Did anyone else notice in the J.Crew Men's section that there is a new link called "collector's items"? Unfortunately I have not noticed it until now. To be honest, I have no idea how this collection is different from their existing J.Crew Collection (which I always thought existed for both men's and women's collection).Now some of the items in this new "collection" are expensive, like the Hand-finished leather racing jacket (Item 87040; $895.00). However, there are other items in the collection that are priced reasonably like the Premium officer's chino (Item 86722; $85.00). Therefore, I am confused by this new line (is it suppose to be expensive, high-end, & limited; or just high-end & limited?)
What do you think of J.Crew's new Men's Clothing Collector's Items? Have you purchased any items from the collection? Is the quality superior to that of J.Crew's "regular" line?
Ha! I'm the first to post. I did notice this line a few months back and I think it is meant to be high-end limited edition menswear--I think the cheaper items are just in less demand/larger number of items made, and also the lower-priced items may also be meant to tempt the guys with smaller wallets (or the girlfriends with smaller wallets). I like the idea of it but personally I know very few men who are willing to pay the prices (maybe gay guys). Of course my hubby is the "$10 Hanes T-shirt" guy. ;-) Plus it's a fairly new line so trhe prices will probably escalate within the next year-intro prices tend to be a little lower, they're "testing the waters" to see what kind of response they get.
ReplyDeleteI did notice this section awhile ago...I think when we discussed the glasses, because I saw the Handcrafted Needlepoint Belt for $300, and wondered what man would buy a $300 needlepoint belt? Apparently not many, since it is now on sale for $99.99. ;) Sometimes I wonder how much of a "gimmick" is involved with the descriptions given on these items, and how much is factual... :)
ReplyDeleteRachael and FFM: I agree, how many (heterosexual) guys would really shell out $300 for a NEEDLEPOINT belt? I'd be more inclined to say that these pieces would be picked up by someone's significant other as a gift, that is, if they had that much disposable money to begin with. (I know I'd love my man in that handstitched leather jacket! But the $ to buy it...you KNOW I don't have it! LOL!)
ReplyDeleteYeah, sometimes it seems like J.Crew has a very narrow, specific target market (like rich, flamoboyantly gay men who have a thing for needlepoint and collector's items, and a credit card to order online). But hey, if they have to put everything on sale to sell it, I'm not really complaining :-D
ReplyDeleteRachael: I think you are right that most men who shop at J.Crew probably wouldn't spend $8-900 on a J.Crew jacket. Maybe $2-300 (for a winter coat). :)
ReplyDeleteFabulousFloridaMommy: I remember the needlepoint belt! :) For some reason I thought that was under the JCrew Collection. I didn't realize at the time that it was under a "new" and different collection. Incidentally, I agree in wondering who would by that belt! :)
Eddie & Stretch's Momma: I think you are right, that the new collection are probably purchased by customers as "a gift". :)
Why is it if a guy likes something fashionable people assume he's gay? Does looking good equal gay? And better yet, what's wrong with being gay?
ReplyDeleteAnd as to Rachel's comment; many of us are unimpressed with your out of date opinions.
ReplyDeleteI noticed this a while back..... they had vintage fedoras for like $150..... I thought, J. Crew is now selling used stuff! Do you remember when they had that rare jeep/landrover-like automobile that you could order???? :)
ReplyDeleteFFM: I'm with you on the "gimmick" thing. I'm well aware that "We searched all over Spain to find this special salsa print fabric that is no longer made anywhere and we bought the last of it for this $299 sundress" translates into "We needed cheap fabric so we called our agent who got online and found this fabric in Spain for one penny per 50 yards that no one wants because it's so old and outdated that no one even makes it anymore, and we had it imported from Spain, made into dresses and now we're selling it for $300 more than we paid, isn't it great?" but hey, I like it and it (usually) fits, so why not?
ReplyDeleteTo anon at 1:32 and 1:34, that's the beauty of America--you can say what you want and do what you want. And there is nothing wrong with being gay--my best friend (of 10 years)is a gay guy and my husband is jealous because I spend so much time with him on weekends. And yeah, my gay friend would spend $300 on a needlepoint belt. He also has a thing for Dolce and Gabbana which is one of my favorite things about him. If you care to get off your high horse, you might learn a few things about the rest of us with "outdated opinions".
ReplyDeleteI realize this is probably going to come across as a bit judgmental, being that the guy in the photo is just a model and has no say over how he's being outfitted - but if someone were to shell out close to $1k for a leather jacket, I would hope that person would be just a tad more well-dressed than this guy (accompanying item #87040). He kinda looks like he just rolled out of bed and he's been wearing the same clothes for a week. And that isn't going to impress anybody.
ReplyDeleteAre rolled up pants in style now? I honestly had no idea.
ratsonparade--I agree. Maybe they were going for the "disheveled sexy guy just rolled out of bed" thing? A lot of advertisements for clothing seem to do that. Maybe the photographers are male and they think that's what women want to see--I know guys seem to like the "disheveled woman with hair all mussed like she just had sex with me" thing. I'd rather see a guy who cares enough about the way he looks to dress up for his woman. Guys who just throw on whatever was on the bedroom floor that didn't smell are too common (here in Va anyways).
ReplyDeleteMy husband purchased the Premium Officer's Chino, and he LOVES them. The fit is, as far as I can tell, traditionally J. Crew, but the fabric is definitely distinctive and the construction is more detailed than the typical JC chino. I doubt he will buy the leather jacket but I know he enjoys looking at what the collection has to offer and getting "ideas." And BTW I don't *think* he's gay but he probably likes fashion more than your average American guy--he likes to think of his style as "Euro." ;-)
ReplyDeletecashemerelibrarian--You are so lucky to have a guy who cares about that stuff! My hubby would pay $300 to NOT have me make him wear any belt, much less needlepoint. :-P Glad he likes his chinos. Maaaaaaaybe I can get my man to wear those chinos. He's a Target/Walmart type. Maybe if I get them for him for Christmas...he'd HAVE to wear them then, right? ;-) I'd kill to have a "euro" guy!
ReplyDeleteHello, I've actually been a reader for about a couple of months now and have since purchased a couple/several hundred dollars worth of J.Crew to update my wardrobe to something more mature/casual-professional...and I'm a dude lol. I've been to jcrew.com before this blog of course and I have noticed the collectors item -- I think it's been there for quite a while. There was actually a coat I wanted, but I was hesistant and it sold out within a week. I do think of these as Collector items, i.e., something I would take out or display in my closet to examine the details and craftmanship. I don't see Jcrew as metro at all, in fact, I think it's more hetero than Polo...until I start seeing all the guys flipping their collars in the catalogue. Thanks for the blog, Phil
ReplyDeleteWow my boyfriend loves needlepoint belts but other places are selling them for $125 or $80... not $300. And the one for $125. I think $900 for a leather jacket is a little on the high end... I mean if the leather jacket were from bergdorfs fine, expected... J.crew??? J.Crew is great-- but its not designer! Then again my bf goes shopping with me, went on an all out hunt this weekend for a pair of yellow shorts (sold out in all but one of JCrew), likes to be preppy and loves Brooks Brothers. Its nice to date someone who cares what he looks like but is still very much a guy's guy.
ReplyDeleteAlso I am dying to get my bf the varsity tie (95613)! I showed it to him and he nearly flipped out... he thought it was way over priced but... his birthday is coming up so I am thinking it is worth it.
ReplyDeleteHowever he can't wear jcrew pants... they are all cut to narrow for him. Us skiiers have a lot of trouble. Although he does look funny in them. they are so loose around his waist but skin tight on his thighs. Occasionally I make him try a pair on so i can get a good chuckle, but then again I am mean like that.
I like the English Plaque Belt for myself. I do not see anything in the collection my boyfriend would like.
ReplyDeleteOk, that's it...where are you getting the stylish guys? I haven't seen one straight one and I've lived here for 13 years. Maybe I need to move to NY or CA, then my guy could get some stylish friends and learn what clothes are all about! LOL
ReplyDeleteHaha! Rachel: You comment made me laugh. I went to boarding school so all my guys were forced to dress well in High school and then I went to a preppy school and a preppy masters program... The ivy schools and the "new ivy schools" tend to have good looking guys. Also Any guy who went to prep school probably knows how to dress because the dress code was forced on them at the age of 14 and it normally sticks.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the posters who took issue with the post presuming that only gay guys are interested in fashion. What a stereotype. I know plenty of guys who care about fashion, who care about what they look like. There are probably some men who are afraid to show their interest for fear of being made fun of for it. But seriously, straight men can have style and invest in expensive clothing, too. It can and does happen. And, if you can believe it, I bet there are some gay men who don't care much about fashion. Wow for stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteHere is a great example of a guy who cares about his looks. A good friend of mine used to always wear Jcrew. then we all knew he got a huge pay raise because he started wearing polo and brooks brothers! Talk about caring about your fashion... when asked if that is what happened... he confirmed that the pay raise allowed him to shop at other stores. And this guy is as straight as a rod.
ReplyDeleteblumre: I have to say, I like it when guys venture out of the usual khaki color for shorts. I remember going to a party where a guy wore yellow pants, but that was too much for me. :) Probably 'cause he was really tall so I felt bombarded by a wall of yellow! (And yellow is my favorite color, too!!)
ReplyDeleteThat said, I really like it when guys wear other colored shorts, like sky blue and yellow. :) I don't like patterns and madras on guys' shorts. But give me a guy in a golf shirt, non-khaki-colored shorts and a sexy watch and whew. :) Swoon-worthy.
All this talk about this needlepoint belt made me look it up and my first thought upon seeing it was: Are those Christmas trees embroidered on the belt?
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew would have had to pay me $300 to wear that. Not even worth the price at 2/3 off.
la belle helene: Not sure about the Christmas trees but you may be right! LOL Wouldn't have thought J. Crew could do "themed" clothing.
ReplyDeleteAnd to the others: If you'd grown up where I did, you'd see what I mean--typical guy uniform here is blue jeans and T-shirt and tennis shoes. Most guys don't even coordinate their shoe color to their shirt color...but this a very high military area and I think the men here are just so used to wearing mandatory uniforms they don't know how to choose their own clothes. At least that's the problem with my husband. I think he's happy just to be out of his bellbottoms.
rachael: Your posts are hysterical. Let me say that my husband is in the medical field and wears only scrubs and crocs. Blah...boring. When he isn't in his scrubs he is in Nike or Adidas mesh shorts and a tee. His idea of dress up is wearing a tie (I force him to wear J Crew) with his Lands End khaki pants and when we do go to a black tie function all he does is whine. Although he could easily afford the items in question he would NEVER be caught dead in them. LOL.
ReplyDeletejcrewjunkie :)
Melanie: I too like it when guys wear colors. My bf does own nantucket reds, seer sucker shorts, multiple pink/orange/red tops/ and many navy shorts. Though my favorite item of his are his madras shorts, but maybe that just because I got them for him last year!
ReplyDeletePoor Jcrew junkie... I think you need to get guy guy some of the really uber soft polos from jcrew they arent on sale now but they will be. Thats will convert him, once he sees how comfy they are.
ReplyDeletecorrection that = that. sorry guys... my typing is way off today... this is what i get for multi-tasking
ReplyDeletejcrewjunkie~ LOL how on EARTH do you get him to wear Land's End and J.Crew? Do you not "give him any" or something? Seriously, just tell me, I will do it. You are the goddess of men's clothing *bows* My husband has 3 mesh shorts and sleeveless T combos--the exact same set in 3 different colors, bought at Penney's. He has 1 red, 1 black, 1 white set. That's what he wears all the time. What's worse--he has a dark green polo shirt that he has owned since before I met him, and he just never wears it. Help!
ReplyDeleteHi Phil! Thanks for joining in- I think it is great to have a "guy's perspective" in this blog!!! :) I agree with you that J.Crew is not really "metro". I think it is very "classic" in its styles. Although once in awhile there may be a fashion forward piece or two (like the paisley pants). :)
ReplyDeleteBy the way I totally laughed at the flipping of collars comment! I have seen many teenage boys at the mall wear two polos with both collars flipped! Can't help but laugh when I see that. :)
Blumre: I have a hard time with some of those high-end price items J.Crew sells too. But who knows, maybe in ten years J.Crew will be known for its designer collection? :)
la Belle Helene: I thought they were Christmas trees too!!! But I seriously have no idea what they really are. :)
Rachel: When I met my bf he did wear old navy and liked their sweaters (ewww). But after meeting my family (think park avenue meets france)and going to a college where so many guys care about what they look like (and their families care too) he realized that he needed to step it up. I don't know what your husband does but with my bf I slowly explained to him that if he wanted to go anywhere (he wanted to be a lawyer at the time) this is what society expects. BTW he is now in law school and summering at a good firm and goes to work looking smashing every day.
ReplyDeleteAlso I think that men who play golf/tennis tend to look better. They normally have to go by a dress code there. Maybe have your husband join a golf or tennis club, just make sure they have a dress code first and the could help him step up his game.
Or maybe you could just say that you like it when he wears certain clothes. Maybe he will do it just cause he loves you. I know for me, the only opinion other than mine that matters is my bf's.
Alexis/Phil: I must have missed phil's comment. I really dont think jcrew is metro, I think its stylish and classical... guys dont have to wear grunge/wife beaters to be considered not metro. There is something to be said for being classic. I mean there is an entire blog dedicated to preppy weddings... that means there are preppy guys out there too!
ReplyDeleteI always pop my collar and so does my BF... originally collars were there to be "popped" to protect one's neck from the sun. So I am just classic in doing so.
Yes, my bf also owns the preppy handbook and I may have also read it 15 or so times.
blumre~I will try getting him to "step it up". He says he doesn't dress to impress, he just dresses fore himself...which is all well and good, but...I don't think he's too concerned about "getting anywhere" because his job is pretty secure--getting his education and training with the Navy and then on to civilian nuclear plants where the starting salary is...well, enough to buy a lifetime supply of Brooks Brother's clothes, if we liked it. LOL I wish he would be a lawyer just so he'd have to care how he dresses! He hates golf but we both like tennis. Maybe if we found someone at the club to play doubles with?
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, watching the news and we seem to have a category 3 heading for the Caribbean and then my area, hope no one's trying to go on a cruise!
Rachel stay safe! Wow this is early for a category 3, isn't it? I know the season technically starts in June but I think we don't normally get them until august!
ReplyDeleteEither that or join a beach club/country club... they often also have dress codes. But I think doubles tennis sounds fun. I wish I was still allowed to play but alas I am not and therefore must just watch.
Wow, someone actually responded to my comment. Thanx.
ReplyDeleteI actually used to study as a modelmaker so I've worked a lot with wood and metal...as well as vomit-inducing resins – like the paisley paints (and if you like them, then you better know how and have the confidence to pull it off). So that being said, I like Jcrew because of the quality of the material and craftmanship. I enjoy the broken-in garment dyed shirts, although the color rubbed off on a hot day and dyed my ipod earbuds.
I've noticed an explosion in "slim" fits for guys, which is just to make us spend more on "organic/healthy" food and buy into diets. Luckily for me though, the slimmer cuts actually fit me better.
Alexis – Thanks for the welcome. I don't think I consider Jcrew a designer brand in the men's dept. or even have men's clothes that are "designed".
Blumre – I never knew that! Thanks for telling me, it creates a whole new perspective. Personally, the only collars I would flip are on pea coats and if its cold outside (I live in New England). I'm very utilitarian, so flipping the collar to protect the neck is definitely useful; however, if you were to ask people on the street – I bet 9 out of 10 would say they do it because it looks cool/preppy. I don't suppose you flip your collars back down when you're indoors...it's unfortunate what popping your collar insinuates nowadays – unless you wear two polos like Alexis said; there's no justification there.
Phil: I actually flip it up on a golf course, for that purpose!
ReplyDeleteFor me it never really insinuated anything... my hair tends to mess the collar up anyway if its down so its easier to have it up. But I did go to prep school in New england so I do know all about that. And yes I spend a lot of time in NE and I am from NYC. I know what it "looks" like and frankly, I just stopped caring. At one point I told my bf that he really couldn't do it any more because he didnt go to prep school but then I saw the preppy handbook and that ended the argument. I believe he goes so far as to iron the collar up though (i do not).
The double polo! Wow! I have a friend who does that but for me in the summer that is just too hot! BUt wow that is uber preppy, I am veyr impressed
blumre forgive me but why can't you play? We aren't in a country club, just a fitness club. We were looking at the country club down the street because it's so close to us but then we looked at our fitness club contract and we can't get out of it for 3 years! Even with the military clause. And by then we will be living in the country. So I guess a country club will have to wait :-(
ReplyDeleteYes it does seem earlier than usual for a category 3. I was telling Chris just yesterday we never get hurricanes til August. Guess I should've said "knock on wood"!
I didn't know about the popping the collar thing either, that is so interesting! My little brother popped his the other day and when I told him it was a preppy thing to do he said "no it isn't, it's just what the popular kids do". *gasp* What is the world coming to?
Phil: If I'd known you were sticking around I woulda said hi! :-)
Phil: Hi! Hope you continue to post...it's always nice to get a male perspective on things! :)
ReplyDeleteI am sooooo loving this post. Today my husband wore a pair of purple scrubs and ORANGE Crocs. Soooo unattractive IMHO. Also, I should have mentioned that my oldest son (15) plays football and EVERY Friday during football season is dress up day which is how we started with J Crew ties. I bought them (final sale) because they were fun (like with jeeps and dogs, etc), and he is so young, and went from there. I didn't actually tell my husband that I was starting to buy him ties from J Crew as well...he still thought that they were for our son...I just started putting them in the closet. As far as the Lands End pants he will wear whatever is in the closet (wrinkled or not) as long as it doesn't scream preppy or wealthy. Grrrr-rrrr-rrr. In my situation think Park Avenue (my family) meets The Real McCoys (his). No kidding. ALSO...I've been poppin my collar since I was in highschool (from a fashion standpoint the material near the face is always flattering :) ). Didn't know about the "neck protection" however.
ReplyDeletePhil: I am so glad that you are here!! I love to hear from men who really DO care about how they look. Welcome!!!!!!!!!
jcrewjunkie :)
I'm a guy. And I think its just a section for every guy who wants to have at least a few nice things. I have the legacy blazer which is awesome. I can wear it to work with a tie or without on the weekend to a nice dinner. The Thomas Mason fabric shirts are also nice.. easy to iron/soft and excellent quality. I think its a good section for the higher end fabrics like cashmere and J. Crew specially milled items (ie. thomas mason shirts). The selma glasses are also here. Also, some of the designs are a little out there. Like the Porto Ercole pants.. i think its like a higher end fashion and appeals to people with a higher budget and with a taste for more flare and to catch those shoppers who are wearing end brands like Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, and possibly Lacoste (which are all at a higher price point). I'm not gay and I have shopped this list.. hahah.. I guess it's easier to stereotype something to understand it?? Anyway, I'm a fan but you will not see my filling my cart with all those items :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that we're starting to hear from more men on the blog. I could do without some of the other rather stereotypical or classist/elitist sounding comments, though.
ReplyDeleteI also think it's great that we're hearing from the men, and I think the classist/elitist comments don't exist. If you don't like it, don't read it. Save the drama for your mama. This isn't Jerry Springer. (Waiting to hear how that was a classist/elitist/sexist/racist comment).
ReplyDeleteGrow up.
Rachel: I can't play any more because I had shoulder stabilization surgery 5 years ago and since then it doesn't feel right any more... but at least my shoulder doesnt spontaneously dislocate when I swim/ski/ride/play soccer any more... so no more tennis for me. I have thought about playing with a very light racket and might try it at some point, but my game is probably gone :(
ReplyDeletePopping is what "the popular kids do?" We never classified it that way... it was sort of something you either did or didn't do. When boys have to wear a collar to class you wear it whatever way is most comfortable. Girls didn't have to wear collars but most did anyway.
Blumre: I agree that J.Crew is more stylish AND classic. :)
ReplyDeleteRachael: Stay safe with the category 3 storm!!!
Phil: Why are you surprised that we responded to your comment! You will find this blog has some of the NICEST members you will ever find. :)
I have to agree with you that I have seen a lot more "slim" style shirts as of lately. I have to say I like them a lot- it really does make the guy look slimmer. :)
I also agree with you that I think most people (under the age of 25) probably pop their collars because it looks cool. Hence my comment about some teenagers wearing two polos and popping both collars. ;)
jCrewJunkie: I love J.Crew's fun ties for guys. My husband won't wear them- but I think they are cute!!!
Daniel: I noticed the Porto Ercole pants too, and they really didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the classic collection. Thanks for letting us know that you do own a few of the items in the collection and that they are actually great pieces to own! :)
lol!...this string is funny. i finally just read it...great to hear from the guys! you know there must be a lot of secret aficionados out there...i'd love to hear some of the men's opinions on jcrew's women's clothing too :)
ReplyDeleteall this talk of flipping up collars is giving me bad flashbacks of izod polos from the 80's :0
blumre--so sorry to hear about your shoulder! You can still swim/ride/ski/play soccer though right? You sound like a very active type of person.
ReplyDeleteYes, my brother didn't make the "preppy' connection at all. He was wearing an Izod...*shrug* Who knows? Do you think he was just joking with me?
Rachael at 7pm... no need to take offense; yours were the stereotypical comments, not the classist/elitist sounding ones. For an example of an arguably classist or elitist comment, please refer to Blumre's at 5:06. We are all certainly entitled to our own opinions, however, politically correct or otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI can see how my 5:06 comment could be taken the wrong way. But the 3:06 comment really isn't. Both of my universities are cited is world news as being within the top 5 preppy schools. Also in boarding school it is pounded into how to dress. Before I went at 16 I wore huge ufo pants and a number of other skater clothes. I think its that way for pretty much everyone if your school has a dress code (and thats not elitist, I know public schools that have dress codes!).
ReplyDeleteBut frankly it is true that men who play golf/tennis do dress better. I dont know why... but Rachel was trying to get her husband to wear jcrew... so I suggested joining a country club because in order to go you usually have to wear certain clothes.
I didnt mean to offend anyone... but most of those are simple facts that happen to mold to the stereotype.
I appreciate the thoughtful response, Blumre, rather than a suggestion to "grow up" and references to Jerry Springer. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat "Jerry Springer" did I miss something?
ReplyDeleteWas referring to Rachael's response at 7pm. Not worth revisiting...
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone- I just found this blog and I absolutely love reading everyone's comments. I've loved J.Crew for years, and it's great to find others who do too!! Alexis, you are awesome!
ReplyDeleteThis is a little off topic, but I was wondering if anyone had any insight in men's suits for J.Crew. My boyfriend will be attending a good law school next year, and he needs to buy a suit. I was curious as to the quality of the suits and comfort. Do you think that J.Crew is a good place to buy a suit, or is there someplace else that is better. We are both pretty clueless, so any advice would be great!!
Lena
Ok now that I read rachel's comment in her defense I think she is freaking hilarious!!
ReplyDeleteRachel you said you husband does nuke stuff and you lived near albany? Was that you or did i mix people up? I spent 4 of the best years of my life in 'toga and I go back as much as I can!! I even stayed for an extra year post college ( but that was for my bf and I was working in the area). Were you at the naval training center? My friends knew a lot of navy boys in college, and one is even marrying one next year!
Leave an unintelligent-sounding comment, get an unintelligent-sounding answer. Please don't make me "dumb it down" for you any more than that. I agree with Blumre that stereotypes are there for a reason. They are used in everyday life. Watch a TV commercial and you should see what I mean. It's Psychology 101. Marketing is all about stereotypes--playing to a certain group of people that will like a certain type of product. Even with my business I have to use it to attract the type of client I need. J. Crew does the same. And yes, my gay friends are the only men I (put the "I" in bold if you think I'm forcing a stereotype on you) know who would shell out $300 for a needlepoint belt. It's not a stereotype, it's a fact. You can't disagree with it.
ReplyDeleteJ Crew suits run narrow!! They are frankly a little fashion forward for most law firms (same goes for banana). Frankly I would go as classic for Law as you can go. If he has more than one, yea sure buy jC the quality is always fabulous. But for his one and only, I would move up a price point and go for Brooks Brothers. Most law firms are really conservative in dress and dont want their male lawyers being too fashion forward. Its too bad too b/c I like the j crew suit fabrics. My BF is in law so this of course broke my heart when he said JC was too fashion forward.
ReplyDeleteI have been a serious Jcrew fan for years; yeah I know the name gives it away. As I only get to a store every few years I rely on the internet to get my monthly fix of clothing.
ReplyDeleteThe sale section on the webpage along with free shipping codes has saved me a ton. Luckily I find it fits true and unless I'm not running the sizes always work; so few returns.
For me the washed shirts in a tailored fit are the best. Those make up 80% of the dress shirts I wear. The sweaters tend to fit me well also.
I've had less luck with shoes, usually a 9 1/2 always fits, but a couple of times the shoes were smaller or bigger than the usual.
The thing I like best about the clothes is the quality. They're pretty much bullet proof, and I've never looked back and thought man what were you thinking getting that. And with the name only inside I don't look like a walking ad.
Finally as I'm well over 30 it's comforting to know my clothes don't make me look like I'm trying too hard; you know the guy who's 38 and dresses 14. Jcrew works well for me.
Not sure how my comment at 6:51 could be construed as 'unintelligent-sounding,' but whatever. Feel free to have the last word if you must ;)
ReplyDeletePlea for Common Courtesy
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you Blumre. I personally was not in the naval training center. I met my husband after he was done with boot camp and power school. We are not in Albany (funny you mentioned it because we almost got sent there, I hear it's the best because the facilities there are not military-owned so it is more relaxed and fun, my friend and her hubby lived there a few years). We are in the Va Beach area (in one of the 7 cities in Hampton Roads) near the world's largest Navy base, which means it is very chaotic and everyone here is military (stores can't even give military discounts because they'd go out of business). My husband went to power school in Charleston (he liked it but I went there for his friend's wedding and was not impressed, just a lot of strip bars and clubs and of course the beach). He's actually applying to go back to Charleston so he can get shore duty before the ship leaves for 2 deployments--one in Spring '09,one in Winter '09. He hates going to see but being a nuke, that's probably the only place they'll ever put him. He has the quals and evals for Charleston but there's a very, very small number of necessary nukes in Charleston, they need him more over here. Lucky you for going to Albany!
ReplyDeleteJCrew Guy In Canada: I love your blogger name!!! :) I am also really happy to have you join us at this site. Like I mentioned before, we love to hear more from a "guy's perspective". So please feel welcomed to comment anytime! :0
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you that the men's shoes at J.Crew vary quite a bit. I don't understand why either since the women's shoes tend to be consistent in their sizing.
Rachel: Good luck to your husband. My friend is going through that now. Her finance is a nuke guy and he just left for 6 months... she as you probably know all too well is super bummed.
ReplyDeleteAlexis: I did tell my boyfriend to read the blog. Hopefully he will. Aside from being color blind and swearing up and down to me "that is navy" when it is really royal purple, he has a fabulous fashion sense and I repeat I am lucky to have him.
Thanks Alexis. Your website should take donations as the free shipping and discount codes saved me some serious money. Every once in awhile the codes don't work for Canadians; but I still keep buying.
ReplyDeleteLena: Welcome aboard! It's always great to see another J.Crew Aficionada!!! I think J.Crew has some fantastic suits for men. Great quality and they look great. To be honest, I am not sure if the brick and mortar stores carry men's suits. I have seen women's suits in stores, but I don't know about men. :)
ReplyDeleteBlumre: I think it is great that you suggested this blog to your boyfriend. Let me know if he does!
I should also say add that my husband doesn't even bother reading this blog! ;)
JCrew Guy In Canada: I am happy to hear that we can help save you some money (which can be used towards more J.Crew purchases in the future!) ;)
blumre~ I know waaaaay too well what deployment feels like. But atleast yourfriend has a wedding to plan, that should keep her busy. If their relationship can survive a deployment, it can survive anything (you might not want to tell her that til deployment is over).
ReplyDeleteAlexis~ Great post. Well said.
Mr. Canada~ I am showing my husband your post. If that doesn't convert him I don't know what will. You are more of a blessing than you will ever know. :-)
Update on the critter collar polo: received it half an hour ago, it was via UPS not USPS, the sweet papaya in medium is brighter than the computer made it look, the critter is a yellow heron, and it is not embroidered, it is similar to a "screen tee", same plastic-type feel (just the critter, not the whole shirt). Also, the medium is tight on the chest (I am a C cup though) and I may have to wear a cami under to keep the girls properly covered.
ReplyDeleteAnd now back to our regulary scheduled blog ;-)
Thanks Rachael, just be sure to hook him up with one of those shirts, they're seriously the best, better than any I've had from Calvin Klein, Polo, the Gap, Banana Republic or Zara.
ReplyDeleteEww.... i hate Zara.. note for all you husband clothes buyers.
ReplyDeleteDaniel: You made me laugh when I read the part about "husband clothes buyer". I do hold that title! ;)
ReplyDeleteRachel: I know several straight men who pay big bucks for belts, suits, jeans, etc. And it's because they have the income to do so not because they are gay. What else are they gonna buy? Im sure several superstars like Tom Cruise buy 300+ belts and they are not gay, they just have the income to do so. It sounds to me like you need to spend time with those of us with more flexible incomes. I would buy a 300 jcrew belt over a 10 wal-mart any day. And a straight mans statement like that is something you can't argue with.
ReplyDeletealexis: I could not resist saying that... that goes for Club Monaco and 1/2 the ments section at Banana Republic also. The Mafia Mens Section = Banana Republic
ReplyDeleteRachael: I live in Charleston, and while it's definitely not a big city, it is way more than what you mentioned. Maybe if you were only here for a short time, you didn't really get to know the city. This is a really beautiful place to live, although it is usually nasty hot in July and August. I am originally from the Cincinnati area and miss it a lot, but it's really nice here, too. If you end up living here for a time, I hope you come to enjoy the city and its surrounding areas for all they have to offer. As far as J Crew, there's only one and it's downtown, which means paying for parking not to mention the hassle of driving downtown. I keep hoping that another one will show up in a mall.
ReplyDeleteMy husband loves J. Crew (not like I do, of course, but quite a lot for the average guy). In particular, he likes the dress shirts. I'd be interested to see how the "collection" Thomas Mason shirts differ, but he'll rarely order anything not available in stores.
ReplyDeleteBTW Blumre: My husband is also color-blind. He picked out a turquoise shirt in the store the other day that he thought would go with a purplish tie - kind of funny, but I'm glad I was there to prevent the purchase!
Wow, the guys are coming out of the woodwork on this post! I'd love to hear y'all chime in on some of the posts about women's clothing too (which I know can be hard at times because we get pretty nit-picky over little details). But thanks for joining in and giving us aficionadas another point of view! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a southern thing: I know! I think its great there are so many men commenting. (I knew, I just knew there were J.Crew AficionadOs out there.) :)
ReplyDeleteI will definitely have to have more posts pertaining to the men's section now. :o)
J Crew Guy--thanks for the tip. I actually C & P'd your comment and emailed it to him (he's on the ship).
ReplyDeleteDaniel--Got it, no Zara. Thanks for the laugh, I have a sinus headache and I really needed that. :-)
Sean--Owned.
Math Teacher--I'm sure you are right. I did see a huge community of beachhouses (right on the beach where the wedding took place) that were gorgeous. It was on the highway on the way to Charleston where there was like a 10 mile stretch of bars and strip clubs, and generally unattractive distasteful things. Like any other place, it probably depends on which part of the city or area you go to.
IAST: I agree, I want to hear what the guys think about the ladies' clothing. I know my poor husband will never 'fess up to what he really likes ;-) Every time I ask him about something, he says, "go with the cheap one'. LOL
ReplyDeleteI tried to read/look at some of the women's clothing post and look at the women's jcrew section.. but I just couldn't do it... without wearing it I really can't comment. haha. So I will leave that to you girls. But I will comment on future guy worthy postings and add some other comments here and there. In High School when I actually started caring about what I wore my mom only took me to J Crew.. so I thought thats all that any other guy wore.. so today I do the same.. its really all I wear. So I think its interesting to see others perspectives on the crew.
ReplyDeleteDaniel I will remember that, and when my kids want clothes I will only take them to J. Crew.
ReplyDeleteRachel: Are you talking about Charleston, SC? If you are.. its a plethora of J Crew wearers, big sun glasses, old southern money and tons of charm. Its my favorite city in the country.. shop Kings street.. the rodeo drive of the south. Its wear like Prada, Saks 5th ave and J Crew are. As well as other fun unique shops. If you can't fall in love with C-town something is wrong with you! If it is charleston, sc you are talking about.. I dont feel like scrolling up and rereading.
ReplyDeleteRachel: She has already survived two deployments and long distance. They are golden! And the sweetest pair i have ever met. I mean sometimes I feel my friends have gotten married to early, I couldn't imagine a better match and I cant wait to cheer them on at their wedding. Unfortunately, she wanted his involvement in the planning so its nearly all planned already!!! Which will hopefully mean that I get more time with her (gosh I am so selfish, hehe). GOOD LUCK WITH SHOWING HIM JCREW CANADA"S POST
ReplyDeleteDaniel: I love Zara women's clothes but the clothes for men look awful, I fully agree. Their European line is also far better than their US line... I was very disappointed when I returned after living in France to find their clothes here sucked in comparison.
Haha Layla: we do have to protect them from themselves. But I love the arguments when he swears to me that an item is purple or green or blue or whatever color and it is so not. It never fails to make my laugh. My poor boyfriend.
If anyone knows about the thomas mason shirts I would love to know more. My Bf loves the washed shirts for casual days but for work tends to buy more brooks or banana. So help me get him in JCrew for work too!!!
rachel: I can tell you that my bf doesnt like the stuff with the crazy patterns... he likes things simple not busy. He likes all things madras (but thats a by product of being a madras dork) but other than that he doesnt like a whole lot of loud colors all together. Really I think what matters is that the clothes make you feel great and gorgeous and if you feel wonderful he will notice and think the same. I actually kind of feel the same way about my bf's clothes. Oh wait no... thats a lie... but if he really loves something I tell him to get it, because after all what is life if you can't be happy?
ReplyDeleteThomas mason shirts are comparable if not better than banana dress shirts. thomas mason is just the name of the mill that makes them apparently ( I call bull shit on that) Its a little lad in china weaving them together prob. But they iron really great and i like the colors/patterns. I bought a couple in early spring and so far so good! I find that after 8 or so dry cleans Banana shirts are like old looking. But my thomas mason shirts are sill shining like new when I freshly opened out of the jcrew delivery box.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS DANIEL!!! YOU MADE MY DAY!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd you made me laugh hysterically! Maybe now he will stop paying $200 bucks for a dress shirt. Hehe... he spends more on clothes than I do. Actually... I really dont care what he spends, I am not married to him, at least not yet anyway. ;)
Daniel--yes, Charleston, SC. Somewhere near Goose Creek? That's the only name I can remember, I'll have to ask my husband where the beach area was, it was a good half hour or so from Goose creek I think. Hopefully my next visit will last more than 2 and a half days and consist of more than a rehearsal dinner, bridezilla, and my husband walking down the "aisle" with a girl I didn't know (he was a groomsman and the bridesmaid was a stranger, done completely wrong I think). It was my worst "vacation" ever.
ReplyDeleteblumre--thanks for the good luck and I'm sure your friend will be fine. If they are living together or geting a house soon she can focus on decorating ;-)
Rachel: Yes Goose Creek is around that area. Good Schools are there. Yeah depending on which beach it can take time. There are alot of islands in that area.. so many bridges to be crossed. But its a nice area.. I will graduate from the University of South Carolina August 9th.. and Im currently jobs hunting.. and I have considered moving there.
ReplyDeleteblumre: I am speaking the truth.. lol. Mens clothes are traditionally more expensive than females clothing anyway.. so its ok he does that. We will wait on the thomas mason shirts to go on sale together.. now thats a deal!
Rachael: no they have been living together for over a year. But she does graphic design and works really hard. So shes got lots to do.
ReplyDeleteDaniel: best deal i've heard of in a while!
P.S. He read the blog and is "considering" writing a post.
Blumre: I am all for your boyfriend writing a post for this blog! :)
ReplyDeleterachael: I was just sitting here wondering if you got your polo yet. Even if it is final sale you CAN mail it back. I just asked CS about this today and they said that when MAILED back they are pretty flexible (i.e. they will credit your account, exchange, or at the very least give you a gift card for the amount you paid for the polo).
ReplyDeleteDarnit, all of you men who are sooo fashionable just made me "snap" (LOL)...I walked into our kitchen, snatched my husband's ORANGE Crocs and hissed "get something on that matches". He replied with, "Geesh, is it that time of the month already?" and stomped off only to return nursing a large bowl of icecream and wearing nothing but his boxers (which caused our oldest son to yell, "dad, close your fly.") Sigh...so goes another day in my life. I am working on the boys (3 of them) and hoping that I can make them jcrewjunkies like me!!! :)
On a happy note I have started to receive a few of my items from J Crew (Brushstroke Chessy jacket and Brushstroke Metallic cardigan so far). Yippeee!
jcrewjunkie
Rachael and Daniel: So funny that you both mentioned Goose Creek because that is actually where I live! It's about 30 minutes from downtown (depending on traffic and red lights). It is a nice little town, although it is a good drive from the beach (any of them). And, I do love shopping on Kings Street, although I don't get to spend a lot of money while I'm there. I love teaching, but also wish the pay was better. I would love to have a closet full of J Crew, but it's not to be. :(
ReplyDeletejcrewjunkie: I love reading your post:) Well, my husband is also in the medical field and when he's at work, he wears his uniform (white undershirt, scrubs and his Pumas). When he's at home he wears Cut & Sew Marc Ecko t-shirts and Paige Premium Denim Jeans and as always puma shoes. My husband has very long hair and a scruffy goatee, but he pulls his hair into a ponytail everyday. When I was pregnant in 2006, and post pregnancy 2007, I didn't buy too much from J Crew, but I did buy quite a few washed long sleeve men's shirts for him. At first, he said he won't wear it, because he isn't the preppy type, but I bought nice blue striped shirts which are so soft, he changed his mind and now he asks me if I have seen any more of these shirts on sale LOL. So what I have learned is that if something is made soft and comfortable, men are willing to wear them.
ReplyDeleteOh and my toddler is a boy, so I have already purchased crewcuts Critter chinos and short sleeve tees for him and I am waiting for him to turn 2 years old so he can wear them!
ReplyDeleteBlumre and Alexis, thank you so much for your comments on J.Crew suits. It's good to know that the suits are probably to fashion-forward for law. Blumre, if you happen to see this post, I was wondering what exactly makes them so fashion-forward. I understand that the linen suits, would definitely not work, but what about the three-button wool suits that they have in Navy blue? Sorry, to be so completely dense. Thanks for all your help!! You all are wonderful. :)
ReplyDeleteLena
Lena: You are not dense at all! I had no idea about mens clothes until my boyfriend advised me. The pants to the suits low waistline (traditional suits have a higher waist) and the cut of the leg is very narrow. You dont want too narrow of a leg, but you also dont want too wide of a leg. Seriously, have him look at brooks brothers... the outlet for BB has great quality stuff and the prices are comparable to JCrew.
ReplyDeleteLena (Anon, 7:34p) JC suits have a very nice fit/cut, but the quality of the material is awful! I really hope they would improve on this though. I work in Manhattan; therefore do a lot of walking and rubbing up against other people on trains, and the suits DO NOT stand up to punishment. They last about a season: good for JC – bad for me.
ReplyDeleteBlumre: Thank you so, so much for explaining all of this! Despite my love for J.Crew I have no clue about men's suits (and neither does my bf). As you can probably tell we're uninitiated to the professional world. He's been worrying about finding a suit, and was so happy when I relayed him the information. We are definitely going to check out a Brooks Brothers outlet. You have no idea how happy your help makes me! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Lena
oh dear. I miss the days when we were considerate to each other.
ReplyDeleteI'll stick my nose into the crossfire for this just this comment:
stereotypes do exist for a reason, but they are also potentially problematic for a reason. Much as we indulge in them (and we do--and it is an indulgence), perhaps we should acknowledge that they are simply that: stereotypes that might apply to many individuals, but would be dangerous to automatically apply to all individuals who fall under those catagories. *grins* People are people--and far more complex/wierd/interesting to be contained within stereotypes. That said, a dose of humor might not hurt either, as long as we're laughing at ourselves as much (or more) than other people.
On a personal note, while I usually consider myself to be quite flexible, I'm so culturally ingrained that I'd probably be uncomfortable dating a man who a man who spends more money on clothes than I do :) And those needlepoint belts...errr...bad taste is bad taste (subjectively speaking, of course), regardless of whose taste it is. I'm sure that some would find it attractive...but I'm definitely not one of those people.
(and back to the topic:
Concerning the look of the suits, I disagree with the “fashion forward” description. “Evolved” might be better. I’m a fairly young fellow and men around my age just live different lives now (nutrition, activity, etc.), so the suit has subtly changed. When was the last time you’ve seen someone in a top-hat?!
ReplyDeleteLena, Anytime! Let us know if we can help you out any more! Now is a great time to look. When you go in to Brooks go for the 360 material (its their basic and probably best suit) and go for a 4 season material. Their sales men are great and know what they are talking about so don't be afraid to ask questions and lots of them. Also a good tailor is priceless when it comes to suiting.
ReplyDeleteAlso on pants (good mens pants need to be hemmed) the ones at the BB outlet I dont think need to be, I could be wrong though. So expect to have to have it tailored if its a good suit. I would also say a half break is best... suit pants should not look like jeans-- they should be worn shorted.
That is pretty much all I know. Good luck to you guys!
Abijah: I think it has to do with the industry. Lawyers all wear brooks brothers when they wear suits. Most of them dont wear a suit to the office every day. I think if you are in finance the new cut is fine, I think its great if you are in marketing or sales... But I think it has to do with industry.
ReplyDeleteFor you all who like the needlepoint belts take a look here http://store.tuckerblair.com/
ReplyDeleteI am considering getting myself a graduation present! Or I was thinking about the golf one for my bf.
Much Cheaper than JCrew's!
The painted selvedged jeans are not worth $285. You could create that look at home for under $50.
ReplyDeletejcrewjunkie~ they are out of my polo now so I think I'll just keep it and wash it in cold and leave it to air dry until I lose another 10 off my chest (I swear I was a D 2 months ago). About your man's fly...I almost fell out of my chair laughing.
ReplyDeleteDaniel--I'll have to try another vacation and do some shoppping in GC.
webbysuzy--kudos for gettting your guy to wear the good stuff ;-)
blumre--my man won't touch khakis without a death threat and madras is out of the question although I love it on guys.
math teacher--I know, the pay for teachers and childcare providers sucks on the East Coast. No idea where they'd pay more.
Daniel--I know what you mean about bridges...go 10 minutes in any direction where I'm at and there's a pain-in-the-butt drawbridge just waiting to make you sit in the car an extra 15 minutes. :-P
Rachael: Well you know you could always threaten death... or maybe just threaten to not cook for a month ... Just Kidding!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think the snarky comments make the blog even more interesting - love to see people speak their minds and add a little spice to the mix. Who doesn't love a little drama or for that matter creating a little drama?! If you stop the anonymous comments then you will have just a boat load of "appropriate" and scripted comments from people who are pretending to be perfect. Keep the anonymous!
ReplyDeleteLena, Abijah, Blumre, and others: I am thinking that perhaps a post about J.Crew's mens suits would be good to have in the future. :)
ReplyDeleteJ.H.: I laughed about creating the look of the painted selvedged jeans at home for $50- becuase it is so true!!! ;)
Anonymous at 9:17AM: I am keeping the anonymous feature. :) However, I will say that I have deleted two comments so far from Anonymous posters that were completely inappropriate (all I will say is that they were about stealing from J.Crew). I am all for speaking our minds, but we have to also do it in a manner that is acceptable as if we were standing in front of each other saying them in person. :)
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ReplyDeleteAlisha~ sorry this is late, hope you get this. It sounds like your hubby has the taste of a French person (pardon my stereotype, I'd be surprised if I didn't get shot for it)--all about fit and practicality where most Americans are more about style. You are lucky he wears khakis...*smiles wistfully*
ReplyDeleteHad no idea there were horseraces in Ny, that is fabulous!