This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent"
posts), where we can share our finds from other
retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew
(like Anthropologie, LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann
Taylor, and the like.)If you have recently encountered items that are similar to J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.
Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including experiences with certain merchandise pieces, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.
banana republic has been stepping up: a light orange blazer recently caught my eyes, very jcrewzy in linen. Some nice trench coats, and stripe offerings as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree. On my last trip there they had a tipped blazer that was very JC-like.
DeleteKate Spade Outlet - I have March new arrival irl pics captured & put in a slideshow on 1060 Pairs.
ReplyDeletei'll post more formal reviews later, but i love love love the Kate Spade Keegan dress and also the Madewell modern leather bomber.
ReplyDeletealso, ruelala is having a ray-bans sale! styles for both men and women are discounted
ReplyDeleteHey, you all! :) Been a while, but I suppose that means Boden is doing well enough that they don't *need* to have big sales. Anyhow, they did at least start a "mid-season" sort of sale this past Sunday, which I wrote up here at this blog post. Some items are at 40% off, but the vast majority of items are between 10%-30% off.
ReplyDeleteNew favorite Boden item is the Favourite Cropped
DeleteCardigan (cotton version). I now have two from this season, cropped but not too short. I noticed there are some great prices on discontinued colors for the cashmere version.
Madewell Erin boots (A1494), Apple Butter or Almost Black. I've been looking for a slip-on western-style bootie and this one is pretty good. It's very plain, but the colors are both good. They're not distressed but have a bit of a faded look to start with, especially the Almost Black color. After wearing them a few times and getting a few scuffs, I think they will look like old favorites. I didn't like two things about these, though. One is that I must have low outer ankle bones, because the top of these boot touched the ankle bone and hurt. I tried on 4-5 different pairs of these and found one pair that did not hit the ankle bones, so they can vary. Another pair did hit the ankle bones but I tried a heel insole in them and it raised my heel up enough that the boot didn't dig any more. So they could work. The other thing I didn't like is that they didn't look so good without long pants. I wouldn't wear them with skirts or shorts. The way they come up over the front of the foot makes them best suited to wear with straight or boot cut jeans or pants. That is what I want them for anyway, though.
ReplyDeleteMadewell Latticework Skirt (A2714), True Black. This looked cute in the catalog but in real life it was voluminous. I don't need any help making my stomach or butt look huge! I thought there was way too much fabric. Comparing it to the J. Crew Eyelet Midi Skirt (a3595), the J. Crew skirt is a smooth line down from the waistband and it gently flares. This Madewell skirt is gathered at the waist and poofs out right at the waistband. It was not flattering on me. I didn't buy either one, but the J. Crew one was much more flattering on me. The Madewell skirt's fabric is kind of stiff and heavy. I can't remember the lining but I think it was probably cotton.
Madewell Casita Shift Dress (A1026), True Black or Pearl Ivory. This looks adorable off but not so good on. It didn't feel good on, either. It's a thick, stiff cotton fabric. It didn't fit me well at the top, it felt awkward. I also wouldn't have minded it being a bit longer. I tried it in both colors and both of my Madewell dress sizes. The smaller was the right size, but it felt kind of forced so I didn't buy it.
Madewell Slingback Sightseer Sandal in Silver (a6210). These were wonderful. I took the smaller of my two sizes, which is my typical sandal size. You can pull the back strap down to put them on without unbuckling every time. The silver color is not shiny silver like a patent silver might be. These are soft leather and a more subtle silver color.
thank you soooo much for these madewell reviews! i had been curious about their recent skirts and dresses. i haven't tried any madewell shoes yet, now i'm curious :)
DeleteYou're welcome! I'm keeping the Erin boots (in my usual shoe size) and the sandals, but I haven't worn either yet so I can't speak to how they will feel after a day of wear.
DeleteI could probably review a few other things I tried on... might do that if I get a chance later.
DeleteHi cate - hope you don't mind if I tack some MW reviews on...
DeleteWashed cotton boyshirt (09288) - I tried the frosted cement in S (my usual), the color was pretty but it was too small to button up comfortably. I knew this from reading the reviews, but they didn't have M in stock so I decided to roll the dice.
Denim tee (95480) - This one is great. Short (but I was expecting that based on the reviews) and an easy shape for summer. Fit well in S. I can see layering it or wearing it solo. The sleeves are rolled and tack but I'll probably untack them so they hit at a little more flattering place on my bicep. Lifting a 30 pound toddler has not exactly slimmed down my arms!
I reviewed the holepunch skimmers (a4256) on the website. Basically, duds compared to previous years. Thinner/cheaper feeling leather and the holes were kinda Swiss-cheesey to me.
I love the fact that MW offers reviews on their site and have found it really helpful when ordering since I'm not near a B&M. Overall, I've been happier with MW orders than JC orders lately and I think online reviews have had something to do with that.
I thought I had lost out on the J Crew Evie sandals in navy, and was feeling sad. So I went into DSW - not a place I usually frequent- and was delighted by the several styles of Evie-like sandals (in a range of colors). I bought a beautiful green pair for $60. I bought also a pair of navy Valentina-esque shoes, also $60. They are more comfortable than my Valentina's, though the leather isn't quite as nice.
ReplyDeleteI buy from J Crew when the style, value and quality set them apart. I'm a little concerned at the moment that J Crew isn't delivering those three elements consistently, so I'm happy to buy cheaper versions.
Last Fall one of us Aficionadas (I hope you read this!) asked about a Madewell shirt with an elephant print: navy shirt with small white elephants; very cute. It looks like they re-released that shirt both in stores and online.
ReplyDeleteJust discovered Equipment after noticing that Alison Mosshart, one of my favorite rock n roll style muses, is the current face of the brand. Gorgeous gorgeous button down shirts in tons of prints and solids. Versatile enough to accommodate a range of personal styles. Very expensive but high quality and you can find them on eBay for under $100. Just scored one in a buttery, buttery washed silk with a star print that I plan on wearing open over a t shirt or sleeveless button down.
ReplyDeleteI love Equipment. I try to keep my eye out at Nordstrom Rack, Neiman Marcus Last Call, or even TJMaxx for their shirts at times. Such great shirts!
Deleteequipment hands down makes the best silk shirts! but as a short/petite gal i'm not able to wear their long-sleeved button-downs. elle has a great review of the diff types of equipment silk shirts HERE for those interested.
Deletei also love equipment's cashmere crewneck "sloane" sweaters. my mom has them in like 5 colors already and is still trying to collect more. i own one and reach for it all the time, such a great basic.
Wondering if anyone has tried the BR color blocked crepe top. JCrew has one of these--wondering how BR's holds up.
ReplyDeleteIs Madewell already sold out of the Pocket-front tee (navy/cream stripes)?! It's gone from my wishlist and I can't find it online anywhere... I am so upset.
ReplyDeletexo Kimi
Hi Kimi - I don't know what's up with that. I had it in my wishlist even though I tried it and didn't love the color. The fact that it suddenly disappeared (instead of going to low stock/backorder/sold out) makes me think it will be back online at some point. Maybe they will do a WWFIFY?
DeleteI'm not sure what WWFIFY stands for (sorry! D:), but I ended up chatting with someone about it. She couldn't figure it out right away but later emailed and said it was available for pre-order...?! I don't understand why it was available and why it's not anymore. Weird! What didn't you like about the color?
Deletexo Kimi
twentysomethingsimple - WWFIFY is we will find it for you. That's what they call it thru J. Crew. I might be called the same at Madewell. They can definitely do a search for items, as silver_lining suggested.
DeleteSmAckDoWn at Gap. A rugby-stripe maxi.
ReplyDeleteThere are some really cute lace top options at Loft right now if you are looking for a lace detail but not the sweatshirt. I haven't looked at their site in a while and I was pleasantly surprised.
ReplyDeleteBoden Sample Sale - Lancaster, PA - April 5, 10-4
ReplyDelete-received a postcard adv. sample sale at 2300 Lincoln Hgwy, East, Lancaster, PA 17602, cash/cc's only, women's clothing only.
$5 off w/keycode on postcard. Here is mine if someone wants it: 14SPRLAN ($5 off seems a little skimpy for a disc.!)
Macy's - A review of cage sandals by Jessica Simpson in this post.
ReplyDeleteOrdering Madewell's Outbound jacket in camo (a1299, $56 ) and the stripe-inset pullover (a3766, $38). I've been loving Madewell more than J.Crew recently because I'm into the relaxed looks.
ReplyDeleteI really really really want to get one of the openview tunics but I'll have to wait until it goes on promo. $92/98 is not funny. They all look incredible though. Here are some looks I created with J.Crew/Madewell stuffs: http://pulpdujour.blogspot.com/search/label/outfit
GAP on my blog. Also making reference to Kendi of the blog Kendi Everyday, who made me look twice at the print.
ReplyDelete