tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post6946862425426971644..comments2024-03-28T05:33:23.130-04:00Comments on J.Crew Aficionada: J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}Alexis {J.Crew Aficionada}http://www.blogger.com/profile/01823796392253094261noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-5588944221172620532017-01-11T14:10:08.302-05:002017-01-11T14:10:08.302-05:00I know. I really wanted to order them yesterday. A...I know. I really wanted to order them yesterday. And today went back up to 99.99. juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02177047965853904957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-28526503010633336972017-01-11T06:37:44.535-05:002017-01-11T06:37:44.535-05:00Arghh.. prices down and then back up in the span o...Arghh.. prices down and then back up in the span of a couple of hours on a number of items, including the patio pants. Price did seem almost too good to be true. Hate when that happens...Toronto Modernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09047950309668617462noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-36611313588592463592017-01-11T04:08:03.630-05:002017-01-11T04:08:03.630-05:00The Patio pants in super 120s wool are marked down...The Patio pants in super 120s wool are marked down but, unfortunately, they are now final sale. (We all knew the final sales were coming, but what a bummer given the inconsistency of sizing.) I have other Patio pants (i.e. in skinny stripe E8718 and windowpane tweed F0794). Does anyone have a view as to the consistency of the fit across the different Patio pant style numbers? Thank you!Toronto Modernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09047950309668617462noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-69200247581589345502017-01-11T02:59:38.854-05:002017-01-11T02:59:38.854-05:00Sigh...I miss the beautiful abstract watercolor fl...Sigh...I miss the beautiful abstract watercolor florals J Crew used to do and was hoping they might bring some back this spring. I'm glad to see more prints in general but big, splashy 60's/70's pop prints are not what I'm looking for. Much less closet longevity with those more stylized pieces. Alyssahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05577829524403989584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-34842295486654019332017-01-11T00:24:26.234-05:002017-01-11T00:24:26.234-05:00Oh goody, another account to follow! Thanks for th...Oh goody, another account to follow! Thanks for the info, just checked out a few pix -- that Jenny Walton print is very pretty!TM93https://www.blogger.com/profile/18166897306461544844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-58432201800576197532017-01-10T23:44:52.095-05:002017-01-10T23:44:52.095-05:00@carol06hawk has posted a few pics of new roll out...@carol06hawk has posted a few pics of new roll out on her IG.Mygoddyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09240250626088757693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-6433605686509481622017-01-10T22:02:48.823-05:002017-01-10T22:02:48.823-05:00Yeah I hope they are not building their comeback o...Yeah I hope they are not building their comeback on activewear...the NB clothing kind of flopped and I really don't need another place to buy workout clothes...I need a place to buy nice quality work and occasion clothes.WRAFPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13652924141617999701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-50588349575238116112017-01-10T20:34:54.424-05:002017-01-10T20:34:54.424-05:00Yes, what a find! I decided to try one - sometimes...Yes, what a find! I decided to try one - sometimes I like a colorful shirt like that peeking out of a black or gray sweater.julielion96https://www.blogger.com/profile/02769063727174242992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-65039018016763049382017-01-10T19:58:25.631-05:002017-01-10T19:58:25.631-05:00I so agree that J. Crew pricing is out of whack. T...I so agree that J. Crew pricing is out of whack. Too expensive for trendy pieces that can be had at the so-called fast fashion retailers for much lower prices on a lightening-quick timeline. Also too expensive for the disappointingly low quality (fabric, construction, finish, and sizing) on the classic-with-a-twist pieces the whole brand was built upon. Ruffleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01482192175011569049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-77298299785927680852017-01-10T19:37:29.108-05:002017-01-10T19:37:29.108-05:00Posted a really bad pic (terrible lighting at nigh...Posted a really bad pic (terrible lighting at night) on IG @wearthislikethisSuz Hashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13861014424535094375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-32618029848537943682017-01-10T19:36:31.340-05:002017-01-10T19:36:31.340-05:00Tried it on with different jeans and a skirt. I th...Tried it on with different jeans and a skirt. I think it can work exactly the way I was hoping with the right bottoms (not the wider jeans I tried earlier.). I like the neckline because it will work with a tie neck shirt, tuxedo shirt, regular tee, etc. Still have to figure out which size is better but I think the 4 will work better. Suz Hashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13861014424535094375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-36480958871047938282017-01-10T18:34:32.616-05:002017-01-10T18:34:32.616-05:00I like it, but something about the proportions see...I like it, but something about the proportions seems off. I definitely need to try with narrower jeans and other shirts. I do like that the pattern is dark. And I love the black lapel. Maybe it's just that the 4 is too wide on the bottom. I'll keep trying. <br />Very funny that both sizes came! The smaller one was scheduled to come on Friday and Narvar kept saying it was on time, even on Saturday when obviously it wasn't. Suz Hashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13861014424535094375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-59683614320616658532017-01-10T18:26:45.400-05:002017-01-10T18:26:45.400-05:00I really like mine. The black watch pattern is so...I really like mine. The black watch pattern is so dark that it really can stand in for black, although I do like mine with the blue/white stripe perfect shirt (like they show). Funny both sizes came today!Muffinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13388765874750843996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-19735513119149789562017-01-10T17:50:41.554-05:002017-01-10T17:50:41.554-05:00I received the Regent blazer in blackwatch plaid t...I received the Regent blazer in blackwatch plaid today, that I ordered on 12/30. I also received another size that I ordered on 1/6 I think. Ironically the one I ordered later, the larger size (4) seems a better fit at first glance. The blazer itself is beautiful, although the 4 was wrinkled and needs to be steamed. I've seen it on other JCAs but I wasn't crazy about how it looked with anything I tried. I wish it was offered in tall or was two inches longer. I thought it would be a nice alternative to black but I will need to experiment more. Suz Hashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13861014424535094375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-34954740394283109562017-01-10T16:08:52.063-05:002017-01-10T16:08:52.063-05:00Hi Monica Bonica - your explanation is on point! ...Hi Monica Bonica - your explanation is on point! I know that if I'm looking for something tunic-y, distressed denim, or leather - I go to Madewell. I don't order much from them, but some of my absolute favorite pieces in my closet are Madewell. <br /><br />JC's been having an identity crisis for a while now. The trend chasing plus the long production cycle isn't helping them. What do they do, just gamble that people are going to buy multiple Edie tops spanning several seasons? <br /><br />Thought this from the article was interesting/true:<br />“She’s loyal as hell until we go wrong," said Drexler in a March 2015 conference call about J.Crew’s shopper. “Then she wants it on sale.”silver_lininghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11145331294538875917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-17820790128311060972017-01-10T16:00:13.079-05:002017-01-10T16:00:13.079-05:00Wanted to point out one more thing (not totally re...Wanted to point out one more thing (not totally related, but rather surprising to me):<br /><br />New reports suggest that Drexler, working on a new business plan with consulting firm McKinsey & Co., is considering a greater focus on activewear — a segment Morgan Stanley predicts will grow to $83 billion in sales by 2020 — after launching the brand’s first collaboration with New Balance this autumn. At the same time, J.Crew shuttered its bridal line.<br /><br />JC is not the first name I think of when I think of 'activewear' so this bit surprised me. I think the NB collaboration has been successful for certain pieces, sneakers in particular, but I'd be curious to know how successful it's been with other pieces. TM93https://www.blogger.com/profile/18166897306461544844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-54927934221077364922017-01-10T15:54:04.103-05:002017-01-10T15:54:04.103-05:00I think you guys have hit the nail on the head wit...I think you guys have hit the nail on the head with Madewell, especially the bit about their 'consistent aesthetic'. When I think of Madewell, I think of a specific look, and while it doesn't resonate with me personally, it does with their target demographic. They KNOW who they're designing for. Agree that JC is potentially trying to please too many different tastes at times. The article also says this as well:<br /><br />“[J.Crew’s] price points are out of whack for what’s going on in the market right now,” says Santaniello. Madewell hits a sweet spot, however. “It’s little bit elevated for the crowd they’re going for, but it’s still attainable,” she says.<br /><br />In order to better address the needs of price-conscious shoppers, retailers are expanding their off-price business. As of October, J.Crew added 28 Mercantile locations (off-price product stores located outside outlet malls) in 2016.TM93https://www.blogger.com/profile/18166897306461544844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-41456935030446770822017-01-10T15:47:07.295-05:002017-01-10T15:47:07.295-05:00I agree on the flimsiness of the collars and shirt...I agree on the flimsiness of the collars and shirts in general. It's like they forgot to put in interfacing to give the collars body. Muffinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13388765874750843996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-79715843528806246972017-01-10T15:34:52.292-05:002017-01-10T15:34:52.292-05:00I think Madewell does a great job of staying on-tr...I think Madewell does a great job of staying on-trend and on-message, in that I can see one customer wearing almost all the clothes in their line. It seems like they do fewer rollouts than J crew (I could be wrong), which would probably aid them not having to discount to keep merchandise moving at all times like JC. Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07923395472788182062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-15691200684613127472017-01-10T15:34:24.686-05:002017-01-10T15:34:24.686-05:00In response to your question, Cass, I think Madewe...In response to your question, Cass, I think Madewell's doing well because they have a fairly consistent aesthetic. They're doing the whole cool-girl thing, which is pretty popular with what I think their target demographic is: 20 and 30 somethings with disposable income looking for the that particular carefree Instagram-y feel. <br /><br />I think J.Crew has been struggling on the women's side (compared to the men's side) because they're catering to too many types of shopper. They're doing trends, high fashion, preppy stuff, edgy, and at ever-changing prices. It feels like an identity crisis to me. If I look at what I've purchased from J.Crew in the last year, the styles are that classics with a twist stuff they have historically been known for. Things I'm not buying? Off the shoulder, fringe, pajama-inspired, ruffles. Those are things I would look to fast fashion for, since I wouldn't expect to get more than a season of wear out of them. No shade to people who embrace those trends, though. <br /><br />The menswear has remained pretty focused on a particular vibe and an eye for quality that I think explains their continued success. Kinda puts the situation on the women's side in perspective for me, though.Monica Bonicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03605010094376008080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-20089183120259566842017-01-10T14:02:11.432-05:002017-01-10T14:02:11.432-05:00Madewell's jeans are all in the $120-140 range...Madewell's jeans are all in the $120-140 range--they're def not competing on low price points. I personally don't shop there either because it's too casual for me and I need office clothes 5 days out of the week. Anyone here a big Madewell shopper and care to comment on why they think it's managing to do well?WRAFPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13652924141617999701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-89087333415115385592017-01-10T13:44:57.578-05:002017-01-10T13:44:57.578-05:00@Cass, that's a good observation about Madewel...@Cass, that's a good observation about Madewell, whose success they point to in the article (I think they mention that Madewell has a lower price point, but I'd have to double check. I don't shop with them so I don't know personally.) <br /><br />Re) closing stores, the article says it would only be a Band-Aid solution:<br /><br />Elevating design, lowering prices and streamlining stores are only Band-Aid solutions for a much deeper problem that none of these retailers have fundamentally addressed: a lack of design speed and flexibility in a company’s merchandising culture. In order to minimise losses due to markdowns of unsold product and sellouts of popular styles, apparel retailers need overhaul their approach to risk through fast-and-flexible supply chains.TM93https://www.blogger.com/profile/18166897306461544844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-33180299616643228892017-01-10T12:50:15.286-05:002017-01-10T12:50:15.286-05:00Thank you BeachyDuck! I had my eye on this waiting...Thank you BeachyDuck! I had my eye on this waiting for it to go on sale, but gave up when it sold out in my size. Hooray for pop backs! I cannot believe the price. What a score! Carrie @ Hazardous Designhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02578831218273627158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-70408247672969421742017-01-10T12:28:38.476-05:002017-01-10T12:28:38.476-05:00When I think back, most of my shopping has been on...When I think back, most of my shopping has been online with J.Crew this past season because my store doesn't carry very much. They don't carry hardly any shoes and their clothing sizes get picked over very quickly. I really don't like to order because I hate to have to wait, face the shame when the package is delivered from husband, coworkers, ups and mailman... I would be OK with online shopping if J.Crew shipping rates weren't so high and it didn't take so long for them to ship and no final sale. They need to make it easier and more appealing to shop online if this will help their overall business. Also, their sizing inconsistencies are killing them with people that are ordering multiple multiple sizes to find one that works. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08096259811500845771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-45592111900405795652017-01-10T12:12:53.065-05:002017-01-10T12:12:53.065-05:00Thanks for the article. How do they explain the s...Thanks for the article. How do they explain the success of Madewell, which is not a fast-fashion brand? I would say it has a smaller presence and has not oversaturated the market. Not as much product to clear out so they don't have to discount as much. I think closing some stores is going to be part of the answer for a lot of these chains. WRAFPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13652924141617999701noreply@blogger.com