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.
OT: j.crew all over the show New Girl on fox tonight! Hen sweater and Swiss dot tippi!
ReplyDeleteOk, J.Crew all over Fox tonight!
DeleteI saw that too! DH thought I was nuts :D
DeleteLoved Zoey Deschanel in the Swiss dot tippi! It, of course, made me want it now that it is totally sold out. And mindy kaling looked adorbs in that polka dot boy shirt and cardi.
DeleteI saw that! My only vent is that the Collection line for fall is so pricey but from the pictures doesn't look justified...
ReplyDeletetotally OT: madewell finally has a mobile website! :)
ReplyDeleteUsual vent: holes appear easily in seams of armpits on tees. My mint vintage v-neck s/s tee has enormous holes in the armpits after wash. Ridiculous. I need stop buying their tees again. I shouldn't have started buying their tees again.
ReplyDeleteHi...I only purchase the perfect T-shirts and have not had problems. When I look at the vintage and the
Deletetissue t's they are so thin...its ridiculous. The perfect long and short sleeve t's colors are lovely....I buy on sale, in quantity, and I size up one. I love the long length of them...the length and colors are what make me happy....and no holes ever...Carolyn from Vancouver
Thanks for the warning! I have not had that problem so far...
DeleteI'm confused by the complaints of holey tees. I have a drawer full of J.Crew tees that I wear constantly, including quite a few tissue tees, and I've never, ever gotten a hole, with the exception of one that was made by my cat's claw. I throw them in the washer and dryer, so it's not that i'm giving them any special care.
DeleteI haven't had any problems with the tissue tees, but completely stay away from vintage cotton. After one wash, they develop holes. The perfect tees have been holding up pretty well.
DeleteJeanne: You are very lucky! I use to not think the tees get holes, but sure enough I started seeing them. I take great care with my clothes (not wear them constantly, wear a tee underneath, wash in mesh bag,) and I still found tiny holes and unraveling seams cropping up. When it happened, I became a believer that J.Crew's tees do not hold up as well. Sigh. It's too bad, because they are beautiful.
DeleteGive me the ticket gun. Or pass it to someone who knows what they're doing.
ReplyDeleteThere are a good number of stores that don't have sale merchandise with the most current price on it. Customers are going to assume what they see is what they pay and won't potentially embarrass themselves by asking for a price scan. Even I know to ask for a price scan and I don't always do it. There's no shame in asking, but sometimes a SA will make you feel like there is.
Up next week...signage.
(sigh)
Doesn't it drive you crazy? Are they in the business of selling merchandise or not? There were NO signs advertising the 25% off $150 promo last week. An SA whispered it to me (as if I didn't already know - ha!) but completely ignored my friend. Seriously, the place was nearly empty on a Saturday afternoon. If J Crew is serious about moving the old merch to make room for the holiday shipments, put up some darned sale signs & let customers know! I don't even want to get started about the markdown guns or lack of use thereof.
DeleteI agree that it's annoying that the SAs are too lazy to mark the sale prices, but why would anyone feel embarrassed to ask for a price scan?
DeleteStill waiting my my perfect shirt in chambray with polka dots (item 89276)... Ordered it over a month ago and it's still not scheduled to ship until end of November. CS says I'm still on the waiting list even tho they can't say if it'll ship by that date or not. Last time I checked the site, remaining sizes have a backorder date for over a year from now! Such a tease!
ReplyDeleteMiss JR, if you have a B&M nearby, you should be able to ask them to locate it in a store for you. If not, I normally just call a store and if they don't have it, I request them to locate it in another store and order it.
DeleteI just figured it was sold out since it seemed to be so popular. Maybe i'll check in with my store this weekend. I have a return anyway.
DeleteMiss JR let us know what you find out! Mine is on backorder too and I haven't seen it in stores for a very long time.
DeleteI'm so frustrated with the wonky sizing and fitting of J Crew items. I received my latest order yesterday with the Smoked Top in Antique Paisley and Featherweight Cashmere Tunic. Both XXS and FS. They're HUGE. I could fit two people in them. We really need sizing (measurements please) on items listed on the website.
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem with the tunic :(
DeleteWas convinced I *had* to have the Etta metallic pumps, until they arrived this week....not so much. Uncomfortable, way too much toe cleavage, and WHY did they decide to do the toe cap in pink satin?!?!? The website says nothing about these materials. One scuff or spill and they're goners. I also fail to understand why many of the fabric shoes are more expensive than the same versions in leather. This was probably a blessing in disguise, since I'm getting pushed out of the market for Crew shoes (based on price).
ReplyDelete@Gigi
ReplyDeleteI am never too embarrassed to ask if something is marked down,,does that make me too brazen :-)
BTW
ReplyDeleteThe GAP App actually has a scanner so you can price check for yoself,
How about that Mickey?
Wow that price check on the Gap app is a great feature. J. Crew would have problems with that...what price would show...the in-store or the online price? :)
DeleteWow, I didn't know that. What a great feature.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTotally off topic: the new Eaton Centre store is opening today! Any Toronto JCAs going? Send me a message if you want to meet up - it would be great to put some faces to the names!
ReplyDeletestylishchemist at gmail dot com
Ah! Can't make it today. I'm planning on going tomorrow after work. If you go today please report back!
DeleteI saw this too late! I went, it feels like such a novelty to have a store so close now! I got the french hen iphone cover (25% off) and the french hen scarf. I'm in bliss.
DeleteDoesn't the collection organza trench dress look EXACTLY like a silky robe?
ReplyDeleteyes, it's the complete absence of tailoring and structure in a piece that screams for some darts and a waist at the very least.
DeleteHee hee! Zoom in on the model pic and underneath the ends of the sash it looks like the seam is splitting right up the front.
DeleteOH SNAP! it is splitting!
Deleteoh my god.
DeleteThe sales associates at the stores in my area are always so rude when I am returning things, making comments like, "Wow. That's a lot of stuff you are returning." It makes me want to shell out the extra $$$ to return via mail so I don't have to go through that experience each time.
ReplyDeleteI would ask them if they have a problem with doing the job they are paid to do...or maybe the manager is available to do your Large return...are they piad too make comments to customers...I think not....
DeleteMS, I totally would not tolerate that at all! As long as your items are unworn and you're returning within the given timeframe, what's their problem? I experienced this at Madewell last year when I was making my first return to them ever. The SA was a manager who was extremely rude so I made a complaint and the district manager called me the very next day to apologize. I agree w/ Unknown, giving attitude to customers is certainly not in their job description.
DeleteNext time, say, "well, if the merchandise didn't turn out to be such poor quality/fit IRL, then I wouldn't have to make so many returns" and see how they like that.
DeleteI know just how you feel about the snottiness with returns. I recently started lifting a lot more at the gym and now ALL of my JCrew pants are too tight in the thighs. Rather than switch to a new company's pants, I figured I would order a bunch of different styles from JCrew, in different sizes, to see what fits. Most of them were tragic, but a few fit well.
DeleteWhen I went to return the pairs that didn't fit, I intended to order several of the ones that were pretty snazzy. That totally changed when the SA (who I think might be a manager now) was totally cold about the process.
Afterwards, I ended up walking around the store and getting a few things to purchase. While closing my backpack after the purchase, the SA walks back up and inquires as to why I'm still there...I couldn't tell if he thought I was pocketing something or was just ready to see me leave. I wanted to tell him that I was trying to actually give his store a sale, but instead, I resolved to make this store my RETURN ONLY store. Meanwhile my favorite SA (who always goes out of his way to find products for me and always upgrades me to 2 day shipping for free) who works at the store closer to me, will be the only person that I purchase from in the future.
I think it is ridiculous that items with plenty of stock disappear off the website whenever there are new arrivals added. It used to be that they were only gone for a few days, but I have noticed lately that it is taking much longer, and some items do not even reappear at all now.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone let me know if kids Crewcuts items are counterfeited? I purchased a "NWOT" crewcuts kids coat on eBay and the navy tag at the neck says "New York City, N.Y." on it instead of the NY, NY I was expecting. Also, on the white tag in the side seam it says the coat is from "Holyday 09" collection. HOLYDAY?! I'm suspicious although otherwise the coat seems of great quality.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a counterfeit to me...
DeleteIt's raining here in Boston and I super annoyed that the cute Weatherby rain boots I bought this spring are literally falling apart after four wearings. First the fabric liner for the footbad fell out, then last night the entire footbed came out as I took them off. I'm so disappointed. I'm not usually a complainer, but I'm going to contact them today to let them know...
ReplyDeleteDo it. I recently contacted them b/c my dreamweaver flats kept dying my feet black every time I wore them (SO ANNOYING). They were fantastic about it. They're refunding my money, sent a package for a free return. Great, I didn't even have the receipt anymore and they said it's no problem.
DeleteTeeny 84 -
ReplyDeleteI had the same thought about the collection organza trench dress. It is downright dowdy. This is a particularly dangerous statement from me since I'm 46, certainly on the older side of the JC demographic. That dress has a Talbots sale rack feel to it.
More than 25% of the women's sale items are in the swim category. One hundred and ninety two to be exact. That's a lot of "mistakes", Mickey.
ReplyDeleteIt's October for Pete's sake!
ITA! I think we will see crazy sales around the holidays again. There is so much old merch lingering and seems to be much more awaiting markdown. The combination of absurd prices, weird fabric blends and repeated mistakes (I'm looking at you, dream sweaters and Cambridge cable!!) pretty much guarantees it. Now I just wish there was more to love that I would want to buy. Here's to exciting new arrivals tomorrow!!
DeleteMy vent is about the constant repetition of items instead of new designs. The sales racks are bursting with (too short) jules dresses, yet they keep putting out new ones. I was in the store yesterday to see the new arrivals and there was not one dress that hadn't already been around several seasons (all the suiting dresses, the origami dress). They also brought back the teddie dress in blue this time, which was another dress they ruined by making too short. I walked out empty handed. If I like a dress I don't need to own it in 5 colors and if I don't like a dress I am not going to change my mind and buy it when you keep rolling it out. Are the designers on permanent vacation?
ReplyDeleteI feel like all they care about now is putting out crazily-priced collection stuff and not at all about the regular line. It seems like half the women's items are "collection" now (with matching prices) when it used to be a small portion.
All of this! A search of "Collection" on jcrew.com gives 229 results in women's. With Factory branching off into its own thing, and more Collection items than ever, what's to become of JC?
DeleteYes! This is bothering me too! I can only justify so many stripes tees, blythes and cashmere crew necks. I've been so bored with the designs recently. And you are so right about the collection becoming a larger portion of the overall rollouts. The prices never cease to amaze me. But they must be making $$ off it. Sigh.
DeleteCass, I just bought one of those Jules dresses, even though I'm 5'10" and all legs...I'm thinking of altering it by 1. having the hem let out and 2. having a zipper added to the back so that I don't have to do body origami to get in and out of it. I'll post back here and let you know how it works out.
DeletePS: I know that it's A LOT of work to do for something that should be perfect from the start...I just happened to get it on a low enough sale price to make it worth the experiment.
Shanni - I'm very curious to hear how this experiment turns out!
DeleteShanni - I am 5'10" as well and happy to hear I am not the only one that immediately decided to let the hem out!
DeleteSince my vent every week is about declining quality (and we see how much good that's doing, ha), I'm moving on to a new vent for now...
ReplyDeleteThis is kind of along Cass' vent about constant repetition of design mistakes. When JC does a "classic" item right, it will often sell out at FP. I'm thinking of things like the A-line ponte dress, lime wool Collection dress, dotted perfect shirts, Martina wedges, stretch denim jacket (seen on GP) for example. Does JC look at the numbers on what sells at all? If you've got your 10th iteration of the (TOO SHORT) Jules dress marked from $188 to $49.99 (with a full size run on the rack), stop churning those out! One would think a look at what's sold out at FP and what's on a long backorder would give an indication of what (some) customers want. If you've got multiple sequin skirts languishing in the sale section forever... maybe not so many next time?
This is one of my pet peeves also. They need someone with a good ability to edit the line. I find a lot of their current styles and styling is off yet come the next rollout, there they are again in a different fabric, color or pattern.
DeleteITA, me three. It may be be becasue the cycle from desing to retail is quite long and everything is ordered a year ahead with no flexibility to tweak (this is outsourcing for you) but yes, I am so bored with the same bad stuff over and over.
DeleteI agree. My only rationale (and it doesn't make it rational) is that they already have a pattern made up for the Jules dress. It is really quite simple in design and therefore, easy to make. They aren't changing the length because of the above, along with the lead-time needed for each new fabric/season. And don't forget, shorter=LESS fabric and LESS $$! Bring it out in a new fabric and likely have some pretty darn good profit margins, even at the crazy sale price. It seems many people would love this dress if only it were longer. Just think how simple that change really seems.
DeleteOn the other hand, I am finding that everything is getting shorter. Perfect shirts in both bodice and sleeve length, some tees, certain tops-I just think they are cutting costs. I also mentioned how incredibly cheap I found the Peacoat fabric feels this year. The quality is bordering on Forever 21, yet they are charging close to $300. I think they are trying to slowly lower our expectations.
This is a reply to Shannon regarding defective J.Crew boots - take them to the Copley store and ask to have them fixed.
ReplyDeleteI bought a pair of J.Crew rubber rainboots a few years ago and they got holes in the soles after one season. Took them to the Copley store. They explained that the boots are not meant to be worn in cold cold weather. Not your issue, obviously. But the Copley staff took them back and had them fixed free of charge. I have not had a problem but I also don't wear them that much.
Boston streets are terrible for boots. I got a pair of sperry topsiders afterwards and wore them for a few months and also got holes in the soles. Sperry sent me a new pair...but I don't want to wear them.
get a pair of Hunter boots, I bought some for my daughter more than 3 years ago she wears them all the time in NYC still going strong
DeleteOT- Just got back from my local J Crew and they were running 25% off of sale- FS. They had new markdowns- the Colorblock top $138.00 online is 29.99 in store. The Polka dot sleeveless cami is $69.99, and the collection sequin burgundy and navy cami is on sale too. The GSP store had the new roll out. Yummy. A lovely new Polka dot silk, lined cami, in nay with a gently pleated collar was gorgeous- $110- I believe. Many new printed capris, and even printed cords. My other local store did not have the new pieces out yet.
ReplyDeleteKnit Yarns Riverside?
DeleteYes,Riverside...
Deletemaybe its just my eyes, but for the life of me i cannot tell the difference between the 6 and 8 since they've started using the new font on the tags. its like i have to get out a magnifying glass to see if there is one stitch in the label.
ReplyDeleteThank you! ITA - I can't tell the difference between any single digit numbers on the label.
DeleteThese size tags were ridiculous. It was not intentional, I was told it was some kind of ordering mistake. The newest stuff that I saw in stores, uses bigger font.
DeleteThanks for the info, KnitYarns! I called my local B&M to confirm and they are also running the 25% off markdowns (final sale) promotion. Like I need another reason to visit the store today . . .
ReplyDeleteI don't ever post on here and I think Alexis mentioned this recently, but it really annoyed me to see J.Crew had apparently gifted a pair of the Everly t-straps to a blogger (pink peonies). Why do this..? Especially when these are new expensive shoes.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea, but I was under the impression she got them by attending a J. Crew event at New York Fashion Week.
DeleteShe wears the clothing very well and she is hawking it big-time. I think they know she is driving sales:)
DeleteNot really a vent, just a disappointment. I ordered the Blackwatch Slim Trench coat. Since it's called "slim" I ordered up one size from my JC jacket size. I received the coat this morning. The good: Beautiful flat wood twill fabric. Sleeves just the right length. I really like the coat.....except. Even though I sized up a size, it's still too tight across the shoulders, back and arms. And if I size up again, it will be too big in the torso. So it's going back. I'm not an Olympic swimmer...just a normal girl with broader shoulders and bigger arms but not a big torso or chest. I wish JC would give more room in their jackets and coats...oh, and blouses. It's my biggest problem with them. So if you're thinking of ordering this coat, consider the slim cut on it.
ReplyDeleteSame problem. I'm not very big but I have broad shoulders. The only way these tops will fit me right is if I order up for the shoulders and then take them to a tailor to get the body fitted. I don't know how J. Crew could fix this, though, it's probably a problem with any company's clothes. I wouldn't expect them to design for women with broad shoulders, because many women have narrow shoulders, but I like it when the top has a touch of spandex because I can buy a smaller size if it stretches. I hardly ever see outerwear with some stretch, though.
DeleteMy vent is along the lines of Knit Yarns. The pricing differences between online and stores have basically made me quit shopping JCrew all together esp. with final sale. Why would I pay so much more for online items when I read on blogs how little other pay in store???? I would rather do without and I am. First fall season in over 11 years and not a single JCrew item bought. Number one b/c I cannot find anything unique that I like worth their asking price.
ReplyDeleteita
DeleteThe rationale (excuse) is that online/BM are 2 different entities ....BS they could still have the same pricing given that customers are easily able to compare pricing so quickly now and decide to shop or not.
I have the same problem with returning items. I always order two sizes of the same item as sizing is so wonky. I cringe when I have to do returns. I've had way too many associates make comments about the amount of returns I've made.
ReplyDeleteThat isn't their business, if you need to tell them sizing is off and you can save your time and money by ordering this way.
DeleteThat really annoys me. I haven't heard employees at other stores say anything like that
Cate O - thanks for the info :) I googled 'pink peonies Jcrew NYFW' and saw her wearing the shoes. Still bugs me on a certain level - (I mean, I'll go to the presentation, even without free shoes, any other volunteers....? And I'd never heard of that blogger until recently when AJC mentioned her on her blog re a Madewell dress. But since she seems to buy and post outfits with the entire JC catalog as soon as it comes out (or almost), rather than waiting for when things are marked down approx 2-3 weeks later, maybe she deserves the shoes!!... :) Oops,I meant 'Style Guide', (and I'm sure she's a lovely girl - I am sincerely not trying to be mean or snarky!).
ReplyDeleteMinnie - It's very common for high profile bloggers to receive merchandise from companies. This is one of the few occasions I've heard of J Crew participating in the practice. I recently read some interesting speculation online about bloggers receiving $10k to to wear merch from fashion designers that want to pay for the potential exposure during Fashion Week. If the figure is even true, $10k is far less than they'd pay for a print ad and the blogger would probably reach just as many, if not more people. Anytime you see c/o (merchant/website), that means the blogger received the item as a gift. US bloggers are required to disclose when they receive promo items, if they blog about them.
DeleteDid I miss the discussion on the skunk print pants shown for SP13??? I thought those were bows!
ReplyDeleteOh. Wow. Those are awful on so many levels....
DeleteFeh
DeleteOnce I got an extremely close-up view of the Spring line (on Pink Peonies blog), I could not believe how cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs this new line really was! I love color but I even tried to break each piece down and this stuff is just, crazy!
DeleteThis is petty, I know... and not a big deal ...
ReplyDeletebut STILL, I wish J. Crew would do a better job of linking their emails to their website. ie: the J. Crew Riding Boots in today's email looked interesting and I'm in the market for boots so I clicked on the photo and was taken to their website where I found... sneakers. Yes, easy to scroll down and get to the boot section but even then I wasn't sure which boots were the ones advertised in the email that are apparently so fabulous. J. Crew is the only retailer I know whose product emails don't link directly to the product mentioned! Isn't the point to generate sales of the advertised items? So... back to Zappos to continue my search for "perfect" boots.
Gigi, thanks - not to beat a deadhorse - yes I am familiar with the c/o and this general practice - I was just surprised to see J.Crew doing this as I had not seen them do it before (or extremely rarely). And I know companies use it as 'free' or relatively cheap advertising. It just seems somewhat arbitrary in terms of who they choose to gift their merchandise to. And particularly when this blogger apparently works for another clothing company (DownEastBasics) per her blog. Anyway, not trying to start a debate.
ReplyDeleteI was sooo excited to order the Downtown Field Jacket during the 30% off promo last week...Well, it came quickly but I was disappointed with the quality. For starters, it's not even lined! What is going on with JC where they can charge $100+ for "jackets" that aren't even slightly warm or comfortable. The drape/shape isn't too nice, either. I'm sure it's made in China, too, although I didn't look. I'm taking it back. Let's hope my pencil skirt works out better...
ReplyDeleteReally? I just bought it during the promo as well and LOVE it! I've worn a similar style jacket from H&M for many years and this jacket is an excellent step up. I sized-down (to an XXS) so it would have a slim fit.
DeleteI'm sorry yours was a disappointment. I live in a fairly warm climate, so its exactly the type of jacket I need for fall days.
I'm the same, I've lived in this jacket ever since I got it. But I am eying off the pricey tartan lined barbour version (not one of the jcrew barbour colabs) to take me through winter as I love the style so much ;)
DeleteIck, I can't stand to wear the waxed cotton fabric. I'm sure I'm in the minority but I find the jacket stiff and very uncomfortable to wear.
DeleteI'm a bit pissed off that I just got another bracelet in for my monthly piece in the Jcrew jewlery of the month club. That's two bracelets in a row. The last three pieces I have gotten have been priced under $100. I know that it's still a good deal, but I wish they would space out the less expensive pieces so you still feel like you are getting a great deal.
ReplyDeleteHi Cate.....I bought a trench coat this year in a size 8 (my jacket size) from Banana Republic. Enough shoulder, back and arm room to even wear a medium weight sweater under it. I think JC just cuts slim on the whole. Especially in their blouses, coats and jackets. I don't seem to have a problem finding these things in other lines. Just JC makes me feel like I'm built like a linebacker!
ReplyDeleteJCREW JEWELRY OF THE MONTH CLUB? Did i miss something? I am a true shopper on all levels, although mostly on the sale level, but my interest in JCrew has truly been peaked. Do i have to have a JC card to be a member of this club? Tell me more...
ReplyDeleteI received my grey schoolboy blazer today and the left sleeve lining is too long so it droops and is visible at the cuff! Is this a common problem with the schoolboy blazers? My hacking blazer that also came in this order was perfect.
ReplyDeleteI'm not able to repy directly to a comment. Rashawnda, YES, there is a jewlery of the month club, as well as Shoe and Cashmere and Tie for men. My husband got it for me as a gift for getting a new job. I do not believe it is advertised, you just have to call and get it. I'm not sure if you have to have the card (I do). I think it cost a little over $800, and breaks down to somewhere around $70 per piece. So far (I'm six months in), I've gotten 4 necklaces and two bracelets. Two of the necklaces were originally priced at $150. You do not get to pick the pieces, but it's fun to get them and try to style around them.
ReplyDeleteI keep checking my mailbox... still no new card or coupon. I've had the same card since college and I'm 33! I guess since it's a requirement to omit me from every single promotion they run, as history would prove, I should never expect a new card in the mail either. This really gets under my skin. I've gone back and forth with customer service numerous times over the last month alone as to how frustrating it is when you purchase basically your entire wardrobe from one store and they haven't thrown a promo your way in literally two years - and now they've gone and done it again. I'm so frustrated, I feel like calling them up and unleashing a stream of expletives all over whoever has the misfortune of answering my call, but since such craziness is far more amusing in theory than it would be in reality, I think I'll let tomorrow's mountain of returns speak on my behalf.
ReplyDeleteDara
ReplyDeleteThat is disappointing and unfair, I think writing an actual letter to the CEO might get you further, indicating that you will shop elsewhere. I don't think that a CS rep can really do much for you over the phone. Sometimes a letter will do more
This does go straight to Mickey's phone, right? Please stop dumping my cart! I thought you WANTED me to buy stuff:) Better yet, please create a wishlist or the likes. Thanks for listening.
ReplyDelete