Madewell Email: Shop well: extra 25% off sale items (+ free shipping)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including IRL, who shared the following offer from Madewell this morning.

They are offering 25% off (on sale items) and free shipping (on $100+) with promo code WHYNOT. This offer ends Sunday, April 3, 2011. The fine print includes:

*Offer valid in Madewell stores and at madewell.com only. Offer does not apply to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards.25% off discount applies to sale items only. Free shipping offer applies to orders shipped via ground shipping totaling $100+after 25% discount and before shipping, handling and taxes are added. Offer valid through Sunday, 4/3/11, 11:59pm ET.Savings are applied at checkout with code WHYNOT. Offer not valid on phone orders.Cannot be combined with any other promotion.

What another great promotion!

Will you be checking out Madewell? Are there any items you are interested in getting? If so, please share. :)

J.Crew's Latest the Thread Edition

"Thanks!" to many of you, including StaciStaci, as well as MillJCrew (in this post), who let us know that the latest issue of the Thread is being sent to customers. A big "thanks!" to StaciStaci, who shared these scans with us. (Just click on the image to view larger.)

The following is mentioned in the newsletter:

Marissa Webb— our Women's design mastermind— indulged her inner movie buff to build her vision for Fall. The result is a collision of two opposing but equally alluring sensibilities: the ladylike structure, pulled back styling and saturated colors embodied by the film Bonnie and Clyde {1967} and the fluid romanticism and the ethereal whimsy imagined in The Great Gatsby {1974}. Most notable? An exciting shift toward bold color— spicy bright oranges and reds with grey, camel and emerald greens sprinkled throughout— skirts that get longer and waists that get higher and flared '50s silhouettes in trenches, skirts and dresses.

I have not been super-excited about an upcoming collection from J.Crew in awhile. Until now. :) I am just thrilled with what I have been seeing so far from the Fall 2011 line. They finally went back to what they do best: classics with a twist. Welcome home J.Crew, welcome home.

Did you get a copy of the Thread? What are your thoughts on the issue? Are you excited about J.Crew's upcoming Fall Collection?

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) 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

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 Fall 2011 Lookbook {part II}

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including Faith & Marietta, as well as Fidele (in this post), who shared the following links.

Yesterday, we got some glimpses of the Fall 2011 line in the "J.Crew's Shooting the Fall '11 Lookbook" post. Well, the images are now out! The following are some links:

• Examiner: "J. Crew Mens Fall 2011 Collection"
• FabSugar: "First Look! J.Crew's Great Gatsby-Inspired Fall 2011 Collection"
• FashionEtc: "J.Crew’s Fall 2011 Preview: Two Great Dames"
  
• Fashionista: "J.Crew Women’s Fall 2011: Glamorous Prep"
• Fashionista: "J.Crew Men’s Fall 2011: Masculine, But Also Sophisticated"
  
• Hypebeast: "J.Crew 2011 Fall Presentation"
• NY Mag's The Cut: "First Look: J.Crew’s Neon Fall Collection"
• Pursuit Aesthetic: "J.Crew Fall 2011 Collection"
• Racked: "Sneak Peek: Here's What's Coming to J. Crew Stores This August"
• Refinery29: "J.Crew's Fall Collection Is Full Of Color Inspiration"
• Selectism: "J.Crew Men’s Fall 2011 Presentation"
• Style.com: "J.Crew Fall 2011 Menswear Collection"
• Style.com: "J.Crew Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear Collection"
  
• Stylecaster: "J.Crew Fall 2011: Color Blocking and Ali MacGraw"
  
• Vogue.com: "Daisy and Bonnie: J.Crew’s Fall Muses"

Trench coats, maxi skirts, trouser legs, capes! And the colors! I am in l.o.v.e. Hats off to you J.Crew! Although, don't think I didn't notice some questionable-crotch-fitting pants (here & here). ;)

What are your thoughts on the upcoming Fall items? Are you excited for what's to come? Do you dislike or like any of them? Which items were you hoping to see? :)

---

Dear J.Crew,

Could not help but notice most of the sites mentioned above were directly furnished with the images by you. I would love to be on that marketing & press list. Perhaps my previous attempts through direct requests were not received. I know J.Crew Corporate reads this blog multiple times on a daily basis (hi guys!), so I thought I might try asking (okay, begging) through this post. In case you don't have my email, it is: jcrewaficionada at yahoo dot com. Feel free to reach out to me anytime.

Love you always,
Alexis! :)

---

Ends Tomorrow! 30% Off & Free Shipping

Tomorrow is the last day J.Crew is offering customers 30% off all final sale items (no min) and free shipping on $150+ with promo code LOVEIT.

The Final Sale section (click here to shop online) has had some sporadic & minimal updates during the sale. There have been some new items gone to sale too. I hope some of you have been able to buy some great items at great prices.

Also, many JCAs have mentioned their local brick & mortar stores are offering an additional percent off final sale (anywhere from 20-30%, while other stores offer none).

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

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

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.

A Surprise Inside J.Crew's April Catalog...

"Thanks!" to Emily & Po, who shared the following news.

The latest April J.Crew catalog sent to customers may have a unique promotional code (for something like 20% off on any order, free shipping with no minimum, or $20 off a certain amount). The offer expires either April 10th or 17th (depending on which one you get).

Emily also shared some specifics on the code she received:

...there was a 20% off coupon with NO limitations!! It's in store and online, 20% off TOTAL purchase (sale items included)!!...

Usually the codes are for one location (online or in-stores). To see the code be good for both online and in-store purchases is fantastic.


Po also shared an image (shown above) of what she found in her catalog, as well as some specifics on her card:

...the offer is only valid on regular price & in-store items. The good news is no minimum spending required...

This card kind of reminds me of the Mickey Green card (in terms of applicability and use). Although this one has no spending minimum, which is nice.

So double-check your catalog to see if you got a unique promo code too! :)

J.Crew's Shooting the Fall '11 Lookbook

J.Crew is currently working on their Fall 2011 Lookbook. They are sharing some behind-the-scenes looks with us. For pictures click HERE. For video, click here (or watch the video below).

I can't believe Fall styles are in the works! (I know that is how the fashion world works. While we are thinking about Spring and Summer, they are onto Fall and Winter. But I am just starting to adjust to Spring!)


It looks like they are updating the photos every so often. From the limited views of merchandise, could it be that J.Crew is over their crazy layering phase? I hope so! :) And so far, me likey!

Mini Update: For more pictures (with higher resolution), check out the "J.Crew Fall 2011 Collection" post over at the Pursuit Aesthetic blog. There are great shots of both the Men's and Women's line.

J.Crew's (Un)Official Blog {will they like us?}

As mentioned in Friday's "J.Crew's (Un)Official Blog Is Here" post, J.Crew's blog is now up and running (click HERE to check it out). They have been doing a good job posting regularly, and the "Who Wears What" features are fantastic.

In the JCA post's comments, I mentioned that I emailed the blog admin about including this little ol' blog in their Cool Clicks section. Some of you wondered about the outcome. Well, I recently heard back in an email that thanked me for reaching out and that they will share my email with their team as they move forward adding content. The email was polite and professional in its tone.

I appreciated the nice & quick response. Although I kind of got the feeling the JCA wouldn't make it on the list anytime soon. ;) Honestly, I don't think this blog will ever be listed. Oh well, at least I tried. :) In the spirit of good blog will, I look forward to reading the 770 blog and hope that one day the JCA blog will be included.

I also thought we could have a little fun with this. Time to place your bets...

Do you think the JCA blog link will appear on J.Crew's 770 blog?


P.S. Please, do not feel bad about voting "Never!" In fact, that is what I picked when I voted. ;)

Madewell Email: The first sign of spring (+ free shipping)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, who shared the following email from Madewell today.

Madewell is reminding us that Spring is here with white shorts and three-quarter sleeve tees. Oh how I want to believe Spring is here! But where I am living, it still feels like Winter. I can't wait to pull out my striped boatneck tees from the closet!

Madewell is also reminding us of their offer for free shipping on orders of $100 with promo code GOFORIT. This offer is for a limited (yet unknown) time.

Will you be checking out the latest Spring collection from Madewell? Are there any items you are interested in getting? 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! :)

J. Crew's Drexler Inks New Deal

Another "thanks!" to Jessica who kindly shared the following article from WWD with us (click here to read in its entirety):

J. Crew's CEO Inks New Deal
By Arnold J. Karr
March 24, 2011

Millard “Mickey” Drexler, chairman and chief executive officer of J.Crew Group Inc., has a new contract that will keep him on the job until after his 70th birthday.

As part of the acquisition of J.Crew by TPG Capital and Leonard Green & Partners that closed on March 7, Drexler, 66, signed a new employment agreement that runs through the fourth anniversary of the acquisition in 2015. After that date, it is automatically renewed for one-year extensions without limit unless Drexler or the company provides notice of nonrenewal at least three months before its anniversary.

Drexler, who retains an equity interest in the firm he joined as ceo in 2003, will continue to receive a base salary of $200,000 and will remain eligible for a cash bonus with a target amount of $1.2 million, as well as time- and performance-based equity awards.

Details were disclosed in J.Crew’s annual report, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this week. There were no modifications in the contracts of Jenna Lyons, president and executive creative director, or James Scully, chief administrative officer and chief financial officer, both of whom continue to work on the basis of automatic one-year extensions unless notice of nonrenewal is furnished at least four months prior to their anniversary dates. Their base salaries are $675,000 and $600,000, respectively, although their 2010 salaries were $885,000 and $661,000.

Excluding a cash bonus still to be calculated, Drexler last year earned $4.9 million. His $5.8 million in 2009 total earnings included a discretionary cash bonus of $2 million granted “in recognition of both individual and company performance.”

For 2010, the J.Crew ceo is eligible for cash bonuses ranging from $267,000 to up to $2 million if the company achieved earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization — EBITDA — of at least $280.3 million. Its income from operations — equivalent to earnings before interest and taxes, or EBIT — was $214 million last year. J. Crew expects to disclose Drexler’s bonus no later than April 15.

Also, big "thanks!" to Heidi who shared another article relating to the salaries & buyout over at the Daily Front Row (click here to read in its entirety).

Well, things look pretty good for Mickey. It's pretty darn good to be Jenna Lyons too! :)

What are your thoughts on this latest news? Do you think Mickey Drexler is over-paid or worth-every-penny?

LOVEIT! Take 30% Off & Free Shipping on J.Crew's Final Sale

"Thanks!" to many of you, including J.CrewJD & Naomi (in this post), GigiOfCA (in this post), as well as Ketan, who shared the following update from J.Crew this morning.

J.Crew is offering customers 30% off all final sale items (no min) and free shipping on $150+ with promo code LOVEIT. This offer expires Thursday, March 31, 2011.

The Final Sale section (click here to shop online) also had a pretty good update yesterday morning. Hopefully some of you JCAs are able to get some fabulous finds!

It's also nice to see that after last week's "Final Sale Back at Stores {plus 30% off}" post, online is now offering the additional percent off. Yey! :)

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).

---

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.

---

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

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

J.Crew's (Un)Official Blog Is Here

"Thanks!" to Drewablank (in her "J.Crew's Official Blog" post) who let us know that J.Crew's blog is up and running (click HERE to check it out).

According to the about, the blog is "a glimpse behind the design: inspiration, style & musings here at 770 (aka the home base for J.Crew)."

This news was mentioned in the "J.Crew To Launch Its Own Blog {welcome aboard!}" post back in February. I wonder why there wasn't a bit more promotion about the site going live.

My initial thoughts:

• Overall, it's nice. Especially the "Who's Wearing What" feature. It's always fun seeing how J.Crew pieces are being styled.
  
• I like the "Cool Clicks" side bar, and hope they will consider adding the JCA blog's link.
• I am curious about the title: "the (un)official J.Crew blog". It initially made me wonder whether they were run by J.Crew. (The only way I could verify it, was the email had a J.Crew extension: lauren.festine@jcrew.com.) I like to think it is because the JCA blog is the blog for J.Crew. But I know better, I know that is not {sadly} true.
  

What are your thoughts on this latest move from J.Crew? Do you think a J.Crew blog will help J.Crew understand its customers better? Will you check it out?

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

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

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

Made In Italy: About a Print

"Thanks!" to many of you, who let us know about the following updated feature from J.Crew.

During yesterday's new arrivals, J.Crew also included Part 3 of their "Made-in-Italy" feature, with a neat little video titled "About a Print":

The Backstory
That 22-color paisley screened by hand. That gold-threaded jacquard woven on special looms. That intricate floral dating back 90 years. For the final leg of our Italian research trip, we visited the esteemed Ratti and Canepa mills in Como to see how the creation of a print is truly a time-honored tradition. These mills are legendary for their archives— ranging back to the 1940s and 1950s, even to the 19th century— and they're our design team's destinations for inspiration for many of our collections. Douglas Keeve (an award-winning director) joined the team to document the process and the people and places behind it.

You can watch the video at the end of this post. You can also click the link HERE.

Once again, I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look. First, that dog is the opening scene is too cute! Second, I enjoyed the introduction to Somsack Sikhounmuong, another designer at J.Crew. Hopefully we will get to see more of him.

As for the prints... J.Crew's prints over the years have been so beautiful! (Like the Veruschka, San Remo, Trastevere Paisley, and Milo prints to name a few.) It is really interesting to see them at their source in Italy.

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

Love It or Leave It: Pleated Leather Trouser {goes with your leather tee!}

Pleated Leather Trouser
Click here for product page
Item 32681
Regular: $350.00

J.Crew's new arrivals included this piece, which is described as:

The ease of a classic cuffed trouser reimagined in the most exquisitely supple, wafer-fine Italian leather. The effect? An addictive and wearable iteration of a classic you'll wear for years to come. (Did we mention we're obsessed?) Belt loops. Zip fly. Front pleats. Slant pockets, back welt pockets. 1 1/4" cuffs. Part of J.Crew Collection. Import. Dry clean. Available in select stores.

Much like the Leather Tee (refer to the "Questionable Item of the Week: Leather Tee {you read it right!}" post), I don't get these pants– a cuffed pleated leather trouser?

They just don't seem like J.Crew, let alone wearable. (Where does one wear these pants to? What would be paired with it?) Trouser + J.Crew = you know it! Leather pleated trouser + J.Crew = say what now?

What are your thoughts on the Pleated Leather Trouser ? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Do you plan on getting these pants? If so, please share with us your review. :)

Darlings, is it time for a coupon code?

Yes, it is that wonderful time!

A big "thanks!" to Anya, xoxo & Natalie, who shared that J.Crew is offering free shipping for their Canadian customers on orders of $150+ with promo code CANADA. This offer expires Sunday, March 27, 2011.

Another "thanks!" to Pathos (in this post), who shared that J.Crew is offering free shipping for on orders of $150+ with promo code SHIP150. This offer also expires Sunday, March 27, 2011.

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 Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Brandon + Allie & Fabulous Florida Mommy (in this post), as well as Ketan, 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 Crewcuts (click here) has been updated. Although the J.Crew Collection (click here) appears to be the same from the last update.

The latest April catalog (click here to view) is now available to view. The Men's only catalog is available too.

It is so nice to see the models smile in their brightly colored swimsuits. Spring is just around the corner! (As I write this, there is snow outside my window. How I desperately want Spring to come!) :)

As for the new arrivals... I am loving the Perfect Shirt in Schoolboy Madras (Item 37207; $89.50) and the Gingham Vintage Schoolboy Shirt (Item 36372; $68.00). These classic staples will round out any wardrobe.

I honestly do not understand the Cloudburst Tee (Item 40567; $295.00). It looks like a Van Gogh painting gone wrong. Once again, I am baffled by how I would wear this {expensive} piece.

I also think the "Saturday with Jenna" feature is a nice twist on her usual picks from the catalog. Her son is pretty darn adorable too!
What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you expecting a bigger roll-out today? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)

Madewell Email: Spring shoe hunt: 20% off select shoes, online and in stores (+ free shipping)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including IRL & Ketan, who shared the following email from Madewell today.

Madewell is offering 20% off select shoes (click here to shop online). This offer is automatically applied and runs through Sunday, March 27, 2011.

Madewell is also reminding us of their offer for free shipping on orders of $100 with promo code GOFORIT. This offer is for a limited (yet unknown) time.

Will you be checking out the shoes & boots at Madewell? Are there any items you are interested in getting? If so, please share. :)

J.Crew Spotted in Marie Claire

A big "thanks!" to J.CrewJD, who not only let us know about a few J.Crew items being spotted in the April 2011 issue of Marie Claire, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the image to see it larger.)

The page on the left features the Roulette Clutch (Item 38127; $325.00). I am surprised to see this new arrival already sold out! For real life images and review, check out:

• AudreyBella's "I Just Had To..." post
• xoxo's "J.Crew Roulette Clutch Review" post
  

The page on the right features the Brimfield Tote (Item 37455; $165.00) as well as a pair of high-waisted suiting shorts ($98).

What are your thoughts on the pieces from J.Crew? Do you like the way they are styled?

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) 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

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.

Prepare Your Closets! Madewell South Coast Plaza Store Opens Soon

"Thanks!" to Alice who shared the following exciting news: Madewell's South Coast Plaza Store in Costa Mesa is opening Tuesday, March 29th! She also shares that customers in the area are being sent postcards with an offer of 15% off the first purchase (good through April 12th).

There's more good news! FOAM Mag and Madewell are teaming up to celebrate the opening. Customers can enjoy complimentary snacks and cocktails, in addition to 15% off all jeans. This event is on Thursday, March 31st, from 7 to 9 PM. If you plan on attending, please RSVP first (Yes.Please@Madewell.com).

The location for this store is:

Madewell South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Congrats to all those in the area! :)

J.Crew Takes a Dip

"Thanks!" to Jessica who kindly shared the following article from WWD with us (click here to read in its entirety):

J. Crew Profit Shrinks 90% in Q4
By Vicki M. Young
March 22, 2011

In what is likely to be its last annual regulatory filing, J.Crew Group on Monday said fourth quarter income fell 90 percent.

The specialty chain, which became private on March 7 upon the completion of its acquisition by affiliates of TPG Capital and Leonard Green & Partners, said income for the three months ended Jan. 29 fell to $4 million, or 6 cents a diluted share, from $40.4 million, or 61 cents, in the same 2009 quarter. Total revenues rose 2.4 percent to $471.5 million from $460.6 million. Same-store sales for the quarter were not reported in the filing.

The annual report, ...gave no details on why profits declined so sharply although company executives had warned last month that the retailer faced significant challenges.

For the year, income fell 1.5 percent to $121.5 million, or $1.84 a diluted share, from $123.4 million, or $1.91, in 2009. Total revenues rose 9.1 percent to $1.72 billion from $1.58 billion. The company said same-store sales rose 4 percent for the year.

The firm said that by operating division, revenue from its stores rose 7.4 percent to $1.19 billion from $1.11 billion, while that from its direct channel gained 14.6 percent to $490.6 million from $428.2 million.

By segment category, the men’s business grew in 2010, while the women’s category declined. Women’s was 62 percent of the business compared with 65 percent in 2009.

Very interesting news! I am honestly shocked that the last quarter's income fell 90%.

In all honesty, I can understand why there is a drop (although not that steep!) My own shopping in the last two months has dropped significantly. During the holiday season, I had been calling my personal shopper practically everyday. Now, not so much. Even the latest Mickey Green Card is not enough to get me to buy like I use to at their stores (and I am trying, but I can't seem to make the $150 minimum!)

My closet is just so full of J.Crew items that it's hard to justify buying another striped tee (although, they are so pretty!) The few pieces I do buy seem to come from eBay (finding those J.Crew items from seasons past that I missed out on). I have even been upping my visits to other stores, like Anthropologie and Banana Republic (they have been running some amazing sales, which always get me!)

But back to the article... I am not at all surprised that the men's collection is doing well. Their line has been consistently offering great classic styles with updated cuts. Bravo Frank! Here is to hoping J.Crew can turn things around for the ladies collection! :)

What are your thoughts on the latest financial news? Can you believe that J.Crew income for their last quarter fell 90%? What do you think J.Crew can do, to turn things around?

"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

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

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.

Final Sale Back at Stores {plus 30% off}

"Thanks!" to Ketan who let us know the following news:

I just went to my local Jcrew and they are having 30% extra on sale. It is final, however.

Chances are, other local brick & mortar stores are carrying this sale too.

The additional 30% off is great! I was hoping it would come back to stores. (It seemed like awhile since the last one, and there are lots of items available in the Sale section of my local stores.) I am hoping that the Green Mickey Card can also be used with this offer.

Mini-Update: It seems like most B&M stores are not offering the additional percent off. :( However, if your local store is, please let us know! :)

Is your local B&M store offering an additional 30% off sale? Is it Final Sale too? If so, please share! :)

Celebrating at Fair Oaks Mall with 20% OFF

"Thanks!" to dinster & Jackie (in this post), as well as Diana, Summerilla, & AnneG, who let us know about another wonderful offer from J.Crew. A super big "thanks!" to Summerilla & AnneG, who shared the email with us.

The J.Crew store in Fairfax, Virginia is having its first anniversary. To celebrate, J.Crew is offering local customers 20% off any purchase of $150+. This offer runs from 3/23/11 through 4/6/11.

AnneG said it best when she shared, "for Ladies who live in the Washington, DC area and maybe didn’t get a Mickey card…" :)

Just click on the image above or here (which will take you to a larger version of the image) and print it out (so the associate can read the email).

The location for the store is:

J.Crew at Fair Oaks Mall
11750 Fair Oaks Mall
Fairfax, VA 22033
(703) 273-0291

Congrats to all those in the area!!! :)

Madewell Email: Tried & true with Alexa Chung (+ free shipping)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Ketan, who shared the following email from Madewell this morning.

The email features Madewell's favorite it-girl and fashion collaborator, Alexa Chung. In a new segment called "Tried & True" (click here to check out), Alexa explains how to wear Madewell's five most iconic pieces.

1. Perfect Chambray Shirt (Item 25240; $68.00)
   Alexa says... "This shirt is incredibly soft and comfy. I like to wear it on days when I can't be bothered to think about what I've got on but still want to look nice."
2. Striped Tribute Tee (Item 38540; $38.00)
   Alexa says... "A striped tee is a wardrobe staple and this pale pink guy is a twist on a classic."
3. Skinny Skinny Jeans (Item 39284; $95.00)
   Alexa says... "Skinny jeans, they're so easy to team with anything. I usually wear an oversized band tee with mine."
4. Denim Midi Shorts (Item 39262; $59.00)
   Alexa says... "Jean shorts are practical but also make an outfit a little more unexpected."
5. Safari Shirt-Jacket (Item 38120; $128.00)
   Alexa says... "Military clothing just looks cool and this take on an army jacket is great for a relaxed tomboyish layer."
   

Similar to other JCAs experiences, I have been noticing Madewell more and more in the past 12 months. They have really stepped up with their collection, in terms of styles and prices. I am a fan!

In particular, I am crushing on the jacket she is wearing with her Iconic Pick #4 of denim shorts. She picked the wrong iconic piece! ;)

Don't forget! They are offering free shipping (on $100+) with promo code GOFORIT.

Will you be checking out Madewell? Are there any items you are interested in getting? If so, please share. :)

J.Crew Email: Love, always...

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

The email reminds customers that wedding season will soon be here. And nothing goes better with "I DO!" than a J.Crew wedding & parties dress. To shop online, click here.

This season's dresses are super fabulous, definitely worth checking out if you are a bride-to-be.

Happy {bridal} shopping! :)

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! :)

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 shared that J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $100+ with promo code WC8BK3 . This offer expires April 8, 2011.

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! :)