Jenna Lyons and the J. Crew London pop-up

I met Jenna Lyons. I said, I MET JENNA LYONS. Can you believe it? Me neither. We said hi at the launch party for the J. Crew London pop-up shop (open today and tomorrow in King's Cross).

I know, I could've brushed my hair. Only went over to take a photo, but J. Crew's creative director was so warm and super-friendly, we ended up having a quick chat. Lyons told me that opening in London felt a bit like coming home. Having an English father meant that she'd spent summer holidays in Sussex as a child. I empathised saying that visiting Manhattan Brother meant I felt the same about New York. She asked what I did, so of course, I dropped That's Not My Age into the conversation, 'Oh I love it!' came the reply, and mentioned blogging for the FT's How To Spend It, ' I was just at the Whitehouse reception with Lionel and his team, they're so cool.' Yeah, me and Jenna, we've got so much in common.

Both the J. Crew staff and products at the London pop-up are lovely:

And if that wasn't exciting enough, I got a preview of the autumn/winter collection. It's fantastic. The usual mash-up of textures and prints, day and eveningwear. Check out Lyon's beaded top over the smart white shirt. The 44-year-old really is the best advert for the brand. She's a great stylist as well as a top-notch creative director, the way she puts outfits together is thoroughly inspirational, and much-copied. Particularly by some of the guests at the launch party. I was glad I'd worn my chandelier earrings, I can tell you. The J. Crew look is lively and modern and infinitely wearable. The go-anywhere appeal of this dressed-up daywear is what grown-up women want.

The J Crew pop-up is open 24 and 25 May at The Stables, 4 Stable Street, King's Cross (down the side of the Central St Martin's building). The London store is slated to open on Regent's Street on November 1. Though the high pricing means I'll probably place an order with Manhattan Brother or wait for my next trip to New York.