Wednesday, February 26, 2014

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website (click here to view online).

There are some new arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here). {wahoo!} It looks like Crewcuts (click here) has been updated, but not the J.Crew Collection (click here).

The February catalog (click here to view) is still up. However, the latest MARCH catalog is not. As mentioned by several JCAs, J.Crew posted several images of the newest catalog over at Pinterest (click here to view).

Even better! It looks like J.Crew is offering free shipping on all orders for today. Plus, they are still running 20% off everything for cardmembers (no min! both online and in stores!) with promo code CARDSONLY. This offer expires March 4, 2014. The fine print includes:
*Offer valid on purchases made using a J.Crew Credit Card or in conjunction with the opening of a new J.Crew Credit Card in J.Crew stores and at jcrew.com from February 26, 2014, 12:01am ET through March 4, 2014, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in Liquor Store or Ludlow Shops; in 769 Madison Avenue, Canadian or J.Crew Factory stores; at jcrewfactory.com; or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other offer. Offer not valid on babies' merchandise, men's Ludlow suiting and footwear, Garments for Good merchandise or on select Collection items and third-party branded merchandise. In-store discount automatically taken at the register. To redeem online, enter code CARDSONLY in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promotional code per order. Offer valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer are subject to change. Subject to credit approval.
After checking the new arrivals, here are my top three picks:

*Schoolboy blazer in tipped linen (item A2560: $185.00) looks just like last year's version except the white trim is thicker. I love the style and look, so I am happy that it will be sticking around this year. Plus, I am happy that I got the original version on super sale! :)


*Grecian dress (item A3771; $98.00) is a nice throwback to what J.Crew use to offer back in 2004-2009. These types of dresses are great because: (1) the fabric is super comfortable, (2) it is versatile. Depending on how you wear it, it looks casual enough to wear to the beach or dressy enough to wear out to dinner.


*Cleo fabric loafers (item A1839; $160.00) just makes me smile when I see them. What a fun slipper to wear! Preppy and casual at the same time.

With my top three picks in mind... I have to say that I am kind of "meh" with the overall March roll-out. In all fairness, J.Crew's Spring Collection is usually not my favorite season.


What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you expecting a bigger roll-out? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)

106 comments:

  1. I don't usually love the spring collection either, Alexis, but I'm extremely disappointed. It seems as if the women's designers grab a bunch of fabrics and shapes and throw them at the wall, and see what sticks (or sells). I don't think even they know what the want to be anymore. I look at the extremely coherent men's collection with a well-defined point of view and weep at what could be. If only Frank Muytjens would get tired of men's and rescue women's! I'd probably buy every piece

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    1. I'm just guessing, but I think Frank believes he is rescuing women's. I have no quibbles with his menswear, but he just doesn't get dressing women.

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    2. I think he does only men's. Tom Mora does the women's line.

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    3. Couldn't agree more! Some of the patterns on tops and et al are totally questionable. They don't look like items that would last the test of style time. Frank and Melissa need to come back and help the women's line for sure!

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    4. Totally! JCrew continues to do menswear beautifully and true to their original New England preppy aesthetic. But their line for women, with the occasional out-of-the-ball-park items (for me that was the monk-strap loafers, collection italian silk shirtdress and a couple of boy and perfect shirts over the course of 2013) has lost it's mojo.

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  2. There are two skirts I'm very interested in - the wrap pencil skirts in cubist print and photo lace. Nice fabrics and interesting prints. Not sure I could pull either off but they do appeal to me and I want to see them in person.

    Looked briefly at the lace pencil skirt - poly. I have a cotton lace pencil skirt in my closet that was much less expensive and I'm sure it's more comfortable. Poly skirts are so hard to wear.

    Just curious about who designs their suiting. An 18" skirt in suiting? Who can wear that to work?

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  3. Oh my. Add me to the rather disappointed list. And, I usually do love the spring collection.

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  4. Fall is usually my favorite collection but last fall left much to be desired. Ditto this spring collection. A few items are interesting to me but it looks like I'll mostly be picking up basics - some more featherweight cashmere and cotton sweaters as they appear in sale. I still haven't spent the rewards (mostly earned from gift giving) that are burning a hole in my wallet.

    I'm really not feeling the puff-sleeve blazers or the ugly "crazy" prints littered throughout yet another collection. And now I do regret not snatching up last year's schoolboy in tipped linen in ivory when the price got slashed. I have no appreciation for the wider tipping in this year's version.
    I was also hoping for some more semi-casual, old school JC type dresses but maybe it's too early to be disappointed on that front. Perhaps we'll see some beauties in the summer collection, fingers crossed.

    I did order the Audrey suede pumps in Deep Chartreuse out of curiosity. Bright yellow is my weakness. Let's hope that it really is bright yellow IRL.

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    1. Those are such gorgeous pumps - I'd love to hear about them. There are some other nice shoes in this rollout too, including the suede metallic heels and the Ava's. Not sure I can handle heels quite that high, but they are beautiful for those who can.

      And I like some of the prints, especially the cubist and medallion. And I might buy the leather pencil skirt - great investment piece.

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    2. I love that color, too. I wish they'd do some suede Viv flats in deep chartreuse!

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  5. I thought some things were interesting in this rollout. I like the Cleo loafers and Grecian dress you like, Alexis. I also like the Nike Internationals, linen boy shirt in diamond ikat, linen cubist tee, geo print drawstring pants. I was hoping for a one-piece bathing suit in the cubist print, but there isn't one. I bought a couple of popbacks I've been watching for (cheers tee in gray, wool pocket skirt).

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  6. There are several pieces I really like, but even 20% promo wasn't enough to bite...YET. Alexis, I really like the Grecian dress you featured here, I am so out of the habit of even LOOKING at the dresses, but this is the type of knit/style that I love! Thank you!

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    1. Ha! I too have given up on jcrew dresses, so I was so delighted to see that gem hidden in there!

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  7. I think there are some very nice prints (lattice medallion, photo lace) and the cubist print is absolutly stunning (I tried the wrap pencil and it could easily be a piece by Philip Lim). I agree the collection as a whole lacks cohesion but I will take the best of it.

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    1. I agree Ema about the cubist print being fabulous. I tried on the pants yesterday. Gorgeous fabric but they run small and I was afraid to sit down.

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  8. Not loving much other than the swimwear.

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  9. I'm liking more at Madewell right now I think, I'm not interested in buying any more merino sweaters {even though its still snowing} and Madewell has some more interesting selections.

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    1. One thing of interest I did notice with the new website design in that the length of items are included in the description, that's been something I have been hoping for.

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  10. the only thing i wanted is already sold out :( (floral embroidered tee in heather silver ivory)

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    1. I see it's currently available in all sizes in the heather silver ivory, Brittney.

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  11. I so dislike the new J Crew layout I can barely look through the items! I just spent 5 minutes, got frustrated, and closed the window. Do they think everyone shops on a phone or something? I have a wide-format laptop, I really don't want clutter at the top and bottom of the screen chewing up valuable real estate. Also, I see no way to view more than a few items per page, I used to be able to reset the default to 90. I wish they'd offer a "view all". I'm going to write a complaint email to J Crew later.

    This probably belongs in one of the other topics, but it really bugs me when there are promos and J Crew claims that an item is sold out, but when the promo ends the item is miraculously available again in multiple sizes. Can't they just exclude certain items from the promo but leave them available?

    I have a headache this morning. I'm cranky. :)

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    1. Me too! I can't find the option to change it to 90 items per page. If this is they way they keep it, I don't know if I'll be able to tolerate the new sloppy website. There is no way I'm clicking thru 60+ pages to see all the sale items.

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  12. In case somebody hasnt seen it,i have the new catalog on my blog to view and also lots of reviews if the new items online here.

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  13. The new site is awful...not user friendly and the next buttons aren't working. They seem to be the only company that never tests their site before it goes live. The search and sorting functions are terrible. This rollout is meh to me. Nothing I am dying to have which is disappointing. I used to buy all my clothes at JC but I can't find anything these days I want or that I think will hold up after more than one wear.

    I have been looking for a short sleeved sweater...but not in merino. Maybe they will do something similar in cotton? I think the geo print drawstring pants are cute...would love to see some reviews on them...at $100 for poly pants...they need to be amazing. I have been on the fence about the drapey crepe pants...I like them but wonder if they will pull and look terrible after a few wears like the henley tunic. I am also looking for a nice cotton jacket...not too long in something other than flame or khaki. I agree with the other posters that this rollout seems all over the place...is no one editing looks there anymore? I just don't understand what they are trying to do.

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    1. I reviewed the geo print drawstring pants on my blog.
      HTH

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    2. Madewell has a short sleeved sweater that is cotton poly wool nylon. https://www.madewell.com/newarrivals/sweaters/PRDOVR~A3318/A3318.jsp

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  14. I like the look of the Sunburst Skirt, and I like even better that it is a wearable 20" (maybe if I size up it will hit at a reasonable above-the-knee spot on my leg.) However, don't like the material for the price point. At $118, they couldn't do silk? I bought a similarly pleated poly skirt like that at Forever 21 a couple years ago for under $20.

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    1. i liked the sunburst skirt and wish my hips weren't so intense so i could pull it off. but what disappointed me the most was that the material not only is poly but feels like cheap poly. you can definitely get something like it elsewhere.

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  15. One of the few items I liked, the Collection silk gazar top in overblown floral, is already nearly sold out! How is that possible?! It is $450 for Canadian shoppers, with taxes it would come close to $500 - and $400 for US shoppers. Who out there is able to afford $400-$500 for a short-sleeved top????

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    1. A lot of times when new items show up on the website they're not fully stocked. Additional sizes will probably show up in the next few days; I doubt it's selling out at that price.

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  16. ummmm. yeahhhh.

    I bought 3 things: two t-shirts (one in two sizes because I wasn't sure).

    I'm skipping the ikat dress which was the only thing I was looking forward to. I was also hoping for a nice white knee length full skirt (like one that was in one of the fashion shows). I've been looking for one for a while and would have bought it even though it's currently snowing (AGAIN!) and I wouldn't be able to wear it for months.

    ah well.

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  17. I get disappointed that the normal staples aren't released- Like I need a new featherweight cardigan- but it's all these crazy colors which are fine for the season but I need my staple colors, white, black, navy...
    But i did get the grey linen blazer and the collection basket weave dress (of course I'm like do I really need that and wear would I ever wear that- could I wear it casually on a weekend while doing my grocery shopping?) but I got it always, with rewards card, 20% off and free shipping I only owed $70 woo hoo!

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  18. Your posts haven't been showing up on my Bloglovin feed this week! :( Anyone else having this problem? There's another blog I follow that doesn't appear in my feed anymore. Boo.

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    1. Today's posts finally showed up in my feed but none of the others have. I wonder if it's related to the new changes they made? Hopefully it'll get worked out somehow! I asked them but haven't had a response yet.

      xo Kimi

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  19. I feel like someone needs to grab the Crewcuts tipped tank dress in multistripe. I saw it in the catalog and it's such a pretty piece! I think some of the more petite gals could rock that!

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  20. I'm tempted to buy my first linen tee. Do you always size down in the linen tees? I thought I remembered reading this somewhere. Thanks.

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    1. I've owned several of the linen tees and I normally wear a medium in (4-6) in tops and sweaters but on the tees, size down. However, caution: the linen tees tend to "tear" easier and snag. At least for me they have.

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    2. Maryeb,i reviewed the linen tees on my blog.
      I had to def size down one size and they were still loose.
      HTH

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    3. yeah... i've been a consistent size smaller in linen tees. always XS with room in linen compared to my normal S in painter and perfect tees

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    4. Thanks so much for the info. on sizing. Disappointing that they tear and snag easily. Maybe I'll rethink my choice. I do like the cubist print.

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    5. I'm a 2 or a 4 and I always just get small in linen tees and it's been totally fine. Also have never had any of them snag, either. They're supposed to be a bit looser, so unless you want them to be extremely form fitting and shorter than in the photo, I wouldn't size down.

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  21. I don't get zip-shoulder things because it hurts if you have anything like a bag on your shoulder! & puff-sleeve blazers...REALLY JCrew?!

    Onto more positive things..I really like the "photo lace" prints they have going on (A2110 for pants) at least on the models. The side-scalloping details on A2453 is nice too. Salon mini in stripe (A2841) looked nice in the catalog so I want to try it. I also like the cubist print top (A2920), strapless stripe dress (A4094), the crystal carved stone necklace (A8284) and a lot of the new shoes in prints. The Nike court majestic (A0786) looks like a wardrobe staple for me! And it's definitely cheap at $55 among the sea of $300+ shoes...

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    1. i'm loving the photo lace prints and those sleek white nikes also!

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  22. Not impressed. I used to love the Spring rollout (but it was usually circa 2004-2008). Now, all I smile about is the money I'm saving by not really shopping J.Crew as much. If I buy anything lately, it is usually on sale. Not impressed with the prints. The only thing I liked was the tweed navy skirt in the suiting section.

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  23. I'm on the same boat meh about the clothes. The only thing I'm interested in trying/possibly buying is the cotton twill swing trench. I need a new trench and I like how this one doesn't have the belt option.

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  24. I have a gift card from J Crew that I have been itching to use, waiting for this roll-out, and there's nothing that I want! All the pants are too low-rise, I don't trust the quality of the cashmere anymore, and there's just nothing that sings its siren song to me.

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  25. I've been looking at the Lillian wedge sandals for a year - and now that the beautiful navy & green print version is available, I'm ready to buy.

    Need advice on sizing - I wear an 8.5 in most non-JC shoes, mostly a 9 in JC shoes. But I'm wearing JC boots today in an 8.5 and I think my Lucca's are 8.5 as well.

    Thoughts on Lillian sizing? Thanks.

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    1. I have some Lillian wedge sandals from last year. I bought 6.5 which is my size in most non-JC shoes. They were comfortable from the start. I love them. So I say they are TTS for your normal shoe size.

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    2. These had a long footbed, IIRC. I normally wear an 8 in shoes and sandals, but I went down to a 7.5 in these because of the long footbed.

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    3. cousy - Go w/your Lucca size. I reviewed the suede Lillians in this post. I tried the suede, metallic & patent. I'm 7.5 and fi 7.5 in all three. I almost always take 8 in all other JC shoes. HTH :)

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  26. Additional 40% off final sale still going in-store as of today (Wed).

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    1. Hi Gigi, OT: Any idea how much the cocoon coat is in-store?

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    2. turquoise2 - $279.99 in-store for the cocoon coat.

      For all JCAs - I was told addtl 40% off final sale at one store and addtl 30% off final sale at another. I guess we can count on addtl 30% off fs for sure.

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    3. Have either of you seen them still in stores? I was in search of one but all the stores I called said they sent them back to the warehouse.

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    4. I have seen some at the Avenues at East Cobb in Marietta GA.

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  27. Everything I liked from the new arrivals was sold out already! People are going nuts, but it's a really good sale. Also, some of us still have rewards to use! I was able to get a few things I've been eyeing.

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Keep checking...the shirt I wanted was out of stock earlier and is now back in stock in all sizes.

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  28. A few things have caught my eye, but not enough to buy right now. I feel like that's just how it is with JCrew any more.

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  29. I like the color blocked crepe Tshirt (or top). I like the stretchy dress with the stripes and the black on the sides . . . I'm curious about the sweatpants and the Campbell capris. But 20%? Not enough.

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  30. This spring's selection is more appealing to me than spring 2013. It looks a little more cohesive and not as eccentric. I even see a few items that will go with my super-minimalist monochrome plan. But they have missed the midi boat again. Midis are probably hotter than ever, they abound in the spring and fall runway shows, yet once again J Crew offers only a few. The leather and gabardine skirts are great but should have (also?) been offered in a midi length. And they need more solid-colored cream and white tops, in my opinion. I am looking for these things, I am willing to spend my hard-earned cash, and I like to be brand-loyal, but I'm forced to shop elsewhere.

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    1. I agree. The dresses (few if any midi length) are really disappointing and seem like the same stuff that comes out every year. I was expecting more midi length too.

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    2. Likewise cropped sweaters. Not up to the ribs, but resting at the waist or just an inch or two below. I'm not seeing any in the new items, and I swear the last cropped sweater I saw from J Crew was several years ago! Jenna's cardigan? I realize that they have to design pretty far in advance, but this trend started brewing several years ago and it now it's totally mainstream. Tucking a portion of a long sweater into the waistband just doesn't cut it for me.

      I should add that I bought Tippis two sizes too large just to shrink! They're too long, I want a shorter Tippi. I'll be experimenting this weekend.

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    3. I did that last year to my Tippis and they got holes in the seams almost immediately. Maybe I should have used Woolite or something else but the wool seems rather delicate compared to some other sweaters. I'll be interested to see how yours turn out.

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  31. Love the Merino Silk-Panel Sweater in Cubist Print. Will most likely buy it soon. Love the idea of the Merino Lattice Sleeve Sweater but wish it was offered in another color. That sandy taupe doesn't work on me.

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  32. I'm quite interested in a couple of skirts: the collection cubist print and the lattice medallion pencil skirt.
    If anyone sees them irl I would love to hear your thoughts. The lattice medallion seems to be poly, which is Very disappointing given the price for us Internationals.....$175 for poly is crazy!
    If you do see either items I'd love your reviews!

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    Replies
    1. Rynetta has a review of the Lattice Medallion with some great pics.
      http://jcrewismyfavstore.blogspot.com/2014/02/j-crew-no-2-pencil-skirt-in-lattice.html

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    2. Maryeb: thanks SO much for linking to my review!!!!

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    3. Hi Ruth, Ema commented on the collection cubist print skirt earlier today. I bought the skirt and I love it! When I first took it out of the box, I was a bit skeptical, but it's beautiful on. I really like the A-line style and the print is gorgeous. I'm thinking about buying the skirt in Willoughby pine print as well. HTH.

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  33. I just want a nice quality basic white or cream colored blouse that isn't poly, sheer and/or buttons down the back. Is this too much to ask? I can't seem to find nice basic blouses at any retailers these days.

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    Replies
    1. Try Everlane - they have some great basics (including silk and cotton and chambray blouses and shirts).

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    2. LTee, thanks for that recommendation! I didn't know about Everlane.

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    4. Also try equipment or theory for silk blouses.

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  34. Not a lot in this roll-out for me although I love the Cleo fabric loafers and may cave in on those.

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  35. Went by my local store and the sale was extra 30% off and 20% off other stuff for cardholders. They were stacking the additonal 20% off on top of promotional items in the store but not the sale items. Button up shirts were 25% off plus additional 20% for cardholders. This was a pretty good deal.

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  36. Does J Crew still do updates in the wee hours of the morning? I'm ready to do some stalking, willing to make the sleep sacrifice to acquire my target object. :) I'm central time, is it around 4am or something?

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    1. You can't really count on it. I was up early this morning because I wanted to look at the new arrivals before the day got hectic, and sale was already updated by 5am Eastern time. Normally the update would be closer to 6am Eastern time. But I've been up early to look for something on days when they didn't do any sale inventory update. If I look early now, it's because I'm already up (except for today). Lots of those days, there isn't an update. It'll make you crazy, I tell ya!

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    2. Thank you so much for the info. With my luck I'll get up at 5am and there won't be an update. Or there will be but my target item won't be there. If I could be asleep by 11pm it wouldn't be so bad. I'll set my alarm, we'll see what happens when it goes off. :)

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    3. I couldn't sleep last night so I was still up at 1 a.m. cst., and that's when J.Crew updated the women's sale section with 2000+ items.

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    4. You must have been thinking "Jackpot!" :)

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  37. What do you all think about whether the sale section will get another promo back? I have my eye on something but hate to pull the trigger on it now if another final sale promo will be back. The women's sale section has a ton of items. Maybe by the weekend? Let me know your thoughts.

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    1. The same inventory looks huge right now so I would bet on one!

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    2. I would speculate either after the cardmember offer expires or sooner if the stock doesn't move.

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    3. Thanks. Hopefully sooner as the cards aren't in Canada so it's definitely a promo dry season right now. I would be happy to buy some 40% off winter-wear as it is still freezing here. The better hurry before the weather takes a turn. :/)

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  38. Replies
    1. Click here for Rose's link.

      (The one you posted isn't working.)

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  39. stopped by the stonestown b&m to do a return. i tried to make conversation with the SA about the new arrivals and even she didn't seem that excited about them. she told me that she was more excited about the stuff on promo and that just got added to the sale section (and thus eligible for an additional 30% off). the matte crepe tee in blue facade and bright persimmon were both in the sale section (they're still FP online).

    as for promos, i think select jewelry and all outerwear (jackets, schoolboys, etc) were 25% off. all sweaters were 20% off so i got myself the merino tunic sweater (yay!). I didn't ask if cardholders can get an additional 20% off since i don't have a JC card and don't plan on ever getting one, but the promo item stacked with my 15% student discount.

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    1. Dmitri - How much was the matte crepe tee? I've been looking at the bright persimmon. TIA

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    2. Just got back from the store. It was $69.99 plus the 30% off for final sale. Then they added another 20% off of that.

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    3. what is the crepe tee like? i was eye that on last 40% in the navy.

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    4. pathos - The crepe tee is poly, but machine washable. It's on the thicker side, without being too heavy. I haven't tried it on yet, but ordered it on the last promo in black. I hope to try it on tomorrow while I wait for it to arrive.

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  40. Replies
    1. Good eye, Wendy. I'm guessing it sucked up too much time and split the cs reps' attention. I don't think they had dedicated staff doing chat only.

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    2. I think it's kind of funny because when chat first came out, they would forever be butting into my browsing sessions, especially if I put stuff in my cart and didn't check out. It would feel kind of creepy having someone remotely watching my browsing activity. But recently, the link was never ever available when I needed them. So annoying!

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  41. quite excited to see the new Fatigue jacket with fishtail hemline in back. been looking for this jacket for awhile, and really hope the quality does not disappoint.

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    1. Hi pathos - I got mine last year (when it was the "Charlie fatigue jacket" - the item #'s are the same) and I have worn it a lot more than I thought I would. I'm very happy with it.

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