sometimes i try to extricate myself from the loveliness that is j.crew…but i just don’t think it can be done.  sometimes i feel things don’t fit just right, and prices are a little high, and they’re a little over-exposed, and maybe i’m not as preppy as i think i am.  but then, i’ll spend a month searching high and low for a couple of specific pieces to add to my summer wardrobe, and – predictably – j.crew was the answer all along.  i guess i really am that preppy.

this month, i’m crushing pretty hard on this gathered waist ikat skirt – such a great twist on a khaki skirt, but much less preppy and no less versatile.  definitely a zero-effort piece.  and the tank dress!  normally, a jersey tank dress can be shapeless and thoroughly blah, but for some reason, the belt and slight bagginess of this one is making it just exactly right.  i will say this:  the color choices for their jersey dresses are less than ideal this season: the grey is bland, and the mango is blinding.  i’m crushing on this one something fierce, but just can’t abide the funky green hue. 

and even though their sandals have wounded me to the core in years past, by falling to pieces after a season of beloved wear, i just can’t get these studded gladiators out of my head.  okay, and the silk bamboo tassel flats.  and maybe the vintage cotton flip flops, which are actually men’s, but way too cute for boys only.  yes, their shoes are a dangerous area for me.

if you have any summer j.crew must-haves, i’d suggest “having” them soon, as you can get 20% off purchases of $175+ with code SECRET, but only through today.  

do you have any j.crew must-haves this season?  i’d love to know what’s making you swoon!