Product Review: Onyx Sequin Dress

Onyx Sequin Dress
Click here for product page
Item 99984
Regular: $148.00
Now: $79.99

A big "thanks!" to Priya (in this post), who shared with us her great review of this {beautiful} dress!

Review of the Onyx Sequin Dress

I received it last week as part of my HOHOHO purchase in a size 2. I really wanted to love it, at $56 it was a great deal and I thought it would be perfect for a New Years Eve party. But alas, it was not meant to be.

The fitting is pretty true to size and the merino is thicker than the sweaters and has a nice drape to it. The sequins are great, an understated level of sparkly.

But the problem was with the chest area. First off, it is more fitted in the bust than I was anticipating, I am a D cup and it was pretty tight, so that is something to consider. However, my real problem was with the neckline. Maybe if you are small chested you can pull it off without some type of camisole under the dress, but the v neck goes all the way to your sternum. Without something underneath I felt uncomfortable. I tried for a stretch black tank underneath but it took so much way from the dress, the neck line was totally different and it just looked odd to wear a party dress with a tank top underneath.

So in the end it wasn't for me, I was super bummed though. It was definitely a pretty dress.

"Thanks!" again to Priya (in this post) for her review! :)

This sweater dress looks amazing on the model in the photos! But in the end, I {sadly} know it will never work for my pear-shape frame. I also have to add that I am really surprised by how deep the neckline is... J.Crew, how scandalous of you! ;)

What are your thoughts on the Onyx Sequin Dress (do you like/dislike the style, design, fabric)? Are you considering or already have purchased this dress? Have you seen this dress in-person? If so, please share with us your reviews too! :)

J.Crew Revises 4th Quarter & Fiscal 2008 Guidance

J.Crew sent a news release (click here or here) today announcing "that it is revising its fourth quarter and fiscal 2008 guidance, primarily to reflect lower than anticipated sales and gross margin trends. The Company expects to report results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2008 during the second week of March 2009." Moreover, "this revised guidance reflects the aggressive inventory actions taken to clear fall and holiday inventory during the fourth quarter".

The MarketWatch site (click here) sums it up with the following:
"J.Crew Group Inc. on Thursday lowered its earnings forecast for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2008, blaming lower sales and gross margins. The apparel retailer now sees a fourth-quarter loss of 24 cents to 29 cents a share, compared to its previous guidance of 5 to 10 cents a share in profit. For the full year, it projects earnings of 77 cents to 82 cents a share, versus its previous expected range of $1.11 to $1.16. On average, analysts surveyed by FactSet Research were looking for J.Crew to report a profit of 7 cents a share in the fourth quarter and $1.14 a share for the full year".

Things are still not looking good for J.Crew (although I will say it is much better off than other retailers during this difficult economic times). Despite all the {amazing} promotions and sales offered during the holidays, consumers are still (understandably) cautious about spending. I am hoping that J.Crew will be able to perform better during the next year (especially since I own their stock- and I lost *a lot* on my initial investment!) ;)

Do you own J.Crew stock? What are your thoughts on the news (are you surprised or expected this)? What do you think J.Crew should do to "turn things around"?

J.Crew Offers Sneak Peek {when can we get it?}

While browsing J.Crew's website the other day, I noticed a new bag used alongside the Tissue Pleated Top (item 13125; $45.00). I searched all over the website & the catalog (available online) and could not find it. The only item that came close was the Silk Gala Clutch (Item 13636, $88.00). However, it is not the same item.

Then I remembered a post awhile back ("J.Crew Wedding Collection: Sneak Peek to Spring '09"), and lo and behold! The pink purse was there.

Brides.com had an entry that showed us a few new items for Spring 2009 including this "dusty pink, pleated satin tote".

This got me thinking, what new Spring 2009 items can I find on J.Crew's website? I love to see what other new items are "coming up" for J.Crew! :)

When do you think the new Spring 2009 arrivals will hit stores and be available online? Have you found any "sneak peeks" of new items (yet to be offered) online or in magazines? Are you excited about the Spring arrivals?

Product Review: Merino Portland Cardigan

Merino Portland Cardigan
Click here for product page
Item 99826
Regular: $89.50
Now: $29.99

I am a big fan of cardigans! I just love that it can be worn buttoned up or open, depending on the weather- it's all year, all around, perfect!

A big "thanks!" to Merino Portland Cardigan (in this post), who shared with us her great review of this {beautiful} cardigan!

I just received my Merino Portland Cardigan (Item 99826) and they're exactly what I was hoping for. Thin, soft, not at all itchy. Fits TTS but is a long sweater (25" or so long).

The sleeves hit past my wrist to the bottom of my hand which is great for me because I'm sick of bracelet lenght sleeves. It is form fitting but accomodates a full viscose jersey top underneath. The shoulder seem is set back further on the shoulder instead of on top of the shoulder, and there's no issues with the shoulders being too narrow. I don't love v-necks but this fits so well the v-neck doesn't affect my opinion of the sweater. I purchased navy and champagne, and might order more.

This sweater would look great over a skirt, with or without a belt over it, and currently I have it on with my cords and it looks great with those too. It will be a great spring item too since it's thin. (The lighter color does require something under it because you can see a bra under it.) I'm glad I returned my Stephanie cardigans and bought these instead. I tried it on and have not taken it off yet. I highly recommend this sweater!

"Thanks!" again to Merino Portland Cardigan (in this post) for her review! :)

Also, if you are interested, Shannon (over at J.Crew Reviews) has a {wonderful} review of this cardigan (click here to read) as well as real-life images.

What are your thoughts on the Merino Portland Cardigan (do you like/dislike the style, design, fabric)? Are you considering or already have purchased this cardigan? Have you seen this cardigan in-person? If so, please share with us your reviews too! :)

J.Crew's Website & Tech Difficulties {ah geez!}

As many of you have noticed and mentioned, J.Crew's website seems to be having some "technical difficulties". :( From the comments, it sounds like the website this afternoon/ evening (depending on which time zone) has been fluctuating back and forth from "up & running", running slowly, and "site down".

The website issues, stemming from the upgrade last summer, seem to become a normal staple of shopping on JCrew.com at this point. ;) I know I say this often, but I really mean the following: I hope it gets fixed soon! :) I am sure this can't be good for business. :)

Has the website issues today impacted your shopping and browsing of JCrew.com? At this point, are you accustomed or surprised by the existing website issues?

News Article: Shoppers Getting Use To Holiday Deals

"Thanks!" to jbird, joangee, and RTM (in this post) who let us know about a recent article (click here or here to read the article in its entirety) that mentions J.Crew while discussing shoppers' hesitation to purchase:

After sales, will shoppers pay full price again?
By Anne D'Innocenzio
January 7, 2008

Shoppers are getting used to those 75 percent off sale signs, and that's bad news for merchants who worry they will also have to quickly slash prices on spring goods to attract customers. ...

Already, retailers including Bebe Stores Inc. and J.Crew Group Inc. are cutting prices on selected spring styles to lure sale-savvy shoppers. ...

Merchants struggling to clear out mounds of deeply discounted coats and sweaters are wondering how they are going to get nervous shoppers to splurge on new spring products.

The deep price cuts are making shoppers question the true value of items. If they can get $200 jeans at 60 percent off, will they be willing to pay the original price next fall? "Our sense of what is fair and what is a good deal has changed," said Michal Ann Strahilevitz, professor of marketing at the Golden Gate University's Ageno School of Business. She said that a sale has to be at least 70 percent off to be considered a bargain now. ...

And while spring inventories are estimated to be down as much as 30 percent from year-ago levels, many analysts say that inventories should be down even more. ...

As retailers work to clear out old merchandise, analysts say many are trying to hold back on discounting new winter and spring items. ...But many doubt that such strategies will work and predict early discounts on spring goods. The signs are already there. Bebe has cut certain spring sweaters by 25 percent, while J.Crew has marked some spring items anywhere from 25 to 40 percent off, according to Amy Wilcox Noblin, an analyst at PaliCapital Inc.

It will be years before shoppers are going to be enticed by discounts of less than 50 percent, said C. Britt Beemer, chairman of America's Research Group. ...

As mentioned in the "J.Crew Tries To Reset Price Points {will it work?}" post, I feel like I have been "trained" to see some amazing sale prices, along with some kind of promotion (e.g. free shipping and additional percent off sales). I find it difficult pay full price on a purchase when I think the item isn't "worth" that full price tag and will go "on sale" in just a few weeks. ;)

What are your thoughts on the article and customers inclination to wait for deep discounts? Do you think stores will maintain holiday sales and deals for the rest of the year?

J.Crew Email: Free Shipping On Orders Of $100+ :)

J.Crew sent an email letting us know about their final sale (click here), and more importantly their latest promotion. ;)

J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $1o0+ with promo code FREESHIP09. This offer expires 1/11/08.

"Thanks!" to Anon at 11:51 AM (in this post) who let us know that the code for free shipping on orders of $150+ is 09FREESHIP. This offer also expires 1/11/08.

As I mentioned in another post, I am holding off from any more purchases for awhile. I was able to get a lot of wonderful items in the past two months, and it *should* (but who knows!) hold me over for awhile. ;)

What are your thoughts on the current offer? Will you shop online (to take advantage of this promotion and new mark downs) or shop in-stores (to take advantage of the additional 30% off)?

Product Review: Golden Bird's-Nest Ring

Golden Bird's-Nest Ring
Click here for product page
Item 11171
Regular: $65.00
Now: $50.00

I really like this ring. I have seen it in the store a couple of times now, and each time I linger around the jewelry case wondering if I should get it or not. I purchased the J.Crew's Cabochon Bouquet Cocktail Ring (Item 92716) awhile back and even though I love it, it is too cumbersome to wear (e.g. keeps getting in my way when I wash my hands or stuck on a coat sleeve). I was worried that the Nest ring would be the same. I was also worried about how well the "delicate hand-set acrylic beads" would stay put in the "twig-like nest".

Luckily for us, Gracefully (in this post) was kind enough to share her review of the Golden Bird's-Nest Ring with us.

Also, for those who like jcrew jewelry, i got the bird's nest ring for christmas (yay) in the coral color and love it. it really is beautiful and far more delicate in real life than it looks in the pictures. when i saw the website images i was afraid it would be garish or comical even, like a straggling birds nest sitting on my finger. but the nest part looks like filigree surrounding beads and not super nesty (unless you're told it's supposed to be a bird's nest and then you can see the effect) and the beads are fairly small and clustered. my only concern is that the beads are not set, so i fear they may come unglued with extended wear.

FYI on sizing, i got a size small -- the size i usually wear in rings -- and it's a little snug on the ring finger. doesn't fit index or middle fingers. but overall i got lots of compliments on this ring from both men and women. so if you're looking for something unique, i'd say this one's a get.

A big "thanks!" to Gracefully (in this post) for her great review! :)

SIDENOTE: Madberries has a promotion to *win* J.Crew's Golden Bird's-Nest Ring. Click here to enter. The promotion ends 1/10/09.

What are your thoughts on the Golden Bird's-Nest Ring (do you like/dislike the style, design, material)? Are you considering or already have purchased this ring?

New J.Crew Stores {opening soon!}

In case you are interested, the "J.Crew Stores: Grand Opening List!" post listed three additional new locations and opening dates, including the following which are expected to open in the next few months:

Emeryville , CA (Opening: 3.17.2009)
Malibu, CA (Opening: 2.03.2009)
St. Louis, MO (Opening: 03.03.2009)
Cherry Hill, NJ (Opening 3.3.2009)
Woodburn, OR (Opening 2.24.2009)
Gaffney, SC (Opening: 03.03.2009)

Congrats to the shoppers in those areas! :) Sometimes J.Crew announces a store opening by sending residents in the area a promotional offer (e.g. $25 off purchases of $150+). So if you live in the area, keep an eye out for an extra something in your email or snail mail from J.Crew. ;)

J.Crew Collection Pieces {what's your take?} :)

"Thanks!" to Anon at 3:41 PM (in this post) who suggested a wonderful post topic: to list some of our favorite J.Crew Collection pieces that we have (or seen in person) and review them. I think this is a great idea, since so many of us have been able to purchase some Collection pieces, at some amazing prices, during the holidays.

The Sean Bag in Tulip (Item 99785; Regular $268.00, now $149.99)-- I am not a huge fan of the resin links for the handle/ strap, however the purse itself is gorgeous! The "smooth, supple and specially wax-treated" leather really is smooth- I have found myself petting it more than once. (Weird, I know! But it is that smooth.) ;) I also found the rich Tulip color is very beautiful in person- a great way to add a "pop of color" to any outfit. I appreciate that the purse is lined- which many J.Crew bags are not. :) I also found that although the bag is small, it is big enough to carry my wallet (which is not thin), a cellphone, and a small makeup bag.

The Frankie Bag in Guave Rhubarb (Item 96818; was $395.00, now $129.99)-- I waited a long time to get this bag and it was worth it as I love it! This bag is just the right color (e.g. can be used in any season; incidentally the color in person is like the color shown in the image) and just the right size (e.g. big enough to hold lots of items including a paperback book, but still a shoulder bag). The leather itself is beautiful, and it is great at maintaining its shape. I love that the bag has a zipper- which provides me that extra level of security I prefer. The only drawback to the bag is that it is not lined (and I am not sure why that is- it really should be).

Another J.Crew Collection piece that I really like is the the Metallic Giraffe Day Coat (click here to read a review).

What are your favorite J.Crew Collection items? What are some of the reasons behind your choice(s)? If you purchased or have seen those items in person, please share with us your review. :)