The Signature Thing

I counted it up, and I went to the beach 15 times this summer: to Long Beach, twice to Rockaway, to the Jersey Shore, 7 times in Sandbridge VA, 4 times in the Florida Keys. And in between every beach trip, I thought, “I really need to buy a new swimsuit.” As discussed before, I desperately wanted a retroish one-piece, and I still haven’t given up—I put together a whole Pinterest board of possiblities. (I’ve had a Pinterest account for maybe a year but resisted using it because I already have 80 billion social media accounts; I don’t need them all. But then I got frustrated with the inefficiency of saving recipes to Delicious, and thought I should make a Healthy Dishes board for cooking inspiration. I’m sure I’ll be completely addicted by the end of this month. Just don’t let me sign up for Foursquare.)

But I’ve also spend the whole summer combing through the J.Crew swimwear collection, especially their huge sale section. And when I saw today that all sale items are an extra 30% off through tomorrow… oh shit, it’s on. First I did that thing where I pretend I’m Veruca Salt and put everything I want into my shopping cart, regardless of price. Ended up with about 12 pieces for $600. Then the narrowing down process begins! I slashed and burned all the too-basic bottoms and dubiously supportive bandeaus; the overly pricey tankinis and not unique enough halters. Here’s what I’m left with:

Marrakech paisley top and bottom

Caspian paisley top and bottom

Poppy triangle top and emblem paisley bottom (obviously not a matching set—but don’t they work together surprisingly well?

Seersucker tankini

I’m sure you’re all screaming at me, “Who needs TWO paisley bikinis!? Especially since you have not worn a single piece of paisley clothing in your life?” I know, I hear you. Here’s the thing: I’ve been dying for a swimsuit in that green paisley print for ages. I think the details are gorgeous and that color would look great on me. But the purple paisley is available in styles that are much more likely to flatter my body. I wonder if I could mix and match—green top with purple bottom, or vice versa. Would it be too crazy busy? Hmm, it looks all everything but the yellow seersucker tank is returnable, so I might just have to buy it all and force myself to return at least two things.

And that has been today’s edition of Why Are You Putting so Much Thought into Swimsuits, It’s September.

Tokyo Travels

I know I bought a new winter coat last year—but it wasn’t pink! Thus I need another one.

jcrewing:

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ablogwithaview:

The No. 2 Pencil Skirt, J.Crew. 

More tied-at-the-waist inspiration. For work (and probably everywhere else) I’d definitely need a tank top or slip underneath, to avoid any inappropriate appearances of bare midriff.

jcrewing:

sableonblond:

Park Slope Townhome of Jenna Lyons, president of J.Crew

And it’s for sale. Any takers?!

I highly recommend clicking through to the slideshow of the interior. All the windows are killer, the backyard makes me swoon…but there doesn’t appear to be a door between the bedroom and the bathroom in the master suite? No wonder they got divorced.

This is why I can’t wait for the J.Crew/Jenna Lyons style book (although two button downs plus a blazer seems a little overkill…).

(Source: notetosarah)

I’m buying this windowpane trenchlet the second J.Crew does one of those extra 30% off sale items deals. Yes, sure, I already have plenty of lightweight coats, and shorter coats can be hard to match with my assortment of printed dresses and skirts. Yes, sure, what I really need is a wool jacket because my old green one is looking pretty beat. But yes, sure: when a coat is freaking adorable, and already half off, the definition of the word “need” becomes very fluid.

I know, it’s a rare man that can pull off butter yellow pants. But with the right attitude—hey, why not?

Is it weird to have a favorite J.Crew model? Because I do. I really, really do. (Hint: it’s this guy. I also have a big crush on the shirt.)

(Source: lifeuncorked)

jcrewing:

J.Crew: September 2011

jcrew:

I was greatly inspired by the timeless and enduring charm of one of the U.S.’s oldest cities. My top restaurant pick hands down has to be Cochon, and John Besh’s August Restaurant is not to be missed. Many people are surprised when they find out that the plane ride is only a few short hours—perfect for a long weekend getaway!

1.Weathered building facades in the most beautiful subdued colors—they truly highlight the French heritage of New Orleans.
2. Secret garden hideaway in the French Quarter 
3. Emerson’s got it right—there’s no better ginger-mint julep than in New Orleans 
4. A stroll down Decatur Street and history abounds.
5. If that alley could talk… 
6. Bienville Street—sleepy and tree-lined by day, vibrant and bustling come sundown 
7. Breakfast of champions, the famed donuts 
8. Cochon—Cajun southern cooking at its finest! Wood-fired oysters—arguably the best thing I’ve ever consumed! 
9. Jack’s Metal Arts

(post by Tracey V.)

How am I just now discovering J.Crew’s tumblr? It’s fantastic.

loveorfear:

recommended

and I forgot how much I like hooded stuff under blazers

The dress with the fishies! Too cute! It seems like J.Crew doesn’t do whimsical printed dresses like this anymore—it’s mostly solids and a few abstract prints. What a shame.