When J.crew’s new arrivals popped up last night, I nearly caved on the black Professor blazer. I was all set to check out thinking my Balenciaga-eque blazer dreams were finally coming true when I decided to take another look at the jacket. I have this bad habit of not zooming in or reading any of the item description before ordering something.. When I did enlarge the image, I realized that the blazer was not black and white but that the trim was a brown-ish cream satin. That totally bummed me out and I went to bed.
I still think the Professor blazer has potential but I need to see it in person before deciding.
I hit the sack a little disappointed with the new roll out. I am so over the chiffon and ruffles on every single top and sweater. Ugh please let it go J.Crew. And again, the catalog styling is totally over worked. Has Gayle fallen in love with herself or what?
Anyway, I took another look at everything when I got up this morning and realized I was bookmarking quite a few items.
I hope you will bear with me while I ramble on about each one 
The Merino Marzipan cardigans- OMG color, finally! I am so in love with the scrumptious berry and aubergine I am practically licking my computer screen. However, the thick banding and bubble waist it may cause really has me worried about these cardigans. Will have to try them in store.
Cambridge cable cardigan- I’m not normally big on cables but if the Marzipan cardi falls through, I might try this one. The knit looks pretty flat and I like that the arms do not have cables. I do not see myself paying $88 for this though. Last year the cable sweaters were on promo or sale all winter. Of course with my luck, the berry will sell out. I never did get that pale brown cable cardi I wanted last year.
Ruffled Collier blouse- Although I am over the JC ruffle and I normally don’t even bother with their silk blouse that run 2 sizes too big, I am drawn to this one. I will look for it but have low expectations regarding sizing.
Midnight mini- I love this whole outfit. I hardly ever wear skirts, so this will go in the sale wants bin. I am guessing that is the Dream turtleneck she is wearing? I don’t think I can give Dream a chance. It sounds like it is piling this year as bad as ever. I am still loving that men’s checked shirt but there is no way I could wear a men’s size. Did I hear this one is now available as a women’s shirt in store??
Jersey bouquet tee- I’ve been loving this whole outfit for awhile but I don’t think I can give JC more of my money for these uber thin tees. Every single graphic tee I bought last year, now has at least one hole in it 
Stardust pencil skirt- Gorgeous but where in god’s name would I wear it?
Abby flat- Love love love but I never have luck with JC flats. They are always cut too low and flop down along the sides. Maybe this time will be different?
Now some catalog pics / picks
Gah still loving that tee and shirt. I wonder though, if these layers would actually look good in real life or if the button up shirt would look make my waist look frumpy and fatty…
Now the most important question, can I pull off a beret?? Seriously. It’s so cute but would I look like an ass hat? (that’s my husbands saying, ass hat lmao)
I’m kind of diggin these Tuxedo chinos…but no matter, J.Crew pants never work for me. They always bunch up around the crotch and look awful.
Speaking of awful.. Wtf J.Crew? W-T-F
Now the mid section of the catalog I thought was really beautiful and back on track. I love the vintage furniture and sepia tone.
I LOVE that burgundy with the pale pink, delicious!
The TEAL! Gorgeous. I love seeing the cashmere henley back but honestly I never sucked it up and forked over the cash for it last year and I probably won’t this year.
I am looking forwarding to hitting the JC B&M for this first time in awhile. I’ll try to go Monday and hope I do not leave empty handed.
So, what did YOU think of the J.Crew roll out? Anything on your must have list?
OMG, I totally freaked out last night when the new collection rolled out! I already have my shopping cart full of goodies and have almost hit "checkout" a couple of times already. Bad bad bad GingerSnap!
As for the styling in the magazine, I totally agree. It is completely overworked and so many of the looks are laughable. Now, I realize that they are trying to be more editorial with their images, but seriously? Some of the looks are just TOO far out there…
P.S. I did not notice the trim on the professor jacket. It is one of the items in my bag. I missed out on the Lexington blazer last year, so I really want this one…but now I'm going to have to take a closer look. Hmm.
Nothing really grabbed me this time, though with the last few collections it's taken me a week or two to warm up to them. Once I actually have a catalog in hand I may feel more like buying, especially when the reward card comes. I really was hoping to see some great office wear–looks like both the Carlyle and the new Metropolitan dresses may be cut too low for the office, even though the latter comes in that great grape color. I don't understand why they would make suiting dresses that bare so much skin–if you get a chance to try any on in the B&M I would love to hear a report. I like the idea of the Abby flat but something was off in the execution. The aubergine Marzipan is the one thing I added to my cart. Am kicking myself for being too slow to get the rust Ethereal Ruffle cardi so I shouldn't wait too long, I suppose.
And ew! ew! ew! I thought the collection styling was sleeaze–just lad-mag, not elegantly sexy.
Ooooh, that ruffled collier blouse. I will definitely be looking for that one. *makes grabby hands*
But yeah. I don't like the random hodge-podge of layers. J CREW, YER TRYING TOO HARD.
I'm pretty meh in general, but I do like seeing COLOR. freakin' finally.
I am sick of ruffles and flimsy blouses. Everything is overpriced. Gorgeous coats. Some of the dresses are really cute, but are only appropriate for a wedding or some other event. There's a lot of fussy clothes.
The only things I really want are the cashmere boatneck popover, merino turtleneck in burnished olive, midnight tweed mini, and glimmer tights (but I'd like to see those in person).
I really love that blouse you posted. I think you could pull off a beret. I am in love with the idea of hats, but I am so afraid people would laugh at me. I wish I could get to the point where I didn't care. I really love your style. You are always so classy and polished.
I love that graphic tee too- I took the look and stored it in my inspiration file, I am going to try a graphic tee over a fitted shirt and see what I can do with it
I saw the Ruffled Collier blouse in person and it's amazing, I'm so obsessed with it. Unfortunately it looks like it definitely runs large:( Those flats you picked out are adorable…I've really been into J Crew shoes lately and am so tempted to order a pair…
jcrew hawking berets now is indicative of how behind trend they are. I love berets, I own a couple, but that ish has been happening for years already. hell, I remember when people (including me) stopped wearing them because of monica lewinsky, lol.
luckily, it's a classic item that never goes out of style.
I think you may like Gap's Gingham military shirt which is online.
Ginger- LOL I can totally picture you freaking out in front of your computer last night, too cute. I wish I was still excited enough about jc to freak out.
Hex-The catalog always gets me too. The necklines on the dresses do seem problematic. And what is up with the way the carlyle wraps, is it suppose to be uneven across the chest?
Yes, the collection styling is odd. Some of the poses…. the one where she is kneeling with her legs open, seriously slutty. Just eww
Chloe- They really are trying too hard. I think it is JC attempting to get us to spend more money to build one outfit. Buy who really wants to wear all the shit in their closet at once lol.
Tastymoog- I agree, way over priced for the quality they are dishing up right now
Rachel- Thank you! I am the same, I always feel so conspicuous in a hat lol
Meli- Great idea, I'll see if I can even work the layers with what I have before considering buying anything new!
Law and fashion- Oh no, big! It figures
Tshirtgirl- TY I will look for it!
Great post, Shannon! I "bookmarked" many of the same pieces as you, for similar reasons. Loving the teal and yummy plum shades. Finally, some rich colors! I totally agree about JC pants — what is the problem with the crotch???? Many JC pants make me look like I'm half accordion with all the bunched up creases and lines across my abdomen. The Saturday pant is the worst offender, but I love that fabric. I tend to stick to skirts for this reason. Love that floral tee, but I agree that the layering idea with the shirt probably doesn't translate to real life very well.
I think I have the trim professor jacket, or something very similar that I got 2 years ago from J.Crew. Very nice, still my favorite!
I didn't notice the brownish lining on the jacket – I liked it too. Aren't those the most darling flats? Why can't their shoes be as comfortable as they are cute?
I bought the women's version of the men's shirt – it's called mens rick check shirt and it's a very dark navy and white. I sized down.
The styling is what really draws me in. I am not cool with the Grey Gardens Gone in Homeless Poverty look they came up with. Therefore, even with 20% I didn't cave on the new arrivals. The only thing I got was the navy/wht striped tee & that's cuz I saw it on Dina Gideon's blog.
There was nothing that made me want to buy right away. I also found the prices too high for what the quality is. The quality issue keeps rearing its ugly head, I would be wary about 09 JC cashmere. I bought a cashmere tee on sale with fs, I love the color there was a small hole in the shoulder seam. The matchstick cords are stretching out at least 1 size (I sized down) as well as the jeans. So why waste your money on JC? I love their styles I hate the quality and their inflated prices. There are better stuff out there my Gap and ON items are washing and wearing without a hiccup this Fall, and I bought them on their 30% promos. Sorry for the rant.
I am tracking with you 100% this Fall. I love the same items, looks and colors as you. I laugh and want to sing "send in the clowns" at the chick wearing the satin pants and winter hat. And last..I ADORE the the last three pics with the rich color combo and sepia tones. GORGEOUS! I think the whole catalog should have been done this way..so beautiful it draws me in to the idea of spending wads of $$ on those cashmere colors even knowing the quality situation. Just fabulous and realistic looks. Like..outfits that one actually can wear and yet they still have that spice to them. No need to go O-VER the top. Speaking of which..I shouldn't fail to mention the ridiculous collection layout. WTF is right?! Have a great weekend!
I love the saturated burgandy cardigan…like you said, d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s!!!
Thanks for sharing.
JKW- OMG I am so glad I am not the only one with the crotch issue. LMAO. Never thought I'd be typing that sentence…
Seriously though, the bunching and creasing drives me nuts. Even though that is exactly how they look on the model too, I can't deal. So many cute pants I could never buy
tbon3-That must be the lexington
Math teacher- Ahh thanks for the info on the shirt! Boo at sizing down
Gigi-The homeless chic styling has got to go
casualcrew- Thanks for your rant! It helps to be checked back into reality after new releases!
Sweetsy- Omg if they had done the whole catalog like that it would have been BIG trouble for my wallet!
Litlstrawberry- Ahh I know, I love that pic but I so don't want to spend the $$ on JC cashmere!