I’ve never visited California, though I wish Christina would’ve stowed me in her luggage when she traveled to the golden state for Coachella.
Popular culture depicts California as a melting pot of ethnicities, languages and movie stars mixed to form a shallow concoction of celebrity-driven culture.
J.Crew – the heavyweight retailer that dresses everyone from First Lady Michelle Obama to Solange Knowles – envisions the coastal state much differently. Their spring 2014 collection is an ode to the beauty, simplicity and relaxing atmosphere of the land of beaches and million-dollar homes.
Lead women’s designer Tom Mora told the Los Angeles Times that he was inspired by “the California coast, where it feels like summer all the time with casual fabrics like neoprene and bold floral prints, contrasted with the Lido lifestyle of the Venetian coast at turn of the century, where it was about really proper dress in lace, eyelets and nautical stripes.”
Continuing their trend of forgoing the traditional runway, Mora and the other elite designers, created a walking museum of models. They were decked in mixed prints, tailored blazers and chic separates in an array of textures from eyelet to tweeds. Simple tees were paired with printed pants and nude pumps.
J.Crew was also mindful to return to their core, preppy but stylish, aesthetic. There were simple, elegant sweaters and cardigans as well as jean jackets and button-up shirts. It was a welcome contrast to the boldness of the other pieces in the collection. From paint-splattered jeans to flowers mixed with stripes, the designers elevated fashion to a risky level. Too much mixing can cause overkill, but the neutral pumps and simple accessories pulled the looks together.
There’s something for everyone in the spring collection. Literally. Men have blazers that can be worn from the office to a late-dinner with their spouses, while women have beach and boardroom attire.
There was also a pairing of casual and sophisticated pieces, like simple tees with flamboyant skirts. It was a classic hi-low – or expensive with cheap – look. I haven’t mastered the art of hi-lo, but J.Crew inspires me to attempt this dynamic in the spring.
The modish era of the 1970’s was also channeled at J.Crew, with a reliance on oranges and other bold hues to draw a connection to a decade of fashion brilliance. I could see Pam Grier as Foxy Brown in several of these ensembles. I can also see myself in my favorite piece from the collection.
A body-hugging jumper with gorgeous contrasting prints immediately captured my attention. It’s the perfect outfit for those bright, cloudless 70 degree spring days that California is notorious for.
So, here’s what we know: Don’t toss out those sweatshirts. Pair them with jeans or a skirt and pointed-toe flats. Incorporate vibrant colors in your wardrobe, and don’t be afraid of the mixed-print.
Is spring here yet?
What is your favorite piece from the J.Crew spring 2014 collection?
Photos courtesy of IMAXtree