! :)

    kater: You are so sweet, and thanks for asking about me! The boys and I went on a field trip this morning to the Train Museum, a playdate at the park, and then a quick trip into Jo Ann Fabrics for the flowers to make my Flower Pins. :)

    lindsey b: LOVE your flower pins! I hope mine turn out just as fabulous as yours! :)

    3-Penny Princess: You can definitely wear the gold flats instead of the lizzie driving mocs...they will compliment the gold accessories really well.

    As for printing from Polyvore: I would suggest emailing the set as an e-card to yourself, and then print it out from there. On the right side of the set is *Send this set as an e-Card*...click on it and then enter your email address. HTH! :)

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  32. weab & ffm: Thanks so much! I was pleasantly surprised at how they turned out! I want to see yours when they are finished!
    How do you think I could wear the pink flower with a suit? I am wearing a dressy, all ivory outfit to my husband's firm's event on Friday (matching suit jacket and skirt, pale almond Amelia tank, pearls, black pumps) and I wanted to add a pop of color. I feel like pinning the flower on my lapel might look silly/ oldfashioned... any ideas? I thought I might just pin it to my purse, but it might get knocked around a lot! Thanks!

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  33. What's the fit like on the Giraffe print coat? Is it TTS? Could the sleeves be shortened without ruining the appearance of the cuffs? How low does it hit the leg? And how would you describe the actual color and fabric.

    I've looked at for awhile and am only now giving it serious thought ... .

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  34. lindsey b: I really like the look of the pins on the lapel of a jacket personally...I think it adds a very feminine and pretty touch. If you are hesitant, then is it possible to wear a skinny belt on your jacket and hook on the pin like in your photo? Since I don't know the particular style of your suit jacket, I'm not sure it will work 100%, but it's an option to try. :)

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  35. ffm: I really wanted to do the skinny belt over the suit jacket with the flower attached, but it just didn't look right (I think the jacket is a bit too bulky!) I'm going to try it tonight with the flower on the lapel and see how it looks! Thanks!

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  36. lindsey b: Awesome flowers!! Why buy one from JC or D&D when you can make those. I need details!!! Can you fill me in on the pearls/beads in the center? Are they sewn on or glued?? These are just gorgeous!!! Congrats crafty girl!!

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  37. Off topic, but i wanted everyone to know that at my local B&M I purchased the velvet ecole jacket for %40 off the sale price today bringing it down to just $78. Worth the trip if you're looking for this one. Also, there is a secret sale on cashmere tees for $99.

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  38. Hi, FFM, what a find for me! Your outfits are fabulous.

    I'm going to London shortly to work onsite at my employer's office and just purchased the JC stretch vintage cord skirts in bright rhubarb and chocolate (wanted the honey glaze, but it's delayed; I'll buy it later) and would love some work ideas to incorporate those skirts.
    Thanks!

    Trish

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  39. Hi FFM--I love your sets! Thank you for all your ideas!

    I have the deep atlantic belle skirt and I haven't worn it yet because its so windy and damp in SF that I don't want to go bare legs--brr! Can you see if you could put an outfit together with the black or brown Rivington or tan Tenley boots? Do you think the belle skirt looks ok with boots? I feel like I haven't been able to put it all together in my mind.

    THANK YOU!

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  40. FFM, Thanks so much for the great outfit ideas for the coral cords. You're the best!!

    Can you suggest any "unconventional" color combinations to try on top with the coral cords? On the website they showed the bright red color with it, (persimmon or rhubarb?)and I just do not know if I am bold enough to pull that off!?

    I would like to try an interesting color in addition to the black and gray, though. I know I probably can't go wrong with pairing them with ivory. Maybe a peachy-pink flower pin would add!? Too cheesy?


    What are your thoughts on pairing the cords with a really pale peachy-pink, like their SHELL color? I do NOT want to look like I am trying to match the two colors?

    Thoughts, anyone?

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  41. Anon @8:19: regarding the Coral Cords...I would suggest giving honey glaze, chocolate, or even *light blade* seen Here a try.

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  42. leslie: Thank you so much! I am SO not a crafty person by nature, but I decided to tackle this because it seemed so do-able! I was right!

    I bought your run-of-the-mill metal pin bases ($0.10 ea) and some fake pearl and plastic beads ($0.05-0.15 ea) that coordinated with the silk flowers I had picked ($4-6 ea). I used a hot glue gun to glue on the 'pin' to the back of the flower (after plucking it from the plastic stem) and to glue on the beads to the center of the flowers. Bam! Vintage looking flower pin! Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to wear them. :/

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  43. FFM, you're the bomb!

    I really appreciate the color suggestions for the coral cords!! I am such a fan of all of those, and I like the "light blade" idea! Hmmmmm...the possibilities!

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  44. Hi FFM!

    Thank you for the two looks. I love them both! I'm definitely more confident now about the first day of work.

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  45. FFM: I can see you putting together outfits for "style" magazine. *grins* You have a wonderful eye for balance, without losing that element of surprise.

    Now to solicit your help again: I'm looking for more day-to-night looks, specifically for a grad student in a warm climate. The only catch? no jeans, and no shorts (I try to dress differently from my undergrad students). I do have a lot of dresses and various skirts.

    item: Metallic-linen Casa Rossa jacket (93406)
    I love the fit of this jacket, and I also have it in bright yellow and am considering buying the orange (94140)

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  46. good morning, FFM! great outfits, as always. i especially love your french chic ones ;)

    i have the polka dot lia blouse from last year, and i never wear it because i feel overpowered by the ruffles, and i can't figure out what to wear it with other than white pants... can you help? TIA!!

    http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/polka-dot-lia-blouse--navy-blue

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  47. Hi FFM,

    I have the polka dot San Telmo which I just love, but I always find myself wearing it with black and white. I would love to wear it to the office (business casual/business in a moderate climate) this fall but have some color. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated - Thanks!

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  48. I too would love some creative ideas about how to wear the navy polka-dot lia shirt! I kinda regret purchasing it now because I wear it so little and find the style limiting.

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  49. FFM: Why do I have all these items that are so LOUD. How can I tone down the Metallic Jacquard Jacket so that I can wear it out in public w/o people saying, "Wow..that jacket has some blling!" LOL. I loved it this summer when I wore it with shorts, I just don't know how to transition it (and tone it down) to look good with jeans for the fall!

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  50. FFM,

    Love looking at your sets as always! J.Crew has so many cute flats and heels, but quite expensive :(
    I'm really looking forward to seeing your next ones!! :)

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  51. FFM, wonderful job! I think that jcrew needs to hire you to come up with outfit combos for their catalog. You have a great eye!

    ~savannahgrl

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  52. FFM, thanks so much for your ideas for my skirt!! Beautiful. :)

    Now I'm wondering, how would you accessorize item number 97369, the Julianne dress, in bright rhubarb? Ideally I would like to avoid heels.

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  53. FFM: I echo jliz's comment...I'd love some ideas on how to take the blue belle skirt into the wintertime. Boots? tights? sweaters? Any ideas? You're so talented :)

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  54. FFM:

    Ok, this one has me really stumped. I'm usually good with dresses (love dresses!), but I'm not sure what to do with this color:

    Strappy Florence Dress in light citron: 93490

    I can normally pull off warmer gold/yellow tones...but I'm not sure what to do about the shocking YELLOW of this one. Anything that can tone it down would be really appreciated. (My hunch is using white...but I'm still at a loss)

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  55. I would love some advice about what to do with my newest purchase, the Favorite-fit herringbone Academy pant (orange). I would love a great work look as well as a night on the town. Any advice would be helpful!

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  56. Hi Naomi! I would suggest either wearing a turtleneck (such as one of the tissue turtlenecks)under the short sleeve sweater or putting a blazer over it...both looks are really pretty, and will help transition the sweater into Fall. :) HTH...let me know if you have anymore questions about it.

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  57. Hi FFM! Thanks for the great ideas with the Ivory serge pencil skirt and the Honey Glaze boucle skirt fit the office!!
    I just picked up the diamond print Annette lawn shirt-any ideas on how to wear this at the office? I wear lots of greys and cool colors! Thanks!

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  58. I think I managed to create sets for my new platinum gold metallic uptown tote on polyvore. I was trying to create casual look with majority of jcrew items in my closet.

    FFM: Your help would still be appreciated with the black hoodie (casual look) and other items I mentioned in previous posts here,esp. merino lady jacket in Charcoal!!!!

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  59. auryane: I would wait until next Spring to wear the Florence Dress...I feel it's a little too bright for Fall/Winter. If you would still like a set made with a Spring/Summer look please let me know. :)

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)