J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including ajr (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew had a mini-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 July catalog (click here to view) is the same from last time too.

After a quick look, I am not seeing anything I am head-over-heels for. Maybe it's because I am crushing on the Fall Collection and need to save my pennies for then (hello Ethel Trench and Edie Purse!)

"Thanks!" to Erika, who let us know that J.Crew is also offering free shipping on orders of $150+ with promo code SHIP150. This offer expires Sunday, July 3, 2011. Won't lie, this wasn't the amazing Fourth of July promotion I was hoping to see. ;)

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? :)

Final Sale Is Back {Summer Bummer!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Kristin (in this post) and MegCrew (in this post), who let us know the following {sad} news from this morning.

With Summer in full swing, J.Crew thought it was best to bring back Final Sale (click here to shop online). That means customers cannot return and exchange sale-priced items purchased online (& in brick & mortar stores).

Honestly, I won't be buying anything on sale online for awhile. My last few online purchases with sale merchandise all had to be returned because of serious issues of fit, length, and quality. But maybe J.Crew will drastically reduce prices to move out merchandise. Let's hope anyways.

Did you check out the Final Sale section today? Were you able to snag any amazing deals? If so, 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.

Some More Sneak Peeks at New Arrivals {thanks Net-A-Porter!}

A big "thanks!" to Fabulous Florida Mommy (in this post), who let us know the following news: There are a few new J.Crew arrivals spotted over at Net-A-Porter (click here to view & shop online). Fabulous Florida Mommy raises a good point that if you are in the United States, change the country location to United Kingdom (found on the upper left portion of the page).

Some items include the Polly Leather Jacket (Product Code 172778; $595) and the Fatcat Leopard-Print calf Hair Jacket (Product Code 172783; $2,500). I especially like the latter's description: "J.Crew's chic calf hair jacket gives glamorous leopard-print an elegant new attitude. Offset this statement style with a simple tee and skinny jeans for a fierce cocktail look." The use of "fierce" reminds me of this SNL skit: New Bravo Show.

But to things I love... the Ethel Cotton-Twill Trench Coat (Product code: 172779; £350) is up for sale. Even more exciting is that there is a "detachable tulle underskirt". I love that this coat has options on how to wear it!!! I did not think I could love this trench any more and now this. :)

Did you spot any upcoming new arrivals over at Net-A-Porter? If so, please share! :)

Madewell Email: Drumroll, please: extra 30% off final sale items + free shipping

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

Madewell is offering an extra 30% off Final Sale (click here to shop online) and free shipping on all orders ($100+) with promo code SALEAWAY. This offer expires Tuesday, July 5, 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 sale items 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 Tuesday, 7/5/2011, 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.

I love to see an additional percent off sale merchandise. However, I do not love seeing that it is Final Sale. Especially since my local Madewell is not that local for me to just stop by to try things on first. But for those of you who know your fit, this is a great offer! :)

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

20% Off & Free Shipping on Women's Shorts

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Fabulous Florida Mommy (in this post), who let us know the following promotion.

J.Crew is offering 20% off on select full-priced Women's tees (click here to shop online) and now Women's Shorts too (click here to shop online). This offer still expires today, Wednesday June 29, 2011. The fine print of the offer includes:

*Prices as marked. Offer valid at jcrew.com only. Offer excludes the Japan Love tee and Comme des Garçons®. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash or applied to previous purchases. Offer is not valid in J.Crew retail or Factory stores or on J.Crew Factory online items. Offer valid through Wednesday, June 29, 2011, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid on phone orders. Offer is valid for a limited time only and is subject to change without notice.

Thanks also to so many of you who let us know that many J.Crew B&M stores are still running the 30% off sale (final sale). This is great news for shoppers!

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, what items are you planning to get. 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.

Darlings, is it time for a coupon code?

Yes, it is that wonderful time!

A big "thanks!" to Rose (of the "1 More Shopping Blog"), who shared that J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $100+ with promo code C4KSK2. This offer expires July 15, 2011.

P.S. I have noticed that other blogs & websites post J.Crew codes & coupons *after* this blog does. If you happen to get codes & coupons from the JCA blog & post them at your site, could you please give give a "shout out" to the JCA blog? This way more JCAs are inclined to share. TIA! :)

Mickey Drexler on J.Crew Store In Canada (& more!)

A big "thanks!" to Mia & Louise, as well as Teeny84 (in this post), who kindly shared the following article from the Globe and Mail with us (click here to read in its entirety) that talks about J.Crew's move into Canada:

J.Crew primping for its Canadian debut
By Marina Strauss
June 23, 2011

Mickey Drexler transformed J. Crew into an upscale fashion retailer whose goods are coveted by no less than Michelle Obama. But as he visited stores last year, he began to get worried.

Customers were complaining that his stores no longer carried the “cafe Capri” women’s cropped pants. The shelves were stocked with too many ruffled tops and mini-skirts, and too few classics such as Italian cashmere sweaters, ballet flats and knee-length pencil skirts.

Mr. Drexler felt the pain. The missteps caused J.Crew Group Inc. to stumble financially. Today, as he prepares for the retailer’s first foray outside of the U.S. with the August launch of a store in Canada – a test for an international expansion – he feels the pressure to once again generate the fashion hits for which he is famous.

We skewed a little younger than we should have – a little more trendy,” Mr. Drexler, J.Crew’s chief executive officer, said in an interview, sporting his trademark 484 slim-fitting jeans and untucked,button-down Thomas Mason shirt. “We ran out of a lot of our best-sellers. When you don’t have enough of the best, you skew too young – you have a tough time. It happened. Right now it’s kind of fixed.”

It’s more urgent than ever that Mr. Drexler, 66, repairs the problem. His international plans are ambitious. He intends to build about 20 stores in Canada, and his J.Crew team is checking out locations in Asia and beyond while mapping out an aggressive expansion of their global e-commerce group.

In Canada, he is gambling that J. rew will cash in on the halo effect of the U.S. First Lady and other celebrities being spotted in its garments. At the same time, he faces a growing array of foreign retailers, from Spain’s Zara to the American chain Forever 21, rapidly adding stores here.

“Drexler is human and obviously made some mistakes last year,” said Mark Cohen, a professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business in New York and a former CEO of Sears Canada. “The good news about a one-man band is that, when in tune, the melody is awfully sweet. But when it’s off-key, the music is awful. He needs to remain as laser-focused on [fashion] trends as is Zara, for example, if his expansion plans are to succeed.”

J.Crew’s latest results show how critical it is that Mr. Drexler stay in tune. In its first quarter ended April 30, the retailer posted a loss of $29.9-million (U.S.) compared with a $44.7-million profit a year earlier. Much of the loss was tied to costs of a takeover: Two investment firms took J.Crew private in March for almost $3-billion.

But the company was also squeezed by heavy discounting to clear out inventories. Revenues dropped 1 per cent to $409.5-million while sales at stores open a year or more, a key retail measure, fell 3 per cent.

The prospects aren’t much better for the second quarter, although company executives predict that the business will perk up in the second half of the year as the fixes take hold.

“Given the continued weakness in J.Crew’s sales and gross margin trends … we’re guessing that some prior shareholders may be feeling a bit lucky to have taken the money and run,” said Samantha Panella, an analyst at Raymond James in New York.

Despite those recent results, the Drexler era has been a good one for the New York-based company. Since his arrival in 2003, revenues more than doubled to $1.7-billion, while a string of losses turned into profit. The company earned $121.5-million last year.

J.Crew’s recent fashion errors underline Mr. Drexler’s strengths and challenges. He knew quickly last summer that some of the new younger styles weren’t working, and that the stores were under-stocked on classics.

He keeps a close eye on customer demand, visiting stores regularly, replying promptly to customer emails and picking up on merchandise wins and lapses. But correcting the errors doesn’t come easily – it can take six to nine months for J.Crew to ship the right products from overseas manufacturers to stores.

“When the goods are in the store that day – you know if you make a mistake,” he said. “We heard it from Day One: The skirts were too short. And you know something? The customer is always right. They vote with their pocketbooks.”

Mr. Drexler earned the title of Merchant Prince among Wall Street analysts in the 1990s after remaking the Gap into a worldwide fashion retail powerhouse that clothed a generation in khakis and casual Friday chic. But in 2002, he was fired as CEO after the company faltered, having over-expanded and shifted to overly trendy styles.

A year later, J.Crew hired him to spearhead a much-needed turnaround of the preppy retailer. Started as a mail-order business in 1983, it had been drifting for years. He shifted it up-market and gave it flair with eye-catching linings and trims. He added specialty chains Madewell for hip denim wear and Crewcuts for children’s fashions.

But Mr. Drexler said he has learned from his Gap mistakes. At J.Crew, he has been cautious in expanding: It now has about 340 stores compared with about 3,200 at Gap, which is still struggling today. He has moved slowly in new initiatives at Madewell, Crewcuts, men’s-only stores and a bridal boutique.

Prof. Cohen thinks there are few parallels between Gap’s overexpansion and the international growth that Mr. Drexler is now plotting. “J.Crew is a much smaller, more graceful and nimble retailer which is not in any way caught up in the apparel commodity wars that the Gap finds itself in,” Prof. Cohen said. “I think their brand of slightly edgy classicism will resonate well in Canada.”

Heather Reisman, CEO of Toronto-based Indigo Books & Music, also thinks the Drexler magic will prevail. She sat on the board of directors of J.Crew until it went private, and provided him with insights into Canada. “My sense is that there is a lot of pent up demand for them to be here,” she said.

Mr. Drexler shuns traditional research and instead leans on customer feedback – including from Ms. Reisman – and “the amazing ‘please open up a store in Toronto’ requests we get,” he said. “We’ve done research. You know what that is? Us going there, us hanging around there, us knowing we have a large base of Canadian customers [for its online store]. We know [Canadians] are as fashionable as any customers anywhere in the world. So that’s our research.”

Even so, within two weeks of the first store opening in Canada, he will have further insights, he added. J.Crew’s first store in this country will be a women’s-only store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, one of Canada’s top malls. Because the space is not big enough for men’s wear, he’s looking for another location in the mall for a men’s-only store. J.Crew is also eyeing a larger outlet at the downtown Toronto Eaton Centre, and would like to find a location on the city’s so-called Mink Mile if the lease isn’t too expensive.

“The last thing you want to do is pick a wrong location,” he said. “If you have the wrong merchandise, you can move it out [relatively] quickly if you make a mistake. If you have a wrong location, you live with it for many years, and that’s no fun.”

He takes cues from technology giant Apple, on whose board of directors he sits and whose founder, Steve Jobs, is one of his many celebrity connections.

From Apple he’s had engrained in him the imperative of great style and product. And like Apple’s leader, Mr. Drexler places a priority on controlling distribution of his products by designing and having them made just for his company, so that a rival retailer can’t sell the exact same item at a lower price.

An equally pressing concern is keeping an eye on weakening trends in consumer spending and rising inflation. He thinks J.Crew can position itself as a retailer that sells affordable luxury. “I’m concerned about the overall economy, for sure,” Mr. Drexler said.

“The world is hugely competitive – you don’t need another store anywhere in the world these days,” he acknowledged. “And it’s a slower-growth world … I’m not an economist, but we see the customer. People are a lot more value sensitive. We think it’s an opportunity for us.”

Great article! There are so many interesting points made throughout. Especially the quotes. I honestly thought Mickey was reading directly the comments from fellow JCAs on this blog about how trendy clothes at J.Crew were getting and how short the skirts were. We have been saying those points for some time now and its good to know that they aware of those exact things! It means that positive changes await us!

Also, very interesting about the markdowns. As many of you have experienced and commented, J.Crew has been marking down items very quickly. So it's almost a guessing game of when to purchase items.

What are your thoughts on this latest news? Do you think of Mickey Drexler analysis? Any points you found interesting?

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! :)

20% Off & Free Shipping on Women's Tees & Knits

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Tammy, Erika, Irina, as well as GigiOfCa (in this post), who let us know the following promotion.

J.Crew is offering 20% off on select full-priced Women's tees (click here to shop online). This offer expires June 29, 2011. The fine print of the offer includes:

*Prices as marked. Offer valid at jcrew.com only. Offer excludes the Japan Love tee and Comme des Garçons®. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash or applied to previous purchases. Offer is not valid in J.Crew retail or Factory stores or on J.Crew Factory online items. Offer valid through Wednesday, June 29, 2011, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid on phone orders. Offer is valid for a limited time only and is subject to change without notice.

I am surprised to see it is not extended to brick & mortar (B&M) stores too. And on a related note, I am wondering if some B&M stores are still running the 30% off sale (final sale) that got extended for the weekend.

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

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 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!!! :)

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!

Jenna Lyons Shares Her Thoughts & Picks

"Thanks!" to iroar (in this post) who let us know about the following quotes from Jenna Lyons over at Net-a-Porter (click here to read in its entirety) as well as her favorite picks to buy (click here to shop online):

Jenna Lyons
Jenna, 42, is president and executive creative director of J.Crew. She lives in New York.

"I've been with J.Crew since 1990– I started out as an assistant in men's knits. I never tought about the end goal when I started, I always just wanted to enjoy what I was doing. I do my best to start work at 9am so I can spend the morning with my four year old son– I keep tabs on how many mornings and evenings I've spent with him. I'm surrounded by color in the office, from racks of clothes to sketches everywhere. It's a kinetic, crazy and happy place. I'll have meetings about store design, do model castings, look at pieces for celebrity clients, designs and packaging. I'm less at ease with the financial side of my role so I wear a skirt, heels and slicked back hair to give me a little confidence. I want people to look at me and feel comfortable and secure that I am their boss. I do push the envelope because that's part of my role, to challenge and keep things moving forward. Everyone is used to seeing me covered in sequins – it makes day to evening dressing easy."

"Nine times of out ten, my bag is my giant J.Crew shopper."

"I usually wear men's slouchy pants, rolled up with a high heel."

"I'm a purist with my jewelry. I wear vintage diamonds every day."

Her rise at J.Crew is impressive! Got to give her credit for that. :)

What are your thoughts on the quotes? Was there any piece shared that you found particularly interesting? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew's July Catalog {double check it!}

Thanks!" to Holly Tara (in this post), as well as dancerb & Minah, 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 July 4, 2011.

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

J.Crew Email: Our Westport store is getting a makeover...

For those JCAs in Connecticut, one of J.Crew's most popular stores in the state is taking a break.

J.Crew sent an email to let us local shoppers know that the Westport, CT location is getting a makeover that requires them to close their doors for the Summer. They plan to reopen in early August.

The closest J.Crew (and about a 10-15 minute drive away) is located at the following location:

24 Elm Street
New Canaan, CT
(203) 966-5127

Can't wait to see what the newly renovated J.Crew will look like!

J.Crew Email: One more chance: NEW STYLES ADDED, EXTRA 30% OFF sale items & FREE SHIPPING on $150+ ends today

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

J.Crew is letting us know that new styles have been included in their Summer Sale (click here to shop online). They are also reminding us about the offer to take 30% off all sale items (no min) and free shipping on $150+ with promo code MUSTHAVE. This offer has been extended one more day and now expires Thursday, June 23, 2011.

This offer applies to J.Crew's brick & mortar stores, but this makes it Final Sale. (Just to clarify, Final Sale applies only to in-store sale purchases with the additional 30% percent off.) It is definitely worth a trip to the B&M if you can. I stopped by yesterday and saw a lot of new styles at lower price points than online. For example, they had the Last Straw Ballet Flats (Item 44261; $128.00) on sale for $49.99 (before additional 30% off).

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

Madewell Email: Our sale just gets better (+ free shipping on all orders)

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

Madewell added new styles to their Sale section (click here to shop online). Madewell is also offering free shipping on all orders (no min!) with promo code YESPLEASE. This offer expires tomorrow, 6/24/11.

Great time to check them out with free shipping!

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

Frank Muytjens Describes the J.Crew Man

The following is an interview with Frank Muytjens, over at GulfNews (click here to read article in its entirety):

Designer Frank Muytjens: I don’t like things to be perfect
By David Tusing
June 19, 2011

He came, he saw and he made it cool. Before Amsterdam bred Frank Muytjens joined the very American J.Crew as its head menswear designer, the catalogue-fuelled mass market company was never really taken seriously as a true fashion brand. But about two years ago, along with Muytjens' hiring, the brand decided on a change of heart. Today, it is known as much for its sharply tailored suits as its trendy outdoor wear, still keeping with its American prep heritage. J.Crew menswear now comes closer to fans in the Middle East, after it was recently made available on men's fashion website MrPorter.com.

Muytjens, who took on his role at the brand after spending eight years at Polo, spoke to tabloid! about his design heritage, his inspirations and rumpled white shirts.

How much Dutch do you inject into an American brand such as J.Crew?
I think the Dutch are all about functionality, we don't like a lot of embellishments, so I think I took that with me.

You've been in the US for many years now. Would you say you have been Americanised in your design ethos?
Absolutely! That's one of the reasons I moved here. But I think my European background makes it easier to distance myself from it and not take it too seriously.

The Dutch are known for their industrial and architectural designs. How much of that do you bring to fashioning J.Crew looks?
I think functionality is key. Some of the industrial design I feel is whimsical, which is great, but I don't think that translates well in men's fashion. I like to keep it classic, but with a history and a modern fit and approach.

Who is the J.Crew man?
A guy who likes to look good in an understated way and also wants quality. He doesn't want to feel too self-conscious in what he is wearing. He doesn't want to feel that what he is wearing is too precious.

What are the top looks for spring-summer this year?
Crewneck heather grey sweatshirt, garment dyed Stanton short and New Balance for-J.Crew sneakers or our navy Ludlow tuxedo jacket worn casual with jeans and a chambray shirt.

Is there really such as thing as low-key luxury?
Yes, but luxury to me doesn't mean expensive dry clean-only garments. I think a rumpled white shirt straight from the dryer can definitely look luxurious.

Do you think celebrities help fashion?
If it's genuine and doesn't feel like an endorsement.

How would you describe your personal style?
Past/present with a dishevelled touch. I don't like things to be perfect.

Some people have said haute couture is dead. Do you agree?
To me it looks more vibrant and young then ever.

How has menswear evolved over the years, according to you?
Guys are definitely more aware of what is going on, and dress accordingly. I was at a J.Crew store event and so many of the guys were more dressed up than the women.

Have you ever been to Dubai? What are your impressions?
I have only been to Dubai on a layover, so that was just the airport, and that was years ago. But I'd love to come back and see all the new architecture with my own eyes. I'd love to be on top of the Burj Al Arab, or even better, the Burj Khalifa.

Besides fashion, what other interests do you have?
Cooking for friends, working in the garden, running with my dog, photography and scuba diving when there's the opportunity.

The interview doesn't reveal too much, but it is still enjoyable.

What are your thoughts on the interview? Do you like the direction that Frank is taking the Men's Collection at J.Crew?

"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's Student & Educator Discount {upgrade}

A big "thanks!" to MJ who shared the following {great} news about J.Crew's student/ educator discount:

Today I visited my local J Crew in Las Vegas and the sales lady mentioned the teacher discount policy has been revised and the 15% discount can now be applied to sale items! They will not combine promotions, so it will not apply when they offer an additional 30% off. Great news!

I am very thankful for the educator and student discounts at J.Crew– and was a bit sad to see it get reduced over the past few years. (It use to be allowed on online & phone orders, in addition to in store purchases. It was also not limited to full priced items, as it included sale priced items as well as items receiving an additional percent off.)

This is wonderful news! Hopefully this news is being spread by store associates in all brick & mortar locations. :)

What are your thoughts on this latest change? Did you know about this change? Will this have an impact on your future purchases?

J.Crew Fall 2011 Collection {pre-order}

JCAs have poured over the images from J.Crew's Fall 2011 collection (refer to the "J.Crew's Fall 2011 Lookbook {part II}" post).

A big "thanks!" to Suzy (in this post) who let us know that J.Crew finally posted the Fall 2011 Lookbook on their website (click HERE to check it out). To pre-order any of the items, call 800-261-7422.

They even have a presentation video to check out. To view the whimsical video, click here.

Also, "thanks!" to Desert Flower who shared a related email sent to select customers on Friday. The subject of the email is "VIP look: our fall 2011 design presentation and Jenna's Polaroid snaps".

I said it before, will say it again: Trench coats, maxi & knee length skirts, trouser legs, capes! And the colors! I am in l.o.v.e.

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

First Look at J.Crew Store In Canada

As mentioned recently in the "J.Crew Moves Into Canada {this year!}" post, J.Crew is finally moving to Canada later this Summer.

A big "thanks!" to Alison who confirmed this news and even snapped the following photo over at her local mall, Yorkdale Mall, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Very exciting news for our Canadian JCAs! Hopefully this is just the beginning too, with more stores scheduled to open. :)

Did you see the store front at Yorkdale Mall? Are you excited about J.Crew {finally} coming to Canada?

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

Darlings, is it time for a {Madewell} coupon code?

Yes, it is that wonderful time!

Madewell is offering free shipping on all orders (no min!) with promo code YESPLEASE. This offer expires 6/24/11.

P.S. I have noticed that other blogs & websites post J.Crew | Madewell codes & coupons *after* this blog does. If you happen to get codes & coupons from the JCA blog & post them at your site, could you please give give a "shout out" to the JCA blog? This way more JCAs are inclined to share. TIA! :)

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

"Thanks!" to many of you, including GigiOfCa (in this post), as well as Irina, 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 MUSTHAVE. This offer expires Wednesday, June 22, 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, June 22, 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 MUSTHAVE. 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 is the offer we have been waiting for the Summer Sale (click here to shop online). Also exciting, this offer applies to J.Crew's brick & mortar stores, but not at Factory brick & mortar stores.

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 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!!! :)

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!

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, Fabulous Florida Mommy (in this post) as well as Life as a Cat (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 July catalog (click here to view) is now available to view. The Men's only catalog is not available though.

Can I say how much I love J.Crew back on the boat! And Lauren Hutton! This will be my favorite catalog of the year. Seriously. The. Best. As for my picks...

I Like! Okay, so the Tippi Sweater (Item 46725; $69.50) is a boring choice, but I am loving the shades it is coming in like Heather Dark Grape.

Meh. The Crochet Marled Vest (Item 44714; $108.00) doesn't look like a mess... at first. But just check out the side view. The vest gave her a tummy. No thanks! To achieve a similar look, I much rather eat Hershey's Kisses. ;)

Don't Like! Jackets! So far, I am not impressed. J.Crew, you use to excel in this category. Bring back well tailored jackets in established fabrics.

Didn't Get the Memo? The pins, like the Jeweled Monkey Pin (Item 49293; $25.00), have been in J.Crew's brick & mortar (B&M) stores for months. And they are even on sale already for $9.99! I bought the Frog Pin just two weeks ago on sale. So it's weird to see them as a new arrival, at full price no less!

Also, Eddie Borga's collection made exclusively for J.Crew is now available to shop (click here). "Thanks!" to Moke & Fabulous Florida Mommy (in this post), as well as Christine, who let us know about the following articles on this latest collaboration:

• Racked: "Eddie Borgo's Collection for J. Crew Arrives at JCrew.com Tomorrow"
• Refinery 29: "Eddie Borgo For J.Crew's Collection Goes On Sale Tomorrow"
• FabSugar: "J. Crew Launches Eddie Borgo Collection"
  

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? :)