Is it possible for us to be getting geekier and chicer at the same time? It must be, because Martha and Jocelyn have noted a personal style transformation… not unlike the one J. Crew has gone through over the past 5-10 years! From uber-preppy, to girly and fun, to quirky collegiate, to wear-to-work, and finally, to geek chic.
Gone are the days of preppy J. Crew catalogs comprised of critter shorts, grosgrain ribbon belts and flops, and seersucker pant suits. In waltzed Jenna Lyons, crowned Creative Director in 2007, and a style transformation consisting of markedly different colors, textures, fit, and mystique commenced. Loyal J. Crewers were shocked, surprised, dare I say antagonistic about the change, but somehow, Jenna & Co knew what was best for us.
You see, woman cannot survive stylishly on pique, seersucker, and madras alone. No, our apparel appetites were hungry for the feminine frills (ruffle craze, you know the one we’re referring to), silky blouses, and chic silhouettes that came to grace the venerable racks. We soon came to lust after the Italian fabrics and tighter tailoring that felt much more fashion-forward than Connecticut casual. Sure, some J. Crew devotees dropped off the bandwagon and re-subscribed to L.L. Bean and Brooks Brothers catalogs, but the rest of us welcomed the style transformation with open arms.
Next in our personal style transformation came quirky collegiate—dubbed in large part to our own circumstances–poor college students with expensive taste. We opted for the on-sale cotton pieces (tees and sweaters and fleecy things), coupled with quirky accessories like critter necklaces and oversized bow headbands (thanks, but no thanks, Gossip Girl).
As sophomores became juniors and juniors needed internships and “real work experiences,” Martha and Jocelyn loaded up on pencil skirts, Jackie cardis and haberdashery. Heck, we even invested in heels with price tags swallowing up three paychecks. Worked like a charm though, because everyone wanted to hire us (amiright J?)
Now, on the cusp of young adulthood and firmly planted in the “professional world,” we’ve developed a style of our own (yet strikingly similar to each other—can’t help it that we complete each other’s sentences)! It’s safe to say that geek chic is where we’ve landed.
Having plenty of J. Crew items curated through years of collecting (and many which have stood the test of time), we still wear those cotton sundresses from high school and those unbelievably soft favorite tees—but this time with a twist: We’ve gone professorial with blazers and prim + proper hairstyles, (well, everyone needs a messy bun every now and again). Nerdy with vintage-inspired tortoise-frame glasses, and modest with dainty little Jackies worn with everythinggggg.
At the same time, we’ve become much more mature in our style, with a keen eye for chic pieces and ways to style them effectively. If we had to pick a favorite wardrobe item, it would be the shoes—be they riding boots, luxe loafers, bow-trimmed ballerinas, power heels, or leather sandals—the shoes can really make or break an outfit. Of course, you can’t forget about the accessories—of which our favorites are: gold watches, “diamond” earrings, bright scarves, classy leather handbags, skinny belts, vintage gemstone rings, and statement necklaces.
A Glimpse of Our Geek Obsessions:
What’s your personal style?
How has it evolved with J. Crew’s transformation? Let us know in the comments below!
Love it!
Perfection.
best post yet, guys
<3