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 think someone may have mentioned this in a previous post, but the Marled Saddle color of the Marled Shawl-Collar cardigan is on sale at B&Ms for $55 with the current sweater promotion. In the B&M I visited, they weren't even marked down to the sale price of $69.99 but in the end rang up as that price plus the additional 20% off.
ReplyDeleteIrl pics of sweaters are reviewed in this post on my blog. the 20% promo ends today, Wed.
ReplyDeleteThis darling dress is haunting me! If any JCAs out there not loving it as much I'd love to buy a size 4/6.
ReplyDeleteSubscribing. :)
ReplyDeleteSome new markdowns:
ReplyDeletePuffer vest
Herringbone workshirt
Fountain cami
Crushed jacquard pencil skirt
Houndstooth bomber
Marled Thandie blazer (promo)
Beaded stamp tee
Silk and wool ruffle shell
Lace panel tee
Is the 20% sweater promo still going on in the stores?
ReplyDeleteThese daily photos from the glory days are making me sad. :-/
ReplyDeleteJust a thought, but does anyone think that with the release of "True Prep" that we might see a hint of the old J Crew in months to come?
ReplyDeleteIt appears that plaid, argyle, camel and kitten heels are making a comeback, so is there any hope that Jenna might get back on track with the preppy fashion trend?
I hope so, because I am struggling to find a camel colored V-neck merino sweater.
I'm guessing that Houndstooth bomber jacket is unlined for it to be marked down so fast. Which begs the question: Were they selling an unlined jacket for almost $300 dollars?
ReplyDeleteKittykat, I couldn't take it, that book made me miss prep so much I ordered some things from Ralph Lauren's Rugby store. Looking forward to the box.
sub :)
ReplyDeleteSneaky, sneaky... just noticed that last year's Ingenue coat (comes up in a search for "Ingenue" or "19862") is magically back to its original price after being a hidden sale item for quite a long time now. $350 for last year's coat, really?? So glad I ordered when it was $259.99 less 30% off sale. Now if it would only get here before the New York freeze sets in...
ReplyDeleteDebating whether to pull the trigger on the Ruffle Lumiere cardi I've been eyeing for the last few weeks... sadly it's the only item I *love* right now and between the sale and the free shipping code I received via email it seems like today would be the time. Decisions, decisions.
kittykat, it is hard to find a camel v-neck merino sweater this season. If you're a J.Crew fan, perhaps you like ruffles and would like to try this one.
ReplyDeleteWas anyone else at the Martha Stewart show yesterday for Jenna Lyons? I posted about it on my blog, it was so wonderful to meet other bloggers--just wondering if I missed anyone!
ReplyDelete@Leader Girl: the sweater promo should last till today since it is for 2 days.
ReplyDelete@Dara: I really hate these price jacking practices JC does. They must think we are all fools not knowing the differences. Also, I've seen cases where it's the exact same item but with a different style number if it was a reproduction.
@jcmama: There's an ebay "Buy It Now" at $299 for a size 4 of this same dress. :)
ReplyDeleteKittykat, Banana Republic has a nice merino v-neck sweater in camel right now (they call it taupe, but maybe it's close enough). I love BR merino sweaters - I have some that I've owned for years.
ReplyDeleteDara, I bought the lumiere cardigan in the heathered driftwood color yesterday in store and I highly reccomend it, it is SOOO pretty IRL. Like all mohair is a little bit itchy so you may want to size up if you plan to wear it with a long-sleeve tee or blouse (fits very TTS, I bought my usual XS but I could have sized up)
ReplyDeleteSub
ReplyDeleteSub
ReplyDeleteCan someone tell me what Sub means. I keep seeing this post and I'm not getting it.
ReplyDelete@ tres trippy I was there! I love Martha and had a great time, but were you expecting a little more Crew love? I mean, Jenna wasn't even there! And the gift was lame, although I did spite put on the Essie nail polish when I got home...
ReplyDeleteWolfy, people are subscribing to the thread, any following posts are sent to their email. Check the box under your word verification to do it. You have to have something typed in the comment box, which is why people type "sub". And you have to be logged in first, which is why people might post first, then sub right after.
ReplyDeleteHTH
FYI, 255 off 2 and 40% 3 or more full-price items at Ann Taylor. Code is FALLSTYLE. Also free shipping over $150 no code needed. HTH someone :)
ReplyDeletere: price jacking, the jersey racerback dress which is in FS section was 34.99 a few weeks ago and is now 59.99.
ReplyDeleteOn another topic, does anyone have any comments on the crushed jacquard pencil skirt? Fit tts?
Also, this really belongs in the weekly reviews post, but in case anyone is curious, I ordered the wool origami dress; it is *gorgeous* BUT it is too darn short for me to wear to work so I couldn't justify it at FP and it had to go back. Would probably be lovely on more petite ladies (I am 5'9").
oh, also wondering if some fashionable JCAs can give me some ideas on what colors to pair with my vintage wisteria double serge skirt. All I can come up with is charcoal...
ReplyDeleteand the sequin pencil skirt in copper? All I am coming up with on that is black...
I'm wearing the Coralie cami that I got on sale w/30% off over the summer. I'm wearing it w/my denim Minnies purchased on the same sale. I think it looks super cute! I'm going to wear it w/ballet flats. Now, if I only had a cute longer beige sweater to throw over it. Maybe my marled Shawl cardigan will arrive today in the mail!
ReplyDeletexoxo I really like that sweater you posted and the price is great! I might have to consider that...
ReplyDeleteCass, I might go for plum with the vintage wisteria for a tonal look. And navy always looks good with copper!
ReplyDeleteFrom the field: Went to my B&M on lunch and picked up the merino boyfriend sweater in navy (in store only color?). The back of my receipt says: "To view our merchandise return policy please visit us at www.jcrew.com. For questions please contact CS at phone/email. There may be certain limits on purchases - see jc.com for details".
That's... vague. Perhaps they haven't hammered out their return policy and that's why they're using this generic verbiage. For the record, there is no mention of the 30 day thing on the website. Anybody have an older JC receipt? I'm wondering what it said before.
Oh, and I also saw (IMO) the most ridiculous embellished sweater. It was oatmeal/natural colord cardigan with horizontal unfinished rows of ivory satin affixed with one row of stitches. In no rhyme or reason, there were light blue circle rhinestones attached to the ribbon. It was like, they don't even care anymore!
ReplyDeleteAnybody know if there are any new markdowns in the stores today? Just curious b/c it's Wed. and I'm thinking about making a trek to my store...
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ReplyDeleteCass - the crushed jacquard pencil skirt runs small, I had to size up to a 4 from my regular 2. It is a beautiful skirt, I love it and cannot wait to finally wear it!
ReplyDeleteSorry, the sequin pencil skirt is actually "brown sheen." Thanks for the color suggestions ladies.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of which, the sequin pencil skirt is now marked down to 79.99 in store and is still 138 online. Also the sweet violet cardgian is 49.99 in-store, and regular price (-20%) online. Also saw the puffer vests in the grey-ish beige color marked down to 69.99 in-store.
Sounds like I am sized out of the jacquard pencil skirt if it is running small. Good thing I checked before ordering FS. I think JC is backing off the vanity sizing on many items.
Marietta, have you decided what to pair your crushed jacquard skirt with? I love mine too but I haven't worn it yet- I found it to be tts, maybe a wee bit small.
ReplyDeleteDo you think the crushed jacquard skirt would be expensive to have hemmed shorter? I'm 5'1' so I think the 24 in would be a bit long - also is it itchy at all?
ReplyDeleteCoveted item alert!
ReplyDeleteNot my auction or anyone I know. There is a J.Crew Sanur dress in black size XS/S on ebay for BIN of $49.99 and $5.95 US Shipping.
It does say it is from the factory store and I'm not sure if that was the same or lower quality than the retail version, which I have and love. Wanted to pass it on in case someone here is interested.
silver_lining, I have a receipt from May 25, 2010 and it says the exact same thing. The phone number 800.562.0258 and contactus@jcrew.com are listed as I assume they are on your receipt as well. Looks like that hasn't changed yet. Perhaps on the 17th they will start using new register tape.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have and ideas on what colors to wear with the vintage wisteria double serge pencil skirt? I am at a loss... thinking about returning it since it's such a blah color compared to the fresh plum one I already have from last year.
ReplyDeleteCass, I didn't see you had already posted the same thing! And I thought I was the only one having issues with this color...
ReplyDeleteI was at the Martha taping! It was interesting to what everyone chose to wear for the event. I definitely saw some oldie but goodies that I had missed out on but still want (sigh) as well as some new pieces that I added to my list. However, for all the JCrew we wore, I don't think the JCrew rep would have even been able to tell. We could have been wearing head to toe Gap and she would not have known the difference. Let's just say she was not the best representative for JCrew on national television.
ReplyDeleteSo the JCrew segment was very underwhelming. I wish Jenna had been there. The ticket form and RSVP request certainly made it seem as if she would be there. Oh well. It was great to see Martha and her rapport with the main guest, Justin Long, was hilarious.
Also I paid a visit to my regular store at 45th & Madison and the cashier told me about the return policy without me having to ask. She said she was making a point of letting people, especially frequent shoppers like myself, know that the policy was now 30 days and must be accompanied by a receipt. She said all of the sales associates were also extremely annoyed by the change. I guess it means more work for them.
JulieBee - I have an olive green cashmere turetleneck sweater that I plan on wearing with it, as well as a half sleeve olive green turtleneck with embroidered pumpkin flowers clustered in a bunch at the bottom right hem... so cute! I would also pair it with heathered grey, navy, and aubergine. I'm sure there are other options, I just haven't thought of them yet!
ReplyDeleteJulieY - I don't think it would be too expensive to have hemmed. I'm 5' 1.5", and I didn't feel that the skirt was too long, paired with heels. It is not itchy at all.
tres tippy and stephanie -- can't stand the suspense! Was anyone at the Martha taping wearing sequin pants/shorts/whatever?
ReplyDeleteYou all probably know that Rugby gives a 15% student discount, B&M and online, and they make it very easy.
ReplyDeleteWFF I think there was a sequined skirt but not pants... most of us were very sensibly dressed I'd say.
ReplyDeleteWFF, I didn't know that. I'm not a student but that makes sense. Sort of wish I was since I've placed two orders in the last two days. Two jackets, scarf, shirt and sweater. Feeling very Kate Middleton!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to mention that I had a very good buying experience with Carrie (LizzyT) this week, great communication and a smooth transaction! Thank you Carrie!
ReplyDeleteCass and Em, I recentlly received the vintage wisteria perfect pencil and have tried it with the following items in my dressing room at home, but haven't worn the skirt out yet. Maybe one of these pairings would work for you.
ReplyDeletePerfect shirts: rose vines, jaipur paisley, contrast cotton, island paisley, gingham (suckered or smooth) in navy or pink/purple tones.
Jackie twinsets: hyacinth, dried orchid, pink frost, aluminum, charcoal.
With a white tee as a base layer: dusty blossom Maya cardi, Kelley sweater jacket; with white or heather grey Victoria tissue cami as a base layer: navy or hyacinth featherweight bling-button cardi.
Blouses: (all from 2009) weathered stone beaded bow sleeveless shell,
silk/cotton champagne shell with the black ribbon bow and a black featherweight bling-button cardi on top (very 1950's), medallion print silk tunic in blush.
Tees: tried it with a very light LS blue v-neck and a dramatic blue Pucci scarf and it looked amazing, also with the two dogs tee in champagne, dark blue beaded shoe tee, weathered stone silk snowflake tee, white reindeer tee and liked all of those looks too. I imagine it would look nice with the boatneck stripe tee in gray or navy as well.
I really like it with the dusty blossom as it is subtle and is on trend with the makeup-ey nude theme. I also tried it with a camel cashmere cardigan from Brooks Brothers circa 2008 over a white dress shirt & tie and it looked very prep. Another look I'd like to try is a blouse/vest combo with one or the other in a tonal shade and the other in a neutral.
If you're stuck on neutrals then try accessorizing with a colorful scarf or statement jewellery to change up your look.
I love J.Crew pencil skirts and even though the 2010 version seems to be somewhat of a step down in quality I know I'll get a lot of wear out of the vintage wisteria and nordic blue that I added to my collection this year.
Sorry for the long post everyone. Hope That Helps someone.
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ReplyDeletesub
ReplyDeleteI want to bite on the Rimini, do you all think that there will be a 20 or 30 percent off final sale this evening, with a new roll out tomorrow (in store)? Unlikely? If I order the Rimini today and then they do another 30% off sale, you will be able to find me at the local bridge in town.
ReplyDeleteSilverlining, thank you, that is so helpful. I am new to this and have no idea how to tell what is a new markdown each day without wading through all of it.
ReplyDeleteI just left a long post on yesterday's Reviews thread if anyone's interested. I've spent my entire fall shopping budget and more!
ReplyDeleteEve, I would be on the bridge beside you! I just placed an order.
ReplyDeleteWhat did I miss silver lining/eve, I wade through all of the merch too...
Eve - Was it Amy, Angry Thumb, something else and now Eve? *lol*
ReplyDeletesilver_lining - Good markdown info. Thanks for sharing. I noticed that text on the back of a J Crew receipt long ago. They removed all of the former language. It made me wonder if they were going to change the policy and I didn't think to ask or check the website. I forgot all about the receipt info until you mentioned it here.
I'm perversely just a tad excited about the 30 day change. (ducks to miss stones thrown) I used to cull from many retailers and had a creative style, or so I'd like to think. I think my style got a little predictable with having mostly J Crew. Cardi, cardi, cardi. It's 3 drawers thick. There I am coming down the street in a beaded shoe tee, pencil skirt & roughed leather belt and 'her' walking the other way in a sweeping ruffles shirt and Minnies. I don't want the clothing to be so easy to spot. That's just me, personally. I know shopping 90% there works very well for many JCAs.
I suppose they expect we'll adapt, but I know the new 30 day policy is going to affect my habits in a big way. I know that for sure.
kittykat - Try this sweater from the Gap. I've seen it in person and like the camel color.
ReplyDeletexoxo, I love those suggestions! I really wasn't considering ANOTHER pencil skirt, but now I'm quite interested in the vintage wisteria. How are we finding the sizing this time around, ladies?
ReplyDeleteI think this year's double serge skirt is slightly smaller than the fall 08 and fall 09 versions. I sized up and it fits perfectly.
ReplyDeletexoxo, thanks for the suggestions. It sounds like you have quite the closet full of JC.
ReplyDeleteeve, I would wait on the remini unless you're set on a particular color that might sell out. i'm willing to bet there will still be some left for the next % off sale promo.
(Sorry all, can't decide on a username). Cass, I thought so. But $60 is my limit for a cardi, and I do love the nutmeg. But I HATE the feeling of buying something and watching it go down significantly. J Crew and their final sale (shaking fist). I'm so used to the cognitive dissonance that it brings me, I find myself at other retailers debating on an item and then remember, "ohhhhh, yeah, I can return this if it doesn't work!"
ReplyDeletehas anyone seen or or tried on the Houndstooth Bomber (jacket) IRL? It just went down to $199.99 and final sale. It's been lurking in my shopping bag since it first appeared at $298.
ReplyDeleteMeow -- why not be Bunny?
ReplyDeleteWFF - The houndstooth blazer is .com only, which may explain why we haven't seen it. Good luck if you go for it on fs. ;-)
WFF, I've looked at that houndstooth bomber, too, and meant to email and ask if it is lined (doesn't say so in description - and I am obsessed with wool/nylon jackets retailing at $298 being lined - it's an effortless effort to make).
ReplyDeleteNow I think I'll just forget about it - don't feel like going through the hassle of asking for a bloody "one time courtesy" just because I want to be able to return a web-only jacket if it doesn't fit. This is just a prime, prime example of why having items go directly from retail to final sale is ludicrous.
So, J.crew doesn't get my money - which even though I wasn't a business major, I think that's kind of their modus operandi, n'est-ce pas?
Cass, mommydearest, I have quite the closet of J.Crew but it is nowhere near 1/2 my wardrobe. I'm a serious clothes horse and I actually have my wardrobe insured as part of our home insurance. Something other JCAs may want to consider as you build up a wardrobe that exceeds $5 or $10K. It might sound silly but you could find it difficult to replace your wardrobe if it were lost due to fire, flood, etc. It's the same as insuring your jewellery, art of anything else that is not instantly replaceable. And no, I'm not an insurance agent.
ReplyDeleteThis being a J.Crew blog I try to post mainly about the JC clothes and only occasionally post about other retailers. Since the majority of my shopping is not J.Crew, I have to restrain myself. ;^) I love to hang out here though, it's so much fun to read what the JCAs are thinking and post my own comments too.
mommydearest, Em, I find the J.Crew perfect pencil to fit just slightly smaller this season. Not enough to size down but enough to plan that tucking in your thick sweaters may not work.
I do love the double-serge wool fabric. It holds its shape, looks good all day long, doesn't ride up and the colors are beautiful. One of my tall-time faves.
LOL, somebody is selling the 1998 Dawson's Creek J Crew catalog on eBay for... $200!
ReplyDeleteoooh, xoxo now i'm dying to know where the rest of your clothes come from?
ReplyDeleteI have renter's insurance and have photos of my overflowing closet saved in a safe place, so if anything unfortunate happens I should get a decent check to replace the stuff.
and so I bid adieu to the Houndstooth Bomber. I had my doubts when the copy described it as having a "short collar" and the photo showed it as collarless. Thank you, LBH, for bringing this no-so-magnificent obsession to an end.
ReplyDeleteWFF--was just going to ask about the bomber. Did anyone find out if it is lined? It must be at least partially lined? If you blow it up as large as it can go it does seem to have a detail at the neck. I wouldn't call it a collar but it isn't a simple round neck either. At least I wouldn't have to worry about it being too short as it is supposed to be...
ReplyDeleteFor anyone interested, I have that Sanur convertible dress in a sz. L that I'd like to sell. If interested, email me at ajswirsky AT sbcglobal DOT net. Glad I clicked on the link b/c I had no idea what the name of that dress was, so now if I put it on Ebay, I'll be able to more accurately identify it.
ReplyDeletekittykate, gap has a merino camel V-neck sweater righ now. Item # 749454. I saw the camel color in-store, and it is much richer and camel-er than it looks online (looks much more pale online)
ReplyDeletesilver_lining, my receipts from as far back as Jan. 2010 state the same lingo.
ReplyDeleteFor those of us who missed out on the Bella jackets, Old Navy has a Bella-esque version that's pretty cute http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=41720&vid=3&pid=789241&scid=789241022
ReplyDeleteFree shipping for orders $100 and up...
ReplyDeleteRe;Houndstooth bomber- there is a small collar, but it positioned ackwardly. The front is colarless and then small flap collar starts at shy of the shoulder, then covers the back of the neck and stops slightly past other shoulder. It's the lud print that masks all these nuances, you have to look really closely to see the colar. The question of lining is still remains open.
ReplyDeleteBrrr, sorry for multiple typos.Hate that there is no past Edit button.
ReplyDeleteooooooookay...here's the houndstooth bomber info:
ReplyDeleteSize 2: Chest 39.5, waist 39.75. Size 4: Chest 40.5, waist 40.75
And it's not lined according to the employee I chatted w/online.
See, that's ridiculous, I would have totally considered that jacket but not unlined. And they were charging $300. for no lining? They must have gotten a lot of returns so they marked it down. Would lining have added $10. to the cost?
ReplyDeleteAsking for advice :) I just bought a solid Lexington in Citron and am trying to figure out what to pair it with. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteCan anyone tell me how the perfect fit mixed-tape cardigan fits? I'm small. 5', 23-24" waist, 32D. Will this cardi be too long and/or boxy?
ReplyDeletefixated - I don't know about fit, but you can see that cardigan on eggytarty.
ReplyDeleteGASP. October catalog up on website now! Yayyyyyy.
ReplyDeleteAnd new arrivals, of course!
ReplyDeleteMomoberry, I like to pair mine with grey and navy best(though I've also paired with black or another bright top on occasion.) Imagine a pair of grey jeans or wool slacks with them; in winter I like my grey cashmere turtleneck underneath. Likewise with navy items. Nice pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit.
ReplyDeleteMomoberry- congrats! I love that jacket;
ReplyDeleteI wore it to our first DC JCA meeting:
http://jcrewchick.blogspot.com/2009/02/polyvore-to-real-life-2132009-pm.html
There is also Jenna's picture in it with simple white shirt and denims.
Pathetically small roll out. I do like the new Liberty print shirt, but nothing else speaks to me.
ReplyDeletewhew, I thought it was just my computer. I found the most astounding (;\) thing about the rollout to be the overwritten and inaccurate copy.
ReplyDeleteWho thinks these things up? The description of the Tweedette dress is beyond parody. Although I can't resist mentioning that I have yet to see a man wearing a print coat. Actually the dress itself is a parody.
The Boucle bomber jacket is neither boucle nor a bomber nor a jacket. It is a synthetic zip-front sweater. I'm waiting to see the creation that will be called an Eisenhower jacket.
More vivid writing at item 28319: which is a puffy mini-skirt that has a “full and flirty silhouette in a traditional Donegal tweed with slant pockets and shirring—it's our Dickens-era spin on boy-meets-girl chic (think Olivia Twist).” Huh. Well, for starters, the words “Donegal” and “Atlee” do not belong together. There was a time when gallant men would have laid down their lives to prevent it.... Whereas today they would just die laughing from this design student's mistake. Also rolling in graves: Charles Dickens, Marvin Feldman.
Bici tee. “The beauty of this bike graphic is in the humble hand used in the ink sketch and the application of beads to the wheels.” Gosh. Awful feeling that the humble hand belongs to an offshore sweatshop worker.
The $100 tweezer. JL is obsessed with it. Now we have identified the fine line between obsession and madness.
I noticed that there is a very good picture of the Milo peacoat in the new catalog.
ReplyDeleteI received this yesterday and this is the type of item that reminds me of why I still love J Crew. For me it is a 10 out of 10: great fit, amazing fabric, cutest buttons. If you are considering this, I would give it a try. I bought the grey and definitely have a new favorite coat. I am 5'4" and 124 and purchased a 4 so I would still have room for a shirt and thin sweater. The sleeves could be a tiny bit shorter, but otherwise it is perfect.
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ReplyDeleteRandom thoughts:
ReplyDeleteI agree with kitsmommy - and from a glance at the October catalog it looks like mostly "old" stuff anyway. With all of these mini rollouts it's getting harder to associate pieces with a month/catalog.
Anybody notice that all the shoe descriptions now say "Made in Italy"? Do we believe that? Wasn't the Turkish Delight skirt mislabeled as MIItaly but it was really MIChina?
Along the description line - I'd like it if they could put better fabric descriptors (maybe %'s) in the verbiate. There's a navy schoolboy jacket that says "Wool" on the site, but when I saw it in the store it was 98% Wool, 2% Spandex or something.
Just some food for thought this morning.
WFF, LOL!
ReplyDeleteSo you aren't going to buy item 28319? You could wear it with a borrowed from the boys shirt (buy it 2 sizes up so you look like you actually took it from grandpa's closet!), the Annie vest and a pocket watch modeled on the actual watch sold by Jim to buy Della's combs (since they are madly abusing literary references).
I really wish they would get away from their flights of fancy and tell me the details - like what the item is made of and if it is actually lined.
Are there any free shipping codes right now? I want to order a shirt, but $14.50 in shipping is ridiculous!
ReplyDeletekitsmommy, no shopping til I finish effortlessly grooming my facial foliage with the $100 tweezer
ReplyDeleteTMI, WFF. TMI
ReplyDeleteHave fun grooming...
Has anyone purchased the Matte Jersey Marot Dress? If so is it TTS?
ReplyDeleteHuge update at the same time the front page is broken on the new arrivals. I'm a bit relieved that there aren't many things I added to watch. In fact, the Ashbury bag is the only thing I'm curious about. The Monaco cardigan is cute and I love the tweed pants they paired it with but for $188. not so sure.
ReplyDeleteI'm tired of long-haired guy. I can't put that in the above post because I'm afraid I'll hurt his feelings. So let me just say, I like the new October guy better.
I didn't see anything that jumped out as interesting to me. I thought it was weird that they don't have a full picture of the lace merino skirt. You can't even tell what it looks like.
ReplyDeleteJruby I couldn't tell much on the lace overlay on the merino sweater either. Maybe it's cute, I can't tell.
ReplyDeleteThe Dream Studded cardigan is cute even if it looks like Anthropologie which can get carried away sometimes. But someone took IRL pics and the embellishments looked all bent and sad, which makes me not trust the online pics.
Renee, JMO--the Marot dress is TTS but I did not like it at all. Not surprised that this was reduced to half off in a month. Fabric was unpleasant and neckline way too low for the office.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, the roll out is so disappointing. First of all, it's an October roll out. Fall. Moving into winter. And all but one of the new skirts is mini. Such minis, too. The tweed one with the little zipper pockets in front is 15" long. I honestly believe that would not cover my entire bottom.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few tops and sweaters I'm interested in, though not at full price. The way things have been going, I know if I wait 6 weeks they will be on sale.
All in all, almost nothing I could wear to work and the possible additions to my casual wardrobe are already represented in my closet. Money saved which is wonderful since I've managed to find so many other things I want for fall!
I'm oddly drawn to the Bici tee (the bicycle one...) but of course know that it'll get marked down soon.
ReplyDeleteOther than that, can't even figure out what is new...
I did get the Bici tee when I had my 20% off appt w/my PS. It's really cute and got quite a few compliments. Looks adorable w/the tweed blazer and jeans.
ReplyDeleteYikes, they bedazzled "my" beloved Camden brogues. Bet the boys won't want to borrow those back. Is it bad to say that my only must-have from the new roll-out is a notebook? Reminds me of the Smythson ones.
ReplyDeleteBecause there's always a sip of crewlade, do want the Rhodie satchel esp. after Tabitha's Bourbon & Pearls blog post today then carefully curated inside "Jenna's" bag shot that opens handbag section. LOL at all the Tweez-glit posts...
ReplyDeleteIt's weird, but when I look a the stuff online, I only think "I don't dress that way." None of it is appealing. Is it the way they are styling, or the items?
ReplyDeleteLINED. PANTS. hooray! I am going to see if the b&m has them. very tempted by the new utilitarian bags. Like the new suede belt but will have to find a photo of it styled to see how it works. Still waiting for one of the blazers I saw in the fall show back in April. Caught another glimpse of it in the New Yorker article... maybe next month.
ReplyDelete@wff: "Olivia Twist"... it's classic! LOL!
ReplyDelete@silver_lining: I always thought about those MIItaly label on shoes since the workmanship is shoddy with strong glue smell and glue sticking out at the seams at times.
ITA with item descriptions being over the top without actual facts about the fabric content. What other retailer does this at this price range? I am also sick of navigating the JC website with product pictures since I cannot just roll over my cursor to see a close up but have to open a new window and then click in to zoom in. I'm I asking too much from JC?
I guess the studded oxfords are an homage to the really blinged out Louboutin oxfords. Those are all the rage but personally I don't get it. To each their own.
ReplyDeletePathos - It might be the styling. I know, for me, when I see the same items in the store I gravitate towards them more than if I just saw them styled on top of one another in the lookbook. Just like some clothes don't have hanger appeal but look great on the body.
The following comment was created by several JCAs and not just one person. We're tired of the negativity around here.
ReplyDeleteDear WellFedFred,
Last time I checked the definition of Aficionado was “an enthusiastic admirer or follower; a fan.” Frankly I haven’t seen one comment from you that would fit into this definition, especially since this is a JCREW AFICIONADO blog. Granted everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I feel you’d be better suited somewhere else, perhaps creating your own blog titled, “Reasons I dislike JCrew.” This blog was created for people who adore JCrew to talk together and offer one another advice. It sounds like the only advice you are giving us is to not shop at JCrew.
You may be angry or annoyed at this post but I’m just writing what my group of friends and fellow JCREW AFICIONADAS are saying behind your back. Your comments are not witty or funny instead they are just annoying and sound like the advice of a teenager. I’d imagine you should have learned long ago that if you don’t like something you should move on and stop wasting so much of your energy on something you clearly despise, unless of course you are the type of person who gets off on negativity and hate. The question is why do you keep shopping there if all you do is spew negative comments?
And for those who will reply to this post with the statement that everyone here has experienced quality issues, horrible customer service and are sick of the constant ruffles and sequins, I will say that is just not the case. You do not speak for everyone here or every JCrew customer when you say these negative things. While it's true that some people have experienced some of these issues, I do not find that this is the norm at JCrew. I love shopping at JCrew and I consider my style to be classic with a slight twist. Even with the plethora of ruffles, sequins and chiffon trim, I still find items (with and without ruffles and sequins) that fit into my lifestyle. And if I don't like an item or trend, I don't feel the need to comment in EVERY post about how horrible that item is or how horrible JCrew is. This is not a place for such extreme negativity. Yes reviews, good and bad, are helpful but the constant negativity is not. Go sell that somewhere else.
Elizabeth, I agree with you on the new guy in the men's catalog. I think he is actually the best thing in this rollout lol (but that's because I already own the new tweed mini, which is beyond pretty IRL).
ReplyDeleteDear Authentic profile in courage,
ReplyDeleteUntil Alexis - she who actually runs this blog - bids WellFedFred and others who let a critical eye balance a fondness for J.Crew to not come around here anymore, until Alexis decides to sell this blog to the Chinese, whose mastery of restricting freedom of speech you seem to admire, may I suggest you and your quite possibly phantom allies go start your own blog?
- La Belle Helene
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ReplyDeleteEff it. I will say it. I'm one of the JCAs who is tired of the constant negativity. We aren't hiding behind the Authentic profile but we wanted to post as a group and that was the best way to do it. I stand by everything we posted. We aren't trying to censor anyone bc everyone is entitled to their own opinion but when someoe constantly posts negativity and in almost every post on this blog, it's time to let other opinions be heard. She and others like her do not speak for everyone here. Enough said.
ReplyDeleteMore pics of try-ons on my blog, if anyone interested.
ReplyDeleteAlso FS code!
Have a good day, everyone!
Rose,
ReplyDeleteThanks for making my day! I just ordered the Liberty shirt and a tee thanks to you.
I appreciate the code.
You're very welcome, kitsmommy!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe no one has pointed out the ridiculous metallic boucle moto jacket. $895 for a nylon/wool sweater... really, J.Crew?
ReplyDeleteI echo others who like the new Liberty Print shirt. It's super cute but I can't afford it at $118. I'm not seeing much else I like but I am heading to the b&m to return my vintage wisteria double serge pencil skirt (unless someone wants to buy it at the 30% off price, it's a size 6) so maybe something there will catch my eye in person.
ReplyDeleteI find WFF's commentary amusing, and I do believe there's room here for everyone to express their opinions. Goodness knows I've got my share of lumps here too. ... and I am not part of the Authentic profile, FWIW.
ReplyDeleteBut I too am mystified by why those who are no longer (or maybe temporrarily not) aficionadas hang around anyway. ....? This blog is unusual in that it's very narrowly focused (which I appreciate -- to me the best blogs hone in on one thing and do it well) ... and I would just think that if you pretty much can't think of one nice thing to say about the store or the clothes, why keep coming back here?
It's a genuine question. It's something I've never understood in all these many years on the interwebs. This isn't the first time I've seen this happen. I personally would have zero interest in frequenting a blog about a store where I consistently hated on the merchandise, especially when the whole point of said blog would be building a community around a shared *love*!
I'm not telling anyone what to do. This isn't my blog. But the consistent negativity can really be a downer for those of us who are still in love with the brand and the merchandise.
We all know J Crew does a LOT of things wrong. It's got an exceptionally long way to go in terms of customer service and customer loyalty in particular.
But I'm here partly because I want to help it like I'd want to help an old friend who's made some bad decisions in the past. I like to check in on my friend and see what's new. I celebrate small victories with my friend (clothes I love, patterns I love, Crewcuts and Rogues Gallery for my son [on sale] and yes, Final Sale + % off!), and I cry when she lets me down (customer no-service, failure to reward loyalty, epic customer retention fail, non-targeted marketing).
At the end of the day, I keep buying the clothes because I like them, and I just can't find anything I like better from anyplace else. Believe me, I have tried.
I was so happy to have found this blog because I feel like I've found my people here.
But now my people are fragmented, and it makes me sad to see the still-aficionadas among us getting bummed out pretty much on a daily basis by the splinter group.
I feel like a fool now saying I like anything at all from the current collections, because it's like admitting to the haters that I like shoddy, quick-flipped, marked-down, mass-produced fashion from a *gasp* mall retailer.
And that may be the truth, but it isn't how I feel when I buy something I love, and I wear it and I feel pretty.
Ya know?
Though I’ll probably be burned at the stake and see some backlash on my own blog from this I do have to agree with the comment by Authentic , Stephanie, and Elaine. I have my own blog, I’m a real person and I’m not afraid to express my feelings.
ReplyDeleteI started reading this blog, commenting, and creating my own blog because I love JCrew, I have since high school, even worked there for a bit through college, and 99% of my closet is from there. I love talking to other women who share my same passion and provide real life experiences with the clothes. I want to hear if something falls apart or if something doesn’t fit right. I’m not against negativity when it comes to real reviews but some of the complaining on here is way beyond that. I know personally if I had nothing but bad experiences and hated on everything that a company sold I would likely stop shopping there and also not waste my time complaining about how it went downhill from recent years.
I have to also say I’ve stopped commenting here because of the negativity and fellow JCA’s complaints about it. My blog/comment name is Summerilla and my real name is Summer but there is another lady who posts on this blog that goes by Summer who continues to leave nothing but negative comments around here. I started getting emails from fellow JCA’s about why I hated JCrew so much or why I was always so negative and I’d have to explain that it was a different person leaving those comments. I was so embarrassed by it all that I stopped coming around because I didn’t want to be categorized with the negative people. People comment that “Authentic” is likely one person but I can speak from experience that it likely is not.
I’ve had my fair issues with JCrew, accidentally getting sent the wrong thing or something lacking in quality. I also don’t agree with a lot of their styling or love every item they make but I still have been able to spend a fair share of my earnings in that store and find pieces that work for me.
Elaine, I think you should feel just as free to post how much you love new JC items as other people feel free to say they don't. I believe Alexis welcomes all comments as long as they are not obscene, personal attacks etc.
ReplyDeleteI think the diversity of opinions makes the blog more interesting.
Speaking of a personal opinion that is contrary to that posted by others, I actually like the metallic boucle moto jacket. If it were in my price range and made above a size 10, I would def want to try it. It does legitimately look to me like a jacket, not a sweater. I wish they had made a pencil skirt with that fabric.
Cass... I'd be interested in the metallic boucle moto jacket if it were in my price range, too! That'd have to be $200 or less, though. It is overpriced for what it is.
ReplyDeleteOh, and a pencil skirt in that would be awesome. I loooooove J.Crew pencil skirts, they need to make more! (And more longer, a-line skirts!)
well, i'm chiming in to say that it is hard to see what is actually new these days...although i think the lace tee looks pretty, but in nylon? the bici tee is cute but my chest would warp the bike into something bizarre.
ReplyDeleteregarding authentic's post: i have learned to skim comments and read specific posters' comments and ignore others. there's no other way to enjoy a blog that is supposed to be democratic.
alexis built and maintains this blog out of sheer love (i think, at least) and i hope that never changes.
I think I'm one of the few people who loves the mini skirts from j. Crew!! Recently I've purchased the cord mini, three bubble skirts, the camo skirt from FS. I just thought I'd post something positive since typically I lurk around.... I know the new j. Crew style is not for everyone but I find myself incorporating at least one piece of j crew clothing into every outfit (JC of old or new!!)
ReplyDeleteAlso don't hate me but I love sequins more than most and have loved their offerings this year :)
Didn't see much in the new arrivals I had to have except I'm super curious about that Leather Atlee skirt (if anyone ever sees it I would love to see it IRL!!)
Thanks Alexis for having such a wonderful blog where we can all get together and discuss :)
At the risk of adding to the fray, I'm weighing in to agree with Elaine and Summerilla. A number of folks, including myself, do rant a bit about recent issues we've had with JCrew, whether it be about merchandise quality, return policies, FS, etc, and this blog has been a friendly and supportive place to air our irritations. Lately, however, some of the posts have taken on a nasty tone and have gotten personal between subscribers. I don't think this is an appropriate forum for that- after all, it's Alexis' blog and she does a huge service to us by maintaining it and keeping us up to date on recent happenings. At the end of the day, my love for JCrew weighs out over my irritations with them and I still spend 99% of my clothing budget there. When I find that's no longer the case, I'll no longer be an Aficionada. I'm guessing that some of the nasty comments (such as sequin pants being made in larger sizes- gasp!) are done to stir the pot (and it seems to be working).
ReplyDeleteCass,
ReplyDeleteYou are right. Personal attacks are not welcome. End of subject. Just don't read certain post and skim over others. Really. I mean Alexis is gone and I knew it would just be a matter of time before some people took advantage...
Love ya, Wellfedfred:)
Also, I have recently posted about several new items that I bought and loved. I guess you missed those posts Summerilla and only look for negatives. I only report FACTS and my personal experiences. FACTS are facts. If I receive a defective or wrong item I post. JCrew needs to be aware of their screwups and I know JCrew corp. reads this blog.
I agree that as of late we have seen a lot of negativity on this blog but I don't see it that much in wellfedfred's comments. There are some aspects of JCrew that are laughable at even for those of us who still love the brand (hello $100 twizzers!) and I honestly appreciate a comment that makes me laugh more than the general whining against JCrew and if we (Alexis) have to censure that, we should censure any negative comment which I don't think anybody wants. I recognize wellfedfred's irony as coming from the same place where the other negative comments from other people who are disappointed by the brand come, it's a form of love. Just my two cents but I just wanted to say that I read this blog because I love JCrew and still I don't subscribe to the lynching of wellfedfred.
ReplyDeleteI'm sort of in agreement with Authentic and others. Some of the comments just aren't constructive. I understand JCAs venting about bad experiences or complaining about fit or quality. I think that's valuable information for a prospective buyer. However, some of the snide and cynical comments just do not offer any value. That's not what I'm looking for in this blog.
ReplyDeleteThat said, if you don't like it, don't read it. You shouldn't ask them to stop saying it.
Summer -
ReplyDeleteI wasn't making an attack against you and I wasn't commenting about your negative posts, instead I was stating a fact about what has been happening to me. People have emailed me confusing us for the last year, seriously, and their emails about your comments weren't so nice. That's all I was trying to say. I was just pointing out that clearly more than one person has issues with the negativity around here if many people have emailed me to complain about your posts, thinking I was you.
I'm really liking the look of the Drapey Bateau Tee, in the olive
ReplyDeletebut am wondering about the fit. I'm guessing because it's "drapey, it would be on the looser side? Also the sleeves....
I've seen lately in a lot of tops they tend to run tight, and I have more muscular arms in the first place, so if anyone has feedback, I'd love to know!
I agree, the negativity here weighs this blog down at times. Count me as tired of all the haters.
ReplyDeleteSo do we have a specific percentage of items we love vs. hate to belong here?
ReplyDeleteSorry, but I do not like a lot of what J Crew is producing. Right now, I would say I love about 25% and genuinely dislike about 75% of what I see on the website and in the stores. I probably have an appreciation for a higher percentage of items on other people and can respect that we all have different taste. There were a huge number of items from the "glory years" such as the Bella, the library and other prints items, etc. that didn't appeal to me then and still don't interest me now when a lot of other members wax poetical about them.
I love, love, love, my new Milo peacoat, Bettina camis, merino sweatshirt, merino open cardis, etc. I am super dispointed in the fabric content on the tweedy pencils. I am sorry but $128 for cr@ppy fabric? I am also a bit disappointed at seeing the quality of items such as the double serge pencils go down. I am tired of items arriving damaged, but at least CS goes out of their way to fix those issues.
That doesn't make me not a fan af the brand, but it does make me approach each new rollout with a wary eye I didn't use to have.
And by the way, I doubt I really like any greater a percentage of the clothing any of my other favorite stores sell. I am discerning and careful about picking what fits my body, lifestyle and pocketbook.
That being said, I laugh at and thoroughly enjoy WFF's comments. Some others, who I will not call out are getting a little tiresome to me, but I glance right over them and move on. They are not only negative, but malicious.
I do agree with Summer on one thing. Waiting until the queen is not around to collectively bash any poster is not cool...
ReplyDeleteI love this blog and appreciate both the positive and negative feedback I get here.
I really do not want Alexis to take her toys and go home.
I still consider myself a fan, even though I've had a number of disappontments lately. But, IMO a lot of JC's recent affectations are ripe for affectionate satire, and I enjoy WFF's comments in that light rather than considering them to be "negative.".
ReplyDeleteFirst, I do want to say thank you to Alexis for creating and maintaining this blog. Though my wallet does not thank her nearly as much. :) Since I started following JCA a year and a half a go, I have spent more but I've also learned to be a more savvy JCrew shopper thanks to my fellow JCAs. The community on this blog is very helpful and resourceful and that's why I wanted to address the negativity that I feel has permeated the comments as of late. I do not find those comments or the nasty tone helpful at all. Like the sequin pants for larger sizes, which I think was made in reference to Martha Stewart. That personally hurt me because I fall on the larger side of the JCrew size spectrum (and I’m not the only one) and while I don’t want to wear the sequin pants (a top yes, pants or shorts no) some people do. I chose not to comment then because why feed the beast (I do agree that comment was made just to stir things up) but also I attended the Martha taping and I will definitely say that she is quite slim and beautiful in person and if she wants to rock the sequin pants than more power to her. To each her own.
ReplyDeleteLike Cass, I am all for a diversity of opinions here but lately I think such diversity has been lacking and I also sometimes found myself not posting when I liked something from the new arrivals, especially when the Fall preview came out. Yes, I do have a problem with JCrew’s styling and some of the more questionable items and the significantly higher price points but I also love a lot of the clothes and I want to be able to share that love here as well without fear of being bashed. I honestly felt like there was kind of a mob mentality here to hate JCrew. I have my own issues with the store but I don’t hate it. And if I did, I would not come here.
I apologize that we chose to address specific posters but we felt it had to be said as those comments and the general nasty tone appear in almost every post on this blog. We have tried to use Mjbeet's skimming technique but when those comments are all over the place, reading this blog turns into more work than fun. And shopping, at least for me, is supposed to be fun.
I also want to apologize to Alexis because I just realized that you are in Paris and not here to “regulate.” We did not mean to post this when you weren’t here but we reached our tipping point with the pervasive negativity and had to say something.
Summerilla,
ReplyDeleteYes, you did personally attack and name.
And if you don't think you did the first time--well, you definitely did the second time.
End of subject.
IMHO JC is fortunate to have so many passionate brand fans. Alexis maintains a great blog. And Ema is right, there are two sides to every coin/ story/ blog thread. Can we all share...
ReplyDelete1. A bit of perspective (takes all kinds to make a world)
2. A grain of salt
3. A sense of humour
After all it is "just" clothes encoumters...
@ Stephanie-
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I, as well, fall on the larger end of JC's spectrum and I felt that the comment was hurtful as well. Would I want to buy those pants? No. But I appreciate that JCrew didn't stop the size at a 10 and for once, paid attention to our comments and they were available had I wanted them.
The reality of it is that not all of us JCA's are 0,2,4 or 6 and that's a good thing (as Martha would say!)
P.S. I would be MORE than happy to bring this up when Alexis is here, on this blog or in a personal email to her. We are not hiding from anything. Like I said we have been feeling like this for a while now and our frustration with the negative and malicious tone of some comments reached a boiling point.
ReplyDeletejbird - exactly, at least JCrew was listening to something. And had I wanted them, I'm glad they were available in my size. The sequin pants were all over the runway last year so I guess they thought they would appeal to everyone.
ReplyDeleteWell, good gracious me, I never meant to offend! But obviously some feel that apologies are called for, so let me offer apologies --
ReplyDeleteFor failing to avert eyes from the $100 bedazzled tweezers. Ladies, this item is on the website, not once but twice, with J.Crew's own commentary (which I will not quote). You can find it silly or tragic, but the placement has made it hard to ignore.
For expressing disappointment with the latest rollouts. True, I haven't bought much JC in the past few months (altho you all should read my RAVE REVIEW of the two-tone brogues because they are grrreat) – well, many JCAs have worried about their clothing budgets and getting their money's worth. Like them, I hope to be moved to open my wallet soon, at least before holiday season.
For sharing chuckles over inept language. But come on, you can't make this stuff up. And if a merchant asks me to buy without trying on, and without checking the construction and the notions, well, then, tell me and show me what you're going to send me. And a special apology to those who don't see the jokes.
For whimsically imagining what would happen if I wore sequin bottoms. I can see that this vision could inflict pain upon others. Well, Heaven gave me my butt, and I can't get Heaven to take it back. But I will try not to think of sequins for a while.
For having arm issues with JC jackets (it seems I'm not alone here, but I'm in penitent mode).
As to questioning the judgment of JC management, JC is a publicly traded company, and many well-paid analysts, specialists and traders do this daily. That ship has sailed.
All of that said, there's a difference between shopping and buying. I used to do almost all of both at J.Crew, and I continue to hunt. Many have pointed out that when you love someone, you want them to excel. But I have never confused J.Crew with a place of worship.
So here are some more serious wishes for all of us:
That manufacturers -- not just apparel btw -- wouldn't have to call their struggles to stay afloat in a stagnant economy "creative new vision”.
That fit models would eat better.
That cutters wouldn't shrink the marker.
That offshore quality control would depend less on good luck and more on integrity.
That shopping would be fun again instead of dreary research.
That jobs, and agriculture, and soldiers would come home.
Like I said in my first post I expected to see some backlash on my blog for my honest opinion and not but 10 minutes after posting someone left me an anonymous comment calling me an "UGLY B*TCH" I find it humorous that grown women would act like that. You have a complaint about my opinion? Here's my email summerillablog@gmail, don't be so cowardly next time! :)
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ReplyDeleteWanted to add that FWIW, I am in general a skip-it-if-you-don't-like-it JCA. I probably post 1/4 of what I actually think IRL. See, I'm quite an old lady by Internet standards. Before there were blogs and social networks, there were message boards where scenarios like this played out on a regular basis. It's cyclical. Dramas get fired up, then die down for a while, then resurface.
ReplyDeleteFrom those experiences, I've learned that stuff said in these arenas is so easily taken in ways it's not intended, that one person's sarcasm is another person's personal attack, etc. A certain degree of that is to be expected.
I don't think anyone ever said dissenting, non-JC-love posts were not welcome. We all know this is a free info exchange, good or bad. But I have a hard time believing that the persistently negative Nellies don't know that their comments become tiresome day in and day out over a period of weeks or months.
I know my FS purchse posts get tiresome, but I figure at least they're on topic! lol
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ReplyDeletejcrewlove, I love many of the designs of J.Crew's minis too! I just wish they come in longer lengths, as a 15" skirt probably would not even clear my bottom.
ReplyDeleteWFF is HILARIOUS. The highlight of the blog. Love the sarcasm.
ReplyDeleteI think it was best summed up when WFF said, "But I have never confused J.Crew with a place of worship."
I think J Crew is a high end retailer, and upper middle class to wealthy people shop there, in general. I think people with a lot of disposable income often lose perspective regarding "money's worth" in a bad economy. Thus, "negative" posts (i.e., realism) offer perspective. A $100 tweezer is perverse, no question. But a $78 dollar sweater that you can only wear a handful of times before it looks exhausted is equally ridiculous, and I want to hear about those things, in addition to good comments. When I see repeated good comments about an item, I take notice. Both are helpful.
GigiofCA, love the bunny suggestion, sounds like a naughty stripper name.
ReplyDeleteElaine said it best:
ReplyDelete"I feel like a fool now saying I like anything at all from the current collections, because it's like admitting to the haters that I like shoddy, quick-flipped, marked-down, mass-produced fashion from a *gasp* mall retailer."
Seeing as I've visited 4 B&Ms and spent about $1000 on me and my husband in the last four days, crown me queen of the fools.
I guess I just don't expect to love 100% of any retailer's offerings, so it doesn't upset or offend me that some items from JC are a little out there or not my style. I can't muster up enough energy to post about every piece that I don't care for or to mock something that others might think is the most beautiful piece of clothing ever. I don't think JC's quality hiccups are any worse than anyone else (every retail chain has them) and in most cases it's much better at this price point. In all the many years I've shopped JC I've had nothing but good service and been very happy with what I buy and I don't think it's a fluke.
Just my 2 cents.
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ReplyDeleteCheesy Goodness where are you? This blog is in desperate need of a post or two by you! Please let us hear from you!
ReplyDeleteRose - thanks for sharing!! I used my one-time free ship code this a.m. for a popback (Embroidered flower patch shell in black-yay) and can use the code you provided to try out some other items.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone else seen the Stadium-cloth peacoat item 29458? I ordered the coat in two sizes & both could work, I'm just not sure about the color Nordic Blue. It's not exactly the color I expected, maybe not as 'bright blue' as I expected.
Clicquot as I am in serious debt and my ph.d is not yet paying off in this economy, the thought of dropping $1k on clothes in 4 days is actually breathtaking. Also, having been broke, I consistently shopped at mainly Gap, Old Navy, Limited, and Loft. Last fall I opened myself up to more debt, allowing myself to buy J Crew (mainly sale) items. With that background, I can absolutely guarantee you that J Crew quality is NO BETTER than, and at times worse, than GAP, Loft, and Limited. Maybe it's chance, but I have purchased enough items to really be disenchanted and amazed at what people will accept from a $98 sweater, for example. The other day, I pulled out an old merino wool sweater from the Limited to lounge around the house. Having not seen it in over a year, I thought about how I casually toss it in the washer and dryer repeatedly, and it still looks good. Kudos. Unlike my J Crew cardigans, which I must handle like an explosive device and dread even dry cleaning. FWIW.
ReplyDeleteRe: "I feel like a fool saying I like anything..."
ReplyDeletePlease, no need to be so self-conscious among people you will probably never meet IRL!! Post if you like something. Who cares if other people say they don't like it.
I will take the lead. I PLAN TO BUY THE SEQUIN HAREM PANTS IN SIZE 14 and wear them out in public as much as possible.
Oh, and just so people don't think I'm being condescending, I do in fact wear a size 14!
ReplyDeleteI actually don't think $100 for those tweezers is that far off. Good Tweezermans aren't cheap so it would not be much of a stretch for ones covered in crytals to be $100. I bet those suckers sell out at Sephora. Makeup aficionadas are no joke.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I don't need blinged out tweezers bc my regular Tweezermans are doing a great job but if did, I would not buy them at JCrew. Just like I don't buy Essie or Cosabella at the JCrew counter. Why get it from there when I can get it at Saks or Sephora, places whose primary business is selling these items? I do not get JCrew's need to expand into selling these kind of "candy" items. But also I live in a big city where every store I could want is at my fingertips so I don't think they are targeting me with these little items.
Just ordered the Merino whisper ruffle sweater in "paradise blue" & the Merino ruffle moto sweater in "dark raisin." Hoping at least one (hopefully both) fits -- I'm 5', 23-24" waist. Any fellow small JCAs have any guesses on whether or not they'll work out for me?!
ReplyDeleteAlso: if a sweater is on sale right now (but it does not say final sale), I'll still be able to return it even if it goes on final sale between now & when I receive it, right?
Forgive me fellow JCAs, I'm going to do a little complaining, and finish with a wee bit o' happiness. I, for the first time in my life, wore a cashmere sweater that literally came apart after I had worn it an hour, another sweater(same style, different color), I wore to a wedding and it looked like someone had attacked it with sandpaper. One day later, my Marquee Hobo picked up color from my navy Bling Button Cardi and looked like I had spilled blueberry juice on it. When I got back home, yes all these wardrobe malfunctions occurred on a trip, so it was not like I could reach in my closet and get a new sweater(s)/purse, I called JC and spoke to a very nice CS person and she had me send back my Marquee and sent me a new one. The cashmere sweaters were past the 90 day mark, so I put them in the learning curve column. I always have had wonderful experiences with JC CS, but all my encounters are via phone, since I live nowhere near a B&M. I have a PS and she is a treasure, she will hunt down things for me to the ends of the JC earth. My chief complaints with the company right now are twofold: I could care less about Jenna and Mickey. They can announce over the PA and dump out their purse all they want, I don't care, just concentrate on running the darned company. That brings me to my next beef-Madewell&Fluff. If I want to shop at Madewell, I will, so please stop wasting time sending me cards in my shipments and emails, and pay more attention to important things like quality control and fabric content. To many on this blog, I'm an "old lady" but it is well within the scope of my abilities to machete my way through the styling and find some recent offerings that I love just as much as the older JC clothing, but I think the thing I dislike rather strongly is the fabric content these days. If JC could make the pilgrimage back to quality materials, that would go a long way in making me happy. I am happy to say though that no other retailer is nearer and dearer to my closet's heart; JCs colors and pencil skirts are still tops in my book, and when they do something right, it is a thing of beauty. I'm hoping they can back off of the frequent roll-outs and get more into a "quality over quantity" frame of mind. And on the subject of WFF, there's nothing like a little witty repartee to get the brain(and hysterical laughter) going in the morning. End of sermon.
ReplyDeleteFixated, yes, unless the number you paid ends in .99 and your receipt has an asterisk with a final sale notation, you are golden, I think.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to add to the pile-on but the idea of a group of people banding together to post a negative comment (especially because it names one person that most of us find hilarious and wonderfully opinionated) about negativity is a little more than ironic. I don't know if you guys e-mailed Alexis first before taking it to the comments but it's kind of unfair and slightly hypocritical to use negativity to fight negativity, especially when you posted it as a group and then individuals came out and echoed the group's thoughts.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to see more positive comments, add more positive comments. While I understand the idea of someone trashing what you think is beautiful can seem like a personal attack on your taste, remember that people have different tastes and you have to be confident in yours no matter what anyone else is saying. The clothes do not make the man or woman.
As to the question asking why those of us who have seen the noticable quality decline and price hike stick around the blog, it's because we still love the brand, but not in a way that ignores its faults, especially when the faults grow by the day. We also know that J. Crew corporate reads this blog and should know how hard it is to spend our money when we already have a lot of the repeating items AND we're worried about items falling apart.
Echoing WellFedFred, there is a difference between shopping and buying. I can only speak for myself but I'm still an avid J. Crew shopper. Their current offerings (not just styles but quality and fit) make it hard for me to buy. It's frustrating to want to spend money at your favorite retailer and they're making it hard and essentially telling you: "We don't want your money. I mean, we do, but you're not our target demographic you know and don't expect us to provide the quality and customer service you'd expect for our price points." Very strange.
At the end of the day, Alexis makes the choice about what kind of comments and content run on this site and to my knowledge she's very fair and only asks that we don't post personal attacks and obscenities. Maybe Authentic wasn't trying to launch a personal attack but that's how the comment as well as the pile-on by Authentic members comes off. I really hope we can move on and that you guys respect Alexis's choices as to how her community is run and maybe start your own Authenticly J. Crew where you can have a blog that fits your liking more. I'm not saying if you don't like it, leave but it's unfair to inadvertently disrespect how Alexis runs her blog.
David-I am right there with you. Still madly in love with too much at this store but definitely seeing a decrease in quality fabrics with an increase in price.
ReplyDeleteI'll go ahead and beat that dead horse one more time and add... stop with the accoutrements all over everything and get back to some stylish simplicity. Fabrics and prints can speak a multitude of richness, sophistication and style. Drape them, pleat them and add interest through texture but please stop adding STUFF to everything. It just feels like e-nough. Maybe I have just shopped here too long and other people are still buying this??
Now then..wth is that tweed jacket in the Sept issue of InStyle?? That looks gorgeous!
ITA with everything nomoneyfun said. I have no trouble problem skipping over posts that don't interest me, but the nasty personal attacks make my blood boil. If you don't like the way Alexis runs her blog and really feel she needs to changes things, take it up with her in e-mail when she returns. There's absolutely no reason for posting personal attacks in her absence.
ReplyDeleteWOW-scratch that. I think it might be the Harriet Tweed which I thought was only grey...I didn't notice the brown online but I don't think I like it as well as what I thought I saw in the mag=(
ReplyDeleteJust to clarify I am the only person from "Authentic" who has made a separate comment under their own name. I don't want the posters who also commented on the negativity to have to be lumped in with our group when others here did not like what we have to say. That would be unfair to the other posters who expressed similar feelings to ours.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to stop commenting about the negative and malicious tone I see in the comments because clearly some of you think those comments (and others) are witty. We'll agree to disagree on that one.
And once again, the point of our original comment was to say the negative comments on this blog do not speak for everyone on this blog (example - the recent statment that most of the people here find a comment witty does not speak for most of us here) and we wish there was not a mob mentality in the comments to have to bash JCrew even when it's not on topic. In no way were my comments intended to criticize Alexis or how she runs this blog and for anyone to say otherwise is irresponsible and putting words in my mouth.
Count me in as one who finds all the trashing a total downer. I don't understand why you'd even bother frequenting a blog if you dislike the clothing so much. There are certainly enough websites out there and other pursuits in life. I find it a total mystery. I love that I can find out how well a certain item is holding up/sized, etc and don't mind hearing the good and bad there. But the constant trashing of the company, the sales associates, the design department, on and on...
ReplyDeleteThe other day some one was called out about complimenting customer service experience they'd had! To not be able to share a good shopping experience on a blog dedicated to loving a certain brand for fear corporate will read it is just bizarre. When something great happens, don't you want to share it with your friends?
And the other day when some were emailed the free shipping code, someone posted something along the lines of "Don't feel bad if you didn't get the code since it's all just crappy, poor quality mall clothes anyway." Feel free to enjoy your sour grapes, but don't insult the rest of us sitting here at our computers all dolled up in our crappy mall-wear.
It kind of makes me want to find another blog, honestly...and if you want to encourage me to "start my own", you're too late as I've already been offered that suggestion by another JCA this week.
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ReplyDeleteWhy don't we suggest to Alexis to have a weekly 'Looking to LOVE' and a' Looking to HATE' section! Then we can all go to what ever floats our boat!
ReplyDeleteI come here to get ideas, see who likes what (I know who's my apprx. size) and then check it out (online, in print, or in store) to see if I can rock it too. Or if I should size up/down etc. It's saved me a lot of time/$$ not having to make returns or being stuck with a FS item that I wished I'd read a review on first.
Personally I LOVE this blog! It's like playing 'dress up' in a virtual grown-up world, and Ployvore is the 21st century version of paperdolls(for those old enough to remember).
MY 2¢
Meow, I truly didn't mean to sound glib about my recent shopping spree and hope I didn't offend. We have come through significant debt of our own and are finally on the other side of it; $1000 is a lot of money to us too and we don't shop like this as a regular thing! This is vacation for us and we do take advantage of being close to B& M stores :)
ReplyDeletethis is getting very jerry springer--maybe they will invite the jcas to be on an episode!
ReplyDeleteI understand both sides. I think anyone who complains on this blog also loves J Crew a lot and just waiting for something great. As Gigi put it as "pep talk" a while ago.
ReplyDeleteI've had so many issues with J Crew's quality and sworn every time (minnie pant legs with two different length anyone?) but I keep coming back to J crew.
From the JCA home page:
ReplyDeleteA place to discuss all aspects of J.Crew.
IMO that includes discussing what some feel is negativity toward the brand.
I do love the way nomoneyfun put it:
If you want to see more positive comments, add more positive comments.
Excellent advice.
Stephanie
ReplyDeletePlease re-read my comment and understand the difference between intent and effect. Just because the intention wasn't an attack doesn't mean it didn't have an attack effect. Especially because of the echo chamber that came afterward (even if it wasn't from other Authentic members) and originally naming WellFedFred. Just because I'm explaining the ways in which the intent didn't translate because of the way it was communicated doesn't mean I'm putting words into your mouth.
Patsystone:
As far as not being able to share a good shopping experience on an Aficionada blog, that speaks to how J. Crew works and how they'll cut down on those positive experiences because they have shown they care about their bottom line more than customer service. Because the positive experience detailed how someone broke protocol to provide customer service, it could mean problems for us as consumers and the customer service representatives who are excellent at their jobs and go above and beyond.
I apologize if my suggestion to start a new blog wasn't an original idea but you did not tell me why it's a bad one. Because you say you don't understand why people would frequent a blog where they don't like the clothing (even though I and other commenters have explained the rationale behind still loving the brand, hating the new policies/quantity over quality), I also don't understand why you would frequent a blog that's a downer because of the negativity. Your statment kind of goes both ways so to dismiss my suggestion of starting another blog because it's not original does not make any sense to me in the context of the beginning of your comment.
Ibi said it best. Posts where we can vent/rave would create safe spaces and I hope Alexis likes and considers instituting the idea.
nomoneyfun: You weren't the one who suggested I start my own blog...that was someone else, actually a couple days ago. And to be honest, I am starting to frequent the blog less and less.
ReplyDeleteI do like the idea of having some posts that say "love it" and "hate it".
I agree as well that the negativity is dominating lately and appreciate the posts by Authentic, Stephanie, Elaine, Summerilla, and others.
ReplyDeleteSo what if you think the marketing campaign ridiculous? Sure, "obsessed" is way over used ... but it's probably because Rachel Zoe uses that word all the time and whether you like her style or not, people pay big money for her advice. Yeah, there are a lot of sequins and ruffles . . but they are everywhere!! You can't go into any retailer right now without seeing them. And I'd like to give a high-five to any lady who can rock those sequin pants . . I know I don't have the balls but wish I did.
I do appreciate and love the reviews on sizing, quality, and styling tips. I find the customer service comments not as helpful only because I think it SO depends upon who you get helping you. Some are always going to be great, and others are not.
As for the new fall items, a few things caught my eye. Personally loved the Metallic bouclé moto jacket . . .but NO way am I going to pay $900 for it! Maybe I'll be lucky enough to score it on sale. :)
Ummm, let me stop what I'm doing, because I've been too busy until now to catch up:
ReplyDeleteI'm with Team WFF.
Seriously ladies, it's clothing. If we didn't love it, we wouldn't have fun with it. Posting about not liking WFF's comments just adds to the negativity here. Poof. Be gone.
@ Cass You Go Girl in those Jamming Sequin.Harem.Pants I bet you would look fab no matter what size you are :) !!!
ReplyDeleteKudos for being so honest!
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ReplyDeleteI still like Jcrew a lot despite its pitfalls. I continue to find a lot to add to my ever growing Jcrew wardrobe, and overall, I'm a satisfied customer. I have issues with them from time to time, and get frustrated like many of you, but i rarely complain publicly. But that's just me. If/when Jcrew does not meet my clothing needs and wants or no longer interests me, I will simply and quietly leave. And again, that's just me. I appreciate the constructive criticism and reviews, good and bad. I don't care for the negative-for-the-sake-of-being-negative posts and I often skip certain posters' comments because I pretty much know what they are going to say, and frankly, I don't need to read one more time how bad Jcrew sucks. I do hope the negativity, sarcasm, attacks, etc. tone down a bit, just to make this more enjoyable. Regardless, I wil continue reading this wonderful blog, skipping the haters and loving Jcrew.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone comment on whether the nordic blue in the stadium-cloth peacoat is the same color as the nordic blue dream sweaters?
ReplyDeleteI received the nordic blue dream shawl-collar sweater and I prefer the heather nordic blue of the pencil skirt, which may be different because it's a heather. There is a slightly green undertone to the dream sweater and I would love to know if the peacoat is the same.
TIA
@MissPennyZ
ReplyDeleteI'm totally with you. That's exactly how I feel.
I don't think all negativity is bad. I'd love to know if the cardigan that I like will pill like crazy after a few wears. That's very useful information for me. But general snippy/snarky comments do not help anyone.
I happen to like WFF's comments. They are highly creative and entertaining. But if that's not your sense of humor or you take it as "negativity," please feel free to skip them.
I am copping up to it and already hear the snickers and scoffs:
ReplyDeleteMy name is "gemtwin" and I love J. Crew
--LOVE MD, JL and FM and hope they stay forever. I don't tire of seeing them in the public eye either.
--LOVE the catalogs, photography, Jenna's picks, and yes, styling. I recognize I am too old to wear much of it but that doesn't mean it isn't well done.
--LOVE the collaborations and have purchased some. After jonesing for a year think I will also pull the trigger on the Quoddys this fall.
--LOVE the CS. I am self-employed and know what it takes and JC's is the BEST. I can't even get this much instant gratification from my dog.
--Recognize there are some quality issues but this is not a JC-only problem. I can back this up with "facts".
--Don't love sequins and ruffles but so what--plenty more to love.
--One beef: wish they would show more diversity of females in their imagery. A few older, or "real" or different shapes. Madewell is doing this now for some web segments, why not JC too?
--Only few brands/businesses over the decades have inspired this much devotion from me: Apple, Gap (right after MD took over,) Mini Cooper, Domaine de Fontsainte, Paul Smith "Men's Only" line, Virgin America...
--Brava Alexis for a fun and entertaining blog. If I am not in the mood for sarcasm, weird defensive outbursts, or conspiracy paranoia I just skip over it.
fixated, I just received the merino ruffle sweater yesterday, it wasn't the right fit for me unfortunately but in case you haven't seen the paradise blue color, it is amazing. I so wanted the sweater to work out for the color alone. Good luck!
ReplyDeletedavid, I would encourage you to call/email CS regarding the sweaters. While this happened awhile ago, I had some shirts that got holes immediately after wearing, but after the return period. They sent me the prepaid label and then mailed me out a gift card for the amount I paid, and I didn't even have the receipts. CS is inconsistent but with a little persistence, I do think you will find someone who can help you. And if you have a PS, I'm sure they will help you immediately.
WFF, I envy your sarcasm. Recently you wrote about carefully washing the cashmere...that's my life...it takes a day or so to wash it all and get it dried perfectly. I'm one of the few that still buys it and your analysis was right on as funny as it was!
Cass, you rock those pants!
OT: is there anyone else out there whose 30% off order hasn't shipped yet? My order is still released/open since last Friday morning. I called yesterday and the CSR said that it's normal because it normally takes 3 to 6 business days for a standard shipping order to ship but in general my orders ship in one or two days from being placed and this is highly unusual. Just wondering if I am the only one in this situation (particularly in the east coast) in which case I will start to worry.
ReplyDeleteI didn't add anything to my cart today for me. I did add the girls' sequin glamour top - I would love to see my niece in it! So pretty!
ReplyDeleteEma, that does sound odd. I'm in NY and received an order yesterday that I placed on Monday (the 13th) morning. Maybe if you ordered a popback it's in limbo?
ReplyDeleteA favorite quote of mine that I feel has some relevance here:
ReplyDelete"Take no offense; That which offends you only weakens you. Being offended creates the same destructive energy that offended you in the first place- so transcend your ego and stay in peace." Dr. Wayne Dyer.
As nomoneyfun rightly said- if you want more positive- just be more positive.
Caroline, how big was it on you? (and how tall are you!?)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your responses, Gigi & Meow!
Ema,
ReplyDeletemine sat in the "release" mode for longer than usual as well but then it suddenly arrives tomorrow. I have found if they are behind they spring for faster shipping. I am West Coast.
Ema, my friday evening orders shipped first thing Monday and arrive tomorrow (I'm in CA).
ReplyDeleteI had a similar situation to yours 2 sales ago and they told me that the reason for the delay was most likely due to an item that would cancel out. It was. They also told me that they expedite shipping to meet the shipping timetable they provide. I got my order within their timeframe minus the item that cancelled out.
gem twin I'm right there with you! I love "I can't get this much instant gratification from my dog". My golden retriever may disagree but I know what you mean :)
ReplyDeleteAt the risk of sounding negative, I have to comment here that my dream shawl-collar sweater may be returned. I wasn't sure about the color so tried it with a number of dresses, shirts, pants and skirts. The darn thing is shedding like mad and there are fuzzies visible on every dark garment that came near it, even one that was just hanging next to it. Very disappointed since it is so soft and I was starting to warm up to the color. If I can find enough light-colored items to pair with it, I may let it stay but the shedding does not bode well. :(
ReplyDeleteI don't post often, but I would like to comment on where this thread has gone. I think there are some smart, funny women on this blog, some of whom I would love to know in person. There are also some (not including WFF, IMO) who get negative at times, attacking others for comments they've made. Some of these strings have gotten a little out of hand in the past. We all have to be real and admit that, as much as we love most of what JC does, a certain number of their items are a little silly for most of our everyday lives. I personally have really enjoyed some of the creative parodies of the silly items/styling and don't see them as negative at all. It's the constant attacks of each other that get to me. So lets continue to be the smart, grown up women that we are, refrain from making snarky or rude comments about sizes or attitudes, and get back to what this blog is about - sharing info about a brand we love!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alexis and all of the other women who put so much effort into making sure everyone enjoys and gets what they want from their JC experience! :)
xoxo-I have the peacoat in Nordic Blue & it's not quite the 'blue' I thought it would be based on the website. I can email you a photo tomorrow if you like. I'm not sure of the undertones, it just seems a bit off to me. I may just exchange for a classic color.
ReplyDeleteJust came across a size 2 paintbrush floral belle skirt (aka one of my all time fav skirts) on eBay, NWOT, starting at $12.99. Thought I'd pass it along in case someone in that size is looking for one! Not my auction. Here is the linkg: http://cgi.ebay.com/NWOT-J-Crew-Earth-Tone-Flower-Print-Skirt-Sz-2-/180562078606?pt=US_CSA_WC_Skirts&hash=item2a0a56ab8e
ReplyDeleteWell Fed Fred! Please don't stop commenting. Your comments are the best!
ReplyDeleteI don't actually plan to buy the sequin pants (namely because I'd rather buy a whole bunch of stuff for $700 rather than a very memorable pair of pants), I was just using that as a hyperbolic example that people shouldn't be afraid to post if they like something even if other people hate it (or may make potentially snarky comments about sizing). Confidence, ladies! However, I do appreciate the encouragement. :)
ReplyDelete@xoxo
ReplyDeleteI own both the Stadium-Cloth Peacoat and Double-Serge Pencil Skirt in nordic blue. The coat is definitely darker than the skirt and more of a teal (blue-green) in person but it is still beautiful.
xoxo- Thanks for the info about the dream shawl sweater. When I receive it, I'll try it w/a few items and see what happens.
ReplyDeletesilver lining, Caroline and gem twin, thanks for letting me know. I called them again and it seems that it is going to ship after all, even if one item is arriving in a separate package. I didn't order any popback so it must have been another problem. Anyway I will believe it when I see it here!
ReplyDeleteIRL and Coruscate, thanks for your comments on the nordic blue. I love blue but the nordic blue dream sweater just isn't the color I expected and since the dream blend is known for shedding/pilling I need to really love it to keep it at almost full price. I still may make it work if I can, it feels so soft and smooshy. The comfort is worth something in itself, IMO.
ReplyDeletegigiofca, please do let us know what you think of the dream shawl-collared sweater. I would appreciate your opinion, you're such a discerning shopper. I love your blog and enjoy seeing the many brands and styles you review. I shop vicariously though you! :D
I will post some reviews on Tuesday but want to say that I love the pinstripe Banquette dress. The tailoring is equisite, the pinstripes match up or offset just right and the cut is very flattering. Seems just a touch higher in the neckline than last years' but I am still adding a scarf to cover the girls. Could we possibly see this in a herringbone tweed, glen plaid or houndstooth with the neckline creeping up just another inch? Here's hoping.
ReplyDeletexoxo - It's like we're all shopping together when we chat online. You know I'll post the irl pics. I got the flame orange and hoping it's pretty. If it doesn't work due to shedding, I'll be happy w/my cielo in the pumpkin color.
ReplyDeleteOT - I went to Talbot's today. OMG, the coats. I will be posting irl pics in the next couple of days. Oh how I wish I could post even more frequently than I do. As it is, I recently had to get one of those wrist things for the pain in my forearm.