Referencing {FAQ}

Saturday, October 25, 2008

J.Crew's Favorite Things {do you agree?}

J.Crew's homepage has a new flash slideshow, showcasing a few of their favorite things. The following are their picks (w/ corresponding text):
  1. Completely Worth It | Victoria Ruffle Cami | $88 | (so many pleats, so little price) | Buy This Item
  2. Dress Accordingly | Stretch Vintage Bootcut Cord | now $69.50 | (our go-to pant of the season) | Buy This Item
  3. Sheer Bliss | Tissue Turtleneck | only $39.50 | (why not get two and layer them on?) | Buy This Item
  4. Warm Waffles | Featherweight Waffle Tees | only $34.50 | (get them while they're hot) | Buy This Item
  5. Wise Investment | Sherpa-Lined Goosedown Puffer Vest | only $118 | (the finest goosedown, the softest Sherpa-lining -- quality doesn't have to come with a cost) | Buy This Item
  6. Guilty Pleasures | Crystal Garden Bracelets | starting at $75 | (surprise, they only look expensive) | Buy This Item
  7. Happiness Is A Hoodie | Sherpa Hoodie | only $69.50 | (now that's something to feel warm and fuzzy about) | Buy This Item
Although I do not agree with all those items on the list, the Victoria Ruffle Cami and the Crystal Garden Bracelets are definitely a few of my "favorite things"! ;)

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's favorite things? Do you agree or disagree with any of the items selected? How do you think J.Crew selects those items for the list? What are some items you would pick on your favorite things list?

78 comments:

  1. I think these are more of jcrew's favorite things because they ordered a lot of them and they're not moving as fast as they'd like?

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  2. Excellent point Sal...

    A tissue thin turtleneck at almost $50 is not a good buy for me:)

    Someone also commented on the garnden bracelet having stones falling off just taking it out of the box!

    I do love their cords but this just sounds like JCrew is desperate to sell these items and make them sound good....

    I think they are all pretty but just don't like the "pushy" overtones...

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  3. OOPs...sorry the tissue t-neck if only $40...still don't forget to buy two! :)

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  4. Out of these seven things the only two I would buy are the tissue turtleneck and the garden bracelet.

    I have the garden ring in the pink color and i absolutely LOVE it. I wear it on my middle finger, and it's such a statement piece to me! I love how all of the little flowers come together. I usually only wear rings on my ring fingers (and only on my right hand at that, because my left is occupied with my wedding ring), but I feel like I have branched out with this big, fun ring.

    My only reserve about getting the garden bracelet to match the ring is someone's comment about the stones falling off! (Sorry, I forgot who mentioned this). 75$ is a lot to spend on something where the stones are going to fall out. However I save ALL and I mean ALL of my JCrew receipts so I might purchase the bracelet and enjoy wearing it, and if a stone ever falls off I'll enjoy taking it back because it's defective!

    About the tissue turtleneck- I realize you can get a turtleneck other places for a much cheaper cost, but I LOVE the ones from JCrew and will only buy them for three reasons.

    1) They hit at the right length even after washing... all other brands I have tried are either too short to begin with or are too short after washing.

    2) the COLORS! so bright!

    3) the softness! many places the material just isn't as soft!

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  5. I got my turtlenecks last year on super clearance online, they were like $7.50/each: black, purple, white. They're good wardrobe staples to have when it's so cold out!

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  6. I would have to agree with only the victoria cami and the garden bracelet...although I have not received either yet and can't really comment on the quality. I'm hoping they both are very nice. I don't like their cords (they never have fit me, which is odd considering that the jeans do, but I guess it is the cord fabric) and the tissue tees are nice, but at sale prices.

    Anon at 1117 I think I want to order that ring too! I'm glad you love it.

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  7. Re. the tissues turtlenecks, I *know* I bought these (and in the same colors they are offering this winter) for about $20 each (if even that), last season. I guess JC thinks that we "forget" how much we have paid for some items in the past. :)

    I think the puffer is a good deal. Their puffer coats look stylish and come in great colors. The sherpa lining would be bliss! I may have to keep my eyes peeled for these...

    BTW, if anyone is still looking for the "look" of the Lucille boucle, but in a more significant-weight, wool jacket, I found the Soia & Kyo Anissa jacket. Lovely color and more like a heavy coat. When the JC site was acting all wonky I started looking for similar styles.

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  8. OT but nowhere else to post this.

    I just wanted to leave a comment about a recent JCrew experience! Hoping someone at JCrew does read this blog and can correct this practice!

    I ordered two of the flowers by calling the Collection store last week. They were very kind to accept my order over the phone and ship them to me. (They even didn't charge me shipping!) When I received them, the flowers were BEAUTIFUL. I mean I really loved them. However, they were smooshed to smitherines! Whoever put them into the package, also put a heavy cataloge into the box as well! The flowers would have held up with tissue paper inside of the box just fine, if it hadn't been for the big, heavy cataloge! I mean whoever did that must have been having a bad day not to think about that :(
    During the shipping process the cataloge lay on the flowers and completely ruined them. I can't revive them. Any helpful hits would be appreciated.

    On Jcrews behalf, I did call CS and they were kind enough to say that I could ship them back to them and they would waive all shipping costs and they would refund my money. Then the CS girl even was kind enough to give me Dulkin and Derrick's website so I could order one from them. I was sad about my Jcrew version however, because the ones on flowersinthecity.com just don't seem as bright as the ones I got from JCrew (One is even called bright flourescent pink). I did order one from them however, and we will see what it looks like in person when I get it!

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  9. OT: has anyone tried on the stretch wool shift dress (10478)? At one point they were calling it the "Le Tout" dress. It's not at any of my "local" stores.

    I love how comfortable a stretchy dress like this can be, and I like that it's wool rather than mostly synthetic, but I haven't heard good things about the Carrie dress, and this looks like it might have similar capacity for pooch.

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  10. anon @ 11:03 - I agree the overtones sound pushy. Also the 'if you only knew' alienates. Maybe we're still adjusting to the new J Crew. I absolutely adore Target's marketing. It's visually appealing and they create a luxe/upscale lifestyle feeling that's not at all snobbish. And they're doing it with low price merch. Whoever their ad agency is rocks. I'm not equating JC w/Target. Just commenting on how marketing comes across.

    hex - Haven't noticed the stretch wool dress. Very cute. I'll look for it when I am in b&M.

    I like the tissue turtlenecks. If I needed one to wear right away, I would buy it full price. It's nice to get them on sale, of course. I think it depends on how you want your tneck to perform. If you want it as a thin layer between wool then these are perfect. If you want to wear it solo with a skirt, I think these not so much. Too thin in that regard.

    Crystal garden bracelets are so pretty. Too bad pieces may fall off. I prefer the starburst jewelry, though. Very pretty in person, esp the bracelets. I also saw another pretty bracelet in b&m that I can't quite describe. They look like long, thin tiles and there are crystal accents. The bracelets stretch (no clasp) and come in lighter, pastel colors. $55. I think they're resin. You know. Plastic. But don't quote me.

    OT - I reviewed the Aubrey jacket.

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  11. anon @11:35: That's a shame about your flower pins :( I would think that there would be some note to the shipping folks for delicate items such as these. It would be perfect if the pins came in their own small boxes, or even plastic with a fluorescent tag on the plastic wrapping.

    That's interesting about the D&D flowers not being as bright. I'm supposed to be receiving a couple of the sale ones in the mail in the next week or so, but I ordered a darker color and the cotton gardenia from the sale page.

    I hope you get a good result from either D&D or JC!

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  12. i know many people are against these, but i grabbed the tuxedo striped sweatpants last night at the rock store! i seriously got them for $20. i had never even bothered hearing everything about dry cleaning and a $70 price tag. they are so cute on! i actually kind of like the stripe down the side and am glad i tried them on! also, are the tissue turtlenecks super thin? like would i have to layer them or could i only wear one? thanks!

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  13. hex, I received the "Le Tout" and found it to be TTS, great cut on top, full bottom skirt. The hem at the bottom is a little tight, and I'm not sure if it's supposed to be like this - it almost creates a bit of a "lantern" shape. Also, it is unlined and a bit itchy. I'm going to try it on with a slip to see if it cuts down on the itch factor. I didn't get the pooch factor like with the Kate dress, and love the way it looks with a cardigan and wide belt, or styled with the button-down shirt underneath. So I'm still on the fence about it - if it were lined I'd keep it without question.

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  14. Anon @ October 25, 2008 11:17 AM: You know what they say about people who wear rings on their middle finger in psychiatry . . . they spend the most money. Hrm . . .

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  15. Silver Lining, thanks, that is exactly the info I needed. I don't have the "itch" gene, for the most part, so it sounds like it would be a very good purchase for me. Thank you!

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  16. haha, jeff, that's too funny!

    actually i was going to buy it to wear on my ring finger but the small was too big! so i got a medium to wear on my middle finger because it fit better!

    but i did study psychology in college, so i appreciate the thought. it definately doesn't apply though! maybe if it could also mean they would LIKE to spend the most money!

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  17. Victoria cami and turtlenecksa re for sure my favorites this season. As much as I love and adore J crew jewelry, garden braceletes did ot appeal much too me ( I saw them in catalogues, adn then in B&M store). I liked the necklace which is not on website nor in catalogue: it's triple stranded clear beads attached to 2 rhinestone-studded plaques with 2tiny satin bows,and ribbon-tied in the back. I thought it looked precious, but at $150 it was a bit pricey.

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  18. Hi-I just wanted to post my review of the Maggie:

    First impressions-

    Quality piece.
    Whatever this jacket is missing in 'excitement', it makes up for in versatility and functionality. It is simply not a suiting jacket-it just isn't. I was worried about that, but the weight of the fabric is too heavy, and the subtle pleating detail and buttons in the back take it in a 'coat' direction for me.

    The fabric is similar to the Lexington from last year, but slightly heavier. It's like a coat and a blazer got together and had a baby named Maggie.

    The buttons are black on the black jacket.

    The collar is just beautiful. so elegant. The little inner collar is a lovely detail, and adds to the 'coat' feeling of the piece.

    I purchased a size 6, and it is perfect in the shoulders. I can wear a light/medium thickness sweater underneath. I have broad shoulders and a small waist, but the design is 'empire-ish' so the looseness in the waist works.

    The weight and feel of this jacket is perfect for those in warm climates to use as a coat at night. Colder climates can use it spring/summer/fall outdoors, or indoors if you're in one of those homes where the owners keep it at 62 to save heating costs.

    My only regret is not buying the tall for comparison. I am 5' 10", and would like the extra length in the torso. Often the talls can look shlumpy on me, but I feel like I'd like to try one.

    All in all, this is worth the money. I love it. It's just one of those things you can grab and look pulled together instantly without having to think about it.

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  19. Re -- the Tuxedo sweatpants, did anyone else notice that now the website says "machine wash"?! So weird.

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  20. my tuxedo sweatpants say machine wash cold, gentle cycle, with like colors. and yes i am wearing them now haha

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  21. Alexis - I was wondering if it is my computer or is the main blog page taking very, very long to load - I leave the computer for a few minutes. Is it just me?
    Thanks.

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  22. do the tissie T-necks run TTS?-they look a little big to me-thanks

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  23. Alexis: I have been having the same problem it is taking a long time to load.

    Tissue turtleneck run TTS, I don't mind paying fp for something that is versatile you can dress it up or dress it down, and it is easy to clean.

    I love the cords, and also the Sherpa Hoodie. Again, these items I wear alot and are very comfortable.

    I agree the price is steep, but I also look at how many times and ways that I can wear the item to see if it warrants paying the full price. If not, I wait for a promotion or sale.

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  24. I guess I'm one of the lone dissenters, but I am just not a fan of tissue turtlenecks. They are too thin to look good on their own, and I just don't ever wear turtlenecks under sweaters and such. And why would you wear TWO tissue turtlenecks at once, like J. Crew suggests? I don't understand. It sounds like it would be very constricting on your neck...

    I do, however, love the Victoria ruffle cami. But even more than that, I LOVE my dream Stephanie cardigan in light spearmint. The color is lovely, and the shape and cut are totally me. Not that that means anything to anyone here since you don't know me IRL, but I highly suggest at least trying it. It's totally casual, cozy chic.

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  25. OT: I haven't been keeping up with the comments on this blog for the last few days, so someone might have already caught it, but I just saw the Rose Chiffon graphic tee on the JC website. I got really excited, but then it turns out they only have the sea salt color that says "seize the day" (which I already have through "we will find it for you" because I thought "sea salt" was the same thing as the "champagne" color. boo.). So anyway, false alarm there.

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  26. ashley, I've been eyeing the Stephanie - would you say it's TTS? I like the idea of a longer cardigan in theory, but the merino glass button-down was oversized to say the least, even in an XS!

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  27. I don't like any of the picks that J.Crew featured, for me. Out of the list, the ones that piqued my interest were the tissue tee and the Victoria. I do like their tissue tees but hate turtlenecks. And the Victoria didn't look right on me. :(

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  28. Silver_Lining: I find the dream Stephanie to run TTS. I wear an XS in most JC sweaters/cardis, and took an XS in this one as well. I also like how it is longer, but not *too* long. I totally agree that those glass button merino cardis were GIGANTIC! I looked like I was wearing a bathrobe or something when I tried it on. :-)

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  29. For the poster whose flowers were crushed during shipping; call D&D and ask them how they would revive the flowers. I bet they will till you to either spritz them with water or lightly stem them and fluff the flowers. But yea, call the company that makes 'em, I am sure they have come across that once or twice.

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  30. ashley, I agree with you...not a fan of the JCRew tissue turtleneck...

    turtlenecks are to keep warm and to me not a fashion piece when they are too thin to wear alone...

    I prefer LLBean or Land's End for quality, lasting turtlenecks...you can wear them alone or underneath a sweater so more bang for your buck! Lots of colors too...and various fabric combos to pick from...even ones that skim the body and are more fitted to ones that are a big more "comfy"

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  31. Lands End & LL Bean have no style.

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  32. anon 12:27, thank you so much for the Maggie review! The only color I was interested in was that grey (heather graphite? heather silver?) that was on .com for like, a day. Nobody in CS seems to know anything about it - so irritating! I was hoping to get my hands on one just to see what it's like - I tried the Lexington last winter and although I LOVED the fabric, the cut/fit was just not for me - I'm more of a jacket than blazer kind of girl. Oh well - I'll keep my eye out for this elusive grey Maggie!

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  33. casual-crew: I was wondering how the sherpa hoodie fits. I am thinking about purchasing it and wasn't sure if it really was all that comfy and warm like they advertised it to be... Also is it something you feel like is going to last you a long time (if you wear it regularly)- quality wise I mean? Thanks.

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  34. Hi guys...just wanted to share one of my new favorite items from JCrew. There's a new coat that is the same material as the Lucille coat and it's a really pretty fuschia pink color. It's very different...the collar wraps around like a scarf. It is absolutely gorgeous. I first saw it at the Garden State Plaza store (since they get all the new merchandise first). I went back the next day to purchase it and they had shipped them all to the collection store in the city. Luckily, they were nice enough to ship it to me. The price tag is a bit steep at $398, but with my teacher discount, I thought I'd treat myself to an early Christmas gift.

    On a side note, the manager at Garden State said their newly renovated store will open on Nov 18 and they will have the next new shipment of holiday items, including some sequin v-neck tops that are absolutely to die for!! I'll keep everyone posted!

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  35. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  36. anon 2:51 - The hoodie runs a little small due to the sherpa lining, and it is fitted, but I ordered my usual sweatshirt size, and I can wear a light layer underneath along with a Tee.

    The quality is very good, and it is warm. The sleeves are not lined in Sherpa, just regular material. I figure when the weather gets cold I can wear it underneath my puffer vest.

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  37. I really love their sherpa hoodies (I have one from Spring 2008 I think)

    Jewelry-I have two Jcrew bracelets (charm and zebra bracelet) and I don't intend to buy more (not even on sale, they are way to bulky and heavy, I couldn't type on my laptop with the charm bracelet on my wrist)

    I love their Victoria cami (it's NOT a unique design though! Nordstrom has a simiar designer cami-same ruffles in their window. I took a picture of it )


    Cords- LOVE THEM. Have two pairs so far, great fit, great selection of colors!

    Vest-LOVE IT. I have it in black, it's one of my favorite pieces.


    Tissue turtleneck-the price for a cotton tissue turtleneck is ridiculous. It's beyond ridiculous. It's a COTTON TURTLENECK, nothing special about it, even if I do layer it.....

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  38. anon 2:51 - Yes the hoodie will last more than 1 season.

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  39. Has anyone seen the Felicia coat on sale in stores? Just curious! It's been out awhile, but other coats that haven't been out as long are already on sale. Thanks for any help!

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  40. I find it interesting that all of these items except one are priced below $100. I think J Crew is trying to appeal to our wallets!

    I'm not big on the turtlenecks because I don't need the warmth of a turtleneck where I live. The bracelets are cute but not $75 cute!

    I think essentials should have included at least one blazer or long coat, a cardigan, and boots!

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  41. I have six pairs of bootcut cords that I bought last year on FS after having an older pair that I wore to death. I love them but since I have so many I would only buy another if a great deal.

    I also bought several of the tissue turtleneck on last year's final sale and they are really versatile. I do wear a turtle under some sweaters so a regular weight cotton version would be too much. Turtlenecks look great on me and if I can get these on sale again this year I will buy more. JC has the best colours.

    I bought a couple of the featherweight waffle tees last year and I wouldn't buy them again. Extremely thin, I put my fingernail through the sleeve of one when taking it off, and I don't have long nails, that's how thin they were. Maybe they have improved the quality this year...

    I have the sherpa hoodie in M and I found it ran small, I cannot zip it over my bust and I'm only a 34C. I don't live in the US so returning items is a real pain, I'll just kept it and will likely donate it to goodwill.

    The down garments I have purchased in the past have lasted for years and are of good quality and really warm. They run TTS.

    I don't wear costume jewellery but have considered the pearls. Anyone have a review of their pearl items?

    OT - I tried to shop on the website today and it won't load any pages. When they revamped their website this summer I wrote to complain and received a very unpolite reply. It was certainly an off-putting experience and it looks like they still don't have their act together. Another lost sale from me today.

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  42. Like Sal, I purchased the tissue turtlenecks for under $10 bucks a pop during last year's final sale, so I won't be spending three or four times that this year.

    With each "favorite" item, the advertising downplays the price--"so little price" or "they only look expensive"--or overplays the value or quality--"so worth it" or "wise investment." The prices have gotten pretty steep for the average middle-income customer, as most of us agree, and the quality is off and on (some things are great, others, like beading popping out of jewelry or taped hems, can be questionable). I've seen quite a few of these items in person--the Victoria pleated camis, for example, are very pretty, but $88?
    I have to pay my mortgage first.

    I don't think they'd need to use such advertising if the items were moving, or if they kept prices slightly more reasonable. So, like last season, I'll wait for my tissue turtlenecks to be $10, not $40! And frankly, that's about what they're worth.

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  43. And their danged website is down again. Unbelievable.

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  44. OT: I received my Domino magazine today with Jenna on the cover and I must say I do like her style. She uses very bright pops of color (paired with neutrals) in her home as well as her outfits. I am also super envious of her closet (a.k.a. a room with a fireplace she has devoted to clothes). The article also contains a J. Crew timeline and features their clothing throughout. She is wearing a honey glaze velvet ecole and penny heels in the opening photo. It is defiantly interesting to see how her personal style is reflected throughout the J. Crew collection.

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  45. With all the screwups with the parcels and their website down again, what is going to happen around the holidays?

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  46. Just a question - with the educator's or student discount, can it be applied after purchasing? or should it be applied right at the register? Thanks

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  47. I just came from my Jcrew store in upstate New York. I just purchased the merino melanie button cuff sweater in black. Love the cuffs with the buttons . I also purchased the victoria ruffle shirt in white. This shirt is sooo comfortable and soft. Looks great with jeans and the sweater over it. Also looks great by itself with a belt. My Jcrew store also gave me a 10% off card to use on your entire purchase . Its good until Nov 30th. They said its the first time they have given out discount cards to use in their stores. You can also use it on the final sale items.

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  48. Anony@2:20. Then you haven't shopped there lately...

    I get so many compliments and surprised looks (in a pleased way:) from people when I wear their clothes...

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  49. I live in the very cold midwest and a heavy weight sweater with a SUBSTANTIAL turtleneck is a must! Sorry but tissue= cold in my book and a waste of money!

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  50. I guess it depends on your style, I get their catalogs in the mail it goes right to the recycle bin JC catalog however rarely makes it there.

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  51. Anyone know the pattern of when Jcrew offers coupons after new stuff comes out?

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  52. OT: I saw that Stadium Shipley coat is on sale for 300, does anyone own this? I usually wear XS and was thinking about size 0-I like coats to be fitting. I wish it came in camel.
    Thanks

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  53. My favorite JCrew thing is actually my personal shopper, "Christin A." (now at the newly-opened La Cantera store, TX). She has made sure that I get exactly what I want and need - an invaluable thing since the website has been - well, less than reliable. She has become my go-to to place all orders (even though I'm not even based in TX).

    Honestly, I can't recommend her more. If you need help finding something or want to ensure you get your wish list, keep a running list of orders to be placed when items go on sale, etc. - she scouts it out for you... My favorite J Crew thing. ; )

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  54. I have a question: Anyone out there with a long torso have any thoughts on the tissue turtlenecks? Anonymous on Oct 25 at 11:17 said the length is right, but like I said, I am curious to know specifically how those with a longer torso feel about them...especially after washing!

    Thanks to everyone who posts info here. I love J Crew and I feel like I'm a more informed buyer by reading here.

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  55. Leaving this here too!

    igi-
    Great review as usual:) You always make me laugh with your clever thoughts and writing;)

    Okay--I find it interesting that
    you had that pucker by the armpit/breast area! That's what I have with the Maggie in sz 2! I will say that it was also that way for me with the size 2 Velvet Ecole and so I went up to the 4 and it looks a bit better in that area (but not as fitted at waist as the Sz 2 so I cannot win. The 2 looks tailored to perfection everywhere but that armpit/breast area crumples) so it's a tough call for me. I am almost wondering if the Maggie in sz 4 would look better like the Velvet Ecole sz 4 did. I would obviously have to order to see since cannot try on in store. Which brings me to another thought...is anyone else SHOCKED this jacket isn't going to be sold in stores?? It seems like such an obvious, simple, basic that people would clamor for. Why would it only be online?

    The Aubrey yellow looks drab/yucky IMO. For those that mentioned it, don't let the yellow of this jacket give you a skewed view of the Maggie! The Maggie in deep yellow is absolutely GORGEOUS! I have the ivory and yellow in my possession and it is truly a tough call between the colors (except poor fit may win out on this one)it's nothing like this Aubrey yellow though. It is more golden and really prob fab on most skintones IMO. I just went and tried on again and I have two more things to add..this looks great with the Golden Roses cami and any shades of grey, creme, black, navy, eggplant etc. more versatile than one would think and definitely not the color it shows up in the catalog (not lemony-think golden. I am blond with fairer-med skin and it is ideal. WOuld also be gorgeous on dark skin or olive, tanned skin--I think actually on any skin:) The other negative is that I don't love how you can see the outline of pockets through the outside of jacket. The jacket is not thin at all either. It is like a lighter weight version of double cloth that many of the coats are made out of. Now that's a tough one to explain but it is as though it has been pressed and the seams below the surface are showing through a little bit. Maybe if it hung around and was worn a few times this would get better. Love the matching top-stitching that runs around the collar and two rows around the sleeves. Love the belts on sides for added waist definition and flare:)

    On to the Golden Roses cami--I know I reviewed both of these already but that was straight out of the box. The cami is such a beautiful print (if you love flowers like I do;) The silk is super buttery soft and the collar is very pretty on. I mentioned before the fabric is very lightweight--does not have the body and not as substantial as say the watercolor floral rosette tank. It is very thin. The size is a little big--I am thinking zero would be better and sz 2 is already smaller than my typical 4 at other retailers. I can do the 2 but zero would be better.

    So sad--what do the true 0 and 2 customers do?? They cannot shop here--I find it crazy!

    My last and final comment is a negative. Why is there a zipper in this blouse?? Same side zipper everyone complains about in the hammered silk, the rosette tanks etc. etc. Why? I actually didn't even know it was there the first time I tried it on--I just slipped it over my head. Now I am realizing it is there. They may have improved on the height as it isn't as low inside the shirt and prob won't effect the tucking and bulging issue that people have mentioned with other blouses/tanks/camis. I tend to leave my shirts like this out and belt or cardi over them so I don't have the bulging zipper issue but be informed if that bothers you;)

    Last-the Victoria cami in ivory/black polka dot I thought this might really be fun but the print is just not near as pretty as the solid fuschia that I got it in already. The print is a little much and effects even the way the pleating that goes up the front looks--this is my opinion and I am not sure wht you will think but I think it would have been far better in a simple black polka dot-even a textured silk but just tiny well-spaced polka dots would have shown better. I am sticking with just the fuschia-so pretty!

    Sorry so long!!

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  56. covert5: I read on another post that you got the garden bracelet. Does it hang really loose on your wrist? I decided to buy one but a lot of people here said it's really loose so I'm not sure if it'll be worth to pay fp.

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  57. and4mynexttrick -- I have the hand-knotted pearl necklace and the opera-length pearl necklace (which I swear was $450 when I bought it, not $495), and I love both. The pearls are the perfect size -- not too big, not too small. The hand-knotted necklace is 17 inches long, so it's longer than a choker but not too long. The opera-length necklace is substantially longer -- I can loop it 3 times around my head without unfastening the clasp. They were my first pearl necklaces, and I'm very happy with both purchases. Even though I don't really consider myself a pearl person, I find myself putting them on constantly.

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  58. I, too, would love to hear if anyone's purchased the stadium-cloth shipley coat and could comment on how it fits. I'm bummed it doesn't come in petite but am wondering if the empire effect would help. TIA!

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  59. covert5> Re: "What do the true size 0's do?"

    It really is frustrating. Based on jcrew's sizing chart, I should be a regular 0. But even their petite 0 is a little big on me.

    I'm borderline petite and sometimes would prefer longer suit pants. I can't order regular 0, though, because they're *way* too big.

    Off topic, but are there ANY jcrew stores that carry petite?

    I think it was jacqueline's blog that I was reading, where she said that Limited has larger sizes available in the store to try on, but you have to actually order online. I think that would be a *great* feature for jcrew, with petite & tall. Especially for things that you really need to try on, like suits & coats.

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  60. I will definitely grab a few of the tissue turtlenecks when they go on sale, but the retail price is a bit high.

    Anyone ever tried layering 2 of those on?

    I received my yellow Aubrey jacket and overall I hated the style, the itchness of the wool, and the dull icky yellow color. Nothing appealing about this jacket at all, unfortunately.

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  61. anon @12:01am - ITA about the Aubrey. I blogged about it in great detail. The catalog photos are definitely misleading.

    Lindsay - I may try the tuxedo pants next time I see them just for kicks. They seem so looong.

    Oh and never mind about the mysterious bracelet I saw. I didn't even do a great job of describing it and it's $35, not $55. The colors are funky and it's really something you could find at Forever 21.

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  62. kathgrace, Does you fab PS have an email address or do you call her?

    Thanks.

    Looking for a great PS b/c I am based in the UK and US and need someone good to get me my JCrew things:)

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  63. I have to say that this recent J.Crew marketing technique really makes me think of Old Navy, and I really don't see how it would appeal to *higher end* clientelle, either.

    Also, I am looking forward to purchasing the Tissue Turtlenecks when they go on sale...I think they will be perfect for the Winter weather here in Florida. Unfortunately for me, my B&M doesn't carry my *must have* Camel color, so I will be forced to order it online. :(

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  64. Anonymous October 26, 2008 6:40 AM -

    Absolutely! I do both. I email her my immediate and when on sale lists and we recap over the phone. She can be reached at: farrar_arch@yahoo.com

    You'll love her!

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  65. OT. But I have to say some of the PS sucks. I usually shop sale and the second I mention that they start acting snobby and say "Oh this item would not last till sale, I suggest buy it now", even though it is just a plain merino cardi. That really isn't helpful for me. I do buy somethings I really like for FP but even though I prefer to buy w/ a discount. Long story short, I am really happy for you all who have a understanding and a helpful PS:)

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  66. kitchy7 - thanks for the info on the pearls. I also never considered myself a pearl person, but my husband bought me a David Yurman silver and gold necklace with pearls and I wear it constantly. I bought another smaller pearl necklace and wear the two together sometimes.

    The trend this season with multiple necklaces in different lengths/styles has me thinking of the JCrew pearls to add to the look. They look very classic, and the ribbon-tie is a fun twist that I don't see in the jewellery stores. That's my favourite thing about JCrew, the unexpected details.

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  67. My favorite things of this season, as demonstrated by my most recent purchases:
    1. Double-serge pencil skirt in ochre
    2. Ivory blouse with ruffles and snap buttons (not on the website, $98)
    3. Aubergine bootcut cords
    4. Marcella blouse in green
    5. Glass-button merino cardigans
    6. Quincy hobo in yellow

    I also ordered the plum peacoat with thinsulate, but that is on back-order. I am keeping my fingers crossed!

    I find myself shopping more this season at J.Crew than any other one, thanks to the sales and my student discount (For example: I got the Quincy hobo for ~100 dollars and the Marcella blouse for ~25 dollars, both after tax).

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  68. hey Tara Incognita, I'm tall with a long torso and the tissue t-neck fits long enough to hit and stay over the top of my pants. Like most others I've bought these on FS in assorted colours. I find they are a bit tight across the shoulders & have bought up a size.
    The darker colours are less transparent and I usually wear them under cardigans or blazers as layer pieces.

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  69. make that layerING piece. Should try to multitask

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  70. gigiofca: the tuxedo pants aren't long AT ALL. i am usually a size 12 short so i took a large in them and i am 5'2" and they just about hit the floor with tennis shoes on. i was really surprised. they do stretch out though...which for me was a good thing bc now they aren't so fitted to my butt like yoga pants :) def worth a try!

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  71. I can't understand how a junky $95 costume jewelry bracelet is a favorite. It's gold plated not even a gold fill! And it is $95?!

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  72. the giverny-print sydney dress is definitely on the top of my fave list this season. it's such a unique piece and i'm glad jcrew did their version of the 'painterly floral print'. got it on final sale, and i love it! :D

    http://lesantimodernes.blogspot.com/2008/10/two-different-dresses.html

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  73. I adore my sherpa hoodie. I wear it all the time at home, and I also found that it runs a bit small. However, I got mine at the factory store at about half the price of the one online. The only difference is that mine doesn't have the button-down flaps on the front, which is a detail that I don't particularly like anyways.

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  74. Anon-10:10
    Crystal Garden Braceket
    I did post that it hangs down on the hand a bit but it is NOT a cuff. It is elegantly loose IMO and not too loose like it would fall off if I shook my hand around but it may bother some while say, typing on the computer at work. It comes down in front of the lower palm if that helps explain it better.

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  75. If you like the tissue turtlenecks, you should get the whisper thin turtleneck from Gap for $26.00 (and you know you can always find discount codes to make it cheaper). I bought one in the tall size, and it is identical, and actually better, softer material, than the tissues I've purchased from J Crew. It also held up much better after washing.
    http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17159&pid=581220

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  76. ^ I haven't tried J Crew for comparison but I couldn't agree more with regard to my Gap T's--very soft, lightweight but not filmy, they have enough body to provide coverage. Nice price:)

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  77. I just got the Victoria ruffle cami in the mail today since I got a petite. It is my new favorite shirt! I got it in the bright fuchsia and it's so pretty! It'll make anyone feel pretty and feminine.

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