Sales & Shopping

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• October 15, 2008
• Shop Talk

Crew Cut: J.Crew Houses Women's Collection on UES

By Max Berlinger

The masterminds over at J. Crew have opened the sister store to Tribeca's Men's Collection on the Upper East Side. The store, which features only womenswear, is the brand's attempt to provide designer looks and quality at a more affordable price, and let's be real, who couldn't benefit from that? Jenna Lyons, the Creative Director at J.Crew realizes that time has come to "attract a more educated and savvy customer." The shop has a discreet storefront and a homey, lived-in feel with wooden herringbone patterned floors, vintage lighting fixtures from France and an entire room dedicated to accessories (including an offering of Rolex watches, vintage gold lockets and silk Obi belts from Japan). The collection pairs higher end items such as calfskin jackets, hand-painted fabric blouses, python bags and cashmere cardigans with J. Crew classics such as denim, chinos and corduroys. The store also offers special services like personal shopping, a discount for college students and delivery to your home or hotel room (if you're that lazy.) Lyons mentioned that "because of blogs and the internet, people know what's out there; they're looking for something special." This opening is paired with the announcement that J. Crew will be opening a second Men's Collection in Soho, neighboring the highly anticipated (will you open already?!) Topshop. The collection is also available for purchase online, and from the look of it, and from the success the men's store, this high-concept no-nonsense spin-off store should be the toast of the town this winter.

1035 Madison Avenue at 79th Street,?(212) 249-3869, www.jcrew.com

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