You know those items from way back when that you really wish you’d saved but didn’t? The classic Barn Jacket definitely makes our list. How our men’s design team ended up resurrecting this timeless style: One of the designers was perusing an online auction site and ran across the original 1992 J.Crew Barn Jacket, complete with corduroy collar and plaid flannel lining. After outbidding woodsman22 and crew4eva, he recreated it for our fall collection in a slimmed-down fit, with additional pockets and a latch at the collar. So two decades later, what’s old is new again—only better.

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Marilyn Monroe and Princess Grace (not to mention our mothers) are among the A-list ladies who made their mark with a monogram and who not so incidentally have all-around impeccable style. Our women’s stylist and fashion director, Gayle, suggests an unexpected twist: “Try adding a monogram on something unexpected, like the cuff of a patterned chambray shirt or piped pj’s. Experiment with just one letter or a fun combination like XO.” In this particular case, a scarlet letter is a very stylish thing…

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Men who kept journals over the years: Lewis and Clark, Winston Churchill, the Hardy Boys. Chances are you’re not documenting the terrain of the Oregon Trail, musing over the opener of your Nobel Prize acceptance speech or keeping track of clues, but you’re definitely writing down something important—even if it’s just your daily to-do list. Introducing Delfonics, a Japan-based brand known for their colorfully bound graph paper notebooks and ballpoint pens on the desks and in the back pockets of just about everyone in Tokyo. Fortunately we got our hands on a limited number of their wares, so pick them up before they disappear. (Note taken.)

One of our art directors shows off his own Delfonics notebook.

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It’s said that every woman needs a classic white shirt in her wardrobe. We’d like to amend that fashion rule, please, to say every woman needs a classic white shirt with detachable sparkle in her wardrobe. Cue our current infatuation from J.Crew Collection, our elevated line of limited-edition pieces. Draped in crisp broadcloth with buttons down the back and topped with a hand-placed embellished collar, it’s the ultimate melding of menswear-inspired simplicity and silver-screen siren glamour (think Marlene Dietrich in Morocco). Our designers sought inspiration for the collar from a collection of 1950s bow ties and made it detachable so you can wear it alone or mixed and matched with your other tops. Proof that a little sparkle can go a long way…

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It’s true: You’re never fully dressed without a (brightly colored) smile. Introducing a treat for your makeup pouch—our new mwah-worthy lip shades for fall (and for right now). Our fashion director and women’s stylist, Gayle, worked with the Swedish cosmetics brand and our very own J.Crew makeup artist to develop these two creamy, limited-edition hues. “One’s a really soft sheer pink and the other is the favorite J.Crew fiery red-orange,” says Gayle. “They both instantly brighten up the face.” What did she name them? French martini and chili flake—just the things to shake up or spice up your look.

FACE Stockholm founder Gun Nowak (left), with her daughter and business partner,
Martina Arfwidson.

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Friends Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway, who carried on in the heady days of 1920s Paris, shared similar interests: wine, women and…espadrilles. Traditionally crafted with a slip-on cloth upper and a braided rope sole, the shoe was—and still is—the ultimate in casual cool for expat creative types and pretty much anyone else wanting to look good beachside. We partnered with French company Saint James to produce an espadrille with the same stripe design found on their iconic fisherman’s sweater. Constructed in France in breathable cotton, they’re updated with a rope-banded rubber sole for an authentic look with better durability. A Lost Generation classic—and you’ll only find them here.

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It’s never been particularly manly to “heart” something—until now. Introducing PLAY, a cool offshoot line from renowned Comme des Garçons designer Rei Kawakubo. The Tokyo-based brand—notoriously denoted by a quirky heart symbol created by Polish artist Filip Pagowski—is a favorite of our head of men’s design, Frank. “They make everyday layers, but the logo makes them stand out a bit,” he says. Keep in mind we were only able to get our hands on a limited number—style like this is hard to come by.

A close-up of Pagowski’s PLAY logo.

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Tech fact: Did you know the average woman checks her phone almost 40 times a day? That adds up to around 120 minutes—well, depending on how long it takes to play your Words With Friends turn, choose an Instagram filter or return your mother’s email. Bottom line: You’re on your cell a lot. So why not make sure it looks good—as good as the rest of your outfit—when you use it? Introducing our very stylish iPhone cases (that fit the 4 and 4S), featuring some of the best prints and skins from our women’s collection. That they actually serve a purpose (to protect your smartphone from scrapes and scratches) suddenly seems very secondary.

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Some New England maritime style, courtesy of Maine-based Sea Bags. Each of their rugged carryalls is made from reclaimed sailcloth and still sports the rust and salt marks (and maybe even a stain or two) forged by a hard-sailed life at sea—so no two are ever alike. Functional details: a bi-panel construction with heavy-duty zigzag stitching, a hand-spliced rope handle—so it can hold serious weight—and an interior flap pocket with vintage hardware. A tote you’ll never be embarrassed to carry, with gale-force construction that makes getting to and from port (or the airport) a breeze.

Sea Bags’ tools of the trade: recycled sailcloth.

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What do you sleep in? If your answer is threadbare sweatpants and a Nelson Twins concert tee or your birthday suit, thank you for being honest but…not on our watch. We’re firm believers that style is a 24-hour affair, and that includes what you get your beauty rest in. That’s why we advise giving your sleep attire an upgrade with this menswear-inspired classic. In cool, crisp shirting cotton finished with a chest pocket, contrast piping and shell buttons, it’s the effortlessly sexy style you won’t want to take off come morning. (In fact, we recommend you don’t—we love the easy feel of the shirt paired with jeans and a messy topknot for day.) So bring on the impromptu pajama parties—you’re officially prepared.

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