Tuesday, December 9, 2008

J.Crew's Website Is Having Some Tech Difficulties :(

As many of you have noticed and mentioned, J.Crew's website seems to be down again. :( From the comments, it sounds like the website this afternoon/ evening (depending on which time zone) has been fluctuating back and forth from "up & running", running slowly, and "site down".

"Thanks!" to those, including Dina, Flaneuse (in this post), as well as Green_Dino, Anon at 1:59 PM, Pakcola, Anon at 2:00 PM, Casual_Crew, Snow, Anon at 6:19 PM, & Lindsey B. (in this post), who let us know about the current website issues. :)

I have a sneaky suspicion that the "Give More Save More" promotion (click here) drove a lot of traffic to the site and it just could not handle it. Hopefully it is up and running smoothly soon. :)

94 comments:

  1. Okay this is getting a little ridiculous...all a girl wants to do is shop...grrrr

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  2. Well, maybe they will see that we really do love their products, but demand free shipping as well as discounts, which they finally offered....HOORAY!

    -Suzy

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  3. The Boucle Scarf coat is now on sale for 229! With the discount I got it for 160$ I think that is a pretty good deal considering I think only yesterday it was still 350.

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  4. OT, but maybe y'all need some amusement while the site is down. I received my Tartine cardigan (XS black) today! So here is my review... The sweater is lightweight merino and is overall nice. The fabric is the usual lightweight merino, so it has a nice drape and is perfect for layering over short-sleeved blouses or camisoles. The ruffles stick up nicely on the neck, though you can't easily see they're chiffon on the black version, since the silk is exactly the same color as the wool. (Online, it looks like there is more contrast between the wool and chiffon on some colors, such as heather mushroom.)Drawbacks are that it is devilishly hard to unbutton. The buttons are round like beads, so the buttons are slipper and the buttonholes are tiny. But I do like that they blend into the sweater and don't distract from the ruffles. My other complaint is specific to me as a petite... (Just for reference I'm 2p at Banana Republic, but haven't worn much J Crew petites in a while because I'm frustrated I cant try on in stores.) I'm not a huge fan of J Crew's 3/4 length sleeves because on petites they look a bit dorky--like awkward bracelet length or like long sleeves that shrank. The hem of the sweater also hits me lower than on the model. On me, it ends below the hip. It would be more flattering if it were less long. On the plus side, the fit though the shoulders and upper arms is fine, even though sometimes J Crew items are too tight on me in those areas. I ordered it when there was extra 30% off sale, so it cost me $30 shipped. I got a bargain and overall love the sweater, but I now know I will definitely not buy the crewneck Tartine because of the length issue.

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  5. Also OT: My package came with the a holiday catalog and a coupon. Free shipping on $150 or more from Jcrew.com through Dec 31. Code ICD-49.

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  6. The website is back but balky and troublesome--stuff keeps disappearing from my cart, and it's very slow. What a pain. Also, I don't know if this has been posted already, but the web code for the 25% off card wasn't working for me earlier.

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  7. Madeline dress in a 6, 10, and 12 has reappeared on the website. I know some were looking for one. (still full price)

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  8. I think they're attempting to update merchandise, but the website isn't cooperating. It's not letting me into my shopping cart. After my pre-TURKEY lost order, I've just about lost hope shopping on line with J.Crew.

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  9. Website still not up in CA

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  10. Rosie: I wonder if that means they won't offer any more % off if there's already a code for free shipping...

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  11. I had my shopping cart empty on me 5 times I gave up.

    Then I was supposed to receive a gift card for my messed up orders, CS cancelled mine and is going to send me a new one because they can't track it, and shipping sent it out incorrectly. How come they cannot give me the number of the telephone and let me use it on-line? This would eliminate the step of physically mailing it to me and they would save the cost of shipping too. Now I will be lucky if I get to use it in January.

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  12. I just got my order in Yay!!! The Marie coat for $97.00 along with dream cardigan. Now the next step will be in actually receiving the items! :)
    With the free shipping and discount shopping from Canada ain't so bad.

    Linda

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  13. Cart emptied, filled, was inaccessible, now site's totally down. I give up.

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  14. PS
    (Also ordered the frog necklace for my daughter, very cute!)

    Linda

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  15. I ordered the Tartine Cardigan during Turkey and for some reason it is not 3/4s on me, its full sleeves and I get size S in all the other sweaters. Funny thing is on the cardigans that say Long Sleeve they are shorter, I guess bracelet length...But yah it is longer in length as well.

    I really like the sweater overall and REALLY want another one in Chocolate so if anyone finds one lemme know please!

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  16. Rosie: Thank you so much for sharing that code! I have already updated the code list with that great info as well as made it into a post. :)

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  17. Don't you wonder what Mickey is doing when fiascos like TURKEY and now HOHOHO happen? Does he just sit at his desk and shake his head? Is he in the warehouse helping out? Is he yelling at the IT people to get it together? Hmmmmm, it must be taking a toll on the ol' blood pressure.

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  18. dinapet: good point, but it's possible that they could mark things down (the acutal prices) instead of just doing 20% extra or whatever. for example, I noticed that since last night the Tartine is now $19.99! It was $29.99 last time I looked... alexis: always happy to share. THANK YOU so much for this site, i love it!

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  19. It's 7:12 p.m. and the site is down again. Truely unbelieveable. There is no other website that has these constant problems. With sales lagging you would think their website would be top priority. I did get to order quite a bit this morning but such much more stock has been added since then. Will keep checking! Has anyone been to a b&M store today? I'm wondering if they did additional markdowns.

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  20. Mack: I wonder about what Mickey is thinking/ doing during these IT down times too!!! ;) I would hate to be working at J.Crew's IT department this year. :)

    Rosie: Thanks for the nice words! Again thanks for sharing the code- I really appreciate it. :)

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  21. Totally ridiculous!

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  22. OT...How can you check the stock amounts of an item? Do you just call and ask or can you check online?

    Thanks!

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  23. Pakcola: Type in 99 in the Quanitity box and the amt left in stock will appear. Keep in mind that there could be alot of phone orders ahead of you, the phone orders system does not mesh up with the on-line until sometime later. When you place an order on-line the inventory count minus 1, while the phone does not always go down right away. Priority is determined by order# and overnight express shipping. You can see I spend too much time on J Crews site.

    Alexis: Is it possible to have a couple of lines on the front page on How Do You Find the Inventory Levels on-line alot of people have been asking in the last couple of days, it would be useful info.

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  24. So Random!!! I ordered a pencil skirt, and just revd a small tartine sweater. I called customer svc and he tried to charge me s/h to reorder; I said no way, you are waiving the s/h. Now, I have to return the sweater to a store. Incredible. This has never happened to be in all my online orders ~ its the Jcrew zone.

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  25. : ( I cant access my shopping card, but I can see the inventory #s drop each time I reload the main page : ( Youre losing my $$, JCrew!

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  26. Alexis,

    Casual_Crew has a great idea. An FAQ section would be nice for new visitors.

    M

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  27. FAQ, shopping tips, etc.

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  28. Site running slowly and my shopping cart was emptied : ( !

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  29. hello all. my cart emptied out multiple times during the turkey sale and when i called j crew she said they were having no problems (!!) and the IT dept wasn't aware of any issues (clearly, they need a new IT dept). after 2 days of trying repeatedly, i gave up and bought nothing during that sale. the trick i've learned since then is after putting things in the cart, copy each item onto a microsoft word document or notepad or such on your computer. that way, once you are done browsing online, you can call in the order by phone. IF you really, really, really want something that is. though i have to wonder, does j crew deserve our dollars and customer loyalty if they are so lax about fixing their site??

    good luck!

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  30. Anon @ 7 PM -- thanks for the tip! I was able to grab the Madeline Dress sz 6 in Eggplant via the Red Phone. Hooray! Also I have to say I was quite disappointed by the staff at the Soho store. They had one Madeline out and I asked if they had any more, and the SA was just like, no these have been flying off the shelf. No offer to use the red phone or any kind of help. I finally just picked the dang red phone up myself. Alls well that ends well though.

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  31. site's no longer working for me, either. can't even get in to the cart to copy the remaining items. aaargh.

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  32. Yeah Roxy!!! I was hoping it would go to someone on there. :) I have one myself that I love.

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  33. TURKEY order for City Ballet flats - but I got crewcuts boy shoes! :(

    CS rep gave me a $30 gift card, but I really wanted the shoes that are now sold out!

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  34. argyle, sorry to hear you didn't get your shoes, but wow, I've had five messed up orders in recent months and have never gotten anything other than a CS saying she or he was sorry.

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  35. Jcrew doesn't do price adjustments on sale items does it?

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  36. I am really hating the site right now..

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  37. auntie claus,

    They generally don't offer anything. You have to aks for some compensation, and then it depends on which CS rep you're talking to...

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  38. My gosh, with all these site difficulties and shipment mishaps, I think I'd be crazy to try to place an online order. Thanks for all the codes & promos, but no thanks, j.crew. I'm waiting till I can get to a b&m store!

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  39. ALEXIS & CALIGLAM-

    I DO NOT THINK YOU SHOULD POST THAT INFO ON THE FRONT PAGE! They do NOT like us knowing the inventory levels. CSR's are told not to divulge that info and I feel like this is the last great piece of info they are yet to change on us! Although--I do wonder if they don't already know from the million posts about it but it prob just hasn't been priority #1 given all the other more important IT issues~like a working website maybe?!!

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  40. bug pin - i totally TOTALLY agree!!! keep that quiet or we will lose that as well!

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  41. bug pin- gee, a working website WOULD be nice, wouldnt it ????? *grrrrr*

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  42. Thanks Casual Crew!

    Do I have to add in my cart and then putt 99 in?

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  43. I've been browsing the site, and some items/colors have been restocked. I also noticed some new markdowns. Boucle Astrid is $99, and herringbone Fiona is down to $69.99. The site is slow and limping, and although I can put things in my cart, I can't see my cart and check out. I just called in my order. Amid all the negative comments on this post, I would like to say KUDOS to the phone customer service line. They are awesome! I didn't have to wait at all and the CS rep was able to answer questions about fit and measurements.

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  44. rosie: I totally agree with you on the length issue. I went to the grand opening of the Miami store today (YAY!) and was disappointed with the length of the Quinn cami and the Vita cami - both were size 0s but still hit at my crotch. I still couldn't resist though ... I will be getting them hemmed.

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  45. Honestly,
    I don't think Mickey is doing ANYTHING. I don't think he is probably even aware that the warehouse is screwing up orders. He is probably sitting in his office having big wig meetinge,etc. not even aware of the lower issues...does he really even care we are frustrated...probably not.

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  46. Bugpin: There is no way JC can adjust the quantity feature so we cannot track inventory levels without writting a program for it. They are not going to do that. Having the information would help the newbies coming onto the site.

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  47. why wouldn't they write a program? its prob on a list of things to do already from reading this blog

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  48. The site cut out on me while I was shopping -- I thought maybe it was for maintenance (it is, after all, 4am my time -- I'm sick and can't sleep :( but the site doesn't load at all -- it's just white and says JSP_EXECUTION_FAILED. So... yeah.

    Also, as a side note, I noticed that when I logged into the "my account" feature on the site earlier today after placing an order, it gave me a countdown (about 15 mins) for making changes -- there was a "remove" column and "cancel entire order" button. I wanted to remove items but there was no actual checkbox to click -- I don't know if it wasn't working or what. Anyway, I thought that was interesting. Apologies if someone's already brought it up.

    Happy shopping all... I'm currently contemplating how to get to a somewhat nearby J.Crew (live in Boston, don't have a car) to pick up a pencil skirt that I want to wear Friday... we'll see what happens.

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  49. Every single item I had in my shopping cart last night when the website was crazy is now gone, even ones that are still available. I'm pretty turned off right now, and it takes a lot to alienate me.

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  50. My shopping bag usually empties but all my stuff has stayed it there since last Friday as is still there is morning...

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  51. I was able to place my orders earlier in the morning before the website started having problems...I'm hoping they get tracking numbers today...fingers crossed! :)

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  52. Did anyone here purchase a Shimmy dress? I notice the smaller sizes are sold out on line. I was hoping to try one when they went on sale. Please let me know what I missed! :(

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  53. I doubt there will be tracking numbers today. I placed a very early morning order and it took 2days last week to get tracking numbers.

    Sounds like even more orders were placed yesterday with the free shipping. Good luck everyone...I can't wait to hear the messed up store orders...some are really too much. I can laugh b/c I have had my own.

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  54. Go to the copley square Jcrew it's better than cambridgeside and easier to get to since only really the green line goes to cambridgeside. Happy shopping!

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  55. Has anyone noticed the change in color order of some items?

    For example, the item "Cashmere Harper sweater": when you go to the items individual page, before you select a size, the colors are snow, black, navy, putty, etc. After you select a size, the color order changes. Without paying attention I thought, wow they've already started selling out of colors in my size already. Upon closer inspection I realized the order of the colors changed.

    Do you think this is a marketing trick or just in the design of the site?

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  56. Anon at 6:52

    I was going to agree with you but surprisingly I placed two orders on dec 8 and received tracking numbers on dec 9. One was a phone order the other online . BUT ( and this is a big but) who knows what is actually going to be in my boxes...

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  57. anon 6:52: I received my tracking # from last week within 24 hrs.

    To all Canadians who are expecting gift cards, JC has had trouble mailing them out last week, so if you are expecting any call CS and they have to resend them to you using Canada Post.

    Also Web site is down, CS does not know when it will be back up, and admits they are having big problems. I was able to get on very early this am to place and cancel an order, just to nervous placing it.

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  58. I also received tracking numbers within 24 hours on my orders placed last week...I hope this week will be the same. :)

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  59. causal crew- is that just for canadian shoppers or was the gift card sending a problem for all? i ask because i am supposed to be getting a gift card for all of my hassels from jcrew, but my mail is fowarded so it slows things down. i haven't gotten it yet, and am wondering if i should be worried. (i can't call as i am overseas)
    thanks for the info

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  60. anon 7:36 - I was told by CS that it was the Canadian gift cards that had the problems. I don't know about the overseas ones. You might want to follow up to see how it was sent to you and if there is a tracking #.

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  61. OT - does anyone know if the Whisper Lame Zoey is on sale in stores. I thought I saw on the sale rack but checked on line and it is still full price? TIA

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  62. Trick or Functionality Design?:

    Are you seriously worried about order of colors changing? WHO CARES????

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  63. yes, who cares, but for those wondering, it is a glitch, just like the glitch that caused sizes to be out of numerical order.

    the pull down menu would be something like 10, 6, 2, 8, 4

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  64. Error:

    JSP_EXECUTION_FAILED


    is ALL i see when I log onto the site--- ARGH!!

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  65. Kate, the whisper Zoey tanks were on sale in my B&M - marked down to $59.99, then whatever the additional % off the store had. HTH!

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  66. *kate*
    the zoey IS on sale in stores. It was $59.99 last week, plus any additional your store is offering. It may be even lower now with markdowns done yesterday.

    San Diego store had several camel (ivory) and nectar (peach) left yesterday (but I didn't look to see if had been marked down any further, as I already bought it). HTH!

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  67. I placed an order the other night and received my shipping confirmation, but where it would list the tracking number, it says 'n/a'. I called them last night to check in and they said that packages occasionally go out without tracking numbers and to wait 7 more days for the package. All of the items are Christmas gifts and were on sale, so I was a bit frustrated that I have no idea when they'll arrive. And since there's no tracking number, if they don't arrive, it'll likely be a hassle to get this taken care of. Does this happen to anyone else very often?

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  68. I had an item on backorder, and I was just notified that the delay will be pushed back another week. I was impressed that they had it together enough to notify me, and they also included a (one-time use) free ship no min code for my next order. Small improvement in not pissing off customers? Hopefully will be a continued thing...

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  69. Thanks smarty and silver lining!

    Megan, I had placed an order on 12/2 and it stayed "open" until 12/8. They told me the same thing about it arriving within the stated time. Then they finally provided me with a tracking number showing it will be delivered today (12/10).

    Maybe you will receive a tracking number eventually...

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  70. Kate -- the Michigan Ave, Chicago store had several of them available in the sale section as well, and the store is offering 30% off sale items (but it's not final sale, as was explained to me by a SA yesterday).

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  71. Megan-I had the n/a with my 11/25 TURKEY order and it did end up showing up. Cross your fingers all will be well--that includes inside the box. I have personally had nothing but trouble with every order, re-order and re-order. They haven't gotten one order right whether missing tracking number and sitting in warehouse WAY too long saddled with missing many items etc. It's been really crazy.

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  72. Ugh! I'm so mad I placed an order yesterday and one of them was Snow Leopard Harlow Blouse-CS told me it was available but got an email saying sold out. If anyone comes across this in stores or anything in size 0 please let me know!

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  73. So, I got an order last night that actually had each and every item that I ordered in it, intact and in correct sizes and colors! My only problem is the ruffle neck cashmere sweater I ordered has three quarter length sleeves, and in the picture it seems to have full length sleeves. Of course with the website problems, I can't go on and check if I was just misseeing the dang thing. Actually, I've been trying to get on the site since this morning and it looks like my shopping cart got emptied, too.

    If anyone out there already has a ruffle neck cashmere cardi, can you comment on sleeve length? Thanks so much!

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  74. The ruffle cashmere cardigan has 3/4 sleeves. IT says so in the description. I know b/c that is why I did not buy it! I got the Jackie cashmere cardigan instead.

    I have not had any problems getting on the website all day off and on...been on 5 times already.

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  75. Thank you so much. I'm disappointed, but I know I should have read the details and not just relied on the picture. I like the shorter sleeves on the ruffle neck merino cardi I have in azalea, but I wanted full length for a real winter sweater. Thanks again!

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  76. Anon at 12:19 -- Are you there? I found a snow leopard blouse in size 0 and put on hold.

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  77. All day the site is avail to me but not if I click on the item--I get that same error. I think they are purposely locking JUST ME out-DOH!

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  78. What on earth is going on over at the website? I can look at categories but not items, in the sale section and nothing in the regular sections. But, they have updated my tracking on my most recent order! Everything is showing as shipped, so I have my fingers crossed, but I am really wanting to order a small Oslo bag once the site's back up. Any comments on that bag, aficionadas? I'm leaning toward grey, but the ivory is super nice, too.

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  79. Anonymous at 12:19: I won't be checking the blog again today so I'll leave the info re: the snow leopard Harlow you were looking for. Size 0 on hold at the North Michigan Avenue store under the name Mary. Phone: 312-751-2739. They are holding it until tomorrow.

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  80. My cashmere argyle vneck sweater in dove/graphite just got cancelled! If anyone has one they no longer want, please let me know! TIA!

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  81. My concern with the small Oslo bag is that I believe there's a zip out pouch but otherwise the bag is unlined and I don't think has any pockets at all to put a cell phone, make up etc. Please correct my if I'm wrong but that's what turned me off of this bag.

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  82. Anyone know how Issy sweater jacket fits? I usually wear XS/0 in jackets and coats but wanted to check if this runs the same way. Thanks!

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  83. Large Oslo Review-
    inside wall has one zipper pocket that unsnaps (for what reason-I have no idea)this pocket is the equiv of any zipper inside pocket but not built into the bag lining as there isn't a lining. Just rough leather inside and no pockets inside..a weird/bad move IMO. The leather is super smooshy in the large version and doesn't have ANY "body" or structure to it--it will collapse all over itself. It will work with a large "Purse-to-go" as that helps it hold a shape and offers pockets for your phone and other things inside. I do not recommend anyone orders it without having the purse-to-go or they will want to shoot themselves for bothering. The champagne is very pretty and neutral but haven't seen the grey/ash IRL. Hardware is fine, has a heavy horn closure that you do not need to close but can just throw over. If you must lock it each time--it will be a PITA.-HTH. Overpriced

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  84. Issey runs a tad small IMO but that may depend on shoulders and height as well.

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  85. I ordered Issy in XS... I am 5'3 and 107lbish? I always wear XS in terms of sweaters,blazer,coats.Hope it fits.

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  86. I actually recently ordered the Issy jacket in both a small and medium. In J. Crew tops I'm usually a 4 and a small in their sweaters, but the small was just a tad too small, so I'm going to go with the medium. Because there is only the button at the top, it flares open a bit at the bottom. I wanted mine to close a bit more, so I went with the medium - it just fit better. HTH!

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  87. Megan-now you have me worried :(
    I guess I'll just wait and see when it arrives, thanks for your input.

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  88. I also found that the Issy ran a little small - but personally, I felt it had more to do with the bust, than the shoulders/arms. My upper arms are on the thicker side, and it fit me fine there - the issue was that (because of the single button, as Megan mentioned above) it tends to stay a little more open if you have a bigger chest. I don't have a particularly large bust (34C) but I found that that was what was causing the jacket to stay open a little more. Depending on your bust size, and how much you want the bottom of the jacket to stay open, you may need your regular size, or a size up. HTH!

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  89. I ordered on Monday with HOHOHO and got tracking numbers today for all my items except the three that were waitlisted. So far, so good!

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  90. I am not trusting the website yet plus the deals are still better in the store. I really should not be buying anything, but I really wanted the shearling slipper mocs, but left with the mocs plus 3 sweaters.. one merino and 2 cashmere.. all for under $140. They gave me 30% off on top of another 30% off for buying more than $200 worth. They did not apply the 25% off card or student discount, but I am not complaining. :)

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  91. I love the Issy sweater. For me, it ran true to size. I will admit that i like my sweaters a tad clingy rather than loose.

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  92. booo! How long does it take to make a website that works??!!

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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! :)