Coutorture

JCrew e-Commerce Down...Again

coutorture — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:45:45 -0800

Why in the world can't a brand like a JCrew keep their website functioning properly is all we want to know. We're not trying to be jerky safe-behind-our-laptop "bloggers" but c'mon, what's a girl got to do to give someone a little press these days? For two days (that's eighty million years in the real world) we've been trying to visit J.Crew's website to do one of two things: buy something and write about how other people should buy something. The first time we were blocked at the gates, we saw this, and the second, well, notice how there isn't any fashion in the picture to your left.

A brief history in J.Crew's e-commerce mishaps: in July the site went down for the better part of a month and J.Crew's biggest fan, J.Crew Aficionada, wasn't happy. Racked and Bloomberg both followed the story.

Fast forward to Holiday 2008, just weeks before we wrap up this sorry excuse for a fiscal quarter, and the site sinks again.

A message to J.Crew: throw some money at this thing and we promise we'll buy as many cable knits as it takes to make up for it!!!

J Crew Onesy Discovered At Alexander Wang Checkout

coutorture — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:00:00 -0800

Stripes and dots union suit $65 - J.Crew

Just when we were getting ready to purchase the Alexander Wang thermal onesy we happened upon this J Crew incarnation and the similarity has us thinking twice. A thermal or cotton onesy, no matter how you slice it, is no stroke of genius. What had us ready to spend so much on the Wang offering was that, up until recently, we just couldn't find one. For the longest time we stalked Splendid line sheets and Target pajama sections and the closest we came was a lace version from Lover (which we promptly bought) that, however nice, was not exactly what we were looking for. Now, long-john-like onesys are popping up everywhere and we can't make up our minds from where or how much we should indulge. Needless to say, if you weren't convinced by Wang you can pick up on this trend for much, much less. Who knew!

Fake It Till You Make It

coutorture — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:28:02 -0800

Snow-leopard Harlow blouse $110 @ J.Crew, Silence & Noise Animal Print Twig jean $68 @ Urban Outfitters, Fuax Jacket by Boutique $170 @ Topshop

Whether you're for or against fur and animal products in fashion there's no denying that the faux alternative is cost effective. In these challenging times the "fake" is definitely a wiser option. These three animal prints are on the top of our list. Pair them with classic pieces and colorful accessories and you'll find that "cheap" doesn't necessarily mean short-lived.

Living The Brand: Jenna Lyons Inspired

coutorture — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:59:28 -0800

Home of Jenna Lyons, Creative Director of J Crew

French serge day coat $350 - J.Crew

Jane patterned calf-hair ballet flats $258 - J.Crew

Stretch Wool Pinstripe Two-Button Jacket $248 - J.Crew

White denim matchstick jean $110 - J.Crew

We came across a photo editorial with J Crew's Creative Director, Jenna Lyons, and it inspired us to get really postmodern and make a spread of J Crew clothing inspired by the photos. Lyons' home, featured in Domino magazine, fits the new J Crew aesthetic perfectly and we think it's only this kind of synthesis that could help a mainstream brand have such a wonderful comeback. From her work at J. Crew to her Brooklyn home, we are big Lyons fans.

Fashion In 50 Seconds 11/04/08

coutorture — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 06:25:21 -0800

J Crew intimates their choice for presidency by showing an outfit Michelle Obama wore on their front page. We had no idea Michelle Obama wore the yellow cardigan we included in yesterday's style spread, but that doesn't mean we were not making a suggestion...

The Dubai Mall opens today and will be, with 1,200 stores and 160 food outlets, the largest in the world. There are approximately 165 stores in the Dubai Mall who have not yet been represented in the whole of the Middle East. The mall will be comprised on ten mini-malls which will be curated by interest. The Fashion Avenue mall will have over 70 high fashion flagships.

Later this month Teen Vogue is will open its first mall store where shoppers are encouraged to drink smoothies and charge their cell phones. No products will be sold at the pop-up space, the goal is said to simply 'encourage' people to shop in the mall. More than twenty Teen Vogue advertisers are participating in the project.

Unfortunately, more magazine layoffs, this time...a lot.

Fall Shopping: The Colored Cardigan

coutorture — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:18:36 -0800

CARDIGAN by Lynne Hiriak Isabelle V-Neck Cardigan, $245 @ eLuxury

Crystal-button colorblock cardigan $118 @ J.Crew

DKNY Silk cashmere shrug $145 @ Net-A-Porter

Patch pocket cardigan $89 @ Banana Republic

3.1 Phillip Lim Metallic cardigan $495 @ Net-A-Porter

There's nothing better to brighten a wardrobe or liven up an outfit than a solid colored cardigan--As far as we're concerned, this piece of advice never goes out of style. Keep a few pop colors in your closet and you'll see how anything--from a worn-in vintage t-shirt, to a black and white striped tunic, can be seen in a different light. If you feel like your outfit is too safe, this never fails as the finishing touch that can make all the difference. Find a style you like and, by all means, stock up in every color.

Six Affordable Coats To Get You Through Winter

coutorture — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:43:28 -0700

The Anytime Coat: French serge day coat $350 @ J.Crew

The Puffer Coat: Cheap Monday Frida Coat $140 @ Tobi

The Everyday Coat: Ombre Plaid Coat $98 @ Urban Outfitters

The Faux-Fur Coat: Kristen Blake Faux Fur Jacket $138 @ Nordstrom

The Evening Coat: Fernando Coat $299 @ French Connection

The Raincoat: Aspen Anorak $79 @ Delia's

There are choices to be made when it comes to winter coat shopping; price, length, warmth, color, and print all come into play which is why we suggest perhaps lowering your price point and covering all of your bases. A puffer coat for those days when you're not feeling well or when it's just too cold to think about fashion, an anytime coat to bring some color and life back into your wardrobe, and everyday coat for, well, most days, a faux fur coat for your more trendy moments, an evening coat for the formal affairs, and a raincoat for the slushy autumn days. We think it you've got these six categories covered you'll never feel like your coat is dragging you down.

Coutorture Community Must Reads 10/27/08

coutorture — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:30:13 -0700

It might be a grey Monday but our Network partners are as prompt as ever--bringing us around-the-clock postings on all things fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and more. Eye 4 Style (now OnSugar!) scouted out some online shopping deals for those of us who medicate Monday with e-commerce indulgences. Girl Woman Beauty Brains (also now OnSugar!) found two sale bangles from J. Crew that remind us that the designer options are not the only ones to covet. Network Partner, Senora Cartera posted a thoughtful comparison between the handbags of Tory Burch and Anya Hindmarch. Finally, Shiny Squirrel, who always finds great independent designers, posted some look book images from Garland Coo.