Monday, January 11, 2010

J.Crew Email: The chino, reinvented

"Thanks!" to Marietta, who shared the latest email J.Crew sent today.

The email features the Destroyed Scout Chino (Item 19955; $75.00) which is described as:
To achieve the timeworn charm of those pants you simply can't part with, we garment-dyed and destroyed these chinos for 400 minutes, then carefully repatched and washed them to look like you've worn them for years (and lovingly doctored yourself).
It looks like the khaki version shown in the image above has sold out, because the only shades left are "pale surplus" (aka: grey) & "soft sandalwood" (aka: peach). As for the "repatched"-patches... not a fan of the style. They make the pants look cheap and at $75 they are anything but! Honestly, the pants would look cuter without them.

Lastly, do you think J.Crew will be offering another promotion soon (like tomorrow)? It feels like it's about the time they would offer one. ;)

What are your thoughts on the Destroyed Scout Chino? Do you like or dislike the style of the repatched chinos? :)

69 comments:

  1. For the younger crowd I like but being part of the older crowd they don;t work makes us look as if we are trying to hard!

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  2. They need to offer another promotion. I have a full shopping cart and won't bite without at least having free shipping.

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  3. No to the Chinos but yes to an upcoming promo:)

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  4. I think the " thrown together at the last minute, effortless style" JC seems to be stuck on is becoming a bit costumey ( if that's a word) and contrived. If we are affording clothes at JC, with their increasingly upward creeping prices, I don't think that we would be wearing clothes that are worn out AND repatched. Can you even imagine Audrey and Jackie, or even Michelle O wearing repatched clothing items? Even when Mary Kate and Ashley do , they make the "Don't" list...
    MJ

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  5. Amen to your entire post MJ. Destroyed and patched clothing items are what I wear to garden, paint and clean out the garage, not spend big bucks for. As for the "thrown together effortless style", it, like the superfluous layering and ruffles, is getting a little tiresome. At the beginning of the recession, all the fashion mags came out with the "key quality pieces" theme, I guess to trick us all into thinking that's what would happen in retail, but I've not seen anything of the kind at the brands I shop, especially my dearly beloved JC. I wish they would gravitate towards some particular theme or locale, such as they did with the absolutely fab season with the library dress. I would rather look pulled together than thrown together any day!-JJ

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  6. Good Morning, Everyone!

    I see these pants a continuation of the line of distressed jeans which I didn't think I'd like at first, but now love the one pair I own. They add a casual element to dress down a satin jacket or sequin top. If they are super soft, they'll be my favorite spring pant but only after they go on sale!

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  7. Umm, no thanks to the wrecked chinos! I'm young enough to feel comfortable in these but I notice that most of the men in my age group (early 20's) are starting to dress up a lot more and when the women are wearing repatched clothing it just looks ridiculous, never mind the few that still crop up here and there in JLo suits (awful). I'm glad to see men stepping it up and wearing more suits a la Mad Men. I try to elevate my look, not drag it down by wearing something that looks like I've had it half my life and can't bear to finally throw it out.

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  8. I don't wear frayed or destroyed or distressed jeans or chinos. I agree with other posters...not a style trend I will embrace EVER!

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  9. Oh, as far as promos go...I would love to see free shipping and 30% off final sale like in store...won't happen but a girl can dream...I remember the additional 40% off sale price days.....zzzzzzz

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  10. Alexis,

    Agreed- time for a new promo.

    I received the Georgie Tote I ordered just before New Years and I neglected to pay attention to the size. It's HUGE (14x14). I might keep it for work as a briefcase-type tote using the handles but can't see my self using the strap (over the body or otherwise)....it's just too big and awkward. The leather is gorgeous and I love the side pockets with magnetic closures.

    Anyone else have the Georgie?

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  11. Good morning Alexis! Just an fyi, the Wall St. Journal had an article last week that briefly touched upon various retailers ( LLBean and Lands End's Canvas) going after Jcrew's audience with new offerings in their own lines and subsidiary lines ( like Canvas). One analyst had already declared passé the whole early Americana look (a la "distressed chino" look offered here) but that plenty of consumers were still going for the look. I dont have the link, but it 's still up on the paper's website.

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  12. I love the new colors that are being offered in the scout chinos but the patches really throw me off. I wouldn't buy even in super-duper final sale.

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  13. Would love to see that WSJ article, mediocrudo. Thanks for the heads up.

    I'm not into distressed anything. I do have three pairs of J. Crew chinos. I have 2 pairs of the Watson style that came out I think two season ago? LOVE them. They're like dressy chinos.

    I really want a promo. There are no Final Sale dregs that I want, but I would like to get my paws on some of the new stuff.

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  14. dickfiddy, so elegantly put! The predistressed chinos, and their "whoa, Joey Lawrence" denim forebearers, will never do a whit to elevate style.

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  15. Here's the link to the WSJ article mentioned above:

    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703510304574626740978607998.html

    I hope you don't mind me posting it, Alexis. It seems like it may be interest to fellow JCAs.

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  16. Maybe they are repatching and recycling all the flawed and returned merchandise as new products? Next up: intentionally pilled and holey cashmere jackies :D

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  17. Hahahaha!

    Pansy, I literally LOL'd when I read your post. So funny because I could totally see it happening. Still chuckling over here... :-D

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  18. um, no thanks. i dont want my clothing "destroyed".

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  19. If I wanted destroyed clothing, I'd just pick up a couple of new Dream sweaters! *ba dum bum*

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  20. Totally agree with MJ. The "new" JCrew look is all too often ridiculous.

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  21. I don't mind the look, actually, but find I can't really be bothered to invest in something I can't wear to work. I have plenty of *genuine* hobo clothes to wear on the weekend!

    (:

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  22. I wouldn't go out of the house in "destroyed" clothing (I am definitely too old for that look!) but the Scout chinos don't fit me anyway. I liked how soft they were but they are too narrow at the calf/ankle and really baggy in the hips/waist for me.

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  23. Oh, I wanted to hate destroyed pants, but when I tried on the matchstick jeans, I loved them. They were so soft, which made them hang in a very flattering and slimming way, and the pale blue denim was gorgeous.

    Still, I can't bring myself to pay $100 for them!

    I like playful clothing, even at my advanced age.

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  24. While I think the destroyed denim/ chino look is cute on some, I personally don't care for it on me. I am petite with short legs and I feel like these pants would make my legs look even shorter instead of elongating them because the distressed areas distract the eye from the illusion of a long line. I prefer clean and classic lines.

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  25. Pansy,
    Isnt there a "new" cardigan or sweater out already with loopy hole like things in the front at JCrew? Thought I heard about it from someone or saw a post???

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  26. Why would anyone want these? I bought the boyfriend chino in the early fall and sent them back because they were too casual for work (and I'm a teacher)!

    I agree with some of the other posts. The ruffles are getting a bit tired. It's time for a change.

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  27. One pair of distressed jeans & 1 pair of distressed scout chinos are more than enough for me - mostly worn to the coffee shop or supermarket. They're both super comfy (and bought on sale), but not that flexible of a wardrobe staple.

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  28. OT:
    I bought one of classic stripe tissue tees in navy a little while back. I wore it twice and washed it yesterday only to pull it out of the dryer and find that it has three holes in it:( I am so irritated. Would it be wrong of me to call CS to complain and ask for a refund? I did wear it so I feel like maybe it would be wrong of me to call but I can’t help but feel burned by J. Crew. Clothes should not fall apart after two washings!

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  29. I have about five pairs of the broken in chinos and I like them. I had to have the waist taken in on all of them but I liked the cut in the butt and the narrower leg which is straight but not matchstick. I would get the green but it only comes in the destroyed and that's too much. I'm buying them for the cut, not the worn threads, so if they were to do the soft fabric without the abrasions, I would prefer those.

    Thanks for the WSJ article, I find it interesting that is says "Both LL Bean and Lands' End are opening stores for these new collections".

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  30. For those wanting a FS code, isn't there one good through today? I just want to verify because I was thinking of using it today.

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  31. Emily-
    Call them. I had a slub cotton shirt from J.Crew that did the same thing and I called customer and exchanged it for one that didn't have a hole in it. I wore it once and looked down only to find a hole in it. I have read that other people have similar complaints about their tissue weight t shirts. They are far too expensive to have holes in them due to routine washing and wearing.

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  32. Emily,
    I have the same shirt and after taking it out of the dryer it looked like a pilled ball of old cotton :( Did not hold up to one wash. I was thinking the same thing... can I take it back?

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  33. No to the Chinos! I am waiting for the free shipping promos.

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  34. I love a super soft chino and pretty Spring colors but I do not want a deliberately "patched" hole in them. What teen that might want this can afford that price? I like the vintage boyfriend jeans with a few distressed areas/holes but not for chinos. Either go a bit deconstructed with some weathering or just stick to a very washed fabric look but not a patch..not for $75.

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  35. This is completely off topic, but has anyone gotten their rewards card yet? I was in my local b&m the other day and they mentioned my reward card amount (I guess they see that info) and asked if I'd gotten it yet. I still haven't, but was wondering if anyone else had yet, or if my friendly J.crew staffers were just jumping the gun.

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  36. Elizabeth, I just did a mock checkout with the code A523GW and it still works (the order must be +150). HTH!

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  37. sweetsy I agree, I would not buy patches and I didn't buy the broken in chinos at full price. I don't mind a bit of wearing but holes (destroyed) and patches, um no. The soft washed fabric is good, the relaxed but straighter leg is good and the waist I just deal with.

    I even go so far as to firmly press a crease in my broken in chinos and wear with cardigans and jackets so it has that relaxed and worn for years look but still pressed. I may be weird that way.

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  38. Thanks Ema, I should have tried that. Because there has been no promo, I've been having to watch my cart to prioritize what gets bought without a promo and I'm being very picky. I'm not even paying attention to the Final Sale items, they will need to get really aggressive if they want me to buy winter.

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  39. I don't mind destroyed or broken in, just not at full price. But I live in Austin, where super casual is the norm :)

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  40. I'm not quite into my things being too destructed before I wear them...that happens naturally enough with two kids and two dogs. The regular Scout Chinos (item 17726) are on sale for $19.99, which seems very fair. I might have to try those instead!

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  41. I think the idea of buying pre-fab "destroyed" pants is silly. I like an authentically worn look achieved through, you know, authentic *wear*.

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  42. FREE SHIP expires today,
    for orders > $150
    Code: A523GW (this is from an earlier JCA post)

    So, yes, i am hoping for a new promo tomorrow!

    my PS said the remaining boots will go on sale at end of the month. i assume they will clear out all winter at that time. will be watching

    http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/home?id=1001643

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  43. oh, an i did get a pair of the broken in scout chino in the store today or v. similar, light gray. they were on sale rack with extra 30% off - so only $15 - worth a try. i will wear to the park with the kids. the distressing on these is n as as severe as the chino featured.

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  44. I agree with Elizabeth regarding the broken in chinos. I like the fit and the fabric, but not so much with the holes and abrasions. I'd like some that I can actually wear to work.

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  45. Description for the Perforated Constellation Cashmere Cardigan:

    "Inspired by the shape of snow flakes and dewey rain drops, our Perforated Constellation Cashmere Cardigan showcases a collection of round openings in various sizes artfully placed on the sumptuous cashmere fabric. We love the playfulness of the pattern and how the openings highlights your favorite cami underneath. The fabric is designed to pill with each wear to further create interesting shadows and textures found in nature. Import. Dry clean."

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  46. I have quick final sale question:

    I have a scratched up metallic button on a french henley. Am I qualified for a full refund?

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  47. I tried these on and they are not for me. Cute on the hanger, though. I prefer the new skimmer.

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  48. Emily-

    Oh no! I have that same striped tee and have been afraid to wash it. I was even thinking of hand washing it, but who knows if that would be helpful. I would call and see what they say!

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  49. I do a fine job myself of destroying my clothes, particularly working in a school (white out, red pen, copy machine toner, etc.) I don't need J.Crew to do it for me for $75. I think the "destroyed" look is horrid on anyone but teenyboppers.

    Cheesygoodness, you crack me up. I hadn't thought of Joey Lawrence in years!

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  50. I love the idea of moderately distressed chinos. They make me think of sitting on a beach or a boat while it gets cooler. Great for hanging out at the coffee shop with the paper on Sundays.

    However, I think the holes take it in a different direction. It's just too much.

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  51. Oh J Crew, you make me haz a sad. Why did you clear my cart?

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  52. I'm loving my 2 pairs of destroyed boyfriend jeans and I do have a pair of distressed boyfriend chinos. I went overboard at the time. Still I dress them up or down and I find their comfy fit appealing. However they're not appropriate for certain situations - the professional office, luxe restaurants, etc. And am I interested in more pairs ... no.

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  53. This probably isn't the best place to put this question but I never wear suits and I have a question about J.Crew suiting. I decided to invest in one good suit mainly as a justification to buy a certain jacket on J.Crew. I have waited patiently for this suit to go on sale but I'm beginning to think that suiting is different. Do they not really put suiting on sale? It seems like by the time they end up in the sale section there are just a couple of sizes left. This is so different from any other J.Crew section where things move quickly from regular price to sale price. If this is true I should just grab it next time there is a 20% off everything promo code? Does this sound right to the suit collectors out there? Thanks.

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  54. Jane-
    I tried to buy a suit set {jacket, pants & skirt} from final sale and it did not turn out good. The problem I had was that all the pieces did not quite match up even though they were coordinating pieces that were meant to be worn with each other. Specifically, the jacket color was slightly off from the pants and skirt. It was almost faded in comparison to the other pieces. By the time I received the jacket and realized it did not match, I couldn’t exchange it because it was sold out. CS was kind and offered me a refund for all three pieces. I would pay full price and use 20% off promo code.

    Personally for me, J. Crew suiting is just okay. The fit was never great for me but I am petite. If you can, I would spend a little more and maybe try Theory. Ann Taylor also has really nice basic black suits that are sometimes on sale. They did have a 40% off full price item promo for a while.

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  55. OT: I received the petite versions of the skimmer pant in black and I found that the smaller size (sizing down) fits and looks much better. It's a beautiful cut and the way the fabric falls is much better on me than the Minnie. I may take even the pant I got in and have it altered at JC, since I still think I could lop off an inch for more of that "Audrey Hepburn" look :)

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  56. Angie - When I called CS earlier this week I asked when I might be receiving my rewards card. CS told me to be on the lookout very end of Jan. or beginning of Feb. Can't wait!!

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  57. I got some chinos that sort of looked like this during FS but I had to return them. Unless you literally have stick legs, you can't roll these suckers up! It's impossible! I tried, and I do not suffer from cankle-itis, I swear. Matchstick cords I can do, but tapered-leg chinos were not my friend. Oh well.

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  58. The regular scout chinos have been languishing in final sale at $19.99 for weeks. The fit on them is all wrong. So, no thanks, JCrew.

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  59. I would like to see 30% or 40% off FS + free shipping w/no minimum, and then I will load up ye olde online cart! In my B&M this weekend I scored a pair of matchstick cords (Shadow) and the white beaded reindeer tee -- the fancy one that sold out instantly -- for about $20 apiece, plus my long sought-after warm stone sherpa long yoodie. yay!

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  60. OT: sorry, also wanted to respond to Jane re: J Crew suiting. The wool gab suiting pieces can go on sale periodically, but they rarely get dirt cheap. And as Emily said, you really want to try to make sure any matching pieces you get are from the same dye lot -- and that may be easier to do if you can buy them in person. For many, meany years I wore Banana Republic suiting almost exclusively. They made some stretch wool pieces I still have to this day, and I'm talking about 12+ years, and they still look great (not that I can fit into them HA!).

    I personally have never been a fan of Ann Taylor suiting, because they use too many synthetics, or too high a percentage of synthetics, in their suiting fabrics. Or at least they have in recent years; have not been in there lately to see, as I'm angry at them for ripping off J Crew's looks and not creating their own. (LOL)

    I also have one suit from Theory that is absolutely to die for. It's in the most gorgeous wool with the slightest bit of stretch amd it's amazing. Found at Off 5th, one of the happiest days of my life!

    All that said, J Crew suiting is still my favorite overall. I have skirts, pants, dresses and a few matched suits I have owned for years and, when properly cared for, they still look new even now. The cuts are classic, the fabrics are fantastic (I am a FRRRREAK for wool gab, stretch wool, wool flannel or Super 120s; not so much into wool crepe) and if I could only buy 1 suite and make it last for the next 2 or 3 years, I'd buy a JC one. HTHs.

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  61. I was in my B&M today and was told the rollout is coming January 25th and it will be BIG. I also received my Lookbook today and was thrilled as I have never gotten one before-(not sure why now I am special??) I personally love all of the muted tones and it looked very lush and fun. I did not care for the camo-looking jackets and shorts-yuck! Perhaps they should pair them with some chinos that are falling apart vs. a gorgeous dress! Just my opinion:)

    And ditto those that are wishing for a nice 30% promo and Free ship. I still have my eye on a few coats...

    My 2 cents on the suiting- is that is very high quality and beats Ann Taylor any day, but the sizing and colors seem all over the place. I had the same situation as the other poster who ordered 2 pieces that did not match.

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  62. To chime in on the suiting--I am a huge fan of JC suiting. I recommend the super 120s and the wool gab--I find that the crepe and flannel attract too much lint, which is a big problem with my two cats! Although I have found the sizing somewhat inconsistent (at 5'4" sometimes I'm P and sometimes not) on the whole the suiting is more TTS than other JC offerings.

    Usually I buy three or four JC suiting dresses per year but this year the necklines have been so low that they're unwearable. These are work dresses--what are they thinking?

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  63. I also like the soft feel of the worn in fabric of the , but will not ever buy clothing with patches and holes. When we find holes in our other Jcrew clothes, we would be upset and want refunds, why would we treat some holes in a pair of $75-chinos differently?

    About the scout's fit, I am a petite and when I tried the scout 0, I could not roll up those legs and always felt like they were too tight at the ends. When I would bend my knees and sit, it felt like they were squeezing and made indents in my skinny stick legs. The rear area was too strangely too baggy as well. Maybe they should make some with some stretch and no holes.

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  64. It's not that I'm looking for a basic suit. It's just that I'm in love with a particular jacket and in justifying the purchase of said jacket I've decided I should buy pants or skirt and then I'd have a suit if I ever needed it. I've bought JC suiting pants before but never a jacket. Of course if they don't really match that throws my justification out the door. But thanks for the advice. I'll grab them when there is the next promo code that applies to all. Hopefully I'll buy them all at once so the colors have a better chance of matching. It's weird that they don't go on sale much. That tells me the stock is low and they have a very loyal following for suiting. That makes sense for executive types. I actually have no dress code at my work (Yeah!) but I do love the jacket.

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  65. first time poster :)
    even when i was in high school i couldn't stomach the distressed look (love that Joel Lawrence reference, how about Johnny Depp in 21 Jump Street?) Now that I am all growed up and earning my keep (100% no parents no spouse) I recoil at the idea of spending even $20 on something that's ripped or holey. What happened to the clean-cut, preppy east coast look I so loved??? and to echo the other posters, $75?? are we in a recession or has JC been hiding under a rock?

    for Jane who's looking for a suit, BR had some really nice italian fabric suits this past fall. Not the greatest range of colours, but the fit was fantastic (I'm a petite). They have weekly 40% off promos for month of January here in Canada, if you have something similar south of the border take advantage.

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  66. FREE SHIPPING on $150+ with code SW87B5, (supposedly) valid until 1.18.10 .

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  67. David,
    I can be picky about my clothes but is a scratched up button that big of deal. Just truly wondering how bad is it??? I don't know what you paid either for it so that does factor in. I just decided to keep a jacket from JCRew that was final sale with 2 small stains b/c I wanted it and no more left. I figure no one will notice and if they do and care they aren't people that I care to be friends with anyway!

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  68. Hey Jane, have you checked eBay at all for suiting pieces? Especially if you happen to be different sizes on the top & the bottom, it can be a great way to pick up a suit for cheap. Lots of moms who have a second child and decide not to go back to work unload suits by the dozen.

    But yes, I have tried to buy pieces separately and you're right, the colors rarely match. I've got a few in my closet that were mismatched Ryes and Minerals that I bought on eBay hoping for a jacket to match the skirts I already had, but when they arrived, the colors were just off enough that I couldn't wear the two together. :-/ So if it were me, I wouldn't hold out much hope of finding matching pieces for what you have. I'd be more inclined to buy a whole new suit if the price was right.

    I think the suiting rarely goes on sale because it's one of the things JC makes that's really investment-quality. So they know even clearance hos like me will actually spring for it if the need arises. But in general the styles for the suiting just haven't changed much over the past few years. A new dress or 2 in suiting fabric, but not usually a new jacket, skirt or pant style.

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  69. Hexicon, I so agree that the necklines on this year's suiting dresses are WAY too low. Honestly... what are they thinking??

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