J.Crew

Whether you're the blushing bride-to-be or guest of a guest, wedding season is upon us. J.Crew just released its Spring weddings and parties collection showcasing a bevy of gorgeous gowns for just about every bridal personality. There are chic silk halter neck gowns for the classic minimalist and more whimsical creations for the playful at heart. For wedding guests, J.Crew is offering up an irresistible selection of dresses dipped in a rainbow of pretty colors. We personally love the bold, yet still appropriate, floral print sheaths. Check out our favorite picks below, then click the slideshow to see more wedding and party dresses from J.Crew.

• This strapless wedding gown features the perfect fit and flare silhouette. We also love the subtle polka-dot print.
• This lemon yellow halter dress is perfect for the wedding guest. Just finish off the look with strappy heels and a bright clutch.
• We love a short wedding dress option; this beaded version has just the right amount of vintage flair.

>> Fall 2012 marks J.Crew's second season on the New York calendar — but the buzz surrounding the brand's Fashion Week presentation is already on par with that of some of the city's highest-end designers. This morning's Lincoln Center presentation was not only elbows-in packed, it was also attended by some of the industry's most-loved tastemakers. In the space of just a few minutes, we spotted Anna Dello Russo, Giovanna Battaglia, Joe Zee, and Derek Blasberg all making the rounds.

The fashion cred is well-deserved, especially this season. Newly-appointed head of women's design Tom Mora has delved deep into the J.Crew archives and come back with some refreshing — and modern — takes on the classics. There were pencil skirts in high-gloss satin and python, crew necks in bold intarsia knits, and cropped trousers in patterned jacquard. A lovely botanical print added charm to silk pants and tops, while a tonal, colorblocked coat is sure to be a hit.

As if that weren't enough, the brand has also collaborated with Manolo Blahnik on a series of BB pumps. The shoes will be sold online in several J.Crew-exclusive colors and patterns this Fall.

Hello, color! J.Crew presented a Spring collection that satisfied our want for all things bright, shiny, and printed, delivered with the brand's signature eclectic prep styling. Even Beyoncé stopped by to take in the citrusy brights, stripes, and covetable accessories. There was a little bit of tomboy, via slouchy chinos, paired of course with sparkly jackets or something sexy like leopard. Designer Marissa Webb cited style icon Francoise Hardy as inspiration for her ability to mix and match classic style pieces in a way that was unique. For us, we loved the fresh styling and the mix of casual and dressy elements. Taken apart, very little of J.Crew is fashion forward; its classic, basic sensibility is exactly what we love. Where J.Crew gets brilliant is the addition of bold accessories, and the brave, chic eye to mix it all up into something new.

• Trends: Tomboy, sequins, stripes, paisley prints, bold color.
• Colors: Neon green, turquoise, green, hot pink, fuchsia, navy, red, paisley prints.
• Key Piece: Sequin stripe skirt, sequin ivory jacket, a pair of wide-leg fuchsia pants.
• Accessories: Bold color bags, leopard heels.
• Who Would Wear It: Everyone wears J. Crew, don't they?

>> For Spring 2012, Jenna Lyons and Marissa Webb stuck to what they do best — that is, churning out a well-edited selection of everyday staples and  show-stoppers. There was a lot of buzz surrounding J.Crew's debut on the fashion calendar this week —  and the collection, shown Tuesday to an amped-up Lincoln Center crowd, lived up to the hype. Eye candy in the form of cheery colors and prep prints — styled in that just-so Lyons way — was aplenty. Standouts included '50s-tinged cropped-pants in daffodil yellow; tent-sweaters in cerulean and citron; a floral-printed pants-set complete with peplum; and too many trim-cut shorts to count.

>> For the Fall 2011 edition of of J.Crew's higher-end Collection, leopard appears on a shrunken calf hair jacket and a felted wool fedora (the latter done in collaboration with miller Albertus Swanepoel); a pink shift dress features sequins applied by hand; and light florals grace a silk chiffon maxiskirt. See the full offering in the slideshow.

J.Crew is one of our favorite destinations for chic classics with a twist. That said, the brand's Collection line takes the meaning to a whole new level offering an array of investment pieces ranging from a decadent, tailored cashmere pullover to a svelte leopard calf hair blazer. Peruse the lookbook to see the complete range of offerings, then start jotting notes down for your wish list.