Southern Protocol

Anyone who knows me knows that it’s no secret I love J. Crew; a solid half of my wardrobe hails from the store of modern preppiness, and I love venturing in whenever I get the chance. As much as I heart it, their increasing price tags over the past few years have been rough on my wallet… which is why I was thrilled to receive an email last week introducing something fabulous: The J. Crew Factory Weekends.

The website, open Friday at midnight through Sunday at midnight only (eastern time), has pages upon pages of discounted merchandise from the regular store, as well as pieces designed especially for the Factory. And you would not BELIEVE the prices! There’s t-shirts, sweaters, jeans, jewelry, skirts… everything!

I’m getting the skirt above for sure… it’s $10 off its original price. Naturally I would be drawn to the item that is the LEAST on sale, but hey.. a discount is a discount! I love the Victorian-esque colors, and I’ll be able to wear that baby right into cooler weather with a cardigan, tights, and ankle bootie heels!

Take a peek at the site now and start planning what you’ll purchase at midnight

Everyone seems to be getting back to basics these days and this Fall it is back to the 1950s. Designers from Louis Vuitton to Banana Republic are showing the 50s era with cinched waists and perfectly coiffed hair. The tailored glam look is an absolute classic and also gives you an excuse to pop into a great vintage store for an authentic piece to add to your closet. The skirts are full, waists are cinched, bags are structured, and the hair is pinned back perfectly. This tailored look comes in and out of style from season to season with separates and now it is the full-on look for this coming Fall season. The jacket is another must-have piece. A structured cropped jacket or classic silhouette is how you are going to bring flair to your all your looks. A classic white or cream button-up blouse is also going to be a must have for your 50s style along with animal print accessories seen in belts, bags, and shoes.

This Fendi runway look is easily mimicked with pieces you can afford! This full skirt from Anthropologie is $78, a navy ruffled blouse from Talbots is $40, a great leopard print skinny belt from J.Crew for $39.50, and an awesome structured brown leather bag from Urban Outfitters for $58. Pair this look with a great pair of peep toe heels and some pearls and you’re a flashback from the 1950s!

Posted by Quinn

That’s right! Glitzy sequins in the DAYTIME!

It’s one of this spring and summer’s hottest trends – and yes, you can pull it off. The key steps to success:

1. Choose a high quality top. If you buy an all-sequined top at Wet Seal on the buy one get one for a penny rack, it’s going to look like you bought it on the penny rack. The King Street boutiques are teeming with well-fitting, nice lining tanks.

2. Pair it with understated daytime accessories. A tailored jacket or cotton cardigan with jeans really tone down the “nighttime” vibes your top exudes.

3. Wear flats for the ultimate big city feel. If you do go the heels route, think sleek and simple – not over the top 5 inch stilettos.

If full on sparkle pre-5:00 pm just isn’t your style, you can still be a part of this burgeoning trend! Check into blouses with small sequin details for a touch of fun during the day.

I squeal with glee once a month when I open my mailbox to find the newest J. Crew catalog – that happy day came earlier this week, just in time to lift my spirits amidst all this rain. These catalogs are more than your average cheesy “catalog posed” happy couple, with cheesy twinsets and cheesy backdrops. Much more.

To me, the J. Crew catalogs are always like a mini fashion magazine without the endorsed articles. The styling is right up Charleston’s alley, and I end up dog-earring every other page, causing my clothing wish list to grow exponentially. This month was no different, as the modern preppy pages took us to the streets of Portugal in the spring. Sensational colors, cuts and classics fill every page. Ruffled skirts in rose, chicly bedazzled tees, perfectly cut to flatter ankle pants in staple as well as fun colors, amazing jewelry  combinations, and of course cardigans galore.

Speaking of cardigans: they don’t need to look “grandma” or dated. Choose vibrant colors and patterns, layer it over a feminine blouse or dress, and you have an easy look for any occasion. J. Crew’s Jackie cardigans are without a doubt office staples at least twice a week at Southern Protocol. Especially for the late winter weather here in Charleston, hovering somewhere between coat and thin top temperatures, a cardigan is a necessity in every woman’s wardrobe.

Trot on over to Charleston’s own boutique J. Crew (at 264 King Street) to check out all the latest fashions – if nothing else, the incredibly aesthetically pleasing clothing and displays will lift your mood this weekend!