Monday, February 28, 2011

J.Crew Email: March main attractions: the latest at jcrew.com & FREE SHIPPING

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Desert Flower & Ketan, who let us know about an email from J.Crew today. (Just click on the image to view it larger).

The email is a newsletter from J.Crew discussing what is on their "radar" for March 2011.

J.Crew is also reminding us about their offer for 30% off Sale (no min) and free shipping (on orders of $100+) with promo code AYC93K. This offer expires today.

What are your thoughts on this email? Do you like the take on the electronic newsletter email?

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to find}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.


Please note: this posting is not for resellers. If you are a reseller, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)


Also note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

Sought & Found: Did you visit J.Crew this {past} Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopped by a J.Crew store this past weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the HOLIDAY sale, or to see some new SPRING arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store was/ is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

Friday, February 25, 2011

Made In Italy: About a Thread Count

"Thanks!" to many of you, who let us know about the following updated feature from J.Crew.

During yesterday's new arrivals, J.Crew also included Part 2 of their "Made-in-Italy" feature, with a neat little video titled "About a Thread":
The Backstory
Why do we insist on "Italian made" for our men's shirting and suiting fabrics? Because we obsess over every detail and want to make sure our designs are the best of the best, from start to finish– and the artisanship and craft that go into making Thomas Mason and Crespi fabrics are second to none (they're exactly what you'd expect for some of the most important pieces in your closet). So our design team traveled to each of these centuries-old Italian mills to discover in detail the processes involved in making these fabrics– and they caught it all on film. Check out the footage from aware-winning filmmaker Douglas Keeve ...
You can watch the video at the end of this post. You can also click the link HERE. To check out the suits, click here.

Once again, I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look. It was fascinating to visit the town & production center of Thomas Mason. Did you notice the quick appearance of sequin pants too? ;) I look forward to seeing the last video "About a Print".

What are your thoughts on the video? Do you think you like the styles more now that you have seen the video?

Seek & Find: Will you visit J.Crew this Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the HOLIDAY sale, or to see some new SPRING arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

P.S. I noticed that many of you have already been reporting sale items (and in which stores) in other posts which by the way "thank you!" :) I really appreciate how helpful we are for each other!

Madewell Email: It's a shoe-in: 20% off select footwear, online only (+ free shipping)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Ketan, who shared the following email from Madewell yesterday.

Madewell is offering 20% off select shoes (click here to shop online). This offer is automatically applied and runs through Sunday, February 27, 2011.

Madewell is also reminding us of their offer for free shipping on orders of $100 with promo code GOFORIT. This offer is for a limited (yet unknown) time.

Will you be checking out the shoes & boots at Madewell? Are there any items you are interested in getting? If so, please share. :)

Thursday, February 24, 2011

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Fabulous Florida Mommy, Desert Flower, & Ketan, who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website today (click here to view online).

There are some new arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here). {wahoo!} It looks like Crewcuts (click here) has been updated. Although the J.Crew Collection (click here) appears to be the same from the last update.

The latest March catalog (click here to view) is now available to view. The Men's only catalog is available too.

It is so nice to see so many light & fresh colors sprinkled throughout each page of the catalog. Spring is just around the corner! :)

As for the new arrivals ...

What I Love. My top pick, hands down, is the Tulip Ruffle Cami (Item 38803; $79.50). Such an amazingly sweet top, especially in the Dragonfly Blue shade.

Seriously? What is up with the Ikat Gathered Vest (Item 38530; $198.00)? J.Crew calls it stunning, and I agree. But for all the wrong reasons it is stunning. This is not what comes to mind when I think of J.Crew.

Skirts. Okay, we get it J.Crew, you like your skirts on the shorter side. (Click here to shop their new arrivals in skirts online). But some of us can't wear 16" skirts. Now I appreciate your pencil skirts are on the longer side, but how about bringing back some Belle skirts in longer lengths too?

What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you expecting a bigger roll-out today? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Elaine (in this post) & Himmiefan (in this post) who both suggested a weekly "Help Style Me!" post about getting outfit advice from the JCA community. I think it is a fantastic idea. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs with those hard-to-work-with J.Crew items! :)

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

"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.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Another Sneak Peek Into J.Crew's March Catalog



A big "thanks!" to M, who not only got a copy of J.Crew's March catalog, but also scanned & shared a few of those images with us. {Super nice of her!}

To view any of these images larger, just click on it. The resolution is good enough to read the text easily (just make sure you select the "large size"). :)

No doubt, the catalog being released to customers means that new arrivals are arriving online tomorrow. {fingers crossed!}

What are your thoughts on the upcoming catalog from J.Crew? Do you like the clothes and styling? Are you excited about new arrivals coming soon?

Extra 30% Off Sale Items & Free Shipping!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including mommydearest (in this post), who shared the following promotion from J.Crew this morning.

J.Crew is offering 30% off all final sale items (no min) and free shipping (on $100+) with promo code AYC93K. The offer expires this Monday, February 28,2011. The fine print includes:
*No exchanges, no returns on items marked as final sale. Offer valid at jcrew.com only. Offer is not valid at J.Crew retail stores or J.Crew Factory stores. Offer does not apply to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards.30% off discount applies to J.Crew sale and Factory online items only. Offer valid through Monday, February 28, 2011, 11:59pm ET. Free shipping offer applies to orders shipped via ground shipping totaling $100+ after 30% discount on J.Crew sale and Factory online items and before shipping, handling and taxes are added. Savings are applied at checkout with code AYC93K. Offer not valid on phone orders. Cannot be combined with any other promotion. Limit one promotional code per order. Details of offer are subject to change.
It's great to see this offer back at J.Crew. Although it's odd that it is not publicly shared at JCrew.com or on its Sale page (click here to shop online). Perhaps this is the start of selective & private sales at J.Crew?

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get? Did you get this email? Does your local B&M have an additional-percent-off-sale as well?

J.Crew Email: We love college students & teachers...

"Thanks!" to many of you who shared the following email from J.Crew this morning which reminds us about J.Crew's 15% discount for both students and teachers.

This discount use to apply to sale items, third party items, as well as online purchases at retail and factory stores. However, J.Crew has scaled it back considerably in the past year: (1) applies only to in-store purchases, (2) applies only to regular priced items, (3) can't be used with any other promotion, and (4) not applicable to third-party merchandise.

Even if your personal shoppers knows you are an educator/ student and applied it to online/ phone orders in the past, they will now tell you they can't apply it unless you are in a store for an associate to verify it. This is a hassle, but I am happy that they still offer it at all. :)

Did you receive this email? Were you aware of the changes in the discount's applicability?

"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Ibi who suggested weekly 'Looking to LOVE' and 'Looking to VENT' 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 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.

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.

Meet Marissa's Jacket {it's not J.Crew!}

In the February 15th "Meet Marissa..." post, J.Crew's Head of Women's Design Marissa Webb was touting J.Crew's Lambskin Motocross Jacket (Item 38891; $895.00) while wearing another retailer's jacket. Which was a bit confusing at first. Many of us, including myself, initially thought the jacket she was wearing was the one being referred to in the email. Many of us, including myself, fell in love with Marissa's navy jacket and desperately searched J.Crew's website to no avail.

A big "thanks!" to xoxo (in this post) who shared the following news with us:
... I had a stylist do some digging for me and they contacted J.Crew to confirm that this is Marissa's jacket from the "Meet Marissa" email.

Apparently she had the sleeves shortened, which I don't understand, but maybe she likes bracelet-length sleeves. The J.Crew rep said that there were quite a few inquiries about the jacket so maybe they will make a similar version for F/W.

Anyway, I bought the jacket while I was on my European trip last week and wore it quite a bit, it is really lovely. Just wanted to pass on the info since there was a bit of speculation around it last week.
So the mystery behind the jacket is revealed: it's the Joseph's Navy Emmanuelle Double Breasted Jacket (Item 152090; $739.20).

I would definitely be interested in seeing J.Crew's version for Fall/ Winter, if they decide to make it.

What are your thoughts on the jacket? Do you think J.Crew should offer its own version? Do you think it's weird or okay to wear a different label while promoting another one? ;)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Cardmember Email: A sneak peek, just for Cardmembers

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, who shared with us the latest email from J.Crew to its card members.

The email above features the not-yet-officially-released-online the Desiree Studded Gladiator Sandals (Item 36164; $138.00). J.Crew describes these sandals as:
We glammed up the gladiator with alluring wraparound straps fashioned in vachetta leather (it only gets better with age). Completely refined and utterly elegant with gold studs and a sleek silhouette. We're stepping out all over town in this pair. Antiqued gold-finish buckle. Leather footbed. Man-made sole. Made in Italy. Half sizes order up. Catalog/jcrew.com only.
I really like the gladiator sandal look as I own many {similar} pairs from J.Crew. These are super-cute for those of us who have not yet given into the style.

Incidentally, the email states these sandals are comfortable enough to be worn all day. I can tell you they are not. I have sandals from J.Crew with the same footbed and it's hard on your feet. You need to add an insert from Dr. Scholls or the like. Nice try, J.Crew!

On another note, this email means that new arrivals are once again just around the corner (as in later this week!) :)

What are your thoughts on the Desiree Studded Gladiator Sandals? Do you like the style- the studs to wraparound-ankle buckle?

Darlings, is it time for a {Madewell} coupon code?

Yes, it is that wonderful time!

A big "thanks!" to Li, who is super nice to share with us that Madewell is offering free shipping on orders of $100+ with promo code BM3L6A. This offer expires 3/4/11.

P.S. I have noticed that other blogs & websites post J.Crew | Madewell codes & coupons *after* this blog does. If you happen to get codes & coupons from the JCA blog & post them at your site, could you please give give a "shout out" to the JCA blog? This way more JCAs are inclined to share. TIA! :)

J.Crew + Polyvore = Wahoo!

A big "thanks!" to tiffany rose, who shared the following exciting news: it appears that J.Crew has joined Polyvore as a member! Polyvore is a great place to create outfits, as well as inventory one's closet. To view the site, click here. (I should add, that I am not 100% sure if it is J.Crew or a fan of J.Crew behind the site. But there are so many product images with multiple views, that it makes me think it is J.Crew.)

Right now, it appears to be a work-in-progress (as features are still being added). Some headings offered include: Sets, Items, Collections, Templates, Advice, Likes, Contacts, Groups, From My Contacts, and Contest Wins. (Although, most of the headings do not have anything in them yet.)


If it really is J.Crew, than I am thrilled they are taking the steps to officially join Polyvore. (As a side note, some personal shoppers at J.Crew have already been using Polyvore to share styling tips and outfits with their customers.)

Of course, JCAs are no strangers to Polyvore (refer to the 2008 post "Creating J.Crew Outfits with Polyvore!"). For fashion inspiration, there is the amazing Polyvore *JCA Group*. (That Polyvore group is a such an incredible source when it comes to styling J.Crew pieces.)

What are your thoughts about J.Crew joining Polyvore? :)

Madewell Email: Dresses to love (+ free shipping)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Desert Flower & Ketan, who shared the following email from Madewell today.

Madewell is promoting their Dress Shop feature (click here to shop online). Madewell's head designer, Kin Ying Lee, shares how to stay best dressed (literally, with dresses!) all Spring long.

Madewell is also reminding us of their offer for free shipping on orders of $100 with promo code GOFORIT. This offer is for a limited (yet unknown) time.

Will you be checking out the Dress Shop at Madewell? Are there any items you are interested in getting? If so, please share. :)

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

Monday, February 21, 2011

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to sell}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID).


Please note: this posting is not for resellers. If you are a reseller, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)


Please note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site?

Sidenote: What's up with JCAs writing "sub" or "subscribing" as their comment? It just means they are subscribing to all the comments (which are then automatically sent to their email) in that particular thread. This way they can stay aware of all the comments posted. :)

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to find}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.


Please note: this posting is not for resellers. If you are a reseller, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)


Also note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

Sought & Found: Did you visit J.Crew this {past} Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopped by a J.Crew store this past weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the HOLIDAY sale, or to see some new SPRING arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store was/ is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Madewell Email: Free shipping on any order, all weekend long

"Thanks!" to many of you, including IRL, who shared the following promotion from Madewell today.

Madewell is offering free shipping on all orders (no min!) with promo code WEEKEND. This offer is only available online and expires Monday, February 21, 2011. The fine print of the offer includes the following:
*Free shipping offer valid on madewell.com orders shipped via regular shipping (3 to 6 business days). Offer is applied at checkoutwith promo code WEEKEND. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotion and cannot be applied toprevious purchases. Offer is valid through Monday, February 21, 2011, 11:59pm ET.
What a phenomenal promotion! This is great to pick up a low-priced item or two without worrying about the shipping fees.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Are there any items you are interested in getting? If so, please share. :)

Friday, February 18, 2011

Sneak Peek Into J.Crew's March Catalog

A big "thanks!" to an Peggy who shared these two upcoming March catalog images with us. (Just click on either image for a larger view.)

Once again, it looks like J.Crew is going back to simple (as in, no more over-the-top layering). Once again, I am enjoying what I am seeing so far. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the catalog has to offer! :)

On another note, these images must mean that new arrivals are just around the corner. Should we expect to see them at J.Crew stores and online next week? {yey!}

What are your thoughts on the upcoming catalog from J.Crew? Do you like the clothes and styling? Are you excited about new arrivals coming soon?

Seek & Find: Will you visit J.Crew this Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the HOLIDAY sale, or to see some new SPRING arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

P.S. I noticed that many of you have already been reporting sale items (and in which stores) in other posts which by the way "thank you!" :) I really appreciate how helpful we are for each other!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

20% Off Women's Items on Orders of $150+

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Rochelle & Ketan, as well as Christy (in this post) & Alan (in this post), who shared the following promotion from J.Crew today.

J.Crew is offering 20% off all Women's (regular priced) items on orders of $150+ with promo code FABFEB. This offer is only available online and expires Monday, February 21, 2011. The fine print of the offer includes the following:
*Offer valid on full-price women's apparel, shoes and accessories purchases of $150 or more before shipping, handling and taxes are added. Offer valid on purchases made at jcrew.com only through Monday, February 21, 2011, 11:59pm ET. Enter code FABFEB at checkout. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases, alterations or the purchase of gift cards. Offer not applicable to third-party branded merchandise. Offer not valid in J.Crew retail or Factory stores or on Factory merchandise. Offer not valid on phone orders. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Terms of offer are subject to change at any time.
It is great to see a regular priced promotion being offered again. (Feels like it has been awhile since the last one.) Perfect to use on a new Spring arrival or two, especially if you have free shipping when you log into your account (refer to "Meet Marissa (& log-in to see if you got free ship..." post).

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Are there any items you are interested in getting? If so, please share. :)

Madewell Email: See what's new...(+ free shipping)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Ketan & IRL, who shared the following email from Madewell today.

The email breaks down into three distinct features:
  1. Blogger Bests. Style bloggers reveal their absolute favorite Spring looks.
    [Click HERE.]
  2. The Denim Bar. Explore our latest & greatest jeans, find your perfect fit & more.
    [Click HERE.]
  3. Style Scout. The coolest new finds- from like design minds.
    [Click HERE.]
Madewell is also reminding us their offer for free shipping (on $100+) with promo code GOFORIT. This offer is for a limited time.

But there's more! Madewell has a new sweepstakes. The "Jean Journey Giveaway" offers fans a chance to win a trip to NYC plus an amazing $2,000 shopping spree from Madewell and Refinery29. This ends 3/17/11, so make sure you enter soon! To enter, click HERE. For official rules, click here.

What are your thoughts on Madewell? Are there any Madewell items you are interested in?

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Elaine (in this post) & Himmiefan (in this post) who both suggested a weekly "Help Style Me!" post about getting outfit advice from the JCA community. I think it is a fantastic idea. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs with those hard-to-work-with J.Crew items! :)

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

"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.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

J.Crew Freshens Up the Classics {part two}

"Thanks!" to Gem Twin (in this post) who pointed out that there is a video of Jenna Lyons in the Wall Street Journal article that was referenced in this week's "J.Crew Freshens Up the Classics" post.


This video was great as it covered a lot of topics: Success & Disappointment, Advice, Rewards, and Longevity. First, I think Jenna is adorable! In all fairness, I always find her personable in her video interviews. Second, she shared some solid advice about perspective, focusing on what's coming, and not comparing oneself to others. Third, it's clear she genuinely loves what she does.

What are your thoughts on the video? Do you agree with Jenna's advice that she shared?

"Looking to VENT" 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 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.

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.

Spotted: J.Crew's Jenna Lyons All Around Town {part two}

"Thanks!" again to Kate (check out her lovely Moodboard blog), who let us know about some more spottings of J.Crew's Jenna Lyons during NYC's Fashion Week.

The above image (from vogue.com), shows Ms. Lyons with Joseph Altuzarra at La Esquina. The style she is wearing is relatively simple (camel wool coat over jeans) and it looks so great. The touch of color with her oversize clutch is perfection!

The two images below (from Refinery29), show Ms. Lyons street style. (Click on either image for a larger view). Although I think Jenna is gorgeous, I am not a fan of the overall outfit. There is too much going on with all the pieces together (but I do think each piece on its own is pretty). On a bright note (literally), I do love the sweater she is wearing (the color is amazing!)

Lyons is definitely working her unique style during Fashion Week, complete with her signature frames!

What are your thoughts on Jenna Lyons' outfits? Do you like her overall style? :)

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Meet Marissa (& log-in to see if you got free shipping!)

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including Desert Flower, xoxo, IRL, Kathryn, as well as Miss Penny Z, mommydearest, newyork0311, jbird, GigiOfCa (in this post), who shared the following email that J.Crew sent customers today.

The email features J.Crew's newest top executive, Marissa Webb (Head of Women's Design) as well as J.Crew's Lambskin Motocross Jacket (Item 38891; $895.00).
This is one of those limited, extra-special J.Crew Collection pieces we design that I cannot stop thinking about until I've happily snagged one for myself. Our motorcross jacket is a standout piece in luxurious lambskin leather from a premier Italian tannery that has additional cool details like patch pockets and zips at the wrists. As one of our best customers, I wanted to pass along this gorgeous item before it's available in our 1035 Madison Avenue Collection store or through our online lookbook. It's exactly the kind of iconic investment piece you'll wear today and 10 years from now- I know I will. Click here to see it.
Moreover, the email announces a new promotion for free shipping when select customers log-in to their J.Crew accounts. There are two types of emails floating around.

One email is for a one-time unique code for free shipping (no minimum) that can be used at any point until 2/28/11. The fine print for this offer is:
*Offer valid on purchases made online at jcrew.com only through February 28, 2011, 11:59pm ET. Enter code XXXXXX at checkout to redeem. Offer is valid for one-time use only and cannot be applied to previous purchases. Discount may not be applied to the purchase of gift cards, bridal gowns, vintage and one-of-a-kind items or third-party branded merchandise and may not be redeemed for cash. Discount code cannot be used in combination with any other promotion. Offer is valid on orders shipped in the U.S. and Canada only. Offer not valid on purchases made in J.Crew retail or J.Crew Factory stores. Terms of offer subject to change.
The other email is for unlimited free shipping (no minimum) for a certain amount of time. The fine print for this offer is:
*If you don't have a registered account, call our special access line at 800 XXX XXXX and they'll set one up for you. Previous purchases are not eligible for this offer. Free shipping offer valid through February 28, 2011, 11:59pm ET on orders shipped via regular shipping (3 to 6 business days). Free ground shipping is applied automatically at checkout. Cannot be combined with any other promotion.
Thrilled to see this promotion return. Sad that I am not one of "the selected" to get either promotion. Ah well! Maybe next time.

What are your thoughts on the Marissa Webb email? Did you get the promotion for free shipping too?

The Inspiration Behind J.Crew's Spring 2011 Men's Collection

There are two great articles that discuss how the Portland Museum of Art’s Winslow Homer Studio inspired J.Crew’s Spring 2011 Men’s Collection. To read more about this, check out:
  • "The Portland Museum of Art's Winslow Homer Studio is the Inspiration for J.Crew's Spring 2011 Men's Collection"
    [Art Daily]
  • "Bob Keyes: J.Crew dabbles in Homer's palette"
    [The Portland Press Herald]
J.Crew Head of Men’s design Frank Muytjens took his team to the Winslow Homer Studio, to research the style behind their Spring men’s line. Also shared is the following quote:
"I always look to his work for inspiration," Muytjens said in an e-mail exchange. "The cloudy grays of the sky, the inky navy of the ocean -- they make for a very moody and masculine color palette. One of my favorites is a painting called 'Weatherbeaten,' and it perfectly sums up the J.Crew spring '11 men's line. Its rugged, hefty fabrics, ocean-faded colors and some of our garments look like they have been bleached out by the sun and the ocean, which makes them look like they've been around forever." [The Portland Press Herald]
I do adore the Spring Collection for Men. Way to go Frank!

What are your thoughts on the inspiration for Spring 2011 Men's Collection? Are there any pieces that stand out for you as "must-haves"?

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

Spotted: J.Crew's Jenna Lyons All Around Town

"Thanks!" to Kate (check out her lovely Moodboard blog), who let us know about J.Crew's Jenna Lyons being spotted at Fashion Week. The above image (from stylecaster.com), shows Ms. Lyons sitting with Garance Dore at the Vena Cava show. She looks so great, loves it!

"Thanks!" also to Chris (check out her great A Little "Crew"zy blog), who let us know about Jenna Lyons attendance at the Kate Betts' book party in NYC. The above image (from vogue.com), shows Ms. Lyons working a lot of layers topped off with her signature frames.

What are your thoughts on Jenna Lyons' outfits? Do you like her overall style? :)