J.Crew sent a news release (click here or here) today announcing "that it is revising its fourth quarter and fiscal 2008 guidance, primarily to reflect lower than anticipated sales and gross margin trends. The Company expects to report results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2008 during the second week of The MarketWatch site (click here) sums it up with the following:
"J.Crew Group Inc. on Thursday lowered its earnings forecast for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2008, blaming lower sales and gross margins. The apparel retailer now sees a fourth-quarter loss of 24 cents to 29 cents a share, compared to its previous guidance of 5 to 10 cents a share in profit. For the full year, it projects earnings of 77 cents to 82 cents a share, versus its previous expected range of $1.11 to $1.16. On average, analysts surveyed by FactSet Research were looking for J.Crew to report a profit of 7 cents a share in the fourth quarter and $1.14 a share for the full year".
Things are still not looking good for J.Crew (although I will say it is much better off than other retailers during this difficult economic times). Despite all the {amazing} promotions and sales offered during the holidays, consumers are still (understandably) cautious about spending. I am hoping that J.Crew will be able to perform better during the next year (especially since I own their stock- and I lost *a lot* on my initial investment!) ;)
Do you own J.Crew stock? What are your thoughts on the news (are you surprised or expected this)? What do you think J.Crew should do to "turn things around"?
Thanks for this post Alexis, it is very informative; no, I am not surprised. I think most retailers are just trying to stay in business now, with all reports that the recession will be a deep one; my friend who's husband works for ups, said their business was way down for the holidays, and people were asked to take unpaid days off. OT, the BM sa told me they will get new spring stuff in the store on 1/20, but from the catalog, nothing really screams to me.
ReplyDeleteNo, I am not surprised. For one J Crew has to resolve their website issues, I bet they lost alot of sales because of the website being down and customers being nervous to order because of the screwed up TURKEY orders.
ReplyDeleteThey also need to readjust their price points and upgrade the quality and fit of their items.
If I going to spend it has to be for an item that is timeless, will last a awhile, and not fall apart after washing it a couple of times. No more disposal clothing for me.
Thanks for the post Alexis. J.Crew isn't alone in this economic downturn, but it certainly will be interesting to see what direction they go in to weather the storm. It had seemed over the last year that they were trying to get into the business of luxury high-end items - often carrying a higher price tag. Others had mentioned this as well, but I wonder if they'll be reducing their inventory to a point where exclusivity will be the draw - in-demand items sell out quickly and won't be a need for massive sell-offs at the end of the season.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, but not surprising. Although I do think they are rather resilient. If they can channel Fall of '07 in terms of their items, I think they will pick back up again when the recession ends...I'm really liking their Spring stuff so I'm hopeful.
ReplyDeleteOT: The Velvet Ecole Jacket is restocked in practically every color and size for $59. Is it a nice jacket?
ReplyDelete^ I agree with everyone here. Rats on parade--I feel this may be the way they go if they continue to keep exclusive or collection items in the line. Less inventory and once it's gone, it's gone. I personally don't think people should be seeing large quantities of really special items in the final sale--it only means it was a big "miss" in style or they grossly overbought. But if it is truly special there should be less of that item "walking around" IMO.
ReplyDeleteDani_California-
ReplyDeleteI love my velvet ecole! I bought it during the massive 50% off @ B&M b/c it seemed like such a great deal. I wasn't sure what to wear with it at first but now I wear it all the time over my candy tees with jeans. I also wear it to work every now and again. I bought the navy blue color and it is so pretty.
You will probably need to size up as I found the fit to be narrow in the shoulders.
I'm not really that surprised J Crew is having these issues. They really don't have anyone to blame other then themselves. Even if consumer confidence is restored why would anyone want to order from J Crew when they have website issues, shipping/ order problems, and a decline in quality of goods. They have exacerbated their situation by not getting a reign on these problems with orders and the website.
ReplyDeleteI understand why J Crew has FS but I think imposing FS really deters a lot of people from buying even if the clothes are discounted. At this point I am just not willing to spend any amount of money on something that might not work out for me in the end. I won't be surprised if their outlook doesn't improve by the end of 2009.
If JCrew follows its usual pattern, they will have a % off FS Monday. Ladies (and Jeff)I would hold off any purchases until then.
ReplyDeleteThere is a long list of people to blame for the economic crisis and resultant recession that has the retail industry teetering on the edge of solvency. We are in a global recession that will take years to resolve. The US housing market is expected to decline another 10-20%. Homes are/were the major source of wealth for most people. We are in very deep do do. If J Crew is not carrying an unmanageable debt burden they may not have to resort to bankruptcy to survive. If they do have to restructure that doesn't mean they will go out of business. In the near term inventory will be modified (reduced) to compensate for declining sales, meaning we won't see the amazing sales again next fall. And so as Rome burns I am stalking the bottle green sequin jacket that matches my eyes. Anyone think they reduce the price another 20%...so as to keep up with devaluation of my house?
ReplyDeleteAndy
Consumerism as we know it is dead, the days of overspending and carrying large credit card balances are over. They is alot of debt to pay back, until that happens consumers cash flow is restricted. Even those who do not have any debt it is wise to hang onto their money in case they lose their jobs.
ReplyDeleteI really don't think "consumerism as we know it is dead." There's an entire generation of folks out there whom have never lived within their means. There is no reason to believe that their inability to properly budget has been magically cured. Just wait until people regain confidence and the credit card offers begin flowing again. When ever that happens ('09? 10?) retail will begin to breathe a sigh of relief. J.Crew is no differently situated than any other retailer; i.e. just trying to ride out the storm. This recession will pass just as they always do.
ReplyDeletePenny, that is what i think and have been holding off for too! already spent a lot on some full price spring items. still want to get a few sweaters but MUST wait until the new reduced prices kick in, hopefully NEXT MONDAY!
ReplyDeleteJCrew Stock Owners:
ReplyDeleteI'd love to buy a couple hundred [real small time, alas] to enjoy the game--and because they are down to $10 or so--does anyone know if you can do that directly through JCrew investors, or does one actually have to have a broker?
Thanks in advance.
I don't think you can buy stock directly from J. Crew. Some companies offer this but I don't think JCG is one of them. I went through Etrade.
ReplyDeletecasual crew, agree with you on price points and an upgrade of the items fit and quality.
ReplyDeleteJC is the only(!) clothing retailer with such online issues, all while online sales (in general)has been increasing steadily over the past few years.
Re: fit and quality - this is why i love(ed) JC so much. They used to make better quality, staple items, that I could wear for years. For years i had been able to just buy things without trying things on, sizes were consistent and i know what am I getting.
Not lately! Recently i got 2 pairs of cords, both size 4 - with over 1 inch difference in size!
Secondly, their items are way overpriced. Prices go up season after season while quality actually decreases.
Moreover, who will buy an item from Collection for $200-400, when 3 months later they are discounted 50 -70%? I got 2 items from collection in NYC stores for less than 20% of initial price!!! Insane.
They should think about this issue!
And, yes, those final sales, a big turn off (especially given the inconsistent fit).
lexis, no i am not planing on byuing JS stocks (as yet). Would do if further "discounted", just as they overpriced stuff.
Dani-
ReplyDeleteI love the velvet Ecole jacket. I have one in navy and I just ordered one last night in burgandy. I went with my normal size...I think they look cute fitted. I also wear mine over t-shirts with jeans and boots. I like the versatility. It can be casual with jeans or very dressy with black pants. Good luck.
BTW- I called CS last night and got the OK to return a jacket I bought on final sale. Just wasnt up to my standards, borderline defective product. HTH
Penny: "Ladies (&Jeff)", I had to laugh at that one.
ReplyDeleteMacy's just announced they're going to close 11 underperforming stores in nine states, which will affect 960 employees.
ReplyDeleteThere's also this story:
NEW YORK – Retailers reported dismal sales figures for December on Thursday as even Wal-Mart Stores Inc., one of the bright spots in the industry, finally buckled under the pressures of the deteriorating economy.
As the figures confirmed fears that the holiday season was the weakest since at least 1969, the malaise cut through practically all areas from kitchen gadget stores to jewelry purveyors and teen apparel retailers.
The deep discounts that began well before the official start of the holiday season spurred a number of merchants to cut their earnings outlooks, fueling more concerns about the health of the industry.
Among the many retailers that reported steep sales declines were Sears Holdings Corp., which operates Kmart and Sears stores, luxury retailer Saks Inc. and Gap Inc. But the biggest surprise came from Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, which posted a smaller sales gain than what Wall Street expected and cut its fourth-quarter earnings outlook.
"Consumerism as we know it is dead" - no. Some people always exaggerate in bad times. Who was that declared an end to irony after 9/11? What the hell did that even mean? Either way, such drastic statements are absurd.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Ryan. While my spending has certainly slowed I have just become so used to being in debt that it doesn't bother me anymore. I am certainly saving more in this economy but I don't feel any grand rush to pay off my debt or completely stop spending. It may be a case of being young and dumb, I fully admit.
ReplyDeleteMy most recent order arrived yesterday after taking a tour of the northern United States and then heading back eastward and up into Canada. I never get tracking numbers for my orders, I have to call JCrew to get the track # so I was watching this one wondering WTF?
ReplyDeleteEverything I ordered was in the box, in the correct sizes and colors. The surprise is that there were three candy tees in size M in the box with everything else. They do not show up on my receipt. I am going to call JCrew when I get home tonight. I wanted this tee in pink and wasn't able to get it before it sold out and there it is in the box. Also one in green and one in champagne, all in my size. I'm going to ask to keep the pink one and send the rest back, but this is the weirdest mixup I have seen from JC. If they are giving away merchandise, it certainly can't help their bottom line. Anyone else heard of this happening, extra stuff in the shipment?
Well, I tried to stay away from Crew for awhile given the economy, but I peaked today and saw some things I liked!!! I was wondering if any of you girls could give advice on quality or fit of:
ReplyDeleteTrixie heels
Crosshatch print schoolgirl skirt
Perfect fit mandarin henleys
Thanks ladies!!
anon 2:44: It is not absurd, just an opinion. Do you think the banks will keep on issuing credit card offers in this economy or after? There is a change in thinking out there, if you are young I can see your point of view, but if you are older it is not so absurd, people cannot keep spending beyond their means. Something has to give.
ReplyDeleteGeneral: They're still posting diluted earnings per share of about 70 cents for fiscal '08. They are doing A LOT better than other retailers who are posting per share losses. You have to look at the entire year, although 'Q4 was a blood bath for JCrew as well as all other retailers.
ReplyDeleteDani: I loooove the Velvet Ecoles. I have 3 of those jackets. When you are trying to decide on size, you should be aware of the fact that they are very fitted jackets (at least by JCrew standards) and the jacket contains a lot of dart seaming and some princess seaming.
Ryan: Absolutely agreed with you on all of your observations.
Professor: You can't purchase publicly-traded stock directly. Open an e-trade account (or some other discount brokerage account) and ask your broker to purchase JCG. The txn will be done through JCrew's transfer agent.
Does anyone own the velvet Ecole in olive? I have one coming. Does it have brown or yellow undertones? What do you wear with it?
ReplyDeleteI am not surprised by this, thanks for sharing the article, Alexis! I thought it was interesting the commenter who said that this was the worst holiday season, retail-wise, since 1969. Wow! I know I can count myself among those who have cut back a lot in the past few months.
ReplyDeleteOT, does anyone have a Boden coupon/code? I am thinking of ordering something but I have NEVER paid for shipping w/ them and am trying to avoid it if I can find a code? TIA.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 3:48
ReplyDeleteCheck retailmenot.com
They are a great source of coupon codes.
I agree with Anon @10:49. I know people in California who bought their homes for 40K in the 70's, and now, 38 years later, they still owe over 100K on them, and nothing to show for it (other than a few cars and other disposable items, among them JCrew clothing). Does anyone in their sane mind think that you can actually live on borrowed money forever? LOL...
ReplyDeleteOT: If I return two dresses via snail mail to J Crew, will they credit my debit card? I just dont want to be given a GiftCard or Merc Credit.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the article Alexis. This does not surprise me at all, either, especially since the website, inventory, and shipping problems continue to go on and on and on...apparently with no end in site. I wonder if Mickey Drexler is embarrassed at this point? I think he should be. The whole situation is really absurd and completely unacceptable.
ReplyDeleteoff topic, but I think Oprah might be wearing J.Crew on her show right now. It looks like the Victoria black stripe ruffle shirt and a green cardigan.
ReplyDeleteAnyone else watching?
It doesn't seem like they have a lot of inventory left in their final sale, so I wonder if it means that they might have been unprofitable in selling some items below cost? I know manufacturing is cheap, but all the people, rental space, shipping cost, etc. isn't.
ReplyDeleteanon @ 2:59:
ReplyDeleteI found the Trixie heels to run narrow, so I had to size up (I didn't end up keeping them, as they were a little too narrow to be comfortable on my feet). I think others have also recommended sizing up on these. HTH!
oops sorry not a cardigan but maybe the v-neck cashmere sweater in green
ReplyDeleteTrixie heels -- I had to size up 1/2 a size on these, as I had to with a couple of other J. Crew heels from this season (Gayle, Isabella). This was new for me -- a 9 had always worked in every sort of shoe I tried from J. Crew before and still worked for me for most shoes this season (peep-toes, ballet flats, boots, Juliets). They're very pretty shoes, and now that they're on sale, a much better buy. Here was the blog's review of them.
ReplyDeleteVelvet école -- love it. I have the tawny olive, burgundy, black, and navy, and I'm debating the honey glaze as well. You can wear them dressy or casual. I like the velvet very much and think it's a fun twist on the traditional herringbone or plain suiting jacket. The colors are also very pretty. the jackets are fitted and narrower in the shoulder, as others pointed out. I sized up 1 size, as I typically do for J. Crew jackets.
As for the tawny olive velvet école, I'm not very good at figuring out undertones, but it does have warm undertones, I know that much. This is what I've been wearing it with, along with some other ideas:
* Work dressy 1
* Work dressy 2
* Work dressy 3
* Work casual 1
* Casual/Jeans Friday 1
* Casual/Jeans Friday 2
* Casual/Jeans Friday 3
anon 4:11 That cardigan is really a bright lime green! She is talking about overspending whoa!
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 4.15. Trust me, nothing is being sold below cost. This brings their profit margin down (as we see now, with all those sales).
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly why i NEVER pay full priced items - they simply not worht it, even Collection items are made in China. The Collection items have to pay for that insane rent of Collection store in NYC, but do item itself are worth $300-something price, NOT!
kitchy7-I'm the one who asked about the velvet Ecole in olive. Thank you for all those fab ideas! I love it with all the chocolate browns, especially.
ReplyDeleteNow-should I get the navy too? Hmmm.....
Sales at a lot of stores fell dramatically over the holidays, including high-end stores, and I can't imagine J. Crew was any different, especially given its website and shipping fiascos. That just can't contribute to a good year-end performance. According to this article:
ReplyDelete"Sales in the specialty retail stores segment of Neiman Marcus, which includes Neiman Marcus stores and Bergdorf Goodman, tumbled 31.2 percent — lower than its October and November sales figures. Sales at Saks sank 19.8 percent. Both high-end chains had improved their same-store sales in November but did not manage to continue the trend in December. At Nordstrom, sales were down 10.6 percent, though that was better than its 15.9 percent decline in November.
"Sales at mall retailers also fell by double digits, including Abercrombie & Fitch (down 24 percent), American Eagle Outfitters (down 17 percent), Gap (down 14 percent), Wet Seal (down 12.5 percent), Chico’s (down 12.4), Zumiez (down 12.3 percent), and Limited Brands and Pacific Sunwear (both down 10 percent).
"December sales fell 8.1 percent at J. C. Penney, 7.3 percent at Sears Holdings Corporation, 5.8 at Bon-Ton, 5 percent at Dillard’s and 1.4 at Kohl’s. Macy’s said Thursday that it would close 11 stores, though its chief executive, Terry J. Lundgren, said in a statement that the closings were “part of our normal-course process to prune underperforming locations each year.” The retailer’s same-store sales fell 4 percent in December."
J. Crew is really going to have to fix its (many) major problems and figure out price points if it wants to succeed in this kind of retail climate. For the sake of my future wardrobe, I hope it succeeds. :)
Anons, discussing Oprah wearing JC on today's show, i hope you listen carefully to what they are saying as well. :)
ReplyDeleteThey discuss financial responsibility, overspending...difference betw. "want" and "need"..:)
Thanks to those who told me how to purchase JCrew stock. Maybe, ike with FS, I should wait until it plunges a bit more, but that's depressing . . .
ReplyDeleteOn the Velvet Ecole jacket topic, I love my 3, wear them a lot--dressed and with jeans--but I'm a slender size 10 jacket and ECOLE I need a 12 just to move in--at that, no extra room. Love the lining!
okay after watching Oprah further I don't think the pieces are J.Crew This episode is as depressing as all the retail woes lol. Sorry back to the regularly scheduled programming.
ReplyDeleteOT: A little while ago someone asked about the golden cypress color. I recently received the golden cypress Jackie that I ordered over the holidays (backordered), and the color is lovely! It's prettier than pictured on the web - much more of a golden olive color. On the web it looks kind of muddy, and it is much more of a true color IRL. I wore the Jackie today, and got several compliments on the color. I am very fair complected with dark brown hair and brown eyes, and this color makes me glow. I highly recommend it!
ReplyDeleteNow this confirms my need for the silk dupioni skirt in golden cypress. Has anyone seen these in a store? I am looking for a size 4.
Just found out that JCrew CANCELLED my cashmere femme sweater that I ordered two days ago! I know that other aficionadas ordered this sweater and there were about 50 left when I ordered. I AM MAD. I hate that you never know if you will get what you ordered! JCrew needs to get its sh*t together! Enough of the web issues. They need to be resolved already. I have had enough!
ReplyDeleteJenG.
OT here. Does anyone know how the Jackie cashmere cardigan fits? I wear a small in the other cashmere cardigans, but a medium in the cotton Jackies.
ReplyDeleteMy orders from the past week are slowly being canceled one after another! Looks like the inventory is just not there. So frustrating. After a good Christmas shopping season with JC, I'm seeing a return to missing orders, slow shipping, wrong colors/sizes sent and a whole bunch of short-shipped items.!
ReplyDeleteJanuary 8, 2009 2:51 PM:
ReplyDeleteI was shipped three items also for "free" but called and returned them. I was given free shipping on the order connected to the add'l items I did not order. I was actually wondering if it was a 'test' by JC. Yes, I can be paranoid at times. :)
It's time to keep an eagle eye on your credit card statements. Just too many errors by JC.
ReplyDeleteThe navy velvet École is a very rich but practical color if you go with it! Here are some ideas for it:
ReplyDelete* Work dressy 1
* Work dressy 2
* Work dressy 3
* Work dressy 4
* Work dressy 5
* Casual/Jeans Friday 1
* Casual/Jeans Friday 2
* Casual
JenG, i understand your anger.
ReplyDeleteWhy it takes so long to resolve these web/it/shipping issues?
This is ridiculous.
I have ordered twice since Christmas, 1 item FS low inventory, the other full priced, both shipped within 24 hrs, I received both items without problems.
ReplyDeleteJenG:
ReplyDeleteSame thing happened to my sister today, with the femme sweater. I think she said there were about 45 when she ordered, so I don't understand why they got cancelled. Bummer for both of you! I'm sorry :(
Thanks kitchy7, I'm pretty sure I'm going to get the navy Ecole.
ReplyDeleteOT: If J Crew sent my package on Monday, and it still just says 'billing information received' today.....is that cause for worry? I'm not seeing any movement.
anon 6:05: Call CS to find out what is going on.
ReplyDeletekitchy7: thanks so much for the polyvore inspiration! I think I was getting in a rut with the navy ecole over the champagne rose tee or other gray ringspun tees. Love it with the plum and green!
ReplyDeleteI am curious how JCrew can open stores right and left? Today I visited my local B&M and it was empty. No one was shopping, just a few browsers in the sale section. There are some deals online but considering their web difficulties, it doesn't surprise me that customers aren't shopping JC online. Another issue that has been discussed is FINAL SALE. With their inconsistent sizing on same sizes, how can we order something online that is our size and not fit us then not be able to return it?
ReplyDeleteI've purchased more than 80 items from J. Crew since Thanksgiving, most via web orders ranging in size from 1 to 30+. My 30+ TURKEY order was perfect. I think I had 2 items cancelled out of all this and I was eventually able to find both. I have had items cancelled off of orders placed at other retailers and I understand that it happens when 5 people place orders at the same time for the 1 item left in stock. 4 of them are going to be disappointed.
ReplyDeleteI live far from malls/city shopping so I buy most clothes/shoes via the internet and I have to say that my web/ordering/order fulfillment experience with J. Crew is not significantly worse than at any other ecommerce retailer. I ordered a book from Borders in November (Christmas present) that was listed as in stock at that time. It never shipped, I never received any notification that it was backordered, the order status just says "in progress". No communication whatsoever. Even if something gets cancelled, J. Crew has been really good about letting me know what's going on!
People report only their problems here and I think that results in an exaggerated perception of how widespread they actually are among some blog posters.
PS. I did not keep 80 items for myself. Quite a few were multiple sizes to try and some were gifts!
FFM: This is OT, but back in August you wrote about the Ecole velvet jacket: "I do love the Burgandy color in the Velvet, the Sweet Potato in the Herringbone, and the Black in the Donegal."
ReplyDeleteCould I trouble you to do one or two Polyvore sets for the Burgundy velvet Ecole? I looked in polyvore but couldn't find any sets with this color. TIA!!
- Elena
I haven't ordered 80 items recently, but I have placed probably about 8-10 different orders from November to now and all have been perfect (knock on wood). They usually range from 1-3 items. I have had mostly online orders and a couple "we will find its" and they have all worked out. I know there are problems with their system and I feel bad for those who fall victim to their problems, but anon at 7:07 raises a good point that usually only problems are discussed here. Here's too fewer problems and more perfect boxes waiting on our front steps when we get home. :)
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have the parlor knit dress yet? I was curious as to how it fits, how low the v-neck goes, it the empire waist is flattering, etc. I've been eying this one for a while...I LOVE THEIR KNIT DRESSES!!!
ReplyDelete(Alexis, perhaps this would be a good post topic...what is your favorite knit dress? I know I practically live in them when the weather is warm. It'd give us something to look forward to! :)
there is a good and bad to this down economy....the good is that ppl will learn to live within their means...and the bad is that many will lose their jobs, savings, etc.
ReplyDeletesure, we're all hurting but buying a little less and living with less debt will be good for all of us.
Speaking of keeping an eye on credit card statements ...
ReplyDeleteI was just going through my in store returns from this past season and noticed some inconsistencies in the amount refunded. Some stores would refund the item + tax + shipping and others would consistently just refund item + tax. Has anyone else noticed this? I never really returned enough things in the past to notice, but now it's really bugging me. TIA.
On final sale, JC should consider final sale-ing only items that have been on sale for a while but not the new spring items.
ReplyDeleteAnon at 7:23 -- FFM is way better at this than I am, so I look forward to her suggestions, as I love the burgundy velvet École. In the meantime, here is what I wear it with along with some other ideas:
ReplyDelete* Work dressy 1
* Work dressy 2
* Work dressy 3
* Work dressy 4
* Work dressy 5
* Jeans Friday/night out
* Casual/Jeans Friday
I love the new sequin tweed ecole jacket item 96556. It's so cute. Has anyone tried this item? I'd love to hear what you think of it.
ReplyDeleteIt would appear that the ecole style will be back for spring at JCrew
Ooh, that jacket sounds interesting. I can't wait for it to appear on the website.
ReplyDeleteOT, I just received the amber lattice cami and it's YELLOW. Not in a bad way, just not at all like it appears on the website. Do not expect a bronze-like color.
Anon @ 8:58 - It's beautiful. But is it really new? They only have sizes 6 to 10, as if it has been stocked for a while and sold out. And, I did not see it on the New Arrivals, the Collection or Jackets pages. How did you find it?
ReplyDeleteI've seen the Ochos Rios sweater dress pop up over and over again for the last year. If you own it, or have tried it, can you some feedback as to fit, comfort, etc?
ReplyDeleteTIA
kitchy7 - it is on the website.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Feature_Assortment/jcrewcollection/jcrewcollectioncategories/jacketstops/PRDOVR~96556/96556.jsp
It is in limited sizes but I'm pretty sure it is a new collection piece. I found it when I searched on "ecole"
Hi Elena! I have a couple of sets with the Burgandy Ecole for you: Click Here . Congratulations on the jacket...the velvet Ecoles are very pretty. :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe the new sequin tweed ecole will be included in the next "new arrivals" release.
ReplyDeleteLovely sets FFM. Thank you so much for sharing with us all.
ReplyDeleteThe sequin tweed ecole is not new; Alexis mentioned it as "sold out" in this
ReplyDeleteSeptember post
Oh, I see it now, thanks! It is pretty. I think it's a new item too. Sometimes shipments of new items come in over time, so that could explain why there are only select sizes right now.
ReplyDeleteI thought for a sec it was new too - but then remembered. This is great because
ReplyDelete(1) things come back and you have a second chance to get them
(2) it confirms that I should be able to shop my closet this spring - I'm sure there are things I won't remember purchasing that look exciting, and better yet, I already own them! ; )
I ordered the sequin tweed ecole. I don't remember seeing it last fall and I wasn't reading this blog so not aware of the post. It looks nice and will make an interesting "suit" jacket for me. I'm always looking for something unique.
ReplyDeleteYou would think if it is several months old, it would be on sale by now. But the crackle-metallic heels have not gone on sale yet. I added them to my order as well. No sense waiting if they won't be reduced.
I just want to say that I've ordered many times on-line with the many codes offered over the holidays. My order has arrived perfectly each and every time. Today, I had a box at my back door that I wasn't expecting until tomorrow (vintage jeans, floral ruffle astrid and lulu's in the red/pink). I'm a midwest girl, so maybe location has something to do with their web issues, but if I wasn't an avid follower of this blog,I would have no idea that there were on-line problems. And yes, I check the website every morning over coffee before getting ready for work. After I check this blog of course ;). I have experienced the web site being down but it's not usually for very long and I've attributed it to high traffic due to great discount codes. Just wanted to share my experiences because I worry that only the obvious troubles get reported.
ReplyDeleteBy the way,I'm giddy over my lulu peep toes in tulip - going to FLA next week and they are already in my suitcase!!!
ReplyDeleteAnon @9:55, Re the crackle-metallic shoes: if you are interested in the sherbet color IMO it was v different than the website photos led me to believe.
ReplyDeleteI ordered the MJs, but the color is much closer to that depicted in the photo of the ankle-strap flats. The MJs look silvery-pink but the ankle-strap photo more accurately depicts the real coppery/peachy pink. Nothing wrong with the latter if that's what you're expecting, and the shoes are otherwise v cute, but the color wasn't what I'd hoped for.
Anon @9:16. I own the ochos rio sweater dress in an extra small. I'm usually a 6petite, and a small in a sweater. I found the dress is pretty generous, a little big. I would recommend sizing down. It's very cute, though!
ReplyDeleteA comment on the "J. Crew becomes a luxury brand strategy":
ReplyDeleteI've meant to mention this for a while and almost posted in the Collection thread, but will post here because it is relevant to this discussion and this thread is at the top of the blog...
I think some people have interpreted this strategy to mean that J. Crew wants to compete head to head with pure luxury brands like Hermes, Chanel, LV, etc. I never got the impression that that was what they were trying to do. Rather, I thought their strategy was to peel off some of those shoppers by appealing to them with a better value product. Drexler has said the word value in discussing this topic over and over again. Rather than buying a $1,000 or $5,000 handbag, why not buy a $200 handbag made from the same leather - better value. What struck me about the comments in the Collection thread was that this seemed to be working. There were quite a few comments from people who were quite pleased with the item they got for the price, friends couldn't believe it was a J. Crew bag, etc.
If you think about it in this perspective, it makes a bit more sense. Spending $200 instead of $5,000 may constitute belt tightening in some households. :-)
I personally don't think people should be seeing large quantities of really special items in the final sale--it only means it was a big "miss" in style or they grossly overbought.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how much of the resurgence of stuff in the sale section is due to the "squatters" who buy stuff at full price and then return the full price item once it goes on sale. Sounds like there is a lot of that going on based on comments posted on this blog. Churning through the purchases and returns each time they take a markdown really lengthens the time items are "walking around."
Hexicon - thanks for the info on the crackle metallic MJ heels. I ordered the sherbet and was hoping it was more of a light pink and not the coppery peach shade. Do you know if it is the same as the metallic belt in sherbet? I have the belt so it would be easy to compare.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to wear with the toothpick jeans. If they are not pink, I may get the grey instead. Wish they were available in tidepool, like the metallic belt in the catalogue.
Thanks!
Homes are/were the major source of wealth for most people.
ReplyDeleteGains or losses in the value of a home (or investment portfolio) are just on paper (unrealized) unless you are actually selling. Assuming not selling, the value of a home should not be what determines one's budget for discretionary purchases like clothing. With rising home values too many people treated their homes like an unlimited cash advance which is part of the problem, but that is not what the mindset should be.
kitchy7 & FFM: Thank you so much for the gorgeous sets!! I'm so relieved I bought the right color that would complement so many different gorgeous ouftits. Was afraid of looking like a Christmas tree :)
ReplyDelete- Elena
Anon @ 10:20 - thank you! Maybe that is why this dress is still around - because it fits large. It looks rather shapeless, would you agree? Or is it somewhat form-fitting?
ReplyDeleteAnon 10:48 I love your comment on J.Crew's luxury brand strategy. I agree that there are some high-quality items available for a reasonable price, even if the prices seem high compared to other mainstream retailers.
ReplyDeleteI have purchased several collection pieces and many other items that are top quality and I really enjoy wearing the brand. It is a wonderful feeling to get that special item that makes your outfit and enhances your wardrobe, whatever brand it may be. J.Crew allows customers to enjoy a little luxury for a modest price. For some, that means waiting for a sale. I buy mostly designer items and to me, J.Crew is an inexpensive retailer with some unique pieces.
They have certainly peeled me off from strictly designer!
Consumerism as we know it is dead, the days of overspending and carrying large credit card balances are over.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ryan for the most part. I don't think that consumerism as we know it is dead yet. It takes a long time and a lot of pain before people change their behavior. Of course people can't live on borrowed money forever, but it is much easier to live in a state of denial for as long as they can. Think about the people who are overweight, smoke, don't exercise and how hard those habits are to change despite what we know about their ill effects. "Affluenza" is not cured by popping a pill.
Just read this blog and you will see people who charge their J. Crew purchases to credit cards that they cannot pay in full daily report on their latest purchases - the BlahBlah jacket in every color! A sequined cami! The flat boots to go with the heeled boots! They crow about the bargains they scored and how much money they "saved" but are apparently clueless that by the time they finish paying for some of this stuff, they will have paid more than full price when you factor in interest! Rest assured, consumerism as we know it is not dead yet.
The question is "will the credit card offers start to flow again" or will there be long term systemic changes to whom and how credit is offered, either as a business decision or as a result of government intervention? It's also hard to tell how much of the economic news is hype and hysteria and how much is true. Supposedly we are in a credit crunch, but I have refinanced a car loan from 5.5% to 4% and gotten 0% interest/no balance transfer fee credit card offers within the last 2 months. I would say at least 10-20% of the houses in my immediate neighborhood are putting on additions or otherwise renovating at the moment. Maybe the "credit crunch" is selective and not across the board.
I really do hope that there is a silver lining resulting from the current woes and people do learn to live within their means, but the cynic in me thinks that too many people are so used to having all their "wants" instantly gratified that this won't happen without a very long drawn out and very, very painful major upheaval first. Escape the hangman's noose this time and you think you're untouchable and you go back to your free spending ways and then we are right back where we started from however many years from now.
And now back to your previously scheduled discussion of the velvet Ecole...
Anon 10:52
ReplyDeleteI was referring to small quantities of "specialty/collection" items--not your average item which is made in mass quantity and you expect to see "walking around".
Bug Pin,
ReplyDeleteI know you were referring to "specialty/collection" items and that is what I am referring to as well. My point is that regardless of initial quantity almost everything will pop back up in the sale section if you are patient (and obsessive).
Trust me, I speak from experience.
The Patient (and Obsessive??) Anon 10:52
Agree with Anon at 11:57 PM,
ReplyDeleteAnything by Jcrew, collection items or not, will be significantly marked down eventually. At least, it isn't hard for me to find most items at their lowest prices.
My experience with anthropologie items are different though. Also they mark down most items eventually, but it is very hard for me to find many things even at their second/third lowest prices.
Anon @ 11:46 - Your comments are interesting and damning yet made me laugh out of instant recognition.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious --> what state are you in that 10-20% of your neighbors are still improving. I'm in CA where virutally of the household improvements have come to a grinding halt.
Anon @ 12:50: I can't agree more and have had the same problem with fit. I ordered two perfect tee's in the same size. When I laid one on top of the other, the bottom shirt was half an inch wider on each side.
ReplyDeleteAlso - I have the favorite fit cords in like 5 colors because I love them so much. I knew my size, so after I tried on the first two, I just grabbed the rest and bought them without trying on. Big mistake. Got home, put on the colors I didn't try on and all of a sudden I had muffin tops like whoa!. I laid that pair on top of another pair and there was at least an inch difference.
This is why I will never order from Final Sale now.
HELP!!!! Can someone help me find a way to figure out how jcrew refunds returns per order on you credit card if not a jcrew card holder? i am in a state of panic since i have ordered many times and returned many as well. it seems so fishy that they dont give you numbers when you check your order number just that you returned them but as far as how much is credited etc its not there? is there someone here who has come up with a system to make sure JCREW isnt messing up? The gift cards i have used were never really credited. everything was charged on my credit card and now the gift card has been thrown away and they wont send me another one coz they dont have proof that i did throw it away. why on earth would i keep it if I thought it has $0 in it? HELLLPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCECE
anon: Did they send you the gift cards? If they did they have the numbers in their system and they should be able to check the balance.
ReplyDeleteanon 11:46- You are living in LALAL Land, the banks are tightening their credit, credit is nto available for alot of people nowdays, they are even reigning in limits on credit cards and Lines of Credit. The people who want to put additions are their houses are borrrowing against their value of their house, the value of their house is going down, if they lose their job they are screwed! and alot of people are losing their job nowdays. To live on credit like we have in the past is just dumb!
ReplyDeleteSome people are still living quite normally, but they are in the minority and they are people who have always lived within their means and can continue to do so. I am renovating this spring and it will be paid for in cash, not credit or a loan. Been saving for 3 years to ensure I can afford that new bathroom in my 1956 house, which still is 90% original, including the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteI do buy some J.Crew items but I am very selective about anything that gets my money. I have a lucrative career, but that doesn't mean I don't work for it. I would much rather pay full price for a quality, classic piece than get a trendy, cute item I will retire after a few wearings. I use the cost/wearing calculation to ensure I am making a wise decision. It takes willpower. If you practice your willpower, it will improve, but you have to start sometime. Check out this book if you want to make positive financial changes in your life.
http://www.amazon.com/Youre-Broke-Because-You-Want/dp/1592403344
Anon 1:08 and Anon 5:19,
ReplyDeleteI don't live in LALA land. I live in a place where employment is dominated by a teaching hospital and a university with a multi-billion dollar endowment. The demand for education and health care is not as impacted by economic downturns as the demand for other products/services are (in fact a lot of people go to grad school to "wait out the storm") so we have a very stable employment base, relatively speaking. The constant influx of new students, faculty, medical residents, etc. keeps the demand for housing high. There weren't many subprime mortgages given out in this area of the country so that is less of an issue as well.
If you are a tenured faculty member around here 1) you are not at risk of losing your job and 2) the value of your house is not going down so you are not a bad risk for a home improvement loan if you haven't already saved the cash. It's probably a great time to renovate if you can since you can probably get great deals from contractors who are starved for the work.
I believe that some people have had their access to credit limited, but not everyone. The impact of the crisis varies quite a bit by region and Anon 7:56 makes an excellent point as well that those who have always lived within their means won't be as affected as those who spend everything they have on throw away clothes and then borrow money to spend more.
Anon 5:19 I agree that living on credit is just dumb, but I wonder how bad things have to get before some people will change? And if people do start living within their means that will mean a shakeup in the retail industry as consumer spending will permanently decrease since past spending levels were driven by the willingness to fund with debt.
Anon 8:37am
ReplyDeleteI have said that same thing all along. Things that are new/newer (in this case there are brand spanking new items for Spring on the Final Sale already)but they should just be on SALE (not final) and things that are old (early Fall, last year when it was FALL) should be Final Sale. This is the VERY least they could offer with keeping Final Sale around.
535,000.00 jobs lost in the US in the month of December alone, I guess the media is hyping it up for the heck of it! Get Realistic!
ReplyDeleteAnon @10:20 -- it's definitely a shift dress with an a-line. Very forgiving. Because it's pretty short, it still looks cute.
ReplyDelete