Okay, so the title for this post is pretty weak. I had a few different versions, but none of them conveyed what I was going for. So I will do my best to explain...
I love J.Crew and I am pretty certain I always will. (Some how J.Crew manages to get my money with each new roll-out. I may not be completely on-board with its latest styling techniques, but certain individual pieces are luscious must-haves for me.)However, I have a real affection for the collection from 2005 through 2008. I know I am living in the past, but J.Crew put out some amazing items back then. I often flip through my catalogs from that time frame and kick myself for not getting an item or two when they were available. (And the smiling faces of the happy models helps put me in a good mood too!)
Thankfully there are places like eBay (and the JCA Weekly Exchange of course!) to help me regain those missing pieces to round out my own private collection.
Through some meticulous stalking and a lot of patience, I have been able to get some amazing pieces. Including the ones shown in the images of this post like the Printed Silk Twill Dress (Item 83778; $198.00) & the Vintage Violet Shirtdress (Item 85833; $325.00). How gorgeous are they!?!So what is the point of this post? With all the places that J.Crew looks to for inspiration (from their partners to artists to other designers), I hope they take the time to look at themselves from just a few years ago.
More importantly, I hope they decide to "borrow the look" from a few of those pieces and bring them back. Much like they did last Fall when they introduced the lovely Wool Herringbone Professor Blazer (Item 17375; $198.00), whose predecessor is the amazing Double-Faced Wool Lexington Jacket (Item 85798; $250.00) from 2007. I think they would be surprised how well their "old" collection works with their latest collection. :)
I'm totally with you on this one, Alexis. So difficult to buy more when all I want is less.
ReplyDeleteI stalk all the old stuff as well. I would say in the past 5 years, I've built up my wardrobe with only the pieces I've wanted.
Please J.Crew. Please stop going crazy with all the crayons and pieces of white papers you have floating around up there in your fancy tall buildings. Please go back to the time when I've wanted every piece and seriously bought every piece. Please come back soon!
I couldn't agree more Alexis. Please bring back the pretty J.Crew!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWell said, Alexis! While I find myself being a total curmudgeon over some of the stuff J Crew has shoved out as of late, it always comes from a good place- because I miss the old J Crew.
ReplyDeleteRetailers can't keep regurgitating the same things season after season, it gets tiring. But I also feel like J Crew has gone almost above and beyond to alienate their core customer base. I feel odd sometimes in the store, I feel odd shelling out $60 for a tee with glued on ribbons that rips in the wash. I'm only 28 and fairly keen when it comes to fashion (hey, I think I do alright) and I don't mind shelling out more money for quality items- yet I still have a hard time finding a place for the modern J Crew in my closet. It bums me out.
I miss the unexpected-yet-still-sweet pieces they used to put out to keep us on our toes, and I'm not talking about a $1200 jacket that makes us look like molting apes:
http://www.jcrew.com/browse/multi_product_detail.jsp?externalProductCodes=29084%3A28376%3A28547%3A30771%3A98387&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302039778&bmUID=1280827997638
*sighs*
I agree with you! I worked for them between 2007-2009, and consequently most of my wardrobe is from that period. Whenever I wear something quintessentially J.Crew I always get a ton of compliments and inquiries, and all I can say is "this is what J.Crew used to look like."
ReplyDeleteI respect what they're doing with the new lines, but sometimes the classics speak louder than a partially-shredded tee. After all, There's a reason those simple nautical looks and gorgeous pencil skirts always fly off the shelves and website...
I hope a nice balance of old and new is on its way!
Agreed. Love the 2005 collection. I own close to 6 pair of shoes from that line-I loved it so much! I have a gift card and % off coupon that are collecting dust. Crazy. Over their blah collections as of late. I have like a few pieces here and there (watercolor/print cardis and the jaipur print) but for the most part...kind of feeling more like an Anthro girl lately
ReplyDeleteI'm completely in the same position as you are, Alexis! What I miss most are the beautifully made sweater jackets, like the piazza - a beautiful and classic solid item. I still wear it and always get compliments on it. Jcrew certainly should look back at their previous seasons!
ReplyDeleteSomeone on an earlier thread told other posters (basically me) to stop complaining about missing the old JC and instead branch out and try some other retailers, designers, eBay, etc.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's good advice, but the thing I loved about the old J.Crew is that it was one-stop shopping for me. Hey, I'm busy! As much as I love clothes, I don't have time to pan for gold in the slag heaps of retail. At JC circa 2005-07, I could buy everything under one (virtual) roof--bikinis to business suits--and know that my purchases would be made from a collection with a coherent theme, palette, and aesthetic. No guessing about whether the "azalea" from JC would clash with the "tulip" from Nordstrom or the "rose" from BR. Also, I really appreciated it that even though there were some edgy and daring options, on the whole JC separates were modest and sturdy enough to be incorporated into a business-casual look (or even a traditional business look).
J.Crew simply doesn't "get" me any more. I used to receive healthy rewards cards every quarter, but this year it took me six months to earn a measly $25. I've walked out empty-handed from my last three B&M trips.
But, as Alexis describes, that doesn't mean I haven't been buying J.Crew. I've been picking up lots of old school Crew on eBay.
I couldn't agree more and I am so glad you wrote this article. J. Crew, come back, I miss thee!! I miss the bright colors, fun prints, and even some of the critters. I miss the classic wool jackets that were so well made and will last a lifetime. I felt like I could buy the entire store (and often tried). I anticipated every catalog and now I don't even open them. The associates knew me by name and offered me bottled water (a good touch might I add) and the biggest dressing room. And now, it takes me two cycles to get $25 in rewards. I understand the need to innovate, but they are trying to shed their preppy past so much so that they have alienated their core. What happened to the classics? Bring them back! I keep thinking that this is just a silly trend and the real J.Crew will come back, but alas, it just seems to be getting worse.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone here. My favorites are the pieces from the fall of 2008. I really didn't shop J Crew then. So, I've had to stalk ebay & JCA in order to find pieces. I like the bright color choices that they had back then. Please, bring them back....
ReplyDeleteI'm embarrassed to be on the other side of the fence on this one seeing as I may be the only one. Actually I've only started noticing J.Crew in Fall '09. Prior to that, I never gave it a second glance. Perhaps I am not girly enough or do not work in a business casual or business environment so the pre-'09 aesthetic did not appeal to me like it does for you ladies. I am not too young either (31 this year), but I do live in California so perhaps I am programmed to like more casual clothes? I don't know...maybe I just still like to dress like a college kid!
ReplyDeleteThat said, I have spent enough in the past quarter to receive quite a hefty rewards card so maybe JCrew is trying to reach people like me?
i prefer the clothes now. they are more modern and interesting and edgy. some of those clothes in the pics look like they belong in talbots and that's not where i wanna shop.
ReplyDeletei watch some of the runway shows on youtube and there are definitely pieces that remind me of things i've watched - the caswell jacket and the elan trousers, for ex. for me, it's nice to get good quality, stylish clothing for decent prices.
some of you sound like old women, yearning for the good old days.
this makes me think of a woman in my office who lamented the changes at ann taylor; she didn't think she'd be able to buy twinset cardigans from there anymore.
i wanted to tell her to update her style and to stop living in the past. what's weird was that she was wearing one of those twinsets and it totally dated her.
things change, and change can be good.
i for one, prefer this jcrew -- cool and modern and irreverent with a bit of pretty thrown in.
i'm in my 30s btw.
Love you all but I am chiming in with the dissenters. I also discovered JC in Fall 09. While I do not own a sequin, ruffle, mini, toothpick, or a cami I still find plenty to shop for. I guess I am well conditioned not to find everything in one place. I am probably older than ALL of you, but being a self-employed Californian who works in a creative field makes it easier for me to dress I am sure.
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ReplyDeleteOne for the "oldies goodies" - I think the magical years were 2005-2007 for me. Perhaps it's nostalgia, but I felt like, back then, the styling didn't dominate the clothes themselves.
ReplyDeleteI actually like most of the styling of the mannequins in the B&Ms, where it's not completely bogus because they want you to remain within proximity of their clothes as opposed to hightailing out of the nearest exit. It's the pretension of the online shots/catalogues that puts me off much of the clothing. I understand that, in the way that most people are not expected to wear haute-couture right off fashion week and magazine editorials, J. Crew does not expect me to puncture my blazer with a zillion pins. But I feel like the recent clothes suffer from that kind of distraction.
I have periods of eBay vigilance. The last true thing I regretted not getting from J. Crew was the Jillian strapless dress in navy from 2007. Sad face.
I'm right in between. Fell in love w/J Crew in 2008, but had been a huge admirer from 2005. They lost me when they started repeating the art tees. And ruffles. I'm almost embarrassed for them for fall. Everything is on repeat from prior releases. The honore (27248) is a dress version of the Alice ruffle tank. And so on. The SAs don't seem to be very excited either. They're trying, but they weren't given much to work with. I have no FA10 in my online cart. I hope they have better soon.
ReplyDeleteWhy is my word verif fluffer? *lol*
I am so with you on this. While I am completely in love with J Crew, the items they roll out nowadays are just not the same. I love J Crew of yesteryear.
ReplyDeleteHoping they read this post and come back to their senses. I mean seriously, have you seen the jewelry section as of late? No wonder there are so many items that linger in the sale section. Most of their jewelry, and sweaters, look like inbred offspring. They keep mixing so many things together that it takes away from the simplistic, classic pieces that first attracted me to J Crew many years ago.
We miss you J Crew!
Alexis, I am totally with you. I miss J.Crew around 2008 – it had the “esprit” which I don’t feel from current J.Crew. Did J.Crew change designers? Repeating same items (ruffles, camis, etc) is easy for a retailer, but not exciting for customers.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you, Alexis.
ReplyDeleteI actually feel embarrassed for J.Crew when I look at some of the photos and especially some of the clothes. It's like seeing a good friend mauled by a clumsy makeover artist.
And moreover I resent the climbing prices in tandem with the fall-off in quality of workmanship and materials. How many times this past year have I trekked in to a B&M with returns and heard other JCAs (I assume, from their look of desperate hope) asking for discounts on account of defects, or asking the SA if she's sure this thing was the one in the catalog/web. Me, I return, sigh, and slink away, and come here to vent. But I miss the one-stop shopping, I miss the feeling of abundance of choices, I miss that overwhelming delight of folding down almost every corner of every page, I miss staggering around the store loaded with "wants". Creativity can go hand in hand with reliability, it takes effort, it takes focussed imagination, but it can be done. Sure there will be things that are clearly not for me, and things that are clearly not for others, but give us realistic choices.
Alexis, THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING OUT FOR US!!
When I was in high school, I used to go into JC with my older cousins and could not wait until I had a job and my own money to shop there. The clothes felt grown up but still different. Now that I'm older, I feel like JC's gotten a lot younger. I do agree that change can be good, but they've changed into something that I can get at almost every other retailer out there (and for a lot cheaper).
ReplyDeleteEvery store is playing it "safe" by stuffing their shelves with cheaply made tees and shedding sweaters. Look at all of the 'imposter' blog posts of JC knockoffs - heck, even Kohls is doing sequin tank tops (and their sequins appear to be sewn on better!) - and yeah, it all comes from the runway. I think that in the past it would've been harder to try to knock off great fabric/tailoring/quality, but now that JC has let that fall by the wayside, any store can get in on the game!
I've also taken to eBay since the great "crash" of July '08. I'm sure the other eBaying JCA's can attest to this, but I've purchased (pre-owned) sweaters that look brand new, all leather shoes, skirts longer than 15" (but not too long!) and medium-sized bags. I wouldn't be able to put up many of my '08-10 purchases because they haven't held up to a wearing or a washing. But that's precisely the point - what are you going to buy from the new arrivals if your stuff from the last rollout still looks decent? (ha!)
Great post, Alexis. Polarizing, but JCA's are always up for good conversation.
I really enjoyed reading this post as it was very timely. Just the other day I was flipping through the August catalog and just did not feel inspired the way I used to with the older catalogs from '07-09. The looks seem really similar to me and just sort of blend together. I definitely miss 'old' J Crew with their classic pieces and vibrant colors. I loved that specifically- the mix of bold and classic colors paired with classic, flattering cuts. As others have noted, I too see a lot of repeats, and would love it if some of the older styles/designs were to come back into rotation. It definitely feels like J Crew is trying to keep up and be seen in the same light as some other, more popular brands, but I liked its classic appeal and for me, that's why it stood out and that is why I kept going back.
ReplyDeletefunny that a year or two ago, comments like this on the jca blog would get all sorts of anonymous commenting hate from what could only have been jcrew corporate/marketing flack.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Alexis, I miss the old JC too, not so much for the preppy styling but for the colors, quality and originality of their designs. Today you see JC knockoffs just about everywhere and they do a better job of it, ON has a Utility jacket out and it is nice, Eddie Bauer has a slub cotton top with thigs attached to it securely. I even saw a version of the Exhibitor tote in a leather store in Ontario, Canada yesterday at a much cheaper price.
ReplyDeleteI love this blog and its commuity that is way I keep coming back to read even though I have not ordered from J Crew for awhile, when I am tempted I just read the reviews and it has stopped me from making a mistake.
tastymogg: I agree with you and I still expect to read some posts from JC marketing slack in this post.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you too, Alexis. I've been shopping with J.Crew for 15 years, and now I feel like I don't know them anymore. Their clothes used to be special because of the colors, lines, and quality. Now special to them means sequins and (gasp) being trendy. Yuck. J.Crew has forgotten who they are with all this new popularity, and they are just enjoying a nice pay day. I think they are selling out and forfeiting their integrity. Of course, I realize they are in business to make money, not on some grand mission to dress us all in preppy clothes for the betterment of society. So it's not personal, it's just that they care about the people who are spending money right now. And apparently, those people are fine with J.Crew's new style. At least the rest of us can come to your wonderful blog to lament the old days.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the other posters about missing JCrew of old. The style the quality--inspriational catalogs with smiling models--all of it!
ReplyDeleteI just looked through the August catalog and was so uninspired. I tried going through it twice with no luck at finding anything my heart desired. I was in store last weekend and did not buy anything even thought I had a rewards card.
In the past few years eventhough it was not the same old JCrew I would still manage to find a piece here or there. Now this fall I doubt I will buy a thing....unless the next roll out is much better! Come on JCrew!
I used to get a large reward card but I too now only barely make a $25 one and not every reward period at that!
I agree with Gigi that the art tees were a big downfall. At first they were fun but to see them over and over as well as ruffles on everything became too much! And don't get me started on sequin overload! :)
casual crew is right. There are knocks of these fashion trends from other retailers and some are done with better quality.
I have loved JCrew since 2000 and probably will keep glancing their way but I am not looking for them to fill 90% of my closet space as they do now. That is falling off...and fast....my love affair is over but great loves do not seem to last forever in the clothing world I have found.
I have been shopping at J Crew for a very long time. I do miss the quality they used to have, but I am not sorry that they have moved on in the direction their clothing has taken. I feel they still have some fun pieces and some great business clothing, but I appreciate the more edgy look they currently have. When I look back at their old catalogs, I think the clothing was too bright and overly preppy for my taste. I like the more edgy look and softer colors they have now (just please, no more makup palette shades).
ReplyDeleteThey just really need to work on the quality of their cashmere and producing some skirt that are a decent length.
I completely agree. About the only things that I've bought from J. Crew within the past two or three years have been two pairs of khakis, two waxed cotton bags, a few NATO watch straps, and some random ties in the sale bin. Everything else today is too grungy, too trendy, and the fit is awful. Oh, you're wearing a tie with your chambray shirt? How original...
ReplyDeleteLL Bean Signature totally out-J.Crewed J.Crew this fall. It's the best collection out there. J.Crew should now be attempting to imitate them.
I think that JC is trying to keep some of the 'classics' in like the Jackies and double-serge pencil skirts, but there's a sleight of hand where they've taken shortcuts with the quality while raising the price, thinking nobody will notice (well, maybe nobody but the savvy JCAs!). Anybody remember when Jackies were like, $49.50? They had a better ratio of cotton/nylon/spandex and did not fade or pill. I thought about this yesterday when I read kitsmommy's review of the new pencil skirt - at $118, they couldn't even tack down the lining? My older skirts look great despite wearing them all fall and winter - they were well worth the price (and I don't even think they were purchased at FP).
ReplyDeleteAnd what do they do when there is a highly popular item that's not covered in ruffles (like the Minnie pant)? They raise the price. I don't know why they don't just re-release the Bella... they could probably make a mint! Nostalgia for the old-timers, and style it up with a chain necklace and short skirt for the newer fans.
I'm w/you Alexis! I've been looking elsewhere. For the most part I just glaze over JC's clothing. I almost posted a question about Eddie Bauer's quality a few days ago (got a glimpse of a cute sweater in an ad). I hate to admit it but for the first time in my life I resorted to eBay for a couple of tops from JCrew past and even purchased more shorts from LandsEndCanvas than JCrew this year (easy to do since I ended up not liking the quality of the chino shorts this year). I have $500 in gift cards for JCrew and have not been able to spend them!
ReplyDeleteI understand them changing a bit but everything is so repetitive and trendy. I'm sick of so many grey's and I miss unique, cute cami's w/o ruffles, milano knit sweaters and I really miss finished hems.
It's okay to complain! They need to know! I barely glanced at the latest catalog. For as fast as items are being marked down I find it hard to believe their new looks are doing so well. It used to take forever for an item to be marked down...or maybe I just loved older items so much it felt like they took forever to go on sale. I don't remember the last time I 'stalked' an item.
Thanks for providing a place to vent!
Thank you for your comments.
ReplyDeleteI miss the old J Crew too. I know fashion has to change and evolve or it becomes stale. However, J Crew has changed so much - they are not just changing, but they appear to be designing for a completely different person.
There used to be a great energy and excitement about J Crew. About a year ago, people began expressing dissapointment about the roll-outs. Then frustration. Now the 'fan blogs' and their commenters are just ignoring the new items and talking about old purchases or other topics.
I wonder how their sales (full price) are these days? I wonder if they know their fans are frustrated and looking around for new sources of clothes and fashion?
agreed, agreed, agreed! i worked at jcrew from 2005-2007 and i SO regret not taking more advantage of my discount during that time because that seemed to be their peak. the new stuff is just not the same.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Alexis. I primarily 'live in the past' with regard to J Crew. I'm sure I spend more time stalking oldies-but-goodies than seeking out items from the current collections. The new fall rollout has been more disappointing to me than any collection in recent memory.
ReplyDeleteI think the store is deliberately targeting a younger and more affluent crowd these days. And I get that, and I appreciate the creative angle of the exclusive partnerships, etc., but I'm just left feeling that the designs are overwrought. Ya know? And I'm too old for too many frills and ruffles and embellishments. *sigh*
At least they've got the sense to somewhat maintain the 'back by popular demand' section!
At the risk of "sounding like an old woman yearning for the good old days", I must agree with Alexis and the majority of the comments here. Old J.crew is gold.
ReplyDeleteGood quality and great styles have been mentioned, but I also miss the consistent sizing. I used to be able to order size 4P JC pants online via Final Sale without trying them on, and they fit like tailor-made on my every time. Now? I am just about sized out of Size 00 with the vanity sizing, and 8 out of 10 pairs don't fit.
J.Crew, if you insist on having Final Sales, at least make it easy for us to guess at the correct size and fit. Until then, I will not take my chance on final sale online, regardless of the 40% off promo.
Well said, I agree whole-heartedly. Thank god for eBay and the weekly exchange to snatch up those older items.
ReplyDeleteLet's go back to 1995! LOL. Just kidding...
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I was going through a HUGE box of what I call "sentimental" clothing yesterday for transport to the attic into smaller boxes and I came upon a lot of J. Crew, Clifford and Wills, and Banana Republic (pre-kinda boring BR) and I discovered that I still loved all the prints, colors, etc. of the items I had bought all those years ago, BUT the clothes fit so poorly, and by that I mean that clothing was fitted more frumpily back then (long dresses, loose bodices, and very VERY tapered pants).
I fast forward to yet another box of "sentimental" clothing, circa early 2000s, and I find that J. Crew still had these AMAZING prints and colors but in a much more flattering style and fit. (BTW, now that I can wear them again, expect to see a few of these goodies coming back to life on my blog--woohoo!)
Now I find that J. Crew is SPOT on (at least for me) in fit and style (I feel like these clothes are much more flattering on than even many of the styles from 2005-2007) BUT the prints and colors tend to be lacking and unless the sequins and extra froo-frah is held on well you can be left with a mess (I had to buy two starland tanks in order to find one whose sequins were really secure.)
So I guess what I would love is the fit and style of the current crop of clothing and the LUSCIOUS prints and colors of the past (even all the way back to 1995).
BTW, does anyone else have sentimental clothing? My hubby thinks I have an illness. Of course I haven't shown you all his "toy" room, so I guess he will have to lay off me or else I will lay into him. Ha. :)
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ReplyDeleteJust another old lady chiming in here :) I've been shopping at JC off and on since university in about 1992 - -sorry to say I was on hiatus during those golden years 2005-2008 -- but I rediscovered JC in the fall of 2008 and clearly remember being in a couple of US stores practically hyperventilating because I wanted to buy EVERYthing. Now, when I am in the states I still make it a priority to find a JC store, but I'm only after one or two things, always the classics -- peacoats, pencil skirts, chinos, the odd piece of jewelry, perfect shirts, cashmere. All the rest has simply become so common, and usually poorly made or more expensive than the competition. JC clothes used to look grown up without looking old, and were fun and flirty and classic with a twist. Now those pieces are few and far between. It's too bad. You'd think that since they've got Madewell as the go-to for women under 25, they could do more with the JC brand for those of us a bit older.
ReplyDeleteused to love/buy/praise J Crew so much that everyone thought I'd name my then little baby JC ;)
ReplyDeleteTwo problems: J Crew was supposed to be rooted in a prep style that by definition is pretty timeless. J Crew is currently straying towards presenting THEIR interpretation of runway EACH SEASON thus attracting different kind of folks (younger, more adventurous, fashion for fashion sake).
I'd buy tons of Jackies & the likes because I liked the quality (way better than Ann Taylor) and youthful yet classic pieces. Nowadays, like other commentators I am disappointed with sweaters that fall apart and lose colors. I am disappointed with unused J Crew gift cards.
2nd issue: I believe that J Crew felt threatened (unnecessarily) by H&M, Forever 21 and Target's designer lines and decided, as I already stated, to focus too much on current fashion, what they wear in Europe aesthetic etc. I actually dare anyone to shop the J Crew catalog at Target; you will find everything including playful jewelry - I know I did.
Good thing: the heyday of J Crew taught me a lot about pairing: now with those images of the past in mind I do stroll into Old Navy or Loft and look for outfits that in the past seemed to be seamlessly put together as you went through the J Crew store..oh well...
Alexis, you read my mind...I feel exactly the same way you do. I am so glad that you are speaking to this issue. I love the old JC with its ladylike look. The clothing from 2005-2008 was polished and classic. I feel like the new JC has become too trendy. I am not going to spend $200 on a pair of shoes that will be out of style next year. I want classic pieces. Having perused the Talbots Fall Lookbook recently, I have a feeling they will be seeing more of my money this year than JC.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I miss the styling inspiration ideas I used to get from the catalog. I used to keep the catalog in my closet for reference. I still love some of the individual pieces, but the way they style them is just over the top. Just as an example DVF, Moschino, Nordstrom/Neimans Contemporary collections don't style like J Crew - I can actually get inspiration from their sites - not socks with my platform heels. IMHO.
ReplyDeleteDina,
ReplyDeleteI have several wardrobes and totes in the basement with sentimental clothing. That is the only thing I hang onto. I have no issues throwing lots of other things away but I do have some sentimental clothing--well quite a bit--and since I have the room to store it--no issues. Other than hauling it on several moves:)
However, I found JCrew of old to fit me better than the new JCrew. The fit was more consistent between garments and the bust area as well as waist area fit me better.
Yes, yes, yes.
ReplyDeleteI completely and utterly agree with you. I'm forever checking ebay for certain items from that time frame!
ReplyDeleteI might not miss the old J. Crew so much if they had left suiting and professional clothing unscathed in the "remodel". I find pieces I like every rollout, and although I do prefer some of the past years' items, I'm still buying. Not suiting however. I cannot get over how much that has changed. Skirts and dresses are shorter than I would ever wear in an office (admittedly, I'm tall), and suiting dresses that expose chest, bosom and bra are simply not appropriate. I don't get it, I'm not sure who can go to work like that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post, Alexis.
ReplyDeleteI can totally appreciate those folks who are onboard with J.Crew's recent reinvention of themselves; based on the skyrocketing stock price obviously there are a lot of people who are quite smitten by the latest offerings.
I disagree, though, with J.Crew of 'olde being more reminiscent of Talbots. If you were to do a side-by-side comparison over the past 10 years, you'd see the two brands were vastly different in style and approach. (Not to mention, Talbots has also gone through a recent reinvention over just the course of the last year.)
I still have pieces from years ago that hang in rotation in my closet. No, they were *not* frumpy. One is the Silk Georgette V-Neck Top from 2005. Classic, polished, structured, and timeless, and I don't consider it to be dated. Also from early '05, The "Utility Jacket" -- surprising now back in style. (Whodathunk). Those are just two examples, but I remember buying a collection of suits and skirts for work back around 2002/3 -- wool crepe and wool gabardine -- that they just don't seem to make anymore. And back then I knew if I ordered in my normal size small/4 it would fit. Not so anymore.
I definitely buy into the idea that they've gone after the spending customer during the recession - and they've fared quite well as a result. The question though, is will these new customers stick around? If they're the sort to buy trendy, what happens when the next big thing comes along? I'm willing to bet these folks aren't going to be "lifers" -- they'll just jump ship and hop over to whomever has got the celebrities onboard.
And yes, if they continue to alienate their core customer base, well, when all those newbies leave for greener (more trendy) pastures, they're going to be in a sorry state of trouble. Just the opinion of an old lady (I'm 31).
ITA, lcsmom. For me it's the styling more than anything else. And, like gigi and wellfedfred, I actually feel embarrassed for the designers and stylists who created these crazy-cat-lady looks. I'm a professional woman and I want to be taken seriously. I can't dress like a deranged lunatic.
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ReplyDeleteGenny - I agree about the sizing. Something has changed. I used to consistently wear XS or 2P in most items. Now, I can't buy most of the tops because the XS and even 0P are too big for me. I feel most of the tops are boxy. What happened to the sexy tops that actually made us feel like women?
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with Alexis! 2007ish was a great time!
Thanks everyone for sharing your insightful comments on J.Crew's offerings & styling over the years!
ReplyDeleteEven though we all have a different take, we are passionate about our J.Crew. And that makes for a great conversation. :)
It's also comforting to know that I am not the only one who shares the hope that J.Crew will bring back *some* of their "old" items (from just a few years ago).
I also don't think the preference has to do with age. I am in my 20's (granted my late 20's, but I still get carded!) These items hold a place in our hearts because they were quality pieces, that truly will last the test of (fashion) time.
I honestly think J.Crew can successfully handle offering its modern take items, as well as incorporating a few "classics" that we have grown to love.
Anyways, I want to thank you all again for your varying perspectives. I really enjoyed *all* the comments-- from those who love today's fashion direction and from those who miss the styles from a few years ago. :)
I'm in total agreement, Alexis. JC seems to have definitely passed me by, beginning with the spring of 09 and it's moving farther away from my fashion happy place with every roll out, which reminds me-does anyone else think that the reason they've gone to a bimonthly roll out is just to keep our attention? I looked at the Fall Boden catalog last night, they have some beautiful, rich colors for Fall, and it was lovely to see the pretty, smiling faces of the old JC models therein. This morning I looked (again, sigh) at the August JC catalog. Nothing bright but alot of drab. In my book sequins and oversize jewelry do not equal pulled together. As for the last couple of emails I've gotten, they evidently don't pay any attention to what I do buy from them. The Enchante dress looks like a nightgown to me, I don't care if it is Collection, and as far as the lamb stole, well it greatly resembles the mole my Aussie, Sophie, caught in my front yard last weekend, so you can be sure I won't be wearing that around my neck. I hope they're all sitting around a computer in Mickey's office this morning, reading our comments and patting themselves on the back for being so fashion forward. There was a big article in the WSJ last week about WalMarts fashion crisis- I think JC has created their own in- house. I feel like a traitor, but I really have my fingers crossed for Talbots this fall-its too late for JC to do anything about their current travesty.
ReplyDeleteTHANK. YOU.
ReplyDeleteI'm a north east girl living in southern tx and while working at jc part time from 08-10, had the hardest time watching the jc that I grew up wearing change so drastically. my coworkers, primarily new to the world of jc (not as popular in TX as it is in PA) just wouldn't understand my sentiments--for me, the best years were 05-fall of 08. My time there was simply a matter of change of tastes and time to move on--I no longer "longed" to buy the new roll outs, and found myself just not loving on jc the way I used to. Sort of a sad parting of ways, but like you, I find my old school GORGEOUS pieces full of color and amazing patterns, on ebay.
So thank you to everyone who feels the same way I do....it's been sad for me watching jc change so much recently--there's only so much trend that jc can take on and still expect to keep its' loyal customers...WE MISS THE CLASSIC JC! VIVA JC!
I completely agree. And is it just me is Jcrew becoming more and and more expensive? I miss the old days and find myself buying less and less of JCrew and just until I hit their outlet stores which seems to have more "old school" pieces.
ReplyDelete@Dina, I totally have sentimental clothing. Someone once wrote a book called "Love, Loss, and What I Wore," and that could be the title of my autobiography!
ReplyDelete@tastymoog, I can't remember which thread it was in, but just in the last couple of weeks there were some comments that appeared a little . . . defensive . . . and knowledgeable. Made me wonder.
As for the new J.Crew customers--how long are they going to stick around? One of my distant relatives by marriage has been very excited about J.Crew lately because of Mrs. O, Jenna, etc., so when I drew her name in the gift exchange I gave her a GC as a present. She used it to buy a cashmere sweater, and when I saw her in it a couple of months later I was *mortified*--it was a mass of pills. Will she be a repeat customer?
Alexis- spot on! I came back to J Crew in 2008 after years of maternity clothes and my Ann Taylor days... but I feel like j crew has gotten lazy with their design. It is much easier for them to throw a few sequins and ribbons on a sweater or tee than it is to really find and make a fabulous print. A friend of mine sells fabrics and designs to many companies including J crew and his business is way down over the past few years as companies haven't been willing to spend the $$ to buy more interesting designs or vintage prints. I long for the days of an interesting print or a fabulous Jacket from J crew- Berry Astrid where are you? all I see in Fall 2010 is Overpriced unflattering gray jackets-blah.
ReplyDeleteJust a comment regarding JC's "skyrocketing stock price." It really isn't. If you look at the historical prices, you can see that the stock has ranged from 28-51 over the past year and is currently at 35. It's recovered somewhat from its huge drop in late 08/early 09, when it was at 9, but it still hasn't reached the July 07 price of 56.
ReplyDeletewell--I like the new J.Crew and I am NOT a "marketing flak", young, "crazy", a "cat lady", "deranged lunatic", "trendy" (chinos, stripe tees, cashmere cardigans are not trendy) I am also not "into fashion for fashion's sake" (my favorite blazer is 11 years old.) I AM "a serious professional" that has to sharp when I meet clients (and I like to have fun too). The fact that so many divergent tastes, lifestyles, and figures are represented in these comments is testament to what they do right. AND--the customer service is the best I have encountered in my life.
ReplyDeleteYou know Alexis, these responses make me think it might be interesting to do a JCA age poll. I'm surprised by how many of us are right around 30...
ReplyDeleteI feel like this same sentiment has been expressed by commenters from time to since I started following this blog!
ReplyDeleteBut, this time I am going to chime in and agree. Since Fall 2009, my interest in J.Crew has been waning, and I have been a longtime fan (since early 90's). I didn't mind the direction they took when they revamped and added some trendy stuff, I thought it was time for an update and was right for them.
Now for Fall 2010 it is all the same stuff, slightly re-designed! And I agree, all these other stores are on the bandwagon with this new JC look of sequins, boyfriend jeans, embellished tees and cardigans, way overstyled necklaces. It is tired and JC needs to find their next big style statement. I hope they do because I really do still love them!
I am actually surprised to admit that I like the new trendier J Crew better. I didn't noticed them until about 2008. Then reading this and other JC blogs I looked at the old catalogs and through stalking anad ebay i procured some of the older coveted items like Gramercy coat and Bella jacket and they were big dissapointment to me after all the hype. I am with kitsmommy when she says that the colors were too bright to my liking. I do not like any of the art tees and wish the cashmere would pill less and that they would make some non pencil skirts that are about 20" long. But for most of the time I like enough pieces to spend more that I wish I had. I like the color choices, some more trendy /quirky pieces and last but not least their return policy. I have been happy with quality of blazers, dresses, perfect shirts and boots and did not see the decline in quality comparing to older pieces I was able to buy. And I agree with omg that some of the older pieces, lovely as they are may be dating. Fashion is very transient. You may wear some classic pieces with disregard for trends but you cannot expect to also look fashionable and modern, although you may look pretty and elegant and classic. Which may be just fine for many and definitely would save a lot of cash for more worthy pursuits.
ReplyDeleteIf being fashionable & modern means wearing sequins, lumberjack fashion, & a preponderance of zippers, then I would rather not be called one. It's good to know that I am not the only one who is buying less & less from my erstwhile favorite store. Having said that, I respect the different views & to each his own. To those who are not happy with the direction, the only effective way to send our message is through our wallets. If sales flag drastically, Jcrew will be forced to look beyond the weak economy.
ReplyDeleteAgree with Alexis!!
ReplyDeleteI have been saying it for awhile and creating polyvores with my old pieces. Not only do I love the colors, patterns and design from previous years - I find the quality to be MUCH better from previous years. We used to have leather soled shoes for $200.00. Now there are man-made materials for $200.00!! Jackets with no linings, skirts with no linings, thin sweaters!!
Now, I still do partake in purchasing J. Crew - we know that is an addiction. I just agree that the older was better! (including jewelry).
Sentimental clothes -- oh yes. Going back for generations of well-placed women, proving that fit, cut and craft trump depression, rationing, and prudishness every time, and I stIll get a thrill when Something of mom's or aunt's gets an outing.
ReplyDeleteSo I wonder -- just curious -- if a JCA in law or financial services who has access to the EDGAR odatabase or similar can give us a rundown on exec comp over the years. Including perks, which we all drool for. Limo instead of company car. Aah. And including options, even if a mathematical JCA has to explain that part. I'd like to know who's raking it in on my disappointments.
An observation--whether we're in the camp of old JC or new JC, at least some of us are buying the same things. For example, AJC's review of the Caryn and blue Banquette dresses helped me confirm that these are the two fall items that I want to buy (I'll just have to see if the necklines work for the office).
ReplyDeleteTo me, these exemplify the "classic with a twist" this "old lady" expects from J.Crew; to AJC, they may reflect something else. Either way, they're simply great pieces.
Amen Alexis! I know retailers have to vary their styles, but J. Crew is going too far from what made them successful in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jeanne on the stock price issue. When I opened my email this morning about the 40% off in Final Sale,(I also fell victim to thinking it was an "extra" 40%), I went immediately to the JC sale section-there were over 1200 items in the womens sale section! To me, that is not a number that epitomizes a successful summer in the retail business.
ReplyDeleteI love this community! Hexicon, I am so glad my reviews helped you with your suiting purchases. Hope you like both of them, let us know please. I said I am surprised to say I like the new J Crew, I was always rather conservative but I find myself being more adventurous in fashion. For the record, I am over 40(although only slightly) and I work in business casual office. One of my favorite JC bloggers is DaniBP, always a classy lady.
ReplyDeleteBut, and this is a scary thought, I think I am entering cougar stage, maybe that's another JC demographic, hehe. All my life I strived to always be 'appropriate' and now, I am like, the heck with it! I like me some trendy disposables, lol. Not only fashion, but life is short lived too.
:)
Very interesting to hear everyone's opinions on this!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think JC is trying to be more modern in their design and I can appreciate it. If you look at just about any other retail store out there (like Anthro, BR, Nordstroms, and even Gap) there are thin t-shirts, ruffles, and embelishments everywhere! It does get a little tiring, especially because it seems to be all you can buy anywhere these days.
What I miss most about JC of past is the brighter colors. As a fair skined blonde, all those tans, peaches and nudes just look awful on me. I need to wear brighter colors or I look ridiculously washed out, and I'm getting a little heavy on the black in my closet. There are still some items that have one or two colors that are brighter, but those items are rarely stocked in store. Case in point. . .the Rimini cardigan. I saw it in store last night, but only in black, cobblestone, and nutmeg . . not the paradise blue that would look great on me.
No matter which side you are on, I think it will be interesting to see how the company evolves with Jenna now being in the President role. Those are some big shoes she is now wearing!
I barely noticed j.crew until autumn 2005, which is when they seduced me with lovely tweeds (greenwich anyone? Stella?). I don’t so much remember the following year, but then of course the following August the beguiling Bella jacket debuted, segueing into the seminal Paris catalogue. This post made me pull out my well-worn copy. I wanted something from nearly every page. I was charmed by every shot of Vanessa, radiantly wearing gorgeously styled outfits... now just contrast that by the idiotic looking picture that came with the stole e-mail Alexis posted yesterday... total contrast in effectiveness for me.
ReplyDeleteStyles aside (and IMO j.crew isn’t cooler now because throwing ruffles on everything does not make it edgy), there’s no question quality has tumbled. I’ve thrown away every single crappy dream sweater I bought from J.crew. Their cashmere should be sold at Costco for $40.
Re: stock prices. Let’s not forget the drastic measures they took what, a year or maybe two years ago, laying off a bunch of people and freezing 401s. As for the FLOTUS effect, it seems to have cooled, no?
I do still buy from j.crew, but it’s a fraction of what I spent in 2007-08. And this August 2010 cat.? Not a thing in there I want, and this from a person who in the past has swooned over j.crew autumn.
(Does anyone else remember the Stella tweeds? It was this gorgeous golden color with flecks of brown. Dreamy.).
FFM has been posting old catalogs. It has been bittersweet to look through them! Like others, I regret not buying more from a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteLike others, there is not a single item of clothing I want from the August catalog. I have been reduced to getting my JC fix by buying accessories. And I'm hard pressed to find something I like there, too.
I've been surprised at how quickly and deeply things have gone on sale this summer, so perhaps JC is getting a message that they need to revamp (or devamp?) once again?
I agree brands need to evolve, but I think they've gone off the deep end with the rehashes. Even last August's catalog, which at the time I was a wee bit disappointed in, looks great in comparison, IMO. I'm now stalking popbacks from last fall!
And hoping for a brighter spring.
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ReplyDeleteFirst off, a big thank you to Alexis for letting us share our diff't viewpoints in this fantastic forum.
ReplyDeleteI'm pushing 40, and work in a conservative (if unfashionable) workplace. A few years back I didn't have the need to but aspired to dress like the JC of old ("when I grow up I want every piece in the 05-08 collections"). And now that I can justify dressing smart/lady-like/pretty, I don't have anywhere to buy from.
Like Hexicon and other posters, I've looked at the catalogs as a huge inspiration, and it IS a one stop shop. Now I find myself going to different retailers to find superior quality (BR although conservative is a sure bet IMO)/ fit (B&M stores such as BR, CM, AE Outfitters)/ selection (again, B&M stores)/ customer service (LEC, EB, BR, to name but a few).
I'm like most of you...I'm addicted to the concept of JC, but at the moment, the current offerings seem off the mark to me. I can find similar trendy styles for less (and better quality) at any number of stores. Why would I pay shipping and endure calls to customer service to get something I can get just 5 minutes down the road?
I want a reliable source for well-made, well-cut basics (cardigans, shirts, blazers) with a twist. I'm going to be hitting the stores hard in a month or so to spend my hard earned cash... Don't know if JC will get much of my fall clothing $$$. Or I may just stick to my pattern of shopping final sales (% off plus free ship, no less).
If brand loyalty is still part of what's driving JC's business, let it be known that I've had the same hair dresser since 1989, and own and still wear a duffle coat from 1988. I can love something/ someone if they love me back :D
Maybe I'm an old lady at 33 who has shopped from J.Crew catalogs since she was 15, but I find myself buying less and less with each rollout. The recent peices I have enjoyed were the Frances camis and Victoria camis but this year's equivilant the Calista does not have a flaterring shape and its rehashed. The borrowed from the boys look also doesn't go over well in a professional business environment like DC. I used to be able to wear almost everything straight of the catalogs to work and now well the Mongolian lamb stole would probably shock my Foreign Service Colleages (and trust me these people have been everywhere and seen it all)!
ReplyDeleteAh Globetrotter, don't sell yourself short - you can do for stoles what the effortlessly elegant Madeleine Albright did for pins :-)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, Alexis. Sigh. Lately I've bought three of the printed merino cardigans from 2006/2007 on ebay for ~$30 each. It requires alot of stalking to find the older items but to me, it's totally worth it.
ReplyDeleteThe only things I have purchased directly from J.Crew in the past year: suiting, bathing suits, shoes, button downs, silk camis (frances, victoria), and cashmere. In other words, the classics they have always had. None of the tees with ruffles slapped on, no paper thin sweaters with ruffles/zippers, no mini skirts, and none of the other crap that they are hawking these days.
Fall/Holiday '07 = J.Crew's best time, in my opinion. Ohhhhhhhh I miss it!!!
You know what I miss about the 2005-2008 period? The dresses. I used to feel such anticipation about the (non-bridesmaid) special occasion dresses, and J Crew seems to be de-emphasizing that segment now. Okay, so they still make a few, including the ghastly O'Hara dress and last year's $2000 super-short white feathered dress that, as Alexis noted, was downright weird. J Crew is doing some things well, especially bridal. But all one needs to do is look at CrewCuts to see that other lines have gone completely astray. My daughter, who loves clothes and looks at clothing catalogs religiously, asked me recently why all the kids in the CrewCuts catalog looked so sad and angry and why they were overloaded with strange accessories. We were both turned off.
ReplyDeleteFinally, someone put my thoughts into words. The Models, the catalogues, the clothes from 2005 to 2008 were something else! J.Crew, please refer to your own archives for inspiration, your dedicated customers would sure appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteI can't take it anymore... I have been washing all my J.Crew t-shirts in the gentle cycle and air drying them and they STILL get holes!! It's like you can only wear a $45 t-shirt three times and it's garbage.. It makes me want to cry!!
ReplyDeleteand the flats are ssooooo uncomfortable!! I hope the rubber soles help! The heels aren't too comfy either!
ReplyDeleteah, comme j'adore la Belle Helene! (sans effort...)
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the dissenters. I would never have stepped into J. Crew before last year--and if I did, I left empty handed. I like the more imaginative pieces--sequinned skirts, mini skirts and some of then striped and jaspe t-shirts but not the ruffled and bedecked ones. I did buy the cashmere earlier (2005-6) but it pilled horribly and I never repeated the mistake.
ReplyDeleteMuch of J. Crew is still pretty staid/classic. I think there is still plenty for the old school types but the more offbeat items appeal to another customer base (hence the increase in sales). I think there is something for all of us here.
And I love the jewelry--in NYC, it flies off the shelf, along with the clothing I like the best.
ah, flying off shelves... no doubt this is why the Flower-Flash bib necklace, list $250, $179.99 on sale, sat in the Soho & collection stores at $99.99 even thru the 30% promotion.
ReplyDeleteMon dieu. The doorbell just rang, and knowing packages were due (none from j.crew, tee hee), I threw open the door with effortless gusto and greeted my other significant other with the familiarity we’ve established only ... it was someone different. Ack. I slunk with shame, like Snoopy after he’s been rebuffed trying to buss Lucy. On the upside, it seemed to really cheer Mr. UPSubstitute to be greeted with such delight.
ReplyDeleteRestored my dignity by unwrapping said packages: Boots, and a beautiful dress.
Maybe some pieces of jewelry do stay in stores longer, but most don't. Soho is the flagship I believe and has more stock. But I've had to buy many pieces of jewelry online or as soon as they've gone into the stores as many styles sell out so fast here. I stand by my comments--there are many pieces in J. Crew that are far too staid for me and I buy the edgier items. I wish they'd carry more variety in store but the classic stuff is still very well represented.
ReplyDeleteThis is OT, but I, too, got a package today. Unlike La Belle Helene,(you are so funny sometimes) I do not have a good relationship with my UPS man, no doubt from my dogs doing their best Cujo imitations when he comes to call. He pitched my latest JC order on the porch and escaped with his life back to his big, brown truck, popping his gears into the great humid beyond.. I was quite looking forward to my Banquette dress in Seaport Blue, but now you could color me Disappointedly Blue. For all of y'all wondering about the neckline, I can tell you it is three finger widths from my xiphoid process. It is way too low. However, that is not the worst thing about it. The seam in the center of the bodice makes the dress look like (a)there should have been a zipper there, or (b), you have your dress on backwards, plus the lining appears to be cut too large for the dress, making it bunch up along the shoulders, sleeve edges and neckline. It did not fit like my other JC dresses, it seemed at least a size too large in the ribs and waist, a little maternity-esque. It is going back, and I would not repurchase a smaller size for any price. Thanks, ladies, I feel a little better now.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you and have been feeling like this for a while now. J.Crew seems to have almost completely abandoned their classic, preppy style (and in turn, their core customers). Why would anyone buy a thinner-than-paper tee shirt with cheap appliques for 40 bucks when you can buy the same thing at Forever 21 for MUCH cheaper?! Like a lot of other JCA's here, I LOVED collections from 2005-2008... I would get excited when the new arrivals would come out on the website and I would look at every piece. I would stalk the sale section for updates and pop-backs. I would also search high and low for coupon codes when the sale section would have an extra percent off (doesn't work like that anymore!) I pretty much ceased from buying online once they revealed the updated website... remember what a total disaster that was?!?! I used to buy items in multiples because they were quality, classic pieces that I would wear for a long time (and still do wear actually). Honestly, some of the clothes may still be quality but I don't know anymore because I stopped buying from them. Just today I carried one of their older madras totes and someone at work said, "nice bag, is it new?"... I just lauged a little on the inside and said, "no, it's actually a few years old". J.Crew, I miss you.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I've always been split by J.Crew's collections, with the exception of Fall 2008 which I LOVED to debt. These days I'm much more put off by the fit and quality. The designs still inspire me and I find enough to like.
ReplyDeleteBut when I go through my seasonal cull and 90% of what I'm getting rid of is J.Crew (trashing it in their case because it's not in donate-able condition) that speaks volumes to me. You can only cover up crappy quality with great design for so long.
I've been shopping J.Crew since I was in high school so I guess almost 10 years now. I like a few of the older, classic pieces borrowed from my Mom but I really like the newer styles. I'm one who *loves* the J.Crew minis for weekends and buys a couple every season, stalking the older ones I missed on the Weekly Exchange and ebay. I don't care for the zipper embellishments or ruffles and have only ever purchased two "art" tees, the original chiffon rose and the following year's chiffon rosette. I love the Jackie twinsets and pencil skirts and if that makes me look old at 24 then so be it. I mix and match the twinsets and wear them separately - like the shell as a vest over a button-down with a tie or scarf peeking out the top in my own "borrowed from the boys" style.
ReplyDeleteI'm young and manage a team of people that are all older than me except for one. I need to dress professionally at the office and J.Crew really helps me with that. I find the suiting is great quality and although dress necklines are sometimes low I can cover more with a scarf and still enjoy the lovely dress. Most of my wardrobe comes from other stores but there are always a few J.Crew pieces I want, even if they are the same classics time and again, just in new colors or prints.
I do miss the quality shoes, argyle and thick-ribbed cotton sweaters. I don't care for the brown, green and yellowy tweeds, nor the voluminous skirts and dresses that some other JCAs seem to adore. But on the bright side, it's one less person to bid against on ebay.
Ah, 2005. I bought seven pairs of shoes that year and still wear them. Loved the Captiva jeweled collection, among many others. My taste still has a lot of country club chic/classic prep in it, so JCG in those days was an important part of my wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteSo, I guess I'm one of the five people who likes the new J.Crew. I found the old offerings to be bland, the prints gaudy, the colors WAAY too bright. This was around the time I was in a north-eastern college full of "preppy" people who all followed the JC uniform, so that might influence my opinion of things.
ReplyDeleteI don't know. I work in a conservative work-place and still find tons of way to integrate a lot of JCrew into my wardrobe. I love that it gives me a way to wear up-to-date, interesting clothes each season without having to shell out more $$. I looove fashion, live @ style.com when fashion week(s) are going on, and squealed at the fall collection this year. So many gorgeous pieces!
I've had some quality issues, which is irritating - but no more than with other retailers. And as for prices, I know JCs have gone up but... well, inflation? I don't know. They're not out of line with AT and BR for their pieces, save some of the fancier things.
Funny thing - the current fashion magazines are stating that classic, tailored, investment pieces are back in style. This is what J Crew used to do best - "Classic with a Modern Edge". Now, when that style is emerging as high fashion, J Crew is offering sequined parachute pants and "Edie Beale goes to camp".
ReplyDeleteSad.
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ReplyDeleteWOW! Look at those photos:
ReplyDelete- happy, well-fed models
- bright, clean colors (not a "make-up" palette of washed-out pastels)
- simple styling, not pounds and pounds of gaudy costume jewelry
- nary a ruffle or "art" tee in sight
*sigh*
Ah, nostalgia. I've shopped J Crew on and off since the mid 80s. While I know we're past ruby shirts, roll neck sweaters and colors like "port" and "bottle," I think back then JC knew their core customer much better.
ReplyDeleteI read a recent article about Anthro that discussed how they have a detailed profile of their core customer. They know her and sell clothes for her. And the clothes fit. (Also interesting that I fit that demographic but I hate their style. But I digress).
The biggest way in which I think JC has lost touch with their customer is the lack of one stop shopping. I think that was a key element of the old JC.
I also think JC has changed their view of their core customer and it is no longer me. Apart from age, it is someone trendier and used to disposable items. It really isn't Mrs. O at all.
I buy almost all of my JC on ebay these days.
I don't think anyone should feel she has to 'defend' a preference for current JC styles. We're all just kinda throwing it out there, and certainly those who are happier with the current wave should say so, and so what if you're a smaller group? We all clearly still love the brand, we all somehow find at least a few things (in my case, more than a few things!) each season ... it's all good.
ReplyDeleteSomething tells me that maybe Holiday 2010 will bring us a bit of a return to some of what we're missing from the old days. Let's see what happens!
Not sure how far out the merchandise designs and cycles are set, but it's interesting to me how quickly so many items are getting discounted these days. That can't be a good sign. Is it the economic malaise, or just a few consecutive stylistic misfires? Art tee / ruffle / sequins / borrowed from the boys overload?
Thoughts?
Ah, retro J.Crew - how I miss thee. I began shopping J.Crew in 1998, my freshman year in college. I had to give up the store in grad school, but rediscovered the brand again once when I had an income (this was in 2005, beginning of the golden era).
ReplyDeleteI hardly purchased anything from J.Crew in 2009, this year I've purchased a few bathing suits, Jackie's and pants... I agree with others, 05-08 in thtimeframe, J.Crew was reliable for basic wardrobe staples as well as items with modern flair.
Great topic Alexis!
ReplyDeletePlease JCrew, bring back quality, quality, quality!
I hate paying top dollars for man made soles. What happened to the "Italian" workmanship? Now I have to inspect every item like a mad woman to make sure something is not defective/damaged.
Also, it makes me SO mad when my cashmere pills after one wear and my shirts get holes after gently washing them in a mesh bag.
No more glitter, embellished tees please!
I do miss the interesting prints, beautiful well made jackets, dresses, skirts, shoes and jewelries from several years ago. I've been wearing JC for the past 10 years (I'm 29) and I've always liked JC styles but these days I am tired of over the top styling and poor quality.
Quality! It's all starting to feel like *mall* clothes. Made in China disaster. Shorts I bought for my son: the pockets are falling off and leaving holes behind. Perfect shirts for me: the seeming is puckering; also hems and seems just unravel in the wash. Sizing inconsistencies, material torquing once washed, tissue tees getting holes in them. Jackies now with so much nylon/spandex they feel like my old dance leotards. The list goes on! Obvious, they are short cutting on material and manufacturing to keep profit high. Reminds me of theater costumes-all for appearance and presentation but not meant to last past the run of the show.
ReplyDeleteNotwithstanding the complaints about fit and quality, I do find that one's allegiance to old JC vs new JC has a lot to do with one's place in life at the time. If your life stayed relatively the same from 2005 to now and you liked old JC, you probably dislike the new JC. Sure, JC changed, but you didn't. Maybe the old you doesn't fit the new JC. It's not all JC's fault.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I had a corporate job at a prestigious law firm back then. I'm now in a much more casual work environment. I find myself liking the new JC as much as the old. But I realize that is my unique situation and it's not all about aesthetics or style.
For those who are nostalgic for the old JC, I think Boden offers classic pieces and bold colors that may appeal to you. I know I look at their tweed blazers and think -- that's so classic JC.
I have loved reading all of these comments. What an amazing opportunity to share passionate points of view on something we all love! I think that it is a great thing that J. Crew has left an indelible place in many of our hearts, a common thread seems to be somewhere around 2005-2008. Some of us even earlier than that ;), and some much later. The beauty is that they have managed to bring us along each year and gathered new followers too. A strong brand will test tradition, push the envelope and hopefully not veer so far out of the stratosphere that we never return. I am pretty confident J. Crew's great creative talent "hears" us. I would be concerned if they hadn't strayed a bit. I will admit that I have been utterly shocked, disappointed and irritated on more than one occasion, but I always come back, I have certainly invested enough over the years not to completely abandon one of my favorite brands. I do not echo comments where J. Crew has alienated their core customer base. They have missed connections from time to time, but so many of us always return. I am always curious to see what is next - good or bad, J. Crew is in my heart!
ReplyDeleteChris: I love your positive approach. But, J Crew has more than 'moved forward'. They have changed their vision and appear to be designing for a different woman. I hope that works for them. But its not working for me.
ReplyDeleteWe only have so many dollars to spend on our clothes, and need to make the most of our purchases. I haven't making many purchases over the last year or so because my usual sources seem to have 'lot their vision' IMO. But I need new clothes for work and play. I've told my husband that I'm thinking of up-tiering - purchasing fewer, more expensive clothes from higher end designers.
I can't wait for J Crew to get back in the game - I have to move on. I'm not mad, just realistic.
Can't agree more! I so miss the old J Crew.
ReplyDeleteI feel that they have lost their vision and are doing all that they can to move away from their core customer. I personally think that they are trying to target a much younger market. I find this amusing, since we are the one's that have the $$$ to spend with JC. You would think that they would try harder to keep us around.
I don't know, but was Jenna the creative director during the early to mid 2000's? Just food for thought.
Couldn't agree more w/ the post Alexis! Really wish for some of the2007-esque items back. Have done very little shopping at JC in last couple years.
ReplyDeleteI work in a pretty conversative environment, and there just isn't much on the market that's conversative yet stylish and well-cut, and not prohibitively expensive. Even Ann Taylor now just has boring black suits and slews of ruffled things these days.
I'm only 27! I just can't wear ripped or ruffled things to work.
Does anyone have any of the older catalogs up online? I would love to see them!