Crewcuts Email: you're invited to an exclusive crewcuts trunk show

"Thanks!" to Desert Flower & Marietta, who shared with us the email above from Crewcuts about another trunk show. Similar to the February 16th "Crewcuts Email: you're invited to an exclusive crewcuts trunk show" post, J.Crew is hosting a Crewcuts Trunk Show... in Atlanta, Georgia!

The details for the event are the following:

Get set for summer... Join us for an exclusive trunk show featuring the most special pieces from our 2010 Spring and Summer collections. Crewcuts is everything you love about J.Crew, in smaller sizes for boys and girls sizes 2-14.

P.S. We will have some special items for Mom too.

Hosted by: Parker Jones, Amy Malone, & Jennifer Raulet

When: Tuesday, March 16th, 4-8PM
Wednesday, March 17th, 9AM-1PM

Where: 545 Chateau Drive
Atlanta, GA 30305

RSVP: parkerharry@comcast.net or
jraulet@comcast.net

**Receive 10% off, plus free shipping on all purchases made during the trunk show

Will you be attending this event? If so, please share with us the details of this trunk show. :)

J.Crew Mini-Blooper: Sunshine Peony Pencil Skirt {paper doll edition}

Once in awhile, J.Crew will have a minor glitch with the images used in their website, catalog, or promotions that makes us smile. The following is one of those instances...

Honestly, who doesn't love the Sunshine Peony print? I love all its versions— from the Sunshine Peony Cardigan (Item 24938; $98.00), to the Sunshine Peony Coccinelle Dress (Item 24947; $138.00), to the Sunshine Peony Perfect Shirt (Item 22768; $98.00), and even the Sunshine Peony Skirt (Item 22591; $98.00). Now, about that skirt...

A big "thanks!" to Danielle, Linnette, as well as Leader Girl, PinkLuxe, Sheil, Silver_Lining, Christy, DaniBP, StuffIWear, Heidi, AppGal, & Kendra (in this post), who pointed out the mini-blooper with the Sunshine Peony Pencil Skirt photo. From the catalog image (shown above), it is clear that J.Crew "cut out" a pencil skirt-shape from the lovely Sunshine Peony print and pasted it onto the model.

"Kudos!" to Silver_Lining (in this post) who figured out that the original skirt in the photo was most-likely the Neapolitan Pencil Skirt (Item 22982; $98.00). As she pointed out, the outfit is exactly the same (minus the skirt of course). ;)

Heidi (in this post) provided the most reasonable explanation of what might have occurred: "they may have photoshopped it in because they didn't have the sample finished in time for the shoot with the model".

Lastly, "thanks!" to GigiOfCa who provided a review & real-life images of this skirt over at her {amazing} Gigi's Gone Shopping blog (check out her "JCrew - sunshine peony pencil skirt" post). This print on the skirt looks beautiful in real life. (And GigiOfCa looks great in it!) Also, "thanks!" to FFM who has a few images of this print over at her Fabulous Floria Mommy blog that should be checked out too (refer to her "J.Crew New Arrivals: IRL Pics", "J.Crew New Arrivals: IRL Pics *Part Two*", & "J.Crew New Arrivals: IRL Pics *Part Three*" posts).

Did you notice the mistake with the Sunshine Peony Pencil Skirt image? Did you try on or purchase this skirt? If so, please share! ;)

Crewcuts Email: crewcuts new arrivals, plus free shipping

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

As mentioned in Thursday's post, "J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!", new arrivals are available for purchase online. The email above indicates that new arrivals for Crewcuts are also available for purchase online (click here) and at B&M (brick & mortar) stores. :)

Incidentally, why is the girl in the above ad so cheerless? Such a sad circus. Little lady, you are actually getting paid to wear {beautiful} Crewcuts clothes ...so put on a smile! ;)

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

Will you check out the new arrivals for Crewcuts? Are there any items that you are interested in getting? :)

J.Crew Email: Free shipping on jewelry...3 days only

A big "thanks!" to Marietta, as well as Silver_Lining (in this post), who let us know about another offer from J.Crew: free shipping (no minimum!) on all jewelry items (no code needed). To shop their jewelry online, click here. I should also add, that this promotion automatically applies to both full-priced *and* sale priced jewelry. {wahoo!} This offer expires 2/28/10.

One particular piece of jewelry featured in the above email is the Crystal Rock Necklace (Item 26074; $128.00). This necklace has been discussed on the blog before (refer here). "Thanks!" to TweedyBird who shared with us an article over at Fashionista (click here) about this very necklace.

Adventures in Copyright: J.Crew Loves Flutter, Too Much
By Britt Aboutaleb
February 25, 2010

In the spring of 2009, Jill Golden wrapped crystals in mesh chains to make necklaces for her new line, Flutter. She used clear stones in pink, purple, and turquoise, and chains in gunmetal, silver, rose gold and gold. They cost about $350.

Considering how far in advance J.Crew plans their collections, it was probably just a few months later that their jewelry team whipped up this identical piece, with its matching bracelet.

We know New York based indie-designers are on J.Crew’s radar. They’ve just collaborated with Fenton-Fallon and have other partnerships planned for the future–so if they’re fans of Golden’s work, the least they could’ve done is invite in her in for a chat. Instead, they’ve just re-made her design for spring and charged about half the price.

Wow! I have to agree with the author that the two necklaces share a striking resemblance. However, I won't be getting either version. ;) I witness the ginormous size of the necklace in-person at my local store recently. Too much, way too much. (For a real life image, refer to HeidiG's "The DC JCAs Go Legal" post where the necklace is actually beautifully worn by DinaGideon. However, the necklace is still too big for my liking. )

Lastly, the email also reminds us that J.Crew is partnering with the "Fashion for Haiti" campaign to support the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. Customers can now buy online the Fashion for Haiti Tee (Item 30123; $25.00). According to the website:

A little tee with a big conscience: 100 percent of the profits from the sale of this limited-edition T-shirt will be donated by the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, which is raising funds for immediate, high-impact relief and long-term recovery efforts to help those in Haiti who are most in need of assistance. For more information, visit cfda.com.

Will you be taking advantage of this latest promotion? Are there any pieces of jewelry that interest you? If so, please share! :) Do you think the J.Crew necklace shares any resemblance to the Flutter version?

Extra 30% Off Final Sale This Weekend

A big "thanks!" to many of you, including JCJewels, Suzi, as well as Heidi (in this post) & Marisa (in this post) who let us know about another offer from J.Crew.

J.Crew is offering customers 30% off any purchase from Final Sale {no minimum} with promo code EXTRA30. This offer is good through this Monday, 3/1/10.

I am thrilled to see this promotion. Like a true fan(atic), I got a few items this morning. Of course, I felt a bit bummed out about the purchases I made yesterday (sans promo). Ah well! That is the game of J.Crew-roulette (or "crewlette", as I like to call it) that we all play. Right? :)

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Are there any sale items you are interested in getting?

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 (if anything!) in the RESORT & early SPRING sale, or to see some new SPRING 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 Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including opheliasmom (in this post), as well as Christy, Heidi, & FFM (in this post), & Marietta, who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website today (click here to view online).

There are some new arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here). {wahoo!} Although the J.Crew Collection (click here) displays the same slide show of new arrivals from February.

J.Crew has also provided the latest catalog online (click here to view). Also available is is the Men's only catalog for March 2010. :) As for the new arrivals...

Crushin' on: I already mentioned some of my favs in an earlier post (refer to "J.Crew's Catalog for March 2010 {thanks FFM!}"), like the the Roses Vines Perfect Shirt (Item 23484; $78.00) which has a fabulous print. Of course, I found more items to love! I am also crushin' big time on the Cotton-Gauze Petal Cardigan (Item 24596; $98.00). The scalloped petals down the front placket are absolutely lovely. Although, I am not a fan that it is "hand wash" (really J.Crew?) There is also the Sunshine Peony Cardigan (Item 24938; $98.00) with its "ready for Spring" watercolor floral print.

Hatin' on: Why, oh why, did you include the Matte Jersey Curator Pant (Item 25507; $168.00)? Call them "curator pants" all you want, but those are harem pants. No one can rock these. No one. And to call them a "a work of genius" makes me really question you sometimes J.Crew. Seriously, you can do better. Much better. While we are in the pants section, I do not care for the Silky Linen Slouchy Pant (Item 24575; $69.50). It is the distant cousin to last year's Linen-Silk City Pant (Item 20184; $98.00). This is one family reunion I am going to have to pass on. I also have to mention the Crystal Nebula Bracelet (Item 25319; $78.00). I saw it in person and gawked at the massive size of the orbs. I don't know how anyone could legitimately wear this bracelet for a whole day without banging into stuff constantly. Bigger is not always better. Better is better. (You know what I am talking about Mickey!) :)

What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you expecting a bigger roll-out today? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)

Madewell Email: Our newest Rail Straight Jeans

"Thanks!" to Marietta who shared the latest email Madewell (click here) sent yesterday.

The email features the latest Rail Straight Jeans ($98.50) in Silt Wash which are described as the following: "You asked, we listened: your favorite jean fit, now in an old-school indigo wash".

So this post should be about the jeans, but I strayed over to the Madewell website and found lots of cute items including the Academy Blazer ($168), the Utility Cargo Jacket ($98), and the Spring Garden Dress ($145). I definitely will have to check out my local brick & mortar (B&M) Madewell store now. ;)

What are your thoughts on the Rail Straight Jeans? Do you like or dislike the style? Are you excited by any of the other new arrivals in Madewell's Spring 2010 Collection? :)

Product Review of J.Crew's Helmet Bag

"Thanks!" to Trip who let us know about his review on J.Crew's exclusive Helmet Bag (read his "J. Crew Helmet Bag" post for his review).

J.Crew has described these types of bags as the following:

This bag is derived from the military pilot bag used to carry helmets worn on the head during flight. Perfect to carry your laptop around in the city or just as a day bag.

Trip provides several real-life images, including an interior shot. The most amazing part of his post... he scored this bag for $50! I know, what an amazing deal! Now I am searching for this bag at this price too. :)

What are your thoughts on the Helmet Bag? Are you a fan of the style and/or design? Do you currently own this bag? If so, please share! :)

Mini-Interview with J.Crew's Jenna Lyons {part II}

There was a mini-interview with J.Crew's Creative Director Jenna Lyons over at FabSugar the other day (refer to yesterday's "J.Crew In The News" post). "Thanks!" to Sami (from Sugar) for sharing the continuation of the interview with FabSugar & Jenna Lyons (click here).

Fab Exclusive! When Jenna J.Crew Realized It Was OK to Wear Red Lipstick and Dorky Glasses
By FabSugar
February 24, 2010

As we continue exploring the depths of J.Crew's Creative Director, Jenna and I discussed one of my favorite topics: the difference between East and West Coast style. I lived in NYC for six years, but am back in California, to stay. Needless to say, my years in New York influence my wardrobe. Than again, so has my active lifestyle in Cali. I mentioned before that Jenna is a born and bred Cali girl, but she is a self-proclaimed New Yorker, after living there for 25 years now.

What do you think are the main differences between East and West Coast style? That to me is easy. I remember when I moved to NY, the first week that I was here, I noticed that guys were looking at me on the street and the idea of beauty here is so diverse — you can be six feet tall and brunette, you can be blond, you can be bald, you can have blue hair, you can be a tomboy, you can be a sex kitten — you can be anything here. There are all different ideals of beauty here and I think being an individual is praised, whereas when I grew up in CA I always felt like an outcast because I didn’t have blond hair and blue eyes, and I didn’t have any boobs. There’s definitely a look that exists in CA — everyone dresses alike — and I think that was really challenging growing up. I didn’t realize how hard it was until I moved here and all of sudden realized it was OK to look different. It’s OK to wear red lipstick and dorky glasses and a lot of people thought that was cute and that wasn’t the case when I was in CA. And the other thing I love: People dress up here. Like, I looove to dress up.

The first year I moved back I would go out in SF and wear my best party clothes and my girlfriends were like, you’re really overdressed and I was like, “Screw it! I love this stuff.” And actually now, I’ve toned it down a bit and gotten more sporty and casual — but that’s just what’s gonna happen. I know. I love a sequin mini skirt, with an oversized sweater, with a sky-high heel, ‘cause you can!

Do you consider yourself a New Yorker? Totally. I mean when I say home, it’s here. My family’s still in CA. I go to visit them, but here is home. My husband and I, in our wedding vows, said we would never leave NY.

What are your thoughts on the article? Any tidbit you found interesting in the mini-interview with Ms. Lyons?

Darlings, is it time for a J.Crew coupon code?

Yes, it is that wonderful time!

"Thanks!" to modern antique (blogger behind the Modern Antique blog) who let us know that J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $150+ with promo code YXP23A. This offer expires 3/1/10.

P.S. I have noticed that other blogs & websites post J.Crew codes & coupons *after* this blog does. If you happen to get codes & coupons from the JCA blog & post them at your site, could you please give give a "shout out" to the JCA blog? This way more JCAs are inclined to share. TIA! :)

J.Crew Spotted in Self Magazine

A big "thanks!" to Laura, who not only let us know about several J.Crew {new arrival} items being spotted in the March 2010 issue of Self Magazine, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the images above to see them larger.)

The first image features a khaki military-inspired vest ($98.00) from J.Crew. The second image features the Merino Larkspur Cardigan (Item 23171; $98.00) in Pale Blossom.

I am "meh" on the vest. It's no J.Crew Downtown Field Jacket (Item 19034; $148.00) from last year. However, I am liking the Merino Larkspur Cardigan. What can I say, I find the "embroidered with a spray of silk habotai and crinkled chiffon flowers " cardigan enchanting. :)

What are your thoughts on the various J.Crew items? Do you like (or dislike) the flowers/ style for the cardigan? Are you a fan of the military vest for Spring? :)

J.Crew's Drexler Talks Fashion with Charlie Rose

Over at RatsOnParade's I LOVE J.CREW blog, there is a great post (refer to her "Mickey Drexler on TV: Charlie Rose 2/19/2010" post) about a recent appearance of J.Crew's CEO Mickey Drexler on Charlie Rose (click here for the video & transcript).

The Charlie Rose episode took "a look into the world of fashion" with guests Cathy Horyn (of The New York Times), Narciso Rodriguez (designer), Roberta Myers (Editor-in-Chief of ELLE), and of course Millard Drexler, (CEO of J.Crew). A lot of great questions were asked of the guests. The following are some responses from Mr. Drexler that I found interesting:

• I live a very narrow life in the world of J.Crew and Madewell.
• I sometimes think we’re in a different business. We design, we develop, we create and we very much evolve. It is kind of sharpening the edge, it’s getting rid of the older, bringing in the new, but it’s a business first and foremost, and in our business it’s a true partnership between design and merchandising as investments in clothes. Because without the profit, the sales, the growth, it’s not a lot of fun, especially if you are a public company.
• And you know, I also look at it, because I’m in a different world. It’s not a design world. I look at the prices and I look at what the real people pay in the world. We’re talking here about, and I didn’t want to be the biggest. I think better is better, not bigger is better.
• Madewell tends to skew younger than J.Crew, but I like timeless because I think a great product will wear well on a young person, and by the way what is going on today is all the young kids are not shopping their mother’s closets any more, they are shopping their father’s closets. So I, you know.
• ...our best-selling men’s shoe, the Macalister -- we lowered it to size five now because we sell one-third to women. Instead of just to men. Our washed shirts, J.Crew, our buttoned down washed shirts, we went to extra small this season.
  

What are your thoughts on the interview? Were there any pieces of information that you found particularly interesting? :)

Off On a Tangent: Liberty of London {at Target!}

Don't worry, I am still all about the Crew! But sometimes there are codes/ offers from other retailers that might be useful for some J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados, like now...
A big "thanks!" to Desert Flower who shared the following {a-m-a-z-i-n-g} news with us: Liberty of London is coming to Target (yes, Target!) staring on March 14th! Even more awesome, the partnership will not just include {beautiful} clothes, but also items for the home. (Click here to preview online.)

Desert Flower was also nice enough to scan & share the following articles featuring items from this new line of Liberty for Target. The first image (the "what's now!" article) comes from a recent issue of InStyle Magazine. The second image (the "O, what a buy!" article) comes from a recent issue of Oprah Magazine. The third image (the "Liberty of London in Target Stores" article) comes from the latest People StyleWatch Magazine. Just click on any of the images below to view a larger version.
I heard of them before in regards to J.Crew. So who is this Liberty of London?
Liberty of London is a 134-year old British company known for distinctive textiles and prints. J.Crew has offered several styles over the years using Liberty fabrics. Take for example the sold-out Liberty Vintage-Floral Perfect Shirt (Item 15501; $118.00).

I did not know that Liberty for London was coming to Target until Desert Flower alerted me to the news. I am thrilled about this upcoming line! I cannot wait to see these items at my local store. From the Liberty shirts & dresses to the home decor to even a bicycle— I think I am going to really love this new collaboration! :)

Lastly, check out the following posts from some fellow JCAs about this exciting news:

• "Liberty of London for Target" post over at NYC Recessionista
• "Liberty of London for Target" post over at If The Lamp Shade Fits
• "Liberty of London for Target, A Different Sort of Preview" post over at Hotdish & Bars
• "Umm, I Hope So..." post over at My Superfluities...

Are you excited about Liberty of London coming to Target? Are you a fan of Liberty's fabrics & designs?

J.Crew In The News

There is a mini-interview with J.Crew's Creative Director Jenna Lyons over at FabSugar (click here).

Fab Exclusive! Fab Meets J.Crew's Jenna — Jenna's Faves!
By FabSugar
February 23, 2010

One of my New York Fashion Week highlights was meeting J.Crew's Creative Director Jenna Lyons. As you know, I am officially J.Crazy — Fab's been a wearer since high school. But for the past several years and thanks to fellow wearer First Lady Michelle Obama, J.Crew has gained serious momentum. This is largely due to the company's Cali-born 6-foot-tall Jenna (pictured here, with a fan).

Two tall California girls chatting away in the corner in the AMEX Skybox; what did they talk about? Let's start with the fun stuff: Jenna's faves. Read on to hear about Jenna's favorite designers, bands, food, and inspiring hobbies.

Favorite designers? Marni, Phillip Lim, Derek Lam (I went to school with him), vintage, what Pheobe Philo is doing with Celine is a new favorite. I'm all about old school preppy – socks, navy blazer, jeans.

Favorite bands? Oooh, that’s a good one. I have an insane girl crush on Alison Mosshart right now from The Kills, I’m like obsessed with her. I have like pictures of her . . . Do you know Nouvelle Vague? I’m a total Depeche Mode junkie and old Killing Joke and The Smiths. It’s funny because I have a little boy, and when he was young we used to play rock n' roll a lot — like hard rock, everything from Nirvana to Killing Joke, and now if I put on anything too soft he goes, "No, Mommy. I like rock and roll." I was like, awesome. Thank God.

Favorite foods? My husband has a smoker . . . we literally have a smoker the size of a refrigerator, and he smokes meat like it’s nobody’s business. He makes a pulled pork that could make you cry.

What are some of your other hobbies — where you get inspiration from or where you like to escape to? I had a child three years ago and things have changed dramatically. Interiors, we’re constantly changing our house, it’s sort of an obsession of mine. I also do stuff for friends a lot, that’s something I get a huge kick out of. I spend a lot of time at home, with my husband, making, you know, crazy stuff — a tomato tart and sharing it with our kid. I’m like the straighten up girl or the do the dishes girl. But when you have a kid it’s fun to be able to share the whole process with him, and he loves to pretend he’s cooking with daddy, and we all do it together, and that’s so fun. I love that part. There’s something amazing about making something beautiful that also tastes incredible.

You mentioned interiors, and I know you are deeply involved in store design, too. Totally. We are working on a wedding atelier uptown; we've been designing the store for the past few years. I'm going to Paris in a few weeks hoping to score some vintage picture frames. Whatever I can't do in our house, we do in the J.Crew stores (she laughs). Fashion and interiors are so connected — textiles, mixing the old and the new.

Jenna Lyons is absolutely gorgeous. She really is. But, wow! I mean that outfit of hers. She's got the layering thing down, that is for sure. But the vest ...dayum girl! How about a nice fitted black jacket instead? Just a friendly suggestion. :)

Also, "thanks!" to Crewstyle who let us know the following news from Marketwire (click here to read the article in its entirety). There is also another article over at NBC New York's The Thread (click here).

Polyvore Gets New Chief Exec from Google, J. Crew
By Kelly O'Reilly
February 23, 2010

Polyvore, the somewhat ambiguously defined fashion collage site has appointed as their new CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, J.Crew board member and former Google exec.

Polyvore has seemed to grow exclusively by word of mouth, turning home bloggers and cubicle-dwellers into little fashion editors. The site has earned enough chops to host design contests with houses as prestigious as Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry, and now boasts 6 million unique visitors per day.

Cassidy succeeds the site's founder, Pasha Sadri, who will remain with the company in a development capacity, and has anticipated possible vehicles of improvement that include expansion into additional genres such as interior design, mobile capabilities and improved user experience. It's pretty remarkable the breadth and depth of images and information available through Polyvore, and we're constantly wondering, frankly, how they wrangle their inventory on a legal basis.

Anyhow, we feel justified in our somewhat adolescent tendecies toward creating collages now that they're beefing up the board with some big-time honchos -- should be interesting to see what comes of the new appointment.

Polyvore is the best! It is so addictive. Of course, I have to mention that there is a kick *ss group of JCAs over at Polyvore... the {amazing} J.Crew Aficionadas Group. These JCAs come up with *the best* J.Crew outfits. I mean, I look to them for outfit inspiration more than I do J.Crew's catalogs & mannequins (with their usual over the top styling). :)

What are your thoughts on either article? Are you a fan of Polyvore? (Honestly, who isn't? It's such a fun site.) Any tidbit you found interesting in the mini-interview with Ms. Lyons? (What about that outfit of hers... amiright?) :)

J.Crew's Catalog for March 2010 {thanks FFM!}

First, we saw some pages ("thanks!" to Audreybella in the "Sneak Peek to the Latest J.Crew Catalog {thanks Audreybella!}" post). Now we can view the entire catalog. {yey!} A super big "thanks!" to FFM (in this post), who let us know she scanned the entire catalog and posted it all for us to drool over at her {great} Fabulous Florida Mommy blog (refer to her "J.Crew March 2010 Catalog Preview" post).



Several brick & mortar (B&M) stores have been putting new arrivals on their floors yesterday. A few JCAs on this blog mentioned the new March roll-out will be happening online soon (in particular, this Thursday).

What I do know is that I look forward to browsing this new catalog! :) Especially because it's so cold outside (& snowing!) I need to see better weather (which the catalog refreshingly provides with its Spring-time palette of colors & styles).

I am loving the Roses Vines Perfect Shirt (Item 23484; $78.00) on page 53. What can I say? I am a sucker for small flower prints on a button-down! :) I am also crushin' on the Reese Gladiator sandals (with & without the studs) on page 5. I love the zipper on the heel— super convenient for putting on!

What I am *not* loving still? That Silk-Linen Jumpsuit (Item 22736; $148.00) that J.Crew lovingly refers to as its "one-piece wonder" and the "jumpsuit in luxurious silk-linen (yes, you really can wear it)". ;)

Lastly, I think J.Crew's Designer Molly Carey is absolutely stunning, but she makes some over-the-top necklaces! Did you catch the one-of-a-kind bib necklace she created (on page 2 & 11)? (She is also the designer behind those one-of-a-kind necklaces from last year. Refer to the August 31st "J.Crew Accessory: One of a Kind Necklace {sold}" post.)

What are your thoughts on the latest catalog (from the selected images shown)? Are you a fan (or not a fan) of the latest styles being offered? Do you like J.Crew's use of inspirational women as models?

20% Off Knits & Tees {for women}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including CrewCricket, Heidi, & MommyDearest (in this post), as well as Marietta, who let us know the following promotion.

J.Crew is offering 20% off select styles of Women's Knits and Tees (click here to shop online). This offer is expires 2/25/10 and is available online only.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Are there any knits & tees from the new arrivals that you are interested in?

J.Crew Partners with Net-a-Porter {going international baby!}

A big "thanks!" to TweedyBird, Pamela, HDNB, Raina, & Brooke, who shared the following news from Racked NY (click here) and WWD (click here).

Unlikely Bedfellows
By Elizabeth Licata
Racked NY
February 22, 2010

J.Crew will be sold on Net-a-Porter starting in May. Net-a-Porter has a reputation for high-end, high-fashion clothes with a certain amount of editorial, insidery street cred. J.Crew does not.

But J.Crew wants to go global, as it currently only sells in the U.S. and Japan, and Net-a-Porter can give it that, as the online retailer ships to more than 170 countries. To sweeten the deal, J.Crew will be offering new styles and colors that will be exclusive to Net-a-Porter.

I think it is a smart move for J.Crew to enter the international market by using Net-a-Porter's existing channels. However, I am not such a fan about J.Crew offering styles exclusive to Net-a-Porter.

Incidentally, I find it interesting how J.Crew's CEO Mickey Drexler makes it a big point to say that J.Crew can't be found through any other outlet (e.g. distributor/ seller). That J.Crew is exclusive to J.Crew stores only— which not only builds the brand, but saves costs on not sharing the profit pie with anyone else. Now J.Crew has just gone ahead to have their products sold through another company! I should add that I totally get the purpose of this is to go global (and that makes complete sense to me). However, there is a bit of irony here. :)

What are your thoughts on this partnership? Do you think it is a smart move for J.Crew to enter an international market through Net-a-Porter's interface?

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {exclusively for men!}

Preface: Although the Great (Weekly) Exchange posts are for all J.Crew Aficionadas and Aficionados to use, it leans more towards the ladies. I thought it might be useful if there was a dedicated Great (Weekly) Exchange post for Men's items. I will start out with just one post (for those selling & seeking) each Tuesday for a few weeks and see how it goes. Hopefully this will help out our fellow Aficionados! :)

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are interested in (1) swapping/selling/sharing and/or (2) looking for and interested in buying certain items from J.Crew's Men Collection. 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.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site? Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

J.Crew Email: The statement piece of the season (plus, FREE SHIPPING)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Dina & Marietta, who shared with us the latest email from J.Crew this morning.

The email above features the Crystal Devoté Necklace (Item 23752; $150.00). J.Crew describes the statement necklace as:

One of our favorites of the season, with a multitextured mix of metal meets glass (and a touch of delicate silk ribbon thrown in for good measure). Finished with a golden fireburst of hand-set Czech rhinestones, it's the one that gets you compliments every time. Hand-set Czech rhinestones on a light antiqued steel chain with 18K gold-plated metal castings. Hand-knotted smooth and faceted beads with silk ribbon. Signature spring clasp closure.

I am feeling "meh" on the overall design of the Crystal Devoté Necklace. I like the two star-bursts & the main chain, but the additional ribbon & beads seem "too much". I would love to see this necklace without the additions. Or the starbursts on a single or double beaded necklace. But that is just me. ;)

J.Crew has some of the loveliest *simple* necklaces at their brick & mortar (B&M) stores. Like the single strand chain with randomly placed pearls and stones for less than $40. I would love to see those get featured. :)

J.Crew is also offering customers free shipping on purchases of $150+ with promo code SHIP150. This offer expires 2/24/10.

What are your thoughts on the necklace? Do you like the design? Will you be taking advantage of this free shipping promotion?

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?

Sneak Peek to the Latest J.Crew Catalog {thanks Audreybella!}

A big "thanks!" to GigiOfCa (in this post) who let us know that Audreybella has posted some images from the newest J.Crew Catalog over at her {fantastic} Life is Short...Buy the Shoes (refer to her "What I Like" post to view the original post as well as additional images). Just click on any image below for a larger view.

Audreybella also shares with us the following interesting tidbit about the catalog:

The theme - Who's That Girl? They used women "who inspire us every day" - a museum curator, a freelance stylist, a ballerina, an author, some photographers and a mom to be to name a few to be models in the first few pages of the catalog.

I am looking really forward to getting the latest catalog! The floral swimsuit looks absolutely stunning. I hope the same print gets used for other articles of clothing too (e.g. button down shirts, skirts, etc.). I also love the idea of using inspirational women as models. In the past, J.Crew has used some of their employees to model. But I love this new take on it. Bravo J.Crew! :)

Side Notes: (1) How do some JCAs score the latest catalogs so early? Lucky ducks! :) (2) J.Crew should consider a maternity line. One of the women featured in the catalog (who happens to be pregnant) looks so beautiful with her black J.Crew dress.

What are your thoughts on the latest catalog (from the selected images shown)? Are you a fan (or not a fan) of the latest styles being offered? Do you like J.Crew's use of inspirational women as models?

J.Crew Earns Top Spot With Customers

A big "thanks!" to Slastena (check out her amazing "About All and Nothing at All" blog) who was kind enough to share the following news (also refer to her "2010 Customer Loyalty Brand Winners" post).

There is an article over at AOL (click here) that reported the best brands that we keep coming back to. According to the article, "each year, a company called Brand Keys determines Customer Loyalty Engagement Winners based on a Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index that analyzes customers' relationships with 518 brands in 71 different categories".

Well who made the list for best retail store? J.Crew of course!

Category: Retail Store (Apparel) WINNER: JCrew

Veteran or Newbie? JCrew launched in 1983 as a mail order catalog for casual men's and women's clothing. Founder Arthur Cinader and his daughter expanded JCrew into a brick and mortar store in 1989 with its first store in New York City. In 1996, the company offered online ordering through its website, providing preppy, classic styles to Americans everywhere. With a start in the early 80's, we're considering this brand a newbie!

I don't know how this brand gets to be called a "newbie". But, back to the topic...

It is definitely nice to see J.Crew being rewarded as best retail store. Looking at the other competitors in its category, it is easy for me to see how J.Crew stands out. J.Crew does have some of the best customer service around. And of course, the clothes! As much as I complain about certain pieces now and then (hi Zebra Trench, I am talking about you!), there is always an item or two I am lusting after each season. ;)

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's category win of best retail store? Do you agree or disagree? :)

J.Crew Email: ENDS TOMORROW. Extra 20% off sale & FREE SHIPPING.

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who shared with us the latest email from J.Crew this morning.

J.Crew is offering customers 20% off any purchase from Final Sale {no minimum} and free shipping {on $150+} with promo code EXTRA20. This offer expires 2/21/10.

The past few days, the sale section had been updating with quite a number of pop-backs. Of course, by the time I got to the sale pages all I could see were the ghost pages. Ah well! Hopefully some of you got some amazing pieces. :)

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Are there any sale items you are interested in getting?

Off On A Tangent: Land's End Canvas {20% off & free shipping}

Don't worry, I am still all about the Crew! But sometimes there are codes/ offers from other retailers that might be useful for some J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados, like now...
By now most of you already know about Land's End latest line... LE Canvas (click here to shop online).

"Thanks!" to Genny (in this post) who shared the following promotion: save 20% off and free shipping with promo code TWENTY & pin 1328. It's unclear when this offer expires. As some JCAs have already mentioned in this post, this code gives some of us 20% off and no free shipping. (This is what happened for me too.) After some search online, I found another code for 20% off and free shipping: promo code FEB22 & pin 00008029. This offer expires 2.22.10.

The LE Canvas line is absolutely fantastic! It definitely reminds me of J.Crew circa 2005— and in a good way with it's classic staples. Just look at the image to the right, doesn't it look like it came from one of J.Crew's older catalogs? Just lovely!

I had been eying a few items from the line recently. Thanks to a similar code posted by Genny & Quiet Nights, Quiet Stars (in this post), I decided to take the plunge. (This is pretty big for me, since I have been exclusively shopping at J.Crew for quite some time now.)

I ended up getting the Women's Shift Dress (Item 38636-8X4X; $59.50) in True Navy and the Women's Pattern Poplin Skirt (Item 38632-0X48; $59.50) in Gull Gray Multi Stripe. I have to say that I really liked both pieces. What made the purchase extra special was a card for free shipping on a future order. Some JCAs mentioned getting a personal note from the Canvas company about their recent order too. The only thing I was not a fan of is there is no tracking confirmation number sent to customers. But otherwise than that, I am pretty happy.

Happy shopping! :)

J.Crew Email: Give it up for Frank...

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who shared with us the latest email from J.Crew this morning.

The email shares the following:

Meet Frank... He's the fearless leader of our men's design team (and the guy responsible for those perfect fitting Ludlow suits and broken-in chinos). Kudos to our resident design Dutchman (Frank's from Holland) for being recognized as one of GQ mag's Best American Menswear Designers 2010.

To learn more about Frank, pick up the March issue of GQ.

The news on J.Crew's Frank Muytjens as a GQ finalist was mentioned in the February 3rd "J.Crew Makes It To GQ's Best New Menswear Designer..." post, as well as the February 17th "J.Crew Men's Fall/Winter 2010 Collection {already?}" post. To see the behind-the-scenes of J.Crew with Frank, refer to the February 10th "J.Crew's Look Behind the Design with Frank Muytjens & {Ask} Jack" post.

I am really happy to see Frank Muytjens get recognized for his excellent work in J.Crew's menswear collection. :)

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 (if anything!) in the WINTER & HOLIDAY sale, or to see some new RESORT & SPRING 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!