Friday, July 26, 2013

Mickey Drexler Recognizes Styling Issues at J.Crew {say what?!}

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including cc & Jayna W  (in this post), Disco George (in this post), as well as Chanie and Yossi, & Reedandbamboo , for letting us know about two related articles dealing with our favorite retailer.

The first article is from Forbes (click here to read in its entirety) and its about a particular customer questioning J.Crew's recent styling direction. The following is an excerpt:
...Drexler had gone to some effort to talk with my wife. After emailing a response note in less than 24 hours, he and J. Crew President, Libby Wadle, left a voice mail with cell phone numbers and then took her call when she rang back. In other words, Mickey Drexler went out of his way to do what an unfortunately small number of CEOs practice – he went the extra mile to get direct customer feedback

...The email from my wife that set this in motion was clearly well-intentioned but had a stinging critique of the company’s fall/holiday collection that she had seen in a preview sent to certain customers.  She had written the kind of email you assume goes into a black box and will never be read by an actual decision maker. Perhaps that was why my wife let fly some of the pointed candor usually reserved just for me. “I am so disheartened and disappointed that you are leaving your core values and styling and abandoning your loyal customers,” she wrote. “I would have thought you had learned your lesson at the Gap!! Why mess with these iconic brands and change them into something they’re not?” Ouch.

...J. Crew’s leadership team proceeded to ask what my wife liked and didn’t like about the company’s styling, as well as what was missing in her opinion. They listened intently and respectfully while politely noting that the preview photos my wife had seen had been taken from a fashion show so gave a different brand impression than regular customers may have anticipated. Drexler also stood his ground on the need to continue evolving the company’s style as competitors attempt to copy its success. He went on to say, however, that in the company’s desire to embrace change, the team also shared the view that some of the styling had perhaps strayed too far from the classics and brand messaging for which  J. Crew had become known. Drexler’s views had been shaped, in part, by his recent trip to stores with Wadle so he could hear firsthand from customers and frontline sales associates. “We are on it for sure,” he later emailed my wife. “I hope you see a difference this fall.”

...Drexler not only pays attention to what customers are saying but also unabashedly acts on it, never apologizing for getting involved in the minutia of business operations. He will be the first to say that attention to detail is crucial for creating a product and brand experience that makes customers care enough to write those nasty letters in the first place. “Ask your customers if they’d like you to micromanage,” he once said in response to those who criticize his hands-on style. Yes, Mickey, we like it.
The second article is from Racked (click here to read in its entirety) and it picks up on the Forbes article. The following is another excerpt:
...Two things that happen next are of interest. First, Drexler actually called DeRose's wife to hear directly from her what she liked and didn't like about the line (which, while unconventional, isn't so surprising. Drexler is an unapologetic micro-manager of legendary status). And second, he admitted J.Crew may be going too far in some of their styling. Which is a bit of a surprise.

Mrs. DeRose's perspective is not one we come across too frequently in world of fashion journalism. The fashion media applauds the excitement Jenna Lyons has injected into the brand with her distinctive preppy-chic point of view, and Racked readers, at least, tend to agree with the media. J.Crew's New York Fashion Week shows are by far the most popular shows of each runway season on Racked.

But Mrs. DeRose has an interesting point. If, say, you're a stay-at-home mom with a couple of teenagers to look after (and, for sake of argument, you don't happen to be Michelle Obama), print mixing and pops of color may not be your thing. J.Crew used to have something to offer that customer. Do they still? Judging from the brand's current homepage, which pictures a grid of several windblown models in styles like peter pan collars, pajama tops, printed pants, and office-ready dress shorts, maybe not.
...
I think it is great that Mickey reached out to a customer, Mrs. DeRose, who expressed some dissatisfaction. It speaks volumes about the company who really does want to take care of their clients. Kuddos to J.Crew!

As for the content of the articles... DeRose speaks for many of us who think some of the styling of J.Crew can be too "aspirational" for its core customer at times. It is a topic that has long been discussed on this blog. Back in 2008/2009- we started seeing crazy layering (like 4-5 visible tops with a pair of shorts- um, okay) to funky pattern matching as of late (which Jenna Lyons loves to wear and can pull off, but not so much the rest of us). How many of us talked about tagging most of the pages in J.Crew's past catalogs (to purchase and wear entire outfits), only to see a few tags present in the current years? While at it, how many of us talk about a visible decrease in quality with an equally visible increase in price? (It be nice to machine wash $40 tee shirts without wondering if holes along the seams will appear.)

It's great that J.Crew is doing so well and repositioning themselves in the upper echelons of the fashion industry. Thanks to those moves, J.Crew is still offering pieces that I have to own and causing their competitors to copy them. However, the fact remains that J.Crew is not a premier luxury fashion brand (a la Stella McCartney, DVF, etc.) So it would be smart for J.Crew to still keep one foot in the classic clothing realm while one foot is in the fashion forward realm to explore the latest trends. (In other words, J.Crew don't get rid of what you do best like the Pixie Pants and the button down shirts! And please J.Crew, don't reduce quality, especially if you are increasing the base price!)

I also do think J.Crew is "coming back home". They are trying to offer pieces for their existing clients- pieces that they have been known for. For example, we have seen several prints (like the Regatta) from J.Crew of y'ore appear in the latest roll outs. Moreover, they have brought back a lot of the hacking jacket details this year and last year (like the ornate enamel buttons) that were missing since 2009. So for that, I give them credit (and I thank them!) They are listening.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree with J.Crew's current direction? Do you hope for changes? If so, what kind?

102 comments:

  1. what a disconnect between what Dear Leader is quoted as saying and the suggested "work look" that arrived in my Inbox
    this very morning.

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  2. When I look online at JCrew "complete looks" or in the catalog, I now look through everything and think "nope, not buying a single thing, I'm so disappointed in the direction JCrew has taken". Then I'll look at individual pieces online or in the store and think "oh, good, I can wear that"....however one of the things that I loved about the "old JCrew" was that I could buy a complete outfit and feel like I looked put together and preppy. Now their complete outfits look ridiculous and not something that I would even consider on Halloween.

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  3. It is J. Crew's business results forcing Mickey to listen:

    - customer complaints are up
    - unsold inventory levels are up
    - promotional/discounted sales are way up
    - competitive retail activity is up
    - full price sales are down
    - profits/margins are down
    - brand "buzz" is down

    The bigger, longer-term problems they will have:

    - they underestimated how much the pursuit of becoming a "high-end" fashion brand has alienated their core customer base

    - the existing design team seems to have lost its way in since the departure of Marissa Webb

    - the recent promo activity has "trained" J. Crew customers to expect and wait for deep discounts and never purchase at full price, because we don't believe the items are "worth" full price anymore

    They know all this, and the market research questionnaire they sent out is a step to retrench and figure out where to go from here. Mickey has turned around brands before, and I'm rooting for him to find a way to make the brand exciting for its new generation of customers while keeping the magic it used to have.

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    1. Good summary, ruffles. And it's not just J. Crew that has trained customers to buy with a promo/discount, the others are all doing it too (and probably first). It is hard to buy 40% at Banana Republic then walk across the mall to J. Crew where it is mostly full price. To their credit, J. Crew has followed suit, and there is almost always some kind of a promo, even if it is just a percent off tees, but I don't think they like doing it. So I guess they'll keep jacking up their starting prices and offer promos. I'd love to see the numbers behind this rollout and see how much business they did offering it all at full price. Can't be good.

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    2. Ruffles, I always love when you break it down. It's clear you love what you do & you're good at it. :)

      +love

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    3. +love as well. You rock, ruffles!

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  4. Too little too late. Every day loyal customers and J. Crew collector's vent their concerns on this blog and never once has Mickey addressed us. I believe this blog gets more readers than the article that spurned his comments and this post. I'd be happy to return to the Crew if they ever offer clothing for "normal" people with "normal" clothing needs, but for now I'm done with them. I walked through the store yesterday...again, I was the only customer in there....and my eyes just glazed over. Ugh....Not ONE thing I even wanted to look at closer or even try on. Honestly I'd like to see the entire line as it is now scraped and started fresh. It's all too too much and looks like girls playing dress up in the eccentric aunt's closet.

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  5. Not sure if J.Crew can right the ship. It is too exhausting to figure out when to buy anything - with all the discounts, final sales, popbacks, discrepancies between online and instore prices, discrepancies between regular and specialty sizing (tall/petites),and discrepancies between what you see in the catalog/online pics and how things look IRL (color, fit, etc). The clothes just are not worth it anymore. They have cut out details like fun linings, etc. Things that used to be silk are now poly for the same price.

    I am taking my $$ to Boden for the stuff I used to get from J.Crew - pencil skirts, sweaters, classics with a twist - and to uniqlo for sharply tailored basics. Boden's policies are the best - 7 day returns for clearance, 365-day returns for everything else. Once something gets marked down, it stays marked down. Quality of the four pieces I got are outstanding.

    DH, who is a pretty sharp dresser, looked at the August style guide last week and pronounced it lame and overpriced. He can't believe the pricing on the men's stuff. Then. yesterday he saw the Boden catalog and said "I like everything in there for you!" That sort of surprised me, because my DH likes youthful dressing and I thought he might find Boden too stodgy. Not at all. He loved the fits, fabrics, and colors - and did not even notice the J.Crew like prices!

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    1. J. Crew could start to right the ship by doing away with online Final Sale. I've stopped from making a lot of purchases recently because of Final Sale online. I just can't take the chance on something I can't try on (so much of their merchandise is not carried in their regular stores).

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    2. Totally agree. I had this conversation with a Customer Service agent on the phone the other day (I'd called about something else).

      In the past, I've been able to return FS items, but I would not count on being able to do so (last time was because the online advice I received from a SA was faulty).

      For example--I missed trying on the thistle jeans. Also, there are some Collection pieces I think I want. But I never got to try them on. Who can try on everything? So, not spending my money.

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  6. The comments on the original Racked article are fascinating. There seem to be three categories.

    1. People like me who like what JCrew has become, have only started shopping there in the past few years and don't want JCrew to retreat. If they did--return to the basics (which to me were boring boring boring)--they would lose people like me.

    2. People who resent the fashion forward changes and feel ignored.

    3. People who have lots of money and are fashion forward, but would rather drop their cash on higher end designers.

    No one label or shop can be all things to all people. It's up to JCrew to decide who it wants most. You can't have everyone.

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    1. I completely agree with you. If the company is smart they'll go with whoever spends the most all full pop. Should be interesting to see who that is.

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  7. What's interesting to me is the fact that Madewell rarely has sales and have no issues moving stock at full price. Even when there are sales it's difficult to find many different sizes. I have no qualms purchasing a Madewell dress at full price but always wait for sale at J. Crew. As an avid shopper of both J. Crew and Madewell, I am interested to hear other's opinions on this.

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    1. I have the same shopping habits at Madewell, price-wise, but I don't buy nearly as much there. I don't think I've ever bought anything there full price. They have some cute things but the fit is often wrong on me, as I think they are aiming for a younger clientele or a different body type. The sale section at the store I go to is usually jam packed so I don't think they are necessarily moving their merchandise any better than J. Crew is.

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    2. I did just buy a beautiful silk dress at FP at Madewell. Still debating returning and hoping for sale, but most likely am keeping it as it's flattering and very versatile. But at FP, it's still a lot less than many dresses at JC. But typically, I try to wait out sales at Madewell, but will usually purchase sooner during the sale cycle than at JC, if that makes sense.

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  8. I'm with you. I never used to buy much at J Crew because it was so basic and relatively expensive compared to BR. I now love shpping at JC. Especially since I know how to work the promos/sales. I have essentially stopped buying at BR because it's lost it's urban edge and lowered the quality of materials.

    I tta that JC has bombed a bit on super expensive sequined pencil skirts (esp. that FUG patchwork one). How many people actually buy those things? But I adore the patterned bottoms. That stuff makes me want to buy, even though I don't need them. I think that's the key. Many JCAs say they want more of the same stuff thee loved, but really, how many black knee-length pencil skirts, basic chinos and plain tippi sweaters does one person need?

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  9. I wonder if Madewell is much smaller than JCrew, though. I don't think there are as many Madewell stores. I think the audience for Madewell is much more targeted--they make less, they make stuff for a particular client, the stuff sells out.

    JCrew is trying to be many more things to many more people and as such, can't meet everyone's wishes.

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    1. I think you're right. Madewell is a lot more targeted in terms of market. I also believe that Madewell's quality is a bit better than J. Crew's. In order for J. Crew to succeed they are going to have to target a market.

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    2. Madewell is much smaller and their target audience is the college and the 20s crowd. (But that doesn't stop me from shopping there).

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  10. So interesting... I agree with @ruffles and see the points made by @unkown.
    The thing is, and as per perennial comments on this blog, clothes are ill fitting, no question about (waist on dresses that don't fall at anyone's waist, sleeves that are so narrow that no even normal and fairly skinny customers feel confortable in,skirts that come only in shorter and shorter versions.. to name a few ). Not only that but prices overall and for the majority of what JC deems collection are over the top (pencil skirt @ $1,800 for instance) besides pieces that are launched and never make to a B&M store (scroll print pencil skirt, hummingbird pencil skirt or pants to name just two).. Add the pricing game to the mix and you have it..
    It seeems that if another brand just popped up right now delivering spot-on items ,well tailored pieces, beautifully chosen prints ,nice liners, honest pricing and superb customer service and policies ... it would have a lot of unsatisfied customer flocking to.

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  11. I wish J Crew would look backwards AND forwards. Bring back the tie-silk lining on the blazers, look at the fabulous tweed shoes...there is a lot of good material that would be seeping out today. Would love a permanent "from the vault" feature a few times a year.

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    1. Steph, I think that's a fantastic idea. I can understand why J. Crew doesn't line all their blazers in tie-silk, most customers probably don't want to pay for that quality from J. Crew, but some really want that. They could get it elsewhere, but they like J. Crew's style. I even love your name for it "from the vault". J. Crew, do this!!

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  12. @LekkerNewYorker,
    I would like to believe that when customers say that they miss the old JC they actually mean the well tailored and well fitting clothes and not old styles or a continuous repeat of the same old same old. At least that is what I'd like to believe and hope that is the audience JC caters to.

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  13. Good morning -

    As I spent some time at the Copley B&M yesterday (and then more time with the catalog), I realized that my experience with J Crew's styles are more love/hate than they used to be. I saw things yesterday that I thought were superb - the wild beet Etta's, the Gwen colorblock dress, the mixed print Liberty boy shirt, the bar stripe T. I plan to buy all of them (and I don't think they are too stodgy).

    And there are plenty of things that I think are gorgeous but won't buy for various reasons - the leather mini skirt (wow!!!), the new green long gown (sorry I don't have the name). I don't think those are stodgy either.

    But yeesh - there are lots of items (and themes) with a very H&M feel. The studded shoes, the obsessively jeweled clothing (true for the girls clothes as well), the floppy sweaters.

    I'm bored by Talbots-style "classic". But nor do I like cheap looking and gimmicky stuff. J Crew has some terrific offerings, but it needs to EDIT in a big way. I think it could please both the long-time crowd and the newcomers if it carefully reduced the number of offerings and moderated a few of its worse impulses.

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  14. I find this all very interesting. I feel that the brand has become the cult of Jenna (and make no mistake, I actually quite like Jenna!)as opposed to a brand with a broad base - right now there are TOO many items to purchase and the quality is so shoddy and some things I liked never went on sale before final sale and I refuse to ever buy final sale again, having been burnt there before. I think that Tom has not been a great addition to the woman's design team personally and I really miss Marissa as well. I have had replies from mickey as well (think a lot of us have), but them getting this lady on the phone with his other right hand woman is indicative of Mickey realizing he has a bit of a problem. Mostly though, I just wish the clothes fit and were better quality.

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  15. I would have to disagree about the styling issues. The style guide & visuals {mannequins} are aids to provide ideas & inspiration to customers. J.Crew offers a board variety of basics for the not-so fashion forward customer {ex. tippi sweaters, pencil skirts, button down shirts}. I prefer J.Crew over any other "mall" chain store. Banana Republic is downright awful, they use very cheap material {shiny fabrics}. Gap is completely confused. American Eagle, Express, Bebe, H&M Urban Outfitters offer cheap, trendy clothes for teenagers. If you decide to shop at one of the Anchor stores at your local mall you can pick up the latest atrocious celebrity collection pieces or an eighties business suit. Don't get me started with the designer launches at Target, overpriced crap. If you have a few more dollars to spare to shop at Nordstrom, Neimans,Saks, or even a speciality store like Tory Burch you are getting items very similar {quality wise} to J.Crew costing twice as much. I'm not sure what people want from J.Crew. I know I don't want J.Crew to go backwards. Yes, J.Crew can stop increasing the prices and decreasing quality. Yes J.Crew can stop opening a new store every month {less stores increase demand therefore increasing full price sales}. Not to offend anyone, but I can't understand why there's a J.Crew in Iowa. Really? This is the same thing that happened to Gap. The market became saturated. J.Crew can definitely stop with the abundance of merchandise, too much inventory leads to markdowns and less profit. I believe not matter what J.Crew decides to do someone will unhappy. Right now I'm very happy with the product being offered especially the fall collection.

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    1. This. I'm not sure if anyone has shopped any of the higher end brands you mentioned - they are significantly more expensive than JCrew. Even a pair of Theory trousers will set you back $230. You just aren't going to get the same quality from JCrew - and their pricing reflects that. As someone who sews occasionally, making clothing is not cheap. We should all buy less and invest in higher quality, but you can't have it both ways. I find JCrew is a nice compromise between quality and price.

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    2. I agree about many misunderstanding the Style Guide -- it's simply an aid (to sell you clothes you probably don't need). I used to work at Anthro, and women would come in and want an entire styled outfit direct from the page. In most cases, you cannot do this. You'll look like a nut. Even the model would look like a nut in real life. I think J Crew will always sell basics. They're just not front page in the catalog. Your personal style will tell you your own balance of basics and flare.

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    3. Well not offended but funny you talked about the jcrew in Iowa. I live in Iowa and go there sometimes! It is in one the most urban parts if Iowa and is actually quite a fitting place (Jordan creek). It is right amongst its target market also.

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  16. just wondering - how many of the people who "like what J.Crew has become" have more than one sequined skirt, more than one sequin dress, more than one or two heavily embellished wool or woolly sweater, more than one leather mini with bumpy elastic waist? And even if the ladies who love these things translate their love to purchases, are these the kinds of things one buys new every season? And at full price? Maybe you all are stocking up on these kinds of things, but if so, why is the Collection category of the Markdown section so fully stocked?

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  17. I wonder if part of the issue is confusion about what the term "classic" J. Crew means to some people. I'm sure there are those people who came to the brand in the early 2000s, and it was certainly a more vibrant brand, IMO, than in the mid-, early 90s. Return to "classics" could mean, for some, the return of drab colors, wider cuts, and less than flattering or no details on clothing.


    Along with what Steph said, perhaps JC needs a focus group to go through their decades of styles and choose items based on looks, cuts, and fabric; individual "merit", rather than a "period of style". Then maybe we would see a little of everything people like - some traditional (with flair), some ruffles, some "borrowed for the boys". It's doesn't have to be all or nothing. I'm sure the company has access to technology that can provide some kind of algorithm for best sellers (from current and past selling seasons and off ebay). Analyze *those* pieces for the basis of future designs. Throw in 3-4 experimental pieces in the collection and call it a day :)!

    One thing JC shouldn't compromise on is quality of fabric and fit, as WMM said.

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    1. Right on, audball. People have been asking for a Bella reissue for almost 6 years now. I just don't trust that JC would be able to hold themselves back from giving it a boxier fit or skimping on the interior lining (and increasing the price by at least a hundred bucks). Or Bedazzling the collar, for that matter!

      But I did chuckle to myself thinking about "JC" and "technology" together. It's nice to finally see the wishlist come to life, but their track record has not been that great.

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    2. Re. technology, that is so true! We'll have to ask GiGi again how long it took for the Wishlist to finally show up!

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    3. Audball - The official count ended at 972 days, 22 hours, which is 2.66 years. We celebrated in this post. At that time someone mentioned a new counter, so I put one up. How long until we will be able to add reviews to jcrew.com? 30+ days and counting...

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    4. Ha! Thanks, GiGi.. I knew it had been ages before the Wishlist was implemented. Fingers crossed that the reviews section will come sooner, but I'm not holding my breath :D!

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  18. I agree that J Crew needs to move forward to stay relavant and fresh. However, in the last few years, its seems they haven't just moved forward, they've moved away from the asethtic of their core customers.

    I liked that they offered classic / basics that had modern non-stodgy lines, plus they offered special more 'arty' pieces to keep the look fresh, modern and fun. But they've moved away to more 'throw-away' fashion IMO.

    And I could talk for an hour about the loss of quality. The cashmere sweaters that pill and fuzz before the 1st season is over, the buttons that need resewing, and the cheap materials.

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  19. I sort of resent the idea that people who want some of their "old" JC back are stodgy or not fashion-forward.

    I have yet to see anyone asking them to stock crushed velvet turtlenecks, full jeans with tapered ankles, and three-sizes-too-big anoraks ala 1995 -- I think many people just want their money's worth for what they're being asked to pay.

    From my perspective, I see the brand as having multiple personalities in a way.

    There's the ultra fashion forward personality with the crazy Collection printed pants that I have neither the money nor the height to pull off, and then there's the personality with the same skirt shapes and Tippis every single season that I have more than enough of already.

    I'm pretty sure I've said this a zillion times, but the brand is splintering in a way like Gap did under Mickey when it got a little too big for its khaki britches -- the basics started to fall by the wayside when the stock started turning over faster and chasing trends, and it turned into a big mess eventually.

    But whatever, I'm in my 30s and look like an oozing blob in toothpick jeans, so take my opinion for whatever it's worth.

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    1. disco george, I feel the same way. The 2007 and 2008 collections, which were some of the best ever in my opinion, weren't stodgy, boxy, old, or "classic" in a bad, Talbots-esque way. They offered a variety of items, from basics to crazy printed dresses/pants/shorts/shoes, even collection sequined skirts (there was a navy one that later languished on Factory store clearance racks - but still, it was only about $150 originally).

      Most items were super high quality, and the prices were actually fair for what you received. They definitely had many unique pieces back then, but not $800 sequin skirt unique; library print dress unique, veruschka dress unique, and on and on. The library dress was only $225 for a gorgeously printed and tailored silk twill dress that was unique. They also had tons of fun heels and other shoes back then. It really wasn't that different from now, except...

      Back then, you could count on fit and quality. Now you certainly cannot in the vast majority of items. And then they go to final sale on the first cut. And then the CS person gives you the wrong measurements. And then the description is wrong. And on and on...

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    2. Perhaps we're all too caught up in the classic vs. "fashion-forward", or longtime customer vs. new customer, or Collection vs. regular paradigms.

      While my daily choices wouldn't put me on the cover of Vogue, I still appreciate some of the gorgeous, high end oriented items that J Crew produces: the recent white leather moto jacket comes to mind. I think of that as aspirational in all the right ways.

      I'm concerned with the J Crew items that need to be weeded out because they defy reasonable taste: the neon lace pumps are an example. They are not fashion forward. Put it this way -if Anthony Weiner would find them compelling, then they aren't befitting a J Crew customer.

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  20. I love the "new" J. Crew for the most part, I shopped there heavily in the 90s and then it fell off my radar for a few years, I've been an avid shopper there for the past several years since. One thing J. Crew does phenomenally is prints, I wish they would expand what they put those prints on though. I would have bought a lot more over the summer if they had offered these great prints on more classic pieces of clothing instead of minis and 3" shorts and swimsuits.

    I actually really like a lot in the August catalog, I'm smitten with the dual Foulard dress, Strawberry Thief shirt, Trench Dress and a few others. I think they should do less crazy styling in the catalogs though, it's easy to be like woah! When you see some of it.

    I'm an avid thrift store shopper and love coming across neat pieces of older J. Crew, I found a Robert Noble blazer last month and loved the silk print trim on the jacket, I wish they incorporated more unique touches like that on current offerings, it makes an item have a much more special feel to it and shows an attention to detail of a higher end item.

    I will still patronize J. Crew as my main staple for clothing, nobody else in this price point does color quite like they do, especially in cashmere and I live their printed silks as well as collaboration pieces like Liberty.




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  21. I guess if you are the wife of a Forbes writer you get a reply with a cell phone # to call back, not just an e-mail.

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    1. Totally... I wondered about that, too. Why would a Forbes writer's wife concern herself with J.Crew's styling? NYC has so many fabulous retailers she can go to..why J.Crew? hmm..

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    2. And would he call if it wasn't the wife of a writer in a very well-known publication?

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  22. I used to love JC unconditionally, now I love it with a lot of questions. The quality has dropped while the price raised without sense: I still wear the first cashmere sweaters they made, shoes were top quality made in italy , everything is imported: could not they make teeshirts in the usa for 40$.?( Everlane)
    I am sure there is a compromise between the old core and the new customers and I would like to know how many people bought the leather white and pink skirt. Dear JC if you need to do so many promotions, it means that something is not exactly perfect.

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  23. I don't have a lot of brain power these days or I'd write a blog post on it. If I did write something, it would largely be about how I've felt shopping at J Crew thru the years. I dog eared the catalogs for years and never bought. I finally started buying in 2008. Still enough time to see a lot of different trends and issues pass thru. Esp when compared to what other retailers are doing. I know the company cares about numbers, but given the way we shop these days I think feelings are a critical consideration. Who needs another thing? We used to shop 2-3 times/year when I was growing up and now the culture is to power shop, retail therapy and so on.

    The design aesthetic is subjective. To each her own. However, I think we can all agree that they need to tighten some specific things regarding quality - holes and buttons are just ridiculous! I don't recall ever wearing a shirt from another retailer that got a hole in it just because I put it on. Didn't even get out of the house in it. It's really frustrating when I want to wear something that's in the to-mend pile because buttons popped off or loosened considerably after the first wash. The quality issue with the most basic of things makes me distrust the company. Yes, I will still buy for a number of reason. I just do so knowing that there might be a garment fail while I'm wearing it.

    I'm enjoying reading everyone's responses. So many good points!

    Dear Mickey -- you're welcome for the FREE focus group that Alexis provides on a daily basis.

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    1. Hear-hear gigiofca! Probably the most objective response so far.

      I, too am enjoying everyone's comments. :)

      Delete
  24. I personally feel that J.Crew just needs to find a balance between the success they're finding in the fashion-forward editorial world and the everyday customer. Why can't their fashion week presentations be filled with out-there, not-really-wearable-in-the-real-world looks but then the style guide feature toned down styles for the real world? I think where they're losing track is with collection pieces: there are simply too many of them. If there were fewer there would be more demand and they'd be more likely to sell out at full-price or a small discount.
    Regarding others' quality concerns, I'm afraid I can't chime in as I haven't experienced the multiple issues that others have, maybe I've just been lucky? I had a Blythe blouse develop a hole but only after a year of wearing it.

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  25. There is always something I like at J. Crew. I have always worn their bathing suits and they do have great prints. That being said, I buy less because I don't know if I am bringing home something that will last for two wearings, just a season, for for multiple seasons. While I like a bargain, it isn't one if the garment pills or gets mystery holes or is made with a lot of synthetics added in. I am willing to pay more for great cashmere - not the stuff J. Crew sells now. J. Crew has great colors and I would love to partake, but there are some many bad reviews, I often don't even consider shopping there. I have been buying more at a local boutique, Madewell (which I haven't had an issues with - but the sweaters I have are linen, not wool) and Nordstrom, where I can find natural fibers.

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  26. This conversation is fascinating - excellent points made all around.

    I think that JC has actually toned it down a bit with the styling from say, 2009-10 (the years of the 10 necklaces and bracelets on an outfit). Don't get me wrong, the 'style guide' is full of cockamamie getups but there seem to be more tame outfits in there than there used to be. Seriously, though - who is wearing multiple button-down shirts? For me, that's just a recipe for lumpiness.

    I think where JC lost it for me is the obvious cost-cutting that they're trying to pass off as "of-the-moment" design choices. I was flipping through some past catalogs the other day and came across the grey Peter Pan collar tee from last fall, tucked into a black skirt with leopard print calf-hair belt. It looked fantastic, and I remember wanting it immediately - until I saw it IRL and realized it was too short and boxy (even for my short-waisted self) and had a big exposed zipper down the back - neither of which you could tell from the catalog pic. If they had made it a little longer and used a covered zipper, I would've paid full price and worn it a lot. It still would've been like nothing else in my closet, and 'classic with a twist'-y. How much more $ would that have cost JC?

    I feel like the potential is still there, but they keep missing the mark in execution, and that's frustrating. The times that they do hit the mark IMO, the price point is out of control - like the windowpane trench from last winter. It's like, you have to PAY somebody to hold back with the design (and the Bedazzler).

    I do think that in general, JCA's are a discerning bunch and that perhaps the majority of JC shoppers aren't that picky. How else could you explain the fact that Dream sweaters come back year after year? (agh, they are such crap!) Maybe most people don't expect to (or want to) hang on to clothes and therefore don't care if a sweater is ready for the thrift store at the end of the winter, because they'd be sending it there anyway.

    Totally agree about the free focus group, Gigi - this has been fun to read. I also appreciate that we've been able to keep it civil. The whole "if you want the old JC, just go to Talbots" argument is tired, annoying and not the point. You ladies and gentlemen are great.

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    1. silver_lining - You zipped it up real nice. (slaps knee)

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    2. silver-lining, couldn't agree more :)

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  27. If it weren't such a pain to do returns with Boden they'd get a lot more of my $$. The sizes and styles are much more realistic, as are the fabrics. Dry cleaning costs a lot!

    I realize that I shop at JC because it's convenient. I know my sizes (for the most part), I can come here for the reviews (which are priceless), and I can return to a nearby store. But do I *love* JC and am I loyal to it? Nope.

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  28. I am far more willing to pay full price for items that are classics with a modern twist as long as the quality backs it up. Every one of my Tippis last year had a hole in it by the end of the winter and my sweater shaver worked overtime on my dream cable sweaters. I am looking toward Boden and Lands End for my basics these days with the occasional buy at J Crew when it's sale time.

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  29. I am glad to read he is starting to really see the light, so to speak. Is it a little too late? Hmm. I appreciated that they brought back some prints and designs from the past, and eagerly bought (and have worn again and again) the barbados dress, at near full price.

    I vacillate between liking some of the new, inventive pieces and holding firmly onto my tie-silk collared wool jackets from 2005. As I have gotten into sewing my own clothing, those exquisite touches that we used to take for granted on "old school" J. Crew mean so much more to me, especially at the price we *used* to be able to buy them at. Don't get me wrong, those jackets were still in the $200 price range and still pieces I had to budget for, but now the same details would be in the Collection line and at least $400 or more.

    I think because J. Crew has such a rabid fan base (cough, cough, all of us, clearly), we are very willing to wait it out and hope that Mr. Drexler can bring back some of the mojo of years past J. Crew, but I don't anticipate him being able to bring us what we *had* at the prices we *had*. I see it everywhere, if there is a smidge of silk or a fine tana lawn, then there is a significant markup in the price of an item. Many retailers are choosing to use cotton blends and viscose instead because 100% cotton and silk are so freaking expensive.

    I guess he just needs to take a step back, look at what other retailers in the middle of the road are doing successfully, and hopefully apply it to J. Crew. That said, the J. Crew powers that be have expressed this deep desire to be more than just a mall brand, and want to elevate the brand to something higher. Why is beyond me. Why not embrace the legions of women who wear your clothing day after day, and give them access to something beautiful that can maybe have a bit of an edge? Why not take the sequined blouse and style it more middle of the road? Why not use shearling cuffs and collars but place it on a jacket or coat that will be worn and not be placed firmly in the "nuh, uh, I don't live in New York or London, and cannot get away with that much look in my hometown."

    Anyhow, long story short, good on you for listening to a complaint, Mr. Drexler, but where are you really going from here? Because if it includes the beautiful Liberty tana lawn fabric mish-moshed together in a truly atrocious way (I am so sorry if you really like it, btw, don't mean to offend) on a button-up, then I am not sure I will be interested in sending my money your way any longer.

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  30. I can understand how loyal J.Crew fans (from days of yore) may feel turned off
    by J.Crew's approach to styling since the past 5 years. I can also understand where
    J.Crew is coming from, in terms of going above and beyond with styling;
    J.Crew's aim is to set the company apart from other retailers (of the same price point) when
    it comes to styling and they have been successful.

    Any retailer I go to, whether its Gap, Banana or Boden, I can't help but compare the
    differences or nuances with the styling. Why would these retailers copy J.Crew when J.Crew's styling is not good?

    J.Crew's styling may be off kilter at times, but that's what fashion is all about. Even
    runway shows are meant to be a show. You pick and choose an outfit a model wears
    from a runway show, and you make it your own. Their monthly Style Guide and two yearly fashion shows, are shows. It's meant to be whimsical, tongue and cheek. I don't run to my B&M to buy 2 button up boy shirts just so I can layer it under my cashmere sweater...I know better than to dress like that.
    I never take some of it seriously.

    Then again why would they call it 'Style Guide'-if the guide is failing to dress its loyal customers, hmm...

    I like J.Crew. The colors are always gorgeous. No one other retailer of their level can make color
    combinations like they can. The tweeds, the prints, the styles...the accessibility.

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    1. I agree JSR!
      I like Jcrew too because of the reasons you said.
      I am not in the old school camp and i like Jcrew as is.
      That doesnt mean however that they cant get their act together with the quality and the crazy pricing!

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  31. I've been a customer since the 1990s when you had to fill out the paper insert and mail it with your check to place an order. The first thing I bought was a chambray shirt, but the cut was very over-sized (I don't have it any more). But I'm not in the old school camp, I really like J. Crew as-is. I think they have good business reasons for doing what they're doing and for changing with the times. We may not like it, but J. Crew is a business and they need to stay afloat. They need to also please their customers to do that, but looking at the variety of opinions here about what J. Crew should be, J. Crew can't take off in one direction without losing half its customer base. Some of us like the new stuff, some of us miss the old stuff. For each of us that has quality complaints, there is probably another one of us without them. For each of us who likes the nicer fabrics, there are others who don't mind the polyester, blends, etc. Given all of that, I think J. Crew does a pretty good job balancing their offerings. Some of it is too edgy or too ridiculous, but most of it is not. If they get stuck with some crazy things they can't sell, at least they have created a buzz with them. They won't go back to the great quality at lower prices because it's not going to keep them in business. It's a different retail world now. They won't go back to some of the old styles because they are dated and J. Crew wants to be modern. J. Crew has a tough balancing act to do with a diverse customer base. I'm sure they want to keep us all but how to do that, stay modern, and stay profitable, that is the question.

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    1. Oops I meant since the 1980s!

      Delete
    2. I too have been a customer since the 80's when rugby shirts and scrunched up camp socks were all the rage in the catalog; and I bought then too. I pick and choose my clothing very carefully and would rather buy one or two things a season that I know are quality and I adore, then trendy bejeweled or ruffled items. I rely on Alexis and the JCA community to walk me through what I should purchase or avoid. Without this blog, I'd be muddling my way through the B&M.

      Delete
  32. Well, if they will make the Chiffon Dot Top in Vintage Berry this fall, all will be forgiven. *blinkblink*

    But seriously, I'm very happy to see that only did they respond and listen, but that the email author's spouse was able to bring it all to light. I am not relating to many of the looks released over the past 12 months. The odd piece here and there, sure. Different iterations of things I already own, sure. But there has been a little too much twist and not enough classics for me lately, so all my purchases have been spotty this year.

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  33. The Daily Mail includes some sort of mangled quote from JCA on the subject: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2378865/Has-J-Crews-styling-strayed-far-CEO-Mickey-Drexler-apologizes-customer-catalog-looks-famous-Jenna-Lyons.html

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  34. I saw that last night, Shellye! I love that JCA was quoted.

    By the way--is it true that they flag customers who spend a lot? Like, they flag them for spending five figures in a year? Even if it's, ahem, all sale items?

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  35. So many excellent points made! I really hope that Mickey does listen and we start to see some significant changes in the coming year.

    I personally think that a return to quality over quantity would be a great starting point for them. They need to stop with the rollouts every two weeks and focus on designing well-made items, instead of way too many items of inferior quality, just so they can offer something new on a constant basis.

    I would also like to see more variety when it comes to their designs. Not all women can wear pencil skirts, mini skirts, & café capris. Why not diversify & offer something for other women's figures, too? J.Crew has so many beautiful colors & prints, but they seem to design for only one body type, so many of us are left out. How about offering the same print/color on a mini, pencil, & a-line skirt? Same thing with pants...how about a printed pant with a wider leg & longer length? Not to mention, where are all of the beautiful dresses in longer lengths they used to offer? Bring those back!

    My spending at J.Crew has drastically decreased over the past couple of years mainly due to quality issues, and the lack of variety (clothing for all different body types) that I mentioned above. If they were to offer a better range of designs and stop all their cost cutting, I would be more than happy to give them more of my money again.


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  36. One thing that I haven't seen really articulated, is this sense that JCrew is "over-reaching," as in, JCrew is not a luxury brand. This point is made often on this blog, and elsewhere.

    I think the hidden meaning behind this point is: you made your fortune off of we who are not generally luxury brand buyers. And now you want money from the luxury crowd.

    I think this translates to: we are not good enough for you. And I think that's why some people take the JCrew transformation so personally. No one--certainly not in America--wants to feel that they aren't good enough. It's one thing if another $2500 Celine bag comes out. I know I'm not a Celine customer. But who wants to be made to feel: once I was good enough for you, and now I'm not.

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    1. I think there's some truth to this. I began wondering about this when I read M. Drexler's negative comments about malls. What's wrong with the mall? He's made so much money from malls! Does this mean he has problems with people who shop at malls? Like, for example, me?!?!

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    2. This is EXACTLY my complaint. As I age and my body changes(as does so much of the populations'), I'd still like to be able to shop at J Crew: but I feel like they don't want me and my (51 year old, Size 16, works in a law office) body anymore. Where are all of the tailored knee-length dresses I used to buy, in my size?

      Delete
  37. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  38. Nowadays, so many people are used to fast fashion; rollouts that happen every week and there is ALWAYS something new to buy at a very low price. Clothing is fashionable too. Americans have been used to this way of shopping since the mid 90s when international manufacturing policies were lifted. That's when we saw many companies going overseas to make the clothes that we can buy on the cheap and buy another one the next week at an even lesser price. When the demand for inexpensive fashion rose, so did the fast production of these fashions. Factories from overseas had to crank out more garments at a faster pace to meet deadlines. That would explain the poor quality of the things we wear now. Companies still need to make a profit and customers still want a great bargain.

    I think J. Crew is trying to meet these demands; promotions, sales, fast rollouts, and selling fashion forward clothing. It's a sad slippery slope. Many companies struggle to find a good balance. Ultimately, it's the customers who set the shopping trends. If there are more consumers who want quality and are ok to pay higher prices, then companies will listen. It doesn't help when customers can go to such stores as F21, H&M, or Target and buy clothing that is fashionable and inexpensive. If something falls apart, they can always buy another piece. There is never an easy answer.

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    1. Very true. When I was a teen, we went shopping twice a year. Once in the post-Christmas sales for summer clothes (this was in Australia where its summer in Dec/Jan) and then once for winter. Not every other week like I seem to do now :) And I still have many of the pieces I bought then and they still look good. We saved up for those two shopping trips because even on sale, stuff wasn't cheap relatively.

      Delete
  39. I dashed into my b&m yesterday to look at the new stuff. I was practically the only person in there. Granted, it was the middle of the day and the mall wasn't packed, but I still feel it's telling. More often than not, they're not busy at all unless there's some super sale. Just an observation. But how I interpret it is that something is not working for them.

    Personally, I still shop at JC and still get a few items that I love and that I tend to get a lot of compliments on. But it's far less than in the past. Granted, I'm a sahm now and don't need as much work stuff anymore. But in the past I wasn't really spending my $ on work stuff either. I think all of us here consider ourselves to be somewhat fashion forward (or at least aspire to be). So I don't think it's an old school vs. fashionable forward problem. My personal feeling on why I'm spending so much less is that I think a lot of the stuff looks awful on. I want to buy things that are figure flattering. For example, I haven't tried any of those crazy print capris on b/c I think they don't flatter the model so I won't go near them. If they look bad on the model, they'll look a thousand times worse on me. They simply don't look lovely on me and I want things that look lovely on me. Yes, I want things that are stylish, but I'll go for a pair of plain pants that make me look amazing over the "of the moment" crazy print capris that make me look short, dumpy and droopy-crotched. Finally, as has been said a million times before, the quality of the fabrics and construction is not there, although the prices are ridiculously out of step w/the clothing they're selling. That's a deal breaker for me. I don't want to spend a ridiculous amount of money on an ill fitting polyester top that I'll regret purchasing 31 days later and then be stuck with it. I still love JC and still find things they totally do right and still spend plenty on JC clothing/shoes/jewelry. Sadly, imo, it's become the exception as opposed to the rule unlike how I saw them in the past. I guess what I'm taking way too long to say is that I won't forgo a flattering fit in exchange for the most "fashion forward" thing out there. If that means, I'm not keeping up w/the times, then so be it.

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  40. About quality and prices: Liberty Tana lawn shirts, I buy Tana lawn on line in London 20$ per metre, you need 1.50 metre for a shirt, 10 mother of pearl buttons 4$, shirt made in East Asia( I was in Cambodia) 5$, total $39 . So if I can pay such a lttle sum using retail how much is the cost for J.C? I suppose $ 15 more or less, retail price $150. This is why a teeshirt that will have holes in 2 weeks is $40. Style is just the 2nd issue.

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  41. *snip-snip*! New cuts for Sat morning rounded up at the top of the Irl Pic Guide - Sale.

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  42. A slide-show walk down memory lane on the evolution of J. Crew style:

    http://shine.yahoo.com/photos/has-j-crew-become-too-stylish-a-look-back-slideshow

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    1. Thanks for sharing this. I enjoyed looking at the slides.

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    2. That was a fun look at the catalog photos. Do you know what years slides 4 and 8 were from? I don't remember those at all. J. Crew lost me for a decade or so, it was probably for the best if it was these years !

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  43. The more I think about this the issue for me is not styling at all. It's just a symptom of the larger problem which is decreasing quality at increasing prices. The more construction shortcuts were taken, the wackier some of the style guide outfits became - perhaps to mask the fact that a top had too-tight arms or was very boxy throughout the body. How would you be able to tell this from a photograph if the item you're interested in was under another shirt, a jacket, and 5 necklaces? In general, jackets have been boxier than ever the past few years, but you'd only know this if you tried one on in a store. Even the online pics have proven to be less than helpful if clothes are overly pinned or completely changed between taking them and production.

    (As an aside, a detail that's been annoying me in the Style Guides is that on a page they no longer list the other items' names if they're on other pages - it now just says "Shirt, pg. 5" or "Pant, pg. 40". I liked being able to see the item name if I just wanted to look them up quickly online, rather than being redirected to other pages of the SG.)

    I guess I'd rather MD focus his efforts on bringing quality of construction and materials back to JC and not get bogged down with overhauling the SG's. Who cares if the outfits look more "accessible" but items still fall apart before the end of the season? Out of curiousity, I'd love to see a breakdown of overall savings for JC on choices they've made like switching to a grosgrain interior waistband on the wool pencil skirts, or opting not to extend the striped lining down the sleeves of the new schoolboy.

    Point: Don't let the styling 'debate' distract too much from the other issues with JC.

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    1. You hit it on the head, as usual, silver_lining!

      Delete
  44. Clearly the issue has been beaten to death and I agree with some of the comments on here. I think they need to focus on quality, keep the prices the same, less sales and fewer roll-outs. Bring back they quality conscious customer, but keep the fashion evolving. Some of the comments on here about the "loyal" j crew customer are interesting. The company brought in MD to rescue the failing company- if it was so great before and everyone was so "loyal" why do you think it was failing? I love the styling- I think it's chic and fashion forward. If you don't like it- don't wear it that way! The styling pushes the customer to think outside the box and shows you other ways to wear it besides the plain, boring way. There are also a lot of complaints about the quality- which I agree in some aspects. I'm missing the quality detailing and finishes we use to see. None of my clothing is falling apart and I have no holes in anything? I'm curious to know what brand of clothing besides j crew that people think has great quality? There clothing quality is in line with there competitors. One of the major problems is the economy and how it has changed consumer habits. The stores that seem to be doing well are lower end like, h & m, forever 21, old navy, target....... The economy has not turned around and people are still struggling. I think most retailers are going to continue to struggle until the economy turns around. I can't go into any shop or boutique without seeing a sale. J crew fits into this category and I think it's out of their hands. I love the direction j crew is going in- I think it's exciting and their styling has brought a lot of attention and interest to j crew in the fashion world. I think they should focus their attention on quality and they'll be just fine.

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    1. I thought I'd chime in in answering what brand of clothing I personally think has great quality......At least for me, the one retailer that has consistently been a pillar for quality and construction is Boden. Their prices are about on-par with J Crew, and yet they manage to always have outstanding quality and the tiny finishing details that make garments special.

      In addition, they almost always offer free shipping and free returns (no minimum) with a 365 day return policy and pretty regular 10%-20% off promos on everything. They only have 5-6 roll outs a year, and that's it. And once a piece is marked down, it never goes back up. No pricing games. I have never had an issue with customer service, and Boden frequently sends me special $25 gift certificates for no good reason.

      Every skirt and dress (and even many tops) are offered in both Tall and petite sizes with actual garment measurements listed for each and every size.

      I have never regretted a purchase at Boden, like I do a J Crew, and I always feel that the price reflects the quality. I never feel the fool about paying too much for something at Boden, like I do at J Crew. I am far more willing to pay $100 for a dress at Boden than J Crew because I know it's actually worth 100$, and will last for seasons (without having to hand wash in "unicorn tears and fairy dust" as one commenter described.

      For those reasons, for me Boden has been getting far more of my money these past few years than J Crew. Granted Boden isn't as super edgy or fashion forward as J Crew, but for the same price points, it has far better quality, construction, fabrics, and customer-friendly services, and I just can't see why J Crew can't implement some of the same polices or practices.

      Delete
    2. I have never placed a Boden order, but I am sorely tempted. I don't consider myself "old school JCrew" (after buying as a teen in the 80s I took a hiatus, with a few exceptions, and didn't start looking again until 2007/2008) and I know some see in Boden a hark back to what JC once was; however, I need no-hassle clothes and no-hassle buying. Boden has what look to be great day dresses that come close to the knee and are MACHINE WASHABLE. Their prices are totally reasonable. No games. I may just make the leap.

      I disagree with other posters that better quality can't be found elsewhere at similar price points; the things I buy elsewhere on sale (Calypso, Tory Burch) don't develop holes after one or three or five wearings. I splurged on a TB dress earlier this summer and for much less than a JC "Collection" piece I got a dress made out of 100% cotton with beautiful embroidered details and fantastic tailoring--very subtle A-line skirt and arms--that is hand washable. My summer closet now has almost no JCrew in it. My fall/winter closet may be heading in the same direction. I have reached pencil skirt, corduroy pant, and little jacket saturation. I find nothing inspirational or aspirational about the brand anymore--for me it is at two extremes, boring or fugly.

      And I am frustrated--I want JC to be my go-to brand, but they are increasingly disappointing me. I can count my purchases since January on my ten fingers, most of it swimwear. Along the lines of what someone else mentioned, I don't have the time or inclination to shop Nordstrom's website and brand mix. I want one-stop shopping that I can count on; quality construction and style with a little bit of an edge. The LAST thing I need is a longer schoolboy. I hope they are reading this thread and can get it together, quickly!

      Delete
    3. I'd like to also chime in with a opposing view re: Boden. I used to live in the UK, so I knew them well, but I rarely bought from them. While the quality for price is good (especially for the UK), I find the style a snooze, bordering on dowdy.

      There have been so many J Crew styles this spring and summer I love like the neon tweed jacket, the Pom Pom top, the bazaar print pants and even the frost foulard pants. Print pants are fun!

      I know a lot of you complain about the "pricing games,". But in reality they work. Look what happened when JC Penny tried to reduce the number of promos/sales to everyday low pricing. Their customers hated it! Everyone loves a sale and feeling like they got a bargain.

      J Crew is still my go to retailer.

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    4. Retailers at the low-end are doing well, yes, but so are retailers at the high end. Much like our nation's middle class it's the middle retailers that are suffering. From that aspect I understand why J.Crew wants to aim higher. They want to aim for the people who have vast disposable incomes. Or they want the people who are into buying the latest trends every year, i.e. mainly younger 20-somethings. I get it. That works for a few years but as those customers start to realize how much money they're flushing down the toilet when things like family, home ownership, etc. come to pass they will look to other brands and the trendy shops get left in the dust. Or their income grows enough that they don't feel the pain of cycling through clothing so quickly.

      Where J.Crew's prices are now, I can get a beautiful cashmere sweater from Club Monaco for the same price or less that has a longer thread and will not pill the way J.Crew's current cashmere does. I can buy knit tops from Vince that have better drape and are softer, and that sit beautifully on my 5'8" frame. I prefer J.Crew's work dresses above all but if I wait for sale I can get an almost-as-nice dress from Theory. For trendier items I can find similar prints at Zara for a 1/3 of J.Crew's price. Or I go higher, to a Rag & Bone or an APC or my current fave, Proenza Schouler.

      I don't understand what's so bad about being known as the place to go to buy nice, well-tailored basics. J.Crew seems so eager to shed that label as though it were a poisonous snake. But that identity has been why I've invested a lot of money in their stuff. My winter coats, my cashmere, my silk camis, my pencil skirts, my work dresses all used to come from J.Crew. True that's not all stuff I need to buy every year but it's stuff I will buy every year if the temptation is there. I don't mind the trendier stuff at J.Crew, but I won't spend much on it. I want my closet to be 80% classic, forever wearable items.

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  46. OT - J Crew offered a free ship code on Facebook follows.

    "Oh hey Australia, enjoy free shipping on us. Valid from 7/26 7:00AM AEST through 7/27 7:00AM AEST. Use code AUFREESHIP"

    Of course frustration bubbled up with the time difference, plus the code not working at all for some shoppers. Why only make it for 24 hours? That was such a small, silly window.

    In other news, review of the merino swing sweater currently on promo for $75 + STYLE40.

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  47. OT: I mentioned this in another thread yesterday morning, so please excuse the duplicate comment if you've already seen it, but for those who haven't...there are several new promo-priced items this weekend including cashmere sweaters in select colors, as well as a couple of new markdowns too. I've noted them in this post. Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone! :)

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  48. I LOVE JCREW's HIGH FASHION STYLE-keep it up Jenna Lyons!!!

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  49. There's a new cardholder promotion. Take 25% off of your first purchase for New J. Crew Card Promo. The offer from July 28, 2013, 12:01am ET through August 4, 2013, 11:59pm and is only available for new cardholders, not existing cardholders.

    I hope they follow-up with an existing cardholder promo.

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    1. Nooo! Where is the regular cardholder promotion??

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    2. I have no idea but hope it's soon. They'd better get moving as Banana Republic has just thrown down the gauntlet (40% full price; 50% sale). I'm not even a major BR shopper and those numbers have me giving their website a serious look.

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  50. I think that Mickey Drexler just made an offhand remark that the articles have blown up into a big deal. He probably hears this stuff all the time but it usually doesn't make it to the news. He hears it from us all the time, if he is reading JCA :-) I believe he takes it all into consideration, whether or not it makes the news.

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  51. http://shine.yahoo.com/photos/has-j-crew-become-too-stylish-a-look-back-slideshow/accessories-now-photo-1374872221494.html

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