J.Crew Email: THE PERFECT EXCUSE: NEW ARRIVALS, 40% OFF + FREE SHIPPING

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Elseejay, who shared the following news from J.Crew this morning.

J.Crew Factory (click here to shop online) is open for the weekend with new arrivals. But wait there's more! They are offering up to 40% off on select factory items. (Prices will be automatically marked down, no code required.)

As JCAs know... if you live near a Factory Store, check them out first. The B&M Factory Stores tend to have better promotions and sale prices.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Factory Summer offerings? Will you check them out?

Random Side Note: I was swept up yesterday with all the fans of Katherine & William's wedding spectacular. I was not expecting it, but the 8-year-old-Disney-princess-lover in me could not help but gush at how brilliant the lovely couple looked.

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!

J.Crew Email: Jenna's Mother's Day picks (plus, EXTRA 30% OFF sale items & FREE SHIPPING ends today)

"Thanks!" to many of you, who shared J.Crew's most recent email, which showcases all of Jenna Lyons' picks for the latest catalog. Click here to view all the items selected.

The theme for these picks is: "Since this month's theme in the catalog is all about love, I had to include my first love— Mom. She's an amazing piano teacher and the most young-at-heart grandmother I know. Her students are her toughest critics, and she takes great pride in looking great for them. This is a special 'Jenna's Picks' for my mom and maybe yours..."

The picks also include something really special, that I really love... The inclusion of photos from the private collection of the Lyons family. They are a super nice & personalize touch.

Now for the actual picks... The item I love from her picks is the Casbah Bandeau Tank (Item 44507; $92.00). I am loving the Casbah print— such vibrant hues matched with a delicious print.

The item I could not disagree more with is the Flak Trench Vest (Item 44125; $168.00). It is an expensive piece that seems difficult to wear. At first I was intrigued by it. However, every photo I have seen it styled with looks "meh" at best.

Last, but not least... J.Crew is reminding customers to take 30% off all sale items (no min) and free shipping on $150+ with promo code OURTREAT. This offer ends today!

What are your thoughts on the items selected? Which items would have made your top picks that you are loving?

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 Email: NEW STYLES ADDED, EXTRA 30% OFF sale items & FREE SHIPPING ENDS TOMORROW

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

J.Crew is reminding customers to take 30% off all sale items (no min) and free shipping on $150+ with promo code OURTREAT. This offer expires tomorrow, Thursday, April 28, 2011.

As many of you have pointed out, there have been quite a few updates during this sale (click here to shop online). There are also some great deals to be had at J.Crew's brick & mortar stores.

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get?

Madewell's New Flagship Store Opens in NYC!

A big "thanks!" to Jessica, who shared the following article about Madewell's expansion in NYC from WWD (click here to read in its entirety):

Madewell Opens in Landmarked Location
By David Moin
Photos By George Chinsee
April 26, 2011

Madewell now has its rightful flagship — a 6,500-square-foot, two-level unit opening today in a landmarked site in Manhattan’s Flatiron neighborhood.

The store, at 115 Fifth Avenue on the southeast corner of 19th Street, represents the largest location in the 22-unit chain, and most architecturally impressive with imposing 19-foot arched windows and Corinthian columns from the original 1816 building that housed the former Arnold Constable department store.

Furthering the historic character is the array of antique mill tables, steamer trunks and steel meat hooks doubling as merchandise fixtures, the exposed ductwork and vintage-inspired ceiling lamps resembling gas lights and some quirky decorative displays like old wind-up clocks and shoe lasts and a Madewell sign created from pushpins.

With greater square footage than it typically tackles, Madewell, the less expensive, more casual division of J.Crew Group, stepped out with some new merchandising concepts, including a 300-square-foot shoe shop in the rear of the store; a wider selection of home goods; and a “hometown heroes” pop-up shop on the 2,000-square-foot mezzanine selling items from some of the staff’s favorite stores around town. There’s affordable estate jewelry from Erie Basin located in Red Hook, Brooklyn; pillows from JS & Sons in Nolita, and mechanical pencils and various office supplies from Top Hat on the lower East Side. There are also CDs and vinyl records from Other Music in the East Village; bikes from Bowery Lane Bicycles, and prints from the Jen Bekman's 20x200.com. Madewell’s New York Centricity is most evident in the storefront which currently displays three-dimensional chalk graphics depicting the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building, among other icons.

“This space is really open, especially compared to our SoHo unit which is quite narrow. We can capture a lot more color and drama,” said Kin Ying Lee, Madewell’s head designer.

“Madewell is at a pivotal point,” added marketing director Gigi Guerra, who explained that the flagship’s experimental character fits, considering the brand continues to evolve its merchandise and this year is picking up the pace of store openings, with units set for Lincoln Road in Miami on June 7, San Francisco Center in July, as well as the one that opened last month in Costa Mesa, Calif. in South Coast Plaza.

Madewell, which is believed to be moving closer to profitability, debuted in 2007 with a narrower, downtown appeal and now “crosses a lot of boundaries” targeting women ranging from college students to young mothers, though there’s still some of that downtown, hipper side and a tomboyish or “boy-girl” character to many of the clothes, Guerra said. Think slouchy chambray tops and trousers, plaid shirts, desert boots and Le Minor striped French sailor T-shirts.

The store looks a-MA-zing! I cannot wait to check it out over the Summer.

I also find that interesting two things: (1) Madewell is still not profitable after all these years! If it wasn't Mickey Drexler's baby, would Madewell still be around today? (2) Madewell is trying to broaden its appeal now. When Madewell first came out, they targeted affluent teenagers and those in their early twenties. Now, I completely agree they are trying to branch out of their initial age brackets with many of their offerings and styles. However, I wonder if this will change the brand's image.

What are your thoughts on Madewell's new flagship store? Will you be making a visit any time soon? Have you already checked it out? Please share!

Love It or Leave It: Lightweight Leather Shorts

Lightweight Leather Short
Click here for product page
Item 45198
Regular: $495.00

In the past few months, I have been questioning some of J.Crew's leather goods (refer to the "Questionable Item of the Week: Leather Tee {you read it right!}" and "Love It or Leave It: Pleated Leather Trouser" posts). Now J.Crew is offering these leather shorts J.Crew describes this latest arrival as the following:

We love bringing a touch of glamour to day wear—and this exquisite short does exactly that. Beautifully styled from buttery soft lambskin and finished with a gathered waist designed to flatter. So addictively soft and surprisingly light, we're wearing ours year-round. Leather. Original fit—our highest rise. Sits at waist. Zip fly. Slant pockets. 3" inseam with cuffs.Part of J.Crew Collection. Import. Dry clean.

My thoughts on these shorts is that I am not a fan, not at all. It's not so much the high waist, as it is the pleats and the leather material. Leather shorts (even lightweight) do not work during the hot days of Summer. And I don't see how I would work them in during Spring and Fall. Then those pleats... they don't look structured (just droopy).

However, it got me thinking... is this the latest Summer style? Are pleated leather shorts and trousers, with short sleeve leather tees the next big trend in fashion?

What are your thoughts on the Lightweight Leather Shorts? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Have you seen them at a store? Do you like this leather style for Summer? If so, please share with us your review. :)

"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.

Madewell Email: The latest & greatest (+ free shipping on any order)

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

The email focuses on new arrivals for Spring & Summer. They are also offering free shipping (no minimum!) with promo code YESPLEASE. This offer ends Friday, April 29, 2011.

This is a great promotion for those of you interested in one or two of Madewell's items online.

Will you be checking out 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 Warehouse Sale {in Arden}

A big "thanks!" to lilmissmarch {check out her lovely "Just a Small Town Girl" blog} who shared the following {fantastic} news with us!

J.Crew's Clearance Store in Arden, North Carolina is having a warehouse sale. {wahoo!} This event takes place on:

Saturday, April 30th (10AM to 4PM)
Sunday, April 31st (10AM to 4PM)

The location for this shopping event is:

J.Crew Clearance Store
1 Clifford Way (off N.C. 191)
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 687-6475

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

You've Got Mail... Your rewards have arrived!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Audball (in this post), who let us know about the following news regarding J.Crew card members:

SUMMER rewards cards are being mailed to qualifying card members now! The rewards card expires 6/15/11.

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

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

"Thanks!" to opheliasmom (in this post), who shared the following news.

The latest 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 May 8, 2011.

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

J.Crew Getting Sued Over Design

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Jessica & Nicole, who shared the following news: J.Crew is being sued for naming its "Duquette Leopard Print Sweater" after Tony Duquette.

The following story is from WWD (click here to read in its entirety):

Tony Duquette Sues J. Crew Over Cardigan Print
By Alexandra Steigrad
April 25, 2011

A leopard might not be able to change its spots, but an interior design firm believes those spots can be trademarked.

Design firm Tony Duquette Inc. last week slapped J.Crew Group Inc. with a lawsuit that alleges the retailer’s leopard-print cardigan infringed its trademarks and constituted unfair competition.

Beverly Hills, Calif.-based TDI, which holds the intellectual property rights of the late designer and artist Tony Duquette, claims in its suit, filed in the Southern District of New York, that J.Crew promoted and sold its women’s “Duquette Leopard Print Sweater” without permission.

The complaint alleges that the plaintiff’s marks are now connected to J.Crew’s product at retail, in advertising and in more than 150,000 online searches from various search engines.

In the Fifties, Duquette began creating and using leopard print designs for fabric, wallpaper, carpet, clothing and furniture. As a result, the print became a “signature theme” of his designs and “still remains such a defining and recurring element” in his history, according to the court papers submitted by TDI.

After Duquette’s death in 1999, business partner and designer Hutton Wilkinson, who is also named as a plaintiff in the suit, took the helm at TDI and has continued to design, license, promote and market the late designer’s work.

“We filed this claim to ensure our trademarks are used appropriately and only with our permission,” said Wilkinson, president and creative director of the firm.

Calls to J.Crew seeking comment were not immediately returned by press time. TDI is looking for injunctive relief, damages, attorneys’ fees and other costs.

The following are additional articles covering this story:

• Fashionista: "J.Crew Sued Over Leopard Print Cardigan"
• StyleCaster: "J.Crew Getting Sued: Can You Trademark Leopard?"
• NY Mag's The Cut: "J.Crew Was Sued Over a Cardigan"
• Huffington Post: "J.Crew Sued By Tony Duquette, Inc. Over Leopard Print Sweater"
• Racked National: "Tony Duquette's Proprietary Leopard"
• Curbed: "Tony Duquette vs. J.Crew"
  

Interesting. It's clear J.Crew wanted to pay tribute to the Duquette name. But did they purposely use the Duquette trademark (and perhaps the print) without permission? That I don't know.

What are your thoughts on this news story? Is a leopard print just a leopard print -or- do you think there is a case of infringement on J.Crew's part here? Please share!

Extra 30% off Sale & Free Shipping ($150+) Is Back!

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

J.Crew is offering customers 30% off all sale items (no min) and free shipping on $150+ with promo code OURTREAT. This offer expires Thursday, April 28, 2011. The fine print includes:

*No exchanges, no returns on items marked as final sale. Offer valid in J.Crew retail stores and at jcrew.com only. Offer is not valid at J.Crew Factory stores. Offer does not apply to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards. 30% off discount applies to J.Crew sale and Factory sale online items only. Offer valid through Thursday, April 28, 2011, 11:59pm ET. Free shipping offer applies to orders shipped via ground shipping totaling $150+ after 30% discount on J.Crew sale and Factory online sale items and before shipping, handling and taxes are added. Savings are applied at checkout with code OURTREAT. Offer not valid on phone orders. Cannot be combined with any other promotion. Limit one promotional code per order. Details of offer are subject to change.

As many of you have pointed out, this offer applies to Spring Sale online (click here to shop) as well as to J.Crew's brick & mortar stores, but not at Factory.

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get?

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 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!!! :)

Happy Easter & Passover! {celebrating w/ J.Crew?}

Happy Easter & Passover J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados!

"Thanks!" to Lynne (in this post) who suggested running a "Celebrating with J.Crew" post for today.

I know I have mentioned this before, but I l-o-v-e these posts. It is really interesting to hear what other Aficionadas and Aficionados plan on wearing, since it gives me lots of wonderful ideas for future outfits. So for this post, what we are planning to wear for Easter & Passover? :)

Since it is still pretty cold where I live, I need something to keep me warm. So I plan on breaking on the Lexington Jacket in purple. It is the perfect weight wool to keep me comfortable. And the color is a such a rich candy color shade, perfect for Easter!

What are you planning to wear this Easter & Passover? Are you planning to go "head to toe" J.Crew or parts J.Crew?

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!

J.Crew’s Jenna Lyons Shares Her Thoughts

There is a great post over at FabSugar (click here for its entirety and to watch the video):

J.Crew’s Jenna Lyons Talks CFDA and Anna Wintour
By FabSugarTV
April 21, 2011

Whether she steps out in sequins, her signature oversize glasses, or head-to-toe military chic, Jenna Lyons always displays her excellent eye for style. We caught up with the president and executive creative director of J.Crew at the high-street label’s Fall '11 preview in New York and found out all about her closet essentials, her daily dressing routine, and what she had to say about working alongside Anna Wintour and Diane von Furstenberg at the CFDA awards. Watch our video to hear Jenna give us the inside scoop!

What are your thoughts on the video? Did you find any piece of advice that she shared "spot on" or "missed the mark"? Please share! :)

Fashion Do & Fashion Don't: Shorts

Preface: I will run into an outfit from J.Crew that makes me think "fashion do!" or "fashion don't". So every once in awhile, I will take two looks at opposite ends of the spectrum for me and post about them. Please feel free to share your thoughts on the Do's and Don'ts featured. :)

It's no secret that I like to wear running shorts, hidden under my skirts & dresses (refer here). It is more comfortable for me, as well as provides protection from a gust of wind. (You laugh. But this is how it all started. I saw a girl in Barcelona wearing a beautiful dress when a gust of wind came by, and her dress went up. Thankfully she was wearing underwear.)

However, what is going on with this outfit shown above? Is this how we are wearing our dresses now, opened to reveal denim shorts? J.Crew, it's hard to say this to you, but this is a fashion don't.

I often wear outfits that are recreations from images found in J.Crew's catalogs and online product shots. The image above is a perfect example of an outfit I will most definitely recreate. This is how you wear shorts! Simple? Yes! Classic? Absolutely. J.Crew, this is a fashion do!

What are your thoughts on the two images? Do you find the first image a style you would try? Is the second image "classic" or "boring" for you? Please share!

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including egyptomaniac, JulieStyles & Fabulous Florida Mommy (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 Crewcuts (click here) has been updated, as did the J.Crew Collection (click here).

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

The theme throughout is LOVE, by showing various couples throughout the pages. I have to say it is a very cute concept! (Did you see how cute Banjo is with model Cameron!? That is how I hold my dogs too!)

It is also nice to see clothes being offered in bright hues like violet and rose shades. :) As for the new arrivals...

My lovelies... The Perfect Shirt in Teaberry (item 42076; $79.50)— the name says it all. It is perfect with its teaberry design! Another must have for me is the Doria Dress (Item 42577; $98.00). Combine a maxi dress with a jersey fabric, and I am yours. The Beatrice Blouse (Item 41525; $118.00) looks absolutely stunning on the model with its flowy, almost ethereal design. I am hoping it looks as good in person, and on me! ;)

Really?... Should the Baseball Henley (Item 42336; $52.00) cost that much? And what is up with the bottoms that the model is wearing?! The Nili Lotan Striped Bias-Fly Jean (Item 48763; $235.00) looks like long-johns that have (the crotch area) gone horribly wrong. How do you wear these ill-fitting off-kilter pants? I can't stop staring! (And not in the good way.) ;)

Meh... The Wispy Wind Trench (Item 43575; $198.00) is waaaay overpriced. It reminds me of the $10-20 nylon windbreakers packed into a square that you can find at your local store, near the umbrellas by the door. J.Crew states it's "sheer genius"... only if they manage to find someone to pay full price for it. If you want a trench, for around this price tag, go with something like the Iconic Trench.

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More exciting news! J.Crew is offering free shipping with no minimum with promo code WARMUP. This amazing offer expires Sunday, April 24, 2011.

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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? :)

J.Crew + Timex Watch = Tell Me More!

"Thanks!" to Wm who shared the following fascinating article about J.Crew's Timex Military Watch (Item 10884; $150.00) from Hodinkee (click here to read in its entirety, with lots of close up images):

The History of the REAL Timex Military Watch: Plastic, Disposable, And A Product Of The 1980s
By Hodinkee.com
April 20, 2011

Something about the J.Crew / Timex military watch never really jived with us. They claimed it was designed after a watch built to military specifications in the 1940s, but we could never actually find that watch. Even when we went into the vault at Timex, we saw watches from the 1940s, but they didn't look anything like the modern interpretation that we see so often on the wrists of the young menswear set. So, we went on a mission to discover where this design came from, and when, if ever, Timex had a military contract to make wristwatches. We found the watch that inspired the J.Crew piece, but we came to realize that it wasn't from the 1940s at all, but rather from the first half of 1982. And the story doesn't end there. ...

...The Timex Mil-Spec W-46374B is totally fascinating timepiece. It was produced for a questionably short period of time to standards that destined it to be a true "throw away" watch. Yet, the one true Timex military watch has reached grail status to those enraptured with the brand, and certainly those who have a proclivity towards American military pieces. It is, also, the true inspiration for the J.Crew / Timex watch, but we suppose the 1940s just sounded a bit more glamorous than "Two months in the early 80s" to the J.Crew marketing folk. Can't blame em' for that.

First, "kudos!" to the writers of that article who gave such an in-depth history on military watches from Timex.

Second, I think it is pretty darn hysterical that J.Crew's expensive Timex watch was inspired by a cheap 1980's design. Not nearly as funny as me paying full price (minus educator discount, which was allowed back in the day) for it. ;) (What can I say, I really love the watch with its simple design and interchangeable straps.)

Third, I can't help but wonder if J.Crew knew about the true origins of their watch's inspiration. Did they think the 1980's had less of a magical feel to it, then the 1940's?

What are your thoughts on the article? Do you like J.Crew's Timex Watch? Own it? Please share! :)

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 Men's Suiting {getting some recognition}

"Thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada who shared an article from Wall Street Journal online (click here to read in its entirety).

The article takes a look at men's suiting and reviews various labels offerings (specifically Armani, Suitsupply, J.Crew, H&M, Hart Schaffner Marx, & Target). Some highlights about J.Crew are below:

A Hard-Working Suit: The New Sweet Spot Is $500 to $700; They Don't Look Cheap, or Like Dad's
By Sarah Nassauer
April 14, 2011

It can cost a man a lot less to feel like a million bucks in his suit these days.

There are more suits priced between $500 and $700 that include features once found typically on more expensive suits: fine Italian fabrics, modern cuts and narrow lapels. The goal is to attract younger men who increasingly want the current fitted, formal styles as opposed to the boxy suits and more casual officewear of their dads.

...Other efforts to keep up quality at lower prices include J.Crew Group Inc.'s expanded men's suit selection. Sales of its men's suit have more than doubled since 2008, when the clothing company introduced a slimmer style, made with Italian wool and superior interior construction, a spokeswoman says. The style, called Ludlow, starts at about $600.

...J.Crew, ...controls more aspects of production from design to distribution, cutting out payments to third-party companies that typical move suits into department stores.

...The J.Crew suit fared well with the testers noting its neat construction and that it is made of high-end Italian fabric and Bemberg lining (a type of rayon favored for its breathablity and moisture absorption).

J.CREW | Ludlow jacket and pant
High quality fabrics, Italian wool outer with Bemberg lining. Nice details like tie fabric as lining of interior pockets. Overall it "looks very nice," says Mr. Giardina. Chest piece is a little too stiff, says Mr. Cesarani.

It's great to read that J.Crew's suiting for men holds up very well in terms of quality & value!

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Men Suiting? Do you own any pieces from the line? If so, please share! :)

Extra 25% Off Madewell Sale!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Fabulous Florida Mommy (in this post) as well as Ketan, who shared the latest promotion 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 24, 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, 4/24/11, 11:59pm ET. Savings are applied at checkout with code WHYNOT. Offer not valid on phone orders. Cannot be combined with any other promotion.

This is a great promotion for those of you interested in a few of Madewell's sale items.

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

"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.

J.Crew Jackets & Blazers... Still The Same?

So I recently was in my closet and made a startling observation: I had not purchased a jacket or blazer from J.Crew's current collection in awhile. (Okay, just the past few months. But even in the previous months, not many were purchased.)

I never thought about it because I had still been buying J.Crew jackets like crazy, but they were all from eBay (from seasons' past). This got me thinking "why?" After awhile, the answer for me is that the style, construction, fit, and quality are different.
Take for example the two jackets pictured above— the Schoolboy Blazer in Navy (Item 28233; $188.00) that is currently offered on the left, and the Wool Hacking Jacket (Item 74125; $235.00) from 2007-8 on the right. Both jackets are similar in look and both are absolutely lovely. However, I am drawn to the details of the Wool Hacking Jacket a bit more. In particular the tie silk fabric under the collar. Such a delicious detail that makes you want to show it off by popping the collar. (I should add that I own this jacket and pop-the-collar as often as I can!)

J.Crew offered the best little details on jackets, besides the silk-tie prints under collars. For example, they also used the most beautiful prints on the inside lining of their jackets. Like a little surprise when you took off the coat. :)

They also had the best buttons— whether they were gold crested or nautically-themed, they had character of their own. I recently checked out the Indigo Pea Jacket (Item 39331; $148.00) from J.Crew's current line. The coat is super cute (so much so that I got it this week!), but I found the gold metal buttons to feel a bit cheap.

Even things like fit seem different now. I use to find the older jackets (like for the Lexington Blazer and Juliette Jacket) were tailored and fit me well all-around (shoulders, sleeves, waist, & length). Now, I find the current jackets' shoulders are snug and the body is fine, or the shoulders are fine and the body is loose, or even the sleeve lengths being a tad short. Is this just me?

I should add that I still really like J.Crew's jackets & blazers. I am just not "in love" with them like I once did.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's jackets and blazers? Do you think their current line stands up to its predecessors? Do you find the fit to have stayed the same for you over the years? If so, please share! :)