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.
Reviews of Madewell Sketchbook Flowers Peplum Top HERE. Very pretty top and I LOVE it! I am really warming up to the peplum shape, it is totally unexpected for me.
ReplyDeleteBanana Republic one-time use codes good thru today, 8/22:
ReplyDeleteH9H9Z9WPPFY9 - for 35% off
XHV6VVYT62XZ - for 35% off
Please comment if you use one of them.
I'd love to have the first one - thanks Gigi!
DeleteI gave Everlane tees a try after seeing some love for them in blogland (Made in USA, $15 tees, etc.). For my first order, I got free shipping and free returns. It was easy to place an order and it shipped and I received it quickly. The cotton seemed nice enough - Supima, soft and thin but not see-through. Unfortunately, there was a hole in the crewneck, and on the V-neck, the point of the "V" was sewn crooked so it puckered a bit.
ReplyDeleteI contacted Everlane for my return authorization and noted there was no return label in my package. They said they didn't see free returns listed on my account. Ugh! I was given the option of returning on my dime and they'd credit the account, or they'd e-mail me a label I could print out. I don't think that I'll bother with exchanging the tees because I'm wary of defects in the replacements. Even though I love the idea of Everlane, the products didn't make a great first impression on me.
silver lining, that sucks! I guess it's just another case of talking the talk but not walking the walk. All too common these days!
Delete:o( I've only heard good things about them. Such a bummer.
DeleteHmmm, I just received my tee-shirt order and the quality of my items is fine, it's the *fit* that's the problem. I ordered according to Everlane's measurements / sizing and purchased a large (and a medium in the Ryan) and WOW, they're quite big. I know the Ryan and the U neck are supposed to be slouchy, but they're pretty much shapeless in the body and not-at-all flattering to this curvier girl!
DeleteMy first order wasn't placed within the first 24 hours of registration, but they still were touting free returns on the website. We'll see how that goes; I screencapped the message to be safe!
Anyone ever try Garnet Hill? Intrigued by numerous items in their latest catalogue. Looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Garnet Hill -- usually great quality and their return policy is unbelievably wonderful, especially compared to JC -- one can return ANYTHING ANYTIME for a cash (credit card) refund. Their customer service is very good too. AND they post reviews, so one can get an idea of fit right at the site. Love their linens. Their children's wear is adorable.
DeleteLove Garnet Hill. Very good quality, amazing and excellent customer service. "Like" them on FB for occasional "flash" sales - just yesterday (between something like 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and then again 9pm to midnight) they did 25% off EVERYTHING plus free shipping. No time limit on returns. I find their clothing runs TTS to maybe slightly big.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip & the sizing info, Elizabeth.
DeleteYou're welcome. I forgot to mention that they also have customer reviews and also offer free fabric swatches for most of their bedding items.
DeleteTalbots is currently doing a $20 off Pants + Free Shipping [Exp. 09/03] which is a saving but I checked to see if there were
ReplyDeleteany other coupon codes out there for Talbots and found this:
Go to Talbots.com and enter REDBOOK into coupon code and get 20% off.
Expires 9/9/12.
The really great thing is that you can use both at the same time!
The Red Hanger sale is currently on and the initial fall offerings are up. Check out the silk scarves, 3/4 length coats, and what may be a variation of the Minnie...the Gigi.
Before I start sounding like a Talbots ad, I must say that I do appreciate the way they offer all sizes in many malls( it's a pleasure to actually try on a petite before purchase). JCrew could definitely take page out of their playbook there.
And when they offer a special deal, it's available to everyone. So annoyed with the games JCrew plays with that!
And this may be old news, but it appears that the GAP is restocking its Academy Ponte Blaze (the indigo/black combo is stunning). There is a promo for GAP for 25% off any order. GAPLIST (Exp. 08/23/2012)
magistra, I just placed an order at Talbots. Man, I am really on a shopping roll today... must stop! I bought a gorgeous paisley pencil skirt and a pair of the mitzy suede flats which are sorta like the Vivs. Here is the skirt. I love how it has so many different colors in it and it is actually fully lined.
DeleteGlad to be of assistance. Thanks for sharing your skirt find; that is a seriously cute transitional skirt. I find that I prefer a regular rather than petite size in Talbots' pencil skirts because i want the longer length with that style. Off to recheck their site again.
DeleteI bought and returned the gap piped blazer - all the ones in the store I went to had the weirdest smell! The SA said she noticed it when she was unpacking the boxes.
DeleteHi, all. After Greta mentioned Pure Collection last week in the weekly "share other J. Crew-like retailers," I decided that I would accept Pure Collection's affiliate program invitation to share coupons, links, etc., on my blog. I have only ever purchased cashmere from them and have love those, but they do sell other types of clothing as well.
ReplyDeleteI bit on a printed silk blouse with a 25% off (with free returns) coupon and I should be able to review that in a few weeks (shipping is from the UK so it can take a while to get to the United States).
That 25% off (with free returns, sadly no free shipping) coupon is in the sidebar of my blog. You have to make sure to view my full blog, not the mobile site, in order to find the coupon.
This coupon is only good on the new autumn/winter items, not on their clearance from summer.
Hope that helps someone out there!
Okay, so one more comment for today. :) Boden's Winter 2012 Preview is up and running, but in order to get the 20% off with free ship and returns, you must purchase before 11:59 pm on Friday, August 24, 2012.
ReplyDeleteThe website is here.
I did a picks post here last night. :)
that Jacquard skirt is gorgeous! (looks great on you) I would love to buy it, but just don't have much use for it.
ReplyDeleteLast night I made two purchases from saks "fashionfix" section of their website. They have a surprisingly large section of items at reasonable prices. I got some basic nude patent heels and a really adorable Rebecca Minkoff tweed motorcycle jacket (unfortunately I wasn't feeling the j crew tweed jackets this year). The items shipped the same night!
ReplyDeleteLilly Pulitzer is having a huge sale and is offering free shipping on all orders. It started yesterday but there are still some adorable things left. I especially like their silk/cotton jersey dresses. I throw them in the washer and they come out perfect every time. The prices are really low, for Lilly anyway.
ReplyDeleteI have a question actually - I need to get some basic tees (black/white maybe a short and long sleeve of each) and refuse to buy JC due to the quality issues. I am tired of holey tshirts after a wash or two. I don't want to spend a fortune-- ideally $30 or less per shirt. Any ideas?
ReplyDeleteI've heard positive things about Everlane tees. If you sign up you get free shipping/returns for 24 hours so there is no risk involved. Here is a link. They are supposed to be nice tees without the ripoff markup. I am going to go order some now... I had navy and black in my cart last week and got distracted and never placed the order. The basic s/s tees are only $15.
DeleteMake sure you read the post from SilverLining above...
DeleteYeah, based on silver lining's experience, I am holding off!
DeleteI bought some basic tees (black, grey, white) that I LOVE so much, that I have bought her maxi skirt, her big white shirt, several of the boat necks and batwing type tees and some tunics/dresses and a maxi dress! I have been loving them all summer and NO HOLES. Very reasonable prices - If you buy through her ETSY site, please tell her I sent you (I don't get anything( I just want her to know I'm spreading the word b/c her designs are great! Etsy Shop; LaMixx
DeleteJust a note for Everlane -- I've bought their tees and their belt and found both to be fantastic. The belt especially is really nice for the price. Super sorry to hear about a bad experience (and holes in a tee would turn me off forever, too, SilverLining) but the company worked great for me. Just a thought!
DeleteThanks, ladies. I may give them a shot at that price, it's so difficult to find a good basic t!
DeleteYeah, for free shipping/returns definitely give them a try!
DeleteCan anyone comment on Boden sizing relative to JC? I'm thinking it seems I need to size up by one. If I'm a 4 skirt at JC maybe a 6 at Boden? Thanks in advance for any advice!
ReplyDeleteBased on garment measurements, I would definitely size up one for myself from my J.Crew size.
DeleteThanks Keilexandra! I'm a dope - didn't even see that they post measurements for every size. Yay Boden. I think I'll be placing my first order with them soon.
DeleteKate Spade has a fab sale right now, plus their sample sale:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.katespade.com/sample-sale/sample-sale,default,sc.html
I snatched up the Wellesley Rachelle for $189! (Regularly $428)
I agree with J CrewJD about the Lilly sale. I scored a cute dress and a cardigan for under $75 - including tax!
ReplyDeleteMy local Talbot's B&M sent me an email about an extra % off all markdowns: buy 1 item 50%, buy 2 items 60%; 3 or more items 70%. The fine print reads: "Valid in select stores through 8/27/12." While I'm often sized out, there are occasionally some hidden gems on the sales rack. It may be worth a call to see if your local B&M is participating.
My local Talbots and online had and additional 50% off markdowns. I scored some very nice pearl necklaces, $11-12 each. Another necklace I liked online was marked down to $14, but of course $8 shipping. I knew it was sold out at my store, but SA found it at another store and it is being shipped to me free. It was a shorter white bead double strand. All of the pieces had a nice heft to them.
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting on my first shoe purchase from Boden, the short moto boots.
re: Garnet Hill (my reply isn't working today), I just posted a review of the cotton favorite voile skirt today in the marketplace print. LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI posted this previously n shopwithm's blog, but I had a very positive experience with the Piperlime brand TinLey Road Peter Pan Collar Blouse. Currently, they only have M and L available, but the smaller sizes come in on pop back. I bought this to try because I couldn't stomach paying $75 for the JC Peter Pan Collar Tee and I wasn't sure how the look would work for me. The Tinley Road blouse has a wider double-collar but at $34 with free shipping and returns was certainly worth trying! I also was looking for something more versatile than the JC tee and this fits the bill. I can wear it underneath my cashmere crew neck sweater for a similar look to the JC tee, but have a more slender fit at the waist, since my sweater is slightly longer. I like the fact that the blouse has a more modern twist and would look great with capris or a skirt on it's own. The fabric is synthetic, but has a more linen feel to it.
ReplyDeleteI also purchased the Nordstrom BP (juniors) brand peter pan collar sweatshirt for $38 and I really liked the navy color way. I tried the grey sweatshirt as well, but it looked more like an upscale sweatshirt than a true top. The navy was a nice weight without being too sweatshirt-y looking (is that a word?) . Went up one size to a Large since it was a juniors fit and I'm glad I did. The fit is body skimming. I still consider this a casual top and will probably pair it with jeans, capris, and denim Bermudas. The collar is a little wider, exposing more of the neckline, but still works well. A good $38 alternative to the JC top, I think!
And thanks shopwithm, for your suggestions :) I love how the JCA community helps one another...!
Check your spam folders - BR sent a "Just for our Best Customers: A very special Friends & Family offer" - 50% off up to 5 regular priced items! Valid August 23-26.
ReplyDeleteI could use this! I only got an email about 25% with BRLIKEYOU. Is the 50% off with a unique code or a general code?
DeleteThanks for sharing!
Kat - I recvd two in separate emails. Both are addresses I've had on my Luxe account. My emails mentioned that it was a Luxe cardholder exclusive. Email me at gigiofca@gmail and I will send one to you. I won't be able to respond until late this evening, though.
DeleteThank you thank you! :)
DeleteKat - I don't have an email from you. I can be reached at gigiofca@gmail
Delete:)
injanuity - that makes me crazy! I got an email from the West Village store in Dallas on Sunday night: if I was one of the first 100 customers to respond to the email I would find out on Tuesday if I got the 50% off coupon. So, I get the email on Tuesday that I am selected, but I have to pick up the coupon in store Thurs-Sat (by sunday they will give up to other customers.
ReplyDeleteWell, there are at least 2 other BRs closer to me. And I have not received the email (um, cardholder and very frequent shopper). I start searching the internet this AM for that coupon so I could just walk across the street at lunch and shop that BR. Hope this is a gmail error and not a BR ignoring me - usually don't get that from them!
Hey....I found a Sterling skirt look alike at Land's End. Here's the link to it on the site:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.landsend.com/pp/womens-herringbone-a-line-skirt~244081_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::YBR&CM_MERCH=IDX_women-_-dresses-skirts&origin=index
The skirt doesn't look anything like it does on the model on me. It looks like the model is wearing the wrong size to me. It fits me similiar to the Sterling skirt. I wear a 6 in JC skirts and the size 4 in the Land's End skirt fit me perfectly. It has a nice wide waistband and fit high on my waist. I'm 5' 9" and it hit me right in the middle of the knee. Yah! It's 50% wool and some other stuff, but has enough wool to make it good. It's a herringbone tweed, comes in 3 colors (I got the green....would have gotten the dark camel but I own that in the Sterling skirt) also comes in a plummy color if you like purples. It's $80.00, but I had a $15.00 off coupon. Yah! Also was impressed with their cashmere sweaters. I'm watching those and hoping they go on sale later on. okey dokey!
Has anyone tried a Boden blazer? I am looking at a tweed one, but not sure of fit and quality?
ReplyDeleteTIA!
Old Navy has had some nice items lately. I have photos of these items:
ReplyDelete- Printed Ruffle Top (Thanks to Gigi for pointing this one out.)
- Perfect-Cord Pencil Skirt in Candied Lemon
- Double-Button Denim Pencil Skirts in Rinse B
Inspired by the post on how to wear scarves in the summer on Angie's Closet:
- Snakeskin-Print Infinity Scarf in Pink (it's purple)
- Sheer Textured Scarf in Chambray Blue
- Printed Polka Dot Scarf in Briquette
AlyShops--I hope you see this as I am now just re-checking this post today but I will tell you that, in general, Boden has some of the highest quality standards across the board for a mass-market retailer. They definitely do not cut corners when it comes to tailoring, lining, or finishing garments to a "t." The fabric, especially if you are looking at one of their tweed jackets or blazers, are exceptional, and come from Abraham Moon and Sons, a Yorkshire tweed maker in England.
ReplyDeleteI have not ever bought a jacket or blazer from them, only coats, but from what my blog friends have told me, they have really liked the jackets and blazers they have received in the past from Boden.
What usually stops me from buying them is that I already own a lot of tweed jackets (Bella and such) from pre-2008 from J. Crew, so I really don't need anymore. I also wonder how the fit is on the jackets, I have a smaller frame up top, and if the jacket isn't fitted exactly right I can look dowdy and frumpy.
Was there one in particular you really liked?
I quite like the look of this one:
http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Coats-Jackets/Jackets/WE363/Womens-British-Tweed-Blazer.html?NavGroupID=2
Anyway, hope that helped!
Thank you so much! Yes, that is the exact blazer I am looking at! I too am petite on top so if a blazer is off just a little I look like a total frumpster. I like how boden offers petite sizes in this blazer too. I can't decide between the navy and the brown. I am sooo tempted to order it. I'll let you know about fit if I go ahead with the order.
DeleteBanana Republic - 30% off one-time use code good thru Sun, 8/26:
ReplyDeleteWZRHHZYG4DZC
The one time use code above may require use of a Banana Luxe card.
DeleteHere is another code. 30% off one-time use, good thru Sun, 8/26. The email mentions it's for use with a BR Luxe card, but it doesn't hurt to try it. Please note if you claim a code:
LYKBNM2R4ZTH