Friday, March 20, 2015

Seek & Find: Will you visit J.Crew this Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SALE, or to see some NEW ARRIVALS {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

P.S. I noticed that many of you have already been reporting sale items (and in which stores) in other posts which by the way "thank you!" :) I really appreciate how helpful we are for each other!

59 comments:

  1. I dont have a j crew so I shop online. I got some items I ordered last week.
    Laser cut circle midi skirt in pink -Love! It is TTS. I am a 117# 5'3" usually 0 or 2P and bought the 0. The style is retro but the circles give it a modern look. I like how it is styled on the website but it can be easily dressed up, love the pockets. I am thinking of maybe ordering the 2P in white to see if I like the shorter length. It falls
    below the knee for me.
    Dulci stripe bow heels- I sized down from my normal shoe size. They are cute but do not look lie $200 shoes. Maybe it because if the frayed edges? May return
    Campbell bi-stretch cotton in poppy - They fit like the wool ones which I love. I never purchased the old one so I don't know how they compare. The material is less stiff than the one they made in blue wave geo print (not sure of the name). It is thick bit not as thick as the minnies, material is less scratchy.
    Metallic side stripe tank in white - Cute but I wish they had petite as the armhole was a little low but ok. I even sized down to xxs. May try the xxxs. I like how it is so simple and material is not too thin.
    Hope this help!

    Does anyone know how the sidney jacket fit? It is final sale and I was wondering if I should get a 0 or 2. My schoolboys are a size 2.

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    1. I've been eyeing that skirt, too. So cute! I'm also wanting a pair of the Campbell cotton capris in black - to wear to my tap dance class. LOL. (and elsewhere). Sounds as if you and I have similar taste in clothing!

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    2. ShopLV - I can't get with the fraying on those bow shoes either. Thx for sharing that. Now I don't feel bad that they're sold out in my size.

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    4. Thank you for the review of the pink circle skirt. I have been wanting to order it also! I know they show this skirt with heels but I wonder if you could wear it with more mid heels or flats like the punched out eyelet skirt can?

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    5. ShopLV - I found the Sydney jacket to be tts; I wear size 0 in both the Sydney and the Schoolboy.

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  2. I have a couple returns so I will stop by today. Are there any in store promos going on?

    Just read Marie Kondo's book so my regular Kohl's Test will now be accompanied by the Spark Joy Test for any new items to be added to my closet!

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    1. Kohl's test? Spark joy test?

      I have some returns but not sure if i can make a trip to the store this weekend. :/

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    2. Kohls Test - would I buy this garment if I saw it at Kohls? (Aquatic Floral print fails this one for me)

      Joy Test - when I touch it does it spark joy, not do I just like it? (Many J. crew items pass this one, especially some of my older ones)

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    3. ruffles - In addition to my F21 test, I also apply Marie Kondo. If I don't feel joy or feel awesome in it, I don't get it. If I have to make excuses for it or justifications, it's probably not a match. I only have to look in my closet for a reminder of this fact.

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    4. Adding F21 Test to the list!

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  3. I stopped in yesterday to make some returns...I haven't been in the store since early January. 40% off sale items, the sale section was pretty full but too much poly and exposed zippers so I didn't spend much time looking. There were a lot of 25% off signs scattered throughout the store so it's likely that nothing in there is FP.

    I chatted with an SA for a bit.. she said that the feedback that she's been getting from regular customers is that a) they already have a version of everything that's being offered or b) the stuff is either ill-fitting, poly, and/or too expensive for what it is. She's been hearing complaints about the dropped shoulders and now the cap sleeves making customers feel bigger on top than they are. It's tough, because often what makes the clothes flattering are more details, accurate cuts (true v. dropped shoulder), etc - and those all cost money. At least the dresses are better!

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    1. That's sad to hear about the customers at your store feeling blah about J.Crew. It's all true. That's why they have promos every week. The stuff is not selling because it's not all that nice. Why isn't J.Crew getting it? I was just thinking yesterday, how lovely their Spring and Summer clothes were before (when Marissa was head designer). All the bright colors, little cute details on tops...and the shoes!

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    2. That's interesting what the SA is hearing. J. Crew continues to do some things really well, but when they get too trendy they seem to fill the sales racks with mistakes. I'm glad they do some trendy things, but some of what they're doing seems like no thought was put into it. For example, zippers for decoration. I've bought the shoulder zip top and the sweatshirt with vent zippers. They're fine, not classics but somewhat on trend. But there are so many garments (tops and now dresses) with zippers up to the armpits. That's not comfortable. It doesn't even make sense. I wanted to buy that striped jersey dress, but zippers are to the armpits. I won't buy it. Do you think they look at what sold well in the recent past? The Harper calf hair leopard flats are so cute and they rarely pop back in my size. Clearly they sold very well, so why didn't they make/order another round of them? I still don't have those :) The Cocoon coat in some of the colors (like the blue) seem to never pop back. They could have sold a lot more of those. They need to look at not just what sold out, but how fast it sold out, and whether it stayed sold out.

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    3. Yeah, I've given up trying to understand their rationale at this point. I was eyeing that striped jersey dress when it rolled out, too (I think you and I have similar tastes, cate) but the zippers all the way up the side made no sense. I get that it is a version of the very popular Maritime dress but they didn't retain the cut/fit that made it popular to begin with. I think they keep making this mistake over and over.

      The SA also mentioned that a lot of her longtime customers want the matchstick jeans to come back. However, even if JC did this they'd probably have poly in them like all their other jeans. They're in this odd place right now of offering so many things yet missing the one thing that customers really want a lot of the time. When they do hit that sweet spot, it sells out quickly and rarely pops back (like the collection bonded trench coat).

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    4. ITA that the dresses are a bright spot this season but I've already bought two new ones and I don't need more.

      The shoes and bags have disappointed me lately. Where are the gorgeous shoes - no thanks on the tassel thing - and the gorgeous bags?

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    6. Matchsticks, matchsticks, matchsticks! I miss them so much. Not everyone has the body type for toothpicks. It would make me so happy if they brought back the matchsticks in jeans & cords.

      I hardly ever purchase anything when I make it to the store. The sale section is packed with ill fitting and/or synthetic fiber stuff and the prices are still too high even on sale. J Crew ventured into Forever 21 territory but the prices are still J Crew. It seems the sale stuff never moves, it only gets more shopworn and pilly. It makes me so sad.

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    7. Have you tried the Reids? I love them and compliments all the time. I think they have the perfect leg opening.

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    8. I did try the Reid corduroys as a SA told me they were similar. They did not work on me. Haven't tried the denim yet; will have to do so on my next in store visit.

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    9. I have a pair of the Reids and while they look good, they are really uncomfortable. They want to slide down, even with a belt. I think I'm just not built for a higher rise. There isn't much bend in the legs either. The leg opening in them is nice, though, I agree. The Matchsticks (retail more so than factory) were a really good fit on me, though. I wouldn't mind if they brought them back with some stretch in some different washes than what they used to have.

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    10. The old matchsticks had poly in them. I remember buying them not too long after they first came out and was suprised to see that. I don't think I own them anymore, otherwise I'd check for the exact %.

      I also can't get with the zippers on the side. Those suckers are cold! It's fine after you're wearing the item, but that initial feel? No bueno. The tops are really suffering from a lack of structure. I found a Loft top in my closet the other day. It's from a couple years ago. So slimming! The way it's cut made me drop about 10 lbs, visually. No darts or special seaming. I guess it's just cut in a tapered way that's flattering.

      I''m venturing on shoulda-just-wrote-a-blog-post-on-this-length, BUT, I tried on the photo floral tank. I saw large armholes, so I tried on a XS. I love the grey & rose color combo on me. I was right about the armholes. The top puckered and sat up on my shoulders. But it was too tight in the body, so my usual S will probably be best. I'm not sure if the armholes will get too big and look silly. The cut is just off. It did look good layered, so I might get it on sale if I'm 'feeling it' when the time comes. At the rate cuts are happening, that'll make it into the bunch as well.

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    11. I wish someone could explain to me why J Crew's sleeveless tops consistently have the armhole problem. As Gigi said, sizing down is not always the answer. Who wants huge gaping armpits? This is not the first season we've noticed this issue. Why is it taking so long for J Crew to get it right?

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    12. Shopalot, I totally agree, WTF, J Crew. I returned a couple this season already and totally passed on others. I am not going to buy something that requires me to wear something underneath because of huge arm holes. I think that is why the flutter tank went pretty much straight to sale, I found the armholes huge even when I sized down.

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    13. Another (retail) Matchstick lover here, denim and cords. Toothpicks don't work on everyone.

      And I always loved the Bootcuts as they were very flattering on my frame. I'm kind of confused as to why the "Trendy New Crew" isn't offering a flare or at least a bootcut denim as they are ALL OVER the runways this season with that 70s thing going on. Bring back that High Heel Flare!

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    14. The armhole problem is one of my biggest pet peeves and it has been an issue for at least 2 years. I can't tell you how many tops/dress I've passed on because of it. It's inexcusable to me that they haven't fixed it yet...other lower priced retailers can cut a decent/flatting armhole, why can't they?

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    15. I don't normally have armhole issues, but the Photo Floral Tank that Gigi mentioned fit terribly. The armholes are really big and have a stretched out look to them. It's hard to shop there any more without trying things on. I expect to have to try on pants or denim, but I should be able to buy a tank top or pullover sweater by eyeballing it in the store. Usually I can play spot-the-problem (like a dropped shoulder or too cropped or too wide or oversized), but the Photo Floral Tank surprised me. I can blindly order certain things from J. Crew, like chino shorts or vintage tees, but the rest of it is usually sizing roulette.

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    16. I'm having a consistent problem that may be related, although I thought it was due to a wider shoulder? Both the zip dress and the current incarnation of the rash guard gathered significantly at the pit for me, creating a series of very unflattering crease lines. I was very sorry to have to return both :(

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    17. Amy, the exact same thing started happening to me this season. I first noticed it with the Indigo Gauze Popover. Huge from the armpits and part of the sleeve, creating very weird creases. In the past, I have occasionally had problems with sleeves being on the tighter side. My size has not changed so there are some different cuts happening now that are really odd.

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  4. I stopped in my store yesterday to try on new arrivals and didn't leave with anything but a shirt from the sale section for my husband. Nothing seemed to fit well. I tried on several of their tanks including the Floral Photo Tank and the Lace Appliqué Tank. Both had gaping arm holes and didn't flatter.

    The Tipped Twill Jacket I almost walked away with but decided to gamble and see if I can get it on deeper discount (it was 129 with an additional 40% off) If I could easily pull up the sleeves I might have bought it then and there. I really liked both colors but I have several black jackets and a white jacket that I cannot pull or roll up the sleeves makes me nervous because I know the sleeves will be perpetually dirty.

    I was wondering if anyone has ever purchased any crewcuts riley jeans for themselves? I'm really liking the look of the crewcut riley carpenter jean. They are only $25 on sale, but unfortunately Final Sale. Not sure if I want to take the gamble.

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  5. From March 19 article in Fortune:

    The problem is that J. Crew has strayed too far from its classic women’s fashions. And so flourishes of more color this year aside, J. Crew’s women’s wear will be closer to what it has traditionally offered.

    “We’re getting back to who we are in a much quicker way,” Drexler said. But, he added, “Fashion is guaranteed to never always be right.” But this year, Drexler needs J. Crew fashion to be right: the company can ill afford another year with a net loss of $657.8 million (on revenue of $2.3 billion) caused by massive discounting of fashions customers don’t want.

    “She’s loyal as hell until we go wrong,” Drexler said, referring to its female customers. “Then she wants it on sale.”

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    1. Well, what does he expect! Stay loyal and buy a bunch of junk at full price? Yeah, that makes sense...What about their loyalty to us?

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    2. I'm loyal, but if it's gone wrong, I don't want it even on sale. I think that's their big problem. They can't get rid of the big mistakes, and they're making too many of them. I really do love the brand, though. I hope they will do better, I want them to stick around!! Rooting for you Mickey!!

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    3. Yes, cate, that!! I don't even want most of it on sale. My purchases have gone way, way down. Last nite I ordered the chambray cuffed pants review, which I think will go down in price but I can wear them right out of the box based on our current weather. And the Gwen dress in black (review. I didn't think I needed another black dress, but a few nites ago tried on most of the ones I have and got rid of a good number. I felt Kondo (lol) in both of those, so I think the sale prices are good. I do have other items in my wishlist, but nothing I'm pining for.

      I'm rooting for Mickey & crew, too. In the meantime, he can swap that around to a lil rap meme:

      “Until we go wrong, she's loyal as hell,” Drexler said, referring to its female customers. “Then the JCA, she wants it on sale.”

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    4. Nice arrangement, Gigi! lol!!

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    5. Maybe I'm just a little extra cranky today, but I found Mickey's comment to be condescending and disrespectful to a VERY intelligent and loyal group of customers.

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    6. Thanks for bringing that article to our attention, it was very interesting. As a long time JCrew customer, I found several points distressing...fixing the woman's line should be first and foremost on Mickey's list...and expansion can come later. Like a lot many, my purchases have all gone way down. Just about the only things on my wish list is stuff that is sold out and that I'm stalking. It's still early in terms of spring/summer items, but honestly I'm not seeing all that much of an improvement. I just don't get it...I firmly believe if they really looked at what is selling well they would realize it was the more classic well made pieces.

      I'm so rooting for them but this has been going on way to long and I think we should have seen more signs of change by now.

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    7. ruffles makes a very good point. It sounded to me like Dear Leader was saying he can try to fix a few things, sure, but what he really needs is a better class of customer.

      and thanks for the article, shopalot!

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  6. Thanks shopalot - very interesting article. The depressing part is that fixing women's fashion is #4 on Mickey's list of priorities. Madewell, Factory and international expansion come first. It's as though he thinks he can't fix the design problems. When the ghastly sales numbers came out a few months ago, Mickey said that he was "much more confident" in the offerings to come. IMO, the progress has been modest at best.

    I am definitely rooting for J Crew and would be thrilled if they regained their mojo. Sooner than later please!!

    (love your rap meme Gigi!)



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  7. Oh my god. I just received the B9810 $118 kimona dress. it is a nurses scub dress. I ordered both colors and two different sizes. It is a disaster. they repeated the deep slit or V in the front. I dislike this about as much as I dislike big arm holes.

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  8. The biggest culprit? Dull women’s fashions that the company had to clear out at bargain basement prices.

    Umm, "... bargain basement prices." Mmm, I beg to differ. To me bargain basement is 80-90% off, rock bottom. That nutty patchwork sequin skirt that was in the sale section for almost 2 years was not basement pricedd, nor are most things in the sale section. The poor offerings at J Crew have affected not only my JC shopping, but my Factory and even Madewell. I was turned off by Madewell this winter after purchasing the merino turtleneck sweaterdress. I was shocked by the amount of pillage after wearing for 1 whole day. I returned the second still new with tag sweaterdress and showed them the first. If I had to shave that much every time I used the dress, there would be nothing left of it in no time. Now, I just pass altogether. The last thing I gladly paid for full price was the silk green/navy striped boyfriend shirt from a few years ago and the yellow paisley midi pencil skirt from 2 years ago. Done.

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  10. In-store, retail promo (recvd via email today, Fri around 4:20p pst):

    25% off womens & men's shirts, sweaters, tops & tees, Sat 3/21 - Sun, 3/22

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  11. Stopping by this weekend to do a huge return for three different online orders; pretty much returning everything. Sizing has been inconsistent for me lately, especially on the pants - either too large or too tight. For example, I tried on the Ryder pant, and as much as I liked the material, it was too snug. The Martie pant in the same size fit tts. Also, I've noticed that some of the seams on the pants are crooked; if the zipper is centered on the front, then the back seams are askew (ankle-zip cargo pant B8082). Thought I just received a bad pair and re-ordered only to find the same problem. Then I examined the pants on the model and the seams were off in the pics too. What happened to QC?

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  12. I went to several J Crew locations today to chase two particular tops I wanted, but only ended up getting one of them at the fourth location I tried. (Long story, but I did have an associate check locations for me.) After some advice in a previous post, I went back to the store where I didn't get the Rolled-Sleeve Pocket Tee in Stripe earlier this week because it wasn't 25%-off like it was online, but they held firm to the idea that some of the sale items are online only and not in-store. Of the four locations I went to, they seemed to be the only one that insisted that the online and in-store sales are different? I'm not really sure why, and I'd understand if the site said the 25%-off was online only, but it does say it's both store and online in the details.

    Anyway, it was the only one in the city that had my size for that rolled-sleeve shirt, so I left it and ended up going to the aforementioned fourth store and getting the Midweight Stripe Tee in the Heather Periwinkle colour. That store did have give me 25%-off like it is online. And I picked up a cute pair of socks from the clearance section as well, even though 30%-off seems a little stuff compared to past final sales discounts.

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  13. Thanks for sharing that article. The Mickey comment does seem condescending and disrespectful! Boo.
    I was thinking of going to Greenwich this weekend, but I think I'll hold off for two reasons- terrible CS at Westport last weekend and it's currently snowing in CT and I have no idea when it's supposed to stop.

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  14. Off topic, but today (Saturday) is Anthro Day, 15% off all items.

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  15. OT - who wants my Anthro one-time use code for Anthro day? Email me gigiofca@gmail

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    1. re Anthro -- cool, just noticed if you're new to sign up you can get the 15% off. But if you're already a member and didn't get a code or already used yours...you're welcome to have mine.

      While I'm on the topic, reviewed the Maeve moonsong dress a short time ago.

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  16. Am in Vancouver with the family for the weekend so I snuck away to Robson St while the kids and dad were napping. Store looked fabulous but I had all misses in the change room and left empty handed.

    Shadow stripe top in olive. Too stiff, strange fabric blend (viscose and poly). Big exposed zipper in back. Would need to wear a cami under this for work, not sure that it would be appropriate even then. Tight in chest (and I am not large chested). Nice length in back.

    Lightweight camp short in whisper lame. Just didn't feel it. Also there was a cut in the fabric on right arm. Very sheer.

    Photo floral tee. Nicely fitted. Wished it was longer. Looked too sweet and girlish on me.

    Combo sweater in stripe. I soooo wanted to love this but it was about 8" too wide on each side. It's huge!!! I noticed on the way out that the stylist had pinned it in the window. If only it looked like that on!

    Didn't try to laser cut floral dress but it looked really lovely. If only I had somewhere to wear it. Also noticed a pair of skinny full length dress pants in a gorgeous blue stretchy looking fabric (like the Minnie fabric) near the front. If only they weren't full length... Shirts, tops, jeans and bags were 25% off.

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  17. Planned to go into store @ Northpark in D/FW area if I could find punched out eyelet skirt, but no luck. My size (8) popped back online, so ordered and hoping it ships. OT, went to Ross and scored a pair of 3X1 skinny jeans in bowery for $13.99; retailed for $235.

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  18. Does anyone have a factory gilt coupon code they aren't using and would share? Please email me at Kelly.bellina@gmail.com :)

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    1. Hi Kelly. Just emailed a code to you. Remember that you can "order" up to 5 codes thru Gilt City.

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    2. Thanks again! I never got one this time because I haven't bought anything in ages ;) time to let them know I am still alive...

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  19. Has anyone tried the Factory Canvas Wedges? I have a retail pair in Navy and really would like the Vibrant Flame color as well. I took my normal size in retail but Factory shoes tend to run a half size small for me. If anyone has tried these, please let me know! Also, the Factory site says that all items are marked 40% off but it looks like some are still only reflecting 30%

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  20. Stopped by the factory store since everything was 50% off in-store this weekend. Picked up the Winnie pant in Navy since I am liking them more than anything J Crew has to offer. Plus way cheaper than the Minnie.

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)