Bags @ J Crew

The Brits are getting more and more infatuated with the brands from across the pond. From Gap and it's sibling, Banana Republic, to Abercrombie and Fitch and Tommy Hilfiger. Latest to join the club at London highstreet is Anthropologie, which opens its first store at Regent Street. When i visited the store - mainly for home, women and kidswear - the first thing that caught my eye is the ginormous 'living plant' mural. A floor-to-ceiling potted plant being so-called constructed in the inner facade by the stairs that lead to other levels. It's just 'wow'! And that big whale on the ceiling, some rustic feel of the furniture and a very interesting look of it's fitting room - the store's ambience is just awesome!

Another brand that could be making its way to UK (God knows when, btw) is J Crew. I honestly not really aware of this American staple, not before Michelle Obama went to the No 10 wearing J Crew cardigan (and the Obama kids also clad in some of J Crews too!). Looking at their website, the menswear are not too bad anyway, though I got a feel of it's similarities with Banana Republic. Well, yadda yadda yadda...what can you say - it's Americana kinda thang!

Btw, what i love most are the bags! Especially this buttery-soft light grey leather holdall called Lugano. Pretty simple, and kinda resembles Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 09 collection. It is handcrafted in Italy by Dell'Ga, so expect the price to be a bit 'yikes!' - $1200 (around £700+).

The other one which is pretty cool has quite a long name - Want Organic™ for J.Crew Da Vinci 72-hour travel bag. Made of finest 100% certified organic Turkish cotton and sustainably produced Norwegian leather. Pretty cool design.

And these Want Organic™ for J.Crew Kansai computer case also look tempting. Squarish and combo of leather/cotton are definitely simplicity chic. (I love anything square and symmetrical :D) They come at different sizes to fit 13-17" Macbook - with internal compartments too for your iPod and stuff. Nice huh?

And something that I always wanted are the luggage by Globetrotter which is also available at JCrew website. Very old scholl, yet very stylish. (Though I'm hate the sour lemon color..eeew).

So, J Crew. When are you guys gonna cross the pond?