Referencing {FAQ}

Thursday, April 30, 2015

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to LOVE with J.Crew" post, a place to share our favorite experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a positive situation with 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 stellar experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to VENT with J.Crew" post, a place to share our not-so-stellar experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a frustrating situation with 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 poor experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

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.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Flash Sale at J.Crew Factory {30-40% off & free shipping!}

"Thanks!" to  many of you, who shared the following email & promotion from J.Crew.

J.Crew Factory is offering an additional 40% off merchandise (prices reflected), an additional 30% off clearance, and free shipping (on all orders) with promotional code POPPING. This offer expires tonight, midnight EST. The fine print includes:
*Prices as marked reflect discount. Valid on purchases made at jcrewfactory.com on April 28, 2015, 12:01am ET through 11:59pm ET. Not valid in stores, at jcrew.com or on phone orders. Cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash. Not valid on men's suiting or clearance items. Valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms subject to change. 

**30% discount valid on the purchase of clearance items at jcrewfactory.com on April 28, 2015, 12:01am ET through 11:59pm ET. Not valid in stores, at jcrew.com or on phone orders. Cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other offer. Not valid on men's suiting. To redeem, enter code POPPING in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms subject to change. 

***Free shipping valid on purchases made at jcrewfactory.com on April 28, 2015, 12:01am ET through 11:59pm ET. Not valid in stores, at jcrew.com or on phone orders. Cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash. Valid on orders shipping to the continental U.S. and U.S. P.O. Boxes via economy shipping (6 to 8 business days) and to Canada via standard shipping (4 to 7 business days). Return requests must be made in accordance with our return policy. To redeem, enter code POPPING in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Terms subject to change.
This is a pretty good promotion. Worth double checking to see if there is anything you are interested in.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, please share!

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

Monday, April 27, 2015

In J.Crew Stores & Online: Extra 40% Off Spring Sale Styles {30% off everything else}

"Thanks!" to many of you, who let us know about the following promotion this morning.

J.Crew is offering customers to take an extra 30% off select regular priced styles and an extra 40% off sale styles, with promo code SALETHERAPY. The offer expires April 30, 2015. The fine print includes:
*Valid in J.Crew stores and at jcrew.com from 4/27/15, 12:01am ET through 4/30/15, 11:59pm ET. In-store discount as advertised. Valid online on sale items marked "Extra 40% off with code SALETHERAPY." Not valid in the 769 Madison Avenue store, Liquor Store, Ludlow Shops or J.Crew Factory stores; at jcrewfactory.com; or on phone orders. Cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other offer. In-store discount taken at the register. To redeem online, enter SALETHERAPY in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms subject to change. 

**Valid in J.Crew stores and at jcrew.com from 4/27/15, 12:01am ET through 4/30/15, 11:59pm ET. In-store discount as advertised. Valid online on items marked "30% off with code SALETHERAPY." Not valid in the 769 Madison Avenue store, Liquor Store, Ludlow Shops or J.Crew Factory stores; at jcrewfactory.com; or on phone orders. Cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other offer. Not valid on select crewcuts, fine jewelry, wedding, Collection, men's suiting, Wallace & Barnes, Garments for Good or third-party branded merchandise. In-store discount taken at the register. To redeem online, enter SALETHERAPY in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms subject to change.
Well, always happy to see another promotion online at J.Crew...

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? What item are you hoping to pick up? Please share!

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to sell}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID).


Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)


Please note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site?

Sidenote: What's up with JCAs writing "sub" or "subscribing" as their comment? It just means they are subscribing to all the comments (which are then automatically sent to their email) in that particular thread. This way they can stay aware of all the comments posted. :)

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to find}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.


Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)


Also note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

Sought & Found: Did you visit J.Crew this {past} 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 stopped by a J.Crew store this past 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 was/ is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

Friday, April 24, 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!

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Take an Extra 40% Off Sale at Madewell

"Thanks!" to many of you, who let us know the following news from this morning.

Madewell is offering customers to take an extra 40% off sale items with promo code EXTRA40.  The offer expires April 27, 2015. The fine print includes:
*Offer valid on the purchase of sale items in Madewell stores and at madewell.com from April 23, 2015, 12:01am ET through April 27, 2015, 11:59pm ET. Discount valid online on sale items marked "40% off with code EXTRA40." Offer not valid on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in combination with any other offer. In-store discount automatically taken at the register. To redeem online, enter code EXTRA40 in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promotional code per order. Offer valid in the U.S. only. Terms of offer are subject to change. Final sale items cannot be returned or exchanged.
This promotion is being offered at both B&M stores and online. (B&M stores were running an additional 30% off. So I appreciate the bump in discount. Yey!)

Did you check Madewell out today? Were you able to snag any amazing deals? If so, please share! :)

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to LOVE with J.Crew" post, a place to share our favorite experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a positive situation with 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 stellar experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

The Numbers Don't Lie: Extra 30-35% Off Factory Prices!

"Thanks!" to many of you, who let us know about the following promotion this morning.

J.Crew Factory is offering customers to take 30% off most merchandise and an extra 35% off of clearance items with promo code ADDITUP. The offer expires April 26, 2015. The fine print includes:
*30% discount valid on purchases made at jcrewfactory.com from April 22, 2015, 12:01am ET through April 26, 2015, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in J.Crew or J.Crew Factory stores, at jcrew.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 third-party branded merchandise. To redeem, enter code ADDITUP 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. 

**35% discount valid on the purchase of clearance items at jcrewfactory.com from April 22, 2015, 12:01am ET through April 26, 2015, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in J.Crew or J.Crew Factory stores, at jcrew.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. To redeem, enter code ADDITUP 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.
It is always nice to see an additional percent off both regular and sale priced merchandise.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? What item are you hoping to pick up? Please share!

"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to VENT with J.Crew" post, a place to share our not-so-stellar experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a frustrating situation with 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 poor experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

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.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

Monday, April 20, 2015

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!


"Thanks!" to many of you, including TeriLynn13 & Ina Mack (in this post), 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, as did the J.Crew Collection (click here).
 

Promotion Time! J.Crew is offering an additional 30% off Final sale with promo code TIMETOSHOP. This offer expires April 26, 2015. They are also offering free shipping today on all orders!
The image above is one of my favorite outfits that J.Crew pulled together for this rollout. Simple, yet very pretty.

I also like the Linen Zip Front Dress in Gold Foil Leaf. However, I am not crazy about the zipper in the front. Enough with the exposed zippers already. With that said, I am probably going to get this dress! ;)

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? :)

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to sell}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID).


Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)


Please note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site?

Sidenote: What's up with JCAs writing "sub" or "subscribing" as their comment? It just means they are subscribing to all the comments (which are then automatically sent to their email) in that particular thread. This way they can stay aware of all the comments posted. :)

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to find}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.


Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)


Also note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

Sought & Found: Did you visit J.Crew this {past} 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 stopped by a J.Crew store this past 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 was/ is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

Friday, April 17, 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!

Thursday, April 16, 2015

In Madewell Stores & Online: 30% Off $200+ or 20% Off $100+

"Thanks!" to many of you, who let us know about the following promotion this morning.

Madewell is offering customers to take an extra 20% off purchases of $100 and an extra 30% off purchases of $200+, with promo code YOUCHOOSE. The offer expires April 20, 2015. The fine print includes:
*20% discount valid on purchases of $100-$199.99 before taxes and shipping charges are added. 30% discount valid on purchases of $200 or more before taxes and shipping charges are added. Offer valid in Madewell stores and at madewell.com from April 16, 2015, 12:01am ET through April 20, 2015, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in combination with any other offer. In-store discount automatically taken at the register. To redeem online, enter code YOUCHOOSE in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promotional code per order. Offer valid in the U.S. only. Terms of offer are subject to change.
I love that this promotion applies to both regular and sale priced merchandise. But it is worth noting that there are some exclusions, like the Transport Tote.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? What item are you hoping to pick up? Please share!

Jenna Lyons' Look Evolution

The following article is from Refinery 29 (click here to read in its entirety):
Jenna Lyons Has Totally Changed Her Signature Look
By Liza Darwin
April 6, 2015

Ever since Jenna Lyons took the reins as the creative director of J.Crew back in 2008, she’s slowly and steadily injected the All-American brand with her signature mussed-up elegance. Lyons’ influence has rubbed off everywhere, but most notably in unexpected styling tricks like mixing prints, daytime sequins and tomboy touches (the list goes on). Lyons and the label's aesthetics have become so inseparable, even the J.Crew models have morphed into Lyons’ own oversized-glasses-sporting image. So, when the style icon decides to shake up her look, we can't help but do a double take.

It's been a few weeks since we spotted Lyons at J.Crew's fall 2015 presentation wearing her trademark glasses, bright lipstick, and slick middle-part bun, but she's ditched all three in favor of a barefaced make-under at a recent dinner in New York City.  She's since lopped off her long hair into a lob (a change she quietly debuted a few weeks ago at the CFDA nominees announcement ceremony), swapped out the bold lipcolor for a pale pink hue, and gone entirely sans glasses. And, surprise! She looks amazing.

Her beauty look may be more understated than usual, but the outfit itself remained a quirky Lyons original. Wearing a button-down blouse, fancy party shorts, and a menswear-inspired overcoat, all in various shades of blue (and topped off with a snakeskin bag), her eclecticism is still totally on-point. But, here's the real question: Now that we know Lyons can pull off both nerdy-cool and effortlessly pretty equally, will the J.Crew models follow suit next season? Stay tuned.
Jenna Lyons is exceptionally gorgeous. She can pull off looks the average woman (myself included) could not.

However, the article raised an interesting question: Will J.Crew and their models follow her direction? They have in the past, will they continue to do so. Back in January, it sounded like J.Crew might be pulling away from Jenna's style (refer to the "Does J.Crew Still Heart Forever Jenna Lyons? {probably}" post). However, all indications point to a strong relationship between J.Crew and their favorite employee.

What are your thoughts on Jenna's new look? Do you think J.Crew will replicate the style in their upcoming collections?

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to LOVE with J.Crew" post, a place to share our favorite experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a positive situation with 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 stellar experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Sale on sale: Up to 75% Off Starts Now {not really}

 "Thanks!" to many of you, who let us know about the following promotion this morning.

J.Crew is offering customers to take "up to an extra 75% off". But really it is an extra 25% off select regular priced styles and an extra 30% or 50% off sale styles, with promo code THEBEST. The offer expires April 19, 2015. The fine print includes:
*Total discount from original price includes current sale price together with redemption of 30% or 50% discount using promo code THEBEST. 30% discount valid on the purchase of sale items in J.Crew stores and at jcrew.com. 50% discount valid on the purchase of final sale items marked "Extra 50% off with code THEBEST" at jcrew.com. Valid from April 15, 2015, 12:01am ET through April 19, 2015, 11:59pm ET. Not valid in the 769 Madison Avenue store, Liquor Store, Ludlow Shops or J.Crew Factory stores; at jcrewfactory.com; or on phone orders. Cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other promo. In-store discount automatically taken at the register. To redeem online, enter THEBEST in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer subject to change. Final sale items cannot be returned or exchanged.

**25% discount valid on the purchase of items marked "25% off with code THEBEST" at jcrew.com from April 15, 2015, 12:01am ET through April 19, 2015, 11:59pm ET. Not valid in J.Crew or J.Crew Factory stores, at jcrewfactory.com or on phone orders. Cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other promo. To redeem, enter THEBEST in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer subject to change.
Well... reading the email that we are getting up to 75% off seems misleading. Especially since this is the same promotion that we have seen this past week. Sigh. Oh well, always happy to see another promotion online at J.Crew.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? What item are you hoping to pick up? Please share!

J.Crew Factory Exclusive Early Access: Shop new arrivals before everyone else

"Thanks!" to many of you, who shared the following news/email from J.Crew Factory with us.

J.Crew Factory is offering a sneak peek at the latest arrivals with prices up to 40% off! They are also throwing in free shipping (no min!). Both these offers are just for today! So check your email to see if you got the link. 

Factory maxi dress with printed skirt
item C3861
valued at $118.00 your price $78.00

Factory printed drapey drawstring pant
item C3813
valued at $88.00 your price $58.00

Factory sateen V-neck dress in floral
item C3327
valued at $128.00 your price $88.00
 Factory tie-dye d'Orsay flats
item C4927
valued at $98.00 your price $58.50

There are a lot of super pretty things over at Factory for this latest rollout. Also, this means the full roll out will be available tomorrow online. Yey!

Have you received this email? Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Any items you are interested in? If so, please share!

Shoppers Turning On J.Crew's Jenna Lyons

"Thanks!" to Susan (in this post), as well as Stapelia (in this post), who shared the following article from the New York Post (click here to read in its entirety):
J.Crew is floundering — and shoppers blame Jenna Lyons
By Sarah Horne
April 13, 2015

Last month, Oregon-based illustrator Tricia Louvar, 40, took to website The Hairpin with a comic titled “An Open Letter to Jenna Lyons,” aimed at the famously quirky creative director of J.Crew.

“You are pretty dope,” it began. “If only I, an ordinary mother on a modest income, could afford to wear a $400 cashmere skirt, silk barely-there blouse and belt to a one-time business-casual event.”

Louvar then tallied the cost of an “everyday” outfit at the retailer, finding that it came to $596, the equivalent of 298 school lunches.

“I was a fan of J.Crew for over 20 years,” Louvar tells The Post. “But as I look at the catalogs now, I just don’t get it. Back when I was in college, it represented a classic look that was seamless.”

Now, says Louvar, the brand embodies Lyons’ creative-cool lifestyle. “I love her style,” she explains. “But can I relate to it?”

She is not the only one wondering what the heck went askew at the brand. In 2014 sales at J.Crew declined, and the company’s CEO Mickey Drexler admitted it had been a “tough year.”

In December, Page Six reported, “after a dismal earnings report that saw the company go from a net income of $35.4 million to a reported loss of $607.8 million in just a year . . . style icon Lyons is being ordered by her bosses to focus more on the business and less on her own brand.”

Lyons, who regularly hits the red carpet in silk pajama pants or a feather-trimmed maxi skirt, was made creative director in 2008 and transformed what had been a line of unassuming basics into a fashion force, presenting the label at New York Fashion Week and launching J.Crew Collection, a capsule line with offerings like $498 pink lace trousers.

She became a darling of street-style blogs while gossip sites combed over her personal life. Last year, Lyons capped off her icon status with a cameo on HBO’s Brooklyn-set “Girls.”

Some backlash was inevitable, says New Yorker Lauren Sherman, 32, the editor-at-large for fashionista.com. “It’s easy to knock someone down when they’re at the top of their game,” she says.

Lyons, who regularly hits the red carpet in silk pajama pants or a feather-trimmed maxi skirt, was made creative director in 2008 and transformed what had been a line of unassuming basics into a fashion force, presenting the label at New York Fashion Week and launching J.Crew Collection, a capsule line with offerings like $498 pink lace trousers.

She became a darling of street-style blogs while gossip sites combed over her personal life. Last year, Lyons capped off her icon status with a cameo on HBO’s Brooklyn-set “Girls.”

Some backlash was inevitable, says New Yorker Lauren Sherman, 32, the editor-at-large for fashionista.com. “It’s easy to knock someone down when they’re at the top of their game,” she says.

Abra Belke, 32, who blogs under the pseudonym Belle at DC-based fashion blog Capitol Hill Style, feels disappointed by a label she used to be loyal to and puzzled by what she sees as Lyons’ larger-than-life imprint on the retail giant.

“When Jenna started, people were excited because it was different,” says Belke. “But in the last three or four years, it got ridiculous. I think the brand is more and more out of touch . . . it seems to be going through an identity crisis.”

The catalogs, Belke feels, are overstyled, with models pairing suits with sneakers and out-there accessories.

“I think they’re designing for a very small subset of people who work and live in very specialized industries in New York. My boss still wears flesh-toned hose with her skirt suit. I can’t show up in a sequin pencil skirt.”

It perhaps comes as no surprise that sales at Madewell, J.Crew’s more accessible sister brand, are increasing while J.Crew stumbles. On a March call to address the company’s latest earnings reports, Drexler said he had heard his customers loud and clear.

His plans to turn the troubling numbers around include opening 20 more Madewell stores this year and reworking the fashion strategy at J.Crew, focusing on the classics.

A J.Crew spokeswoman declined to comment, but according to one J.Crew insider, you can bet that the design team is listening to calls for change.

“Jenna is very, very involved at the company,” says the source. “She touches everything.”

If getting back to their roots is part of the plan, it seems to be working over at Madewell, where the design DNA is more low-key.

Belke, the DC blogger, says that if J.Crew gets back to basics, she’d be glad to return. “As long as it doesn’t have neon feathers on it, and it’s something I can wear for three or four years, I’m in.”
First and foremost, I think there is blame to be shared at J.Crew. I do feel bad that Jenna Lyons is getting the bulk of it, because I honestly believe Mickey Drexler is at fault here too.

But moving onward, I think the concerns raised by the loyal customers in the article are ones made time and time again here on the blog for quite some time. (How many of us complained about weird fit, poly material, dry clean only goods, sub-par quality, quality going downhill, discontinuing best sellers, etc.?)

I know that there are several JCAs who love what J.Crew is currently doing and love the current styling. They don't long for the preppy days and are more "on fashion point". However, I never understood why J.Crew could not offer both types of styles. Keep the classics, basics with a twist, alongside the trendier pieces. Or keep the fashion forward pieces with the high price tags to the Collection line, instead of infiltrating the regular selection. (Seeing a $200+ tee in the regular section of J.Crew is a bit odd, no?)

I still love my J.Crew and find pieces to purchase every week. But
we all know the quality, style and fit have changed over the years. Most of us, myself included, have been returning a lot more because pieces are not working out.

I understand that J.Crew has finally figured it out (through their comments to the press), however the real proof will be in the upcoming collections. I sincerely hope they bring back the elements that made them so successful (classics with a twist) and not tamper with the elements they do so well (like their Tippi Cardigans).


What are your thoughts on the article? Do you think J.Crew can turn things around? If so, please share! :)

"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to VENT with J.Crew" post, a place to share our not-so-stellar experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a frustrating situation with 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 poor experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

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.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

J.Crew Closing Stores

"Thanks!" to See who shared the email (shown above). She mentioned receiving the email on April 12th, the day the store was closing. There was no word or indication it was closing prior to the email being sent.

"Thanks!" also to fancypants505 (in this post) who shared:
I worked for Jcrew and they recently closed our store at the end of January. We were told that they were closing a few more stores but they wouldn't disclose which stores. JCrew has had their ups and downs for many years. They will come back but it may take awhile. I think they got too big for their britches.
"Thanks!" also to JRSConifer (in this post) who shared something semi-related:
... I was chatting with my favorite SA there and told her that I am not sure if I have aged out of J Crew. Even though I am usually dressed head to toe in J Crew everyday from my closet but the designs are just not doing it for me anymore. She mentioned that J Crew had fired a large number of the design staff but that we would not be seeing any of the new creations/designs until the Fall. Has anyone else heard that?
It is disheartening for loyal customers and employees to find their local B&M stores closed- especially without warning. However, J.Crew has been experiencing less than stellar sales (refer to the "Do You Still Heart J.Crew?" post). I am curious how closing stores will help the issues that Mickey Drexler referred to as “missteps in our iconic classics.” Letting go some of the design staff seems like the more appropriate response. It will be interesting to see what comes next from J.Crew...

It is also interesting that J.Crew has slipped so much while J.Crew Factory plans to open 21 more stores in 2015. Madewell is also performing strongly this year. (Madewell opened 54 stores in just the last three years.)


What are your thoughts on J.Crew's store closings? Do you predict more to come? Do you know which locations are closing?

Monday, April 13, 2015

Flash Sale at J.Crew Factory {30-35% off & free shipping!}

"Thanks!" to  many of you, who shared the following email & promotion from J.Crew.

J.Crew Factory is offering an additional 30% off merchandise, an extra 35% off clearance styles, and free shipping (on all orders) with promotional code ITSRAININGSALE. This offer expires tonight, midnight EST.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, please share!

Take an Additional 30% Off {thanks to Facebook!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Lauren (in this post) as well as Jennifer K., who let us know about the following promotion.

J.Crew is offering customers to take an extra 30% off orders, with promo code FACEBOOK. The offer expires April 14, 2015. The fine print includes:
*Offer valid on purchases made in J.Crew stores and at jcrew.com from April 11, 2015, 12:01am ET through April 14, 2015, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in the 769 Madison Avenue store, Liquor Store, Ludlow Shops 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 fine jewelry; select men’s suiting, crewcuts, Collection, Garments for Good, Wallace & Barnes, wedding or third-party branded merchandise. To redeem in stores, present this offer on a smartphone or mention Facebook at the register. To redeem online, enter code FACEBOOK in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promotional code per order. Offer valid in the U.S. only. Terms of offer are subject to change.
Well, always happy to see another promotion online at J.Crew.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? What item are you hoping to pick up? Please share!

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to find}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.


Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)


Also note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to sell}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID).


Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)


Please note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site?

Sidenote: What's up with JCAs writing "sub" or "subscribing" as their comment? It just means they are subscribing to all the comments (which are then automatically sent to their email) in that particular thread. This way they can stay aware of all the comments posted. :)