Wednesday, February 21, 2018

"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.

66 comments:

  1. Today I received an email in regards to up to 40% off new arrivals with the same code from yesterday. I see no new arrivals so I assume they mean last week’s new arrivals?

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    1. Hi JessF - yeah, I think that they're talking about last week's rollout. Ina mentioned that the March rollout would be next week.

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    2. oh, thank you, I thought it was me! I’ve been getting the strangest emails from JC lately, posted some on my Insta @wellfedfred

      shouldn’t advertising relate to what a merchant is really offering?

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    3. Hi WFF - it really highlights how not...nimble they are when it comes to technology/social media. And this is where new leadership says they're going to focus? Yikes.

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    4. I was going to say the same thing! This new Starbucks experience officer or whatever he is better get to work stat. Yesterday’s email I received implied the code was only for sale items only which turned out not be the case and today’s email made me think there were new arrivals when there are not. If the code is really for all items new, old or sale the message is really not being communicated clearly at all.

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    5. There are a few new arrivals added here and there - a pink striped cotton top and the new pink rain jacket which is a good price with the 40% off.

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  2. Venting on myself: I caved on NSF again last night. Decided to click on the Factory email as they had 50% clearance plus free shipping. Noticed the Mixed Gingham shell for the first time and bought it on the spot. It’s a near-replica of a top that I wore at the end of high school and first year of University, I think I’m even wearing it in my student card photo! Anyway, no way to resist that nostalgic hit, hope it fits.

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  3. New arrivals are ok I guess. I do love Liberty but am trying to stay away from button downs because they don't seem to fit in the chest. I wish they would make some Liberty blouses that were not button downs like they did in 2013. Also, uncoated field jacket looks a little flimsy, new jewelry is horrible.

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    1. Oh wait in reading above i see today's new arrivals aren't new? I got an email today saying there were new arrivals..

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    2. i RN - you're right, now it seems like there are new things (along with the "new" arrivals from last week) like the cap-sleeve tops, uncoated field jacket and "perfect" raincoat. Notice that instead of "regular" sizes, they're now listed as "classic".

      Lots of "quotes" here, ha!

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    3. I've noticed that too, classic instead of regular. That kind of cracked me up a little.

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    4. It seems irrelevant to me. “Classic” body type...?? 🤔

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    5. I just thought of something that cracked me up—with the Sbux guy in charge maybe it will soon be known as tall, grande and venti. Imagine the calls and emails to CS? "Wait, so the smallest is called 'TALL?'" 😂 I still don't get it.

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    6. Maybe they should call it “In Between Petite and Tall”? What I don’t like is the way Poshmark does it. I was searching for a blazer in 12 or 14. Poshmark considers 12 “standard” and 14 “plus”. What’s so different about a 12 and a 14 that they need to be categorized separately? They’re all just sizes.

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    7. @Suz good one! I’m looking forward to the Venti jeans in a dark roast.

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    8. I just noticed the classic. I immediately noticed it! To me it seems foolish, but what other politically correct word could they use? Off the top of my head I can only think of standard but that is no better than "regular".
      Classic is just silly. It makes me think of classic sizing, like how today's modern size 0 is really an 8!

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    9. Ha, I noticed the "classic" designation yesterday. It makes no sense. Is it no longer PC to say regular? I mean, I get it in concept but I'm not sure classic is the right replacement word.

      And yes shopgrrl, I always found that odd on Poshmark and the only thing I could ever figure out is because they do the online "parties" where you can share items to the parties and sometimes they have "plus size" parties and you can't share items to the party unless they fit the parameters. But... I digress

      Suz - Have you seen the Kevin Hart skit about the Starbucks sizing? you want a tall? no, I want a small. a tall? no, a SMALL.

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    10. So does that mean my height is "trendy". Will I be taller next season? I am very confused.

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    11. I'm waiting for my vertically challenged section...

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    12. Or maybe classic versus vanity sizes. I have J Crew skirts that essentially have the same dimensions from 1997 that were an 8 in "classic" sizing. In today's vanity sizing they are a 4.

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    13. @Anne - Starbucks actually does have a small size coffee. It's called "short." It's not on the menu anymore, but it's still available if you ask for it. I remember when they removed it from the menu and added the "venti." Yes, I'm old. 🧐

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  4. Factory has a long sleeve maxi up. I always debate over trying this style then never order because I’m afraid it won’t be flattering on my body type. I like that it’s black and white.

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  5. You know what drives me nuts? This weekend the wide leg crop crepe pants were excluded from Promo. I did order the silk ones to try but the XS was sold out, so they might be too big...anyway...had the crepe pants been included in that promo I would have probably ordered a few sizes to try. At 40% off the price is not bad.
    I know, I know, I can order them now and get 40% off but my current order will be here today and I don't want to have too many orders. (It's #NSF, BTW.) it's just annoying,

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  6. I have failed at NSF :( The first two 'oops' weren't too bad; used a credit and a reward to buy two of the pom pom beanies after the price became 'irresistible.' I've seen it in store, but didn't try it on; got it in the off white and the black.

    Yesterday's slip was worse, but not too crazy. Trying two sizes of the collection striped pullover (M, L and Xl are left if you are interested), along with a vneck tank and underwear for my son. This is a great promo. Still trying to be more mindful of my consumption this month in all areas...

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    1. Oh-and wanted to mention, it still seems there is a 'glitch' in that sale items sometimes show under their category (i.e., 'collection') but not in the sale section. Excuse me for enabling...

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    2. While not officially on a shopping ban I've tried unsuccessfully to be good/better. This J.Crew promo was a tipping point and too good to pass on. The true deal was H1691, a slim cut plaid button down for under $17, then a fleece cardigan popback G9449 for $42 and finally two pairs of socks to push me to the 40% off level.

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  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  8. Dear J.Crew,

    If you made a matching skirt to a new top H7000, please make both available at the same time.

    Sincerely,
    Bare Bottom

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    1. Hadn’t noticed that too but it’s super nice in white/red! Love the hookup too. Ooooooooooh.

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    2. Haha! Yes! The red/white skirt is beautiful!

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    3. I think it's a sign...that top is more than enough of that embroidery.

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    4. The matching skirt is under New Arrivals now.

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  9. I had been spared until now but today I received ... puppies.

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  10. I don't understand the "you'll receive your package soon" email. I received one this morning for a sweater I ordered on Monday. the text of the email reads: Your order is on schedule for its
    promised delivery date. But it will be
    leaving a little later than planned. So
    you can relax, while we hustle.

    (P.S. Just keeping you in the
    loop — we’ll email you with tracking
    info once your order has shipped)

    Not six hours later did I get an email that the item had shipped AND it'll be here before the originally estimated date. So...why send the email? I did free economy shipping and always expect it'll be a week before it shows up.

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  11. I wish that they would allow a few-minute "courtesy hold" when a pop back/sale item is placed into the bag!

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  12. Posted reviews with additional details on Instagram @wearthislikethis

    Drapey crepe capsleeve top. I got the 2 Tall in black. This is definitely a look but the fit is great and I really like the style, it's feminine and retro. ISO the ivory. I'm sure I'll find one at some point.

    Silk twill crossover Pant. I was looking forward to these but the fit doesn't work. Too bad. This is going to be a hard sell. For me it would work a lot better if it was better tailored and not an elastic waist.

    cropped silk pull on pant. I got a size up due to availability and they're a little too loose, even though I like them lower on the waist I think my regular size will be more flattering. Stalking for the XS.

    Metallic sequin t shirt. Nice material. I sized up to a small because I read a review that said the arms are really tight. They are, and the fit is short and boxy, but it's cute.

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  13. So excited I was able to score 2 of my "white whales", which were on sale, plus the additional 40% off promo: Ribbed turtleneck in Italian Cashmere in Camel for $74.99 (F8680), Collection pleated skirt in natural denim with leather trim for $59.99 (G8505).

    I purchased 4 items yesterday, and I emailed CS for a price adjustment on the Collection Alpaca Fair Isle Sweater I purchased last week (6 days ago) at 30% off. It was available at the time of my purchase, and I placed it in my cart, and took a screen shot of my cart at the reduced price, which I also included in my email. CS replied this morning that the sweater would only be eligible for an additional 20% off, so I had already received the best price, and they could not adjust my previous purchase. I'm confused -- the sweater was actually in my cart, and reduced by 40%! This is the first time I've had an issue with receiving a price adjustment within 7 days. In any case, I just emailed them again, asking them to revisit it, so we'll see.

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    1. Wow, those are some great finds! I also have the Italian Cashmere Turtleneck (in the olive green color) and its great! That’s so strange about the alpaca sweater. I actually purchased it yesterday and received 40% off. Hopefully, they will revisit in your favor!

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    2. @R - I have the Italian cashmere ribbed turtleneck in both black and camel and I'd grab the pink in a minute if I saw it in my size. It's such a beautiful, timeless sweater. I'm sure that one will be in my closet for many years. OTOH, I didn't care for the alpaca sweater: short, wide, huge sleeves. It has very good reviews, so a lot of people like it, but I couldn't stuff that one back in the plastic bag fast enough.

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    3. Thanks ladies, I'm really excited about the Cashmere Turtleneck. I was able to get the olive as well a few weeks ago (on final sale), and I love it as much as the reviews, and you both do! Hopefully it will be back again next year, as I would really love one in charcoal as well.

      Jeanne, thank you for the feedback re. the Alpaca sweater. I hope I have a similar experience with it. I won't receive it for another week or so (shipping to west coast Canada is so slow), but I already feel like I want to return it just because I'm frustrated with CS. Maybe that's silly, but I just get so irritated and turned off by inconsistencies in pricing and policies. Sigh.

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    4. @R - I have to admit that I wasn't sorry to return the alpaca sweater. Even if I'd liked the fit, it's ridiculously heavy, almost like a coat. And I live on the gulf coast, so I can't imagine when I'd wear it.

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  14. I stopped by the store to pick up a sweater I ordered, but it's going right back. It reeks of perfume and has bright red sweat stains under the arms of the ivory sweater. WTF is wrong with people returning clothes that have obviously been worn and damaged? And why is J.Crew trying to resell them?

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    1. Jeanne, I've had the same experience (not the same type of stains, though!), and I agree -- it's both gross and bewildering!

      My question, though is -- what on earth would cause bright red armpit stains on an ivory sweater!? Hopefully a colourfast red shirt worn underneath...!?

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    2. @R - It appears that someone wore it over a red top and had a lot of dye transfer. There are lighter stains throughout the inside, but very heavy red rings under the arms. This did not happen from trying on the sweater. Someone wore it for a long time and was sweating heavily. Yep, very, very gross.

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    3. EEWWWW!!! Gross! I've only had perfume-y items sent but sweat stained ones? Yuck!

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    4. I just received an order and a striped tee dress reeked of perfume. Luckily no stain but the perfume was so strong it made my eyes water trying on the dress. Such a turnoff, even though it fit I couldn’t convince myself to keep it. And my blackwatch pajamas set came without bottoms. I mean... cmon JC! Where is the QC!?

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    5. @eeps - So I'm not the only one receiving bottomless pajama sets. Was your set opened/missing the paper wrapping strip? Both incomplete sets that I received were missing the paper strip, so I assume someone opened them and took the pants out. Very annoying.

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    6. @Jeanne - Mine came from a store. The top had a handwritten tag, and definitely no paper wrapping strip. It just boggles my mind because the moment I took it out of the box I knew something was wrong - way too light for flannel pajamas top and bottom. I just called JC to ask what to do, and the set is sold out in my size. So they issued me a refund and told me to keep the top. Very VERY annoying!

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  15. One more vent: When I put on an almost new pair of vintage cotton pajamas last night (worn 2x), one of the buttons snapped in half. I contacted customer service about replacement buttons and was told they don't have any available, but they'll pay for a replacement button if I buy it myself. Of course, the problem is not the cost of the button; the problem is finding replacement buttons that match exactly. Which reminds me of advice given by Marie Kondo: throw out all extra buttons because you'll never use them. If a button falls off of something, she believes you should throw out the item as it's probably no good anymore anyway. Horrible advice IMO.

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    1. I save all my buttons in a little box. You never know when you need one. Hasn't happened often but I have two JCrew coats that I have needed the spare buttons, and I'm glad I had them.

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    2. The offer of reimbursement after going on a wild goose chase myself, when they are the manufacturer of the garment, and therefore keeper of the buttons, would infuriate me. I hope you find a satisfying replacement easily!

      I agree; that is horrible advice. Since my teenage years I have had one large mason jar which holds all the extra buttons. I take them out of the wrapping and stick them in there and have been grateful for that many times.

      I'm finding myself agreeing with Marie less lately. I have gotten rid of things I don't wear all too much, but I came to the realization that all of my work clothes are not going to spark JOY and I'm okay with it. Sometimes I need an outfit (or outfits all week!) that is/are good for a rainy day, sometimes I need an outfit(s) that is comfy for when I don't feel well...I am running around an office a lot and also depend on flats. It was not joy invoking to succumb to mostly flats at work. On the other hand, I did get rid of stuff I have for my personal life, just because I have better and didn't need the B list stuff.

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    3. @Suz Has - I save mine, too, and I frequently use them. I remember losing a large white button from a coat a few years ago and having to buy all new buttons since I didn't have a spare and couldn't find an exact match. But, on a positive note, the buttons I selected were amazing: black and white glass cameos. When I got rid of the coat (white coats are too high maintenance), I kept the buttons.

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    4. @Cheritheberry - If Joann Fabrics doesn't have matching buttons, I'm out of ideas. There aren't a lot of options here for buttons. While I love living here in New Orleans, I miss all the button, bead and trimming stores I shopped in when I lived in NYC. At least it's pajamas, so if I can't find an exact match, a close match will work.

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    5. Cheri, that's a good point re. some more "utilitarian" items not sparking joy...and not needing to.

      I can't imagine throwing out an item just because a button fell off. That seems very wasteful and bougie to me. I hope the collaboration Marie Kondo is doing with Cuyana doesn't have any garments with buttons on them 😂

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    6. cheri, YES, sometimes a shirt is only a shirt. I wear the Gap’s cotton hipster panties most of the time, because they’re comfortable and breathable, but i’d be in real trouble if my underpants sparked joy. Or sparked anything, for that matter.

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    7. I have some buttons that I've saved from J.Crew clothes that I never used. I could look for them and mail you a packet if you want to PM me your address.

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    8. @wellfedfred - I admit that my underwear really do spark joy, lol. I usually wear Jockey Elance Breathe hipsters. Since I moved from the NE to the deep south, I need undies that keep me cool and these are great. The only issue I have with the Jockeys is that, oddly, they don't come any smaller than a size 6 (Jockey size 6 = most brands' size 7). If I lose weight, which I'm trying to do, I'll have to find new favorite underwear. My Wacoal bras also make me quite happy. I seriously doubt if the new J.Crew underwear will strike joy for me though.

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    9. @Fran - Thanks for the offer, but I don't think the pajamas ever include buttons. I have numerous pairs and I don't see any pajama buttons in my button collection. I even checked the seams, since some manufacturers sew an extra in the seam. Nope, nothing.

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  16. I got an e-mail saying my Towson, Md store was back in business...did someone pay the rent late?

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    1. Oh wow! Great news. I’ll check it out and report back.

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