The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: Early Spring Trends at J. Crew





The color CORAL


I stopped into my nearest J.Crew last weekend, lured inside by the stunning window displays, to check out their latest spring offerings. J. Crew isn't exactly what I would call a budget-friendly store, but their timeless takes on fashion trends are always inspiring—and many would argue they are well worth the price. This season is no different: From classic shirts, tees and sweaters remade in light and bright spring hues, to sparkling statement necklaces, colorful scarves and Le Pliage-inspired totes, J. Crew had everything you'd need to put together a smart yet none-too-serious spring wardrobe.

The problem with a classy store like J. Crew is that you always get personal attention from the sales people, so unfortunately I was not able to discreetly snap photos of the beautiful store displays, which demonstrate how to artfully layer individual pieces, how to accessorize—the works. Even if you don't buy anything (I did not), pop into a store near you for ideas! Here, some photos of just a few fun pieces that caught my eye.





RUFFLES and other embellished tees







ABSTRACT FLORALS and short skirts







SHIRT-DRESSES and more ruffles







NEUTRALS like lavender gray







Faded CHAMBRAY shirt







CAMO PRINT

Comments
The ruffles are darling but I dunno, BB - do you think spring is EVER coming?
#1 Patricia on 2010-02-11 00:22 (Reply)
The floral mini is so cute!
lizzypunch.blogspot.com
#2 Liz (Homepage) on 2010-02-11 01:48 (Reply)
Love the ruffle top. I love J Crew!!
#3 Robin on 2010-02-11 02:39 (Reply)
HARK!!! what is that i see upon thy wrist?! could it be? the Merona boyfrind watch? i'm rocking mine too! in fact, im going to buy another for when this one turns.
#4 Jilli on 2010-02-11 08:24 (Reply)
hellz yeah! i love my merona, wear it all the time. best purchase ever!
#4.1 The Budget Babe on 2010-02-11 20:32 (Reply)
You are rocking those ruffles, BB!
#5 Sally (Homepage) on 2010-02-11 09:23 (Reply)
Where did you get your necklaces? So cute!
#6 Laur on 2010-02-11 10:44 (Reply)
Laur,

I don't know about the top, smaller necklace but the bigger one on the bottom looks like avon's Mark Have a Heart Necklace.
#6.1 Silvina on 2010-02-11 11:38 (Reply)
Yup! You're correct, I'm wearing the Lauren Conrad for mark Have A Heart Necklace in gold:

http://www.avon.com/1/1/4767-mark-have-a-heart-necklace.html

Goes with everything!
#6.1.1 The Budget Babe on 2010-02-11 12:36 (Reply)
awesome, thanks!
#6.1.1.1 Laur on 2010-02-15 15:00 (Reply)
Love the ruffle top but not so sure about the camo pants.
#7 Purse Pixie (Homepage) on 2010-02-11 11:50 (Reply)
Camo is a trend I'm seeing everywhere (Zara, H&M, etc.) but these particular pants didn't work for me.
#7.1 The Budget Babe on 2010-02-11 12:33 (Reply)
Love the coral ruffle top
#8 Val on 2010-02-11 18:12 (Reply)
I love that top and dress on you, you look so cute!!
#9 budget chic on 2010-02-12 08:40 (Reply)
J. Crew is always a temptation for me -- I love their clothes, but not their prices. Now, though, I might just have to buy that coral ruffle tee. It's adorable, and it looks so cute on you.
#10 Mary (Homepage) on 2010-02-12 09:20 (Reply)
Can't believe I didn't see this post until now!

Ironically, despite the fact that I've been shopping at J.Crew since college, I never, EVER receive good service at their retail stores, so I'm glad you did! I've always shopped online for this reason, but have recently stopped shopping there altogether because of the snooty attitude I always get should I decide to go to a physical store to check out an item. Sad, but true ... But their February catalogue DOES make me want to start shopping there again!
#11 Katie Lynn (Homepage) on 2010-02-22 23:51 (Reply)
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