J.Crew is back in the news for another positive achievement. Over at Complex.com (click here), J.Crew has been named one of the "Best of the 2000's" by being in the "Top 100 Brands". They state the following:J.Crew has been spotted in the press quite a few times for its successful performance this year. (Refer to the December 8th "J.Crew In The News: Doing It Right!" post as an example.)66. J.Crew
Recession or not, there is always a market for reasonably priced wardrobe staples- no one's too cool for a sweater. The brand brought on a solid design team and reinvented the brand in time for people with no money to spend all of it on khakis. Good materials, good craftsmanship, good idea. Crew love for real.
Some JCAs question J.Crew's new direction in terms of styling (or over-styling), it's exposure of Jenna Lyons, and quality (or decline in quality). While other JCAs are applauding J.Crew's new direction including updating styles and silhouettes, becoming more fashion forward, and opening concept-boutique-stores. It will be interesting to see how J.Crew balances it's product, quality, design, and service moving forward.
What are your thoughts on the article? Do you think J.Crew deserves to be one of the "Top 100 Brands" of the decade? :)
J Crew of old yes they deserve to be up there with the best, but J Crew of 2009, highly questionable because of the reasons you gave in your post. I have not ordered from them since Nov 6th, I am tired of paying the return shipping charge $20.00+ to return disposal defective clothing, there have been far too many returns this year, previous years there have been very little or none.
ReplyDeleteI agree that their quality has declined. I don't look much at their shoes anymore. But their styles and fits are still great, and they're innovative and take some risks. So comparatively, they're one of the best.
ReplyDeleteI know a lot of folks have been bashing the shipping charges lately, but I have to say that the customer service this holiday season has been top-notch. I ordered several gifts, boxed to 4 different recipients, on Saturday afternoon and the items were shipped Saturday night. They are due to arrive on Wednesday. Fantastic! I ordered similar gifts from BabyGap during their recent sale and the items took 7 days to ship! JCrew deserves some credit for their fast processing, and that is why you pay a little more for it. It's worth it to me.
ReplyDeleteI should add that I agree about their customer service. I never worry about ordering from J Crew. I know if there's a problem that I can return my item for a refund. Their customer service is excellent, and they reward their loyal customers well.
ReplyDeleteUgh, I hate end-of-year lists. They're just an easy way for lazy journalists to get publicity and generate light-hearted pseudo-controversy.
ReplyDeleteI agree that JC is one of the brands of the decade - although I think that it was their pieces from the earlier part of the 00's that put them there. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I will be following JC into 2010. I will keep an eye on their designer collaborations, and will always be checking out eBay for 'vintage' JC pieces. I've just seen a lot of crappy-looking pieces (quality-wise, not design) this year and don't have much confidence that anything from this year will hold up. I didn't *love* anything from the Spring '10 preview either, just seemed like more of the same to me.
It's very telling how shop-worn items in my B&M look that have not been out for very long. I'd rather spend my time scouring eBay for a pre-2007 item that still looks brand new than returning new items to the B&M that didn't work out in terms of fit, quality, etc. To each their own!
I agree with others about the spotty quality. Some pieces are great, but others are pretty bad. I love the fleece popover that's currently out, the jersey dresses in general, and some of their suiting is fabulous. The cashmere also seems to be slightly better this year.
ReplyDeleteI was in a store yesterday, however, and I thought the Corwin cardi in misty aqua was adorable. I looked more closely, and the merino wool was already beginning to pill just from being handled in the store. The same thing with some of the dream pieces - they already look like they are falling apart.
The only line I want to quibble with is that they offer "reasonably priced" items. I see this line used to describe JCrew in the press all the time, and it irks me. I know everyone has a different definition of reasonable, but in general, I think I'd say JCrew is a bit on the pricey side. I mean, a lot of their stuff starts at over $100, and the shoes, dresses, and many of the sweaters are well over that amount.
ReplyDeleteFor many of us, that's still a reach. When I think reasonable prices I think Gap or Old Navy, not JCrew (although I do prefer JCrew's merchandise overall.)
Complete spring look book posted!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.coutorture.com/6387345?page=0,0,1
Soft tones, shabby chic furniture.
Customer service has always been a J.Crew strong suit. The men's line continues to be strong and wothwhile. J.Crew rarely disappoints me and I happy with items purchased.
ReplyDeleteI would totally agree that they deserve to be on that list overall, just because they're pretty consistently leading the way - even when I was in middle school, their stuff was everyone's favorite! But my spending with JC has come to an abrupt halt this year for all the reasons already noted above. I wish they'd take a little of the energy they put into 'trend' and redirect it toward 'innovation.'
ReplyDeletesilver_lining - your comment about shopworn items in the B&M's says it all. I went to mine and checked out the sale section - every single sweater was badly pilled - reminded me of a thrift shop rack.
ReplyDeleteProfessor - thanks for posting the look book link! I did see some handbags and a couple of sweaters that look promising. The outfits overall, well.... Hopefully when the spring line comes out on Polyvore, Fabulous Florida Mommy and some others can put together better outfits for us.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Casual-Crew, Silver Lining, and Lilac Cupcake. You guys said it well.
ReplyDeleteAlso, as far as shipping not only are their shipping rates too high but they tax the shipping so actually you are paying MORE than the charts list. It is just crazy.
ARL, other companies ship just as fast for FREE. Lands End and Avon have been getting out my orders lightening fast! Gap for me was Free too so what if it takes a bit longer???? For free I cannot complain. Plus, JCrew quit putting some of its jewelry in boxes and makes gift giving harder for me. Know I have to find boxes!!! and I paid for shipping...
jcrew guy in Canada
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the customer service is excellent, prompt response, helpful tips, very attentive to customer concerns. But for me, many of the items, specifically the sweaters don't make the grade - a green cotton cashmere pilled like there's no tomorrow. In a recent trip to the B&R, the Rustic Shawl Cardigan 22676P feels like sandpaper.
However, JCrew indeed deserves to be on the list because the styling is directional. It improves me sartorially. The joint efforts with companies like Sperry, Timex, Baracuta, provide a treasure trove of creative ideas. Also, there are some stables that I like: the washed button downs (my tailor though thinks it's poorly made because there are no darts on the back); and the lightweight fabric used on pants are unrivaled in terms of comfort.
J Crew does need much better quality control.
Jodi, that's the thing - there were a few dream Tori sweaters at my B&M that looked like rags. I couldn't believe they still were marked at FP. I think that's one of the main reasons I do most of my shopping online - I like pieces I pay that much for to look new, ya know? ;)
ReplyDeleteJodi,
ReplyDeleteThe thrift stores I go to are very picky about the quality of their items and some if not all of their sweaters look better than the store Jcrew ones!
Patrick
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with you. While the cashmere has been somewhat disappointing, the merino and lambswool are quite good. The washed favorite shirts are a favorite and I quite like the classic cut pants with their narrow leg and flat front. I have the Timex watch, Ray-Bans and the Sperry's; all well done. And I'm eying up a Barbour jacket.
I know some designers have begun to show pleats, but I really hope J.Crew and everyone else stays away from them. The eighties and the giant pleated pants with over blown shoulders need to stay in the past.
jcrew guy in Canada
ReplyDeleteNo pleats, absolutely not. The flat front urban slim is fantastic! I 'had' a merino half zip. Let's just say, it no longer fits me and not because I gained weight. Though, the fabric is in great condition. Well, it was part of the '06 collection. Don't know how it's made these days. But, staying away all the same unless I get one at 70% off and can sample it.
BTW, you should write more about men's stuff. I'd love to hear your insights. You seem to be well connected to what's going on.
Hey Patrick, thanks buddy. No more washing sweaters or putting them in the dryer. I either hand wash merino or dry clean it. I had an incident as well and that cured me of using the machine. Gentle cycle was misleading.
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew's ties are very good for the price. I like that they are under 3 inches and so a little on the narrow side. Check out the ones with wider stripes or the club/English style ones. Looks great with a lambswool v-neck.
I really want to try a bow tie with a sweater like they show in the holiday catalog, but I don't quite have the guts for it. Maybe if I lived in NY.
The other thing I'm loving right now are dark brown shoes in smooth leather or suede. I even polish my smooth ones with black shoe cream, gives them a really good dark shine. Give it a try, you'll be happy with the results.
What looks are you after right now?
jcrew guy in Canada
ReplyDeleteI got a V neck from Boden, same 15/85, cashmere/cotton, it was dried in the hottest setting, pretty much neglected on purpose (I was experimenting it since the size was off). To date, not a pill in sight. Whereas the Jcrew ones, washed per instruction and strange things resulted. There's a quality deficit. But I discovered a brand called Our Legacy that sells phenomenal sweaters and cardigan at around JCrew price with similar aesthetics, if I may dare to say, better quality and aesthetics. All made in Portugal.
I will definitely check out the ties. That's a good suggestion. You are the second person to suggest checking them out. The ones I have are apparently too 'severe' and subfusc.
I see bow ties at club monaco (every season, I think). I don't have any occasion to wear them. If I were a teacher though, I would definitely consider it. For me, ties are too formal (maybe 'coz I live in SoCal?)
I just got a bunch of washed shirts the other day and I'm waiting for 'hohoho' codes to get the Red Wing rugged classic. I want 'hiking' shoes for more difficult terrain but not necessarily the hideous looking ones.
So, dark shoe cream for brown's. Interesting. My only pair of brown is the Sperry nubuck at the moment, I will look into that. Thanks.
(I just checked out the shoe section, wow, they have samba now and SeaVeas, what the hell is that?, that's why I like JCrew, it gives me so much ideas. I now own three pairs of Sperry as a result)
Patrick
ReplyDeleteI just took a look at the Our Legacy sweater and such, both at their website and a couple of place selling them. Nice looking items, definitely similar to what J.Crew is doing.
Red Wing makes a nice boot, but I'm after the Bludstones. I've wanted a pair for the past couple of seasons and now that my favorite website is featuring them I think I'll indulge. But not until after Christmas or unless there's a crazy promo.
Don't expect to see anything like the HOHOHO promo, looks like the inventories are lower and sales are good.
I also need a new pair of desert boots, my J.Crew ones form five years ago are getting pretty beat up and worn. This time I plan to go with Clarks, and have the orginal.
I can hardly wait to get to San Diego; I'm there for work for a week, but it's more of an excuse to get to the mall and go out in Old Town.
Let me know if you have any more recomendations; the last few have been good ones.
jcrew guy in Canada
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like OL. I was very pleased with their sweaters (I got three of them this season, the shawl collar cardy, merino cardy and grey aplaca v neck) I've gotten so much usage out of them (I wore two of them for my in-class presentations and several times for business casual occasions). I'm waiting for the spring offerings so I can add to 'my collection.'
I watched several French films and repeatedly noticed St. James being worn (after some research, I found out what it is) and got myself a Matelot U. 100% virgin wool, made in France. Nautical styling model after ones worn by actual sailors. It's the most stylishly functional sweater ever. When I pair it with Under Amour mock neck, I don't feel cold walking around at night. (Contrary to popular belief, it does get cold in California, well in the evenings for about 3-4 months, the desert climate, etc). Check it out.
I checked out Blundstone boots, they are very functional. I wonder how narrow it is. Red Wing seems very overpriced in comparison. BL552 looks good.
I have a pair of Clarks original myself. It has crepe sole and I can't really wear it for hiking. I do wear it to Amusement Park though.
Praying there's a repeat of hohoho...
Here's my email if you have any questions. gattaca@berkeley.edu