"Thanks!" to so many of you, including Chiffon Cupcake, Anon at 8:38 AM, and Crewbie (in this post), as well as Green_Dino (in this post),who let us know that J.Crew is offering 20% off purchases of $125+ with promo code HOLIDAY. This offer expires Monday, 12/8/08. :)
Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.
And now back to J.Crew! :)
FFM- i know you said you used your 25% for an order online/over the phone because the items weren't available in the store...
ReplyDeletei wonder if i tried to order some things that are online/catalogue only if they would honor this discount as well as the 25% off coupon.
(if any of you are wondering why i don't just call and ask, it's because i'm overseas and my mail is being fowarded to my mother at home... so i'm waiting to see if i got the 25% off card or not before i make my order)
just thinking out here, and wondered if anyone had luck with doing it.
Alexis, would it be possible to put up a post about the marie claire january article about jcrew/ jenna lyons?
ReplyDeletei thought i had read somewhere on here she was in the new marie claire out.
Alexis, I have a suggestion for a post. With holiday party season approaching, I thought it would be interesting to see what other Aficionadas & Aficionados are planning to wear. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThose in the Detroit area: do you find that the Briarwood store has more, or the Somerset store? I typically go to 12 Oaks (it's only 15 minutes from my house) and I've been to Somerset once or twice, but I haven't been to Briarwood. I have a return to make, and since it's Sunday and I have some extra time, I figured I'd take it to one of the two farther stores, to check out their sales... suggestions??
ReplyDeletei'd say somerset. i love that mall and never bother with the others.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone else experienced botched orders recently? Alexis, can you make a post about strange orders?
ReplyDeleteI ordered a graphic tee for my boyfriend in a size small, and when it arrived, it was actually a size large wrapped in a bag with a sticker labeled small.
I also tried to order a fleece and CS wrote and said the item was cancelled. But it appears in stock online and it's been online for several days. I ordered it again yesterday to see what happens.
On another note I bought the Lulu metallic flats on sale and I absolutely love them.
I would love to use the 20% off offer online, but nothing I want is in stock in my size, and I can longer determine when they are restocking. It used to pretty reliably happen about 8:00 a.m. eastern every morning. Now it seems to happen randomly. Anyone know what they're doing now?
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I'm watching for online is the double serge pencil skirt in brilliant blue size 2. Today it came back in petites, but not in regular. I don't even know what time to look anymore!
Linda: There is a long thread from a couple of days ago in the older posts section.
ReplyDeleteDesert Flower: I have found some sold out stuff after the 3:00 update, I don't know what happens on the weekend though. Keep checking.
desert flower: i'm pretty sure there was a sz2 brilliant blue double serge pencil (is it 100% wool?) at the SF center store friday night. i tried it on and it was a little big for me, but very nice. i tweeted about it while i was in the store since they only had one and i know it was popular. It was marked $79.99 + additional 20% off that
ReplyDeletehope it's still there for you!
I agree... Somerset! But you could go to Partridge Creek, it's a women's only store so they seem to have alot
ReplyDeleteThis is OT, but could anyone give me some tips about getting rid of pilling on cashmere and/or washing my cashmere at home (preferably without spending $18 for the new cashmere wash)? I just pulled out a few J.Crew cashmere sweaters from last year and I'd forgotten how pilled they'd gotten, they really look kind of raggedy, but I paid enough for them that I'd like to figure out how to "freshen" them up. I just don't want to damage them. Any tips would be much appreciated! Also, I know I read some good tips on caring for cashmere in the comments a while ago, but I couldn't find the post where I read them. Does anyone know what post that was?
ReplyDeleteChristina, totally hit the Somerset collection store. I live in Ann Arbor, and practically live in the Briarwood store. You have to go in often to catch deals since the store is pretty small and the sale section limited. No shoes other than wellies, no crewcuts, and no swimwear for the past few years. I make the pilgrimage to Somerset a couple times a year and it is awesome! It's so big and the sale section is the whole back room. That said, there are some good finds in the AA store and some of the SAs are nice and helpful. I have read some pretty bad reviews of them here, re: cattiness, snobbishness, laughing behind customers backs. While this is undoubtably true for some, they recently hired some new people and several of them seem to be on the surface at least, pleasant. If you're planning on making the drive today, AA has 20% off sale prices. Yesterday they had a few Dream open cardis in orange, a couple green patent totes, and some of the wool rosette dresses. HTH!
ReplyDeleteEm: where is Partridge Creek? I've never even heard of it! Do they carry shoes?
ReplyDeleteAmelia: First I de-pill with a little sweater comb I got for like two bucks. They have them everywhere from grocery stores to big "everything stores" like Target or Meijer. You can find them in the sewing notions aisle with things like bra extenders and packs of velcro. Then I either hand wash with Woolite or Dreft, or use one of those detergents on the hand wash cycle of my washer on cold water. Then I lay flat to dry and flip over once depending on the humidity. After that I do a spot check with the fuzz comb again. This seems to keep my sweaters happy! Also, I tend not to wash my cashmere more than a couple times a season, depending on how much wear they get. I guess I don't want to stretch them too often, and maybe am kind of lazy!
Bellemarie, thank you so much! I called and it was there. It's on the way to me now :) Thanks again!!
ReplyDeleteThis is OT, sorry, but I just posted about Somerset and that got me thinking. I used to live in Savannah, GA (a damp place barren of J. Crew!) and they had a really big Abercrombie store. It was this cavernous place that was obscenely loud with the snottiest workers I've ever witnessed, but it had one enormous room devoted to sale merchandise sent in from around the region. It was called the damage room or something, and tops were five bucks, bottoms were ten, etc. I was wondering if there was anything comparable for J. Crew and if so, where in the country are they? Has anyone seem this type of thing for other stores!
ReplyDeleteI ordered my mom some cahsmere sweaters for Christmas using this promo. I am hoping that in the next few days some of the items that I have been eying are even further reduced. Keeping my fingers crossed. :)
ReplyDeleteFFM: What are you wearing your matchstick jeans with? I have had some for a few months now but have never worn them because I am at a loss stylewise.
Desert flower- you're wecome! I'm so glad it was still there. I plan to twitter when I find these "rare" or popular items. My twitter ID is academygirl. Ideal scenario: one aficionada posts something is in store, the person looking for it would tweet back or direct message and the first could put items on hold :) I know how hard it is to find small sizes! How is the abstract rose strapless dress working for you btw? I think you finally found a sz0?
ReplyDeleteHas anyone received ordering confirmations from JCrew this weekend, I ordered early am yesterday and yet to receive one?
ReplyDeleteHi jcrewjunkie! I actually just wore my matchsticks this morning with a brown tissue turtleneck, Maggie jacket in Camel, chunky bead necklace, and my brown suede Michael Kors boots. I tucked the jeans into the boots, btw...now I wish I had a Maggie in every color, because I love the silhouette: T-Neck, Maggie Jacket, Matchsticks tucked into knee boots. HTH!!!
ReplyDeleteBtw jcrewjunkie...I left the turtleneck untucked. This look is also great with the Duchamp-print Astor, or Bella jacket. :)
ReplyDeleteOT. Does anyone have scanned pictures from jcrew 2005 winter catalogs? I can not find 2005 oct-Dec issues, but really want to save some signature looks from that season. Thanks!
ReplyDeletePartridge Creek is in Clinton Township. It's on M59 at Romeo Plank... a couple miles east of Lakeside Mall, actually. It's an outdoor mall, it's only been around for a couple years... I really like it! And their JCrew is pretty good.
ReplyDeleteI think they carry shoes.. I'm not totally sure but since it's a women's only store it seems like they should. Might want to call to make sure!
ReplyDeleteFFM: Which Michael Kors boots did you get? I have a pair, but they are the midlength. Do you find yours comfortable? I love mine, but they only have a 2" heel. Thank you for your help...as always...MUCH appreciated!! :)
ReplyDeleteAre the cashmere turtlenecks still on promo for $99 at the stores?...I forgot to look. I was totally bummed when I saw the coats are now only 20% off at the Columbus Circle store :( BTW plenty of the zoey lame tanks there!! I also got the paisley dress but it ended up not fitting my hips at all. Grabbed the herringbone fiona for 40 bucks...it's itchy but so darn cute...even my boyfriend liked it on (and he could care less about clothing lol)! also if anyone is looking for these they had the safari mid heels in a size 7 on sale for $149. I really wanted to get them but I could tell just from trying them on how uncomfortable they will be and my poor feet can't take the pain haha.
ReplyDeletejcrewjunkie: I have the Michael Kors *Meteor* in Timoro Suede, and I purchased them at 6pm.com. The heel is stacked, and about 4" high. They are SO comfortable...it's truly unbelievable, and doesn't even feel like they are actually that high. Here is the link to the boot: Michael Kors Meteor . They get stock in every couple of weeks at 6pm.com, so just because your size is sold out, doesn't mean they won't get more in...I've been checking the site daily, because I want to get them in black, too. HTH!
ReplyDeleteBellemarie, what a great memory you have! Yes, I did find the strapless abstract rose dress in size 0 online and I love it. I'm so glad it popped up. My last obsession is the snow leopard tartine in XS. I'm waiting for it to show up on the website!
ReplyDeleteI'm embarrassed to say that I don't know what twitter is! I love the idea that there might be a way to get information about things available in stores quickly.
Jcrew's definitely behind on their e-mail confirmations. I just received my "Thank you for your J.crew order" for an order placed on 12/4.
ReplyDeleteAnon 1:25 - I placed an order eve of 12/5, never received an order conf but received an e-mail this a.m. saying the order had shipped (with a tracking #)! Placed another order 12/6 a.m. and received order conf this afternoon. This seems quicker than it was after TURKEY promo, but I used to receive order conf almost instantaneously after placing on-line orders.
ReplyDeleteDesert Flower: There are a couple of the Snow Leopard tartines in XS on Ebay if you are interested. *I'm not the seller, btw.* Just type in J.Crew Snow Leopard and it pulls all of them up.
ReplyDeleteThank you, FFM! I will go check those out. I have a J. Crew order sitting in my cart waiting for a tartine to add to it but ebay would be quicker.
ReplyDeleteHave you or anyone else here purchased or tried on the watercolor silk pencil skirt? The new one that is now on sale for $125? It's silk tafetta, I'm wondering how the fabric looks and feels.
FFM: Thanks for pointing me in the direction of 6pm.com (initially, I believe, it was over the summer). I can honestly say that the last 4 pairs of shoes that I have ordered (with the exception of the Serengeti midheels from J Crew) have all been from there. Excellent customer service, prices, and fast (cheap) shipping keep bringing me back for more. :)
ReplyDeleteOT but I just have to warn you all of my experience over the phone today. I got a very nasty CS rep who would not honor the free shipping that I was given for future orders. I had like 10+ orders over the summer/fall that were screwed up in multiple ways, and the only reason I am still shopping here is because they offered me free shipping on 1 or 2 future orders almost every time there was a screw up. Well today I called to place an order and the rep told me they would not honor it. I asked why not, and she said because I was already using a different promo. Since when does that matter?? The free shipping was in compensation for previous screw ups, and I have used a few of them before with no issues. Now all the sudden they are only to be used on full price items? Unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteAnd the worst part was that I didn't have the prior order numbers with me, so I couldn't reference them. I asked her if she could just look at my account - not sure why that wouldn't work. She put me on hold forever, and then came back and said there were no notes on ANY of my prior orders for free shipping. Basically telling me I was lying. I really had to try to not just start screaming at her.
JCrew, you may have really lost me this time. There is only so much I will put up with for pretty clothes.
Oh, I'mm sorry yu got a nasty one; I got a nasty one on the red phone yesterday, but, I just told her, I have done this before, let me talk to your supervisor. The SA in store said they have lots of Christmas help online, so they don't know much, and some are nasty. The sa in the store said he would refund my shpping if I needed to return the online order.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 1:25 PM
ReplyDeleteI placed an order December 7 1am and I received my order confirmation at 8am. Call in to find out.
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ReplyDeleteactually the nasty CS put me on hold multiple times to "consult with her supervisor" so I am not sure that would have even helped me unfortunately. maybe it is a new policy. seems like very poor customer service to me to restrict "free ship" in compensation for their own screw ups
ReplyDeleteDina: Thanks I did call, and the order is in the Distribution Center, so it looks like the email conf a bit screwed up, whats new!
ReplyDeleteI had the same exact thing happen to me yesterday. I was told I could receive free ship on a future order and the CSR would not do it, no matter how I tried to explain it. She was very adamant about the only one promo per order deal, but I tried to explain that I wasn't even asking for a 2nd promo. I like J.Crew and 95% of the time their CSRs are nice and helpful, but if J.Crew makes a mistake like messing up an order and promises free shipping it should not be that hard to get.
ReplyDeleteDid you ask the CS to read the notes on the messed up order?, everytime I received fs for a screwed up shipment the CS who promised me fs always put notations on the order so I have to reference the # to get fs. If those notations are not there you don't have much of a leg to stand on.
ReplyDeleteRe Michigan Stores: I used to think 12 Oaks was a better store than Briarwood (AA)--they had shoes and more styles. I don't think that is true any more. I think Briarwood gets a wider selection that 12 Oaks, and Briarwood has Jewelry, and 12 Oaks does not have shoes anymore.
ReplyDelete12 Oaks, however, has a larger sale section and the last time I was there, they had all their direct returns displayed for sale, which I thought was pretty cool. I got a chance to see products that are not carried locally, and even purchased something I would have never considered based on web image but was great IRL and on me!
Frustrating thing about Briarwood is they often get products, and then have to ship them out to another store before they ever move to mark-downs. They had Berry Astrids in August, but corporate moved them after just a couple of weeks. Its really frustrating to go back seeking a particular item, only to find that it has been sent away!
Somerset does have a huge sale selection, its often the same sale styles as other locations but in a wider variety of sizes.
Partridge Creek was awesome when it first opened because JC stocks its new stores to the hilt. Its a hike to get out there so I haven't been back in awhile and have heard that there stock is nothing special.
There is also a J. Crew in East Lansing. I stop in when I am in the area, but wouldn't suggest a special trip.
Em: I hadn't even thought of Partridge Creek! I've never been... perhaps I will have to make a pilgrimage while the 25% coupon is still good!
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 12:40 (and all others who suggested Somerset): Thanks! I ended up going there this afternoon, and while the store was INSANE (per usual) they had some great sales. Not much cashmere on sale, which was surprising/disappointing, but plenty of other stuff - tons of jeans, lots of sweaters (tartine cardigans, bow necklace cardigans, merino t-necks, etc), a decent amount of shoes (patent spectator peep-toes in graphite and dusty rose, Salina patent flats, lots of Lizzie driving mocs), cord pencil skirts, belle skirts, snow leopard print harlow blouses (sizes 2 and 12), herringbone and velvet ecoles, tons of trousers, double serge pencil skirts in black and persimmon ($79.99)... all kinds of stuff. Definitely a great store to stop by!
casual-crew: In my case, she didn't even seem willing to listen to me and look at my past orders. I mentioned that it was from an older order and that I could look up the saved emails and give her the numbers. But eventually I got frustrated and just said nevermind.
ReplyDeleteI told her to read the notes on my prior orders. I didn't have the specific order numbers though, so she had to read the notes for all of my orders for the past 6 months (25 or so). I assume she read the notes, as she told me "there were no notes on any orders stating such" but I don't believe her because CS reps have found the notes in the past.
ReplyDeleteSo I just found out that I am expecting! YAY! Any chance we can convince J.Crew to make Maternity clothes.... I'd buy it in a heartbeat! Anyone else out there?
ReplyDeleteI am pregnant also - actually due next week! I'm still able to wear J.Crew cardigans and even some tops like the slub tunic top, luxe knit top, and pintuck henley tissue tee. I loved Gap Maternity for jeans and sale stuff. Good luck to you!
ReplyDeleteFYI-
ReplyDeleteFor those 25% coupons, my store allowed me to combine my student discount. In addition, because CS wouldn't honor the coupon through the red phone, the manager at J Crew allowed me to make a price adjustment to get the additional 25% when I received the jacket.
In other words, check with your local B&M J Crew to see if they will allow it.
Anony@6:08...
ReplyDeletejust more JCrew inconsistency crap...thank you for the tip though...really appreciate it...I know people who have called from the red phone and used the 25% off...heck, one person on this blog used it from home on an order....Really frustrating shopping with JCrew...
The inconsistency really gets to me too. I feel like they must send out a different memo each week to the CSRs and they're all confused. For instance, some will tell me that they can combine student discount with another on a future order and then when I actually try to do it, they won't! The student discount, in particular, needs to be addressed.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have the Chalet shearling boots? They appear to be mostly sold out. I am going to try the "find it" service.
ReplyDeleteIf you have them, are they shearling throughout, or just at the top, for show?
TIA
December 7, 2008 4:19 PM:
ReplyDeleteI was given 20% off AND free shipping off one future order. I was told the 20% off would not be used if I used a promo from the site but the free shipping can be used on any order. CALL AGAIN. It all depends on who you get.
Christina, thank you! I called the Somerset store (from my home in NJ) and they had the dusty rose spectator peep toes in my size! They're shipping out tomorrow. They were $149 + 20% off. The manager allowed me to use the 25% in-store coupon by reading the numbers on the back of the card, but would not "combine" the student discount. I also had to pay $7 shipping. I have been lusting after these for a month. Thanks again for the great tip!
ReplyDeletethanks "try try again" and others. I just think this, on top of the inconsistencies we see, is too much for my blood pressure. shopping should not be so difficult. better luck to the rest of you. I am done w/ jcrew
ReplyDeleteanon @ 4:19
Anyone seen the francie skirt in dark peony in a sz12 anywhere?
ReplyDeleteanon, i just ordered the francie skirt in that color from the website. I haven't seen it in any of the four stores I've been to over the past week. I've seen the color in other items, though, and it's gorgeous. I hope you find it.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Jrl and Anon @ 6:04 on your upcoming arrivals! We just had our 3rd in September :)
ReplyDeleteI bet J.Crew Maternity would be super cute. I had a lot of Gap and even Old Navy for some stuff. The "secret belly fit" jeans at Pea in a Pod or Motherhood are hands down the BEST jeans!
Julie: I'm glad you were able to get the dusty rose spectators! You really lucked out, because they only had two pairs - a 7.5 (which I snatched up for my sister) and a 6.5 (which you bought!). That's awesome that you were able to use your 25% card, too - I've found the SAs in that store to be really helpful and nice.
ReplyDelete*anon @ 6:52*
ReplyDeleteI returned a size 12 dark peony francie to the San Diego, CA store last Thursday. Might be gone with the holiday traffic this weekend, but worth a try! They're open until 6 or 7 PST tonight.
619-491-0054
Good luck!
smarty! thanks for the heads up. i called and it's gone already. darn francie, i know she's out there somewhere.
ReplyDeletedina - there is one available on the website - francie in 12 dark peony.
ReplyDeleteWould someone please remind me, when does the B&M do MARKDOWNS? I forgot, is it tues or wed?
ReplyDeleteHey guys,
ReplyDeleteNot sure if this has been mentioned yet but my store is having the usual 20% off sale, but it's not final sale! They have the normal signs in the sale section that say it's final sale, but she said they just haven't updated yet and for the rest of December they will not be doing final sale in stores because of gifts.
Thought it would be helpful to pass the info along, especially since I had no idea since the signs still were the same but when I looked at my receipt it doesn't say final sale anymore.
Anon @ 8:00 - they are getting in a shipment on Thursday of the resort apparel so I would bet you can see more markdowns as early as Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteJust to add to priya's note, my receipt does say final sale but they made a point to tell me that returns would be honored because of holiday gifting and such - so no final sale.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ameilia!
ReplyDeleteStacie and Anon 6:04 : Thank you for your store ideas. I'm usually a size 2, so to think that I am going to need a bigger size at J.Crew is something I'm still getting used to. :-) Good luck with the baby Anon 6:04.
ReplyDeleteanyone see leather boots at their b&m?
ReplyDeletethanks auntie clause:
ReplyDeletei saw that it's online too, i just wanted to save a few dollars by shipping it from a store instead of through online.
thank you though!
Jrl and Anon 6:04 - contrats! I too wish J Crew would put out a maternity line. My baby is already 14 months so it's too late for me (can't afford CrewCuts either!). I sometimes wonder, though, if J Crew's line would be super expensive. I loved Old Navy, Gap, and good 'ol Target for my maternity clothes.
ReplyDeleteJRL & Anon at 6:04 PM: Congrats on your pregnancies!!! :) I hope J.Crew does consider a maternity line in the future too! :)
ReplyDeleteI liked the look of the Alessa MJ, but hated the strap in the front. Just wondering if any JCA got the MJ and cut the strap off in the front? Does the shoes stay put if you do that?
ReplyDeleteyes jcrew please do a maternity line! i don't know what i'll do when i start to have kids!
ReplyDeleteI could NEVER see JCrew doing a maternity line...ever...not with their new image, etc. I just don't see it fitting the brand...if they didn't do one when Jenna was pregnant...well then...just my two cents worth. I did find finding lots of nice maternity wear when I was pregnant. There is lots of great stuff out there:) Plus, you only wear it for 3-5 months or so...esp. with baby number 1:)
ReplyDeletei don't know about that. a lot of high end designers ARE doing maternity line. think of all the a-list celebrities that are having children and want to look fab. they make sevens and citizens in a maternity jean. at 200 a pair, i don't think they are considered lower end. making an upscale maternity line wouldn't bring jcrew's brand image down.
ReplyDeletejrl - Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous @ 6:04 PM - Hoping for a healthy happy baby for you. I have seen a few women in J Crew w/their clothes on. Some of the tops definitely can work as-is.
I don't think J Crew s/do a maternity line. They need to put some attention & focus on their website. Period. Oh...AND their warehouse. --- noooo more Ann Taylor tissue paperrr ---