As many of you have pointed out, J.Crew's website is down again (as of 11:56AM). Hopefully they will be back up and running soon. (I have a feeling that their website won't be running smoothly for a week or two.)Again, I will say that I am very sympathetic for all the J.Crew employees and customers who are dealing with the hassles related to the new system change. :)
UPDATE: As of 12:46PM, the website seems to be up & running again (for now anyways). ;)
Oh come on! Is this upgrade being run by third-graders? They've now had what, at least 48-plus hours to get this site in shape?
ReplyDeleteI wonder how badly these past three days have affected business. Grrr!
Bring on the fall stuff, anyway :-)
Hi Alexis. Not sure where to post this or contact you. You have such great taste!! My Polka-dot San Telmo jacket arrived today and it's SCRUMPTIOUS!!! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! I'm glad I went with your recommendation. Thank YOU. - Vivian
ReplyDeleteLa Belle Helene: I am wondering the same thing- how much is this going to cost them?!?
ReplyDeleteI am one of those guilty ones who just lurked and didn't really post or express anything for the past weekend, hoping that everything will smooth over soon enough with this whole new J.Crew website issue, but this is getting ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I'm very sorry to hear about all the trouble everyone has been encountering re: orders, phone calls to CS, coupons, etc. I know how frustrating it is, especially when you do expect the best from a company proud of their terrific customer service and relations.
I totally agree with a previous poster who said that usually before a website or even a simple application/program goes live, it is tested over and over and is not released until most, if not all, the kinks are ironed out. What is happening to the J.Crew website is unfortunate, since I know that this will cost them a good deal of business. I wouldn't want to get into specific numbers (I'm not a financial expert =P), but I know that what's been going on for the past few days CAN'T be good for their business.
Vivian- SO happy to hear that you like the Polka Dot San Telmo jacket!!! I have to tell you, I saw it in the sale section and the images on the (gorgeous) model do not do the jacket justice. It really is a great jacket in person. Again, so happy that you liked it (and thanks for letting me know too!) :)
ReplyDeleteEddie & Stretch's momma: I loved your last line about not being an expert, but you know this isn't good for business! LOL! :)
ReplyDeleteHeehee. Let me clarify that - I know it CAN'T be good for business from me...I've tried to purchase from the site (i.e. put items in my cart), only to find that irritating "$null" thingy on the product page. I don't know exactly what that means, only that I won't be able to purchase said item. Grrr.
ReplyDeleteSo yeah, not good for business from me. =)
I just read this quote from J.Crew Chairman and CEO Mickey Drexler from a transcript of the J. Crew Group, Inc. F1Q08 (Qtr End 05/03/2008) Earnings Call from the seekingalpha.com website:
ReplyDelete"It is very important with gasoline at $4 a gallon with us having a very leading website and with our team very dedicated to that with a lot of new businesses like yoga, weddings, etc. New and older businesses on the web. Don’t underestimate the value of the web business in our case."
Yes, Mr. Drexler, I wouldn't either.
;)
I really feel bad for the CS reps, too...it must be very stressful handling customer calls the past day and a half...:(
ReplyDeleteI would venture to guess that whoever is in charge of all this is in some serious trouble with Mickey Drexler and the other higher ups, too.
eddie & stretch's momma: I think it says "null", as in "null and void" :)
That's what I thought, FFM! 'Didn't want to get all worked up about this whole new website, but...*breathe in, breathe out*
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean...also, I guess it really would be a dollar sign and then null...$null...all I know is that it is REALLY irritating to see an item you've been waiting to reappear and then have it say $null after getting your hopes up...that's just not nice.
ReplyDeleteI guess we'll really just to ride it out and wait for all the kinks to be fixed and the bugs to be worked out. Great reason to give my credit card a rest, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteAnd I did get my maryjane peeptoes this week, and oooh, they are delicious! I got them in the autumn berry color (fuschia or hot pink for us ordinary folk =P) and are softer than I thought they would be. So, I'm good for a good week or so. Heehee.
Eddie & Stretch's Momma: I see what you are saying now about business not being good from you! :) Also, sorry to hear about the items in your cart being "nulled".
ReplyDeleteYour quote from Mickey Drexler and the website is too funny!!!
FabulousFloridaMommy: I feel bad for the customer service reps too. I am sure customer service is being hammered today with phone calls about concerns and complaints. I am just glad that I am all set with clothes for awhile. :)
eddie & stretch's momma: are the peep-toe mary jane's comfy? I had been lusting after them in the Bright Flame (different item #, same style) but they were never available in my size, plus I didn't know if I would be able to really wear them for running errands or shopping like I do with my wedges...would you recommend them?
ReplyDeleteThe heels are lower than I thought, so walking in them is easy, more mid-heel than high-heel.
ReplyDeleteThe strap digs in a little, but that just might be my feet since my feet has this little bumpy thing in the middle of the top of my feet goin' on. Also, the strap might loosen with wear.
The color is a bit flashy. (I was going to wear these proudly to church, but actually went back to my car to get my flipflops after seeing my reflection in the church doors!)
In short, I recommend these! And I'm actually getting the same ones in yellow. Yeah, call me an addict.
I was thinking: it's too bad that J.Crew doesn't have site to store shipping like some other department stores and major retailers (if the purchase is shipped to your local store, then there is no charge to you)...with gas prices what they are now, it might not save you much on a small purchase, but if you were to make a large one, and did not have a free shipping code, it could save you TONS. Seems like it would save J.Crew alot of money, too.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll mention it to Mickey if he calls... ;)
They do have that little red phone in stores where you can call in to get free shipping, if they don't have the item you want in store. But then that would totally defeat the purpose of not having to get outta your pj's to shop J.Crew, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteOk, put me down for that conference call to Mickey. ;)
The website is up and runnign now, but it's sooooo slow! I guess they're still testing...
ReplyDeleteIt is sooo slow that I had to turn to Ebay to get my daily J Crew "fix". LOL.
ReplyDeleteVivian: After reading the outstanding reviews on this blog I too got the Polka Dot San Telmo jacket and LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! What are you planning on wearing yours with? Just curious since I am always looking for new ideas, and the people who post on this site have such FABULOUS ones!!!
On the anon post @ 1:19 PM I forgot to put who I was:
ReplyDeletejcrewjunkie :)
I HAVE FABULOUS NEWS!!! I just got off the phone with J.Crew CS, and the rep told me that everyone who has placed orders recently is being sent a FREE SHIPPING/NO MINIMUM coupon due to all of the hassle and problems we have had to endure with their new "upgrade"! YAY!!!!! Keep your fingers crossed that this ACTUALLY happens...
ReplyDeleteFabulousFloridaMommy: That is great news- I hope J.Crew does offer some kind of promotion code for those inconvenience.
ReplyDeleteI always liked it when the Gap and Banana Republic gave a code (for x% off next order) when their websites were offline for maintenance. I think its great that J.Crew might do the same. :)
I don't think the cost of having the site down for 48 hours is just the lost of sale for two days, it really influence customers' faith on the reliability of their site...especially since they have already lost all the order history and customer billing info for registered members, now I am really starting to doubt how save it is for me to put all my information, including my credit information, in their system.
ReplyDeleteTo my fellow J.crew ebayers, try typing in "J.Crew Bella" and then scroll to the "ebay stores" and look at the last two listings, for brown velvet bella jackets ... look to the right, to the price - make sure you are sitting down when doing so :-)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe it when I saw it.
La Belle Helene: That price is outrageous! I think they added an extra "9" to the price tag. If they didn't, then I am selling my Bella jacket and Bella coat immediately!!!
ReplyDeleteeddie & stretch's momma: did you order your mj's in your usual size? I find that I'm usually a half size down in Jcrew's shoes - (7 ususally, 6.5 in pepper suede peep toe and liv ballet flat) - so I ordered them in "emerald" (or, "green" haha)in a 6.5 and am hoping they fit!
ReplyDeletevivian: i got the polka dot san telmo too! I love it - especially with the sleeves cuffed to show the yellow underneath. What have you paired it with so far? sometimes I can't decide if it can be worn like a blazer or if it's more of an outdoor jacket. what do you think?
I don't know what I would do without this blog - JCrew should pay us!
Oh yeh, I forgot...she said they are doing it because they don't want to lose me/you/us as customers, and want us to come back. :) How about an extra 30% off and NO FINAL SALE now?????
ReplyDeleteanon @1:46pm: the rep also did say that when the new system is actually working, they will be able to see ALL of our info on one screen...personal info, billing address, CC info...I hope the entire CC# isn't diplayed...
la belle helene and alexis: that HAS to be a typo, right? Did you notice they are offering Free Shipping? They better be for THAT price!
ReplyDeleteBella - hella bella! $1,999.00!! At least THEY offer free shipping!
ReplyDeleteAlexis, that is what I thought too, but the listing has been up now for at least three days since I first noticed it. Since a "or best offer" is included, it seems the seller doesn't actually expect anyone to fork over $1,999 for a jacket that originally cost (if I remember correctly) $158, but usually the "best offer" price is guided by the original offer price. .... And I'm with you - I love my three Bella jackets (which are wool) but if someone is will to pay $2,000 for them, I'll sell them, too ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous at 1.19:
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the jacket too! The J.Crew model didn't do it justice, no???
For a casual look, the San Telmo jacket looks good with my matchstick jeans and black Mary Jane Peeptoes. For a more professional look, I'm going with red Elizabeth halter and a black pencil skirt. What do you think? I'm looking for ideas too. Maybe Alexis can help!
And for $1,999 that "free shipping" better include delivery by Brad Pitt :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, I forgot to mention a white tee/man's shirt underneath to go with the matchstick jeans. Don't mean you shd go without a top under the San telmo :)
ReplyDelete-- Vivian
FabulousFloridaMOmmy, Rach, La Belle Helene: I noticed the "free shipping" on that outrageously high priced bella coat as well. At least they were kind enough to throw that in. ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Vivian & JCrewJunkie! I like the Polka Dot San Telmo Jacket with a simple white tee underneath it (either tank, short sleeve, or 3/4 length) and dark jeans (either matchstick or trouser). I find that I want the jacket to be the focal point of the outfit, so I don't let the other items overpower (or compete with) it.
ReplyDeleteI think the Polka Dot San Telmo jacket is absolutely lovely- a really great piece that if I didn't try on personally, I would have never thought to purchase based on the images provided through their catalog or online. :)
Velvet bella for 2,000 dollars? Wow. There's a button for "Make Offer". LOL! I'm so glad I got my Velvet Bella at 49.99 long ago!
ReplyDeleteHi All! I have some styling thoughts on the Polka Dot San Telmo Jacket: I think that since it is the Polka Dot version, that the Jacket itself should make the statement...keep the rest of your outfit basic and simple...a white blouse or tank with black wide-leg pants, or trouser jeans with a black tank or blouse, or even a black pencil skirt with a white blouse would look great! You could also add a pop of color by wearing a bright colored blouse (almost anything goes with black and white). Oh yeh...white capris with a black tank or blouse would be really cute, too. :)
ReplyDeletePolka Dot San Telmo...I have been waiting for that to become available in my size for so long (while not on final sale)! It seems I'll have to live vicariously through all of you though. Did it fit true to size or did you need to adjust a little bit?
ReplyDeleteOk Alexis...we have the same styling tips again...great minds and all, ya know! ;) BTW...I was typing my tips at the same time again, too!
ReplyDeleteI have been trolling ebay as well. I bought a Clea Tank for $10 plus $5 shipping. It is still on J Crew for much more. I don't mind gently used items so I have been getting some cute stuff. I am also attempting to take up golf so I have been looking for vineyard vines shirts. We have a VV store here but I spent so much money on three polos there.
ReplyDeleteThey have good sales on kids shirts though online :oP
There is a pique wrap blazer in navy. Anyone have this one? I'd look on jc for the real name but I don't have the patience right now. I am also debating ordering the liana jacket. Anyone like that one?
A little off topic here, but I'm doing some shopping for my boyfriend today (though I'm not sure if I should do this online with all the hoopla about the website). I am looking at shorts & polos. Can anyone tell me which men's polo shirts are best? I want to get him a few solid colors, can't decide between original fit and tailored fit. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteHi, CopleyCrew! I'm usually a 6.5 in shoes but find that I have to size up to 7 with J.Crew shoes - the ballets, boots, etc. And don't you just love the colors J.Crew comes up with!? 'Makes me want them more. =D
ReplyDeleteOh, and just my $0.02 on the San Telmo jacket, maybe you can try layering it with the Elizabeth Halter? Like the bright red or yellow one?
I work in IT/Web Design and the release of this new site is a disaster. Heads would be rolling at my office if we pushed out a website that functioned this poorly. Not to mention, we would have adequately tested the site for functionality and then pushed it out at 3am so as to disrupt the smallest amount of customers possible. I think we all deserve a 20% off coupon for survining this drama.
ReplyDeleteI echo everyone's comments on what a mess the Sale section is has become. I especially dislike having swimwear, petites and tall clothing all included when you try to sort by size. The old way of sorting items by clothing type and then by size worked much better given the company sizes items both in S-M-L and numbered sizes.
I was at a JC store yesterday and the staff was absolutely frustrated. The red phone was down along with the website. Employees had to write down people's shopping requests and hope to fill the reqeusts when they could get in touch with CS. It felt like I was shopping in the Stone Ages!!!!
FabulousFloridaMommy: We gave practically the same advice again- too funny! :O)
ReplyDeleteIt's a southern thing: I have seen the jacket in the sale section online for awhile- and I am sure they will bring it back online with more sizes once stores start sending back merchandise. So I have hope that you will be able to get one too! :) I found a size 0 worked best for me (and I am a size 0/2 on top). Someone mentioned that their normal sized worked best for them, because when they went down a size, the sleeves were a bit tight for them. (When it comes to the body- it doesn't really matter since there is extra fabric to work with.) I didn't find that tightness issue- but I have slender arms. Hope this helps. :)
Up and running...but I already hate the new layout. Maybe it is that I don't like change...or that now I think it is harder to find things!
ReplyDeleteMirabelle: This is just my opinion, but I find it depends if the guy has a bit of a tummy. :) If he does not, go with the Tailored Fit. If he does, go with Original fit.
ReplyDeleteBrinkers: I like the old sorting method for sale items as well (with small, then tops). It just seemed easier to me to see everything all at once too. :)
Thank you all for the wonderful tips on the San Telmo jacket!! What would I do without you gals?? Rolling up the cuffs to show the yellow lining - what a great idea! I tried it and like it.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading what Alexis did by sizing down, I ordered a size 0 since I'm a 2. But when I saw an Ebay listing of a size 0 with a pix, I thought the shoulder will look too narrow for me. So I called CS and changed my order to a 2. It fits perfectly. I think a 0 would be too tight at the armpits for me. I love the fabric too - it's so structured and elegant! The polka dots are a real statement in themselves.
Great, Alexis! My guy is tummy-less. Tailored fit for him!
ReplyDeleteMissing orders: I may have lost my Fiona jacket that I ordered on Friday! It's now waitlisted. I have the same problem with the double strand jeweled pearl necklace that was an exchange order. It said waitlisted, but is actually in stock. So the CS rep canceled the Friday order and put in a new one for me.
ReplyDeleteBut the Fiona jacket is really gone (new stock in Aug 5), sniff. Am keeping my fingers crossed. Do you think it's possible for them to get new stock of the jacket in August?
-- Vivian
Tired Memphian, I have the navy pique wrap jacket (I don't know the real name of it either =P), and I had to size down one for this one. It's structured very similarly to the Python print Lucia jacket, boxy but once you tie the belt it comes with, quite classy. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the input!!! I didn't know about size and you have helped so much. It looks like something I could wear to work quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteFabulousfloridamommy: I hope if you get a code for FS you will tell us all here. I am going to call and check on my order that they already said was in the mail but i haven't received it yet so maybe I will get a FS code for next time too... cause no doubt it will be something like mention this order number blah blah blah.
ReplyDeleteI also just got this in an e-mail from them which was really bizarre "We are delighted to report that order 1XXXXXXX shipped 6/26/08 with
UPS number 1XXXXXXXXX for delivery 6/25/08." I wrote them back asking what this meant cause that was 5 days ago and I didnt see a thing! WEIRD
also with regard to the e-mail I got from them... did you notice the item shipped out on a day after it was dated to arrive. Something must be up with their system. OY GAVULT
ReplyDeleteAs of 2:41PM EST, the site's down again...
ReplyDeleteThe website is running - but very slowly. There is now a notice up that says to enter "freeship" at checkout for the inconvenience....
ReplyDeleteLayla beat me to it! Good luck to everyone who can actually get items into their shopping carts...sigh...
ReplyDeleteIf you ever wondered about the cashmere Biarritz dress I just received this dress in yellow, size small, and it is perfect! I was considering it for a long time and wanted it in gray but it was sold out last week. The color is bright but not as bright as I thought it would be. The new site shows that the dress is now avaialble in gray. I loved the yellow one so much that I called CS and ordered the same dress in gray, even though it was $20 more.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone bought the cashmere shrunken shawl cardigan? Thoughts on fit (ie: true to size)? I am hoping to find it at the store as I am thoroughly tired of dealing with the website. Also, am tempted to monogram (which I've never done) - I was thinking navy therad, but any suggestions would be appreciated!
ReplyDeleteJCrew is now offering free shipping due to slow website/customer service. Enter FREESHIP at checkout.
ReplyDeleteVivian: So sorry to hear about your order with the Fiona Jacket. That is awful. :( (J.Crew also lost my order from Friday as well. However, they said they would perform a "we will find it search" for me. Maybe they will for you as well.)
ReplyDeleteLayla, Eddie & Stretch's Momma, & Anonymous at 2:57 PM: Thanks for the website update & FREESHIP. I noticed that as well and made that info into its own post & updated the current coupon code list.:) Too bad they won't say for how long that FREESHIP code will last.
Ugh... I just called they lost all my info! They had it all last night. And then in the middle of her correcting it. Their system went down again! So I have to call back again. I feel so sorry for them, the CS reps must be having a dreadful day! I am bothered that i have to call again... but I tried to be as nice as possible cause it wasnt the poor rep's fault. But seriously!!!! J crew, get your act together
ReplyDeleteBlumre: That sucks about your ordering info. I really hope this mess with the website doesn't last much longer. :(
ReplyDeletelayla: I ordered it but I haven't received it yet, it should be here today. I ordered it in a Small ( I am usuall a 2/4 on top) because that is what the CS rep told me to do when I inquired about the sizing. I will write in my thoughts on it- I have yet to see someone wearing it. My thought was it would look cute over the yellow elizabeth halter as a layering piece, or even a white favorite tank with dark matchstick jeans and ballet flats.
ReplyDeletethanks for everyone's advice on the San Telmo - I really do love it and have worn it as a blazer type layer as well as an outer layer as it is often so cold in my office building! I am usually a 2/4 on top and bought this in a 4 because I have pretty broad shoulders and am glad I didn't go down to a 2. It's still snug enough to be flattering, and with the billowy fabric I think it doesn't matter too much if you err on your bigger/more comfortable size's side! :)
If anyone else has had to place a phone order today because the website has been SO bad:
ReplyDeleteI just called and explained to them that I had only placed a phone order because I could not use the website and requested that they credit me my shipping and handling and the CS rep was very nice and said she has put a note on my order to do so.
So if you have placed an order today, definitely call and get them to credit you!
I like the website so far! I'm just ready for the bugs to get fixed.. it will with time.
ReplyDeleteAlexis: Thank you so much for your opinion on the San Telmo. Now I'm just waiting for final sale to be over and it to become available in my size! (That may be a lot of wishful thinking there...) :)
ReplyDeletethey're up, no.. they're down,...no, they're back up... OH my gosh it's EX-HAUST-IN'!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHello! I have the cashmere shrunken cardigan in black and got it in a size small. I thought that it seemed rather big and wish that I had gotten it in an XS. Since it was a final sale item I wasn't able to exchange, but I did not think that it was a major issue anyway. It is soooo soft and looks wonderful with khaki shorts, chinos or jeans. Perfect for any season! Hope this info helps.
ReplyDeletejcrewjunkie :)
Also, that darn J Crew website is down again. I got a box today and want FFM to know that I am anxious to get it home and try on the black bathing suit bottoms that she suggested! Also, my Born sandals came today and are fabulous. THANKS FFM...and Alexis (as always for this wonderful blog). Thanks too for all the stylish suggestions on the Polka Dot San Telmo I can't wait to try it with so many options!!
ReplyDeletejcrewjunkie :)
Thanks for the update jcrewjunkie!
ReplyDeletecopleycrew: would love to hear your comments on the cardi. What color did you get it in? I'm thinking of the bright ocean or bright pacific.
jcrewjunkie: You are SO welcome!!! I am glad you like the shoes...doesn't it almost feel like walking on pillows or cushions when you wear them? BTW...the Born leather matches the Coach handbag leather almost perfectly. ;) Let me know what you think of the swim bottoms, too. :)
ReplyDeletela belle helene, alexis, rach & webbysuzy: the same Ebay seller that has that Bella jacket for $1999, also has the Suzannah Cami that I just purchased for $39.99 (plus 15% discount) for $109 Plus $5.15 First Class Mail shipping...unbelievable! I really hate it when fellow Ebayers mark the J.Crew items up so significantly...why not start the bid out at what you paid for it, or even a little less? An extra $70 is just not right...
ReplyDelete