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.

The Jeans Edit

Want to find your perfect pair of jeans? Look no further than this wearer’s guide...

There are so many styles, from flared and boyfriend to skinny and patterned. Jeans are the most acceptable form of wear for almost any occasion. They are an essential part of everyone’s wardrobe, but how many pairs do you own and how many of those pairs actually fit and flatter your body shape properly?

Not being able to find a style that works on you can be a soul-destroying and exhausting shopping mission . A great pair of jeans can really go everywhere from the supermarket, to a kids party or dinner with a client. Thinking outside your comfort zone can result in jeans that lift your bottom, elongate the leg, shape the thighs and cover a multitude of sins.

Here are some tips to follow when shopping for jeans:

1. Correctly angled pockets on the back of the jeans can make a small bottom more curvy and a bigger one more shapely.
2. The right length leg can make all the difference to your leg, so think about getting them shortened if they are too long.
3. Don’t go by the size on the label, jeans will only look fabulous if they fit right. So ensure you are going with fit rather than trend.
4. Make sure you have a couple of pairs of jeans for every occasion- one to dress up and one to dress down.
5. Very dark denim is the most flattering, avoid distressed looking jeans. Faded bleach spots draw the eye to that part of your body, ultimately making it look bigger.
6. Try on jeans while wearing the shoes you plan on wearing most often with your them.
7. Ensure you are choosing the right pair of jeans that flatter your figure.

How to wear skinnies…

Surprisingly flattering and no longer a trend item but a wardrobe staple. Wear with Breton tee, masculine coat, flat ankle boots and small satchel bag. Check out Jessica Alba rocking her skinnies…

How to wear patterned…

More edgy and fun but with the right top can look low-key and very understated. Try neutral tops, plains flats or boots and a biker jacket. Kate Moss even looks fab in the rain in her leopard print jeans…

How to wear the boyfriend…

The most versatile jean shape, easy to be casual weekend wear and look just as good with turn-ups and a pair of statement heels. Wear with a printed shell top or striped shirt button up to the neck and a preppy brown bag. Eva Mendes looks stylish in hers…

How to wear the flared…

This it the perfect smart jean that can length the leg, but only when worn with heels. Try Chelsea boots with a low heel, a smart tux jacket and a structured top for that modern look. Miranda Kerr gets it right here…

The Coat Edit

#1: "Sweetie Pink" This season's colour has got to be pink. Pick a shade like a sweetie, as no other coat can hold the same status as a pink one for Winter. Plus Wool Blend Flap Military Coat with Cashmere - £99.00 at M&S Click the images to view the items.
#2 "Most Coveted Coat"  - This colour block coat is on every fashionista's wish-list this season. Colorblock Car Coat - £99.95 at Gap
#3: "Leather Luxe" The biker jacket is the most versatile new-season buy, style it up or style it down. Leather Biker Jacket - £119.99 at MANGO
#4:  “Fur-tastic” For an instant injection of Glam, head for a fur jacket or gilet to channel that rock chick vibe. Unreal Fur Stripe Short Jacket - £165.00 at ASOS
#5: “School run parka” Practical just got stylish, update your parka this year by ditching the khaki and going for Navy with leather sleeves. You’ll be the talk of the playground! Snow Rhumba Hooded Parka Coat - £190.00 at French Connection
#6: "Easy Check Coat" The print of the season can be seen in plaids, micros tweeds and traditional tartans, check them out! Checked Coat with Pockets - £129.00 at Zara
#7: "Boyfriend Coat" The masculine tailored coat has gone supersized cocoon with drop shoulders and big lapels. Make your supersize statement this winter. Klein Coat - £298.00 at All Saints