Monday, January 18, 2010

J.Crew Email: Marvelous Minnie

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

The email features the Stretch Twill Minnie Pant (Item 18850; $89.50) which is described as:
If you buy one pant this season, make it Minnie. She's chic and slim-fitting (thanks to a flattering two-way stretch fabric) with a vintage-inspired cropped leg that we love.
Want to know something shocking... J.Crew jacked up the price by $10! Yup, these same exact pants use to cost $79.50 just a few months ago (refer to the September 15th "J.Crew Email: Must-have minnie pant + FREE SHIPPING" post).

Unfortunately, this is not the first time that J.Crew has increased the price of an item in a period of a couple of months. They did the same thing with the Schoolboy Blazer. Sneaky, very very sneaky.

What are your thoughts on the Stretch Twill Minnie Pant? Do you like or dislike the style of the cropped leg pants? Thoughts on the price increase? :)

63 comments:

  1. I got the $79.50 version way back in September--and I love the pant. They have stretched out a lot so I am wishing I had sized down, since they are dry clean only.

    The weight of the pants is a little heavy for anything over 80 degrees, so I won't plan to buy a pair this spring/summer.

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  2. i am OBSESSED with these pants and as much as i hate it, i think it's worth the price increase. i just got a pair of the wool ones {retail for $168} for $30 at the j.crew clearance store! and i have several pairs of the twill ones.

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  3. I bought the Minnie pants when they were 79.50. I got them in black and would get them in grey if it weren't for the price increase. I'll hold out---just based on principle. The same item was 10.00 cheaper only a couple of months ago. I wasn't too impressed with their sale this winter, so I don't think I'm going to fall for the 10.00 price increase. (Not to mention the higher interest rate on the j.crew card)

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  4. I bought the Minnie pants when they were 79.50. I got them in black and would get them in grey if it weren't for the price increase. I'll hold out---just based on principle. The same item was 10.00 cheaper only a couple of months ago. I wasn't too impressed with their sale this winter, so I don't think I'm going to fall for the 10.00 price increase. (Not to mention the higher interest rate on the j.crew card)

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  5. I have now worn my minnies multiple times...I have the navy (blackberry) and coal colors. I have noticed the stretching, esp. when I wear it for the fourth time (I dry-clean after 5 wears...way too expensive otherwise). They aren't so loose that I am just dying over the fact that I didn't size down, but part of me wonders if I should buy the black or khaki in one size smaller, and have them be a "special" pair that I wear when I want to be sleek and sophisticated. The coal and navy pair have been great for travel, playing with the kids, hanging out with friends, you name it, I have worn them. I was just thinking last night...hmm, should I just sell all my other pairs of pants because I wear the minnies so much? Obviously a bit hyperbole on my part, but they are definitely worth the money...although for those of us that bought them at 79.50, we are pleased that we got them for the less expensive price.

    I would love for them to add more color to these pants...except white...do not make them in white... ;)

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  6. I hate these, but I know some people love them. How can they look so good on some people and so terrible on others? Haha, oh well! I love my pixie pants instead.

    I can't believe they are $89.50. They are $20 at the clearance store in North Carolina, I kid you not. I got a pair in every color for one of my best friends...

    Belle on Heels, there are wool minnies? Am I missing something? Or are you referring perhaps to the monroe pants?

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  8. Ok, the wool minnie pants are the former Collection monroe wool goldy pants.

    I bought them at the clearance store last month and they have a collection tag that says

    "Monroe Wool Trouser
    Italian wool with a generous two way stretch that conforms to the body beautifully. The slim fit is almost like a legging, with an exposted zipper at the back and at the ankles. We love ours paired with bright flats."

    Except the zipper at the back is not exposed, which I think most of us think is a good thing...

    The item number is 17347 which is now the number for the wool minnie pants, AND when I did a google search of the "monroe wool goldy pant", and clicked on the result which was a link to the JCrew item page, it went right to the wool minnie page.

    So I guess, they have re-named a collection item, but it is exactly the same. Good marketing on their part because I never saw anyone mention the Goldy pants on this blog, and when I bought them, I had never seen or heard of them before.

    These do not fit the same as the twill minnies. I got a 6 in the wool ones and that is one size larger than I normally take. Just a word of caution. The wool ones are darling though! It's funny, I love them but I absolutely hated the twill ones!

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  9. I love how they increase the price and then say that the pants are "just" $90. Since when should any cotton pants be $90 anyway?
    (That said, should I order down one size to account for stretching? Do they run TTS before stretching?)

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  10. I hate the price increase on J.Crew's part. I know they'd like to make $$ on a best seller, but they should not have done it.

    I bought it in black when it was $79.50, but after couple wearing the darts on the belt loops came apart in few of them so ended returning it... not to mention stretching. I like my toothpick cropped jeans in black resin wash since it does not stretch out as much.

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  11. I have all 4 colors and I just love them. They are one of my favorite JCrew pants. I did get them in my regular pants size and I feel they fit TTS, they did not stretch out after wearing. I am only 5'3", so I did have to get them shortened a bit.

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  12. I did not like these pants at all. I'm not very curvy and they accentuated the lack of junk in the trunk and my stick legs. Definite pass for me.

    Like Em, I also love the Pixie pant. Much closer fit and flattering for my shape. I hope they have the Pixie again in spring colors, I would definitely buy them in white. But I don't have small children to worry about an accidental spill or such. Just my own clutz factor to keep under control.

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  13. It is really lame that they say JUST $89.50. I think most people would agree that $89.50 is alot for a pair of cotton pants.

    ShuLvr, it would be so great if they came out with the pixies in new colors. I only have the black so far, I want the navigator blue but would probably buy it in any other color they offered!

    They had gray at the outlet, but I was too lazy to try them on. I am going a gain this weekend and will see if they are the same.

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  14. Also, regarding the $20 Minnies at the clearance store, next time I go (which will not be til march but still) I will post on here and take orders, for anyone who is still looking for them then. They have had them in all sizes for a few months now. I'd love to share the wealth... Probably would charge $33 or something, to account for tax and shipping and paypal fees. I know I am a cheapo and never pay full price for anything and I'm sure there are others like me out there... :)

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  15. Em, thanks for the offer to "take orders" for the clearance minnies! I would be interested!

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  16. I did not like these on me. However, I LOVE the toothpick jeans and plan to pick them up in white (a little closer to warm weather, though!).

    Oh, and I agree "just $90"? That's quite a bit of money to me, sorry JC.

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  17. Idc, it's my pleasure! I love shopping, and it is even more fun for other people.

    If you want, you can e-mail me what you are in need of now(color(s), size), and I will check back in before I go to the clearance store to see if you are still in need of Minnie pants. Probably makes more sense, since we have a dedicated post to them now.

    emilyeeg at gmail.com

    Also, my word verification is "miniz" :)

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  18. agree with em, i love my pixies! have yet to try the minnies because i am still recovering from holiday spending. i like that they look classic though...and i have paid more than $89.50 before for a classic piece that i really loved...so i guess if you love them, why not?

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  19. I noticed the increase in price since I still had a tag on my minnie pant (as usual, they were sitting in my closet).

    I also dislike JCrew "they're only $$" comments- other retailers usually have better price tags; when they say "Minnie pant only $89.50", do they mean "a pair of designer pants will cost you much more"?

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  20. I really dislike this style. No way would I wear them. They would probably fit just fine but I dislike cropped pants. High-waters...need I say more...I am very tall and I just don't like the look.

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  21. i think the minnie pants are cute, and fit well, but i don't own them because they are too short for me.

    i would really love j.crew to make a skinny twill/cotton pant with a 29" or 30" inseam for tall girls! i own a pair of toothpick ankle cords and i adore them. but i currently live in texas and you can only wear corduroys for so long here before the weather heats up.

    in regards to the price increase, do you think j.crew hikes the prices of popular items or the price increase is based on better quality?

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  22. Dishonest pricing, jacking up the prices left and right, up then down, down then up. Then dishonest pricing between their store and online. You're one in the same company, why such a huge difference? Jcrew is notorious for this. Shame on you, Mickey, for doing this. This board has definitely caught onto your pricing shenanigans!

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  23. By "clearance store" are you all meaning J Crew outlet (factory store)? I love the Minnies so it might be worth a trip up to the outlet mall if they have them there for so cheap! Thanks for the tip!

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  24. I like the Minnie enough to have one pair, but that is my limit for floods. I don't find the short length very practical.

    OT - can anyone comment if the stores are still offering % off sale merch? Thanks!

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  25. For $90 I need pants to be wearable to work, and these are not for me. That's too much for me to pay for casual pants, especially since the amount of time I can dress casually is so small.

    On the other hand, I would definitely buy them on sale. Em, if you do end up taking orders, I will happily tag along. I can do $20, but not $90.

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  26. I wish the Minnie would go away! I like them about as much as the recurring bows and ruffles... I am ready for a departure, a surprise and something that looks fantastic on many shapes and sizes;) !

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  27. I like the look and get a similar look from the cafe capris, thanks to my short legs and some tailoring in the calf. I might buy these in a different color for spring/summer with a discount (if one ever applies).

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  28. Style question:

    What do you all think of wearing "cropped" pants if they come down to the top of the ankle bone?

    Like when us shorties wear the regular sizes. . .

    Is that okay, or dorky looking?

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  29. fidele, I think that shorter pants are great for showing of cute shoes!! I'm 5'6" but still worry about the proportions looking off with shorter/ankle pants (vs more cropped and closer to the knee), so I always wear them with shoes with a little bit of a heel and I wear a top that's shorter and not past mid-hip.

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  30. OT, J. Crew sent me the wrong size on a new (not promo priced) cashmere sweater. Now the color is sold out in my size and I waited week to get this. The receipt has the right size of course. Very unhappy right now. Years ago they sent surveys following receipt of your order. Boy would I like to fill out a survey right now. Sorry, just had to rant for a moment!

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  31. Hi AO,

    The clearance stores are in NC, and VA. They are not outlets. They have current and older retail items, most for very low prices.

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  32. I wish these fit me as I like the cropped pant look. However, the Minnies and all other JC pants that are narrow at the ankle tend not to fit me very well. Even though I wear a 0 or 00 in JC pants , these styles are too tight in the calf. I am a runner so I guess my calves are just to big for these styles. I treied them on a couple of times in the fall....maybe I will try again but for $90 they need to be pretty near perfect!

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  33. I may be the only youngish mom in the continental US that despises capris. Ankle pants or just past the knees, I fell like it's a look that can't commit. Do you want to wear pants or do you want to wear shorts? It is also a look that is not universally flattering, just like the cankle bootie trend that just won't die. I know that the "elongating" tips magazines tout can't make me 5'10" but deliberately stumpifying my legs is just madness!

    Also madness is randomly jacking up prices without any comment on improved quality or re-worked fit. It's just like surprise! You like these enough to pay x, we bet you'll pay y!

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  34. OT but I just received my Clustered Constellation Cardi from FS and it is gorgeous! I bought they Heather Graphite color and it is just beautiful! I wonder why there are still some left on the web...I say if you are on the fence, go for it!

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  35. I bought 2 in grey back in September. I love the style, although IMHO they run big. I got a size 6 and they are a little roomy on me. I have not noticed much stretching yet. I will be washing them in the hand wash cycle of my wonderful Bosch machine, I am not a big fan of the chemicals used for dry cleaning. I agree that $90 for a pair of cotton pants is outrageous. On the other hand, if these are THE pants (and I believe they are), it's cheaper than buying multiple pants and never wearing them! My 2 cents...

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  36. It's funny how we're all so different. I looked like a bag lady in the Pixies! I wasn't sold on the Minnies until my favorite PS told me to size down, then I was sold. I only bought black and won't buy another pair as I don't wear them enough. I feel more comfortable with a long cardigan like the forever on top, so that limits it a bit.

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  37. Elizabeth,
    Exact same thing happened to me last year. I ordered a large cashmere sweater but inside was an XL. The outside of the plastic bag said large. It was sold out as well. Never got the right sweater. I think this happens quite a bit with JC:(

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  38. OT - several of you have mentioned inventory levels . . . . I stopped by St. Augustine JC outlet today on my way back from Disney :) I stopped in this same outlet a year ago. The difference in inventory was incredible. The biggest table they had was full of Jackies. Everything was really shockingly bare. I walked away with nothing, simply because there was nothing. I was blown away by the difference in the store from a year ago. On the other hand, the Talbots outlet store was stocked and packed with people.

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  39. Genny that's what I think is going to happen to me, I will not get the color because while I was waiting for the wrong one to arrive, the right one sold out.

    I've had several issues this Fall/Winter with brand new items arriving damaged or incorrect. It seems the people that take the order get it right but the warehouse gets it wrong.

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  40. I'm not a big fan of capris or ankle pants. They're too casual for work and IMO they aren't particularly flattering. Maybe I'd feel different about the Minnie's if I tried them on, but right now I have no desire to buy them.

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  41. Elizabeth and Genny I have received a size L Jackie cardigan in a bag marked as M twice in the past year. One I was able to reorder, the other color was sold out on line. CS did a we-will-find-it-for-you search and had it shipped to me from a retail store priority courier, even though it was on sale since it was their mistake. I would try it and see what they can do for you. Maybe you will be lucky.

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  42. Em, which clearance center in NC? The one out near Asheville? Just want to be sure that there isn't once closer to me that I don't know about. Thanks!

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  43. Elizabeth,

    So sorry to hear about your JCrew troubles but at least we know we are not alone thanks to this blog. I thought I was the only one with just bad JCrew karma getting damaged and defective items. Can you believe I got 3 defective jackets in Dec. Brand new items no pop backs or anything. 2 had stains and one had 2 pulled fabric places. I also got a silk cami with 2 pulled places on the front. I just don't get it sometimes but it seems from this blog that we are not alone.

    I do hope you can get your sweater. Maybe the other posters idea of the we will find it will work....doesn't hurt to ask.

    Here is hoping to a defectie and incorrect order FREE spring season with only perfect items!

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  44. I too have received wrong items from JCrew PLENTY of times. Its just ridiculous. I was most excited about the Havona tank which i was able to grab as a pop back, on sale, a while back but was sent a cashmere shell instead. I don't think they ever had it in stock. Another time i ordered a cable cardi and got a crewcut tee. I got the wrong shoes twice in a row!... Only once i was given free shipping as a courtesy for the "inconvenience". Grrr!

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  45. Ugh. I'm sick of the variable pricing. I was browsing catalog/online items to see if there were things worth placing an order for using my gift card and I noticed the women's vintage pajamas (item #20806) have also gone up from $69.50 to $75.00. J. Screw indeed. I was just getting over not being able to find a decent sweater that wasn't cheap, marked-up cashmere or 40% nylon and now I have to deal with pricing games. I wouldn't pay 70 dollars for pajamas and I surely wouldn't pay 75.00. With quality on the decline I can't believe they have the nerve to raise prices on popular items. More and more I get styling ideas (the ones that aren't laughably over the top) from J. Crew and hunt for quality gear elsewhere.

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  46. I have to admit that the "variable" pricing on certain items leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I like the pants and I'm interested but knowing that they raised the price and to add "Just" to the price as if no one would notice the price hike is really poor customer relations. I'm kind of a lazy shopper so I tend to stay loyal to a store if I like the fit and style of the clothes. I switched from Banana to JC bc I didn't like the change in BR styles but I'm just as happy to go to another retailer! Ones w/o final sale to boot!

    Sigh. I just wish JC did more to make us want to root for JC -

    (1) Take more care with the quality of the items (esp. sweaters),
    (2) Quit charging outrageous prices for glass necklaces with random ribbons on them. Just because you label it as "heirloom" doesn't mean that it's worth something.
    (3) and quit jacking up the prices of items that have already been priced because that just makes you look greedy!

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  47. OT, but AT marked their cashmere cardis down this morning. They are $22.41 + tax. They are final sale, but for that price...

    I have the scarlet and have worn it often through the holidays and would recommend these.

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  48. They are style number 237342. If you go to the Ann Taylor homepage, you can type in the number or just search for cashmere.

    This morning, they were available in most sizes/colors, but the selection has gone down quite a bit already.

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  49. kitsmommy,
    OK. thanks. found them. How is sizing compared to JC? never ordered from AT and it is final sale. Order same size as JCrew cardigans???

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  50. kitsmommy,
    cut-throat sale. 1 color I really wanted (pale pink) disappeared from my bag in an instant! I just took the plunge and ordered the one color I had left and chose another color FAST and checked out....just ordered my JC size. Got the shoreline, gray, and aubergine

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  51. i love these pants and want another pair in the blackberry/navy. dina, i agree with you~i'd love to see them in other colors except white :)

    Off topic--did anyone place any orders w/ j crew on friday? i placed an order on friday morning (finally, some pop backs!) and still haven't received an email about when it will be shipped out. one would think that 3 business days is enough time to pull stuff from the warehouse and send it off! any info would be great though. thanks :)

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  52. Genny,

    I wanted the light pink too but it sold out so I got another color. Thought I would at least try one.

    Kitsmommy,
    Thanks for the post.

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  53. Genny and everyone, thanks for the sympathy on the wrong order. They are trying We Will Find It but not optimistic. Maybe it's a blip but JC sure has been weird this Fall/Winter with the quality/shipping issues and the empty stores. There may be a method to their madness but I don't see other stores acting this way. Here's hoping they put this behind them for Spring/Summer.

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  54. Tippy - I placed an order online Friday, and placed one yesterday through my PS, and both shipped out last night. I placed an order during the last sale percent off promotion, and it took it almost a week to ship out I think.

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  55. I haven't received shipping confirmation emails on my last two orders....one was from last week and one was a backorder. I always get them too but something must be going wrong in their system.

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  56. PS
    Got one order yesterday and one today. Each had one item in them.

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  57. tres tippy, I placed orders on Friday and Saturday and yesterday evening I received "your order has shipped" emails for both. I hope for your sake it's not a case of an item that they can't find. I hate those "we wish we made enough" emails. :(
    Maybe they are just behind due to the holiday yesterday.

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  58. Elaine, yes the one near Asheville. As far as I know, that is the only one in North Carolina!

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  59. hi~thanks everyone for your input on the order status. i actually received the "we wish we had enough.." email about one of the items this morning and called CS to find out about the other 4 items. they said my order was shipped after they contacted me about what was missing and because an item was cancelled, they didn't send the "your order has shipped" email. I don't know how accurate that is, but hopefully that helps anyone else who placed an order last Friday and didn't receive any information.

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  60. Does anyone know what happens if you do put them through the wash. I love the pants but I hate how much they stretch and can't afford to have them dry cleaned so often.

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  61. I have to say I love my Minnie. I wear them to work with heels and sweater. I am no skinny minny either. I work in a fairly conservative conservative field - financial services just outside NYC - and I think they are perfectly appropriate dressed up.
    Buy them a size smaller. They stretch alot.

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  62. So, I was crewzin the website today and found that the Minnie is back at the $79.50 price point. What's up with that? I suggest anyone who purchased them for $89.50 call and get their $10 back immediately.

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