FASHION Magazine

In between moments spent gawking at the gorge male models and Beyonce‘s baby bump at Tuesday’s Lincoln Center J.Crew presentation, we (somehow!) found time to chat with Marissa Webb, head of women’s design for J.Crew, about what her inspiration was for Spring 2012. Here’s a cheat sheet.

1. Spring was really inspired from the conversations that her and her team had about travel. For Webb, a trip to Greece left her longing for the reflective greens and blues of the Mediterranean, the bright southern sun, and a nautical touch.

2. As for her own style? Webb’s planning a monochromatic look for spring (her outfit for the presentation was a kelly-green slouchy cashmere sweater and below-the-knee skirt) but she’ll be playing with proportions and a bold saturation of colour.

3. Her favourite part about designing for the J.Crew woman is giving women the opportunity to inject bits of personalized quirkiness—a sequin top, a bold colour—into classic looks that never go out of style.

View the entire spring collection »

Add an embellished pop of colour to give your outfit the attention it craves. ($42, jcrew.com)

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Last night, high priestess of mass retail style Jenna Lyons (with CEO, a.k.a. high priest, Millard “Mickey” Drexler in tow) descended on Toronto for the opening of J.Crew‘s first Canadian outpost at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Amidst the sunny pre-fall offerings—think bubble gum–hued cashmere cable knits, corduroys, and Lulu Frost–designed Deco bangles—a full house of summered stylistas sipped spiked lemonade in mason-jar mugs while peering at statuesque Lyons (who was wearing the MOST amazing vibrant-green sequin skirt from the Spring 2012 collection, we might add.) Many in head-to-toe J.Crew and all a little more than excited to be sharing the designer’s airspace, last night’s party-goers were the first but by no means last group of loyal cross-border subjects.

View the photo gallery »

Who says sailor stripes have to drift away come fall? Long-sleeved stripes are here to stay. ($39, jcrew.com)

Finally, our fashion prayers have been answered. J.Crew (jcrew.com), the famous American prepster palace, is opening its first Canadian store this month in the newly renovated Yorkdale Shopping Centre. (Can I get an amen?) Here, the ever-stylish Jenna Lyons, a.k.a. J.Crew’s president and executive creative director, talks fall must-haves and brand power.

Why did J.Crew decide to launch in Canada this year?
“We saw an increased level of traffic to our website from Canada. There was definitely a following [and] it was a natural progression. And fall is a great time to enter into a new country.”

Add some structure to a basic tank top with modest floral accents. ($34, jcrew.com)

By Jordan Porter

When thinking about the fashion greats, Yves Saint Laurent is one of the first to come to mind. Inspired by Morocco, Mondrian, and so much more, the designer’s influence is still heavily felt throughout the industry.  YSL: L’Amour Fou, the documentary focusing on Saint Laurent’s private life (out on DVD next month), has got us thinking more about his personal style though. Even though he was responsible for dressing style icons such as Catherine Deneuve, we think the designer was an icon in his own right. It’s also fitting that in 1966 Saint Laurent introduced the androgynous Le Smoking tuxedo, putting women in the traditional garb of men. Flip through our favourite boyish picks and see how to do menswear in true Saint Laurent style.

Shop the guide now! »

Go hot pink or go home! ($34, jcrew.com)

Inspired by three decades of fashion, check out our round up of the best denim for fall »

From celebrity stylists to models, this chic group of Canadian expats is painting the big apple red (and white).

See these women and read about their fashion careers, their favourite New York haunts, and what they miss the most about Canada »

Attention Yorkdale shoppers: You are the luckiest ducks in Toronto. As if Holt Renfrew’s expansion and Topshop’s entrance at the Bay weren’t enough, It brand J.Crew has chosen the mall as its first Canadian and international location. According to president, creative director and overall girl-crush Jenna Lyons, the company is now finalizing the store’s design, carefully creating the perfect setting to house its collections.

By Randi Bergman and Jordan Porter

This summer, who says the bride is the only one who can be labelled best-dressed? Pull a Pippa and have fellow guests clamouring at your feet. Whether it’s a city affair or a party in the countryside, we’ve put together foolproof outfits for each occasion. Floral prints, strappy heels and embellished handbags will have you looking like a million bucks—let’s hope the bride keeps her jealousy well hidden.

Shop the guide now! »