Quick Heads Up: JCrewAficionada on eBay {still not me}

Last week I posted in the ""Quick Heads Up: JCrewAficionada on eBay {not really}" post that there is an eBay seller named "jcrewaficionada" that is not me. I want to reiterate this point:

The "jcrewaficionada" Seller on eBay is not me.

I have never sold anything through the use of the J.Crew Aficionada name or blog (so if you were under the impression you purchased something directly from me, unfortunately you did not).

So why all the posts about this now? The "jcrewaficionada" Seller turned off the setting for Buyers to contact her through eBay Messages. As a result, I have been receiving more and more direct emails from potential Buyers with questions about those listings. (Even after the initial post.)

I completely understand the confusion among the Buyers of eBay. Which is why I contacted the Seller, who kindly let me know that she will be slightly modifying the screen name as soon as she can.

Until then, I hope this second post can clarify the situation and avoid any more misunderstandings among eBay buyers. :)

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

"Thanks!" to New York & Paris (in this post), who shared the following news.

The latest J.Crew catalog sent to customers may have a unique promotional code (for something like 20% off on any order, free shipping with no minimum, or $20 off a certain amount).

The code is found on the back cover. New York & Paris also shares in this post: "The catalog with the discount code had a bright orange "cover" over the regular catalog, making the code pretty difficult to miss. ..."

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

J.Crew Email: Holding out for the bag of your dreams?

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, who shared the following email J.Crew sent this morning.

The email features the Brompton Mini-Hobo (item 63020; $258.00), which they describe as:

Our design team's fallen head over heels for the mini hobo—a luxe little sister to our iconic Brompton hobo. Smaller in size but deceptively roomy inside, this scaled-down favorite packs the same functional features you love about the original (think tons of pockets and a cross-body strap). In array of amazing hues and leathers, including a brand new, beautifully buffed matte version. Turnlock closure. Brass-finish hardware. Interior zip pocket, split-patch cell pocket. Cotton twill lining. Comes with dust bag. Import. Removable, adjustable shoulder strap fully extends to 20". 6 1/2" handle drop. 12"H x 10 1/2"W x 5"D.

Now some might say J.Crew just got lazy and thought, "What handbag design should we do next? Hey the Brompton Hobo is really popular, let's just make it smaller and call it a day!" And who knows, those people might be right. However, it is a pretty darn cute bag and I actually like the smaller version more than its larger counterpart. :)

What are your thoughts on the Brompton Mini Hobo? Have you seen it in-person? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

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

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

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

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

J.Crew of Season's Past: {a look in the closet}

It's that time again, to take a look at an image of J.Crew pieces from seasons past! As caribbelle (in this post) so beautifully termed, "ye olde j crew of yore".

This look came out for the Holidays in 2007. (Please correct me if I am mistaken.) I love the fun ruffles of the white Elizabeth Halter Cami peeking through the old school Gryphon Crest Tee. The full knee-length skirt just adds that bit of feminine touch. This whole outfit is something I would totally wear today (well, if it were warmer.) ;)

What are your thoughts on the look(s)/item(s) from the past? Do you find the look(s)/item(s) classic or do you think they are dated?

J.Crew Email: This week's discovery

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, who shared the following email J.Crew sent this morning.

The email not only features the The Perfect shirt in Liberty Art Fabrics Margaret Annie Floral (item 62528; $150.00) top, but also shares its back story with customers:

Our idea of inalienable style rights: life, Liberty and the pursuit of florals. These artful, eye-popping blooms from London's Liberty Art Fabrics, the British house famous for its fabric collection since 1875 (even Oscar Wilde was a fan), are our current obsession. Our design team revived this drawn-from-life floral of garden perennials like wild grasses, oxeye daisies, and forget-me-nots from the archinves of Liberty's Regent Street, London, emporium. So celebrate Spring a little sooner, and button up to brighten up.

Very cute email! I am already on board with this top! I love the bright colors and the beautiful floral design.

What are your thoughts on the Liberty print top from J.Crew? Have you seen it in person? If so, 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, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, 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, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, 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 WINTER sale, or to see some new WINTER/SPRING arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store was/ is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

You Got Mail... Spring Rewards Cards are Here!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including JulieBee (in this post), JulieStyles & The American Observer (in this post) Mackenzie Anne & BonnieMc (in this post), as well as Irina & Angie's Closet, who let us know about the following news regarding J.Crew card members: rewards cards are being mailed to qualifying card members now! There is more... J.Crew included all the looks in their Spring 2012 LookBook in a multi-page mailer.

"Thanks!" again to Irina & Angie's Closet who shared the images of the Rewards Card (shown above) as well as the flyer with the Spring Look Book images (shown below) for us to view.
Don't forget, the latest rewards card expires March 15, 2012. Knowing my JCAs, you won't have to worry about them expiring! ;)

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

J.Crew Factory Email: Welcome news: up to 30% OFF NEW ARRIVALS

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, who shared the following email from J.Crew.

J.Crew Factory (click here to shop online) is open and they are offering up to 30% off their latest arrivals.

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 offerings? Will you check them out?

J.Crew of Season's Past: {a look in the closet}

It's no secret that I like to search for images of J.Crew pieces from seasons past to collect in my virtual J.Crew LookBook. So I thought it would be fun to post an image or two from my virtual LookBook of beautiful items that J.Crew offered in the past.

The first look features the Alpine Holiday Skirt (Item 88945; $395.00). J.Crew described this whimsical skirt as: "Straight from the archives of an Italian couture mill: a scenic ski print in breathtaking colors on heavy cotton sateen. We love the vintage romance of the '60s Alpine resorts — and the precise alignment of the print on our limited-edition skirt."

I want to say this skirt came around 2008 2007, during the Holidays. (Please correct me if I am wrong.) Although it is a skirt one would wear a few times a year, it is absolutely adorable! And I love that it is paired with an olive tee and J.Crew's Patent-Leather Mary Jane heels in yellow. (Honestly, they need to re-issue those heels ASAP!)

What are your thoughts on the look(s)/item(s) from the past? Do you find the look(s)/item(s) classic or do you think they are dated?

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 WINTER sale, or to see some new WINTER/SPRING arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

P.S. I noticed that many of you have already been reporting sale items (and in which stores) in other posts which by the way "thank you!" :) I really appreciate how helpful we are for each other!

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Tiffany Rose (in this post), as well as Irina, 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).

There was also a major re-vamp of the website's design & layout. You will immediately notice the difference as several features like the log-in, and bottom navigation, have all changed location & look.
It definitely has the appearance of being more streamlined and Spring-y (if that at all makes sense). It looks nice enough, but my hope is that the update also mean the website will work more efficiently, and reflect accurate inventory.

The latest February catalog (click here to view) is now available to view. The brightness of all the colors will definitely put a smile on anyone's face. It looks like the days of over-the-top layering is gone. Instead, simple layering with bold pairings are favored.

By the way, you have to check out the Weddings & Parties section of the catalog. The images are gorgeous!!! It is a nod to what J.Crew does best (boats, water, tropical location setting, group shots). I don't know why the rest of the catalog could not have the same theme. I would have loved it!!!

As for the new arrivals... Overall I am excited from what I see. The real test comes when I see them in-person. ;)

Excited! The Perfect shirt in Liberty Art Fabrics Margaret Annie floral (item 62528; $150.00) is a throw back to J.Crew's earlier collections. The perfect shirt in a perfectly fun signature print from London's Liberty Art Fabrics! Doesn't it remind you of the Laura Shirt (Item 90108; $98.00) from a few years ago?

I am also loving the Peplum Top in Fresco Floral Sateen (Item 66184; $350.00). If it weren't for the price tag, this super feminine top would be mine. I love the sleeves, the define waist, and flared bottom. Pretty!

In Theory. The Schoolboy Blazer in Herringbone (Item 37852; $175.00) comes in fabulous colors and is a classic shape. So you would think I would love it, but I don't. I am kind of meh on it. I saw this one in-person at my store (drawn to it because of the bright hues it comes in) and the new metallic-threaded herringbone fabric looks too rumpled for my liking. It almost looked and felt like a weird linen material. It would drive me crazy trying to steam clean the wrinkles out. Pass.

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? :)

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to LOVE with J.Crew" post, a place to share our favorite experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a positive situation with J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including stellar experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

J.Crew Email: Ends today! EXTRA 40% OFF sale items (in stores and online)

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

J.Crew is reminding customers to take an additional 40% off all sale items (no min) with promo code OURTREAT. This offer expires today.

As mentioned in yesterday's "J.Crew Final Sale: Take Additional 50% Off at Stor..." post, customers can take an additional 50% off in brick & mortar (B&M) stores.

There was a really nice update this morning- which is great to see while this promotion is running.

Now the question is, what will the next promo look like???

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 Anthropologie, 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 Email: Get private access to our most special Collection pieces

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Kelly, Irina & Angie's Closet, as well as Josanne (in this post), who shared the following interesting email from J.Crew today.

The email announces a Spring/Summer new arrival event for February 6, 2012. They share:

Get your exclusive private access: We're giving you the chance (before anyone else) for 24 hours to pre-order styles from our Spring/Summer Collection LookBook photographed at our show during New York Fashion Week. Sign Up HERE.

Once customers click on the link, they are taken to a page to fill out their email address.

After they submit that info, they are asked to share this semi-secret pre-sale with their friends & family (by submitting their email addresses) and sharing it on their Facebook page.

I have not heard or seen this type of pre-ordering from J.Crew before. It will be interesting to see what it is like and how successful it is.

Did you get this email? If so, did you already sign up in order to check it out?

J.Crew Final Sale: Take Additional 50% Off at Stores {yeah, you read that right!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Ema (in this post), Erica (in this post), as well as GigiOfCa & Leah (in this post), who let us know the following great news:

J.Crew is offering an additional 50% off Final Sale items in brick and mortar (B&M) stores

I happen to stop by my local B&M and can confirm this good news. An associate let me know that it just started today.

I also want to mention that students and teachers should be able to use their 15% discount in addition to the 50% off sale items at stores.

Of course, there is not a lot of sale merchandise on shelves as they are transitioning towards Spring and the new arrivals. (As GigiOfCa mentioned, all sale items will be shipping back from stores to their warehouse at the end of the week.) However, it is a great deal on the sale items that are available (which tend to have lower prices in stores too).

This probably means that we will probably be seeing a lot of updates to Final Sale at JCrew.com in the following week or two.

Will you be stopping by a B&M store to see what is left in sale? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Email: Brighten up in colored denim

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

The email features J.Crew's Toothpick jean in garment-dyed twill (item 62443; $108.00). J.Crew mentions that "The talk-of-the-town toothpick gets a jolt of color (and an instant update) in a rainbow range of twill colors, each carefully garment-dyed for a pitch-perfect hue."

Brightly colored pants are everywhere! It is Spring's must have now. But the question is: how do you style them? For example, I got a pair of red pants that I have some trouble wearing. I either look too patriotic (with a white tee and navy blazer), Holidays (with green), or Mickey Mouse (with the white tee and black blazer). I end up just wearing a solid black top and call it a day.

What are your thoughts on the colors? Do you think you will try the trend? Please share! :)

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

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

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

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

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

J.Crew {pants} Spotted in Marie Claire

A big "thanks!" to cuckoo4crew, who not only let us know about an item from J.Crew being spotted in the latest 2012 issue of Marie Claire, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the image to see it larger.)

The page features a yet-to-be-released pair of floral pants that retail for $298.00. (For that price, what are they made of?!?)

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Mini Update: "Thanks!" to cuckoo (in this post) who let us know it is the Fresco Floral Sateen Midnight Green Cafe Capris (Item 60162).

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It is a busy print, so it won't work for me. But I have no doubt that J.Crew will style it beautifully in their catalog, tricking me into believing I could pull it off. ;)

On a bright note, new arrivals are just around the corner. We should expect to see some new pretties this Thursday.

What are your thoughts on the pants from J.Crew? Do you like the print and style?

Extra 40% off J.Crew's Final Sale {now we are talking!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including alicialoveseveryone & (original) Genny (in this post), A Bigger Closet (in this post), as well as Irina, who shared the following email & news from J.Crew.

J.Crew is offering customers to take 40% off all sale items (no min) with promo code OURTREAT. This offer expires Wednesday, January 25, 2012. The fine print includes:

*No exchanges, no returns on items marked as final sale. Offer valid at jcrew.com and J.Crew retail stores only. Offer is not valid at J.Crew Factory stores. Offer does not apply to previous purchases or to the purchase of gift cards. 40% off discount applies to J.Crew sale and Factory sale online items only. Offer valid through Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 11:59pm ET. Savings are applied at checkout with code OURTREAT. Offer not valid on phone orders. Cannot be combined with any other promotion. Limit one promotional code per order. Details of offer are subject to change.

There was an okay update this morning (women at 800+ items and men at 200+ items). To shop online, click here.

I am really happy to see 40% off their sale (which matches the offer at brick & mortar stores). YEY!

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).

---

Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, 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! :)

---

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.

---

Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, 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 WINTER sale, or to see some new WINTER/SPRING arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store was/ is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

Sneak Peek: What's to Come this Spring {thanks Slastena!}

A big "thanks!" to Slastena (check out her "Spring is in the air" post from her {amazing} About All and Nothing at All blog) who shared some more sneak peeks with us. {yey!} There is a little something for everyone in this batch of photos! Just click on any of the images to view them larger.



I am loving all the bright colors!!! (Especially since there is a blanket of snow outside my window. These images are a perfect pick-me-up.)

So many things I am interested in! Those yellow pants are gorgeous. I can't wait to see what other shades they will come in. I am also intrigued by the stripe jacket.

UPDATE: Another "thanks!" to AudreyBella (from the amazing "Life is Short...Buy the Shoes" blog), who shared more images of the catalog. Check out her "J Crew February 2012 Catalog" post for more!

What are your thoughts? Has your opinion on the upcoming line changed? Are you looking forward to the upcoming Collection?

J.Crew Email: It's great to be a Cardmember

"Thanks!" to Chanie and Yossi, as well as GigiofCa (in this post), who shared the following email from J.Crew.

The email reminds current card members all the benefits of being a J.Crew credit card holder. They listed the usual perks like the rewards card. However, the "and that's just the beginning" line left me wondering what more was left out. Is there anything else J.Crew offers card members that was missed in the email?

(Honestly, J.Crew should have included a little one-time promotion with the email.)

What are your thoughts on the email? Do you think the perks are decent enough to sign up? If you are a current card holder, would you recommend signing up for other JCAs?

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 WINTER sale, or to see some new WINTER/SPRING arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

P.S. I noticed that many of you have already been reporting sale items (and in which stores) in other posts which by the way "thank you!" :) I really appreciate how helpful we are for each other!

Former J.Crew Tracy Gardner Now at the Gap

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Lizbeck (in this post), who shared the following. NY Mag's The Cut (click here to read in its entirety) offers an update about Tracy Gardner's latest role:

The Gap’s New Advisor Is J.Crew’s Former President
By Charlotte Cowles
January 19, 2012

The poor old Gap has been limping along with poor sales figures for years now, but perhaps the company is actually ready to make good on all those promises to fix itself up and sell clothes people actually want to buy. Enter Tracy Gardner, who was the president of J.Crew from 2004 to 2010, after which she resigned in order to “spend more time with her children," according to J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler (she was replaced by Jenna Lyons). Like Drexler, Gardner worked at the Gap before J.Crew, so this move is a homecoming of sorts.

As of now, Gardner doesn't have a specific title; she'll work "in an advisory capacity and will provide oversight and guidance on the development of our women’s product,” Gap spokeswoman Louise Callagy told WWD. And don't expect to see major changes at the store for quite some time — Callagy said that Gardner's first project is "developing holiday product for 2012." (If Gardner brings any of her J.Crew fairy dust with her, this means we can anticipate lots of sequins and artfully half-tucked collared shirts from the Gap come Christmas.) Meanwhile, the brand is still hunting for a successor for head designer Patrick Robinson, who was dismissed this past summer.

Good to see her back! (As some of you remember, Tracy Gardner left J.Crew back in 2010. Refer to the "J.Crew News: Tracey's Out, Jenna's In" post.) I thought Tracy did a great job at J.Crew too.

It will be interesting to see what Tracy's title will be at the Gap, and the amount of influence she will have to turn things around. This is a great move for the Gap, since they need some help in the style department. (Honestly, I have not shopped there in the longest time.)

On a semi-random note... what is Melissa Webb up to now? Love to hear about her too!

What are your thoughts on Tracy Gardner's role at the Gap? Were you surprised by the move or did you see it coming? Are you excited to see Tracy back?

Spring Must-Haves: New Arrivals & 20% Off Your J.Crew Factory Purchase

J.Crew is offering Factory Store shoppers a special treat: take an additional 20% off any purchase of $150+ (in store only). This offer is good through January 29, 2012.

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 great time to check out their new arrivals. Please let us know if there are any additional in-store promotions that are currently running. Thanks in advance! :)

Lastly, J.Crew is offering an additional 30% off all Factory sale items (click here to shop online) with promo code MUSTHAVE. This offer ends tomorrow, January 20, 2012.

Happy Factory Store Shopping!!! :)