Thursday, December 16, 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. I'll add my name to the list of people who love the tartan perfect shirt. Somehow (thank you, Insomnia), I managed to snag the one size 8 on popback at 3:30AM PST a few mornings ago. I love that it's not tissue thin and the plaid is just beautiful. Also, it's a little tongue-in-cheek since I spent years in parochial school wearing exactly this plaid and swearing I never would again ;-J !

    I added the cobblestone cashmere crewneck and it's a beautiful color - nice and even cashmere too. Fingers crossed it won't pill like nuts after a few wearings. Will pair it with my old, old Pendleton scarf (in the same tartan as the perfect shirt!) for a comfy winter look :)

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  2. I would appreciate some expert advice: I have never owned anything "super 120". Is it really thin? I am looking at the pants on sale and wondering if they are more like summer weight and without structure? thoughts?
    Thank you!

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  3. gem twin, it isn't extremely thin. I wear super 120s three seasons of the year. Could wear them in winter if the pants were lined but none of mine are. It is just a nice lightweight typical suiting material. It wrinkles easier than, say, the double serge wool.

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  4. I am loving all of the great J.Crew I've scored on eBay recently. Vintage Violet cardigan, Robinson Sweater Coat, San Remo printed sweater, zebra calf hair headband... and all for like 90% off the original prices. Bonus.

    And loving that the SA was really nice and didn't judge me when I returned two coats today at the B&M. One of which was sent to me after I cancelled the order. Fail on J.Crew's part but it's ok, I was going to the mall anyway to returning was no biggie.

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  5. I love my new glen plaid sasha peacoat. I can't wait to wear it this weekend when the temperature dips.

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  6. Gemtwin

    I find the Super 120s a little shiny and definitely lighter weight. I do not wear it in the winter in Boston but is perfectly comfortable in the spring & summer and early fall. It's pretty and not obnoxiously shiny but in some lights, it looks a little cheap.

    I have a 2-button jacket, the fit of which is a bit boxy on me with a drape that is not the best, and the peplum jacket, which I must say I like better. However, I don't really like how the peplum jackets look with the skirts and, as I explain later, the pants didn't really wow me. But maybe I just need a different cut.

    I also have two skirts - the pencil (which ran short and tighter than I like) and the A-line, which is nice but I need to get it tailored because it didn't come in petites. Ordered some pants to try on a few seasons ago and found them unlined and unflattering.

    Overall, OK suiting but not full-price-worthy. For example, I own some J Crew gabardine and wool crepe from the mid-90s and early 2000s which have much better fits and drapes and which have held up beautifully. Compared to those suits, the super 120s is just OK.

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  7. LOVE the JCAs!

    audball, your outfit sounds great. I have an old Pendleton scarf (belonged to my grandpa) that has worn like iron. I love it!

    Em, I totally agree - and it sounds like you got some great pieces! I recently scored a buffalo-check Phoebe blouse and the cashmere cardigan with the beaded strawberries.

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  8. I agree, audball, the tartan perfect shirt is great! And, LOL about swearing that you'd never wear plaid again!!!

    Has anyone tried the tuxedo jacket?

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  9. I have 2 JC loves today. First, I am really loving my cashmere cowlneck sweaters. So worth the splurge. I have been wearing them constantly!

    Second, during the outerwear promo, I ordered the Lady Day coat in nightfall blue, thinking I was going to love it. Unfortunately, when it arrived, I really didn't like how it looked on me at all. I even ordered 2 different sizes to get a perfect fit. The other coat I was considering was the Colletta in the nightfall blue, and yesterday, I tried on my sisters Colletta and decided that I really wanted it. So I chatted with an online CS and told her I was unhappy with the fit of the Lady Day and was hoping to exchange for the Colletta with the 30% outerwear promo and free shipping. I was so surprised when the CS rep told me that they'd be happy to make the exchange for me. I am really grateful for such great CS. Though CS can be inconsistent, when they do come through, they're really great. Thanks, JC!

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  10. I love my personal shopper who was able to find me a pair of Kingston booties in chocolate. After the were marked down to $149 online, they sold quickly and only one size was left by the time I got online. She not only found them in my size in a store, but they were $69!

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  11. Loving my felted wool mini in dark cypress. Wearing w/McAllister lookalike desert wedges, tights & the dark cypress works w/just about any color -- reds, purples, neutrals, blues, you name it. Flattering fit, love the pockets, easily goes casual or glam depending on top it's paired with. (Guess this should go under reviews but I'll be too busy to post by next week.)

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  12. 2 new fav sweaters" jcrew marled alexie sweater and madewell nightfall cardigan. (I bought the nightfall at $22)

    IRL pix are in my blog:
    http://imshoeshopping.blogspot.com/

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  13. Rebecca,

    I know. I have held strong and held onto my Cardholders 30% off/free ship code and am glad I did as prices have dropped and there are lots of new sale items this morning. I am in the mindset if an item sells out so what I am wanting the lowest prices possible:) I still might wait until Friday or Sat. and order.

    Charlotte Sometimes,

    Yes, the price on that jacket went down Tuesday but I had just returned two on Friday. Not a good buy IMO. Strange fit and one I got was defective/cheaply made.

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  14. 40% regular-priced items at Banana Republic for cardholders in-store and online with code BRPRESALE.

    Popped into my J. Crew B&M last night. Sale stuff was an extra 30% off (although no signage stating this, it's like they don't want people to shop there). Got some great deals (prices are before discount):

    Whisper merino ruffle sweater, $19.99.

    Zip-side sweatshirt in charcoal, $9.99.

    Herringbone minnie pant, $49.99.

    Cropped tuxedo pant, $39.99 (which I love and am wearing right now!)

    Double-serge pencil skirt in bronzed ochre, $79.99 (still FP online!).

    Lots of ratty looking T-shirts in the sale section. I got the only bronzed ochre skirt, but they had some more double-serge pencil skirts (can't remember sizes) in heather carbon also for $79.99. Two arrow sweaters (size M and XL I think) in the green color for $49.99.

    I was glad to get some good deals, but it's frustrating that the price differences from online to in-store and even from store to store can be so huge! Also, the SAs working last night were all rude and didn't know the merchandise (but I think they're all seasonal, so I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt).

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  15. Oops, meant to say that BR sale is only for today!

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  16. Did a ton of returns yesterday at my B&M and scored the Curator pants for like $30! For that price, a steal! Also, received the McAlister wedge boots and am loving them! Wearing today w/matchstick cords, striped factory t-shirt and marled cardi that I bought earlier this fall. Cute outfit and super comfy. Also, got a ton of socks really cheap at the store yesterday too. I'm really bummed though that I cannot find the double serge striped charcoal skirt in a 12. If anyone sees one at their store, please put it on hold for me! Thanks!

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  17. I love that I FINALLY got the Lemlem Lucy Patio Dress and on sale, too! :) Now I just hope I can make the size Small work...fingers crossed!

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  18. LATE TO THE PARTY, BUT ... UPS man delivered my moss tweed pencil skirt last night, and I loveth it. Beautiful rich green, pretty purple pops ... I get why so many drooled over this when it first came out & am happy to have snagged one. It's so festive I'm considering draping it on my Christmas tree, though will have to re-arrange some of the live candles.

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  19. I am loving the promotions that aren't FS, and the ocassional popback of things you thought were long gone. FFM, congratulations on the Lemlem dress! I also got it this morning in small (usually an xs), and I think it will be an easy alteration if necessary. It may be fairly easy to tighten the empire elastic,or ease the side seam in slightly. I'll let you know after it arrives. :)

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  20. Used my card holder discount on Monday to purchase LemLem dress then it went on sale. Called this morning and they did a price adjustment for about $50! Love J. Crew today!

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  21. For those getting the lemlem dress. I was worried that the elastic might be uncomfortable. That is why I did not order it. (sensitive about that kind of thing) I wish it was a draw string or adjustable in some way. Just my two cents after zooming in on the pictures. I am going to pass but will be interested to hear what everyone thinks when they get their dresses!

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  22. I appreciate the cardholder no-minimum 30% off plus free ship code. I'm not really shopping much for myself right now so it was nice to make a small purchase and receive free shipping.

    Re Ruby: I had a feeling those would go way, way down. I love dark green velvet but the reviews have been so negative that I don't think it's even a supersale purchase for me.

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  23. I'm loving my Velvet Ecole from 2 years ago. Perfect for the holiday season and fits like it was made just for me. LOVE!

    I'm also loving that JCrew finally won my boyfriend over! He finally decided to look age appropriate! Woo! His University coat with Thinsulate is perfect for his midwest winter and I got him the black/gray Buffalo plaid scarf for a great price with the cardholder promo. Looks great on him!

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  24. thanks for all the "super 120" advice!

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  25. even though i ordered them in the early fall, i am excited to go on vacation in 2 weeks and wear my new jcrew bathing suits! i scored 3 new suits at the end of summer sale (extra 30% off too). i am most excites about the 2 new one piece suits. i got the plume print plunge tank and the flora paisley twist bandeau tank.

    yay for jcrew and vacation!

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  26. I have an OT question and a related (and equally OT) suggestion ....

    First, how do we feel about dressing for holiday parties in non-traditional gear? Meaning not wearing an LBD, or a red or green dress, or gold or sequins, etc. but maybe something in a more neutral color? I know the right accessories (metallic, etc.) can make a big difference, but let's assume those are off the table for the moment.

    Asking because my husband's work party is tomorrow night and I thought I could skip it, but now I can't, and I have nothing really acceptable to wear that would be considered 'festive' attire.

    So I thought maybe if I liked my mink-colored ruffalotta cami (if it even arrives today, weather is bad here), maybe I could wear that with a black pencil skirt?

    Or is that too dour for a Christmas party?

    Also have my del pelato shift dress in heather carbon that i've been saving for a special occasion, but... it's gray. Pretty, but gray. Worried it may be too 'work-y' for a par-tay.

    [I have the super 120s wool tuxedo dress coming in the mail, so it's a decent (if uninspired) fallback choice, but that's only if it arrives in time.]

    I thought some of you might have some ideas or feedback. Last year I wore the sleeveless top and skirt in the navy/green/red tartan print from several years back, which was perfect IMO.

    And while I'm on the subject ... I think others have mentioned this, but I wonder if we could have a running weekly 'Style Me' post, where peeps can mention something they bought that they're having trouble putting together with other items. You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?

    I know we have Polyvore, and that helps some, but so many of you are great at putting outfits together, while some of us (ahem, self) aren't.

    Thoughts? TIA and thanks for reading!

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  27. Elaine - I don't think you need to be holiday cliche at parties at all!! It is so expected. I think your heather carbon shift dress sounds lovely as the base of the outfit.

    Maybe style it up a bit with something unexpected . . .like red tights. (I know it may sound awful, but I have some from Hue and they are SO cute with a simple black or gray dress and really spice up the outfit.) I always get a ton of compliments when I wear that outfit. Or a blingy necklace is always a good addition to a classic sheath dress!

    Also love the "Style Me" post idea!! Good luck. :)

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  28. gem twin - I have a few pair of the Super 120s fabric. Em describes it very well. They definitely wrinkle, but I just ignore it. If I were going somewhere important, like an interview, I would drive in a skirt & then change into the pants before I went in. But that's just me. In the black the wrinkling is not as noticeable as in the light grey. Here are some irl pics: Super 120s Elan.

    FFM - I saw the LemLem popback nd thought of you! Consider alterations if it's not too voluminous. Hopefully it fits well right off the hanger :-)

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  29. Elaine - Great advice from CCS and I hope to help. I vote for the sheath as well. Par-tay time is the time to shine, so throw on a great necklace or earrings & bracelet and have a good time. As an owner of the Coralie in mink, I would wear that w/a black pencil skirt to work. You can snazz it up w/lots of jewelry, but I like the sheath idea better. $.02

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  30. I'm also loving the cashmere cowlnecks and the tartan perfect shirt. Wearing the shadow flecked turtleneck today and I recommend it. Fits tts and totally worth it for $35 with the discount.

    Has anyone tried the bronzed loose knit v-neck sweater?

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  31. Does anyone have a review of the chalt turtleneck sweater? It looks gorgeous!

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  32. Elaine,

    There was a whole segment on The Today Show about how to dress for a party and NOT wear red or green:) You can see it if you Google Today Show video player and click on the Fashion section on the left....It has great ideas:)

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  33. Thanks ladies! I may just default to the Pelato and be done with it. I have many sparkly JC baubles so maybe they'll help a bit. Stay tuned for the post-mortem, tee hee ...!

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  35. LOVE my new grey Sunnie skirt in grey colour (in-store item)!

    I already got 2 compliments this morning!

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  36. I am in love with my most recent skirt purchases! The double-serge pencil (black and heather carbon) is absolutely perfect for work and goes with everything. I find them to be incredibly flattering on my size 10 frame. I also own the felted wool mini (in black) and with opaque black tights, it becomes appropriate for work. I actually sized down in this one and love it. The last one is the factory double-serge bistro mini (in purple). I wore it to a holiday party last weekend and got many compliments. I love these skirts!

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  37. The French Made: I bought the Chalet turtleneck at - gasp! - full price. One of the only full price JC purchases I've made this season.

    I like it but compared to other JC sweaters (both from this season and past), I think the quality has declined. The fabric feels a little cheaper and the knit is a bit looser. I noticed that the fiber content lists acrylic and nylon first, which probably explains the feel. I'm happy with the sweater so I can overlook these flaws.

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  38. Great SA Jill at New Haven store who helped me with my pile of returns. She was very sweet and understanding! I was dreading going to the store for this chore, but she made the trip better than worthwhile!

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  39. I received my package from last weekend sale
    Femme cashmere cardigan markdown came to $75 which is great because they put them all back to reg. price and the camofleur tee. The sales person at the store was surprised to see when I returned the other size that they had been on sale. As usual prices bouncing up and down

    I was also able to rebuy the beach metallic cardigan from the factory and this one came with out any holes.

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  40. Just received my MUSTHAVE order. Got the Softspun Sunset dress...3rd time's the charm. When it first came out, I got the xs, then tried the small, then took both back. With the price it's at now, I think I'll keep this one!

    Also got a pair of matchstick cords, a tissue t-neck, and a highland puffer vest. Unfortunately, the cords will be going back. Has anyone else found that diff. colors fit differently? Weird.

    Everything else is a LOVE!

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  41. I live in Canada so the only access to J. Crew that I have is through online shopping. Now everybody knows that online shopping for clothes can get tricky for sizing. My friend got married last summer and I was the bridesmaid. I can be quite picky because I am a tomboy and don't really often wear fancy dresses. And I only wear flats. So gowns were out of the question. Therefore, We were having difficulty searching for a beautiful and comfortable dress that we all could agree on. And in comes the J. Crew catalog to save the day...I found the silk chiffon Taryn dress in charcoal and was able to get exact measurements from customer service which really helped. We ordered the dresses online and received it in 2 weeks. And it fit perfectly, no need for alterations. Both the maid of honor and I were so comfortable on that hot summer day and we felt great wearing this dress.

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  42. A "Style Me" post would be great! I have a hard time creating outfits, so I love ideas.

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  43. Wow, lots of loves this week! :) I have 3! :)

    I love that JCrew has brought cerise back.

    And I love that you can search by color name and the site finds everything available in that color.

    And I love that when you are browsing the sale section (WHY NOT NON-SALE?) after you click on an item's page, when you click back, it takes you to the same position on the previous page, not to the top (if that makes sense)

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  44. Despite J Crew's high free shipping minimums with promotions and the lack of everyday free shipping, I do like that the free shipping that they provide with promotions is regular shipping. Some other retailers ship soooo much more slowly than usual when they offer a free shipping code. With JC, I always get my orders in 2 days regardless of whether it was a FS promo.

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  45. Elaine: Himmiefan mentioned the same suggestion for a new post awhile back. I think it is a great idea too! I will be sure to have a new weekly 'Style Me' post (for Thursdays) starting next week. :)

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  46. I finally fell victim to the holey tee phenomenon. Got a long sleeve perfect crew with a tiny hole in the back. Posting it here because I had the sweetest SA today who helped me through that and a whole slew of other returns, all on separate transactions, with a smile! Probably the first time I walked into the store with returns and didn't spend more than I returned. Sale section was pretty sad. But the helpful and cheerful SA made up for everything! :)

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  47. I just ***LOVE*** how fluidly all J. Crew items match! I just got the Petit Jardin Mini skirt on a popback--what a gorgeous print--and I held it next to my Gabby purse and it is lovely--a MUST to wear together in the summer! Admittedly--I do have a knack for color coordination but J. Crew makes it so easy a 5 year old could do it!!! smile SMILE

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  48. I've been really happy with the latest promos. Lots of nice color choices on staples like the Jackie. I went to the store today to return a lot of stuff, and the SA could not have been any sweeter. Plus, I found some crazy deals on perfect shirts and Twyla tanks (um, $3.50). I was lucky enough to get free shipping/no min on my account, so that's been really a nice way to order from this latest promo. I want to rave about the Julienne heels I received - perfectly new and packaged well, fit like a dream, lovely colors. Add me to Team Tartan Shirt as well -- I wear it like every other day.

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  49. I have to give J Crew kudos for their customer service and super fast shipping. I ordered something from Banana Republic and it took 6 days to arrive. My J crew orders always arrive in 3-4 days at the most. I also love my Online PS- She is super responsive and always honors adjustments with a smile- no hassles. Overall I feel like a valued customer.

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  50. I am loving the outfit I wore tonight because it included two fabulous items I bought from fellow JCA's on the weekly exchange (fab brown leather flat boots and brown velvet bella). Items I missed a few years back but am SO happy to own now. So I guess I am loving the community that Alexis has facilitated with this blog!

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  51. If I relied solely on what I saw available online I would have given up on a Ludlow worsted gray suit (jacket available but pants were backordered till Mar. 1, 2011). I called one of the personal shoppers and she was able to track down the suit for me in my size at a bricks and mortar store------excellent work!!!

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  52. More love for the Tartan Plaid Boy shirt...this is one of my favorite looks for it: Lexington and Tartan Plaid .

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  53. I'm thrilled that I can find jackie cardigans in XL in J.Crew stores!

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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! :)