Tuesday, August 11, 2009

J.Crew Email: Jenna's picks for fall

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, MissMasala, love2shop4bags, & XOXO, who let us know about J.Crew's email from yesterday, which showcases all of Jenna Lyons' picks for the latest catalog. There is even a categorical link on J.Crew's website with her selections (click here).

According to the email:
Fall is about mastering the mix. Pretty pale hues amped up with bold brights and feminine flourishes offset with tomboy touches. Last but not least- jewelry (pile it on).
Items chosen include:
  1. Silk Evening Primrose Brynn dress (Item 18137; $158.00)
  2. Wool flannel schoolboy blazer (Item 18271; $188.00)
  3. Heirloom flora necklace (Item 19492; $98.00)
  4. Skinny tortoise patent-leather belt (Item 17318; $39.50)
  5. Merino Maya cardigan (Item 17854; $88.00)
  6. Jeweled garland bracelet (Item 18030; $95.00)
  7. Lexi tote (Item 18262; $325.00)
  8. Tiered crystal libretto necklace (Item 18013; $98.00)
  9. Golden-orb ring (Item 19499; $50.00)
  10. Nottingham ankle boots (Item 16940; $250.00)
  11. Tissue beaded necklace tee (Item 17629; $49.50)
  12. Scattered petals tank (Item 17207; $88.00)
  13. Vintage matchstick cord (Item 17046; $79.50)
  14. Spencer patent-trimmed suede Mary Janes (Item 17197; $215.00)
Do you agree or disagree with any of the items selected or Jenna's quote about Fall? What's your favorite and least favorite item Jenna selected? What are your thoughts on the color palette? Which items (or colors) did you hope to see?

72 comments:

  1. Easter, anyone? This whole palatte (with the exception of the gold shirt) looks to me like a spring collection. I LOVE the Spencer Mary Janes, but again, for spring! Most of this stuff I will pass on or will look for in other colors. I love fall's rich colors, and these just don't do it for me.

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  2. I might be crazy but does anyone know if they changed the length of the matchstick cords this season? I could swear last year the short sizes came with a 31" inseam which was a little long for me, but this year they say they have a 30" inseam... I'd be curious to know if these are, in fact, running a bit shorter.

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  3. The Lexi tote is gorgeous, but I'm waiting to see what other bags are available. Not sure Lexi really suits me.

    Agree with Rebecca, the palette doesn't quite look like fall.

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  4. OT: Has anyone checked out LLBean's fall arrivals? With the schoolboy blazer and the Eden blazer not working for me, I was searching around for alternatives and found this blazer. It looks super cute, and comes in great colors. Thoughts?

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  5. lilaccupcake, LLBean tends to have a boxy fit on me. Haven't tried this one on yet, but check out this version on Club Monaco's website:

    http://www.clubmonaco.com/082009/women_musthaves_1.asp

    A similar blazer from last year fit beautifully and was very soft wool. Haven't seen this at a Club Monaco BM yet, but will definitely check it out. Canadian JCAs, can you comment on the Monaco wool blazer?

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  6. Thanks Cheryl! That blazer is cute :) Love the piping and pocket detail. I see there is a store in Philly ... I will have to check it out when it comes in.

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  7. I like the color palatte, but do not like the pieces chosen for this layout. So far everything I have purchased from Banana Republic, J Crew and Ann Taylor has been light gray, rose, plum and light blue, so I am enjoying the lighter colors. But then again, I live in Florida so we skip straight from summer to winter, so I never really have a chance to wear the yummy falling leaf tones.

    I love the LL Bean blazer in the berry, however it appears to be sold out in a 4 and does not come in a 2. I like some of their merchandise, but usually do find it is a little more boxy than J Crew and I wish they had more small sizes.

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  8. My favorite item, which I already own, is the maya cardi. This is the most flattering cardi I've ever seen. While the colors she pictures aren't what I would call fall colors, the colors in store are better, IMO.

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  10. I like most of the stuff in Jenna's picks! Tho, I really love this in light pink:

    Spencer patent-trimmed suede Mary Janes (Item 17197; $215.00)

    I'm waiting to hopefully order this at the JCA event end of August with the extra 20% off!

    Color palette is very pretty. I like that there are spring colors mixed in because that means you can wear some things from spring through out the year. Also helps to brighten up the darker fall colors. Love the mix!

    On a side note, does anyone have the Lyla Peep Toes in Papaya? What does your bow look like? Is it off to the side like mine? It is my first time trying peep toes. I posted some pictures to see if my shoe is looking right. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! pixelant.blogspot.com

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  11. The maya cardi is so cute! It is already wait-listed in that colour ): last time I checked.

    I pretty much like all of these picks, actually! I am loving the fall colour palette.

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  12. Ooh, I just checked out that LL Bean blazer - cute as heck!!!

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  13. I agree with those who observed that the color palette is spring-like. Too bad... we just had a season of all pastel-y looking cashmere seaters, and now more? I was kind of hoping for something brighter and more fierce for fall. (One of the things I love about JC... they are not afraid to make clothing and accessories in bright colors and interesting prints, unlike most clothiers in this price range.)

    I love that schoolboy blazer, though.... always a sucker for a great blazer.

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  14. OT: Does anyone have a free ship code?

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  15. I like the colors, but want to see some richness, too. I'm loving the look of the Mary Janes, but I'm just too clumsy and dropsy for suede! They'd be ruined instantly. The libretto is so pretty, and the necklace tee, too, but they're also on the "I'd annihilate" list! Rhinestones, sequins, and lace trim would envelop me in a PIgpen-esque cloud of bling.

    Math teacher, so the Maya, eh? I can't remember if you've mentioned if you're well blessed, chestwise. (Sorry to be so personal!) That's always my area of concern, especially with button up cardis. I haven't had a chance to try this on yet, and didn't think it was a possibility to work on my top heaviness. Do you think it would be OK? Thanks so much!

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  16. @pixielant - I have the Lyla peep toes, but in a different color. The bow is off-center. Seems to be that way in pictures, too. JCrew seemed to do that with a lot of shoes with bows on them.

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  17. Off topic, but has anyone seen the moccasin booties in store yet? I don't want to pay the shipping, but want to know if they are in store before I schlep off to the store.

    Thanks,
    Jen

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  18. Cheryl -- I'll check out the Club Monaco store this week...the boyfriend blazer looks cute! I hope it comes in charcoal.

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  20. I just got back from my B&M.

    I purchased the double serge skirt in light gray and it is fantastic. They also had black (already have from last year) and the copper color. The copper is beautiful too.

    I also bought a merino animal print sweater. I usually wear a small, but it was a little skimpy so I sized up. It is cream with a gray print. It was $88 and is the first item that has really excited me this fall.

    I also tried the professor blazer (that is what I went for), but it didn't fit well at all and didn't look as good as my Maggies, so I passed.

    I tried the merino ruffled sweater and love it, but I didn't like the colors the store had. I am planning on ordering the navy shortly. It runs TTS.

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  21. Does anyone know if the double serge skirts will be carried online also. I am interested in the copper one, but prefer the petite size.

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  23. I love the schoolboy blazer and am waiting to see if my store gets it in that gray color. I also really love the Maya cardi, but am wanting a dark plum, dark teal, or rusty orange!

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  24. Hi pixelant, I have the Lyla printed peep toes in Sweet Papaya color. LOVE IT! I have to size down on this style. I checked your picture on the website.. all looks normal to me. Yes, the bow is supposed to be slightly placed to the side. I don't think you should trim the bow.

    Hi JenC, I tried on the suede moccasin booties in grey last Sat... SO CUTE! Would size up... since only run full sizes. I didn't buy it coz I was thinking maybe I'd get it on sale or with 20% promo. It isn't expensive compared to the other J.Crew shoes. Probably can only wear it during early Fall or Spring since it's very lightweight and the fabric isn't as thick. I love the fringe and the lace-up details. I guess I'll wait to see how the weather is here in NY to decide whether or not I'd need a new pair of booties to wear when Fall comes!

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  25. I went to B&M in Hyannis.
    I purchased two double serge skirts (in light gray and in black). They didn’t have the copper color. It’s such great skirt, $118, TTS.

    I bought merino animal print cardi. Just like kitsmommy says, this top runs small, I had to size up (normally wear S). This sweater looks great with my new double serge pencil skirts.

    I got two ethereal merino ruffle sweaters in buff pink and black. Love this sweater, TTS.

    I also purchased cute vintage rooster tee (item #KN1137, not online, $29).

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  26. I really do love the new JCG collection - the color palette is great. Quick question for you guys -- have you noticed that the new Ann Taylor collection has a lot of items that seem very J. Crew like (i.e. cardigan sweaters, tops with ruffles)? Are any of you girls shopping at Ann Taylor more these days? Or Loft?

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  27. Cool Simply J Crew! We will be outfit twins. I love the cardi with the gray pencil skirt.

    I also ordered the silver/ivory print Francis cami in a 4. The 2 was just a little tight in the hip on me and they did not have a 4. It is style number 17630 if anyone wants to do a "we will find it."

    I also bought a pair of urban fit jeans in a really clean dark wash from Banana Republic. If anyone else is curvy and has problems with gaping in the waist, I recommend these. Great jeans...

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  28. Ann Taylor and Loft's items are looking very J Crew lately. Their models appear to have also adopted the poor posture of the J Crew models ;) .

    I was a fan of Ann Taylor for many years but have felt that their quality and style (aside from their impecable cashmere) has been lacking for the last couple of years. I was interested in some of the new items and visited two different stores this week. The styling has improved, but I am unfortunately still unimpressed by the quality and fit.

    Loft has had some great jeans lately and I have been impressed with their tees (very J Crewish).

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  29. I think that I'm one of the few that likes this color palette. Def. not a traditional fall color scheme, but since I didn't over do it this summer with all of the light tones, I'm not sick of them yet. They'll go great with my dark grey skinny jeans from Gap and other neutral basics from previous fall seasons.

    OT, I'm visiting the Portland area this weekend. Any JCA suggestions as to which J.Crew stores are the best to hit: there's one outlet and 3 in various parts of town. Thanks!

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  30. What I love about J Crew's Fall palette is how well the colours can coordinate with "traditional" fall colours like browns, charcoals, purples, etc. And of course, you can wear them in Spring.

    Cheryl and lilaccupcake:

    Thanks for the info on LL Bean, I really like that Camden Blazer, looks like a real classic.

    I checked out the Club Monaco Wool Blazer at my local B&M recently. It's gorgeous and substantial, however, it's more of a sweater than a jacket. But it has enough stucture and weight so you could wear it like a jacket on mild or cool days. Club Monaco jackets generally fit TTS. HTH.

    Eddie Bauer has a nice blazer too - check out the Wool Blend Blazer from their Women's New Arrivals on their site: http://www.eddiebauer.com/home.jsp

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  31. CheesyGoodness - I'm a 36C with broad shoulders and it works. Because it's a v-neck maybe? The twist happens under the bust, at that small area. I really love it! If it wasn't such a memorable cardi, I would have more than one. And may end up with more than one anyway, I love it that much! HTH

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  33. Noticed the email version of Jenna's picks is missing the silk evening primrose dress. Wonder why, I got the impression the evening primrose pattern was pretty popular.

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  34. I also love the leopard cardi and gray skirt together. If I worked in an office, I would have bought both of these items ASAP! :) However, the skirt is too much for my school and I just bought the evening primrose cardi, so I left them both. I'm hoping to get both at some point. As for size on the leopard cardi, I thought it ran TTS, although I don't button my crewneck cardis all the way due to my chest - too much gaping unless I size way up. I just button right under the chest to get some shape, so my normal size worked.

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  35. Anyone else waiting on JC to give us a 20% off code? Not sure if I'll be in town so I haven't been able to commit to any of the JCA events. I'm so ready for Fall in DC - I want sweaters, cords, boots, and to go walk through some crunchy fall leaves! Not loving alot in the current catalog - the next one should have more true Fall things! Hooray! Love this site and sharing the JC love with you ladies!

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  36. Heh, I am anticipating the September catalog, too :-) Didn't like much of the spring & summer offerings, but fall ... oh la la. Love it. I wonder where J.Crew went for this year's fall shoot? Too much to hope they went back to Paris, I suspect ...

    If the double-serge pencil skirt is anything to go by (as I believe this will be in the Sept. catalog), the fall collection could be fantastic. Here's hoping for lots of tweed, boucle, and *quality* cashmere!

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  37. It is funny how differently things fit us all.

    I am a 32A and usually wear an xs or small in J Crew sweaters.

    The animal print cardi gaped really badly on me in a small and was tight in the sleeves. The medium was loose but not baggy and once I add a cami will be just right. I just measured the bust on this and it is about 35 inches.

    My better endowed but more petite friend also tried it and she had to size up also.

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  38. Have you seen latest Lucky issue (p172) featuring "sand dune elletra" skirt from jcrew?

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  39. Speaking of magazines there is for the first time I ever recall a J.Crew item with "price upon request" in this month's Marie Clare. I couldn't believe it. It appears to be the rabbit fur vest that I think I recall from the Lookbook but it is pink. Still, that is usually only ever for haute couture designers...?! It is on page 38 (re cover shoot), Sept issue.

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  40. And before everyone tells me, I know that can mean the piece is not going to be produced. But still, I think it also implies couture design and I was just taken aback to see it attached to j.crew...aren't they supposed to in a slightly more accessible bracket...? Anyway, maybe it is just me :)

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  41. Has anyone purchased or seen the Lumiere cami IRL? I like the rumpled, yet dressy feel with the conservative professor but the fit looks like it is going to be tricky/sloppy in the shoulders?? Am I wrong? I have visions of the Florentine Quinton cami.

    Also-notice the schoolboy blazer comes flannel item 18271 or stretch item 21614 now that is interesting.

    I like the look of the scattered petals on the model in the schoolboy blazer but online the barely peach color looks really bad and cheap. Can anyone comment on looks, and fit?

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  42. I just checked with a customer service specialist re the Bell Flower Top in Light Sage color... apparently most sizes are sold out in this color and she advised me that they don't expect to receive any additional inventory. Seriously? Are they really cutting the inventory super low now??

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  43. Simply JCrew: I saw that skirt, too! It looks like the one that Michelle Obama wore in Vogue (I think)...really pretty! I remember seeing that skirt and hoping that they would eventually sell it in retail...

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  44. I ordered scattered petals tank in bright papaya on line. I got size 4 (usually wear size 2-4) because someone here said that it runs small. Wrong, I needed 2, it runs TTS.
    Also the amount of petals was just overwhelming on me… I tried it with several cardigans and none of them worked with this top. I returned this tank. It’s just not for me.

    I hardy recommend Perfect-fit falling ruffles tank. I bought in every color.

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  45. Thanks Math Teacher! You've really piqued my interest in Maya, I'll definitely try it on.

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  46. I broke down and bought the Primrose Brynn dress with a gift certificate that someone gave me for Christmas. It is beautiful, and I am so glad I got it. The fabric and pattern are just so nice.

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  47. @JTS and @Jean - thanks for letting me know about the peep toes! I guess I'm just not use to the side bow thing. In the website photo it looked like their bow is centered on the shoe. I will refrain from any bow trimming at this time.

    On a side note, I stopped at my local B&M tonight as well. Looked like there are some new jewelry pieces in the store for Fall. Lots of golds and warm amber type colors. And maybe an in store only version of the Nottingham Ankle Boot (unless I am going color blind which wouldn't be a good thing being in the design field)in gray. It's so nice! I have some photos up if anyone is interested in seeing it. Cheers!

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  48. Like Simply Jcrew, I also recommend the perfect fit falling ruffles tank. Better looking IRL. Great on its own this summer & also with all my Jcrew cardigans and blazers in the fall. I bought the 3 colors online & 2 more in the store (grey & cream). I noticed though it's cheaper in the store at 24.5 vs 29.5 online. There are also more colors available in store. It seems they really want to increase traffic to B&Ms.

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  49. Thanks for typing all that link and product info out, Alexis!

    I'm a tad surprised by the color palette in Jenna's picks. It does feel Easter sunday-friendly. Just toss in some eggs, flip the background to yellow and we've skipped to spring. I was expecting more deep hues like the balustrade mini, the blue and chocolate pencil skirt and the evening primrose pattern.

    I am interested in the schoolboy blazer, but the the stretch heather charcoal or navy version.

    As for the quote, I don't tend to pile on jewelry when it gets cold as its covered by long sleeves or collared coats and scarves. That tissue beaded necklace tee was so soft, but I wouldn't be able to care for it. Can anyone tell me if the sequins and sewing make it itchy to wear against the skin?

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  50. I am still hoping to grab the rumpled safari skirt but at this point in the summer am also hoping for a reduced price. Does anyone have scoop as to when the last of the summer things will get marked down? I'm hoping when the September stuff comes out - soon!

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  51. has anyone seen a IRL picture of the animal cardigan? I haven't made it to a J.crew yet but am DYING to see it! Thanks!

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  52. Arianna -
    I am from Portland. I would guess that the Pioneer Place or the Washington Square J.Crews would be the biggest, since they are in pretty popular shopping locations. The Pioneer one is downtown, so that may be the easiest to get to, depending on where you are staying. If you want more Portland advice, e-mail me at: chanel.fashionista@yahoo.com

    Oh and the Woodburn outlets are pretty good!

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  53. Chanel Fashionista, I just posted a picture of merino ocelot cardi for you...

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  54. For anyone who has tried on the Maya cardigan and also the Michelle & Portland cardigans:Is it thinner like the Michelle or slightly denser like the Portland? Also, how is the sizing? Thanks!

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  55. Anyone have a free shipping code?

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  56. Indigo Girl, thanks for the comment on the CM version of the schoolboy blazer. When you say sweater-like, do you mean it's a knit fabric, not a woven? I guess that's not necessarily a bad thing... might mean it's more comfortable to wear.

    Cliquot - let me know what you think of this CM blazer too.

    Leader, the double serge pencil skirt is supposed to come online sometime this week, according to a JC phone rep. The style # is 17444 so I'd keep checking, but he did say it doesn't currently come in petites. Bummer, cuz I need a petite also. Tried on the size 0 regular in store, but it won't work, even if hemmed shorter because the proportions would be all wrong. Keeping my fingers crossed that it will eventually be offered in petites.

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  57. Love & bought the evening primrose cardi, but I wish they came out with more solids that would pick up the colors on this print. Like a saturated violet or deep periwinkle; no pastels please.

    Like the maya but won't buy at FP, and like Abigail & MCC, I want to see richer colors too like the plum, teal & rustic orange/coral you mentioned.

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  58. Hi Cheryl,

    I remember the jacket being a knit, but a substantial one.

    There may be some other (similar) styles and colours and I'll go back to check them out and fill you in.

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  59. Are the
    Butterscotch wool flannel schoolboy blazer (18328), the
    Navy wool schoolboy blazer (17072), the Wool flannel schoolboy blazer (18271) and the Stretch wool schoolboy blazer (21614) the same cut, with different fabric? Only the navy and butterscoth have "inset waistband". Does that make a difference with fit?

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  60. I like Maya cardigan but fell in love with dream shawl cardigan ($118, style 18773?, gray, pink, black, light pewter). Unfortunately, I can't find it on the web. Does anyone know whehter it is a "retail only" item or not?

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  61. Hi violet - the Maya is definitely thinner like the Michelle. I was kind of surprised at how thin it is, but it is very beautiful. I'd say it was TTS.

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  62. Good news - Maya must be ready to ship because they just charged my credit card! Only ordered it a few days ago and it said it was backordered until 8/18. Just wanted to let everyone know in case that was a deterrent to ordering it online. Can't wait to see it in person!

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  63. Thanks, silver_lining! I wish they'd do some more Portland cardigans with some new colors like the the beautiful Deep Amber. The newer cardigans are just too thin for my taste.

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  64. Naomi-
    I saw that at my B&M--I think in store only (at least for now). It was dream, thicker (more substantial than all the merinos) and cute. Looks like it ran BIG.

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  65. Simply JCrew & AppGal - the Michelle Obama skirt (Vogue) is called the Sand Dune Pencil Skirt, item # 17446, $178. I had my PS pre-order it for me way back in early June.

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  66. Marietta,

    Thank you so much for the info on the Sand Dune Pencil Skirt.

    SJC

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  67. bug pin:

    Thanks for the heads-up! I ordered one in smaller size!

    I saw Double Serge Pencil Skirt (?) in gray, brown (brick?) and plum at my B&M. I think the fabric is much better than last year. I hope J.Crew uploads this item on the web soon.

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  68. I tried on the Brynn dress and it's much shorter on me than on the JCrew models. The description says it "falls above knee" and on me it hits more like midthigh - a good 6" above my knee. That's still "above knee" but I expect "above knee" to mean within an inch or two of my knee which is how it looks on the models. I'm not super tall - I'm just 5'8" on a good day.

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  69. There are quite a few items that I love in the new fall collection. I love the Merino ethereal ruffle cardigan! I purchased it in dark rust and it is really lovely. Even though I wear a 34D, J Crew size 4/small always fits me. I also got the Shirred wool skirt in heather carbon in a size 4, and it fits beautifully. I adore the length of this skirt, I love the way it hits a few inches above my knee.

    I still need to get, what I think is, a retail only wool skirt. It's a really basic black wool mini and I simply must have it. There is also an argyle merino sweater that is pretty wonderful and is, of course, perfect for fall. I also tried on the Silk Frances cami and really loved it in what I think was dark slate (I thought it was brown when I tried it on though.)

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  70. The color palette is fine for me, as a resident of temperate SoCal who dislikes a lot of traditional fall colors, such as reds, olive greens and forest greens. There is a bluestone merino cardigan that I hope I can pick up if it's reduced.

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  71. Hey, has anybody seen this month's Marie Claire? I am trying to find the J. crew Pink fur vest that they show ..can't find it! can anyone help? Thanks! xoc

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