Wednesday, December 22, 2010

J.Crew's Final Sale is Back {boo!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Silver_Lining, Rose, CharlotteSometimes, lindabenoit, JulieStyles, & GigiOfCa (in this post), as well as Ketan, who shared the following {not-so-great} news with us.

The Grinch strikes at J.Crew! :( J.Crew has brought back their dreaded Final Sale (click here to shop online). On a bright note, the sale section did have quite an update today and there are lots of reduced prices.

Also, a big "thanks!" to Jia (in this post) who let us know about another promotion. Take 30% off all final sale items (no min) and free shipping (on $150+) with promo code SHOPNOW. Unclear when it it expires.

Also worth mentioning: the Final Sale is in effect only for web purchases. Hopefully it won't extend to brick & mortar (B&M) stores any time soon. {fingers crossed!}

Many JCAs predicted the "Final Sale" would be back soon, but the return was thought after the holidays. Oh J.Crew, how you keep us on our toes!

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get? Does your local B&M have "final sale" as well?

85 comments:

  1. Use SHOPNOW for 30% off final sale items plus free shipping on 150+ orders.

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  2. I know we pretty much all knew this was going to happen .... but it still stings a little! On the bright side, it will save me some money because I'm not ordering something 'final sale' that was returnable yesterday!

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  3. I agree, not willing to take a risk on final sale. And before Christmas, too!

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  4. I think the concensus was that Final Sale would be back before Christmas since it happened that way last year, too. Such a lame, customer UN-friendly move on J.Crew's part, IMHO.

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  5. Boo, and hiss!

    I'd hate to be a more un-savvy JC customer decided to take a FS risk on some of those super-short minis or acrylic sweaters right about now.

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  6. The 30% shopnow discount just worked for me. I got the double serge striped pencil skirt after having seen it on Slastena.

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  7. Wow, that's quite an update. But I think I'm going to try and wait until post-holiday to splurge again. If it was free ship on $100I might bite. Most of the coats I want are sold out in the color/size I want, though.

    What is with the warm taupe color? Is it just bad on everyone? Everything I see is available in that color, lol.

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  8. Much as I'm disappointed that FS is back, I've placed way too many orders in the past month and I refuse to shop FS so this will probably be good for me.

    Received the Sterling jacquard pencil skirt yesterday and I'm confused as to why online it says it's 23 1/2" long when in reality it's 20" long! Saved me the trouble of tailoring since I'm 5'3" but if I were taller and got stuck with it on final sale you can bet JC customer service would be hearing from me ;)

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  9. I blame YOU entirely for my purchase just now! Bought the dusted sequin shift dress that I didn't think would go on sale till early next year. AND with your juicy tidbit of 30% off, I got it for $139 which I don't think I could do better! Thanks!!!

    www.plentyforpennies.com

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  11. OMG!
    I'm so glad I ordered waaay more than I needed. I didn't shop much in Oct. & Nov. My all time low JC card payment.
    When it wasn't final, I bought tons of Crewcuts tops for my girls, shoes for me.
    I had a few boxes delivered so far, and two more coming. None of them final.
    Thanks J Crew...I need to stop buying JC anyway (did some damage in last week alone)I won't even think about exchanging some items... Don't want to be stuck with "it-wasn't-then-but-now-final-items".

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  12. Ji, what do you mean by "it-wasn't-then-but-now-final-items".?

    I had ordered 2 cardis last week that are now final sale, but were not when I had ordered them. Unfortunately I need to return one, but since it is final sale now, can i not retrun it now??

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  13. I purchased a pair of earrings, which I know I can't go wrong with. Even with the sale update, there was nothing that I really wanted, since I purchased way too much in the past few weeks!

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  14. @ Yowza - you can return it since you purchased it before FS.

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  16. I just placed an order, and only one of my items has "final sale" on the order confirmation. I did a test run before pulling the trigger.

    I've not had a problem with this in the past. If it doesn't say "final sale" on the online receipt, the item can be returned to a store.

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  17. Hm, I see they had my skirt back in stock. So, I called CS and they were nice enough to send it out to me at the price I paid (sale + 30) w/FS. I find it odd that I got that call yesterday saying it was sold out nationwide, and yet there it is today! Oh well, hopefully it will ship and I can put this whole issue to rest, lol!

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  18. Double Damn. Final Sale & the Tweed Tatum Jacket is finally on sale. No free ship too.

    Who want to bet there is going to be a extra % off after x-mass? Not sure if this Jacket is going to stay instock until then. Triple Damn.

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  19. Update: Just looked at my "thank you for your order" email. Still only "final sale" for one item (a
    $6.99 Crewcuts tee). Three other sale items are not final sale.

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  20. @ Wolfy - Jia posted that SHOPNOW takes 30% off final sale items, plus free shipping on $150+.

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  21. after christmas day, every store will have huge clearances, no need to do the FS here, even though i like the dollop coat.

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  22. Lovely. Thanks for the code.
    Picked up the Tweed Tatum Jacket and repurchased the Boutonniere Blazer & Dream V-Cardi.

    Boutonniere is now $83 w/ the extra % off. Lots of other sale items have also been lowered. And of course that finally place most of the coats on sale after Final Sale comes back.

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  23. But you know...when you know what you like and you know what sizes fit at J.Crew...I really don't mind the final sale! and woohoo extra 30%!!
    thx Jia!

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  24. SE Mom - I've seen it take a full day for the items to get marked w/the dreaded red lettering. Time is of the essence if you want to get some orders in w/out the fs lingo attached to them.

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  25. Yup, no final sale - been burnt too many times.

    Luckily I just bought a stash last night with the 30% off B&M items that were not final sale. Got 5 tissue turtlenecks in different colors ($14 each), and a "mini herringbone Jamie jacket" (item no. 28896) for $56 bucks - fp was $240. Anyone here familiar with the jacket name?

    I just wanted one turtleneck but the colors all look delicious and the fitting room had a queue. So I just bought everything thinking I can just return them after trying on at home... whew.

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  26. Yowza,

    I ordered Novo stripe top and Julienne suede heels. They were not final, now they are. The top is too big, I need a smaller size but if I call and order a smaller size, the new order would be final sale. I'm sure they will match the price I paid and ship it for free. But if the top is still big...we all know I'm stuck with it until I gain some weight.

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  27. Yowza,
    Sorry if I wasn't clear.
    I can still return the top because I bought it when it wasn't final sale. Glad I ordered whatever I wanted to try on before Final sale came back.

    I'm still happy that JC didn't do "selective promo" this time. Was it last year that only the chosen ones had Micky card around Chiristmas time?

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  28. Reordered a couple of things that I had previously returned as well as the short icon trench - marked down from 159 to 89! Glad I waited always wanted the other short trench but could never catch it. $62 after 30% so a good price :)

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  29. Thanks for the code! There is noooo way I'm going to our local mall...just driving on the roads yesterday to get to Tarjay was enough of an issue.

    I bit...almost ashamed to say. After my stroke of luck finding the Chalet Turtleneck in store in the plum for promo price, I was happy and said No Crew for awhile. But you gals with your pretty tiered tops tempted me :). Got the tiered silk ruffle cami (for ~$20, you can't go wrong) and the marled alexie on popback...

    Done...done, done, done :D!

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  30. MaryMoo, I did the exact same thing! I reordered a few things which had dropped in price. The only "new" thing I took a chance on was the short icon trench. I hope it works out! Figured for $62, it was worth a shot!

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  31. I ordered the Lindy peep toes. The prior J Crew shoes I ordered were too small despite being my usual size, and by the time I found out the next larger size was sold out. :( So this time I ordered two sizes. They were not marked "final sale" in my cart or on the receipt, so J Crew had better not refuse to accept the return when I mail the shoes that don't fit back to them.

    Thanks so much for the promo code, it knocked the shoes down to a very nice price, and I picked up two tops too.

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  32. It's interesting the "Shopnow" code is not posted on the JC website. If it wasn't for JCA blog I wouldn't have know. Thanks!
    As much as I dislike Final Sale, I reordered a popback skirt that I'd been wanting. I have free shipping in my account so I didn't have to meet the FS amount.

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  33. I don't want to buy during final sale because I feel like I'm supporting it, when in fact I think it stinks!! Well, I resisted but in the end placed two orders. In my defense, some items are still returnable, & the other items I know are keepers. (The Factory Shimmy Dress is available in all sizes for under $50 if anyone was pining for it.)

    Thanks Jia!!

    Also, you know there's going to be a major restock after everyone finishes returning all their unwanted promo items. Surely if you miss out today you'll get more chances to get it again later.

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  34. Elaine - I love warm taupe. I got the woolen Minnie pants in that color. For irl pics, you can see the Calista cami in this post.

    I am a glutton for punishment. I'm trying the plaid tuxedo pants on final sale.

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  35. Thanks for that promo code! I bought a pair of shearling gloves this morning even though it was final sale (I really needed a pair of heavy duty gloves this winter!) - with shipping to Canada, it was going to run close to $100 so when I saw this code, I was so unhappy! But I called CS and the the rep was super nice, not only did she apply the code but she gave me free shipping even though it was less than $100. What a great Christmas gift!

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  36. Bit and bought the drapey sequin t... had been wanting it and I just ran to ROC Center and they only had an xxs. Called some stores local to my parent's house and they almost laughed that I asked if they had it, so I went for it. 30% off is like free shipping.

    I won't keep my hopes up until it arrives, though. I called to try and redirect from my office to home and the customer service agent told me normally they'd cancel and re-order but it looks like I got the last one so he didn't want to risk it. So... we'll see! Optimism!

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  37. Irl pics of the ruffle-up cami ($34.99) in this post.

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  38. I'm sorry for sounding like a complete dummy, but can someone explain the deal behind the final sale and why it's a crummy deal? I haven't followed J.Crew and their sale structure, but I see that everyone here hates FS! I really like a sweater that is FS right now, so am I dumb to buy it? Thanks for your help!

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  39. Katie - Some JCAs do not like "final sale" because you can't return the items that you may have purchased without seeing them/trying them on beforehand, or return them for a re-purchase if the price drops later. If you know you will like the sweater and how it fits you, buy it!

    I've had good luck with FS.

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  40. OT- Has anyone purchased the Collection Merino Shearling Shawl Collar Sweater? I would appreciate any comments or reviews. TIA and Happy Holidays!

    wendysharum@netscape.net

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  41. I just received the Dream Solange Cardi Item 30714 and it is a HUGE thumbs down. First off, the design or style of the fabric weave is so unappealing, I had to force myself to take it out of the bag and try it on. Nothing against sweaters by grandma but it's not what I'm looking for at this time. Desirable neutral color (which is why I gave it a shot) but ickh on the weave. My fingers went between the fabric weave while putting my arm into the sleeve (glad I don't have a big rock to worry about snagging in the weave). It's heavy, adds thickness to the body and as Holly Loves JCrew pointed out on her blog, there aren't any button holes. The buttons go in between the fabric weave. If you wear this and it stretches on you, your skin and whatever you're wearing underneath will be visible through the stretched weave. Glad if this works for anyone else (it's sold out in size small).

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  42. Well several JCAs called this, practically to the day. I bought quite a bit this fall so I have only a few popbacks to stalk on FS. Even then, I will only buy them if they are drastically marked down. You just never know if you'll get a worn return or defectively-sized item.

    Gigi, I love the plaid tuxedo pants. Hope you like them, too. They sold out so fast, I'm sure you could sell them on the Weekly Exchange or ebay if you're not happy and can't return.

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  43. thanks so much, Jia! I was able to get the cypress plaid mini for only $48.99.

    the bummer is that b/c of the final sale designation, I didn't want to add items I was unsure about so I just paid for the shipping. But the discount wound up covering the cost of shipping and tax, so I'm fine w/ that. I'm honestly just happy I was able to score the cypress plaid mini on sale since it mostly sold out due to it being a holiday item (and one that got pretty decent blog reviews).

    Also, there's still a size 0 in the cypress plaid mini available. You can't find it thru search, you have to click on the fireside plaid mini, and then the cypress plaid mini shows up on the right side as a similar recommended item. It's only $70 + discount!!!! HTH!

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  44. Boy did I get some side eye action today when I went in to make some hellish returns. Whatever.

    While I was at the Walnut Creek BM, they announced to all 30% everything, no minimum. I picked up the Drapey Sequin Tank for $31 and the Bibby Silk blouse (35673), which I haven't seen online yet. It's pretty unique and the aqua marine (CTTN Lawn?)color is gorgeous. Size down on this one. It hits above the hip.

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  45. Just to reiterate, what I just learned:

    Walnut Creek BM
    30% Off everything, No Min, No Final Sale.


    I'm unsure if this will apply to all BM, but it's worth a call. The Store was pretty picked over, even the FP items and of course parking is hell and people are rude today. If you can, stay away from the shopping centers.

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  46. Hey Gigi, thanks for the link to the warm taupe cami. I bought the Lindy peep toes and a sequined tank in that color today, I haven't seen it in real life and after my experience with the Khloe cami (yes the color was "blush" but it looked ivory on the web site!) I don't trust J Crews photos too much any more for color-correctness. The warm taupe is not as pink as shown on the J Crew web site but it's fine, I figured they'd call it something else if it really were a pink tone. Anyway, thanks again, and love your web site too! Super valuable, as is this one.

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  47. is the Warm Taupe a pinkish tone? In some pics it looks pinkish and in some tan...

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  48. Wow, MD stores are having 30% all items, full price and sale, too through Friday.

    Thanks for the heads-up Wolfy!

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  49. Charleston, SC, is also offering 30% off everything. And, can I just mention again how much I love my ps? I texted him to confirm the 30% off and to ask about a dress I tried on this week that was a new arrival. Even though he wasn't working, he called and asked about the dress. :) Unfortunately it's gone in my size, but he's going to do a WWFIFY tomorrow morning when he gets there. Hope all of you have as great a PS.

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  50. I went to the Towson store this afternoon. The store was pretty empty. I didn't notice any signs saying the whole store was 30% off, only the sale.

    They had a lot of what looked like online returns. I picked up a stadium cloth pea coat in the dark fatigue for a smidge over 100 bucks....but other than that was disappointed

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  51. Stacy:I think the promo is pretty new. While I was in line to check out, the clerk announced to everyone he just heard in his headset about the 30% off Everything.

    We are winding down on X-Mass shopping days, so it makes sense that all the store inventories are going to be pretty thin.

    Lucky you getting the Stadium Cloth Peacoat in Dark Fatigue. It must have been a return, b/c I haven't seen that color in store otherwise. Love that color, I have it myself.

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  52. My ps told me that they got the call at 3 this afternoon. I was there once and a call came in at a little after 11 in the morning. It's like someone decides to start a promo, so they do, instead of starting it at the beginning of the day. Strange, but I'm not complaining.

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  53. I did a mock checkout using the SHOPNOW code and there was no free shipping, even with $150+ AFTER the 30% was taken off.

    Anyone else tried it?

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  54. any idea of when there might be a new roll out?

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  55. Rose:Yes, I bought 3 items this morning w/ that code and got 30% off + free ship.

    I just tested again now and it is still working for me w/ Google Chrome.

    Try another browser and clear all your cookies and such.

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  56. A bit OT, I know many JCAs have commented on the lower quality of the Jackie cardigans here, I have to say it extends to the shells. Honestly, this shell was worse, I've felt and seen the Jackie cardigans in store and they are not even close to how bad this shell felt. I ordered the white Jackie shell a few days back with the non-FS and 30% off so it was only $17... I figured why not, a good basic. I was wrong. It is thin and very very cheap feeling, also incredibly sheer. The arm holes were also very ill fitting, they were large and low, which I don't mind generally, but the trim was very stretched out and puffy, that was the worst part. It is definitely going back. I have some factory version Jackie cardigans from a few years back and they are much much nicer than this shell was. So disappointing.

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  57. I forgot to add that this is for Final Sale items. Not sure if you are attempted to purchase FP items.

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  58. Kendra, new line will be on the floor on the 28th according to my ps.

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  59. At the San Antonio La Cantera BM, I was told everything in the store was 30% off through Fri.

    Anyone have an idea as to what the after Christmas sale will be?

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  60. For those of you who visited a b&m today, did any of you notice the priceof the bling button sweaters? Still 39.99 or lower? TIA

    My guess is that there will be no extra discount immediately after Christmas - they'll make us wait. Hope I'm wrong. :)

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  62. The Bling Button Cardi was still $39 today at my BM. They were pretty picked over and didn't have many colors left to choose from.

    The Dark Green maybe lower in price ($29), as it was on sale first. It's a sickness that I actually know that.

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  63. Stacy - Glad you posted! I was wondering how the store looked since I didn't look around much the other day. I had called this evening after seeing Wolfy's comment & they said the whole store was 30% off through Friday. Maybe they weren't aware of the promo at the time you were there? At least you got a great deal on a great coat!

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  64. Boca Town Center - Boca Raton, Fl - 30% off everything - no final sale, yet....

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  65. Thanks, Wolfy! Correct... one of the items was FP, so my mistake.

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  66. Elaine, the warm taupe is actually a lightish pink, it's gorgeous. I wear colors I like, without worrying about my "skin tone".

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  67. I have a photo of the dream zip cardi in warm taupe on my blog (Dec. 13 post). Definitely a light pink!

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  68. I didn't plan to bite on FS, but I saw the Metallic Estella sandals and black Lundi dress back in my size, so got them both for $59 shipped (I still have that strange "some cardholders?" free ship on my account). If you're considering, the Lundi is really cute and comfy and fits TTS. The sandals fit a bit small and only come in whole sizes. If you teeter, go up.

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  69. I would love to order a blazer that just went on sale but no way even though I know my size. I just refuse to support final sale period on an item over $100+! Boo is right!

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  70. the Flannery platform ankle boots showed up in my size (7) this morning, for $70 after SHOPNOW discount!! I really hope they ship. Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone!!

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  71. 30% b&m promo - I concur w/Wolfy & math teacher. The promo news was dropped via memo, according to my PS. I was talking to her on the phone around 1p PST and she said they had just gotten the news. And it's on everything, not just sale.

    Rose - You have to have a NET subtotal of $150 after the SHOPNOW discount is taken to get free shipping.

    math teacher - The new 30% *is* the additional discount for the b&ms. Now the question is whether the 30% will continue after 12/25. You never know w/JC. They may lower the % and only apply it to sale and then make those items final sale. Another guess is there may be price reductions on

    Tamara - Thanks :-)

    Pakcola - They photographed the woolen twill Minnies in the catalog as pink. They're definitely a warm pink or tan based pink. Again, the value of the color will depend on the fabric they're using. Also, I wonder if the color might look more pink on some people than others. A darker skin color, like mine, might bring out the tan tones. The Minnies definitely don't look pink-pink.

    Sequin sweatshirt - The heather dove color is now marked down. $59.99 online and I think $79.99 in-store.

    Sequin shorts - Now $29.99 before 30%. Walnut Creek, CA had three size 10s.

    Buffalo check jacket - Remember it's $129.99 in-store before 30%. Walnut Creek had 2 size 10s and one size 0.

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  72. Bout blazer - Walnut Creek, Ca had either two size 10s or one size 10 and one size 12. Must've been returns.

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  73. gigi - ack, no, why did I have to read the h.dove sequin sweatshirt was marked down plus discount?! I'm now officially a sequin sweatshirt owner. ;_

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  74. SHOPNOW is not working for me! I tried in Firefox and IE. Any ideas?

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  75. Mr. Lapre: It works on Google Chrome. Are you attempting to buy FP or Final Sale items?

    The code is for FS items, and free ship is w/ over $150 after the discount.

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  76. Tartan Plaid shirt back online (in limited sizes) this morning for those of you still looking for it. Click Here

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  77. I just used the code today & still worked. So happy. Only a couple of my items were final sale. I was happy the swimsuit I ordered was not final sale. I was really happy not all items were final sale. I'm only slightly scared about 1 item... But I generally have good luck, so should be ok. I am not a fan of fs online! But a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do... :)

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  78. Won't even be looking at the site again until final sale is over. I refuse to shop it anymore due to quality issues and receiving totally wrong items. I wish I could receive an email from JCrew when the final sale sends...maybe in March???? Does anyone remember when it disappeared last time???

    Anyway, glad I bought a lot to try during the past few weeks:)

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  79. J. Crew is the ONLY retailer that has online final sales with no return/exchange. It is completely incomprehensible to me that a retailer could expect to sell merchandise as final sale when it can't be tried on. Often the item is not available in the stores to get an idea of fit. There is no other major online retailer that subscribes to this policy. No matter how much you love J. Crew, this should be unaccepable. It can be changed but only if you faithful consumers demand it and express your dissatisfaction to J. Crew via their customer service email.

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  80. I agree completely with the above. And remembering to NOT BUY final sale items, that's the height of consumer power.

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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.

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