I was very excited about J.Crew creating an accessories catalog (refer to "Article on J.Crew's New Accessory Catalog" post). I was also thrilled to see the entire accessories catalog available online (refer to "Some New Items Have Arrived At J.Crew.com!" post).As many of you have pointed out (including ZanyAZ and Minah) the catalog is not the "regular" style we are accustomed to. J.Crew mentions that the "the format has been totally redone in 10 1/2 by 15-inch recycled newspaper" because they "didn’t want people to think this is a normal catalogue”.
I originally thought the redesign would look fabulous. Now that I have received the catalog, I can understand why many of you (like Lou in the "J.Crew Plays Favorites: Are You One?" post) thought that the catalog looked like another piece of mail. It really "blends in" with the mail. This is because, (as Molly in the same post pointed out,) the newspaper makes the images look dull. (Especially after seeing the catalog online with such sharp detail, as well as rich & vibrant colors.)I do appreciate that J.Crew created a new accessories catalog that is environmentally friendly, but perhaps they should have gone with a glossy paper instead. On a bright note, I do really like the size of the catalog (which is impressive).
Have you received J.Crew's accessories catalog? If you did, what do you think of the redesign (things you like or dislike)? Which style do you prefer (the regular glossy catalog or the newspaper style)?
I am curious about this catalog! I wonder if I've even gotten it and immediately junked it, not realizing what it was. Good thing I can check it online. :)
ReplyDeleteMelanie: I have to tell you that I went right by that catalog when I looked through the mail the first time. It wasn't until I was separating the mail (for the recyclables) that I noticed that the newspaper catalog was from J.Crew. :)
ReplyDeleteIt looked terrible after the mail carrier had jammed it into my smallish mailbox and I had to pry it out.
ReplyDeletejcrew used too many dumb ideas recently ...
ReplyDeleteAh, but I hate handling newspaper . . .
ReplyDeleteI don't like the idea of printing it on newspaper just to have an excuse to say "It's not some normal catalog". That's like making a pair of shoes out of paper-mache & calling it not just your everyday footwear. Boo J.Crew, boo . . . Might as well print the next catalog on toilet paper.
ReplyDeleteI haven't gotten mine yet...at least I don't think I have. I'm also glad it's available online for viewing, but I would like to see this one in IRL. ;) Maybe tomorrow, I hope.
ReplyDeleteAlexis, OT, I just got the most wonderful email from JCrew saying we can use the educator's discount with one other coupon code. I had written them another email saying how disappointed I was in the CS Brandi's email and after talking with two CS on the phone! Boy, this is really confusing but I was told this is possible so it is anyone's game to try and figure this all out...ordering online is such a crap shoot!
ReplyDeleteanon: I have spoken to a lot of new CS lately that have been only working for a couple of weeks, this might explain some of the inconsistencies.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that some of the clothes in the catalog were on the high end, lots of glitter maybe for the holiday season.
I got it at the end of the last week. I am usually a month behind everyone else on catalogs so I was surprised to receive this one. I thought the pictures were pretty...but like everyone else I initially assumed it was a grocery store mailer. I know this isn't eco friendly but I do love a glossy catalog. Luckily we can recycle magazines and catalogs so I don't feel too guilty:)
ReplyDeleteYes, there could be new hires but that doesn't excuse calling multiple times and emailing 2 times and try to get good service and a discount one is entitled to...I didn't end up ordering...I bought a blazer elsewhere then...having to go through a total of 4 associates is just crazy!
ReplyDeleteanon 8:05 - I would like to clarify my point about the new hires, they are interpreting the rules to the last detail, they are less knowledgable, whereas the more experienced ones TEND to bend a little more. No way did I say excuse, I know the frustration believe me I have had my share too.
ReplyDeleteI received it on Wednesday though I didn't realize it until my wife pointed it out to me. It's an odd format choice. j.Crew in recent years has set the standard as far as catalog layout, design and appeal goes. The "weekly circular" format is weak. Perhaps this is yet another example of the post Collen Stokes approach and I have to say I find it lacking in every way.
ReplyDeleteI received my accessories cat on Friday. The surprise was my PS from Chicago (only met with her once while on vacation there) sent it to me…Shelly you ROCK! I thought that was awesome on her part. I have spent three times the $$ with my PS here in Michigan and he doesn't send me ANYTHING!
ReplyDeleteAs for the format I thought it was really neat. I like that they are trying something new. Most was the lux end of J Crew but I do feel I could pull a few ideas from it to mix with what I already have.
I received the Accessories Newspaper" later this week. While I like the layouts and the content, I really don't like the dull quality of the pictures and, like Jeff T, I hate handling newspaper! I looked through it, but I will be recycling it rather than keeping it in my J.Crew Catalog binder. Sorry, J.Crew. Cleaver idea, poor execution.
ReplyDeletejcrewmama
Personally, I could do without the catalogs in the first place...I do 90% of my shopping online, so I don't feel the need to kill a tree just so I can sit in a different chair when I browse! I wish Victoria's Secret would listen to me on this and stop sending me 3 catalogs a day...
ReplyDeleteOT - does anyone know when the website will be updated with new (non-sale) items? Does it happen every month, every season...? Any predictions on when the next update will be?
I also want to say, I am in LOVE with the new victorian rose color they are coming out with. This color was throughout the accessories cat and I think it was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHey J Crew...I would LOVE a winter coat in the Victorian Rose color...please!
The whole thrill of getting a J. Crew catalog is taking in the saturated colors and wending your way through the pages, anticipating just how gorgeous the items on the next page MIGHT be.
ReplyDeleteIt takes me back to fighting with my sister and brothers over the JCPenney/Sears Christmas toy catalogs when they arrived.
This catalog came, I perused, and went, "Eh."
They've taken all the drama and gloss away, and aren't those the qualities you want accessories to impart when you wear them?
Anonymou at 6:21AM: First, "yey!" that you were told you could use your educator's discount with another code. That is fantastic! :) Second, this is all so confusing. Even the post on "J.Crew Answers: Student Discount to New Stores" shows two different responses about the application to the student discount.
ReplyDeleteCasual Crew: I think your explanation about some new CS don't feel comfortable extending policies makes complete sense. :)
Pink1: I am with you on the glossy catalog! I think it would have done more justice to the beautiful images that we see online. :)
Douglas: Weekly circular is right! That is what I thought it was at first (when I didn't pay attention to it!) ;)
MusthaveJCrew: Congrats on getting the catalog! :)
Jeff T. & JCrewMamma: I am not a big fan of handling newspaper either. :)
JaneK: You are so right about taking away the drama of seeing the catalog by having the dull paper. One of the reasons I like the catalog is to view the colors in person (since the colors online can be different). :)
I got it. My first reflex, before I knew what it was, was that I didn't want to touch it and get newsprint on my fingers. It turned out that they used different inks from the local circulars, so that wasn't a problem, but I did almost recycle it without reading.
ReplyDeletei agree with most of the other comments - the large format is fantastic, the photos are cool (for lack of a better word), but the newsprint? yuck.
ReplyDeleteif the format was the same size and glossy, i would adore it. as is, i'm left wishing for gloss.
Sorry, off topic...
ReplyDeleteJust tried to place an order with the "EXTRA 20", it is 10 AM on 9/7/08 and it won't let it go t hrough, says the promo code expired!!!!
After the past 7 orders getting screwed up this summer, (one order was supposedly shipped 3 times, overnight, but it never arrived?) I can't believe we are STILL having issues AND they have taken away using educ. discount with promos.
Goodbye J CREW!!!
J.Crew catalogs have always been like a magazine to me. Not only do I use them to find items to buy, I get ideas on what to wear and what to put with what. Great marketing on J.Crew's part. I like to look at the colours more in the catalog than on line, I think the catalog are more true.
ReplyDeleteNo accessory catalog here. Is Canada cut off, again? I usually get the regular catalog before many of you do in the states.
I presume this catalog went straight into the recycling bin. Speaking of accessories, the double-strand jeweled starburst necklace that they mysteriously removed the other day was going for $228 and yet the close up photo of it showed obvious flaws in the making of it! It was AWFUL - missing knots in between the beads, loose knots etc. $228?! No wonder in magically vanished overnight..
ReplyDeleteWell, I can't really comment b/c I still haven't received this catalog or the September one (with the discount in it!)
ReplyDeleteI received my catalog (if you can call it that) but was totally uninspired by the dull picures and the newspaper format. Before I stopped him, my husband almost used it to line the cat's litter box thinking it was just another newspaper insert!!
ReplyDeleteLike many others, I almost tossed this. And the printing is not very clear--I don't know if that's intentional, newsprint v. glossy, or whether I got a bad copy.
ReplyDeleteOT-has anyone purchased the dream open cardigan? I am eyeing it in the carrot and / or graphite.
ReplyDeleteAlexis, OT: I was just able to order my Astrid berry jacket with the FALL promo (retro active) and my educator's discount b/c of the nice email from the CS rep. I did try to order on Friday and couldn't get both so now I did! Yeah JCrew. I also got free shipping for all my problems. The educator's discount it not a promo and is valid at all times...However, a free shipping code would not be honored WITH another promo code for an extra percent off say final sale...(those days are gone) but you can always use one of the above promo codes with the educator's discount. Good to know.
ReplyDeleteOT: Also, I wrote JCrew an email about the Astrid floral jacket...
ReplyDeleteIT IS NOT AS PICTURED ONLINE. IT DOES NOT COME WITH TRIM ON THE CUFFS.
THEY CHECKED AN ACTUAL GARMENT FOR ME!!!
This item is now OFF my wish list....don't like it without the cuff trim:( what a bummer.
There were a few samples I guess made like the one the model is wearing so someone out there might have this one! Lucky them!
P.S. Alexis, if you want me to forward you the ASTRID ruffle email just give me your email address. I know you have posted it before but I didn't save it.
ReplyDeleteHi Alexis, I found your email contact info. and just sent you the email about the floral ruffle ASTRID. I would want to know this before ordering! I hope this helps someone.
ReplyDeleteAnon: I got a dream open cardi. I ended up returning it. I felt like it was a touch dressy for me. It is beautiful though! Fit seemed to be true to size.
ReplyDeletepink1-thanks for your feedback, interesting that it was dressy, i would not have thought that...
ReplyDeleteps-i was "anon" i had forgotten to sign in!
ReplyDeleteI purchaed the dream open cardigan in honey glaze and ended up returning it. I like it, but it just wasn't amazing, and for the price, I thought it should be more amazing. I thought it would look cute with a belt, but I am not a belted sweater type of girl. A belt would give it a litte more shape - it looked a little boxy on me. I will get if it is available later in the season at a big discount.
ReplyDeleteWould you believe I never wound up looking at it? It just didn't look that interesting to me (compared to their regular catalogs that I devour like candy).
ReplyDeleteI left it on the kitchen table for a couple of days, and then finally decided I couldn't be bothered and recycled it.
At least I could recycle it. That's something, I suppose.
thanks mack, from what I am hearing it may be a "miss"
ReplyDeleteWhere is the photo of the Astrid with the trim on the cuffs? I am not seeing it online.
ReplyDeleteOT: has anyone bought/tried on the luxe knit star pleated tee and/or the luxe knit top? They look interesting but I'm not sure about the fit - it looks like they could potentially be HUGE. Are they similar in size/shape to the luxe knit gathered tee? (too big for me)
ReplyDeletekatherined: I picked up one in charcoal last week. I am obsessed w/ all things grey so the second I walked in my sales buddy showed it to me. I am xs on top and lots of times j crew shirts are too loose for me. i have even had some taken in on the sides. anyway this one is on the loose side but nowhere near some of the tops they had this summer. i think it is going to look super cute w/ straight leg jeans this fall!
ReplyDeleteitem #96281 floral ruffle astrid in an orange/red color
ReplyDeletecaw: i don't know why i felt like it was too dressy. i just did....hmmm great explaination huh?! ha ha! it is a beauty though. i had ordered it in the light grey.
ReplyDeleteI would hope JCrew would change the picture of the floral Astrid so customers know what they are buying...if I bought it the way it comes with no trim on the cuffs I would have returned it ASAP
ReplyDeletepink1, that explanation works, i get ya! I may try to find it this week....
ReplyDeleteI just got the Floral Ruffle Astrid, and mine does not ruffles on the cuff. Since I wear bracelets this did not bother me. I love the Deep Persimmon color. :)
ReplyDeleteUm...that should say does not HAVE ruffles on the cuff. LOL.
ReplyDeleteI haven't received the catalog, or the $25 coupon (no love this week) But I looked at the online pics and they are gorgeous. Very early 60's aesthetic. I love the yellow gold and plum combo. I wouldn't have thought to put those together
ReplyDeleteWell, I think the actual reason for this whole printing on newspaper business might be a little cutback on costs. Sounds crazy, savings might be a minimum, but it's still logical.
ReplyDeleteOT: I got a 20% discount on my purchase this week by signing up for a J Crew credit card before Sept. 1st. When I asked them to apply my 15% teacher's discount in addition to this they emailed me back that they do not combine the two. I wrote back and asked them to check on this and they said that they received a memo that stated what could/could not be combined. Bummer.
ReplyDeleteJCrew junkie, sounds to me like you are entitled to the 15% educator's discount! I have Art in CS and Alex (female) and both say Yes....I even have an email from ART that I am to referrence if anyone every questions this on the phone...It is beautifully written! The guy must have been an English major! Send another email or call and press option 2.
ReplyDeleteJust got back from the store. I noticed the accessories catalog, and yep, i have to agree that it looks like a newsletter and doesn't convey the glossiness that the accessories are suppose to exude.
ReplyDeletePink1: I tried the Dream cardigan in orange -- quite nice, very soft, true to size. Almost bought it. Phew! Close call. :) The grey is cute, too, btw.
I saw the Floral Astrid, still nice, but it does not have ruffles at the sleeve at my b&m.
I didn't see much new in the sales section from last week. I did notice that the Marcella blouse was $25 off, unless it was just a figment of my over-stimulated imagination.
Jewelry...I don't think the web site does much justice to the jewelry. Seeing them in person, I was surprised at how much more brilliant the pieces are. I liked the Golden Flower ring. Alas, it was too big for my hand. Also, there were a few items, like this cute turtle bracelet, that i don't find on the site.
I think that this new catalog format (large and newspapery) is J Crew's attempt to imitate the highly-regarded high-end fashion publications such as W magazine and WWD (Women's Wear Daily) both of which are printed on similar cheap thin paper. I don't believe it was done to cut costs at all. The marketing geniuses at JC are very smart and know EXACTLY what they are doing...
ReplyDeleteanon @ 3:51: THANKS...I will be sure to do that. I'll let you know when I get a response. Again, thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteI liked the catalog! More specifically I liked the larger size and I thought the pictures did 'pop'. It kind of reminds me of the department store advertisements in the local Sunday newspaper...but better than the department store's products! The back page featuring the Fontaine dress with all it's ruffles really sends me back to the eighties!
ReplyDeleteI did receive the catalog as well and although I thought the colors were a bit duller than on line I applaud JC for trying something new. After all,we should like that they are trying to keep the seasons fresh for their consumers by trying something different. Some will work, some won't.
ReplyDeleteJust got back from the store. I had two online things to return. Of course I managed to spend more than I returned (ugh!). I got a Jackie cardi in black. It was on sale and 20% off. I also got a chocolate ruffle cardi (I think that is what it is called). Hubby got a forest green sweater (that my 3 year old picked out!). They had a good bit of stuff on sale but it was back to 20% off final sale.
ReplyDeleteThey had some beautiful outerwear. I'm going to hold out to see if any of it goes on sale.
slightlyoldersally: You are so right! They know EXACTLY what they're doing. Nordstrom just did a mailer in the SAME format on the SAME paper. Note the persuasive language attempting to remind us that it's ok to "indulge" (read: spend too much) in today's economy. It says: "Today's splurge: tomorrow's heirloom...Life is short - why not indulge a little bit on the way?" Once again trying to justify higher prices.
ReplyDeleteHowever, with all the manipulative marketing in play here, I still think most of the pieces are beautiful. It's always so impressive and exciting to see how they pull all the looks together and style everything. They do it in a way I never would have thought of. It's almost like art really.
Anon @ 12:13 - I h ave the dream tie cardigan in Silver and Navy, and I love this sweater! I've worn them both already, as they are light and fit the bill over a tank top - casual or dressy. I've worn it over my favorite tanks as well as my pipers, and it looks great. It seems less itchy to me than last year's dream fabric - I had to return everything I got in Dream fabric last year! The sweater needs to fit closely in order to look right when you tie it, so I sized down. I usually wear am 8, but I got the small. As with every item from J.Crew, the size depends on the fit, and this runs large.
ReplyDeleteHope you get and enjoy one! So versatile and pretty!
OT: Its not unusual for an actual J. Crew item to be different from the web image. I recall that being true for the San Remo dress (ruffled collar and sleeves much more subdued than web image) and it was definitely true for the Phoebe dress from last holiday/winter. Web image of Phoebe dress showed the back yoke with some smocking that gave the dress a nice drape.
ReplyDeleteO/T - Has anyone ordered on-line today? and did you receive an order confirmation email?..I ordered on-line (sucker for punishment) but did not receive the email, I called CS the order is showing up, but I was wondering if anyone else is receiving the email.
ReplyDeletecasual crew: I haven't ordered today but have had conf. emails show up about 24 hours later just recently.
ReplyDeleteThanks weab I ordered a cashmere sweater on sale but not final sale and I really hope I get it.
ReplyDeletecasual crew: I have confidence that it'll show up. They've been surprising me lately with my orders actually shipping out on time! (sense the touch of sarcasm) ;) But seriously I think they're on the upward swing now...hopefully. :)
ReplyDeleteweab: Yes I agree, I ordered last Tues. and I am going to receive it tomorrow, and I live in Canada.
ReplyDeleteI like it. Everything in it was lovely-it made me excited for J. Crew again for the first time in a long time. I also received a $25 gift card even though I am a J. Crew card holder. However, I ordered some Jessie blouses (*does anyone know how these run??*) and they told me they were canceled, so I placed the order again. Just found out both orders are coming to me!
ReplyDeleteOT, but has anyone tried the Harlow blouse? I like the honey glaze color and I think it would be cute with dark jeans or my chambray skirt.
ReplyDeleteAnon at 12:24 PM: First, congrats on the Astrid berry jacket! I am also happy to hear you were able to use the educator's discount without issue. That is great- thanks for letting us know. :)
ReplyDeleteAnon at 12:27 PM: Thanks for letting us know that the Astrid doesn't have the cuff trim. I will definitely make this into its own post. :)
Jeff T: Savings may be a reason why choose that paper- good point! :)
Slightlyoldersally: I didn't realize that other high end fashion pubs use that similar format. I should totally check that out! :)
LaDolceVita: I agree with you that I do like that J.Crew is trying different things to keep things fresh. :)
Pink1: Congrats on the purchases!!! :)
Lleila:: Congrats on getting the Jessie blouses!!! :) I am also happy to hear you got the $25 and you are a card holder. :)
i am not sure if anyone has mentioned this but the new show coming out this week on the CW called Privledged... one of the stars who plays the tutor wears her only JCrew on the show. She is made fun of for her "preppiness" i guess but i will probably watch to see what see wears!
ReplyDeleteanon: I just went to website, and in the promo pictures she's wearing a j.crew sweater! =)
ReplyDeletePink1: The jackies are on sale? How did I missed that today when I was in the store! How much are they? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCan anyone tell me how the sizing is on the bootcut cords?
ReplyDeletecasual crew - I placed an online order today and have not yet received a confirmation email (I used to get once almost instantly).
ReplyDeleteshannee - I always wear a 2 (or 27) in pants at JCrew and bought the same in both the matchstick and bootleg cords this season :) My PS thought I could size down because they will stretch with wear, so if you like your pants to fit snug, you might want to size down!
shannee - i usually wear a 6 in pants and the 6 in the bootcut cords fit perfectly. i also tried the matchstick cords in the comparable size and they fit as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you ladies! Are the cord matchsticks cut much tighter in the thigh then the bootcut or does it feel like the only dif is in the ankle? I tried on the denim matchstick earlier this year and they were way too tight in the thigh and hip in my regular size
ReplyDeleteshannee -- i feel like the thigh area is about the same in both styles, pretty fitted. I haven't tried the trouser style, but I have a feeling that would be more relaxed all over!
ReplyDeleteSeptember 8th! I just got it today. Hahaha. And I live in Virginia, not far from J. Crew headquarters.
ReplyDeleteThanks, J Crew, NOT!
i completely agree. i loved the photography, hated the media format.
ReplyDelete