"Thanks!" to many of you who shared the latest email from J.Crew this morning.The email announces that J.Crew Factory (click here to shop online) is once again open for business. As the email and online site mentions, it will only be available on the weekends.
I did end up getting an item last weekend, the Factory Enamel Critter Charm Necklace (Item 98853; $24.50, now $17.00). The elephant was just too cute to pass up. I am also loving the Factory Cotton Taffeta Belle Skirt (Item 17627; $69.50, now $59.50) in both Amethyst Stone & White Sand Black. However, my overall impression is that it is better (in terms of both quality and pricing) to wait for the originals (from regular J.Crew) to go on sale.What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Factory move to online? Do you like some of the current offerings?
Hi Alexis,
ReplyDeleteI do agree that waiting for regular sale items might be best in terms of quality. But, I did order the Stardust pencil skirt and the wool flannel schoolboy blazer. They are really great pieces (I missed out on the originals and can't compare quality) and I'm very happy with them.
Eh, I hate second lines. They only cheapen the main brand. So basically I couldn't care less and hope that Factory dies a well-deserved death.
ReplyDeleteNothing for me.
ReplyDeleteIn the past I have generally found that the items I buy at the Factory stores are misses. They typically don't hold up well after a couple washings.
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side, I have also waited for regular J. Crew items to go on sale and received defective items and even a couple items that had clearly been worn and returned. You never know what you will get with J. Crew….. especially when shopping for sale items.
I do prefer to wait for the "originals" to go on sale but it is nice to have some alternative in case there is an item that I missed and decided that I just have to have it.
I am thinking about the Imperial tee and possibly the merino ruffle cardigan in cypress but I am afraid the merino may be of a cheap quality and thus itchy and scratchy.
I went to the outlet last weekend and was really disappointed withe quality especially the sweaters were crazy itchy. I will not be shopping from the outlet unless they offer better value for the $ in terms of quality.
ReplyDeleteOooo, Oooo, Oooo, I totally forgot to post to the looking to find:
ReplyDeleteGrasshopper Necklace
EUC fine
Email:
ken_k80120@yahoo.com
I think it depends entirely on the type of item. I received the savon "bling" tee and the pumpkin colored scarf from the outlet and am really happy with both. The tee is nicer quality than many J. Crew tees. The scarf isn't quite as nice, but fine (I think it has already been reviewed). I probably would be careful about the sweaters though, as many have noted.
ReplyDeleteHmm, seems that factory is none too popular with the JCAs. I have mixed feelings. I like the fact that they reissue older pieces so I can get things I might have missed or want a backup :) There is always some sort of (in-store) promo - sometimes really great ones, like 50% off. My stores get some actual retail merchendise, too, so you might find a real gem on the clearance rack. And I like that they do a lot of cotton sweaters. I'm not happy lately with the quality of the retail wool. Plus, I like to wash my clothes as opposed to drycleaning, which makes the factory cotton prints perfect.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I agree that the regular ticketed prices are way too high. And you have to be careful about the quality and fit (not that that is any different from retail). Word to the wise: as has been mentioned, the wool factory sweaters are especially cheap-feeling and itchy this year, IMO.
I ordered the Headache tee last week from the Factory site and am wearing it today. I think the quality is equal to, or in this case, surpasses some of the thin tees that have been in store lately! It's cute! I bought the imperial tee off e-bay last year and may buy another in a smaller size from the Factory site....might be not so thin! A good experience...although I might hesitate on the sweaters or skirts.
ReplyDeleteAm I wrong, or did the J. Crew Factory stores carry actual items that didn't sell out from J.Crew? I ask because, in 2007 I bought my sister that really cute plaid cocktail dress from the 2006 holiday because she loves mine....it seemed to be the same dress, at least as far as I could tell while comparing them. I also bought the herringbone peacoat that same trip, which is from 2004 I think; again, seemed the same J crew quality to me. Either way, I'll buy some things from the outlet because I think J. Crew is over-priced, so the outlet is a better deal on some items.
ReplyDeleteI ordered the Imperial Tee and the Kelsey cami in burnished olive, and they arrived this week. I'm satisfied with both--had been sad to miss out on the Imperial, and I love the burnished olive print, so am happy to have it in another piece. I don't see any quality issues so far...but have not yet tried to launder or clean.
ReplyDeleteThe prices are still a little high for me, but I am attracted to the aesthetic at the Factory Store site. I'm so over the super-embellished tank, the button down that looks like it burped up a boatload of ruffles, etc. The Factory Store items seem simpler, more dressed-down. I like how I can still get some of the JC colorways in different styles. I'm a huge fan of the warm wisteria and rosebud colors. Perhaps when there is a promo for Factory, I'll bite. On the list:
ReplyDeleteAnnelise Cami in Rosebud
Double Serge Wool Bistro in Burnished olive
Maya Twist Cardi in Warm Wisteria
I worked at a J.Crew outlet for about 9 months. Emily, generally the items are reproduced with cheaper fabrics etc for outet. That being said, there are items right from retail. The best way to spot the "retail" items in clothing, is to look for the sensor tag. I have not seen a single outlet item with a sensor tag. I have purchased many things (shorts, a dress, sweaters) that had the tag, so I knew it was from retail. It's fun to hunt for these items, but they are like finding a needle in a haystack! I grabbed a great cashmere swing sweater around Memorial Day...it ended up being like $40...from a normal 150ish. Sorry, I rambled! LOL.
ReplyDeleteI still prefer retail items...unless the outlet item is a real steal. I don't buy anything regular price though. Anywhere. Ever. LOL.
Factory prices are just too high for me. I don't mind the quality of the items -- with a few exceptions, they're indistinguishable from retail items. But the prices are just insane. I'm holding out for our B&M factory store that's opening the first week of Nov.
ReplyDeleteI have a cart full of sale merchandise on my home PC -- I was CERTAIN midnight would bring me extra20 or extra30. I'll wait through midnight tonight then dump a bunch of stuff and buy the rest.
SANS RED CARD, mind you, as my mailbox remains woefully empty.
The only thing I ordered was the Factory Enamel Critter Charm Necklace. I prefer to purchase originals, either FP or on sale.
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying the factory offerings! The order I placed last week is due to arrive today so I can't comment on quality. However, I did buy two cotton cardigans at the Factory store in Palm Springs this summer and both have washed well for me. Maybe it's just the wool to be weary of???
ReplyDeleteWhat is attracting me to the Factory items is that many of the items are in cotton and machine washable. I don't need wool sweaters in AZ and getting everything in silk really gets expensive with the dry cleaning. (Talk about increasing the cost per wear!)
I've got my eye on stretch cotton sateen pencil skirt in ivory/black. Great basic!! Again, I can wash this one as opposed to the silk Ikat one by regular JCrew.
I would love a couple of pencil skirts but they are too expensive IMO.
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ReplyDeleteInteresting comments about the Crewlet sweaters. I didn't think they were too bad, but maybe my subconscious picked up the lesser quality. I only purchased 2 Jackie lookalikes (100% cotton, not a cotton/nylon blend) and the forever cardigan (100% merino).
ReplyDeleteJust recvd my camp shirt, which is cousin to the perfect contrast stitch shirt. I can tell that the Crewlet version is not as silky as the regular version, but I really like it. I ordered S and don't have the gaping issue at the chest as I have w/some J Crew tops. It really seems that the factory items are a smidge bigger than the regular J Crew items. Just a smidge. Others have reported the opposite, of course.
ReplyDeleteI received the Factory version of the Trentino cabin cardigan (#31285) this week and its TTS and pretty nice, not defective in any way and not very different from the full retail version. I actually prefer the blend of fibers in the yarn to last year's Trentino (which is primarily wool). If it wasn;t good quality, for 73$ I would definitely return it. But I hated missing out on it last year. And the grey color looks nice with the Crushed Jacquard pencil skirt (29037) (that I just snagged on sale) as the metallic threads in the skirt are silver, not the usual gold. Remains to be seen regarding pilling.
ReplyDeleteCarol
I am new to J crew and have been following this blog closely for the past month. I have noticed that whenever talking about Factory items everyone gushes about the Imperial tee. Looking at the pic it is rather a plain and simple tee. Can anyone explain to me what is so great about the Imperial tee please? thanks
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to see the factory clothing offered online. I live about 25 miles from a factory store but sometimes the inventory is really lacking in smaller sizes. The quality is definitely different from the originals, but I think most people understand that going in. My only gripe is that since I'm a shorty, I can't wear most of the stuff offered (except t-shirts and some sweaters). I would love to get the schoolboy jacket in heather graphite, but alas it is just too big everywhere. I would be so thrilled if they started offering some petite sizes or even 00 and XXS.
ReplyDeleteI no longer buy 100% cotton sweaters from anyone because I bought one from J crew years ago that wears and washes horribly, I assume because it has no ingredient that helps it hold its shape (wool or rayon or whatever). But it may not have to do with it being 100% cotton, it's just that this has never happened with my non-100% cotton sweaters.
ReplyDeleteFactory Imperial XS tee just arrived. LOVE IT! It's TTS, not too thin, the V-is not as deep, and doesn't cut into the "imperial" lettering like the retail version did. Great vintage feel, makes a nice neutral layer under v-neck cardigans and my gray/clay drapey Mackenzie jackets.
ReplyDeleteThe perfect-fit metallic twinkle tank is going back though. Not worth $29.50(now S24.40). It's a dull gray with silver speckles and cut far too low.
HTH
Happy weekend everyone!
I received the Factory Tiered Lace Cami and Lace Pencil skirt, and looove them. I took some IRL pics and will put them on my blog soon. The cami is TTS, pencil is a little snug, so maybe TTS or size up one. The pencil is actually perfect length on me even though I normally would order a petite. The factory 0 fits like a P0 at least for this item.
ReplyDeleteEmily, I am the same way. I refuse to buy 100% cotton sweaters no matter how cute they are. They just don't hold up well!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, I was surprised to see many of the same items that were in the factory store site last week. I was expecting an updated variety for a site that appears for 3 days only. What's the point of displaying the same products every weekend? I feel zero urgency as none of the items are must-haves for me.
ReplyDeletePerhaps off topic -- and maybe everyone has mentioned this -- but there is a profile of Mickey in the latest New Yorker, and it is so interesting. Then again, anything written about an interesting person is, well, interesting! The profile says so much about his history, and that's the kind of thing that fascinates me. Then again, I am his biggest fan. But who wouldn't be?
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ReplyDeleteI am pretty happy with the quality of the Factory store product..I have bought some things over the past 6 months that the retail side never even offered (even last season)..such as a nantucket red chambray button down..love it..i think they are overdoing the knits (particularly the graphic ts) but they are cheap to produce...But when you REALLY pay attention, the price points at Factory are not a lot lower than retail and there IS a difference in quality, although less than say, Banana Republic (awful). I will keep shopping both.
ReplyDeleteI liked two of the factory skirts but thought they were a little $$$...I also thought that I had seen them in a factory store and was not impressed, but I liked the prints so much, that I just went ahead and ordered them. They arrived very promptly and they are well-made- no stitching coming loose, nice hemns, pockets(!)..fit great in my "usual smaller size." Maybe they seem better than what I saw in the factory store because they are in the size I wanted and not wrinkled or a bit shop worn. The factory stores I have visited have been tidy, but sometimes the merchadise is only in a few sizes and has been there awhile.
ReplyDeleteI never knew that the outlet was different quality than the store, naive me! Although, i don't go too often. I am not impressed with the new online factory store; especially since it is only open for the limited time. I haven't seen great deals, better deals at JC final sale.
ReplyDeleteI do love that critter necklace!
Nothing for me. If you are buying something from Factory, check FS first! I see some regular retail items in FS this morning that are priced lower than the Factory versions.
ReplyDeleteFor me the impact of the quality difference w Factory items is TBD, after a few wearings/washings. Second lines are typically cheaper in fabric quality AND in the construction of the garment (pieced vs. fully-fashioned shoulder seams, # of stitches, nylon vs. cotton threads etc.)... not a big deal w a scarf, but more of an issue w other garments.
OT .... Land's End is having a "Friends & Family" event w 25% off regular-priced items and free shipping.
ReplyDeletePromo Code: SAVE25
PIN: 1373
One thing I really dislike about the factory store is that none of the clothes are worn by models. I'm thin, so it really helps if I can tell how skirts, pants, etc. hang on the models. There have been a couple skirts I would have bought if I could just see how they fit, but otherwise it's too risky to buy without trying them on.
ReplyDeleteLike Ann, I ordered the Kelsey cami in burnished olive (the evening primrose print) last week. I have it now and I think it's great. Quality is the same as my retail Kelseys as far as I can tell. I'm happy I was able to get the beautiful print that was offered in other items at retail.
ReplyDeleteI probably won't buy a lot from the online outlet. Sometimes a pattern catches my eye and I like the opportunity to get different pieces than I could in store.
i bought some boot cut cords @ the outlet last november, i see no difference at all between them and the regular store. perhaps it varies by item. but I dont think i would order anything online from the outlet.
ReplyDeleteI really like the beaded ribbon top, but for $85? I don't think so. It was sold out in my size anyway. I agree w/the other poster about there being the same stuff this week as last and there being no point to having it only available on the weekend. *shrugs*
ReplyDeleteDo you think the presence of Factory online now - even if it is only on weekends - is going impact the frequency or the timing of extra % off FS?
ReplyDeleteAlexis, just wanted to let you know that I just received a 25% of all in-store items (both regular and sale items) card from J.Crew! I thought it was my rewards card, but this is even better! The card is valid through October 11th and can be used as many times as we like. Hope you all get one too :)
ReplyDeleteI love the J.Crew factory in person, and I am excited that it is online. I haven't purchased anything yet, but I would like to point out my experiences with outlet things:
ReplyDelete1. Trying on is often a must, as they can be off-size on retail items.
2. There can be a difference between outlet and retail. This isn't necessarily bad. I purchased a Navy Blue pinstripe suit at a J.Crew Outlet in Feb. 2009. It was not as heavy as the Super 120s suits available at the retail stores. However, it was perfect for NYC in the summer as I didn't sweat in it as much. Quality wise it was on par with the retail store.
3. Like Coach, J.Crew creates a separate line for the factory. This, according to consumer reports, is actually better than regular outlet shopping, as many outlets just recycle rejects/unpopular items.
4. For those of us on a budget, you can get cute looks that look good, but are made out of a lesser material, ie compare dot pencil skirt to Ikat pencil skirt in final sale. Nearly identical, except the Ikat pencil skirt is shinier and has a slight variation on the dot to add dimension.
Happy shopping, If i see something awesome, I may just bite!
i'm eyeing a pencil skirt but c'mon 90 bucks!? i just ordered the retail double serge skirt for 78!
ReplyDelete