Referencing {FAQ}

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

J.Crew Email: Shop 'til you drop: NEW STYLES added to final sale (plus, FREE SHIPPING extended)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Silver Lining (in this post), as well as Marietta, who let us know about J.Crew's latest email.

J.Crew is announcing that even more new styles have been added to their Final Sale (click here to shop online)! This offer also extends to brick & mortar stores.

Some new additions include:
  • Gusto Cami (Item 28581; $98.00, now $69.99)
  • Dot Chiffon Betsy Wrap Cami (Item 28509; $98.00, now $59.99)
  • Merino Shirred Cardigan (Item 29622; $88.00, now $49.99)
  • Stretch Double-Serge Pencil Skirt (Item 22659; $98.00, now $49.99)
They are also extending their offer for free shipping on orders of $150+ with promo code SHIP150. This offer now expires Friday, 8/27/10. {Yey!}

Will you be checking out the Final Sale? Any new styles interest you? If so, please share! :)

71 comments:

  1. Interested in the stretch double-serge pencil skirt, but am wondering if the JCrew Outlet stores have anything similar at a better price? TIA!

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  2. I have the stretch double serge pencil skirt and love it! I was at the outlet a few weeks ago and just don't remember if they had something similar or not.

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  3. Thanks! Just called the local outlet and they said all they have are black/gray wool and cord pencil skirts, for anyone else wondering.

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  4. How does the Stretch Double Serge pencil skirt fit? Last year some of the skirts started to run a little lose, but this year they seem more snug. I'm normally a 6 but sometimes I wonder if i should size down to a four in their skirts - it's so hit or miss!

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  5. Nothing for me from FINAL SALE. Gosh, JC things we will be dancing with joy since more things are added to the "no return/exchanges" final sale for even first mark downs. Pass for me.

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  6. I also noticed a different fit in their skirts this year. I finally figured out that if the skirt comes in a 00 I need to size down, otherwise my usual size seems to be ok :)

    I also am so disappointed in the new Fall items that I've lovingly trolled through my purchases from previous 'good' years and have decided to spend some time actively looking elsewhere for my Fall fix. I understand that retailers evolve and I certainly have purchased some of JCrew's more recent concoctions, but I think they have lost touch with who their customer base really is and need to do a better job integrating the type of classic styling from '07 and '08 with their current vision. I bet they would have an instant sell-out if they brought back the fall catalogs from those years.

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  7. ^I agree McShoppy. I am all for adding some interest and I have actually loved and bought some of the more unusual "newer" style pieces. But on the whole..this Fall is really missing the mark! Things are too short, too thin, too embellished, over-wrought/over-designed, unlined, ill-fitting, extremely pricey (for what they are) trendy shoes, inflated prices and sometimes just strange! It is going to be SO interesting to see how this new *high fashion* aesthetic plays out for them. I hope they don't lose themselves in all of this..and I feel they are treading water. There are only so many risk-takers in the world and J Crew is not the place most risk-takers are headed. The "typical" customer is not going to know what to do with nor feel they can risk wearing many of these things.

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  8. *snicker* I see they've reduced the old toothpick ankle cords to $29.99 from $49.99 (which they marked up from $19.99 during the last update).

    I haven't even finished pondering the August rollout yet, and I see the Lace Panel Tee, Sparkle Waves Henley, Stripe Confetti Ruffle Shirt, Novo Stripe Bomber Blouse (which was featured in the Lookbook!) have been pushed into FS purgatory, along with the items already mentioned by Alexis.

    Who's going to order this stuff and "try on" to post reviews? Hmmmm?

    Craziness. Just craziness.

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  9. I purchase the sparkle waves henley in heather charcoal last week during the extra 30% off final sale. I really like it, but it comes down a bit low, so I feel like I'm always pulling it up.
    I also purchased the Luxe knit zip hoodie in mushroom. I ordered a medium and the thing is huge! I could've easily purchased an XS in this and it would've been perfect. Oh well, at least it was cheap. I may have to do a little alteration on it.

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  10. Meh. The FS stuff will probably look a lot better to me with the next 30% off, but right now I'm not interested. I seriously considered buying a couple pairs of the old version of the favorite fit chinos that are in FS, but I decided to buy some original fit chinos at full price instead (minus the 20% off code my lovely DIL shared with me). I find myself reaching for the original fit chinos in my closet first. I really like the no-waistband style for comfort.

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  11. Has anyone seen the Valerian cardi in person? I really like it online, but considering it's final sale, it would be a shame to order it and end up hating the colors IRL... reminding me once again why I hate FS, no incentive to try items you haven't seen in person.

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  12. Dara, JMO--I ordinarily loove JC print cardis, but I did NOT like the Valerian IRL. I've embraced orange and rust tones more than I thought I ever would, but I still did not like this--unwearable vermillion and flame orange IMO.

    It reminded me of when I got the Ikat silk streamers top--in the JC photo, a lovely, subtle blend of rust-orange, purple, and saffron, but IRL it was all flame-orange and red.

    Not surprised it went FS in a couple of weeks. But, I know that other JCAs liked it.

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  13. Hexicon, thanks! That's exactly what I was afraid of. Deep red I love but bright orange just does not flatter my stark white complexion at all (think walking traffic cone) :)

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  14. Typo: 'thinks' not 'things' in my previous comment.

    Dara: I also agree with Hexicon. The Valerian cardigan colors were so harsh I didn't even want to try it on. No wonder it's on FS so quickly.

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  15. Nothing for me for me...especially when there is no extra discount.

    About Valerian Cardigan: I agree with the previous posts. I am addicated to Jcrew cardigans, but when I saw this one in the stores...Hmmm..It was an instant pass.

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  16. I ordered the Reese studded back-zip gladiator sandals in black 7 during the 30% off sale week and they called me telling me they were out of stock. Argh. Today I was checking out the "new sale" stuff and saw them back in stock! So I called and they are sending them to me for the 30% off price and free shipping! I do wish their final sale wasn't so FINAL sale though. I would buy much more if I could return or even exchange.

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  17. Pffft, there weren't THAT many styles added. lol!

    I did receive a few more final sale refugees in the mail yesterday, all of which I love. I got the falling ruffles tank in fresh citrus because I simply cannot go on only wearing clothing in muddy earth tones! I have enough buff pink, shades of gray and off-white to last a lifetime.

    Also, I picked it up because we're going on a trip to Florida in Sept. and I needed more light-colored, lightweight tops since we will be sweating to death. Plus, it will still be summery/hot here in NC for at least another month to 2 months.

    The Fresh Citrus is a very pretty color, IMO. Very lemon yellow. Not SUPER bright, but still bright and cheery. Top runs TTS for anyone who may be wondering. I like it a lot and ma very happy with the $12.99 price tag.

    I also got a Victoria tissue cami -- I'd been debating repeatedly over the past few weeks of FS -- and I REALLY like it a lot. Which is odd, as the silk Victoria did nothing for me at all. I'm a Frances / Kelsey girl. :-)

    I got the 'Flamingo' color and am wearing it with my pink & green floral pencil skirt from the last rollout. Pretty! I want more of them now, but all the Mediums are (allegedly) sold out online.

    Runs TTS, IMO.

    I'd give my eye teeth for it in the pale purple color, size M. Anyone got one for me? :-D

    HTHs someone ...

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  18. I know I am repeating myself here but I may pick up another cotton pencil skirt. Seems I am sticking to basics and suiting at J.Crew lately and even there the pickings are slim. Not much else of interest to me, although if there is a coat promotion I will likely cave on the short icon and the stadium-cloth peacoat. Anyone remember when the coat promo happened last year? I seem to recall it was early in the season.

    Regarding some of the comments yesterday, I read a lot of economic/financial news and retail is taking a big hit everywhere. Customers are becoming more cautious every month and the expectations for quality and season-spanning pieces are getting higher. It was only a matter of time before this was evident at J.Crew, with so many new releases going to FS in a hurry now, spending has most certainly slowed. It's not so much that people are falling out of love with J.Crew, it's an issue with retail in general. Customers want more for less and if they don't get it at one retailer they will look elsewhere. They don't feel the need to spend just to get something new, not in this climate. Attitudes have changed. Retailers are really going to have to work to earn those customer dollars. With higher wages for garment workers in India and China, along with higher commodities prices, cotton in particular, retailers are going to really get squeezed. Time to sharpen the pencils if profit is to be made.

    JMHO of course, not intended to lump everyone into a group, just commenting on some general trends.

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  19. OT - I have two free shipping codes for Land's End if the order includes at least one LE Canvas item. Good until August 27. Email me if you'd like one of the codes. They are one-time use only.

    dunc209 at shaw.ca

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  20. I emailed my online PS and complained about the Valerian cardigan going to final sale after only two weeks of being out as a new item. I too wanted to try it but I told her not without seeing/trying it in person. I think everyone needs to write an email to JCrew and voice their opinions about new items going directly to final sale.

    Also, I am truly sticking to my word and not buying anything final sale. I won't no matter what. There isn't anything I have to have either. I looked at the catalog I finally got in the mail for August yesterday 4 times and was so uninpired. I mean I truly do still like JCrew but am just not finding anything I LOVE.

    Plus, read a great article on shopping in the O Oprah magazine yesterday. P. 61 if anyone is intereted. Very enlightening!

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  21. xoxo,

    Your comments explain why many of JCrew itmes seem to be going straight to final $#@&*^ bleeping sale in such a short time span.

    I am enjoying having extra money in my savings account:)

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  22. OT - does anyone have a 40% off Ann Taylor code that you aren't using? Would love to have it if you aren't, TIA!
    qookymonster @ gmail.com

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  23. I was really hoping Final Sale would be ending soon and Fall Sale would be starting. Then I might try one or two items knowing I could return them if the color or fit was off. Otherwise, nothing for me. I refuse to buy final sale and like Genny I mean it. If I really need an item for work or a party, I will shop elsewhere for sale items (yes, I am a sales only shopping 95% of the time online) that I can return.

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  24. Only one item I'm interested in but because of the FS policy I'm going to pass. I'm a big fan of the toothpick denim and would love to try them in white but they would either look great or like sausage casing. I just don't get their logic behind the final sale. OT, Canadians can now buy online from gap/BR/ON, selection is limited right now but in time I'm hoping that they'll carry most of the items that the US sites do.

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  25. linda,

    That is good that you can buy from those stores now:)I hope the selection is good for you.

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  26. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  27. xoxo - I would love a coat promo too! Anyone have any ideas of when this might occur?

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  28. There was a whole rack of the Calista cami in all colors moved to sale section in my B&M--49.99. It is 59.50 online. I think they missed the mark with the colors on this one and that's why it's not selling...style and fabric is nice.

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  29. sub. I actually did like the Valerian cardi when I saw it in the store, but honestly, the $59.99 is still above my price point for it. Add me to the many folks who are annoyed that new stuff is already final sale.

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  30. I went through my JC e-mails from last year and found a fall coat promo from early November. Also there were "private" or "insider" sales of 20% off $150+ in mid-October and mid-November. And of course these are the online promos--B&M probably have more and better promos.

    Someone else pointed out that there have been far fewer private/insider sales in 2010 than in 2008 and 2009. Still waiting for one of those promised "cardholder-only sales" . . .

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  31. OT: I received the Boden catalogue yesterday in the mail and they have some very cute things! If you go on their website in the "Nonsense & Stuff" section they have a "Number Crunching" styling guide. Basically it shows you how to take a few key pieces and make different outfits. I think the outfits that they made were VERY cute and reminds me of 2007 & 2008 JC.

    In fact, you'll see that two of the models for Boden were used in the 2007 and 2008 JC campaigns. Oh how I miss those girls and their smiles!

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  32. Hexicon, hope springs eternal, right? If I were a cardholder I would email to ask about those special sales.

    Thank you for the info on the promos from last year, you are so organized! I don't imagine they follow the same schedule each year but it is good to know what they've done in the past because they'll hopefully have similar promos this year.

    Since I own two closets full of coats, I have promised my husband that each new winter coat I purchase means one donated to charity so I've already got the donor coat picked out. The trench doesn't count as a winter coat. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :P He tried to get me to agree the same for shoes and I just laughed. As if!!

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  33. I am not a cami customer because I wear a lot of JC cashmere and prefer a short sleeve top under so no perspiration touches the sweater and leads to over dry-cleaning. I would hate to even tell you how much JC cashmere I have over the years and would still get more if this year's sleeves were so off fitting. It doesn't surprise me that so many camis went on sale, it surprises me how many camis JC sells, which looks to be a ton.

    The Benny jacket is the one I noticed going on FS. That's the knit jacket that had such potential but has no lining down the body of it, just the sleeves. With no lining, that jacket will stretch out oddly as you sit throughout the day unless you consciously hold it out as you sit. My store had a very limited selection of the good catalog items but a lot of these jackets and now they are on FS.

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  34. I have one shipment due today from the last % off promo. Think I'll be boycotting FS from now on, after all that griping I've done. I really can't justify buying $150 worth of clothing without trying on, and with no chance of returning.

    @lindabenoit: I just wandered to Gap.com and see that they still don't have shipping to Canada. Do you have a link you can share? Thanks in advance.

    @xoxo: I always have one "to be donated" item in each category in case I find a new addition ;)

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  35. OT but this ought to get a debate started: Fashionista reviewed the curly lamb collar/stole from JC:

    http://fashionista.com/2010/08/j-crew%E2%80%99s-frivolous-yet-practical-accessory-the-mongolian-lamb-stole/

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  36. They added some stuff to the sale I'd like to try (and potentially keep) but I will not be participating in final sale. Honestly I think it's so shady to send items on their first markdown to final sale. A lot of the new arrivals to the sale have only been available for a couple weeks; how do they expect customers to have already seen and tried on the items to know what size to order? And let's face it - these days with JC's lack of quality control, even if you had tried on an item, there's no guarantee you'd receive the same thing in the mail.

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  37. @ Elizabeth, I too own a lot of cashmere from prior years and wear full on shirts underneath for the same reason. I live in San Diego and I layer like I live in Alaska :)

    I have not seen any cashmere yet in the store, can you explain the arm issue? Are you saying that the sweaters fit similarly except the arms are too tight? It seems crazy that they would mess with that and the Medium from past season (which is my size) already fit me snuggly in the arm but big everywhere else.

    TIA!

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  38. The pencil skirts are marked to $69 now, did they change throughout the day?

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  39. xoxo, please consider these charitable organizations for your coat donation: Preppies Without Sequins; Overembellishment Anonymous.

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  40. Caroline, yes this year, the arms are a bit tighter in relation to the body, so if you have a shirt underneath, it looks tight. Comparing it to cardigans from previous seasons, they are narrower. I have one crewneck cardigan and one Cody cardigan from this year and I will keep them for short sleeved shirts and push up the sleeves but I would use previous seasons for long sleeves. If you go up a size, the body is just too big. Other posters had commented on it but I was hoping it wouldn't be noticeable; it is. I love the cobblestone and heather plum colors though.

    I live in a cooler climate but I just can't fathom putting bare underarms on my cashmere, glad I'm not alone!

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  41. WRT this year's cashmere cardi -- I'm wearing my new one today and I've gotta say, I don't notice a difference in the sleeves from 09 or 08. In fact, I was thinking this year's feels slightly more generously cut than previously and I KNOW it's not my body that's gotten any smaller ;)

    And the cobblestone colour is to die for. I LOVE it.

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  42. wellfedfred, LOL! I would be happy to consider your suggested charities but my winter coats are all on the classic (read:boring) side. Peacoat, trench, lady day, car coat, repeat. Although I do own a shorter J.Crew Collection coat in a gorgeous vintage scarf print, but I won't be donating that one any time soon.

    Whenever I'm considering a new winter coat I picture myself on the steps of the office building in warm autumn sunshine. Unfortunately the reality is that I am usually walking to and from my parking in darkness most days.

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  43. I wanted to mention - just because I think it's kind of neat - that I'm actually wearing that J.Crew Collection coat, standing on the corner waiting for the traffic light, right outside my office, on Google Street View. Was heading out for lunch with a colleague and it is actually a sunny fall day.

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  44. Just FYI, I received one of my FS orders today and since the item did not fit, I called CS and they are "allowing" me to return it to my local B&M. These were the vintage matchstick jeans in broken indigo wash (23489). I had called CS prior to ordering to get measurements and tried on a similar, newer matchstick in store to get a handle on the size (26S), but they arrived and were at least an inch or two bigger in the waist than specified. CS was actually pretty nice about it considering that they were FS, but I am glad I am not stuck with almost $50 pants that don't fit! The point is, it never hurts to try!

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  45. Whoa the Calista Cami and Leport Blouse are already on sale?? I'm not interested in either of these items but weren't they in last month's rollout? J.Crew isn't selling much it seems.

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  46. Not FS but thought I'd ask here: has anyone tried/purchased the Dream draped-V sweater? Yes, I know it's the dreaded Dream yarn, but at least it cost half as much as the dreaded cashmere :P

    Ema has it in Cobblestone, but she's on vacation. Does it fit TTS? I take a Medium in a Jackie, 5'3". Last year's Dolce sweaters ran HUGE on me. Should I size down to Small? Any feedback would be appreciated!

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  47. I'm interested in a pair of shorts, however I'm hesitating the purchase because I just received my order where I received free shipping. Almost $15 for shipping and tax seems a bit much for a pair of shorts.

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  48. Elizabeth, thank you for the info! I will be sure to try the cashmere on this year prior to buying. I really appreciate the help, especially since last year I actually didn't buy the cashmere until it went FS.

    I wear T shirts under the short sleeve cashmere shirts too. Friends constantly say that I'm very conservative with all the layers but truth be told I just don't want the fabric to deteriorate any quicker :)

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  49. OT: Land's End/Sears Stores have 15% off for Educator's with id through Sept. 7th:)

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  50. Caroline, I do that too, I wear the short sleeve perfect Ts under them, I will even wear them under the Jackies and since they are longer than the Jackies, I like the contrast white showing below.

    You wouldn't have any issues with the cashmere sleeves wearing the perfect Ts under them, but say a thicker shirt like a flannel or oxford would be wear the sleeve seems narrower to me but that's just my experience.

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  51. Closet Crisis, I tried that Dream criss cross sweater on in the store and really liked it alot. I'd say TTS, to maybe a little big. I did not try on the size down to be certain about that but it was roomy in my size. But I would definitely have to wear something under it, so I wouldn't want it to feel snug. I thought it would look super cute w/Minnies or skinny jeans. I'm keeping an eye out for it to go on sale. I do wish it were in the Merino fabric instead. Maybe it wouldn't drape as nice? *shrugs*

    On another note, I always wear tissue tees under my cashmere sweaters. I don't want to get sweaty or itcy and I would if I didn't have a light layer underneath.

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  52. Qook, and anybody else interested in the Ann Taylor promo -

    25% off 2 FP items
    40% off 3 or more FP items

    September 10 - 21, 2010

    Online code: SEPTCC

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  53. Thanks JRuby 18, I posted to another thread, and a poster who's short waisted said that the sweater bloused out because of its length, so I'll have to say no to it, as I'm hippy, which yields the same result as being short waisted. It is on sale for $69.50 right now (not FS!), that's why I'm considering it.

    I wear tees or shirts under all my sweaters. Aside from the staining/sweating issue, it's just so much more comfortable (no itchy's).

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  54. @ Elizabeth and Caroline-

    I do the same exact thing with all my sweaters. I LOATHE perspiration on material that has to be dry cleaned. Plus, I don't like my sweaters to smell. Glad I am not alone.

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  55. I've found things I want but am waiting for another 30% off promo. Without further reductions I'm skipping it.

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  56. I really want to snag the J Crew embossed playa dress, but am unsure of the sizing. Has anyone tried it? Usually a cami or skirt girl at J Crew, only have the Saturday Twist dress in sz S to compare....

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  57. Anybody thinks that an extra % will be coming soon?

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  58. Just a note to those talking about wearing your sweaters with tees to avoid dry-cleaning too much. Don't dry clean. Dry cleaning is bad for the environment, bad for your sweaters and bad for you (google, it). Always, always hand wash your cashmere and silks (and some of your other wools are fine for hand-wash as well). Dry clean will kill the softness and life of your sweaters. Hand wash will make them softer and loftier if done right. Visit "the Laundress" website if you need tutorial and you can purchase their soap if desired. I find a tiny bit of *gentle* dish-soap is fine. This sounds strange but I actually hear Woolite is bad for some clothing.

    @newyork0311-
    hard to believe they will have another too soon as they literally JUST had one. I guess it depends how merchandise is moving. It seems they moved quite a bit with this last one but one never knows. I (like so many other JCA's)would LOVE a percent off new stuff! JC are you listening?? Please...pretty please=)

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  59. TXMOM - I ordered the same jeans, vintage matchstick jeans in broken indigo wash item 23489, & they were too big in my normal size too. Obviously the sizing is off on these jeans. Hopefully this will help anyone else considering them.

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  60. TXMOM & IRL-Vintage Matchsticks: I had the same experience after I got these. I went back to check on the fit only to read "slightly more relaxed than our regular matchsticks." Ugh..bummer. I definitely have to keep pulling these up and it is not fun=(

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  61. @sweetsy: I hear ya! Gonna be putting away my spring cashmere soon, and will be handwashing sweaters for sure. I did a chemistry degree and I can't tell you how horrifying some of those "everyday" chemicals are, forgeddabout drycleaning, that's just the kiss of death.

    @newyork0311: I noticed that the last couple of % off promos happened the week immediately before a rollout. So if you ask the SA's when the next rollout is going to happen online or instore, bet you 2c that the % off will happen the week before that.

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  62. I'm a bit late to fall, and missed out on some conversations here. Can someone let me know how the Bettina cami fits? I am usually a size 2 shirt, but took size 0 in the Corali. Hmm, should I go with a 2?
    TIA!

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  63. IRL and Sweetsy, I was able to return the vintage matchstick jeans at my local B&M, no problem. I am contemplating ordering the bootcut jeans in Pacific wash that are on sale in a 25S (this is what I wear in the current bootcuts they have in the stores). I have one more day to decide before the free shipping disappears( as long as I add some ride-alongs)!

    Pathos, I usually wear a 0 in JC tops (perfect shirts and cami's, but I bought the Bettina in a size 2 as it seemed more comfortable in the armhole area. The 0 fit, but was also a little shorter and I was afraid the arm area would bother me. So, probably the 0 would fit you fine but I went with the 2 for comfort! There really wasn't much difference in the sizes.

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  64. Has anyone posted IRL pics of the Katzy Cami? I'm interested but would love to see it on a real person first. TIA!

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  65. Closet Crisis: Thanks! Will be checking the date of the next roll-out to see if I might get lucky!

    I am glad I didn't buy the FS online...I stopped by a B&M today and found everything I wanted at the same sale price and no final sale! Yeah!

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