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?) ;)"

 

 

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.