J.Crew Offers 30% Off On Holiday Sale {yey!}

"Thanks!" to Em (in this post) who let us know that J.Crew is offering an additional 30% off sale items with promo code EXTRA30. This offer expires 12/3/08. This offer applies to the B&M stores as well. {yey!}

I am thrilled that J.Crew is offering an "additional percent off" online. I thought for sure, there would be no more additional percent off sales (in the stores and definitely not online) until after the holidays- so it is a pleasant surprise to see this. I also do *not* see the words "final sale" printed anywhere either. {yey again!} :)

Incidentally, Ameilia (in this post) made a great observation that this offer could be J.Crew's promotion for Cyber Monday. :)

Happy {holiday} shopping! :)

J.Crew's Celebrating at Grand Boulevard w/ $25 Off

A big "thank you!" goes to an anonymous member who shared with us another great promotion from J.Crew. The J.Crew at the Grand Boulevard (in Florida) is celebrating its first anniversary and offering $25 off purchases of $150+. This offer is also good from 12/2/08 through 12/16/08.

Just click on the image above or here (which will take you to a larger version of the image) and print it out (so the associate can scan the bar code). Congrats to all those in the area!!! :)

J.Crew's Celebrating at Derby Shoppes w/ $25 Off

A big "thank you!" goes to Margot who shared with us the following latest promotion from J.Crew. The J.Crew at the Derby Street Shoppes (in Massachusetts) is celebrating its first anniversary and offering $25 off purchases of $150+. This offer is good from 12/2/08 through 12/16/08.

Just click on the image above or here (which will take you to a larger version of the image) and print it out (so the associate can scan the bar code). Congrats to all those in the area!!! :)

J.Crew Holds Sample Sale In NYC This January {yey!}

A big "thanks!" to Cortney who let us know that J.Crew will be having a "sample sale" (clothes for women, men, Crewcuts, including shoes and accessories) starting January 21st (click here for more info). Cortney also shares with us that "there has never been a public sample sale before", so this is very exciting news! :)

Clothingline describes sample sales as the following:
The term Sample Sale originally meant a sale of designer's samples. Samples are what designers use to show their collection to buyers and owners of retail stores. At the end of a season, the designer no longer has a need for these samples. So, once or twice a year they sell the samples to the public, where they usually would be sold at wholesale prices. Usually, the selection would be limited in pieces and sizes.

Today, many of these designers have taken this one giant step forward... Stock Sales. After a manufacturer has shipped their merchandise to their stores, there is usually inventory leftover. This leftover merchandise is often supplied to us, to be featured in one of our stock sales. Our Stock Sales are open to the public, where you can find the latest fashions, from the top designers at savings from 50% to 80% below retail prices.

The address for the location is:

Clothingline | SSS Sample Sales
261 W 36th Street (between 7th & 8th Ave)
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018

If you are interested, the link above also shows dates for samples sales of alice + olivia and Tory Burch. :)

If you live in the area (or are visiting NYC in January), are you planning to attend J.Crew's sample sale? If so, please let us know about the event! :)

J.Crew Makes Spirits Bright With Free Shipping!

"Thanks!" to all those, including Green_Dino, Anon at 2:35 AM, and Anon at 8:54 AM (from this post) as well as Anon at 10:57AM and Jennifer (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew's latest offering.

J.Crew is offering free shipping on $100+ and $125+ with promo codes SHIP100 and SHIP125. These offers end today, 11/30/08.

Happy {holiday} shopping!

J.Crew Shares Their Thanks {mailed promotion} :)

A big "thanks!" to Kim (in this post), Lleila (in this post), and maryw2062, who let us know that they all received a special promotion in the mail (with a red card) offering 25% off any item from J.Crew. This offer expires 12/15/08. The mailing reads as follows:

To our most loyal and favorite customers:

We've read all the news, and I think it's safe to say, we've seen better times. So we understand that, now more than ever, where you shop is an important decision...and we thank you for your loyalty. We are passionate about design. We are sticklers about quality. We are obsessed with giving you the best. More importantly, we want you to feel good about everything you buy from us. Here's a special offer just for you, and only you, our very best customers. Enjoy 25% off anything you buy at our J.Crew retail stores from now until December 15, 2008. Just a little holiday cheer, from us to you. We look forward to seeing you in our stores, so come buy any time. If you want to make an appointment to shop, just call 800 261-7422 to schedule a time that's convenient for you.

Happy Holidays,
Mickey (hand-signed)
Millard Drexler

I have to say that I am very impressed that J.Crew and Mickey are not only acknowledging these difficult economic times, but they are offering something extra enticing to its customers. So chances are, you may receive this promotion in the mail in the next couple of days, so keep "an eye out" for it. :)

Seek & Find: Will you visit J.Crew this Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to shop on "black Friday", take advantage of the "secret sales" or to see some new holiday arrivals in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic! Also, please let us know if your local store is carrying an additional percent off sale. (Maybe there are still some stores that are carrying 50% off as well!) Thanks in advance!!! :)

P.S. I noticed that many of you have already been reporting sale items (and in which stores) in other posts which by the way "thank you!" :) I really appreciate how helpful we are for each other!

P.S.S. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day! :)

Madewell Email: Give Thanks (up to 50% off)

Madewell sent an email reminding us that they are offering up to 50% off select items at their stores. Madewell is also offering 15% off orders (click here to learn more). Happy shopping! :)

Happy Thanksgiving! {celebrating with J.Crew?}

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! (Okay, I might be early with this, but I still wish everyone a great Thanksgiving and safe travels.)

Similar to the Halloween post awhile back, I thought it might be fun to have a post on what we plan on wearing tomorrow.

I am going to break out the Metallic giraffe day coat (Item 96171). I am excited to wear this coat, especially since I have yet to wear it once since I purchased it. (I swear the weather in the Northeast went from Summer to freezing Winter, with no break for Fall at all.) I also plan to wear my "dark fern" perfect-fit long-sleeve crewneck tee (item 97705, $24.50), and a pair of Gap denim trousers.

What are you planning to wear this Thanksgiving? Are you planning to go "head to toe" J.Crew or parts J.Crew?

Highlights of J.Crew 3rd Quarter Fiscal 2008 Results

J.Crew released today their third quarter fiscal results (click here), the following are some interesting financial figures :

• Revenues increased 9% to $363.1 million.
• Store sales (retail and factory) increased 7% to $250.9 million, with comparable store sales decreasing 3%.
• Direct sales (Internet and Phone) rose by 13% to $101.8 million. (Direct sales increased 36% in the third quarter of fiscal 2007.
• Gross margin decreased to 41.6% of revenues from 45.6% of revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2007.
• Operating income decreased 32% to $32.5 million, or 9.0% of revenues, compared to $47.7 million, or 14.3% of revenues, in the third quarter of fiscal 2007. Operating income in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 includes approximately $6 million of costs related to Direct channel systems upgrades.
• Net income was $19.0 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, compared to a net income of $26.8 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2007.

I listened to the conference call today (although I missed the first half an hour). There were some highlights that I thought were interesting to share:

• Some stores were offering deep discounted prices (e.g. 50% off sales, 75% off original price), which did devalue the brand a bit
  
• Mickey recognized that customers (both loyal and not) are not buying at full price- even stating "why trust it won't be on sale next week"
• In order to reposition J.Crew as a full priced brand ("when customers will trust prices again" as Mickey stated), they will need to look at inventory management and quality of goods
  
• Mickey got slightly defensive when an analyst questioned J.Crew's inventory issues
  (this was interesting, because I have not seen or heard him lose his cool before)
  
• J.Crew has been driving traffic to the web, not constraining it
  (which makes sense considering all those email promotions they have been sending lately)
  
• There are still great sellers at J.Crew: the ruffle blouse, graphic tees with "fabulous embellishments", matchstick denim, cashmere cardigans. Also, customers are still responding to color. :)
• Mickey is finding that differentiation of product is more important than ever, especially since customers aren't buying an item in 10 different colors anymore
  
• Mickey briefly mentioned how Michelle Obama helped with their image, but didn't get specific (in figures)
  
• Future J.Crew catalogs and website will include more definitions to better educate customers about fabrics and materials
• According to Mickey, J.Crew's core prices are not that high
  
• 85% of their goods are under $100 ($18-78 totals are the largest share of making money)

UPDATE: "Thanks!" to Naomi who let us know that the transcript of the call is available (click here to read).

If you listened to the conference call, what else did you find interesting? Did I miss something, if so please share. :) What are your thoughts on the above points? What do you think J.Crew should do next?

J.Crew Offers Holiday Cheer With 20-30% Off {yey!}

A big "thanks!" to so many of you, including Ana, Lesley, Cass (in this post), Anon at 12:35 PM (in this post), Anon at 2:08 AM (in this post), Anon at 11:17 PM and Green_Dino (both in this post), who let us know about J.Crew's latest offer.

J.Crew is offering lots of savings (20% off on $150+; 25% off on $200+; or 30% off on $250+) with promo code TURKEY. This offer expires 11/29/08. This is a great promotion and I am excited to see it! :)

J.Crew also updated its sale section to "Holiday Sale". I am thrilled that it is currently not "final sale". :)

Are you planning to take advantage of J.Crew's latest offer? If so, what items are you planning to get? :)

Dear FFM: Help Put Together A J.Crew Outfit For Me

FabulousFloridaMommy (FFM) regularly guest blogs on outfits she creates with items that you, the members, request. :)
FFM has done it yet again! A big "thank you!" to FFM, who has created a fabulous outfit for numerous requests on styling J.Crew's "new arrivals" in the "Dear FFM: Help Put Together A J.Crew Outfit For Me" post!

To view the wonderful sets, click on the links below. (The name of the link relates to the request for an outfit.)

The Victoria Ruffle Cami In Black
The Marcella Blouse...*Casual Chic*
The Bright Rhubarb Ecole
The Jewel-Button Cardigan
The Madeline Coat In Majestic Purple
The Lady Day Coat In Dark Poppy
Paintbrush Floral Belle Skirt and Glenbrae Boots
The Glenbrae Leather High-Heel Boots
The Gold Dot Annette Blouse
The Cascading Flowers Astrid Jacket In Ivory.*Professional*
The Marcella Blouse In Sweet Potato
The Penelope Flats In Canyon
The Merino Sequin Chiffon Shell

Are there any items from J.Crew (that you either own or are thinking about getting) that you would like FFM to create outfit ideas. Feel free to include additional info like: the climate/season you want to wear the item/outfit, as well as age bracket/lifestyle. :) After a few days, FFM will select a few items (from the feedback) to create a couple of Polyvore outfits with those items (which will then be posted for all).

What J.Crew pieces do you often wonder how to use in an outfit? What J.Crew items would you like to see an outfit created for (please include item name or item number)? Do you have any J.Crew items in your closet that you are unsure how to style with? Please, let us know! :)

J.Crew Stores To Receive New Merchandise {yey!}

A big "thanks!" to Ameilia and an anonymous member of this blog who let us know that J.Crew stores are expected to receive shipments of "new arrivals" this week. Some stores are expected to receive them today (Tuesday), while others are going to get them on Wednesday. The new arrivals should hopefully be on the shelves in all stores by this Friday. {yey!}

As much as I really want to go shopping at J.Crew this Friday, I think I will sit this one out. I just don't think I can deal with the traffic- both vehicle traffic (on the road) and foot traffic (in the stores). ;)

Do you plan on visiting J.Crew this week to see the new arrivals? Do you think you will go this Friday, to take advantage of any "Black Friday Bargains"? :)

Off On A Tangent: Banana Republic Factory Store, Lands' End, & More

"Thanks!" to Anon at 5:24 PM (in this post) who let us know that the Banana Republic Factory Stores are offering 40% off all merchandise. (To see the promotion, click on the image above or here.) This offer expires 11/30/08.

"Thanks!" to Julie and Anon at 12:36 PM (in this post) who let us know that Lands' End is offering Free shipping with no minimum with promo code SKATE and pin 00001277. This offer expires 11/25/08. They also let us know that Lands' End started their "Santa Pick", where one item (per day) is reduced to sell. :)

"Thanks!" to covert5 (in this post) who let us know that Lori's Shoes is offering 20% off with promo code SECRETSALE.

"Thanks!" to Shannon (in this post) who let us know the following promotions: (1) Revolve Clothing is offering 25% off with promo code NOTCOTLOVESREVOLVE; (2) Shopbop is offering $50 off $250+, $100 off $500+, etc. with promo code THANKS2U; this offer expires 12/1/08; (3) Fashion Chateau is offering 20% all items with promo code CHATEAU20.

J.Crew News On Stock Price & Outlook

As mentioned in an earlier post (click here), J.Crew stock is under $10. A new article (click here) came out today, that had some interesting tidbits about J.Crew.

Ahead of the Bell: J.Crew Group
By Associated Press
November 24, 2008

J.Crew Group Inc. has been increasingly cutting prices to move inventory sitting on shelves which will likely pressure the retailer's results over the next several quarters, analysts said Monday. The New York company reports third-quarter results on Tuesday.

Needham & Co. analyst Christine Chen said she expects a "challenging holiday," due to high inventory levels, despite increased promotional activity. Retailers across the board are suffering as consumers shop mainly for necessities only amid financial-market turmoil, tight credit markets and a prolonged housing slump.

"Although clearance stores appear to be reasonably clean, we have seen the level of promotions in both the direct business and retail stores, through J.Crew's famous secret sales, continue to increase," wrote Chen, who rates the company "Buy." "We suspect J. Crew still has too much Summer/Fall inventory, which has resulted in higher markdowns in order to make room for new Holiday floorsets." She lowered her estimates for the third and fourth quarter as well as 2008 and 2009 to reflect a continuing difficult environment and cut her price target to $15 from $32.

Meanwhile, Brean Murray, Carret & Co. analyst Eric Beder said in a note to investors Monday that he is also concerned about inventory levels, and doesn't expect improvement until the second half of 2009. "With the stores remaining heavily discounted, investors have now put J.Crew, in our opinion, correctly on the clearance rack," Beder wrote. "The discounts have kept coming, from higher sales on clearance items, to more and more e-coupons and inventories bulging at the store level."

However, he raised his rating on the company to "Hold" from "Sell" due to the decline in the stock's value. Since the beginning of the year, J.Crew shares have fallen 81 percent. "We believe the drop in J.Crew shares now reflects the potential for a material miss tomorrow when the company announces third-quarter results," he wrote.

I appreciate hearing the views of the two analysts in this piece (especially since one recommends to "hold" while the other recommends to "buy".) It is clear that J.Crew has been doing a lot of promotions lately and that is impacting them.

As mentioned in an earlier post (click here), J.Crew is having a conference call tomorrow to review "third quarter fiscal 2008 financial results." It will be interesting to find out how top executives address the concerns mentioned in this article.

J.Crew Email: Reminder About Additonal 20% Off

J.Crew sent an email to remind us that today is the last day they are offering an additional 20% off sale merchandise online with promo code EXTRA20.

From the comments (in different posts) it sounds like the Aficionadas and Aficionados are either {1} buying up a lot (especially since prices on relatively new arrivals are falling and the items are not "final sale") or {2} holding out until December or January (post-holidays for the major sales).

Sidenote: J.Crew's stock fell below $10 a share. (It is $9.05 as I type this.) This is extremely disappointing news for investors. According to J.Crew's press release on their website (click here for link to "Investors Relations"), they are having a conference call 11/25/08 to review "third quarter fiscal 2008 financial results." It will be interesting to hear what top executives say about J.Crew's current financial situation and the projected outlook for the following quarter.

Are you taking advantage of the additional percent off? Are you planning to wait longer until there are better deals? Are you doing something else (e.g. not shopping for awhile to save money, shopping at other retailers)? :)

The Great (Weekly) Exchange

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID). Please note: this posting is not for resellers.

Individual members can also request in this post, items that they are looking for and interested in buying. :)

Please note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site? Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

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

Yes it is that wonderful time!

J.Crew is offering free shipping with promo code QETUOXVN123. I am not sure if there is a minimum on this code, but it appears there is none. (I just tried a mock checkout with a $17 item and was able to get free shipping.) Also, I am not sure when this expires... but from past experience, I suggest you use it quickly if you can! ;)

Also, "thanks!" to Slastena who let us know that J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $150+ with promo code YRF-49. This offer expires 12/3/08.

In Store Specials At J.Crew! {fabulous!}

"Thanks!" to so many of you who let us know that many J.Crew stores are carrying an additional 20% off sale merchandise this weekend (some stores are carrying 50% off too!) :) The "additional percent off" sales (in stores) are also final sale.

(Sidenote: I was pleasantly surprised to see my local stores [at Westport and Greenwich, CT] carrying the additional percent off sale. When I mentioned this to the store associate, she told me she was too and that she thinks this will be the last "additional percent off" sale at her J.Crew store for the rest of the year.)

Also many stores are carrying the following additional promotions (although it is not clear how long these will last):

• 20% off full priced sweaters
  ("thanks!" to Ameilia & smartblonde)
• 25% off full priced suiting for women
  ("thanks!" to Anon at 10:44 PM [in this post])
• 30% off select full priced outerwear
  ("thanks!" to smartblonde & Anon at 7:24 PM [in this post] & Anon at 7:45 PM [in this post])
• All cashmere crewnecks, v-necks, turtlenecks for $99
  ("thanks!" to slightlyoldersally, Amy, starla729, and Anon at 10:44 PM [in this post], as well as Anon at 3:25 PM and Anon at 3:34 PM [both in this post])
• 30% off full priced winter accessories
  ("thanks!" to Anon at 3:12 PM [in this post])
• 40% off select full priced socks

Moreover, "thanks!" to Naomi (in this post) who shared with us some fabulous news: "...I got a holiday catalog today and found $25 off card inside (good for more than $125 purchase at J.crew shop valid through 12/24). Yey!!!" Also, "thanks!" to Lauren, math teacher, and SanFranciscoCA (in this post) who let us know that they received this same promo in their catalog. So maybe your catalog has something extra special in it too! :)

Are there any other promotions currently running at your store? Do you think there will be more "additional percent off" sales at J.Crew stores this year? :)

Madewell Email: Ready, Set, Give (+15% off)

Madewell sent an email announcing their gift guide for the holidays. They are also offering 15% off your next purchase, made at both their stores (click here to print out the email) and over the phone (cite promo code GIVEANDGET). This offer expires 12/26/08.

Happy shopping! :)

Additional 20% Off Holiday Sale At J.Crew {yey!}

"Thanks!" to Sydney and Mary Ellen (in this post), maryw2062 (in this post), and others, who let us know that J.Crew is offering an additional 20% off their sale merchandise with promo code EXTRA20. This offer expires 11/24/08. :)

J.Crew also sent an email this morning (as shown in the image above) announcing the additional markdown and that additional styles will be added to the sale section (both online and in stores). {yey!}

Seek & Find: Will you visit J.Crew this Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to take advantage of the "secret sales" or to see some new holiday arrivals in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic! Also, please let us know if your local store is carrying an additional percent off sale. (Maybe there are still some stores that are carrying 50% off as well!) Thanks in advance!!! :)

P.S. I noticed that many of you have already been reporting sale items (and in which stores) in other posts which by the way "thank you!" :) I really appreciate how helpful we are for each other!

Off On A Tangent: Nordstrom, Cole Haan, the Gap, and Ann Taylor

"Thanks!" to Covert5 (in this post), who let us know that Nordstrom is offering free shipping with promo code HOLIDAY08 on orders of $100+. This offer expires 12/19/08.

"Thanks!" to Cass (in this post) who let us know that Cole Haan is offering 30% off sale merchandise with promo code NOVSALE30. This offer expires 11/30/08. Moreover, Cole Haan is offering *free* ground shipping on all orders (no min!) until 12/4/08. {fabulous!}

"Thanks!" to Anon at 11:18 AM (in this post) who let us know that the Gap is offering $20 off purchases of $75+ in stores. (They are also offering $25 off purchases of $75+ if you use your Gap Card.) This offer expires 11/23/08.

"Thanks!" to Melissa who let us know that Ann Taylor is offering 30% off AND *free* shipping. {truly fantastic!} To receive this online, use promo code FRIENDS. To receive this in stores, print the image above (or click here) and present at time of purchase. This offer is good from 11/20/08 through 11/23/08.

Happy {holiday} shopping! :)

The "Gift Guru" Available At J.Crew {wink!}

There is a post from awhile back (J.Crew Gift Gurus {tell me more}) that discussed a new shopping service from J.Crew. J.Crew now has a dedicated section on its website, to showcase this latest service, the Gift Guru, where they do all the shopping (e.g. pick out items and send them) for anyone on your "gift list" (click here to view).

J.Crew provides customers with a gift list (either online or printable pdf), where all one has "to do is fill in the blanks with gift ideas". You can be "as general ("something pink") or as specific (an item number will do) as you want". J.Crew also states that the "gift gurus will thoughtfully hand pick presents for everyone on your list" which sounds interesting. ;)

I will most likely not use one of J.Crew's gift gurus as I am pretty good at shopping and I enjoy it too {wink!}. However, I do think this is a great concept. This move might help attract holiday shoppers (who may not have to time to shop or, dare I write, hate to shop) to J.Crew, especially during these difficult times where retail stock and sales prices are dropping (click here for related news article).

What are your thoughts on the gift guru service? Do you think it is a worthwhile service? Would you consider using this service for the holidays?

Product Review: Matchstick Jeans {thoughts?}

Linda suggested a fabulous post topic on J.Crew's matchstick jeans. So many of us (including me) have entertained the thought of buying a pair, but unsure about the colors, fit or sizing (e.g. is sizing the same as with other J.Crew denim styles?)

Linda also raised some great questions (along with her experiences that I thought was super insightful to share):

For sizing, Linda found the following: I bought three pairs about a year and a half ago in Deep Indigo Wash (which looks like a very dark rinse) and I've kept them meticulously. This fall I decided to buy some new pairs, but I've been somewhat disappointed. I usually wear a 29 but the overall cut was too loose, almost like relaxed bootcut. I tried to size down to a 28 but they were too small. Did J. Crew change their sizing slightly? My older Matchsticks are literally perfect matchsticks, slim and straight in the hips, thighs, and legs.

When it comes to color, Linda raised some interesting points: The new "Deep Indigo Wash" is closer to an authentic rinse than a dark rinse. The "Ultra Dark" looks dark on the model but grayish blue in the pictures. Are there any other Aficionadas who have experienced the same issues this year with the denim collection? Do J. Crew jeans tend to vary by each pair? (Some are cut exactly right while others may be too snug or loose or long or short) In the past I've had issues where some of my 33" inseams were 35" or 32", but this is the first time I've complained about the overall fit. Is the "Ultra Dark" really dark in person?

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's matchstick jeans? How would you describe the fit and colors? Do you have a particular pair (e.g. item number) that you highly recommend? What are some of the reasons behind your choice? :)

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

Yes it is that wonderful time!

A big "thanks!" to so many of you (including Anon at 1:10 AM, Green_Dino, Anon at 3:26 AM in this post) who let us know the following:

J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $125+ and $150+ with promo codes SHIP125 and SHIP150. Both offers expire 11/20/08.

J.Crew Email: Up To 40% Off Women's Outerwear

J.Crew sent an email announcing up to 40% off select women's outerwear, both in stores and online (click here). They are also offering up to 30% off on hats, gloves, and scarves (click here).

This promotion is really great for customers who are "on the edge" of buying a new winter coat. (Especially Aficionadas and Aficionados in the Northeast, where it is freezing today!) :)

Are you planning to take advantage of this offer? If so, please let us know which coat you will purchase! :)

Product Review: J.Crew Sweaters {fav fabric?}

TheSweetLife came up with a fabulous question that is currently being used for a poll on this blog, which is "What is your favorite fabric for a J.Crew sweater?" This question also makes for a great post topic. :)

J.Crew offers lots (and lots!) of great sweaters to choose from, and with the holiday season approaching, it would be great to know which kind to purchase and the reasons behind the selection.

For example, I am a huge fan of the cotton-cashmere and merino sweaters. Both are great in different ways. I love how merino sweaters are perfect sweaters that can be worn alone for light fall days, and with a shirt (either a button down or tee) for colder winter days. The cotton-cashmere sweaters are great because you get the best of both worlds (in terms of cotton and cashmere). These sweaters tend to be super soft and can also be super light weight. :)

What is your favorite fabric for a J.Crew sweater? Do you have a particular sweater (e.g. item number) that you highly recommend? What are some of the reasons behind your choice?

Holiday Sale at J.Crew Factory Stores :)

A big "thanks!" goes to Vicky (who's Anon at 5:13PM in this post), who shared with us a promotion card she received at at a J.Crew factory store, letting us know about the fantastic sale that will be coming up.
The card indicates that if you shop anytime between 11/26/08 through 12/3/08, you can get between 30-50% off select styles. Even more exciting, if you come in on 11/28/08, before 10AM, you can save an additional 50% off all clearance styles! To view the holiday hours for J.Crew factory stores, click on this link. :)

Happy shopping! :)

J.Crew Website Updated With New Arrivals {yey!}

"Thanks!" to Lolo, Fashionista Social Worker, Amy, and Silver_lining (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew has updated its website. There are lots of new arrivals of items for men, women, and crewcuts. The holidays are here! :)

The catalog section has been updated as well with the new holiday catalog (click here), which is also posted on this blog (click here). They have not yet updated the "As Seen In" section (which I actually enjoy- its great to see J.Crew pieces being used and styled different ways in magazines.)

What are your thoughts on the new arrivals on the website? Are there any items you plan on purchasing or seeing in person at their stores? :)

J.Crew Holiday Catalog: Now Available To View!

A big gigantic "thank you!" goes to Ameilia who scanned the *entire* holiday catalog from J.Crew for us to view. All sections are included (women, men, and crewcuts). {yey!}

Also, Ameilia noticed that the words "holiday 08 J.Crew" on the cover are in the shape of a tree. How clever of J.Crew! :)

I have not received this catalog (nor the second November catalog), so I am very excited to see the new items- and there are lots of fabulous pieces!!! :)

Are there any pieces you are excited about in the new Holiday catalog? Did you receive the new catalog (either from a store or through the mail)? What items do you really like or dislike and why? :)

J.Crew Factory Stores: Holiday Hours

A big "thanks!" to Anon at 8:40 PM (in this post) who let us know that J.Crew has listed online the hours of operation of its stores during Thanksgiving weekend. Click here for the link.

"Thanks!" to iowa girl and Anon at 8:55 PM who pointed out (in this post), that this list is just for J.Crew's factory stores.

I think this link is uber-useful and I love the concept!!! Maybe they will consider creating one for regular J.Crew stores. :)

J.Crew Shoe Sale Online & In Stores {yey!}

"Thanks!" to green_dino (in this post), Emily, Kathy, kitchy7, and others, for letting us know that J.Crew is offering 25% off all women's full-priced shoes and boots with promo code SHOESALE. This offer expires 11/19/08.

J.Crew also sent an email (shown in the image to the right) which states this offer is also available at stores. {yey!}

What is great is that the fine print (in both the email and blurb on the J.Crew website) reads "applies to all women's full-priced shoes and boots".

Are there any items you plan on purchasing with this offer? If so, please let us know! :)

Product Review: Watercolor Leopard Kate Coat

Watercolor Leopard Kate Coat
Click here for product page
Item 99455
Regular: $548.00

"Thanks!" to kitchy7 who guest blogged about this {beautiful} coat. The following is her product review:

I fell in love with the watercolor leopard Kate coat the moment I saw it in the new catalog. I thought the print was beautiful, I love the A-line shape in coats, and I thought the combination of brown and black would prove to be quite versatile: I typically wear brown instead of black, but I occasionally wear black, and how nice to have a pretty coat that would work with both!

So I splurged and paid full price for it (although I did receive free shipping with a code). The coat arrived within a couple of days, and I excitedly opened the box. It came wrapped in ordinary plastic without a special box or garment bag like some other collection pieces. I looked past that because I was so excited about the coat. And the coat is beautiful in person – the print is gorgeous, and the buttons have the same print, so they blend right in. But…then I really examined the coat.

The first surprise was the feel of the fabric. It was a lot rougher and less flexible than I expected, to the point where I never would have guessed it contained silk. It almost felt like canvas. The second surprise was the weight of the coat. This is not a coat for very cold temperatures by any stretch of the imagination. It would best be worn like a trench coat – as a fall or spring coat or on only slightly cold days. This was a bit of a surprise to me given the coat’s price. Then I tried it on and discovered the third surprise: the shoulders and arms were incredibly roomy. I have broad shoulders, and this coat gave me more room in the shoulders than any other coat I own from J. Crew. That was great, because I sometimes have to size up for the shoulders to fit. Based on the shoulder fit alone, I could easily size down in this coat. But finally, the fourth surprise, and the saddest of all for me: because of the way the back and sides of the coat are cut and the lack of flexibility in the fabric, it hung more like a banana than an A-line. I was only wearing a t-shirt underneath, nothing heavy, and the coat still puffed out and then back in at the bottom in a very unflattering way. I felt like a watercolor leopard marshmallow.

I really wanted to love this coat in person, but it looked horrible on me. I highly doubt that sizing up or down would have made much of a difference – sizing up maybe would have given the coat a better hang, but the shoulders would have been huge on me, and sizing down would have exacerbated the hang of the coat. Sadly, it will be going back on Monday.

"Thanks!" again to kitchy7 for her great review of this coat!

What are your thoughts on the Watercolor Leopard Kate Coat? Do you already own this coat? If so, please let us know what you think! :)

The Great (Weekly) Exchange

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID). Please note: this posting is not for resellers.

Individual members can also request in this post, items that they are looking for and interested in buying. :)

Please note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site? Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

{potential} News About J.Crew Sales

"Thanks!" to Kristin who was kind in sharing with us some news told to her by a J.Crew associate (when she visited her local store last week). :)

First, Kristin was told that J.Crew is most likely to take new markdowns (early) this week. (She was even advised to come back, to her local J.Crew store, on Wednesday to see the new sale items.)

Second, she was also told that most J.Crew stores will not carry an "additional percent off" sale until after the holidays. (Items with the "additional percent off" tend to be "final sale", which may not "mix well" with holiday gift returns.)

I am looking forward to seeing some additional markdowns! :) I am also happy to hear that J.Crew is considering eliminating the "final sale" until the holidays are over. (Which makes complete sense as it may avoid problems with customers trying to return or exchange holiday gifts. Although, I do like those "additional percent off" sales very much!) :)

Article: Return Of Interview Suit {what to wear?}

"Thanks!" to Laura1 (in this post) and HelloAlison (in this post), who shared with us an interesting article (click here to read in its entirety) about what women should wear (suit-wise) to interviews. J.Crew's Jenna Lyons also weighs in on this topic.

The Return of the Interview Suit
By Eric Wilson
November 12, 2008

...figuring out what exactly is the modern day “interview suit” is not so easy to do without looking like Melanie Griffith. Walking downtown the other day, the designer Nicole Miller noticed an attractive young woman who was headed toward Wall Street. The woman was wearing a gray pantsuit, which caught the designer’s eye because, for much of the last decade, corporate fashion has pulled so far away from the polished, two-piece look that the outfit, while professional, seemed dated.“I hadn’t seen anybody in a pantsuit for so long that I thought it looked wrong,” Ms. Miller said. ...

“We are back to a time when every company expected both women and men to wear suits and we didn’t have a Casual Friday,” said Gloria Mirrione, a managing director of A-L Associates, a financial services placement firm. “They are looking for a sharper style. I recommend a strong suit that says you are collected and ready to work.”

Still, there are a lot of possibilities for error, and even fashion professionals differ in their opinions about what style will make the best impression. For example, on the great debate of pants versus skirt, Simon Kneen, the creative director of Banana Republic, had this advice: “I would definitely go with a pantsuit because that gives a better silhouette.” Ms. Miller said the opposite: “I’m really against pants. They look too casual in most situations.”

Who to believe? There isn’t always a right answer, but each decision an applicant makes — pants or skirt, bright color or neutral, heels or flats — sends a subtle message that may play a role in how she will be perceived in an interview. To relieve some of that pressure, designers and career counselors offered some points to consider when deciding what to wear.

...Jenna Lyons Mazeau, the creative director of J. Crew, said a pencil skirt or tailored trousers, worn with a simple cardigan (preferably cashmere) and a beautiful necklace, looks as sophisticated as a pantsuit. A more individualized look is also a modern way to approach an interview, she said, suggesting that the applicant is creative, free-thinking and confident. But it also depends on the field, and the sportswear ensemble look may be best suited to creative fields. For corporate interviews, the options are still slim, and usually require a suit of some sort.

...But color can be a tough call. The majority of human resources professionals recommend wearing the classics — navy, black or gray — but, then again, playing it safe can also run the risk of looking too uniform.

"To me, the most important thing is give people something to remember," Lyons Mazeau said. "There's going to be a lot of people out there competing for a job, so pick a color, as opposed to wearing all gray." But no brights, she said, and "if you are a blonde, pinks can look less expensive. This is not about wearing a neon sign."

Earthier colors, like brown or a rich blue, impart a distinctive personality without coming off as overpowering. But beware of pastels: "I think that lightly colored suits, unless they are absolutely perfect, can feel a little Eastery," she said. ...

I often wonder what to wear to an interview (or presentation) that portrays a sharp business sense. I always end up gravitating towards a black pantsuit, but now I am starting to wonder if I should be wearing a skirt (and if black is the right color at all). :)

What are your thoughts on the article? What do you recommend (outfit-wise) as your go-to "interview suit"? Do you prefer to wear pants or skirts?