Madewell News: Loving the Online Shop!

As mentioned in last week's "Shop Madewell Online Now {+ free ship on jeans!)" post, customers can finally shop Madewell items online. "Thanks!" to many of you, Rosa in DC who shared the following article from Fashionista (click here).

6 Things We Love About Madewell’s New Website
By Lauren Sherman
June 1, 2010

Madewell quietly launched its e-commerce site on Friday, and while there’s a brick-and-mortar store just around the corner from our Nolita office, it’s always nice to peruse the goods via our Macs.

Here’s what we love about the site:
1. “Jenna’s Favorites” has been transformed into “Get the Goods.” We love the feature on J.Crew’s website called “Jenna’s Favorites,” where creative director Jenna Lyons cherry picks pieces from the current collection. Madewell does something similar with “Get the Goods,” a collage of cute clothes and accessories mixed with inspirations for the line.

2. Bensimon’s pop pink sneakers. Bensimon was already a favorite summer shoe of ours, but this highlighter pink color made us love it even more.

3. Brunch shorts. Any piece of clothing named after a meal is okay by us. These happen to be perfectly rumpled, which means they are indeed ideal for a lazy brunch.

4. The Denim Bar. Each style hangs on a virtual rack, and you can click through until you find your ideal fit. There’s also a cute video featuring one of the brand’s denim designers.

5. Looks We Love. Much likes its sister brand J.Crew, Madewell’s got a host of incredible stylists on hand to make the clothes even more desirable. This virtual look book allows the user to shop each page. We’re particularly keen on the layered lace t-shirt featured in Look #4.

6. Alexa Chung. We can’t wait to get our hands on Chung’s collection for Madewell, scheduled to hit stores this July. The site’s teaser builds even more excitement around the collaboration.

So I really like the layout of the new & improved Madewell site. It's easy to navigate as it resembles its older sister's (aka: J.Crew's) site. The only thing that struck me odd is that there is no Sale section. Did I overlook it?

I have mentioned my thoughts on Madewell before. But for those who are new to this site... I am not a big fan of Madewell. Mainly because I am not the targeted demographic that Madewell is after. They generally are looking for hip & trendy high school/ college students. With that said, there are several cute pieces at Madewell that I would love to get. But now comes my second point... Madewell's prices are pretty darn high for what was to be the dressed down version of J.Crew! Since prices are comparable (not less) than what I can get at J.Crew, I rather just stick with my true love. ;)

What are your thoughts on Madewell's new site? Have you already purchased through their e-commerce website?

J.Crew Spotted in Harper's Bazaar

A big "thanks!" to Desert Flower, who not only let us know about a J.Crew item being spotted in the recent 2010 issue of Harper's Bazaar, but also scanned the image for us to view! (Click on the image to see it larger.)

The item featured is actually from the Crewcuts line: the Boys' Cotton Military Belt (Item 28345; $22.50). Although this accessory is cute, I don't really care for how its paired with the vest.

Also, "thanks!" to Desert Flower, who spotted the Contrast Pencil Skirt (Item 22730; $118.00) in an ad for Juice Joint shown below. This skirt is super lovely in its simplicity!

J.Crew describes this little number as the following:

Our perfect pencil silhouette, updated for spring in a linen blend with contrast satin stripes at the seams—incredibly chic and slimming to boot. Our favorite part? The hot-pink interior waistband (it's the little things that count).

To see some real life images & reviews, check out:

• "J Crew - contrast pencil skirt" post over at Gigi's Gone Shopping
• "Unexpected Friday Purchase" post over at About All and Nothing at All
• "J.Crew reviews: watercolor mini, gingham shirt, contrast pencil" post over at Wardrobe Review

What are your thoughts on the Crewcuts belt? Do you like (or dislike) the skirt? Have you purchased or tried this skirt on? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Email: SUMMER SALE: new styles added

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta & Desert Flower, who shared the following email.

J.Crew announces that the Sale section (click here to shop online) includes additional new styles! I really did not notice that new items were included and there was not a big update today (or maybe I just missed it on both accounts).

So I have been saying this for awhile, but I really feel like another "percent off sale" promotion will come around soon. I have a feeling that when I finally pull the trigger and get a few items, a new promo will appear immediately afterwords! ;)

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are interested in? If so, please share. :)

What's Available at J.Crew Factory Stores {a look inside!}

A big "thanks!" to Robin who shared the following images from her local J.Crew Factory Store this past weekend. Just click on any of the images to view larger.

I love these photos!!! It makes me feel like I am at the store too. It looks like J.Crew Factory (aka Crewlet) has some cute items this Summer.

To check out some other J.Crew Outlet photos/reviews:

• "Yummy New J. Crew Outlet Items!!!" post over at My Superfluities...
• "Impressionist Floral Cami and more..." post over at Simply J.Crew
• "Crew-let Visit- Not Such a Fun Experience" post over at About All and Nothing at All

What are your thoughts on the latest offerings from J.Crew Factory? Any items you are interested in getting? If so, please share. :)

20% Off J.Crew Warehouse Sale this Weekend!

A big "thanks!" to AppGal (check out her lovely "Musings on the Mountain" blog) who shared the following {fantastic} news with us!

J.Crew's Clearance Store in in Arden, North Carolina is having a major warehouse sale. {wahoo!} This event takes place in the first weekend ofJune :

Saturday, June 5th (10AM to 4PM)
Sunday, June 6th (10AM to 4PM)

But wait, there's more juicy! The prices at these sales are amazing to begin with, but they get even better with an additional 20% off your entire purchase. Just click on the image above or here (which will take you to a larger version of the image) and print it out.

The location for the store is:

J.Crew Clearance Store
1 Clifford Way (off N.C. 191)
Arden, NC 28704

I am so sad these stores are not closer to me! But maybe that is a good thing for my wallet. ;)

Congrats to all those in the area!!! :)

Madewell Email: Hey NYC - Denim After Dark is back (+ 20% off jeans)

"Thanks!" to Marietta who shared an email sent to Madewell customers yesterday.

The Madewell SoHo store (in NYC) will be hosting a special Denim after Dark event this Thursday, 5/3/10, from 7 to 9PM.

Some perks this event offers include:

• 20% off all jeans
• Free denim hemming
• Madewell Martini Bar
  
• Live DJ
• Complimentary manicures
  
• Super Secret One Night Sale
  

Moreover, Madewell stores across the country are celebrating Denim after Dark events.

Will you be attending one of these Denim after Dark events this summer? If so, please share. :)

Darlings, is it time for a J.Crew coupon code?

Yes, it is that wonderful time!

A huge "thanks!" goes t0 Connie, who is super nice to share with us that J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $150+ with promo code TWP42M. This offer expires 6/7/10.

P.S. I have noticed that other blogs & websites post J.Crew codes & coupons *after* this blog does. If you happen to get codes & coupons from the JCA blog & post them at your site, could you please give give a "shout out" to the JCA blog? This way more JCAs are inclined to share. TIA! :)

J.Crew Email: Pretty as a picture - art tees

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Desert Flower & Marietta, who shared the following email from J.Crew this morning.

The email features "Art Tees" from the Women's Tees & Knits line (click here to shop online). In particular, it showcases the Tissue Ruffle Tank (Item 26519; $39.50) which J.Crew describes as:

Our much-loved ruffle tank updated with manicured rows of cotton lawn ruffles cascading across the front. (We love turning an everyday summer staple into something special.) Fitted. Tissue cotton—a lightweight, bias-cut fabric with a very soft wash.

For some reviews & real life images of the Tissue Ruffle Tank, check out:

• "J.Crew New Arrivals" post over at Trousseau Adventures
• "She's Alive...and in a Silk Cargo Dress, Too!" post over at My Superfluities...
• "J. Crew Tissue Ruffle Tank and Tissue Brushed Bouq..." post over at Confessions of a Shopaholic Med Student
• "OOTD: Catching up (and Floral Week!)" post over at Effortless Anthropologie

Is it just me, or does it feel like J.Crew has done almost every variation of ruffles on tees? And somehow, they still manage to find new ways to ruffle tees up! Seriously, every time I feel ruffle-fatigue, J.Crew comes out with a new ruffle art tee that I have to have! ;) (Yikes! I just re-read my paragraph and I used the term "ruffles" way too much.)

What are your thoughts on the J.Crew's tees? Do you think you will pick up the Tissue Ruffle Tank at your local J.Crew store? From the current offerings of tees (both new arrivals & sale), would you recommend any to buy (& any to avoid)?

J.Crew Laughs All the Way to the Bank!

A big "thanks!" to Raina (check out her lovely "If The Lamp Shade Fits" blog) who shared the following article over at the Wall Street Journal (click here).

J.Crew Profit More Than Doubles
By Elizabeth Holmes
May 27, 2010

J.Crew Group Inc. doubled its profits in the first quarter on stronger full-price selling and expanded into online denim and standalone bridal shops.

The New York-based casual apparel retailer, which operates 246 full-price stores, is a darling of Wall Street because of its continually robust sales as well as its expansion potential.

On Thursday, J.Crew unveiled an online-sales channel for its fledgling denim division, Madewell, and also opened its first bridal boutique, J.Crew Bridal, on Manhattan's tony Madison Avenue. Appointments there are booked through July, and Chief Executive Millard "Mickey" Drexler said standalone bridal stores could easily be replicated elsewhere.

"I don't see why we can't do this in every major city in America," Mr. Drexler said on a call with investors.

J.Crew weathered the recession better than many of its peers, because its highly sought-after fashion has given it a cult-like status in some fashion circles. But the popularity in certain categories, such as embellished cardigans and T-shirts, has led to several copycats from lower-priced retailers.

For the three months ended May 1, J.Crew's profit more than doubled to $44.7 million, or 68 cents a share, from $20.4 million, or 32 cents a share, a year earlier. Net sales rose 20% to $413.9 million. Sales at stores open at least a year, a closely watched measure of a retailer's health, increased 15% over the prior-year period.

Mr. Drexler said the company is focused on winning market share. "It's a take-from-your-competitors business," he said.

Gross margin increased to 49%, up more than six percentage points from a year earlier. Merchandise margins were "significantly better than anticipated" the company said. The average price per item also saw a "significant" increase versus expectations.

The company raised its full-year guidance to $2.35 to $2.45 per share, up from the previously $2.20 to $2.30.

There is also an article over at Reuters (click here to read it in its entirety) that shares some interesting points:

The company, which caters to urban professionals willing to pay extra to make subtle fashion statements, boosted its full-year earnings forecast to $2.35 to $2.45 per share from $2.20 to $2.30 per share previously.

New York-based J Crew said fewer markdowns and promotions helped first-quarter net income rise to $44.7 million, or 68 cents per share, from $20.4 million, or 32 cents, in the year-ago quarter.

Dayum! J.Crew is performing uber-well. Which is great news for stock-holders. I am delightfully surprised how well they are doing too, considering how many other retailers (like Ann Taylor Loft) are offering similar styles (with greater sales & promotions than J.Crew too!)

As a consumer I am a bit sad to see less & less markdowns and promotions. ;) At the end of the day, J.Crew has its fans (or fanatics in my case) who won't shop anywhere else! Incidentally, I like to think the JCA Blogaversary/ BIRTHDAY code helped boost J.Crew's profits a tiny bit. :)

How incredible is it, that appointments for J.Crew's new Bridal Boutique is already booked up through July!?!

Would you consider purchasing J.Crew stock? Do you think J.Crew will continue to perform well in its next quarter? :)

J.Crew Email: Shop for Pop

"Thanks!" to Marietta & xoxo, who shared the following email J.Crew sent yesterday.

The email gives customers a new gift option for dads on Father's Day: the Shirt of the Month Club! The email states:

This Father's Day, treat Dad to our world-class shirts. We'll handpick our favorites and ship one to his door each month. Just let us know his size. For details, call 866-739-5944.

J.Crew has offered similar "Of-The-Month" clubs in the past (like Cashmere, Jewelry, and Shoe clubs). However, they are usually promoted around the holiday season. I wonder how profitable they are... In any case, it's interesting to see the offer for Father's Day.

Would you consider joining the Shirt of the Month Club? Do you like the concept? :)