Referencing {FAQ}

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Surprise Buy: The Polka-dot San Telmo Jacket!

Polka-dot San Telmo jacket
(Item 90979)
Click here to visit product page
Regular: $175.00
Now: $119.99

I was compelled to visit my J.Crew (in Westport, CT) after Sue.bee mentioned in the "Summer Sale: New Styles & Reduced Prices" post that she recently stopped by her local J.Crew and noticed that they marked down additional items.

As I was there, I tried on a few different items that I have been lusting over for a couple of weeks now. The first was the Italian Matelassé Lucia Jacket (Item 90816). Not worth it! As others have commented (in previous posts about their experience with a different version of the Lucia jacket,) this jacket was too boxy in the chest (even with the size 0 that I tried on!) It was also much longer than I expected it to be. Although, the fabric itself is gorgeous- the boxiness of the front chest (and the $200 price) made me "pass" on this purchase.

However, the real find came with a jacket I never thought I would purchase: the Polka-dot San Telmo Jacket! I tried it on for fun, not expecting to take it home with me (and I did!) The jacket is actually a lot more flattering than the pictures on the website illustrate. It is quite fitted in the shoulders. (Although, I recommend you order a size smaller than your usual. For example, I am typically a Size 2, but bought this jacket in Size 0). The jacket then fans out in a lovely A-line swingy shape, that hits at the hip.

The coat is fully lined and the outside material is a midweight cotton canvas, which keeps the jacket structure well. It also has pockets- when you have your hands in the pocket, the jacket looks even better (e.g. more flattering)! There is also a cute button detail on top of the inverted pleat at the center back (which is the same "design" illustrated in the picture, but the picture shows the Refined canvas San Telmo Jacket). What is truly great is that the jacket can be worn either open or buttoned up.

To wrap up this post: I highly recommend the Polka-dot San Telmo Jacket! :)

29 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness. That's a super cute jacket, Alexis! Congrats on your fabulous buy :o)

    I saw the one on the website yesterday and thought about getting it, but the JCrew regular-sized jackets always look too big on me.

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  2. Thanks Sue.bee! I also know what you are talking about with sizing too.

    I think this purchase today is a good reminder that sometimes you just have to see the item "in person".

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  3. I absolutely agree about having to see the item in person (and on!).

    Since the jacket is lined, is it lightweight enough for spring?

    I love tops/jackets with sleeves that just hit the elbow, but you don't see them in stores too often.

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  4. I have the San Telmo - but in the Coppelle Paisley (#90982) and I love it as well! I didn't think it would look good on me, as it is more of a swingy jacket on the bottom, but it's different, which I like!

    Not sure if the two jackets are identical, but I didn't find that it was too big. I range between a size 0-2 but found the size 0 to be too tight in the armpit area.

    sue.bee - Speaking just for the paisley ST jacket, I think it's lightweight for spring :)

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  5. Hi Sue.Bee, just like Franko's comment, I think the jacket works well for Spring (both during the day and the evening).

    Hi Franko! I think the Coppelle and Polka dot jackets are in fact identical, just the design is different. :) I think it is interesting that you didn't think it would look good on you either: it is a deceptive jacket in that it is more flattering in person than in pictures!

    I have slim shoulders, so maybe that is why I found the Size 0 more appropriate for my body.

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  6. Hi Alexis,
    Are the prices in the store same as the website? Do they have any additional off ?
    I love the look of this jacket!!! And do not mind getting it if priced well!!
    Also I wanted to ask if anybody has got the "Brigitta" jacket from spring 2008 the #RN77388 (that's from the label itself) I do not remember seeing it in catalog or on the web.Unfortunately this is the first time I donot have a old spring catalog at home to check it out( i always save some catalogs ,but not this year!!)Anyways it is a lovely jacket in kinda like double breasted short trench/peacoat style in dark khaki color .On the receipt it said Hopsack Brigitta Jacket" . I think it runs a little big because I got a 4 and it fits fine ,I am normally size 6 in jackets!!!I thought it looks a little like the Porta Jacket but not the same .
    I purchased mine at Palo Alto store the past weekend,it was originally for $155 marked down to$59 and additional 25% (a final sale) for only $45 .A super deal for a well made jacket.
    Sorry for the long post.
    Also I have posted on your blog before as "Miramar" but am challenged today to access my password!!!
    Thanks for all the info. you provide on your wonderful blog!!!
    Miramar

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    3. I actually just listed this jacket on eBay.

      J.Crew $155 Brigitta 100% Linen Mustard Jacket sz 6 Style: 91570

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  7. Alexis,
    Glad you found a cute jacket that you like!

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  8. @ anonymous

    Butting in here, but I think most sale items are priced the same in-store as the web. But it also depends on the store, its location, and maybe its manager (or whoever the higher-up is in charge of pricing)... maybe depending on how long they've been holding the items in-stock they may mark things down accordingly.

    So if they have dresses that sold extremely well for certain sizes at regular price, they may drop the remainder down by only a smidge...and maybe online they're cheaper (colors in-stock might play a part too). They'll mark stuff down to whatever they think will get it out of the store so they can make room for new stock.

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  9. That jacket is gorgeous!! Great buy!

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  10. Hi Miramar/ Anonymous at 4:04 PM! It was slightly cheaper in the store ($99.99). I was also able to use the educator's discount (15%). So with taxes it came out to be $90.

    I have found that stores vary in prices (some higher some lower) to the online prices. For instance, the solid color 1" bangles in great colors like black are cheaper in the stores ($14.99 plus an additional 25% off for all accessories) compared to online ($19.99). Then there are other items where online actually has the better price offering. It is weird.

    Unfortunately, I am not sure I know which jacket is the "Brigitta" one. But it sounds like you got a deal on it!

    In case anyone was wondering, the RN is not the style number (Aka: the "item number" online.) The item number/style number is usually located along the body side seam of the jacket. I know it is a bit confusing- RN versus item/style number. I also have no idea what the RN number is for. ;)

    Jagjag2 & Kirbydog: Thanks! I was surprised by how much I like it. :)

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  11. I'm a nerd. I googled RN and got this info from the FTC website:

    "RN stands for Registered Identification Number. It is a number issued by the FTC to U.S. businesses that manufacture, import, distribute, or sell products covered by the Textile, Wool, and Fur Acts. Businesses can use this number on product labels in lieu of the company name"

    There's a FAQ section that explains everything, but it sounds like companies can also use the number on products to identify its manufacturers.

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  12. Thank you Alexis for the information about sale prices in the stores.I will try to go to the store that is near my house,though it doesnot have that big a sale section as the one in Palo Alto.Also I found from the side of the "Brigitta " Jacket the style number is 91570 Spring08. Thanks for telling me that the style # is one on the side label!
    Miramar.

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  13. Thanks Sue.Bee for letting me know what the RN was actually used for. I guess identifying the manuf. is important to have on their labels! :)

    Anonymous at 8:07PM: Thanks for looking up the style number. However I couldn't search for it on their site and I flipped through my catalogs (which I sadly save) and couldn't find it there either. You are going to hate me, but now I am completely curious what kind of jacket you got: do you mind describing it a bit for me?

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  14. Alexis: that is an adorable jacket! Polka-dots can be sometimes risky, but it comes together in that cut.

    Speaking of surprise purchases...I went to my local store yesterday, and ended up (unexpectedily) purchasing their lougewear.

    Has anyone tried on the Italian Poplin raincoat? (90791). The description suggests that it runs small...but I'm not sure if I should be getting my usual size (since my usual size runs big) or size up.
    http://www.jcrew.com/images/nov299/emstyle/90791_YL5341.jpg

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  15. Auryane: I had my eye on the Italian Poplin raincoat too! I just wasn't sure if it was worth the price tag. Maybe that will be the next post?

    Also congrats on the purchase! I actually really like J.Crew's loungewear.

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  16. I have the Italian poplin raincoat in navy and do agree that it runs small. I usually wear a size 6 in jackets but found it to be a little snug so I went with size 8. It's unlined so I've worn a cashmere hoodie underneath for cool mornings so there is some room. I must say it was quite pricy for such a thin coat but I've gotten a lot of use out of it already.

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  17. Thanks Anonymous at 12:36AM for your review of the jacket! It makes me think that I will wait a little longer to see if it gets marked down some more.

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  18. To auryane and alexis- I saw Poplin raincoat on a j crew sales clerk some weeks ago( she wore green one- not sure if they ever made that color for public) and loved it on a spot- the ruffled color had such a unique look, overall it looked amazing. I had to have it. In a store they only had size 0 and I am 4 in jackets ( I am busty and tend to run 4-6 on tops and 2-4 on bottom). I also read that this jacket runs narrow, but surpise, surprise , 0 was only tiny bit snug. I did not get it at that time, got it in size 2 on-line with additiona 20% off. It fits perfect. I got in magenta color. Love it, love it, love it. I wear it with yellow bootcut jeansand small heels. Hihgly recommend.

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  19. PS. I am addicted to this blog. Great job, Alexis! Brilliant idea!:)

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  20. Slastena: Thanks so much for the review of the jacket. I am now 100% sure I am going to get it. Thanks for sharing again! :)

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  21. Hi Alexis,
    Sorry ,I could not write earlier regarding the "Brigitta" jacket.It is like a cropped trench coat.it is double breasted in dark khaki color ,has dark brown buttons(like the Fiona jacket ,only slightly smaller). The collar is big and I can say it resembles the Hadley jacket(the colar and the length). I think the material is hopsack and it is resin bond?(this part I got from the receipt) .The sleeves are just below the elbow - have kind of a band going around and the lining is light baby blue silk with white dots.It is wonderful,soft, and looks great worn. The other day I paired it with J.crew Emily blouse in antique pink and a jeans skirt- got many compliments including the SA at J.crew store- she said that she had the same jacket!But as i mentioned I had never seen it in this particular store! Also I tried looking up on the web site ,did google search, e-bay search - no results!!! So I do not know if it was store only item ?
    Anyways I also wanted to thank others who provided info. about RN number.
    Also when I was in the store on Friday I saw this dress (like a jumper which was for 19.99 marked down from 98.00- it is there on the web site but says will ship in July- the item # is 92157 ,if anybody is interested.There was nothing that I purchased!!! I am waiting for a sale with additional 20 or 30% off maybe!!!
    Thanks once again for all the info you provide on your blog and also thanks to the other contributors!!!
    Miramar

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  22. Forgot to mention,the name of the jumper dress for 19.99 is Kate dress- item #92157
    Miramar

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  23. No worries Anonymous at 7:11pm/ Miramar! Thanks for the description: I could definitely picture a jacket with what you wrote, but I just can't remember if J.Crew offered it (which is throwing me off!) But the lining description makes me know for 100% sure it is a J.Crew jacket. :)

    Also, thanks for the heads up about the jumper dress! :)

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  24. I was unable to find the Polka Dot San Telmo online, but did fine it on Ebay (holding off to see if I can possibly Google it and get it at a cheaper price). What do you wear yours with? I am uncertain as to what to put with it to finish out the outfit? Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!!

    Also, I have the paper poplin raincoat in a size 2 in the Azalea color. People drool each and everytime that I wear it. VERY classy.

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  25. Anonymous at 2:53PM- Personally, I love this jacket (the polka dot san telmo). I actually just wore last night too! (I also get compliments on it every time I wear it.) I think a pair of dark denim trousers with a white t-shirt looks great with the jacket.

    I so want the poplin raincoat by the way. It hasn't been in my size/color, but when it does... :)

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