Free Shipping with J.Crew!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Erika, as well as Closet Crisis, opheliasmom, and IRL (in this post) who let us know about the following promotions.

J.Crew is offering free shipping on $100+ with promo code SHIP100 and on $150+ with promo code SHIP150. These offers both expire February 4, 2011.

These offers are on J.Crew's homepage, and the minimum amount varies depending on your internet browser, cookie setting, etc. I see J.Crew is back to their old ways with different offers for different customers. Grrreat. ;)

J.Crew Email: Key piece: the matinee trench

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Ketan, who shared the following email J.Crew sent this morning.

The email features the Matinee Trench (Item 36326; $158.00), described as

Getting top billing in our closets this season: our impeccably chic spring topper crafted in polished cotton twill. It's loaded with iconic trench touches (from a waist belt to a buckled back vent and an oversize hood), and we added matte gold hardware for a bit of glamour-girl gleam. Regular fit. Zip closure. Long sleeves. Fully lined. Hits below hip. Import. Dry clean.

The positives: I love that this coat is a trench style (so pretty!) with a hood (must protect the hair!) The question: is the coat water resistant? If not, that sucks. The negative: I don't care for it being dry clean only. I also like the Iconic Trench coat's style more (which incidentally repels water and machine washable). Now there is a coat that will last for a lifetime! :)

What are your thoughts on the Matinee Trench? Have you tried on or own it? If so, please share.

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to sell}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID).

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Please note: this posting is not for resellers. If you are a reseller, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)

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Please note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site?

Sidenote: What's up with JCAs writing "sub" or "subscribing" as their comment? It just means they are subscribing to all the comments (which are then automatically sent to their email) in that particular thread. This way they can stay aware of all the comments posted. :)

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to find}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.

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Please note: this posting is not for resellers. If you are a reseller, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)

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Also note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

Sought & Found: Did you visit J.Crew this {past} Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopped by a J.Crew store this past weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the HOLIDAY sale, or to see some new SPRING arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store was/ is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

Behind J.Crew's Design {Spring 2011}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Janet, IRL, as well as xoxo (in this post), who let us know about the following news.

J.Crew sent an email to select customers that reads:

Spring Preview
Meet Marissa, our head of women's design. She's giving you an exclusive sneak peek at warmer things to come and revealing the inspiration for our Spring collection presented this Winter in NYC. Plus, as one of our best customers, we wanted you to be the first to check out our never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes video.

What ideas kicked off this collection?
We were really influenced by modern art, specifically the work of abstract painter Hans Hofmann. I just love the intense vibrant color in his paintings and how that translates into the clothes.

The season's ultimate fresher-upper?
The classic button-down shirt in amazing new fabrics, textures and patterns. Every woman should have a few in her closet.

Ok, what's on your must-buy list?
Our studded Natalie sweater. It's so simple but so elevated at the same time.

You can watch the video at the end of this post. You can also click the link HERE. To check out the Spring 2011 Look Book, click here.

I do love watching these videos (I see you Ms. Hutton!) I hope to see more of these "behind the scenes" at J.Crew.

What are your thoughts on the video? Do you think you like the styles more now that you have seen the video?

Darlings, is it time for a coupon code?

Yes, it is that wonderful time!

A big "thanks!" to Rose (of the lovely "1 More Shopping Blog"), who is super nice to share with us that J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $100+ with promo code TNC8X2. This offer expires 2/18/11.

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

J.Crew's Shopping Tip {really?}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including LauraK (in this post), as well as IRL, GigiOfCa, & Christy (in this post), who pointed out a new shopping tip from J.Crew.

On the Final Sale page (click here to shop online), J.Crew shares the following advice:

Shopping Tip: Items placed in your cart are not guaranteed until checkout is complete.

So the following is a mini-rant... I know J.Crew meant well by trying to clarify the terribleness of losing out on an item. (No doubt from an onslaught of calls & emails from customers who thought they put an item in their bag only to find it disappeared.) But I find the comment to be an interesting one, because even when you checkout, you are not guaranteed the item. (How many of us got that dreaded email with the news our orders were canceled because there just wasn't enough?) And even when it's shipped, you are not guaranteed the item is the right one in the plastic bag. So although J.Crew is trying to do the right thing through some transparency, I found the comment bitter-sweet.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's "shopping tip"? Did you notice? Do you think it was a good move on their part to clarify?

Seek & Find: Will you visit J.Crew this Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the HOLIDAY sale, or to see some new SPRING arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

P.S. I noticed that many of you have already been reporting sale items (and in which stores) in other posts which by the way "thank you!" :) I really appreciate how helpful we are for each other!

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Leslie (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website today (click here to view online).

There are some new arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here). {wahoo!} It looks like both Crewcuts (click here) and the J.Crew Collection (click here) got updated as well.


The latest February catalog (click here to view) is not yet available to view for some of us. Hopefully it will be up soon. :)

As for the new arrivals, I am off to go check them out right now. :)

Another nice touch is J.Crew extended their promotion to take 40% off all final sale items (no min) and free shipping (on $100+) with promo code MUSTSHOP. This offer now expires today, Thursday, January 27, 2011.

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

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Elaine (in this post) & Himmiefan (in this post) who both suggested a weekly "Help Style Me!" post about getting outfit advice from the JCA community. I think it is a fantastic idea. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs with those hard-to-work-with J.Crew items! :)

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Ibi who suggested weekly 'Looking to LOVE' and 'Looking to HATE' posts where we could all "deposit" our best & worst current experiences. I think it is a brilliant idea and will try it out for a few weeks. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

This is the weekly "Looking to LOVE with J.Crew" post, a place to share our favorite experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a positive situation with J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including stellar experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

You Got Mail... Spring Rewards Cards are Here! :)

A big "thanks!" to PrettyBoy, as well as RatsOnParade (in this post), who let us know about the following news regarding J.Crew card members: rewards cards are being mailed to qualifying card members now! Also, "thanks!" to RatsOnParade who shared the image of the Rewards Card (shown above) over at her blog (link provided below in this post).

PrettyBoy was also super kind to share the image of another card sent along with the latest Spring rewards cards. It is to promote their VIP number for valued customers (not just for card members!). Incidentally, this is the same phone number that has been shared with customers before.

RatsOnParade also has a post on this, with more views of the Spring Reward card. She also reports the following tidbit: "also included with the Rewards Card is a small booklet of Spring 2011 looks". If you are interested check out her "A number to call your own..." post over at her lovely "I LOVE J.CREW" blog.

Don't forget, the latest rewards card expires March 15, 2010. Knowing my JCAs, you won't have to worry about them expiring! ;)

So if you are a card member, *check* your mail to see if you got your Holiday Rewards Card! :)

Last Day To Take 40% Off Final Sale

Today is the last day to take 40% off all final sale items (no min) and free shipping (on $100+) with promo code MUSTSHOP.

I won't lie, I bit on this promo. More than once too. The prices and all those re-stocks were too good to pass up. Well played J.Crew, well played.

Again, it's worth noting that some brick & mortar (B&M) stores are offering an additional 50% off Final Sale items. :)

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get? Does your local B&M have "final sale" as well?

"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Ibi who suggested weekly 'Looking to LOVE' and 'Looking to HATE' posts where we could all "deposit" our best & worst current experiences. I think it is a brilliant idea and will try it out for a few weeks. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

This is the weekly "Looking to VENT with J.Crew" post, a place to share our not-so-stellar experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a frustrating situation with J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including poor experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Amy who suggested a weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post about current experiences with other non-J.Crew retailers. I think it is a brilliant idea and will try it out for a few weeks. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent" posts), where we can share our finds from other retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew (like LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and the like.)

If you have recently encountered items that are similar to J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including experiences with certain merchandise pieces, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

J.Crew Email: Fashion forecast: the rainy day utility jacket

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Ketan, who shared the following email J.Crew sent this morning.

The email features the Rainy Day Utility Jacket (Item 33368; $188.00 , described as

Our sleek spin on the utility jacket—in water-resistant washed nylon and cotton, with sublime sherpa lining, an easy hood and a chic, shape-shifting drawstring waist. A piece you'll reach for day after day because it goes with absolutely everything. Nylon/cotton. Standing collar. Zip front with snap closure. Long sleeves. Welt pockets, chest patch pockets. Functional snaps at cuffs. Fully lined. Hits at hip. Import. Machine wash.

I tried on this jacket at my local brick & mortar (B&M) store. I love that the jacket comes with a hood. A lot of water-resistant jackets don't, which always bother me (I have to protect the hair from frizz!) ;)

I tried on a size 0 and felt it was true to size. With that said, the jacket is a bit boxy. So cinching it in at the waist with the drawstring definitely helps create a shape (but by no means, is it overly tailored).

It will keep you warm with its super lovely sherpa lining. It's definitely a cold weather coat. My only thing is that I like my cold weather jackets to be longer (for more warmth). So I found this jacket short for my needs (as it hits right on the upper hip). But since the jacket is boxy, it probably looks better at the current length it is (versus it being longer).

For awhile this jacket was on sale for about $150 plus an additional 40%. Some lucky JCAs were able to score this item for an amazing price. (And who knows, maybe B&M stores are still carrying the promotional price.)

What are your thoughts on the Rainy Day Utility Jacket? Have you tried on or own it? If so, please share.

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

New Lady Watch from Timex For J.Crew

A week or two ago, I stopped by one of my local brick & mortar (B&M) stores and noticed a new Timex for J.Crew watch being offered. But it was different from its current offerings (click here to shop Timex for J.Crew online). This new watch was smaller and the band was thinner. I thought to myself, "Dang it! I love the look of this watch too."

The following is a post from the New York Times Magazine Blog (click here to read in its entirety) that discusses this very watch:

The High Low | Timex for J. Crew
By Edward Barsamian
January 20, 2011

What: Timex for J. Crew watch

How Much: $98, watch; strap, $12 at J.Crew stores or, as of January 27, at jcrew.com.

Two years ago, J.Crew introduced a Timex watch for men. Recently, Marissa Webb, the head of women’s design, decided it was about time the girls got one of their own. “The dial is noticeably smaller than the men’s watches,” she says, adding, “Not all women want to wear a large, men’s field watch.” Other feminine twists include a range of stripy straps. “They are a nod to our men’s styles, [but] the colors are vibrant.” Think green and orange for prepsters and shocking pink for those who still have their calendars set to 1987.

I do love the simple look of this watch. Although I did not try the new version on, I have a sneaky feeling that the strap length is the right size too (not so long that I have to double fold it.)

I already own the Timex Military Watch, so I can't justify another one right now. (Well, give me time! I mean Valentine's Day is just around the corner.) :)

What are your thoughts on the latest Timex for J.Crew watch? Do you like this new version? Have you seen or purchased this new version? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew's Buyout Leaves Some Questions

With J.Crew's deal to go private almost complete, there are still some lingering questions. "Thanks!" to many of you, including WellFedFred, who shared the following news. The article below is from the Wall Street Journal (click here to read in its entirety):

The Lesson of J. Crew: To Err is Human. To be Forgiven…Doesn’t Cost Much
By Ronald Barusch
January 21, 2011

The J.Crew board process was, as I have said before, a disaster. So it is not surprising that in the settlement with the plaintiffs’ lawyers, of whom I am equally skeptical, the buy-out group of CEO Mickey Drexler, TPG, and Leonard Green actually had to give a bit up…just not too much. And of course, ... the outside directors who also made mistakes didn’t have to pay anything.

To briefly recap, the deal was hatched by two directors behind closed doors. They waited weeks to tell their fellow directors They got a huge head start by sharing corporate secrets with no confidentiality agreement. Even when the outside directors engaged, they seemed to panic and pushed to sign the deal up quickly—before the all-important holiday sales season. And that allowed the buyout group to threaten to walk away and reduce its bid, blaming the company for disclosing bad news at the last minute.

This week, J.Crew announced that although holiday season revenue was higher, same store sales were down more than 6%. Apparently the board was pushed into the deal because it was nervous about whether Drexler could tackle that problem.

J.Crew tried to fix everything with a “go-shop”—but that was flawed as well... The management group discouraged other bidders by, among other things, insisting on matching rights. This meant even if a new party came up with a better deal it would probably lose when the management group matched. So not surprisingly the go-shop expired last weekend with no one coming to the party.

Meantime those plaintiffs’ lawyers were likely developing an unusually good case. Why? Because under Delaware law the TPG deal would probably have been scrutinized under an “entire fairness” standard. And that means not only did the price have to be fair, but the process had to be “fair dealing” as well. Maybe with enough expert witnesses J.Crew could argue the price was okay, but, as I have said, J.Crew and TPG were vulnerable in trying to establish fair dealing.

Other terms [in the settlement] included a $7 million reduction in the breakup fee, an extension of the go-shop period, a non-compete from Drexler if he chooses not to go with a new bidder, some expenses for a competing bid to the extent the matching rights remain, a majority of the disinterested shareholders vote requirement (it may sound good, but the insiders don’t own much stock in this deal) and a whole lot more of relatively inconsequential stuff.

But don’t get your hopes up that the extended go-shop is going to have any different outcome. The company is now shop-worn and a buyer still has no assurance of getting Drexler.

One more meager victory that settlement wins for shareholders: J.Crew (or its insurers) is going to pay its shareholders $10 million at the closing of the deal. Don’t spend it all in one place. It works out to about 15 cents a share. My guess is that is included just to assure a plump legal fee to the plaintiffs’ lawyers. They will be paid separately, but the lawyers can argue they are entitled to at least 30% of this additional value they created for shareholders. I suspect they will ask for more than $3 million though given all those monetary concessions.

But here is the bottom line: The many mistakes which were made cannot be undone. What really were the options here for moving forward? J.Crew shareholders have a deal on the table for $43.50 per share in cash–plus that extra 15 cents. And that for a stock that was trading at $37.65 prior to the deal with the company about to announce it was missing its numbers. Was it ever realistic to expect a court to enjoin such a transaction and leave shareholders without the option of a deal?

Sometimes, even when there are mistakes, there are no good or fair solutions. And the shareholders still have a choice: Once the go-shop is over it will be up to the shareholders to decide if they want the $43.50 deal or if they would prefer to send the directors back to the drawing board.

And speaking of the shareholders’ decision, the excitement may not be over. Mason Capital, an investment fund, filed a Schedule 13D on Tuesday saying it owned 6.5% of J.Crew. Mason Capital says its purpose is investment, but it bought all of its shares at prices above the $43.50 deal price—some of them as recently as two weeks ago. TPG and Leonard Green could have a fight on their hands even if they thought they had cleared away their obstacles with this settlement.

This article sums up the history behind the deal and all the hurdles (to put in nicely) along the way. A couple of things stuck out for me: (1) It's amazing that Mickey Drexler has so much pull with J.Crew that they (the board and investing firm) are worried about losing him. (2) J.Crew shareholders are really the getting the short-end-of-the-stick here. They are basically going to get less per share than its worth–plus that extra 15 cents from the settlement.

Honestly, I think we will still be hearing more about this deal.

What are your thoughts on this latest news? Do you think there will be anymore hiccups now that J.Crew is on the path to privatization? Do you think going private is still the right move for J.Crew?

Sneak Peek Into J.Crew's New Catalog

We already know that J.Crew's upcoming catalog will be a destination catalog. We even got to see an image from the catalog in last week's "J.Crew's New Catalog Hearts Los Angeles" post. Now we have two more images to drool over.

A big "thanks!" to an anonymous JCA who shared these two catalog images with us. (Just click on either image for a larger view.) She also shares that new arrivals are expected to become available online this Thursday. Yey!

It looks like J.Crew is going back to simple (in other words, no more crazy layering). Well it works! I am loving what I am seeing so far. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the catalog has to offer.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming catalog from J.Crew? Do you like the clothes and styling? Are you excited about new arrivals online this week?

J.Crew Email: EXTRA 40% OFF sale items & FREE SHIPPING ends Wednesday

"Thanks!" to many of you, who shared the following email J.Crew sent this morning.

J.Crew is reminding us about their offer to take 40% off all final sale items (no min) and free shipping (on $100+) with promo code MUSTSHOP. This offer expires this Wednesday, January 26, 2011.

I am not going to lie, I LOVE this sale. You know who doesn't, my wallet. ;)

It's also worth noting that some brick & mortar (B&M) stores are offering an additional 50% off Final Sale items. :)

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get? Does your local B&M have "final sale" as well?

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to sell}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID).

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Please note: this posting is not for resellers. If you are a reseller, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)

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Please note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site?

Sidenote: What's up with JCAs writing "sub" or "subscribing" as their comment? It just means they are subscribing to all the comments (which are then automatically sent to their email) in that particular thread. This way they can stay aware of all the comments posted. :)

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to find}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.

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Please note: this posting is not for resellers. If you are a reseller, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)

---

Also note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

Sought & Found: Did you visit J.Crew this {past} Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopped by a J.Crew store this past weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the HOLIDAY sale, or to see some new SPRING arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store was/ is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

Take 40% Off Final Sale (& Free Ship on $100+}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Rosie (in this post), who shared the following promotion.

J.Crew brought back the offer to take 40% off all final sale items (no min) and free shipping (on $100+) with promo code MUSTSHOP. This offer expires Wednesday, January 26, 2011.

It's also worth noting that some brick & mortar (B&M) stores are offering an additional 50% off Final Sale items. :)

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get? Does your local B&M have "final sale" as well?

Madewell Email: Extra 30% off sale + free shipping (it's a win-win)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including IRL (in this post), as well as Irina, who shared the following promotion from Madewell.

Madewell is now offering 30% off all sale items (no min) and free shipping (on $100+) with promo code LOVEIT. Click here to shop online. This offer expires Thursday, January 27, 2011.

Will you be checking out the Madewell's Sale section? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get? Does your local B&M have "final sale" as well?

Seek & Find: Will you visit J.Crew this Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the HOLIDAY sale, or to see some new SPRING arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

P.S. I noticed that many of you have already been reporting sale items (and in which stores) in other posts which by the way "thank you!" :) I really appreciate how helpful we are for each other!

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Elaine (in this post) & Himmiefan (in this post) who both suggested a weekly "Help Style Me!" post about getting outfit advice from the JCA community. I think it is a fantastic idea. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs with those hard-to-work-with J.Crew items! :)

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Ibi who suggested weekly 'Looking to LOVE' and 'Looking to HATE' posts where we could all "deposit" our best & worst current experiences. I think it is a brilliant idea and will try it out for a few weeks. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

This is the weekly "Looking to LOVE with J.Crew" post, a place to share our favorite experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a positive situation with J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including stellar experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

J.Crew's New Catalog Hearts Los Angeles

There is a great article over at the L.A. Times Blog about J.Crew's upcoming catalog (click here to read in its entirety):

J. Crew channels Old Hollywood with spring catalog shot entirely at L.A landmarks
By Melissa Magsaysay
January 19, 2011

When the team shooting J.Crew’s spring 2011 catalog set up at the Hollywood sign in early December to snap a leggy model wearing a pair of shiny gold shorts in front of the landmark, no one was expecting that the scene would turn into something out of "Law & Order: Los Angeles."

"A fireman walked into the shot, and all of a sudden over loudspeakers someone started yelling at us to leave because we were trespassing," said Ashley Price, a senior vice president at J.Crew who had been on set high up in the Hollywood Hills that day. The crew had secured a permit to shoot, and the reprimand was merely a miscommunication, but by chance a fireman in all his gear and a low-flying helicopter made it into a few of the shots. "You can’t get more L.A than that!" Price said.

The New York-based company known for its studio-set catalogs full of elegantly disheveled models and quirky tomboy styling, sought out the sunny backdrop of L.A to showcase its spring 2011 collection. To channel the era of Old Hollywood, actor Sam Page, from "Mad Men," was chosen to model the men’s collection, and locations such as the Chateau Marmont; the Downtown Palace Theatre; the Stahl House, by architect Pierre Koenig; the Paramount Studios back lot; and tree-lined North Hillcrest Road served as backdrops.

“We were inspired by the idea of Old Hollywood glamour and tying that into American classics, and we’ve been looking at L.A more for a point of view on glamour,” said Jenna Lyons, president and executive creative director of J. Crew. “We’re making things look a little more polished, things like the hair, makeup and styling. It’s definitely an over-arching theme for styling.”

Crew Cuts, J.Crew’s kids' collection was shot on the Paramount lot to utilize the whimsical sets and outrageous props. “There are those funny extremes you can have nowhere else but in L.A.,” Lyons said.

But the crew said perhaps the most Hollywood of all the locations was the Chateau Marmont. “Within an hour at the Chateau Marmont, we saw three celebrities,” Price said. “That felt very glamorous and very L.A."

The J. Crew Spring 2011 catalog will be out the end of January.

I love destination catalogs! I also really like the outfit featured in the above image. Simple and yet beautiful. I can't wait to see what other "old Hollywood glamour" styles will be shown. :)

What are your thoughts on the upcoming catalog from J.Crew? Do you like that it is set in Los Angeles?

J.Crew Email: ALERT: Brand-new sale additions, in stores and online

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, who shared the following email J.Crew sent this morning.

The email announces that new styles have been added to the Final Sale (click here to shop online).

I must have checked too late this morning because I could not see too many new styles. In fact, the sale section is looking pretty empty for me (500+ items). Hopefully some of you got to see some great items at some great prices! :)

Did you check out the Final Sale section? Did you get any items? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Spotted in People's Style Watch {wake up your wardrobe!}

"Thanks!" to Kate (check out her lovely Moodboard blog), who not only let us know about a few J.Crew items being spotted in the latest issue of People's Style Watch, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the image to see it larger.)

J.Crew's Jenna Lyons and Marissa Web share their advice on the 5 tricks that will wake up your wardrobe. Of course, J.Crew items are scattered throughout the page. The advice includes:

• Try classics with a twist. "Balance effortlessness with polish. I like an embellished sweater– it can have an easy feel and still be special. Wear it with jeans or evening shorts!" —Jenna
• Dress up laid back pieces. "Make your clothes work double-duty. Take a fun, warm weather romper and pair it with a glam necklace and tights." —Jenna
• Take a break from basic black. "A pop of color or even chic gray or camel can switch up your look. Slip on a light lace jacket– it works now or later!" —Marissa
• Work casual jewelry. "Jewelry is the easiest thing to help you break out of a rut. Pile on colorful, earthy bracelets. They add personality to what ever you're wearing!" —Marissa
• Go for bold heels. "Try a statement shoe with a medium heel– the details are what makes it sexy! We love high heels, but it's important to choose styles you can run around in." —Jenna

The advice is solid for the most part (still not convinced the romper is a wise fashion choice) and it is a fun read. What I find super interesting is that J.Crew is pushing for both Ms. Lyons and Ms. Webb in the press.

What are your thoughts on the wardrobe tricks? Do you like the advice shared? Do you enjoy seeing Ms. Lyons and Ms. Webb together? :)

"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Ibi who suggested weekly 'Looking to LOVE' and 'Looking to HATE' posts where we could all "deposit" our best & worst current experiences. I think it is a brilliant idea and will try it out for a few weeks. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

This is the weekly "Looking to VENT with J.Crew" post, a place to share our not-so-stellar experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a frustrating situation with J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including poor experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Amy who suggested a weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post about current experiences with other non-J.Crew retailers. I think it is a brilliant idea and will try it out for a few weeks. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent" posts), where we can share our finds from other retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew (like LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and the like.)

If you have recently encountered items that are similar to J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including experiences with certain merchandise pieces, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

J.Crew's Going Going Gown Event

"Thanks!" to Em (in this post) who let us know about J.Crew's latest promotion.

J.Crew is running an amazing Bridal Gown sale both online (click here to shop online) and in stores. They are offering gowns up to 60% off!!! The only thing is that all sales are final. This sale ends Thursday, January 20th.

If you are considering J.Crew for your wedding, this might be the time to buy. Especially if you can try on some of the items in person at a store before buying.

Will you check out J.Crew's bridal selection? Are you interested in any items? If so, please share! :)

Shopping over at Gigi's

I just want to quickly point out that there are two posts over at GigiOfCa's blog Gigi's Gone Shopping that discuss important topics. They are yesterday's "Let's Talk - overshopping" post and today's "Let's Talk - shopping bans" post. They are definitely worth checking out. :)

J.Crew's Spring 2011 Look Book Hits Mailboxes

"Thanks!" to Desert Flower (in this post) who let us know that she got J.Crew's Spring Look Book in the mail. She also shares that "it's women's wear on one side and you flip it over to view men's". A very cool concept. Slastena also confirmed that she got the latest Look Book and even shared a few images over at her blog (check out her "Spring 2011 Look Book.." post).

So keep an eye out for the Look Book in your mailbox! {yey!}

Incidentally, if you are interested in seeing the images for Women, they were posted back in November's "J.Crew's Spring 2011 Look Book is Here!" post. For your convenience, they are posted again below.

J.Crew Close To Settling Lawsuit

J.Crew's deal to go private is almost complete, as they will be addressing the shareholder lawsuit. The following is an article from Bloomberg (click here to read in its entirety):

J.Crew Said to Be Near Settlement of Lawsuit Tied to $3 Bilion Takeover
By Jason Kelly, Jeffrey McCracken and Matt Townsend
January 17, 2011

J.Crew Group Inc. is close to settling a shareholder lawsuit over its proposed $3 billion takeover by private-equity firms TPG Capital and Leonard Green & Partners LP, said two people with knowledge of the matter.

As part of the settlement, J.Crew would extend the period to solicit competing offers until Feb. 15 and add provisions that make it easier to accept a rival bid, said the people, who declined to be identified because the information isn’t public. An agreement, which would also include a $10 million payment to plaintiffs, may be announced as soon as today, the people said.

J.Crew didn’t get any competing bids to top TPG and Leonard Green’s bid for the retailer by the original Jan. 15 deadline, people familiar with the matter said on Jan. 16. Sears Holdings Inc. and Urban Outfitters Inc. had been studying possible offers, people said earlier this month. Most go-shop periods don’t result in rival bids.

TPG and Leonard Green, which are offering $43.50 a share for J. Crew, would waive their right to match any competing bid at or above $45.50 a share as part of the settlement, the people said. Shareholders have filed complaints questioning whether Chief Executive Officer Millard Drexler, who began negotiating with the buyout firms months before the deal became public, obtained a fair price from TPG and Los Angeles-based Leonard Green.

Margot Fooshee, a spokeswoman for J. Crew, declined to comment.

Breakup Fee. ...As part of the settlement, TPG and Leonard Green would also accept a smaller $20 million payment if J. Crew accepts a competing offer, the person said. The original $27 million fee, equal to about 1 percent of the purchase price, was already lower than the typical breakup fee.

TPG, based in Fort Worth, Texas, previously owned J. Crew, and hired Drexler in 2003 to run the company. He has said he will stay as CEO if the buyout offer succeeds.

The transaction needs approval from a majority of shares outstanding. As part of the lawsuit settlement, J.Crew would exclude Drexler’s shares from the count, the people familiar with the matter said. Drexler would also be bound to a two-year non-compete agreement if he rejects a deal that is equal to or better than the TPG-Leonard Green offer, the people said. ...

Wow! So it looks like J.Crew, along with TPG & Leondard Green, will be moving forward quite nicely.

What are your thoughts on this latest news? Do you think there will be anymore hiccups now that J.Crew is on the path to privatization? Do you think going private is still the right move for J.Crew?