Nina heads to the capital for the eagerly awaited opening of the US retailer's first UK store...

J Crew's brand new London store opened last week on Regent Street

J Crew has become one of America’s biggest retail success stories. But for anyone who hasn’t heard of the store be sure that you will be hearing a lot more about it over the next few years. It’s a more style conscious, purse friendly version of Ralph Lauren. So why go and visit it I hear you cry? Well, purely for the gorgeous clothes and the vision of creative director Jenna Lyons.

Jenna has become a fashion icon since climbing the ladder from one of the J Crew design team to the top spot. She has taken the brand from preppy zero to preppy cool. She regularly tops best dressed lists and there are countless sites dedicated to her stylish personal wardrobe. Her style is all about breaking the rules, layering patterns and colours together such as a bright sequin skirt teamed with a white shirt or printed cocktail trousers with a stripe work shirt. Known for her clashing prints, colours and quirky style, here she gives us her 10 fashion commandments

From candy-coloured cashmere basics with a twist of embellishment to tailored blazers, J Crew bridges the gap between high street and designer with ease. The price reflects this, J Crew is not cheap, and continues to be cheaper in the US than the UK. This necklace for example is around £150 - quite extravagant for customers expecting to save on the exchange rate benefits. But you have to admit it is fabulous and the store invites you in like it’s your new best friend, warm, friendly and enticing.

Other gems of the collection include this on-trend pink over-coat that is sure to keep you warm all winter.