I'm with J

Another day, another dollar.

A not so new brand has popped up on my horizon recently.

I'd always dismissed them as being a little too Ivy League preppy. You know the kind of preppy that's a caricature of preppy.

But then I went into their store.

And then even better than that, I went onto their website.

A+ for effort for the stylists and photographers. And the model bookers as this website just wanted to make me own EVERYTHING they're selling.

And the best bit is with the post-xmas credit crunch, the sales are looking rather inviting.

I know I'm not with Vince and his Entourage, but I definitely think I'm rolling with J and his Crew.

www.jcrew.com



A white tank and blue jeans. Very simple but the way its been styled with that certain je ne sais quoi. 3 tanks for $20. And they look as if they're slightly long which makes sure you're always saying no to crack, no matter how low riding your low riders are. Love it, love it, love it.




Bright red trousers always makes me think of Spain. i swear, I've never been anywhere in the world where the men and women wear bright red trousers as much as Spain. Anyway, these fabulously sophisticated looking cords come in a wide range of colours are are reduced from $79 to $19. I love a well cut, well fitting pair of cords in Autumn, Winter and Spring so if you haven't discovered the ass-tastic properties of fitted corduroy, this might just be the ticket.




Very preppy but i love it. I love the way this big button cashmere henley been styled with the ruffle collar shirt, gold belt, mustard skirt and jade clutch. I wouldn't wear it that way (I'd go for superskinny skinnies and heels) but it just looks fabulous. Want it.




See? Even when you're totally chilling out at the weekend you can look equally fabulous. i think its the off kilter colour combinations that really do it for me. I abhor matchy-matchy, its all about the carefully executed contrast. Jade green and mustard, hadn't thought of that one before. Loving it. And two 'Perfect Fit' Mandarin collar Henley tops for $35? Love it even more.




I'm in all types of love with this coat, the Double Cloth Lady Day Coat. Reduced from $330 to $149. They fit like a dream and I would buy one if I didn't get an extremely fabulous coat for Xmas. See...I'm trying really hard at this moderation with shopping thing this year.




I would never have thought of wearing this skirt like this, but its just Cashmere Mafia (RIP) fabulous. The Double Serge pencil skirt is just all types of office sexy and its reduced from $128 to $79. Go on, buy it, make the men in the office weak. The skinny belt (which is making a comeback) really adds something. I'd like to thank my two little nieces for the pink stingray skinny belt they got me for Xmas. Too cute!




They have a wedding and party collection which has some surprisingly fabulous dresses. Like this one, The Silk Tricotine Cecelia dress. Don't know about getting married in it, but it is very sexy in that skims-the-bod-in-all-the-right-places kind of way.




Another dress from the wedding and party collection, this is the Silk Taffeta Kate and its not my usual style but I love it. And that fabulous shade of champagne. I defy you to not look a million dollars in this baby.




And then there's the J Crew Collection which is a a new offshoot that's just seen them open their first J Crew Collection stand alone store. And quite frankly with a homepage like this, why wouldn't you want to hotfoot it down there?




The milk chocolate cashmere coat, the bright pink scarf, the beaded belt and the surprisingly sexy jacquard trousers. J Crew Collection...Me likey.




Who knew it was possible to work so many layers and manage to look so chic. I'll draw the line at the 'khaki pants' though. For men only. Loving those sparkly shoes though.




J Crew Collection at its sexy secretary finest. Why is it only on TV and in magazines anyone manages to actually look like a sexy secretary? And can anyone tell me what on earth is sexy about secretaries anyway? Enough for that to be one of the strongest typically sexy female stereotypes. I just don't get it. Surely the broad with the corner office is a bit more enticing?




I love travelling, I love travel accessories and two of my all time favourite brands are Valextra and Globetrotter. Not for the faint of hard or weak of pocket but damn, I want this suitcase!

The Great Coat Debate

Hey people,

Sorry the posts have been a little sporadic, work and life has been a little hectic.

So onto my next topic du jour, the great coat. Every year, as the temperatures start dropping I find my eyes drawn to the fantastic selection of great coats around.

I love coats and cute jackets, I quite possibly have too many, but where's the fun in shopping without happily ignoring excess?

THE SHORT BLACK COAT





Left: ASOS Extreme Funnel Neck 60GBP http://www.asos.com
Centre: ABS double breasted wool coat $400 now $160 http://www. smartbargains.com
Right: Long Tall Sally Kimono Sleeve Coat 85GBP http://www.asos.com


Sometimes when you're busy a full length coat just kinda gets in the way. These short black coats are the perfect everyday winter coat. They go with everything, the work by day and by night and they're easy to dress up or down.

Whether you go for the funnel neck (perfect for keeping extra warm) or the peacoat inspired ABS with swing sleeves or the LongTallSally (fabulous brand for taller women) kimono sleeve, you'll be looking seriously stylish in your anything but boring black coat.

STYLISH NEUTRALS






If you want a change from boring black and want to stick to something smart and stylish, opt for the camel-beige-tan colour spectrum.
LEFT: Asos funnel neck frill edge 70GBP http://www.asos.com
CENTRE: Victoria's Secret VIA Double Breasted Coat $148 now $128 http://www. victoriassecret.com
RIGHT: French Connection Wool Mix Mohair Belted Jacket 130GBP http://www.asos.com
Again, this is a selection of stylish twists on a staple classic coat.




WINTER WHITES
Whoever says you're not supposed to wear white in winter, just doesn't know how to wear it! I love winter white and I think worn well it can look supremely stylish. The smart funnel neck of the McQ jacket or the oversize collar on the Ben Sherman are both fab places to start looking.

LEFT: Ben Sherman coat $229 http://www. urbanoutfitters.com
RIGHT: Mcq by Alexander McQueen funnel neck jacket $545 http://www.net-a-porter.com




GORGEOUS GREYS
Grey is another fabulous colour for a coat. Go light or dark depending on your preference but it acts as a neutral as it goes with everything.






LEFT: Victoria's Secret Ruffle Hem Coat $168 http://www. victoriassecret.com
CENTRE: Mcq double breasted frock coat 500gbp http://www.asos.com
RIGHT: ASOS bustle back trench 60gbp http://www.asos.com




BRIGHT POPS OF COLOUR - TRUE BLUE

This shade of bright blue is a perfect shade for winter, It works with jeans, black and looks great in the evening too. Definitely not for the shy and retiring but it is a fabulously retro inspired quirky hue.
LEFT: Old Navy Pique Wool Blend Coat in Siberian Blue $89 http://www.oldnavy.com
RIGHT: J Crew Double Cloth Tulip Coat $330 http://www.jcrew.com





LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

I'm a big fan of the little red riding hood come winter. I love a great red coat. As with the black or camel coat, just make sure you choose one that's the best quality that you can afford.
LEFT: Asos Ringspun kimono coat 95gbp http://www.asos.com
RIGHT: J Crew stadium cloth bridget coat $365 http://www.jcrew.com





PURPLE REIGN

I love purple and I love a great purple coat and man oh man, I think i might just need this J Crew coat. That shade of purple is so divinely stylish and regal...love it.
LEFT: Urban Outfitters Florrie Coat $108 http://www. urbanoutfitters.com
CENTRE: J Crew double cloth lady coat $330 http://www.jcrew.com
RIGHT: Soia & Kyo coat $360 http://www. bloomingdales.com






GREEN WITH ENVY

Ok, I've been permanently scarred against green coats from wearing our school uniform coats for 7 years...but its been just about long enough now since I had to be a 'GreenFly' to appreciate a nice green coat.
LEFT: Tulle Cypress Coat $89 now 49 http://www. nordstrom.com
RIGHT: Victoria's Secret Classic Wool Twill Coat $138 now 119 http://www. victoriassecret.com




TWEED
Tweed is another great love of mine when it comes to winter coats and these two manage to pull off the understated moneyed look that I love about tweed.

LEFT: Asos Miss Sixty tweed a line coat 230gbp http://www.asos.com
RIGHT: DKNY Ruffle Front Wool Blend Coat $300 now 144 http://www. overstock.com

Absolutely Shagadelic

I'm in all types of love with a new trend on the horizon.

Its handy for keeping warm as the temperature drops, and its the latest look in Boho Luxe.

The fur gilet has been a long time love of mine and while I'm not fighting for animal rights (I'd rather spend that time fighting for people's rights)...there's something about real fur that ain't too kosher in 2008. Depends where you live as to how likely you are to get pelted with paint from some PETA person, so spare yourself the hassle and go faux. And yes, this is probably the only time I'll advocate going faux.



Its Gucci and you know they don't give a f*** about animals, or probably people. But this is one of the key looks of the season that spawned this trend.



Cassie looking fabulous in that Elizabeth & James Monkey fur gilet. Ok yes it looks fabulous but damn, I'm not down with having monkey draped on me!



This fab casually sexy little gilet is by BB Dakota and its the perfect everyday gilet. Kill 3 birds with one item, tartan/plaid/check, fur (hood) and its a gilet. Love it. Love that fur hood.



Kate Moss working her magic for her TopShop line in this fab photo. Its her Yeti coat which keeps selling out apparently. Looks like a fabulous portable blanket. In a cute way.


Next? I kid you not. This absolutely fabulous looking (I'd need to see it up close and personal) gilet is from next only 45 squid...not bad.


Pri-mygoodness. Primark are really stepping up their game in their total domination of the cheap and cheerful market. This is only 18 GBP (new laptop can't find the pound key) so its an easy way to dip your toe in the fur gilet trend.



Princess Riri doing what she does best, getting papped out and about looking fabulous. LOVE her gilet.



This supercute outfit is y Sweetface, J-Lo's not very talked about fashion line. Its a cute take on the casually sexy laidback everyday style of the chick from the BX. Love it.


And here are some of my takes on how to work the fur gilet to maximum effect.

Peacock Faux Fur Gilet 18GBP
Miss Sixty Knit Dress 75GBP
Dolce & Gabbana Raquel Shopper $795
Chinese Laundry 'Tahoe' boots $99



Cecil McBee Faux Fur Gilet
Forever 21 blouse $20
Frankie B Heart Cords $110
Nook & Willow weave slouch bag 420GBP
Steve Madden Merritt Shooboots $139



Primark Faux Fur Gilet 18GBP
3.1 Philip Lim Paisley Print Dress $695
Jeffrey Campbell Belinda Boots $159
Susannah Hunter Overnight Bag 770GBP




ASOS Fur Bolero 35GBP
Iisli Cashmere Butterfly Top (from Ebay)
Level 99 Chloe Straight Leg Jeans $106
Angel Jackson handbag 184GBP
Steve Madden Midory Shooboots $149




Peacock Faux Fur Gilet 18GBP
Express Chiffon Top $60
Sass & Bide Rats Leggings $176
United Nude Boots 150GBP
Botkier Cairo Bag $410
Charles & David clutch $165



Which is your favourite absolutely shagadelic look?

Hip To Be Square

New season, new trend.

And I think the last time this one was big was the 80s.

If you're American you call it plaid, if you're English you call it tartan.

To-mah-to. To-may-to.

It looks good when you know how to wear it.

COATS & JACKETS
The plaid/tartan print works really well on coats and jackets. For the most part, I prefer the more muted tones...stops it looking too 'festive'.

First up, the gilet (English) vest (american) is from Guess $148. I love the simple colours and that furry hood is just too cute. But remember when it comes to faux there's a fine line between fur and fraff.www.guess.com.

On the right, the supercute green tartan/plaid (I'm keeping it PC) bomber jacket is from BB Dakota. If you haven't heard of them, take a look at their site www.bbdakota.com. Very cute stuff for very reasonable prices.



These are both cute, casual, comfy options.
On the left the BDG Portsmouth Bomber is available from www.urbanoutfitters.com for $138 or £120. Perfect to throw on at the weekend when you just need to pop out. And at risk of looking like an ASBO teen, a hood is quite handy for keeping warm and keeping your hair dry if the skies suddenly open.

On the right, is a very similar jacket. Can I just point out that bomber jackets are supremely slimming on all figures? Yep, its the way they nip in and disguise muffin top. Handy that. This Riley Bomber is from www.delias.com for $30.




FYI, these are for the grown ups.

This divine plum hued mohair coat is by Hanii Y. Its $820 but its soooo soft, and such a distinctive colour, print yet classic shape and style. Love it. www.net-a-porter.com.

On the right, the monochrome delicate print coat is by Semantiks and is available from www.nordstrom.com at a pretty reasonable $168. Love the way its shaped at the bottom. And the belt gives it a good shape over bulky winter layers in the coming months. Love it. A lot.


Love this monochrome print. From Charlotte Ronson (who could soon be La Lohan's sister in law if the media is to be believed). The funnel neck and belt make it a very sexy option. Love it.
www.urbanoutfitters.com $450.

On the right, also a stylish monochrome option, is the Monroe from www.fredflare.com and is a much more wallet friendly $90. The large buttons give it a retro look and feel. Very Twiggy.


THE SHIRTS
One of the easiest ways to introduce this trend into your wardrobe is with a shirt. Short sleeved, long sleeved, with skinny jeans, with a mini and boots, under a cardi, under a jumper...so many ways to wear them. And who doesn't welcome a hard working item of clothing into their wardrobe?


For something so ordinary, I'd say go cheap and cheerful.These two are both from Topshop. The short sleeved red and black is a little more punk rocker and is £25. The blue oversized shirt would look fab over dark denim (skinny, bootleg or a mini, I'd stay away from flares unless you're actually trying to recreate the woodstock steez) and is £28. www.topshop.com



The next two incredibly simlar shirts are from www.forever21.com. The green Midwest is $23 and the red Nira is $20.



Or switch it up a little and wear a printed vest(american) waistcoat (english). Keep the print simple and from a muted colour palette otherwise you might end up looking a little like Farnsworth Bentley.

The left option is from www.newport-news.com
and is on sale from $35 to $19.

The right option is from www.nyandcompany.com
and is $30.


SKIRTS
One of my favourite options for this category. So easy to wear. When its warm, just throw on a tshirt and some ballet pumps. When the temperature drops, throw on a nice chunky jumper, some dark tights and ballerinas or flat boots (heels look a little too naughty schoolgirl stripper...don't say I didn't warn you).


This skirt from www.bebe.com is $98 and very girly so keep other colours to a minimum. The chocolate brown and white is an unexpected colour combo that works well for the colder months.

On the right, this dark, simple and straightforward skirt is from www.gap.com for $23.


Love the purple and ruched side on the Nanette Lepore skirt. Its on sale for $145 at www.bluefly.com.

On the right, this simple, classic monochrome print is by Maria Bonita and is available at www.brownsfashion.com for $180.




On the left the very autumnal skirt is from www.dorothyperkins.com for £25.

On the right, the more summery gingham skirt is See By Chloe and is available from www.brownsfashion.com and is on sale from £140 to £70.




On the left, this cute, quirky wool option is McQ by Alexander McQueen and is available from www.bluefly.com for $199.

On the right, the blue and black skirt is from www.forever21.com and would be perfect with a black jumper and black riding boots.


Sometimes, more fabric is more sexy. These skirts definitely have the va-va-voom.
On the left, the greay and black structured skirt is from www.warehouse.co.uk at £45.

On the right, this seriously seductive skirt is from www.victoriassecret.com and is on sale for $58.

ACCESSORIES

Vivienne Westwood does it best with the handbags. The distinctive shape, the choice of fabrics, they can look very proper or kinda punk depending on who's carrying it and how they carry it. Pretty much like everything from our Viv.

On the left, The Vivienne Westwood Tartan Jasmine bag is £240 from www.my-wardrobe.com

On the right, the Vivienne Westwood Bedrock is £360 from www.coggles.com



These more budget friendly options are cute and more casual.
On the left, www.topshop.com is £35.

On the right, www.Urbanoutfitters.com, the Huntington is $58.



This cute selection of pumps keep the colours simple and stylish.
Left: www.gap.com, Tux ballet flats $39
Middle:www.stevemadden.com, Madden Girl 'Tuscann' $49
Right:www.zappos.com, Sam Edelman 'Carmen' $89


And take it back to school with these print scarves.
Left: www.forever21.com, classic plaid $10.
Right: www.my-wardrobe.com, Navy tartan cashmere scarf by Johnstons, £70.

Happy shopping!