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.
Subscribing. :)
ReplyDeleteI recently made my first purchase from LL Bean Signature and am really impressed. I ordered the poplin dress in red (http://www.llbean.com/llbeansignature/llb/shop/65346?subrnd=1&parentCategory=505950&feat=505950-sigtn&cat4=505949), and I adore it. The neckline and skirt shape are flattering. Initially, I ordered a 4, which is my 'true' size while my Crew size is 2. I've just asked Bean to send me a 2, though, since the 4 was a bit big. So, maybe I'm a 2 at Signature, too.
ReplyDeleteI also order the sateen pant (http://www.llbean.com/llbeansignature/llb/shop/68358?subrnd=1&parentCategory=505952&feat=505952-sigtn&cat4=505951) in the dark umber, which is a cross btw brown and military green. Again, I ordered a 4, and, while I could probably go down to a 2 here, I'm sticking with the 4 for the more relaxed fit. I should qualify: by 'relaxed' I mean straight as opposed to skinny. These pants are unique for cropped pants, with an interesting little detail at the bottom of the leg. And, the material is substantial enough that I won't worry about wrinkling or sagginess.
Like I said, I'm impressed.
Gap reviews on my blog.
ReplyDeletesub
ReplyDeleteHey gang!
ReplyDeleteI just made a post today about a bunch of J. Crew look-a-likes for less :) I've even included a dead ringer for the Oxford Ballet Flats! Enjoy!
http://rufflesandsequins.blogspot.com/2011/03/j-crew-for-less.html
Tasia
I was trying to decide between the J. Crew eyelet skirt in ivory and the Talbots daisy lace skirt in cream. The Talbots skirt won. Great fit, the cotton lace is gorgeous and the lining is a tan/beige color which helps you see the detail. I highly recommend.
ReplyDeleteI do have the J. Crew eyelet skirt in shadow from it's original release, and love that one as well.
Has anyone tried the Talbots full poplin skirt? Unfortunately all the photos show it with huge belts so I can't see what the waistband looks like (and at JC that kind of styling disguise is usually a bad sign).
ReplyDeleteHexicon,
ReplyDeleteI have the full poplin skirt. The pleats are sewn down at the waist, which controls the volume. I wear mine just slightly below the smallest part of my torso. The skirt is lightweight, lovely, and swingy. Plus, it's a good length: just covering knees.
And, I want to second desert flower's endorsement of Talbot's daisy skirt in cream. I love how the daisy lace extends beyond the lining at the bottom hem!
kikki cee: Do you mind sharing what size you bought in the Talbots skirt and what size skirt you wear at J.Crew? I think we are about the same size and I'm interested in the skirt at Talbots. TIA! :)
ReplyDeleteDesert flower, I too succumbed on the Talbots skirt dasiy chai skirt. I ordered it in black after seeing the peach instore. I also ordered the J.Crew eyelet skirt in Shadow. It will be a skirt throwdown when both arrive! May the best one win. The Talbots version has stretch while the J.Crew one does not---this will play a factor in my decsion I am sure.
ReplyDeleteHi FFM,
ReplyDeleteI started with a regular 2, but ended up with a 4P. Here's why: first, Talbots uses darts at the waist of their skirts, so they sit higher. These darts also create an automatic curve in the garment. The distance btw the waist and hips on the regular 2 was too long on me, creating a bulge where I have none (my figure is nearly straight). The 4P, on the other hand, had less distance btw waist and hips, so the curve wasn't as pronounced. I think the actual waist and hip measurements of the two garments were identical; the differences are in the waist-hip distance and the overall length. But, even in a petite size, the length is still quite wearable, hitting just at the top of my knee (I'm 5'4").
Thanks kikki cee! I appreciate your help! :)
ReplyDeleteGap - review of the perfect fit khaki pants in this post. They have a slight flare. Loveth.
ReplyDeleteGigi, I also love the Gap perfect khakis. Cute as a button!
ReplyDeleteGap has quite a few in-store markdowns. Their enamel-button cardigans are marked down to $19.99-$24.99 and then an additional 30%. They're very thin, but there are some great colors (like neon azalea) so if you're looking for something like that, $13.99's not bad.
They also have some final sale racks spread out through the store with some rock-bottom prices. I got a featherweight black 100% cashmere cardigan for - wait for it - $4.97. Now that's how you do a final sale! ;)
Gigi, those are some cute pants!
ReplyDeleteI'm twiddling my thumbs waiting on a BR Canada code - I haz me a gift card!
Thanks for the tips, Tinydancer!
ReplyDeletehi -- looking for some advice, please.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the charming or pima cotton shells at Talbots? I was wondering how they compare to JC's Jackie shells.
thanks!
sub :)
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the Ponte knit dress or Bouvier sheath from Talbot's? I have only ever purchased a scarf at Talbot's after receiving the same scarf in a different color as a Christmas gift but now I am getting catalogs every month. I love a quality ponte knit and may have to go try these two dresses, especially the v-neck, which looks to have a narrower skirt. Would sure be nice to hear some opinions from the trusty JCAs first!
ReplyDeleteI posted this before, but it might have gotten a bit lost. I posted some pics and reviews of a lot of Talbot's new arrivals.
ReplyDeletehttp://shopwithm.blogspot.com/2011/02/talbots-spring-reviews-pics.html
I just got the LE Canvas catalog and I must say there are quite a few things in there I really like. I'd like to purchase some things, but am going to wait for a 25% off code, as I think they do these every so often. If there's one going on now, please let me know! Thanks
ReplyDeletesilver_lining - Now *those* are some deals. Wow.
ReplyDeletegumdrops - Thanks. I didn't realize the codes we have don't apply to Canada.
Conster - I've tried the charming cardi as have other JCAs. We all seem to be in agreement to size down one. I can't say it's the same for the shell, but my guess is that's a possibility.
xoxo - I haven't tried either of those dresses. I love the ponte dresses from Talbots and it's too bad many or all of them are catalog/online only. If you can get to a store, order thru the red phone for free shipping.
I have the one shoulder dress seen in this post. It's a jersey dress with poly/spandex fabric, but I'm wondering if the fluidity might be similar to the dresses (rayon/nylon/spandex) you have your eye on. Looks like the v-neck one is online only, but you might find the Bouvier in-store in some colors. I would think the fit would be good and not tight. I am often PM, but take PS in Talbots. The dress I linked to is PXS.
For anyone who may have been considering this, I received the LL Bean Signature madras shirtdress today. Great fabric, perfect fit (took my usual J Crew dress size of 4) and a decent price at $79. The plaid may be a bit lumberjack-ish for some, but I tried it on with a wide studded belt and heeled sandals and thought it was really cute.
ReplyDeletegigiofca, thanks for the Talbot's dress info. The one-shoulder looks incredible on you, I love it! The ponte knit is quite a bit heavier than jersey, although I'm sure you know that with all your shopping experience. I have a few ponte knit pieces from other retailers and the fit is quite snug by design, which I like because it is very flattering.
ReplyDeleteI can get to a Talbot's store but probably not for at least another week as I am working loooong hours with just short breaks in between. Guess I will order the v-neck in a couple of sizes and try it out.
Great stuff from BR last weekend piggy-backing on the Oscars. You take your clothes at the counter and select an envelope for either 25, 30 or 50% off.
ReplyDeleteGot a 30% off for a tailored navy blue suit. It was very comparable to a Ludlow in quality, style and price but BR wins because of the discount plus I don't have to pay US to CAN duties.
Some Talbots reviews on my blog.
ReplyDeletethanks for the assist, Gigi!
ReplyDeleteyou are always really helpful :)
I reviewed a couple of Lands' End Canvas items on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I really love the skirts and am thinking an order will be placed very soon.
Reviews here
Talbots has a 4 hour sale today, starting noon, runs to 4PM in your time zone. Use code SPRING. Extra 10% off clearance and free shipping on orders over $100.
ReplyDeletePosted on another thread but wanna emphasize...I'm quite impressed with Madewell at the moment. I placed an order on the 20th, got an email on the 22nd saying my item has shipped, and voila! It arrived yesterday! That's record time for me (I'm western Canada)!
Eddie Bauer, on the other hand... Placed on order on the 26th, got a confirmation email right away, but didn't get the "we've shipped your order" till yesterday...that's 3 business days! I only ordered 1 item, shouldn't take 3 days to make up my package. Disappointed.
Land's End Canvas - 30% off every stock room item already on sale & free shipping on $50 or more.
ReplyDeleteCode - CANVAS30
Pin - 1107
regarding Land's End, try clicking this link to get there.
ReplyDeleteGood thru 3/7.
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ReplyDeleteEileen Fisher has some good spring/summer items, some for sale. If you've blown off Eileen Fisher because the clothes are too dowdy, check again, some of them are quite stylish, they've made a serious effort to update the brand. The linen jersey a-line tee is one of my absolute favorites. There have been other colors in the past, I hope they show up in the next couple of months. The materials and construction are always top quality.
ReplyDeleteA-Line Tee in Linen Jersey
Racer Back Tank in Linen Jersey only $49
Great sale prices on accessories