J.Crew's Styling: Let's Take a Step Back Please

As Cass (in this post) pointed out, J.Crew updated its homepage this morning featuring a new Flash slide show of "Plays On Texture" styles (click here).

I also couldn't agree more with Cass' comment: "...more whacked out styling going on.." Just take a look at exhibit A, B, and C below as just a few examples. Now each outfit isn't horrible if a few items were removed from each one. Exhibit A, remove the Shadow Shearling Jacket (Item 20889; $2,500.00). Exhibit B, take away the Pleated Paulette Top (Item 19834; $168.00) and while I am at it, let's avoid future poses that way. Really now. Exhibit C, what were you thinking with the scrunched-up Solid Knee-Highs (Item 57042; $12.50)? Seriously, stop pushing the "socks with heels" look! We get it.

Even some of the style tips that J.Crew is offering doesn't seem sound to me. For example, the hard copy of the November catalog (click here) on page 5 states, "[style tip] How to get that perfect baggy pant look? Buy a size or two larger, belt the waist (as our stylist says, "paper bag it") and voila!" I am going to pass on this. Always.

When creating the "J.Crew's Best of the Worst Items" and the "J.Crew's Best of the Best Items" posts, I ended up flipping through several past catalogs dating back to 2005. As I was looking through them, I saw some enticing styling. Each page had a lovely & realistic outfit that I want to recreate from head-t0-toe. For example, the catalog featuring the Piazza Jacket also had this beautiful white cotton-linen cami underneath it, paired with jeans and heels– simple yet charming at the same time.

J.Crew's obsession with layering didn't really kick-in full throttle until this year. Now I can understand the argument that J.Crew's recent {over the top} styling efforts are not meant to be translated literally, but more as an inspiration styling guide to take one or two ideas from. That is a valid point. However, maybe it's time to give this styling a break and return back to the "less is more" look.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's recent styling efforts? Are you a fan of the current styles or of past styling efforts? What suggestions for styling would you make? What style tips would you avoid? :)