Sunday, May 23, 2010

Winter Catalogs: Overdue Thoughts

The following is the post I had been planning to publish in February during the monumental blizzard that buried everyone in the D.C. area:
 
I've been really really good for the past few months. No shopping whatsoever. Not even browsing or window stalking. Since I paid off my credit cards at the end of last year -- every last one of them -- I've been committed to starting with a clean state. And so far it's been mostly successful. I'm even earning a steady (though modest) clothing allowance from selling my clothes, shoes, and bags at my favorite Old Town consignment boutique, Mint Condition -- which by the way is brimming with J.Crew pieces in every size. Actually, I like it better than the J.Crew stores these days as Mint Condition has all the oldies but goodies that have long since disappeared from Jenna’s imagination.

The January J.Crew catalogue was most helpful with my mission to not spend a dime. Rather than spawning an evening of salivating online over a bevy of irresistible new pieces I didn't really need shot in locales I couldn't afford to get to, it instead launched an interesting diversion I enjoyed with my husband called "Guess What the Model Is Thinking?" A game best played with a pen and some mild sarcasm. I might add that this particular model is highly expressive and therefore provided excellent fodder for our imaginations. Let me illustrate.
 
 
For the February catalogue, I was pleased to see that J.Crew returned to supporting the travel industry with an interesting trip to Portugal (which I'd like to point out has a most refreshing white wine called Vinho Verde -- very nice with green olives). However, I’m concerned – okay, extremely concerned – about where Jenna is taking us.
 
Alexis summed it up perfectly in her February 4th post:
 
"I love the Crewlade. I really do. It's delicious and I could drink it all day. {burp!} That image of the Waterfloral Pastiche Delphinia Gown ($650.00) paired with the white jacket is scrumptious. With that said, is it just me or some of the styles are c-r-a-z-y?!?
 
I mean paint splattered overalls with a dressy black jacket? Really? And what about look No. 11 that features the Beach Chambray Ruffled Vest ($75.00)— why is she wearing rubber rainboots with no pants. No pants! (Incidentally, did anyone else think of the scene from the first Bridget Jones' movie where Bridget runs out of her building with no pants on?) ;)"
 
JCrewCollectionSpring2010_Mishaps
 
Remember when we were chomping at the bit to get our hands on the fabulous new pieces in each catalog? Admittedly a hazy memory, but one that I wouldn’t mind revisiting. And soon, before I stop drinking the Crewlade completely.

6 comments:

Slastena said...

Lauging out load, that was precious and smartly written..Thanks! I am gald you posted. I am sitting on a bunch of old posts too (mostly pics), won't be posting though.. too lazy.
Hey, I loved the sequin short look. Let her wear the bunny suit, I'll take the shorts.:)

The one with boots and hoodie was a smack on, hilariously funny.

3-Penny Princess said...

Thank you, Slastena! I'm glad we both had a good laugh at Jenna's (and that poor model's) expense. I'm sure the sequin shorts look fab on you, since you're always vacationing in sunny locales and have some color.:) My Florida tan is most likely fleeting, thus I rarely look good in any sparkly bottoms.

I think you should post your old photos. It's never too late!

HeidiG said...

Loved this!!! Thanks for sharing. Hope you & hubby post some more catalog musings for us to enjoy!

3-Penny Princess said...

Heidi, I'll tell DH his jest was not in vain and maybe inspire some more *musings*. Thanks for reading!

itztru said...

I'm with you about the "good old days". Luckily I've saved my catalogs for years, so when I need inspiration (besides Polyvore!), I head to my library (read: bathroom) to paw through my stash. This post was hilarious!

3-Penny Princess said...

Me too, itztru! Sometimes, when I want to reminisce, I thumb through my "catalog box" (in my home office, convenient for breaks or procrastination) and see the pretty, feminine, charming models of old in their beautiful ensembles. Ah, memories...

Looks like Talbots not only scooped up the models but also the charming looks. I love the last several catalogs!