Sunday, July 6, 2008

Is the new website working for you?

It's been over a week now since J.Crew upgraded their website. I really have not been checking their site like I use to before the upgrade (which was multiple times on a daily basis- no joke either!) :) These past few days, I took "an absence" in checking their site because of the holiday weekend. ;)

Have you found the new website is working for you? Have you been able to "check out" and take advantage of the FREESHIP offer? Or are you still calling in your orders instead?

Moreover, are you still excited by the "potential" of the new website's offerings? Or are you upset that J.Crew should have by now fixed the website to be functioning properly?

134 comments:

  1. I am upset that the site is still not working, packages are not being shipped out, and no accurate tracking numbers are available. All this information was confirmed by a CS person this morning. I wasn't to mad until today. Furious!

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  2. As of right now the site is pretty frustrating, and it's hard to see past the kinks. I think it has potential, but for someone (else, other than Alexis) who checks the site multiple times a day, I really thought the new website would be greatly improved. My biggest issue is with the sale ... it doesn't seem to be updated at 6:45AM anymore and items are misrepresented as sale when they're not, or sale when they aren't available at all.

    I certainly love JCrew and hope the site gets fixed soon ... although it is nice to give my credit card a break for a week or so.

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  3. I rarely check the site at all now, and I too used to visit numerous times a day...especially the Sale upload every morning. The CS reps say nothing new will be added until they can get it working correctly, so why bother?
    It seems to be down, as much as it is up...what a real disaster this has turned out be.

    I hope I get my orders this week...my card has had the same "pending" charges since last Monday, with no sign of the credits I am supposed to receive for my discounts...frustrating that the money comes out immediately, but yet it takes several days to put it back...

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  4. I have been checking their website every day, random hours of the day, hoping that I would find my item in stock. I'm so frustrated that their website isn't working as well as their old website. Why did they even change their website in the first place? The old version wasn't broken so why bother to replace it in the first place? I have been able to catch some deals at the local J Crew store, but I cannot go to their b&m stores on a regular basis. Toting along a impatient toddler is not fair.

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  5. Just got off the phone with the nicest CS rep EVER:) She said they HOPE to start shipping orders this week but they HONESTLY don't know for sure....she made it sound very IFY but you could tell she was trying to be super cheerful and helpful amid the mess....I just emailed my friend and told her I don't know when her birthday gift will arrive....BIG QUESTION MARK? I am going to buy her something else in the meantime....

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  6. I also have to say that I find it incredibly ridiculous that the online site has not reduced the prices to match the stores, plus added the add'tl. 25%, either...what could they possibly be thinking? It seems as if they would WANT to make it as enticing as possible for us to try to shop there now...just doesn't make any sense, except that they could be trying to still get shipping by making us call stores in other parts of the country to get the items we are looking for.

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  7. Free shipping seemed like a nice gesture but if the site isn't working properly, you don't know when you'll get your order, etc. and it's been over a week it will take more than that to get me to come back to JCrew for my "daily fix" I have already placed orders with Boden, JJill and LLBean for gifts that normally would have been purchased at JCrew. I would love for them to come back at full strength with FREE SHIPPING and an extra % off:)

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  8. FFM: They could have just left the site down during the upgrade. I'm sure they were fully aware of the task at hand for them. It sounds like they switched over to an entirely new program and new website. But, they have to keep the site going to keep revenue coming in. I'm sure your items will ship as soon as they can.. that is just a negative effect of what comes from ordering from an unstable website... which you knew was down.. so stop complaining. All companies take a week or so when issuing refunds.. nothing new with that. I think the this upgrade is annoying but at the same time.. its like a 2 week thing.. get over it everyone pleaseee its quite annoying.. there are other things to worry about. I would much rather discuss purchases and fun finds!! :)

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  9. Ansley: Some of us can't discuss purchases and fun finds b/c we don't have a store near us!!! Sometimes misery loves company and that's what this site is for...the good and the bad of JCrew:)

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  10. Hi ansley: I actually placed my order PRIOR to the upgrade, and I have NOT purchased anything online from them since. I don't think J.Crew should be having such issues with the orders placed before their upgrade, but they are...shame on them.

    Btw...the topic of this post is "Is the new website working for you?" If people want to answer yes and discuss the deal they got, then they can...if they say no and complain about it, then they are allowed to do that, as well...that's why the question was asked in the first place. :)

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  11. I ordered the Matilda dress last Tuesday. It shipped on Friday, I have a tracking number too. I guess I must have been lucky. Good thing because I'm going to wear it to a wedding in less than 3 weeks.

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  12. I feel your pain FFM. I ordered a dress and some shoes last week and haven't seen a tracking number or gotten my 15% discount yet. I keep just telling myself it's because of the holiday weekend, but I'm not sure when I'll get it. The good thing is that I don't need the dress until later in the summer for a wedding, but I wanted to get the free shipping. I hope we all get our stuff soon!! IIk you're the lucky one : )

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  13. I placed the ONLY order that I was able to get through (the rest just became so frustrating that I gave up) and have received confirmation that it has shipped. I am pretty excited about this AND I just got confirmation that the Brushstroke Print Chessy jacket in size 0 which I ordered BEFORE the changeover is on its way as well. I will let everyone know what happens as it is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed...

    jcrewjunkie

    FFM: We really DO have the same tastes. I have the Born Tiki sandal in the same color that you ordered (cuoio) and it is FABULOUS...a very versatile color.

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  14. FFM: Ughh.. that sucks you ordered it before the upgrade. OMG... good thing its not life threatening and only clothes.. gosh. Thats totally horrible. Yes shame on J. Crew for that.

    For those who ordered during the upgrade I really have NO sympathy! But.. i think this was a good time for J Crew to update before the busy fall/winter season. I would assume this is the less busy time of the year for the Crew.

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  15. Yes!!! I couldn't resist ordering something because of the free shipping, so I ordered 2 cardigans, a dress, and a polo (a men's polo-I buy men;s shirts and cardigans a lot to wear myself, does anyone else ever do this?) The website was working pretty well and fast.

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  16. Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts! :o)

    I have to say that I completely understand everyone's frustration if the site is still not working 100% properly.

    I am especially sympathetic for those of you like Anonymous at 2:22 PM who are in need of their item before a specific date/event and those like FabulousFloridaMommy who ordered items before the upgrade (but are still waiting to find out the status of the items). :(

    Also, I want to say that everyone and anyone should feel free to make comments and hopefully everyone will respect that. I have really been happy to see how positive everyone, overall, has been about sharing on this blog and hope that it remains that way. :)

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  17. Melissa: I have bought mens polos for my self as "boom boom" shirts. XS fits me good.. and they are nice and soft to just relax in and for those of us who like comfort but also to look good 24/7.

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  18. Has anyone bought the shortsleeve Egyptian cotton cardigan? I'm curious about your opinions. Also, just to clarify, do we get free shipping if we phone an order in? Thanks in advance!

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  19. OMG...website is down AGAIN. Rats.

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  20. The closest store to me has been closed for remodeling since May 5, so I have been relying heavily on shopping and checking for items online. CS said that the store was going to be closed for 6 weeks and it has now been 2 months with no end in sight! I was on vacation last week and I returned yesterday to my store still not open and now I can't even shop online. I am a big j crew junkie - I check this blog and their website multiple times a day and I usually always check the sale pages at 6:45. I am so angry/frustrated that I don't know what do to! When I read about some of the great deals you guys are getting in the stores it makes me want to cry b/c my store is closed and now I can't even get my fix online! I really wonder what is going on with this company that they are willing to treat their customers like this.
    MJ in Virginia

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  21. does anyone know the answer to this question: I orderd an item last monday 6/3- over the phone with a CS rep. According to the wsbite, it has a tracking # with UPS as of 7/3 (last Thurs). The tracking # shows up with UPS as "shipping info received". I have NOT rec'd an email shipment conf. from Jcrew via email yet. Think I'll get my item soon?? -BGD

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  22. hey guys! love the blog. i wanted to share with you guys a few things. i placed an order on june 27, (the friday before) and actually received it yesterday!!! oddly the status online is still "open." who knows what that means!
    i also have placed a few orders since the freeship came out. and i received 2 of those yesterday as well. oddly, jcrew shipped them USPS priority mail, not UPS like they use too.
    so hopefully everyone will be getting their orders soon!
    ffm: thanks the other day for telling us about the san telmo jackets at you b&m, i ordered one from your store yesterday!!!!

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  23. Is anything available on the website sale section? I just tried to check out the tall Frances blouse, some trouser jeans, some jewelry and it all said "$null". Yesterday there was a Frances blouse available and when I went to put it in my cart the site crashed and went to the "be back soon" page. They should be embarrassed.

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  24. hi laura:
    i bought the shortsleeve Egyptian cotton cardigan in tawny olive. i returned it only because the color did not work for me. the cotton is VERY nice and soft. it is very fitted and hit at the high hip on me. it almost felt cropped when buttoned up but i like that you can layer it with a tank and have the tank show at the bottom. i would buy it again in another color especially since they are now on sale...but i don't trust the web now! :) hope this helps! :)

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  25. FFM: Like you I ordered items BEFORE the site changed. Still don't have those 2 orders yet...

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  26. I just received an order I'd placed before all this fiasco started (#72868, Leather Capri Sandals in White Nappa). Funnily enough, the same day I received them I also received an email saying they'd shipped. A little behind on the notice, but hey, I'm still happy they arrived.

    I'm also one of those who checks the website on a multiple-times-a-day basis, and I was really surprised that they're running into so many unforeseen issues. Some time back I'd read an article on the success of the jcrew.com former site, as far as its ease of use and site functionality. For them to launch the "new" site without (seemingly) any beta testing or quality assurance prior to going live is extremely unlike them. And it's odd - why launch before it's ready? They've got to be losing a ton in revenue. My guess is that since Banana Republic/Gap/Old Navy just recently launched their own "new" site this may be the J.Crew execs response to keeping up...maybe?

    And, did they toss out all the U/I designers before they started to plan out the new site navigation? It's incredibly cumbersome now and WAY too complicated to use. Too many options can sometimes be a bad thing. And using words like "open" and "submitted" rather than "processing" and "shipped?" C'mon, you're supposed to be thinking like the consumer, you shouldn't be using internal terminology if you want anyone in the general public to understand what it means.

    Anyway, free shipping - loving it. I placed an order the other day (93865: Pineapple-print Jessie blouse in Navy, 93959: Solid Jessie blouse in ivory, and 93161: Parisian polo in black) and I have every reason to believe that my order will be processed properly - eventually. I'd probably be buying more too, except for the fact that all the items I've been clicking on keep returning a value of $null. :(

    Oh, and I visited a brick & mortar store yesterday to do a return. It took probably five times longer for the sales rep to do it than usual. Why? Because of the new system they just put into place when the new website launched. It's affecting everyone. And not in a good way.

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  27. ratsonparade, wow! they are upgrading everything at once! that seems super risky.

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  28. I ordered some items after the website change. I got a confirm this am that they were shipping.

    Still a tad bit frustrated at the new website. I was in the store this am. Nothing new out yet. Though hubby and my little one got a few new things. I got a headband (whoo hoo..ha ha!).

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  29. I haven't been checking the site as often, either -- too slow to bother with. Plus I don't expect them to give an additional % off sale items for a while. I'm thinking that with all their current problems, adding the additional percentage off might make things more complicated for them -- what if there were problems with the function that adjusts the price, and they had to go back and credit everyone's cards or something like that? I just imagine it's ONE more thing to possibly malfunction, so I don't image them wanting to risk adding to the chaos. Disappointing. Disappointing all the way around -- I have J.Crew a 1 out of 10 for how they've handled their site transition. The 1 is only because they're trying to appease customers with free shipping.

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  30. And I just tried going to the sale section and got an error message, saying the execution failed. I'm honestly a bit baffled as to how such a major corporation, that seemed to have things together in other respects, bungles something as important as a website transition!!

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  31. It's a little pathetic, but the whole thing has made me really sad. And frustrated. I used to love getting up in the morning and checking to see what new in sale had popped up. I think that's what I miss the most - no morning updates. Just the same stuff over and over. With no end in site as everyone reports that nothing will be added until the web site smooths out, and we all know that hasn't happened yet.

    I called in an order last friday, and it looks like it posted to my credit card, but I've gotten no communications about it, and when I entered the order number the CS gave me to track it online, it didn't work. I also haven't heard anything about my search for the polka dot san telmo. So I don't know if I should just hope that with all the changes, they haven't gotten to looking for it yet, or if I should resign myself to not getting one.

    Vivian - I know you had a search done recently. Did they communicate with you in the 48 hours as usual? Or did it take longer?

    I miss the old site! Bring it back!!!!

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  32. Hello, I basically have the same feed back as everyone else regarding the website. I was truly addicted to checking the website every a.m. & some late night evenings (and now this blog).

    I received emails from JCrew labelled "Your JCrew Order Has Shipped" yet the UPS tracking data only states "Billing Information Received". I believe JCrew used to send the shipping email when the status at UPS had a forecasted Delivery Date. I guess I'll have to continue checking for the "Shipped" status at UPS.

    After sorting clothes for the wash this afternoon, I've decided I appreciate the website's lack of change. I really should not buy anything else for this summer season - I have plenty.

    In my humble opinion, I think JCrew would be crazy to put an add'l 25% off merchandise at this time. They can't process the orders they're receiving now...can you imagine the influx of orders generated by offering 25% off?

    Imagine the sale they'll have after the bugs are worked out! :)

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  33. This is ridiculous! The site is awful. Clearly nobody has gone near it over the holiday weekend. This new site is toltally cheesy and cheap looking. I think J Crew may be in serious financial trouble. Why else would this problem be going on this long? I'd say lack of $$$$$ to do anything about it. By the way, the Hyannis, MA store has NOTHING of any worth on sale. I think this all points to TROUBLE.

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  34. Um I just got back and haven't caught up yet on the comments. But here are my two cents:

    JC's website is still not working... this is ridiculous. I am still getting the null$ sign and then I just call in what I want.

    I have had a great time in the stores but the website is odd, confusing, and looks like a rip off of ann taylor's.

    I have received no word on my orders and I am pretty upset about that!

    Overall I am not impressed and it is awful that I just get more upset b/c I cant break my addiction!

    Now I will try and catch up on everyone else's comments... hehe

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  35. BTW... did you all know the JC system was down for a while today I used the red phone and they told me the system was just back up... can you believe it... 1 week later???

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  36. rach - I actually have gotten "Your J.Crew order has shipped" emails from J.Crew before the whole updating fiasco while the UPS tracking still read "Billing information received." In fact, all of my J.Crew orders have always been like that. I don't know why that is, but the packages did always end up getting to me within a week of receiving those emails, so I wouldn't worry about it. :)

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  37. Also, I went to the Houston, TX J.Crew store on July 4th, and there was an additional 25% off sale. Lots of tees, tanks, and jackets. They also had the Piper tank in all colors and sizes on sale. I tried them on, but looked ridiculous. Too bad, because they are so pretty! The A-line cut of the Piper tops made me look shorter/bigger than I already am!

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  38. Hi, I'm new here. First, a question. Does the null$ mean that the item could be in stock? I thought it meant that the item was sold out.
    Second, a comment. I LIKE the new website, I just wish it were working. I've wondered for some time why there wasn't a way to search the website (for example "boating," to look for the boating dress--did anyone buy that?), and now there is a search space (window?).
    I don't buy much because of a serious lack of funds and not being the size I want to be (I'm smallish, but the J.Crew models are so perfectly skinny that I can't imagine the clothes looking good on me at this size). Sometimes I buy things for my toddler and newborn (toddler son, newborn daughter) when I see great deals in the crewcuts section. Obvioiusly, the clothes for the newborn (almost 5 monthts old, maybe no longer a newborn) are for the future. For example, I bought her a red silk size 2 party skirt for around $15.99 a few months ago. Anyway, I'm babbling.

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  39. mekiki: Hello!! First let me state that everyone finds certain pieces of J Crew clothing that look great on them! Honestly. You don't need to think that there isn't a pant, skirt, or top that you would find and love, because there IS! :) If you are smallish and don't want to look short/heavy then the ladies (and gents) that contribute to this blog will tell you which pieces to get...and which ones to avoid! Add to it that everyone is so eager to help and that is why this is such a POPULAR place to hang out!! LOL. Again, WELCOME!! BTW...congrats on finding such a beautiful dress for your newborn. I love Crewcuts as well.

    jcrewjunkie :)

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  40. $null means that it is no longer available (at least I think it does).

    I also really like the search feature. I just wish that they had kept the OLD website and added that NEW feature!!

    jcrewjunkie

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  41. I totally dislike this new site. I used to visit multiple times a day but it is so "ughhh" to me right now I haven't visisted in days!

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  42. I hate the new site. Had no real issues with the old one. Ordered something the other day. Who knows is/when I will receive it. I did get my tracking number and the credit card is pending. I am not going to worry if I don't get the shipped email though. I have placed a number of orders over the past few months where the shipped email never arrived or arrived way after the packages did.

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  43. It's been over a week now, and from what I can tell, none of the bugs have been fixed (other than faster page load times for the most part). You'd think they would be able to fix at least ONE major error in an entire week, and you'd be wrong. That doesn't exactly inspire confidence. I certainly hope they can get their act together before the August back-to-college rush. Look for an earnings miss next quarter.

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  44. I shop online almost exclusively because I am a couple of hours away from a J.Crew store. Because of the free shipping on any order, I actually bought a few things I wouldn't ordinarily have purchased. I'd been waiting for further markdowns on the wool crepe jacket in dark chocolate (since I bought the matching trousers in January) and the sizes were getting quite sparse so I sprung for it. Then, based on the raves at this site, I got the purple Joelle top because it was so cheap--even though it was only $19.99 I wouldn't have done it if it weren't for the free shipping. THEN, again based on the raves here, I ordered the Candace jacket in ORANGE. Orange is a big step for me :-) Anyway, thanks to all this "enabling" :-) I took the risk that my items might take awhile to arrive. I have received shipping confirmations (with nonworking UPS tracking numbers) for two of my three orders.

    Gosh, I would sure love it it if Alexis or another tech-savvy commenter had a forum at which we could easily discuss all our finds. For those of us who shop only online, it would be great to discuss fit in particular! I feel so blessed to know I'm not the only one who checks the website so often!

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  45. I called about a $null item and was told that it was not available. The CS also told me that they would not be getting any more in stock. I don't know if that's true for every $null item.

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  46. I placed an order on Friday, June 27th and immediately received an email confirmation. From what I can gather, my order still hasn't been shipped and I have not been given an estimated ship date. i received an email advising the shipping charges would be waived, but at this point I'm not sure I will receive what was ordered and for those keeping up with men's "loud" pants, I ordered the Men's Classic Fit Italian Paisley Pants (#94426).

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  47. I got an email saying my order from two weeks ago -- before the upgrade -- shipped on Saturday (July 5). But in the order details, only one of the three item I bought is listed (even though all items were listed as available when I ordered). And under status it says both shipped and expected to ship on 08.12.08. And the tracking number can't be located on the UPS website. Color me confused.

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  48. I'm still waiting for my Friday, June 27th order (a day of doom! :P). I'm only checking the website to check my order status. I have the tracking number, but it has said "open" and "submitted" for a week. I bet it will be sent this week, I'm just sick of waiting. :(

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  49. I also have one order that has shipped but they have no tracking number for me! And the other order still has not shipped. One order is waitlisted... I am convinced I will never EVER see that one.

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  50. Thank you J.Crew Junkie!
    I'm not big, but just not teeny. I do want to lose a little weight before I start with a new wardrobe (done having kids now), and that will also give me a chance to get my finances somewhat in order.
    I really love the Crewcuts stuff though, so when there's a really great deal, I do buy. Right now I'm pretending to be preppy and well-bread, so I've been looking at the J.Crew site a lot, and daydreaming about dressing myself and my kids in it. (Husband isn't preppy at all. I bought him some flannel pj pants a few months ago, but don't know how much more J.Crew I could get him into!)
    I have an outlet question/observation. I was at the J.Crew outlet in Lancaster, PA on Friday (in Amish country. Kind of surreal to see Amish or Menonite buggies parked outside the outlets). There were some patterns in clothes and jewelry that I hadn't seen online (navy on cream or white boat pattern on a mini skirt and shorts. My husband asked if I was buying a boat. I said no, but I want to look like I live that life. There was also a nautical print bangle, but I can't remember exactly what it was like--maybe multicolored boats?). Anyway, are those special outlet patterns, or did I just miss them online?
    Goodnight everyone!

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  51. Just went to a J Crew B&M this weekend. They seemed to be working vigorously on getting rid of stock. The sale stuff was all 25% off. Looks like J Crew is really working hard to start fresh for fall. I got a pair of boy fit jeans, a pair of the city-fit buttery twill chinos, a linen/cotton sweater with a tie in the front, a short sleeve button down shirt, and another cotton shirt with a string tie all for under $150. Anyway - just wanted to share my excitement with someone who understands what a great deal that is...

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  52. I remember the good old days (like 2 and 3 years ago) when the big summer clear out was at the end of July at JCrew. (not the end of June). I am not even close to being ready to look at Fall items...We still have 2 months of hot summer weather left and Indian Summer...

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  53. Oh, I am SO over this website! I've tried to navigate it for the last week with little success - before I used to just zip around at 6:45 (like all of you, ha!), throw stuff in my cart, and be all checked out and on my way to work by 7. Now not only can I not find anything, the things that I have found are either $null or there are no sizes (the drop-down just says "size"). So whatever, they're sold out - just get them off of the site! The sold out stuff would disappear from the old site pretty quickly - it was fun, competitive shopping (anybody remember the J.Crew warehouse sales, where they would just rent out a space for a week and dump all their old inventory? Talk about competition! Everybody would be running around with armfuls of merchandise... Good times!).

    The Jackie cardigans now say "select colors now $49.99" when you find them in the search results, but when you go into the item page, all of the colors are listed as full price (While we're reminiscing, remember when the Jackie was $50 to begin with?). I'm not going to add every color to my cart to see if one shows up at $50! Also, has anybody else noticed that if you try to view the Joelle cami in citron, you get a picture of the silk links tank from earlier this year? It has been that way for a week! How embarrassing.

    It's really too bad, because I used to order from .com at least once a week. I haven't ordered since before the switch and honestly don't know if I will again. I have a few returns that I want to send back, but am afraid they'll mess those all up too. Unfortunately, my b&m doesn't have the best selection. I'm also not ready to look at Fall merch... our summers are short enough already here, I don't want them to feel like they're any shorter!

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  54. silver lining, so glad to hear that I am not the only one that does not want to even think about--let alone see Fall merchandise. (Sorry those of you excited about it.) I am a total summer gal:)

    I am so over the new website too. I agree. I used to do a quick 5-10 minute check each day and I do not want to get bogged down clicking, clicking, waiting, and clicking.....UGGH!

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  55. mekiki-i too live near the Lancaster Outlet in PA. The outlets make their own line of clothes. Occassionally, outlets will get a shipment of stuff that didnt sell from the regular J crew, but not that often, and it always goes in the back doirectly to the sale section of the store.
    have you been to the limerick outlets yet? I love having 3 j crews near me and 2 outlets- keeps my options open!! BGD

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  58. Aly, All I have is online too:) I used to have 3 JCrews near me and one with Crewcuts....loved that:) I have only placed one order since the site was down and that's b/c of a great tip on a post this weekend about the straw flower belts that I have been wanting so very much:)

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  59. alisha-i am in WC, not far from DT. where are you now? Yes we are oh so lucky, I could spend every day during thr week going to a diff. JCrew, but I am pretty sure my husband would file for divorce!!this website madness has been very good for me and my CC!! I even have agift cards I havent used and usually they are burning a hole in my pocket to get spent! -BGD

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  60. Mekiki: Yes there are special outlet patterns and/or the patterns you see there are normally poor copies of the real j crew stuff. Also my outlet stuff doesn't last for half as long as the real j crew stuff does. There is a serious difference in quality.

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  61. blumre: Off topic, but have you tried on the Tulip Jacket?

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  62. FFM: No I haven't. Its not really my style. I am not into the weird sleeves. If I can't find the corinne jacket in a navy I will just forget about it and wait for the Domino jacket to go on sale.

    Also would love your opinion: If I had to choose should i got for the mini-patchwork madras jacket or the corinne jacket? I feel like the corinne jacket might be more versatile but madras is soooo fun! Thoughts?

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  63. Also: Opinions needed:

    Madras after labor day, yes or no?

    I think maybe on a warmer fall night but not sure.

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  64. blumre: I actually really like both jackets...btw...they had a TON of the madras at my store last Thursday, so they would have been the $49.99 plus 25%, so you should let CS know that if you decide on it...the store is at Mall of Millenia in Orlando, Florida. The Navy is probably a little more versatile, but then the colors in the Madras so pretty, and you could change it up, alot. I love the cut of the jacket, too...it will be so flattering on...especially with the detail at the back. I would also say YES to wearing it after Labor Day...you could transition it with a turtleneck (if you wear them), and a pair of olive (army) green pants, or even possibly brown pants, and DEFINITELY with dark wash jeans. The colors are warm and would wear well into Fall.:)

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  65. blumre: I am planning on wearing my Madras jacket after Labor Day (I still think that it will be appropriate since it is a darker colored madras and I personally will be wearing mine with the gray tank/5" khaki look shown on the website which are all transitional colors in terms of season).

    I got the Corinne jacket in Navy (haven't received it yet) and while it is certainly going to be more versatile I think that, like you, that Madras jacket is just so fun looking. :)

    mekiki: Mybe by purchasing some of the outlet items you can get your feet wet so to speak and become a j crew junkie like the rest of us!! It would also be a great (and cheaper) way to find out what fits! Look for pieces that you have seen mentioned in this blog, or take a catalog with you (you can sign up for it on jcrew.com if you aren't already receiving one) and look around! Enjoy!!


    jcrewjunkie :)

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  66. Thanks FFM for the opinion: I think we have very a very similar fashion sense. I do love turtle necks (as I live in the northeast they are also very practical!).

    Yea i ordered the madras over the phone and then tried it on in the store. I got permission to return it if it doesn't fit (this was before I saw it and tried it on). I got the teacher's discount but not the 25% off... but that's o.k. I have permission to return it if I decide I dont like it. And who knows... I may never even get it as it HASNT SHIPPED YET.

    Thanks for the great fashion advice! I think I could totally wear it in september or october...probably not november though (its too cold up here after that).

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  67. Jcrewjunkie: thanks :)

    mekiki: I would cation you about the sizing at outlet stores... I dont always find the items fit the same way they do in the regular stores.

    BTW a really dumb question and I am probably just not down on the web lingo but what on earth does the term "B&M stores" mean?? Thanks in advance!

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  68. Brick and Mortar

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  69. Thanks Anon: I should have picked up on that one!!! I totally need more caffeine this morning!

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  70. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  71. Packages sent by USPS is not good. Have to sign for them is even worse. My sister lives in Chicago and only swears by UPS. She has had so many lost packages with the USPS:( I had two packages sent to her....I have a bad feeling they may not make it.

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  72. I am truly disappointed with J Crew. My reasons as as follows:
    1.) The site still lists items that are not available. It's a complete waste of my time clicking on the links!
    2.) My orders from June 27, June 30 (all 3 of them) plus my order on July 3 still have no tracking numbers. I have emailed J Crew to only get a message that "my orders are in the latter stages of processing and that I will be given a tracking number as soon as it's possible." What does that mean? They've already charged me for these items and they still haven't been shipped? WTH???!!! I am throughly upset with J Crew at this moment. I am going away on vacation this weekend for a week and I have no idea when these items are going to arrive. This is completely unacceptable.
    And while they are offering Free Shipping, I'll be honest, I won't be buying anything until they can get their act together. What's the point of buying something (even with free shipping) if you don't know if it's been shipped? For all I know, these summer items will arrive when it's too cold to wear them. URGH!!!

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  73. I like the way the Eddie Bauer sale section is set up (only section I look at). When you just move your mouse over a picture you can get either a close up, alternative view, or color choices. No clicking:) JCrew---do something better, please!

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  74. I would go with the Corinne jacket. The madras jacket (which I am returning) doesn't hang right on me. It pattern and texture add lots of bulk to my body.

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  75. I love this site and its comments. I am an avid JCrew buyer..but the problems with its website has left me avoiding it for the last couple of days. It is just too depressing to not be able to get good deals on what is available at the stores through the website.

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  76. My June 26 orders have tracking numbers that say shipping date July 1, 2, & 3. But UPS says they haven't received the packages, just electronic notification of the shipments. SO it looks like everything is sitting in the warehouse waiting to be loaded to a UPS truck!

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  77. Anon @ 1:13... good luck with your items... I got a tracking number but it only says the billing info was received, nothing more. With all the packages that havent shipped out in two weeks they are going to need at least 50 trucks to line up at the warehouse.

    For those of you who do own stock I would be interested to know if their earnings reports for this quarter reflect the website fiasco. Let us know sometime in the fall when you get them.

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  78. I ordered two packages - one on 6/30 and one on 7/3. Both are UPS (not USPS - weird that it would be so different for people), but when I track the packages it just says billing information received. I know I'm echoing what many people have already said, but I'm in disbelief that a website relaunch could go so awry!
    PS: Blumre - I also went to the JT concert - so much fun (was also clothed in j. crew)

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  79. Layla: Wasn't the concert amazing?!? I thought Carol King did such a fabulous job. What did you wear to the concert? Tanglewood can be tough to dress for cause it is always so warm when you get there and by the time you leave its freezing! So I am always looking for cute layering ideas.

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  80. in addition to the web disaster...what's up with jcrew's merchandise having such late "expected ship dates". for example, the featherweight merino vneck - "expected to ship 09.09.2008". geez, 2 months away -why even put it on the web now?

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  81. ccbmum: Its wait listed. I ordered mine a few weeks ago and I am expecting it to ship tomorrow. They are available in stores if you want and can't wait. You could have them do a find it now for you since it isnt on sale

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  82. Blumre: Yes! So much fun. Plus I love Yo-Yo Ma so that was an extra bonus. I wore pale khaki bermuda shorts (not j. crew), a cute v-neck green t-shirt with a white sailboat on it from the j. crew outlet, ancient j. crew flip flops with pink/green/white grosgrain ribbon, and the lofty alpaca shawl sweater in snow when it got cold. I was not smart enough to be patriotically color-coordinated!

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  83. blumre: yea, i thought i saw them in the stores. i just think it's a little irritating when so many of their items online get waitlisted so fast or start out waitlisted...but on the flip side...with such limited supply, at least not everyone ends up wearing the same exact clothes...:)

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  84. Layla: That sounds really cute!!! I did see a girl in a seer suck strapless dress and while she looked so cute she was way over dressed. Yo Yo Ma was fabulous.

    ccbmum: Good luck with finding the v-neck. I do plan on ordering one in every color if it goes on sale. I ordered it in black because last winter mine got mixed up in my laundry and now fits my 5 year old niece beautifully. but for other colors I am waiting for the sale

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  85. thanks blumre!: i actually already have the featherweight merino vneck tunic in heather graphite...it's a nice super 120's merino wool... i didn't really like the fit at first but i am growing to love it...especially since i got it on sale...i'm going to try the new one the next time i'm in the store so i'm ready for when it goes on sale :)

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  86. Ok...I just received ONE item out of my order of five, and it came by USPS...thank goodness something finally got here...unfortunately it is a piece that I already own, and just ordered a second...I have still yet to try my Joelle Blouse and Cami. :( Hopefully later this week...odds are I get my package from the store at Columbus Circle before I get anything else from the waredhouse. ;)

    It's good to know that some items are ACTUALLY being set free from captivity! :)

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  87. blumre: and of course like the merino tunic with my matchsticks ;).

    by the way for anyone who's interested in the merino tunic that's on sale, the shoulders fit kind of funny but i like the long length....:)

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  88. FFM: congrats...looks like there's a glimmer of hope! :)

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  89. Thanks ccbmum! I am actually almost in disbelief...and, yes...finally a glimmer of hope. :)

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  90. Hello again:)

    blumre: No sight of the Corinne Sweater Jacket:( This morning, I was in Columbus Circle, then to 5th ave, then Seaport. Columbus Circle is by far the neatest and has the largest Sale section out of three stores.

    FFM: I found a yellow and white striped Babydoll top in XS. It's 14.99 plus 25% off. I have it under my name on hold.

    Okay, don't know how many of you out there are looking for the Fiona Jacket, but there are two, in Coral color sizes 10 and 12. I have them on hold under my name. It says on their website that select colors are 49.99. Does that include the coral color?

    I'm going to heat up my lunch. BRB.

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  91. Oh I forgot, If anyone has their heart set on a Josie dress, turquoise color and size 2, it's at Columbus Circle. And I saw one Cherry Blossom Silk Dress in size 4 or 6 (I forgot) is also there as well.

    BRB..

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  92. webbysuzy: Thank you so much for thinking of me and taking the time to look for the shirt! Did you find anything for yourself? How did your toddler do?

    Columbus Circle was the store I called this morning, and the one that is sending me the Tulip Jacket...they sounded really busy, and I called at 10:15 am, trying to beat the rush. The phones were ringing off the hook in the background while I was giving the guy my info...wonder what time the store opens? I figured not until 10:00am...if so, they got busy really fast.

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  93. FFM the store opens at ten but the columbus circle one is in a "mall" I know weird for NYC and its also under and near HUGE office buildings so that one gets busy early because there are food stores and such in that mall.

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  94. FFM: I think the mall opens at 9:30 or 10am. I got there at 10:45a. I was lucky today because my toddler was in nursery school, so it was easy on both of us.

    The staff at this store was really nice and they were busy putting all their Sale items on the lower level (usually it's upstairs next to Men's).

    I bought a Camilla Sweater, navy XS for 29.99 plus 25% off. The tag said the original price was 140.00.

    BTW, the Babydoll top runs on the larger side.

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  95. Oh BTW, if anyone has their heart set on Cherry Blossom Print City Fit Capris, there's approx. five of them over at the 5th Ave. store.

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  96. Webbysuzy nice job on the camilla sweater!!! Go you!

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  97. webbysuzy - you are awesome!

    I'm going to renew my plea to everyone out there - I am desperate for the double strand giraffe necklace. it is on sale for 99.99, item number 92689. There is one on ebay that I'm watching, but as it's already at 40 bucks 2 days before the auction ends, I'm betting it's going to sell for more than 100 (which is my limit to pay for it - one has to set some limits!).

    Thank you!

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  98. kater I will keep my eyes peeled for you.

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  99. thank you blumre!

    also, I forgot to mention that I was at the chevy chase location this morning (202) 537-3380 and they had lots of the straw flower belts on sale, and a few of the ribbon ones too (in pink and yellow). I know people were discussing them yesterday, so I wanted to make sure and mention it. I think they were 3.99?

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  100. kater: I asked for the giraffe necklace at the Columbus Circle and 5th Ave, but there isn't any.

    From the looks of things, the staff is trying to unload all the Spring/Summer items in the store, rather than sending to J Crew mailing mailing center (probably because of all the gliches). I asked the staff if any Fall stuff is coming and she said in two weeks. So, I can see another markdown coming within those two weeks. There's tons of Slub Cotton Tank wraps and Caterina tops, Ribbed tanks that they have to unload somehow.

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  101. another tidbit I forgot to mention! While out on my completely unsuccessful search, I overheard one of the associates say that they are doing another "roll out" of new merchandise in July 21 - just for those who are waiting for the fall stuff to hit the stores!

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  102. webbysuzy: thank you so much for asking for me!

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  103. Does anyone else find the best sales at Jcrew to be at the end of august? I once got a cashmere sweater for 45 bucks then. I think around august 1 more stuff will go on sale or maybe when the new shipment comes in... might be a little earlier this year. Thanks Kater and Webbysuzy for the tips

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  104. blumre: Have you been to the J Crew store on West Broadway? I just noticed it now on the store locator.

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  105. Hi there. This is totally off topic, but what do you all wear with your Sunwashed Cotton Swing Skirts? I'm desperately trying to find a top (outside of a tank) that looks good w/o having to tuck it in. Thanks!

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  106. I'm obsessed. I'm calling every j.crew! I need to stop!

    but all this just makes me more angry at the website! a bunch of people I've talked to have said they've sent them back, and they should be on the web!!!! which of course isn't updating.

    ARGHH.

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  107. Kater: If I were you I would call CS and ask them to put you on a waitlist or something. Explain what you have been doing and ask if there is anything they could do to help.

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  108. kater:
    did you try calling the store in San Francisco on Market street or the Walnut Creek, CA store for the double strand giraffe necklace? i know they both carry jewelry - sorry i don't recall seeing the giraffe one there but you never know. the associates in the stores tell me that they're always getting sent random stuff especially at sale time :)

    for anyone who's interested, i do remember seeing the Pavé-stripe crystal bangle at the san francisco store on market street. it was 49.99. they also had a few other pendant necklaces.

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  109. thanks for the advice blumre - but I finally got it!!!!!

    god bless the jcrew at the burlington mall in massachusetts. but I don't think I will really believe it until I actually get it in the mail!

    thanks to everyone who helped in the search - blumre, ffm, alexis, webbysuzy, and anyone else I forgot to mention. now maybe I can actually concentrate on, you know, school work!

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  110. thank you ccbmum - see above!

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  111. just saw your post...congrats!! :)

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  112. You gals rock!

    I just got off the phone with Columbus Circle, where they have a Tulip jacket in bright flame size 0!! They'll ship it to me in Colorado. $49.99 + 25% off. Shipping is 8 bucks but who cares??

    -- Vivian

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  113. Congrats Vivian! I got mine from there just this morning, and can't wait to receive it...just hope it fits. :)

    I was also surprised at the $8.50 shipping, but just looked at the website and that is how much it cost for $25.01-50 dollar purchases now. Wasn't it $7.95 at some point? I haven't paid shipping in so long (except for the Chambray Skirt), that I just don't ever really pay any attention. Does anyone know?

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  114. Thanks, and congrats to you too, FFM. And thank you for inspiring me to call them.

    Like you, I notice the shipping has gone up.

    Hope my jacket fits too. They're out of a 2. Can you tell me what you plan to wear it with? I need some ideas.

    -- Vivian

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  115. I had a bad dream last night: they shipped my solid San Telmo jacket to the wrong address :)

    -- Vivian

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  116. To justify my many J.Crew purchases, I'd like to quote a WSJ article: "But a study by a couple of business-school professors says splurging now makes you happier later. Even more surprising: Not splurging now gives you pangs of regret later. "


    http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2008/07/07/splurging-is-good-for-your-health/?mod=yhoofront

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  117. kater: You found the giraffe necklace? Wow! This is a sign you should buy a lottery ticket, hee hee!

    Yes, the Columbus Circle store has lots of Tulip Jackets. And if anyone missed it, there are two Fiona Jackets, coral color sizes 10 and 12. I have placed them on hold, so if you are interested, let me know.

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  118. I received one of my packages today (the UPS site still says "billing information received) - I love the Frances blouse! I had bought it solely on the recommendations of the lovely crew on this blog, and hadn't actually tried it on before. The fit is great - I did go up one size from my normal and I'm glad that I did. Now just awaiting a couple of more packages (broke down and got the cotton taffeta belle skirt in dark fog today as I was too afraid to wait for a sale!).

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  119. Yay layla!

    No ups man today, or so my doorman said anyway... he looked very sad when he said, "it's been a while for you." I simply nodded with a pout and he said "I am sure Ups will visit you soon."

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  120. Hi Vivian! I plan to wear my Tulip Jacket with my Navy Joelle Cami and White Wide Leg Pants. I will probably wear it with Navy Pants and Khakis, as well, with a white or tan tank. I plan to use it as my neutral "go to" piece instead of always opting for my Cropped Cardigan in the Tan/Camel color. I'm not sure how bright it will be...I am expecting it to be a little more muted than the Kelly Sweater Jacket...more like the Via Vittoria maybe? I will give more suggestions once I actually get it, and can place it in with the rest of my wardrobe. :)

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  121. Does anyone know if the website is going to "reload" in the mornings again? I tried to call and ask CS today, but they wouldn't give me a definitive answer. This is so disrupting to my day! I used to check every morning.

    By the way, the Omaha, Nebraska J Crew has lots of the Tulip Jacket, Fiona Madras Jacket, and Candace Jackets! Also one sz 8 Joelle blouse in the regal purple. Let me know if anyone else was looking for something and I can let you know if I saw it!

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  122. Hi :) I went to my local J.Crew store few days ago and did not buy anything except the last black San Telmo jacket - couldn't resist having one after reading the reviews :) I didn't see any babydoll tops or linen mary janes. Sadly, the sale section was quite empty.

    FabulousFloridaMommy: Did you find your babydoll top? It looked like the national search had started last week and I was curious if it worked. I haven't finished reading the posts yet...

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  123. Hi everyone, hope this post is still active...

    So I finally received one of the 4 items in my order from late the night of June 26th. I had ordered these non-final sale, but the item I received today was marked Final Sale on the packing slip.

    Has anyone had any experience with this? First, I am wondering about the other 3 items in my order, and second, has anyone discussed the Final Sale issue with CS since the web relaunch?

    Thanks in advance for all your help and info!

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  124. sky: Webbysuzy spotted a yellow and white one, but the black and white has never been found! :( How do you like your San Telmo? You can't beat it for the price. ;)

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  125. jliz: I commented about the same thing in another post...my pre-upgrade NON Final Sale items came packaged as Final Sale. I was not surprised, as this also happened to me on the last Final Sale. This time around I had made a copy of my order page BEFORE I completed the transaction, so that I have proof they weren't final. I think the invoices even have a July date, so that doesn't even prove they were pre-upgrade...however, you can call CS, and they should be able to look at your profile and see that the items were not bought Final Sale. If not, I would not be hesitant to insist that you have the right to return if necessary or desired, because you did NOT purchase Final Sale, and this is their mistake...not yours.

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  126. jliz: btw...CONGRATS on finally get something from you order! :)

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  127. jliz: that should say from "your" order...sorry!

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  128. FFM: Thanks for the ideas! Please let me know when you receive your Flame Tulip Jacket. The Columbus Circle store said they're sending my jacket by Fedex Ground this morning. I'd love to hear more ideas from you on how to wear the jacket.

    My Via Vittoria that I ordered from J.Crew on June 26 still hasnt arrived. It's in white, but I'm hoping bright flame is something like my Kelly jacket.

    -- Vivian

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  129. There's a size 10 fiona jacket in pale almond on the website now. Anyone interested?

    -- Vivian

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  130. Hi,

    I am so happy i found this blog! I have been at J Crew fan for years and it is nice to know there are others out there.

    I do hate the new website though with a passion. I cannot get anything into my cart with the new system. So frustrating. Does anyone else have this issue? Is it something with my computer (it must be since others here seem to be ordering happily). Any suggestions?

    Thanks

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  131. vivian: I received my Tulip Jacket in the Bright Flame this morning...YAY! It is actually alot brighter than I expected, but still very pretty. It is also longer on me than the picture of the model...maybe I sould have gotten a Petite in this one, but no matter...I will make it work. I tried it with my Joelle Blouse, but it isn't long enough to wear with it, so I will try it with my Elizabeth Halter, but will more than likely just wear it with a tank, since it is a statement on it's own. I like the idea of white pants and a tan tank with it, as well as Dark Denim and a white tank. Let me know what you think when you receive yours!

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)