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! :)

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 SUMMER 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!!! :)

Sneak Peek Into J.Crew's July Catalog

A big "thanks!" to Kathryn who shared these four upcoming July catalog images with us. (Just click on any of the images for a larger view.)


From the initial images, can we expect a boat-theme? {exciting!} Honestly, I love me some nautical inspired catalogs. That is what J.Crew does best! :)


I am really crushing on the handbags. I cannot wait to see them in-person. They both look like they could be used for years to come!

I like what I am seeing so far, but there is something about the photos themselves. They don't seem as bright as they could be. They almost have a grey/cool tone to them. Bring on the vibrant photographs!

On another note, these images must mean that new arrivals are just around the corner. Should we expect to see them at J.Crew stores and online next week? {yey!} Although, it seems like June just came out. No complaints here though! I love new arrivals! :)

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

Madewell Email: Let's celebrate one year: free shipping on any order

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

Madewell.com is turning one year old, and to celebrate they are sending an email with a *unique promo code* that is good for free shipping on any order (no min!) This offer expires Thursday, June 30, 2011. The fine print includes:

*May not be used at Madewell stores or with phone orders. Discount cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other promotions or offers and may not be applied to previous purchases, or purchases of gift cards or third party branded merchandise. Free shipping offer valid on all madewell.com orders shipped via regular shipping (3 to 6 business days). Enter promotion code at checkout to redeem. Limit one promotional code per order. One-time use only. Offer valid through Thursday, June 30, 2011, 11:59pm ET. Terms of offer subject to change.

So double check your email account to see if you got this offer from Madewell! :)

J.Crew Email: HAPPY LONG WEEKEND: UP TO 50% OFF + FREE SHIPPING

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, who shared the following email 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 50% off on select factory items. (Prices will be automatically marked down, no code required.)

They are also offering free shipping on ALL factory items, which will be automatically applied at checkout.

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?

J.Crew Clearance Store Sale {Arden NC & Lynchburg VA}

A big "thanks!" to Candece (in this post) who shared the following {fantastic} news with us!

J.Crew's Clearance Store in Arden, North Carolina and Lynchburg, Virginia are running a 30% off Memorial Day sale. {wahoo!} This event takes place from Friday, May 27th through Monday, May 30th.

The location for this shopping event is:

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

J.Crew Millrace Clearance Store
25 Millrace Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 316-6324

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

Open a JCrew Card, Enjoy 20% Off & Free Shipping On First Purchase

"Thanks!" to Elizabeth (in this post), who shared the following promotion for Memorial Day Weekend.

J.Crew is offering customers 20% off and free shipping on your first purchase when you open a J.Crew Credit Card . This offer expires June 5, 2011. To apply online, click here. The fine print includes:

*Apply for a J.Crew Credit Card account now through 6/5/11 and receive 20% off and free shipping on your first purchase. Offer good in stores, online and by phone. Free shipping offer not valid in stores and is valid on orders shipped via regular shipping (3 to 6 business days). Subject to credit approval. Offer may not be combined with any other promotion or applied to previous purchases, alterations, gift card purchases and third-party branded merchandise and cannot be used at the J.Crew Bridal Boutique.

Not going to lie, I was not expecting to see this promotion today. Thought it might be a little different for Memorial Day weekend. Oh well!

Were you expecting to see a different promotion today? If you are not currently a card holder, do you think this promotion will entice you? Please share!

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 SUMMER 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!

Happy Memorial Day! {celebrating with J.Crew?}

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Everyone! Okay, once again I am early with this, but I still wish everyone a great Memorial Day and safe travels. :)

Since a lot of us will be attending various outdoor parties, parades, and traveling to visit family & friends throughout the weekend- I thought it would be fun to get ideas of what to wear during the weekend.

Since the weather is going to be hot (around 80 degrees), I plan on bringing out J.Crew's Ikat Halter Dress (Item 15197; $225.00) in "warm maize" from a few years ago. I originally was not a big fan of the print (refer to the "J.Crew Email: We've gone to great lengths..." post). But that was before I tried it on. It is such a simple dress, that looks amazing on. It really makes me look taller and leaner (gotta love that!)

What are you planning to wear this Memorial Day weekend? Are you planning to go "head to toe" J.Crew or parts J.Crew?

J.Crew In The News: Mixing It Up

There is an article over at Real Estate Weekly (click here to read in its entirety) that is an interesting read:

Bling, booze and prayer: how retail is surviving the recession
By Liana Grey
May 23, 2011

Elaine Wynn’s famed resorts here, the Wynn and the Encore, survived the recession. “The luxury market is alive and well,” she told a packed session that kicked off the International Council of Shopping Centers’ Annual Conference on Sunday...

In a ballroom at the Las Vegas Hilton, about 300 women – and the occasional man, like Consolo’s business partner Joe Aquino – sat at tables draped in orange cloth, sipping one of three choices of wine.

It was the ICSC’s second annual Women in Retail Special Interest Group, one of 12 breakaway sessions held on the first day of the conference, in and around the cavernous Las Vegas Convention Center, and four industry leaders swapped advice on how to handle today’s breed of customer.

At the Wynn hotel, out went a Daniel Boulud bistro and in went the Lakeside Grill. “That had a different price point, but still a gay and happy and joyful environment,” Wynn explained. “It’s a matter of being value conscious.”

That’s the new motto of shoppers across sectors. “People are still cautious and they’re working on paying off their debt,” said fellow panelist Terri Simard, vice president of law at Target, which itself cut costs during the recession by developing its own properties. The cost-conscious trend means fewer impulse purchases, whether at Target or a Fifth Avenue boutique.

At a party thrown by a fashion magazine earlier this month, an employee of Graff, the jewelry chain, told Wynn that special, quality stones are in high demand. “People are more interested in intrinsic value,” she said. “They want their bling, but they want to convince themselves it’s an investment.”

Then again, sometimes all shoppers need are shoes and jewelry that won’t max out their credit card. “My bling comes from Target,” joked Holly Cohen, senior vice president of J.Crew, who lives in Miami and travels regularly to New York.

She isn’t the only fashion-forward professional with a Target necklace: the post-recession era has brought the resurgence of what Consolo calls the “cross-shopper.”

When hunting for beauty and fashion basics, Target costumers aren’t quick to cross the aisle for international designer goods, Simard said, but they will mix and match mid-range ones.

“People will pair Target with J.Crew with Saks,” she said. “They’re more adventurous.”

J.Crew took note of this trend, Cohen said, and introduced a diverse range of lines in-house, including bridal gowns and the Collection, which she calls “higher-end, but still cheaper.”

The brand is also thriving thanks to celebrity endorsement. Newlywed British princess, Kate Middleton has been spotted in Crew, and the Obama family are regular customers: the First Daughters sported the company’s dresses on inauguration day two years ago, and their father has worn J.Crew ties. When Michele Obama appeared in a J.Crew skirt, Cohen said, “that was huge.” ...

On an upscale level, of course, that means bringing in restaurants to under-served areas. “It not only revitalized neighborhoods, it brought retailers to neighborhoods they’d never even thought of going,”

Consolo explained, pointing to the Flatiron District, which underwent a foodie renaissance that paved the way for a new J.Crew shop to thrive there.

Trendy dinner spots are a risky business, but cosmetics, chocolate, and wine sales are always stable, the ladies agreed. People will pop open champagne to celebrate, and “when times are bad, they drink to feel better,” Consolo said. ...

I definitely see a lot of "cross-shoppers" from the posts of fellow JCAs on the JCA Blog Roll Call. Several JCAs have a knack to style pieces ranging on the retail spectrum, pairing vintage finds, with Target, J.Crew and Louis Vuitton. They do it in such a way that it all looks put together.

What are your thoughts on the article? Do you like to mix J.Crew with higher and lower end pieces? Please share! :)

Extra 30% off Sale & Free Shipping Extended One More Day {wahoo!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including opheliasmom (in this post), GigiOfCa (in this post), as well as Irina, who shared the following update from J.Crew this morning.

J.Crew extended their current offer for 30% off all sale items (no min) and free shipping on $100+ with promo code LOVEIT. This now ends today, Thursday, May 26, 2011. To shop J.Crew, click here.

It appears that there was a decent update to the sale section this morning (click here to shop online). Items are selling out relatively quickly too. :)

This should probably be going in the "Looking to Love" post, but I have to give kudos for J.Crew on this offer. The low free shipping minimum and the generous 30% off is a wonderful offer! And we have been seeing a lot of it lately too {loves it!}

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

Happy Memorial Day: up to 50% OFF and a special in-store offer just for you

A super big "thanks!" to an anonymous JCA, as well as MeganCrew (in this post), who let us know about another wonderful offer from J.Crew.

J.Crew is celebrating Memorial Day at their Factory Stores with a special treat. They are offering customers 20% off any purchase of $100+. This offer is good through June 30th, 2011.

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 access the barcode).

This is a fantastic offer, especially with the lower minimum. {Wahoo!}

Happy Factory Store Shopping!!! :)

Catalog Fashbacks!

February 2008

In an earlier post (refer to "J.Crew Catalog Archive {yes, yes, yes!}"), Life as a Cat's blog (The J.Crew Archives) was shared. The following images are some of the pages from those catalogs.

April 2009

Much like many of you, I save J.Crew's catalogs for outfit inspirations. These images are just some of the Summer-time outfits that I think are classic with a girlie twist. Just love them! :)

February 2009

The colors are just amazing! I am loving the brights in all their shades. This is something that J.Crew is known for– still true today! :) I also like the way J.Crew pairs the pieces together. Simple, clean, and still a bit fantastic.

January 2009

Other notables that I absolutely adore about these catalogs include:
(1) Smiles. I mean, there is the occasional "I am in deep thought" shot. But most of the pages are filled with girls who appear comfortable with themselves and having a good time. I will say, that J.Crew's latest catalogs improved in this area– I think there are more smiles than vacant looks now. (Incidentally, I really loved the current June 2011 catalog's Parties & Weddings Collection section. The models, dresses, and setup of the shots are all beautiful.)

(2) A diversity of models. I flipped through the June 2011 catalog and noticed that the 3 models used to feature the main clothes portion could be sisters– they look so much alike! (This does not count either the "9 women 1 shirt" feature or the swimsuit section– which wonderfully showcased several types of women).

Do you enjoy the flashback to J.Crew from a few years ago? Do you use their catalogs for outfit inspirations? Do you think the styles still hold up today? If so, which outfits do you still rock today? What is your favorite catalog from J.Crew?

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.

Extra 30% off Sale & Free Shipping Ends Today

Today is the last day of J.Crew's current offer for 30% off all sale items (no min) and free shipping on $100+ with promo code LOVEIT. To shop J.Crew, click here.

Today is also the last day Madewell is offering 30% off (on sale items) and free shipping (on $100+) with promo code SALEAWAY. To shop Madewell, click here.

Unfortunately, I did not take advantage of this great offer. :( But hopefully some of you were able to score some amazing pieces at amazing prices. :)

Incidentally, if you live near a brick & mortar store, you might want to check them out first for lower prices. For example, the Schoolboy Blazer in Madras (Item 36125; $168.00) is now $99.99 online. However, my local store is selling it for $49.99 (before the additional 30% off too).

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

"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.

Blogger is Experiencing Some {more} Issues

So last week we had those disappearing posts & comments issues (refer to the "Blogger Has Some Serious Issues" post). Well we have a new one!

A few JCAs, including gem twin, as well as Mack (in this post), have mentioned having difficulty posting a comment. After some investigation into this, I was able to track down the following response from Blogger (click here for source):

We're investigating an issue which is preventing login and comment posting for some users, and hope to have a fix released shortly.

Thanks for your patience in the meantime. — latest update on Tuesday, May 24, 2011

So for those of you unable to comment at this moment, take comfort in knowing its not you or your computer. Hopefully Blogger can resolve this latest issue quickly.

Surprise! Complimentary VIP Membership to Tablet Hotels & Log Into J.Crew for Free Shipping {yey!}

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including JBird, & xoxo (in this post), who let us know the latest promotion from J.Crew.

The email announces that J.Crew is once again teaming up with Tablet Hotels for some special perks. Essentially customers can get a free membership to the Table Plus Program. For those selected, the sign-up must be completed by May 27, 2010.

They did this once before (refer to the "J.Crew Email: A special gift from J.Crew & Tablet Hotels" post). I signed up last time and didn't find the membership too helpful (and I travel a bit too). Perhaps I didn't know how to properly take advantage of it.

Even better (in my opinion)!?! J.Crew is offering select customers free shipping when you log-into your J.Crew account. This promotion runs until June 7, 2011.

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including rosie, who shared another promotion.

J.Crew is sending emails to select cardmembers with a one-time unique free shipping code. The code is only good if customers use their J.Crew credit card for the order placed before the end of Tuesday, June 7, 2011.

What are your thoughts on this promotion? Is this a good extension of J.Crew's partnerships? Will you sign up? Did you receive free shipping on your account? Are you a cardmember and if so, did you receive the unique free shipping offer? :)

J.Crew Catalog Archive {yes, yes, yes!}

Fellow JCA, Life as a Cat, started a new blog called The J.Crew Archives. She has patiently uploaded & archived several J.Crew catalogs. She shares:

So far I've uploaded the Feb 2008 catalog and will continue to upload more in coming days and weeks. I have all the 2010 catalogs, most of the 2009, and just a few from before then. I will be uploading the older ones first, so hopefully the longtime JC fans here will have something to enjoy looking at!

First, thank you Life as a Cat!!! Second, it really is "a must see" that I just had to share immediately! :)

P.S. Anthropologie has an active archive on their blog that goes all the way back to like the early 2000's. It's too bad J.Crew does not keep more than their last 2 catalogs up for reference.

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! :)

Feeling Blue About J.Crew {sigh}

I can't believe I am writing this, but I am completely meh about J.Crew's current Summer collection. After flipping through the latest June catalog, I found it a bit boring. I already own all the gingham, checkered, and plaid button down shirts that I will ever need. There is nothing I am really excited about and it shows, as I have not made any purchases from the current line in the past few months. The number of bookmarks are in the single digits.

For example, I use to drool over J.Crew's dresses for Summer (hello Samba, Flamenco Dot Marguerite, Lobster Print, & Cliffrose Print Blouson dresses!) Why did J.Crew stop rolling out their ultra girlie dresses? Don't get me wrong, some of their current dresses are cute, but I feel like I already own enough solid and striped jersey dresses. As a result, I have been turning to Anthropologie to find those flirty feminine pieces, like the Sun Shades Dress (Item 20459566, $158.00, now $79.99).

I did end up ordering the beautiful Silk Organza Soiree Dress (Item 33782; was $275.00, now $99.00) but was disappointed with the fit that it got returned immediately. (I am small chested and I felt like I would bust out of the top. And who came up with the interior corset with a zipper?!? That's right, the interior corset had it's own separate 3-inch zipper that's impossible to close without the help of someone else. It's like a bra with a zipper– stupid idea.)

On a bright note, I am uber excited about several upcoming items from the Fall 2011 collection like that amazing trench coat. I am also saving my pennies for the already-available-in-stores Edie Purse (Item 44804; $238.00). The moment it goes on sale, precious will be mine! So maybe it's a good thing that I am not excited about the Summer line because there are so many things I wishlisted for Fall. ;)

Are you super excited about the Summer collection? Are you waiting for J.Crew's Fall Collection (like me)? :)

Extra 30% off Sale & Free Shipping ($100+) Is Back!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, tamara (in this post), as well as Kristin (in this post), 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 $100+ with promo code LOVEIT. This offer expires Wednesday, May 25, 2011. The fine print includes:

*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 online sale items only. Offer valid through Wednesday, May 25, 2011, 11:59pm ET. Free shipping offer applies to orders shipped via ground shipping totaling $100+ 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 LOVEIT. 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! :)

---

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 SUMMER 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 Email: WEEKEND FEVER: OVER 100 NEW ARRIVALS, UP TO 40% OFF + FREE SHIPPING

"Thanks!" to many of you, who shared the following email 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.)

They are also offering free shipping on ALL factory items with promo code SUMMER. The free shipping offer ends Sunday, May 22, 2011.

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?

Madewell Email: It won't last long: extra 30% off final sale + free shipping

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

They are offering 30% off (on sale items) and free shipping (on $100+) with promo code SALEAWAY. This offer ends Wednesday, May 25, 2011. The fine print includes:

*All sales final. No exchanges, no returns on items marked as final sale. Offer valid at madewell.com only.Offer does not apply to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards. 30% off discount applies to saleitems only. Free shipping offer applies to orders shipped via ground shipping totaling $100+ after 30% discount and before shipping, handling and taxes are added. Offer valid through Wednesday, 5/25/2011,11:59pm ET. Savings are applied at checkout with code SALEAWAY. 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.

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. :)

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 SUMMER 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!

Prabal Gurung at J.Crew

"Thanks!" to Tamara (in this post) who shared the following article from New York Magazine's The Cut (click here to read in its entirety):

Exclusive First Look: Prabal Gurung for J. Crew
May 18, 2011

As the sponsor of this year's CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, J. Crew is doing capsule collections with the three prizewinners (Billy Reid, Prabal Gurung, and Eddie Borgo). Tomorrow, their six-piece collaboration with Prabal Gurung launches online and in select stores. The collection consists of crisp cotton and white denim staples, embellished with unexpected details like asymmetrical lapels and oversized bows.

Our favorites include the ivory-colored denim blazer, which resembles poplin but will hold its shape better in humidity; meanwhile, the two dresses are sleek enough for work but could be dressed up for a summer wedding. More good news: It costs far less than the normal Prabal price points, ranging from $198 for a pair of pants trimmed with black ribbon to $450 for an white top bursting with intricate rose-shaped ruffles. Enjoy!

To see and shop Prabal Gurung's collection for J.Crew, click here. For more articles about this topic, check out:

• StyleList: "Prabal Gurung for J.Crew"
• FashionEtc: "Prabal Gurung's J.Crew Collection - Sneak Peek"
• InStyle: "Lady Gaga Tops Forbes’ List, J. Crew’s New Designer Collection, and More!"
• Racked: "Prabal Gurung for J. Crew: Really Pretty and Available for Purchase"
• StyleCaster: "J.Crew and Prabal Gurung Join Forces to Adorable Results"
• Fashionista: "Prabal Gurung You Can Actually Afford: See the Designer's Collaboration For J.Crew"
  

Not going to lie, his line is super cute in a super girlie kind of way. I just don't have anywhere to pull off those big bows. As mentioned in yesterday's "J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!" post, it would be great if they could make the same tops with proportions for the bows that I could actually wear. :) And while I am at it, slightly modify the back so I can wear a bra. ;)

What are your thoughts on Prabal Gurung's Collection for J.Crew? Did you already order something from his line? What is your favorite piece? Please share! :)

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Twiga, Irina, Miss Penny Z. (in this post), as well as Pathos (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, but not the J.Crew Collection (click here).

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

The catalog features 9 different women wearing the same Linen Perfect Shirt. I love it! It's great to see the various ways to style one piece. :)

As for the new arrivals...

Loves it! I am drawn to the Secretary Blouse (Item 44054; $275.00). From the flowy fit to self tie bow to the mosaic design... I am in love. Too bad about that price... yikes! For a more reasonable priced item, there is the Rowboat Dress (Item 42449; $88.00). This is such a cute dress, perfect for those hot Summer days!

Yeah, that's pretty... pretty creepy! I know the Comme des Garçons® Play Printed Heart Tee (item 48464; $90.00) is suppose to be a fun, whimsical tee. But honestly, it is just creepy to me. I don't want a pair of dramatic eyes starring at people checking out my chest. (It's like a weird game of gotcha.) Pass.

Way to take something I love to the extreme! Oh J.Crew, you know I love stripes, ruffles, sequins, and of course bows. But why did you mock my love with the Prabal Gurung at J.Crew Exploding Bow Blouse (Item 49310; $225.00). Even the name of the item recognizes the outlandishness of the bow's size. It's such a pretty top too. So can you make the same top with proportions for the bow that I could actually wear?

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? :)

Free Shipping On Any Order at JCrew.com Is Back Baby!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Miss Penny Z. (in this post), who shared the following promotion from J.Crew this morning.

J.Crew is bringing back their offer for free shipping on all your orders (no min!) with promo code SUMMER. This offer expires Sunday, May 22, 2011. The fine print includes:

*Previous purchases are not eligible for this discount. Free shipping offer is valid through Sunday, May 22, 2011, 11:59pm ET on Internet orders shipped via regular shipping (3 to 6 business days). Free shipping applies to online-only orders before shipping, handling and taxes are added. Free ground shipping is applied at checkout with promo code SUMMER. Offer not valid on telephone orders. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotion.

How exciting to see this kind of promotion at J.Crew again. :) I already made one purchase that was $99.99, so the free shipping came in handy.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, what items are you planning to get. Please share! :)