Edits view on J Crew's new London store

Nina heads to the capital for the eagerly awaited opening of the US retailer's first UK store...

J Crew's brand new London store opened last week on Regent Street

J Crew has become one of America’s biggest retail success stories. But for anyone who hasn’t heard of the store be sure that you will be hearing a lot more about it over the next few years. It’s a more style conscious, purse friendly version of Ralph Lauren. So why go and visit it I hear you cry? Well, purely for the gorgeous clothes and the vision of creative director Jenna Lyons.

Jenna has become a fashion icon since climbing the ladder from one of the J Crew design team to the top spot. She has taken the brand from preppy zero to preppy cool. She regularly tops best dressed lists and there are countless sites dedicated to her stylish personal wardrobe. Her style is all about breaking the rules, layering patterns and colours together such as a bright sequin skirt teamed with a white shirt or printed cocktail trousers with a stripe work shirt.  Known for her clashing prints, colours and quirky style, here she gives us her 10 fashion commandments

From candy-coloured cashmere basics with a twist of embellishment to tailored blazers, J Crew bridges the gap between high street and designer with ease. The price reflects this, J Crew is not cheap, and continues to be cheaper in the US than the UK. This necklace for example is around £150 - quite extravagant for customers expecting to save on the exchange rate benefits. But you have to admit it is fabulous and the store invites you in like it’s your new best friend, warm, friendly and enticing.

Other gems of the collection include this on-trend pink over-coat that is sure to keep you warm all winter.

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Embellishment was seen everywhere on clothing to footwear, and these pumps definitely got a big thumbs up from me.

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Mannequins showed you how to adopt the J Crew layering formula of shirt, necklace, jean jacket and trousers throughout the store.

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For me, the statement necklaces (£49.95) are an instant outfit maker, applying them directly over an understated tee (£24.95).  

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The Statement Necklace Edit

The statement necklace has been on trend for a couple of seasons now. There are so many ways to wear it and style it that make an outfit. It can be worn simply with a little black dress to a social event, with a coloured shell top and jeans to an evening with friends or to ramp up the volume on your party dress of the season- make a statement! Check out Edits guide to finding your perfect statement necklace…

UK jewellery designer Claire Hynes uses semi-precious stones, gold filled chains and beads to create this day to night necklace. Worn by Made in Chelsea star Rosie Fortescue, this up and coming designer will soon be on every ones wish list. Wear with bold coloured knitwear and jeans for a clash in colours, or to brighten up a black jersey top for a casual evening out.
Bex Rox jewellery is a British Luxury costume jewellery label that will hurt your purse strings! Looking for a present this Christmas, then look no further than Bex Rox. With Alexa Chung and Sarah Jessica Parker as Ambassadors of the brand, it even has the royal seal of approval as Bex works with wildlife conservation charity Tusk Trust who patron is HRH Prince William of Wales. This Iconic Rox necklace will last a lifetime, wear this collar to dress up your simple day wear with a touch of glamour.
Zara accessories are fantastic price friendly way to update your wardrobe this season. This amazing Gatsby inspired necklace will look fabulous on anything brightly coloured, especially hot pinks, bright reds, electric blues and purples. Wear it at night with your party dress or add a touch of glamour to any black top and add colour through your bag and heel’s.
French brand 5 Octobre is new to our shores and is only stocked in local boutiques. It is a French accessory brand created by Sophie Shapira-Pfeffer. All items of the collections are handcrafted in France with duteous skill, and showcase the symbolism of semi-precious stones by using raw or refined cuts, giving each piece a distinct personality. Charm necklaces are a staple in any woman’s wardrobe, but this one has a lovely mix of vintage beads and ornaments. Use this necklace to wear with other necklaces to create a gorgeous array of chains, beads and colours at all different lengths over your top or knitwear piece.
V Jewellery collections are of sterling silver pieces that are carefully hand set with dozens of stones, including precious and semi-precious, before being placed in their own minimal matte black gift box. Featured in Vogue and Tatler, it’s combination of quality, modernity and a timeless aesthetic means it will be adored for a lifetime. This amazing pendant is inspired by the Hamsa which is seen in many faiths as protection against the evil eye. This is a great day piece to be worn over tops, knitwear and shirts, it will certainly catch everyone’s eye!
London based jewellery designer Alex Monroe, has been designing and making jewellery for over 25 years. Strongly inspired by nature and British eccentricity, Alex's jewellery is elegant with a whimsical charm that makes it very much his own. Available at prestigious department stores Harrods and Liberties, his designs can be seen round the necks of Cat Deeley, Naomi Watts and Sophie Dahl. A fantastic delicate piece that gives any outfit an extra piece of glam. It can be worn with other gold necklaces to make a different kind of statement.
COMING SOON! Save the date for the grand opening of J Crew in London’s Regent’s Street on the 14th November.  The flagship store will house women’s, men’s and kids wear from crewcuts. If you’ve been shopping the brand whilst in the US or online for a while, you will know that their gorgeous soft knitwear, Breton stripe tee’s and great jersey staples will be a must have for anyone’s wardrobe. Currently top of the wish list is this floral statement necklace.  Be the envy of every woman in the place and wear this collar to dress up any top or dress, and make that social statement of the season.