Budget Brand Focus: J.Crew Factory
Happy Thursday! You may have realized I do a fair share amount of shopping at budget brands. I especially like the budget versions of my favorite brands, like Banana Republic Factory, LOFT, and J.Crew Factory. Budget brands are great for rounding out your seasonal wardrobe. Especially if you want to try a trending item; it’s reassuring to give it a go at a lower price point. Today I am starting a semi-regular series called Budget Brand Focus. And I am starting with my go-to budget brand: J.Crew Factory.
The Summary
Today on Budget Brand Focus, we take a look at J.Crew Factory
Featuring past outfits, with similar items shoppable via text and image widgets
Plus, boards with current items available at J.Crew Factory, shoppable via text widgets
Budget Brand Focus: J.Crew Factory
Budget Brand Focus: J.Crew Factory Dresses
Recently, I purchased a collared shirtdress which I featured in A Little Black Dress for Spring. This dress is currently sold out, but for the last two years they have offered the style in the spring. I wore another version of it last year in How to Size This Shirtdress for Petites.
J.Crew Factory tends to restock and/or bring out new colors and prints of past designs. The budget versions of my favorite brands often feature items from the previous year, which is great if something sells out or if you like something so well you want another color or print.
Budget Brand Focus: J.Crew Factory Bottoms
J.Crew can always be counted on for chinos. The preppy staple is just as great from J.Crew Factory. I have a few pairs of chinos from both J.Crew and J.Crew Factory and I love both versions. Try the High Rise Girlfriend Chinos.
Just like the full-length version, J.Crew Factory has a great selection of chino shorts in multiple lengths and colors. I prefer the 3.5-inch length, but they also have 5-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch lengths.
If you want to try the cropped flared pant trend, try the Petite Kelsey Linen-Blend Flare Pant. At $64.50, it’s easy to try this trend on for size.
Ditto for the wide-leg pant trend. Try the Petite Chambray Wide-Leg Paper-Bag Pant. Wide-leg pants have been trending for a few years now. Especially in summer, wide-leg pants in a soft, light material are just the ticket for keeping cool.
Sleeveless Ruffle Top | Petite Chambray Wide-Leg Paper-Bag Pant | Crisscross Slide Sandals | Raffia Structured Tote
Recreate the Look at J.Crew Factory
J.Crew Factory – Dress it up
While J.Crew Factory tends toward the casual end of the fashion spectrum, they do offer separates that can be mixed and matched to create an ensemble suitable for the office, or other more buttoned-up moments.
An easy way to add polish to your outfit is with a blazer. This season, J.Crew Factory has a great selection of blazers in a variety of colors and styles that work to mix and match with the current offering of pants, shorts and skirts.
Recreate the outfit I wore last year in How to Wear Linen Suit Separates with the Petite Linen-Blend Deconstructed Blazer and the Petite Linen-Cotton Drawstring Pant.
Petite Linen-Blend Deconstructed Blazer | Petite Linen-Cotton Drawstring Pant | Scalloped Cami Top | Strappy Heeled Sandals | Straw Clutch
Recreate the Look at J.Crew Factory
The Linen-Cotton City Skirt is back this year in a nice range of colors. The dusty ivory version I wore in Charleston last year is back in the lineup. Add the Petite Linen-Blend Deconstructed Blazer in a similar light sandstone color to add a little polish.
Budget Brand Focus: J.Crew Factory Tops
(J.Crew Factory Tops)
For the outfit from my trip to Charleston, I am wearing the Linen-Cotton City Skirt and the Petite Button-Up Shirt in Signature Fit. This olive gingham is no longer available, but this shirt style is classic so it’s worth having a few different colors and patterns in your closet.
Linen-Cotton City Skirt | Petite Button-Up Shirt in Signature Fit | One-Strap Slide Sandal | Raffia Tote
Recreate the Look at J.Crew Factory
Of course, don’t forget about staples like comfy cotton tees. At 2 for $30, check out the Girlfriend Tee; this season they have so many great colors and a really fun pink and orange striped version.
Budget Brand Focus: J.Crew Factory Shoes
(J.Crew Factory Shoes)
To wrap up my Budget Brand Focus, I want to mention J.Crew Factory Shoes. I have had several pairs of their shoes for years, and I have never had an issue with the quality. Seasonal shoes like espadrilles and leather sandals wear quite well with care. Most recently, I purchased the Striped Lace-Up Espadrilles, featured in A Casual Resort Outfit for Petites. A cute new pair of shoes for summer at a price point that agrees with my budget? Yes, Please!
5-inch Classic Chino Short | Blue Top | Striped Lace-Up Espadrilles | Raffia Tote | Sunglasses
Recreate the look at J.Crew Factory
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Beth shared her favorite anti-aging skincare. Click the title or the image below to read the article.
I’m with you Kelly, I’ve always done well shopping at Banana Republic Factory and J. Crew Factory. There’s a Nordstrom Rack about an hour from where I live but haven’t been to it yet. Have you shopped at one? If so , what is your opinion on their clothing and prices?
Hi Nancy! Thanks for your question. I have shopped online at Nordstrom Rack; mostly for shoes. They have amazingly good prices on higher-end shoes. Last year I scored Stuart Weitzman tall boots that retail for $700, for less than half that! I prefer to shop at Nordstrom Rack online because in-store feels a little overwhelming to me (and petite sizes are hard to find in-store). They have a large selection online and the prices are typically upwards of 45-70% off. The website also has petite sizes as a search function, which makes shopping for my size a lot simpler. Check out Nordstrom Rack online before you make the trip! Thanks again for stopping by! xo Kelly
Terrific blog, Kelly! Excellent info!
Re Nordstrom and NRack: most Nordstroms do not carry ANY petites. I had a rep in Burlington, MA brag to me how they don’t carry petites. You can order online and try on in store, though. I did this in Portland, ME, and the service was excellent.
Hi Maeve! I knew that was the case with Nordstrom, thank you for sharing about NRack, that’s helpful information. Thanks so much for stopping by, xo Kelly