I have a love-hate relationship with J.Crew. I love the styling of so many of their items, but I’ve repeatedly been disappointed by the quality or ridiculous sizing of their merchandise. In past years I easily could’ve spent hundreds on collections from the different seasons, but recently I’ve maybe spent $300 in the past three years combined. It’s disappointing when a brand you’ve worn since girlhood has let you down. I’ve always loved the wool miniskirts and cable sweaters – their bread-and-butter for decades – and hold fond memories of wearing those items from middle school on. But I haven’t been able to rely on those things in recent years and it’s terrible when a brand alienates those customers who’ve been with them for so long. That being said (as I step off of my soapbox), some people love their clothes regardless of the changes in the brand. If I look at it from a purely aesthetic point of view, the items in the Polyvore above are the cutest, multifunctional but on-trend items that caught my eye in the J.Crew catalog this September.

• J.Crew Schoolboy blazer in saddle maple carbon houndstooth, $228
• J.Crew Excursion vest in navy ivory pinstripe,
• J.Crew Sophie Plaid loafers in navy red, $138
• J.Crew Zip-pocket mini in heather stone, $98
• J.Crew Pleated chevron skirt in navy, $148
• J.Crew Voile shirt in black polka dot, $78

I have yet to go to Short Pump Town Center to check them out in person, but maybe several will end up coming home with me as they typically meet my expectations? Here’s hoping that’s the case, and let me know if you have purchased any of these items and your thoughts on them!