Monday, December 22, 2008

J.Crew's Sends Special Thanks To Card Members :)

"Thanks!" to Jayna, Amy, and Alisha (in this post) who let us know that J.Crew sent a card and a little gift in the mail to card members.

The card reads the following (also shown in the image above that Alisha was kind to share with us):

Happy holidays from all of us at J.Crew. Please accept this gift – just our little way of saying "thank you" for being such a loyal J.Crew Credit Cardmember and to let you know how much we appreciate you. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask.

Best,

Mickey


Jayna let us know that she received the Mirror-Metallic Luggage Tag (Item 10471; Regular $18.50, now $7.99), which "came in a brown cardboard box with a red bow, and a card" (and can be seen in the image to the left, that she was kind to share with us). :)

Amy and Alisha (in this post) let us know that they also received a gift with the same note from Mickey. They got the {super pretty} Mohair Muffler Scarf (Item 10511; $49.50, now $24.99).

What a lovely note and cute gifts! It is wonderful of J.Crew to thank their loyal card members in this *thoughtful* way (and during this time of year). I am thrilled for all those who have received gifts. :)

So if you are a card member, chances are you may be receiving a gift in the mail in the next couple of days, so keep "an eye out" for it. :)

69 comments:

  1. Alexis someone posted in the previous post that they also got a cashmere scarf. looks like tiers of gifts? maybe they're trying to include more people?

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  2. I doubt I will get anything (but who knows!), but I still think it is a great way to say "thank you" for all those who do receive it!

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  3. this is kinda cool! hopefully they included all card members, otherwise i'll feel left out. :)

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  4. Congratulations to all those who received gifts! I'm not a cardmember so I know I won't be getting anything...love to hear all the different gifts that are being sent out, though. :)

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  5. Lauren, really if you happen to not get something you really shouldn't feel left out. You have to spend a whole lot of money to get the 7.99 luggage tag. In the end getting the gift doesn't make up in any way for the amount of money spent to get it. It is a nice gesture, but don't feel slighted if you don't get it.

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  6. never mind, i should have read the other post before. very nice of them to send gifts, though, to those who earned them! :)

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  7. I like hearing what gifts are sent out as well! I don't care if I get it or not, it's interesting to see what they give out!

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  8. Interesting! Is this the first year they have been sending out CC rewards gifts? I've been a cardholder for a while and I don't remember this in years past. I think it is a great step towards building CC and brand loyalty so I hope they keep it up. I'll keep an eye out...

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  9. Last December, I received an 8 x 6" inch leather bound planner as a cusomter loyalty gift along with a thank you note from Mickey. I thought it was a lovely gift. Congrats to all who received gifts this year!

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  10. Honestly the only way I would feel sighted is if they offered reward gifts that weren't available for me to purchase myself. I don't care if everyone else gets a free gift except me, if I have the chance to purchase it myself. I wouldn't like it if everyone got a gift that was exclusive to rewarding people. Not that this has ever happened, it's just the only way I could think of that would make me want to be one of the people receiving the gift!

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  11. As a gift receiver, I don't think I deserve congrats, honestly! (And I KNOW my husband and my accountant would agree with that.) I only brought it to the group's attention because I thought it was interesting that J.Crew was continuing their routine gift-giving, despite the economy and their current freeze on hiring and opening new stores. I hope folks who receive a gift enjoy what they have gotten. Those who did not - take pride in your self-restraint! It's not a contest, and a prize for spending more is really no great prize, is it?

    Nonetheless, I do like my scarf, and it served me well against the cold during my errands this afternoon! :-)

    Alisha

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  12. If I get anything, I would love it to be the scarf! I'm such addicted to scarves!

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  13. I really don't understand how Mickey and Company decide who gets a "thank you". I've been a card member for 5 years and have spent plenty in that time frame. With that said, I've NEVER received any kind of thanks from JC, note or otherwise. In fact, I don't really even receive ANY benefit from being a cardmember except for my quarterly "rewards" card, which is quite frankly, a joke. Other retailers, such as Banana, GAP, Ann Taylor and AT Loft have a better reward program. Considering all the screwed up orders and web issues, one would think they would be groveling to keep our business....go figure.

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  14. I am generalizing, not talking to anyone specifically:

    I am sure people have spent a lot over time, but unless you are spending a lot in a little time, you aren't exactly a high spender. If you're just getting the 25 to an occasional 50 dollar reward card I wouldn't say you're a high spender. Unless you are getting 150 in rewards cards I don't think they consider you one of the elite cardholders. (Remember rewards cards are given out every three months, right? I think you have to spend at least 1,000 every month)

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  15. I think that it is pretty cool that they send these out. I do not have a J Crew card, but I do have a Gap card and I am certain that they have never sent me anything!
    Congrats to those of you that 'earned' these:)
    Twiga

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  16. I think they pick recipients somewhat randomly. I received gifts in two separate years (but not consecutively).

    Congratulations to all those who receive it this year. I know it was a complete surprise to get one and a very pleasant one at that.

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  17. I've been a J. Crew cardholder for about 15 years and do plenty of spending. I only got a gift one year (about 3 years ago). The cashmere scarf I got was for then, not this year, at least not that I know of yet.

    I agree that big spending is not something I'm proud of. The gift is a nice gesture but does remind me how I can get out of control with this addiction.

    I'm embarrassed to say that I'm expecting a mountain of boxes by my door from all the HOHOHO and MERRY orders.

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  18. I'm with tiffany rose - I received a luggage tag this year (first year to receive anything, ever), and while it's a very nice gesture and it was totally unexpected, it's also a rather stark reminder from J.Crew that I REALLY need to reign in my spending. If I'm on the "luggage tag" level, which I seem to be, then I've really got to re-examine my priorities. A trip to Europe, or that new pair of peep toe pumps? Decisions, decisions...

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  19. I am glad to see that I am not alone in feeling something other than proud about this. Thanks, Tiffany and Ratsonparade, for sharing your similar feelings. I believe I shall write Mickey a thank you note that mentions how his gift spurred me to deeper thought about my spending and the need to make some changes next year, much as J.Crew is making, in response to the economy. I hope that given these changes, I will still remain a valued "loyal cardmember." I guess it's all in how you assess value.

    Alisha

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  20. I think it is a very nice gesture. I would love to get unexpected gifts in the mail!! FUN!

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  21. I thought I would chime in to this conversation. The business term for this is "cultivation" or at least that is what fundraisers call it. Making sure that people are thanked for their loyalty and spending time or money with an organization. This is why you seen non-profits offer free events or services to major donors. I like J.Crew's thought process here, where their "major" (and I don't necessarily mean spending wise-- but maybe most consistent would be a better choice of words) clientele are thanked for their business. Usually when and organization spends money on cultivation they can make back 4 times what they spent. I also like that their gifts were targeted... it's very smart marketing. I don't think I spent enough to get anything but I like their idea!

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  22. Alisha - I think it's great that you and others have been recognized by JCrew as being loyal customers. That is A LOT more than other retailers show or do for their customers.

    On the other side of things, thanks for keeping things in perspective for everyone else. . .

    Either way, congratulations!

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  23. Did these items come via USPS or UPS?

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  24. Anon@7:09 - my package came via USPS.

    Alisha

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  25. I spend about $12k per year on my jcrew card, and have never received a gift. I know a luggage tag is no big deal, but quite frankly, I'm a little hurt by not receiving something. I know it's silly that a company can make me feel hurt, but I can't help it!

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  26. Anyone else's orders showing as "complete" before you actually receive them?

    Usually my orders get stuck on "open" or "released," but I've had 3 orders in a row now showing "complete" on my account page, but they're still a day out on the UPS/FedEx tracking page.

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  27. I should say that usually they say "shipped" until I receive them, then "complete."

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  28. I wonder if J Crew will request Alexis to take this post down, as they have done in a past.:)
    I did not receive anything this time around even though I am a cardholder and would like to think a valuable one at that.:))

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  29. Wow, Slastena, I didn't think of that! I was not involved in the necklace episode (either by receiving or blogging/reading), so I completely spaced there. Hope we're not causing you trouble, Alexis! (I contacted Alexis about it personally, and she eagerly accepted the offer of a photo of the card, so I am hopeful her judgment is sound!) :-) LOL!

    Alisha

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  30. My peacock shimmer jacket arrived tonight. I think it may be the same style as the Maggie? Anyway, Love it!!!
    It's a great holiday piece. Mostly green, red, gold and purple with the silver thread. I'm very pleased and will be keeping it.
    FFM - Not sure what to wear under the jacket if I pair it with jeans - can you suggest a few things?
    Didn't received a gift from Mickey yet -however, my son managed to drive his car into the mailbox - (lots of black ice today, but STILL), so mailbox is now in the garage. But this is incentive enough to send me to the post office in the morning. :)

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  31. LaDolceVita: I hope your son is okay! Black ice is the worst. :( On a bright note, the peacock shimmer jacket sounds beautiful- I will have to check it out now- congrats on the purchase! :)

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  32. I think it's a nice idea. I can't think of another retailer that has done something like this. My husband gets nice gifts from certain companies, Virgin and BA airlines but not from a clothing retailer. I would be "over the moom" if received something!

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  33. That is a nice gesture.

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  34. Alisha, no worries. Hopefully, J Crew is being reasonable this time around. This is a personal blog after all.Congrats on the gift!Scarf is beautiful!

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  35. I got a calendar book last year, which I did not use as I have a PDA.

    Nice gesture, as they may have excessive inventory anyway. Just have to pay for shipping.

    I have the peacock jacket too, and it's exactly like maggie in style. I returned the double serged maggie and kept the peacock instead as I liked extra panache the fabric brings, and with the lighter weight fabric I can roll back the cuffs. The maggie in double serge was a bit too plain.

    I plain to wear a ivory/off white u neck knit top under, but I think any of the perfect fit tees in a coordinating color (purple, orange, yellow, green) will work.

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  36. Maybe J. Crew won't ask for this post to be taken down, since last time many people were more upset by the "big brother" aspect than by not receiving a gift in the first place. :)

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  37. I'm a long-time silver carder holder and I have *never"* received a gift from JCrew. Honestly, I have barely spent anything at JCrew lately (ruffles aren't my thing and the web issues are infuriating imo)so I'm not expecting anything. That said I've spent a ton in previous years including purchasing a wedding gown and brides maid's dresses and I'm a little miffed that I have never received anything for my loyalty. Oh well, I guess JCrew doesn't value my business as much as others. Maybe it's time I cancel my card because the benefits are so limited.

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  38. Mickey gave me the keys to one of his stores as my thank you gift. Guess he likes me better than all of you!

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  39. Feel free to disagree, but I think some readers are unduly harsh on J.Crew while discussing the benefits (or lack thereof) with the credit card and these seasonal "gifts".

    IMO, J.Crew has absolutely no obligation to offer any rewards and that they are, while they are certainly less than what is offered at some other retailers, a gift in and of themselves. Sure, $25 back on every $100 invested isn't much, but would you be spending that $100 anyway? I know I certainly would. If you are letting rewards dictate your spending, perhaps you should not be spending in the first place.

    That being said, J.Crew does offer less incentive than some other retailers. However, compared to bigger department store cards, the rewards are comparable and in some cases BETTER. I think we live in this world where we believe we are entitled to things because we are "loyal" or because we lay down a ton of cash. Don't get me wrong, I am guilty of this at times as well. However, I think this is a testament to the consumerism that has swallowed our society.

    I love getting the rewards, but do not feel entitled to them or anything "better" or "greater". I've never felt swayed to purchase more to reach a seasonal reward level. I think J.Crew's clothes have a classic look, utilize well-constructed designs (for the most part), and offer a fairly good price for the quality of the material (especially with sales and promotions). I think in this tough economy the fact that they are doing anything like this is a testament to J.Crew's continued dedication to rewarding loyal customers, perhaps randomly perhaps not. Momma always said, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth"

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  40. Anon @ 11:41pm: It's not $25 for every $100, but $25 for every $500. Quite a significant difference.

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  41. OMG- I got keys too! Thanks J.Crew!

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  42. SOmeone mentioned here earlier that the day after Christmas the website was going to go back to the dreaded "FINAL SALE." Has anyone heard about whether there will be more discounts taken or how much?

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  43. Anon @ 11:41 pm - Well said

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  44. Nooooooo!!! FINAL SALE is back on the site. :(

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  45. I got a scarf! The mohair muffler in ivory. It will go great with my tweed Harriet. :)

    Also, boooo to final sale. Glad I already bought everything I was considering.

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  46. 11:41, I disagree--these "rewards" are an incentive to use their cc. In return, JC gets a better deal on credit card fees than if you had just used your Visa/Amex/MC and gets additional free marketing information from customers. It is not just JC giving out "rewards" out of the goodness of their hearts. It's a win-win business proposition.

    I will not use any cc that does not offer some sort of reward or benefit like cash back--with so many options out there, why not get the best deal?

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  47. Actually, I received a gift even though 85% of my purchases were done on other cards, not my J. Crew card (I like getting points/cash back for my way too large clothing purchases).

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  48. anon at 12:59;

    J.Crew doesn't just get a better deal...they MAKE 1% on transactions that you use your JCC on, versus PAYING 2.5-4% when you use a Visa/MC/Amex.

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  49. Why does JC think that we were all waiting for final sale to return? Who is going to buy sale items now that they cannot return or exchange. Dumb move JC

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  50. I mean, FINAL SALE should = markdowns...and toss in a free shipping coupon. Those geniuses are once again trying to HOARD their clothing and making it impossible for anyone wanting to pick up any of their picked overs...

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  51. OMG, why would you put that big "FINAL SALE IS BACK" on the main page? It might as well say, "SCREW YOU, CUSTOMERS... MWAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAAHAA!".

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  52. ladolcevita: Congratulations on your Peacock Maggie Jacket! As for what to wear underneath it, I have a couple of suggestions...as you know, I am big fan of turtlenecks, and I love the silhouette of them under the Maggie jackets with Matchstick or Trouser Jeans. Banana Republic has an absolutely gorgeous t-neck that feels *yummy* on, and the price is great, too. It comes in numerous colors including several that you have described in the Peacock Maggie. To view the turtleneck Click Here . Another alternative would be one of the J.Crew Cashmere Shells in one of the colors that are also in the jacket: Click Here . You could even opt for wearing a basic tank for a more casual look. HTH! :)

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  53. Quick complaining about the final sale!

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  54. FFM - Thanks! I may wear it over this holiday week if I get some time to try and put it together!

    As there are still a few things in my shopping cart I was hoping to see additional percentage off this morning -not the dreaded final sale. Oh well. Something better will come alone.

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  55. kitchy7: Complete means the transaction has been charged to your cc, not when it shipped. Usually shipment and charged to cc is at the same time but not when they are rushing to get the parcels out, they will charge your cc later. I know this first hand when CS/Managers were fixing my problem orders.

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  56. I'm a cardholder but haven't received anything yet. I've spent a fairly hefty sum in the past year, and I've spent loads of money buying presents for my huge family in the past 2 months in particular. Maybe they haven't counted it yet... In any case, it has been kind of arbitrary as to who gets what in the way of gifts. I'm not feeling entitled to anything, but it would be a nice surprise in the mailbox!

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  57. I think it's pretty cool that they are still giving out gifts, especially in this climate. Seems extra nice if you're not even expecting it. :)

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  58. Hey FFM, it's Leslie.....can you tell me how those BR turtles run? Are the TTS? I've already started adding some to my cart, you little enabler you!!! LOL!

    Have a Merry Christmas and keep the Polyvores coming!

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  59. Leslie, size down. i know which ones she is talking about. They are nice but they pill be warned! if you normally wear a small buy an xs

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  60. Hi Leslie! It's great to see you posting again! :) I think the BR Turtlenecks DO run true to size according to the BR size charts...I purchased my regular size Small, and it fits perfectly...I actually have two more of them on the way since the price is so great! :) I have a friend who has purchased them previously, and she said they have held up for 2 seasons of continuous use (she lives where it's very cold), so I think you and I should get several seasons out of them! ;) HTH!!!

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  61. *leslie*
    I, like FFM, also love the BR turtlenecks! They are much thicker than the JC merino, yet still slim-fitting and sleek. I found them to run TTS. HTH!

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  62. My gift arrived yesterday. I got the mohair scarf in royal blue.

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  63. Thanks FFM! They seem to have a ton of sizes in various colors, so I might see what the price or promotion (additional % off???) is after xmas.

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  64. Yesterday I received a hot pink scarf as a gift from jcrew. It does seem to be a tiered gifting system as I have also spent quite a bit - nothing to be proud of but enough to receive a $275 rewards card. I also received a loyal customer gift in Oct of this year for being a loyal customer as well. It was one of those glass bead necklaces with the ribbon ends. I think they retailed for 50 or so?? That was the first gift I received from them. I thought it was possibly because my birthday is in Oct but the card didn't mention that. Wondering if anyone else received gifts from jcrew during other times this year?

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  65. thank you casual crew!

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  66. I am totally fine with people recv'g gifts--that is awesome! How exciting!

    I do find the most CURIOUS thing to be that kitchy7 got the gift by using a regular old card--not the JC card. Hmmm..perhaps there is a scarf in my future:)

    After I started buying a tremendous amount of stuff and knew I needed to pay off the JC card in full each month (it has a way too high interest rate not to), I switched to a MC with a super low rate and now the balance is through the roof--that kind of enabled me! Perhaps I will get something after all;)

    At the same time, even with the low interest rate, the $ I will pay this month in finance charges will come close to buying me that scarf *gulp*:(

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  67. La Petite Crew:
    no gift for me either this time around, but I got one at Thnaksgiving. So I think it's a random draw after all.

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  68. I agree with all the Aficionadas who are disappointed with JC's gift selection process. For me, it's not about luggage tags or scarves--I don't need either. And I'm glad to know that some customers received them.

    I'm already incredibly disappointed with JC's card program (since I learn about discounts, offers, and sales through this site more than from JC), and since I think the perks are negligible (those bonus cards just incent us to spend more).

    Knowing that I was omitted yet again from selection for a gift makes me feel undervalued to a retailer with whom I spend more money than I'd like to admit.

    It's not about the gift, it's about the gesture. A card would have done the trick!

    Or delivering on those promised card program benefits!

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  69. I have never held a J. Crew Credit Card account, yet I received a pink Mohair scarf. The included note didn't mention anything about the credit card, just something about being a loyal customer. Last Christmas, I was given one of their leather bound planners. I guess you don't have to have one of their credit cards to be a part of the Christmas cheer at J. Crew! So don't give up hope non-card members!

    Merry Christmas, Aficionadas!

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)