These days, the power of the fashion industry has reached unprecedented heights. The way one dresses is not only a reflection of what is in style, but is also a means of creating and expressing oneself to the world in a unique way. One of the brands that came out of this radical change is the well-known shop J. Crew. People often stereotype the brand, calling it "preppy" or "overpriced." Certainly, these opinions are not completely void of truth, but to many, J. Crew is proof of the emergence of a uniquely American style that draws inspiration from coast to coast, city to ocean, and from overseas as well. For better or for worse, J. Crew now stands as a symbol of the American vogue at large. Without further ado, here are some common characteristics of a girl captivated by all things J. Crew.
1. You enjoy the city…
...which means you have probably watched "Sex and the City."
2. You enjoy the beach.
There is an anchor decorating your room in one form or another. You considered buying an actual antique anchor at a flea market last weekend before realizing it would not fit in your dorm room. Nothing smells better to you than the ocean at sunset, and the best thing about the beach is a pretty dress, bare feet and an overpriced ice cream cone.
3. A long walk on the beach always involves some sort of sailor stripes (regardless of the season).
There are endless options for this. You could wear a simple striped T-shirt (scoop neck or V- neck), a lightweight striped pullover sweatshirt, or a pinstriped oxford shirt. In the winter, simply layer over this.
4. You like to sail. Or even if you don't know how, you still imagine you would look good on a boat.
It is likely that the nautical aesthetic has overtaken your life. You want to cruise Kennedy style through Hyannis Port with the wind blowing through your hair like Beyoncé.
5. Speaking of the Kennedy’s, Jackie O is your style icon.
Jackie is the pinnacle of sophistication and glamour in your eyes. She is essentially American royalty.
6. You always wear loafers or ballet flats.
To put it simply, either of these footwear choices works perfectly on a night out or a day in, with a skirt or jeans, winter or summer.
7. The idea of ballet flats sounds even better in Paris.
The architecture of this old city perfectly accentuates the sleekness of your wardrobe (stripes are Parisian!). The twinkle of the lights at night complements your diamond earrings, and your Ray-Bans hide your eyes (hopefully hiding the fact that you are America at her finest).
8. Fall begins in three phases: the riding boots come out, the cable knit sweater follows and the excursion vest brings it all together.
In fall, you come to life. The word "tartan" is part of your vocabulary concerning all things plaid. Suddenly, cider donuts become part of a balanced diet, and so does anything with pumpkin in it.
9. You have already selected your future wedding gown.
Enough said.
10. You call the catalog a "style guide" and soak it in each month as if it were biblical.
There is no greater Saturday than when the style guide arrives in the mail. From cover to cover, you soak in the newfound knowledge on what to wear and envision the pictures are a glimpse into your future.
11. You justify your J. Crew purchases by claiming the style is timeless and you can wear the pieces as young millennial and eventual grandmother.
Yes, Mom, I know that this plain red sweater just cost me $50 that I will never get back (on sale). But if you think about it, Mom, the value of it can be divided by each potential year of my life and all of the memories I will make while wearing it. The quality is also superior, so this purchase makes perfect sense.
12. You know who Jenna Lyons is.
Shout-out to the goddess. Lyons is the creative director at J. Crew, known famously in the fashion world for revolutionizing the brand and bringing it to where it is today. She is a mother, has a dream career and is the overall epitome of professionalism in the 21st century. You strive to be her.
