As mentioned in an earlier post, I am on vacation! Unfortunately, I won't be able to keep up with all the latest J.Crew news, promos, and the like.So this post is the "catch all" for J.Crew Aficionadas and Aficionados to share with one another the "current happenings" for today. Feel free to post your comments here- from current J.Crew promotions, sales, emails, and even questions on products (regarding fit & size), and the like. :)
What comments do you want to share or ask of other Aficionadas and Aficionados? What is currently happening (in terms of promos, sales, emails, products, and the like)?
I just found a good promo code for Banana Republic: 25% off online with BRSAVE25. Combine with free shipping code BRFREE100.
ReplyDeleteBanana Republic has a new pant that I love - Logan slim cut cotton. Straight leg and slim but not tight. Comes in petite sizes too. Runs a bit roomy, might want to size down.
Also, at Eddie Bauer just tried on and ordered some new fab washed corduroy pants including two with slim fits. There is a promo going on currently in stores and online -buy a pair of pants and get 20% off your entire order (clearance not included).
The price changes at J. Crew are happening blindingly fast. I'm a hoodie lover and because one of my favorite hoodies is starting to look too raggedy to wear outside of the house, I was looking for a new one at J. Crew. They used to hover around 49.50 and now a basic like the ultra-knit zip hoodie (20833) is 59.50 and a poly/cotton/rayon blend. The sherpa hoodie (29810) is now 69.50 and I remember buying one in 2007 for 59.50. I'm not a gambling woman but once I take it out of winter storage, I'm willing to bet the fabric content is MUCH different on the current one and not for the better. Come on J. Crew, get over yourself. How is jacking up the prices on crappier merchandise a sustainable business model? I understand that J. Crew is not quite one-stop shopping anymore but it's slowly and surely becoming no-stop shopping.
ReplyDeleteSweater promo online: 20% off. Prices as marked so you can add FS, which is nice.
ReplyDeleteWasn't the Dream draped-V sweater item 29186 recently down to $49.50 (or somewhere close to $49)? It is $69.50 during the sweater promo which is odd since I thought the price was significantly lower before...maybe I'm confused.
ReplyDeleteIRL, you're right - it's been $49.50 for weeks.
ReplyDeletesigh. I'm way over budget this month so that 20% is not enough for the me. Sorely tempted, though
ReplyDeleteMore on the Cult of Personality -- there is a lengthy portrait/bio of Our Millard in the 9/20 New Yorker magazine (out this week).
ReplyDeleteDid you know that every time Dear Leader has a thought, he gets on the PA system and shares it with the entire staff. He can do this from his desk or remotely.
The writer also mentioned that there are complaints on blogs about quality issues, which Dear Leader and Devoted Staff leap to address. Huh. And, according to the article, every time Dear Leader receives an email about a problem with merch or service, he either addresses the situation himself or delegates it to a reliable staff member.
This article is not in the fiction section.
OT: If anyone owns the dress featured in this post in either a four or a six and would consider parting with it, please let me know. It's my white whale!
ReplyDeletekikkicee at live dot com
Actually WFF, I have received emails from Mickey a few years back resolving a minor issue. I've received gifts as well though not recent ones. The stories of Mickey getting on the PA go way back to 2004 or 2005.
ReplyDeleteThe whole way I had gotten to writing to Mickey at the time was an "ode" I had written about my inability to resist their clothes. I was shocked when he responded personally.
silverlining thank you for highlighting the 20% promo; I missed that! How did they know I was going to place an order with another preppy retailer today?
Elizabeth, guess in-depth reporting ain't what it used to be!
ReplyDeleteWFF, "Dear Leader" - I am still laughing! I will never be able to think of him any other way!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, the PA system thing was mentioned in the WSJ magazine article this spring. Made me wonder how anyone over there gets anything done, what with the constant interruption by Dear Leader's brilliance. Or maybe there aren't as many interruptions as one may think.
While I prefer the British influence and there are many quality issues, the New Yorker piece is consistent with Mickey articles over the years.
ReplyDeleteIf JC doesn't give me the preppy influence I'm looking for, there are a few other unique stores that can and JC still has some cute things. I just have to pick and choose instead of buying JC everything these days and that's fun too. After spending days on my closet, I know the gaps.
People like Jenna are still popular with the fashion set, one only needs to read the comments on her pic on the Sartorialist. Funny because her outfit is nothing notable - denim on denim? Good shoes though.
JCAs can miss that JC is still popular with many.
Sub. :)
ReplyDeleteWFF, you kill me. if your day job doesn't involve writing, i consider that a crime against humanity. :-)
ReplyDeletehonestly I wouldn't care if Dear Leader lived in the Playboy Mansion and wore his clothes inside out for luck when quarterly reports are due, if I could wear mine without cramping, pulling, pilling, plastic seams…
ReplyDeleteSub
ReplyDeleteI know I've seen this discussion on this blog before, but forgot what was said... What's the difference between the suckered gingham shirt and the suckered gingham perfect shirt?? The tag on mine says "perfect shirt" on it, but when I type in the item number, the non-perfect one comes up. So confused! Which one do I have? TIA!!
ReplyDeleteAnyone know how long the sweater promo lasts?
ReplyDeleteJenLynn: 2 days only!
ReplyDeleteIRL: I totally noticed that price change for the draped v-neck sweater. How deceptive JC is...Totally waiting for it to be $20-30 range considering it's 'dream' fabric content.
WFF: "The Leader" is hilarious. These days whenever I get that white card about the pledge for better quality from Mickey it makes me angry to receive such empty promise to make better quality merchandise. I've had to return/exchange so many items d/t falling apart in one wear/wash.
I am still blissfully lucky with CS. They went overboard with options the one time I made a quality complaint and always are polite and helpful with questions.
ReplyDeleteAnd, while still under the spell--I know a couple people who worked with/for MD and they say he is incredibly inspirational.
Heidi, that's awful. I think that nobody's minding the store when it comes to the actual product the customer receives. They're all focusing heavily on the PR and marketing 'extras'. Actually, whoever is in charge of the production is looking at cutting costs above all else, hence the inferior materials, wonky sizing, plastic seams, etc. I was embarrassed at seeing some of those chintzy tweed skirts IRL - they seemed on par with something I'd see at Kohls. (They were probably produced in the same factory!) I may not mind if the pricing was a little more in line with the quality, and sure, there's probably a dollar amount where I could live with some of that stuff, but it's more like $19.99 than $98.
ReplyDeleteAnyone know if the 20% off promo is also in stores?
ReplyDeleteSilverLinig, ITA.
ReplyDeleteHeidi, that jacket must have some serious defects. It has been the subject of two --two! -- email promos. I actually ordered it FP on the first, and sent it right back and posted about it. Posted again on 2d promo. I am sorry you were taken in by what I can only conclude is bad posture and trick photography.
I second Wolfy's comment... would love to know if the stores are honoring the sweater promo.
ReplyDeleteThe fine print on the sweater page says "Offer valid in J.Crew retail stores and on jcrew.com only". Um... isn't that everywhere? ;) That "only" cracked me up!
ReplyDeleteDon't forget about the j. Crew on netaporter! Maybe that is why they said only?!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I went back and read the email and it states instore & online. Woops.
ReplyDeleteI'm visiting the B&M in a few, but I doubt they will have my size left in the Arrow Sweater. I will probably end up buying online.
Elizabeth: I saw her photo on the Sartorialist, too. And the comment section was all love for Jenna. She somehow manages to make a denim shirt and jeans look pretty damn good though. I think it must have been the killer shoes!
ReplyDeleteOn another subject, did anyone else get the Madewell email today: Style Scout? They had a link to some sunglasses that for $161 are pretty steep but they appear to be knock offs of the AR Trapp troubadour sunglasses for $450 at jcrew. If so, I could see myself biting. I LOVE the Troubadour sunglasses but cannot justify $450 for sunglasses. Guess I should have gone for it last season when they were only $395. (ONLY!)
http://www.madewell.com/madewell_feature/STYLESCOUT/supersunglasses/PRDOVR~31378/31378.jsp
I'm thinking about picking up the Jackie cardi in aluminum, but I really don't need another one...
ReplyDeleteSE Mom, BR has a 40% off promotion coming up soon. My BF received a postcard in the mail yesterday, but I don't have it in front of me and I don't recall the dates or details. It may be cc holders only, but it's not a one time use code. I love the charcoal and taupe lightweight wool pants in the Jackson fit that I bought last week. BR Jackson fit are the only pants that fit me perfectly without gapping or alterations. I may pick up a matching jacket and/or skirt during the upcoming sale.
I splurged on several pairs of cashmere socks at Century 21 today. I still have some of these socks from last year and two years ago. They're expensive, but virtually indestructible. Unlike the supposedly high quality merino wool socks that disintegrated after a few wearings.
Received an email from my online personal shopper that the educ./student discount will again be a "store only" deal, since that is where it "originated." I have a very good PS who takes very good care of me, and she said that she will keep me aware of other promos as they come up.
ReplyDeleteJust another pull back from JC...another reason (quality, cheap fabrics, higher prices, repeated themes like ruffles and sequins and tattered chiffon...I still find things I like, just not as often.
Wonder what demographic they are after? I don't think they know.
A Preppy Pause for JCAs:
ReplyDeleteFor those that are looking to add some preppy items to their wardrobe, you should check out Rugby http://www.rugby.com/?ab=topnav_logo
Some of the items are collegiate with the skull and crossbones, but other items are just adorable and very well-priced with no quality issues.
The peacoat is $298 http://www.rugby.com/shop/item.aspx?productId=4326130&categoryId=3138774&cp=3138869
The Chesterfield is $398.
http://www.rugby.com/shop/item.aspx?productId=4326127&categoryId=3138774&cp=3138869
The Gameskeeper Jacket which I've already ordered is $298.
http://www.rugby.com/shop/item.aspx?productId=4300982&categoryId=3923439&cp=3138869
and I would order Herringbone jacket but I have a J. Crew one from about five years ago that is identical. I've also ordered the Tartan shirt and a few other items. The Rugby stores are few and far between, they have two in NorCal which I've traveled to, my local one closed a while back which is sad.
Also, their oxford shirt is amazing at $59.50. Take a look at the Rep tie undercollar
http://www.rugby.com/shop/item.aspx?productId=4233603&categoryId=3372856&cp=3138869
Just thought I'd mention for grins. JC used to have all of this except the Rugby shirts and I miss it. It's fine that they've moved on, but I stubbornly haven't. When I went through my closet, these types were my favorite pieces and if I can't get JC versions, I'll still find them!
The Drapey V Neck sweater made me look like a kangaroo. It made a big pouch in the front and if I went bigger, it looked like a dress.
ReplyDeleteI will check and see if there are any colors I'm wanting for cashmere and I'm sure I will order a couple but then I'll pretty much be set after the in store promo they did a couple of weeks ago where I got a few.
JC cashmere gets trashed every day but I really do like the colors and while I don't buy the cashmere tees, I find the cardigans nice over a shirt and the V necks great over a white crewneck tee and jeans.
There are a couple of FS items I will get if my size comes up but unless there are some great new arrivals, I don't have a ton left to get from JC this year. The Donegal tweed is cut great but the fabric is not good. The MacAlister boots are truly fantastic, you bounce when you walk, but I have two pair so I'm set on that as well. Maybe a couple more pair of Waverly chinos in the natural.
Elizabeth--your kangaroo comment completely cracked me up! the line between drape and kangaroo is VERY fine indeed! and, thanks for the Rugby heads up. I have been meaning to get out of my computer funnel and see it. Looks interesting but even RL is doing ruffles?!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth,
ReplyDeleteDid you happen to read Slastena's post in the one before this on the JCrew featherweight cashmere. Stay far away.
I had this dress and gave it to my sister. I loved it but my husband absolutely hated it. Said it made me look like a Stepford wife. He did buy me another dress to make up for it though, and my sister was delighted, so that was great. I have a lot of faith in my husband's opinion of my clothes and since I seldom wear the flowy skirts I know he made the right call.
ReplyDeleteI find it commical that JC's creative team using model Will Lewis [whether you agree with it or not] got all of you talking. Isn't that the point? All of you noticed him. :)
ReplyDeleteI also find it commical that many of you appear to be closed minded when it comes to a company evolving, trying new things or understanding their vast audience. Will Lewis is clearly reputable based on his past experience with John Paul Gaultier.