Tuesday, November 24, 2009

J.Crew Email: A private holiday Cardmember preview (exclusively yours)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta & Missmasala, who shared with us the latest email from J.Crew to its card members.

The email above features the not-yet-officially-released-online Marché Tote (Item 21458; $278.00). J.Crew describes the the tote (which comes in either Fawn or Salmon) as:
Our designers were inspired by one of our favorite bracelets to create this elegant chain-link strap (we like wearing it both doubled up and as a single strap, depending on our mood). Perfect for every day and just dressed up enough for a night on the town. Leather. Chain-and-leather handle. Top interior hidden magnet closure. Shiny brass hardware. Exterior front pocket with hidden magnet closure under flap, back zip pocket. Interior front-wall split-patch cell pocket, back-wall zip pocket. Cotton twill lining.
Not sure what to make of the tote... I like the style of the tote's body and the Fawn shade is gorgeous. However, I am not sure if I like the chain-link strap. I guess I would have to see & try on in-person.

On a bright note, this email only confirms that new arrivals will be available online soon. {wahoo!}

What are your thoughts on the tote? Do you like the style- from the chain handle to the front pocket?

25 comments:

  1. I completely agree - JCrew tees - especially the art ones - FALL APART or have tiny holes in them after one or two wears max - I spend likely upwards of $15k to $20K a year at JCrew and for my dollar, Ive noticed over the past two years that the quality of clothes (except cashmere, jeans and pants) have taken a dramatic turn and not for the better - It seems if you dont get something at their "sale" price (even though, lets be serious, they probably mark up just to put things on sale and make it look like a bargain) that you are getting fleeced in quality vs. price

    Jcrew needs to shape up - Quickly!

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  2. I could care less about this bag!!!! I was so hoping to wake up this morning and see a good thanksgiving-day sale post. but of course, nada. I'm hoping something will happen tomorrow as this new FS code only lasts for the day, but I'm doubtful.

    20% off sale items and free shipping would be nice. just a hint jcrew, just a hint.

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  3. Bag is pretty, but it has to be inspired by other lines that have done something similar (Hayden Harnett's Vargas A-line chain bag and the lower-priced version at Tar-jay for $45)...still, the price is reasonable given that some of these convertible bags are in the $400-$500 arena. The colors could be very pretty though..

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  4. Sorry it looks very 'grandma' to me...

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  5. My grandma had one back in...1975.

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  6. Twiga- lol!

    Despite the grandma factor, it looks very nice and classy. I think it's the beige color that makes it kinda dull looking.

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  7. I can't seem to keep up with constant influx of "new arrivals" lately... I wish that JC didn't have to have a new line every month, and could concentrate on improving their quality instead of where to place the next round of raw-edged ruffles and wordsmithing their descriptions to add more "effortlessly chic" and "vintage-feel". Eeek, sorry for the crankiness!

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  8. The classic (OK, grandma) look of this bag really appeals to me. But why, oh why, only the light colors? I am too much of a messy Marvin to carry a light-colored bag. I would have loved a black, chocolate, or black plum in this.

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  9. I don't like chain handles. Too uncomfortable to wear and too 60s or faux Chanel I guess. So is it true new stuff will be online soon? Maybe they'll put up some clothes for people who live in places where winters are cold.

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  10. I love the old-lady style of this bag! Certainly wouldn't pay that much for it though... if it's ever 50% off I would get it.

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  11. Haha! I just realized that JC's marketing department is prolly having a field day with the free marketing strategies/takes on this bag :)!

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  12. My favorite bag this season wasn't from J crew...I got the Ann Taylor Perfect Bow Tote in two colors (black and beige)...$225. The leather is buttery, it has lots of inside pockets, and I get tons of compliments. J crew bags rarely wow me enough for the price, except their evening clutches. I usually love their clutches.

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  13. I like the bag, I think it's very pretty. I am imagining it in the salmon, can't wait to see that shade, it's one of my absolute favorites. I did buy a Campo this season though so I won't be buying regardless!
    Why doesn't JCrew offer the bag with free shipping and a bonus giftcard inside for its best customers? THAT would be a cool promo!

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  14. OT, Extra 20% off sale and free shipping for $150 or more. Check out the J. Crew facebook page! I couldn't find anything I had to have at this point :( But I thought I'd pass this on!

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  15. New Coupon ladies!!

    20% of order with code EXTRA20 and free shipping on $150! :)

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  16. There bags are usually very nice. I can't tell if I like this bag or not.

    Yesterday, I was at JCrew. I looked at the frosted jacquard and the gunmetal matelassé skirts. The contruction is nice enough; the material is poor quality, paper thin. These skirts are $148.
    I also looked at the crushed glitter evening bag, $48. It feels like it is made from cardboard.

    I stopped buying their cashmere sweaters and t-shirts. They just fall apart even with the utmost care.

    I think different quality control measures need to be implemented or they will lose me as a customer.

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  17. Pretty bag.
    Has anyone else seen that via Facebook JCrew is offering an extra 20% off sale items with EXTRA20 **plus** free shipping on purchases over $150. thru Sunday, Nov 29.
    my apologies if this is double.

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  18. Nonflammable, I saw the gunmetal matelassé skirt the other day and was shocked at how thin it is, but it did feel similar to the pembridge dot skirt from last holiday season. These are definitely not substantial enough to be worn multiple times - although the design of the pencil skirt is lovely as always. Don't get me wrong, disposable clothes have their place... but not at $150 a pop!

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  19. I like the Marche, the two colors offered, and the chain handles are a nice change. The metal blings it up a bit.

    I miss the multi-view photos of handbags to get a real sense of how they would perform. IMO, this photos of this bag looks like it is overstuffed and I can't tell without a side view. The front pocket looks like it would only hold a slip of paper before the pocket would bulge. Will probably pass...

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  20. Oh yeah, happy holidays to you too, JCrew. Thanks for sending me yet another email advertising your ridiculously over-priced merchandise. I completely agree that the quality of JCrew clothing has significantly declined over the last year. I spend too much money at JCrew and giving me an "exclusive" chance to purchase a grandma bag does not evoke my holiday spirit. Thanks again, but I'm sincerely disappointed.

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  21. Yeah - I'm not crazy about the tote. The colors are a little off for me and I just don't like chain link straps in general. Plus, it seems kind of (dare I say) shapeless. I have to admit I'm biased - I can't help but feel a twinge of irritation when my big card member benefit is to buy a ho-hum purse at full price.

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  22. Sorry for the triple reminder about the coupon!
    on the bag, however, i love the chain link straps. My favorite little purse is from JCrew from 3 (?) years ago, it's a small hobo shape green leather bag with a chain handle that had a ribbon in it (which i cut out) and gold accents. If I could the larger version of that in another color I'd be so happy. Does it sound familiar to anyone? I've looked inside the bag to get an item number, but no luck.

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  23. I am really loving the chain detail of the bag :) Other designers have come out with bags similar to this one (Kate Spade) and I have to say that I'm loving them all!

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  24. I was thinking the same thing that audball was thinking. The strap reminded me of the Hayden Harnett bags. I am not sure if I want to pay this much money for this bag.

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  25. Hm. I could like this. Maybe.

    As for the quality at J Crew, I think it is quite interesting that so many other retailers (I'm sorry to keep bringing up Ann Taylor/LOFT, but I CAN'T HELP IT!) (EVEN THOUGH I'M KIND OF MAD AT ANN TAYLOR FOR NOT DOING A PRICE ADJUSTMENT FOR ME!) are changing "face" in these tough economic times- trying new things, hiring on new head designers and offering better promos.

    J Crew had done...none of that.

    Mickey and Jenna have done...none of that.

    It's interesting to me, is all. I don't understand the strategy. I understand that J Crew wants to set itself apart as being a prestigious label that doesn't do "that", but at continuing to produce poorly made things and sell them at such a high cost to the consumer...I just don't get it.

    (And I think, right now, Ann Taylor/LOFT is proving you can produce nice, well-made things that don't cost an arm and a leg. We'll see how this strategy works for them in the long run, of course- only time will tell. But I think J Crew, you have some work to do. Ahem.)

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And now back to J.Crew! :)