"Thanks!" to Anonymous at 9:39 AM (a J.Crew Employee) in the "Seek & Find: Will you visit J.Crew this Weekend?" post who shared with us the following defining what is a "sale price" and "promotional price" at J.Crew stores:hi all. I just wanted to clear up a common point of confusion regarding sale items vs. Promotional items. Customers always confuse these two, and rightly so! An item on promotion is temporarily marked down, whereas a sale item is permanently marked down. The way you can tell the difference at J. Crew is that the prices on sale items end in 99 cents, whereas promo prices end usually in 00 or 50. Also, promo prices are not combined with any of the additional percentages taken off sale items, as technically, they are not on sale. I know the website puts promo prices in the sale section, or at least they used to. I don't know why but I know it is confusing! So if you go this weekend, know that the cords that are currently $69.50 will not be 40% off. You might know this already, but I know our store has had a lot of inquiries about this lately and I thought it might help. There are lots of great promos AND sales going on right now, so come check them out!
First, I always thrilled to hear from a J.Crew employee. Second, I appreciate the clarification between the promotional and sale price since I was confused about the difference (in terms of applying the "additional percent off"). Especially since J.Crew.com's final sale section does display some promotional sale items, which made me think there was no difference between the two. For example, the Chino Cooper jacket (Item 96789; was $98.00 now $78.00) is in the final sale section (under "blazers") online but has a promotional price (since it ends in $.00).
What are your thoughts on "promotional" versus "sale" prices? Do you think J.Crew makes it clear (either in their stores or online) that there is a difference between the two price types, in terms of what additional promotions it can be applied with?
To add to the confusion, my 20% discount for making an appointment with a personal shopper applied to the "promotional" Ecole jacket without a problem - although I guess that's not too confusing, since it is a blanket discount that applies to everything.
ReplyDeleteAnon-
ReplyDeleteSo you are saying you got the 25% off promo price and then they gave you the 20% off personal shopper discount? Pretty good deal if that's true!
Anonymous at 10:52AM: I thought the Personal Shopper 20% off discount was suppose to be applied to regular priced items only. So it is a bit confusing (and wonderful!) that the PS 20% got applied to your Ecole jacket with the promotional price. :)
ReplyDeleteI really seems like it depends on the store and how helpful/ nice the PS is! We had an experience were my husband was buying 2 men's shirts at what he thought was a "promotional price", but it turned out the sign was only meant for some shirts on the table (of course, he didn't read the small print!). But when my husband questioned the PS about the price, they ended up giving him the promo price because the sign was misleading. Good customer service in that case - it was only like a $10 difference, but it left us feeling good when we left the store - totally worth it to keep J Crew on my husband's good side so he doesn't mind me shopping there!!
ReplyDeleteAlexis, my PS also applied the 20% to the Watson pants, which were on promo for $59.50, and to the trouser jeans which were on promo for $79.50. I also had some full price items in there, so maybe that's why he did it. Or maybe it was just to be nice! :)
ReplyDeleteMost of the time they have the promotional items with the regular items with a special sign at the B&M stores. Usually the price tag is not changed either since the promotion will end at some point and they will be regular price again. That's how it is at the stores I go to anyway.
ReplyDeleteThis is anon at 10:52 again - yes, I was surprised too! The PS gave me 20% off on everything, including some final sale trouser jeans that were also an additional 30% off at the time, and the promotional Ecoles (I bought a couple of them).
ReplyDeleteI just wish the web customers would see more promotional prices. Definitely seems that B&M stores have more promotions.
ReplyDeleteI was intrigued by the Astrid herringbone suit in Sweet Potato, especially because it was 20% off when it first showed up on the web. After getting over my initial doubts that I could wear an orange suit (thanks, Hillary!) I was disappointed to see that it was dropped from the promo. (Why have a 2-day promo?) I called my "local" B&M and it was not on promo there, but they were getting low on sizes. I hope that it goes back on promo soon.
hexicon: My b&m had all suiting on 20% promo. It's the King of Prussia store, 610-265-0210 if you want to give them a call (or ask CS to!).
ReplyDeleteI think the employees have to know and understand the policies in order to correctly apply the discounts. The discounts are manual, instead of the computer recognizing that a particular item is on promo and a discount cannot be applied to it without, say, an override. That seems to explain why some SAs apply a blanket 15% student discount or 20% PS discount. Who knows.
ReplyDeleteWhat I *do* know is the CS ordered an XS in a final sale item and I just saw that on the item. I haven't seen XS in 5 years and there is no way that size would fall off my lips. I reached a great rep, Alicia, who said she would *try* to canx the item but could not guarantee it. She re-ordered the correct size and was also able to make a note on my previous order that I can return the incorrect size.
Then I asked where she is, she said Colorado. I said call center or home. She said home. So my joke/hunch was right -- some reps are at home. I am impressed because I've never heard 'home' sounds anytime I've reached anyone. On the flipside, some reps may sound grouching knowing their mgr isn't in the next cubicle and may only randomly listen in. VERY interesting to me.
Oh jeez -- part of my post didn't make sense. I can't sleep and have been up since 4:30p.
ReplyDeleteI meant to say that on my order yesterday the CS selected a size XS, but it was wrong. I realized it when I saw my confirmation email this morning and was able to get the correct size. My main point, obviously, was about her changing the final sale to allowing me to return the correct size & the fact that she works at home.
Sometimes, it seems like promotional items go on sale forever. Awhile back, they had the featherweight merinos on promotion for 59.50, and they're still that way. I think it's been at least a month? I used to think promotional meant "new permanent price that we're just not going to mark down." But maybe it's just my store that has that tendency. :)
ReplyDeleteFFM: Was it you that said you really liked the pleated tissue tanks?
ReplyDeleteOT - oooooh I am hopping mad, this topic has been beat to death, but I am seriously ticked. Ordered the paintbrush floral belle skirt - did not get my hopes up as everyone has said, however received an email two days ago that it had shipped. Was very happy...today, received an email that there was a problem with the order and that it did not ship - shows as returned on the website. Of course it is gone now - I feel like they got my hopes up then crushed them under that ugly chocolate curl flat shoe. UGGH. I asked them to look for it in the stores...does that every work for anybody? They said that because of the final sale they were so backed up that orders got delayed going out etc blah blah blah. I did get free shipping on the rest of my order, but I am still sad. Thanks for letting me get this out.
ReplyDeleteOk I have a question J Crew experts. Since items tend to be cheaper in the stores, can I go to a store and order on the phone the same items for sale in the store but in a Tall?
ReplyDeleteanon@11:35: The King of Prussia store had some paintbrush floral Belles in different sizes - 610 265 0210. Let us know how it works out!
ReplyDeleteMichelle - thanks so much for the tip. I just called and they don't have my size in the paintbrush floral belle - you are so sweet for giving me the info though!
ReplyDeleteOT- i have kind of a lame question for you guys, just wanted to get opinions... i bought a navy gabardine suit (jacket, pants, and skirt) on sale recently with extra 30% off, so total it was about $190. i am going back to law practice next year so i won't wear it until at least then. my husband thinks i should not have bought it because it is such a long time from now that i will get to use it, but i couldn't pass up the deal. also i am planning to have a baby next year and i don't know if this will change my permanent size (chest, etc.) finally, i have a very strict clothing budget and if i return it, i can spend this extra $200 on something i can use right now!
ReplyDeletewhat do you think? is it likely that jcrew suiting prices will keep going up (like everything else) or i can get a really good deal again next year? thanks for the help!!
A quick note about ordering promotional items online - I'm not sure if this has come up yet but the 15% off discount code "FALL" seems to work even though they're not full price!
ReplyDeleteanon 12:03 - If it was me, I would return. There is no way to know what size you will be after baby. Some people snap right back to their previous size, some take years and even if you lose all the weight, your measurements may not be the same. For ex: After about 2 years I was down to my regular weight but pre-baby I was ruler shaped and now even though I weigh the same I am very much more hourglass.
ReplyDeleteI would not want the presurre of trying to fit into that suit hanging over my head lol but I suppose you could always sell it on ebay
I don't think the promotional items should be in the Final Sale section if they aren't eligible for the extra % off...that's deceiving, IMO.
ReplyDeletemelanie: Yes, I have several of the pleated jersey tanks in size XS...they run big and I would get an XXS if they made them. I have noticed a little shrinkage (in this case it's a good thing) if you put them in the dryer instead of line drying them. I purchased them for about $17.50 each. :) I am actually wearing the Sea Salt Silky Jersey today tucked into my BR black cropped pants (now on sale for $19.99), Serengeti Belt and Serengeti Capri Sandals, Gold Accessories, and my Jackie in Honey Glaze.
FFM- you are so fashionable! i love your outfit ideas. i hope your boys appreciate how nice their mommy looks!
ReplyDeleteAnon@11:49: After much, much struggle, I was able to get them to match a store sale price on a petite catalog item. I persevered only because the price difference was $150. So you could try, but it will be a hassle. If you can call from the store, so much the better.
ReplyDeleteAnon@12:03, Although I expect that prices will continue to go up, I find that J.Crew fall suiting very reliably goes on sale after the holidays. JMHO-If you are on a very strict clothing budget and could use the money to buy something you'd wear now, you might want to wait on purchasing a suit until you need it.
(Also, I don't mean to be a downer but I've learned the hard way that planning one's clothing issues around the possibility of getting pregnant doesn't make sense--I have a lot of shift suiting dresses that I despise due to the failed assumptions they represent.)
So I say live in the moment and buy something you'll enjoy today! :-)
oh you guys are so right, you are definitely backing up my gut feeling! i would really hate if i could not wear the suit after baby. plus, it's just navy wool, nothing special that i will miss if i cant find it again! i guess it's kind of like buying clothes that are too tight hoping you will lose weight- always a bad experience for me. thanks so much for the advice! now i can save up for that jamie bag i've been drooling over...
ReplyDeletemelissa: Thank you so much for the compliment! :)
ReplyDeletemelanie: Sorry! I misread your question...I don't have the Pleated Tissue Tanks, just the Silky Jersey Pleated Tops...SORRY!
FFM- you're welcome! on the silky jersey tanks: 1) what an awesome deal you got and 2) is the sea salt more white or ivory? thanks!
ReplyDeletemelissa: The Sea Salt and White are VERY similar...surprisingly so, actually. The Sea Salt is more *off-white* than Ivory, but still very pretty. :)
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have the watercolor skirt? I ordered it, but J.Crew failed to include it in my package - grr!
ReplyDeleteI did order the green tweed sparkle skirt, but was underwhelmed given the $175 price tag. I'd buy this skirt if it drops under $100, but will have to have it shortened since I despise skirts that hit below the knee.
I think I could love the felted wool minis, if only J.Crew didn't have such a drastic interpretation of "mini." 16 inches is too bloody short. I loved the plaid minis from last fall's Highland catalogue, but didn't buy any of them for the same reason. Come on, J.Crew, just give us a couple of inches more :-)
OT again- not trying to completely derail this conversation, but i am wondering, what have your experiences with post-baby body changes been? not the weight exactly, but permanent changes. i've heard your rib cage and feet can get bigger! i'm nervous to make too many clothing purchases if i wont be able to wear them in a year. i am very petite on top, 32A, and usually wear xs/0 in jcrew sweaters, tops, and jackets. but could this change? ahh so scary. if you've had kids, can you still wear your pre-baby jcrew stuff? sorry for the OT!!
ReplyDeleteanon@12:36- no kids here, but everyone changes differently. if you are planning to get pregnant soon, maybe it is a good idea to hold off on major purchases, especially structured pieces like suits.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have (or can see) pictures of the "new dream" items? I see them listed under the sale but no pictures! :(
ReplyDeleteAlso, does anyone know if the "bright berry" color for the beach dresses is pink or red?
Thanks!
Silver_Lining: That is great to hear the PS 20% off being applied to promotional prices too! :) Congrats on the trouser jeans too (I love the trouser style!) :)
ReplyDeleteGigiofca: Thanks for letting us know that some CS work from home- I find that interesting. :)
Anonymous at 11:35 AM: Feel free to vent your frustrations any time. :) (I also completely understand the feeling of looking forward to an item arriving only to find out it may be canceled.)
Anonymous at 11:49 AM: You should be able to get the store price for the same item you order over the red phone. :)
ANON-11:35-
ReplyDeleteI have only had ONE item ever found in a "we will find it for you" and I have done this SO MANY TIMES I cannot even count. They NEVER find it--I personally think "we will find it" is a joke and that the sales people prob determine whether they want to say they have the item. If it is AT ALL a "HOT" item which with my wonderful taste--it always is (that was a joke--kind of:) they inevitably do not find it. If you want it badly--like I wanted Spring's white canvas Fiona that ran so large I had to keep buying a size down until I found I needed a 2 and every one in the country seemed to be out of--I got on the phone and called all of the large stores MYSELF and found it! Okay I am done with the RANT:)
Oh wait--no I am not! I have been ordering the sale stuff left and right (with add'l 40% off-LOVE IT!) They keep adding new stuff every time I turn around (I am sick in the head--I know it). What's up with some of the pics not showing on the website?? Then something being there in every size (that you know was TOO popular to be on sale now for only $39.99 available in every size) and then suddenly disappears from the sale page--right before your eyes!
Ha--believe it or not--I should not complain-I continue to order from them like a nut case and EVERY time I call I get the NICEST CS people and they always honor all of my requests-I do LOVE J Crew:)
Melanie 11:35 and FFM-
ReplyDeleteThanks to FFM I got like 5 colors in the pleated top for sale price $34.99 plus 40% off-YES $20.99! I haven't even tried it on (which sounds crazy-I know) but I seem to size down in all of J Crew's clothes. What's up with the sizing--SO BIG! DO they want us all to feel great about ourselves or what:)?? I usually wear a small or size 4 blouse but I got these in xs as that is SO often what I take in their clothing.
Good luck--have CS call a store (particularly FFM's store in Orlando) while you are waiting on the phone and they will confirm sale price and that the store is having 40% off and you will get them for $20.99!
LOVE IT!
It would help if they put an expiry date beside the promotional item, so you know when the item is coming off promotion.
ReplyDeleteanon @12:36: OMG!!! YES it's all true! My ribcage was NEVER the same again. While I did go back down to my pre-babies weight, my body will never be the same again. Some dresses that I wore before the kids, I cannot get zipped past my ribcage now, but I weigh the same. Also, my body is not as tight as it was then. So things grip more in different places (wrong places) than they used to. (Not to completely terrify you of child baring) :)
ReplyDeleteAll that being said, the sweaters/cardigans are not a problem. So I would say you're safe there. I would return the suit too and get what appeals to you at the moment. Like hex said, the suits will go on sale again. ;)
Oh, gigi: That is so interesting that the home thing was confirmed. I had heard about it on GMA. Then read about the crew outsourcing call center needs to a company that employs people from home. Then finally a couple of days ago, I called CS and (while I also have never heard "home noises") it sounded as though the woman had picked up the call on speaker phone from her kitchen because it was so hollow and echo-y sounding...like a kitchen. And so I wondered the SAME thing! That is too funny..I would take that job if I could prepare dinner for the fam and pull an income at the SAME TIME! :)
ReplyDeleteweab- that's what i'm afraid of! i wish this was all more common knowledge. i know it's inevitable but it would be nice to know what to expect! thanks so much for your input
ReplyDeleteweab: That you you can have the discount too!
ReplyDeleteFFM
ReplyDeleteI was at my b&m today and picked up the blue belle skirt for $30.00! It was marked down to $59.00, and then with the extra 40% and my 15% teacher discount it was too awesome a deal to leave. And, it's washable! Whoo hoo! Needless to say, I never made it to Old Navy, but thanks for your input on their version!
I've worked in Retail. I strongly believe that the confusion is completely intentional, and a lot of Retailers do it. It's a form of bait and switch. It's a way to get you in, get you excited, and then, once they've got you, the convoluted pricing is explained. But now you're 'in the door' and will probably want to buy something.
ReplyDeleteIt is very easy to label and communicate pricing to consumers clearly. Companies chose not to do it, because it's a way to get you in that 'OMG A SALE!'mood, while remaining free from accountability once the pricing is fully understood by the customer.
I am thinking maybe the CRSs who ask customers to call from a Red Phone to get store promotion are the ones working from home. They do not have another line to reach the store and confirm without hang up to their customers. Does this make sense?
ReplyDeleteSOO FRUSTRATED!! So I called about the personal shopper appt. The 1800 line said yes, you can combine the 20% off with your student discount. I thought great!! I asked if you could also get the additional discount of opening up a JCrew card with the purchase. THey said yes! So i went ahead and made an appointment with my local store. I was there for over an hour trying on tons of cute stuff I LOVED. THen comes the time to pay....and what do you know, they tell me no, you cannot combine ANY of those discounts together. It is ONLY one at a time. So if I wanted to open a JCrew card, I got NO OTHER DISCOUNT. Or if I wanted to use the 20% off personal shopper discount, no other discount there either. SO frustrated! What a waste of time. I told them I was told differently, and they basically acted like I was crazy. So I said well fine, I will go home and place an order where I can use the FALL code for 15% off plus my student discount for 15% off and it will be cheaper. THey were really annoyed. Shouldn't I be the one to be annoyed??? ANyone else with these experiences?
ReplyDeletehas anyone bought the pleated tissue tanks (97011) that are on sale right now? or the luxe knit top - not on sale (96810)
ReplyDeleteI am sure everyone's post baby experience are different, but I don't think my body is really any different at all. However, I did notice that while I was pregnant, the styles shifted considerably and I wasn't happy with anything I purchased before.
ReplyDeleteJust do yourself a favor and don't wear your favorite shoes while pregnant. I wore all of mine and stretched them out. I guess my feet swelled gradually because I didn't notice a change while I was pg. However, I slipped on my favorite heels to go out 3 days after having the little one and couldn't even keep them on my feet!
Had to giggle - on the website in the sale section they have French terry pullovers - with Thinsulate for $235 - I think that is a major glitch!
ReplyDeleteHi anon @12:36 your body does change in ways you can't predict. After both my sons my weight and dress size went back what it was before I got pregnant. But some things spread and somethings get smaller.
ReplyDeletekitsmommy is right. You'd be surprised how much clothing styles change in 2 years (e.g. you buy it now, pregnant this time next year and then the following year you don't like the style any more). As for shoes, I couldn't wear heels when I was pregnant, my balance was all off
anon at 3:27, I just tried looking that item up and didn't see it. Sorry I missed that laugh. I did see the yoga hoodie for $78, which is also a laughably high price... I'm sad to see J.Crew take this path - their stuff is just becoming ridiculously overpriced, and some what, two? three? months after an alleged website upgrade, they're still getting so much many things wrong.
ReplyDeleteIf it weren't so very, very humid here today, I'd put on my beloved Bella just to improve my J.Crew cheer... :-)
silver_lining pointed this ebay seller out to me in another post. He just sold a Felica jacket for $180! How are they able to sell new, just out items at such a discounted price?
ReplyDeleteMelanie: I often wonder how certain eBay re-sellers get a hold of certain J.Crew merchandise. Some have been known to offer new arrivals before J.Crew even lists those items on their website or catalog.
ReplyDelete(I should add that not all ebay sellers or resellers are questionable, just a small few who really make me question them.) :)
Even though I am at my prebaby weight after 7 years my ribcage is still larger...i.e. evening dresses prior to baby do not fit and I finally realized they never will and just gave them away....also I wore a 10 narrow since I was 17 and now after the baby at age 29 I wear a 10 1/2...some medium width and some narrow. I also had little to no hips and now I have some which is nice!
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I think quite a few of us wonder that same thing - there is one seller in particular who lists stuff before it's even on the website or in stores, and always at ridiculously inflated prices. Usually the items are listed as direct from J.Crew and "not bought in store or on-line" which is even more confusing, since that would seem to imply directly bought from J.Crew, en masse....
ReplyDeleteStill having problems here with my August orders! I had emailed to ask about my 8/9 order - got an email saying it was shipped 8/21 (coincidentally the day I emailed). Today I get an email saying the same order was shipped today.
ReplyDeleteTheir system is whack!!!
Their system is a disgrace. I placed an order in late july - it took over a week just to ship it, and then two items were missing.
ReplyDeleteI suspect the promos on fall items is a reflection of needing to make up profit for having botched so many orders the past two months (let's not kid ourselves - the markups are so high, even at a promo price JCrew is making money off the items). Plus a need to soothe all the customers who were turned off JCrew the past two months.
Has anyone dealt with this ebay seller: siopsynsam2005? This seller has handfuls of bella jackets on sale, which makes me curious.
ReplyDeleteOT: Has anyone noticed that the picture of the plum Astrid on the "bust" form looks like the top right pocket is crooked??? Couldn't they pick a jacket that was made correctly? or is it just not placed properly...Geez..you think for the picture they could get it right! Knowing my luck, I'd order it and get this defective one!
ReplyDeleteI just received an email saying that my order of Aug 7 shipped today, but I received it over a week ago and was never charged for it. I called CS, she was new she could not help me, I finally got to a supervisor. They cannot assure me that it has not shipped out twice, I have onlt being charged once.
ReplyDeleteThe supervisor was great, however it still makes me want to hold off from ordering until the system is stable.
la belle helene- i bought a bella from siopsynsam2005 a few weeks back. everything was fine! the shipping was bad but i think she's in singapore. the only bad thing was she requested a signature for delivery, which i missed while at work, so i had to go to the post office to get it. i bet you could request her not to do that though.
ReplyDeleteAmazingly I got a tracking number for the order I placed YESTERDAY!! However, the honey glaze cord skirt isn't part of that order. It looks like they are shipping it separately. Not sure why exactly since it doesn't state that it is waitlisted. Hmmmm...the confusion continues.
ReplyDeleteFFM: I am actually wearing my Black Silky Jersey today tucked into my British Khaki Stretch Cropped Chinos, Sergenti belt and sandals, gold accessories (no cardi because it is 90 degrees out!!)
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa! The shipping is high, but that makes sense if it's coming from across the Pacific.
ReplyDeleteWhich color bella did you get? I got the azalea, black and charcoal last fall. I just adore the style.
i got the brown one, i can't remember the color but it was herringbone i believe. love it!
ReplyDeletedon't know if any of you are jezebel readers, but they do a review of the new catalog here today: http://jezebel.com/5043504/september-is-here-j-crew-celebrates-with-cardigans-and-kids.
ReplyDeletesometimes they rip catalogs apart but this one is good!
Did the Bella run TTS? I'm always between sizes and can't decide to go up or down??
ReplyDeleteWas there no difference between your Bella and the one from the store?? Just worried about authenticity
ReplyDeleteMelissa: I couldn't help but laugh at the part where she goes "Gah! My ovaries!" Those little boys were so adorable!
ReplyDeletehey jcrewbug: I have bellas in my normal size, and one size up. it depends on how you want to wear it in my experience. If you want to wear a tee/button-down shirt under it, TTS is fine. If you want to wear it more like a coat with a sweater under it, I would go a size up.
ReplyDeleteHope that helps!
BTW - Hi la belle! I haven't seen you on the blog in awhile...:)
Hi Kater,
ReplyDeleteI've been in China for the past month, and out of commission on this blog! Good to be back!
Was it you who was going to write Drexler as part of the Bella
Appreciation Club? I recall that as one of the last posts I was part of, but can't remember all the details (I've only been back two days, and am still trying to adapt to a 12-hour time change :-)
jcrewbug- i think it's the same. i missed the bella last year so i didnt see it in person. but i checked the label, it's ok (not factory), and the buttons are leather-covered (i posted before i didn't think they were, but i checked again and they are)... if any doubt i guess email the seller. i am happy with mine though ;)
ReplyDeleteon another note- i am desperately searching for a v-neck cardigan in the charcoal heather or similar dark gray color. can't find any on jcrew or anywhere else. any ideas?
wow china? that's amazing...how was it???
ReplyDeleteI was going to write mickey about the bellas, but blumre ended up writing a group letter from the aficionadas, and included it. Also, they brought the bella back this fall at the outlets. They have a cord version, as well as velvet - both of which are pretty bad. Unlined and thus don't hold their shape. The whole herringbone version is pretty good though! I didn't notice much of a difference at all - it's fully-lined, has the leather colored buttons, etc. The colors I saw for sure were reddish and the black& white mix. I'm going to the outlets this weekend though, and will write a full report. Hopefully by then I will have added another bella - albeit the outlet one - to my collection!
I completely understand J.Crew wanting to 'feature' certain items and therefore the promotion on them. All stores do this and possibly different demographics require different promotion items. But as some have said their needs to be more of an identification as to what is final sale or sale as opposed to a promotional item.
ReplyDeleteWith so many of us shopping on the website we are at the site's mercy and honestly the site has been, pardon me, a wee bit bipolar. With some getting this and others getting that.
J.Crew .. how about some consistency? That would make so many of us happy.
colored = covered. sorry!
ReplyDeleteKater,
ReplyDeleteI know the factory stuff gets panned on here, and I've been guilty, too, but to be fair, I've also found good stuff at the FS, including a wool-blend jacket (the same blend, I checked, as they often sell in regular stores) that's beautiful and well-made. I don't go to a FS that often because it's not convenient for me, but it seems like the pricier stuff is better made than the t-shirts and lightweight sweaters, for example.
Now you totally make me want to hit the FS this weekend, if there's a Bella clone in play. Partly also because I'm feeling nostalgic for the whole Paris catalogue, because frankly, I was underwhelmed by Sept. 08 :-)
la belle: to be a complete enabler, the outlet has lots of versions of things from the paris catalog. Some are better than others (the outlet emilia is cotton/silk rather than just silk), the ruffled jumper that I never got isn't wool, the merino turtleneck dress is WAY too thin, etc. But there is a version of the Dani peacoat that I thought was pretty good, and of course, the herringbone bella...:) I think I'm going to be trying on a ton, and will write a full report when I get back...;)
ReplyDeleteAll right, Kater, you just sealed a weekend excursion for me :-)
ReplyDeleteI actually took out my copy of Sept. 07 just to compare it to Sept. 08, and realized again that there's pretty much something on every page of Sept. 07 that I want - including that lovely Dani peacoat.
Just an observation here, but I think part of what I love about Sept. 07 is that in nearly every picture the model is smiling. In Sept 08, the models all look so serious/sad/sulky. I guess I am definitely much more susceptible to smiles when it comes to selling clothes :-)
hi la belle helene...welcome back! i was thinking the same thing about this new catalog's models looking sort of sad and somber. in fact all the settings look depressing to me too. i just grabbed my sept. 07 catalog (which just so happens to be right next to my computer) and you're right, they are all smiling, rosey cheeked and all...a much happier vibe :)
ReplyDeleteccbmum,
ReplyDeleteI was especially struck buy this contrast: Look at the model on page 13 of Sept. 08 selling the tweed ecole and compare that picture to the model on page 29 of Sept. 07 selling the bella herringbone - much as I appreciate using an older model in the Sept. 08 shoot, geez, why does she look so unhappy in the picture? I think it detracts from the supposed desirability of the jacket. I suspect she is unhappy and thinking "damn, why couldn't they spring for buttons on this jacket?" :-)
oops, I meant struck by, not struck by :-)
ReplyDeleteha ha - am cracking up about "damn, why couldn't they spring for buttons on this jacket?"
ReplyDelete:)
la belle helene: LOL!! i agree...i mean, i'm glad that they used an older model and all but did they ask her to look so depressed? i know she is a beautiful woman and i think they could have done better for all of the models in this catalog...pg. 67 is just an awful pose. lol, i'm being really caddy...maybe it's the glass of wine i had. :o
ReplyDeletepg. 67 is pretty bad, I agree. And look at page 27 - it's like no one wearing the ecole in tweed or velvet is happy :-)
ReplyDeleteI also don't think they made very good use of Prague. I went there six years ago, and it's a beautiful city. Compared to how much use was made of Paris, the Prague shoot might have taken place anywhere, sans the Charles
Bridge pics.
Hi everybody--
ReplyDeleteGigi, I find that very interesting that they work from home! How would that work? (It would never work for me, there'd be all kinds of tantrums and craziness in the backround.
Pregnancy body: I agree that it's different for everybody. I always had an enormous ribcage, so I don't think that changed.
This is unusual, but a woman who gave birth about a week and a half ago stopped into work today (I'm not explaining this right, but she works with me, and is now out on maternity leave). We all think that she actually lost weight from pre-pregnancy, and she confirmed it(she wasn't tiny before, but not huge either). Strange, right?
I would return the suit and start trying to get pregnant.
To all: I picked up a couple of extra copies of the current catalogue, and would be happy to mail them out if anyone doesn't have one.
ccbmum: I am so jealous! The *idea* of having a glass of wine sounds so great, however, I spent almost all day trying to sleep off a hangover, so needless to say, I am banning myself from alcohol tonight! I was out of control last night. Does the fact that I'm 27 make that at least somewhat acceptable??!
ReplyDeleteKater and Melissa: Thanks! So I'm normally a 2 in suit jackets and a 4 in outerwear. What do you suggest for the Bella? I'd probably wear a button down shirt underneath or a thin cardi.
ReplyDeleteAbout that old lady model: I applaud J. Crew for using her, but I think they made her look awful! She *does* look so depressed in the catalog, and her hair and makeup just make her look really old and haggard.
ReplyDeleteRight on, Ashley. In the Sept. 07 catalogue there is a grey-haired woman used (albeit sparingly) but she's well-coiffed and smiling and totally fits in.
ReplyDeleteThe Sept. 08 "older" model wasn't done any favors by the make-up & hair department, that's for sure. She looks haggard both on pg. 13 and 23, which, unless I missed a page, are her only two shots. Way to be inclusive, there, J.Crew!
Kater: I guess what I am trying to say is that I waver between 2 and 4 and it seems like when I'm def a 2 in something the 4 looks bad and when I'm def a 4 in something the 2 doesn't fit at all. So if I order on ebay and no returns - which way should I try my luck?
ReplyDeletehmmmm jcrewbug - this is a tough one. Maybe size up just so you know it will fit? The one that I have that is a size bigger than my normal size is not *that* big of a difference. I think in general, the crew sizing tends to be close. And since others have expressed needing to size up, maybe that's the way to go?
ReplyDeleteI'm nervous I'm telling you the wrong thing though!
jcrewbug, if you want my two cents: I can stand it better if I something hangs a bit loose than if it's tight. There's nothing I hate more in jackets than feeling constricted through the shoulders/arms. If it's a disaster (which I doubt), there's always the possibility to re-sell on ebay - I've done that when I've bought things that don't fit.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kater and La Belle! I went with the 4, I think that is a good choice. I'm very excited!!! A Camel Bella! Finally :)
ReplyDeleteyeah jcrewbug! congratulations! I'm so happy for you! Welcome to the bella club!
ReplyDeletejcrewbug: If you get a good deal on the jacket and it's too big, you can always go get it tailored. It shouldn't be too expensive for a small jacket like that. At least if you go to a mom-and-pop type place. The tailor is my best friend these days. It's like suddenly having a new, cheap piece of clothing when you take in an item that had just sat your closet forever because it never fit you quite right...
ReplyDeleteAshley: You make a great point. Thanks. I'm feeling more confident about the size 4.
ReplyDeleteI agree about those items, I have several pairs of pants that are too long that I would wear way more often if I just took them to the tailor!
Kater: Thanks!!
This is such a great blog!
ReplyDeleteSorry, I'm new and I don't understand what "B&M" means. Could someone explain? Thanks!
BM or B&M is Brick and Mortar retail store. (I didn't know when I first started reading here either, I initially though bowel movement???) :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome!
A shawl cardigan I was eyeing in Final Sale is $89.50. Looks like I'm not getting the 40% off. They hooked me in!
ReplyDeleteCheck it out
Comments?
My sister just told me that she dropped my new J.Crew catalog in the BATHTUB while giving herself a pedicure... I was ready to strangle her. Then after laughing for awhile, she threw it into my room and said "Just Kidding". Not cool.
ReplyDeleteLong time reader, first time post. Just wanted to tell you that I bought two bellas from siopsynsam2005 on ebay. I asked her how she came about having so many bellas! She lives in the Philippines and goes to the factory where some of J Crews items are made. J Crew only buys so many - and she is able to buy the overruns. Hence, how she has "real" bellas. The two she sent me are prefect, true to size, love them! The shipping is high, and I tried to talk her down, but she was firm. Good luck.
ReplyDeletejcrewbug- i am really consistently a 0/xs in shirts, jackets, sweaters. i can wear a small but prefer not to because it feels too big. that said, the bella for me in 0 feels great on its own with a t-shirt or cami, but i can't see anything bulkier being comfortable to wear. definitely not a sweater. HTH!
ReplyDeleteMuch of J Crew's clothing is relatively easy to wear post-baby, especially bottoms. Most fit below the waist (not at the waist) and are more forgiving. I've been able to wear all of my J Crew clothes except for one size 2 empire waisted dress but that's not a big deal since I'm really more of a size 4. BWT, my ribcage is now a bit wider too. I thought I was the only one! I personally think that most of J Crew's clothing is not meant to be worn super tight even though some of the models wear their clothes that way. Their clothes have a more casual cut.
ReplyDeleteI did a search for "dream" b/c I was looking for the dream crewneck sweater with buttons on the shoulder, and it showed up but with a broken image link. I am able to put the item in my shopping cart, but am wondering if it's actually for sale and not out of stock.
ReplyDeleteKatherineD: I am happy to hear your catalog is safe! ;) (I actually get very protective of my catalogs too- so you are definitely not alone.) :)
ReplyDeleteMack: Thanks for letting us know abot siopsynsam2005! :) It makes me want to take a vacation to the Philippines now. (By vacation, of course, I mean a tour of J.Crew's supplier's factories so I can buy all the overruns on the cheap.) ;)
Mack: Thanks for the info! I'm getting really excited about this!
ReplyDeleteMelissa: I have kept your request for a charcoal vneck in mind. I haven't found anything stricking yet but I will let you know. There are several in light gray I've seen but no dark vnecks!
jcrewbug, congratulations on becoming a Bella owner! As an owner of three, it's my belief you can't possibly regret owning this awesome jacket. Your fall wardrobe will be transformed :-)
ReplyDeleteInteresting about the eBay seller in the Phillipines. Nice to hear the background on that one. One of the other eBay sellers (Paisley Petunia) appears to be near J.Crew HQ in Lynchburg VA, and I've had good luck there purchasing items that appear to be samples or high quality store returns. But some of those J.Crew resellers--the stuff must have fallen off a truck. I think at least one of them is a store employee who "takes orders"--note that more than one size is "available."
ReplyDeleteI did have some good luck on eBay this week, though (I've been sticking to my Jcrew.com diet): two of last year's suiting sheaths, BNTW, one espresso ($60) and one black ($40), and the 2006 espresso tall Melrose boots ($80), which are almost identical to this year's Rivington.
For the third time, J.Crew has "lost" my $#%@ing persimmon scoop T-shirt. I think they are taking revenge for my use of a free ship coupon on a $25 purchase.
Hee, Melissa, I love Jezebel (even though I'm a little older than the average reader *blush*). Usually they mock catalogs and ladymags mercilessly, but they were pretty kind to J.Crew this year.
ReplyDeleteHi Hexicon!
ReplyDeleteThe only ebay seller I stay away from is "natedac" because I find the item prices way too high...I don't have a problem with $25 shipping, or whatever it is from the Phillippines, since fuel costs have driven up the prices of shipping, and the prices for the bellas themselves aren't outrageous.
I got a skirt from 2-3 seasons ago on ebay this week, which made me inordinately happy. I'd eyed it when it came out, missed it, and coveted it ever since :-)
Hi, La Belle Helene, Welcome back. (I was just making ringtones from my favorite arias from that opera last night.)
ReplyDeleteYes, I won't go into my long boring story, but let the buyer beware with natedac.
Isn't it fun finding stuff on eBay that we thought we'd never see again? In 2004 I bought a couple of bateau neck tops from BR, wore the heck out of them, found two more BNWT last month on eBay!
Hexicon,
ReplyDeleteEbay is such a great source for adding to my J.Crew loot, especially as I find myself more and more wary of the inflated prices at the store... :-)
Meanwhile I'm taking a peek at sale stuff on Jcrew's website right now, and very irritated that in so many cases, the pictures don't appear. Grrr!
thanks jcrew bug!!
ReplyDeletejcrewbug: congrats on the Bella jacket! Like you, i am in between sizes. Usually I wear a 2 in suit jackets and shirts, but a 4 in outerwear and blazers.
ReplyDeleteI purchased the Bella coat last year in a 4, and it fit well in the shoulders, perhaps a tad wide in the waist/torso area. I am glad to have purchased the larger size because i was able to wear sweaters comfortably underneath, and considering the coat, while cute, is not that warm.
I think i have figured out that my shoulders are broad when it comes to Jcrew outerwear and blazers. For this reason, I bought a 4 in the vintage cord peplum and Fiona jackets though i liked fit of the 2 in the midsection. Overall, I prefer comfort in the back/shoulder area to perfect form in the midsection. I can always have them tailored after all.
cleo26: I appreciate your comment! Sounds like I am exactly like you with fits, etc. It makes it difficult to purchase online, especially final sale items. I think they do a lot of pinning on the models for pictures because their shoulders are wide but their waists are skinny! It's deceiving when deciding on what size to buy.
ReplyDeleteashley: I think it was you who was looking for the paintbrush floral belle skirt. I was in the Center City Philadelphia store at Liberty Place, and they had some of the skirts there. I am not sure what sizes they have or what size you need, but it may be worth a shot. the number is 215 977 7335.
ReplyDeletenatedac also had the floral astrid at a high price and it does NOT even have the ruffle trim on the sleeves...beware!
ReplyDeleteWeab - I have heard about call centers hiring people if they live near the main headquarters. I don't know how J Crew decides who they'll hire. I'd sure answer calls and sell lots of merch from my home office! They need some people who really know about the clothing.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous @ 2:07 - I totally think your hunch is right. CS reps at home can't switch to another like to call a store and verify promos. That makes sense to me.
Anonymous - I haven't purchased the pleated tissue tanks (97011) or the luxe knit top(96810) but I think the latter is really cute and would look good as pictured or tucked in. Or loose/no belt, of course. ;-)
All - I am really happy with the eBay sellers I've worked with in the past couple of months. I have not been disappointed in the least. I *do* recommend, however, asking for a photo of the J Crew tag if you're concerned whether the item is from a Factory Store (FS) or not. Two or three diamonds underneath J Crew indicate factory.