The State of J. Crew

Sweater || Skirt (similar) || Heels || Clutch || Earrings

Last week, the world of preppy and classic style had some pretty big news with J. Crew officially filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In all honesty, this didn’t come as a huge surprise to me. The brand that I’ve loved for so long has been on rocky ground for the past few years, and the current global situation didn’t help. Right now, it’s really important to remember that bankruptcy doesn’t mean a company will liquify and vanish. It’s a time for the company to reconfigure their finances and I’m hopeful that J. Crew will stand the test of time.

Many have pointed the finger at J. Crew taking a step away from their once preppy persona for an image that is trendier and more fashion forward. I have a few thoughts on this. One, it’s only natural for companies to change over the course of time. Expecting them to remain stagnant is incredibly unrealistic. My favorite example is the story of Abercrombie and Fitch. Originally opening in 1892, it was a favorite shopping destination for President Teddy Roosevelt and author Ernest Hemingway before their safari expeditions. That’s a long cry from their current style, showing how drastic companies changes can be.

The other thought I have… Those preppy pieces never really went away. Every time I shopped online with J. Crew or went into one of their stores, I saw so many preppy pieces that I loved. They may not be the first thing you see or prominently displayed in the windows, but they’re still available! If you took a look into my closet right now, it’s literally filled with J. Crew and J. Crew Factory pieces that will always be classic. They have and will continue to be my number one source for closet staples.

I have the opportunity to think about J. Crew as both a consumer and style blogger. Also last week, J. Crew halted their affiliate policy that so many bloggers took advantage of. Truthfully, I was a little disappointed because I’ve been able to make a tiny commission by sharing my favorite J. Crew pieces with this program. It was also easy to share my looks over different channels and see what you’re interested in. Since J. Crew has been one of my favorite stores, long before this blog began, it would be incredibly disingenuous of me to simply stop shopping there just because of this policy change.

After thinking it over, I quickly made the decision that authenticity will always trump commission. I will continue to shop at J. Crew, along with their other brands, and share my favorite finds. As a teacher, I think their pieces are incredibly work friendly, but still fun and youthful for everyday. Going into summer, I see no less then a dozen things that I’m just in love with! Maybe it’s a sign of the company going back to their preppy roots? Only time will tell!

So there you have it. The state of J. Crew is currently up in the air and I would love to know your thoughts! Will you continue to shop there or are you going to find alternative pieces elsewhere. I hope the company uses this time to refocus and make the right decisions as they reset their priorities.

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Desmond & Dempsey for H&M

Dress || Similar Heels || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet

It’s not too often when an entire clothing collection stops me dead in my tracks. Well, that’s exactly what happened when I first laid eyes on the Desmond & Dempsey collaboration with H&M. As I looked, I fell in love with each and every piece. There was so much tropical inspiration and I felt so seen. It was as if it was designed just for me! Admittedly, I didn’t know much about Desmond & Dempsey, but I quickly had to investigate. They are a London based company and specialize in printed pajama sets. With the H&M Collaboration, they kept the block print and linen, but added it to carefree pieces for summer. Here’s a quick round up of my absolute favorites!

Banana Leaf Print Linen-Blend Kaftan

Let’s start with the clear front-runner. This dress helped me learn that I need to add more kaftans into my life. They’re effortless, fun, and so easy to just throw on. I can’t wait to wear this on a future date night! The banana leaf print only helps to make this dress an instant favorite.

Tropical Toile Tunic Dress

Another piece I couldn’t help but order, it works double duty as a sundress and beach coverup. It somehow tiptoes in both worlds to give a structured twist on a summery look. Play around with the volume by wearing it with your tallest pair of wedges. Your legs will look a mile long!

Floral Linen Jumpsuit

This print is even prettier in person! The colors are pretty muted, but with the slightest dash of fluorescent pink. The jumpsuit itself is made from a surprisingly soft linen and can be dressed for any occasion. I love the idea of pairing it with your favorite flat sandals and jean jackets for some brunch.

Palm Tree Linen Paper-Bag Shorts

One of the top things on my shopping list for summer is shorts. I swear, as a Floridian, it baffles me how few pairs I have in rotation. Even though the high-waisted style can be pretty polarizing, I personally love them! This pair in a palm tree print may be next to make its way home.

Terracotta Tropical Toile Wrap Skirt

This burnt orange skirt gave me so much nostalgia! Let me explain. When I was maybe nine years old, I had a pair of bright orange Hawaiian printed capri pants from Old Navy. They were, without a doubt, my absolute favorite thing in my closet! While they are long gone, this particular skirt will help me recreate my classic 90’s style. All I need is a white smock top, and platform sandals!

Palm Tree Cotton Blend Midi Dress

I added this dress as a favorite because I think it’s a great doppelgänger for one of my Gal Meets Glam dresses, originally posted here. While the print isn’t the same, it still has the same color scheme and light linen material. It’s a great alternative, but at a fraction of the cost.

Rattan Flat Sandals

Although not part of the Desmond & Dempsey collection, these flat sandals would be a perfect add-on for any item in it. It’s going to complete that tropical, on-vacation look that you may be shooting for. At under $20, it’s hard to pass up such a fun deal!

Straw Shoulder Bag

I can personally attest how great this handbag is! It’s so simple, but has traveled all over with me. From New Orleans to New York to Paris, it’s my favorite bag to hold the essentials. Again, such a great pick if you’re on a budget.

Since summer is almost here, I am loving the tropically inspired pieces that are being released. While I’m still staying at home, for now, I appreciate knowing I can have a suitcase full of pretty pieces and get off to the islands as soon as possible!

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

At Home Date Night Ideas

Cami || Skirt || Wedges || Handbag (similar) || Earrings

Even though local restaurants and businesses are starting to open up again here in St. Pete, things are still far from normal. The days seamlessly blur together, but there’s one last thing I’m holding onto with all my might… Friday Date Night! For the past six weeks, or however long its been, that means grabbing pizza to-go from a local shop and binge watching our favorite shows. Always wanting to spice things up, here’s a list of date night ideas where you won’t even have to leave your home!

Eat Local Take-Out by Candlelight

Okay, there is nothing innovating about grabbing take-out, especially right now. That being said, you can quickly elevate this with just a few, quick add-ons. Number one on that list? A set of tapered candles will really help set the mood. I mean, is there anything more romantic? From there, open up a great bottle of wine and play some background music. On my date night, I would opt for some Louis Armstrong or Frank Sinatra.

Have a Tasting Party

This idea requires a stocked bar car, or at least a willingness to make one. Come to this date night with no where to go and and an open mind. In our household, we’re partial to rum tastings and have been since we had one on our trip to Puerto Rico. After you sip and find your favorite, continue the date night with a taller drink or by making your favorite cocktail. Don’t forget to eat up with the cuisine that compliments the spirit.

Create Your Own Drive-In

David and I loved doing this in our NYC apartment and I’m so excited to practice in St. Pete. Disclaimer though, this will require a projector. I recommend this particular one that we snagged from Amazon. It does the job and won’t break the bank. Either play on an outside wall, garage door, or hang up a flat bed sheet. Play the movie of your choice, but don’t forget the popcorn!

Cook a Themed Dinner Together

Making dinner together is one of our favorite activities on any day of the week. Let’s bring it to the next level by adding a fun theme to the whole production. Since we’re currently on a traveling freeze, bring the world to your kitchen. The possibilities are endless! German, French, Japanese, Italian, and the list goes on. Drink and listen to the music like you would in that dream country.

Just because we’re still socially distancing, it doesn’t mean that our relationships need to suffer. Even though we’re losing track of the days, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Enjoy your time together and make the most of it!

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.