"Thanks!" to many of you, including Heidi & Kendra (in this post), Sandy, MissMasala, & mrs.anketell (in this post), as well as Marietta, who let us know the following.J.Crew is offering 20% off select Sweaters for Women (click here to shop online). This offer expires Sunday, 3/7/10.
Also, J.Crew updated its Sale section (click here) early this morning with new items added and additional markdowns. As expected, the sale stock is moving very quickly. :)
Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Are there any Sweaters you are interested in getting? If so, please share!
Hi! I think you mean 20% off? (In the body of the post) Or are there really also select sweaters at 30% off? I am looking right now! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about the merino boyfriend sweatshirt (23424) but am very hesitant about any more merino 14-gauge JC sweaters. Does anybody own this that can speak to fit/quality? What's the pilling quotient on it?
ReplyDeleteI also like the look of the boatneck ladder-stitch sweater, but have sworn off of JC cashmere.
Even though I am in a fit with the crew right now, I may have to bite for a Celosia cardi. The winter version seemed like it NEVER went on sale, and I think everyone I've seen with it on looks fab. I have a late spring wedding to go to, and the wheat may look great over the dress I'm thinking of wearing.
ReplyDeleteToo funny! This morning the count in FS is 841.
ReplyDeleteARL: you are right! I just changed. Thanks for catching that. :)
ReplyDeleteCheesy, the Celosia cardi is sooo amazing. I am on a shopping ban for Lent, but if I wasn't there would be another one ordered to-DAY!
ReplyDeleteI picked up the cotton gauze petal cardigan in sand. I think it's so pretty, and I love that the ruffled edges are finished and won't fray.
ReplyDeleteBelle de Jour, when I checked the count was well over 900. Lots of popbacks that probably sold out quickly.
I was on around 5 a.m. est and there were over 160 sweaters; high volume in various categories that turned out to be 'ghost' items.
ReplyDeleteI would love another jackie, but I just can't spend the money right now. I wish it was offered in stores as well.
ReplyDeleteI am tempted but I am going to be strong and pass. Hoping the sweater or two I like gets marked down even more...
ReplyDeletemath teacher,
ReplyDeleteI understand (not right now) and (wishing it was in store too).
Silver_lining: I have the merino bf sweatshirt in honey. I really, really like it, mainly because of the way it fits. It has the aesthetic feel of a sweatshirt, but is definitely more classy since it's merino. I've worn mine twice now and haven't really notice much pilling...just a tad under the arms, but it isn't that noticeable. HTH!
ReplyDeleteMags (& others): How does the sizing of the Celosia run? Would you suggest to order down, or is it tts?
ReplyDeleteHello JCA's. I'm looking for a useful longer cardigan to go with some slim pants. Any opinions? I'm looking at the merino-linen camp cardigan or the long beach cardigan. Anyone have comments or opinions? I'd consider the forever cardigan but I've seen comments that it's too long. I'm 5'5" and have no chest. Deep, deep v-necks don't look great on me. Too loose in the front.
ReplyDeleteSilverlining: I love the look of that cash sweater, too! But I just can't do it... I worry about the quality still at that price.
ReplyDeleteEven though I shouldn't have, I splurged on three sweaters. I've had my eye on the chiffon forget me not cardigan in blue for a while. I also got the cotton gauze petal cardigan in dusty shale and Jenna's cardigan in blue. If there's one that I don't absolutely love, then I'll return it to my B & M store.
ReplyDeleteWell, since there are two sweaters I like at LLBean and lusting after I am going to pass even though I am tempted by some of the same sweaters other are... Hoping for a better price point in the future since I really don't NEED another JC cardigan! Plus, I got one cute one from LE last week for a much less. White with a cute ruffle at the neckline. It was the featured sweater on their spring catalog and it sold out with a couple of weeks!
ReplyDeleteI think the sizing in the Celosia is TTS. I am pretty small (32A) and bought a small in both the fall ones and these. The sleeves run a little tight, in my opionion, so I would definitely not suggest sizing down.
ReplyDeleteI have the aqua (it is a light jade green in person, not aqua) and the light grey and I love both colors. I need to return an ivory because it is just too sheer.
I loved the fall ones in the black and dark gray and they did hold up fairly well, so hopefully these will wear the same.
I really want that sunshine peony sweater and chiffon trim cardi in pale blossom (love those soft pinks), but I just bought some stuff at the B&M yesterday. :(
ReplyDeleteOne thing I bought was a jackie at regular price. Does anyone know if I can call CS and get a PA?
I like the Jenna cardigan, but I find it funny that they go on and on about how it designed to "wear specifically with a dress" and then in the picture it is shown with...shorts.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if this can be combined with the free shipping with $150 purchase? I've been eyeing the cotton cascade ruffle cardigan in the carob (brownish) color. Has anybody tried this one on? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm supposed to be a self-imposed shopping ban but I had to bite (actually this is my third order from a retailer since my "ban" so it is obviously working out great ...)
ReplyDeleteCan't help but to stock up on some Jackie cardis, the Sunshine peony cardi, that mixed crystal Abacus bracelet. I'm bad ...
And RTM, the free shipping works, as long as the order is over $150.
ReplyDeletertm, yes, I just placed the order for sweaters and I also used the free shipping off 150+ and it worked, because the 20% off sweaters was automatic, it wasn't another code.
ReplyDeleteAppGal
ReplyDeleteI agree with kitsmommy, get your regular size in the Celosia cardi. The sleeves are fitted like she said. I always wear mine open in front (I can't see buttoning this up) so it's great for "chesty" gals too, so you don't need to size up for that.
I recommend getting the cashmere spray for your sweaters, it works great to freshen any sweater between washings. Smells amazing, too. It hardly ever goes on sale, so if you need to add something on to make the $150 minimum, GET IT!
ReplyDeleteSecond order in two days, yikes. Couldn't resist the sweater sale - I've been holding out for the Celosia cardigan (tried it on in my B&M the other day, and it is amazing) in heather gray and the Merino ethereal ruffle in honey!
ReplyDeleteSilver-Lining, I do and am wearing it today. I loved it the moment I saw it , but missed as it sold out right away in the color I wanted (Honey). Heidi and Dina found one for me and put it on hold. See Summerilla's blog for her modeling it in same beloved shade.
ReplyDeleteIt's slouchy, thin, but warm- I adore it.
I ordered the Long beach cardigan in navy, featherweight cotton long cardigan (wonder if these will last though since it's super thin) in sepia, and the metallic beach cardigan in the camel color. I also reordered the zebra cardigan since I just bought it last weekend...
ReplyDeleteSaw some pop backs but I'm afraid to order them during FS since they might have some kind of damage... :-/
Thanks Lisa and snactress, that's just what I need to place my order. At least it's not final sale so I can still return 'em if they don't work out. Too many cute sweaters to tempt me. Lauren – I might get the Merino ethereal ruffle in honey as well, it looks so cute on the model with the swimsuit.
ReplyDeleteOK, I have to ask, what is so amazing about the celosia cardi? I don't get it by looking at the model shots.
ReplyDeleteOf course I just bought a Jackie twinset earlier this week and it shipped out yesterday. I'd reorder and return but I'm in Canada and too much hassle for what it's worth. And I did get free shipping because I added some suiting pieces. Although I have no trouble getting up over the free ship minimum. :P
Anyone have the Jaspe sweater/sweatshirts?
ReplyDeleteThey're mysteriously missing from the website during this promo, though they might have been classified as "tees" at one point. Anyway, curious about fit and quality.
Thanks:)
I ordered the bright pink Jackie, silk-linen ruffle cardigan, and reordered the ruffle vest (I love it and will return the one I already received).
ReplyDeleteFor whoever has been asking about the long beach cardigan: I have this in navy and love it. If it weren't so expensive, I'd consider ordering the gray one also.
sherbie: The Jaspes are under the knits and tees section, they were on promo last week. I just received the Jaspe Henley and I love it, the material is just as soft as last Springs version, and it fits the same. I sized down to a Small from my regular JC size medium.
ReplyDeletertm~ I tried on the Merino ethereal cardi in black the other day at my B&M and really liked it, but I've been lusting after the honey color online for ages! I've never been a yellow person, but I'm in love with it! Very excited.
ReplyDeletexoxo~ I also tried on the Celosia cardi the other day, and it was my favorite - the fabric is thicker and feels so luxourious and soft. I seriously want one in every color.
xoxo: You should be able to get a price adjustment for the sweater.
ReplyDeletejcrewphd: i also bought the long featherweight cardi in sepia. have you seen it in real life? the color is more faded than what appears online, which is so rich. i still like the color but wish it was more intense. the cotton does feel very fine--i'm glad to get these on sale versus full price.
ReplyDeletecasual-crew, thank you! I didn't even think about asking for a price adjustment. I'm out to lunch today.
ReplyDeleteCan someone offer sizing advice for anthropologie? I want to purchase a couple of dresses but I'm not sure if I would take the same size as I would in J.Crew or if I should SU or SD? Anyone?
Thanks casual-crew:)
ReplyDeleteWent back to the knits and tees and found them. And am now remembering that I missed them a couple of weeks ago when the tees were 20% off. I'm determined to get a promo on them;)
Thanks again for the sizing advice.
xoxo, you'll definitely get a PA on the Jackies. As far as sizing on Anthro stuff goes, it is really all over the map. Every single line they carry, even their in house brands, runs different. For instance, in Deletta tops and Maeve dresses, I usually size down, RicRac is usually TTS, and some "designer" stuff I'd size up. I tend to read the reviews pretty carefully. If someone states their body type or measurements and you're similar, you have the option to read all of their reviews. If that's not giving you the info you need, I've always had GREAT help from Anthro's CS. Have fun shopping! I'm throughly enjoying the free shipping with no minimum, maybe a bit too much...
ReplyDelete^Forgot one of the most awesome references for Anthro, there's links to the Effortless Anthropologie and Anthroholic blogs on the JCA blogroll.
ReplyDeleteSo I was looking at the Celosias this morning, both in store and online. At the B&M, there is a beautiful light blue color. It didn't really look like the aqua color on the website, so does anyone know if they are supposed to be the same and my monitor is whacked, or are they doing separate colors for web and retail?
ReplyDeleteCheesyGoodness, no it's not you. Same thing happened to me, and not just with J. Crew. All monitors/browsers are a little off...and I feel like sometimes stores (J. Crew included) saturate the colors a little bit on the screen.
ReplyDeleteI ordered both the Celocia and the Larkspur in the misty aqua. The sweaters I received are both the same color and I would call it jade. It is a soft green and nothing I would call aqua.
ReplyDeleteIf it comes in a blue, I would be very interested in that. If anyone gets the color code at a B&M, please post it.
I may bite on this promo but will prob hold out for better markdown. Some of the spring sweater fabrics are so thin, I feel like they will be marked down further by the time it's warm enough to wear them.
ReplyDeleteOT, I have a coupon for LE free ship no min if anyone wants it: Code: Harmony PIN: 3027. Good through 3/11.
Also, AT is having a great promo from 1-5 PM on Saturday--buy 3 or more FP items and they're all 40% off. I have my online shopping bag all ready to go for that. I have been buying more from them lately b/c they have much improved their styles and their stuff is more professional looking than JC. My wardrobe needs to be about 75% professional clothes for work. They also have better size ranges. Their new tall modern fit pants are chic and soo flattering!
CheesyGoodness, thank you for the advice. Totally forgot about the Anthro blogs. I really need to wake up. Effortless Anthropologie has reviews and IRL photos of both dresses.
ReplyDeleteI hate that Anthro lists Canadian pricing rather than just letting me purchase in U.S. dollars. Our dollar is at 97c U.S. yet Anthro hikes the price by 15% before taxes, which is obscene.
How long does the free shipping last? Is it for domestic only?
CrewCrazy
ReplyDeleteI've gotten a few forever cardigans, same height as you and I'm thin as well. They do cover your butt but I size down so it's more fitted. I really like them and will grab more as they go on sale.
Cass: Do you know if the AT promo applies to the FP merch that's on promo? So some of the "perfect pieces" stuff that's marked down and ends in .50 but not .99?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip, also - I'd stopped shopping completely at AT for about 3 years. Went online because of your post and was really surprised at how chic and modern a couple of the pieces were.
Ann Taylor has been doing a great job lately. I had not purchased anything from them for a couple years. Then last fall I picked up several great merino cardis and some blouses and a later few cashmere pieces after Christmas and I love all of them.
ReplyDeleteI've been filling up my cart and walking away this past week. I'm ready for a non-final sale! But I've been waiting on a few sweaters to go on sale & believe the 20% off leaves me feeling a bit less guilty.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone tell me about the fit & quality of the featherweight cashmere sweaters? I've heard conflicting reports.
I've also got my eye on a few swimsuits, but really would like them to go on sale. I'm hoping a spring sale will go into effect soon before my trip to Hawaii!
OK, the light blue Celosia in store is marked "CBR" so it could be retail only? The SA who checked said it is definitely blue, not green, so at least I'm not going crazy. But if they're calling it some variation of breeze, who knows, because the breeze colors I have in the Jackie and a featherweight cashmere, are green. But the Celosia that's CBR isn't the aqua, right? Adding to my fixation on this is that the sweater promo isn't in store, they don't have XLs in store, but then the color I really want is only in store. Maybe this one just isn't meant to be.
ReplyDeletexoxo, You're right the Anthro promo, which goes to 3/31, looks like US only. That is major suckage on a JC level. I don't get payment stuff for you guys, either. I remember there being a big scandal about Victoria's Secret shipping catalogs with different prices to different places within the US, some years ago but retailers can't pull that type of thing anymore because of the internet. I don't get why they would charge Canadians more for the same items. Shipping costs differing is one thing, but the items themselves is just cruddy. On a more fun, OT note, do you care to share which dresses you're thinking of?
Has anyone seen the crystal cardigan irl? It looks like a pretty alternative to the beach sweater.
ReplyDeletelareve, I'm in the happy face camp on the featherweight issue. They pill, but have retained their shape nicely with washing in a bag on the delicate cycle and flat drying. They add all the soft prettiness and a bit of warmth without any weight. I haven't had any snagging, and I don't baby my clothes while I'm wearing them, but it could just be I got lucky with the few that I have from JC. HTH!
ReplyDeleteCrewcrazy-
ReplyDeleteI really like the featherweight cotton cardigan. I'm 5-4 and it's a good fit for me, lengthwise and not as long as the Forever. It's a nice, tight knit as well even though it's rather thin. It's a pretty good quality sweater for JCrew, IMHO. I'm thinking about ordering another during this promo!
you can see it on me here:
http://adventuresinsuits.blogspot.com/2010/02/couple-outfits.html
CheesyGoodness I expected the Anthro free ship was U.S. only because I could find no mention on it on the Canada site. Thanks for confirming that I'm not going crazy either. Unlike J.Crew Anthro definitely seems to limit their shipping promos to domestic orders. I'm looking at the Sky Grown dress and New York, New York dress. I just got the March Anthro catalog today and loaded up my cart to the tune of over 800 bucks. Of course it doesn't take long with the Canada upcharge. I'll sleep on it for a week and then edit my cart and place an order.
ReplyDeleteFor whatever reason this is becoming the year of the dress for me. I bought several from J.Crew and found a way to make the Metro dress work with a lovely sterling silver and gemstone pin that I inherited from my great aunt a few years ago. It's really delicate so looks apropos with the gathered cowl covering my ample cleavage and doesn't spoil the look of the dress. I just couldn't send back that beautiful grape dress.
This is it for me re: that dang light blue Celosia. I called CS with the info I got after talking to an SA, and they disavow any knowledge of CBR. There is a possibility that CBR is technically with the April rollout, but they weren't even able to do a WWFI for the light blue/CBR. This is the sound of me, giving up with a whimper.
ReplyDeleteIt's tempting but I'm going to hold out. I guess it'll be a while before we see another additional % off the FS+Free shipping. My cart is full of stuff that'll pop out longer I keep it there but I'm trying to stay strong!
ReplyDeleteJC's promos are really weak compared to other retailers. I wish they would be a little more competitive price-wise with Banana. I was just at Banana and they had the best promos. Alas, I couldn't find anything I really wanted. :( I guess that's always the way it is, right? But I'm still going to browse other stores until I feel like JC has a more decent promo.
xoxo, that Sky Grown is a stunner!!! Oh wow, I am drooling. I haven't been getting Anthro OR JC catalogs with any regularity lately, so that was a new one to me. The NYNY is really pretty, too, I love the We Love Vera dress I have. She accommodates a full bust very nicely. I'm really glad you found a way to work the Metro. I'm cowl-y today too! I have given my dresses and tights a workout this winter since I realized that jeans don't keep me all that much warmer for the most part, and I feel alot happier getting to wear all my girly stuff. Next up for me is Anthro's Dandelion Wish, I think, since it's sounding like JC's double V won't be great on larger chests/shoulders. I hope the summer brings better dress offerings from the crew.
ReplyDeleteMegha: I haven't seen the featherweight cotton cardigan in sepia but hopefully it's not too washed out. Sometimes the colors online look much darker than real life. My store only had select colors...
ReplyDeleteI am one of the few that doesn't care for the featherweight long cardigan (IMO full price is over-priced.) It is made well, feels very soft and I thought the sepia was a pretty color--not washed out. But the fit is not my favorite. The cotton is clingy and the length for me hits where it tends to wrap around my butt all clingy and sticky-like. I also don't like this type of pocket placement (adds visual weight). I wore my normal small but some might like to size up if you want a bigger/boyfriend look. I personally prefer the merino "always/forever/endless summer cardigan" (any other names for this thing I'm leaving out?) I think the weight of the merino makes it less grabby.
ReplyDeleteCass,
ReplyDeleteIs the AT promo 1-5 Eastern Time? Thanks.
sweetsy: I called for the measurements on this sweater and your description about the fit is bang on. The length for the med. is 29in too long for my 5'4 frame, and the chest measurement is 35 in. I will wait and hope a shorter one comes out in future rollouts.
ReplyDeleteAgree with the Ann Taylor comments. I love the cashmere sweaters I got for a bargain after Christmas.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I just got the NEWEST Talbots catalog and I went nuts marking pages of items I want. I am shocked. I just felt like I was drooling like old times over a JCrew catalog. I only found one thing in the new JC catalog that I liked.
I went to retailmenot.com and found a good Talbots coupon for 20% off and $5 shipping so I bought the two items I could not live without.
So passing on JCrew for sure now with this 20% off promo.
Heidi: I agree with you, I just washed my v-neck pullover from last Fall and it looks horrible, I even used the JC sweater kit and Laundress wash and it did not remove all the pills.
ReplyDeleteCheesy Goodness and XOXO, the pricing differences between US and Canada for Anthro items has a lot to do with stuff like where the items are manufactured and whether the importing country has tariffs on it, as well as other import/export rules and fees that one country may have and the other does not.
ReplyDeleteGenny, I agree about the wonders of Talbots! They have upped their game. Unfortunately all their beautiful sheath dresses start at size 4, too big for me. I'm afraid I find their blouses and cardigans quite boxy when I tried them on the store. The catalogue tempted me, I just wasn't able to buy anything.
Charlotte -- I also wish J Crew would have other types of promos, similar to BR. I am not sure we'll ever see that, for a number of reasons. J Crew is doing well, overall. J Crew wants a certain cache about the store & promo-ing things is not in the revamped business model. I think the days of $20 off $80 or whatever people keep bringing up are over. And finally, I don't think J Crew has the quantity of stores that BR. Also they're under the Gap brand and I just think their business model is set up for promos. But what do I know. I'm not in retail at all, except as a consumer.
ReplyDeleteDesert Flower, Anthro adds the taxes and duties on top of the Canadian price, just like J.Crew. From the Anthropolgie Canadian site:
ReplyDeleteNOTE:
Prices shown on product pages exclude taxes, tariffs and shipping, all of which are applied at checkout.
Dessert Flower,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear Talbots sizing did not work for you:( Maybe an accessory or two? The scarves are to die for!
I bought clothes from them a lot in the 90's and being a size 10/12 I think I will fit into their new items just fine like before....
I am one of the people who is pretty much sized out at Talbots and this really disappoints me. I do not understand why they have a nice range of small sizes in the petites, but regular sizing basically starts a 4 to 6. They have at least three items in the new catalog that I would buy if they came in 2s or xs.
ReplyDeleteCheesy - I checked my "aqua" celosia cardi and the color code is MAQ, so the one you sighted is not the color online. Hopefully it will come out with the next rollout or my PS will be able to locate it. Thanks for the info.
I just used my teacher discount plus the free shipping code on this blog on a sweater order over the phone. Pretty good deal!
ReplyDeletekitsmommy, thanks for checking the aqua! I'm glad the lt. blue isn't a figment of my imagination.
ReplyDeleteDesert Flower, thanks for the pricing info on the Anthro stuff. I never think about all the background stuff when it is such a close neighbor!
Debby,
ReplyDeleteDo you mean that you got the 15% education discount and free shipping, PLUS the 20% sweater discount? Or just the education discount plus free shipping?
Because the sweaters are marked down 20% already, you can use the teacher discount on top of that and it's not a double discount... at least that's what the ps on the phone said.
ReplyDeleteXOXO, that's very true that the Canadian Anthro site adds taxes at time of purchase. The tariffs I'm talking about are at point of import. In short, it costs retailers in Canada more to buy the same thing that an American retailer buys, particularly if it was manufactured in certain countries.
ReplyDeleteKitsmommy, I'm with you! I don't know why Talbots would start their petites at 2 and not their regular line. I tried on some sheaths in 4, way too big. The petite size fit but was far too short.
Hi ladies, I just came back from a local store and bought this gorgeous scalloped zipper cardi (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/sweaters/cotton/PRDOVR~23423/23423.jsp). It looks even better than the already-flattering photo, and fits really well, too. I especially love the zipper detail and the silk trim, it's sporty & classy at he same time. And the best part is, the super friendly saleslady actually offered to honor the 20% discount when I told her about the online promo! So I don't even need to buy something else to make it $150 to get the free shipping. Has that happened to anybody else? I think that's smart for the store to match the online price.
ReplyDeleteDebby,
ReplyDeleteYou just got lucky. I checked with 3 online PS as well as a regular CS rep. You cannot use the educator/student discount on promo items. I was also told if I used free shipping I could NOT get the educator/student discount. I was told this is policy by all. When I mentioned what deal you got they all said that the rep did not know what he/she was saying and/or must be new.
Once again, sometimes you get lucky.
Is there a code for free ship, b/c I'm still being charged with over $150 in my cart?
ReplyDeleteITA about that lovely new Talbots catalog! The clothes and the models looked beautiful. (Nice to see some real women as well as some models past their teen years!)
ReplyDeleteI just placed orders for some accessories. It is unfortunate that some of the tailored clothing starts at size 4. Can anyone comment more specifically on Talbots sizing as compared to JC? For example, Talbots and JC both say 34-27-37 for size 4. I'm close to those measurements but generally wear a 0 or 2 in JC. Is Talbots more TTS?
Here's the info on the AT promo since people were asking--click the link and I cut and pasted the fine print below. Doesn't say 1-5 ET so is prob 1-5 local time:
ReplyDeletehttp://eventsatann.com/?cid=E0002804
*Events will be offered at select Ann Taylor Store Locations. Raffle winner must be present to win. Visit eventsatann.com to find participating store locations.
**Offer valid for a limited time on full-price items. Discount will only be taken on full-price merchandise purchased during a single transaction. Taxes, shipping and handling fees, purchases of gift cards, charges for gift boxes and payment of an Ann Taylor or LOFT Credit Card are excluded from any discount and do not count as full-priced items. Not valid at LOFT stores, Ann Taylor Factory stores, LOFT Outlet stores, LOFTonline.com, on purchases of gift cards, on payment of Ann Taylor or LOFT Credit Card accounts. Not valid in conjunction with any other coupons or direct mail offers. No adjustments to prior purchases. Not valid for cash.
***Offer valid online and at select Ann Taylor Store locations on March 6, 2010 only. Subject to credit approval. The STYLE REWARDS Program is provided by Ann Taylor Stores Corporation. The Program may be changed or discontinued at any time. Client will earn 2,000 points when they spend $200. Points earned will appear on credit card statement within two billing cycles. Visit eventsatann.com to find participating store locations.
Hexicon, I normally take a 2 in J. Crew dresses and I tried Talbot's size 4 and they were too big. The 4P, which is equivalent to a 2, fit me but was too short. So I'd say there sizing is similar to JC. In general though their cuts are a little more straight and boxy I find.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Talbots sizing: IME Talbots sizing is slightly larger than JCrew. I generally size down in Talbots shirts and sometimes in sweaters and pants.
ReplyDeleteTalbots apparently has new pants sizing and are running a promotion where you receive $5 off your in-store purchase if you try on the new pants. If anyone has tried them, please share your review.
I got the Dream Cabin cardi last night. I always liked the look of it, kind of Euro après-ski (so my lifestyle, lol not!). Hope I like it!! Anyone have any reviews on it?
ReplyDeleteI got the Dream Cabin cardi last night. I always liked the look of it, kind of Euro après-ski (so my lifestyle, lol not!). Hope I like it!! Anyone have any reviews on it?
ReplyDeleteI just had a cart full of stuff, including a couple sweaters, and I dumped it. Stopped myself from buying $150 worth of returned items languishing in FS, and spent my $ at LE Canvas instead, like other JCAs. The plaid shirt, a chunky sweater,and adorable scarves (for $19.50, not $60)!
ReplyDeleteBetween Talbots, Anthro, and LE upping their games in style and offering way better promos and service, JC needs to take notice. We are the MOST loyal JC customers who LOVE the brand, and we're going elsewhere!
Desert Flower, I called Anthro to ask about the upcharge. CS that I spoke with wasn't able to give me an answer, they had someone call me back.
ReplyDeleteThe gentleman that called me said that that there are no tariffs added until checkout, that it would actually be illegal to do so because the tariff can only be applied at the time of import, which is considered the time of checkout, when the contract is agreed by placing the order. He said the difference in price is due to the currency exchange rate at the time the clothes are purchased by Anthropologie from the vendors or manufacturers.
Now, I don't totally buy that because our $ has been =>90c US for a couple of years but he insisted that was the reason for the price difference.
Other U.S. stores in Canada like Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Eddie Bauer, etc. all have prices that are higher in Canada and the price difference is just slightly higher than the exchange rate, not 15% + tariffs + duty. Personally, I think part of it is the FiftyOne service that is so expensive and we are paying for that. Also, when you want to return a Canadian item Anthro charges about 20% just to process the return and that doesn't include your shipping charges. It really is a case of getting away with what they can IMO.
Ruffles, I think you'll be pleased with your purchases - Canvas is turning out to be great! My dollar goes farther there, and I don't feel like I've been 'had' when I get the deliveries, unlike times where the JC stuff I ordered has been way below my expectations and I feel like I've wasted time/money.
ReplyDeleteI will not be taking advantage of this promotion. I am staying firm on not buying any more JCrew cashmere sweaters, due to their low quality. They pill like crazy and are paper thin. Having to de-pill them after every wear is a stark reminder for me, so I am not giving in!
ReplyDeleteOT: Well, it finally happened to me. I ordered what appeared to be the last jalapeno V-neck cardi in medium on the site from last week's 30% off promo and they sent me....wait for it....a bikini! In the most putrid green at that...and the wrong size (hahahaha).
ReplyDeleteSince I was six years old the last time I wore a bikini, this is so going back. The SA who helped me over the phone asked me if I wanted to use my card to secure the sweater if they actually found it somewhere and I laughed and laughed and laughed....
I will not be buying during this promo. I'm slightly tempted by the merino boyfriend sweatshirt, but I'm trying to resist the boyfriend trend, having already lived through it once!
ReplyDeleteI placed my first LE canvas order this past week, and I appreciate other JCAs enthusiasm that put me on to this new line.
That said, I've noticed that some posters, or perhaps one in particular, do post after post about other retailers while dissing JC. I am indeed "in recovery" from JC, crawling back to reality after more than a year of multiple orders per week, and a buildup of problems (holes, wrong items, pilling, etc.) that also had me ranting daily to my husband. So I've been there. But with all due respect, if you are doing your shopping elsewhere and dislike JC so much, why are you making multiple posts a day about this on JCA?
I don't mean to be mean with this post, and I hope it doesn't come off as such. I have been grateful for the constructive comments about JC quality/style that have saved me money and heartache. But I'm wondering if other posters might want to take a step back from their posts? Just a thought, and perhaps I am the only one who feels this way, but I'm finding it increasingly difficult to wade through the string of negative, OT posts on a daily basis.
I have tremendous respect and admiration for Alexis for keeping up this blog, which is a fabulous resource. Thanks so much, Alexis! And again, I don't mean to offend, just trying to make a constructive comment to my fellow JCAs. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Thanks silver_lining! I am anxious to get the checked shirt in particular, as it sounds like a nice alternative.
ReplyDeleteClicquot - Review of the dream cabin cardi in this post.
ReplyDeleteaudball - *lol*
in recovery - I hear what you're saying. For the people who are newer to this blog, the tone can seem quite negative in some of the threads. So if you're new, what you've missed is the fact that this blog started a a month or two before J Crew did a website overhaul. The result of the website re-do was sheer chaos. For example, I ordered a $99 dress and received a $400 one. There were many other errors after that. I return to the store to avoid the fee, so I spent quite a bit of time going into the store or sitting on the phone trying to figure out where items were, etc... I was very new to J Crew and if it weren't for this blog, there is no way I would have continued to do business with the company.
As the confusion continued, people chatted on the blog about their orders being messed up. However, I think part of the motivation was to find out if things were clearing up on J Crew's end of things. While this was going on, the rollouts continued. FA08 was pretty freaking good. We were VERY excited here on the blog. In contrast, one of the first FA08 catalogs was a bit depressing (misty weather, sour faced/moody models). Additionally, I believe 08 quality was markedly different from 07 and thus the brand dissection began here on the blog. A reader, Hexicon, wrote a great analogy here about J Crew as a bad boyfriend. The one you shouldn't go back to, but you can't because you're so enamored and in love that you look past & excuse his flaws. It was a memorable analogy and on point.
There are things that perturb me about J Crew (even if I spelled that word incorrectly). Final sale, item cancellations and quality issues are the main ones. I keep coming back because of the good feelings that I get from some of the clothing. Part of that has to do with the service I receive. It's fantastic to be greeted by name in the b&m. But let's lose the name thing as that's probably rare, in general. It's nice to be greeted cheerily by the SAs. It's nice to talk to SAs who know the merchandise of the store, past and present -- and not only care about it, but are excited about it. It's nice to get helpful, happy CS reps on the phone, even if they have little experience in-store or with the merch. It's nice when there *are* unique prints and fabrics and the quality is there. It's nice when the UPS lady comes, my order is perfect & I love everything in it.
J Crew is selling a lifestyle & feeling. Many of us want very much to buy it. It's hard to do that without criticism. We're not a group of complaining hags or bitchy primadonnas. J Crew still has computer issues, quality has declined and other retailers have stepped up their game -- some tenfold. All that gets discussed here. Any press is good press. And *this* is free press!!! I don't care too much what they hawk in the media about the brand. This is the place I visit when I want to find out information. J Crew is very, very, mucho, immensely, insanely, fortuitously lucky to have this blog and all of the offshoot blogs that have resulted from Alexis's hard work. Aside from the Anthro Angels (Effortless Anthropologie, Anthroholic, VJinLA, British Anthropologie(ist), etc...), I haven't seen anything like this in the blogosphere for one retailer.
Now back to J Crew. I created a new comprehensive final sale list and you can see it in this post
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ReplyDeletein recovery - p.s. My thoughts are *not* directed specifically at you or attacking back in any way. You aren't the only one that's raised the question about complainers, so I wanted to throw in my 9.5 cents.
ReplyDeleteaudball
ReplyDeleteThat has happened to me more times than I care to take the time to count. Reading your comment makes me think the warehouse employees stick in whatever they want to get the order shipped...but not quite sure why. It's a hassle, let down and JCrew should start offering something to the customer to make up for the mistake...especially when the item is sold out.
A few more review links:
ReplyDeletezebra merino cardi
Blakely dress - solid
Blakely zebra - on Summerilla
Blakely zebra - on Audreybella
RE-DO
ReplyDeleteBlakely zebra dress on Audreybella
Well said, Gigi.
ReplyDeleteI've been a reader of this blog since its inception, and I've counted on it and the other aficionadas/os for input that I can use to make smart purchases--codes, reviews both good and bad, and advice about fit, quality and styling. I'm also really grateful for posts about other clothing lines that offer fit and quality at reasonable prices. Thanks to everyone who has shared their experiences (and promotion codes!) here.
ReplyDeleteMaryw2062 & Gigi: Well said.
ReplyDeleteEveryone: Perhaps my post wasn't clear, or perhaps it was. Perhaps I am reacting negatively to one poster in particular, and perhaps that is my problem. I've been through the whole saga you recount with JC, Gigi, and I've been reading JCA and other blogs, including yours, for well over a year. I appreciate the constructive criticism of JC here and on other blogs, and I appreciate the shout outs to other retailers, and I appreciate everything Alexis and other JCAs do to build such a great community. I also understand the need to vent. Perhaps that is why I am so sensitive to killjoy comments, because I have fought not to make them. But if you don't seem to be buying anything from JC, never post anything positive about JC, and only tout your love for other retailers, I just don't get the point. But again, perhaps it is just me, and perhaps I just need to skip certain posts.
ReplyDeleteCass -- thanks for the LE code, I just used it and got FS, and a BUNCH of items with my Discover cashback bonus (applied towards LE electronic gift cards) for $110!!!!
ReplyDeleteFor those who are not familiar with it, when placing orders on many retailers (including Lands' End) through the discovercard.com site, you get 5% cashback. You can increase your cashback up to 20% by redeeming it for gift cards of participating partners. And you get your cashback at the close of every billing period (i.e. monthly), as opposed to every quarter, as with JCrew. It's a great deal! Happy shopping!
Thanks, Gigi, for directing me to that review. Looked great on you and I was happy to see that I got the same size you tried- I seem to take the same sizes as you. Looking forward to this one in person and hope it arrives before I head to snowy weather next weekend.
ReplyDeleteJust in case anyone is interested,
ReplyDeleteI am returning a Vintage Zebra dress to the Thousand Oaks, CA store today. It's size 0 and I see that it's sold out online in this size. It fits TTS but is a bit tight in the ribcage. I tried it on with a white cami and it looks really good that way and is safe for work. I really like the dress but I have to keep reminding myself that I like super pencil shape skirts better than anything that is even slightly full (and this dress has a slight a-line.
So, it should be back at the store by 3:00 PST if anyone wants it!
FYI...I picked up a couple of Jackies in store today and they honored the 20% sweater promo...so if you are in a store over the weekend be sure to ask!
ReplyDeleteSo I was in the B&M today at Fashion Square in Scottsdale and I got that pretty light blue Celosia. To my eye it's a titch darker than Breeze. Soooo pretty! The color code is CBR, so I'm thinking Cool Breeze or Clear Breeze? I also got the blue/white and solid white button down popovers, on sale for $39.99. I LOVE these! I like to wear an untucked blouse but I hate shirttail hems and these are straight across.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure at whom In Recovery was directing her post, but I know I have had my share of negative things to say about J Crew. I have also had my fair share of good things to say about retailers such as BR and AT, especially when they put out comparable pieces with better quality and then run better promotions.
ReplyDeleteSince I know I fall in this boat sometimes and that particular post does describe some of my behaviour on this site, I will speak up in defense of those of us who love the brand, but get very frustrated with where J Crew has gone. I am not so vain or insecure that I will assume that post is directed at me ;). I just want to point out that many of us complainers still love J Crew and just want them to do better by us.
About 50% of my current wardrobe is J Crew and they are pretty much my single source for jackets, coats and shirts. The main issues I have with them lately is that so much I have purchased from the in the last year has arrived damaged or just so poorly made. From the damaged ruffled coat I received last fall to the suckered shirt I got last month with 3 holes and the marzipan sweater that developed 2 holes a lost a button beween here and the grocery five minutes away, J Crew has disappointed me. And I, like a lot of other people seem to have noticed that this doesn't happen quite as often with other retailer, so comparisons are going to be made.
On the other hand, I have had plenty of raves for items such as the serge and superfine pencil skirts, celocia cardis, frances camis and shirts, the new floral perfect shirts, etc.
Personally, I appreciate having the ability to come here and vent. And some of other poster's vents have saved me disappointment by steering me away from questionable items. They have also made me check out some items at Antro (someplace I never visited until coming here), Talbots (I have found some great scarves and a couple of petite skirts that actually worked on my frame) and Lord and Taylor cashmere.
I am glad I have a place to talk about the up and downs of J Crew and share info about other retailers and I appreciate Alexis not censoring posts that touch on other options that are out there.
There are several posters that I make a point of ignoring and a few specific complaints that annoy me and seem to come up periodically and even have entire threads dedicated to them. But I still would feel bad if everyone felt they could not come here and give honest feedback and I hope the open nature of this blog does not change, just as long as the poster's stay away from dising each other.
In Recovery: I completely see what you are saying. :)
ReplyDeleteI love hearing everyone's opinions, good and bad, but it does seem like a waste of energy to continue bothering with J. Crew and this blog if everything you see or buy or don't buy or whatever from J. Crew you don't like. I mean, I cannot STAND the aesthetic of Express, even though in the past I have enjoyed it...I have just slowly drifted away...
I do like hearing about the other retailers that have great "J. Crew-esque" items...awesome! I have been a HUGE fan of Boden for years, and it is because their stuff sort of reminds me of J. Crew.
So in that regard...yes, let's hear more and more about things out there that are very J. Crew-like.
I can't say that it is just one commenter or another...but I have seen that there is a lot of talk about how awful J. Crew design is lately, and I am not personally experiencing that...I happen to love a lot of the pieces from this last roll-out.
So, In Recovery, I may not agree 100% with your whole comment, I feel the spirit of the comment is valid. :)
Oh, and because I want to stay in the spirit of the post...I did bite!!! I got a metallic beach cardi in camel...gorgeous in real life, and it fits well in a size small! :)
ReplyDeleteI am thinking about the jackie in citron and one more sweater, but I am holding back for now.
Gah! I just caved and got the Celosia in aqua. It's my girly sweater do over. I'd recently bought a "vintage" cashmere sweater at Anthro that had these cute flowers sewn on and a fabric strip tacked to the inside button edge. I was lead to believe it was a one of a kind. I got it home and the sweater label turned up - that's when I discovered that for about $200, I'd bought a Kirkland Signature sweater with some fabric touches added (!!!) I was so upset with myself and then angry at Anthro. For those who don't know, Kirkland Signature is the label that is sold at Costco. I'm not knocking it but it sells for maybe $60 tops brand new. So the Celosia will be the balm to my wounded shopper's pride and hopefully it's as awesome as you all say it is.
ReplyDeleteCarla,
ReplyDeleteI have the aqua Celocia and wore it already with the new clover perfect shirt with the sleeves rolled back on the shirt. I love this sweater. The neutral fall ones were my fall go tos. I hope you enjoy it.
I am looking for a review of the Cotton-wool lino cardigan. Anyone tried this sweater?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletekitsmommy,
ReplyDeleteGreat post:)I agree.
I just "love" people who don't have enough guts to directly name a person that they have "issues" with.... If you are going to post an attack, then do it. If not, shut up. And now, I will do the same!
ReplyDeleteoops...I am still talking...
Really, just skip over any posts that bother you. It is called "skimming". Sorry but In Recovery's post just rubbed me the wrong way.
I think everyone is so nice and helpful on this blog. Great community.
The Lake Forest IL store had quite a few pairs of ballet flats and sandals today for 49.99, unusual to see many shoes in the sale section. Also, three of the Gold Sequin starland tanks in sizes 6 and 8 for 59.99, which are still FP online.
ReplyDeletedinagideon - I got the jackie in citron and I just love it! It's a super bright yellow, but so fun and cheery. I say, go for it! PS - it looks really good with the in store only (for right now, anyway) splattered sunflower tee (not sure if that's the exact name, but it's close). Oh, and if you can get to a b&m, most of the graphic tees are $10 off. :)
ReplyDeleteMath Teacher: Thank you! I think tomorrow night, right before the promo ends, I will be placing an order. :) That jackie has been calling to me like a very pretty song.
ReplyDeleteITA with Summer and others about the wonderful community here. The only posts that irritate me are the self righteous posters who come here about once a week to bully regular posters and stir up trouble. My advise: if you don't like the way Alexis runs this blog, rather than attempting to take control of her blog, maybe you should start your own.
ReplyDeleteDinagideon-
ReplyDeleteWill you review the metallic beach cardigan when you receive it? I have been eyeing it but ordered the silk linen ruffle pullover instead on this promo. Would love thoughts on the beach cardigan though.
I would love to take advantage of this promo- I've got my eye on the Scalloped Zipper Cardigan (now that it is back on the site). I was wondering if anyone has tried the Silk-Linen Ruffle Cardigan (Item #24753). It looks cute and I like the idea of it but I was wondering about the sizing and how it looks IRL. Thanks!
ReplyDeletequang0 - I tried that silk linen ruffle cardi. The arms are narrow and a little tight. The cardi is slimming, though. I am working hard to get 3 or 4 more sweater reviews up on my blog. I'll try to remember to come back and drop the link when I get that one up.
ReplyDeletequang0 -- Oh, sizing. I usually wear S in J Crew sweaters and this is the same. I say order your usual size.
ReplyDeleteGigi- Thanks so much for your quick reply and the info on the sweater! I, of course, checked your blog first before leaving my comment- you are truly an asset to the JC community. I'll keep checking for the updates!
ReplyDeleteJCrewProf
ReplyDeleteDon't know why I had noticed the posts before -- thought I was the only one who had problems with the "investment" cashmere. It's been easy for me lately! Now I can skip over the cashmere, go straight to the other, cheaper sweaters. The dream sweaters outlast the expensive cashmere 3 to 1. End up giving my cashmere to goodwill : )
JCrewProf
ReplyDeleteDon't know why I had noticed the posts before -- thought I was the only one who had problems with the "investment" cashmere. It's been easy for me lately! Now I can skip over the cashmere, go straight to the other, cheaper sweaters. The dream sweaters outlast the expensive cashmere 3 to 1. End up giving my cashmere to goodwill : )
I hate it when other posters come here and diss other posters, it takes the enjoyment out from coming to this site.
ReplyDeleteI have done my share of complaining, I have been burned by their cashmere and paper thin tees and occasionally by their CS. If you cannot come in and vent who can you complain to?
I still buy from JC, I like their pants and shorts and their Jaspe tops. I rely on BOTH the positive and negative posts, and I APPRECIATE the shout out to other retailers J Crewish or not. I would not have discovered Martin & Osa if were not for this blog.
Just skip over the posts or threads if you do not like it.
I also tried on the Silk Linen Ruffle cardi, cute and the cut is very flattering, but I also felt the shoulders and sleeves were too tight even with just a tank underneath (or I just have really fat arms). I didn't notice the fragile silk by the zipper, but that's a good watch-out, Heidi.
ReplyDeleteI went w another Ethereal which I need like a hole in the head, but I love that cardi, and BTW they honoered the 20% off in store.
Oh and Land's End Canvas free shipping code ends tonight, no minimum:
ReplyDeletePromo Code MAR7CANVAS
Pin 3249
Ruffles,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the LE Canvas Code. I did not realize you had to sign up in both regular LE and Canvas to get promos so thanks again.
I guess someone mentioned there was a one day? 30% off and free shipping at Canvas a week or more ago. Wish I would have seen that one:)
I am signed up for both now but have yet to receive a LE Canvas email.
You're welcome, Summer! I didn't get the 30% off offer, that would've been great!
ReplyDeleteSummer
ReplyDeleteI signed up within the last two days for LE Canvas, and my first email arrived this morning with a link for free shipping. I thought that was very fast and efficient, and given the raves from other aficionados/as, free shipping (no minimum) offer, and the option of returns at Sears, I may pull the trigger and buy what's in my cart.
Your first email should be coming soon!
Does anyone have an opinion/review of the Watercolor Potpourri Ames dress (strapless)?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have a Boden code to share?
I don’t quite get the lashing out on here, either – if you don’t like a post, skim over it. It’s incredibly easy.
ReplyDeleteOnto the fun stuff: Am in Chicago for business & had opportunity to meander the Magnificent Mile yesterday. Hit the jackpot at (reader alert: I’m about to mention another store) Ann Taylor, where I got two smashing dresses & a scarf, all for 40% off. Am really, really liking what I’ve seen at AT since last fall, and I hadn’t gone in there in years before that.
Stopped in at the J.Crew, too. Tried on the Chanel-ripoff Collection tweed jacket. It’s very nice on the hanger, but not for me. It’s banded at the bottom, and so on me the effect was that of chic daughter of the Michelin Man, especially when I closed the jacket. Strike one. Love the floral potpourri pattern (got the scarf already) and so I tried on the dress. I couldn’t get a size to work that fit on the bottom and the top, alas, so strike two. Then the SA suggested I try on the floral potpourri skirt, so I did to humor her and confirm for myself I would indeed look like a preppy prostitute. Egads, but it’s a short skirt. Strike three.
I’m frustrated at jc right now re: skirts. It seems they either come in two lengths: preppy prostitute or dowdy dowager. What about a length in the 20-22 inch range, for those of us who won’t do 15-16 and don’t like the standard 24-inch length on the pencil skirts, either? I did like the unagi tweed skirt enough to just have it hemmed, but come on, j.crew, get on the petite bandwagon.
Which leads me to Talbots – ooh la la, do I like their new spring collection. I swoon. And I like that their catalogue features real women – more real, I’d say, than j.crew’s, because j.crew’s so-called real women are still stick figures.
Audreybella, thank you for saving me some $. Reading all the comments about the Celosia cardi but not really getting why it's so great I decided to order one myself and find out. The only color I wanted was wild plum. I was clicking away and then remembered your post about the wild plum celosia and how faded the color was. I went back to your post and changed my mind. I love the online color. Unfortunately the IRL color is not nearly as nice IMO, just as you said too. Thanks so much for sharing your photos.
ReplyDeleteInstead of the celosia I ordered another Jackie twinset in hyacinth. I have a painter henley in hyacinth and the color is gorgeous. Hope the sweater is the same.
jcrew1985, I have a review on my blog here.
ReplyDeleteFor those interested in the merino boyfriend sweatshirt, it is on sale in stores for $49.99, so if you're near a store you get a better deal than with the current online promo (not to mention that you have to spend $150 to getr the free shipping online)...
I appreciate all the comments on this blog, positive or negative (even if I'm still pretty much in love with JCrew and I like to hear other enthousiastic comments because that's why I'm part of this community in the first place). However, I don't like when the tone of the comment becomes too harsh or hateful. I think that the tone of the comment left by In recovery was very respectful of this blog and she is entitled to say what she thinks without being attacked, like eveybody else. Just my two cents...
jcrew1985 - Ema has pics of the watercolor dress on her blog. Her blog is called My Baby and Me and you should be able to find a link to it on the front page of *this* blog.
ReplyDeleteOkay, so this is weird. I emailed my PS and asked for a PA on the zebra & peony cardis and she responds by saying she tried and "even asked my supervisor" but apologized she couldn't honor the 20% off promo on the sweaters I had just purchased for FP on 2/25. So this morning I just called CS and the girl was like, "no problem at all." WTH??? I don't know about anyone else but I have really mixed feelings about my PS. Perhaps I need another PS?? Do any of you feel the same way about the personal shopper experience in general?
ReplyDeleteturquoise22 - IMO, they have tied the hands of the PS more. I think they were able to do things like FP, adjustments and are no longer allowed. OR maybe some are just saying they can't or that they have to ask their supervisor, yielding the 'my hands are tied,' attitude. I *do* think things have changed a bit. At least in my experience.
ReplyDeleteI just got an email back from online CS saying that my student discount can be applied on top of my free shipping code and the sweater promotion. The inconsistency is a little annoying, because once I bought full-priced items and used a free shipping code and I wasn't allowed to use my education discount at all. Sorry to complain, but it gets confusing!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I love this community and the unfiltered information I can receive here about my (still mostly) favorite retailer. I'm grateful that we haven't seen the level of personal attacks that we did in the past. I want to hear the good AND the bad. I've certainly purchased a lot of things because of the raves I heard here, and have avoided lots of expensive mistakes thanks to the bad reviews. This place is about *all* things JC.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I want to reply to someone up the thread who was asking about quality of merino. I don't buy JC cashmere any more because it looks like #$%$. Literally, I have JC cashmere from 1998 that looks better than the sweaters I bought last year. In general, I've had better luck with the merino.
But after the question yesterday, I went up to take a look at my sweaters. When the HO 08 Portland and the SP 09 Michelle merino cardis went down to $29.99, I bought three of each. They are similar in weight and style, though the knit on the Portland is slightly "ribbed."
It turns out that there is a significant difference in the quality of these items. The Portlands (which I've had for a couple of months longer than the Michelle) are in much nicer shape. No pills at all. The Michelles show wear and pilling (not as much as cashmere would though). Hmmmmm.
Why do people get offended if we say something is garbage? I would want someone to give me a heads up if there was excessive piling, or the quality was poor, or we had a bad experience, we should be able to discuss it.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Alexis has put up this forum. If it wasn't for her hard work, I would be thinking that getting the wrong item etc, was a once in a while happening. But instead, it happens to all of us!
Hexicon, IME JCrew is not alone with the cashmere quality issues. I've purchased a LOT of Lands' End "World's Best" cashmere, and I've found the quality to be hit or miss. My guess is that their Chinese factories are substituting lower quality cashmere for the top quality Mongolian cashmere they claim to use. I recently returned a couple of sweaters due to excessive pilling and other quality issues. Strangely enough, the quality of the patterned cashmere sweaters generally seems to be superior to the solids. Anyone have any idea why? The only cashmere with which I've had absolutely no pilling problems: Brooks Brothers.
ReplyDeleteThanks to those who read and understood the spirit of my posts. As I read through the string of comments, I feel that a number of things I did not say are being attributed to me, that what I did say has been misinterpreted, and that I am being singled out, dissed, and bullied, the very things I am being accused of doing, but which are the very things I tried not to do. My post was meant to offer a reaction that I admitted might be my personal problem and particular sensitivity, but that I threw into the ring for everyone's consideration.
ReplyDeleteI read JCA every day, sometimes several times a day (thanks again, Alexis!), and the same kinds of posts day after day (not "I tried on X item and was really disappointed," or "Gosh, JCrew cashmere really sucks; the sweater I wore three times has a hole and pills all over," but more like "JCrew sucks. All my money is going to X retailer," multiple times a day for months on end have for me gotten increasingly insidious. For me this goes beyond venting; at the risk of igniting another firestorm, I have to say that such comments have me wondering why a person or persons would bother to spend their time doing this day after day after day: personal vendetta against JCrew? Employee for another retailer? Need for something other than retail therapy? Apparently others do not feel the same way, and I hear and respect that. No, this is not my blog, and I meant Alexis no disrespect; in fact, quite the contrary. And I can, and will, skip certain posts in the future.
I am very sorry that my posts generated such negativity, when I hoped it would do the opposite. I hope that some of you will reread my posts, consider what I am saying, and give me the benefit of the doubt. I am not a newbie (although I rarely post, and after this post, will probably go back to lurking, as I really don't feel like being virtually beaten up again), I am not some self-righteous person who did this to stir up trouble. I was expressing my feelings about something that has been bothering me for some time. I get the message: this is my problem. Sorry to have rubbed people the wrong way; sorry to have struck a nerve. I will not be looking back at this string. Instead, I will be trying to enjoy my Sunday, and hope that everyone else does too.
Jeanne, your remarks about many retailers using Chinese rather than Mongolian cashmere are consistent with what I've heard elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteI needed something pastel to wear with my new watercolor floral wool scarf so I was just digging in my cedar chest. I found my lavender JC cashmere cardi from *2000* and it is absolutely *pristine*. Not a pill to be found. But my new JC looks ratty, and the LE I bought my husband last year is showing considerable wear as well.
I think cashmere is getting to be like cedar shake shingles--the "old growth" is gone or extremely expensive due to high demand and the market is flooded with poor quality substitutes. Fortunately wool grows faster than trees :-)
P.S. Gigi I'm flattered you remember my analogy!
ReplyDeleteEma and Gigi,
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU!
Hexicon, I agree with you completely on the quality of cashmere in general. I have a few vintage sweaters from my aunts, grandmothers and mother and they are very different than the cashmere sold today. Most of them are from the 50s and 60s and look new in spite of many washings and wearings. I remember my grandmother talking about spending $50 or more for a cashmere cardi in those days and expecting to be able to wear the sweater for a decade. I personally do not see how we can expect a $100 sweater (in today's dollars) to be a very good grade of cashmere at all.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I wanted to leave a few comment on the Celocia cardigan for those who keep asking what is so great about it.
ReplyDeleteLast fall, I picked up the black one at full price from my B&M. They had just received them the day before and I literally picked up the last black one in the store as the other black ones and most the of light purple ones had already sold out. I tried it on in the dressing room and wore it out of the store. And I wore it to a birthday party the next day and to church on the next. And the next day, I called my PS and had her send me a gray one.
I really love the shape and versitility of this cardi. I have worn it with camis and rolled up jeans for casual, over a little black dress for a cocktail party, and with the perfect shirts. It just seems to layer so well and also looks great on its own.
In a season heavy with boyfriend cardis, I love the sweet spot this hits on my hip. The ruffles work perfectly at adding some interest to my not very full chest without being overpowering and the weight of the whole sweater is so nice. It is substantial but has a nice drape and is so soft.
I was happy to see it return as a spring cardi and love all the colors.
In recovery: I completely understand your point, and I appreciate you taking the time to explain your position. It is the plethora of viewpoints on this blog that make it so helpful. If we all felt the same way, it wouldn't be such a great resource. Please continue to comment! There is a huge difference between berating others and j.crew, and offering a valid opinion, which I believe you did.
ReplyDeleteOT, but does anyone have the Nolita denim jacket? I would like to hear some thoughts/opinions on this item if there are any out there! TIA!
AppGal - I thought Ginger bought the Nolita, but I'm wrong. She bought the Bowery and her review is in this post.
ReplyDeleteHexicon - Of course I remember the b-friend analogy. I know others do, too!!
Hi - Just found JCREW a late last year - didn't know that they shipped to Canada. I bought 4 sweaters today. Since we don't have a store here can anyone suggest a heavier sweater? Not as heavy as the beach cardigan but not as clingy as the really thin knits --- hope this makes as much sense ;o) It is hard to tell on the website, which has a heavier weight.
ReplyDeleteJust a comment on Customer Service - I've had a disappointing experience already. I ordered the gold hoops and came with one of the backs missing. Sent them back and asked for a new pair with 2 backs. They said they couldn't send them as they were sold out. Two days later I was on the site and saw the earrings. Called and they said they were sold out again. Called the 3rd time I saw them and they said again that they were sold out but they would find a pair from one of the stores, which she did. CAN YOU GUESS WHERE THIS IS HEADED ;O) Got the earrings and both the backs were missing. Called the CS and they said they would find backs and send them to me so I didn't have to return the earrings. Still waiting 2 months later and no backs. Worse part is yesterday my son was tired and asked me to carry him and he pulled one of the earrings out by accident and I lost it!!!!
I have found some of the CS agents very responsive but with others as in this situation they didn't even follow up with my as promised. Now I have one earring missing its pair and I WON'T pay $225 for another pair...UGH!!!
Hope the experience with JCREW get better!!
BTW - Great blog!
kitsmommy, thank you for the detailed explanation on why the celosia is so popular. I am still on the fence but you listed some really good reasons why everyone should have such a sweater in their wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteIn recovery, I just shake my head at some of the comments sometimes and it's likely others do the same for some of my posts, but that is not unlike everyday life now is it? I LOL when I read the "I'm done with J.Crew!", "I'm never shopping there again!", etc. and then the next day the same posters are talking up what they bought/ordered at J.Crew that day. Sometimes people like the drama and that's the extent of it. I have a friend who is very similar so I just do the eyeroll and carry on. They like to vent and I gloss over it. No harm, no foul for either perspective. Your comments are totally valid. I also appreciate that you followed Alexis' rule and did not attack someone personally. Just as others have the opportunity and forum to vent here, so do you. So please continue to participate when you feel so inclined.
Have a wonderful day all you lovely JCAs. It's 58F and sunny here in my part of Canada. I'm going outside to enjoy the beautiful weather.
maryw2062
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know. I hope to get a code for the LE Canvas line soon.
I was in my Sears today and the CS lady was so nice. She showed me all the Canvas line that is mixed in with the regular LE line. They do not have them seperate. So heads up to others to check out their Sears. Great salesclerk help for me!
xoxo - I spend 30-70% of each year in Canada and I order a lot online because I'm too impatient to wait until I get to the U.S. to make purchases. It's true that Anthropologie gouges Canadian customers. If there were tariffs based on where the products were manufactured then Nieman's, Sak's and of course J.Crew would also have separate Canadian prices *before* adding the taxes and duty at the checkout and they don't.
ReplyDeleteWent for the Black Blossoms and Neapolitan cardigans. I initially thought the Blossoms was too abstract for me, but then I saw it in store and loved it! I already have the Neapolitan skirt, and could see lots of potential for a sweater in this print. To make the $150 mark I also ordered the cashmere spray, thanks to a post here that sang its praises.
ReplyDelete20% off + free ship + gift card = awesomeness!
BTW, In recovery, I agree with the spirit of your post. I truly appreciate being able to come here and read the good and bad about J Crew and other retailers, but when the comments are only shilling for certain other stores at the expense of J Crew, it makes me wonder what the true motive is. And yes, I do just skim past those posts to get to the real information I'm looking for, I just wanted to add my support to you.
opheliasmom,
ReplyDeleteI think you are WAY over analyizing. "MOTIVE". I don't think there is one. This is a clothing blog that has ALWAYS from day one mentioned other brands besides JCrew. And I have been a reader since that day....
Summer,
ReplyDeleteOpheliasmom & In Recovery were speaking of those who no longer shop at JC and who only come on the blog to bash the brand and talk up other brands. Please let's not jump to conclusions :)
It's the final couple hours of the 20% sweater promo. I made a a comprehensive list of links to irl pics. Included are the metallic beach cardi & chiffon twisted cardi
ReplyDeleteOT: (Sorry!) Lands End Canvas was the subject of my dad's beloved Nightly Business Report, where they specifically mention toe to toe competition with J Crew. I told my dad to buy JC stock for me when it was around $16 so he pointed this episode out to me and asked me if I wanted to diversify....interesting points in the segment.
ReplyDeleteWhile I love the new Canvas line (especially the prices and return policy), JCrew still, on occasion, takes my breath away (in a good way LOL!). Canvas hasn't quite done that to me yet...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2EI8b7dct8
or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2EI8b7dct8&ap=%2526fmt%3D18
In recovery - just want to support you. As you I hardly post something, but enjoy reading this blog and I've noticed the dynamic around JC and other brands (such as my money goes to XXX). I think you post is relevant and no question, deliberate. Unfortunately, as any unconventional thought it was misread/misunderstood or disrespected by some JCAs.
ReplyDeleteI held out until the last half hour and then I ordered the metalic beach cardigan (backordered until May!)and a Jackie. I couldn't resist...
ReplyDeleteAppGal: I own two Nolita denim jackets. One that you referred to (10296) and the black one from last fall. I like the one you referred to since it is soft and looks great with rolled sleeves and cargo pants (well, that's how I mostly wear mine...). It is 100% cotton but somehow seems fine when I sized down to an XS (I normally wear S) and I actually like the look of it sized down. Last month or so I saw another denim jacket in-store but the fabric seemed more rough and thicker to the touch and the wash was slightly different. I ordered the Bowery denim jacket during promo but returned it since the cropped look didn't look good on me. I'm 5'4" and I just couldn't pull off the look. Also it made my shoulders look wider than they are.
ReplyDeleteI say go for the Nolita and give it a try. HTH! :-)
So what was In Recovery's point??? To start a problem? There is no solution and I did not really see one to begin with...what a waste. I think I need to take a break from this blog if people actual support "shooting someone in the back". She left other regular contributors of this blog feeling "is it me?" Not nice. If you support that--sorry you are just as "bad". Taking a break from reading this blog. Will just look at coupon codes when/if I need them. Nice community for a while. I hope she never posts again.
ReplyDeleteHello ladies! I took the "weekend off" from reading the blog so I am way behind with one of the conversations going on here...
ReplyDeleteI just want to add that I deeply appreciate the community we have here.
Also, I re-read the comments and I actually see where *everyone* is coming from. I think part of the issue with some of the comments made throughout this blog, is that it can be so easily misinterpreted (because we can't factor in other things like tone & presentation).
I want to finish this comment by saying, that I hope *everyone* continues to comment. We all have something {valuable} to add to the conversation of J.Crew et al. And because of that, this blog (for me) has become a really great resource. I am grateful to have it. :)
There is a faculty member I work with at the hostpital that comes in everyday with a bad attitude. She clearly does not like her work anymore and is too stuck in her ways to find a different job. Everyone wishes she would quit so that the atmosphere could be more positive and less confrontational. Since i started reading this site, that nurse reminds me of SUMMER. I would hate to be the coward who stepped up to speak but didnt name names. This blog is to discuss the good and bad things about j.crew but is not meant to replace your husbands tired ears. So, to SUMMER, and all the others who have more bad things than good to say about j.crew and other bloggers who's opinions happen to differ than their own, I am asking you to limit yourself to one negative comment per day. That way when the rest of us, are "skimming" over the posts, i only have to skip one, instead of TEN A DAY. I hope you are more pleasant in person, but I have a sad feeling that you are probably that nurse- I've seen you strike back at several bloggers and yet i know you will be horrified that someone has actually done the same to you. You will continue to post negative comments towards the store and others and "Stay in the same job" although you hate it.
ReplyDeleteSummer: wow, talk about over-analyzing. In Recovery made her point in a mature, appropriate way. Your attacking her does not to anything but breed negativity on this blog. Quite frankly it will be nice not to have to read your negative comments on here any more. I hope you have a wonderful day. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, lots of "fun" happening here on the ol' JCA blog. ;)
ReplyDelete'Just wanted to voice my support for positivity and the folks who would like to see more of it on this blog. I find posts and comments about other retailers and J.Crew reviews/critiques on this blog quite helpful, so I'm not one to discourage them. However, like many on this blog, I look to this blog principally for J.Crew-related news/reviews/etc. Yes, I may simply skim over negative or non-J.Crew comments I might not be interested in, but as Oubre said so well, I'm all about skimming, but please "limit yourself to one negative comment per day. That way when the rest of us, are 'skimming' over the posts, I only have to skip one, instead of TEN A DAY."
Also, let's all remind ourselves that it is a blog that was created primarily for those who like/love/are obsessed with J.Crew. Like Alexis' blog header says, "It’s all about J.Crew fashion, style, news and shopping experience. A place to discuss all aspects of J.Crew."
Again, other retailers and such have been mentioned on this blog before, but when your primary source of comments and posting is a retailer OTHER than J.Crew, may I suggest that you start your own blog, where others who are and may be interested in those other retailers, be able to comment and read about them? And I am not asking anyone to leave or stop posting/commenting. I am simply suggesting that there might be another option or venue to talk about/discuss/review another/other retailer(s) that deserve the attention that they're receiving on a primarily J.Crew blog.
If I may mention some bloggers who have "branched" out, so to speak, from the J.Crew brand to showcase other brands on their own blogs, there's GigiofCA with her fab Gigi's Gone Shopping, Chloe of the (chloe) conspiracy and Roxy of Effortless Anthropologie (all on Alexis' blogroll btw)...all these ladies mention and review other brands, besides J.Crew. And I visit them regularly for my non-J.Crew fixes. :)
And finally, Summer, I am sorry that you feel so badly about what In Recovery said. I believe she was trying her best to be tactful and gracious on a blog that is not her own. No one wants to attack you, as there is no need to attack anyone and no one would want to be attacked. It's always helpful to remember there is a lot of context that is lost via these online posts/comment boards.
So, everyone, take a deep breath, reboot and smile! It is or will be a wonderful day. :)
Drewablank:
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice message. You are my girl. ;)
Thank you for being so positive and upbeat--a perfect match for the beautiful weather outside!
I am the one in my building who is always smiling. I have a lovely job and a lovely life with a gorgeous happy child who is continually complimented on her good behavior. I have a very positive outlook on life. I have been very helpful to many on this blog.
ReplyDeleteSo if other posters think I am negative I could careless. I have only stated fact as to how JCrew has been to me lately with defective/wrong items sent. FACTS. So this is my last post for a long time. I am off for a 3 week vacation starting tomorrow to Hawaii with my DH and daughter.
Thanks for a nice post, Drewablank:) Wishing you a happy week:)
I think it is time for me to shut down the comments for this post. It really has gone "off-topic" (to say the very least).
ReplyDeleteI mentioned this before, but it is worth noting again that I think we have a wonderful & helpful community. A *big* "thank you!" to you all. My hope is that we can all continue to maintain it. :)
I will end this thread with saying that I hope *everyone* has a wonderful day. :)