"Thanks!" to many of you, including musthavejcrew & Tired Memphian (in this post), who let us know about an update to JCrew.com.J.Crew updated the image in their sale section online (click here). They also updated the section early this morning, with several new-to-sale items.
Also, "thanks!" to Marietta who shared the email (shown below), J.Crew sent this morning. The subject line reads, "Big summer blow out--FINAL SALE + FREE SHIPPING. Online and in stores."
The email also reminds us that they are offering free shipping on orders of $150+ with promo code LABORDAY. This offer expires 9/7/09. :)Are you planning to check out J.Crew's Final Sale section? Are there any items you are suprised to see on sale? Will you get any Summer sale items, or hold out for the new Fall arrivals? :)
I was able to get a price adjustment on the Slub Paisley tee, other than that I am waiting for the October arrivals.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the watercolor tortoiseshell skirt? Does it fit TTS? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI just looked and I don't see anything new to sale. Unless there is a big % off and free shipping I agree with others to wait until October. The sale section looks pretty sad to me!
ReplyDeleteI finally made it to AT Loft though and left with my first purchases from them ever! Very fun to shop with all the great prices and discounts they have and they do reflect some of JCrew's style but the colors are better!
Also, got a Boden order and love the items I got as well:)
I am waiting for a couple of pop-backs, but I have mostly tuned out of the sale section. I am ready for sweater weather!
ReplyDeleteI pulled the trigger on thing, that I was looking for so that was nice.
ReplyDeleteSo I just ignored my gut and looked at the sale section anyway...I am mad! Several things I paid full price for ONE MONTH ago are now significantly discounted! Ugh, J Crew. Not nice.
ReplyDeleteKikki Cee, the watercolor tortoiseshell fit TTS for me. I am returning it though since I paid full price. I just reordered at half. I haven't even worn it yet, I've had it less than a month! Already on sale. I feel like MCC. It's going to make me much less likely to buy something when I know it will be on sale in a month.
ReplyDeleteMCC - I noticed the same thing. Thankfully I haven't worn some of the things I received a month ago, so I'm returning those items (still have the receipts - always keep ALL of my receipts), and am going to order the items from the final sale and hopefully save me some moolah!
ReplyDeleteADVICE: Always save your receipts, no matter what!!!
The email cracked me up because the subject was "Big Summer Blow Out". Who does JC think they are? A car dealership?? :)
ReplyDeleteAshley B - I'm planning to do the same thing. Isn't it too bad that J. Crew won't price adjust like they used to? It would be easier for us and cheaper for them if they did.
ReplyDeletei checked out the sale section but thankfully, didn't find anything that i had to have. phew!
ReplyDeleteOT, but I got a laugh from this quote from Banana Republic's website: "Beautifully versatile, our merino cardigan is crafted from the finest yarns of Biella, a region of Italy that's world-renowned for their incredibly soft merino wool."
ReplyDeleteOh, no not them too!
LOL Kitsmommy -- I think BR is ripping off JC in so many ways, I'm not surprised at all that they've copied their marketing, too!
ReplyDeleteDammit! I just looked at the sale section too! :P
ReplyDeletePulled the trigger on the Crocodile cocktail jacket -- on sale for $69.99, reg. $168. I love this jacket, but now I'm wondering if I should have saved my money for October roll-outs. Stress!
I still have 50 minutes to cancel my order...I'm torn! Anyone have this jacket and love it? Or hate it?
I have seen that jacket on someone IRL and loved it. However, at this point I am saving my $$$ for the next rollout or until I can get a discount on some of the newer merchandise.
ReplyDeleteI cancelled it. I need to save my money for fall/winter...a linen jacket isn't practical right now!
ReplyDeleteOh well...
OT, but I have to share.... I was at the Collection store last night, and I saw the Wool Pencil skirt (#17228) tagged at $245!!!! It is $198 online (thankfully I ordered from there and did not purchase at a b&m). It is the exact same skirt, so why the huge markup at the b&m? It's shocking. They only had a few sizes left, so I feel bad for all of those peopple who purchased it at the higher price. :-(
ReplyDeleteI just bought the Blair dress and the tortoiseshell skirt. Anyone have the Blair dress? I have a bad feeling about having bought such a tailored dress on final sale...I'm worried it's not going to fit me properly!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone else noticed the item categories are missing from J.Crew's final sale page (i.e., dresses, knits and tees, skirts, etc.). Certainly makes it more difficult to rummage through final sale items.
ReplyDeleteI am incredibly puzzled as to why JC is calling this a "blow-out", when they still have unlined cotton sleeveless shells listed at $49-$59 and simple flats for $99! If you are having an end-of-sale season, get rid of the basics for $9.99 - $24.99, instead of these silly prices. I am waiting for at least a 20% off hook.
ReplyDeleteMarietta, I have noticed that prices are frequently higher at the collection store. For example in the spring I bought the bella clutch for $78 FP online and it was $98 at the collection store. I think they try to charge higher prices due to the location. Also, they usually only put out 3-4 of any one item at a time, so they prob have more in the back.
ReplyDeleteCliquot,
ReplyDeleteThe crocodile cocktail jacket is NOT linen. It is a heavy cotton canvas. A perfect piece to wear in the fall. I have it:)
The prices aren't really a blow out. I'm going to wait for extra % off + free shipping.
ReplyDeleteOT: My baby is being baptized in a month and I don't know what to wear to church that day. Any ideas and suggestions? I have summer dresses and not really any fall/winter dresses.
I saw the Contrast-Stitch Perfect Shirt come in my size again so I used the opportunity to buy a couple of items on my "Must Have" list....
ReplyDeleteSuede Charlie Mary Janes in Indigo
Anton Sweater in Black
Everything else must wait until that major % off!
BTW,
ReplyDeleteI purchased the Soirée Sateen Blazer in Spicy Olive months ago and love it. I knew it would be a great summer-fall item and looking forward to wearing it for months to come.
I'm so curious as to why it keeps languishing in the sale section!
Highly recommend it if you need something fabulous....
I was surprised to see the ribbon-front top on sale, and the vintage slim jeans on promo.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the glimmer cardigan? It's down to $39.99 and I'm strongly tempted. . . .
-Martin+Osa offers a free love shop scarf or d-ring web belt with purchase of full priced denim
ReplyDelete-Ralph Lauren offers $50 off any online $250 purchase (code LABORDAY9)
- JCrew gives us free shipping on all orders of $150 or more, that's it JCrew? :(
Summer -- thanks for the info...too late anyway, the jacket is already gone :( Oh well, it wasn't meant to be. More $$ for me to spend on other fall stuff :)
ReplyDeleteMarietta, I have a love-hate relationship with the collection store. I love it because it is just a couple blocks from my house and the decor in the store is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely hate this store because of how stuck up people who work there are. They size you up as you enter the store. Older upper-east side ladies have the best shot with associates there - they are all over them. For people like me - not so much. Then, they do not mark down. I have seen so much items that are on sale eslewhere that are not marked down there - too many to count - like its below them. Then, again the associates... I overheard a conversation: customer looking at jewelry and says she never shopped at jcrew before. The male SA says: oh, we are currently having a promotion where if you bring 2 more friends who are not that familiar with jcrew, you all get 20% off. Another SA corrects him: well, except you all need to spend over $150. The male SA: pfff, but that's like NOTHING!
I personally cringed. He probably makes $10/hour and thinks that everyone who walks into the store has to blow off at least couple hundred.
Oh yeah, and every time I bring there my returns, i get a stare of death.
Crewcricket,
ReplyDeleteI have the jacket in gray. It is so pretty. The gray has a beautiful light sheen to it. I was so surprised when I got it that it was so cheap. I got it for $39.99--20% off a long while ago. It is a super piece. Great for many seasons including cool spirng/summer and fall.
Elena,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post! What a turn off. I would not shop that JCrew on principle alone!
OMG Elena, I have the same encounters! Everytime I was at the Collection store, I didn't get the customer service I deserved. I'd asked for something in my size and the SA would ignore me or "put me on hold" while they served the rich ladies. They have the same attitude like the SA in the those high-end designers boutiques thinking you can't afford to spend hundreds or thousands there!!
ReplyDeleteSummer, oh I am committed to continue bringing all my returns there and not buying anything... just to get on their nerve. I am evil like that! :)
ReplyDelete@Miss: I have some complicated comments on Blair as I found Blair to be the most flattering of last year's suiting dresses but had to order three sizes before I found a size that fit. I'm between petite and regular and last year I was not able to take a P in any of the suiting dresses as IMO the Ps ran short and wide. In Blair I ordered R but sized down. Blair has a generous shoulder fit, unlike, e.g., last year's long-sleeved gab dress. The waist seam on Blair is above the natural waist (even in the R), and this was a fit problem for some of my friends who tried it--it was OK on me. HTH.
ReplyDeleteJean, I was secretly thinking that maybe I was just paranoid... but after your post now I know - its not me! its them!
ReplyDeleteI think SAs at the collection store didn't get the "We ain't Prada" memo.
P.S. What a lame sale email. As others have posted, it's especially lame as compared to AT/ATL/BR recent offers. I have a dozen items in my cart waiting for a code and none of them were marked down.
ReplyDeleteOTOH, the pumpkin paisley dress is sold out and a couple of the suiting items I want are backordered in my size.
Has anyone seen suiting sales in the store? Last week my B&M had suiting on sale, but only the pinstripes.
can anyone comment on the linen-cotton seaside pant (fit, wrinkleage etc)?
ReplyDeleteAlso-the ruffled hem dress. Do you like-how is the fit?
I'm going to save myself the headache/heartache and just wait for "additional 20%" off before I even look.
ReplyDeleteRe. ad campaigns, I was surprised to see that BR had 5 long ads saved to my DVR. Each highlighted their "must have" for the seaon: jeans, trench, white shirt, suit, and chino. It is done as a Behind the Scenes, like the JC Paris ad, but in b&w. Kind of cute, but I kept feeling like they were ripping off the JC format. I liked their 30th anniversary campaign (last year) and Mad Men in-store campaign better.
Is this bad? I always bring my smart phone into a JC store and if I see something I like, I look it up on their website to see the price differential (or if there is something similar on final sale). Saves me a trip back to the store if I change my mind based on what's available on the web. If I'm seriously shopping, I pre-load my JC Shopping cart, so it's already listed. "Time is money..." :)
Anyone have the Slub cotton shirred ruffles tank? How's the fit?
ReplyDeleteJust read what you ladies said about the collection store and I could not agree more about the TERRIBLE customer service! I just have to wonder, if I'm walking in there each time dressed in head-to-toe J.Crew, as I typically am, and I shop there a lot as it's close to my apartment, if they're not running to help me who ARE they helping? Seems pretty foolish that I should have to walk around aimlessly looking for help, and that is why I hate that store and try to go to the one near my office instead whenever I can.
ReplyDeleteI have some sizeable returns. I now know where I'm bringing them :)
In other news, I just wanted to express today's reason why I love love love this blog! I have sworn off shopping for the next 2 months after the August spree I went on, and would never have even checked the sale section today if it hadn't been mentioned that the tortoisehell skirt went on sale! Yay! I paid full price at the collection store a few weeks ago, and now, since I've ordered it on sale, the old one is going right back. Take that, collection store!
Elena, Jean and other NYC JCA's. I had a similar experience in the Collection store a few weeks ago. I also went to Olive and Bette's, practically across the street, and thought they were going to buy me coffee and invite me to stay for lunch. I had much better service, more fun and spent money at Olive and Bette's. I was also surprised at how many non collection items there were in the collection store. I was visiting NYC and specifically went to the collection store to see things I can't find anywhere else. It just didn't turn out to be what I expected. While I didn't look like an UES lady who lunches, I spent way more than I should have in Olive and Bette's. J Crew could have had that business but the SA's barely spoke to me.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I am stalking the rumpled safari skirt. It's still full price!! I thought it would go on sale as the end of summer approached and decided to wait. It must be selling well enough that they don't need to mark it down. The blue and gray sateen Saturday skirt moved over to the sale part and they were introduced at the same time as the safari skirt. Interesting. I'm still not tempted to buy it at full price - at this point it's become a challenge.
Reading everyone's comments about the collection store and finally realizing it's not just me who's being ignored, I'm writing a letter to corporate at this very moment. There's no excuse for that level of service, and corporate should be aware of the business they're losing. If the dedicated J.Crew shoppers who frequent this blog are walking out of that store empty-handed and angered, that's an issue they need to address.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love, love, love J.Crew, the Sept '09 catalog was the straw that broke the camel's back. Who's with me?
ReplyDeletehttp://tinyurl.com/l5dw6e
A big EW on the collection store SAs. Sorry for you all's bad experiences there, and I think Elena has the right idea to not buy there, but do the returns there!
ReplyDeleteOn a nicer note, I went into the Ann Arbor store today to browse and check prices vs. online, and one SA, Kelly, was super pleasant and helpful.
Unfortunately I don't have a smart phone, so the way I do it is check the sale online, writing down item #s and prices, then going to the B&M. I got interested in the soft tee ruffle tank due to the price, but that thing is huge! I sized down to a M, and while the body was OK in that size, the armholes were too high. I also tried the ruffle hem dress but sizing up it was still WAY. TOO. LOW. CUT. Yikes, JC would have me starring in an all boob revue with the way most of the jersey dresses were cut this summer. I have an order coming on the big brown truck tomorrow, then that's it for awhile. My CC is now being put into hibernation for the month of September, wish me luck!
fidele - I have the glimmer cardi in natural. The shimmer is very subtle and pretty. I got a size S in it (34C). I hate saying TTS, because I don't think there is such a thing, but if I had to say...yes this is TTS.
ReplyDeleteI also got the other cardi...can't think of the name...the Hammertime one, I think. It's soooooooo pretty. It's a Collection item and last price I saw was $49.99. I ordered XS. It's a bigger cut more like a boyfriend. I think it's the shimmer cardi? Running late, can't check.
monica - I have a review of the shirred ruffles here:
http://gigisgoneshopping.blogspot.com/2009/06/j-crew-slub-shirred-ruffles-tank.html
HTH
Nothing for me...I'm waiting it out for the October and November rollouts. :)
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add that on Monday, my SA said there would be new arrivals in store on September 15th. Anyone else heard this?
ReplyDeleteRe: Collection Store
ReplyDeleteomg ladies, I got the same vibe too! I love how the store is set up and how it looks but the sales staff have the snootiest attitude! I also get the strange feeling that they size up customers as they walk in. Quite a shopping mood-killer. I'm curious, by the way, if they would match prices if you said you saw it for less somewhere else (online or another J Crew store).
Hopefully the store staff's vibe improves.
OT, but could anyone forward me the promo email from Banana Republic on Sep 1 (that comes with an discount code for Virgin America)? I accidentally deleted mine.
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated!
jjcrew10@gmail.com
I went to my B&M store today to return a jacket and bought one of the cotton tuxedo shirts in white. They also had a light purple color that is gorgeous, but I needed white. I love this shirt IRL.
ReplyDeleteI also tried the Chimera jacket and it is very pretty but somehow lacks the zing that the Berry Astrid had last year. I will get it if I can get it on sale, otherwise, I will just enjoy my Maggies from last year and hope for another stunning jacket in the holiday rollout.
I also took a look at the cashmere that my store had in stock and it does look better this year. It will be interesting to here what kind of reviews it gets once everyone really starts wearing it.
I also heard Sept 15 from my SA for the next rollout.
ReplyDeleteReally sorry to hear about the Collection store! Sorry to say, too, that the staff at my store, which carries next to nothing in terms of merchandise, are similarly snooty. I have refused to step foot in it since making some returns in July, which the manager made as unpleasant as possible.
ReplyDeleteI'm also a bit peeved to see the ribbon-front top on FS. I bought it three weeks ago, maybe. I continue to misjudge what will sell out. Just more incentive not to pull the trigger at full price, I guess (although when I went back to look at the shimmer paisley dress I was surprised it was already gone! Does anyone have it/can comment on it?)
I caved and picked up a few Summer tees for $6.99 each-(item #97785) Oddly they are not in the official FS section?? but I love these perfect fit tee and really love them for $6.99. I also picked up another a shirred ruffle tank.
ReplyDeleteAnyone else have mixed up orders lately? I have had 3 in row! I was so bummed as I ordered a new Fall item and they sent the wrong size and now my size is sold out-arghhh
Just seems like it is happening more
I'll be hitting a collection store in a couple of weeks (while on vacation)...I'll be interested to see if they snub me. If they do, BIG mistake on their part, because I'll be there with money to spend.
ReplyDeleteRe: collection store
ReplyDeleteThe first time I went to the collection store was when I met Dina there, and I felt that the experience was a good one. The SA's were fairly attentive, and brought us items that we were looking for. The only downside was that we were not allowed to take photos inside the store (although we had sneaked one in by then). Since then, I've gone back to make a few returns, but I've also made purchases there as well. I always apologize in advance for the returns (sometimes there are quite a few at once), but I am always assured by the SA that it is not a problem. I went last night primarily to make a few returns (4 items total), and also to browse to see if anything caught my eye. The SA was pretty helpful, she helped me with jewelry, called on the phone to place an order for me on an item that they didn't have, and also complimented my outfit (which, yes, was almost all JC). I've never had an issue with attitude from the SA's there, and lord knows I am most definitely not an "older UES lady"... I'm just your average woman. I will say that items are not marked down there, as I searched out the corsage top, saw it was still market at FP, and inquired if it was on sale in the b&m, since it was marked down online. The SA said she would price match if it didn't ring up on sale, but luckily it did. The only way of knowing what's on sale is to have an idea from online, and then having an SA look up the price to confirm. I do wish they had a marked off sale section, though. But all in all it wasn't an unpleasant experience. My biggest gripe is with items being marked at a much higher price than they are listed online or at another b&m, that's some shady business going on there. I'm sorry that others have had a bad experience, and think it's a good idea to let corporate know of them, since that's not acceptable. Shopping should be a fun, pleasant experience for everyone.
Just bought a few frilly pastel cardigans! Love your new background!
ReplyDeleteHi! I feel so badly for all the ladies (and gents) who have shopped at the collection store and been treated poorly. Like Marietta said, the time I went with her, the sales staff were awesome to us. (And I am about as far away from an Upper East Side old lady as they come...more hausfrau than anything else...probably the antithesis of "chic.") But this was back in June, so maybe there has been a change of staff?
ReplyDeleteI had an awful experience at one of my locals about two years ago, but as soon as it happened, I asked to see the manager and explained (quietly and in the corner) that I did not appreciate the way I had been treated. The manager wasn't super-receptive, but at least I knew I had planted a seed of inquiry into her brain just in case someone else complained later that day.
I loved retail when I worked it...being out there with the customers, getting paid to talk about items I loved, etc. was awesome. Low paying, but awesome...lol. :) Maybe some folks in retail should think about another branch of work if it is hard to be pleasant while working...I mean that is a huge part of any retail job. :) Just my two cents. I hope corporate can see this and take steps to ameliorate the situation...
Twiga: Thanks for the heads- up on the perfect fit tees. I bought a few long-sleeved ones earlier and really like the quality (much better than the similar shirts at Gap). I bought a few of the tees too...can't beat that price!
ReplyDeleteI bought the Cotton Corsage Cardigan in Shadow and the Slub cotton shirred ruffles tank in Slate on today's so-called BLOW-OUT SALE. I already have the tank in Antique Stone, and I love it; it's a great layering piece. Thanks to this and other JCA blogs, I was able to make a sound decision on the Corsage Cardigan; there are some excellent reviews of this pretty sweater out there in JCA blog land!
ReplyDeleteOT -- Today I'm wearing the Michelle Cardi in Warm Shell for the first time. Bought it on FS about one month ago. Anyway, it smells (strongly) of Tide detergent! This is the first time I've ever received an item from JC that was obviously owned by someone else and was returned. The sweater is in perfect condition, thankfully. Has this ever happened to anyone else? At first I was mad about it, but heck, at least it's clean. :-)
This whole business of having higher prices in-store than are in the catalogue or on-line is just ridiculous. In this day and age of internet shopping and immediate information, how stupid do they think the consumer is? I'm sure they fool enough customers who don't necessarily get the catalogue or check the website, but still, that is an extremely dishonest practice.
ReplyDeleteJKW,
ReplyDeleteYeah, there have been lots of posts in the past with people receiving worn items. Like you said, at least yours are clean. I have received dirty and stained items over the years. I no longer buy pop backs or left over items that come back after a time. I have gotten to many "ify" items. Not worth the hassle.
I'm actually shocked everytime I read about someone receiving worn or incorrect items, or having their order canceled after it was accepted due to lack of inventory. Maybe I've been lucky? I have no clue how these things haven't happened to me since I order so frequently... but I have to admit, if I didn't like J.Crew styles as much as I do, I would probably be done shopping there. So many of their business practices make me feel undervalued as a customer, and their in-store customer service is increasingly hit or miss. So disappointing. Like Alexis recently said (sorry, I'm paraphrasing) it hurts to love someone so much when they don't love you back.
ReplyDeleteDidn't see anything on the Summer Sale that really caught my eye. Just wanted to let everyone know that Anthro just updated their sale section and it is 25+ pages. I bought the AG jean shorts normally $185 for $99. They have a lot of denim 1/2 off. They also have a lot of cute new items. Remember free shipping until 9/7th.
ReplyDeleteI received worn and defective items in the past. Then I brought them to the B&M. When I told the SAs that items were worn or defective, they would throw the items to where all other returns are. I am not sure if somebody checks the returns afterwards, but i suspect that they may not.
ReplyDeleteAnyone know about the fit of the Andrea pique jacket? (It's from last year, I think?) Do the chest pockets lie flat or poke out? TIA
ReplyDeleteHELP! I'm going to New York City the end of the month and was counting the days until I could walk through the doors of the collection store. Now, not so much. So all you nyers - tell me what is your favorite nyc store - just in case I don't have time to hit them all!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dara, Summer, and Elena, for the comments about my "previously worn" Michelle cardi. I order a lot of stuff (OK, that's an understatment...hee, hee) from JC, so I guess I should feel lucky that I've only had ONE incident of previously owned merchandise. It just feels weird, though, to purchase something as a new item only to find out that it was spinning around in someone's washer/dryer. I think I'll slow down on FS purchases now.
ReplyDeleteladolcevita, there are 2 stores I never go to: south street seaport (its so small and i never find anything there) and
ReplyDeleterockefeller center (tourist trap).
I tend to go to 5th ave one and madison ave one the most - but they are just easier to get to for me. I think overall I like the Columbus Circle best.
If you have never been to the collection store and just want to see what its like - you should go. Its not like any other jcrew store... check out the huge nicely decorated dressing rooms - they are awesome!
Here is another alternative to JC Downtown Field Jacket, it's at BR, I saw this in person and it is really nice, the material is soft. #670741 $125.00
ReplyDeletehttp://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=40924&vid=1&pid=670741
My personal favorite NYC store is 45th & Madison. I've found that I get the best customer service there and they typically have a nice selection in a variety of sizes. (Plus they always compliment me on how I put together whatever J.Crew outfit I happen to be wearing that day - not necessary but always appreciated!)
ReplyDeleteI was also told that September 15 was the next roll out. Can't wait to see what's in stores then.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see much new on sale or marked down that I want - I will continue to wait.
My $.02 about the ribbon front top - it was very hit or miss on people> My guess is that it was a miss for more people, and that's why it's already on sale.
The lack of stellar customer service at the Collection store has not gone unnoticed by me either. It is my least favorite NYC location (the Prince St. is a close second for snobby behavior). The younger SAs are friendly. Though I have found they aren't very attentive until I make a move towards the fitting rooms or the register. Hint hint: ignore the older female and male SA (hey, they are ignoring you!).
ReplyDeleteA dress in my cart that was a sale price just changed back to full price!! :o
ReplyDeleteJKW: I had similar experience - one shirt came with such a strong fragrant (detergent?) smell that I had to launder it before wearing. My guess is they probably 'clean' the returns before shipping them out.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried on the Friday dress? I haven't seen any IRL pics or reviews yet...just curious what the feedback is on it.
ReplyDeleteElena:
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I'm definitely taking your advice.
JKW,
ReplyDeleteI actually bought a cardi that smelled like BO! I returned it at once. Unfortunately, it was a popback and never came back. I called cust. service, but they said they couldn't do anything about it!
Pink Lemonade: Thanks for the compliment. I thought the blog could use the change in background. :)
ReplyDeletedo jackie cardigans shrink in the dryer?
ReplyDeletei am in btw sizes in a S and M ..but got the M to be safe.
i want to shrink it just a tad for a better fit.
Favorite NYC J Crews -
ReplyDelete1) 45th/Mad - Bonnie ( redhead with close-cropped hair)- an enthusiastic, superhelpful ball of energy
2) Price Street - Hillary M. ( 20/ something with curly medium brown hair). Superhelpful and friendly. Not pushy at all.
3) best avoided - Rockefeller Ctr - the mgr ( at least he looked like one) seems like he is nice but toomany of the cashiers are unfriendly to downright rude. Yuck.
Re NYC B&Ms - I'd agree with Tweedy on 45th & Mad one. Liz is also good.
ReplyDeleteAs to Rock Center B&M - while some SAs there are nice (Eric, Maria, Francesco), the same cannot be said about the cashiers, although lately the new faces seem better. But on the plus side they have one of the best selections in the city.
Re Columbus Circle B&M - some SAs can be a bit pushy, but Barbara is very good. Again, cashiers are hit or miss.
OT, but does anyone have IRL pics of the Cadogan or Templeton Flat boots?? TIA!
ReplyDeleteI am not happy with not getting any incentive to purchase the wool ruffle front coat - would like a % off + free shipping. Anyone have any feelings about this coat?
ReplyDeleteAny time I have gone into B&M they have been friendly. I usually don't want any one to bother me as I am focusing - at least until I need something! Calling a store THEY sometimes do blow me off-especially in NY with my accent (Southern, to put it nicely).
I can highly reccommend Ann Taylor, they are just the best. The nicest most helpful SA's. Special treatment for your birthday! I would shop at AT for outfit to wear to my childs christening (as someone asked). I don't know how anyone feels about Talbots, but they have some really cute things (although sometimes boring) in their new catalog. Talbot's have really started to appreciate their customers more with extra reward points, certificate for $$ and % off at certain times and for your birthday.
I haven't had much experience with BR, but agree it is very interesting. I recently saw some cute jewelry there. Has anyone seen the Portia crest bracelet there?
ladolcevita - ITA with the others that 45th/Madison is the best J.Crew in NYC, staff-wise. Incredibly nice and helpful and always polite. Their selection skews more towards suits and work wear. The 5th Ave/17th St staff is usually the most harried. They also consistently commit my pet peeve - cutting in front of customers to put back or grab products. The Prince St. store was recently redone and has a separate jewelry collection/shoe room. Columbus Circle can be a touristy zoo depending on when you go.
ReplyDeleteAny of them, including the collection store, are worth the trip. I'd pick the location closest to other places you want to go and work from there. Enjoy NYC!
Yikes! Sad to hear how bad some experiences at the Collection store was. :/ But my regular J.Crew at the Houston Galleria is awesome! The SAs there are always fantastic and nice. I went to another about 45 minutes out from where I live just to scope it out and UGH, it was awkward and bad. I was basically ignored and shunned, so even though I really wanted to get some stuff, I ended up just leaving.
ReplyDeleteAs for final sale, none for me! I pulled the trigger on the fan eyelet mini just last week, so I'm set... for now. :)
I agree with the rude/unfriendly cashiers at Rockefeller (but SAs are very helpful specially Eric). You would think they will be friendlier when you're paying. I don't know what happened but a year ago their cashiers were friendlier. I stopped going there so I now frequent Prince and 5th Ave/17th St. I will try the 45 St/Madison as recommended.
ReplyDeleteCarla,
ReplyDeleteI def. agree with you about the ruffle front coat too. I've wanted it since it came out but can't allow myself to pay full price--especially when it's barely fall. give it a month and I bet we'll see some reduction in price or an in store promotion on outerwear.
Has anyone seen this coat in stores yet? I'm wondering if it was included in the last rollout.
I'm holding out for some new arrivals for Oct. I see a few things but I am so afraid of the final sale and making mistakes!
ReplyDeleteOff topic- I did just buy some dark gray bootcut cords from the gap and they fit really well...http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=49932&vid=1&pid=676875&scid=676875012. I recommend them. They have a bit of stretch in them and come in petite sizes too. I really liked the color of jcrew's dark charcoal cords but they only came in the toothpick style and not in the bootcut.
Michelle - I saw the black version of the ruffle front coat in stores last weekend. I ordered the camel version when it first came out, I couldn't resist!
ReplyDeleteHi, does anyone know what the sales are in NYC's b&m JCrew stores?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I noticed an item I was placed on a wait list for is now listed under final sale and is completely sold out...any chance that I'll still get the item if and when it comes back in stock, at the discounted price? Should I call customer service?
ReplyDeleteMy very educated guess is that JCrew has no quality control and that they do ZERO checking on returned good. That is why we get incorrect items in a bag that is labeled correctly. I got a bikini top but the bag said bottom once. I also have received dirty items that were OBVIOUSLY worn and had stains so if someone was checking that would not be missed. I have had so many issues like the above over the years I have lost count 10? 15? items like this....That is why I don't buy popbacks--ever.
ReplyDeleteWith regard to damaged pop-backs purchased on-line, I bought a pop-back ivory-colored Victoria ruffle cami several months ago thankfully not final sale) and it arrived with a large makeup stain on the front. When I returned it, I pointed out the stain to the SA, and got a bit of fish-eye from her (as though I'd done it). As I was browsing the store, found it back in the sale section, stain and all.
ReplyDeleteMichelle and Carla,
ReplyDeleteThe ruffle coat is wonderful! I've seen the black in my store. I love it, and I just couldn't wait for a sale because every time I do, my size is sold out! I can get pop backs at times, but I didn't want to take a chance on this one.
maryw,
ReplyDeleteObviously, JCrew has told its employees in the warehouse and stores to just put any old thing out for sale and/or not check. What a poor business practice. I, for one, have cut way down on my JCrew obsession b/c of this practice.
Thanks everyone for the feedback on the ruffle-front coat. I'm sad to hear the camel color isn't avail. in stores. I'd love to hear opinions and reviews from those of you who have bought it or tried it on. I guess I'll be buying it online.
ReplyDeleteMichelle:
ReplyDeleteI did a review on the ruffle front coat a few weeks ago and Alexis did a post on it. You should be able to find it pretty easily. There are several different opinions on that post. I didn't like it and thought the one I got looked cheap and poorly made compared to all my other J Crew coats. I have various colors in the Maggie, Greta, Tuesday Trench, Lady Coat, Carrie Gramercy, etc. (I am addicted to J Crew coats!) and felt this didn't measure up. I certainly wouldn't pay full price.
Hi Michaela, you should definitely call customer service and ask them to honor you the current selling price since the item hasn't been shipped to you. I had that happened to me before and it took almost over a month later than the waitlisted date advised. If you decide that you don't want the item anymore since it'll become final sale, you can always call to cancel the order (as long as the item hasn't been processed to ship to you). Hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteRE: NYC b&m's, my favorites are:
ReplyDelete45th & Madison - Bonnie & Liz are great
17th & 5th - Jose is wonderful
South Street Seaport - tiny, but Kristy is FABULOUS (she will track down anything for you).
You may want to consider calling ahead to make an appointment with any of the PS mentioned, that way you'll be sure to have a fabulous experience! Have a great time in NY!!
Hi Dana, I have been to the Madison Ave & 45th St store as well as the Rockefeller. They both have really good sale section, packed with lots of tees, corsage top, cardigans, shirts, boyfriend military jacket and some pants.
ReplyDeleteI tried on the toothpick ankle cord and LOVE it! I'm not a corduroy person and this is a surprise to me! The waist fit a little loose (it's already the smallest size) but everything else looks great! The SA suggested me to wear a belt with it. I also love the dip dye silk scarf but don't want to pay over $50 for a scarf. Why there's no promotional event in the NYC stores? J.Crew used to send me coupons like spend $125 and get $25 off last year (which I didn't take advantage of)... I haven't seen any so far!
I think we will be seeing fewer and fewer JCrew promos and coupons.....Mickey is on a mission to make JCrew a full price and not a discoutn/sale brand. Lots of statements and articles out about this....
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice, Jean. I just checked my order and it says it's been released! And they updated it to reflect the discounted price already! I didn't even have to make a call. We'll see if it really ships now...:)
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear Mickey reads this blog...with actual mention of snobs/bad SA's and the really good SA's.
ReplyDeletePerhaps he will rid of the snobs that think they are too good to help those looking to give JC their money and bring in some SA's that actually like their job. On the other hand I hope those that are great, are recognized!