J.Crew had an update to its website (click here to view online) with some new items. 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). J.Crew posted several images of the newest catalog over at Pinterest (click here to view).
J.Crew is also offering customers to take an additional 40-60% off sale with promo code SHOPNOW. This offer expires January 31, 2016. Plus they are offering free shipping on all orders. This offer expires today.
The fine print includes:
Not going to lie, I did make a few purchases this morning without realizing new arrivals were here. ;)*40% discount valid on the purchase of select final sale items in J.Crew stores and at jcrew.com from January 26, 2016, 12:01am ET through January 31, 2016, 11:59pm ET. In-store discount as advertised. Online discount valid on items marked "Extra 40% off with code SHOPNOW." Not valid in the 769 Madison Avenue, Brookfield Place, Liquor Store, Ludlow Shops, J.Crew Factory or J.Crew Mercantile stores; at jcrewfactory.com; or on phone orders. Cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other offer. In-store discount taken at the register. To redeem online, enter SHOPNOW in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one code per order. Valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms are subject to change. Final sale items cannot be returned or exchanged. 60% discount valid on the purchase of final sale items marked "Extra 60% off with code SHOPNOW" at jcrew.com from January 26, 2016, 12:01am ET through January 31, 2016, 11:59pm ET. Not valid in stores, at jcrewfactory.com or on phone orders. Cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other offer. To redeem, enter SHOPNOW in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one code per order. Valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms are subject to change. Final sale items cannot be returned or exchanged.
I did get the latest catalog in the mail yesterday so I should have known new arrivals were around the corner. What I enjoyed was that J.Crew was making a real effort to go "back to basics" and get back to what they do best. The question lies... do customers believe them anymore.
Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? What item are you hoping to pick up? Please share!
A few of my favorites:
ReplyDelete-Tipped Cable Sweater (love cotton sweaters)
-Silk Clipdot Top (wary of that slit, too low??)
-Linen Boatneck Tee (love the neckline)
-Faux-leather Zip dress
-all the pretty print skirts - mirrored print is my absolute fav, but no petite sizes.
-Too many cute flats, just can't decide.
I reviewed the clip dot shirt in navy maybe a week ago. I didnt find it low cut at all. Pic on my IG, plus tons of new arrival pics
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDear J. Crew,
ReplyDeleteGood work with new arrivals but where is the % off full price promo? We've been spoiled by promos typically accompanying new arrivals....
Love, Your Faithful Customers
Agreed!
DeleteI know they want to "train" us to buy full price merch but sorry, after the great recession, consumer buying habits are different in the retail fashion space.
Also, if I hadn't been continuously disappointed by quality lately, I might consider full price items, but until the quality and fit are consistent, I'll just wait for a decent promo.
I like:
ReplyDeleteRuffled Stripe Shirt
9am Dress in black
Long Sleeve Collarless Jumper
Kiki flats
I wasn't that wowed. Maybe it's too early in the season...
I checked when the promo rolled over last night and there was no free shipping. I wish I would have known that this morning because I would have definitely checked my shopping bag.
ReplyDeleteSo, I actually like the sunglasses and like that they still have their In Good Company section at the bottom of the sunglasses page. I am contemplating the red Sam style, but can wait for a promo.
ReplyDeleteA few of my other favs from the rollout include:
-Faux-leather zip dress in navy
-Long-sleeve multi-color tweed dress
-Classic circle knot cuff bracelet
I'm also intrigued by the Teddie pants - the description says they hit at the hip, so I'm hoping they are like the city fit.
The wide-leg pull on pants also caught my interest, but they are poly, and I can't help but think they will be a static electricity factory when the weather is cold and a sweat factory when the temps start to rise. Also, the online picture from the back looks like there is diaper situation going on.
I reviewed the teddie pants on my IG in pink and also in black.
DeleteI'm really interested in the Chateau trench (e7144) in fiery sunset. I love my Chateau parka in electric red. I've been looking for a new spring jacket that is both water resistant and has a hood. I'm also liking the deco floral print and the new colors in the Kiki ballet flats. I'm looking forward to everything that will continue to roll out for spring!
ReplyDeleteI have high hopes for the Chateau trench too. I don't have the parka version because I'm too devoted to the Lady Day Coat but I've been seeking out a spring jacket for some time.
DeleteOrdered a couple of sale pop backs this morning; collection sequin buffalo check shirt & wool A line skirt in peach since I love the blue one I bought. No new arrival orders, but here's my wishlist when they go on sale.
ReplyDeleteSunday slim patchwork chino; like this style of patch work better than fall version.
Sunday slim chino lagoon blue
Gingham popover
Full length linen stripe pant- description says they're cotton; hoping that's wrong
Collection silk skirt in tie dye print
Patio pant in super 120s wool in heather blossom
HI....where am I missing the full length striped pants ???
Delete@unknown, E8720 is the style number.
DeleteLike MBaker, I'm interested in the Chateau trench in the orange/red color. And the Teddy pants (the zip front, not the sailor pants) are interesting to me, as well.
ReplyDeleteThere are several pretty skirts, I would love to see them in person.
I reviewed the Teddie pants on my IG.
DeleteThanks! I'll go have a look.
DeleteReviews of the
ReplyDelete-Teddie pants
-clip dot shirt
-striped midi skirt (not sure of the name)
-popover plaid in oversized plaid
-boyshirt in blue weekend plaid
-sleeveless silk popover in deco floral
-tipped jackie shell
-lightweight wool tunic sweater sunday chinos in belvedere red
On my IG
Thanks for trying on so many new arrivals!! Lots to love.
DeleteAnd your IG is??????? Because if I put in your name, I get somebody flipping me the finger...
DeleteSorry @Honesty! My IG is @inawonderland5
DeleteThanks for reviews on chinos & overpopover plaid. Both look really cute on you; makes me want to try them out.
DeleteThanks! :)
DeleteThank you so much! I really love the striped midi skirt, but sadly, when I went to two stores today, neither of them had it. Hopefully it's just a late arrival for some stores!
DeleteOk, J Crew - you've got me curious again. Will have to pop in and do some tryons, then play the sale game to see when our Canuck prices will be reasonable.
ReplyDeleteAs I noted in another thread, those lovely new spring Kiki flats were all (mistakenly?) marked down in the final sale section 2 weeks ago with an extra 50% off... Anyone else manage to pounce on them? I got the electric red, be aware that though they look like a coral tone in the photo, irl they are a very bright neon red!
hi cagliari67, great score on the kikis! I'm interested in trying them after your glowing review before. I like the new blue ones. I'm with you, I'd like to try some things IRL for when we get a decent cdn price.
DeleteThey are definitely worth a try, Jan! The one thing I find though is that none of the stores in my area (Toronto) seem to carry them regularly - I found my first pair quite randomly on the sale shelves and have rarely seen them in store since. Hopefully they may get some for spring tho. Hope they work out for you!
DeleteThat's too bad that they're hard to find in store. Ottawa is my closest store, will have to check. Thanks again
DeleteIt appears that J.Crew is rebooting the Kikis, but in doing so needed to get rid of discontinued colors first, hence the markdown and final sale. I was able to purchase pairs in Black and Soft Sand before Soft Sand completely disappeared and Black went back to $150. Glad they are making a comeback. I have several pairs from a few years ago that I have found to be comfortable, TTS, and stylish.
DeleteJennifer D, the black and soft sand Kikis were also available last summer/fall, I also picked those up on sale before Xmas. But all the brand new spring colourways (electric red, hyacinth, peach) were put into the final sale pages somehow at the beginning of January. They disappeared after a couple of days and were replaced by the older clearance stock.
DeleteTeeheehee, good for you, cagliari67, what a great score! Whoever is in charge if the website seems to get sloppy from time to time. A few weeks ago they put that indigo gauze popover on sale for a few days, but they changed it back a few days after that. (Meanwhile, they're also doing this thing now where they only put Regular sizes on sale, but not the Petite version, so strange.) Anyways, enjoy your shoes!
DeleteI like the front of those wide leg cropped pants, shown in a color called dahlia I think, with a denim jacket, but the back looks terrible!!! And they are poly, which shouldn't surprise me, but :( In black, I might consider them as an alternative to sweats on a mild day, Since they do look very comfortable.
ReplyDeleteAlso, most of the colors don't work for me. I wish they'd always do pants in basic colors like dark gray and black.
.
DeleteHappy to see spring colours, not a lot that I'm adding to my wish list but am hopeful for future rollouts. I like some of the new sunglasses but cdn prices are similar to ray bans for example; also like the mirrored floral midi skirt.
ReplyDeleteI like the Laila wedge sandals in suede - does anyone have the Laila sandals? I'm wondering how they fit if they're comfortable? I have a couple pairs of Lilian wedge sandals from previous years that I really like and am wondering how they compare.
sunglasses ? how about more than one new bag and .....get a new jewelery designer please/
ReplyDeleteLOL -- the magazine reads, "You asked for it, so here it is: our first collection of sunglasses..." REALLY?!?!? Because there's a huge shortage of sunglasses designers out there.
DeleteI have never seen or heard of anyone wanting J.Crew sunglasses. They really must not read this blog because there are lots of other things we want like basic clothing that fits. I can get sunglasses anywhere.
DeleteKind of like the scoop-back one-piece swimsuit. I still don't know who asked for that to be brought back. I used to have that style and the straps were always falling down.
DeleteExcept this isn't the first time J.Crew has made sunglasses. I had a pair in college - they were my first "nice" sunglasses - that would be 15-20 years ago.
DeleteI think the sunglasses are cute but it bugs me that J Crew continues to expend energy on stuff OTHER than the clothes. The strategy must be to extend the line and make money any way they can. I personally would just prefer a better designed, better edited better quality of garments and shoes.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I just returned from the Sundance Film Festival. Didn't see Gigi but I did see three Chateau Parkas among the crowds!
I agree, Ruffles.
DeleteI also agree even though I think some of the sunglasses are cute. TBH, I don’t think that JC has any intention of addressing quality because it’s too costly for them to do so. Instead, they’ll double-down on new initiatives, expansion, and ad campaigns. They must’ve done the math and figured that route was cheaper.
DeleteI would also take the better designed, better quality line of clothes. They've got some great ideas that sometimes get botched in the execution in the name of cost-cutting.
Agreed Ruffles. There must be a huge profit margin on sunglasses and few sizing issues, so it must seem to JC like a natural business move. Looks to me like they've given up on their non-Collection clothes offerings. Almost everything in this latest rollout is derivative of items from past seasons.
DeleteThanks for mentioning this, cousy. I’m curious about the timeline for design and production - we know that it’s many months in advance, but is it not enough time to incorporate feedback from the previous season? (I’m guessing not).
DeleteLike cousy mentioned, the spring items have some repeats of fall items in spring colors/fabrics. For example, the tunic sweater (e5984) which has about 58% positive reviews (many saying that it’s not a tunic and not flattering) is back for spring as the lightweight wool tunic sweater (e7936) and appears to be exactly the same shape and length (still not a tunic). Same for the a-line midi skirt - complaints about the too-high slit, and now it’s back in that pretty floral print. Is the slit still problematic? Would they even have had time to fix it? I wonder how much time is really spent on assessing fit with some of these items. Are they spending as little time as possible as another way to cut costs?
I guess it's a good thing they didn't decide to make over the Majesty peacoat (with boob pockets) into a raincoat, huh? ; )
I went to an event at the Boston Copley store a few months ago and asked Jenna Lyons point blank if they take into account sales figures, social media, customer reviews, etc into future rollouts. Jenna said that the seasons are determined 12 months in advanced (e.g., Holiday 2016 was already completed as Holiday 2015 was rolling out). She also said, "the design process is a creative process that needs to flow. Data would interrupt it." So you're saying customer feedback isn't important?!
DeleteThanks Sharon - that's interesting and a rather concerning. They need to be more responsive to metrics. (Does that explain why the 2015 datebook is still for sale?)
DeleteSilver Lining - aside from fixing the flaws in items from one season to another - which is important IMO, there's the issue of keeping the offerings fresh as opposed to offering the same things over and over, in different colors or with small design changes (zippers, buttons, tipping etc). Sometimes that's a good thing when its a best seller (Tippi, Lady Day coat) but sometimes its just a drag.
I'm not alone in being completely bored with J Crew right now. It's hard to understand - folks respond well when JC comes up with new (wearable)stuff, like the gray sleeveless wool mockneck top last December. JC made money on that top. More please!
Sharon, that is fascinating. My job involves mining and analyzing data to inform decision-making, so to see a company like JC have so much information at their disposal and do nothing with it is just frustrating. Surely there is a way that creativity and metrics can coexist. Just because there's a 12-month cycle doesn't mean that there is nothing to be gained from customer feedback.
DeleteThe problem with Jenna's reply is that what we write here, on the whole, is enduring feedback. It isn't just a mood that hits us for a season or two. The issues they have, the requests we have, many of these have been there for years now and could have been taken into account for a rollout that was determined one year in advance. And I think they might be making things up, saying customers asked for sunglasses and customers asked for the scoop back swimsuit to return. There's a pretty good cross-section of customers who post here, and those are not things anyone has mentioned in all the time I've been around here.
Delete@silver lining, mine too! I work in analytics, so it frustrates me to no end that they are sitting on valuable data and not using it. I emailed Mickey and got a snippy response that they talk to customers all the time on site visits, etc. I even offered to do a bit of consulting for free and he turned me down!
DeleteThat is honestly the type of arrogant we-know-better-than-our-customers that kills brands. Wow, Jenna and Mickey, disappointing.
DeleteI used to be the lemming drunk on the crewlade who purchased everything J Crew offered just because it was J Crew. There are very few of those customers left, it seems, and the company is doing nothing to stop the bleeding of customers smart enough to know better now.
It's so sad. I really don't have a retail home anymore.
Found a link on the sunglasses, interesting read.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/a41548/j-crew-sunglasses/
Thanks for sharing the link. I like Men's designer--Frank M. I follow him on IG, his house is really sweet, and his dog...love his aesthetic.
DeleteAnd about those glasses...if have to try some on in person. Kind of hard to see in photos which will look good on my face. Have you considered one or two that you like?
Really like the look of the shades, but I have prescription sunglasses from Barton Perreira. They make incredible eyewear, but they are a wee bit $$$.
DeleteI also like Ray Ban; who doesn't love Wayfarers or look good in them and so timeless.
The J.Crew products look good, but need to see them in person to decide if they are worth the money and how thye look on.
I don't buy J Crew shoes or jewelry as I think there are much better made options at better prices available elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I am excited about the sunglasses. I was thinking they were cute, but now that I know Marchon is making them, I will try a pair. Several designers I used to purchase from switched to Luxottica a few years back, and I prefer the quality and fit or Marchon.
Thanks for posting the link, J Crew guy.
Do we think anybody *really* said, "Oh man, I wish J Crew offered sunglasses! There's just not enough choices in the market for me!" when there are SO. MANY. OTHER. complaints / suggestions / comments to them (indirectly & not!) about their clothing offerings over the last few years?
ReplyDeleteagree Taylor...like we need j crew sunglasses when every designer already offers them around the same price range as j crew is charging....yawn..sunglasses are pretty boring anyway :)
DeleteI ended up ordering the Sloane D'orsay flats with the mini bow in black suede. I so wish JC would offer these flats in some different materials. I have a sad feeling I will end up returning them because the bow strap is too sparkly.
ReplyDeleteI tried the metallic ones that were offered back in November---way over the top sparkly. They looked like something a disney character would wear. I missed out on the plaid ones (but truth be told, probably too holiday for consistent wear). These flats would be so great---the mini bow was adorable in person-- if they were offered in plain black leather with a contrasting bow (think white or red leather) or even the mini bow in an animal print material (printed leather or calf hair)...Even black leather with a patent leather bow would get me to order them. But suede with a metallic bow seems like it might feel too holiday. We'll see...I ordered them because on Monday night they said there were only a few left. Still says that so now I am wondering if that was made up...? My hopes are high!
I also ordered one of the 10% shirts-- mostly because I am curious what 10% means...? Ten percent chance it will last 5 washes? haha.
I don't mind the sunglasses at all. The styles are classic but not boring. I wouldn't pay full price (I don't pay full price for clothing or accessories) but with a percentage off they will cost quite a bit less than Ray Bans.
ReplyDeleteRe: new arrivals, As others have said I'm noticing many of the fall items are being reintroduced, either in additional colors, slightly different fabrics, or patterns. The wool back zip sweater, which was only available in a few colors (I got the charcoal gray) is reintroduced in neon watermelon and two blues which I thought came out this fall, but the name is slightly different and they are all full price.
I like the tipped cable sweater but 22" body is basically a crop top.
I couldn't believe it when I saw that sweater was 22 inches.
DeleteI'm short-waisted, and I can't even do 22". Truthfully, I'm glad that JC is putting body length in the item description so that I don't waste my time with tops that will be too short for me. Unfortunately, those new midweight stripe boatneck tees are 22". Whyyyyy! *shakes fist*
DeleteSilver lining, I'm shaking my fist with you. Saw the boat neck stripe in that delicious cherry red and said oh yes! Saw the 22" length listed online and knew it wasn't going to work. Seriously bad move as J Crew's sale section is already full of too short tees and sweaters. :(
DeleteI think the sunglasses are a smart move. They are reasonably priced and seem to be well-made. People who are loyal to the brand and are in the market for a new pair will probably give them a try. Definitely better than the fragrances (too subjective).
ReplyDeleteI wasn't wowed at all by the new catalog. This is a transitional period, so I have hope that "full spring" will be better.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the minority who liked the edgier direction J Crew was heading in before, and I do understand Jenna Lyons' comment re: responding to customer feedback. (I am a designer in a NYC fashion office...so naturally I can get away with-- and am drawn to-- the more daring styles.) It's true that collections are designed a year in advance, and there is a term called "flow" which means that this month's delivery has to "sit well" on the sales floor with the previous few months' deliveries AND the following few months' deliveries. So a drastic shift in vision would make the sales floor look like a chaotic mess, and then nothing would sell because nothing would look good in context.
Also, if nothing is selling (which seems to be J Crew's current problem), the direction to take is not always clear for a designer, so it tends to be a time to get creative and try new ideas. Sure, J Crew can add more basics, but they also need to evolve the brand and keep it exciting in order to keep customers coming back.
I think the biggest testament to J Crew listening to customers is the fact that they have hired a new women's designer from Madewell.
To me, the new delivery looked very boring and too casual. (I am not a Madewell shopper.) The only thing I loved was the Collection Sloan Jeweled D'Orsay flats. I did, however, "like" all the D'Orsay flats. Not sure about the Teddie pants...they're giving me a late '90s flashback. I do love the Patio pants and was glad to see them introduced in Super 120's. Thought the Marlo Crossbody in neon orange was cute, and liked how the Crystal Floral necklace looked on the model.
Hi babayaganyc - thanks for sharing your perspective. The concept of flow is so interesting and makes a lot of sense (it's always a bit odd to see the lone rack of completely off-season merch in the back of the store. My B&M has had like, 20 chartreuse perfect tanks in the back for months!).
DeleteI think that a lot of the JCA gripes boil down to the fact that JC seems to be sacrificing the quality of their basics which is bringing down the brand. Why not keep the quality there and experiment with some trends as well? The basic pants/trousers, cashmere tees, Jackie cardigans, ballet flats, etc can easily be paired with some edgier pieces (which is what they've done- always love to see their window displays!) but now even those basic pieces aren't holding up. It's disappointing. I get what they're trying to do with the "Always" campaign, but the reviews on the website and JCA contradict the notion that they're selling "forever pieces".
Anyway, nothing we haven't said or heard before. I thought the catalog felt very much like January of years past. Hasn't February typically been a destination catalog? I'm interested to see what 2016 brings for JC overall.
Thanks, babayaganyc! Very interesting and helpful to have this insight.
DeleteI agree about the new catalogue. I hope it's not a trend.
Thanks babayaganyc. I hope you'll comment more often.
DeleteYes, babayaganyc, very interesting perspective certainly not one I would even know about. I agree 100% with silver_lining, if J Crew could provide the basic items in fun colors, great materials and quality, I would be back. And yes, throw in some on-trend items, edgier pieces, different colors/prints, it would be good I think for many of us to try something outside our comfort zone. I did compare the recent Style Guide to one I have from February, 2012. I keep that whole years worth, that was one of my favorite years, I did lots of purchases and still wear many of the clothes. Lots of the basics were the same but this years was missing all the above mentioned.
DeleteI went ahead and ordered the new Teddie pants in two colors (black and golden brandy) - I'll report back when I try them on.
ReplyDeleteI also (perhaps foolishly!) ordered a final sale dress that popped back in my size in a color I wanted - the belted sleeveless dress (with the funny belt that goes in and out - I love it!) in the aubergine. I went down a size per the online reviews, and also went with a tall (even though I'm only 5'5") to get a little extra length. Here's hoping it works out!
I was also a little disappointed to see that this rollout came with no full price promotion. I did order a few things to try and admittedly will play the return/rebuy with a promotion game. I am also hoping to get in to a store this weekend and try some things on to post on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI like the pencil skirt in metallic jacquard, the plaid Sloan flats (although thinking about them now, wondering how quickly they'll get dirty being they're so light), the pink patio pants in 120s wool, ruffle button down and the tie front pants. I am curious about the Teddie pant but not sure I'll love the flare. Can't say I'm crazy about the prints this rollout either so fingers crossed for the next spring rollout.
I think you talked me right out of the plaid flats. Plus, over $150 for fabric shoes just irritates me on principle. I'm still eyeing the ruffle button down and the onyx dot shirt. I like the deco print but I don't want a sleeveless shirt just yet.
ReplyDeleteMy review of the February Style Guide: http://atypical60.com/2016/01/31/i-cover-the-crew-lets-look-at-the-february-j-crew-style-guide/
ReplyDelete