Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

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. This is a question rather than a comment, but in your ventures into other stores, has anyone seen anything similar to J. Crew's forever cotton cardigan but in super vivid colors like bright orange, cobalt blue, kelly green, etc? I'm coming up empty handed so far, but thought I'd throw the question out there for others. :) Any help would be appreciated!

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  2. Lands End Canvas having their spring sale with free shipping

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  3. Kristin-
    Nordstrom! They have a cotton Michael Kors and a merino Halogen that look just like the forever, but in better colors.
    http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/womens-sweaters/cardigans?origin=accordion

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  4. I'm going to vent about another retailer (ha!). I got the "special offer" email from Gap/ON/BR yesterday and when I clicked on it my offer was 30% off until midnight today. I went to place an order this morning using the same link and my offer had changed to 25%. Come on! I tried using the code for the 30% that my email mentioned yesterday, and now I "no longer qualify". Geez, if you can't keep the terms of an offer static for only 2 days, what's the point?

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  5. Silver Lining - I have a code from BR/ON/Gap too & it states 30% off from March 22 - March 23. If it'll work, I can forward the email to you (although it states it's not transferrable), or simply tell you the code.

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  6. Kristin,
    Check out Boden's favorite v-neck cardigan (my superfluities has a link for 15% off) lots of fun bright colors, no orange but I just ordered the azure blue.

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  7. Bloomies is having 20% F&F today through Sunday. Not sure how I can help in-store, but online code is BFRIENDS

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  8. Thanks, IRL - when I got your email and clicked the link it also took me to a 25% page. I wonder if they were just changed across the board. I did read the fine print and it said something to the effect of "offer terms subject to change without notice". I'll say!

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  9. JulieY...thanks so much for the heads up at LEC. Just ordered a gorgeous bright coral-orange cardi, and three more tops for about $60 total. Love that it's NOT final sale, free shipping, and can be returned to a local Sears store.

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  10. I received my Talbot's order from last week's 75% off final sale items, and I am IN LOVE.

    Standard shipping took only 4 days for the items to arrive. Items were in perfect condition and fit great!

    Meanwhile I picked up the Wool Flannel Fallyn jacket from JC final sale popbacks yesterday morning...keeping my fingers crossed that there are no stains, holes, perfume smell, or other signs of shop wear.

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  11. silver_lining, that totally stinks. It isn't exactly bait-and-switch but pretty darn close.

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  12. Silver-Lining, that happened to me w/a GAP promo several months back. In the AM when I clicked on the link, it was 40% off. By the end of the day when I went back to do some shopping, it had dropped to 25%. Killed the buying mood for me for sure.

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  13. Just wanted to say that I received a Talbots promo card in the mail that seems to be similar to the Mickey card: 20% off any thing, in-store, online or by phone until April 4.

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  14. mommydearest- i tried using the bloomies code but it didn't work. i think their f&f starts 3/30-4/2

    here's the link:
    http://fashiondevelopmentgroup.com/2011/03/20/bloomingdales-friends-family-sale-starts-march-30th-2011

    thanks for the heads up though! i wish it was today since my cart is filled :)

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  15. silver_lining-
    same thing happened to me. 30% yesterday - 25% today. buzz kill. I was thinking about a few things with the 30% promo - but now, no-go.

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  16. Kristin...that v-neck cardi is wonderful, a bit shorter than the forever cardigan, but I find the length more versatile than the super-long forever. The colors are so beautiful, too.

    Robin, thanks for the shout-out!

    All week I am putting together "Boden Catch of the Day" posts that highlight some of the items that Boden is having an extra 20% off of. Today they are "catching" accessories and shoes in the Women's section. There are also a few bits and bobs from the mini-Boden and Johnnie B. lines. I love that I have access to a 15% off coupon (even if it is a maternity coupon--lol), and the promos can be stacked which makes the sale even better.

    Here is today's post:
    http://mysuperfluities.blogspot.com/2011/03/bodens-catch-of-day-accessories-and.html

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  17. I rec'd my Talbots order minus the item I really wanted... so I paid $6 shipping for a $12 final sale sweater. Hmph. I am not happy.

    Also rec'd LEC order with two $5 plaid minis, LOVE. And a pair of cashmere gloves to go with my new houndstooth gramercy coat. I am happy with that order!

    Also would like to share that the Gapbody sexy boot yoga pants are amazing and they have tall sizes. I am a 4/6 in JC and I got a tall small... they are now my new favorite pants. Very flattering. They are kinda expensive at $50 but Gap always has promos.

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  18. I just posted a review of the Lands' End Short-Sleeve Shirtdress that I purchased with a promo last week on my blog. Click here. :)

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  19. Kristin, the LEC Cotton Cashmere V-neck Cardigan comes in some bright colors. I don't know how it fits but I usually size down from my J.Crew cardigan size with Lands End.

    I've already mentioned in another post. I have the Heritage Cardigan in Coral Orange and I love the color.

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  20. Kristin, the LEC Cotton Cashmere V-neck Cardigan comes in some bright colors. I don't know how it fits but I usually size down from my J.Crew cardigan size with Lands End.

    I've already mentioned in another post. I have the Heritage Cardigan in Coral Orange and I love the color.

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  21. OOPS, sorry Ashley! It starts Wed the 30th!! So sorry - hope everything is still in your cart NEXT Wed.

    Sorry for the confusion

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  22. Kristin, the LEC Cotton Cashmere V-neck Cardigan comes in some bright colors. I don't know how it fits but I usually size down from my J.Crew cardigan size with Lands End.

    I've already mentioned in another post. I have the Heritage Cardigan in Coral Orange and I love the color.

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  23. Thought you'd be interested in my response from BR:

    "Thank you for your email. We are sorry to hear that you were unable to
    redeem your MARCH30 offer. Please understand, these offers are 'Cookie'
    based. As such, if the website is exited the same promotion may not
    appear again. Cookie based offers must be redeemed during the visit
    they appear. We apologize for any disappointment caused."

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  24. Wow, that's terrible! Talk about pressure to make a purchase! I guess the tight 24 hr deadline (12:01 03/22 - 11:59 03/23) wasn't enough. At least they could put that info in the email. What is the benefit of doing promo's this way & why didn't they offer you the add'l 5% as a one-time-courtesy (ha ha).

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  25. So this is a kind of a rant about Gap and had to let it off my mind. On Sunday I made a substantial purchase on my debit card. When they ran the transaction, they asked me for debit or credit, and I said debit, but was accidentally run through on credit. So the cashier cancelled the first transaction and reran the purchase. When I came home, I was charged twice for the purchase, both pending purchases. I wait four days and today my real Gap purchase cleared but the first purchase was still pending, which means I have no access to the money in that bank.

    I returned today to discuss my situation with the manager and she couldn't do anything but wait for their Gap banks to clear the purchase. Which is when I realized the dress I liked was of thick scratchy cotton and the sweater was a thick, cheap-feeling knit. They were both so cute, but I'm sorry Gap, without a discount I don't think you're worth it. I did purchase the bow chambray shirt at full price, but that was a very one in a million purchase. I'm done with you Gap! :(

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  26. I stopped shopping all Gap brands last year. I do not like some of their business practices and told them so in a detailed email. They sent me a long explanation of why they have certain policies and a sizable discount coupon. I deleted the email. I never really shopped at the Gap itself but I did shop at BR occasionally. Not anymore.

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  27. xoxo- please share! What was the problem with BR's business practices? Return policies? Vanity sizing?

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  28. I actually got charged TWICE for the same sweater at GAP several years back. I was livid! They refused to do anything about it. I boycotted them for a long time, but eventually did start shopping there again. Mostly for my kids

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  29. I just received a catalogue in the mail today called Pure Collection, (subtitle: British Style at it best). Not sure what marketing list my name popped on. Nice looking basics, mostly neutrals - kind of like BR classics + JJill had a love child. Mostly 100% natural materials.

    www.us.purecollection if anybody is interested. A very cute pleated knit skirt in there, but nothing I am drooling over.

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  30. moke: I have been on the Pure Collection list for a while, I think it is due to my continued purchases at Boden. The one item I have bought from them is amazing, a turtleneck poncho in 100% sustainable cashmere in a heather grey color. I wear it when traveling, as it looks like a sweater, but acts like a coat (so I don't have to take it off in the security line).

    The line runs a bit mature, but they are perfect for staples that you need in your closet.

    FWIW, I have received many compliments on that poncho. It is super soft, and stylish in an understated way.

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  31. Krisin - Try American Apparel. I haven't seen them in person, but I figured they'd have brights. You might also look at H&M. Head for the junior-junior pieces, which look very 80s. It's never in the front part of the store. They might have some brights. HTH

    silver_lining - Thanks for sharing that Gap cookie info. Very interesting.

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  32. I received a Garnet Hill catalog today and actually flipped through it- it has been a long time since I have - and was intrigued. Not enough to buy - but enough to fold down pages and go back to check a few things out online. They look like they've taken (some of) the best of J Crew - Anthro- Boden and mixed it up into their offerings. Very interesting...

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  33. You're right! The summer dresses are very J. Crew and the styling is Bodenish. Helllllo Sanur!

    http://www.garnethill.com/convertible-knit-dress/sale-clearance/womens-fashion/dresses/16647

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  34. I just got my Talbots purchases yesterday. I got the charming cardi - nice substantial cotton knit. I got the small and it fits okay, wondering if it would stretch out a bit after wear. Totally fine open, not so sure about it closed. I'm a 6/8 in Jcrew tops, usually medium in the cardis. Have a feeling the medium in Talbots would be just too big/boxy. But hey for $7 I am not too concerned about it. Now the stamped leather slingbacks? TOTAL LOVE! The leather is absolutely amazing - fits TTS and like a soft buttery glove and a to die for 15 bucks. So wished that they had another color in my size. Sniff.

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  35. Mary Moo - What a deal on the shoes! I've tried the Charming Cardi 2 or 3x. I don't think you want a M. I think it'll loosen up a bit.

    Thanks for sharing the Garnet Hill info, mack & minzunuami. I hadn't looked at them in a long while.

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  36. I agree about Garnet Hill. Their last couple catalogs have been cute.

    Also, it's really worth checking out Shopbop for Madewell, if you haven't. They have free fast shipping and free returns (narrow window of 15 days, but free is free). I got a pair of the paperbag pants that were sold out in my size on the Madewell site for a great price. But mostly, it's the free shipping both ways with no minimum that does it for me. :)

    I just haven't been able to bring my self to get much from Gap or BR lately. I used to love both of them, but haven't liked much at either since last summer. They have such great promos, that I've tried to love them. Sadly, nothing lately.

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  37. I ordered three different tops from Gap during their most recent 30% off promo. Thanks to their bizarre sizing I ordered two of each top and I'll have to take back whatever doesn't fit, hopefully not the entire shipment!

    I'm not liking BR women's clothes any more. I go there a lot always hopeful that I'll find something, but never do. I can't put my finger on it. The clothes are attractive, just don't work for me. Like Ann Taylor or Talbots. Maybe it's that they are a little too polished and I need things that are not so polished, like J Crew and Ann Taylor Loft. I'm turning to ATL a lot more these days.

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  38. While hunting for other things I came across these flat oxfords, Jeffrey Campbell's Kelly. If I were a flat-wearer I'd buy them, I think they're adorable. I love the open sides and the two-tone. Just want to add, since the link is to Envi, that I've ordered from them before and everything has been perfect.

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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! :)