Thursday, October 7, 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.

56 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. There is a new style (at least I think it is) of the Ripstop Cargo pants in the store now, item #31654, that I purchased in black and olive green...love them! They are a slim fit, don't have the pockets on the side of the thighs (more flattering to those who have "issues" with that area), and are extremely comfortable. I went with my "normal" J.Crew pant size, even though I usually size up when the fit is slim, because they do stretch out after a bit. They are perfect to wear when going more casual, but can also be dressed up. Give them a try if you get a chance. :)

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  3. Slightly related....Madewell extended their free shipping with no minimum through October 11.

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  4. VERY excited that I was able to call my nearest b&m (which is 2 hours away) and get the moss green Arrow sweater jacket with the 30% off sweaters promo. They are even shipping it to me free of charge :) hooray!

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  5. I LOVE that I went to J.Crew yesterday for the sole purpose of stocking up on sweaters with my 25% off card (before it expires!) and found that ALL women's sweaters are 30% off! I was a little worried that they wouldn't combine the promotions, but at the register I received 30% off + 25% off! The 30% also applied to sweaters that were already marked down. I heard one of the SAs say "we're basically giving them away". Seriously! Not sure when the 30% off will end, but if you need sweaters and also have the 25% off card, this is a great time to use it :)

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  6. Most incredible deals last night! Including the red card discount and the additional 30% off of sweaters I made out with the following gems! (Original Price = OP and Snagged For = SF)

    Dream Draped V Sweater in Wild Plum OP $88.00 SF $26.24
    Traversa Cardigan in Nutmeg OP $88.00 SF $26.24
    Calista Cami in Dark Rosewood OP $79.50 SF $22.49
    Silk Twyla Tank in a Dark Charcoal (SCH?) OP $65.00 SF $14.99
    Beaten Twill Popover in Bluestone OP $59.50 SF $14.99
    Sequin Pencil Skirt in Brown Sheen OP$138.00 SF $37.51!!!

    That’s $518.00 worth of goodness for $142.46! Get to those B&Ms ladies especially if you need a sweater or two or twelve or have been eyeing the Sequin Pencil Skirt!

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  7. I bought several sweaters maybe last week w/my 25% off card. I guess I should haul em back to get the add'l 30% off, shouldn't I? Gosh, I'm getting tired of schlepping back there for all these price adjustments but it's worth it, no? I know the SA's there must hate me!

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  8. Love this post - thanks for the heads up about the 30% off in stores, ladies!
    I just ordered the Arrow sweater coat two days ago online and called this morning for a possible price adjustment and the super duper nice CS gave it to me! LOVE IT.

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  9. Just wanted to say that although I did not get the red card, I e-mailed by PS and she extended the 25% discount offer to me! Also, I just got an e-mail from J.Crew with a 20% off code that expires Oct 20th. Once time use only though.

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  10. The sweater promo is too good to be true--I have been pinching myself.

    FFM--me too on those pants--aren't they great!

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  11. Just got back from my B&M. Love that sweaters are 30% off. Got the cashmere zip, the boyfriend plaid and the ruffled sweater all on sale + 25% off. I was also able to order a jackie in rosewood on the red phone - they honored the 30% off and the 25% sale card. Vintage bateau tops were down to $29.99.

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  12. So if you order a sweater over the red phone with the discount, do you have to pay shipping?

    Just wondering because I won't be able to get to a B&M until tomorrow or Monday, and I'm guessing the selection will be pretty picked over by then. I'm really hoping to pick up the Arrow sweater with the discount!

    TIA!

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  13. Amanda, I asked customer service about this and their reply was that if it is not a full-price item then shipping costs are at the discretion of the sales associate. I mentioned this seems completely variable and unfair and they apologized but that was it.

    I think if you have a personal shopper or an associate you know making the call for you that's the best because they can ask to waive shipping fees no problems.

    I used the red phone yesterday and what I did was order a ride along and use the AUTUMN code.

    It's a very tricky and unfair game that they play...

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  14. Thanks Michelle. I was afraid that would be the case. Unfortunately I live kind of far away from my B&M so they don't know me very well. I will just have to see what I can do about changing that. :)

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  15. I love the ongoing cashmere sale at B&M in particular. Fabulous colors this Fall and very affordable especially when used with the White Card! I have been stocking up. I also nabbed The Rhapsody satchel in store with additional discount as well. I love this bag...the alpine moss color is so great - military chic inspired with a touch of sophistication.

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  16. Has anyone tried calling a B&M and using the white card to have them ship you something? My store doesn't carry cashmere and I'd love to pick up a couple of cashmere cardigans, but I don't know if this counts as a phone order ;) Also, how do I figure out what stores carry cashmere?

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  17. Chris-

    Could you elaborate a little on the alpine moss color? Online, if you click on the photo with model, it looks quite mossy, but the product photo looks like a really pale, almost minty green.

    Thanks!

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  18. Kristi,

    I'm not sure how you can tell what stores carry the cashmere but I did just call a store about an hour from my house and with the promotion (30% off and the coupon of 25%) they make you pay for shipping. It was my understanding that they did not but she explained any promotion at all would cause them to charge shipping.

    My store is rather small and has limited stock so I probably won't be able to take advantage of this promo unfortunately.

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  19. I had a really great experience at the b&m this afternoon. I went in looking for the sequin pencil skirt (on sale in store for $49.99), and they did not have my size left. The manager called for me over the red phone, and I was given the B&m price, plus 25% off with my Mickey card, plus free shipping. In total the purchase came out to $39.13 with tax.

    I also asked the manager if the Haya sequin sweatshirt was part of the 30% off promo. She said yes, so I proceeded to checkout. It dodn't ring up with the 30% off, so I asked to speak with the manager again. The SA was told to honor the 30% off, so that along with my 25% off card brought the total from $135 + tax to $73.97 with tax. I really appreciated their willingness to honor what I was told. :-)

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  20. Can anyone tell me if it is worth getting a personal shopper? I like hunting/mixing and matching on my own, but it seems like it benefits you to have one (deals,etc.). Thoughts? I am from the Syracuse area.

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  21. I received my order from last week last night. I LOVE the ivory/black dotted pencil skirt I ordered from Factory (item 14588). It fits perfectly like the normal JCrew pencil skirts and the print is fantastic!!! I can't wait to wear it!

    Unfortunately, the stretch vintage trouser cords did not work out for me. Good thing I didn't wait for final sale! I'm only 5'3" and ordered a petite thinking the length would be better, but they were too short. I wanted them for work and always wear heels to work, and these really needed to be worn with flats. Maybe I have longer legs than I realize? Also I wasn't as happy with the golden wood color in person. I was hoping for a carmel color, but it was more brown. So those are going back tonight. Not sure if I'll gamble on another pair in regular length. . .the other colors aren't as appealing. But I'm hoping to have as much luck as the rest of you at the B&M with the sweater sale!

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  22. Chris,

    Would be interested to hear how this years JCrew cashmere holds up.

    (I won't be buying any no matter what the price. My 08/09 cashmere sweaters from JCrew look like crap and I take very good care of my clothing. So here's hoping they have improved...)

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  23. Just swung by my B&M over lunch and not only are sweaters 30% off but all case jewelry is 25% off + red card = a great savings:)

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  24. Just got on to post about my b&m, it's the same as Twiga's and I was allowed to use the red phone to secure an item the b&m had sold out of and the 30% store promo + 25% disc. were applied to the order.

    Also, after finally making it to the b&m today and seeing the prices, I whole heartedly agree the pricing discrepancies between the b&m and website are just to ridiculous. I also suspect they're hiding some goodies at the b&m's during the 25% card promo.

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  25. Hi, Katherine - I highly recommend having a personal shopper (ps)! Mine is very helpful at suggesting items that suit my figure and taste, and gets me deals once in a while (the 20% others have been mentioning lately). Mine also lets me know when new items are coming in. Really, there's nothing to lose since it's a free service. :)

    I scored bigtime with the sweater deal as some others have (with the mickey card on top). Got the Boucle Bomber Jacket for $72 and change (instead of $138), a Jackie for $21 and the Traversa for $31. If JC had 40% events like Banana Republic, I might wait, but this is as good as we can get (other than final sale). If you need a sweater or two, now is a great time!

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  26. It's only women's sweaters, my BF is annoyed.

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  27. Thanks to those who posted about the 30% off sweater promo! Just stopped at my B&M to get the black & white marled shawl collar cardi. It was still marked regular price ($128) instead of $79.99 like online. They honored the online price, and with the promo and red card, it came out to $42! Waiting really paid off and I'm ecstatic! Also tried on the ever-popular Arrow sweater jacket. Fits like a glove and I'm considering going back to get it.

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  28. Twiga, thanks for the post about the 25% off on the jewelry case! I just ordered a necklace at full price yesterday, so going to see if I can get it cheaper at the B&M (and return the on-line order when I get it).

    Just wish I had the 25% off card too. :( I was not one of the lucky ones.

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  29. FYI, I was talking to the manager today and he said holiday 1 will be here October 20 and it will be a mix of "old and new J.Crew" He said a lot of people are sick of Jenna's ruffles and sequins on everything (his description, not mine). Cautiously optimistic...

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  30. Jackie - I tried almost the same thing at my B&M today with the black marled shawl cardi. I called before going in to make sure they had my size in stock and would honor the online price match + 30% off (sadly, I did not get a 25% card). They said yes... but when I got to the store I was told "no" - it was either online price match or 30% off but not both. The SA said, "If I did both, it'd be like I was giving it away. This is such a steal at $79.99, especially when they've been selling at $128." A steal?! Not for me, I said... Tried explaining what I was told on the phone, but he clearly didn't believe me. I walked away empty handed. Very disappointing. (This should probably go in 'Looking to Vent' but wanted to compare)

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  31. I just left the Rockefeller store and the SA didn't let me use the 25% off card on top of the 30% sweater promotion. He pointed out to me that the fine terms says the card may not be combined with other promotion. Seeing that everyone can use the card makes me want to bring the sweaters back to the store and try a different store. I got a Jackie and the arrow sweater.

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  32. Kimberly- So sorry to hear that! It really bothers me how inconsistent JC is from store to store and from SA to SA. If you have another B&M near you, I'd try calling again and if they let you do it, get the SA's name just in case. Good luck!

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  33. Hi Kris,
    It is definitely pale moss with a slight yellow hue. It is not minty green as the product photo lends. I really love the three sections in the bag - it is adorable and roomy. I must admit - had I not seen in the B&M, I would have thought the same thing.

    Genny, I am eager and hopeful that the cashmere holds out! I am trying to use the JC cashmere spray on them and far less washing. It works well. I also use this spray on my suits.

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  34. Chris,

    I have the cashmere spray as well from JCrew. I have never thought of using it on other items though. Thanks for the good idea.

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  35. Concerning Kimberly and japbin's experiences:

    I wonder if "word has gotten out" about all the posts today on using both 30% off sweater promo and 25% off white cards to get great prices/steals on the sweaters. I have a sinking feeling this "deal" of using both won't last through the weekend...I was very surprised to read that stores were allowing both.

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  36. I bought 2 cashmere v-neck sweaters today using 25%+30% OFF.this is my first time buying jcrew cashmere, but at this price, i can't complain. (around $50 each)

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  37. I had a great SA/CS experience and purchased a ton of sweaters. I've had decent experience with selected cashmere cuts from JCrew and love the colors this seaseon too.

    Other sale update: Palmilla lace pencil is $99 in store before any 25% card discount

    and the Marled Thandie is $89.99. LOVE!

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  38. Japbin -

    It is only the Sales Associate that can turn the red card away. The computer would apply it. I am assuming you mean the Rockefeller Center one in NYC. They are super snooty (I am assuming it is the tourists.)

    I hate that store. I have always had much better luck at the Columbus Circle Store (excellent personal shoppers there); the SoHo Store (more hands off, but are willing to fetch things and give you advise if you ask); and the South St. Seaport Store (not such great stock, as it is small, but friendly workers.)

    And, as I had said before, the SoHo store is well stocked with sales items, as well as regular items.

    I would try other NYC area stores if you can, there are better ones.

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  39. Chris - thanks, that helps. I have the Rhodie, which I'm not thrilled with, so this may be a nice substitute.

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  40. Allison, re Rock Center store, this is not the spot for rants, but boyoboy, ITA! Fortunately there are other JC stores a short walk away.

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  41. I went to the B&M at Galleria in Dallas and was told that the 30% off does not apply to already marked down sweaters, the CS sounded like he knew what he was talking so I didn't ask him to double check the price, next time I'm just going to ask them to verify the price :(

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  42. I went to Rock Center and Soho stores today. Sale section at Rock Center was very small and I wasn't interested in any of the sweaters even with the 30% off promo so I left empty handed. Soho store had much bigger sale section. I wanted to do a price match over the red phone on the sequin pencil skirt like Marietta did, and this store had them in stock for $49.99. I got an SA to help me but was told they could not do the price match because my particular size is waitlisted online...? I don't really see how this makes a difference as the website applies promos to items that are waitlisted all the time, but whatever; I didn't feel like arguing. Way too much effort to shop at JC sometimes. I feel like they make up the rules as they go along. They did let me use the 25% card over the red phone to order some shoes; at first the SA said no but when I said my size is not offered in-store he said he would ask. They applied the card but did charge me shipping. Oh, and there was one other item I was going to add to my order, which they told me was sold out, and of course when I get home and looked on the website I see there were plenty left in stock.


    I feel like they put out these promos to get people to buy, and then when they work, (i.e. people buying a lot of sweaters with the 30% plus 25% off), they freak out and add all these restrictions. Clearly people were not interested in buying at the higher prices...do you want to move merchandise or not?

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  43. Allison - Thanks for sharing your thoughts about other NYC stores. I will try Columbus Circle and possibly the one at Madison Ave. Hope I have better luck at these stores with the sweater promo. I could save another $20+ on the Arrow if the 25% card is applied!

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  44. I got a phone message from a JCrew associate yesterday making sure I received my 25% off card for their special customers :). Telling me that if I don't have it, I can come to the store to pick it up. Aaaaahhhh :). So sweet. I do still have my card and might just go and buy something today.

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  45. Now I'm upset at myself for not asking for a price match on the black marled cardigan when I was in the store. I had my daughter w/me and she wasn't feeling well, so I didn't feel like messing around w/the hassle. I did get it w/30% off + the 25% too, so it still turned out to be a decent deal IMO.

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  46. I recently received TWO of those 25% off cards in the mail! to be used in-store only... the catch is I currently live in China and the offer expires in 3 days (mail delay), so I couldn't even send it back to my mom to have her buy me a coat I've been wanting...

    well I called J. Crew customer service and they are letting me use this coupon code over the phone to place my order (they won't do it in the future, though).

    But that rocks! I am really surprised they did it.

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  47. Hi, everyone. Just got my November Lucky magazine, and on the last page is a photo of a J. Crew wool "Bumblebee" coat for $350, with the caption, "A black menswear classic looks super-strong and contrasty over lighter pieces." It's a black wool double breasted pea-coat-length coat with buttoned-flap front pockets and a notched collar. It looks fabulous, and I have to have it! Maybe it will be included in the October 20th Holiday 1 launch. Check it out!

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  48. Hi everyone,

    Unfortunately, I have a wedding to attend to at the end of the month and must buy a few big items for it. I was not one of the lucky ones to get the red card. Does anyone have a 20% coupon they can share with me? Your generosity would be much appreciated. Please email it to slickdealss2@gmail.com Thanks!

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  49. Update - took husband to store for last weekend of 25% off. While there, thought I'd try for the black marled cardigan.

    After verifying the online price and checking permission with a manager, a very helpful SA started to process my purchase for the online + 30% sweater promo + 25% off card price. Unfortunately there was a complication on register and he needed to call over the nearest manager to proceed. BIG MISTAKE.

    The nearest manager was the same one I'd encountered the first go-round. He got a nasty look on his face when he saw what I was buying and told me I wasn't allowed to purchase under those conditions. When I said that his colleague had just--literally moments ago--said that it was OK, he huffed off to find her.

    Minutes later, he came back and said, "Fine. We'll do this for you. But you had better know that I don't appreciate you coming back in here and asking all these different people until you get what you want. Of course if you ask enough people someone will make a mistake. You are violating policy."

    W-O-W. I told him I was simply asking to receive the same treatment that I know other customers had received. Had we not been late for lunch, Hub would've had them return every single item we'd just bought.

    Still not sure what to do about that horrible treatment. Write a letter? Ask my PS when he's on duty so I can be sure to avoid him in the future? Let it go?

    (BTW - the poor SA who was helping me got so flustered he forgot to apply the 25%. At that rate, I just let it go so we could leave).

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  50. Kimberly, it is INEXCUSABLE anyone, especially a manger, would treat a customer that way.

    I would definitely do something about it. We like to grouse here about the sometimes less-than-stellar CS, but this is too much.

    Can you get the manager's name (maybe from your PS)? I'd definitely write Mickey directly about the incident. That is really horrible. It helps to be specific - if you want a apology, ask for one. Ask for this incident to be taken into account at his next review. Ask that he receive further customer service training in line with JCrew's expectations. You can also try this number: 800.205.7961 I wanted to give positive feedback about an excellent experience I had recently with a manager and this is the number they gave me. But I feel this is important enough to write to Mickey. He should know.

    As for the pricing, perhaps your PS can make sure the 25% is credited to you?

    Good luck. So sorry you had such a bad experience.

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  51. Kimberly,

    I know exactly how you feel...
    We are spending money there, and they make you feel like you are a bottom-feeder because you shop final sale, ask for discount applied, or return stuff.

    Please do write and post. So people like me knows what to do after these terrible experience.

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  52. Kimberly: Wow is right! I am sorry to hear about that experience. I do think you were treated poorly. I think you should call or write to J.Crew to let them know your situation and how publicly it was done.

    It's one thing if you were trying to work around store policy, but in this case you were not. Stores match online prices, there was an in-store promotion going on, and you wanted to use the 25% card. It's smart shopping to know what prices to purchase at. AND other customers have been able to get those same prices at J.Crew stores throughout the country withOUT hassle. So there shouldn't be any comments to make you feel like you are stealing merchandise. :(

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  53. Thanks for your thoughts, everyone. I've written a letter and it's going in the mail tomorrow. I'll update--either on 'Looking to Love' or 'Looking to Vent' depending on what (if any) response I receive.

    Alexis, thanks for facilitating such a great blog and discussion board!

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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! :)