This is the weekly "Looking to VENT with J.Crew" post, a place to share our not-so-stellar experiences with J.Crew.If you have recently experienced a frustrating 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 poor experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.
I am still hoping for a wishlist feature. Just about every other site has one, so why not J.Crew? I would also like to be able to see more than my last 5 orders placed in my account history. They had this feature before the big website *upgrade* a couple years ago, so why not now?
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ReplyDeleteThe wishlist feature would be great - especially when JC dumps my cart (which always seems to be when a new promo starts!).
ReplyDeleteAnd for my weekly quality rant - the black pine Infinity cardigan I've worn twice has started pilling all the way up the arms, and the exposed seam at the bottom is fraying. What a POS. I'm adding 14 gauge merino to the list of my "do not purchase" items. :\
And finally - does anybody else ever receive an item and just cannot believe it went for its full retail price? Case in point - I received the long Benny blazer and like the fit and the urban grey color (and the low price I paid!) but being mostly unlined, I could not believe that it was being sold for $168! I think that, looking at the old catalogs and owning some of the older items, the price was a little more in line with the quality, whereas now it is in most cases, just wildly discrepant. What a difference 5 years (and an IPO) makes!
Just got email from BR titled: You Asked, We Deliver: FREE Shipping Every Day! It's free on any order over $50, which is a nice, low minimum. Heed your competitors, j.crew!
ReplyDeleteJ. Crew, take note. I just got an email from Banana Republic telling me that from now on it's free shipping every day on orders over $50, no hassle, no code needed. What a breath of fresh air!
ReplyDeleteArgh, got a (huge) order yesterday - nothing fit, in my usual sizes and I have gained exactly 1 pound over the last year. I think they are screwing with the sizes again. Also was really excited about a crushed berry chiffon trim t shirt - what showed up was a gray crewcuts boys t. Argh, indeed.
ReplyDeleteReceived the studio sequin sweatshirt - was so excited to receive it as it had been waitlisted with a later ship date, so I did arrive earlier than expected. However, opened up the flimsy packaging, the sweatshirt had obviously been a return that was shipped right out to me without any attempt at re-packaging. It was simply wadded into some plastic with wrinkled up tissue-paper inside as well. There was no attempt at even folding it. The entire back of the sweatshirt and sleeves are a wrinkled mess! This is unacceptable on any item, but this is supposed to be a "Collection" item?!
ReplyDeleteOrdered 1035 suiting pants in wool crepe and Super 120s pinstripe. Decided to invest in what appeared to be the perfect design. They're completely different pants.
ReplyDeleteThe leg on the crepe pant is at least 2 inches narrower and definitely straight. The leg on the 120s pant is not straight, although the description says it is. It doesn't appear to be a new pant, either: just last year's Classic Trouser with a new name.
Furious because the shipping was incredibly expensive. 5th Ave store offered to refund shipping, which is good, but you can't really compensate for the time wasted and disappointment.
silver_lining, apparently they want you to give your wishlist to a PS. At least that's what I think I heard in the long blurb while waiting to talk to CS on the phone this morning. Maybe it was just for holiday shopping but I'm sure they mentioned it. How unhelpful is that when you need to rely on a person sitting at a desk? Automate a wishlist, please!
ReplyDeleteRebecca, I totally agree about the wacky sizing. I still fit all my clothes from last year yet I find new the skirts fitting smaller, and the pants are bigger, usually the opposite for me. During the summer clearout I purchased several pairs of ripstop cargo pants for gardening, walking the dog, etc. All were size 4 yet none of them fit the same. It's a total crapshoot, even within the same style.
I am just appalled at the inventory management. One day something is on sale for 30% off, the next week it is full price, then it is 15% off. WHAT GIVES. I feel like I am playing a game every time I shop there.
ReplyDeleteRecently I bought an Elements Coat with the 20% off Outerwear and then a week later it was 20% off Outerwear and then 25% off my purchase. I went in the store to do a PA, but they seemed really annoyed even though I bought enough stuff to make up for the difference and actually ended up owing them money. I am just tired of buying things and then having to check online and at the store once a week to see if they've gone on sale and I need to do a PA.
I am also annoyed with the sizing. I am not tiny, but some of the 0 stuff is big on me. I have found everything to be running a half to a full size big this season.
I have also found the sizing to be inconsistent between individual items. I tried on Dream Zip Sweater in XS and loved it, so when it went on sale I grabbed one. I tried it on and I could not get my arms in it. I grabbed another and the XS fit perfectly! I guess I just have to try on a few of each size from now on to make sure I get the right one.
I would love to see Stores carry size 14 & Size XL. They always sell out quickly online and I know that they would sell quickly in stores as well.
ReplyDeleteAnd Yes to wish list as well!
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ReplyDeleteI think they won't do the wishlist feature.
ReplyDeleteJ crew doesn't want us to keep the item links from Factory store to buy during the week. Also It will be too obvious to make certain items disappear when a promo starts, and other wacky things J crew does with promos.
I guess I've been very lucky that I've never had a wrong item shipped to me, but it finally happened this week. I ordered the Denim Short in Desire Wash (the super-dark blue ones) and was so happy that my size had popped back in the Sale section. What arrived were the faded Boyfriend Denim shorts. The invoice had the correct item, the plastic bag the shorts came in was for the right item, but someone had re-packed the wrong item inside.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, no more shorts in stock in my size.
Disappointed!!! >:-(
I bought the marled thandie blazer in mid-October, when Jcrew had extra 30% off of sale. With the discount, I paid $70 for the jacket.
ReplyDelete2 days later, jcrew reduced the price of the jacket to $49.99 with no discount. I hadn't even received my shipment yet, so I called to see if I could get a price adjustment.
The rude customer service rep told me "I had already used a promotion" and "the item was final sale". I replied that I was not interested in returning the item (considering I didn't have it yet), but I would like for you to adjust the price. She refused, and when I asked to speak to a manager, she told me one would call me.
No one ever called.
I've been a long-time customer, but am pretty sure I'm done (I've not been thrilled with the quality of my last few orders anyway). Consider the fact that companies who are renowned for their service wouldn't hesitate to fulfill this request: places such as Nordstrom and Land's End.
Twiga, I heartily agree! Mystore is really small and never has 14 or XL (same with my Anthro). I wear a 14 bottom and would like to be able to try on in store rather than place an order just to see if something works. It is really annoying.
ReplyDeleteTwiga, I totally agree. I was told that some stores would offer size 14s in pencil skirts as of October 5. I haven't seen any yet.
ReplyDeleteMy gripe is with shoe sizing & shipping. I was lucky enough to be able to exchange a pair of final sale flats for a larger size but I had to pay my own shipping back for a return. I think that they should offer FREE RETURN SHIPPING on shoes the way Piperlime & Zappos do because some shoes run big, some run small and most of the time there aren't any sizing guidelines in their description of the shoes. Why leave us stuck with shoes that don't fit?!
ReplyDeleteSO disappointed with the quality of a few things recently. I ordered the cashmere v-neck henly in the spring of this year on clearance, to save for the fall. I finally wore it, twice, and there's already a two inch hole along the arm seam. When I called customer service they weren't much help, and told me to send it back at my expense "with a little note describing the problem". Ugh. Who knows if I will get another one or get my money back since it was final sale.
ReplyDeleteAlso recieved the Dream Alexie sweater and it had a hole in it within 20 minutes of the first wear. I couldn't make up this stuff if I tried. JCrew must think I run my sweaters into the ground, but I honestly don't know what I'm doing to make them fall apart so quickly...
In the last week I've placed four online orders for various fashion/beauty items and craft supplies. Three were $50 or under, and none was over $150. Guess what--I didn't pay shipping on any of them! Hint, hint.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone had an issue returning older than 30 day purchases lately? I rarely had a problem in the past returning items MUCH older than the 90 day or whatever it used to be policy, but I am worried I am going to have issues now. I have been unable to make it to my local store for a month now (car problems; long story) and have some stuff to return but I'm wondering if they will take it back.
ReplyDeleteThe new return policy has pretty much made me stop shopping J.Crew, I have to say.
opps forgot to mention my other sizing request- how about size 10.5 shoes? Most other shoes companies have this size and it is very popular.
ReplyDeleteGood morning all! I haven't posted for awhile, because my JC purchases have pretty much shriveled on the vine. WellFedFred's comments the other day likening the Crew to the uncomfortable run-in with the drab old flame was a most accurate description as far as I'm concerned. I visited two B&M's whilst in Chicago a few weeks back. Since my closest B&M is over a hundred miles from the homestead, and it is an outstandingly crappy one to boot, I thought that dedicating a spcial day to Crewsin' in the big city would, you know, bring the romance back. How very untrue! The stores were a mess, the SA's were over-caffienated, nothing fit, some of the sweaters from the latest roll-out were already shopworn, but the very worst thing was the comments I overheard from the dressing rooms adjoining mine. EVERYONE was complaining about the same things we complain about here- the poor quality materials and craftmanship and how screwy the sizing has become. The most deserted parts of the two stores were the checkout lanes. This was a quite a departure from the heavenly shopping indulgence of memory four years ago. MY QUESTION-How much farther can JC decline? Even though I am definitely one of those "older" JCAs, and long for some of the "classic with a twist" styles to return, I would still be buying some of the current offerings if the quality was there. Now about eighty five per cent of JC I will not buy- no unlined wool pants, jackets, pilling sweaters after one wear, holey tees and manmade sole shoes-yuck. Does anyone think it is going to get better, or is the ship going down?
ReplyDeleteI have 3 Arrow sweaters and I LOVE them...all are piling on the arms..AHHHH. The most I have worn each is two times.
ReplyDeleteAlso fell the Dream zip Henley Swtr is piling after one wear...
So disappointed...anyone else noticing this with these two sweaters?
Hi David - good post! I'm at a loss to see how it could get better, because any attempt at increasing quality and customer satisfaction (ie, flat-rate shipping) would (for the short term) mean less $$ for stockholders. And in this retail environment it seems like it's all about the short-term anywhere you look.
ReplyDeleteAnybody ever watch "Kitchen Nightmares" with Gordon Ramsey? He goes around attempting to help failing restaurants, and his plan of attack always entails two things: cutting the number of dishes on the menu by at least half, and insisting on using good-quality ingredients to make them. JC could do better by cutting the number of items they produce and doing them well. This would help keep them in the game in the long run - but if they keep going down the path they are now, I can't imagine that will continue to be profitable. /end $0.02
Lauren, sounds like it's business as usual with the Dream sweaters. The Dream zip henleys in my B&M were covered in pills.
ReplyDeleteMy heather charcoal Arrow looks fine, but it sounds like some of the other colors are not holding up as well.
@silver_lining LOL the Charcoal is my 4th and I have not worn it yet!!! Debating on sending it back...I def went overboard but the are so functional. I work in a casual COLD office so they are perfect.
ReplyDeleteYou are right on in your previous post about producing less and better quality.
I had high hopes for the Dream Zips...I ordered mine online...like you the ones in the shop were all pilled/shop worn.
I agree with Hexicon. In the past two days, I have had two orders at different stores ship free (both were just a tad over $50).The orders shipped the same day and I am expecting them this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteNow,for contrast,last Friday early A.M.,I placed 2 orders at J Crew. They didn't ship until Tuesday and I am expecting delivery Thursday.Hmmm.
Sub
ReplyDeleteI hate J Crew shipping to the West Coast. It is so slow! Anthro uses USPS (usually) and I can get items in 3 days across the country.
ReplyDeleteGoosey, I had a similar situation back in August. They had sent me the wrong item (which has happened to me quite frequently), I called CS, CS was a nightmare, to the point I had to remind her they shipped me the wrong item. Anyway, she was so difficult that for the second time ever, I requested to talk to a manager. She refused to transfer me, twice. She said she had been helpful. So I called back and explained to the new rep I needed to talk to a manager, was nicely transferred and the issue was fully resolved.
ReplyDeleteYou should call them back. I realize its been a few weeks but no one ever called you back and therefore your issue was never resolved. I recommend you do the same thing and just flat out request a manager instead of dealing with CS (they might ask for background but they should transfer you).
The one thing you could always rely on was excellent customer service but for the past year, its been so hit or miss. I do get what I need eventually but like others have commented shopping shouldn't = struggle.
two words, POOR QUALITY.
ReplyDeleteJust purchased some items from F21 (all their versions of JC items). Four items totaled $51 plus change. Shipping was free! Have not recieved them yet but in the past I have found that F21 has quality that exceeds it's super low prices.
ReplyDeleteLauren, I always steer clear of the Dream sweaters. Bought one nearly four years ago and the piling was almost immediate. :(
Speaking of JC's sweaters, after spending a small fortune last year on stocking up on their cashmere, only to have it pill right away, I now don't buy any of their sweaters. It's a shame, because I love their styles and colors, but they are made to self destruct. I would rather pay more and have a sweater that lasts. And $150 is too much for a disposable sweaters.
ReplyDeleteI also hate the new return policy. I've become MUCH more cautious with what I buy and have started shopping more at other retailers like Nordstrom. I did return a pair of shoes the other day that i purchased way back in July. I didn't have a problem returning them, but I did exchange them for a hefty alternate purchase. Anyway, maybe try an exchange. I had a receipt and the item was brand new, so they could easily pop it back on the website and sell for f/p.
ReplyDeletesilver_lining, JCrew isn't doing any favors for stockholders. The stock is in the toilet. I keep kicking myself for not getting rid of it when it was up.
ReplyDeleteTwiga,
ReplyDeleteI second the 10.5 shoe size. Would love to see that in the flats.
In the past month I have:
ReplyDelete1.received incorrect items in an order
2.had a return credited incorrectly
3.purchased an Arrow cardi which has a hole in it
The shipping and return issues were courteously resolved by customer service after multiple phone calls/speaking to multiple departments/being placed on hold forever. I purchased the sweater at a b&m while on vacation and am not able to easily return/exchange it. It is fixable but I expect more for such an expensive item. I have worn it once!
Poor quality is the biggest issue for me. I used to shop exclusively at j.crew. Lately I return way more than I keep.
As a side note, I placed an order with Land's End which was not delivered thanks to my post office. I called Land's End and they shipped me a replacement via UPS next day air!!! No questions asked and the phone call took under 5 minutes. I paid under $20 for a cute, high quality, striped t-neck. I have already washed/worn it and there was no shrinkage, pilling or holes.
Jeanne, thanks for clarifying - I haven't been following the stock price beyond what I've read on JCA.
ReplyDeleteI'm really bummed to read about more tales of poor quality.
Honestly, my biggest beefs these days are the shipping costs (of course) and the bouncey-ball prices / half-assed promotions.
ReplyDeleteThe pricing inconsistencies from day to day online -- and online vs. in-store, and from store to store even! -- are simply out of hand. There is no excuse for that and it really needs to stop.
Also, no one should be left to feel angry because something they bought dropped sharply in price immediately afterward. But that happens all the time, and it's just terrible. It's no way to treat people who spend money at your store.
I really haven't had the quality issues many of you have had, and I'm grateful for that. But I am mad at myself for giving so much business to a company that essentially treats me like dirt. I spend 1/10 of the amount of $$ at Gap/BR/Old Navy and they treat me like a queen. You could argue they're not comparable, but that shouldn't matter. Hell, Dunkin' Donuts treats me better than J Crew!
The really sad thing is that it's all so easily fixed. They have the resources. I just get the impression that they don't care about cultivating customer loyalty and taking care of their best customers, or even really attracting new ones.
What I wouldn't give to give dear leader a big ol' piece of my mind!
OT:
ReplyDeleteTalbots has free shipping today from 12-3 "your time" as well as 30% off dresses.
Elaine,
ReplyDeleteWhile my biggest beef is quality issues and getting sent defective and totally wrong merchandise...I would love to sit with Mickey and have a nice, honest chat about how I feel about JCrew's rapid decline in many areas! Wouldn't a little round table discussion with a few of us JCA's be fun! (an educational on both sides!)
It's strange how so many "mall brands" are starting to get ridiculously crappy in quality whilst raising their prices. And JCrew is the worst of the lot - selling tragically disastrous sweaters for $168 one day and then reducing it to $69.99 two weeks later. Only their shoes are really worth buying.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone give me Mickey's e-mail address? I am annoyed enough about the V-neck cashmere cardi to write him personally.
ReplyDeleteI have bought 4 other cashmere sweaters from Costco (at $50Cdn a pop) in previous years that I have worn and washed extensively and they are still better looking than this one.
One positive comment before I vent:
ReplyDeleteThere is 25% off outerwear promo going on in-stores right now (no signs) and I was able to order a coat in my size/color that was not in store from the red phone to get the discount plus free ship.
Vent for the week: They had some of the new holiday stuff out. First disappointment--more icky acrylic/alpalca/nylon blend sweaters, look like last yr's bling button but v-neck and different colors. JCrew, you are not saving money by using crappy knits when you have to mark the stuff down to 19.99 to get people to buy it because they don't want cheap itchy sweaters!!!
Also, they had some new 15" miniskirts. One was covered in sequins with a large apron-like fan of feathers across the front. The other had fuschia xmas tree tinsel tacked all over it. No I am not kidding. The same metallic stuff you put on your xmas tree was tacked all over the skirt.
While I commend creativity, a mass merchant such as JC needs to take the creative ideas and translate them into something real people can wear. Everytime I see more of this kind of stuff, I just think JC doesn't really want my business anymore.
I agree with everyone regarding the quality issues, especially with the sweaters. Unless they're cotton, I have to purchase new sweaters every season!
ReplyDeleteMy other big complaint is with their rewards program. Why is it that each rewards card only gives you a couple of months to spend it? I have been having difficulty finding much I like or anything that fits (again, sizing problems...I'm sized out of the 0's now), and my rewards card expires next month! I just got a card from Banana, and I have until May 2011 to use it up...
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ReplyDeleteHi ladies, hope all of ya'll have managed to indulge in some apres midi chocolat . I have another question. I've never bought from, seen or visited a Madewell store. Exactly what was the reason behind birthing this brand? Can anyone comment on how it is doing in reference to quality, sizing and pricing? From what I've seen in the e-mails, I don't think MW is my cup of tea, but just wondering how Dear Leader's brainchild is faring compared to her stepsister(JC)? And yes, I may as well confess to Dear Leader now that I did covet and took advantage of the Talbots dress promo just a few minutes ago. Do you think he will announce that over the loudspeaker?
ReplyDeleteThe shipping prices are outrageous! You could buy one item at over $200 and shipping is out of this world... sometimes you don't want to wait for a coupon code to get the item. It's sad that J. Crew shipping costs so much and at the USPS it can cost less that $11 flat rate - priority to ship up to 70 pounds of stuff. J.Crew shipping charges our over the top. Why not spend more, free shipping. If little boutique stores can do free shipping why not J. Crew.
ReplyDeleteI would just love if J.Crew could start reproducing a few items:
1. Long tees with thicker quality. A few years ago they were by far the favorite piece. It was a time when it seemed everyone was in white shirts and jeans. The quality of the cotton was thick, not tissue. Some of us need to hide a bit (:
2. The old ruffle collar button down - it seemed like it may have been the first of the ruffle shirts because since then the frills have become larger and larger. It has just a little ruffle along the top and the end of the sleeve, enough for the collar to stand up straight. Not too frilly, just right. I have it in white and there's not much life left in it.
Please J. Crew bring back the old school ruffle and the thick long sleeve t's!
Oh, and get rid of the shipping for at least card members or avid customers.
I feel like I'm saying the same old thing over again but seriously the crappy quality, high shipping charges, ridiculous prices for acrylic sweater and what not, and inconsistent inventory along with the price changing games JC plays it does get really tiring.
ReplyDeleteI agree with so many of the sentiments here with all you JCA's and so wish that Dear Leader and Jenna gets what we are saying. If you look at the sale section and see tees, sweaters, unfinished trims on camis falling apart from being shop worn, how can you be proud of your product? Wouldn't you think something is very wrong here?
Wow, Cass, those skirts sound enchanting, lol. Can't wait to see the fuchsia tinsel one, though it sounds like we could all get together and make our own with one trip to Target....
ReplyDeleteI, too, took the plunge with Talbots' dress promo - literally with two minutes to go, as that's when I saw it. Very, very pleased with what I've gotten there in the past month, which includes windowpane plaid coat, plaid skirt, and ruffle tweed skirt. Perhaps I will send a missive to Dear Leader telling him where my coin is going.
I popped into my B&M today to make a few returns and glanced at the new stuff. Did not like at all. Don't like the sweaters one bit. This years version of the "bling button" cardi looks extremely skimpy and totally sheer. Layering it would be impossible. And the fist fabric on the content label is I believe 50% acrylic.
ReplyDeleteI have a cashmere cody on the way. Should I be prepared to just return it? Am I going to get a hole in an hour of wearing it?
ReplyDeleteSigh.
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ReplyDeleteHey David, I personally think of Madewell as sort of targeting a younger, funkier customer than JC (I myself am 37 and have been a Crew lover since middle school) ...
ReplyDeleteI've been in the MW store maybe 3 times now, several months apart and in different states, because I was trying to give it a fair shake.
But honestly, very little appealed to me. It's just not my style. There are quite a few prints, shapes and embellishments that I don't care for. And the merchandise is NOT cheap. I think people thought it might be, but it'd definitely not MW:JCrew as Old Navy:GAP.
The only things I've bought are a bottle of Butter nail polish, which I adore, and also a pair of cutoff denim shorts. That's it. I've barely even tried anything on.
At the risk of being booed by the crowd, I'll say the way I see Madewell is sort of like Abercrombie and Fitch grew up just a tad and got less slutty.
@ David
ReplyDeleteFrom the comments generally from JCAs, very few are both fans of Madewell and J. Crew. They do target very different demographics. Madewell is "hipper", younger and supposedly cheaper (it's not really). Since Madewell's online shopping went live, I've been buying much more from it than J. Crew. I like the clothes. I like the quality generally (I have not had problems with anything I've ordered). I also like the styling, a bit crazy but not "Edie Beale goes to camp" crazy.
But what I like the most is the no-funny-business attitude at Madewell -- no wonky promotions and up-and-down pricing. I don't have to constantly watch the website for different promotions and things don't go on sale 2 weeks after rollout.
In terms of the sizing, it runs a bit smaller than J. Crew. Not a full size, more like half size. In general, I'm a fan. To me, it's refreshing and exciting, whereas J. Crew is starting to bore me.
Pilling on J. Crew cashmere: Old news. Something longtime readers of this blog are very familiar with...
ReplyDeletePilling on J. Crew blends: see above.
Pilling on J. Crew merino wool sweaters: please, don't say it. Yes, I'm saying it. Is there no safe refuge for knits in Jcrew's collections???
Come on! How hard can it be to stick with a manufacturer with a strong enough wool grade material? This is not some revolutionary material that they just invented. All we have to do is open our closets and dig out sweaters from 4, 5 years ago - with astonishingly enough - the label "J Crew" on it. Amazingly enough, those sweaters are still in great condition with nary a pill in sight.
Fast forward to Fall 2010, and behold one Shirred Merino Cardigan, 100% wool: It pilled after one wearing.
It looks to me like the quality of the handbags has also taken a hit. A while back people were posting about bits of the handle coming undone on a few bags and now there are these really skinny straps on some of the current bags and they look so cheap IRL. If you're going to wear a bag in the cross-body style, it better hold up to being bounced around a bit and the strap shouldn't be violin string thing so it is uncomfortable to wear, especially for a tote-sized bag that could get pretty heavy.
ReplyDeleteI ranted on this last week but will repeat it because I had the same issue with the olive tree color and people need to be aware. The non-wool blend tights this season are incredibly thin, they do not stay up and they develop holes very quickly. The olive tree is a great color but it snagged on something somewhere (I could not find the culprit) while I was sitting in my desk chair and the darn things ran all the way down the calf to the toe. At least this pair made it until lunchtime, but just barely. Cross J.Crew tights off my list. I will stick to Wolford and Hue from now on, never had any problems with them.
xoxo, I wrote about the finish of my Marquee tote that unglued after 1 month of wear. I returned it and got the Ryder hobo on a popback, and now this one's handle finish is becoming unglued as well. At least I got about 4 months of wear out of it. That's not enough, in my opinion. It was cheaper ($150), but at that price my old Liz Claiborne hobo held up for 10 years before I got tired of it, not just 5 months.
ReplyDeleteA BIG VENT!!! OHH I"M SO MAD!! YES, I AM YELLING!!
ReplyDeleteSo... my PS ordered a few things for me last week, one item was a collection pair of shoes I had been lusting for. The 25% off helped. So.... today my stuff arrives - in separate boxes - ok, weird... but.. the shoe receipt was in a brown bag with a BELT!!! No, shoes!!! So, I call and they are sold out!!! They offered to refund my money.... yeah.. duh... I want a refund but what happened to QUALITY CONTROL. They can't see that a belt is not a pair of over $200.00 shoes!! After spending THOUSANDS at Crew, I think I am done.. this just sealed the deal for me. The Customer Service manager didn't offer me anything... nothing... so done!
Wish i could say I'm better now... but I'm not :(((((
Just wanted to say, I have no problem with pilling generally with J.Crew merino sweaters. I have two Jenna's cardigans from this year that I wear alot to work and have had no real problem. There is some minimal pilling which I find on all my wool sweaters, including an Eileen Fisher from last spring.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I will never buy a dream sweater ever again...
Milljcrew: That is completely unacceptable, and you have every right to be mad. I really think you should email Mickey Drexler himself and let him know what happened.
ReplyDeleteFFM: Where is his email?? Is there a link on the website. OOHHH.. so mad!
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ReplyDeleteFFM:
ReplyDeleteEmail sent! Let's see what happens... still mad though! Think I need to go for a walk.
My boyfriend merino cardigan has held up very well but my black merino open cardi looked years old after the second wearing.
ReplyDeleteAll the merino doesn't suck, but that sweater certainly did.
I pay all my JCrew shopping with my American Express card, and when shopping online I go through their "bonushoppingmall" to get extra rewards points. Today I noticed JCrew is not available anymore at the AMEX extra rewards program. Did anybody else notice that? I am abroad lately, and I am glad I am buying less from JCrew. But today my husband asked me to get him some Bowery pants, and I got this nice surprise.
ReplyDeleteRose, that is terrible about your bags only lasting such a short while. I agree that especially for the original retail price J.Crew tries to charge, they should stand the test of time, even if you do get them on sale.
ReplyDeleteI have several J.Crew bags from over the years and recently stopped buying because I didn't like the styles. I tried the Gemini pouchette thinking it might be like the Borge Garveri bags I have but it is nowhere near the quality. Sad.
I have been following this blog (love it, and thanks Alexis!!) for about a year, first time chiming in. I was searching the blog for info on the Bella jacket, as I see you can get them on ebay and I have heard such raves about them here. Stumbled across some of the old posts from 08 in which FFM and the rest of the JCAs were sharing advice and ideas on how to put outfits together. I know there is plenty to vent about with quality and pricing/promo games, but I still love the brand, buy more than ever, (my office went businesss casual) and would love to hear more about how all of you ladies are putting together your JC looks. For all of the complaints about the styling in the catalogs there are hundreds of wonderful outfits being chosen out of JCA closets every day...
ReplyDeleteMillcrew,
ReplyDeleteI have had similar weird shipping issues of totally wrong items that made no sense whatsoever--AND HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. I got my $$ back same as was offered to you each time. This seems to be a pattern with JCrew esp. if you order lots over time as I did for many years placing mutiple orders a week. Now my bill for JCrew this month was around $50 instead of big $$$ I got so tired of their shipping errors or receiving defective items plus their clothes no longer excite me for fall/winter 2010--but I still enjoy wearing what "old" and well made pieces I have and reading about the company and others posts.
While pilfering my husband's closet, I found a 100% wool sweater he bought from J. Crew during the 90s. It was still very nice. It was heavy, thick and still held its shape. I think I will be transferring that to my closet.
ReplyDeleteI became a huge fan in the 90s and still have a majority of their stuff. I started buying more once I landed a job in early 2000. Ever since J. Crew took a turn from preppy to unexplainable, my purchases have waned drastically. I am sad that the prep factor is barely there.
I purchased a cashmere henley during the summer and it was so thin. I can see my t-shirt underneath it. Isn't cashmere suppose to be a little thicker than that?
I have not bought 3 items this year. I am starting to look elsewhere for clothing now. I thought J. Crew was the one company I could count on for classics.
Why is it that ALL of the hems come out of ALL of my JC camis?
ReplyDeleteReading about all the pilling sweaters I want to mention that I wore my black Arrow sweater jacket for the third time today, all day long, and there is no pilling yet. There are some wispy fine fibres that are a bit fuzzy if you look very close, but they are nowhere near pilling. I really love the Arrow but promised myself I would stop buying multiples, which seems to have served me well since I got one that doesn't pill.
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for furthering my education on Madewell. I'm grasping at straws trying to fill the Crews shoes. I think it was put best, possibly by LBH, whose comments I miss terribly, that JC was a one stop shopping destination for every aspect of her life. I live in a small town, the only department stores being an extremely low on the food chain Macy's and a skeletal JC Penney's. I know I am being selfish, but I heartily miss the confidence I once enjoyed concerning my JC purchases. The quality and style were always there. The only thing I minded about paying full price back then was that I wasn't able to buy quite all that I wanted. I am just so sad to see what JC has become- a rehashed pile of ratty, holey, pilling acrylics, with hit or miss CS and screw the customer pricing. It has happened so quickly, with no end in sight. Even though I'm not buying these days, I very much enjoy reading the blog daily- thank you Alexis and JCAs. It really does help assuage the withdrawal pain.
ReplyDeleteEchoing what David said, I haven't commented much on this blog because my purchases from J. Crew have seriously declined in the past few months but I have a rant about one of the purchases I have made. In late July, I purchased the Sconset Plaid Shirt on super sale. It was $19.99, down from the original $69.50. Even though the sizing was off (i.e. way too big, sleeves too short) the plaid was cute so I caved. I've only worn it a handful of times because the fabric was too substantial for the summer but I just noticed it coming apart at the seam on one of the arms! Even when J. Crew goes all out for the fabric, they insist on using the cheapest thread known to man. I'm so disappointed. I'm sure I can repair it but I wonder what other repairs are in store for me thanks to the terrible quality.
ReplyDeletexoxo: I've also found J. Crew tights to not be up to par anymore. I was browsing in H&M and saw their tights were also made in Italy. Maybe they'll fall apart after a few wears like the current pair I just purchased from J. Crew but at least they weren't overpriced as heck to begin with.
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ReplyDeleteit's funny, I thought that everyone was just whining when they said that the quality of the items, particularly the cashmere or wool sweaters, has deterioriated over the last couple of years. Admittedly, I've stayed away from their "dream" fabric for years because it's always been known to pill horrendously. But their merino sweaters, esp the 14-gauge merino, I would hoard like none other. This week I realized that two of my merino sweaters from this season have already started to pill, and boy I mean PILL. I was shocked! I compared and saw that my older ones even the ones I bought last year were in perfect condition. Guess I believe everyone now who says the 14-gauge merinos are pilling as well.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have had several wrong items shipped too. One of which was kids wellies in place of ballet flats... Clearly people just don't care what they grab and put into a box.
ReplyDeleteMy other problem was that Jcrew would never put my apt number on to my packages. So they would never make it to me. It happened 3 times, the 3rd time I bought something I specifically emailed them and asked for them to double check my full address was on my package. Guess what, it wasn't and I had to hunt it down at UPS.
I stopped shopping there after that. Plus like everyone else has said, the quality is so poor, I just don't see anything I want to buy anymore.
Another peeve while I'm on my soap box: The only thing I would buy from jcrew right now are jeans since I can't find any other brand that fits me like jcrew. Yesterday I looked and bootcuts were around 50-60. Today they are 80-90. WTF jcrew? Finally, while on a jeans rant...What the bleep does jcrew need all of these skin tight styles for: toothpick, vintage slim, matchstick? Come on. Quit making these stupid jeans normal people can't wear.
OT: For any of you interested in shopping the Gap Give & Get Event that started today: I can email out invites and it appears as if this year they are including a one-time use personalized online code with each invitation. I have a dedicated post here . :)
ReplyDeleteMilljcrew: That is terrible! I would be upset too. If you contact Mickey, I am sure he will respond quickly & fairly. It's worth a try. :)
ReplyDeleteWHY must they put mohair and alpaca in EVERYTHING? That is what I always find in cheap sweaters and it makes me itch so bad I cannot wear it even with lots of layers underneath. I found three new sweaters I HAD to have and they all have some combination of some fibers. What happened to all wool or wool and cashmere?! I am not paying 145 for a sweater with MOHAIR in it.
ReplyDeleteI'll tell ya, I should call back, but that was such an energy suck, I don't think I can muster the courage.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I'm also a stockholder. Not for much longer. I've been trying to wait for the price to go up a little bit so I don't lose so much $$ when I sell.
Update:
ReplyDeleteI received a call last night... literally maybe 15 minutes after I sent the email. The woman was extremely polite said "Mickey" read my email and was reaching out to me. She apologized profusely for the error. While the shoes are SOLD OUT.. that didn't help me... she sent me a gift card and will honor the price I paid on any pair of shoes. That did make me feel better. While I had her on the phone, I told her all the things I have wanted to say.. like the shirt that came with a hole in it.. quality control, etc. Again, VERY polite. She said she will pass the message on. Ok, they did 75% damage control... BUT ... I want those shoes!! I need those shoes!! Ladies, you know how that is ... esp. for a shoe junkie :)
I'll survive :)
@Milljcrew:
ReplyDeleteYay for you! I know it doesn't place the shoes in your possession but I applaud your efforts and I am happy you received some consolation.
I'm sure some of you have noticed but the printed wool scarfs from this season is much thinner than the ones from last fall and this spring. I don't feel warm in them and it's sad that even the scarfs have suffered from cost cutting measures.
ReplyDeleteOh, I forgot to add regarding the straps of some bags. I had to return the Rhapsody satchel since the long shoulder strap was so thin and it wobbled when worn crossbody. Also while my Brompton strap has a padding in middle of the strap, the Rhapsody didn't but was just a thin pieced leather strap. After my Brompton satchel handle started cracking in a month of use (though I did get it on sale) I think I'm done with JC bags...
ReplyDeletejcrewphd,
ReplyDeleteI also noticed that the wool is not as soft. I have two of the wool printed scarves from last year and wear them with no issues. When I wrapped one of this years around my neck to try at the store it felt itchy. I tried another and same feeling....pass. I really don't NEED another anyway so decision to leave it was easy peasy.
As I read through these comments, I have to wonder why we all keep buying their crap.? I have merino wool/acrylic blend sweaters from the limited that I abuse, and they have held up for years. Several of my J Crew 100% merino wool items are piling, badly, under the arms down to the waist. You would think I lifted weights all day by looking at them (oh, and worn maybe twice). Someone here commented that their H&M items may also fall apart, but at least the price was also disposable, unlike J Crew's outrageous prices. I love their designs and would pay their prices if I thought the item might hold up. But, in the one year I have been shopping there, I have learned most items don't. Therefore, I won't pay more than $50 for a sweater, usually much less. I also keep trying to find a store to fit J Crew's niche. Even if items from somewhere else don't hold up, if I paid very little and didn't have to play pricing games, it's worth it. OT, but Express is having a nice outerwear sale, and this coat is SO heavy, quality, and cute!! Those with the gold buttons look better than the black buttons. I got the green briar color, such a heavy long coat for a total price of $107, shipped to me! Express' shipping is $8, max. Imagine that.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.express.com/tiered-bottom-wool-trench-coat-30380-33.pro?Mcatn=Outerwear&Mpper=3&Mcatp=cat_2&Mcat=33&Mpos=1&Mcatg=category_root&Mpg=SEARCH%2BNAV&Mcatpn=For+Her&user_att_name=Interest&user_att_value=Email&Mrsaa=*&Mrsavf=*&Mppg=0
I haven't been buying much JCrew clothing. Only accessories such as scarves and belts as of fall that are silk. Last clothing item I bought was this summer in June.
ReplyDeleteI have been a J.Crew fan for many years and still enjoy looking at the catalogs and reading the posts. Who knows when they might put a gem item out again?
I've only worn my Bettina cami out ONCE, and already the bottom hem is unraveling. Anyone else having this problem with theirs??
ReplyDelete@Appgal,
ReplyDeleteSame thing happened with my Bettina. First time that I ever wore it :(
Wow, the number of reports of unraveling hems on camisoles is getting to be ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteI am happy that people are taking the time to post about this issue. Thanks.
Obvioulsy, JCrew is using cheap labor and cheap thread.
It's not just my 2 Bettinas with hems unraveling. My Beaded bow shell, a collection item from last year, the front hem is now completely undone (worn 3 times). Why do I have to pay to fix it? The cami was like $140 last year.
ReplyDeleteI went to the JCrew Factory Store this week. I was hoping to find some more "Classic JCrew" items (Jackie cardigans, v neck sweaters, pants for work and button down dress shirts). All of the cardigans were paper thin (summer weight), but were $70. On to Jackie cardigans: two colors, black and navy. Have them both. Work pants? nada. Dress shirts? Only if you want them in a shade of purple or with purple stripes. No blue, no white, no solids in any other color. The topper? I usually find cute necklaces there pretty inexpensively. Imagine my shock when the necklace I bought last spring for $10 was being sold for $30!!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't bought in a while. I only buy when they have a percentage off sale, and I'm going to keep these comments in mind.
ReplyDeletePlus, another vote for expanded store sizing. If you make 14, 16 and XL, one shouldn't have to deal w/online all the bloody time.