Well, today's the first day of the Second J.Crew Sample Sale (refer to this post for more information on times/ day).A big "thanks!" to Anon at 1:46 PM (in this post) who gave us a quick review on the event:
Just got back from the sale... There was a line 100 ppl long at 11am. Everything was overpriced. Tshirts were 10, dress pants and skirts 50, cashmere sweaters 60, knit tops and blouses 25, jackets and outerwear 75. I didn't find a thing. No shoes. I've gotten much better deals at a regular sale. Stay home!
It sounds like the second sample sale is just like the first one: not that impressive. :( I really appreciate Anon at 1:46 PM letting us know about the event, including the items and prices available. (Especially since J.Crew items were popping up all over T.J. Maxx stores across the country at amazing prices. I was wondering if the second sample sale would have more items to offer, at those same T.J. Maxx prices of $19.99 or less.)
Will you be attending this current sample sale? If you are, please let us know what your thoughts on it are! :)
Quick Note: This image is from the first sample sale (refer to this post).
OT, Excerpt from CNN story, about how to save $20,000 a year. One tip is to stop buying clothes.
ReplyDeleteYes. Here again, it's what's good for your pocketbook and good for the environment. Less than 2 percent of clothes that we throw away in America are worn out. The average family spends about $1,800 on clothing. Certainly most of us have more than enough stuff in our closet that we could go six months, even a year without buying new clothes.
- I am tempted by the 20% coupon but this article reined me in...how true. I still have lots of clothes with tags on sitting in my closet.
Hi there, I just came back from the sample sale-- definitely a little different from last time. I managed to pick up 3 tops, and found a great necklace, but the staff was totally unwilling to help -- there were bins and bins of jewelry just sitting out on the selling floor that they wouldn't even let you even look at or shop from... why? Aren't you trying to make sales and move as much merchandise as possible? That left me a little disenchanted. Anyway, I will post pics of my finds later. If you've got time to comb the racks, you can potentially find some good things, but there weren't any real 'wow' moments.
ReplyDeleteHi Alison, thanks for the feedback and congrats on the finds! How long did you have to wait in line?
ReplyDeleteAlison: I echo JennLC's comment of "thanks!", for the review of the sample sale. That is so weird about the jewelry-I don't understand why they wouldn't let customers look at it. Seems counter intuitive. ;)
ReplyDeleteI paid a babysitter to go the last time, fool me! I won't go this time, I prefer to spend my money on stuff that I really want and I've been eyeing for a long time.
ReplyDeleteOT, just got back from 45th and Madison store. Of note in the sale section: plenty of fresco cardigans in size XS-M, 59.99, coralie suede heels in eucalyptus and daffodil, 69.99, palermo flats 49.99. Also they had some twisted cotton trench coats, but I didn't check the price on those.
ReplyDeleteI got there at about 11:15 and waited maybe 10-15 minutes in line before I was in the building -- definitely not as bad as last time. If it wasn't next door to my office building, I probably wouldn't have bothered haha.
ReplyDeleteYeah I thought the hoarding of the jewelry was just totally strange... then when I got up to the line, someone on line in front of me complimented a staffer on her necklace (which happened to be from the sale), and the staffer gave it to her right off of her neck! I was like, why can't we get someone like you manning the jewelry counter?! :)
I'm actually leaving for NYC tomorrow morning, but I'm not going to bother with this sale. It just doesn't seem worth it!!
ReplyDeleteI went to the sale last time and even took off work to make sure to go on the first day - and was disappointed. Disappointed in the prices and that the shoes sold out so fast. I did however, get a coat that had been sold out for months - it was $100 which wasn't that bad considering it was sold out everywhere but it wasn't a steal. I will probably go to this one at some point to see if there is anything unusual but am not taking off work for it!
ReplyDeletewow - it sounds like the prices were higher than the first sample sale ... but maybe a little better selection?? Kind of a bummer... again!
ReplyDeleteSince I am trying to shop less and buy only things that I know I'll wear a lot, it's comforting to hear things like this LOL
ReplyDeleteWhat cashmere sweaters are they selling? Is it from past seasons or?
Is this merchandise similar in quality to outlet items or is it store inventory that didn't sell? Anyone mind clarifying?
Alison - I saw the entire thing at the register as well! Indeed that lady complimented a lot of things especially jewelry. She grabbed like ten handbags and she had tons of jewelry as well. She and her friends with two teenagers grabbed EVERYTHING like TEN bags! I can't believe as well the staff there at the cash register wearing a sweater with tag. I totally agree that people manning the jewelry booth and so not helping at all.
ReplyDeleteI was one of the first people who was able to get in. I did manage to get some tops and jewelry.
I went today around 11:45 and while the line was long it moved quickly. Almost everything was a size 6 or S, so if those aren't your sizes it likely isn't worth the chaos. It was a mix of samples and some of this year's actual pieces. Overpriced as Clothingline typically is. Virtually no bags except canvas totes and straw bags (which were an obscene $175), jewelry was behind a glass case where people were served one by one and the line was insane, and some scarves. That was the extent of the accessories. No mirrors, no dressing rooms and the typical surly staff at this place. I got a few items but nothing I couldn't have lived without. Of course I realized this an hour and $100 later!
ReplyDeleteWith pickin's this slim, we'd be better off shopping final sale online. Fart on the sample sale.
ReplyDeleteFrom the descriptions this sounds like a total dud - and not at all great deals.
ReplyDeleteFart on j.crew's cashmere, too. It's crap.
ReplyDeleteThank you to everyone giving the reports about the sale!
ReplyDeleteI loved this sale but only because i managed to get the golden roses coat for 70$. if not for that i probably wouldve left with nothing. when i got there at 1 there was no line to enter or for coats. you did have to take a number for jewelry though and i didnt want to waste my time.
ReplyDelete@ Sigi: LOL. I saw those straw bags at TJmaxx for $9.99
ReplyDeleteWhere are the discounts J.Crew???
ReplyDeleteI'm tempted to swing by the sale tom, but at these prices it isnt worth my time. I will wait till the next sale in April as that will have mens as well as crewcuts.
ReplyDeleteI echo FFM's comment, "thank you!!!" to all those who attended the event and shared with us! :)
ReplyDeleteOT I just got my order and thought I'd give a few mini-reviews. Some of the items have been reviewed already with IRL photos and I can't beat that, but I can give you my impressions. For size reference, I am 5'9" and slim, but busty, with long limbs.
ReplyDeleteDuchamp-print Astor jacket size 10.
This J.Crew collection jacket is in a wonderful print in black, chocolate and ivory. The wool is not as soft as the double-serge skirts, but it is not rough. I tried it with the ivory double-serge and it looked like a very chic French 1960's suit. Really cute. The pattern is eye-catching, yet classic enough to not be trendy. The sleeves are bracelet length, but are likely fine on anyone with normal arms. There is a slight A-line shape that makes it look nicer with a slim bottom, rather than say, a pouffy skirt. Got it on FS marked down from $450 original to $149 less 20%. TTS. Love it.
Double-serge pencil skirt size 4 ivory.
Soft, refined wool and a classic cut. Nice neutral I can use with the spring palette now and next fall/winter too. TTS. Love it.
Travel trench size 10 dune.
This is a nice, basic short trench. It is one of those items you can take with you anywhere and will have around for years as a basic, dependable jacket. Well-cut, well-made, nice lining and some interesting styling features with the flap pockets, trapunto stitching and tortoise-look buttons. I prefer to tie the belt as it's quite long and the buckle itself looks cheap compared to the rest of the coat. I may even remove it and just stitch up the end. It's not that bad, but I'll never use it. The neutral color gives it versatility and is on-trend with this season's safari theme, yet will still be fine in 3 years too. TTS. Love it.
Crewneck Painter Tee size M white.
I had to see what all the fuss was about with the painter tees and now I know. It fits wonderfully and is very soft. Slightly sheer but not enough to require a cami. It's long enough that it won't leave a gap between my tee and jeans. TTS. Love it.
Jackie cardigan and shell size M endive.
I buy at least one Jackie twinset a year and the endive is my spring choice. I can only wear a M done up if I pin the placket but I prefer not to buy a large as it is too loose around the waist. I will wear the shell beneath a grey suit tomorrow, too bad I didn't have it today. I love the versatility of the twinset together or each separately. The quality seems on par with similar Jackies and I always handwash at home so we'll see how it holds up. TTS. Like it.
Silk solid tunic size 10 guava.
The silk on this top is very smooth and soft with a slight sheen. It has a straight hem on the bottom, no vents/slits. It's fine for me as I have to order a larger size to accommodate the girls so often tops are loose in the waist. I like the casual look of the mandarin collar and it's a nice soft, flowy look. This piece almost looks vintage to me. I expect to get a lot of wear from this shirt, although the collar makes it mostly casual for me. TTS. Like it.
Sorry for the long post for those who are not interested. Hope the info can help someone. Enjoy your day!
Another review of the Jcrew Sample Sale: http://shopsavvynyc.com/?p=794
ReplyDeleteHas anyone been able to get the Extra20 code to work this evening? I can't make it work???
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Colleen
Nahhhh... I heard too many bad things about it... i am interested to see the jewelry people got
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 8:40- I applied the coupon (didn't finalize the order though just testing) and it did work!
ReplyDeleteWent to the sale tonight, got two great jackets and a dress. The last sale was better, but it was worth it!
ReplyDeleteWow another bummer sale at the same location.
ReplyDeleteAs for CNN people can save loads money buy not having cable to watch your news stories too. LOL
I felt slighty bad last week for my spending habits when it finally hit me that so many people are losing jobs today. I hope I can remember that thought and stop spending frivolously. Oh well its travel season. I will be damned if I'll pass up these cheap travel deal. I guess I am trading one evil for another one?
The first Anon..that's very interesting. I feel like sometimes I buy and don't need to. I'm going to go read the article
ReplyDeleteI wonder if some of you wouldn't mind offering me some advice. I know that a lot of the posters and readers of this site shop online. I'm having an issue with an online purchase, although not from J.Crew.
ReplyDeleteI ordered a pair of shoes from Fluevog.com. I ordered size 8, my usual size. The orders on Fluevog.com are fulfilled by retail stores. The store that would fulfill my order emailed me and suggested I try on a shoe from the same line, different style, at a local store they recommended because the line I ordered occasionally fit small. I went to the store they recommended and they only had size 5 1/2 in that line so I could not try them on. I was quite reluctant but they convinced me to take delivery of size 8 1/2 shoes, instead of the size 8 that I ordered. They sent me heel and toe pads to put into the shoe to help ensure my heel would not slip out, which was a problem with that style, they said.
I received the 8.5 shoes. They seemed a little large and I added the inserts as directed. I wore them around the house for 15 minutes but my heel kept slipping out and the shoes were definitely too large, I could slip my pinky between my heel and the shoe.
I sent an email to the store and they advised that they would exchange the shoes for the size 8, if I sent them back. I returned the shoes to the store via courier and they are now balking at sending me the size 8 because the returned 8.5 shoes have the inserts in them, which they told me to use.
Any advice on how to handle this situation would be appreciated. I'm not good at standing up for myself sometimes but they did recommend a larger size than what I ordered and told me to use the inserts, which I did so I feel they should exchange them for me. The shoes were on sale for $150, discounted $100.
Thoughts? Comments? Recommendations?
Thanks much for your help.
ugh i placed an order on 3/14 on a sale item! what are the chances they'll let me apply the sale code now?
ReplyDeletedid anyone see the palm necklace in mint? I'm considering ordering it off the website, but may actually make a trip up to NYC if I can get it for a lot cheaper.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Overall, I was very unhappy. Many items look like they were shoved into boxes for 6 months and forgotten until this sample sale. Items were dirty and wrinkled. There was a lovely dress with permanent marker writing on the OUTSIDE of the neckline. Purses were dirty or broken. The prices were higher than sale items at the store.
ReplyDeleteI'd say it was a miss.
@Anon - Doesn't surprise me you found a dress with permanent marker writing at the sale - there are all kinds of "samples" in the apparel industry, and clothingline doesn't seem to say which ones they have. You could be buying first-run production samples, prototype samples, samples that failed to meet J.Crew's quality standards, etc., all of which may have writing on them.
ReplyDeleteI went to the sample sale Tuesday, I arrived at 1:10pm and had to wait 15 mins. Inside was same as described for last sample sale (which I did not make it to). Wrinkled, stretched out, marked with "sample" that shows through, and prices not better than sale. Cashmere sweaters $60, shorts $20. There looked to be some good jewelry but the line was too long and I had to get back to the office. Also some good swim selections if you wear a size Medium - $10 each piece. My co-worker scored with a Belle clutch currently on the website for $98 - she paid $35. But not worth making a special trip, I work nearby so it wasn't a big deal to stop by for me.
ReplyDeleteif you have the patience and time to go through the racks, there are lots of pristine items that do not have "sample" written on marker. There were quite a few good items, but you have to really search through the racks.
ReplyDeleteIf JCrew is offering current stock or from winter '08 at 9.99-19.99 at TJMaxx, the sellers should definitely price themselves in that range. The prices on offer seem pretty steep for the quality of goods available. And the fact that they are holding 3 sample sales in such a short time period must mean that there is plenty they want to get rid of.
ReplyDeleteThey sent out a email claiming they will be additional markdowns at this sale during the last day. Is anyone going to check it out for further price reductions?
ReplyDeleteHi! I went yesterday and it was not worth it. The sale had either samples (with "sample" written in chalk or black perm marker inside the garment) or were items from the outlets. The prices were higher than the outlets and higher than the final sale. The cashmere sweaters were well organized and there was a great selection but they were mostly size small (though many of them looked like a medium). there were tons of shorts size 6 and 8. The dresses were a variety of sizes but mostly 6. They had some wedding dresses selling for $200 - $300. There were no wool coats but they had some blazers in various sizes. The blazers were all wrinkled and cost $70. lots of t shirts. Very few skirts, no business skirts and very little business attire at all. The bathing suits cost $15 each but were mostly size small with a couple of mediums thrown in. They had some jewelry but no bubble necklaces- mostly enamel necklaces. no trying on, not even over your clothes, was allowed.
ReplyDeleteI was at the sale, in fact I was the lady that complimented the sales person on her necklace and she asked me if I wanted to buy it- it was for sale. I thought it was brilliant marketing. I waited in line like everyone else for the jewelry. I was not 1st, 2nd or even the 30rd person in the door. I got in around 11:15 or so and just snagged stuff as I found it (learned early with these sales, when in doubt pick it up you can always put it back later). I would encourage anyone that was disillusioned by others walking around with items they wanted to get in line early next time, wait like the rest of us did, and then you will get the same selection - yours for the picking! I attended the first sale as well and noticed they didn't want to sell all the jewelry in one day, so they slowly put it out.
ReplyDelete