"Thanks!" to so many of you {fabulous} JCAs who let us know, throughout various posts, that J.Crew has sent customers a little something extra special in their catalogs this past week.Some of you have mentioned receiving codes ranging from free shipping (no minimum!) to getting coupons for $25 gift cards to be used at the local brick & mortar (B&M) stores.
I should add that not all catalogs have an offer inside. (J.Crew's marketing team has a special top-secret formula for who gets what, if anything. Don't bother trying to figure it out. I stopped thinking about it a long time ago.) ;)
The Holiday catalogs are still being sent to customers. So if you get a catalog (which some of us get later than others, or not at all, no matter how hard we try to be on that magical list ...excuse me for my rant), double check inside to see if you received something extra sweet. :)
I have to say that although I don't benefit from the "catalog offers" and "free shipping when you log-in online" promotions, I give props to J.Crew for offering them. A nice gesture for those who receive them. :)
Alexis, I just wanted to add another combination being offered. My DH (who only recently started shopping at JC) received a catalog for 10% off and free shipping for any amount with his next purchase before November 29th (ha! It's mine...mine, mine, mine). The catalog had a little green circle on the cover stating "It's on us...details on page 5".
ReplyDeleteI, OTOH, just received a regular catalog...(phhht!)
Regular catalog for me, too. Sometimes I think I should start purchasing more in the stores and paying cash. That way JCrew can't track and I will hopefully get the special offers. I order fairly often and usually delivery, so JCrew (I'm guessing) doesn't need to tempt me.
ReplyDeleteI just caved and pulled the trigger on the large patent campo bag in plum--- with 20% and FS (from my account), it was a good deal (even with tax, saved $55 off the original price). A couple days ago I also used the promos to buy the long puffer down coat.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have reviews for the coat with regards to it's warmth??
Thanks! :)
And oh yeah, no catalog as of yet. I moved this past weekend, so I may have something at my old address..
ReplyDeleteAnyone notice that during the 20% promo the designer gallery disappeared? It's back now after the promo is over.
ReplyDeleteDaisy, Now that you've mentioned it I have been paying in cash recently on my purchases and maybe because of that I've been receiving their catalogs more often as well as the occasional FS code. Maybe that's the trick? Pay in cash! Haha!
ReplyDeleteI received my catalog a few days ago...no special offer inside though.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, nothing in mine. I`m beginning to think that J Crew does not want my business. I must be too poor for them as I only shop on super sale.
ReplyDeleteI received my catalog the other day - no special offer, either. I was enjoying flipping through it last night and admit that I do like quite a few pieces (once I look past the styling), but have been so disappointed in the quality this year that I don't think I'll be purchasing much, and definitely nothing at FP.
ReplyDeleteHad I known the quality would take such a nosedive, I would've purchased more in past years. Now it's like looking for a needle in a haystack for items that will have any sort of longevity. As long as I can get a free shipping code, I'll continue to try for a while - but I don't see things changing anytime soon. Sad to say that quality seems to be on a decline no matter what store you go to.
silver_lining: That is so true about the quality declining everywhere, however I find J Crew really bad this year. If you look inside their garments there are many instances of seams not being finished properly, JC Matchstick jeans are an example of this along with loose threads on tees, sherpa hoodies, and who do you know except for JC sells tees with holes in them ?
ReplyDeleteno special offer for me either :(
ReplyDeleteNo offer in my catalog but I still have FS on my account. Now that the INSIDER promo is over I will likely restrain myself though.
ReplyDeleteNice that J.Crew is getting back to the catalog incentives. I used to get them all the time so here's hoping I will receive some in the future. Being in Canada I usually get the catalogs so much later than the U.S. JCAs, but at least I get them. Holiday issue arrived yesterday.
I live in the US and received my holiday catalog just yesterday as well. Felt very uninspired looking at it. Is this really a JCrew catalog I kept thinking last night???
ReplyDeleteAgree with other posters about the quality. In one week I have received 3 defective items as well as a cancelled order item. Really a hassle for me to do returns and just am very dissatisfied.
ReplyDeleteRegular catalog for me but I should probably take a break anyway. I ended up caving and using the insider code. For the past few month's J.Crew's customer service has been manually mailing me a catalog. While I'm thrilled they take the time to do this it's preposterous they can't get me back on their mailing list for whatever reason.
ReplyDeleteI received my catalog late last week. I didn't get a special offer either.
ReplyDeleteI don't think J Crew's quality has suddenly declined. I have been receiving a lot of damaged and defective merchandise in the last two years or so. Personally, I think they were very consistent (in a good way) through holiday 2007. Since then, I have received countless dirty, torn and different from pictured items. They really need to step up the quality, because few of their offerings are justifying full price at their price points, IMO.
Audball,
ReplyDeleteIt is the same way with me too. My husband receives a smaller catalog with a code, and I receive the larger version with no code. Oh well...I'm happy to receive a catalog at all!
I got a free shipping code, but that's it (well, better than nothing!!)
ReplyDeletekitsmommy, I completely agree with you - 2007 was the last consistent year for quality for me, as well. Most of the good quality items I purchased in 2008-2009 were actually older items via eBay (ha!). I'm wearing my merino Alice sweater jacket today (Holiday 07) and it is thick, tightly knit, the buttons are securely fastened, and there are no pills on it. I ordered the Issy sweater jacket last Holiday and returned it, it was definitely thinner than the Alice and the one button on it was already loose! As long as there continues to be older items available on eBay, I'll be happy - it's kind of like being on a scavenger hunt - but I feel bad that those days of JC seem to be gone for good.
ReplyDeleteLands End has 3 styles of their cashmere sweaters today only St. Nick's pick for $49.50
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else that the quality is declining while the prices rise. I have some cable knit sweaters from 5 years ago that look great but some from last year look awful. Plus at the end of a season my cardigan has holes. When I contact the company they say they can give me a refund for what the current retail price of the item is which is under $5, why bother?
ReplyDeleteNo free offers in my catalog either :(
Was at my cousins last weekend. She gets every catalog in the world. She had the new JCrew catalog there. Browisng thru it I spied a 20% off coupon. 20% off any order. She NEVER orders from JC.
ReplyDeleteCan you guess how fast that coupon became mine??
Maybe JC is trying to entice people who usually don't order..
No offer for me in my catalog.
ReplyDeleteSale section looks to be updates, I see lots of pop backs.
I haven't received the holiday catalog yet, but I received two copies of the November catalog a while back. The first didn't have any coupons, but a few weeks later a second catalog arrived with a coupon for free shipping that had expired ten days earlier. So frustrating!
ReplyDeleteFS code: $125+, enter SHIP125. Happy usage! Valid through 11/30 @ 11:59 pm.
ReplyDeleteAlso free ship on $150 with code HARVEST through Monday the 30th.
ReplyDeletei just got the october catalog in the mail over the weekend so i am guessing they are a little behind on getting me the catalog.
ReplyDeletei picked up one of the lands end cashmere sweaters. i can't imagine that the quality is any worse that j. crew and at 50 bucks i thought i'd give it a try.
OT: Could someone please help with a rewards card problem?
ReplyDeleteI placed a $300 order a few weeks ago and applied my $50 rewards card to it. One of the items didn't work out so I sent it back (not FS or anything). This morning I received a "thanks for your J.Crew order e-mail" and was baffled, because I hadn't placed another order. The "order" was for a gift card in the amount of my refund. In other words, because I used a gift card for 1/6 of my purchase it looks like the won't credit my account for the refund. I've seen other JCAs post on this--is it happening consistently?
Is there anyone who still has the enclosures that came with the reward card and can tell me whether the fine print says anything about not refunding purchases made with the card?
OT - Rebecca Minkoff is having a sample sale in NY. It started yesterday, goes through Sunday. 17 West 17th between 5th & 6th. I'm going tonight to check it out, and hope to find some great deals on a bag or two (really hoping it is as awesome as the Cole Haan one was, scored 3 bags + 1 pair of shoes for $350 with tax!).
ReplyDeleteHexicon - I've had two situations occur when shopping with my rewards card. A few times the total amount of the purchase was credited back to my card (including the amount of the rewards card), and just recently only the amount that was charged to my JC card was credited back, with the rewards card amount being given back to me in the form of a new JC gift card. It's frustrating that the policy is not consistent. I commented on this to the SA, and she said that amounts used from a rewards card should be given back to the customer in the form of a JC gift card, when making a return.
ReplyDeleteAnother OT, but I found this really interesting. I was at the b&m last night making a few returns, and I overheard one of the SA talking with whom I assume were a few employees about the JC sample sale. She was saying how they weren't marking the clothes properly (specifically tags) because she had quite a few people come in and try to return sample sale items at the b&m. Apparently this was a real issue to them, and it seemed like it was going to be escalated. I actually don't blame them for being upset, it's 100% wrong for people to think they can get away with this.... it's this kind of shoddy behavior that ruins it for the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteStacy,
ReplyDeleteI have Land's End Cashmere sweaters from 2005-7 and the quality has been excellent. Far superior to JCrew's cashmere that I own and refuse to buy every again. I picked one up too today. Great price!
PS
ReplyDeleteLands End customer service is consistent and superior. I have never had any problems with them ever and I have been ordering from LE since 1987.
Wish I could say the same about JC.
I echo some of the quality comments. J Crew's prices are going up and not really going on sale (to reflect their true value). The sweaters average $100 and the quality of so many is too thin with the dreaded 3/4 sleeves. I know I drink the crewlade on a consistent basis but I won't pay good money, no matter how cute, if the quality isn't there. Example..don't waste your money on the new Chiffon Ruffle Cardigan (100% cotton). It is the thinnest (think summer-weight), snag-worthy, 3/4 sleeve, $88 *winter* sweater. It's really a summer cardigan.
ReplyDeleteI say all this and love many of their sweaters (the worst I have had is some piling which I believe is unavoidable anymore unless you pay the really big bucks). But I also know I have had to educate myself on what is worth the $ at J Crew.
On that note..I agree with others that so many retailers are pumping out the same mediocre quality BUT they don't charge as much, either.
I agree with the endorsements of Land's End cashmere sweaters. My mother-in-law gave me a purple one a couple of years ago and the cashmere is so thick and lofty. One word of advice: Land's End sizes are a bit more generous. I'm usually a small in JC sweaters, but I'm an extra-small in Land's End.
ReplyDeleteI am wearing an ebay J Crew merino sweater today. I have very similar sweaters in a larger size, (now too big) that were from around 2000-2001. The sweater is so thick and substantial!
ReplyDeleteI also ordered a Lands End Cashmere sweater. If you are on their mailing list there is FS. Also, you can return at Sears! I am a M in JC and I size down to a S in Lands End for their regular "fit 2." They have updated the styling. I got the scoop neck.
I got the catalogue yesterday. The pick of the girl in the fishermen turtleneck layered over a shirt and turtlneck cracked me up. But I guess you need the warmth when you're that skinny!
OT -->
ReplyDeleteIf anyone comes across the Cotton Tuxedo Shirt (item #18056) in size 0 or 2, can you please let me know which store? I'm dying to get it and am kicking myself that I didn't buy it before it went on sale online.
TIA!
Martin and Osa has a promo for $59 Cashmere and denim Nov 27-29 (not sure if its in store only or not); anyone know how their cashmere is?
ReplyDeleteTheir long and lean cardi retails for $250 and looks very nice. . .
I have had great luck with Martin+Osa cashmere. It is now my go to store for my cardigans, instead of J.Crew. Note that the Cashmere V-neck cardigan is a cashmere blend but super soft and it holds up very well with little pilling. Also the sleeve cuffs hold up extremely well to stretching, a recent complaint with J.Crew cardigans.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marietta. I guess that it isn't a big deal, given that my return was a little less than the reward card. It's annoying that they do this rather than applying the card to the items I *kept* but whatever. Next time i won't use a reward card for a large-ish order if I'm on the fence about an item.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I both received catalogs and guess who got the code.... the husband! He doesn't even shop at J Crew unless you count the toothpick ankle cords he bought for me a few months ago. Too funny.
ReplyDeleteNo offer in my catalog. :(
ReplyDeleteI agree that quality is hit or miss. One item that I feel has improved is the perfect fit tees. They were thinner last year and the fit was different between colors. This year I'm a M in every one I've purchased and they are holding up well. I especially love the grosgrain scoopneck version in plum raisin. I wear it with orange skirts and my serengetti juliets and patent belt, when possible. Looks dressier than a plain tee but not over the top ruffled or appliqued, which is great when the skirt is bright already - I don't like too much going on. Plus, it is super comfortable. Looking to add this in a couple more colours.
Agree with some comments - there is no way to figure out how they select receipients of the rewards. I didn't get the earrings, a free shipping code inside catalogs came AFTER expiration date.
ReplyDeleteBut as I said in yesterday's post -I got a $25 coupon inside a catalog to by used by Dec 6th in B&M stores only ( and for the purchase of $125 or more).
Even though I live in NY (where we have several JC stores) I hardly shop ay B&M.
I love JC, but due to their declining quality I buy ONLY on sale, and once stuff goes on sale at b&m, the best items in my size (4) simply flying off the shelves in NY stores.
Re catalogs - i get at least 2or3/month, they always end up in a waist can, so I feel bad thinking about those of you who don't get any. Why the can't work it out, so everyone gets one? mind boggling...
Baybaybay --> funny you should mention different fits in the same sized shirt! I just got a white boyfriend tissue T after loving my pink one so much. They're both XS, but there's at least a centimetre difference in size between them.
ReplyDeleteWhat's that all about??? Crazy.
Talking about quality, the Dream turtleneck I ordered arrived yesterday and is going back this weekend because I can tell that it's not going to age well at all.
ReplyDeletebaybaybay,
ReplyDeleteDon't agree. Got perfect fit tees just in the last 2 weeks and there is an least an inch to inch and a half difference between same size and same color of tees I bought!!!!!
I'm adding another item to the do not buy list: tees embellished with sequins. I handwashed the tissue beaded necklace tee, and the crackly finish on the large sequins have separated from the body of the sequins! It looks funny to have disc shaped sheets of shiny holding onto the shirt with a thread and a prayer. I just got the beaded crest tee that I ordered before I washed the necklace tee, and it looks like it has alot of the same type of sequins, so back it's going. It's a shame about the quality of so many entire categories of items lately, I know I'm returning more than I'm keeping.
ReplyDeleteGot the $25 off $110 coupon...although it was addressed to my bf who has only placed maybe TWO orders ever with Jcrew! Their logic is strange....
ReplyDeleteWait..clicquot, a centimeter? Are you thinking of some other measurement? :)
ReplyDeletehimmiefan-which dream item?
cheesy-just got that new tee. Got it so cheap I might wear a few times and never wash it! When I am sick of it..well..you know...pfft.
sweetsy, yeah, I am on the fence about keeping it as a foregone throwaway. I don't even usually look at the tissue tees, but these ten dollar price tags lured me in. Cheap and cute is my kryptonite!
ReplyDeleteGuess I should be thankful I get ANY catalogs considering, but they are always WEEKS after eveyone here and never any offers :(
ReplyDeleteRE: the anticipated cotton Victoria...I am wondering if it is the navy top that the model is wearing at the top of the page when you click the "Jewelry" tab...anyone think that is it? Looks super cute!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/jewelry.jsp
Sweetsy - it's the turtleneck, the one with the seams on the outside (kind of looks like it's inside out). I got it in lavender, which is actually a little light on me. Overall, the quality is okay, not great.
ReplyDeleteHey all! Sorry if someone asked this already, but where is the promo code in the catalouge? I recieved it in the mail but don't know where to look to see if I got a code. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSweetsy--> whoops, meant a 1/3 of an inch :-P
ReplyDeleteBaybaybay, I'm with you on the perfect fit tees. I found the four I bought this year to live up to their name and fit perfectly. But I have to admit, I don't measure my clothes.
ReplyDeleteGenny, you seem to be very discriminating, I'm curious to know what items would you recommend from J.Crew?
CheesyGoodness: Return the beaded sequin crest tee! The paint comes off of the sequins after you get it wet.
ReplyDeleteHi, Alexis! *waves* Like you, I never get a catalog even though I have a JCrew addiction, as well as a J Crew card. I emailed and called again and again this year asking for catalogs, to no avail.
ReplyDeleteFinally, last weekend I got a catalog! Not one, but two of the same. I was so excited and began flipping through.... when I realized I'd seen it all before. It was the OCTOBER catalog. And even more disappointing I got a free shipping insert that expired Oct 31st, more than two weeks ago.
So when I saw this blog entry today, I decided to try one more request. I wrote contactus@jcrew and mickey@jcrew a nice email expressing my disappointment. Mickey was out of the office, but within minutes his people responded, apologized (that counts, too, in my book!), and overnighted me the two latest catalogs. In return, I sent them a detailed email with how my previous efforts to get the catalog had failed.
Three cheers for J Crew!
CheesyGoodness: Oops, I was referring to the new mocha colored tee with the beaded black crest and gray pearly metallic sequins and not the one on sale. But FYI, the sequins on this shirt are also defective.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get a code :::sobs::: Why do you play games with my heart, J.Crew! Why!??? Hahah - but in all seriousness - I wish I had got a code!
ReplyDeletedickfiddy,
ReplyDeleteYes, I have very discriminating taste in clothes.
I have found that the more recent years items are having defective issues that I have received. Prior to 2007 I did not have any defective issues with items I ordered from JCrew. Then, in the summer of 2007 things seemed to change... and I remember my first order where 3/5 items had serious issues.
Yes, I do order a lot but still should not be having these continued issues.
Things I do like from past JCRew seasons...the thicker knit cotton sweaters, older cashmere that wore well, city fit tees (yes, this dates me a bit (2003?)but they were excellent), many of their wool blazers have worn well, good ole roll neck sweaters:) And their swimsuits fit me great and last a long time. (did have 2 defective ones...one in 2007 and one last month.) I love JCrew flip flops as well. Fit me well and are comfy and last pretty decently for flip flops.
Currently, I enjoy their silk camisoles. Never had a defect there:) Also, the perfect fit shirts have been good to me recently:) My velvet Bella and Eden.
I'll just be glad to get the catalog on time. I received my October catalog, which had a free ship code inside...on November 5th. So much for that!
ReplyDeleteI love my solid antique ruffle top as well that I recently received:)
ReplyDeleteGood morning JCAs! Thanks for all the great comments and reporting whether you got the catalog, and what type of code you got if you did get one. :)
ReplyDeleteRosie: I am so impressed that they responded to your email and sent the catalogs to you! That is fantastic news. :)
Haha! I was lamenting the lack of coupon in my catalog (vs. DH's) and he put their marketing strategy together so succinctly:
ReplyDelete"You already *are* an insane J Crew addict...they don't need to pump you up anymore...I'm 'Meh...10% and free shipping isn't so great.....'"
could someone please share a 20% off code with me!? I got one but my catalog is at home and I want to place my order from the office. I'll post mine later in return :)
ReplyDeleteMarietta, could you report on the rebecca minkoff sample sale? Any good bags/good deals? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLike most of the other posters, I didn't get a coupon in my catalog either. I did get an offer for the J Crew credit card. I've had the card for like six years now. So much for their precision marketing.
ReplyDeleteBased on the comments here, though, I'm going to try to get my husband to buy something small. Then I can use the ensuing coupons.