The Look Books for J.Crew that I have seen, were always targeted for women. So I was pleasantly surprised to see at their website a Look Book exclusively for men (click here for link). I think that is fabulous and hope that they decide to print the Look Book as well (if it's not already available in a paper version). I always felt like the men got a little short changed in the catalogs (e.g. not enough pages showcasing men's fashion), so it's nice to see that J.Crew is devoting more pages to them. :)The Men's Look Book coincides with J.Crew's latest news (that JRL pointed out in the "JCrew's Website is Updated" post,) which is they are opening a "men's only store" in Tribeca, NY (during August of this year). J.Crew is also showcasing "Tribeca Mens Shop" at their website (click here), which has items that will be featured at the men's only shop in NY.
The following are excerpts of an article in DNR about the men's store in NYC (click here to see the article in its entirety):
J.Crew to Open First Men’s Store in Tribeca
By Jean E. Palmieri
Mar. 11, 2008
"J.Crew has found the location for its first men’s-only store. It will be located at The Liquor Store, a landmark building at 235 West Broadway at White Street in Tribeca. It will be smaller and more intimate than the company’s other stores, according to a spokesperson, and is slated to open in the early summer.
It will carry “the best-of-the-best” of the J.Crew men’s collection, including Collector’s Items, its upscale, limited-edition items. It will also offer the company’s “list” of the items that every man should own.
Millard Drexler, CEO of J.Crew, mentioned the planned debut of the men’s-only store during the company’s fourth quarter and year-end conference call on Tuesday. He said the store is “a very short-term lease,” involving “very little investment and risk,” that will allow the company “to fool around and play with a men’s store. It’s going to be small.” Drexler said the company is continuing to work on finding locations for “one or two” larger freestanding men’s stores, but no leases have been found."
What do you think about the Men's Look Book? Are you excited that J.Crew will have a men's only store? Do you think they should open more "men's only stores"?
That model sort of looks like the guy who won American Idol! :0)
ReplyDeleteKirbydog: He does kind of look like David Cook! :)
ReplyDeleteI think a Men's Lookbook and store is a nice idea, and I wish they would give them their own catalog, too...I don't like sharing it with them. ;) Now if I could just get my husband interested in wearing J.Crew...he's 6'5", so anything I would purchase has to be online, and it can be a real hassle trying to get the fit right. That's another division I wish they would carry in the stores, just like Women's Petite and Tall Sizes. :)
ReplyDeleteYes! they should have a special sizes store, too! I mean, women's petite and tall sales combined would I think be comparable to men's sales.
ReplyDeleteI went to KOP today, posted about it in a previous entry. I was so excited to see the fall stuff in person, that I didn't really pay attention to the men's clothes. My boyfriend and I only briefly looked at the men's section, nothing really stood out to him. He liked a merino vneck in brown, big surprise!
ReplyDeleteThe mens clothes are the same year after year... they just alternate colors :(
ReplyDeleteThey also... have a section on the mens site for the Tribeca Store.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/MensBrowse/Men_Feature_Assortment/tribecamensshop.jsp
true, daniel. one one hand, I like that the men's stuff is so... established (trying to find a better word than "boring"!), which makes it easier for me to find osmething I know my bf will like + wear, but I can also understand guys looking for something more hip. I don't think jcrew has to worry about selling enough polos and khakis. Maybe the tribeca store will be more fashion foward for you more adventurous men. :)
ReplyDeleteFabulousFloridaMommy: I know what you mean about sharing- I don't want to lose any "women" pages in the catalog either. ;) I think having an all mens catalog would be a great idea though. Your husband is definitely a "Tall" at 6'5"- I can imagine how difficult it is to find clothes that fit him porportionately while still looking stylish.
ReplyDeleteHeather: I agree they should have special size stores- its a great idea. I think it would be wise for them to have those stores- especially in high density areas like cities so it can reach the most (in terms of client population).
I also loved your term of "established"- Well said! ;)
Daniel: In a way you guys are lucky that the style changes slightly over the years. A guy can wear a pair of khakis and a polo and you look fantastic & classic!
It's funny, but I seem to dress the same now as I did in university; polo, chinos, v necks in wool. No wonder I'm into J.crew.
ReplyDeleteI've always been jealous of the amount of choices the womens' side of the store and catalog have. Finally we're getting a little more, but we still have a way to go to catch up.
The guys' stuff is traditional and a little conservative. But that's why is looks great year after year.
I'm not wild about any of the male models J.Crew is using these days. They used to one who was just dreamy, but haven't seen him in a couple of years.
ReplyDeleteFor that matter, where is the adorable blonde model from last fall, the one who was on the cover of the Highlands catalogue? I think she's so pretty. I don't care for one of the models in the August cat (she's also been in others) - among other places, she's on p. 60, where she has a priceless expression like "you're charging how much for this t-shirt?" :-)
I agree that the men's clothes never change. That is why I used to love shopping online so much. It was simple to find the stuff that was sure to come back the next year for dirt cheap. There are separate catalog mailings, though. There are thinner ones are sometimes dedicated to just men's or women's. I have noticed that they have raised regular prices on items that were cheaper last season. For example, the suede Macalister boots are now $135 and they used to be $128. Also, the overall quality is, I'm afraid, going downhill. I have pairs of broken-in chinos from when they first came out that are ten times nicer than the ones they sell today. Also, I'd really like for J. Crew to bring back things like the barn jacket and the wool rollneck. Remember them??? The originals were awesome!!
ReplyDeleteDaniel, thanks for the link to the Tribeca store. I agree about the boots. I bought a pair about four years ago and love them. In the fall of 2007 I ordered the same ones in smooth leather. The fit was off and the shoe wasn't as heavy, and in this case heavy = quality.
ReplyDeleteSome items are more consistent year after year, the merino sweaters are a favorite along with the washed favorite shirts; the cut cannot be beat.
I'm really liking the cricket sweater, the tweed argyle sweater, the wool ties and the flannel pants from the fall look book.
Did any of you guys (and I do mean guys) get the Granger jacket from last fall? I just loved it ..... if it hadn't been upwards of $250, I would have gotten it and worn it myself draped over my shoulders .... :-)
ReplyDeleteHas anyone else gotten a shipment email saying "partial shipped" under some of the items? Does this mean the items weren't included in the shipment?
ReplyDeleteI can't even load my account on the site right now - I keep getting an "execution failed" reply ... so ominous ;-)
ReplyDeletelynn: I'm sorry but Partial Shipment means those items aren't coming, and you got "short shipped"...it just happened to me for the 2nd time last week with the Joelle Blouse and Solid Kelly Jacket. They won't ship the items if they do become available...you will need to reorder if you see them, and they will be an entirely new order again.
ReplyDeletela belle helene: I was actually wondering where the male model from that Paris shoot is...he was VERY easy on the eye. GRIN...He and the blonde made a really cute couple, too. :)
ReplyDeleteI like that they included the more "mature looking" male model this time...I wonder where his female counterpart is? They should have put her in this catalog, too. ;)
FFM- Thanks for letting me know.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's pretty obnoxious... they charged my credit card for the full order amount.
J.Crew already has a men's only catalog. I picked it up in the store yesterday for my boyfriend.
ReplyDeletelynn: They initially charged my CC the full amount, which remained as "pending" for several days, then it disappeared, and then I got the email saying it was Partially Shipped. Now I am being charged only for the item they shipped...I really think they shouldn't be charging anything to the CC unless they know 100% FOR SURE that it is available to be shipped out. They are taking money not even knowing if the merchandise is actually available or not...that's really disturbing.
ReplyDeleteFFM- I agree, this whole thing is pretty ridiculous. I was charged the shipping amount for the entire order as well, even though one of three items were shipped. I anticipate a long phone call ahead of me.
ReplyDeletelynn: they should give you free shipping due to not completely filling your order...I would ask for it on this order and also on your next order. Good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I got my husband to wear from J Crew are their Washed Shirts. He's not into the preppy style. He has long hair pulled in a pony tail and a goatee. I don't think J Crew will create any men's clothing non-preppy.
ReplyDeleteI really like the look book included on the website. I think it gives good ideas on how to match different items together and how to mix colors together. I really like the officer's topcoat. Too bad it won't be out until December though.
ReplyDeleteHi FFM or anyone else,
ReplyDeleteSo if an item is waitlisted, it still needs to be reordered? That sucks!
FFM, thanks for the info though! Greatly appreciated.
Patrick
I found a skeptical item in new arrivals... Bugle-beaded bug pin (item 11348). Do you pay $50 for this little pin??? Description: Another one our stylist adores—a handmade, dimensional little brooch in glass-beaded charmeuse backed with tulle and charmeuse. Import. "stylist adores"? "Import"? Hey J.Crew! do you really have to "import" this?
ReplyDeleteHi Patrick! I wasn't referring to waitlisted items, but to items that were "supposedly" available when checking out, but then once they are to actually be physically packaged and mailed...they really are NOT available, and the order is "short shipped" (partially filled). I had placed an order for 3 items that were definitely showing up as available, but when I received my email about them shipping...it showed that only 1 out of the 3 items actually GOT shipped. Anyways...I called and spoke to a rep who said that the order is now considered FILLED and COMPLETE, even though I didn't get everything, and noone is watching the order to send the other 2 items if they do become available. In order to receive the items...I have to watch for them to show up again and place another order.
ReplyDeleteI would venture to say that the waitlisted items should be different and they should ship out like normal once they do show up. I know it's so hard to get through to CS now, but if you really aren't sure maybe you could call them? As long as the item still shows as "waitlisted" and not "partially shipped" under the order status, then it should be fine. :)
Sorry for the confusion on this! :)
My husband is 6'3" and has some JCrew clothes. The clothes are classic and very nice. My husband wears chinos, casual dressy pants and button down shirts exclusively so he likes the clothes they offer. They often throw in some fun pieces, like the patchwork vests from last fall/winter and the unionsuits and their wool coats and he usually loves those too (with the exception of those crazy printed pants and jeans, he refuses to wear jeans). I enjoy shopping JCrew for him every season... and his bday is coming up soon!
ReplyDeleteI also think that most of the JCrew models are easy on the eye ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the detailed info, FFM!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading about all the CS problems, I would like to avoid it but guess there's no way getting around it.
Best,
Patrick
aah they finally sent out a men's only catalog!!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know what the male model's name is? (The guy in the pictures at the top of the page...) I think he's a great addition to the J Crew family. I hope they keep him around...
ReplyDeleteThe model's name is Kelly Rippy.
ReplyDeletecool!he also looks that the guy from american idol
ReplyDeletehttps://mushroomsoneupbars.com/
ReplyDelete