Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Amy who suggested a weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post about current experiences with other non-J.Crew retailers. 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 "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent" posts), where we can share our finds from other retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew (like LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and the like.)

If you have recently encountered items that are similar to 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 experiences with certain merchandise pieces, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

42 comments:

  1. Tried Talbots pants in the signature fit. They don't work on me. They're a mid rise, which should be fine. There was puckering and gathering at the hip level across the front of the pant that was very unattractive. Too bad because they're great looking pants, slim fit, ankle length. I will stick with J. Crew pants that fit me well.

    On the subject of Ann Taylor, right now you can get 40% off your full price purchase online or instore. The online code is HOLIDAY. My guess is that Loft is doing something similar.

    Tomorrow, December 16, BR has a 40% off full priced sale for card holders good online or instore. The sale is extended to non card holders the next day.

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  2. Also, I think Talbots has added new items to their sale section.

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  3. Desert Flower - I had exactly the same problem with a pair of the signature pants at Talbots that I ordered this fall. However, in store the other day, the saleslady brought me a pair of their Heritage pants and I tried them just so I would have something nicer on with the jackets I was trying, and they were fantastic. Higher waist, true to size (I am an 8 or 10 in JC, 8 in Talbots), good fabric.

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  4. Thanks, Rebecca, I will give that fit a try. I think the signature fit tends to be the slim cut ankle pants that I favor though, where heritage is more actual full length trousers, but I will check!

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  5. Loft does have 40% off with the same code, HOLIDAY.

    I had to chuckle, I just got an email from Piperlime titled "87 things we're obsessing over". Good to know that J. Crew is on the only retailer obsessed!

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  6. desertflower, I saw that email too and had the same thought, lol

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  7. Talbots is having their red hanger sale. I am going tonight to pick up two things I had been eyeing in the sale section that have gone lower in price.

    I have not tried Talbots pants so thanks for the info. Rebecca:)

    I was super surprised to find Talbots blazers fit me better than JCrew. JCrew's blazers tend to be boxy and Talbots fit very close to the body and were very comfortable. Pleased with my 4 blazers that I got from them.

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  8. Talbots pants are the only pants that fit me well. I'm 5'4" and curvy. They're my go-to!

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  9. It's the last day for endless.com's accessory/inter sale... you can take 30% off $100 or 40% off $200. select items only, and some brand exclusions apply.

    but its a great deal if you're a botkier or rebecca minkoff fan!

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  10. ashley, thanks for the tip, I was able to pick up a gorgeous Minkoff at a great price. Would never have known about the sale since endless won't ship to Canada, I never check the site. Luckily one of my U.S. colleagues will be visiting Canada in January and she will happily bring my bag along with her.

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  11. All sale items in my B&M GAP were an extra 30% off today ... PLUS another 15% off on top of that for being a BR cardholder because it's Tuesday. WOOOT!

    I got several ladies PJ sets for gifts, some cuuuuuuuute city flats for me for CHEAP (which run WAY big -- usually I wear an 8.5 or 9 shoe and I buy a 10 in these) and a VERY cute marled hat from the men's section!

    Baby Gap / Gap Kids was not an extra 30% off.

    Hope this is helpful to someone out there!

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  12. Received my first ever order from Brooks Brothers. I ordered 4 of the tailored fit non iron shirts. Love them but they are a bit short. Only keeping the two with french cuffs because the arms are slightly longer and thus actually fit me. I need a tall in J.Crew shirts... and the brooks brothers tailored fit w/ french cuffs is long enough. LOVE them, and the quality is 100x better than J.Crew quality. But they have the same ridiculous spend more, pay higher shipping schedule that J.Crew does. SO if you bought one $250 shirt you'd pay a crapload for shipping even though it only weighs say 1 pound. Lame.

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  13. 40% off entire stock of Land's End Clothes at Sears today when I was there. Very busy:) Some racks even had 60% off. I got the cutest denim dress for $27.00

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  14. I have to say I've been very impressed with the Talbots FB page - they are constantly addressing customer concerns and feedback. Some other retailers could definitely learn a lesson from that.

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  15. While I have the same issue as Desert Flower with many Talbots pants, JCrew tend to fit me even worse. The only pants that fit me reasonably well without alterations are BR Jackson fit.

    For me the issue with JCrew pants is that they're designed to fit flat butts, so the front fits fine but the back rise is too short. This causes the back waistband to ride down, resulting in butt cleavage and general discomfort.

    Talbots pants seem to be designed to fit rounder bellies. The back fits fine, but the front rise is about 2 or 3 inches too long for me, which results in excess fabric in the front belly/crotch area. I've tried to alter them, but it's not an easy alteration.

    Since BR Jackson fit are designed for women with curvy hips and butts, they have a little extra fabric in the rear. :)

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  16. Eloise, did you happen to notice how long the 40% off everything sale at Lands' End is going to last? I'd love to go look for a new down coat but won't be able to make it to Sears until Friday. Thanks!

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  17. Just to let you know that the Talbots denim pants stretch a lot after several wear. I own a signature fit in denim and love it so much I use it constantly but now I notice I have to keep on pulling up the pants at the waist.

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  18. MDPA,

    Sorry but I don't know how long the sale was on for...I was in a big rush and got the dress and a scarf and "ran" to meet my family:)There was lots of merchandise though. Maybe just give your local Sears a call in the morning.....

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  19. Eloise, no problem. Thanks for your response! I will call in the morning.

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  20. Jeanne - good breakdown on the pants. I've been trying to figure out why the pants that fit me well do. If that makes sense. One problem I have w/the curvy fit in many retailers is they allow something for the hips, but not always the rear. Then they have a low rise and/or skinny thigh. Not a good match for baby that got back.

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  21. Jeanne - I think you're right about Talbots pants fitting women with rounder bellies. I think that's why they fit me well. LOL.

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  22. This is a long shot but does anyone have an LL Bean gift certificate they'd be willing to give me? They're offering $10 with every purchase over $50 and I'm going to buy a gift but I'd like to use the $10 on this order because I don't buy from them too often. I'd give you the $10 credit I'll get when my order is processed in exchange for yours.

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  23. silver lining,

    Yes, Talbots facebook page is AMAZING. I try to look at it every other day or so. It is how I realized I should have gotten a 40% off any item coupon for two special days and did not receive one at my local store. I mentioned the Facebook page and they gave me the discount on both days no problem!


    Also, it does not say on the Talbots website but I got a flyer card in the mail yesterday-if you have a Talbots charge shipping is free right now. No minimum. Yeah!!!! credit card benefits!

    Like you said, JCrew could learn a thing or two!

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  24. Banana is having 35% off FP items online - I think you have to use your store card? I was at my Banana B&M yesterday and they told me all FP stuff was going to be 40% off in the store today. HTH

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  25. MDPA,

    I got a new down jacket from Land's End last year and love it. Hope you can find one. Let me know:) Good luck.

    I have found being an avid LE fan for many years that the best coat sales are BEFORE Christmas. (strange but true)

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  26. Anthropologie is offering 25% off all jewelry and an additional 25% off all sale items through Sunday! A GREAT deal!!

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  27. CCS - That's amazing! thanks for sharing. :-)

    Macy's - Cashmere is really low in price, like $59.99 and up in stores. I wanna say some of the plain crewnecks might be $49.99. Worth a check. Plus if you have a Macy's card, there is usually an additional % card of some sort floating around. I have one crewneck and one v-neck. Just recvd them a couple days ago, so can't comment on wear. They're definitely soft.

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  28. 40% off all accessories at Talbots. Today only! Score!

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  29. Codes for today (Dec. 16 only) for Banana Republic and Talbots on my blog.

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  30. The AT facebook page is also really good at responding to customer feedback.

    Ashley, thanks from me too; I wasn't aware of the Endless sale but logged on last night after seeing your post and scored a really great deal on a designer handbag and watch. :)

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  31. This is kind of OT, but I'm posting it here as I think it fits this post the best. :) I have been wanting an Anthro necklace that I've seen on tv (twice!) but it's not online in the color I've seen and want. And, believe it or not, there is no Anthro in Charleston, SC! If any of you are out at an Anthro, would you please look for the manor house ball necklace, #18768804, in the silver/black color combo? If you'd please put it on hold for Wendy and let me know, I'll call and have them ship it out - well I'm hoping Anthro will do a phone/ship. My email is whart03@hotmail.com. Thanks so much!

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  32. math teacher:Did you call Anthro CS and ask them to do a store locate for you? I've had success doing it numerous times.

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  33. Fabulous Florida Mommy, I didn't know they would search the stores for an item that wasn't online. I will call them! Thanks!

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  34. Brooks Brothers vent: I just received an order today that's missing two items. The invoice says, "page 1 of 2," but the second page of the invoice and the items listed on the second page are missing. I'm guessing that the person filling the order put those things in the wrong box and shipped them to another customer. And now one of items is out of stock. :(

    Plus, my last two orders were sent to my old address. Odd, as I checked their website and the address on my account is my current, correct address for both billing and shipping.

    On a positive note, I LOVE the wool jacquard skirt I bought during their 40% off sale last week. It fits perfectly and the fabric is beautiful.

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  35. math teacher: Yes, if you call CS they will look up the item and give you numbers to the stores that may have it in stock. Then you call those stores directly to see if it is still available to do a charge/send. Good luck! Let me know if you find one! :)

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  36. Free Shipping minimum at Anthropologie has been lowered to $75 this morning.

    25% off at Gap with code GAPSAVENOW

    20% off at Old Navy with code ONSAVE20

    35% off Full-Price merchandise at Banana Republic with code BR35PRE

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  37. Went to two BR stores here in Canada and they are having a 40% off on any item. Funny enough in one store I overheard a guy telling his friend to shop at JCrew because their suits are fabulous!

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  38. Old Navy men's thermals are on promo for $5. I did a post on it.

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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! :)