J.Crew Email: Hurry - up to 25% off select denim, online only

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who let us know about the latest email J.Crew sent.

The email lets us know that select men's (click here) and women's (click here) denim are now up to 25% off! This promotion is available only online and expires 10/2/09.

Will you be taking advantage of this offer? Are there any jeans that you are currently lusting over? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew's Cashmere Sweaters (ooh la la!)

"Thanks!" to LLK (in this post) who shared some interesting news from her local brick & mortar (B&M) store:

...Anyway- my store (central Ohio) had a promotion going on the basic cashmere sweaters- both V-neck and Crewneck- $99.00 each. I hadn't seen that posted anywhere so I thought I'd throw it out there...

I am not sure if B&M stores nationwide are carrying this promotion. However, if you are interested in purchasing J.Crew's newest cashmere sweaters (click here to browse online), it wouldn't hurt to ask your local store associates about the promotion. :)

J.Crew's cashmere sweaters have been a frequent topic on this blog. Many JCAs have cited the quality of the cashmere as their main concern. On a bright note, J.Crew offers some of the most loveliest shades for their cashmere sweaters.

Will you take advantage of this cashmere promo (if your store offers it)? If your local B&M store is offering it, do you mind posting the location of the store? (Thanks in advance!) Also, what are your thoughts on J.Crew's cashmere from the latest arrivals (in terms of quality, style, fit, etc.)? :)

Behind the Scenes With Madewell

As mentioned in a previous post ("Madewell Email: Denim Tour w/ Lucky hits stores"), Madewell is guest blogging over at Lucky Magazine. The following (or click here) is one of those posts! :)

Behind the Scenes With Madewell's Head Designer
by Lucky Staffers
September 29 2009

Meet Kin Ying Lee, our head designer. She's the one who tirelessly dreams up each season's focus and inspiration while somehow always keeping us fiercely grounded in our vintage workwear roots. Not to mention she always looks effortlessly cool at the office and, no matter how busy or stressful her days can be, never raises her charming British accent above a soft, whispery lilt. Oh yeah, she's also a mother of two adorable toddlers too. Here, what she's feeling for fall...

Q: What were you inspired by this season?
I envisioned an American girl enjoying the most perfect day in Paris, and being totally inspired by her surroundings. She's digging the cool, intuitive way French women dress--how they can just toss something on and look amazing--but she's also really loving what the guys are wearing as well: their dapper, tailored pieces. So one way I translated this aesthetic was into is our Midnight Blazer ... a sleek, super-slim-sleeved tux-style blazer made of a soft, stretchy felted wool. It's a very boy-meets-girl piece...that leans more towards the girl.

Q: What were you listening to, reading, and watching while you designed?
The usual suspects like Francoise Hardy and Serge Gainsbourg. I especially loved Serge's album Comic Strip--so poppy and hilarious and French. The Bernardo Bertolucci film The Dreamers spoke to me as well, since it's about an American living in Paris. Plus it was set in the late '60s, such a great era for fashion. I like the idea of the lead character having all of these totally French experiences while wearing all-American blue jeans. Lou Dillon also has great street style... she was definitely an inspiration.

Q: Can you give us a hint what you're into for spring?
Powdery, dusty washes and an overall softer denim palette with a vintage look and feel. I'm also excited for some new shapes in denim: styles that mix this season's slouchy boyfriend look with a more tailored mood. They're definitely innovative and fresh, yet totally Madewell.

I love the concept of the American-girl-on-holiday-in-Paris theme. However, I am not sure if I got that vibe from the looks over at Madewell. I also really (really really) hated the film "The Dreamers" (which Lee references as inspiration), so maybe that is clouding my opinion at this time. ;)

Have you been to J.Crew's sister store, Madewell, recently? What do you think of the latest arrivals? Does it remind you of an American girl in Paris? :)

Gap News: Don Fisher, Co-Founder Of Gap

Some sad news from the Wall Street Journal (click here) about Gap's co-founder. J.Crew's CEO Mickey Drexler is mentioned in the article as well.

Don Fisher, Co-Founder Of Gap, Dies at 81
By Elizabeth Holmes & Stephen Miller
September 28, 2009

Donald Fisher, who set out to create a new kind of clothing store to fill "The Gap" he saw in retailing, died of cancer Sunday at age 81.

Mr. Fisher wasn't known as a merchant or fashion designer. Rather, he propelled his business with an intense competitive drive and a passion for real estate. Under his leadership, the San Francisco-based retailer quickly spread to malls and urban centers across the U.S. He recruited talent to make up for his lack of apparel knowledge.

Gap became known as an iconic brand that made it the most profitable clothier in the U.S. during the 1990s. The company expanded both upmarket and down by acquiring Banana Republic in 1983 and launching Old Navy a decade later.

Today, Gap Inc. is one of the largest apparel retailers in the world, with 3,145 stores and $14.5 billion in sales last year.

Mr. Fisher was deeply involved in his company's business for 40 years, serving as chief executive from 1969 to 1995. He remained chairman until 2004. At board meetings in the past year, Mr. Fisher was always the most attentive, said Gap Chief Executive Glenn Murphy. "More than anybody he was listening, writing stuff down, taking it all in," Mr. Murphy said.

The original Gap sold records along with every size and cut of Levis. Later, the chain would rise on the back of a charismatic outsider, Mickey Drexler, whom Mr. Fisher recruited from Ann Taylor in 1983. Mr. Drexler, now chief executive of J. Crew Group Inc., persuaded Mr. Fisher to reinvent the brand, pushing for higher-quality materials and more classic styles. The new merchandise hit shelves in 1985 and immediately grabbed shoppers.

WSJ's Stacey Delo explores the 1000 piece private collection of Gap Founders Doris and Don Fisher, which is considered to be one of the biggest and best collections of contemporary and modern art anywhere in the world. (Originally published April 2008).

Despite the success together, the pair disagreed frequently. Mr. Fisher's aggressive push for store growth, as well as international expansion, was a particular point of contention.

"It was like any other committed partnership -- the partners fight for what they think is right," Mr. Drexler said in an interview Sunday, adding that the differing approaches were "critical" to Gap's success. "Of course, if you're the minority shareholder, it goes without saying that you have to fight even harder." Mr. Drexler abruptly left the company in 2002, after 24 consecutive months of sales declines.

Gap has maintained profitability but sales remain lackluster. Total sales have fallen 11% in the last five years to $14.5 billion last year from $16.3 billion in 2004.

Mr. Fisher and his wife of 56 years, Doris, used their wealth to build an extensive art collection and support education. The pair has donated more than $100 million to the Knowledge is Power Program charter schools and Teach for America.

What are your thoughts on the article? Any points discussed that you found particularly interesting or noteworthy? If so, please share. :)

J.Crew Sweepstakes: Want to win a NYC trip for two?

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who let us know about the latest email J.Crew sent announcing a new sweepstakes.

The email says: "Man In Manhattan. What's your downtown cool factor? Test your wits with our daily trivia for a chance to win the grand prize."

J.Crew has teamed up with UrbanDaddy (click here) to give away the grand prize of a $2,000 J.Crew gift card & a weekend at a posh penthouse loft in Manhattan (NY). There is also a daily prize {yey!} of a J.Crew tie. (Once again, I am more excited about winning the gift card than the trip itself!)

The sweepstakes ends 10/31/09, so make sure you enter *daily* until then! Click here to enter and good luck! For official rules, click here.

Lastly, "thanks!" to Ali & MCC (in this post) who let us know that J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $175+ with promo code MANHATTAN. This offer expires 10/4/09.

Product Review: Vintage Serge Spy Trench

Vintage Serge Spy Trench
Click here for product page
Item 17510
$365.00

This J.Crew Collection coat looks fabulous– from the subtle collar to the rockin' belt. According to J.Crew, "A romantic twist on the timeless trench whipped up in an unexpectedly bright hue. The genius is in the details: the slightly higher belt placement (for optimal waist cinching), soft ruching at the pockets and old-fashioned dressmaker touches that echo a classic feel. Wool. Mandarin collar. Double-breasted. Long sleeves. Vents with functional buttons at cuffs. Removable self-belt with buckle at waist. Welt pockets. Fully lined. Hits at low thigh."

A big "thanks!" to KitsMommy (in this post), who shared her thoughts on this coat with us. The following is her review:

...I received my Spy Trench coat yesterday. I had promised a quick review so...

I am a huge fan of the double serge fabric for coats, so I was really excited about the Spy Trench when I saw it in the catalog. In person it is lovely. The color is a very pretty dusty orange and is not bright at all. The buttons and buckel are dark brown and are very nicely done. It is lined in ivory and is very well made with nice details like functional buttons on the cuffs.

Unfortunately, it doesn't quite fit me right. I am 5'4" and 125 pounds and slightly bottom heavy and I think this coat would better fit someone taller and slimmer hipped than I am. The size 4 I ordered fit me just right in the shoulders and bust, but the fit is a little too long in the upper body and sleeves for me and tight through the hip. I think the fit of this is very similar to the Lady Day Coat except for the skirt being cut less a-line.

The only design detail that I do not like are the horizontal pockets. I like pockets that I can put my hands in, so I find these to be bothersome. Also, their location and gathering below them puts fullness where I least like to have it and this detail was not flattering on me. Also, unlike my Gretas, Tuesday Trenches and Gramercy coats which are also double breasted, this coat does not hang well unbuttoned.

This is a lovely coat and will look great on some body types.

"Thanks!" again to KitsMommy for her great review!

What are your thoughts on the Vintage Serge Spy Trench? Are you considering or already have purchased this coat? Have you seen this coat in person? If so, please share with us your reviews too! :)

Madewell Email: Denim Tour w/ Lucky hits stores

As mentioned in the September 17th "Madewell Fall Denim Tour w/ Lucky Mag" post, Madewell is teaming up with Lucky Magazine for a denim tour.

"Thanks!" to HeidiG & Drewablank, who shared the email Madewell sent yesterday morning (shown in the image to the left). To view the image larger, click on the image or here. The email has the subject line of "Our Denim Tour with Lucky mag hits N. Virginia 10/6".

"Thanks!" to Margot, who shared the email Madewell sent yesterday morning (shown in the image to the right). To view the image larger, click on the image or here. The email has the subject line of "Hey Boston! Don't miss our Lucky mag Denim Tour tomorrow".

The image below shows all the dates & locations for the Madewell Denim Tour with Lucky Magazine.
Incidentally, Madewell will be "guest-blogging on Luckymag.com all week". To check it out, click here.

Will you be attending these events? If so, please share! :)

Madewell Email: 20% off all jeans at Denim After Dark

"Thanks!" to Marietta who shared the following Denim After Dark promotion from Madewell.

Madewell is having a "Denim After Dark" event this Thursday, October 1st at their SoHo (in NYC) store (between 7-9PM). At this event, they are offering:

• 20% off any pair of jeans
• Free denim hemming & custom embroidery
• Denim styling & fit from consultants
• Free Margarita Bar
• Live DJ

The location for the store is:

Madewell SOHO
486 Broadway (at Broome)
New York, NY
(212) 226-6954

Happy {Madewell} shopping!

J.Crew Email: Keep time with a classic

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Amy & Marietta, who shared the following email J.Crew sent this morning.

This email features the Timex Military Watch (Item 10884; $150.00). You can also purchase the Solid Watch Strap (Item 19474; $20.00) in a variety of colors including Dark Pumpkin and Bali Blue.

Last September, there was a post about Timex for J.Crew (refer here). I do like the style of the Timex watch– it is something I would totally wear. With that said, I do think the price tag seems a bit high (for a Timex watch).

The email also reminds us about Ask Jack video (refer here and here). The video is now available to view on J.Crew's website (click here to view).

What are your thoughts on the Timex for J.Crew watch? Do you own (or know someone who owns) the watch? Would you recommend the watch? :)

J.Crew Email: Our ballet flats take center stage

"Thanks!" to many of you, including HeidiG & Marietta, who shared the following email J.Crew sent this morning.

The email features J.Crew's Ballet Flats (click here). I own several (as in too many!) ballet flats from J.Crew. I have so many because I love the look– from the narrow-ish style to the fabulous designs. Right now, I am lusting over the Pippa Mirror Ballet Flats (Item 19844; $135.00). I saw them at a brick and mortar (B&M) store and thought the mirrored-foil material and asymmetrical three-loop bow looked fantastic!

However, for those who do not have any, be warned that they are *not* comfortable. All of J.Crew's ballet flats are office shoes (which means, they are the kind of shoes you wear sitting at your desk in the office, not the kind to run around town completing errands). The last few years, J.Crew added a wee bit (and I do mean, very very little) of padding to ballet flats. However, they are still not that comfortable. ;)

The email also reminds us about J.Crew's Personal Shopper (PS) service (click here to sign up). This service has been discussed several times on this blog (click here to view some posts). Some JCAs have reported fabulous service through their PS, even developing a great relationship with him/her. I have a personal shopper, but haven't used this service in a long time. I just never connected with the PS like some of the other JCAs have.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's ballet flats? Are there any ballet flats from J.Crew's latest arrivals that you are excited about? Do you have a personal shopper? Have you been utilizing the service? :)

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to sell}

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.

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?

Sidenote: What's up with JCAs writing "sub" or "subscribing" as their comment? It just means they are subscribing to all the comments (which are then automatically sent to their email) in that particular thread. This way they can stay aware of all the comments posted. :)

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to find}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post. Please note: this posting is not for resellers.

Also 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/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

J.Crew Email: We're celebrating in Rosedale + $25 off

A big "thanks!" to C (check out his blog, "Hotdish & Bars") who let us know about another wonderful offer from J.Crew. The J.Crew in Rosedale, Minnesota is having its first anniversary. To celebrate, J.Crew is offering local customers $25 off any purchase of $150+. This offer is good from 9/29/09 through 10/13/09.

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).

The location for the store is:

J.Crew at Rosedale Mall
114 Rosedale Center
Rosedalle, MN 55113
(651) 636-0357

Congrats to all those in the area!!! :)

Crewcuts Email: knit girls...

"Thanks!" to Marietta & HeidiG who shared the following email with us.

The email features Knits & Tees (described as "soft and sweet with decadent details") from the Girl's line in Crewcuts (click here to shop online). The outfits on the two {adorable} girls are absolutely fantastic! I l-o-v-e the styling- from the pink knee high tights with mary jane ballet shoes to the wrap around the waist top with tights and ballet flats!

They are also reminding us about free shipping on all Crewcuts orders (with no minimum).

Have you checked out the new knits & tees for Crewcuts? Are there any items that you are liking? Have you been taking advantage of the free shipping promotion? :)

J.Crew's Mens Catalog Gets Press Of Its Own

"Thanks!" to Diane who let us know about the Men's October catalog being featured in a New York Times article (click here).

J.Crew Gets Artsier
By Roberta Smith
September 25, 2009

You never know when contemporary art is going to insinuate itself into a normally art-free zone. Last summer the blissfully mindless sanctuary of the J.Crew catalog was breached by photographs of the tall, suave painter Alex Katz in his studio, modeling J.Crew clothes.

Now the October J.Crew catalog has gone even further. Its menswear section includes pictures of seven New York artists wearing J.Crew shirts, sweaters and jackets and occasionally entire outfits, also in their studios, nearly all looking fabulously relaxed and rumpled.

Several generations are represented. At the young, relatively unknown end of the spectrum are the abstract painters Julien Smith and Chris Dorland. The mid-career slot is occupied by Ryan McGinness and Glenn Ligon. For artists of a certain age, we have the photographer Stephen Shore, the painter Billy Sullivan and the Conceptual pioneer Vito Acconci.

The biggest surprise is Mr. Acconci, a poet who became one of the stars of the late 1960s- early ‘70s Post-Minimalist underground, a generation that is generally revered in part because – except for Richard Serra and Brice Marden – most of them supposedly didn’t make much money.

The irony is that much of Mr. Acconci’s early work consists of dark, furtive photographs of him doing one weird, intensely personal thing or another, say, burning the hair off his chest and tucking his penis between his legs in an attempt to become a woman. In his famous 1971 performance titled “Seedbed,” he spent hours masturbating under the floor at the Sonnabend Gallery in Soho.

Now Mr. Acconci, looking unusually scrubbed and combed, is shown in jeans and a mini-check shirt, crouched down by a table, squinting at a macquette as if he were imagining the siting of the full scale sculpture.

There’s always a weird rush when you see people you know from one context suddenly pop up in another, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. And it is becoming increasingly natural. All kinds of visual artists have appeared in Gap ads over the years. Artists have modeled clothes in magazine fashion spreads. Jasper Johns has played the Cowardly Lion in a reenactment of “The Wizard of Oz” in Vanity Fair. Furthermore, the last leader of the intact U.S.S.R. has lent his presence, comfortably cosseted in the back of a limousine, to ads for Louis Vuitton. After that, nothing should surprise.

Clearly we’ve come a long way since the early 1990s, when an emerging artist named Matthew Barney was excoriated for, among other things, having a J.Crew connection in his past. As a young nobody in the late 1980s, he had helped put himself through Yale working as a J.Crew model.

Artists are more a part of society than they were even in Mr. Barney’s youth, and this is generally a good thing, especially for society. They are increasingly accepted as semi-ordinary people with potentially extraordinary contributions to make to our lives. Such acceptance has minor side effects, including appearances in J.Crew catalogs — not for money, but for fun, and probably a little publicity.

It would really be something if the creative types making these appearances weren’t only men. To depart from the anonymous, impossibly thin, female ingénues who populate J.Crew catalogs might help change more than just the way we see artists.

To view J.Crew's behind-the-scenes of their "open studio", click here. It's always great to see J.Crew bring in actors, artists, and the like to feature in their catalogs. From Lauren Hutton to Liya Kebede to Alex Katz. It makes visual browsing of the pages more interesting!

What are your thoughts on the article? Do you think it's a good marketing technique to use various artists, actors, and the like in the catalogs? Is there someone you think J.Crew should get in their next catalog? :)

Side Note: On a related topic, "thanks!" to Aud who shared another {very funny} link from Jezebel about J.Crew's latest October catalog (click here to read the "October At J. Crew: Pretty, Preppy, Preposterous" post). The line of "Yet another J.Crew catalog has materialized in the mailbox, bringing cozy visions of for fall. That is: If you're thin. And small-breasted. And don't mind looking a wee bit wacky at times." is too funny! And you have to read the comments- some of them are hysterical!!! ;)

Surprise! Log Into J.Crew for Free Shipping

A big "thanks!" to Casual Crew (in this post) who shared some wonderful and exciting news:

"Sign in to your account at J Crew, there is a screen asking you to update your information and there is fs no minimum for updating your information. There is going to be perks given time to time so every time we visit we are to sign in. ... When you sign into your on-line acct, the first screen that you see is the account one,there is a message saying Welcome____your name, and then the speel about updating your info. and fs."

"Thanks!" to many of you, including those listed below, who followed up with personal experiences with J.Crew's new free shipping (fs) offer:

• Ashley (in this post) said: "i updated my email preferences and once it saved i did a mock checkout and although there is no code, it automatically applied the fs. hth!"
• AppGal (in this post) found: "holy crap. the account update/free shipping worked for me! I cannot believe I just got free shipping with no minimum from JCREW!!! It totally made me just spend money I wasn't planning to, but I felt like I had to take advantage of that! Are pigs flying!?!?!?! Did hell just freeze over?!?!"
• Shopper555 (in this post) said: "Ooh! I logged in to my account and it gave me free shipping too. It said, " For today, free shipping". There is no code- I put something in my cart and went to check out and the shipping was zero. Funny though because there is nothing right now that I want to buy. Well, I do want the cashmere V neck cardi but not at full price. I hope this free shipping thing won't go away."
  

I am not sure how long this will last, but it's worth a try to get free shipping (with no minimum!) on your order. And I have to say "bravo!" to J.Crew for offering a wonderful incentive for updating an account!!! :)

Happy shopping!

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 see what's available in the Summer sale, or to see some new Fall arrivals {sigh!} 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. 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!

J.Crew Email: Say "I do" to J.Crew {part 2}

A big "thanks!" to Amy (check out her amazing blog, Kelinda.KELINDA) who shared one of J.Crew's latest email.

The email announces the following: "Join J.Crew for our wedding trunk show featuring our Fall/Winter 2009 and Spring 2010 Collections. Preview our bridal gowns and wedding party collections. Our wedding specialists will be on hand to answer questions and set up one-on-one appointments for you."

The dates for this event are: Saturday, 10/3/09 (8-11AM) and Sunday, 10/4/09 (8-11 AM). Just RSVP (ashley@jcrew.com) with the date & location of the trunk show you plan to attend.

The location is:

J.Crew at the Atrium
300 Bolyston Street
Boston, MA
(617) 332-0122

As mentioned in the September 18th post "J.Crew Email: Say "I do" to J.Crew {cute!}", they are having this event in NYC. Moreover, J.Crew will be hosting wedding trunk shows across the country. They provided a list of all the dates & locations for these events on their website (shown in the image below as well).


Happy {bridal} shopping!

J.Crew Spotted in In Style Magazine

"Thanks!" to Marietta, who was kind enough to not only let us know about J.Crew being spotted in the recent In Style Magazine, but also scanned the images for us to view. Just click on any of the images above to see it larger.

The spread featured the various looks that First Lady Michelle Obama has worn- which of course includes J.Crew! Even though the outfits (featuring J.Crew) have been discussed on this blog before, it's always fun to look at them again. :)

As for the J.Crew Cashmere Argyle Cardigan shown in the third image... I couldn't find it on J.Crew's website. The article states it is retailing for $178.00. I am not sure if this is a new arrival or already available.

Mini Update: "Thanks!" to Bisou (in this post) who spotted the cardigan in the October catalog. It is the Cashmere Argyle V-Neck Cardigan (Item 17308 ; $178.00) and is "available in select stores and comes in three color combinations".

J.Crew In The News: Spotted at Crewcuts

"Thanks!" to MCC who let us know about an entry over at Celebrity Baby Blog (click here). Jessica Seinfeld (author & wife to comedian Jerry Seinfeld) and her three kids were photographed shopping at a New York City Crewcuts. She totally dressed the part as she was wearing J.Crew's Printed Kelsey Ruffle Top (Item 19683; $98.00)- and she looks great with it too!

Now, I am not a huge fan of the Kelsey Ruffle Top (Item 19064; $88.00) . (Refer to the September 2nd "Love It or Leave It: Kelsey Ruffle Top" post). However, I do like the polka dot version. What can I say, I am sucker for polka-dot prints! ;)

Incidentally, why is the solid Kelsey priced at $88 while the polka dot version is priced at $98? They are both made of "luxe silk". So... what's up with the extra cost for the polka-dot print? J.Crew did the same thing with the Victoria tops which were both made of "silk habotai". The solid Victoria Ruffle Cami (Item 99742) was originally priced at $88 while the dotted Victoria Ruffle Cami (Item 99930) was originally priced at $98. I must be missing something. Or maybe J.Crew charges more for polka-dots because they know suckers like me will fall for them. ;)

What are your thoughts on the Printed Kelsey Ruffle Top? Do you like the polka-dot version of the Kelsey more than the solid? Why do you think there's a price difference between the solid camis versus the print camis?

Happy {J.Crew} Shopping in Texas :)

A big "thanks!" to Emily (blogger behind the fantastic Champagne & Cupcakes blog) who shared with us some great news! There is a special promotion for the Texas shoppers of the Dallas, Frisco, Plano, and Southlake areas. This promotion is taking place from this Friday, September 25th to Sunday, September 27th.

If you are interested in learning more about this promotion, then please leave your email address in the comments section or email me (jcrewaficionada at yahoo dot com). The details will be emailed to you. (I will do my best to email it to you in a timely manner.) :)

J.Crew Email: Jenna's picks {for October!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who let us know about J.Crew's most recent email, which showcases all of Jenna Lyons' picks for the latest catalog.

Click here to view all the items selected, including the following:

Jenna's Picks: Right now our creative director is obsessed with unexpected pairings– sweet with sleek, soft neutrals with black and a shot of red.

1. Ankle stretch toothpick jean in twilight wash (Item 16719; $125.00)
2. Silk pleated posy top (Item 18679; $89.50)
3. Leather gloves (Item 18178; $49.50)
4. Selima Optique® for J.Crew crystal-clear glasses
   (Item 98388; $325.00)
5. Skinny studded belt (Item 19682; $35.00)
6. Rugged Lexi tote (Item 18427; $395.00)
7. Donegal shawl cardigan (Item 19247; $148.00)
8. Katy suede heels (item 17325; $178.00)
9. Crystal thornbush necklace (Item 20735; $135.00)
10. Crystal supernova necklace (Item 21060; $128.00)
11. Belstaff® leather bomber jacket (Item 22896; $1,195.00)
12. Paisley perfect shirt (Item 18053; $78.00)
13. Essie® nail polish (Item 22678; $8.00)
14. Rebekah perforated-leather platform Mary Janes
    (Item 17496; $215.00)
    

This time around, I am not a big fan of the items Jenna selected. Is it just me or does the tip of Kay Suede Heels remind anyone else of a sneaker? And I mentioned this before, but what about the Belstaff Bomber Jacket for $1,195.00 (did I read that price tag right)? Not sure what to make of it as it doesn't seem to belong in the Women's section.

What are your thoughts on the items selected? Do you like the color palette? Which items would have made your top picks of new arrivals that you are loving this month?

Elle Recognizes J.Crew's Jenna Lyons

A big "thanks!" to Angela who let us know (and shared the image) about an article in the recent Elle Magazine, which features J.Crew's Jenna Lyons. To view the image, click on the image above or here.

Jenna Lyons was named as Elle Personal Style Awards "Design Star". The magazine states that the main reason they are loving J.Crew these days is due to the direction of J.Crew's Creative Director.

Jenna Lyon's personal style has been a frequent topic on this blog- with some JCAs loving her style (refer here and here) while others wondering how she left her house that morning (refer here and here).

What are your thoughts on Jenna Lyons winning the Elle award? Are you surprised or not surprised to see her on the list? :)

Quick Poll: Do you like Jenna Lyon's "style"?

J.Crew's October Catalog {double check it!}

Back in August (refer to the August 16th "J.Crew's Latest Catalog {double check it!}" post), many JCAs reported finding something extra in the catalog J.Crew mailed them. J.Crew offered one-time promotion codes ranging from free shipping codes with no minimums, to 10% to 20% off any order with no minimums, and the like.

Well, it looks like J.Crew is doing something similar again! :)

"Thanks!" to LinLos (in this post) who shared the following: "There's a $25 off $125 B&M coupon in my October catalog!"

I did receive the new October catalog the other day. Once again, there was no offer or anything extra attached. In all fairness, I am just happy to still be on the catalog mailing list! ;)

I am really happy for those JCAs who received something extra in their copy of the catalog.

So if you get the latest J.Crew catalog in the next week or two, double check inside to see if there's a special offer.

Congrats to all those with an offer! :)

J.Crew Free Shipping & Returns {what's the story?}

A big "thanks!" to Rae (in this post) who shared some interesting news, and also "thanks!" to Genny (in the same post) who suggested it should be its own post.

Rae found the following:
Completely off-topic, but here's a new practice (?) to watch out for: when you return an order for which you used a free shipping code (and were hence not charged shipping), J. Crew subtracting the would-have-been shipping from your refund. Has happened on my most recent order, and an order placed (and returned) the same week by a good friend in a different city and state.

I am not sure if this is a new J.Crew policy, so I am curious to see if anyone else has encountered this situation with returns and using a promotion of some kind. That would be very useful information to know when making purchases online with a free shipping code and the like.

Have you recently returned an item from an online purchase that involved a free shipping promotional code? If so, did J.Crew subtract the shipping from the refund? Thank you in advance for sharing! :)

J.Crew Email: ENDS TODAY. 20% off select sweaters. Online only

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who shared the following news & email J.Crew sent this morning.

The email reminds us about J.Crew's latest promotion: they are offering "20% off select women's sweaters" which is available only "online". This offer expires tonight, 9/22/09. To shop Women's sweaters, click here.

From the comments yesterday (refer to the "J.Crew Email: 20% off select sweaters. 2 days only. Online only. {again} ;)" post), many of you (and myself included) have decided to not take advantage of this promotion.

Will you be taking advantage of this offer? Are there any sweaters that you are currently lusting over? If so, please share! :)

Side Note: This is more for an "Off On A Tangent" post, but Gap is offering an additional 20% off all sale styles with promo code EXTRA20. This offer expires 9/25/09.

J.Crew's Jenna Lyons In The News

A big "thanks!" to Rosie who let us know (and shared the image) about an article in the recent Delta Sky Magazine, which features J.Crew's Jenna Lyons. To read the article in its entirety, click on the image above or here.

5 Minutes With// Jenna Lyons, Creative Director, J.Crew
By DeltaSkyMag
September 2009

Role: Lyons heads up the design teams, oversees 14 catalogs a year, influences the creative direction of the J.Crew stores and facilitates designer collaborations. Her vision has positioned J.Crew as a top go-to brand for men and women.
History: This Parsons School of Design grad began her career with an internship at Donna Karan. She joined J.Crew as one of the first members of the design team under founder Emily Woods, where she has climbed the ranks for nearly 20 years.

The first lady proudly dons J.Crew. What effect is the first family having on business?
There were people who thought J.Crew wasn't for them, who thought they were too old for J.Crew, who thought J.Crew wouldn't fit them or maybe they just didn't know the brand. But now, these same people want to be a part of something that is approachable and real. There is a real need in this country to be connected to the first family, and J.Crew is sharing in that communal love and attachment to them. We are honored by her choices.

How do you keep up with trends, and where do you find inspiration?
Trend is something we don't really focus on. We don't ignore them, but our design happens a little more amorphously- you see it, you feel it, you're constantly being inspired. Whether it is some cute girl on the street, a book, a magazine, a vacation or art- it is a constant evolving process. We focus on how to do what we do and still look like us while acknowledging what is happening in the world of trend. We like people to feel like they can keep our clothes. Especially right now. I don't think anyone wants to spend money on something they feel will be obsolete in a year.

You're collaborating with other designers and brands that are well known in the industry but not necessarily the "of-the-moment" designers. What is the strategy?
Most of the brands we've collaborated with have been around for years. They've never changed, and they have this integrity in who they are. It is really about us highlighting brands that we have grown up with. Since some of have gone in and out of fashion, it was important that we show a current interpretation. A lot of bigger companies are collaborating with designers, and that is interesting and may be something what we someday do; but right now, we are looking at brands that have an incredible heritage.

An increasing number of your designs feature materials we're used to seeing in couture, but you've democratized them. Why?
As a designer, you always want to work with the best product possible. We realized that because the designer market is smaller, a lot of incredible mills were used to getting orders for 100 to 200 yards of somethings. So we came in and said, "What if we give you a 5,000 yard order?" Because of our volume, we were able to get better prices that we are then able to pass on to the customer. And because we are not selling to a department store, nothing is marked up, so we are able to pass on the quality that we really love and would ourselves want to wear. It is so important to us to keep the J.Crew brand special.

What are your thoughts on the article? Do you agree or disagree any points made? :)

Storybook Charm Bracelet {it's back ...kind of} ;)

As we all know, certain styles & designs get copied from various fashion houses and retailers all the time. In the September 8th post, "J.Crew's Victoria {they're back ...kind of} ;)", the style of the Victorias being duplicated was discussed. Well now, there is one more style being duplicated...

A big "thanks!" to E who was kind enough to let us know about a Storybook Charm-inspired bracelet from Aldo.

The Storybook Charm Bracelet (Item 10934; $125.00) from J.Crew came out last year to quite a bit of fanfare. This bracelet was very popular (I own it myself!) and sold out quickly. Well, Aldo has now come out with its own version, the Gulbrandsen (DCS: 31-07-02; $20.00).

If you look at the two images (where J.Crew's version is on the left, and Aldo's version is on the right), the bracelets have the same charms and in the same order! And the price difference... wow! E also mentioned, that she found the Aldo version "on sale for 14.98 plus by one get one free!" at her local store.

What are your thoughts on the Storybook Charm-inspired bracelet being offered by another retailer? Do you like the alternative or J.Crew's version more? :)

UPDATE: Crew_Girl_In_Canada has a great (& detailed) review of the new Aldo bracelet over at the {wonderful} My Delightful Obsessions blog (click here to read the post).

J.Crew Spotted In Oprah Magazine

"Thanks!" to Crew Cricket (in this post) who let us know that several items from J.Crew are featured in the latest issue of Oprah Magazine (click here).

J.CREW ACCESSORIES
Then: Pretty, casual
Now: Posh instant heirlooms

No preppy critter motifs in J.Crew's lavish new fall accessories catalog: "A canvas tote is great, but no girl swoons over it—we want leather bags, satin shoes, sparkly jewelry," says creative director Jenna Lyons. Sang A likes the "vintage feeling" of these necklaces, combining glass stones and bows in an unusual smoky palette ($98 and $125). Top, J.Crew, $90.

The following are the items discussed:

• Silk pleated posy top (Item 18679; $89.50)
• Duchess stone necklace (Item 19521; $98.00
• Crystal thornbush necklace (Item 20735; $135.00)
  

What are your thoughts on the items featured? Do you like the style of the top? Do you care for the layering of the necklaces? Do you agree that J.Crew's accessories are "posh instant heirlooms"?

J.Crew Email: 20% off select sweaters. 2 days only. Online only. {again} ;)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who shared the following news & email J.Crew sent this morning.

The email announces J.Crew's latest promotion: they are offering "20% off select women's sweaters" which is available only "online". This offer expires 9/22/09. To shop Women's sweaters, click here.

Some sweaters on sale include:

• Pleated Lombard Ruffle Cardigan
  (Item 18281; regular $118.00, now $94.40)
  
• Merino Flutter Bow Cardigan
  (Item 17855; regular $98.00, now $78.40)
• Cashmere Chérie Crewneck
  (Item 17858; regular $158.00, now $126.40)
  
• Ruffled San Remo Cardigan
  (Item 18283; regular $98.00, now $78.40)
• Boiled Wool Regalia Sweater-Jacket
  (Item 17655; regular $198.00, now $158.40)
• Sequin Peekaboo Cardigan
  (Item 17829; regular $128.00, now $102.40)
• Dream Knox Sweater-Jacket
  (Item 18172; regular $135.00, now $108.00)
  

If the email looks familiar, it's because J.Crew sent the same *exact* one on September 16th (refer to the "J.Crew Email: 20% off select sweaters. Online only." post from that day). That promotion didn't last very long (lasted two days as well, but the email only stated "for a limited time only").

I am thinking that J.Crew thought to bring this promotion back for 2 more days because (1) it was so successful last week; and/or (2) it ended quickly last week, before some customers could take advantage of it. :)

Will you be taking advantage of this offer? Are their any sweaters that you are currently lusting over? If so, please share! :)