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.
I love classic style, so I'm naturally drawn to J.Crew's more traditional-type items (not sequin harem pants, for example).
ReplyDeleteSo if anyone's like me and like J.Crew's classic stuff, BR and Ann Taylor are a given, as you mentioned above. If you haven't checked out Talbot's recently I'd recommend it. There stuff is getting cuter by the day, as they're trying to appeal to a younger crowd.
Vineyard Vines has great preppy stuff, and has shorts similar to those of J.Crew (but if you're petite like me, Vineyard Vines' shorts fit better!). LOFT has similar ruffly and embellished tops.
*ThatShortBlondeGirl.blogspot.com*
Recently Club Monaco has been doing really well!
ReplyDeleteOther *J.Crew-like* alternatives in my weekly "You Look Very Familiar...Have I Seen You Some Place Before" post here.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have a giveaway on my blog right now for a Shopbop $100 Gift Card. (Shopbop carries some of the Madewell line as well as other retailers/designers.) You can enter the giveaway here. :)
ReplyDeleteOne more thing and then I'll stop hogging this post...the Gap Give and Get Program starts tomorrow. You can save 30% off your purchases at Gap, Gap Outlet, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and the Banana Republic Factory store with a coupon. I have a printable coupon on my blog, and also have 45 email invitations I can send out that have a one-time use code for an online purchase. The printable coupon and complete details are here.
ReplyDeleteI got the BR "Slubby stripe roll-up tee" in blue stone and found it to be really cute. Nice wide neck, half-sleeves that roll up with a button tab, and the weight was not too thick, not too thin. I'd recommend with the G&G promo - but the BR sizing has been all over the place for me lately. I took a S and it fit perfectly (I do an XS in the JC vintage bateau stripe tees).
ReplyDeletesub!
ReplyDeleteLoving the Talbots Daisy Lace jacket and have moved a lot of my Crewlade $$ to Talbots.
ReplyDeletesub
ReplyDeleteI'm liking some of the Talbots items but haven't had the time or energy of late to make it into a store to check sizing.
ReplyDeleteHow does it compare to JCrew? I like some of their pencil skirts but hard to tell how they will fit.
Since last Spring, I've been pretty steadily ordering clothes and accessories from LandsEnd canvas, and have been quite pleased with the style, fit, quality and bargains. Even my stylish 15-year old recently complimented me on a Canvas outfit.
ReplyDeleteI recently popped back to check out LLBean Signature, but I haven't ordered anything from there since the roll-out last Spring. I returned most of my initial order, and never really "loved" what I kept.
I keep hopefully checking back, but find that most of the items look matronly on the 20-something models -- I can't imagine they'd look better on 40-something me. And some of the prices seem absurdly high.
Has anyone had any luck with LLBean Signature items? I feel like I shouldn't even bother checking their site anymore.
Seconding siver linings love of the slubby stripe tee. The only reason I leaft it at the store yesterday is the promotion tomorrow. It is sitting in my shopping cart already. The fit is great and it appears to be very high quality pima cotton.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone who loved the Blythe blouse, but found it to be a little too boxy or too short (as I did), Ann Taylor has a washed silk camp shirt that is great.
For petites looking for a better fitting alternative to JC's Blythe silk blouse, I recommend Ann Taylor's washed silk camp shirt Style #257013. I took a Petite 2 in this and it fit perfectly.
ReplyDeleteIn JC Blythe size 0, the torso was a wee bit short, shoulders a tad narros but sleeves were way too long.
Also, I ordered the printed Lands End Canvas skirt that is on their site right now (yellow and white floral) and was very disappointed. It is completely sheer, very poofy and is much shorter on me than on the model (and I am only 5'4").
ReplyDeleteI know a couple of aficionadas have mentioned liking on my Polyvores, but I personally wouldn't recommend it.
On the other hand, I bought some $9.99 bikini separates from last year that are great. Very well made and much more TTS than J Crew swim.
To follow up on the Talbot's comments - I have been shocked how much I am likely a lot (not all, some things are still matronly, and that is fine) of Talbot's stuff recently. I think they have done a fantastic job providing clothing that would appeal to a new demographic of young professional women as well as their traditional demographic of 40-60 year old women. Originally I thought "well, I must be getting old, now I like Talbot's" but all the other comments on this blog and from my (relatively cool and hip early 30s) friends reinforce that their stuff just has gotten good, and is providing what J.Crew did in the mystical 2005-2007 seasons.
ReplyDelete(and no, I have never worked for Talbots, I work for a university :) )
Someone asked about sizing - I have found that I usually take one size smaller in Talbots vs J.Crew. Thus, I am usually a medium in J.Crew tees and sweaters and I am usually a small in Talbots. Same with pants - 8 or 10 in J.Crew (depending on cut) 6 or 8 (usually 8) in Talbots. And quality is good.
Ok, shutting up now :)
kitsmommy, haha, you & I must've been posting at exact same time re:Blythe! Agree w/you.
ReplyDeleteOops, I meant "narrow" at shoulders, not narros.
Connor, LOL. You posted the exact same comment as I did at the same time. Thanks for posting the style number that I was too lazy to go find. I plan on getting this in both navy and cafe.
ReplyDeleteI usually take one size smaller in jackets shirts and camis at Talbots. I haven't had consistant luck with their skirts fitting. Most are just too boxy.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I did purchase a pair of jean crops and boyfriend jeans that I love. They look current, have the perfect rise for me and actually fit my curves which J Crew rarely does in jeans.
I also tried the LEC skirt that kitsmommy did (although the navy/white dot one) and also found it to be too puffy and too short. I'm a little under 5'5" and am learning that most of the time, 19" is not going to be a great skirt length for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for mentioning the AT silk blouse as well! I was curious about it after also finding the Blythe to be kind of a disaster on me.
Any other Canadian JCAs out there? I went to a Talbots for the first time a few weeks ago thanks to this blog and was so uncomfortable. The sales people were all ladies in their 50s and
ReplyDelete60s and they asked me if I was shopping for my mom. When I said no they were so surprised. Is it the same in the states?
Also: 30% off at BR, Old Navy and the Gap through March 20th
I too have been impressed by Talbots. Then last weekend I went in and saw the new rollout was really ugly.
ReplyDeleteI hear you all about the "older" market that Talbots caters too.....the very matronly lawyer we have on staff is dressed head to toe Talbots daily. I'm worried we might wear the same thing to work one day :(
Thanks for the link, FFM! I was coming over here to ask for a Give & Get since Gap doesn't seem to like me any more
ReplyDeleteThere is a coupon out there for $50 worth of merch for $25 at the Gap. I used it a couple days ago to get a pair of their yoga pants which I LOVE and which come in tall sizes. Here is the link. It sends you a text and you show the code at checkout. And you just reply to the text with "STOP" to stop them from sending you any further messages, if you're worried about that. It ends today...
ReplyDeleteteeny84: I totally hear you about Talbots! I really like some of the pieces I see online and in the catalogs.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the few times I have stepped into one of my local Talbots stores, I feel completely out of place. It doesn't look like the catalog or online at all (which look fresh and updated). As a result, I quickly leave without buying anything.
I think Talbots is running into a problem of trying to lure in a new audience (like us J.Crew fans) while not trying to alienate their core customer.
teeny84, I hate going into the Talbots B&Ms. Their stuff looks cute online but shopping there in person is icky. I feel like I totally don't belong!
ReplyDeleteAgree with Joy C.! Club Monaco continues to impress me. I've shopped there on and off over the last few years and ALWAYS think to myself how many of their styles remind me of JC. I think I get into a JC fog and forget other local retailers carry similar, really good quality clothing.
ReplyDeleteI popped into CM yesterday and tried on several things I may go back for. I left with an unstructured silk floral dress that is sheer, but they've cleverly built in a slip underneath (attached inside the shoulders) so I don't need to think about what to wear under it. It'll be great over leggins through the spring and then on its own with boots for a slouchy boho look.
They've got great cropped pants for Spring (the Ursula), and loads of pretty pretty chiffon-y and silk pieces, and a terrific safari-inspired shirt dress and a fab utility type jacket.
They will definitely be getting more of my $$$ this season.
Talbots clearance sale online has double faced wool skirt for $35, in lots of sizes and colors, including petites.
ReplyDeleteJust picked up a metallic tank, merino pants and a pasiley t-shirt. Comes to less than $35 with tax and shipping.
Final sale nonetheless, but still beats J.Crew's prices.
J Crew JD - I texted them a few minutes ago and they seem to have run out! If anyone has a code they're not going to use, I'd gladly take it off their hands :)
ReplyDeleteI just took a chance on a pair of black slingback for 15.99 and charming cardi for 7.24!
ReplyDeleteI like that double faced wool shirt and would recommend it. I purchased the red and green and wore the quite a lot. I bought an 8P and they fit like my JC double serge perfect pencils from 2009 in a size 6, to give you a size/length reference. The fabric is nice and cuddly and they are warm without being thick or heavy. The construction is impecable.
ReplyDeleteMy Talbot's B&M is sad looking and everyone working there appears to be in their late 40s or older. Also the store displays are beyond boring. I tend make most of my selections from the catalog. I feel it is so much fresher than the store or even the website which I also feel looks dated and boring. Still, I have been very happy with most of the shirts, camis, skirts and jeans I have purchased.
My local Talbots is great. All ages from 20 to 50 working the floor and I get lots of inspiration from their styling ideas in store! I usually pop in once a week now and always find cute things:)
ReplyDeleteI just placed an order at Talbots after seeing shockingly low prices in the Outlet section. It's final sale, but when items are like 90% off I don't care. I ordered the Crepe sheath and the Garden rose cardigan. I am a sucker for an easy dress and a merino cardigan. If they don't work, oh well... I will post on Gigi's exchange! I hate paying shipping but $6 isn't bad. I just told myself that I'd still buy them items if they were each $3 more. This is my first order from Talbots so we'll see how it goes! I chose size small in both items based on the size chart... I normally take a small in J.Crew, too.
ReplyDeletemommydearest: You're welcome! :)
ReplyDeleteEndless.com is holding a Friends and Family event now until the 18th. You can get 25% off orders of $100+ with code MARFFEVT. Restrictions do apply (as always) and you can see them here.
ReplyDeleteThank you, FFM :)
ReplyDeleteFYI, I don't know if Gap & ON do this, but BR will pre-sale for Give & Get. Give them your driver's license and CC info and they hold your stuff and charge you tomorrow. One downside is that they keep all the paperwork on file in their safe, so your CC number is out there.
That H&M striped dress that is similar to JCrew's Maritime is not only $24.95, but is part of the buy-one-get-one-free knit promo. Comes in black & tan, navy & white or yellow & white stripes. Shocker - it definitely longer (as in wearable as a dress) than JCrew's.
Loved the GAP Shrunken Navy Blazer. I'm going to order one tomorrow with the Give and Get promo. I like it just as much as the Nacy Schoolboy and its 1/3 of the cost with the promo tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI bought the Heritage Cardigan from Lands End Canvas in Coral Orange. The color is orange with a touch of hot pink (if that makes any sense). I really like the color. It's very close to the J.Crew cerise and works well with this season's palette.
ReplyDeleteI sized down to an XS. I usually wear S in J.Crew sweaters. Unlike the Jackie, the sleeves are full-length.
It's on sale for $22.99 and Lands End free shipping offers work for LEC items too or you can go into a LE counter in a Sears to order and get free shipping.
Two amazing Gap finds:
ReplyDeleteChambray Tie Neck Blouse Sizes sold out, but more will come since it's newly arrived.
Ombré Plaid Dress
I don't normally stalk Gap items... but WOW! Talk about cute! I would expect either items at J. Crew and at a much higher price. :)
Talbots seems to have gotten the message about out-dated stores. There is a brand new talbots going in at a mall in the Seattle area - the new store is a change in location in the mall, right next to j.crew! I am looking forward to checking it out and am expecting styling more in line with their catalogue. Right now during construction, they have large photos up from recent catalogue covers outside the store. Pretty funny, because you can't miss seeing them when you enter j. Crew. Talbots seems to really be going for their new image.
ReplyDeleteI am so sad, I just got the dreaded e-mail from Talbots for an order I placed yesterday... my first ever order, mind you:
ReplyDelete"The following item(s) listed on your order confirmation is unfortunately no longer available. Although inventory appeared available when you placed your order, final availability on simultaneously placed orders cannot be confirmed until all orders for the day have been processed"
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Of course it was the item I most wanted.
Gap Family - Give Get 30% promo begins today.
ReplyDeleteminzunuami - I saw that Gap tie neck blouse a couple days ago online & it's so freaking cute. Sold out online, but I called my local store. They put one on hold for me, so ladies check your local store. To view try looking at the tall & petite availability.
Like many of you, I am loving Talbots lately. As a size 14/16 girl, I am really pleased to see that they are finally using plus sized models for their women's section. Make it much easier to see how the clothes would look on me!
ReplyDeleteI've also recently become enamored with Zara and all the bright colors they have for spring(which reminded me of Jenna's Picks on the J. Crew home page). It is absolutely killing me that they don't have an online US store because there is a bag that I am lusting after. If anyone out there has a Zara near them that they go to a lot, maybe you'd be willing to help a fellow JCA get her hands on this bag? ;)
wibber@gmail.com
Kristin, maybe you can call a store and do the transaction over the phone and have them mail it? Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteI had mentioned an Ann Taylor Loft jacket that I thought would look nice with J Crew clothes. I bought it and it's really great! I love the color, it's a warm cream, and the fabric is very nice. It runs slightly small. There are only a few sizes online but plenty of sizes in the stores, at least at the two stores I visited in Chicago.
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ReplyDeleteThanks to prior posters for the Lands End Canvas suggestion. I always avoided Lands End because the clothes were not very stylish, but the Canvas line is great. I like this v-neck tee. My only complaint is their sizing, which is first of all way too generous making their L be a 14/16, that should be an XL. I'm a 12-14 and sometimes I find myself buying size M from the merchants who have this kind of sizing, which is ridiculous because I'm a big girl and there's no way I should be wearing an M! I always think to myself "I am not flattered!". :) Eddie Bauer is like that too. But I'll give LEC a try. I want tees that aren't clingy and sheer.
ReplyDeletetamara, ITA about the sizing at Land's End. It is sooo annoying! I should not be ordering an XS but I always have to and it makes me feel for the people who wear a 0 or 2, what are they ordering???
ReplyDeleteBut in general I've liked what I bought from LEC. I did return one pair of pants because they were just unflattering on me but that was just personal taste. The Heritage Poor Boy Turtleneck (they only have large left) is one of my favorite LEC items, and I was able to order a medium and it fits (I wear a s/m/6 in J.Crew).
Also, I bought this Old Navy trench with the Give and Get promo. Anyone tried it? I am just basically trying every black trench that comes in tall sizes out there, hoping one will work.
J.CrewJD - I have irls pics of the ON trench in this post. Look for it in tan, which isn't available online. I don't recall seeing the black in person. As far as ON trench, it's worth a try to see if you like it. They've had some good ones in recent years. Also consider BR's classic trench, if you haven't already. It comes in tall. I LOVE the ones I got in petite in a khaki tan color. You can see it in this post.
ReplyDeleteIf you need a 30% Give Get coupon to be emailed to you for BR/Gap/ON, let me know, gigiofca at gmail. The coupon will come w/a one-time use online code.
J.CrewJD - I meant to say look for the pic of the ON jacket in tan thru the link. I didn't try it in black.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gigi! It looks great on you. I am really excited to get it now!
ReplyDeleteEgyptomaniac was nice enough to share that American Eagle has a military watch similar to JCrew's Timex - well, it's currently on sale for $11 in stores. Comes in a black, navy or white face. Watchbands are $3. And the SAs are very nice about ordering anything they don't have in stock from the website - you get the store price and don't pay shipping.
ReplyDeleteI purchased this shirtdress from Lands' End during a promo they had last week. I received it yesterday and absolutely love it. It is SO cute IRL and made very well. I purchased the Petite 2 (the regular size 2 is too large for me), and the fit is perfect. The length is right at/slightly above my knee and the shoulders feel comfortable, too. If you like shirtdresses, I think this one is worth checking out.
ReplyDeleteI guess these Alberto Fermani boots aren't necessarily J Crew-like, but they would certainly work with many J Crew clothes. After scouring all web sites for sizing information I decided that like J Crew shoes these Fermani boots run 1/2 size small, but it remains to be seen as my order has not arrived yet. I've always loved lug-sole boots and what I like about these is that the have a certain degree of refinement. Saks had a lower lace-up Fermani, like a combat boot, but my size was sold out.
ReplyDelete