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.
Some Anthro reviews here.
ReplyDeleteI have a Madewell Casey Cami Dress review HERE as well as photos of all three colors offered: fuchsia, black and mint.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
Kim
www.aprettythought.com
Ann Taylor Wool Skirt (it's perfect) and BR sweater http://bluebooby101.blogspot.com/2012/10/ann-taylor-wool-blend-skirt-banana.html
ReplyDeleteI posted a review of Boden's gorgeous Jewel Neck Top today here. It's so pretty, I definitely recommend it!
ReplyDeleteCouple things, first Talbots. I found some great pencil skirts there, and they are long enough for me. I find Talbots to run a little big so I buy 2P rather than 2. The body of the skirt in the 2P is about an inch smaller and it fits perfectly. The petite length, particularly in the skirts that are meant to be longer in the first place, hits me right at the knee or mid knee cap. I'm also thrilled with their silk charmeuse blouse. I bought blue and red and have received numerous compliments on both. They are fitted through the torso and very well made. They say dry clean in the tag but washing has been no problem.
ReplyDeleteAlso tried Stylemint cashmere and am very pleased with it. I'm not the best judge of cashmere, this is my second piece in my entire life. I do know that it feels incredibly soft and seems really well made. There are 5 colors offered, basic v-neck long sleeved pullover. It's $89 which seems a very good price based on the quality.
Piperlime is still doing 20% off today. If you need the code, let me know, and I can post. I did some damage there yesterday!
ReplyDeleteAnthropologie is running a 25% off sale clothing promotion right now. I've got the newest sale items listed on EA in this post or you can shop the sale here. :) Runs through Sunday.
ReplyDeleteI posted a few Zara reviews here. Also the Loeffler Randall Blaise Smoking slippers, which I love.
ReplyDeleteAhhhhhh I found this incredible tie-neck silk blouse from Fossil in a rich golden tan/olive color (or something like that), which is a color I've been hunting for in silk blouses ever since I missed the boat on the olive green from the first run of Blythes last fall. They didn't have an XS online, but I was able to go to a B&M and have them do a sim sale for me, so my blouse is now on the way. Hopefully it's lovely in person as well; I've been yearning for a rich green/tan silk blouse for a good while now! I'll put up a review when it arrives.
ReplyDeleteJust wondering if anyone has ever bought cashmere pieces from Costco (Kirkland) and if so, how is it holding up (though with the fantastic return policy at Costco, it might be worth trying out!).
ReplyDeleteI got 2 sweaters 3 years ago and they are still going strong. I am eyeing some of the turtlenecks, since I missed out on them last year. And their prices (below $50) are really good.
DeleteHave you seen them already, and if so, in which Costco?
Some J.Crew-like items in this post.
ReplyDeleteUniqlo's web store opened this week... there are some great deals to be had if you're in need of specific items.
ReplyDelete*SQUEALS* Thanks for letting everyone know! I've been wanting to purchase Uniqlo items for ages, but they don't have any stores in my area!
DeleteI have a code good for BR Canada only, for anyone interested. Please e-mail me.
ReplyDeleteI am continually on the hunt for a cashmere replacement for J.Crew. Nothing compares to their colors but I think I found a winner in terms of the long sleeve T: Garnet Hill has one for $128. They just had a cashmere promotion so I got it for less than that - around $80, which amusingly enough, is how much the J.Crew long sleeve T used to cost in 2005 when I bought my first one (and they were made better). I purchased a solid purple and a grey with berry stripes. I haven't worn them yet so I can't speak to pilling, but I am happy with the fit and they seem well made. Win!
ReplyDeleteI purchased cashmere sweaters from Joe Fresh. I thought they were nicer than Uniqlo's version. I have shopped at Joe Fresh twice while in NYC and I have been very impressed with my perchases. Good quality for the price. Joe Fresh is set to go into JCP as part of their "stores within a store" mix, so stay tuned.
ReplyDeleteAnd with regard to JCP, check out their new JCP line. Many JC type items in bright colors. Not the same level of quality, yet the quality seems nice for the price.
Oh thank you for this exciting news! I LURVE Joe Fresh but only get to NYC a few times a year -- and usually w/o enough time to go there!
DeleteAnd I definitely agree with you about JCP & their JC type offerings. I've never bought anything from JCP, but what with the declining quality of JC & my reluctance to shell out $$$$ for the fast fashion, I'm checking it out next time I'm near a B&M.
Disco George: Any experience with Uniqlo's sizing? I wear XS or S in J Crew; I have no idea what size to order. The cashmere v-neck cardigan looks promising and the Orla Kiely knit tops are cute (and cheap!).
ReplyDeleteI wear a XXS or XS in JCrew buttondowns or popovers, and a 0 or 2 in skirts. I'm also petite.
DeleteAt Uniqlo, I took a size M skirt and also needed to size up to a M in the shirt to prevent it from being too tight across the bust.
Interesting, my experience varies from Rosie's considerably.
DeleteMy JC sizes: 2P blazers, S Jackies, XXS or XS in tees/sweatshirts, XS & S in my Tippis. 0P for all bottoms.
My (3) Uniqlo sweaters: XS & fit slightly loosely.
oops, forgot to include: My Uniqlo jeans are size 2 and fit perfectly.
DeleteOh boy. I guess I'll take measurements of a similar knit top at home and compare to the Uniqlo size chart. Thanks for the input, ladies. I really appreciate it!
DeleteMore on Uniqlo sizing, since my wardrobe is mostly either Jcrew or Uniqlo. For reference, I'm about 5'5" and not curvy. I'm usually a S or 2 in Jcrew, and take an XS or S in Uniqlo. (If you are bigger than a B cup, you will need to size up for non-stretchy things like button-up shirts.) I'm a 27 in Jcrew jeans (28 if it's high waisted) but a 26 in Uniqlo. My roommate is about 5'9" and curvy and athletic built. She can't fit into Uniqlo denim (can't get them past her thighs), and the legging pants fit but end around her ankles.
DeleteI really love Uniqlo items, but I have noticed that quality has declined somewhat now that they've expanded like crazy, both in # of stores and # of items offered. However, there are still some gems that I want to highlight here.
-When items are marked "premium" or "extra-fine," there's actually a noticeable difference. I have some extra-fine cotton tees, extra-fine merino, or silk-wool blend sweaters that are staples in my wardrobe. They've held up very well, but I have noticed that this year's cotton tees didn't feel quite as nice as before.
-The corduroy slim pants ($39.90) are a thin-wale corduroy that is very soft and velvety. I wish this year's version included a true black, but the other colors are nice. Even though it's "slim," I think it's more of a "skinny" fit.
-The heat-tech turtlenecks are great for layering. I love the thin stripes and the small dots.
-Broad-cloth button up shirts are well made too. The cotton is thinner than Jcrew, but it still feels nice and holds up well. If you are busty, I don't know if it'll be the right proportion, ie. gaping between buttons.
-Long trench coat (cotton). I mentioned this elsewhere. It's a great alternative for the icon trench and also comes in navy and black. Waterproof, lined, and even has a removable inner vest.
-Leather belts. Solid and simple.
-Bras are REALLY comfy.
Some duds. I am not a fan of their $9.90 denim and $19.90 pants. I think quality has gone down and either the fit is off or the material feels cheap. It used to be better. The pants/denim in the $40-60 range are still quite good. The cashmere is soft but does look a little fuzzy, so I don't know how it'll hold up. (I don't own any cashmere.) Some of the new coats and blazers aren't lined, or only lined partially. Grr! The current 100% wool offerings feel scratchy to me. I'm hoping they will make a silk-blend in the spring.
Oh and forgot to mention, for those who can make it to a retail store. A big perk is the free hemming on pants. It used to be free hemming on any pair, but now it's only free if the pants are over $20 ($5 fee if it's less than $20). Blind stitch hemming (ie trousers) are $5. Turnaround time is about 3hrs if you get there super early, but typically it's the next day. I believe the inseam on all pants ($40-60) are 33 inches (for women). The $20 leggings pants are shorter.
DeleteThe only Uniqlo piece I actually own is a Heattech scoopneck that I picked up at the SF pop-up when I was there in August... it seemed pretty true to size for a base layer top.
DeleteOn Monday, I ordered another Heattech shirt, a sweatshirt, and a possibly questionable pair of $10 purple jeans, so I will report back when I get my shipment!
Land's End Canvas is doing an additional 30% off their sale prices with Promo Code: TOUCHDOWN, PIN: 2210. Free shipping with $50+ order.
ReplyDeleteJust an FYI (and maybe this belongs more in the vent post) but I placed an order w/ saks during friends and family last week and was pleased to see any purchases (including sale) between Oct 15 and I believe new years are returnable, until after the new year, for holiday shopping. How lovely!! No worries about final sale. Are you listening JC?
ReplyDeleteI am sorry but here at JC we are unable to hear you due to the constant 'Cha-ching Chaching' of the final sale cash registers. Please take a moment to browse our final sale and if the item you have decided upon is sold out we have many other items, just close your eyes and click....LOL
DeleteRosie (can't use reply button) thank you so much for your sizing help re: Uniqlo. I had a feeling their merchandise ran small. Read a comment from a dude that the stuff is made for the Japanese market and they don't adjust sizes for US market. I guess I should order the knit tops in a medium to be sure they fit. Had bad experience with "final sale" Lilly Pulitzer knit tops - could not squeeze my shoulders into their XS even though that's my size at J Crew. Darned vanity sizing . . .
ReplyDeleteTo be fair, I tried on only a few items at Uniqlo, but in general the clothes seemed to be made for shorter, skinnier people.
DeleteThe M shirt is too big all over my XS frame except for the bust.
Ladies, y'all are such a fabulous resource! As a longtime lurker & a JC fan since 1995 who's looking for alternatives due to the declining quality, I owe you all a hearty thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of excited that Massimo Dutti just opened an online store in the U.S. I used to live in a city where there was a MD store, and I loved their fine knits, subtle hues and minimalist design. The clothes I bought from them were generally of high quality.
ReplyDeleteMadewell dress review here
ReplyDeleteOld Navy - a few irl pics in this post & a review of their hooded anorak
ReplyDeleteZulily - The cutest raingear for your little one, little niece/nephew, grandkids. I.e. a Batman raincoat with a removable cape. lol Highlighted in this post.
ReplyDeleteI went into the Gap yesterday and they knocked off the Tippi. I didn't try it on but it looks identical if thinner. Retails for $39.50, I only saw black but I guess they have other colors too. They also had an adorable blue version of the oxford boy shirt in polka dots (this one was $49)
ReplyDeleteIn case anyone else has been looking all over for the perfect peplum dress this season, I highly recommend the Alice & Olivia Victoria Peplum Dress ($264 at Saks vs. $248 for the JC peplum dress). I didn't try the JC peplum dress as it looks like it would be way too roomy in the hips for me, but I did try several others including a rather pricey DVF one that were extremely unflattering. My one suggestion for the A&O dress is to make sure to size up; I wear a 00 in JC and took a 2 which fits me like a glove. What's especially nice about the dress is it's a knit so it totally conforms to your curves, and the peplum is not overwhelming but substantial enough to cover any tummy bulge. Very happy to have connected with it!
ReplyDeleteNot sure if this has already been said here, but I just bought a necklace at Kohls (LC Graduated Bow Link Necklace) that is a pretty good dupe for the bow collared necklace. Love love the JCrew version but I love more the $18 price tag on the Kohls version :-)
ReplyDeleteIrl pics of the Target Merona jacket, which is similar to JC's snowcap quilted. Click here to view.
ReplyDelete