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 work above a LOFT and don't shop there unless I have a tights-related emergency. This week a pretty dress in a medallion print caught my eye - the rest of the shop window looked like a less hippy Anthropologie, which was kind of appealing to me. Anyone with shopping experience there - what are the materials like - polyester? rayon? Can you return online orders to retail stores? How do sizes compare to JC?
ReplyDeleteHi eeps - there's definitely a lot of poly at Loft, but I've found that for the most part their tees and tanks (as well as some of their sweaters) are 100% cotton and don't feel as flimsy as JC's tees do now. Most jeans are the cotton/poly/spandex "pajama jean" kind of fabric. Dresses tend to be a poly/spandex or rayon/spandex blend but some of them are a thicker fabric and hang well (and don't feel too cheap).
DeleteYou can return online orders to the retail store without issue. If you return retail items to a retail store they may scan your drivers license/ID in order to process them. I've found the sizing to be comparable to JC and some of the tops to be slightly larger (I'm a solid 4/S at JC, but have gone to an XS in more than one Loft top/sweater).
They usually have free shipping on $125+, but for a while this spring they were playing around with FS on $50+, $75+, and $99+ depending on your browser session. I ordered a bunch of things to try this spring when I had the FS on $50+ for a few weeks. I've had some shorts in my cart for a while but it's gone back to FS on $125 and I don't have enough to place an order (or want to deal with ride-alongs). They have promos and flash sales constantly.
Hope this helps!
Thanks!! There's a few dresses I like in the sale section but they have the dreaded final sale tag. Are they flex on that usually?
DeleteI've don't know - but I had to return a final sale coat once that was defective (had a ripped lining) and they gave me a hard time about returning it so I've never purchased FS from them again. From what I've seen on the site, dresses tend to go FS where many other things don't, so if you see something you like give it a try while it's still returnable.
Deleteeeps - re: Loft. I have found a lot of Loft tops to be really large this year. I ordered a bunch of linen tees when they were running a 50% off promo and even the XXS was too big and boxy. YMMV
DeleteI do like their skinny ankle pants. They wash up well and need very little ironing. Way too much rayon and poly for my liking, so I haven't shopped there in a while. They used to have great quality stuff. I even have a few Loft cashmere sweaters from many years ago. Unfortunately the quality has taken a nosedive, but that's everywhere now.
I have found their dresses to run one size bigger this year. I love their petites and can usually wear off the rack but this year I have been sized out several times and I am normally a petite small. I have done in store pick up and returns with no issues, or scan of my license. I am also now totally devoted to their jeans and have never found a pair that has fit as well. It was practically a religious experience to find the first pair that made me feel that good and I'm 45ish. I will never wear J Crew jeans again.
DeleteThanks everyone!! Given the sizing issues, I am going to refrain from ordering. I'll try to find a LOFT stocking the dresses I want and try on in size. Don't want to risk the final sale.
Delete@TeriLynn13 - what is your usual JC dress size?
DeleteThis year I've been shopping at loft WAY more than at J.Crew this year because they continue to churn out adorable tops at good prices. I never, ever buy anything full price because they have a "flash sale" at least once a week and everything goes to 40% off before it really starts selling out. Re, sizing, yes, definitely inconsistent, but note (as I have learned the hard way) that you need to be on top of new arrivals if you wear a small size (XXS or XXSP up top for me), because they sell out very very quickly. I love some of their more casual dresses, and especially their tees as they are reasonably priced and wear well.
DeleteI received a dress from Loft as a Christmas gift, and I love wearing it to work. It is comfortable, the quality is great, the fit is on point, and it always garner a lot of compliments. It has made me rethink the loft, however when I look online everything I want is always final sale, so I have yet to purchase more. Sizing was large for me. I am a 0/25 in J Crew pants and took an XXS in the dress. HTH a bit :)
ReplyDeleteI just looked at the size and the dress I own is the "patchwork tassel tie waist dress" LOVE!
DeleteI have two $15 off codes for Pure Collection (UK), USHE1805 expiring tonight and USHE1707 expiring tomorrow. I have some older cashmere & wool pieces from them that've held up well, but haven't ordered anything from them recently. Still trying to be a more mindful shopper . . .
ReplyDelete