"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who shared the following email J.Crew sent this morning. The email reminds us about J.Crew's Personal Shopper (PS) service (click here to sign up). The email states:People often ask how we put it all together. Our secret? We have a stylist. Now, you do too. Introducing your J.Crew personal shopper.With no hesitation, I think the styles on the mannequins at the store and the models in the catalog are f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s to look at! I tend to want to buy everything in the outfit– because they make it all look so wonderful together. Um, but let's get this straight J.Crew... despite my love for how you style (and there is much love here), there is no way I am going to pull-off wearing 4 layers of tops (that are belted at the high waist), 5 pieces of jewelry & accessories, rolled up pair of distressed boyfriend jeans (with pre-made holes), some (neon!) pink trouser socks, with a pair of (super) high heels. ;)
As for the personal shopper service itself, it has been discussed a few times on this blog (click here to view some posts). Some JCAs have reported first-rate customer service through their PS, even developing a great relationship with him/her. I got a personal shopper last year, but found I didn't use the PS that often.
Do you have a personal shopper? Have you been utilizing the service? Would you recommend other JCAs to get a personal shopper (if they do not have one already)? :)
Alexis: You are right on target about this! I adore looking through (and saving!) all the catalogs for inspiration, but I would almost NEVER duplicate an exact look! Most people would look insane if they did!!! (and neon socks.... really? Come on!)
ReplyDeleteMost of my inspiration comes from checking out all the people working and shopping at my B&M and getting ideas from that!
I find the catalog helpful since I rarely get to a store. Thankfully the male models are wearing combinations that most of us could easily pull off. The catalog is especially helpful for me with getting ideas for shirt/tie combinations.
ReplyDeleteI have a PS and regularly use her for ordering as well as fit/colour questions.
I like the look, except "the perfect baggy pant". If I did it how it was suggested at the catalog: buy a size or two larger and belt the waist and I'd look like a clown.
ReplyDeleteBy the way can anybody comment on the JC mohair?
Can I just say that I REALLY like the look of the baggy club pant. When I saw them in the lookbook over the summer I knew then that I needed to have the pants. I actually like them better sized up than fitted. It's just a bit of styling advice regarding current trends. I don't understand all the vitriol towards the styling.
ReplyDeleteI think people scoff at certain stylings because while the club pant may look great if you have the height and/or slimness to pull off the "paper bag" waistline, the majority of women are going to look like they have a serious case of FUPA. :D Or, just look ridiculous, like they couldn't figure out any style cues for themselves.
ReplyDeleteLittle Scientist: when I tried on the mohair cardigan in the store, it didn't feel THAT itchy, so I bought it. I haven't worn it because everytime I put it on, I realize it is in fact itchy (as mohair usually is), so I am taking it back to the store. Not to mention, it also kind of shed on some of my pants. Hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read the tip for the baggy pants look I had to LOL! I would never be able to pull it off nor would I want to look like that. I don't care if that's the trend...it reminds me of the style old grandma used to wear in my country.
ReplyDeleteI have a PS who is very helpful with styling tips and how things fit. I also like to find out when the next rollout is. She's more like a friend to me than someone trying to sell me stuff. :-) I guess it depends on what kind of PS you get to meet at your B&M.
Did anyone visit a B&M yesterday? Was told Wednesday was the day for the first shipment of holiday merchandise. Didn't get a chance to go yesterday and today doesn't look good, either. Hoping someone has a report about the new goodies!
ReplyDeleteTres tippy: thanks for your review. As many others I had a sad experience with JC cashmere, so I just wish JC mohair is better quality.
ReplyDeleteI've had an online Personal Shopper since January, and it's been a wonderful experience. I can skip the headache of calling and praying for a decent phone rep by just shooting over an email or calling directly, and (almost instantly) everything is taken care of! I've done this for billing issues, incorrect items shipped, "we will find it" searches, and general questions. And if my personal shopper is out that day, I still get responses from one of the other online PS who *are* around that day. I highly recommend!
ReplyDeleteAs far as the recommendations of how to style your clothes though, I haven't been utilizing this, well, at all - because my taste and that of the more fashion-forward PS just don't mesh. There are lots of things I would never wear and/or just not comfortable wearing -- so when they suggest this or that would look great with the shoes I just bought, I can only take that advice with a grain of salt. Sometimes it's helpful to see what colors they would pair together, but more often than not I tend to avoid those suggestions. My real-life personal shopper is AWESOME too - for helping with returns and answering questions, but same deal -- last time I was there she grabbed a bunch of things for me to try on in the fitting room - and I realize it isn't her fault, she's probably very good at styling mannequins, but with a mannequins personal taste doesn't usually come into play. And if I'm not comfortable wearing whatever the item is, it's not going to look good regardless. What is it they say about the most attractive thing about people is confidence? You could be wearing a clown costume but if you're confident -- in theory -- you can make it look couture. Well maybe not to that extreme...but still.
Anyway, I actually do get a lot of guidance from the mannequins. I could never wear 10 necklaces layered with a jacket, cardigan, henley top, button down and a cami either, but again, I can take bits and pieces and come out with something I like. :)
i use the Personal Shopper and he's fabulous. Never pushes me into things i would ever wear...like neon socks. My PS will send me emails about instore events, takes care of my web orders, and just contact me to ask me how im doing if i enjoyed my items.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part about having a PS is that he knows exactly my size, my style, and always has items ready for me when i arrive at the local store. I've used him for a couple months and i would say now hes more a friend..
LOL, maybe they meant "in case our catalog looks don't work for you, our personal shoppers can help you"?
ReplyDeleteI can totally pull off baggy pants +three studded belts+ 5 junky necklaces+ neon socks + ankle boots, LOL
Joke aside, their earlier catalogs are full of outfit inspirations for me. I haven't used a PS yet because I use shopping to unwind. Having someone shadow me and put outfits together for me while I'm shopping isn't something I am interested in (yet).
I noticed that some JCrew SAs call customers "clients" and I always think that they are trying to make JCrew more high end and make personal stylists out of sales associates :)
Alexis: Can you comment about the model's outfit on the cover of the October catalog? Is her plaid shirt even something J Crew carries? What about the hot pink sweater?
ReplyDeleteI looked and couldn't find it anywhere in the catalog. So the stylists that "pull it all together" are using clothes other than J Crew?
I consider J. Crew styling one of their greatest strengths. Their catalog is a collectible IMHO. But I completely agree, there are leaps they take that serve more as "artistic license" than what the average person going to the office could pull off. It doesn't mean those looks aren't aspirational though, they give great ideas.
ReplyDeleteIwish, I almost positive that the plaid shirt on Oct's cover is a men's shirt, not featured in that catalog. Let me see if I can find it for you online.
ReplyDeleteshopalot: I live in ATL and we are getting our new stuff tomorrow (Friday) according to my PS. Also, some B&M are opening an hour early (9:00am) to showcase the new items.
ReplyDeleteLindsey & Laura: Couldn't agree more about the catalogs for inspiration! :) Even though some of the looks cannot be duplicated. ;)
ReplyDeleteJCrew Guy In Canada: I love the men's styling- now that works well always! :)
Little Scientist & Ashley, & Tastymoog & JCMama: LOL! Like Little Scientist, I would look like a clown with that look; and like JCMama, I couldn't pull off the look. I think Tastymoog's point is a good one that although the "perfect baggy pant" look can look good on some (like the models- who look great with it), they do not on everyone (= me). ;)
Tres Tippy: Thanks for sharing on the mohair sweater- you confirmed my suspicions and saved me a trip to the store! :)
ShopALot: Haven't visited the store yet... But can't wait to stop by this weekend! :)
RatsOnParade & Kelly: Sounds like you have wonderful PS! :)
SanFranciscoCA: Love the outfit! I wouldn't be surprised if that was in the next catalog! ;)
IWish4JCrew: I looked at the cover and I think the plaid button down is the Sodus Bay flannel shirt (item 18277; $69.50) from the Men's Section. Incidentally, J.Crew does this a lot- pull in one or two of their Men's pieces to style their women in the catalog. She also is wearing the Cashmere V-neck cardigan (item 18286; $168.00) in what I think might be Sweet Guava. I hope this helps. :)
JCrew new fall roll out party at the San Francisco downtown Market Street store!
ReplyDeleteInformation received this morning:
Our newest collection is here and it's waiting on you! Please join us this Friday October 9th from 3:30pm-8pm as we reveal the latest and greatest of our fall collection. We have new coats, hats and scarves to keep you warm throughout the season. Our personal shoppers will be on hand to help with all of your wardrobing needs. Please let me know if
you would like to set an appointment with one of our personal shoppers so we can have some things ready for you. We will be serving refreshments so please send me a quick RSVP if you would like to attend. I look forward to seeing you!
Speaking of personal shoppers... mine just gave me a ring me and said that they are unloading their new arrivals and will be previewing them later today and tomorrow in the store. (cherry hill location).
ReplyDeleteI like my PS a lot - she has a lot of good ideas and she is built like me so she has a lot of different ideas as to what will look right.
Little Scientist, just for another opinion on the mohair, I really like my guava cardi. I don't find it itchy at all, but in genreral I don't have itchiness problems with sweaters. I will consider the lavender if it goes on FS. One note: the sweater is very sheer, so IMO it is better for tone-on-tone looks rather than layering with contrasting colors.
ReplyDeleteHello all -
ReplyDeleteI am a new J.Crew addict, but I live in Paris, France. Luckily, I can have packages shipped to my mom in NYC who then ships them to me in Paris. But my main concern is that I can't use the PS service. When I was last in a B&M in NYC I had a great PS experience. Is there anyway for me to use this service via the web (or even phone .... I have free calls to the US)? Does anyone have experience using this service by e-mail?
Thanks in advance
Taais - I communicate with my PS almost exclusively online, via e-mail (except for one time, when I wanted to use a rewards card, which I could have e-mailed in as well). The key for you would be getting a PS who has good availability for you, especially given the time difference. I have pretty much only had good experiences with e-mail only communication.
ReplyDeleteRegarding PS:
ReplyDeleteI signed up for one at a store in NYC, went in and had a nice time, gave him my email address and asked for updates about new arrivals and special events, then NEVER heard from him again. Really weird. I've been back to that store several times and never saw him again. Was he fired - quit? You would think the manager, who introduced us, would have set me up with a replacement. I decided not to ask for one since having the PS I felt like I had to buy more stuff than I really wanted (my own guilt, he didn't push me).
Regarding styling:
It's just fun, it's fashion! You're not supposed to literally wear the outfits shown. It's also a way to show the *most* things possible in one look. I work in fashion design, and we always dress our showroom mannequins in the most clothes possible, just because they look boring otherwise!
OT alert!
ReplyDeletedon't give up hope yet for those earrings, guys! I cannot even believe it but in my mailbox today there it was! I didn't get a free shipping card though. wow!Let me tell you, I have NOT spent that much with them this year. I do have the silver jcrew card though (last year I spent a lot at fall and the holidysbut I didn't get any gifts from them) was totally not expecting this! sorry to go on and on- I'll stop now!
I have sort of dabbled in using a PS. last fall I just happened to get the ps for the store waiting on me and from then out, in that store she always helped me with styling and fit opinions. I was in her book and she always offered to make appts for me and order stuff for me. she was super nice and not pushy at ALL, but I just never could take advantage of it b/c I felt it was too much pressure to either buy something or to not return something b/c it might irritate her( I am a sale shopper except for moderately priced MUST haves right now, you know?)(I know, that doesn't matter, but when she is so nice, I would've felt bad) I do hope to someday use them more though (maybe when I have more money and can buy a lot)
Unfortunately, I've not had good experiences with the 3 PSs (one in-store, one online) I've tried to work with. In terms of pre-ordering, ordering, questions, etc., I find I get better and quicker info. by calling CS. My in-store PS was a nightmare; I basically begged her three times to help me with three different requests, and I never heard back from her. I'd be interested in knowing what special services they can provide, as I would certainly like to benefit if I can find one of the super ones, which some others seem to have?
ReplyDeleteOT but does anyone know when new arrivals will be online?
I went to the B&M today to see new arrivals and there wasn't very much. My PS said the big holiday rollout is supposed to be the first week of November and what she called the gift giving rollout the week after Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteNo way can I pull of any of those looks. I love J. Crew just as much as the next JCA, but we need know what looks good on us and what doesn't. If I wore those high heels, I would not be able to move the next day. Layered pieces and jewelery is not my style. I love to mix and match certain pieces. Those catalogs are merely inspirational.
ReplyDeleteI lean towards thinking the over-the-top styling of recent catalogues is counterproductive because like the example on this post, the outfit as a whole is just absurd. Contrast this with the catalogues of fall 2007, where I did find realistic inspiration in the pages of those catalogues - something that benefited me, and, fiscally, j.crew. Now I just glance at the pictures, because I find the styling ridiculous and because j.crew has reduced itself to idiot-model poses, like the teapot discussed on here, and my pet peeve, the open-mouth, empty-eyes look.
ReplyDeleteI much preferred the vivacious, happy models who wore outfits that one could wear in public without causing people to fall over, laughing.
Does anybody know when the new arrivals are going to be online? I'd go to my B&M but I don't like it, you can't never find anything in there without help and the CS never pay attention to me, it seems that they don't want to waste time on me, plus for some reason small sizes are always gone fast.
ReplyDeleteehh, I have tried an in-store PS appointment and an online PS. I liked the online PS (sent me a couple sneak peeks, was great about problem orders), but she left on vacation for like a whole month and never heard from her since!
ReplyDeleteLAURA: I've heard that the new arrivals are supposed to be online next Thursday.
ReplyDeleteI love my in-store ps. He is more like a friend. He's not pushy, knows when it's worth it to buy (b/c I'll wear it), and knows I wait for sales a lot. He does call to let me know when new items will be in (on the floor tomorrow in Charleston), which I appreciate. Plus, he's pretty honest about what he likes on me and what he doesn't, which is great. Since I don't always take a friend along, it's nice to get perspective from someone else and I always feel like he's honest and not just pushing me to buy.
ReplyDeleteOT but has anyone seen the boatneck painter tee in their store in the deep purple-y/aubergine color in a small? Mine had one left but it had a stain on it. Would greatly appreciate a heads up!
ReplyDeleteJTS - Thanks so much for your reply....and everybody else as well.
ReplyDeleteI have a great relationship with my PS, she is beyond awesome. She pulls new items for me, locates hard to find items, and gives great stying advice. We have fun, and talk about things other than JC, so it's like we're girlfriends!
ReplyDeleteOT - I also received the heirloom flora earrings in the mail today, so definitely don't give up ladies... :-)
I just got the heirloom flora earings today too! I wasn't necessarily expecting them...though I have a silver card I haven't been spending a ton at JC lately b/c I have made a realistic assessment of my closet and know I don't really need much more of anything (nor do I have the room for it), esp. after stocking up from last year's major markdowns. Trying to save money for more practical expenditures. Nevertheless, I appreciate the gesture from JC and it helps to create some goodwill for next time I'm in the market for a wardrobe pick-me-up.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if they work off of commission? Just curious. My PS was pushing a few collection items recently :)
ReplyDeleteCasey-
ReplyDeleteI had heard that PS and SAs get "points" toward sales of accessories, jewelry and some promotional items. I don't know any specifics re: commission.
This is such timely topic because I wanted to ask the JCAs' opinions about my PS. I do have one and he never pushes stuff, but neither does he suggest things. He is super nice to me and the boys but that is about the only benefit. He doesn't volunteer when new stuff will be here, I never hear about special events or anything else. And, not to make too much abot this, but I tried on the Minnies and they looked so amazingly bad on me and he said they were cute. So whether he was trying to be nice or make a sale or just has terrible judgment, i lost some confidence in his advice.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, ifeel like I can't switch PSs bc almost all the SAs know me and know who my PS is. Is there a nice way to maybe "shop around" so to speak? Feedback welcome! :)
I am pretty sure they all work on commission. I could be wrong. They do have to meet sales goals.
I don't have a PS although have received invitations from a couple after sending email to contactus@jcrew.com. I have my own ideas about what works for me and I'm happy shopping without a PS. Posters on this wonderful blog are so helpful with answers and honest opinions if I need to ask.
ReplyDeleteTo comment on the other post, I also have the tiny buds and a few other perfect shirts. Love the fit and find the fabrics to be very refined whether 100% cotton or a silky blend. And I love that J.Crew has featured some truly amazing one-of-a-kind prints on their perfect shirts. Along with the pencil skirts and Jackie twinsets, the perfect shirts are classic, timeless pieces that I look for at J.Crew every season.
OT - I visited Crate & Barrel's second Canadian location today in Calgary. The store opened yesterday. A lot of merch in a fairly compact space all on one level. Staff was plentiful and very friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, an item I saw online was early fall stock and it won't be part of this store's inventory. I did pick up a couple of things for a housewarming gift. Worth the visit if you're in the area and like C&B.
FabulousFloridaMommy: Thanks for the info. Sad, there are some items that I want to buy online but I've been waiting to see the new arrivals just in case I see something really cute.
ReplyDeleteHas anybody tried or bought the wool flannel short in black?
Ha, I'm bummed, I thought the new items would be online sooner because the stores are saying they're getting their stock by this weekend. Guess I was too optimistic - I started checking the website after the free shipping ended.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have a PS at the Natick Collection.Her name is Valerie and she is WONDEFUL. I highly recommend her!
ReplyDelete