Tomorrow: Jack Wills Invades UPenn
The Jack Wills Seasonnaires, the brand’s official style ambassadors, are in the midst of traveling to 24 college campuses across the globe as part of their Autumn University Tour and tomorrow, the tour will be stopping at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Jack Will’s signature navy-and-pink striped Land Rover will be parked on campus throughout the day where, in addition to chatting with the Seasonnaires and previewing the brand’s fall line, students can enjoy music, partake in some games and activities and maybe score themselves a free t-shirt or a pair of the infamous promotional Jack Wills party pants (which aren’t so much pants as they are neon colored panties/briefs).
These party undies will come in handy later as the troupe will also be throwing an after-party at a “Jack Wills house” somewhere on campus where DJs will be blasting tunes all night. You’ll have to stop by the Seasonnaires official hangout spot on campus during the day to get the exact location of the party and an official invitation.
Pregnant (And Fashionable) in Philly: Part Two
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing two lovely ladies who taught me that the stresses of pregnancy go far beyond picking cute names and nursery colors. For starters, growing a bun in the oven also means outgrowing most of your clothing. And considering the sky-high prices of Pampers and Gerber, replacing your wardrobe with maternity wear isn’t a feasible option for many women.
Anyway, I’ve learned a few tricks from some smart and stylish moms-to-be, like stocking up on stretchy tank-tops, pairing old dresses with tights, and belting to accentuate your belly. I’ve also heard my fair share of tearful rants and cries for help.
So here it is–my top picks for finding fashionable and budget-friendly clothing to help you feel beautiful and confident during your pregnancy. The best part about these looks is that you can sport them pre-baby or as a new mommy so you can spoil yourself and your bundle of joy without feeling too guilty.
They’re also all available locally so you won’t have to wobble too far to find ‘em.
Knit Dress, H&M // Double X Strap Dress, Vagabond // Big Tee Dress, Arcadia Boutique
The Yelverton Dress, Jack Wills // Winking Circlets Maxi Dress, Anthropologie // Flared Jersey Dress, Old Navy
Madness Dress Tank, Omoi // Thick-cut Jersey Dress, H&M // Ella Moss Embroidered Floral Dress, South Moon Under
Help A Local Gal Win The ‘Best Summer Job in America’
Right now, thousands of local college students are polishing up their resumes and practicing their interview skills in hopes of landing an awesome internship this summer. Messiah College student, Deborah Tam is one of them.
But Tam isn’t looking for just any internship. Rather, she’s currently competing for the “Best Summer Job in America” with Jack Wills. Only two candidates (one guy and one girl) will be chosen for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend six weeks working with the “Fabulously British” clothing company.
As a Jack Wills “Seasonnaire,” Tam would be an ambassador for the brand, traveling to their stores in resort locations around the U.S., (Martha’s Vineyard, Newport and Southampton) as well as the Jack Wills headquarters in the United Kingdom. The winners will also get $20 thousand in school tuition and the chance to attend the biggest Jack Wills event of the summer, JW Varsity Polo.
Check out Tam’s awesome application video then visit the Jack Wills Facebook page to vote (just click the ‘Best Summer Job in America” link).
The competition ends tomorrow help a Philly girl out and vote now!
You wouldn’t want her stuck pouring coffee all summer would you?
-Michelle Mass
Jack Wills 2012 Spring Collection
If this past Wednesday’s gorgeous weather said anything, it’s that Spring is coming around faster than we might think. Still a bit clueless on how to build up your spring wardrobe? Add some English sportswear chic this upcoming season with the help of Jack Wills’ new lookbook. Indulge in super sweet floral tops and rock the nautical-inspired blazers and sweaters. And of course, it would not be UK heritage prep without the crisply-cut buttondown shirts. The gentlemen’s style includes a colorful palette of classic cuffed trousers and structured blazers, so all the gents can also look proper like the ladies.
Stop by Jack Wills’ Center City store on 16th and Walnut to get a glimpse of the new collection up close. You might not be an übercool London fashionista or a cute boy band member from One Direction, but you’ll definitely be the flyest lad or lass on that SEPTA train.
~ Jennifer Nguyen
Day After Christmas Sales to Die For…
Every year I ask for way more than Santa could possibly bring. While everyone else is exchanging that ugly sweater from Aunt Linda, there are incredible sales in stores and online. Grab your wallet and hit the mall to make up for everything Santa couldn’t bring. Here are the hot deals:
7 For All Mankind – 40-50% off men’s and women’s apparel
Ann Taylor – 50% off entire purchase with code: winter50
Banana Republic – Extra 30% off already reduced prices with code: brsale30
Bloomingdales – Up to 50% off selected items
Coach Factory – Additional 30% off already reduced prices
Express – Up to 50% off selected items
Gap – 30% off everything. Extra 20% off sale items with code gapsale
Guess – Extra 30-40% off already reduced styles
H&M – The first 100 shoppers get a scratch off tickets with after Christmas sales
Hot Topic – Up to 75% off
J.Crew – 20% off final sale using code: mustshop
Jack Wills – Up to 40% off selected apparel
JC Penny – Up to 75% off selected departments with online doorbuster sales
Macy’s – 50-75% off men’s and women’s apparel through December 30th
Nordstrom – Men’s half annual sale
Old Navy – Up to 50% off online & up to 75% off in stores
Target – $10 off purchases of $50+
Tilly’s – Additional 30% off sale items
What To Do This Weekend
Friday: After six long weeks, Jack Wills’ Fall University Tour is finally coming to an end. But before it’s over, they’re inviting Philadelphians to party it up with music, drinks, games and gift bags from 7:30 p.m to 11 p.m.
Saturday: From 11 a.m-7 p.m, Arcadia NoLibs will be holding their annual Fall Denim Brunch during which attendees can enjoy 25 percent off all denim as well as complimentary hems, snacks from Soy Cafe and best of all, mimosas. If you can’t make it out, don’t worry—you can also receive 25 percent off denim on their website through Sunday using the code MIMOSA at checkout.
Jack Wills Will Blow You Away
Jack Wills opened a store on 16th and Walnut streets Friday night at 5:30 p.m. With its pink and blue striped walls, map of the northeast and vintage books perched atop a fireplace, the store reminds me of J.Crew meets a swank ski lodge, and it’s a mecca of British pop culture.
Given its British roots, the men’s clothes are elegant in their simplicity. Everything garment in the store fits slimmer than its American counterpart; their blazers had a tailored look without actually being tailored, and the jeans were tighter than anything I’ve seen in America while still being really comfortable.
The nice thing about their men’s line was how almost every piece could be dressed up or down with several staples. Their blazers could be dressed down for a night on the town with a pair of slim dark blue jeans, or dressed up for lunch at the country club with a nice pair of khakis.
Much like the men’s line, the women’s line was very old school prep. Pressed oxford shirts, high waisted knee length skirts and leather loafers could easily be dressed up with the right accessories or dressed down for a day at the office.
The clothes aren’t cheap, but they appear to be well made. Given that the store sells well-made wardrobe staples, the prices aren’t terrible considering what you’re getting. If you’re into New England chic, Jack Wills is definitely worth checking out.