3.13.2008

Lack of Originality + A Smidge of Controversy

I realize posting about J.Crew isn't exactly revolutionary, but I was so smitten with these fun printed skirts that I couldn't resist jumping on the bandwagon... (Never mind that actually wearing one is outside the realm of possibility, as the mini is just not my thing, but they are incredibly cute, no?)

Now for the bit of controversy...I tend to like J.Crew's rather brilliant styling and the gorgeous catalog (I mean does it get any better than the Kaufmann house??) and just their general vibe far better than I end up liking the actual clothes in person... Don't get me wrong, I've loved some of my J.Crew stuff and worn it to death, but more often than not I end up shipping things back or exiting the store empty handed.

There I said it.

8 comments:

TonicHome said...

I know exactly what you are saying and agree. However, I do have good luck with their shoes. They are really wonderful!

Unknown said...

the right all the way to the right is adorable!!

Jane said...

Love the minis and I love the one to the left...but alas I think they are just a bit too short for me and my 45 years!

I do agree about Jcrew. I usually end up taking things back and I can't get a pair of pants to fit for the life of me.

27 days Joslyn! Can't wait! We should do some sort of tandem blog thing while together!

Joslyn said...

jane -- you could so pull off one of those skirts!

i can't belive 27 days...i'm so ready...loving the tandem blog idea

Joanna Goddard said...

joslyn, i totally agree. i LOVE their branding and styling -- in italy, at the california house, etc.... they're really selling an outlook and lifestyle, and i love the way they're doing it.

But i really agree w/you. i love love love shorts, but their shorts look terrible on me! and i don't like their tops on me. and their dresses and skirts and usually too baggy and odd looking on me.

but i do really like their bathing suits. they fit and cover your whole butt. that might be it!

still, they are doing a good job and are obviously successful.....

i guess it's a complicated approach -- who is their demographic? average size? etc.

karey m. said...

we eloped to nantucket too many years ago, and i wore a very cool j.crew dress...before they did wedding dresses! so every time i get a catalog or visit them online, i remember this...

howevah! do you know how many times i've ordered a no-way-i'd-return-this item from their sale? only to find out, it looks nothing like it did on the model, right?

and no returns on sale items...grrr.

Janna said...

Just gotta add, as a size 14 tall woman, I've completely written J. Crew off. Fun to look at, but I've probably had two items from them in the entire history of my closet. They've done a great job with the lifestyle selling though, I'm always attracted despite knowing the clothes won't fit me.

Anonymous said...

This is how I feel about Banana Republic, which is doubly unfortunate for me because my hub loves to shop there and brings me with him and it just makes me sad. : )