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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

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.
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20 comments:

  1. xoxoFebruary 23, 2011 at 12:25 AM

    Brooks Brothers is still running their Winter Clearance but the stock is really picked over at this point. Still worth taking a look given the Brooks Brothers quality and drastic price reductions.

    There are some lovely spring BB skirts that may be of interest to some JCAs as the styles are reminiscent of classic J.Crew but be sure to check the length if you need your skirts to run to the knee as some of these are only 21". In particular the Cotton Sateen, Cotton Geo Printed and Floral printed skirts are my favorites.

    The cotton geo-printed skirt is one I will be trying for sure, I love the airy print and the cotton fabric looks crisp.

    There are some lovely sweaters available this spring as well and sweaters usually go on promo so check them out and I'll definitely report back when the sale takes place.

    Brooks Brothers return policy is one of the best. They allow returns at any time with original tags intact and a store receipt. I've always found the quality to be very good and seldom need to return anything but it is nice to know the option is always available.

    HTH someone. If I can provide any details then please just ask.

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  2. Melissa@AllThingsSimplifiedFebruary 23, 2011 at 5:00 AM

    Subscribing. :)

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  3. kitsmommyFebruary 23, 2011 at 5:46 AM

    $198 for an unlined cotton skirt? Pretty, but crazy price.

    I agree their quality is great overall, but I find that most of the clothing is just too boxy for me.

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  4. SunnyDayFebruary 23, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    Talbots put out new items the other day and there are quite a few things I'm lusting after including several full skirts in great spring colors. My only complaint is that they are doing a lot of these "ruffled" waistbands on skirts and even on dresses. I don't know why they are adding this, it's not particularly flattering (adds bulk right at the smallest part) and it's impossible to belt. That feature will stop me from buying several of the skirts and dresses.

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  5. xoxoFebruary 23, 2011 at 7:49 AM

    kitsmommy, Anthropologie had a similarly-styled skirt several years ago for ~$178. I was still in college so didn't feel I could afford the splurge and I still regret not getting it. I'm not sure the print on the BB version is for me though, I'll have to see it in person.

    I do agree that the fit can be boxy but I often have to get clothes tailored so it's not a dealbreaker for me.

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  6. mommydearestFebruary 23, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    Just got an email from LEC about their second spring rollout. Some cute things, including a madras mini

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  7. (original) GennyFebruary 23, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    I saw some really pretty jackets at Talbots last Saturday. I have a coupon for 40% off one item on 3/2 so excited to go and see which one I want the most:)

    The price points are really reasonable on most of their spring jackets. I like the retro vibe on a couple and vintage look of another.

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  8. SE MomFebruary 23, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    Genny, how did you acquire the Talbots 40% off one item coupon?

    I ordered some new Talbots items I really like including the portrait collar top. It is a nice dress up or down piece that is slightly longer with 3/4 length sleeves. I can layer a tank or tissue tee underneath. Fits perfectly in a petite size.

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  9. jcrewloveFebruary 23, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    sub!

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  10. Closet CrisisFebruary 23, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Got an email from Gap Canada for their "We Love Wednesday" promo running today. Use code LOVEWED40 at check out, get 40% off one item, and free ship for $50 min. is ongoing. Offer is also valid in store if you bring the email.

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  11. jcrewphdFebruary 23, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    sub

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  12. (original) GennyFebruary 23, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    You had to make an in store purchase during a specified time period. It is listed on the Talbots Facebook page I believe. Online purchases did not qualify. That I know for sure.

    Your top sounds lovely!

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  13. audballFebruary 23, 2011 at 1:38 PM

    I just received my Lands End Canvas Plaid Wool Skirts and they are very cute -- and at $19.99 a great deal. Right now only the pewter heather plaid is available, but the black watch and eggplant plaid may pop up in a bit (I had to order two sizes because I'm between sizes in so many skirts -- I'm sure I'm not the only one who does this!). The skirts are lined,nice thick wool, come in great colors, and don't seem too short (although I'm only 5'2"). I agree with reviewers on the site, the buckles do make it a pain if you are in a hurry to get dressed. Wore it with footless black tights and black oxfords and felt really pulled together.

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  14. mommydearestFebruary 23, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    $20 off Talbots full-price pants. No offer code. Got a new catalog from them today but haven't had a chance to look through it yet

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  15. tamara.chicagoFebruary 24, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    I'm glad this will be a regular topic, because I find lots of things that are very J Crew-like for less.

    I can't believe that I'm recommending Apple Bottoms, but I found this shoe during the weekend and it's like a dressier (or sluttier) version of J Crew's Collins. It's only $45. I would swap out the obnoxious glitter apple buckles for something more tasteful.

    Apple Bottom Thandie

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  16. gumdropsFebruary 24, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    Banana Republic Canada has 25% off full price merch, 5 pm - 12 pm online (local time) with promo code BRAFTER5. Tonight only - Thursday 24 Feb.

    Yeah, kind of a small window/small discount thing but I might still bite. Their camis and tanks are my go-tos.

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  17. Soigne1908February 24, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    Last week, I did get the Talbots Champs-Elysees skirt, in the denim-esque linen. It looks good, and I also have to give TLB credit for a reconstruction of the plus section of their Web site. They show in-between sized women (maybe 12-16) on there. Better for folks like me.

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  18. tamara.chicagoFebruary 24, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Here's another J Crew-ish show from the UK web site Dune, again the bling-y buckle is a problem:

    Melly in grey

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  19. shopwithmFebruary 28, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    I posted a bunch of reviews/pics of Talbots spring items on my blog -- so many pretty things!
    Post

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  20. susanzkMarch 2, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    Does anyone have any feedback about how Madewell's coats/jackets fit, especially the leather ones? The closest Madewell is 2+ hours from my house so I am not able to make it to a store to try one on. I called about measurements for a couple jackets and they seem to run small? I am a size 4 in most J. Crew outerwear. Let me know if you have any thoughts!
    Thank You!

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)