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.
Some Talbots reviews here and some Madewell ones here.
ReplyDeleteSome J.Crew-like items in this post. :)
ReplyDeleteRose, did you think the Talbots leopard skirt was a keeper?
ReplyDeletesub
ReplyDeleteTalbots pointy toe flats: I wanted to love these but they are not wearable. I ordered a 10.5 which is my real shoe size; sometimes I can do a 10 or 11 but 10.5 is usually best. They are gorgeous but the toe starts becoming pointed too early, severely shortening the area of the shoe where your foot needs to go. My toes were slammed up against the edge of the shoe. There is no way to fix it... going up a size will not work, I tried that too. I am really sad because the red and teal are just so pretty but I am returning them today :( Also, they are really low cut... lots of toe cleavage. That doesn't bug me but I know some ppl don't like it and it's impossible to tell from the online photos.
ReplyDeleteJ.CrewJD,
ReplyDeleteWe wear the same size. Thanks for the post on the shoes. I was thinking of trying them but will pass. I just try very hard to maintain the shoes I do have and that fit well! So hard to find...
Genny, no problem. I had such high hope for these, too. It's so hard to find shoes in 10.5 as it is! I have a couple other pairs of Talbots shoes in 10.5 that I love but I do find that some of their shoes tend to fit oddly. It's too bad because they are usually 100% leather and a little more nicely made than J.Crew ones. My quest for the perfect red patent flat continues!
ReplyDeleteAnd for anyone else obsessed with the calf hair loafer look like I am, check out Boden's lounge shoes. They are only $148, all leather, and look just as cute as the J.Crew ones for so much less money!!! I have already ordered them. Can't wait to try my first pair of Boden shoes!
Comfortable women's shoes are starting to become a real oxymoron. Can anyone recommend a leather heel or flat that doesn't pinch your pinky or eat up your ankle?
ReplyDeleteTo piggyback J.CrewJD's comment, those loafers are an almost exact match for J. Crew's. Boden's are far more reasonably priced, and as a fan of Boden's shoes, I have a suspicion I will be picking those up in the next month or so. (Boden does all leather construction without needing to call it "collection," cough cough.)
ReplyDeleteI did a post with my picks from Boden's winter line (which includes a photo of the shoes J.CrewJD is speaking of) here: http://mysuperfluities.blogspot.com/2011/10/boden-winter-line-has-launched.html
You all have a great day!
dina, I just love how fresh and honest Boden seems to be with their products. They don't try to hype anything up or rip people off because of some silly label. The $148 price tag is beyond reasonable for all leather construction. They just present their items, provide a cute description, and then let customers do the talking on the review portion. I love that!!!
ReplyDeleteAnother example of Boden awesomeness is their gorgeous patent leather bag. I am dying for the red and not sure what I'm waiting for, as it is only around $150. If the bag was at J.Crew (and J.Crew would never make a bag with a such a fun, cute lining!) it would be at least $250 if not more. I like some of the red bags J.Crew is offering but they seem impractical. Edie purse = too small. Edie tote = what the hell is up with the tiny handles?
I have to add that I have only ever bought two things from Boden, both of which were immediately returned... but they were clothing items. I have high hopes for their accessories, which I am turning to only after J.Crew has let me down with their high prices/backordered everything/poor quality.
Oh, and my affiliate program (that sends me codes for Boden) has not sent any with any "coupon" attached to it. The best they have going now is free ship and returns.
ReplyDeleteHowever, one of my readers gave me a code last week for 20% off and free ship/returns, which you can use if you put it into the small "code" box on the shopping bag page. It worked for me last week, so I anticipate that it could work for you all, too.
WRSM is the code. If it doesn't work, would you mind letting me know so I can delete this comment?
Okay that's it! :) Have a great day!
J.CrewJD: The accessories are probably the one place I can see the biggest crossover for JCAs to Boden. Especially this year, where I personally have noticed that Boden wants to churn out more classic designs that are meant to last many seasons. Those tweed upbeat kitten heels I own? I can see those in my wardrobe for a LONG time...
ReplyDeleteSome of the clothing is probably a bit "too much" compared to the more classic looks that J. Crew comes up with (or at least used to and they seem to be heading back towards). I have also found that if you get the wrong size in Boden, it can be SO frustrating because you have to mail return it, exchange it for another size, cross your fingers that the new one will fit, etc. At least for the US customers of J. Crew, a good portion of us live very close to a retail store so we can try things on, or return easily and quickly enough.
Okay, I will stop being a thread hog now. LOL. You all have a great day!
JulieY, I loved the animal print skirt. The construction is perfect and the print subtle enough.
ReplyDeleteAnthropologie is offering an extra 25% off certain sale items. Some good deals to be found!
ReplyDeletedinagideon,
ReplyDeleteHow long in your experience does it take for Boden returns? I think I need to call as it has been 2 1/2 weeks; maybe even 3 and nothing???
original genny:
ReplyDeleteI would call to be on the safe side. I usually get an e-mail that says the return has been processed, and then a day or so later it will appear on my bank statement on-line. Takes between two-three weeks, but I always err on the side of caution when it comes to returns.
Good luck!
Does anyone have any Lands End codes? Thanks
ReplyDeleteLands End Canvas free shipping code:
ReplyDeletePromotion Code:
TOGETHER
Pin: 1759
Lands End regular code for $10 off $50 w/free shipping:
Promotion Code:
MJ11
Pin: 4423
Also, check Talbots Outlets. They have a cotton w/spandex long sleeve button down shirt in a great leopard print. It was featured in the petite, misses and woman's departs at the Wrentham, MA Outlet this weekend.
departments (sp)
ReplyDeleteIf you are looking for good quality denim or some fashion-forward pieces at a very reasonable price, check out Topshop. I ordered the Baxter skinny jeans a few weeks ago, and they shipped very fast (7 GBP flat rate shipping under 75 GBP; free international shipping over 75 GBP). The fit is fantastic - the rise is low but not so much that there are any muffin top problems, and the denim is really good quality. I posted an IRL pic on my blog here. Last year, I bought a lace insert sweater (!!) from their maternity line, and had the same experience - great quality, good price, and very fast shipping. Highly recommend checking them out.
ReplyDeletenomoneyfun:
ReplyDeleteI like to browse shoes at Nordstrom.com. I look under the "comfort" shoe category which has some really cool shoe brands that are actually wearable. The customer shoe reviews are most helpful.
I just posted a few reviews of some Land's End Canvas items.
ReplyDeleteSee here.
L.L. Bean is offering 10% off (they offer free shipping every day) for the whole weekend. (Check out Signature's British Flannel Skirt if you liked the look of JC's merino pleated skirt). No code needed.
ReplyDeleteH&M 25% off one item coupon here:
http://www.hm.com/us/columbus-day-coupon
Talbots 25% off entire purchase, free ship no min, using code LOVE.
If you have an LLBean Visa you get 15% off this weekend.
ReplyDeleteTopshop has some cute stuff, but they are at the bottom of my list after I had to do my first return.
ReplyDeleteI purchased a top in mid August. The top fit, but was absurdly short. After getting a return authorization, I packed it up and mailed it with a delivery confirm.
They received it two days after I mailed it. I gave them their 28 days to post my credit, but have been calling them/emailing them every few days since. They have a scan of my proof of posting and a screen print of the delivery confirmation from USPS and I still don't have my credit. I will be filing a claim with my credit card company tomorrow and I won't be buying from them ever again.
I wouldn't recommend them unless you were buying something super cheap that you didn't mind taking a chance on.
SE Mom: Thank so much for the tip!
ReplyDeleteAnn Taylor was having 40% off the whole store today. I picked up a green skinny belt that is perfect with JC's Viridian Green. They also had a really lovely belt in a perfect camel color.
ReplyDeleteI tried on the red ponte dress (on sale for $120 - 40%) that I remember people talking about as a posible alternative to the Teddie Dress. I thought it was super cute on, the zipper is covered, and it went to the top of my knee. I had to size up in it compared to JC (I always do at AT).
Talbots has a 25% off your entire purchase sale, online and instore, from now till 10/10/11. Love that they carry petite sizes in their stores!
ReplyDeleteTalbots has also added a great ankle length pant (the Curvy Fit velveteen ankle pant) available in regular and petite sizes. I scooped up the ginger and black which is all my store was carrying) but sadly for my purse, there are two more shades : raven, a teal blue and shadow gray). But my purchase today netted me 2 coupons: 30% off on 10/20 and 40% on 10/22.
ReplyDeleteThe Jackie Fit Leopard velveteen jacket also went home with me today. It is a much more flattering print and cut than their earlier effort the Kate Fit Cheetah velveteen jacket (now on sale).
Sadly JCrew did not inspire me to take the trip over to the mall to view their offerings;no sales and most significantly, no new catalog online to inspire a visit!