In past, I have regarded J Crew garments

as reliable, affordable, Ivy League type campus wear-

nostalgic of my collegiate years-

no longer is this the case!

 

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In recent years, the clothing label has made a meteoric ascent

into the stratosphere of fashion worthy inspired dress.

This is due, in no small measure,

to the on-course style direction of creative head-   Jenna Lyons.

 

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(image from vogue.co.uk):

Jenna Lyons

Creative Head,  J  Crew

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Ms. Lyons assumed leadership of the label in 2008.

As a woman with her own strong dress aesthetics:

quirky, androgynous and a love obsession with sequins-

she promptly proceeded to transform the label into in her own image

and with tremendous success!

 

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As with the label she now heads, Ms. Lyons herself is a story of transformation.

Born with incontinentia pigmenti, a genetic skin disorder

which presents with uneven pigment, teeth and hair lost-

Ms. Lyons, teased unmercifully as a child

never felt herself to be beautiful.

She found beauty in the things around her

and the art and fashion design she created:

“I searched for ways to make things more beautiful and surrounded myself with beautiful things because I didn’t feel that in myself … I felt a huge drive to make clothes that everybody could have because I felt ostracized by that world of beauty and fashion.”  (quote from fast.company.com)

 

Today, standing  at a model-esque height with body and style verve to match-

Ms. Lyons embodies the new J Crew woman.

She is what she purports:

intelligent, savvy, witty, confident, distinctive

and looking fabulous in the process.

 

 

 

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J Crew

New York Fashion Week (NYFW), a / w  2015

 

 

 

(images from style.com):

The ensemble- layer by layer:

baby blue board room collared shirt (unbuttoned low)

denim jacket, black / white stole scarf, graphic print skirt

and the shoes! – pointed, bronzed stiletto heels with tassel adornments

Winner!

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Jumper:  oversized, pouch pocket, grey turtle neck with drawstring to waist

Skirt:  pink / grey patterned,  knit, mini

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Top:  sporty, drawstring hood, oversized, dusty pink

Skirt:  multi-coloured, flirty, twirly

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White jumpsuit is a suit – in – one

Silhouette, perfect!

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Stand out yellow

Browns, patterns, animal prints, textural

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Denim, layered, masculine vibe

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Sequins, yes please.

According to Ms. Lyons (a bit tongue in cheek, but not really)-

“Sequins are the new black!”

(quote from guardian.com)

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Groutfit

(t) jacket with knitted sleeves;  extreme – wide leg, patterned trousers

(b) roll-neck jumper;  solid grey, extreme-wide leg trousers with front pleating

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Peach-hue, leather skirt with a kick

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Dress high / low combo

High (night life inspired):  flash of gold outfit

Low (nod to day wear):  khaki green, fur trimmed hooded parka

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