"Thanks!" to Christy (in this post) who let us know that J.Crew is now offering Spanx.Right now, there are only two items being offered: the SPANX® Hide & Sleek® Strapless Full Slip (Item 32654; $72.00) and the SPANX® Slim Cognito® Mid-Thigh Shaping Bodysuit (Item 32652; $72.00).
According to J.Crew:We've long been devotees of Spanx's line of über-slimming shapewear. (We wouldn't dream of donning a strapless or pencil skirt without it.) So we couldn't be happier to offer a selection of their figure-flattering wares.There was a discussion (refer to this post) about whether or not J.Crew should offer Spanx and what message it sends to customers.
I love the concept of Spanx. (Although I find them a bit difficult to wear. I feel like I need to size up the recommended size for me to even put them on.) They add that bit of security for when you need it.
The only message I interpreted was that J.Crew is going crazy with all their partnerships. As in, it feels like they are teaming up a bit too much. ;) When you click on the "JCrew in Good Company" link, the list has 25+ names now.
What are your thoughts on J.Crew's partnership with Spanx? Do you think this is a good partnership for J.Crew? What message do you think it sends? :)
I think it's an interesting move. It's very odd seeing J Crew and Spanx teaming up. I'm not sure exactly what message it sends, but I guess I've always associated spanx with big girl stores and other stores where there isn't exactly a "brand image" to be upheld. J Crew has a certain look, I just don't see Spanx as being associated with it.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize how many other companies they're teaming up with either! I think it detracts from J Crew as a brand. Yes, the pieces of these companies are very J Crew'esque, but why can't J Crew itself design these pieces? Some of the stuff from other companies doesn't even seem warranted for being offered. For example, has anyone purchased the Quoddy boots? They're hideous!
"Those models don't need Spanx" is the first thing I thought.
ReplyDeleteI think it's convenience oriented. The same way selling lingerie is. I wouldn't wear spanx but go for it! Love all the other collaborations. I think they accentuate the JC look without reinventing the wheel and I would rather have the real thing. Especially when they are reasonably priced classics like Bass, Sperry, Timex, Levis, etc.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Gem Twin, on the reasonable prices of most of the collaboration items i.e. Bass, Timex, Levis, Essie nail polish. I suspect the strategy is to introduce a little news and variety into the brand's regular offerings to encourage impulse/add-on purchases, and a decent price point enables that. Nail polish w/your sandals, Spanx w your sundress.
ReplyDeleteIf a shopper is specifically looking for those brands, they're not going to come to J Crew. I wear Spanx and Essie Nail Polish all the time, for example, but I go to retailers who carry their full lines so I can shop style, fit, colors, and price.
I am slim and fit and have still worn spanx under a couple of very fitted evening dresses. It does an amazing job of smoothing out things under certain garments.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't go to J Crew looking for this, but if I am picking up other things...
I really like Spanx and think this is a good partnership. It makes a convenient place to buy them since I'm on j.crew's site daily!
ReplyDeleteFYI Spanx has a "lower end" line called Assets, and they are sold on LOFT's website (also at Target).
itschaotic, I'm sure that you didn't intend to do this, but your "big girl stores" comment could be really offensive to other followers.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a good move for J. Crew. As AppGal points out, other stores already carry a cheaper version of Spanx.
I agree about going crazy with partnerships. I think it dilutes the brand. Take it easy, Mickey!
ReplyDeleteI think it's silly because I can't imagine why I would buy my Spanx at J Crew (and yes I buy a lot of it) and have to pay for shipping. You can get Spanx pieces lots of other places that offer free shipping. I think if J Crew wanted to partner to offer something unique that meshed well with the brand that would be one thing but why offer something you can get anywhere else at a better deal. Maybe J Crew just needs to add some chiffon rosettes to it to make it their own, :-)
ReplyDeleteConsidering the % of discount JC employees get it's great for them to be buying these collaborated items at cheaper price.
ReplyDeleteI also think it's totally meant for impulse purchases.
well, if they insist on pencil skirts and strapless dresses, then I guess the partnership is inevitable. At least JCrew is not (yet) promoting the tight cargo pants trend.
ReplyDeleteenough of women looking like sausages stuffed into their clothes!
I don't have a strong feeling about them offering Spanx in particular, but I am sick of all the partnerships. Is there no end? A special JCrew-exclusive Timex is cool but really, Levis, Essie, Cosabella and Spanx? JCrew is starting to feel like a department store.
ReplyDeleteI love Spanx...but would never buy them from JCrew. I always get mine at Lord and Taylor or Macys when I can use a coupon since they are so expensive!
ReplyDeleteSome of the JCrew company pairing are so odd...like Aigle riding boots...WTF....I've been a horse rider for years and I love these boots but what the JCrew website doesn't tell you is that they come in different calf sizes and are very tight fitting so it is very important that you measure...not sure how the ones on the JCrew website work..but if you really want a pair google Aigle riding boots and order them from an equestrian website so you get the right fit...they are also about 10-20 dollars cheaper:)
Weird question I realize, but do Spanx not come in XS? I noticed they're only offering small to extra large (and despite how skinny a person is, under some dresses you get a tummy bulge!) Just curious if that's a JC thing or a Spanx thing.
ReplyDeleteI think it only makes sense for J.Crew to do all the partnering, they want people to do *all* their shopping with them afterall. I kind of reminds me of Anthropologie, Urban, even Madewell and seems to be the way of the future.
ReplyDeleteOMG! I've been wearing pencil skirts without spanx all these years. Does that make me a hussy?
ReplyDeleteAppGal, I love your "lower end" comment about the Assets line. LOL
ReplyDeleteI can imagine some people will buy them as an impulse or with a specific garment so there is that convenience factor, especially if you have a free ship code or a %off an item/order. I haven't worn Spanx but wouldn't hesitate to use them if I wanted certain things look or feel better. I have never had the idea that it was for larger women, only that it is to avoid VPL or any other lumps and bumps from the various underpinnings women can wear. I'd like to see the lacy undies available online.
I didn't realize that they were carrying Spanx now! WooHoo! I'm all for it - And I'm glad to know that I'm not the only person who feels like a sausage squeezing into its casing when putting my Spanx on!
ReplyDeleteDenise
http://frugalluxe.blogspot.com/
It's weird. I mean, I kind of think that some women should be wearing some kind of girdle (I know that sounds mean, but I would if I had back fat or a gut and wanted to wear a slim lined outfit) but at the same time, there should be some areas into which J.Crew shouldn't be going. They already have a wedding shop so I feel like they are stretching themselves- and their affiliations- a little thin.
ReplyDelete