Referencing {FAQ}

Saturday, February 14, 2009

J.Crew Email: Say I do to J.Crew...

"Thanks!" to Marietta & lexieloo who let us know that J.Crew sent an email reminding us about their wedding specialist "Ashley", who is available to help brides on their special day.

I am guessing the reason this email was sent is because of J.Crew's current Honeymoon Sweepstakes (click here to enter daily). :)

The dress featured in the email is the Tiered Analisa Gown (Item 11835; $2,995.00). I am not sure if I like it or hate it. There is definitely "something" pretty about the dress. However, I am not sure how good it would look on the average consumer, like myself. I just know those tiers and tiers of large ruffles will make me look bigger than I am. ;)

Did you get this email? What are your thoughts on the Tiered Analisa Gown (do you like it or loathe it)?

94 comments:

  1. I'm sorry, but I think it makes even the model look like a wet sheep dog. This is definitely one misfire that I am surprised they are advertising so widely...

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  2. Alexis, I am with you. This is real Fug, Not Fug quandry. I love the concept, but keep wondering if it looks good outside a photo shoot. I'm inclined to think that this dress looks amazing on a certain body type, but may not work for many.

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  3. it kind of reminds me of my brother's wife's wedding dress. i hated it on the hanger but she looked fabulous in it. she's super thin, but also very short.

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  4. I saw a picture of this on a mannequin and thought it looked quite lovely -- very feminine and vintagey, and I even think it looks nice in the promo shot, but on the site...? It looks less than flattering. To be kind. It just overwhelms her and makes her look far wider than she actually is.

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  5. I'm not a big fan of this gown, but I prefer the more simple, princess silhouette styles like the Vionette and the Lucinda. Goldenmeans - I think I can picture it looking feminine and vintagey on the right person (or mannequin) :) I guess it depends on who is wearing it and whether or not they can pull it off.

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  6. J.Crew used the Analisa gown as their wedding window display last month at their 5th Ave store in NYC. I thought it looked gorgeous...very Great Gatsby-ish, especially with the tux they lined up along side. The overall display was so captivating to me that I took a few pics which you can see here.

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  7. I think it would look lovely on a woman who has the body and the personality to pull it off. Personally, I prefer the Sascha gown. Not so much the giant flower, but I love the cut and shape of the dress!

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  8. I like it. I would like to try it, if no one else were around. Makes me think of a breezy destination wedding.

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  9. I *LOVE* this dress! Of course I haven't seen it in person nor tried it on, so my opinion could totally change, but I'm a huge fan of ruffles and wedding dresses that aren't white! At first I was unsure about the big flower, but I like how it breaks up the ruffles and despite its size, is still pretty subtle. However, I'm not sure I'd fork over $3k for said dress when I like the Esme and Annabelle dresses as well.

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  10. I too love this dress. We hear about J. Crew being "couture inspired". Well, this dress really shows it. However, it is far from typical or traditional, so I imagine this will be a love-it or hate-it item. I also imagine it takes a very particular person to pull this off. My sister has the shape, but not the confidence to wear an item like this. I have the confidence, but not the bod. How lucky are Jenna and her team to be able to design simple for-the- masses items as well as these really special pieces?

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  12. there is something 'stunning' about it conceptually, if not only for the sheer amount of tiers and ruffles, but... I do not like it that much, and it probably would not flatter many body types. I give the designers and A for effort, though. Long frilly gowns aren't my thing, but the right person could really love this piece.

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  13. I'm really excited to read about the JCAs who love the wedding dress! My first instinct was that I hated it (I wore a very classic, white, strapless, a-line in my wedding) but now I'm beginning to rethink. :) At the very least, I'm intrigued by the strong opinions each way!

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  14. I love this dress and think it's absolutely stunning! :)

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  15. It's cut a bit too high on her chest. Would not work for bustier women. The dress would photograph well in natural light in a natural setting like the beach but IMO it would look awful in a church/restaurant-type setting. I agree with Alexis, it would make you look wider too. BTW, is J Crew's consultant really named Ashley or did they try to pick the WASPiest name possible. Maybe her real name is Hortense.

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  16. I was a flower girl at a hippie-ish wedding in 1974 and this dress looks just like what the bride wore! I think I had a smaller version. I couldn't help but envision boquets of droopy wildflowers and Peter, Paul & Mary tunes playing when I saw that email! I am sure the dress could look beautiful on the right woman BUT my first thought was that it was incredibly dated, and not in a good way.

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  17. The dress has far too much of a hippie vibe to it. Plus it's an odd color.

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  18. This dress might be ideal if the bride got a substantial head start on beginning a family, if you know what I mean ;-)

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  19. I think its pretty and only for the ultra thin long limbed ladies.

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  20. I dig the dress but think it would have been better short for a special occasion/bridesmaid's dress.

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  22. Such a romantic dress..I love it!

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  23. I love the look of this gown. It looks like a gorgeous piece of work, although the tiers of ruffles will add bulk.

    I have the Tulle Cascade skirt in ivory shown in my profile pic. I've worn it a few times although it is not slimming. Fortunately I am small on the bottom with no hips and tiny butt so it's fine, but it definitely makes me look bigger than I am. I wear it with a sleek top because I'm busty and anything voluminous on top will add bulk. It does give me a balanced look between top and bottom and I love the skirt itself, it's really a gorgeous piece, so I do wear it.

    For me, it's not about always dressing to look thin, but on my wedding day that was a consideration that influenced the dress I chose. People, including your own photographer, are taking photos that will be around for a long time. You are standing in front of a crowd of people, on display for hours and hours and there is tremendous pressure for the bride to look perfect. Looking thin is part of it. Adding bulk would not add confidence.

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  24. roxy - thanks for the photos and review of the widow display on your blog. It looks nice in the window. Wonder how much adjusting they had to do, pinning, etc. to make it fit just right on the manni.

    I don't like the 3rd & 4th ruffles below the waist. 3rd is really long then 4th is really short. Looks a bit off, although I don't think all the ruffles need to be the same size, just not sure why the change-up in that spot. It caught my eye right away and drawing the eye to that part of the body isn't good for a bride. The bustline would not look good on anyone larger than a B cup.

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  25. OT - Havona tank (#12966) is already sold out before its debut:(

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  26. ^ I can't bring up the item on the website, where are you finding it?

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  27. What's the point of putting up items on the website when every one of them says "sold out" when the link is clicked on? Stupid j.crew :-(

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  28. I love how the gown looks on the model and on the hanger (in picutres). I'm not sure it can pull it off in person or even on the above average beautiful slender bride.

    I have the same love/hate with the rolling ruffles tank -- I love the concept, but it's really not working on me. Part of is due to the "oversize-ness" of it, especially in the upper part. I want to love it, but it's going back to the store.

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  29. I think the dress is really pretty for a beach wedding but agree that it would NOT work on someone with any amount of chest going on... too bad. I hope to get married in one of JC's unique wedding dresses; I am definitely not a plain-strapless like-everyone-else-wears-these-days kind of girl!

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  30. Anon @ 10:31 ! I have the same gripe! I was very interested in many items this morning, but they are all sold out. JCrew better get their act together (see yesterday's posts, too.) They are losing loyal customers.

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  31. I love the dress..so fluffy and billowy. Looks gorgeous on the model...and the mannequin in the window (great pics Roxy). Very different from what I wore 13 years ago...may have to renew my vows just to wear the dress!

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  32. I agree...beach wedding only. And only if you're super skinny (and tan to look good in that color). I can't see it being flattering on anyone, and your wedding is not the time to try to look bold and daring in your couture gown, you're supposed to look pretty...and this is not doing it.

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  33. Lol, Not For Me called it a "widow" display. I know it was an unitentional misspelling, but its still funny.

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  34. I love this dress! Only wish there was a much shorter version, for those of us who aren't getting married.. The antique-ivory color is pretty and I would definitely wear it,(lovely pleats and all), for summer parties.

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  35. I wish this came in a short version - I think I could totally rock it.

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  36. I made fun of this dress on my blog (sometime in early February)...but I respect all of your opinions. Some of you said...beach wedding...yes, that is a good place for it!

    I much prefer the sleek stunning simplicity of the cecelia gown, and it's only 400 dollars!

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  37. I think its stunning, and on someone with the right figure/attitude for it, it would be a show stopper. I could totally see this being something a model/muse type would choose for her own wedding...

    FAB!

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  38. Re the 'sold out' on items that are not out yet - when that happened in the Fall I was pretty mad - but I called my PS and the Collection Store in NY and they both said that when it is for an item that isn't out yet it just means they haven't got more in yet..?! For one piece the Collection Store was able to tell me which day to call when they would have the item (and they did). I agree it is stupid marketing as how is anyone supposed to know this - but hope it helps.
    Oh and I love the ruffle gown. I had a black chiffon dress with ruffles a few years ago that I would wear to weddings etc - it was a lot like this gown except to the knee. I got lots of compliments when I wore it. Admittedly I am 5'8" and very small....

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  39. OT - I just used promotion code 98137138 for 30% off at Martin + Osa.

    Shipping and returns are automatically free.

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  40. I just ordered the jack purcells and had no idea the white was selling out. The CS rep in the phone told me SOLD OUT, not backordered or waitlisted. She did a find it for you search and found them in my size and they are on the way! I wouldn't wait...if you want them I would just call and have them do a search, it took the girl 10 minutes and she had the shoes. I also got the regular ones that GAP is selling. I want to pick between the 2 pairs because I am not sure how different the "distressing" is. Anyone with info on that? Thanks!

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  41. I actually like this dress the way it's pictured in the Feb 09 catalogue, but hard to imagine it in IRL away from that informal setting. Also wonder if anybody except a tall, thin model could wear this style.

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  42. Oh and I wish I was taller than 5'2", smaller than a D-cup, and smaller than a 12 because I would totally *try* this dress for my wedding! It's very beautiful and I would definitely wear it for a church wedding, not just the beach. My only gripe is that one can find a FABULOUS Melissa Sweet or Amsale dress for $3000! Maybe even less! And those dresses are TO DIE FOR beautiful. I think this dress would do better if it was under $2000. Still very pretty and romantic :)

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  43. what is the fascination with jack purcells? it looks like a boring old sneaker to me.

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  44. In regards to their FS section and all of the "sold out" items, I think they should just remove what is not available. It has been hours since almost everything was "sold out". It is annoying to click on every item and get that red message. I could see if it happened as sold out, but I am not sure that many items were not ever available today. Just got an email reminding me about the promo today-hmmmmm. I think Tamara was right when she said something is fishy about this today. Wish JC would just make it easier to shop at their site...

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  45. I can see someone with that long and ultra-thin physique pulling it off, like Keira Knightley.

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  46. they are great tennis shoes to wear. they look better than running shoes with jeans (a look that i hate). also, the white is very spring-summery which i like. they last forever and are also afordable for tennis shoes.

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  47. agreed. as soon as congress is done doling out the economic stimulus plan, they should work to ban wearing jeans with running shoes.

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  48. Like many have said; I think this dress would look fantastic on the right person. Perhaps the Madewell crowd?

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  49. I am with FabulousFlorida Mommy on the feeling: love this stunning dress. It would look absolutely perfect on on a beach or in a small chapel on a remote island.

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  50. I feel a little odd saying meeting Ashley when the woman in the photo is not, in fact, Ashley. ;-) Or if that IS Ashley, she's in the wrong line of work. She should apply to the wistful-and-hungry modeling agency.

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  51. Does anyone know the fit of the faille maisey jacket??

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  52. Just wanted to shout out a quick thank you to whoever posted about seeing the small gallery hobo in gold at the Collection store. I just called to order and it is on the way. Yeah. I just don't use a big bag. Hopefully it is not too similar to my Owen hobo, or I shall be shamed into returning it.

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  53. Haha that was me! I knew someone was looking for the small metallic gallery bag. That's the one I would buy if I wasn't on a self imposed handbag ban! It's beautiful in person...I hope you love it!

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  54. Posey Ford,

    I tried on the jacket last week in the store. Just so you know my sizing, I usually wear a 6 or an 8 in general. I have found that I tend to wear 8 in J. Crew jackets, but a 6 in all their tops. My Maggie jacket is an 8 (the 6 was tight in the shoulders).

    I tried on a 6 in the Maisey jacket and surprisingly it fit great. Not too constricting in the shoulders/arms (which I really can't handle). Since it is a spring/summer jacket you would also not be putting anything heavy underneath.

    Overall, I thought it was a really pretty jacket. My store only had champagne color, which washed me out. I hope to order the pink one for the Spring.

    I hope this helps.

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  55. Wondered if anyone else is having issues with the jcrew.com site being "Forbidden?" I know others have said they were seeing a green screen from time to time - seems my IP has been added to the list of those who can't visit the site (oh, whatever shall i do!?)

    Is it worth contacting jcrew's IT department to resolve? Maybe if i used my VPN I could get around it. Bah.

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  56. Going to J. Crew and want to purchase two things-please vote on 2 :):

    a) Jackie Cardigan in light pewter
    b) Jackie Cardigan in aquamarine
    c) Ruffle cotton cardigan in rose
    d) Ruffle tiered tank in ivory

    Thanks :)

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  57. leila... not sure about the sweaters but love the ruffle tank! i tried it on the other day and if wasn't still really cold where i live i would have gotten it.

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  58. I just got back from the B&M in Westport. I got nothin'. I was secretly hoping the sale stuff would be an additional % off. It wasn't. An hour of my life wasted. :(

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  59. Anon 12:47 I originally ordered the white Jack Purcells in 6.5 & called back to change them to a 6 today (they were on waitlist for Monday shipping.) I usually wear a 7.5 or 8 in shoes, but I went to TJ Maxx to see if they had any JC shoes (which they didn't) however they did have some Converse & I tried on the 6.5 & they were big & the 6 fit just perfect they had them in various colors light pink, navy, black but no white. By the way they were only 24.99 HTH

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  60. RatsOnParade,
    I find that the forbidden message usually disappears within 24 hours. I've had it happen at least 3 times in the last few weeks.

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  61. Did the Savoy d'Orsay heels come in a Pale Gold & Platinum Gold?

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  62. Anon 6:13: Thanks for the info!

    I'll try again in a day or so. In the meantime I'm still able to get there via my work's VPN. I don't enjoy being blacklisted. :/

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  63. Sorry to repost...

    Do the metallic lulus run big I wear a 7.5 or 8? What size do I need? Can I get away with an 8 or will they be to big?

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  64. Anon 7:35pm: Lulu Peep Toes run 1/2 size big. If you wear a 9.5, you should order a size 9. (I say this from experience, as I ordered my typical size and ended up having to size down). HTH!

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  65. Thanks Rats on Parade... I was wondering because someone on one of these posts said the Metallic Lulus ran small. If you were a 9 go to an 8.5

    Thank you...

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  66. Lleila, I have the jackie in aquamarine and I love it, so it definitely gets my vote!

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  67. Math Teacher - sorry this is OT, if I remeber correctly you are in charleston, SC - I am from Canada, and was visiting the beautiful Charelston in the summer, great SAs at the JC store. There was a high-end shoe store close by, that offered to ship shoes to Canada, they had a great selection and great prices. If it isn't too much trouble - can you think of the name, I can't remember, and can't find their card. TIA.

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  68. LOL Lindsay and Anon @1:06. I'm right on board with you!

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  69. It's a very gypsy looking dress. Perhaps for the right gypsy/hippie, it would be perfect. Right, gypsy?

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  70. Did anyone notice after you enter the sweepstakes and it takes you to the page where it says invite a friend or shop jcrew and there is a picture to the right with two girls in pink dresses... they forgot to photoshop the girl on the right with the red hair... SHE HAS A TATOO ON HER ARM! anyone else see this? :)

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  72. Anon @ 2:50,

    Here are the shoe shops on the same street as J. Crew. The J. Crew address is 264 King. It is probably not Dumas, Phillips or Nine West. Hope one of these looks familiar.

    Bob Ellis 332 King Street, Charleston
    (843) 722-2515

    Dumas & Sons 294 King Street, Charleston
    (843) 723-8603

    Mephisto Shoppe 324 King Street, Charleston
    (843) 722-4666

    Nine West 218 King Street, Charleston
    (843) 958-9998

    Pete Banis Shoes 297 King Street, Charleston
    (843) 577-0950

    Phillips Shoes 318 King Street, Charleston
    (843) 965-5270

    Rangoni of Florence 270 King Street, Charleston
    (843) 577-9554

    Susan Michelle 338 King Street, Charleston
    (843) 722-4612

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  73. Oops, I meant Anon at 10:50 pm.

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  74. sounds like the Bob Ellis store, very nice selection of shoes

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  75. Thanks, leaderboys! I would have only mentioned Bob Ellis. You know King Street very well! :D

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  76. Leaderboys - I'm the anon at 10:50PM, and I'm sure it's Bob Ellis - thank you so much. I really appreciate your help.

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  77. Canadian JCAs, if anyone's looking for pearls I saw some cute pearly necklaces at The Bay earlier, as well as nice knock-off of the JC cluster ring. I put a couple of photos on my blog.

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  78. Paper Bag Princess - love jewllery at the Bay, esp the extra dicount promos, hope that know that they are owned by Lord & Taylor's we'll have more options, like our US friends. This new tax issue with JC orders is turning me away from casual splurges at JC, hope they'll reconsider.

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  79. oops NOW not KNOW...

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  80. The taxes are crazy at J.Crew right now. Is this the latest "upgrade" for their site? My cart has been sitting since I heard of the increase. Makes it much less appealing with the higher overall cost. :(

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  81. What is the higher tax thing? I am not understanding. Thanks. If it a larger increase? When did it start?

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  82. If anyone is interested I saw Jack Purcell sneakers like the ones in the jcrew catalog at tjmax for $15

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  83. Tax issue - I placed an order on Thursday for about $175 to use the promotion, tax was $13, then on friday I decided to order more items for the same amount of $175, tax was $37!!! the 20% was completely taken over by the tax, and then shipping charges! I called CS, they had no idea why the difference, niether did a supervisor. But because they didn't know why, they couldn't credit my account, and told me to call when I recieve this order - I'm not quite sure what would be the difference then. I hope we at least get an explanation from JC, an e-mail would be nice - it seems like there are many Canadian shoppers of JC, at least my impression from this blog.

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  84. My first thought when I saw it at the catalog was yuck. But I can see that it may look good on a very thin, tall woman.

    I could have sweared that they did have a short dress with spaghetti straps and tiers a month or so ago.

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  85. I am sorry to bring this up again, there has been so much talk about it, the higher tax is correct, if you look at your past invoice and compare it to what is showing on the checkout screen it is accurate. Unfortunately true, much much less shopping from JC.

    The CS are not knowledgable about international orders. They think Canadian ground is Canada Post when it UPS shipping ground, and half cannot find the UPS tracking #s.

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  86. Pembridge Dot Ivory Pencil Skirt - size 4
    $40 includes shipping
    ebay item 170302586187
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=170302586187

    I think this fits small - more like a size 2

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  87. Like so many J.Crew dresses, this only has a shot at looking good on super skinny tall girls.
    I'm small & curvy & many J.Crew designs FAIL on me.
    I am a 5'2", size 6 & a C cup, & I'm convinced Jenna Lyons hates me.

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