Thursday, September 23, 2010

"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Ibi who suggested weekly 'Looking to LOVE' and 'Looking to HATE' posts where we could all "deposit" our best & worst current experiences. I think it is a brilliant idea and will try it out for a few weeks. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

This is the weekly "Looking to LOVE with J.Crew" post, a place to share our favorite experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a positive situation with J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including stellar experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

61 comments:

  1. the "new styles added email" arrived this morning showing the item I ordered arriving today had been marked down. A simple phone call to their great CS adjusted the price for me--thank you JC!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Just recvd the Jackie twinset in...crud, my crewdential should be taken away for not remembering. I literally had to grab the receipt to check. I'm exhausted.

    Dark rosewood. Dark rosewood, I love you very much. Will be wearing you tomorow, cardi.

    Will add crewdential to the vocab list in a day or two. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love the outfit featured in this post! I'm happy to know that that outfit didn't just catch my little eyes. So pretty. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ordered the Rimini Cardigan in Black Pine from the red phone earlier today. Everything was fine until I got home and looked at the receipt in my email.. "this item is final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged." Gee, thanks phone associate for mentioning that to me!

    So I called CS and the guy who helped me was super friendly and accommodating. He apologized at least three times that the SA on the phone never mentioned that the item would have been FS, and then offered me the choice between canceling the order or just having him place a note on the order stating that the item could be returned. He didn't use the "one time courtesy" line, either. I was really pleased with the quality of service on that phone call!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Crewdentials! Love it!

    I will always have a soft spot for the catalogs and the photography (although not always the styling). Especially December having 2 catalogs and a thicker Holiday one. I would love to see some sort of online repository for those images - too bad that Google Catalogs didn't work out!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi I need help from you JCA's.... posted a polyvore on my blog of the Goldenrod Brocade top and felted mini to my blog. I have an event, and am trying to decide between two pair of shoes. The dh is no help (except to say, don't you already have a pair of shoes that will work?). So I posted pics of the shoes, and am hoping my bloggy friends will help me decide! Won't you give me your opinions??

    Thanks a bunch!

    thechicchauffeur.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love the skimmer pants! I ordered my regular size but in petite and they fit perfectly. The material does stretch out, but I wouldn't necessarily size down only becuase the waistband is not as elastic as the rest of the pant.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm looking to LOVE the October catalogue. I think the styling is much more wearable than the last two. I flipped through and actually could see myself in some of those outfits..maybe with slightly different shoes and hair. But, still props to JCrew for more wearable styling!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I would like to love on the fact that final sale doesn't always mean final sale- I ordered the McAllister fringe boots, 1/2 size down, and they were still enormous. I explained this to the CS rep, and they were so nice about putting a note on the order and allowing me to return them. It restores my faith in humanity.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love the fact that I just received the 25% off all in store orders until October 11. Thanks J.Crew. What a fantastic way to make a customer feel valued :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have always had the BEST CS from JCrew, on the phone and in person, and have a few examples of when they've gone above and beyond for me.

    Last week I went looking for the Kelsey leopard-print ballet flats for my mom, who had been wanting them for over a year but nervous to order anything online (we live in Canada). I went to the Collection store in NYC on my vacation but they only had size 5 and 9. I asked the very busy SA if she could try to find them in another store for me. At first she told me she'd be happy to give me the phone numbers for the other NYC stores. I explained that I was from Canada and didn't have my cell phone (I didn't), and that I was only in town for one day (I was), and could she possibly call the stores for me?

    She flagged down another SA and explained my situation to him, and he took her spot on the floor while she went to the red phone. She found the size I needed at another location and put them on hold for me. I thought that was awesome CS, and Mom LOVES the shoes.

    So keep up the good work, JC!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love that I got the redcard. Any news on whether we can use redphone in stores with it? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I just wanted to put my 2¢ in - I'm loving this new feature, Alexis! Thank you! :)

    And as for my J.Crew-love, I recently bought the Chili Pepper sequin tee (yes, I had stalked it ever since it came out) and wore it that same night! So comfy and I'm thinking, versatile to layer when it gets cooler. ;) I guess my stalking paid off - I got it at $9.99! Yahoo!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Went to Columbus Circle, NYC store last night and all the SAs were super sweet and eager to help.

    Also, got a few new items I love--palmilla lace pencil skirt--gorgeous! I also got the silk posy top in warm wisteria from the online outlet--arrived yesterday and I'm pleased with the quality--on par with store items (I think the consensus is that the silk tops are safe to buy from the outlet, but the sweaters/knits are not). I had really liked this top when it came out last year but none of the colors worked for me, so I was pleased with the new color offerings at the online outlet.

    ReplyDelete
  16. My Factory scarf (reviewed on review thread) was actually quite nice!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Kudos to JC and to the JCAs. I somehow never noticed the Elan pants and it wasn't until several here commented on them that I took a look. I received the 120s and the silk-linen versions. I like the silk-linen fine, the fabric is thicker like a winter pant and the 120s are really nice, lovely fabric, not lined but don't need to be and since I'm not tall, these will work with heels or ballet flats. Cute and clever, thanks JCAs!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I received one of those 25% off any in-store purchase cards today! Thanks, J.Crew!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Just wanted to comment on good customer service I received the other day. I brought in the infinity(?) cardigan because it became pilly after only one wear. The SA immediately offered to exchange it for a new one, they no longer had the same color (mine was the teal color that had been on sale) so I was able to pick from any of the still full-price colors. I was glad to see that they are still standing by the quality of their goods with no hastle - the SA barely glanced at the sweater's condition before apologizing profusely and offering me a new one.

    I also want to mention to Boston-area JCA's that the Copley store is fantastic now that the men's section has been moved to a separate store. There is an expanded shoe section and jewelry and much more room to walk around.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I bought the suede floppy belt in sandy brown and I LOVE it. It is just what i was looking for to wear with long open cardigans. Also looks great with pencil skirts. I like how it is floppyn (I hate stiff wide belts) and how the bottom part can hang down diagonally or be tucked in under for different looks. Had some trouble figuring out the size as the S could barely buckle and M was a little bigger than I wanted. I finally went with M to be able to wear it lower on the waist.
    I also got the black Marot dress. I know it was criticized here and it is definitely not worth it at FP but I got it for $29.99 (39.99 - 25%) so I am happy with it. I actually had $79 credit on my JC card and after these purchases I still have couple dollars left over, so it felt like getting it all for free, yay!
    On the not so happy note, I asked about using the 25% off card on the red phone but I was told no :(
    Well, my wallet thanks me, because I was contemplating Trudie coat and a suiting dress, haha.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Silverlining- I still love the catalogs too. I think Sept was beautiful and liked how they reeled in some of the styling. I'm working on a jcrew catalog archive on my forum, wardroberesale.com. Anyone who is interested in helping by loaning old cats, please email me. I'd love to borrow a Paris catalog to photograph.
    Anyway, yay for catalogs! It always makes my day when one arrives in my mailbox

    ReplyDelete
  22. A CS rave here!

    I had been patiently awaiting an order that never seemed to arrive so I contacted CS asking if something had happened as it was past the expected shipping time and I was unable to get any status on my order after repeated log ins.

    While I was a bit miffed about the lack of explanation- no one could provide any sort of tracking number and I believe it was either labeled improperly or a warehouse error (never sent) The CS representative was friendly, apologetic and credited my account then proceeded to refill my order at a discounted rate honouring the prices from the promo.

    In a perfect world I'd have my items (and have worn my new belt and shirt during my girls night out) but I'm happy that they are still able to show a consistently great level of CS time and time again.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love that today, I just received the 25% off card many people have been talking about...I am in the Midwest (Chicago), for those who are keeping their fingers crossed. I had almost given up hope. Thank you, J. Crew!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Like many others, I love the 25% off card I received in the mail. Thanks J.Crew!! Also, I ordered and received this year's cashmere shawl popover in bronzed olive and the color is just gorgeous. You can't beat J.Crew's colors.

    I do wish J.Crew would kill the catalog/online only strategy. My cart has over $1000 which I'd happily buy if I could just try it on in-store first.

    ReplyDelete
  25. lots of good markdowns today at the store, mainly tops, tee shirts sweaters, just a few pairs of pants.

    i think this stuff will move quickly

    3/4 sleeve t's priced @ 19.99

    some of the spring merinos still @ 60, they should be lower by now IMO

    ReplyDelete
  26. Got the cashmere popover in heather plum and it's beautiful - not a deep purple, but just enough color to compliment the richness of the cashmere. I can see if someone were expecting a bright or very deep purple this would be disappointing, but it's very nice nonetheless. I'm rather broad shouldered and the M fit me perfectly. Can't wait to wear this under my denim jacket or vests!

    I'm on the west coast (Portland, OR) and got the 25% card today :)! I'm thinking these are trickling in, so don't give up hope if you haven't received one yet. Thanks, JC!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I got my card today!! Yippee!! Thanks JC!! Now, what to buy? My store doesn't stock much in the way of shoes. There's a store a bit further away that I've never gone to. Maybe I'll call and see if they're a bigger store than my usual close by one.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I just got my red/white 25% off card today in Austin, TX....so happy to get it after reading that they were "out there". Will break it in tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I got my very first 20% off in a catalogue today! Very exciting, though I wish it could be used along with a free ship code. I am so close to pulling the trigger on the Arrow sweater in heather caramel but I can't let myself do it until it goes on sale. I have it in the dark grey color and I love it to pieces. Also considering the Tulipe cami but I'm not sure of the fit. Have any JCAs tried/loved?

    Also, how gorgeous is the Darla ruffle cami in vintage rosewood?

    ReplyDelete
  30. Received a 20% off card today in the mail! I live in the Pacific NW, always takes longer for mail to arrive from J.Crew.

    I was surprised as I purchase regularily but also return tons.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Also, received a Talbots catalogue today with a very similar promotion: 20% off everytime I shop until October 11th (same end date as J.Crew red card).

    ReplyDelete
  32. Just received my 25% off red/white card in the mail today. For those of you in the SF bay area/CA in general, don't give up hope!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Lia, I tried on the Tulipe today and found it to be TTS. No side zip (or any zip, hooray!), the neckline and shoulders were definitely dramatic - I think it would look best under a cardi or jacket, but the neck wasn't so low that it was obscene. However it is unlined and hanging on the hanger, completely see-through. My guess is that it will go down in price.

    ReplyDelete
  34. TRUE love--I got the card! and so did my husband which works out great as he is travelling constantly right now and I don't have to be without it. I am SO happy!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Wow, I actually got a red card in the mail!! I'm pretty surprised. I tend to return most of my Crew purchases (begrudgingly) because they're too big for me 90% of the time. I hope I can put the card to good use!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Red Cards are still being delivered here in Texas. Mine came today....Big surprise!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Just had a nice online chat with a SA about the red card being used for in-store only purchases. I was told that I could order sizes not available in the store from the red phone. I was asking in particular about size 14 in crewcuts and adult petite sizes.

    ReplyDelete
  38. i'm in the SF/Bay Area CA and just got my red card today...like others have said, west coasters don't give up hope! thank you jcrew! :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Does anyone know if the cecelia cami or dream studded cardigan is marked down in stores?

    ReplyDelete
  40. To echo SE Mom's comment, I just spoke with a CS rep on the online chat and asked about using the 25% off card on the red phone. The scenario I specifically inquired about was ordering a pair of boots in black that was only offered in brown in the B&M. She said absolutely that would be OK.

    (I took a screenshot of the chat and fully plan to print it out... just in case)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Well, I won't get a red/white card here in Canada, but I second Gigi's love for the dark rosewood Jackie twinset. The color is gorgeously rich and I can't wait to wear it with my ochre double-serge pencil skirt. I always wear the ochre with dark plum, raisin or brownish purple tops. Thank you to Fabulous Florida Mommy for that color pairing tip, from probably two years ago now!

    Tell you what I really love about J.Crew - the J.Crew Aficionadas!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Can anyone provide fit details for the Stadium Cloth Peacoat ? I seem to recall that people were sizing up. Is that the case and if so, how many sizes up? And are the arms fitting tight?

    TIA

    ReplyDelete
  43. mini_t: the Cecilia Cami was marked $79.99 at my B&M in Portland, Oregon. BTW, received my 25% off card today - thanks J. Crew!

    ReplyDelete
  44. SE Mom,

    I am not 100% sure but I thought when I read the fine print on the red card that it is only good for Mens and Womens clothing. NOT Crewcuts.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks Opheliasmom :). I'm in Ohio and got my red card in the mail today! My first gift!!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Just received my "red" card in the mail today...25% off an in-store purchase and can be used multiple times. Love, love, LOVE...

    Recently purchased both the tweed schoolboy blazer and the Harriet blazer (black woo crepe)...love both of them...going to be wearing them all season long. Also ordered the black zipper gloves but found them a bit tight so returning them for a size large. They are super cute!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I got the card!!!!!! Such a nice surprise!! I really really appreciate it!!

    OT I got a gap card member event card for 30% off for card members and I immediately threw it away. Apparently 25% off J. Crew is worth much more to me!!

    I hope everyone else gets the card too.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I must recant my previous bitchery: I got a card! Woo hoo!

    ReplyDelete
  49. A red card arrived for me today! Yay!

    I'm also lucky - I have an awesome online PS. Tomorrow is my birthday and she sent me a present. How nice is that?

    ReplyDelete
  50. Well, I love the red card! Seriously, that's the kind of thing I've been hoping J Crew would do for a long time--a nice reward for customers. It's definitely going to make me drop money at J Crew I would have likely spent elsewhere. Keep those cards coming, J Crew!

    I also love the ruffle perfect tee-shirt in the dark rosewood. So pretty. And I'm excited to pick up another V-neck cashmere cardi (I allow myself one a year), the toothpick cords, and the wool pencil in that lovely blue. These are all pieces that I think are cut to flatter and are very well made.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Has anyone tried the Severn lace mini or seen it IRL? How is it fitting? Thanks so so much!

    ReplyDelete
  52. xoxo- I took my regular size in the Stadium Cloth Peacoat. I didn't notice any tightness in the arms or elsewhere.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Still no card for me. *twiddles thumbs*

    ReplyDelete
  54. Got my "red card" yesterday in the mail with the October catalogue! Still coming ladies, hang on!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Got my red card in the mail yesterday...I'm on the East Coast. Yay...Thank you JCrew...I only wish you sold tall in-store so I could use this on some suiting!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Not in the US, so no red card... but I have now worn my navy superfine cotton Emmaleigh dress twice in 2 week and love, love, love! It's just the perfect career dress and was totally worth the extra shipping and customs.

    ReplyDelete

Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)