Thursday, February 1, 2018

"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.

68 comments:

  1. Looking to love ... with this blog. I have been a long time lurker (probably since 2013?) and have posted maybe 3 times. In the past couple of months I've been in J.Crew mourning and posting here has definitely made me feel more sane. As a bonus, the other day I *finally* got to wear an item I was searching for and bought from a fellow JCA. You're all lovely and it's nice to not be lurking anymore!

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    1. I totally agree, Malvina. I've posted...and lurked...here off and on for many years and the people here are wonderful.

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    2. Nice post. And, glad you found your prey!

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  2. Free shipping seems to have returned for today, for whatever reason!

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  3. Well, I almost blew it! I've been stalking the live a little t shirt and this morning it showed up and under it it DID say EXTRA 50 off. Since I'm returning over $100 worth of stuff I thought, ok, I've been wanting to get this a long time. Went to check out and the discount is not coming off.
    Typical...I'm not going to bother to try and get a price adjustment, I put it on my wishlist and if it's around in a month I'll buy it.

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    1. @Suz Has - I noticed that they've been playing around with the extra 50% off, too. It's annoying.

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    2. Oh, Suz! Sorry not sorry your buy didn't work out!

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  4. To all No Shop February JCAs, here we go! To help motivate myself, I’ve made a list of all the things I don’t need: pants, jeans, tops, sweaters, dresses, socks, underwear, bras. That’s right, I don’t need ANYTHING! Let’s see if I can remember that for the next 28 days.

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    1. You can do it!! I did it last year and it accidentally turned into a 4 month no shop. One tip is to make a list of the items that you would have bought and the prices they were offered at--you'll quickly find that that was not your only chance to grab them and they'll still be there when your no shop is over. Oh another thing that helped me--we were redecorating our bedroom so I bought a lot of house items--it helped ease me out of buying clothes and was a nice transition into the ban. So maybe redirect/reward yourself with other shopping just in the beginning or when you are feeling weak, lol. I found SO many benefits to doing the no shop--I felt more in control, so much less distracted by looking for good deals, and happier not to do the whole order/try on/return/wait for my credit dance. I'm excited for everyone doing it!! -lep33shops

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    2. One other thing--I didn't put a shopping ban on buying things for my husband or kids. I didn't go crazy, but it was helpful to be able to channel some of my online browsing etc in that direction.

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    3. My advice is stay off the website! If you aren't looking you can't buy. First thing in the morning would always look at the website and my mornings are so much better now. Once you break the habit it gets easier. I was mad that I got sucked back in when the 50% sale was going on but I am happy to say I am back on track now.

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    4. @lauren great tips, esp about redirecting ! We need new chairs so that might help!

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    5. Ugh, I just found out I owe on my taxes so I hope that helps me not shop!

      I have a few short term goals:
      1. noshopfebruary
      2. no buying crap I don't need to take on vacation. I've already bought two new bikinis and two new hats. At my age I have quite the collection of vacation wear and Mexico is not a dress up destination.
      3. no shopping until I go on actual vacation mid-March. I may get something there. That will be a reward.
      4. no shopping after vacation until...TBD. Let's get past the initial shock to my system.

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    6. Ok, I've officially started my shopping ban month. Clothes, toiletries, makeup, household items...whatever...nothing but things I have an actual need for. That is, I can buy food and I can buy needed replacements if I've used up all I have on hand, but no more shiny new products that that catch my eye. I need to not only shop my closet, but also my unread books, unused office supplies and barely used makeup and toiletries. I look forward to seeing some half empty shelves and drawers. :)

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    7. I need absolutely nothing wearable -- no clothing, outerwear, innerwear, accessories, nothing. If I feel the urge to shop, I'll try to redirect that to picking out new paint colors, backsplash, etc, for my kitchen.

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    8. @Jeanne, that is exactly how I plan to do it. No shopping, period.

      The boxes of books I packed while moving which are now in my basement, many of which were never read, and I still prefer the library to what I own.

      Also, no clothing deals for my son!

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    9. Sending no-shopping, empowering energy your way!

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  5. Does anyone know if the 25% off "exclusive code" still works or was it one day only? Thanks

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  7. After having dropped-gulp-$800 on J.Crew sale items for the family over the course of January, I made a hard-line resolution not to make ANY online purchases from ANY retailer for the month of February.

    That resolution lasted 8 hours, 27 minutes.

    I had been eyeing item G8628 in a size 8, which are cute leggings with sequined monsters at the bottom of each leg, for my daughter. Having given up after a week and a half of refreshing the pop-backs, I sourced one pair in the Chicago store yesterday in a slightly-snug size 7 and figured that we would have to accept the compromise of a short lifespan on my growing daughter. It wasn't a big investment anyhow, as they were 1/2 price in store which set me back all of $13 ($10 for the leggings plus $3 shipping).

    Even though I firmly resolved NOT to buy anything for the month, I did find myself checking--just checking--the J.Crew final sale page when I woke up this morning. As fate would have it, I was greeted by my white whale: one pair of item G8628 in size 8 had popped back. I made like a sledgehammer on the add-to-cart button and rushed through the prompts to complete the purchase before anyone else could snag them.

    The final price was just over $20, and while I figured it was unlikely, I called into CS to see if they would match the in-store half price purchase on the size 7 from yesterday. Once the rep got her head around to understanding what I was getting at with my semi-convoluted story, she confirmed my eReceipt from the Chicago store and in fact gave me half off of my online purchase placed minutes earlier for the size 8. What a great company!

    Now with this little $10-and-change purchase (that was technically linked to a pre-existing issue from January anyhow), I am ABSOLUTELY NOT going to be making ANY online purchases for the rest of February.

    I think.

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  8. So I just got an email from factory in regards to the j crew credit card stating we made j crew credit card even better and that rewards are now spend $200 earn $10 rewards. I am unsure if this is: Just for factory, is a limited time offer, or maybe just for new cardholders. I logged into my account and it still states earn $25 for every $500 spent. Odd. It also had a link to apply for a card which I already have so not sure why I received the email. Anyone else get this?

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    1. Must be that new math. It is $1 in rewards for every $20 you spend any way you slice it.

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    2. @shoppingcelle Now I feel like an idiot as you are correct! I guess it is now just more along the lines of Gap brands where you can earn smaller rewards increments which I like since I barely had enough for a reward last go around. This recent one was a it better but only because of the double points offer.

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    3. Oh no I wasn’t meaning that and it is nice to get $10 on a low purchase rewards period. I was only saying that I think they are just trying to make us think we are getting better rewards when we are really not. I wish we got double rewards all the time like they did for the holidays.

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    4. I just think it is funny that I didn't put together that it is the same amount of points/rewards. I am still happy that it is a lower threshold to get rewards or so it seems. You would think all current cardholders would be the first ones to be informed if this is a permanent change,

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  9. To all my fellow #noshopfebruary JCAs, I started February by NOT obsessively checking the sale section for an update. However, I did receive an email that my orders from earlier this week are arriving tomorrow, so I feel a little guilty about it. Since we're shopping our closets for the next 27 days, what are some recent JC purchases that are still NWT or unworn in your closet right now or due to arrive soon? I'll go first:

    Washed but unworn:
    cropped sweater blazer in gray
    NBxJC jaguar print leggings
    ruffle top in striped poplin

    NWT:
    tiered silk dress in lips print
    embroidered maryjane flat
    ratti elephant print skirt

    Due soon:
    silk easy pant in tiger print (long awaited popback)
    floral lace mockneck top in blue (wrong size from earlier purchase)
    supima V-neck tee
    new vintage cotton tee


    All of this, bought during the January sales, makes me realize I really have more clothes/shoes than I can wear at a normal rate. Now I'm thinking #noshopfebruary should also be #bigpurgefebruary.

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    1. Good idea, another way to come to terms with the embarrassment of riches that is my closet.
      -5 pairs of Maddie pants
      -2 pairs of Teddie pants
      -1 pair of Campbell pants
      -3 pencil skirts
      -3 blazers
      -merino turtleneck with side slits
      -2 bandana scarves
      -2-3 perfect tees
      -laser-cut shift (from the great 75% sale!)
      -iridescent sequin dress

      The good news is that the pants, skirts and blazers were purchased in anticipation of going back to work, and as I finally went back work this week I think the tags will come off in short order. As for the dresses, well, I’m still waiting for the right event(s). I have way too many “just in case” dresses languishing in my closet.

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    2. Good idea! I have one order arriving tomorrow with the following:
      - Navy super 120s wool blazer and pencil skirt
      - Charcoal super 120s pencil skirt
      - everyday shirt in striped poplin
      - eyelet ruffle mockneck top

      NWT/Not worn yet
      - Paisley silk twill blouse
      - Everyday cashmere cardigans in black/camel
      - Lodge coat in boucle
      - Lady jacket in sequin tweed
      - Lace top with cami
      - Tiered ruffle top with scallop lace
      - Jackie set in sequin polka dot

      This is a good reminder that I don't need ANYTHING this month.

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  10. Nice stuff, eeps. I really had my eye on the ratti elephant print skirt which seemed perfect for casual summer wear, but I was put off by the instructions to dry clean. I often hand wash items with dry clean instructions, but I wasn't sure about the lining. What do you think? Does it appear to be washable?

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    1. I hand wash dry-clean only. The only times I do not is if it's a vintage item and the color does not not appear to be dye-fast, or if it's vintage and the fabric isn't washable - like it's a paper dress from the 1960s or it's cashmere attached to mink/real fur. I haven't looked closely at the care tag but both the skirt and the lining appear to be cotton, which means it shouldn't shrink. Or if it does, it will shrink at around length. I plan to hand wash!

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  11. Review of the Raymond pull on pants from madewell on my IG
    Highly recommended and they are in the sale section.

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  12. I received my order with the everyday cashmere cardigans. I ordered my regular size and the fit is good. The cashmere isn't as soft as my older cashmere which is to be expected at this point but I feel they were worth the $38 I paid. Also received the Ribbed v neck tunic in cashmere. I sized one down In this and like the fit. I thought it would be long on me at 5 ft 4 which it is but not ridiculously so. I will probably keep. And that is the last of my pending orders from January.

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  13. I haven't worn a few pairs of shoes: tweed Avery pumps, embellished velvet Mary Jane pumps and satin Lottie flats with bows, oh, and gold laceup sandals. I also have pair of saddle colored STRAPPY sandals from Madewell I bought in the middle of the summer when my daughter took another pair of my Madewell sandals. I'll wear the embellished pumps next weekend for an event but truth be told it's been really cold and I haven't gone out much!

    Yesterday I received/purchased: Ogden wash toothpicks, wide leg camo pants, red lace easy pants, black subtle boatneck sweater and merino turtleneck.
    I also have some banana muscle tees, Madewell timeoff tanks and a NB zip up that I haven't worn, but these are all items I eitherhave multiples of or purchased on deep discount this late fall/early winter knowing I'd have them for the summer.
    I probably have other stuff NWT/NWOT from years ago, though I've been trying to return stuff right away if I don't wear it and I'm not sure.

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    1. I would be too embarrassed to list my new with tags items. I have a problem with waiting for a perfect occasion. I really need to do better and just enjoy my pretty things. Maybe this month I can challenge myself.

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    2. I too tend to wait for"special occasions" to wear new clothes. I am trying to break this habit. When I buy something new, I now "force" myself to wear the item within a couple of days of purchase (preferable that day or the next day). For some reason, wearing a new item right away for me seems to help me get over the idea that I should "save" the item for some special occasion. Another strategy that I have been using lately with good success is to plan a week of outfits incorporating new or little worn items from my closet. I may not always wear the planned outfit but it forces me to take stock of what is in my closet. Being aware of what I already own has also helped me to resist some impulse buys from the recent Jcrew sales. I realize now that I do not need to buy anything and I have so many beautiful clothes that I love, but rarely wear.

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    3. I do that too!!! A special occasion not being a fancy event but maybe dinner on the weekend or something. It is bad because then things sit with tags for years!

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    4. Well, something like jeans or a sweater I might Wear right away, but dressier stuff, I don't necessarily have the occasion...I mean lace pants at the gym isn't really appropriate. 😂

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    5. It’s not just party clothes that I save, because that is to be expected, but pretty much everything. Glad to know I’m not alone. I save things for the occasions that never happen in my fantasy life but if I ever get the call for that Palm Beach cocktail party around the pool or the Beverly Hills White Party, I’ll be ready to go!

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    6. @ShoppingCelle I’ll be right there with you at the cocktail party in my new dress! I have a very glamorous wardrobe and a pretty sedate life. Probably not a bad thing! All those cocktail parties would be bad for my health.

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    7. I generally wear new clothes soon after I buy them, unless I it's something out of season. I once read advice that said leave the tags on until you're ready to wear a new garment and if the tags are still on after 2 weeks, you obviously don't need it so you should return it. Me, I generally rip the tags off immediately and wash it, so that wouldn't work for me. I think it's very good advice though.

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    8. Same! But this is why I stopped buying dresses. I mean I like being fancy but I just have no need...

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    9. I also find that no matter how many fancy and gorgeous fantasy clothes I have accumulated, I never have the right fancy, gorgeous outfit when a non-fantasy, actually real occasion comes up, and they *still* sit there. This year I finally wore a skirt that was still NWT in my closet from Spring 2014 (!!!!!!!) - the nightgarden circle skirt to my friend's rehearsal dinner. It now recedes into the closet from which it came, next to the rest of the fantasy wardrobe.

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  14. Notorious "saver" here, too. I'm trying to be better about this after my wise friend asked me "what are you saving it for, your funeral?" I cut the tags off, wash/steam/press and enjoy wearing my new clothes now.

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  15. LOL. I'm wearing my new clothes/shoes right away if I like them. First around the house and next day to work. If I'm not able to wear new stuff right away , like for example a dress bought for a party I practically suffer.

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  16. OT: Just got an email from J Crew. I am NOT a cardholder but it is good news for cardholders! Text of email reads:

    Free shipping valid on purchases made using a J.Crew Credit Card at jcrew.com from February 1, 2018, 12:01am ET through May 1, 2018, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in stores or jcrewfactory.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash. Free shipping automatically applied at checkout when using a J.Crew Credit Card

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    1. I was just coming here to post this! Nice perk for Cardholders. Glad it last past no shop February.

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    2. Ditto! That is nice and something to love! Hope Jcrew can survive our no shop February so we can take advantage of that perk this spring!

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  17. I am an annual “shopping ban” person, and I have found that it’s really important to channel all that time and energy towards something more productive than buying more clothes ... improve your health/fitness e.g. train for a race or climb, focus on your relationships, learn something new, explore your community, volunteer for a cause you believe in, develop your professional skills, etc. A month will go by in no time, if that’s your goal!

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  18. Hello! Any JCA have a 15% off coupon they can spare? Please can you email me at maqsadshop at gmail dot com? I’ve got a PA adjustment issue ongoing and it could save me a lot of hassle. Thank you so much!

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  19. Any opinion on the new navy collarless jacket? Considering it but question the length.

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    1. Lynn! I just replied to your post about your sweet Shih-Tzu!

      I had the same reaction as you when I saw the listed length of 19.25”. After talking to a CS agent, this number seems to be a J.Crew website error again. Sigh.

      The length as given by CS is actually 21.5” for both x-small and small.
      If you have a short waist, the length wouldn’t get you glares for indecent exposure of the midriff ;)

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    2. Namora, just replied to your other post. Thank you for the update on the leather jacket sizing. I would require a "Bardot" medium. As far as the possible glares for indecent exposure, we are moving back to Monte Carlo soon and as you probably know less is best in the Med, especially on the beaches:) I will post if I order after receiving.

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    3. Ha! Well then, the length will definitely not be a problem in Monte Carlo! Will look for your review if you do end up ordering!

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  20. and at 7:12 P.M. tonight I received the email telling me that JC is offering free shipping....

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  21. Anyone know if we can return “final sale” items for store credit? :)

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    1. From my experience, they're generally pretty firm on no returns for final sale, even for store credit, but you can always ask to speak to a manager and explain the situation?

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    2. I've returned some FS items for my $$ back. I wasn't sure how long that would last but I haven't had a problem so far. I have been debating on a few other items to return (since I really don't need them) but have been a little apprehensive since things seemed to have slowed down and they may start saying no.

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    3. You may ask a CS agent to waive final sale and return the items by mail to receive full refund! If you take your items to a store, the store might not accept them at all, even if you ask for store credit. I have tried both and the latter route is definitely unpleasant...

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    4. My store always takes online final sale returns. No problem. In store purchases are final sale.

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  22. Well well well, those of you doing a shopping ban may promptly disregard my post.
    ...
    ...
    ...

    A sweet CS agent told me there will be a small update of new items on February 13! :)

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    1. I enjoy looking at new arrivals, but mostly wait for items to go on sale before buying so I'm ok.

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  23. @Namora, and others what’s a shopping ban? 😂

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  24. Came on just to say that I received the mockneck lace top in blue, which my VPS found for me, and it is possibly the prettiest thing from J.Crew I own. Usually I think my JC pieces are cute or utilitarian or office appropriate -- never pretty. This top is actually very pretty and kind of gives me hope that JC can still surprise me in a good way.

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

And now back to J.Crew! :)