Referencing {FAQ}

Friday, January 6, 2017

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!

80 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. A fun documentary for JCA types!

    https://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/512225/harris-tweed/?utm_source=atlfb

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    1. Love it! and that cute Scottish accent

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    2. Good direction. Right! It's something you shouldn't take for granted. Mesmerizing indeed.

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    3. Thanks for posting that, I bought the Harris Tweed long coat this year and just love it.

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    4. That was wonderful, thanks for posting!!

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    5. Yay! Glad you all enjoyed it. Saw amazing rolls of alpaca yarn at the airport in Santiago! Love the skill that goes into these amazing fabrics

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    6. I had planned to buy an alpaca sweater in Chile, but never found one I liked. I had in mind a thin sweater (like a Tippi) but they were all so bulky. So disappointed ;-((

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    7. There was a really high quality shop right opposite gate 17 or 18 in the international terminal. Gorgeous scarves, sweaters, jewellery. Were I not on a shopping ban, I would definitely have got smth. Should have noted the name of the shop. It really felt like a boutique.

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    8. That was remarkable. Thanks for posting!

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  3. This is just a PSA because y'all know I'm on a shopping ban, but the Vail Parka (Factory version of the Chateau) is available in several sizes and with the extra 50% off comes down to $75 for black or gray, and just $67 for the red. That is a GREAT deal. I bought the red to wear over the holidays and the quality is excellent. At that price, the coat is a steal.

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    1. Thanks for the PSA, Ruffles! I'm refraining from shopping as well right now, but I have a question about the Vail Parka -- do you find the hood to be very big, like the Chateau's? Want to know for next year. (I recently bought my first Chateau, on sale, I'm keeping it, but i do find the hood to be very big.) Would love to hear your thoughts!

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    2. TM93, I have a Chateau in gray and a Vail in red. Love them both. The price was right on the Vail because I purchased it as mostly a "holiday time" coat. IMO (and there are a lot of JCAs with these coats so chime in), the Chateau is better quality but not sure the differential is worth the price difference. Both hoods are quite large but that's the style and I didn't feel it was too overwhelming. If you are super tiny, it would be I think. The fur on the Chateau is definitely more plush and looks bigger as a result, so you might like the Vail better for that reason.

      The fur on the Vail does shed a bit more, but that may be more noticeable on the darker colors. I still love it and I am always the first to whine about quality :)

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    3. Great, this is super helpful information to have, Ruffles, thanks very much! Like I said, I'm not planning on buying another coat right now, but I like to remain informed nonetheless for future purchase considerations.

      I was just commenting on another thread that I do think the Chateau's hood/fur trim are quite big and it gives me the appearance of a full-on mane when I wear it up so I don't for fear of being mistaken for a two-legged lion. Still a cute coat! I saw a bunch of the black ones in store this holiday season and they looked like Lint magnets so i wondered whether that was due to color or the actual fabric quality. The one I bought is Dark Brick. Haven't used it yet so can't speak to its lint factor, but i'm keepin' my baby. (sang Madonna!)

      PS, I think it was you who recommended the Factory leather jacket??!! The first one I received was too big, but I was able to track down a smaller one at the great sale price and I'm very pleased with it!! I think it's actually nicer, softer than JC's moto jacket version. (This is another reason I can't introduce another coat to my household, my husband thinks I'm nuts and complains about our shared closet space -- my coats are taking over! :-D

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    4. The red is showing up with no extra % off today (Friday) but the other colors are on clearance. (Red is $134 I think)

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    5. You're so welcome, TM93, and yes it was me gushing about the Navy Leather Jacket. Sorry if I am enabling your outerwear dilemma! That jacket is superior to the retail Moto, I agree. Factory baffles me at times ... IMO at lot of what I see there is F21 quality that won't last more than a couple wears, but once in a while they offer incredible pieces that exceed retail by far.

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    6. I grabbed the factory navy leather moto during all the crazy Thanksgiving sales! I think mine was $167. Quality is really quite good, and the price just makes it even sweeter. It's not as soft as my washed leather moto from Madewell, but it's just as nice!

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    7. I was also able to snatch up the Navy Leather jacket from Factory last month, and I absolutely love it! It's too cold to wear it right now (we are in the negative digits), but once it starts to warm up a bit, I plan to wear it regularly.

      As for the Chateau Parka, I have the grey and love it! I for one really like the hood with the faux fur trim, and don't find it too large or overwhelming at all.

      I also purchased the Rhodes Topcoat in Scottish Tweed right before Christmas, and it is another love, as well. That one is a classic that I will keep in rotation for many years to come.

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    8. I need styling ideas for the Navy Leather Jacket. What are you all planning to wear with it?

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    9. Navy looks great with burgundy and gray, so that's what I've been doing. I have a pair of navy leather Vans that I wear to keep it sort of cool girl-esque. I like to mix vibes with my clothes, so pairing it with a skirt or dress sounds good to me, too. Oh, and I wear my cashmere hoodies under my leather jackets :-)

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    10. I love Monica's ideas, especially the idea of wearing with a skirt or dress. I really like that the jacket is Navy as opposed to Black because I think it will pair nicely with a lot of colors listed above. The Madewell version looks delicious, was admiring the current Burgundy offering, so pretty.

      I haven't worn my jacket yet (just received last week) and it's really cold here in NYC these days (snow, in the 20s, ick!) The jacket is actually still at work, tucked in a drawer, don't want to bring it home yet so my husband doesn't think I've totally lost it with my jacket/coat collection. 😂 Looking forward to debuting it sometime in April, May.

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    11. Oh, I should also add: do you guys think you'll wear it open for the most part or zipped up? How have you worn yours, Monica? Mine is a touch snug when zipped, but I think that's how I would wear mine, not sure yet. (i tried next size up, but the sleeves and shoulder were too big, looked off.)

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    12. I have worn mine unzipped mostly, but when I do zip it, I only go about halfway or so. It's cute partially zipped with a scarf on top!

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    13. Love the idea of burgundy and gray, especially a lighter gray w the navy leather! Will try those when the weather warms up enough to wear it. Also love a cashmere hoodie too, and any girly touches to soften it up a bit. I think I will wear it partly zipped and when I've tried it on I like the look of my top peeking out the bottom.

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  4. Well. The local news ran a story last night on all of the stores closing in Lynchburg, the clearance store included. Our (Roanoke) Gap store closed earlier last year & The Limited just shut its doors last week. All that's left locally for me is LOFT, Target & Old Navy. But hey, we have a mattress store & a car title loan place on every corner! :/

    Off that topic - I am wearing for the first time today a JC merino wool 3/4-sleeve sweater that I bought off ThredUp a few months ago. It still had the tags on it - it's a similar look to the Tippi but with raglan sleeves instead. The inner tag says HO 06! The quality difference between this sweater & the sweaters of today is insane, I can't get over it. I don't know who was holding onto this sweater for 10 years before finally letting it go but I sure am thankful to them!

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    1. Taylor, you are so lucky to have found the sweater! Most stuff from '06-'08 is an unbelievable find, especially NWT, because the quality in those days was epic.

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    2. Grrrr.....I went to the Thredup site to check it out and it won't even let me browse because it can see I'm in Canada! How ridiculous!

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    3. To use Thredup I think you need a US shipping address, you don't have to actually be in the US to browse (just checked that).

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    4. I just checked my order history as I was curious to see how much this sweater cost me - $23.99. NWT & in a beautiful color, tag said "DAU" which I think probably means Dark Aubergine? It is very similar to the patent Martina wedges with the same color name. I'm wearing it over a light pink button-up, dark Lookout skinny jeans, & a pair of Gap leather ballet flats in the same color as the sweater. Great casual Friday look, if I do say so myself. :)

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    5. Awesome score Taylor. You seriously cannot beat the J.Crew quality back then. I've always loved any variation of J.Crew aubergine and I love that you paired it with the light pink!

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    6. Great score Taylor! I have a few merino turtlenecks from this time frame that are a smidge small on me and I can't bear to part with them - they're so beautiful and soft.

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    7. I am crossing my fingers that local stores don't close for me. I watched the CBS News last night and they were talking about 100 Macy's stores were closing as well as how dismal brick-and-mortar sales have been lately. They implied that Amazon might have a lot to do with how many stores were having poor results. It really was depressing. I would be devastated if my Jcrew closed but I feel like I would shop more at the store instead of online if they carried a wider variety of merchandise and my size was instock. I really like the uniqueness of the collection pieces and online is my only option.

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    8. Shopping Celle, I heard a story yesterday that Amazon is opening a brick and mortar (book store, I think) in NYC. That's ironic!

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    9. My J.Crew blazers and sweaters from the mid-aughts have held up so well. As has the lady day I bought in 2009 (HO 08). I ordered a lady day this year and was shocked to see the lack of tailoring and plasticky feel of the wool.

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    10. @fleur de lys Were you using a laptop or a mobile device to access Thredup? On my mobile devices I can't get past the "We see you're from Canada" screen.

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    11. Hi shopgrrl, tried it from my laptop. Though I'm not living in the US, I do have a US shipping address and have bought a couple of things (some NWT!).
      I really like that Thredup describes the condition of the items they sell, whereas eBay sellers are sometimes a bit too .... positive

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  5. Promo code is ....MUSTSHOP. silly because alot of us are on shopping hiatises....no I mustnotshop is more correct..

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  6. Off topic but wanted to share a review of the New Balance perfect tank top in stripe: I found it ran small (like other reviewers said) and did not like the ruching on the sides--reminded me of a maternity shirt, no thanks! I did, however, really like the NB seamless tank which runs a tough fitted but is stretchy. I got it in yellow and it is VERY bright, but I love the color. -lep33shops

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  7. Wanted to mention that the store in Knoxville, TN had a pair of tweed Averys in size 6 in their sale section. $209.99 less 40% yesterday.

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  8. I have gotten more compliments today on my Sperry Shearwater short pull on boots from either last year or the year before. They are the dark brown with the citron sole that pull on with just the buckle that goes across. They are super warm and super comfortable. We have snow today and expecting more.

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  9. wondering if new arrivals will be available next week? I see new items at madewell...looking forward to some spring items I saw here: http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2017-ready-to-wear/j-crew/slideshow/collection#36

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    1. There will be pre releases next week and then the february rollout is the week of the 23rd.

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    2. There's a few individual pieces that look interesting, but I can't get over how terrible everything looks all together on those people. Someone crossed the line from fashion to hot mess with that styling.

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    3. I can't help but think Troop Beverly Hills when I see Look 36. :)

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    4. So many things we see in these fashion week outfits never even make it to production. My VPS will ask me if there's anything I see that I would be interested in, and the things I choose - simple, like a scarf, a pair of leopard calf hair boots - never make it. If that skirt in look 36 makes it, it will probably only go to bloggers who can show it off b/c who would really wear that somewhere? Not many of us in our daily lives, lol.

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    5. I think Look 7 is cute. Can't tell if it's a dress or a skirt and a top. Anyone know?

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    6. @maryeb @howtocrew modeled that look and I believe Amy said it was a skirt and top. Agree that it's cute.

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    7. @maryeb @mygoddy I like that look, too. I hope the skirt works for petites!

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    8. Thanks @mygoddy. I really hope the skirt comes in petite, too!

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    9. @jsr @maryeb HTH! Hopefully, there will be a petite option.

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  10. Not visiting, but I received an order and I like most of it. The mockneck sweater in Italian yarn (#F8281) is very cute, I like the boxy cropped shape, but the neck is itchy. I have to think about whether that will drive me crazy and also try it on with a tissue turtleneck and see if it looks okay. The Festive Plaid Button-up shirt (#F8994) is cute and I sized up in this. I think it runs a bit small. I will save this for next year's holidays. And my favorite is the Italian Cashmere Boatneck Tunic (#E2092) in Hthr Elm. This one is a keeper for sure. I know this should go in Reviews but I'll probably forget next week.

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    1. I would be interested to hear how it works with the turtleneck. I had been thinking about the sweater since I often find the regular turtlenecks too itchy so I thought a mockneck might be better

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    2. I love the shape of that and the mockneck because I often find turtlenecks irritate me, but that color would wash me out. I wish they offered it in other colors. I also with they made more sweaters with the neck of the now sold out Gayle sweater (with the grosgrain bow). That's such a nice neckline, between a crew neck and a mockneck. Looks great with a shirt under or without.

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    3. Suz - that neckline is my favorite also. LL Bean makes a version that is amazing and similar to the gayle but no bow. I just add a cute grosgrain bow with a safety pin if i ever want to jazz it up. (http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/113645?feat=611-GN1&page=chunky-ribbed-sweater-pullover&attrValue_0=Gray%20Heather)

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  11. I received the glitter scallop heels today. My sister got the 8.5 and I tried them on Christmas. They were falling off my feet, so I ordered the 8 and they're snug. So adorable if you can get the right fit, but since I got the Sophia in Sequin I think these will go back (unless They feel better over the next few days, because the shape is great).
    My blackwatch plaid Regent blazer With satin lapel was supposed to arrive today but did not and tracking doesn't show anything other than delivery Friday 1/6 expected. Oh well. :(

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    1. Posted a pic of the Glitter scallop heels on IG @wearthislikethis. They're really cute! The heel height is more flattering with a skirt than I thought. They're a great alternative to higher heels. Still, I think I probably don't need them since I wore the Sophia ones already. The trim makes these special though.

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  12. Yes, I have to go to return the windowpane dress. I had to size up. It's beautiful but the fit didn't work for me. Too big in the shoulders and chest, too long, and the waist hits me too low and it unflattering. Cannot size down because the waist and ribcage are TIGHT! Fabric is great and it's gorgeous and retro.

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  13. Sad news for the Limited. I immediately thought of J.Crew. I hope they're not headed in that direction.

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2017/01/06/the-limited-is-closing-all-of-its-250-stores/?tid=sm_fb&utm_term=.9da499208e6d

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    1. Wow. That's sad. I remember the days when I loved The Limited They had great work clothes when I was fresh out of college. What are they going to do with all the empty spaces at malls and shopping centers? Next it will be the shopping center landlords that can't afford to keep the lights on due to lost rent.

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    2. The article quotes: "Shoppers...are looking for really fast fashion, for things that are hyper-relevant to what’s going on in fashion right now — and as inexpensive as possible.”

      RIP The Limited, but so untrue. @Shopping Celle, I also remember the great and barely-affordable work clothes in early-mid 90's, similar to those of the early BR suits. After all these years, that is still what I am looking for... NOT fast fashion, NOT as inexpensive as possible, but classic garments with a fashionable twist in quality fabric and reasonable cost.

      Hope JC is not heading down that road. That would be sad.

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    3. Who are these people who affirmatively want to buy garbage? I picture a person who gets up, drives to the mall, picks up a few sleazy polyester/rayon outfits,a transparent sweater and a pair or two of plastic shoes, and then virtuously has a vegan lunch and goes out to demonstrate in favor of protecting the environment .

      Speaking of The Limited, Leslie Wexner was once held up as a model of a merchandising genius. Then the rot set in, and the scrambles to expand, reorganize, have related companies, all the while cheapening the merchant and the brand. The collapse has been slow but inevitable.

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    4. WFF, your description of such a shopper gave me a good giggle! Also, I think there is no better adjective for polyester than 'sleazy'.

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    5. WFF and TM93,
      Agreed. I hate to stereotype other people, but I end up feeling frustrated with these faceless hordes I keep hearing about whose tastes leave me with nothing to buy. I'm curious, and it's probably too late to get a thread going here. Still, those of you who are old enough to have raised daughters, I'm guessing you educated them about good quality in clothing as I feel certain our mothers did for us. Did greater market forces, peer pressure and school loans make the millennials succumb to cheap clothing?

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    6. Hi Mary G. - I'm very interested in this as well. My mall has a 2-floor H&M and a huge Forever 21, and now my JC and its neighbor, Ann Taylor are closing so they can be replaced with a Zara.

      It's different now - when I was in school in the 80's and 90's, we did a big shopping on Labor Day weekend for fall school clothes, and another one in the spring. There weren't new arrivals every week and constant sales.

      I think that consumers have been trained to be used to this neverending cycle - I know I'm curious to see when comes out for spring when it's 8 degrees here and won't be anywhere near spring clothes time until early April.

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    7. We all need to push back against the media narrative that women want "fast fashion" and that's why all these legacy stores are doing poorly. Maybe teenagers want that but professional women with $$ to spend don't. In fact BR tried to go down this road with Marissa Webb and failed miserably.

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    8. I can't help but feel like there is a huge opportunity for a retailer to provide quality classic-yet-current clothing. All the brands that used to be in that space are in this head-scratching race to the bottom, and if one of them would just stand firm and provide quality pieces I feel like they would make a killing. There are a lot of professional women out there that have disposable income to spend on their closets but don't necessarily have designer-level disposable income.
      J.Crew is trying to pretend they are still this beacon of quality, and while the quality is definitely not The Limited or Banana Republic bad, it's still not good enough to justify full price in most instances. I definitely purchased more in 2016, but am still returning a lot due to disappointing quality and my God the fit issues are a nightmare. I literally have no idea what skirt/dress/pant size I am at J.Crew.

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    9. @Mary G.,
      I'm going to post this article in a more current thread tomorrow, but it answers some of the questions you were wondering about, including why millenials want fast fashion (because they are spending their money on electronics and other experiences.) Interesting points. I know when I was fresh out of college, I certainly couldn't afford JC, despite being cognizant of quality issues. I guess you're often thinking of quantity at that point: I can buy 3 shirts at the Gap, whereas I can barely afford just one at JC.

      Also mentioned is a good explanation of what 'fast fashion is' - I thought it just referred to the manufacturing of cheap clothing (and it does) but it also refers to the production time -- most clothing companies need a 10 month window to produce items, from start to finish, whereas shops like Zara just need ONE MONTH (!) I've visited Zara a handful of times, but haven't been very impressed. (Others have said their quality is actually quite decent.)

      https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/intelligence/gap-j-crew-abercrombie-trouble-americas-mall-brands

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    10. TM93, Thanks for this link.
      Silver lining, I well remember the Labor Day and spring shopping trips. To some extent, I still shop that way. I try and get two or three head-to-toe outfits fall and spring that feel a bit different from other things I have and encapsulate a new trend or two. Then I fill in with sales and sewing like my Mama taught me. Overall, I'm not sure I lose that much money without huge sales because I get a lot of wear out of what I buy.

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  14. Went to make return. Left empty handed. Store had a ton of sale stuff but nothing good. As has been mentioned before all either xxs or xl and not much in between. I did notice a sign behind the registers in regards to new year's resolutions. It said something to the effect of we only have one resolution and it is the same we have each year. To make clothes you will still be wearing a decade from now. I had two thoughts. The first was: that it is good. Maybe they realize they need to drop the trends and focus on classics. The second thought had me chuckle to myself. I don't see much of the things they are making now lasting a decade unless quality returns. We all own or have heard about the cotton tees that sprout holes after a few wears/washes, the cashmere that pills after just one wear and the wool that just keeps getting thinner year after year. I do still have hope but need to see signs of improvement.

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    1. I sure do have lots of things I'm still wearing from 06/07 and several purchases from this year I hope will still be in good shape and fashionable in another 10.

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  15. Can anyone comment on the Harlow cardigan in neon wildflower? I'm wondering if it's really neon/bright IRL? The online pic looks more subdued but I worry if it's neon or harsh looking IRL. I haven't tried the Harlow, how is sizing and quality? Thank you!

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    1. Hi Jan, I can't comment on that particular color for the Harlow, but I can comment on sizing. I recently bought a few Harlows during the 50% sale. I hardly ever wear cardigans, but I came across the Cabernet one in-store on sale and I was drawn to the overall look. Since I've only had them for a few weeks, I can't comment on lasting quality (100% Merino Wool) just yet.

      As for fit, I've taken a XS, which is the same as my usual Tippi size, so I think the item is TTS. The grosgrain ribbon at the placket and gold buttons really work on this sweater.

      Hopefully others on here might be able to speak to Neon Wildflower color's appearance -- I think it's used for other items, too.

      PS, I recently saw someone on Insta wearing the Collection Ratti silk skirt that you just bought - the yellow one? Stunning!! I can see why you're so happy with it, beautiful piece.

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    2. Jan, I have the Harlow sweater in wildflower. To me it is not neon at all; it's a nice medium pink. I have this cardy in a few colors and hand washed and ironed it. Looks good as new. I recall others reporting issues with pilling but that has not been my experience.

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    3. I agree,it is a medium pink.

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    4. @TM93, @shopalot, @Ina- thank you so much for the info! I really appreciate your help! I'm trying to stick to my shopping hiatus but may use my last gift card, I'm trying to justify it lol.
      @TM93, I'll have to look for the pic of the skirt. I've only seen Rynetta wearing it a while ago, which looked lovely on her. I find shoes are hard to match with it so I've been looking for ideas. :)

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    5. I took a quick look at my Harlow in wildflower this morning and wanted to note that the grosgrain ribbon on this color is not an exact match to the merino sweater fabric. The ribbon on the other colors of the Harlow cardigan match very well. Just wanted to point that out in case you don't have the opportunity to see it in person before purchasing.

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    6. @Jan, I looked up the account on Insta -- it's 'jcrewmycrew' and she is wearing the skirt with a yellow sweater and tall boots -- I think they're brown, but they might be black. Super pretty!

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    7. @shopalot, thank you! I'd have to order online so I appreciate that.
      @TM93, thank you I'm going to check that out now! :)

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  17. Went today to make a return. My store was almost bare and had funny stickers on the tables and shelves, which scared me (thought they might be closing). However, they are only doing inventory tonight. Left with nothing, but the SA said lots of shipments coming in this week.

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