Exciting News For J.Crew Mens!

A big "thanks!" to Simon and David (in this post) who shared with us the following articles with fantastic news.

Breaking: J.Crew Men's Joining Topshop on Broadway
By Leslie Price
October 15, 2008
Racked (click here)

This is some mind-blowing late-in-the-day news right here: J.Crew will be opening another men's shop (a la their Liquor Store location) in Soho. The store will take the space that currently houses Universal News at 484 Broadway, which is right next door to the giant Topshop store set to open in March. From DNR: "The size and opening date have not been determined, but it is expected to debut in early 2009." Will it beat Topshop? Probably.

Muytjens to Head Men’s Design at J.Crew
By Jean E. Palmieri
Oct. 15, 2008
DNR News (click here)

NEW YORK — J.Crew is changing its top men’s merchant and will open its third freestanding men’s store in Soho next year.

Effective Monday, Frank Muytjens, currently senior design director within the men’s area, will be elevated to vice-president of men’s design. He will succeed Todd Snyder, senior vice-president of men’s design, who will exit the company on Nov. 14, reportedly in preparation of launching his own men’s collection for fall ’09.

Muytjens, whose background includes Polo Ralph Lauren, officially takes over the men’s design duties on Monday. He had worked with Snyder at J. Crew for the past several years.

Men’s wear has been a priority of late for the specialty store chain. In August, the company unveiled its first standalone men’s store in the site of the former Liquor Store Bar in Tribeca. The 925-square-foot jewelbox at 235 West Broadway has set a new standard with its unique merchandising techniques.

Another men’s only store is set to debut at the Garden State Plaza mall in Paramus, N.J. on Nov. 14.

The third store will be located next to Madewell and Topshop/Topman on Broadway. The size and opening date have not been determined, but it is expected to debut in early 2009. It will take over a site currently occupied by a newsstand.

Very exciting news indeed! I am sorry to hear Todd Snyder's exit, but I look forward to seeing Mutjens vision for the men' side of the business. I am also excited to hear that J.Crew will open another men-only clothing store in NYC. Hopefully, the economy will be in a better position by the time it opens. :)

What are your thoughts on the article? What do you think of Snyder's exit and Mutjens new position? Do you think you will visit the new men's store? :)

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J.Crew's Tribeca Men's Shop Flash Site {do you like?}

"Thanks!" to Doug who pointed out that the men's page (click here) on JCrew.com features a very cool flash site (click here) promoting the Tribeca men's store. Besides being able to view the collection, the flash site offers a brief history of the Tribeca bar, a quick look at the new "What a Man Should Know" book (refer to "J.Crew's Book: Rules Of Engagement" post), and some new views of the Tribeca store.

Although the material on the flash site is all information we have seen before, it is still pretty cool and interesting to look at. I really do like the layout and hope that J.Crew creates something similar for the Women's collection (perhaps another storyboard- I love those!) Also, I think it's too bad that some of the links don't seem to work. For example, the link to purchase the book or for the map to the store does not seem to work for me. (I am curious if we can purchase the book online or it is only available at their Tribeca store.) Hopefully the links work for you. :)

Lastly, I can't help think that J.Crew is really pushing (marketing-wise) the Tribeca men's store on its customers. I realize they want the store to perform well, but I feel like I have already seen the same material (e.g. Andy Spade's involvement with store design, Max Blagg's chewed pencils for $25 each, distressed jeans for $245) being presented over and over again. Perhaps if they start offering some new pieces or insights, that would get my interest again. :)

What are your thoughts on the Tribeca Men's shop flash site? Do you like or dislike the material, layout, and content?

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Questionable Items Of The Week: The Lucido Coat and PatchWork Suit

There were some great suggestions for a "Questionable Item of the Week" post that I just had to use! :)

Lucido Coat
Click here for product page
Item 96559
Regular: $1,800.00

Auryane (in the post "J.Crew Wedding & Parties Get's Updated!") suggested this "lovely" coat and commented how it "looks like a shinny, too-big raincoat". I could not agree more! ;) First, I generally l-o-v-e J.Crew coats and jackets- I think they the most stylish and classic pieces. However, this jacket is a total "bust" for me. I mean I loathe it: (1) I do not like the "Generous A-line fit" (which is way too generous!); (2) I despise the elbow sleeves (which makes even the gorgeous model look like she has weird arms); (3) I don't think the "shiny Italian patent leather" brown works, let alone warrants the $1,800 price tag!

Patchwork Sportcoat
Click here for product page
Item 97061
Regular $595.00

Classic-Fit Wool-Cord Patchwork Pant
Click here for product page
Item 96068
Regular $298.00

Heather (in the "J.Crew Website Updated {yey!}" post) suggested the Men's patchwork sportcoat and matching pants to the "ugly list" and I agree with her on this outfit. I just don't think the patchwork suit concept is a "classic" one. ;) Even though I appreciate that "each patch is hand-placed for exclusive, one-of-a-kind patterns", this outfit is a total "pass" for me. I don't think that this suit is worth the $900 price tag. In fact, if I saw someone wearing this I would think they got the suit from a tag sale or from their grandparent's attic. (Sorry J.Crew! But I think you other suits- like the solid Classic-fit wool herringbone suit- are so much better!) :)

What do you think? Do you think I am being overly critical about these items? Do you think these items are worth the price tag? Will you purchase any of the items featured here? If you already own them, please let us know what you think. :)

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Menswear View: The Get – Hoodie or Pullover.

Note: Doug regularly guest blogs on J.Crew for men (the "menswear view")- which I think is wonderful! :) (Thank you Doug!) The following is his post:

Few things are as comfortable as a warm sweatshirt or as they are commonly referred to around planet J.Crew the Hoodie or Pullover. So which do you prefer? Both are incredibly soft and offer excellent resistance to the Fall chill. My choice would be the Shawl collar pullover in Navy.
What are your thoughts on the color pallet? Would you like to see greater variety? Does the price make you inclined to wait for a discount, coupon or either to appear in the sale section of J.Crew website?

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J.Crew Tribeca Men's Store: The NY Times Take

"Thanks!" to Doug, Richard, and others who shared with us this interesting article from the NY Times on J.Crew's Men Store in Tribeca, which makes for a nice read this weekend). (Click here for its entirety.)
A Package Store for Preppies
By Mike Albo
September 15, 2008

THE new J. Crew’s men’s boutique on the corner of West Broadway and White Street used to be a busy bar, often crowded with loud, drunk TriBeCans. I think I went there once or twice in the 1990s to accompany one of my women friends while they tried to pick up bankers. Because it was the ’90s, I was probably wearing some baggy secondhand gas-station attendant shirt and pair of bootleg cords, refusing to look put together because I didn’t want to appear preppy. ...

Near the door was a $1,200 plaid mackintosh that looked tasteful and durable. Next to it was a $125 English wool pinstripe blazer and accompanying vest. Carl tried on a dark blue rain slicker ($800), which looked crisp and professional on him, while I coveted a $325 Yorkshire tweed jacket with pleated pockets, wishing I had married a loud, drunk banker so I could buy it. ...

It does not function as a bar anymore, but you get the sense the store wants you to feel buzzed enough to forget the dismal economy and slap down your debit card. It offers upscale impulse buys like Aesop grooming products, John Derian decoupage paperweights, vintage vinyl albums from New Order and Devo, and used books like “Rabbit Redux” ($18) and “City of Night” ($5). Shirts hang on the racks with the sleeves wrinkled and rolled up as if they are at happy hour, including some nice basic button-downs for $59.50, and an attractive yellow plaid check for $68. ...

J.Crew’s selections come in an array of prices that keep your eye tempted: a $795 motocross leather jacket was near a $58 plaid wool cap, close to a $34.50 gray henley. I was especially drawn to a long, shawl-collar cardigan with pockets and big buttons made in a gray sweatshirt material ($78). It was a smart hybrid probably fashioned by some budding designer at the brand who will to start her own line next year.

Still, some items were so outrageously preppy, I felt my original odium for the style rising in my throat like bad grain-alcohol punch. A series of knit ties in bright colors, $49.50, brought to mind a tragically alcoholic dorm mate from college on his way to a football game, and a quilted patchwork tote, for $850, was something his equally blotto girlfriend would use to carry around her pumps and kegger go-cup.

Some items were just plain outrageous, preppy or not. A pair of $245 jeans with patches sewn all over them hung proudly in the center of the front room. (Aren’t we done with the whole fake-distressed trend?) A small glass case at the front of the store displayed vintage watchbands, belt buckles, aviators and pencils that have been chewed by the celebrated TriBeCan writer Max Blagg on sale for $25 each. Yes, that’s right —chewed pencils for $25. This is mostly a promotional gimmick — the store will soon offer copies of his book “What a Man Should Know” — but I couldn’t help but think of this as a trend, and imagined the poor, spidery Joyce Carol Oates sitting at an assembly line, gnawing away.

Carl and I stopped in front of a stack of vintage V-neck sweater vests, which were decorated with bright snowflakes and squares around the collar and waist. They were interesting, but they were also $200. A magnetic store person walked up and persuaded Carl to try one on. The little sweater made him resemble a Keebler elf in grad school. Carl politely returned the garment, and I pulled him out, before one of us went home with something we would regret the next morning.

Did you like/dislike the article's take on the store? Have you visited the Tribeca store since it's opening? If so, we would love to know what you think of it. ;)

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Menswear View: Inclement weather– which will you choose?

Quick Note: Doug will regularly guest blog on J.Crew for men (the "menswear view")- which I think is wonderful! :) (Thank you Doug!) The following is his post:

Perhaps it’s Tropical Storm Hanna that has me thinking about trench coats and slickers. Personally I’m a big fan of the Sutherland trench in blue or British Tan. The Mackintosh is gorgeous but at $800 I had better be able to wear it every day. I’m not particularly fond of the belted Harrison Trench – a bit too stuffy for me. The Sellwood closely resembles the raingear my 8 year old twins have and to be honest it looks much better on them.
So – which is it for you? Any thoughts on the style and fit? How about the color selection?

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J.Crew & GQ Have Something To Offer You!

The editors over at GQ Magazine have created three looks using J.Crew's mens clothes and accessories. (Click here to view.) As an added bonus, J.Crew is offering a year's subscription to GQ Magazine with a men's purchase of $100 or more. (Click here for offer & refund details.)

What do you think of the three looks selected? If you are a J.Crew Aficionado, would you rock these looks? If you are a J.Crew Aficionada, would the man in your life wear these outfits?

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J.Crew Mens Collection: The Mackintosh Coat

Mackintosh® coat
Click here for product page
Item 98960
Regular: $800.00

I was surprised to see that in the men's section, there was a Mackintosh coat for sale. Mackintosh (click here for their website) is known for its high-quality rain wear (and the price tag certainly reflects that quality!)

I would love to see this jacket in person. However, I doubt my local J.Crew's would carry this expensive piece (let alone in multiple sizes). This jacket is available at the Tribeca Mens Shop, though. :)

I like to quickly add that I would love J.Crew to offer women's rain wear from Mackintosh too! ;) I think their coats for women are just divine. (Although, I doubt I could afford the women's coats. For now, an umbrella will have to do. And I do like my umbrella, as it is from J.Crew. ;) )

What do you think of J.Crew's partnership with Mackintosh? Would you consider purchasing a Mackintosh water-resistant coat? Do you think it is worth the retail price?

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J.Crew Tribeca Men's Shop: Photos & Review

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
The incredible images in the slide show come from two sources. The first 11 images are from A Continuous Lean (click here for link). The last 6 images are from UrbanDaddy (click here for link). Also, "thanks!" goes to J.Crew Guy in Canada and K (in the "Off On A Tangent: Ann Taylor & J.Jill" post) who shared with us the link for the "A Continuous Lean" site.

A big "thank you!" to Blumre and MMiller who shared with us their experience visiting the new Tribeca men's shop on opening day:

The store was very tight. It almost felt cramped. MMiller says that could have been because there were about 20 people in there that were clearly not shopping. Almost all of them, but for maybe 1 or 2 looked like J. Crew employees (they were all wearing lots of J. Crew and all obviously knew each other). Given that, only 1 person came over to ask if we wanted help.

MMiller wants me to make sure not to forget to mention that Mr. Drexler was there (like I could ever forget to mention that!) Mr. Drexler looked very put together and he seemed to be enjoying himself as he was chatting with other employees. He looked so much better than he did in that magazine picture! He didn't look his age at all, he looked young and vibrant. Which is probably why I didn't notice him until we had left the store and MMiller made a comment to me about him. It was a real "d'oh" moment.

I contemplated going back into the store and telling Mr. Drexler he should start a J. Crew foundation and I should be his first employee (its a lot more fun to give out money than raise it, and I am qualified, as an MSW). Because the company believes so highly in education (teachers and student's discounts) it should be devoted to improving teacher resources (my friends run this type of non-profit and I know it needs more money)! But then I thought that was a bad idea because I would sound like a dork! So I decided not to.

Shout out to Mr. Drexler: If you like this idea, email me! This would be a great way to boost J. Crew's image--- corporate philanthropy is a big deal these days!

MMiller did not seem to really notice the aesthetic of the store. He was not impressed considering all the hype around the store. The store was maybe 800 square feet. The bar was nice and polished but the problem with the store was that there wasn't that much space to stand back and look at the clothes!

They did have the Thomas Mason dress shirts there. The fabric is exceptionally thin! I actually told MMiller to pass on them because they were just too thin. He likes their regular dress shirts (the On End Point Collar ones). And for causal dress nothing could get him away from the Secret Wash Shirts. Over all, nothing in the store really jumped out at him.

I did see the Globe Trotter luggage. While the luggage might be able to support an elephant's weight, I wouldn't want to lug that through an airport, valet or no valet! The sky caps only get you so far, you still have to get it out of your house!

I did like the fire place in the store, and the bar was a cool display and checkout counter. Overall, we were both hoping to find some unique items that aren't in other stores. I didn't see much of it. Maybe it was just because you could barely move in that tiny space with so many J. Crew employees milling about. We both left feeling a little disappointed. However, we both felt better when we went up to the Prince Street Store and stepped back into a regular J.Crew. We still both love J.Crew, this store just wasn't our style.

I am looking forward to the new Women's Collection store opening right across the Park from me. I will be sure to go (best friend in tow) on opening day and maybe then I will recognize Mr. Drexler! (That store will also be MUCH bigger). I know the space where it will be opening and its a great place for a store!

-MMiller and Blumre over and out!

Blumre and MMiller added the following about the store's size:

These pictures... {in the slideshow} ...make the store look huge. The 4th one down, where you see the bar... yea that is only about 20 feet wide. Imagine that clogged with people, when the bar and the area behind it is about 5 ft wide! I mean you can't move! That back area (the pic after the dressing room, yes thats the back area of the store) is seriously half the size of my living room and I live in NYC--- we dont have a huge living room!)!

I can't see MMiller buying a suit using that mirror in the dressing room either... He scrutinizes himself 12 times over using the three way mirrors for every suit!

The fire place is actually in a narrow passageway and you almost don't notice it because the store is pretty dark inside. IMO they didn't do a great job on lighting (and we were there at 4:45 p.m.)! I did like the look of the ties on the bar! The optical effect was cool.

However, these pictures are taken from many different view points. Trust me when I say the store is TINY!

"Thanks!" again to Blumre and MMiller, we really appreciate your review! Overall, it doesn't sound like it's necessary to make a special trip to the new store (unless one is already in the area). I am a bit relieved since I was planning to make a special trip to NYC to see the store, but now there is no rush to. :)

What do you think of the Tribeca store layout? After reading the review of the new men's store, will you make a special trip to visit the store -or- plan to stop by only if you are in the area?

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"How J.Crew Does Luxe For Less" Video

There is a great video over at Fortune, that has Frank Muytjens, (who is the Senior Design Director at J.Crew,) discussing the new $640 suit that was mentioned in the "Anatomy of a J.Crew Suit" post. It discusses a bit more the details that make the suit part of their luxury collection for men. Click here to watch the video.

How J. Crew does luxe for less
Video Clip: 3 minutes 18 seconds
A look inside the retailer's new 640 dollar suit reveals the kind of details usually found only on high-end haberdashery.

What do you think of the "How J. Crew does luxe for less" video? Do you think it provides more insight about J.Crew's new suit? Would you purchase the new $640 suit now?

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Anatomy of a J.Crew Suit

Fortune Magazine's article (click here) also had a great interactive Flash piece showing the anatomy of J.Crew's high-end $640 suit. Although I appreciate the close-ups (which are shown below), I am not sure if they offer the justification for the $640 price tag. The "canvas front" is the only close up that I feel really shows why the suit is expensive. The "inner pocket" and "jacket cuff" close-up wasn't as insightful as it could have been. (I do appreciate knowing that the cuff has working buttons, but don't most really good quality suits have that?) :) Ultimately, I was hoping to see more inside explanations that would make me say, "Yes! I totally understand now why this suit is better than other suits at similar prices."

The following are the corresponding close-ups (which you can click on to see a larger image):

What do you think of this suit? Do you think the close-ups justify the $640 price tag? Would you consider buying this suit (either for yourself or for the man in your life?)

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Images of the Tribeca Store

There is an article over at GQ (click here for link) which has some great images of the Tribeca Men's Only store:

Back to school
By Jared Flitn
Photos by Ben Ferrari
August 20, 2008

On trend: J.Crew, whose latest Manhattan store, the brand's first men's shop, pays tribute to classic American workwear. The 935-square-foot outpost is housed in the former digs of Liquor Store Bar, and retains the feel (if not the drunken good times) of its previous incarnation; the bar and bathrooms are intact, and whiskey bottles adorn its dark wood walls. On offer are specialty pieces from J.Crew's men's collection, Thomas Mason shirts, Globe-Trotter luggage, and a selection of vintage items that round out the space's quirky aesthetic (think tie-bars, first-edition books, and vinyl LPs).

Thank Jack Spade cofounder Andy Spade for the look—J.Crew consulted with him to help curate the goods and, apparently, the lifestyle that goes along with them: The new store's sponsoring a series of workshops based on Spade and business partner Anthony Sperduti's forthcoming book, What a Man Should Know (available there on September 1). So what should you know? Chess, wine, and figure-drawing, among other things. It's never too late to learn.

Open tomorrow, J. Crew Tribeca Men's Shop, 235 W. Broadway, NYC, (212) 226-5476

I didn't realize that Jack Spade is assisting J.Crew with their men-only store collection. I think that is fabulous! (I would like to know which famous designer is working with the women's side of fashion! ;) ) I also think it is great that the store will be promoting a "series of workshops" for men (but maybe they should include one on "how to dress" alongside "figure drawing"). I would actually be interested in going to those myself! :)

Update: There are a 6 more photos of the Tribecca store's interior over at UrbanDaddy (click here for link). After looking through the slide show, I actually have a pretty good idea of what the store layout looks like! :)

What are your impressions of the store layout- do you like the bar and how clothes are displayed? What do you think of Jack Spade's involvement with J.Crew's men store? Do you think hosting workshops (about cheese & drawing) at their store is a brilliant marketing idea or a financial bad move?

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Tribeca Mens Shop: Open For Business Aug 21st

"Thanks!" to Blumre who shared with us an email J.Crew sent announcing their Men-Only store that is opening in NYC. From the email, we can see the grand opening will take place on Thursday, August 21st. The retail store's location is: 235 West Broadway (at White Street).

For recent news on their Men-only store, see the following posts:

• Menswear Getting More Attention
• Article On The Trend Of Men's Only Store
• J.Crew: Men's Look Book & Men's Only Store
  

For those living in NYC (or planning to visit), will you plan on visiting the store? Are you excited by the store's opening? Do you think they will serve liquor at the new men-only store <wink>?

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Menswear Getting More Attention

A big "thank you!" goes to J.Crew Guy in Canada who shared with us the following article (for its entirety click here) about menswear getting more attention from retailers.

Menswear Moving to the Front – Part 2
By Chris Hogan
July 5, 2008

As we discussed in last week’s column, the New York menswear market is in the midst of renaissance of sorts. But it’s not just luxury brands that are focusing more on the men in their lives; mid market brands are making a statement in the Big Apple too.

J.Crew, a favorite everyday brand of Off The Cuff, is setting up a men’s only shop in the landmark Liquor Store building, at 235 West Broadway at White Street in Tribeca. The men’s store, which will be smaller than a typical J. Crew store, will carry the best of J. Crew’s men’s collection, including their unique collector’s items - upscale, limited-edition pieces like the $800 leather mail bag. According to CEO Micky Drexler, the store is “a very short-term lease,” with “very little investment and risk,” which will allow the company “to fool around and play with a men’s store.”

Additionally, the company has been sending out mini-catalogs that focus only on their men’s clothing and accessories lines. These targeted marketing efforts have been very well received and gives J. Crew the ability to sell its higher end wares directly to their male customers.

This emerging but strong trend toward menswear will likely spread across the retail market. As I have noted before, men are not like women when it comes to shopping, but there has been a distinct shift back toward guys appreciating and seeking out quality clothing and accessories. Though this is most true for “investment” level clothes like suits and other tailored pieces, J. Crew’s men’s store concept is an example of transferring the investment mentality to everyday dressing. It’s sort of a reverse approach to the commoditization trend that has effectively devalued many once exclusive brands. Instead of making their wares more accessible to average consumers, companies like J. Crew are developing limited edition products at very outsized price points and targeted at discerning shoppers.

The company is also taking marketing cues from luxury brands that have long touted things like the prestigious family mills which supply their fabric. J. Crew is busily developing relationships with companies like Baird McNutt, an innovative, family-owned Irish mill in Ballymena known for incredible linens.

What makes this type of strategy successful is that they’re not faking it. J. Crew is seeking out real manufacturers who make really good, exclusive products. It’s authentic and fits very well with their customer base. The real stories and premium price tags are providing the boost that the company wants in menswear. They have also made serious efforts to improve the construction quality of their products, and adding additional practical value to their wares.

“Women’s got turned around, and now it’s time for men’s,” says Todd Snyder, senior vice-president of men’s design for J. Crew. And one way to sell the ongoing J. Crew story of original lifestyle brands is through collaborations with designer-frequented mills. “We say, why spend $1,000 at Bergdorf Goodman for a jacket you can get for $300 here? It’s the same thing.” Customers are recognizing quality fabrics, so Snyder has made it his mission to work with the best in the business. “We’re becoming the biggest customer of mills like Moon and Mallalieus, who work with Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Ralph Lauren,” he says. “We’re after quality.” ...

It’s a stylistic approach to vertical integration; to try and capture all socioeconomic levels of the men’s lifestyle market – from Gap to Hermes. That’s the holy grail of any retailer or ad executive, but it seems that our culture may now be at this mythical point. We’ll have to wait and see if the trend truly takes hold, but it appears that while doing so more men will be better dressed and know which fork to use.

A few weeks ago, there was a post here (called Article On The Trend Of Men's Only Store) about retailers devoting dedicated stores to men. As I mentioned in that post, I think it's great that J.Crew is now devoting stores entirely to men. I find that sometimes, men get shortchanged in the depth and breadth of clothing items in dual-gender stores.

Do you think that this trend is one that will last? What do you think about J.Crew's multiple attempts to capitalize on the trend of male fashion-conscious consumers? If you are a J.Crew Aficionado, will you shop at a J.Crew's new line of men's clothing? If you are a J.Crew Aficionada, will the man in your life pro-actively shop at J.Crew's men-only store?

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Article On The Trend Of Men's Only Store

There is an interesting story over at the L.A. Times that is worth sharing. For the article in its entirety, click here. The following are selected portions:

L.A.'s Ferragamo shop leads the way in stores for men only
By Adam Tschorn
August 10, 2008

GUYS, Salvatore Ferragamo knows you want that $30,000 burgundy crocodile duffel -- and thinks it has the perfect lure. The brand's new men's boutique at the Beverly Center in L.A. -- the first of its kind in the country -- is a study in Italian-style man-luxe: 2,000 square feet of wood-grained walls, cream-colored floors and buttery leather couches where you can sip espresso while perusing the full men's collection that ranges from $160 neckties to that oh-so extravagant duffel.

Male desire, thy name is paneling. And comfy chairs. And a store environment to call your own. At least that's the formula that seems to be emerging as retailers train their powers of enticement on guys.

Looking beyond the purse-and-pumps model that built its business, Ferragamo is on the leading edge of a new and energetic grab for the hearts and wallets of men. Later this month, J. Crew is going man-centric, opening its first men's store in a converted Tribeca drinking establishment, with a curated "best-of" collection alongside Globe-Trotter luggage and vintage Borsalino hats. By next fall, Hermès and Ralph Lauren plan to have Manhattan real estate devoted solely to men's merchandise, and Tiffany recently opened its third men's jewelry store in Japan.

Why the sudden discovery of the XY chromosome? It turns out that in the current economic environment, men's shopping has been one of the few bright spots. According to Wendy Liebmann, chief executive of WSL Strategic Retail, a company that studies shopping habits, there are two reasons: Men are traditionally more optimistic than women on the economy ("Because they don't see the prices at the grocery store every other day," Liebmann says). And a new generation of style-savvy 20- to 40-year-old male shoppers is roaming the malls. The result is a retail landscape ripe for a shot of testosterone. ...

The retail outpost as pseudo-bar/gathering place isn't accidental, Liebmann says. "What you're starting to see is the recognition from retailers that it isn't just about a different physical space; it's about a different mood, a different environment. And sometimes another floor in the same building isn't enough."It's an approach being used beyond the luxury labels too. Preppy staple J. Crew is putting the final touches on its men's-only space -- the former Liquor Store bar at 235 W. Broadway in New York City.When the Liquor Store location opens later this month, it will be with the original fixtures -- including the bathrooms and the bar itself -- intact, as a showcase for the pricier men's pieces in the line, including Japanese selvage denim and broken-in chinos, collaborations with Red Wing and Thomas Mason and an assortment of old-school brands like Mackintosh coats and Timex watches. ...

I personally think that it is great that some brands are now devoting stores entirely to men. I find that sometimes, men get shortchanged in the depth and breadth of clothing items in dual-gender stores.

What do you think about the Men-only store capitalizing on the trend of male fashion-conscious consumers? Do you like the J.Crew Men-Only store concept? Will you shop at J.Crew's Men-Only store?

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Questionable Item of the Week: Friendship Bracelet for Men

There is a recent article about J.Crew's latest jewelry accessory for men: friendship bracelets. (Click here for original "Childhood threads with grown-up flair" article published on August 1, 2008 by Amy Scattergood in its entirety.) What I find interesting are the following two paragraphs of the article:

Jewelry designer Scosha Woolridge weaves natural-colored linen with diamonds and rubies and anchors the ends with 18-karat gold buttons. This fall, J.Crew is featuring striped friendship bracelets — inspired by '30s-era club ties — in its men's collection, each hand-made in London with hand-dyed linen and secured with an elegant metal buckle.

Of course, this is friendship bought and paid for: The J. Crew bracelet will be $150 (at jcrew.com), and Woolridge's pieces start at $270 (scoshanyc.com)....

In the image of this post, the "Jewelry designer Scosha Woolridge's bracelets in brown and blue with pink, and a J. Crew offering in gray and red." In my opinion, those bracelets don't look like they are worth $150+. I personally think those are outrageous prices for items any kid in summer camp can make for less than $2. I am also surprised that J.Crew thought their upscale male customers would consider purchasing this type of bracelet. (This bracelet seems like something that American Eagle or Abercrombie & Fitch stores sell for $30. Not so much what I imagined J.Crew's high-end Men's Collection offering its clients.)

What do you think? Do you think I am being overly critical about these bracelets? Do you think these bracelets are worth the price tag? Aficionados: will you purchase one of these bracelets from J.Crew for yourself? Aficionadas: will you purchase one of these bracelets for the man in your life? :)

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J.Crew: Men's Look Book & Men's Only Store

The Look Books for J.Crew that I have seen, were always targeted for women. So I was pleasantly surprised to see at their website a Look Book exclusively for men (click here for link). I think that is fabulous and hope that they decide to print the Look Book as well (if it's not already available in a paper version). I always felt like the men got a little short changed in the catalogs (e.g. not enough pages showcasing men's fashion), so it's nice to see that J.Crew is devoting more pages to them. :)

The Men's Look Book coincides with J.Crew's latest news (that JRL pointed out in the "JCrew's Website is Updated" post,) which is they are opening a "men's only store" in Tribeca, NY (during August of this year). J.Crew is also showcasing "Tribeca Mens Shop" at their website (click here), which has items that will be featured at the men's only shop in NY.

The following are excerpts of an article in DNR about the men's store in NYC (click here to see the article in its entirety):

J.Crew to Open First Men’s Store in Tribeca
By Jean E. Palmieri
Mar. 11, 2008

"J.Crew has found the location for its first men’s-only store. It will be located at The Liquor Store, a landmark building at 235 West Broadway at White Street in Tribeca. It will be smaller and more intimate than the company’s other stores, according to a spokesperson, and is slated to open in the early summer.

It will carry “the best-of-the-best” of the J.Crew men’s collection, including Collector’s Items, its upscale, limited-edition items. It will also offer the company’s “list” of the items that every man should own.

Millard Drexler, CEO of J.Crew, mentioned the planned debut of the men’s-only store during the company’s fourth quarter and year-end conference call on Tuesday. He said the store is “a very short-term lease,” involving “very little investment and risk,” that will allow the company “to fool around and play with a men’s store. It’s going to be small.” Drexler said the company is continuing to work on finding locations for “one or two” larger freestanding men’s stores, but no leases have been found."

What do you think about the Men's Look Book? Are you excited that J.Crew will have a men's only store? Do you think they should open more "men's only stores"?

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Trend Setting: Ankle-baring pant cuffs for men

There is an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal about the latest fashion trend for men: ankle baring pant cuffs!

I just took excerpts of the article, but you can find the entire article here.

Ankle-baring pant cuffs raise the ante on men's fashion
by Ray A. Smith
July 24, 2008

"After noticing other young men doing it, 30-year-old Victor Holguin recently started baring his ankles. When he wears jeans, he rolls them up, and he gets his pants hemmed short

Changing hemlines have long been a hallmark of women's fashion. But this summer, it's men's hems that are rising. Brooks Brothers has raised pant hems about half an inch in its top-of-the-line Golden Fleece suits and is leaning toward a slightly shorter pant length across its more moderately priced collection.

J. Crew has been featuring models in rolled-up, ankle-baring chinos. Traditional haberdasher Paul Stuart is producing suit trousers that touch the top of the shoe, rather than breaking slightly over the shoe...

The last time so-called floods for men were in style in the U.S. was the 1950s (with upturned tight jeans) and 1960s (with preppy pants rolled up on the beach). The '60s also saw skinnier suits, with narrow-leg trousers that were shorter in length. Todd Snyder, J. Crew's head of men's design, says some of its looks were inspired by images of James Dean, Paul Newman and John F. Kennedy from the '50s and '60s."

What is funny about this new trend, is that my husband has lots of pants he wears that are too short on him. (Of course, he picked out those pants himself before trying them on. Since he never exchanged them for the right length, he ended up wearing them.) When I showed him this article, he just smiled and said "I knew that trend was going to happen!"

What do you think of the ankle-baring pant cuff look? If you are a guy, would you rock this style or go with the more traditional look?

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Questionable Item of the Week: Painted selvedge jean

Painted selvedge jean
Click here for product page
Item 98560
Regular: $285.00

In the "Men's Clothing Collector's Items" post, J.H. mentioned the Painted Selvedge Jean. At the time, I checked out what she was referring to and couldn't help noticing anything beyond the price. Did that price tag really say $285? My eyes cannot believe it. Dear J.Crew, is that price just a typo error from the system upgrade? Please tell me that it is so, because the jeans do not look like they are worth almost $300 (after tax is included).

I mean, I think it's great that the "authentic selvedge cotton denim" comes "from one of Japan's oldest and most renowned mills" that are woven on "original 100-year-old narrow looms". No, really that is awesome. But is the "stonewashed, hand-distressed, hand-splattered with paint and hand-finished" attention that each pair of jeans receive really worth that much? I mean, I could probably save at least a hundred dollars if I buy the Straight-fit selvedge jean in vintage indigo wash jeans (Item 92781; $165.00) or the Straight-fit selvedge jean in worn rinse wash jeans (Item 87571; $150.00) and spend a couple of hours beating-up and throwing some paint on the jean myself. ;) In any case if I bought the painted selvedge jeans (or "made" them myself) my husband would still not wear them. (And I would be out a significant amount of money that could go to better J.Crew purchases!) :)

What do you think? Have you seen them in person at a J.Crew store? Do you think I am being overly critical about these jeans? Do you own any of these pants? If you do, please let me know what you think!

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J.Crew's Suits For Men

In the "Men's Clothing Collector's Items" post, Lena, Abijah, Blumre, and others were discussing J.Crew suits for men. I thought this topic is a great one that deserves its own post.

I personally believe that the Men's suits collection looks quite nice. Although I have not seen them in person- so I can't speak of their quality. :)

What are your impressions as to the quality of J.Crew suits for men? How is the fit/cut of the suits (e.g. do they tend to run narrow)? Is there a particular fabric (e.g. Italian Chino, linen, wool, seersucker) that is better to purchase? Are J.Crew suits for men a good investment (e.g. last for a long time) or are there other places (e.g. Brooks Brothers) that are better "suited"? ;)

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