things i learned from the january j.crew catalog

It's always a good day when you open the mailbox and find a copy of the new J.Crew catalog inside. J.Crew does such an incredible job with their catalogs, don't they? They are always so beautifully styled, and there are lots of lessons to be learned in their pages. Here's the takeaway from the January catalog:

1/ You can never have too many pairs of ballet flats, especially when they're available in literally every color in the rainbow.

Classic leather ballet flats, $125 each.

2/ If you buy anything for spring, make it super colorful denim - it's all the rage.

Toothpick jeans in garment-dyed twill, $108; Ripplestitch sweater, $88; Cutler and Gross sunglasses, $495; Tillary purse, $148; and Jayne t-strap ballet flats, $198.

3/ Showing off a high-waisted skirt by tying together the front corners of a boyish button-front shirt is sexy and flirty in an Audrey Hepburn-ish way - and it's even better if you throw in some super shiny gold loafers.

Keeper chambray shirt, $78; Pleated a-line skirt, $198; and Biella metallic penny loafers, $248.

4/ Hipster glasses make everything - even sugary sweet pastel sweaters and pencil skirts - look cool.

Downtown field jacket, $148; Cashmere v-neck sweater, $168; NO. 2 pencil skirt, $128; Edie purse, $238; and Viv flats, $228.

5/ Cashmere is always a good idea. Period.

Cashmere on-the-button henley, $188; Cashmere getaway hoodie, $188; and Cashmere candy-stripe sweater, $198.

6/ Sometimes the best outfit really is jeans, a simple top and eye-catching heels.

Matchstick jeans, $108; Silk-linen henley tunic, $135; Classic enamel link bracelet, $48; and Mona patent pumps, $218.

7/ Is it true? Can chinos actually be...cool?

Bennett chino, $79.50; Burnout crepe sweater, $118; Dot scarf, $55; and Darby patent loafers, $198.

8/ Wearing sneakers with a suit isn't just for rappers, "Young Hollywood" actors and Justin Bieber. Also, poppy pink lipstick is amazing.

Superfine cotton suiting, $118-$178; Tuxedo shirt in Thomas Mason fabric, $150; Cutler and Gross sunglasses, $495; and Converse Jack Purcell sneakers, $65.

All clothing and accessories available at www.jcrew.com.