Journalist Maggie Bullock brings to life a complex legacy of prep, tracing the rapid ascension (and steep declines) of a brand that, for multiple generations, became the very definition of "American" style. Equal parts business saga and colorful character study, Bullock's narrative is rich with humor and insight, with a pointillist approach that charts J.Crew's trajectory from tiny catalogue to fashion-savvy brand. Bullock introduces readers to the captivating characters of J.Crew's two golden eras: First, Arthur Cinader and his daughter Emily, who made J.Crew the mail-order outfitter of campus preps, then of mall-going '90s minimalists. Later, we meet Mickey Drexler, the "merchant prince" who led the rise of the almighty Gap; and designer Jenna Lyons, who inspired shoppers around the country, until her fame outshone that of J.Crew itself. Through interviews with more than a hundred J.Crew insiders and industry experts, Bullock crafts a compelling story, delving into the company's history and its intersection with American culture, both past and present. Along the way, Bullock shows how the evolution of J.Crew influences how we dress, where we shop, and- perhaps most critically-how we choose clothes for the life we most want.