Yes, well, obviously I want everything, because every season James Perse manages to come out with exactly what I was looking for and then a few things I didn’t even KNOW I was looking for…
Again, if you follow me on any of my social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter), you know already that I went to the James Perse store here on Friday. Having been my first time in an actual James Perse store (not an outlet), I was just about too excited to contain myself. No joke. Because when I get excited, I talk a lot. Too much, actually. And I was talking WAY too much that day. But seriously, I was a little giddy.
Anyway, I actually went because I had seen the new spring collection pieces up on the site the night before and became obsessed with the parachute utility pants, which I wanted to try on. They didn’t have them, or a lot of the new collection in yet, but I did leave with pants – after spending an hour (maybe more?) trying on everything I could get my hands on that I’d wanted to try. Here are my thoughts:
The recycled crepe jersey flared dress is PERFECTION. I’ve literally had dreams about this dress since I tried it on on Friday. I tried the black, size 3 on and it fit beautifully on me. If you have any of his recycled jersey pieces from previous seasons (I have a long skirt), this is similar, and different than almost anything else you’ve tried. It’s sort of a mid-weight fabric, and very simple, but so stunning on. And even though I’m a pear-shape, I don’t normally gravitate to flared short skirts or dresses, but they are indeed extremely flattering on my body type. I will go back for this when the weather warms up. I would have left with it if I’d have been able to figure out how to layer it right now.
I DID leave with the stretch canvas surplus pants though, because even though they weren’t the pants I went in for, and weren’t exactly what I was looking for right now, they are what I WANT right now. As I tried them on, I realized that I’m kind of over super-slouchy, or really relaxed legs all the time, and also super-skinny legs. These pants are the perfect middle-ground; slightly relaxed, but slim-fitting, with a straight leg. I got a size 2 and they did stretch out quite a bit, so it was great that I didn’t size up. They do not fit me like they do the model (if I’d gotten a size 3, they would have), because I have thicker (and shorter) legs – they’re pretty much a pair of straight-leg pants on me, just slightly slouchy at the hips. Best pants ever. Outfit post coming soon 🙂
My next favorite thing, and future purchase is this sheer slub button up shirt, which is drapey, soft, cotton-y perfection.
I also tried on the long fleece maxi skirt I mentioned in a previous post (it’s even better than the original version I had several years ago), the sweatpants, and a few pairs of the Yosemite yoga leggings. Everything fit beautifully. I could have stayed all day, which actually would have been okay according to the lovely ASM, Simone 😉 She said James loves the idea of people hanging out in the store, lounging on the sofas (featuring cozy cashmere blankets, BTW), and treating the space as a home away from home. Uh…yes, please!
More new James Perse:
What’s your favorite piece? What are you looking forward to wearing this spring? (James Perse or otherwise…)
That flared dress is AMAZING. Want want want.
Congrats on your first JP store experience! I can’t believe that I, who live in a shopping wasteland (Ottawa), had been to a JP store (in Montreal) before you. It is exactly as you describe. I could have spent all day there, too, except my boyfriend was bored once he picked out his JP hoodie (which he loves).
Thank goodness they’re still styling their clothes with Birkenstocks so you can get another season out of yours at least. 🙂 (Just teasing!)
I’m not even going to look at all these lovely things until I figure out what my travel plans and budget are, and end my shopping fast. But when I do, JP is at the top of my list.
ha!!!! all the sales associates in the store were wearing birkenstocks too…thought it was kind of funny actually. i mean, i get the brand wanting you to be a poster child for the collection, but it was a little weird. i appreciate that, but i also like to see the brand worn in different ways.
Come to SF, we’ll go to the Perse store here. They even have cool PENCILs.
BTW, I talk too much too.
I’m so excited that you got to go to a LEGIT James Perse store! I still can’t believe that I haven’t been to the one that’s only 12 miles away…bucket list? (Really’, I should put it on my “Weight loss goal list,” cuz that’s what it’s about.)
I’m kind of surprised they weren’t sporting the ultra-cool Nikes. Hmm???
would love to visit SF again…last time was too short!
and yes, i’ve seen the pencils, they have them at the outlet store and i was SO EXCITED i asked if i could have one.
i did get a james perse “branded” bottle of water on friday. i almost kept it, but decided that would be a little creepy 😉
maybe the nikes are an option…it was a warm day when i went, so maybe that’s why they were all in sandals.
go to the store!!!!!
Lucky you! I’ve never been to a James Perse store, but I hope to someday. Ditto on the darling dress.