Wednesday, September 12, 2012

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 Anthropologie, 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.

49 comments:

  1. For anyone who has an Aritzia store near them (I know they are across Canada, and maybe NY?) they have a complete dupe of the Minnie pant! They are made of the same stretch twill and even have the same horizontal seam on the back of the leg, along with the flat front and side zip.

    They have a cropped version called the Elliott (about the same length as the Minnies) and a full length version called the Ellis (hit at just the top of my ankles--I am 5'9). They have some fantastic colours, including bright blue, bright green, burgundy, mustard yellow, true red, peach and mint. The price is $95 CAD, not sure about a US price.

    I need a 00 in the Minnies and these fit me in a 2, so they will be great for people who are sized out of the JC version. The full length Ellis are also great for those like me who need a 00 Tall (which JC doesn't make). I also find that these are slightly narrower through the calf, which I prefer (the Minnies bag out in the calves on me a little bit).

    Sorry for the long post, I hope someone else is able to try these!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love Aritzia and have tried on the Elliot pant. This is definitely a great dupe for the Minnie.

      Unfortunately I'm quite long-waisted so the Elliot is not for me. Does the Ellis have a higher rise? TIA!

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    2. Unfortunately I'm not sure, I only tried on the Ellis because I knew the Elliotts would be too short on me. Sorry!!

      Delete
  2. Does anyone have a code for Kate Spade? Someone posted a 20 percent off last week, just wondering if anyone else has another they might be willing to offer, pretty please? There's a pair of shoes I'm dying for but needless to say it would help a lot to get a discount....TIA!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Email me at mini.19mail@gmail.com and I will send you mine

      Delete
    2. Sweet! Just sent you an email.

      Delete
  3. Gap's new 1969 corduroy jacket in pink here:

    http://onecantgetoverthehabit.blogspot.ca/2012/09/some-outfits-and-review-of-gap-1969.html

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  4. BR 40% off one item code - today only:

    TXL4X6HD894Z

    There are a ton of exclusions so don't be surprised if it doesn't work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I also have a BR 40% off code for today only that I will not be using: W8F2V1FGGD24

      Delete
    2. Here are my BR codes too:
      LBKBLKQGFHLK
      XNJZZK3DFTVX

      Delete
    3. I also have 2 codes:
      W9MXKXH9XLDH
      LVJTGTWVMFR4

      Delete
  5. Some Old Navy reviews here including a colorblock stripe top similar to J. Crew and a silk-esque blouse.

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  6. Boden sent me a "We Miss You" $10 off and free shipping & returns from Boden. It states it can only be used by the recipient but I'm sure someone else could use it:

    Promotion Code: W713
    Voucher Code: SVREFRVMY6Q8
    Expires: 9/25/12

    Instructions:
    ->enter the 4-digit promo code into the box on the shopping page. This applies free shipping & returns to your bag.
    ->at the payment page, enter the voucher code to apply the $10 discount.

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  7. Although J.Crew said they would honor the cardholder 25% despite not sending me a code, somthing about the whole experience really turned me off. But the fact is - even 25% off for the quality they serve these days is not enough. I started looking at other retailers and I am not willing to pay for J.Crew unless it is deeply discounted.

    The first was Madewell (yes I know, affiliated with J.Crew somehow). Anyway I picked up this silk pleated shirtdress in patina verte.
    http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/DRESSES/shirtdress/PRDOVR~12878/12878.jsp
    Color was definitely more aqua/light blue than the minty green stock pic but the dress is lovely and cut so well. No gaping armholes, everything lies just so, and the silk georgette is divine. Pale and sheer looking but not see through at all - won't need a cami underneath this one. No random loose threads. I had a $25 madewell coupon (thanks birchbox) which made this dress a little more affordable. Not sure if it is a keeper but it is very very nice. Although the store associate told me dresses run large, the 0 was fine for me (5-2, no boobs, ruler shape).


    Interestingly, J.Crew factory offered a similar dress in poly, nowhere near as refined, and offered it for $128.

    Next up Boden. I ordered two cashmere sweaters, a pant, a jean on sale, and a dress. So far, only one sweater arrived (cashmere crewneck in purple heather for $118, free shipping and returns, 90 days) and it is gorgeous! Soft muted color, slimfitting, and so so soft. I am waiting for some mint blue skinnies that I got for 64 (I ahd wanted J.Crew's ankle stretch skinnies in shallow sea but couldn't fork over $90 some dollars with the 25% for them).

    I have had good luck with Talbots sale lateley - got a silk georgette pleated skirt for $25, a cashmere crewneck for $28, a very cute sixties style sweater for $18, a pencil skirt for $17. Plus if you use a talbots card, you get 5% back it seems (I just opened one and got some random discount for using my card). That seems fair since that is what they save by having you use their card instead of another card.

    So, thanks J.Crew, for not sending me the 25%. Taught me to look elsewhere and so far I am liking what I found.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I second the Kate Spade suggestion. She has very cute jewelry too.

      If you are near an outlet, I suggest checking it out for clothes. I went in on a whim over the weekend, and all clothing was an additional 50% off the ticketed price. I got the most adorable silk leopard peplum top and brown trousers for work. Price points a little higher than JC but I was so impressed with the quality/construction/fit that I couldn't say no.

      Delete
  8. I'm loving Boden lately. I got an A-line dark denim skirt from there and it is just right, not too flared, not too short, not too long, not too trendy, not too dowdy.

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  9. I have a question: who is familiar with H&M?? We just got a couple here in Denver and they have have some cute blazers for under $50, also a verry flattering tweed-ish dress for $30. Much cheaper than what I can find at J Crew right now, but I'm very aware that some H&M is crap. For instance, they make a very j crew similar "suede" pump with the capped toe, but they are actually icky fabric, not suede. But I have an H&M sweater I found at a thrifft store yrs ago that looks great still. Thoughts??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am sorry to say that H & M quality is pretty rock bottom most of the time. It is only on rare occasions that I have found something that will last for more than one season. Nearly everything I have ever gotten from them looked limp and dull after a couple of washes/wears.

      Delete
    2. Hannah - H&M used to be ok as a fast fashion retailer. I'd say even an upgrade over F21. However, they have also gone down like all other retailers. If you are planning on wearing any of the blazers or office type apparel for a traditional office, business setting be very careful. I bought a great burgundy blazer for $40. I had to pick thru all of the ones in my size to get one where the lapel seemed to be even on both sides. Then after getting it home it still sat funny. I didn't want to risk looking silly or worrying all day whether it was straight/even/etc..., so I returned it even though it was lined & a beautiful, beautiful color. The construction just isn't there. Don't go by price alone!

      Delete
  10. Also, I'm open to suggestions for stores I may be interested in. I fell in love with J Crew b/c they make non-juniors (aka cheaply made and skanky looking) clothing in my size. I'm 5'7", size 00, xx small (no bust hips or butt, sad face) and I love the style of banana republic, talbots, lands end, etc, but NONE of it fits! Anthropologie sometimes works for pants/skirts, but not often enough.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was just about to post a separate comment but may as well tag it to your post - try Club Monaco! Club Monaco sizing is not vanity sized like J. Crew. At J. Crew, I have been taking size 2/4/XS, but at Club Monaco, I consistently take size 6/S. The pants are cut for a boyish figure (i.e. hips are only slightly wider than waist), which I find is perfect for me.

      Delete
  11. ...and continuing what I said above: I am all over Club Monaco this season. What I am not finding at J. Crew right now, I'm finding at Club Monaco - great fabrics, good quality, and interesting details that take a classic and give it a bit of a twist. Price points are about the same as J. Crew but they don't offer the same promotions as J. Crew, and their colour palette is always focused on neutrals and earth tones. I noticed that good items tend to sell out before they ever get put to sale, so I bought a pair of the cropped trousers in tropical wool at full price ($149 CA) last week. I wore them and my husband immediately noticed them and said how nice they looked - definitely worth it!

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  12. Some JC-esque items I've purchased elsewhere lately:

    (1) This gold chain-ish necklace, on sale for $16.80 and there is a 15% off coupon also on Fatwallet which makes it SO cheap: http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/apt9/jewelry/necklaces/PRD~1131042/Apt+9+Gold+Tone+Oval+Link+Necklace.jsp I got it yesterday and it's not as heavy as a JC piece but when it's on your neck, the look is spot on and looks so rich. I'll get a lot of where out of this, esp. at work, for such a steal price.

    (2) A pair of AG Jeans from Anthro, the Stevie style in Society wash: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=C22957559 Similar to JC Matchstick but more flattering cut and better denim. So soft, so great for a skinny leg denim for athletic legs!!

    Other shoutouts to Madewell (I know it's JC sister but oh well), Nordstrom and Talbots for nice items at reasonable prices lately!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dress reviews from Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, and Peruvian Connection. Also found a great little casual blazer at Target for $25. You have to try on many to find the just right one though. Also Madewell Charade Blazer.http://bluebooby101.blogspot.com/

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  14. 25% off and free shipping at Talbots w/ code 029353545. Works on sale stuff too, though there isn't much left. FP stuff is 20% off right now so both discounts amount to about 40% off FP, not bad!

    ReplyDelete
  15. With all this talk on the other thread about mean and median sweater prices, I thought I'd add that Lands End has a coupon for 30% off sale and promotion items good for today only: AFFSAVE30 pin 9121. They have long and short sleeve cashmere sweaters on sale for $69 and under before the add'l 30% off. Nice colors. I should add that the coupon includes free shipping with orders over $50. I have LE cashmere from last year and find it lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks J.CrewJD for the Talbots code!! I was able to order 4 pairs of pants and 2 sweaters for my mom for $63 shipped. Awesome.

    The Dotted Audrey Sweater is really cute IRL, and is $47 with all the promos. Also love the Houndstooth Cuff, Cashmere Poncho, Houndstooth Cape and the Calf Hair Pointy Heels.

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  17. I am looking for a Madewell code. Even free ship no minimum would help. If anyone has a code thay they won't be using please email it to me at crazyaboutjcrew@gmail.com. TIA!

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  19. Does anyone have this Bubble necklace looking piece from Bauble Bar?
    http://baublebar.com/index.php/fashion-jewelry/jewelry-necklaces/dove-princesse-bib.html

    Is it as large as j. crew's bubble necklace? I think it's too large for my frame.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. D*ska - The Princesse from Baublebar is definitely much smaller than the JC bubble. I will try to drop a long overdue review in a moment. Also, I tried on the jeweled sweatshirt (JC) and really liked it. Did you order it?

      Delete
  20. Review of a gorgeous Agate Bib necklace (Anthro)here. It's an inexpensive way to add a jeweled collar effect to any garment, love it- so nicely made and truly is a conversational piece.

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  21. I just wanted to note that a lot of print ads I've seen recently from Target are very J Crew-like. Elegant officewear, pencil skirts and cardigans and muted animal prints. I'm not comparing J Crew to Target (even if the Crew's quality has gone downhill it's not at Target's level) however at Target you get what you pay for or a slight cut above! Mostly I just thought that it was interesting. More than once I've looked at the ad and been suprised to notice the Target logo at the bottom.

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  22. Does anyone have a Madewell coupon that's $25 off $75 purchases? I think people received it in a birchbox or something. If anyone isn't using it I would love to snag it!

    AllySan1013@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. 40% off one item at Land's End. Code: Country Pin: 1840.

    This skirt would be my choice if I didn't already have it :)! It is lovely. Size down one from your J.Crew size. The material is just like the older J.Crew double serge wool.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just got an email with this code as well!

      My pick would be this Hunt Jacket. Except for the lack of leather buttons and waist tabs, it looks just like the old school JC Robert Noble Ryder Blazer! It even has the embroidered crest on the inside and the contrast lined collar - LOVE these details.

      I have been so impressed with Lands End last year and this. They may not be flashy, but they has wonderful sales, and their quality (especially when taking into account their sales) is phenomenal.

      Delete
  24. Loft - ONEDAY gets 40% off everything. Also good in-stores. Just visited yesterday. Reviews in this post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...as the code implies, it's only good for today, Sat 9/15

      Delete
  25. http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=57240&vid=1&pid=322308&scid=322308002 These Gap pants fit like a dream...very Jcrew-ish...great price point, too!!!!

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  26. Many of you have seen ilycouture's bauble necklace similar to J. Crew's. Now they have a similar PAVE link bracelet. IMO, it looks better than J. Crew's!!! Too bad ilycouture has a no-returns policy. You can google "ilycouture basilissa" to see what it looks like IRL: http://www.ilycouture.com/ILY_COUTURE_p/1000.htm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jihan - I cannot find my JC pave bracelet to check how the ends near the clasp, but you can see a irl pic here to compare the stones. As far as the gaps, those make me think of the gaps in the Jenna bracelet, which I found a little odd. I guess it's just a look.

      The Ily Couture bracelet is quite similar to J Crew's and the $50 savings is good, esp if you will only wear it occasionally. If you got a 20% coupon, the JC version would still be $100 + tax. It's up to you. Personally, there are something I decide should just be from J Crew and other things I'm ok w/getting from another retailer. Think about which would likely make you happiest in the long run.

      Delete
  27. Follow-up: here is someone's review of the ilycouture pave bracelet look-alike: http://toonnyvision.blogspot.com/2012/08/pave-love.html I do not like the gap between the ends of the bracelet - there are too many gold links in the clasp area. It's not attractive. What do you guys think?

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  28. I found a J Crew Pave Link bracelet look alike on ebay for $65. I just received it and I must say I am very pleased at the quality and look for the money.It has the gold J Crew tag attached to it, but I am positive it is not authentic. It looks stunning and I have received compliments on this bracelet every single day since I bought it. I know some readers only want authentic J Crew items, but if you are looking for this bracelet for less money I highly recommend this one. Just do a search on ebay for "J Crew Inspired Pave Link Bracelet!"

    ReplyDelete

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! :)