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.
I perused Brooks Brothers yesterday and low and behold 100 percent tartan wool dresses for under $200. I can't wait to stop by the store and check out some of the women's clothes. While some of it is frumpy there is something to be said for well-made classic pieces, with great fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI ordered a plaid shirt dress from the Red Fleece line this weekend. 100% cotton and good sale price. I tend to like the Red Fleece line better than BB items. It skews a bit younger and less frumpy but still has classic patterns and silhouettes. Also items are less expensive. Worth a look!
DeleteI had no idea that collection existed. There are some great items there.
DeleteThank you for this review. I am going to check out their store this weekend. I used to shop there a few years ago, but their (Sometimes) snooty CS scared me away.
DeleteI ordered a really cute dress online today. Can't wait to see it in person. Their quality cannot be beat. Pricey at times but they have sales and their clothes do last - hard to find in this day and age sadly.
DeleteDoes anyone know if there is s 50% off code for Gap friends & family? I am a BR cardholder but did not receive a mailer/email.
ReplyDeleteI got an email this morning for 50% in-store and 40% online.
DeleteThanks - still waiting on my email. I'm sure you need to show it in store for the 50% off. I want the crazy stripe sweater!
DeleteBanana Republic's email stated 50% online for cardholders with BRCARD50 (it used to be 50% five items only) and you can get an extra 10% off with BRCARD and there's free 2-3 day shipping with BRSHIP. Hey, J.Crew. This is how you do friends & family and reward your cardholders.
Deleteused the BR sale to pick up another merino scalloped crew. I bought it 2 weeks ago in camel and went back for the green. The merino is really nice on these this year, feels slightly heavier/thicker to me. One review said it ran small but it was a perfect fit on me in my usual M.
DeleteAnne - in your instastories what was the BR coat you tried on? It was such gorgeous coat! Was it the melton wool flounce hem? I thought the coat you tried on was navy and this one is black though. hm.
Deletehi Julie - yes, the coat I tried on was the melton wool flounce hem coat - it is black. I love it! I found it TTS, I'm a 4/6 in blouses and blazers and I took a 6 so I could fit a thicker layer underneath. HTH!
DeleteYou can't go wrong with BR merino. The colors are gorgeous and the sleeves (for the most part) are FULL LENGTH! Chicago winters are too cold for 3/4 sleeves. The Gap merino is getting horrible reviews this year. I had good luck with it in the past and haven't seen it in person yet this year.
DeleteI just bought a merino turtleneck at Gap today, seems fine in terms of quality at first glance. I’m wearing last a BR merino sweater from last year and can’t see any difference in weight, softness, etc. For $32 CAD I think the Gap sweater was a real steal, assuming it holds up well.
DeleteI couldn’t find any merino @ the Gap flagship I visited today. Will keep my eyes open; hope they have it out next time. It’s usually pretty good quality & I was surprised at the poor reviews. Did buy the crazy stripe sweater. I found it short and had to size up for a little more length.
DeleteI’ve had such good luck at TJ Maxx lately ... Citizens of Humanity skinny straight black jeans, Ralph Lauren merino sweater blazer, Aran Crafts sweater, and a pair of Frye low boots in gorgeous cognac leather.
ReplyDeleteAfter two decades of 99% J Crew, I’m keeping an open mind about other retailers and I’ve found some great pieces. Plus - who doesn’t love a spin through HomeGoods?
Those are some great finds! I really hate the idea of sifting through racks. I used to love the thrill of the hunt but not so much anymore. Plus since I am not near a metro area my TJ's never seems to get designer brands however in light of giving up on The Crew for the time being I may give it a go.
Deleteme too, TJ's and Marshalls are my drug of choice @ruffles
DeleteJessF, I didn't realize until reading your post that I too, am over the thrill of the hunt. I never would have thought this was possible.
DeleteJess and Cheri, I'm kind of in the same boat. When I was younger, from my teen years through my 30s even, I could spend hours sorting through the racks at Daffys, (New Yorkers will remember), Century 21, Marshalls, Annie Sez, Loehmanns!, etc. Now I find there is so much that is lower quality, not just closeouts on good brands. A few times a year I'll spend a few hours at Saks off fifth and Last Call, etc, but most of the time I'd rather do it online since I usually have an idea of what I'm looking for.
DeleteAgree I’m not into the hunt. But I think about all the time I spend (waste) at J Crew stalking pop backs, calculating promos, requesting PAs, trying on multiple sizes, returning stuff that doesn’t work out, sewing loose threads and buttons, washing fragile items in unicorn tears, and generally regretting mistakes - and I’m not sure shopping at J Crew is any better these days.
DeleteFor any bee fans out there, Gap Factory has a bee-print Boyfriend shirt right now. I found it TTS in size L. It has a boxier fit than I’d like, but I’ll put up with it for the sake of the print.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of banana, a few weeks ago I was trying on some black skirts for an event and a fellow JCA pointed out this skirt to me: it's a sale item, BR x Olivia Palermo bias cut skirt. I received it last week and it's not great. Very thin fabric, it is lined, but unless I sized up so it had more drape it doesn't enhance my shape. Since the waist is slightly loose and it fits my hips I'd say it's probably better for straighter figures). For the sale price I paid it's not horrible but I'm too old for not horrible.
ReplyDeletehttp://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1014736&pcid=1014739&vid=1&pid=875191002
I tried this skirt Suzy. The quality is horrid! Very sad OP-BR collab.
DeleteI just bought the Banana Sloan pants in Pink Plaid on clearance (extra 40% off in-store). I'm not normally one for pink but these are so cute and will look fine with black or navy. I always like the J.Crew Pink Houndstooth pattern last year, but knew I wouldn't get enough wear out of the skirt. It's my first pair of Sloans and I love the fabric, a nice heavy weight that will be a bit forgiving around my midsection and feels like it will hold up well. I also grabbed a merino turtleneck in navy for 50% off at Gap. Strangely, the merino crew necks were marked down by about 30%, so didn't qualify for 50% off, but I see they're still full price online and therefore cheaper than the in-store price.
ReplyDeleteSo I had to come back to report I received my BR lace shirt dress in cranberry and I love it. Yes it it a nylon/poly blend lace and lined in poly but the colors are so saturated and the silhouette is very flattering. Great dress for the holidays although I am wearing it to work today. For the $40 I paid and free shipping I am pleased with this purchase. I ordered a Todd and Duncan cashmere long cardigan with the friends and family/cardholder promo and am curious to see what the quality is like. This promo seems not to exclude anything which is awesome. Take note JC! It is strange to see so many comments In the other retailers thread as there are usually so few. I think it just shows how fed up some of us are.
ReplyDeleteJessF, I'll be curious to hear how the cashmere works out. I ordered a Todd & Duncan turtleneck last year and it was a pilly mess. I returned, rebought and the same thing happened with the replacement. It was super soft a la old school Crew cashmere but it didn't hold up at all. Please report back as I've been hesitant to try again.
DeleteAnne I will! It was still a pricey purchase for a sweater for me so if I don't love I am definitively going to return. I would not expect a pilling mess after a few wears for the retail price of this piece. I was hoping this would be something I could hold on to for a long time but after reading about your experience I am doubtful as quality everywhere seem to get worse every year.
DeleteThe Lands' End Flannel Shirts are on Oprah's Favorite Things list this year. Does anyone own one? How do they fit? The red/black buffalo check looks super cute! And right now they are 40% off with the FF discount. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI wear my true numberic size at Land's End, vs sizing up in button ups at J Crew to alleviate the tightness through the shoulders. In alpha sizing, I go one smaller at LE (M vs L at JCrew, and I'm a size 10). I find Land's End quality not quite what it used to be, but still very good, and they stand behind what they sell.
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