J.Crew Keeps It Classy

J.Crew has found a style that works for them, and they have stuck to it, which brings to mind the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Now, that mantra doesn’t always fit into the ever-changing world of fashion, but the designers at J.Crew have found a way to make the classical Upper East Side look timeless.

Dark colors and simple patterns that are accented in some looks by color blocking adds something of a contemporary edge to looks that could easily be deemed as too safe. It’s clean and conservative, but versatile. This collection is the perfect starting point for an aspiring fashionisto who is eager to break a few rules, but not quite ready to burst completely out of the fashion closet. These Nate Archibald-esque looks are appropriate for school, work, hanging out, and everything in between.

J. Crew Fall 2012 is definitely the direction to go when you just want to keep it classy.


Text Jarrod Wadsworth
Image Style.com

It’s In the Bag

Trendsetter Raf Simons has done it again. The head designer for Jil Sander embarked in new fashion territory with his fall 2012 menswear line, an almost all-black collection that mixed super-serious leather garments with elements of whimsy, such as dinosaur and whale graphics. But the standout piece was an unexpected accessory: a lunch bag. Leave it to Simons to take two seemingly uncool things — a man purse (insert a Friends punch line here) and the act of brown bagging it — and make it this season's men's must-have.

We have seen quite a few businessmen toting greasy brown bags to work after a stop at the bodega, but they’ve never looked quite this good before. Perhaps because Simons gave this school-day staple a makeover in black leather as well as the classic brown paper (made with ultra-durable, reinforced material). Or maybe it’s because the designer paired them with flawless suits and trenches — definitely not apparel we’ve seen on any playground.

So, will this trend be as disposable as its brown paper inspiration? If the success of Jil Sander’s made-over market tote bags is any indicator, then guys (and the girls that shop for them) are sure to catch onto this new look.

Text Kara Solarz
Image and Source New York Times Style