Today is the last day of 2008! This year has been a great year for me and I hope that 2009 is even better. Once again, I want to thank everyone for your continued support and readership.

I hope that everyone has a safe and happy New Year’s Eve. No matter what your plans are, I hope that you’ll be dressed in your J.Crew finest.

My family and I are going bowling so I want to look dressy, but not too dressy. I will be wearing the Merino sequin chiffon shell and Matchstick jean in ultra-dark wash.

What are your plans tonight and what will you be wearing?

Merino sequin chiffon shell, $148.00, Item 99843

Matchstick jean in ultra-dark wash, $135.00, Item 98558

I have been a J.Crew credit card holder for many years so I guess I have just gotten used to it, without realizing all of the perks associated with it.  My boyfriend recently signed up for the card at our local store and his card arrived in the mail today, along with an insert explaining all of the benefits of a J.Crew card.

On that same insert, the various phone numbers to reach J.Crew are listed.  I didn’t know there were so many different phone numbers to reach J.Crew.  Call any one of the following phone numbers, depending on your needs.

• 1.800.562.0258 to reach the call center for a phone order or customer service
• 1.877.280.2718 to request a “We’ll find it for you” search on a hard-to-find item
• 1.800.205.3877 to reach a wedding specialist that can coordinate your entire wedding party
• 1.866.599.5222 to receive front-of-the-line priority on phone orders when using a J.Crew card
• 1.866.393.2090 to inquire about any of the services that J.Crew offers

Wow!  I never knew that were so many phone numbers set up to help customers depending on their issue.  And now that I know that J.Crew card holders have a special line, I will call it the next time I need help.  I wonder how “front-of-the-line priority” the service will be.

I am really excited that they won and am browsing through my closet to find something red and white to wear to work tomorrow.

I am amazed that I don’t own very many red things, but luckily, I purchased the Madeline coat in red today. I couldn’t resist the 30% off outerwear sale.

Double-faced wool Lexington jacket, $228.00, Item 85798

As the cooler weather nears (or it may already be here depending on where you are), I look forward to breaking out some of my favorite pieces from J.Crew’s Fall 2007 collection.

One of those items is the double-faced wool Lexington jacket.  This jacket was featured in a black and white version as well as a grey and white version.  J.Crew also introduced the jacket later in the season in a variety of solid colors.  Last year, I got so many compliments whenever I wore this jacket.  I just felt so put together every time that I had it on.

I wore the Lexington jacket to work, to class, and out to meet friends for drinks.  The contrast colors and enamel buttons make this jacket so classic and elegant.  The jacket is very lightweight yet thick enough to be worn alone during the cool months.  It is definitely sturdier than some of the jackets that are being offered this fall.  I haven’t found one in J.Crew’s Fall 2008 collection that even comes close to this jacket.

A jacket very similar to the Lexington jacket was even featured in this month’s Glamour magazine. It’s pieces like this from J.Crew that make me love the brand and look forward to great clothes that make the cool fall months fun.

Do you own the Lexington jacket?  If so, which color do you have?  Do you love it as much as I do?

And if you don’t own the jacket and are considering purchasing one, here are the ones I found on eBay this morning.  Good luck! These prices are quite a steal.

My all-time favorite J.Crew item is a white v-neck tissue tee long sleeved shirt that I purchased in the 8th grade.  I have taken it everywhere with me from middle school to high school to college to the apartment I currently share with my boyfriend.  It’s the quickest thing to throw on and is super soft.  Most of all, it’s comforting.  Because posting a photo of it on this blog would not do it any justice, I will refrain from doing so.

But I do want to share my favorite pieces from the Fall/Winter 2007 collection.  It was an expensive season for me, but well worth the splurges.  I used my J.Crew card for every purchase and racked up many rewards points.  I rationalized the spending with the free spring items I purchased with the rewards points.

First is the item that got away.  I never saw this dress in person, but I loved the print so much.  The San Remo-print Ruffle shirtdress looked like the perfect piece to take you from day to night.

$225.00, Item #80268

Next is the Vintage Violet cami.  I purchased this back in September and absolutely adore it.   The pre-fall weather here in Philadelphia is beautiful.  I paired the cami with a pair of leggings and trotted off to class very happily.

$150.00, Item #85832

My next favorite item is the Glitterati Blouson dress.  I had to try really hard to justify the price tag was worth it on this item.  But on a trip to New York last October, I saw the dress live in the Columbus Circle store and instantly fell in love.  It was beautiful and my size was still available.  I snatched it up quickly and paid with J.Crew card and had the dress shipped home.  Well worth the splurge.  I wore the dress as a part of my Halloween costume where I was a peacock.  It was delectable.

$550.00, Item #88941

Another favorite is the Cashmere Argyle Skirt.  I wore this to Thanksgiving dinner with a white button down shirt.  I received so many compliments.  J.Crew even sent a special cashmere care package with the skirt.  I felt so cared for.

$298

Lastly, my most favorite item from the J.Crew 2007 is the Cashmere Bal D’Hiver dress.  I was so fortunate to get my hands on one of these dresses.  This dress was released over Thanksgiving weekend last year.  By the time I caught it on the website and added it to my shopping bag, it was already sold out!  Luckily, I called the catalog and there was one left in my size.  Whew!  I wore it many holiday events.  It was perfect.  I loved the tulle skirt and pockets.

$450.00, Item 88669

So what are some of your favorite pieces?  What J.Crew item did you wear and love so much?  What are some of the J.Crew treasures you have tucked away in your closet?

*All photos are courtesy of Jcrew.com.