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.
My sequin stripe henley that recently arrived had an unraveling row of sequins right out of the box. I don't want to return it because they are sold out of XS in quarry and I've missed out on this tank before, not going to chance it this time.
ReplyDeleteI tried putting a couple stitches in to secure the last sequin in the unraveling row... but I wore it for a few hours and discovered that a few more adjacent to that one had fallen off.
Does anyone with sewing knowledge have any advice? The sequins appear to be stitched onto the front of the shirt using clear thread, and there is also a white thread on the inside of the fabric (from what I can discern, the clear thread on the front side punctures through to the inside and loops around the white thread to "secure" the sequins from both ends). This probably doesn't make much sense if you don't own the shirt, but really any advice would be appreciated.
On a related note, how have you JCAs that own the sequin stripe henley fared at washing it? I'm obviously going to hand wash it in the sink, but if I need to be extra careful that would be nice to know ahead of time. Thanks!
Andrea... you need a sewing machine to fix that, if you want the sequins to be sewn on how they were originally. Otherwise... I'd just put two loops of clear thread around each sequin. Come up through the middle, down on one side, then repeat on the other side. I hope you can make it work! Bummer your shirt arrived that way.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, take it to your local store and see if they can have a tailor repair it at their expense. Other people have posted about having similar repairs done.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, sorry to hear about your sequin stripe henley! I hand washed mine in the sink like normal and it came out fine.
ReplyDeleteI would go ahead and see if JC's tailors can fix it. I've recently brought back 2 purchases I made over the summer (hems were unraveling after the first wash!) and they fixed them free of charge. They did ask if I have a JC card though (which I do), but I didn't make the purchases with the card. Anyway, it doesn't hurt to try. Good luck!
Andrea: I agree that you should take it into your B&M and ask to have it fixed at their expense. It shouldn't matter if you have a J.Crew card or not. If they still stand behind their quality like they have stated, then there shouldn't be a problem.
ReplyDelete"Turkey" promo without free shipping sucks!
ReplyDeleteI absoultely,positively will not checkout without free shipping. I have a full cart of about $500, where my christmas shopping will be about 90% done if I order, and I just refuse. $20.00 shipping is OUTRAGEOUS! I will take my business to the thousands of other retailers offering a % discount WITH free or reasonable flat rate shipping on any size order.
ReplyDeleteyou're the TURKEY J.Crew
Andrea- maybe you got a defective one? I have washed mine inside out on delicate and it is completely fine? Perhaps take it in to see if they can send to their tailor to secure?
ReplyDeleteIRL: I totally agree!!
ReplyDeleteAndrea: Possibly call customer service and have them do a "find it for you" search - I know it's a long shot, but maybe worth trying! I know usually they will only search for FP items, but I've had them search for a cardigan that I got on Final Sale that came to me with a hole in it and it was no problem. Since they said mine was "defective" they would do the search! I did have to pay for shipping from the store they found it at, however - FYI! Good luck with fixing or finding replacement!
Wall street journal just reported that JCrew is probably going private again and Micky will likely stay as CEO. Comparable store sales are down and profit is down significantly in the 3rd quarter. I guess this reflects some people's sentiment about the lack luster merchandise this fall and the rapid discounting strategy(although apparently Mickey has an "avowed disdain for markdowns" ). Or maybe Jenna isn't the best candidate for president of retail?
ReplyDeleteScratch what I said about Jenna being president of retail. Libby Wadle is actually the Executive Vice President of Retail and Factory.
ReplyDeleteI was doing laundry this morning and I've discovered another "holey" tee along the underarm area. Seriously, couldn't they make the tees a bit more thicker? I do have a weakness for some JC embellished tees...
ReplyDeleteBtw, where are you, xoxo from Canada? I miss your posts!
Mini rant ... my violet madras top (which I was thrilled to score on popback) arrived minus its padding and with one of the fabric pieces (for the removable strap to hook into) half ripped off. A few stitches will fix that, and the pattern is busy enough that I don't *really* need the padding, but I have no idea what happened. I guess for $6.99, I can't complain.
ReplyDeleteI'm also hot that the 2 things I bought last week are so big on me. By all accounts they should have fit. Now I have to go return them and probably deal with attitude in the store. Grrr.
And on top of it, I bought one of the crushable straw hats to save for spring/summer and it's too tight on my head. OSFA my foot. And I have a skinny head too! Jeez.
/rant
Andrea,
ReplyDeleteI agree, take it to a B@M to have it fixed. I had a merino cardigan with a seam that came undone - the store sent it to be fixed and I also had other seams reinforced per my request. The store conracts with a local clothing repair business. The store was very nice about it all and it was returned to the store in a week for my pickup.
That would be "contracts"...
ReplyDeleteAside from a nose dive in quality especially with sweaters over the past couple of years: My biggest gripe with J Crew is their refusal to stop selling mulesed wool. Mulesed wool is being banned all over the world, major fashion retailers are falling in to line with the ban, J Crew has not.
ReplyDeleteI am a avid J Crew Customer, my wardrobe is pretty much all J Crew. I get some great little perks from J Crew and have always gotten outstanding customer. Whenevcer I have contacted J Crew they have always immediately responded, until now. I wrote to them over this issue and they have failed to respond to me in any manner.
Aside from a nose dive in quality especially with sweaters over the past couple of years: My biggest gripe with J Crew is their refusal to stop selling mulesed wool. Mulesed wool is being banned all over the world, major fashion retailers are falling in to line with the ban, J Crew has not.
ReplyDeleteI am a avid J Crew Customer, my wardrobe is pretty much all J Crew. I get some great little perks from J Crew and have always gotten outstanding customer. Whenevcer I have contacted J Crew they have always immediately responded, until now. I wrote to them over this issue and they have failed to respond to me in any manner.
Merry-
ReplyDeleteI had to google mulesed wool to see what you were talking about, and as a veterinarian I am just sick at what I read.
I buy a lot from J Crew but I refuse to purchase another sweater made of fiber so inhumanely collected. THank you for sharing.
Merry, I never heard of Mulesed wool before but I googled it. Oh my God. That's awful. I will not be buying wool products from J.Crew from now on.
ReplyDeleteI just wrote an email to J.Crew about banning mulesed wool... hope you guys will, too. I am thoroughly disgusted with this barbaric practice. Talbots refuses to carry it, as do Hugo Boss, H&M and the entire country of Sweden. Apparently large department stores in the UK are also on the bandwagon for banning mulesed. Just vile, I feel terrible I ever purchased wool at J.Crew.
ReplyDelete@Merry, did you write directly to Mr. Drexler? Someone had posted his email address before, and accordingly he has responded or one of his assistants would.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to hear more about this issue before making up my mind. It's important that this dialog happens, because what's the alternative? I like to get a couple of merino sweaters every year. Which retailers out there have stopped un-mulesed wool? According to Wikipedia, Liz Claiborn and Ab & Fitch have. Who else? I'd like to know what my options are.
If enough people write and blog about this issue, the industry will change. Thanks for bringing up this topic.
Closet Crisis, a google search will yield a lot of results on this topic. Talbots has banned mulesed wool, as has Hugo Boss, H&M, and the entire country of Sweden as well as many UK retailers.
ReplyDeleteIs Mickey's email: mickey@jcrew.com ?
ReplyDeleteI just got this auto out-of-office after emailing mickey@jcrew.com:
ReplyDeleteI am currently traveling overseas with limited access to phone and email until Monday, November 29th. In my absence, please contact Tracey Van Voorhis at tracey.vanvoorhis@jcrew.com.
If you are a customer and need immediate assistance please contact my associate, Brittany Sydnor at brittany.sydnor@jcrew.com.
Best,
Mickey
Wow, so many responses.
ReplyDeleteI am an animal lover and try to make consumer choices that do not negativley affect animals, I feel I am pretty brushed up on the subject, but I had no idea about Mulesed wool until recently.
The practice of mulesing is illegal in many countries and simply not practiced in many others. Mainly it is wool that comes from Australia that you have to be concerned about, where the practice of mulesing is widespread. I wrote to J Crew via their "social responsibility" page on their website 2x. They never responded.
Thank you for that e-mail address BYT
Hi Aficionada,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog - I always come here for my online coupons! I like your site design.
I have recently started a blog where I put outfits together for those of us in the 30 to 40-age range who are stay-at-home moms who want to look stylish. Translation: we don't dress for the office.
I incorporate a ton of J. Crew in my outfits, but, here is some feedback for what works/what doesn't:
* Minis generally are not going to work for us. They hit right at the thickest part of the thigh. Also - why is there pleating in the waistband for so many of them? It visually increases the waist & hips. How is that attractive?
* Enough with the bow embellishments.
* The quality of the fabric for t-shirts seems to have cheapened as amongst ALL retailers since the recession hit. (I used to buy a lot of fun t-shirts at Target, but now it seems that all their shirts pill.)
* I live in the Seattle area so any and all of J. Crew's suede shoes won't work. ):
These are just a few bits of feedback. There are a ton of wonderful clothes I find on the website (just placed an order, in fact). Also, in general, I find that the quality of J. Crew clothing can't be beat. I am one of those picky people who checks to see if seams are straight and garments drape properly, and J. Crew's quality is just excellent and has been for years.
How can you tell if something is Mulesed wool? Does it say on the tag? I'm scared to google it- :(
ReplyDeletehttp://www.examiner.com/vegan-in-philadelphia/don-t-let-them-pull-the-wool-over-your-eyes
ReplyDeleteProb the best overview (with video) of what goes on and the conditions that ensue after transport to countries with no governing over the treatment of animals. Heartbreaking.
Wow mybe Acrylic doesn't sound so bad afterall. It's barbaric — what we do to animals in the name of fashion and food. Sadly that includes what that turkey on our tables tomorrow has endured (sorry had to go there).
ReplyDeleteHope everybody responds to MDs 'form email' and his 'assistants' about this MULESED WOOL issue, that so many of us have been oblivious to.
Thanks to @SWEETSY for sharing that video clip.
I had never heard of mulesing or mulesed wool either. I have two sweaters waiting to be opened downstairs. I doubt I'm going to enjoy them now that I know how they're made. And even though they are final sale, I am going to to return them if JC is supporting this barbaric practice.
ReplyDeleteheartsick….
ReplyDeleteBright Young Thing,
ReplyDeleteI have had contact with both Tracey and Brittany several times. They are both extremely professional and helpful and got my problems resolved quickly.
Sweetsy,
ReplyDeleteInteresting article. THanks for the information.
I am not typically to rant about J. Crew, but I had to take a moment to share complaint with Andrea on unraveling sequins. I am also tired of pilling cashmere. And lastly, am tired of sales without FREE SHIPPING!! I walked into the B&M tonight hoping to feel the Christmas sparkle and all I can say is "lackluster". There is nothing of recent that knocks my socks off. I want to feel excited again when the catalog comes and new lines come in. Spring?
ReplyDeleteSorry, I am on a roll with all the posts. But can I just add how annoying it is when stores, especially the larger ones, don't care ANY petite sizes or XXS?
ReplyDeleteChris,
ReplyDeleteLet's raise a glass and hope that spring is very exciting. I love spring/summer clothes the most so we will both think positive and be hopeful.
I know you typically don't rant at all. What fall pieces did you find to LOVE?
I really like the Ruby velvet jacket and want it so bad but have heard so many people say it doesn't fit right including my PS.
Bright Young Thing,
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side I agree with you. Why can't they carry a few Talls? I think a few items in each category even just to have as floor models to try on would be nice. Or free ship/free returns for them at the very least. I hear you!
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ReplyDeleteGenny, my favorite Fall items so far have been the two tone suede platform shoes in black/blue, the exhibitor tote in black and I do love the 1035 herringbone pants!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Chris
Jcrew lost my thanksgiving shopping budget this week. Ordered cashmere turtlenecks at bloomingdale's for $71 and lord and taylor's for $60. Both stores offer free shipping for $100 order.
ReplyDeleteLadies,
ReplyDeleteThanks very much for your input about the sequin stripe henley. I didn't think to bring it into the store because I had taken the tag off and worn it already (after my attempt to stop the sequins from unraveling).
Today during my lunch hour I dropped into one of my local B&Ms and asked them to have a tailor reinforce the unraveling section. They were very friendly and accommodating and I hope that this will be the end of the problem (because I really do love the tank!).
Happy Thanksgiving!
I just got my order in the mail today (shipped fast!) and instead of the Stila lip gloss set I ordered they sent me a tie from Crewcuts. Boy was I ticked. But the customer service person was very helpful. Still, it was frustrating. This has been my only somewhat bad experience.
ReplyDeleteSorry if this was already answered but is mulesed wool used for all wool products from jcrew or can you tell which? I'm completely grossed out. Thanks Merry for telling us about this.
ReplyDeleteI ordered the wool flannel silvie dress in August. I put it on, but didn't love it. However, I only recently returned it via mail from Canada to J Crew. Return policy is 60 days but I have gone over this. Do you think they will still accept it as a return?
ReplyDeleteMchristie- I bet they will- but why not call customer service now and express your concern with it arriving late coming from canada so they can put a note on your account? I bet it will make it easy to note on your account now incase there are any problems
ReplyDeleteI'm scared to Google mulesed wool. Can anyone tell us who else besides J. Crew carries this type of wool? I want to avoid buying wool at these places.
ReplyDeleteI just did some searching on the Ann Taylor site:
ReplyDeleteWe have a strong position against the practice of “mulesing” performed on sheep in Australia providing merino wool. We give purchasing preference to mills that can provide us with merino wool sourced through ethical methods and will continue to source the majority of our wool from sheep that have not been mulesed by clips or shears.
AT also refuses to use Uzbek cotton, which is obtained using forced or child labor.
I am relieved that I've spent my holiday shopping budget with Talbots and AT and NOT J.Crew.
mcristie - I live in Canada as well and a few items that went over the 60 days were given back as a credit. If they were late though in shipping they may just refund your money.
ReplyDeleteI made the mistake of googling mulesed wool and was disgusted!! I also sent J Crew a letter, no more wool for me until they find more ethical suppliers!
fyi, I asked my vegan animal rights activist sister and she said that Banana/Gap doesn't use mulesed wool either. So it's safe to buy from there.
ReplyDelete