J.Crew Aficionada: November 2012

Friday, November 30, 2012

J.Crew Factory: Get An Extra 40% Off Every Order!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, who shared the following news/email from J.Crew Factory with us.

J.Crew Factory is offering an additional 40% off every purchase (no min!) with promo code XOFACTORY. This offer expires Wednesday, December 5, 2012.

As some of you might remember from the "J.Crew Factory Exclusive Early Access: Shop new ar..." post, this same code was originally good for an additional 30% off. Not sure why J.Crew decided to bump up the discount to 40%, but it is gladly appreciated! For those who placed an order with the 30% discount, try calling J.Crew to adjust the difference. It is the same code, so it is worth a try for the additional savings.

Have you received this email? Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Any items you are interested in? If so, please share!

Seek & Find: Will you visit J.Crew this Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the FALL sale, or to see some new FALL/WINTER 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!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

J.Crew Is Finally Opening in the UK Next Year {brilliant!}

"Thanks!" to Tabitha (in this post), who shared the following article from Telegraph's Fashion (click here to read in its entirety):

J.Crew to open first UK store on London’s Regent Street
By Bibby Sowray
November 29, 2012

We emitted a small squeak of joy when J.Crew's creative director Jenna Lyons confirmed back in February that the company were scouting locations for their first London store, and now they've finally confirmed just where it will be - 165 Regent Street.

"We've waited a long time for this," Millard "Mickey" Drexler, J.Crew's chairman and chief executive officer, told WWD . "It's the next chapter in our growth and our future. It's an important flagship location on arguably one of the most important streets in one of the most important locations in the world."

Slated to open in late 2013, not only will it be the brand's first UK store, it will be their first store outside of North America.

"We felt comfortable being there," Dexler said of their decision to make London their first overseas foothold. "We share the same language. We are not pioneers here. A lot of other [U.S. retailers] have been here and have been successful here. It's an incredibly important fashion city. London was an easy decision - it's a place where people understand and respect the integrity of great style and great design. But the first consideration was our customers. We've had a lot of visitors coming from London wishing they had a J.Crew in London. This was not a difficult decision."

Set over two levels, the 17,000-square-foot store, which used to be home to Burberry, will house two separate shops - one men's, one women's, each with their own entrance.

The announcement comes as the group revealed that net income rose 54 percent to £20.7 million ($33.2 million) in the third quarter ended Oct. 29, compared to £13.4 million ($21.6 million) in the same period last year.

Such exciting news! I think the location is perfect and they will be a massive hit. Plus, the store sounds huge. Lovely!

As an aside, net income for J.Crew rose 54% compared to last year... dayum! J.Crew is really doing well. Well done, J.Crew!

Are you excited about J.Crew's newest store in England? Do you think that Regent Street is a good spot for J.Crew?

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including GigiOfCa & Shopping Celle (in this post), Louise @ INGREDIENTS (in this post), as well as Life as a Cat & Cynthia F (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 Holiday catalog is not yet available to view. On the cover is the model with the bright red glasses. {eye roll} However, J.Crew did post the December 2012 catalog (click here to view) .

I am off to check out the new arrivals for myself...

More exciting news! J.Crew is offering 25% off and free shipping on orders of $150+, and 30% off and free shipping on orders of $250+, with promo code WINTER. This amazing offer expires December 2, 2012.

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! :)

JGIC Product Review: Baby It's Cold Outside

A big "thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada who is graciously reviewing Men's items from J.Crew with us. In this review, he looks at J.Crew's outerwear for men:

As the temperature drops it's crucial to stay warm and stylish, not always too easy especially when the temperatures really get cold. Here's my take on a few offerings from our friends at J.Crew and maybe even a reference to the competition at BR.

The University Jacket (#96037) is a personal favorite. I've had mine for over four years and while they have added 'kissing welt pockets' the coat is basically unchanged. Mine is charcoal with Thinsulate and a real work horse. While mine lacks the kissing pockets (maybe if I had them I'd pucker up more?) it is so very practical. With the collar popped and yes you should pop your jacket's collar. From hoodies and denim to turtleneck or dress shirts and tie with wool pants this goes with them all. The fabric wears like steel and after four years no sign of pilling or adverse wear, take that cashmere sweaters. While is warm without being too heavy it's no heavy down filled puffer jacket. I definitely recommend this one, classic well made and a good value especially with sales.

The Dacota down jacket (#17343) is the way to go for serious warmth from J.Crew. I picked mine up last year right before Christmas with a great discount. It's very light, slightly more fitted than the University jacket and warm. I find that if this jacket isn't warm enough I should get inside immediately. While it does come with an unlined hood in the collar your best best is a cashmere or wool hat, (see #33871 or #33828). I have a cashmere one from two years ago and it's warm. The down jacket is what I wear shoveling snow and running errands on the weekend. It washes beautifully and it's a bonus not having to worry about dry cleaning which is the best way to make a down jacket ineffective.

As to the well advertised pea coat, aka the authentic Bayswater Peacoat (#87195), I actually picked up on from my friends over at BR. I know, I know a BR review and recommendation on a J.Crew blog. The fabrics used in the peacoat are the same as the University jacket and I was after something different, hence the BR peacoat. It's a faint plaid, fitted and looks sharp, but in all honesty not as warm as the University jacket or as practical. While a single breated jacket looks good open or closed the peacoat loses something when it's open and unbuttoned.

Finally for a warmer winter day the Boulder down vest (#50836) is awesome. Worn with a wool sweater it can't be beat. Like the Dacota jacket it's light, slighly fitted and washes perfectly. Definitely something to add to your collection.

All these jackets fit true to size and with the sales being offered an even better deal. No reason to be chilled or cold with great offerings like these around.

Another fantastic review! "Thanks!" again to J.Crew Guy In Canada for his in-depth look at the outerwear collection!

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's outerwear for Men? Do you own any of their coats? If so, please share with us your review. :)

"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.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Take an Additional 30% Off Sale In J.Crew Stores!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Pretty Addicted (in this post), as well as Sally A (in this post), who let us know the following promotion...

J.Crew brick and mortar (B&M) stores are offering an additional 30% off their Sale merchandise!!! Not sure how long this offer will run, but hopefully for the rest of the week. Plus, it means that online might be offering something similar soon too.

Is your local B&M store offering the additional percent off too? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Factory Exclusive Early Access: Shop new arrivals before everyone else

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marie, who shared the following news/email from J.Crew Factory with us.

J.Crew Factory is offering an additional 30% off every purchase (no min!) with promo code XOFACTORY. This offer expires December 5, 2012. The fine print includes:

*Offer valid on purchases made at jcrewfactory.com through December 5, 2012, 11:59pm ET only. Offer not valid in J.Crew or J.Crew Factory stores, at jcrew.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other promotion. To redeem, enter the code XOFACTORY in the promo box at checkout. Offer valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer are subject to change.

There are also some new arrivals online that will hit J.Crew Factory online soon too, including the Factory Intarsia Charley Sweater in Sequin Heart (Item 23629; $98.00 , sale for $94.00). I think this sweater is so cute!

Have you received this email? Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Any items you are interested in? If so, 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.

J.Crew's Look Explained by Gayle Spannaus

A big "thanks!" to Sinead (of the lovely "classic with a twist" blog), who let us know about an article over at "Fashion Magazine" (click here to read in its entirety) that asks J.Crew's Gayle Spannaus how she achieves her look.

Beauty Visionary: Meet the woman behind J.Crew’s bright lips and mussed hair
By Kari Molvar
November 26, 2012

J.Crew has launched many obsessions over the years: cashmere V-necks, brightly coloured capris and novelty ballet flats. But the fashion retailer, which began as a catalogue-only business in the eighties, has also been not so quietly causing a beauty revolution. Flip open the catalogues, or “Style Guides” as they’re now known, and you’ll find models with electro-pop lips, windblown hair and brushed-up brows, a signature look that went over well when the brand officially presented at New York Fashion Week for the first time with its Spring 2012 collection. Collaborations with indie makeup brands Face Stockholm and Lipstick Queen have led to sold-out collections of lipstick and nail polish (not even eBay-able anymore!), and beauty boldfaces such as Linda Rodin (she of the cult face oil Rodin Olio Lusso) star in the company’s latest ad campaign. All of which is to say: J.Crew is on a big beauty roll.

So who is the mastermind behind this cosmetic zeitgeist? While quirky-cool chairman and CEO Millard “Mickey” Drexler and famously fashionable creative director Jenna Lyons have been major forces fashion-wise, much of the beauty direction happens at the hands of Gayle Spannaus. J.Crew’s fashion director and head women’s stylist, she’s been with the brand for 17 years. While working at Glamour as an assistant stylist, she would fight to be first to get her hands on the J.Crew catalogues. “When I heard there was an opening for a casting director to be in charge of hiring all the models, photographers and hair and makeup artists, I took it,” she says.

Since her arrival in 1995, Spannaus has crusaded to modernize J.Crew’s bare-face beauty approach. “It was very ‘girl next door,’ no makeup,” she says. “Very natural and androgynous, but not in a Calvin Klein way.” Her first coup was shooting Amber Valletta with her husband and puppy on a beach in 1995. “Amber was the biggest deal and we got her. I proposed the idea and it was more money than we had ever spent on a model.” It was also the first step in moving the needle. “I had a very specific instinct for what the J.Crew girl should be,” Spannaus says. “She had to have an ease. That was very important. And there had to be eye contact, a confidence—because that’s the foundation—and friendliness. If you’re not nice, it’s a one-shot deal.” Under her direction, J.Crew’s cadre of models has grown to include such well-known faces as Arizona Muse, Liu Wen and Karmen Pedaru.

After seeing Mona Lisa Smile, in 2004 Spannaus introduced bold lips, using red lipstick in the catalogues for the first time. Now, an outré lip colour is practically a given, along with a few other beauty J.Crew-isms. “There are certain steadfast rules with me: It’s either an eye or a lip. Never both. Ever,” says Spannaus

“Eyebrows are incredibly important, brushed up à la Brooke Shields back in the day. I will never work with a girl with plucked eyebrows. I can say that 100 per cent of the time, there won’t be mascara on the bottom lashes—it always feels like too much. It’s taking things one step too far, to where you know the model has a lot of makeup on. And when there isn’t a lip, there will be a nail.”

Working with up-and-coming makeup lines also lends a modern edge. Last summer, Australian-born, downtown New York–based makeup pro Poppy King, founder of Lipstick Queen, collaborated with the retailer to create a limited-edition coral red lipstick, which promptly sold out. In the fall of 2011, Swedish cosmetic import Face Stockholm teamed up with J.Crew to design a range of nail polishes, from pop-art red to pearly beige, followed by a set of two lipsticks in melon and fiery red (a hot pink shade of polish is set to debut this holiday season). Essie nail polish and Stila lip glosses have also appeared in the catalogues and in stores, selected by Lyons as her picks of the season.

As focused as Spannaus is on being current, she avoids the “T” word: trendy. “There was a moment when we did black and grey nails. We did it because it was trendy, but it didn’t feel right,” she says. “Customers didn’t respond well and I didn’t respond well. There’s a good chance that if Jenna and I aren’t intuitively wearing a product, it’s not right. I feel like we try to be consistent with who we are. We’ve become somewhat of an adjective, as in, ‘That’s so J.Crew,’ and that’s pretty wonderful.”

At the same time, Spannaus knows she can’t do bright lips and tousled hair forever. She says the trick to pushing the look forward is small shifts and subtle tweaks. “It’s about going from a ponytail to a slicked ponytail, or a hard centre part to pulling the hair over the ears. Or adding a crooked part or a far side part.” On the eyes, she’s thinking about trying out electric liner. “I have a collection shoot coming up and I’m going to try some colour on the eyes for the first time. On the lids, just a slight line.”

The changes are slight but just enough to keep J.Crew apace with what’s contemporary, cool and confidant. “I’m not looking to change what we do. When you try too hard to go too far, it’s not pretty anymore,” says Spannaus. “To me, beauty is always in simplicity.”

I love the last line about not trying too hard, and going for simplicity. It is one of the reasons I love J.Crew's offerings: they offer classics with a twist. Nothing too outrageous, but in style with the time today and tomorrow.

Now, I will share my bits of unsolicited advice... First, take away the ridiculous Jenna-glasses from the models. Enough with the Jenna clones. Seriously. Jenna barely gets away with this look. The models definitely do not. Second, bring back the smile. Forget the tousled hair or bright lips. What makes an image is the smile that radiates and shines through. I am so over seeing models tired or confused. How many catalog images did we see with a model slumped over a chair, barely staying awake? One too many, if you ask me.

What are your thoughts on the article? Any beuaity tips that you agree or disagree with? Do you like the style direction that J.Crew is taking?

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.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

JCA Blog Mentioned in NYT {yeah!}

A big "thanks!" to Roxy (in this post) & Lee, who let us know about the following article from the New York Times (click here to read in its entirety) with a special shout-out to a certain little blog...

Click Wisely to Shop, and Enjoy the Pie
By Claire Cain Miller
November 21, 2012

Some people may be looking forward to leaving Thanksgiving dinner before the pie is served to join the Black Friday rush, which will begin during dinnertime Thursday, earlier than ever, at stores like Sears, Walmart and Lord & Taylor.

But for those who prefer to stay for the pie course, ...there are just as many deals to be found online this year, especially for smart shoppers.

Last year, online shoppers spent $816 million on Black Friday, an increase of 26 percent from the year before, and an additional $2.3 billion over Thanksgiving weekend and Cyber Monday, according to comScore. It expects online spending to rise this year.

...To find your way around those problems, here are some tips from online shopping pros, retailers and shopping bloggers.

...SHOP ON TUESDAYS One of the secrets of online shopping is that prices change by the second. To maximize your chances of getting the best price year-round, shop on Tuesday, a variety of e-commerce experts say. For whatever reason, Tuesday is when most e-commerce sites, ...post discounts and new items.

No matter the day, online retailers often start sales in the wee hours, so shop early.

As for the time of year, women’s clothes, shoes and accessories are discounted most in January, February, August and September, according to Shop It To Me, an online shopping search site. For consumer electronics like laptops, shop in midsummer and late September, before and after the back-to-school rush, according to Decide.com, a price comparison site.

NEVER PAY FULL PRICE Online holiday shoppers should use 40 percent off as a benchmark for a good deal... Expect discounts that are about 5 percent better from online-only retailers than from those that also operate brick and mortar stores, she said.

...Google, Amazon and even flash sale sites like Gilt.com do not always have the lowest prices. You might check small shopping blogs dedicated to your favorite brands, like Grechen’s Closet for contemporary women’s clothes or J.Crew Aficionada. ...

WAIT TILL THE LAST MINUTE Procrastinators might benefit during the holidays. Electronics sold online are least expensive in the week before Christmas, according to Decide, especially TVs, laptops and cameras. ...

NEVER PAY FOR SHIPPING... Nine of ten retailers will offer free shipping on certain purchases this holiday season, and a third will offer free shipping on all purchases, according to the National Retail Federation.

...Many companies, including Gap and J.Crew, also let you return an online purchase to a local store. And until Dec. 31, PayPal will cover the return shipping cost if the merchant does not, as long as you pay with PayPal and make the return within 30 days.

...BE DILIGENT No one has time to read 50 e-mails a day from retailers. But for your favorite e-commerce sites, it is worth signing up for e-mails, as well as tracking them on Facebook and Twitter, where they often post exclusive deals. Many online shoppers have more luck hunting for items than trusting services to send alerts, ... "It is the thrill of the hunt that gets us going, after all,” she said.

I love the tiny shout-out to the JCA Blog. {yey!} The article also gave some good tips. My big tip for any J.Crew shopper: wait it out! I know J.Crew won't appreciate this, but everything goes on sale eventually. And more often than not, it goes on sale early. (Especially considering those universal 25% promos that have been recurrent these past few weeks. Just imagine the post holiday sales!)

If you happen to buy full retail price, make sure it is a piece you absolutely love. Then you will never regret getting it at any price. :)

What are your thoughts on the article? Did you agree or disagree with any of the points made?

J.Crew Outerwear Sale: 30% Off & Free Shipping

"Thanks!" to many of you, including GigiOfCa (in this post), who shared the following promotion with us.

J.Crew is offering 30% off AND free shipping on {select} outerwear for women (click here), men (click here) and kids (click here). This offer expires Wednesday, November 28, 2012. The fine print includes:

*Prices as marked. Offer valid on outerwear purchases made at jcrew.com or in J.Crew stores through November 28, 2012, 11:59pm ET only. Offer is not valid at jcrewfactory.com, in J.Crew Factory stores or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other promotion. Discount is not valid on purchases of Barbour®, Mackintosh®, Baracuta®, nanamica®, Norse Projects™, H.W. Carter and Sons®, Chimala®, Penfield™, K-Way®, Woolrich John Rich & Bros.™, Authier®, Rocky Mountain Featherbed® or Nili Lotan® branded outerwear. Free shipping valid for shipments to the U.S. and Canada on orders shipped via regular ground shipping (3 to 6 business days). Return requests must be made in accordance with our return policy. Terms of offer are subject to change.

This is another good offer from J.Crew that works both online and in stores. Great for those of you who wanted to acquire a new Winter coat, as there is plenty of stock available. Although, if you do not need a coat right away... the best deals are in January.

What are your thoughts on this latest promotion? Are there are pieces you are interested in getting?

J.Crew Sample Sale in NYC Starts Today

A big "thanks!" to Angie (of the lovely "angie's closet" blog), who let us know that J.Crew is having another sample sale in NYC this week.

For the event's days/hours:

Tuesday, November 27th (10am - 8pm)
Wednesday, November 28th (10am - 8pm)
Thursday, November 29th (10am - 8pm)
Friday, November 30th (10am - 8pm)
Saturday, December 1st (10am - 8pm)

Sunday, December 2nd (10am - 6pm)

As with all their sample sales, all sales are final. The location for the event is:

260 Sample Sale
260 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10001
nr. 29th St.
212-725-5400

Will you be attending this latest sample sale? If you are, please let us know! If you could also share any information (e.g. merchandise selection, quantity, prices), it would be greatly appreciated. :)

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 Seasons 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 post features the Wool Herringbone Jacket in Pink. I want to say this jacket is from 2005. In any case, the ladylike silhouette makes it a classic in anyone's wardrobe.

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?

Monday, November 26, 2012

Cyber Monday Deals for J.Crew, Factory, & Madewell!

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

J.Crew is offering an additional 30% off SITEWIDE and free shipping (no min!) for J.Crew cardholders with promo code CARDSTYLE. This offer expires today, November 26, 2012.

J.Crew is once again offering an additional 25% off SITEWIDE and free shipping (no min!) with promo code MONDAY. This offer expires today, November 26, 2012. The fine print includes:

*Offer valid on purchases made online at jcrew.com on November 26, 2012 from 12:01am ET through 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in retail stores, online at factory.jcrew.com, or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other promotion. To redeem, enter the code MONDAY in the Promo Box when checking out at jcrew.com. Discount not valid on purchases of the following: baby's third-party branded merchandise; men's Barbour®, nanamica®, Corgi™, Mougin & Piquard™, Alden®, Crockett & Jones®, Chimala® and Wallace & Barnes merchandise; women's Authier®, Harley of Scotland, Goldsign®, Lulu Frost or Drake's® merchandise; crewcuts Barbour®, The Cambridge Satchel Company® or Thomas Mason® merchandise. Orders will be shipped via regular ground shipping (3 to 6 business days). Terms of offer are subject to change.

It is always nice to see this promotion get extended with free shipping. (I guess this is J.Crew's offer for Cyber Monday.) Although I am surprised this percent off is not extended to B&M stores. Oh well!

J.Crew Factory is offering an additional 50% off many (but not all) items. They are also offering free shipping (no min!) with promo code YOURGIFT. It also expires November 26, 2012.

Lastly, Madewell is offering an additional 25% off SITEWIDE (no min!) and free shipping (no min!) with promo code TREAT. This promotion expires November 26, 2012.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Any items you are interested in? 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).

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. :)

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 FALL sale, or to see some new FALL 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!!! :)

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.

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?

Friday, November 23, 2012

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. ;)

Thursday, November 22, 2012

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Take 25-30% Off Sitewide at J.Crew {15% Off at Factory & 25% Off at Madewell!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including GigiOfCa (in this post), as well as Irina & Marietta, who let us know about the following promotions.

J.Crew is offering an additional 30% off SITEWIDE (no min!) and free shipping (on orders of $150+) for J.Crew cardholders with promo code CARDMEMBER. This offer extends to in store purchases. It expires November 25, 2012.

J.Crew is also offering an additional 25% off SITEWIDE (no min!) and free shipping (on orders of $150+) with promo code COLOR25. This offer expires November 25, 2012. The fine print includes:

*Offer valid on purchases made in J.Crew stores or at jcrew.com from 11/21/12, 12:01am ET, through 11/25/12, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in J.Crew Factory stores, at factory.jcrew.com, at the J.Crew 769 Madison Avenue location, or on phone orders. Cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other promotion. To redeem online, enter the code COLOR25 in the promo box at checkout. Discount not valid on purchases of certain third-party branded merchandise. Free shipping valid for shipments to the U.S. and Canada on online orders of $150 or more, before taxes are added, shipped via regular ground shipping (3 to 6 business days). Offer valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer are subject to change.

J.Crew Factory is offering an additional 15% off SITEWIDE and free shipping (on orders of $100+) with promo code GIVEANDGET. It also expires November 25, 2012.

Lastly, Madewell is offering an additional 25% off SITEWIDE (no min!) and free shipping (on orders of $100+) with promo code TREAT. This promotion expires November 26, 2012.

It is always nice to see an additional percent off available online and in B&M stores. I am also pleased to see it started before Thanksgiving, so we can get an extra day in!

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Any items you are interested in? If so, please share!

Happy Thanksgiving Day! {celebrating w/ J.Crew}?

First and foremost... Happy Thanksgiving Day everyone! (I know it is a day early, but I am pretty sure we will all be busy ~~eating~~ celebrating tomorrow.) It's the time of year where we can spend time with our loved ones and enjoy a fantastic meal. It also officially starts the Holiday season. :)

Per JCA tradition, this post is to find out what everyone is going to wear. I find it really interesting to see what other Aficionadas and Aficionados plan on wearing (and of course it gives me lots of wonderful ideas for future outfits). :) So for this post, what we are planning to wear on Thanksgiving Day? :)

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

"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

J.Crew + Black Friday = 25% Off?

"Thanks!" to Lisa (in this post) who shared the following with us:

FYI -- J. Crew is doing 25% off everything for Black Friday. My SA told me this evening...

"Thanks!" to Sonia (on the JCA FB page) who shared the following with us:

I was in the store today and the sales lady said that thanksgiving sale will start on Wednesday! Sweaters won't be marked down any further than they are now but other stuff will be on sale. Enjoy :)

This would be a great offer for shoppers in stores. Especially since J.Crew needs to move some merchandise. (Every time I step into a J.Crew store, I am not seeing a lot of shoppers at the cash registers.)

On a related note, I am curious if J.Crew will be running a similar promotion online too. That would be great for me, as I have no interest in going anywhere near a mall or shopping center post-Thanksgiving. I know some shoppers love the thrill of finding that coveted item on super sale among the crowds. However, I am not one of them.

While we are talking Black Friday, J.Crew Factory sent an email today announcing prices will be up to 50% off. (It sounds like everything will be 50% off, but that is how they get you! Key phrase: "up to". Not sure how many items will really be priced at half off...) This offer runs from November 21st through the 25th in stores.

What are your thoughts on the promotion from J.Crew for Black Friday? Did you hear about the same promotion at your local store? Did you hear something different? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

J.Crew of Seasons 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 post features the Merino Wool Peacoat Sweater. The gold buttons and belt are a lovely detail for this adorable sweater. I also can't help but love the smile... we need to see more of those on J.Crew's models.

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?

Monday, November 19, 2012

J.Crew Factory Sweepstakes: Enter to Win $250!

J.Crew Factory is teaming up with RueLaLa to offer a new Have-it-all-Holiday Sweepstakes. The grand prize is a $250 gift card for J.Crew, to six lucky winners. This sweepstakes ends November 23, 2012.

Click here to enter via RueLaLa's Facebook page (from there you can find the "Have-it-all-Holiday Sweepstakes" on one of the tabs). Entrants have to "like" both RueLaLa & J.Crew Factory's Facebook pages and provide an email address.

Good luck to all those who enter!

25% Off & Free Shipping on Select J.Crew Sweaters for Men, Women, & Kids

"Thanks!" to many of you, who shared the latest promotion from J.Crew with us today.

J.Crew is offering 25% off *and* free shipping on select Sweaters for Women (click here to shop online) and Men (click here to shop online), as well as Crewcuts. This offer ends Tuesday, November 20, 2012.

The fine print includes:

*Prices as marked. Offer valid on sweater purchases made at jcrew.com or in J.Crew stores through November 20, 2012, 11:59pm ET only. Offer is not valid at jcrewfactory.com, in J.Crew Factory stores or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other promotion. Discount is not valid on purchases of baby's sweaters or John Malloy™, Comme des Garçons® or Nili Lotan® branded sweaters. Free shipping valid for shipments to the U.S. and Canada on orders shipped via regular ground shipping (3 to 6 business days) only. Return requests must be made in accordance with our return policy. Terms of offer are subject to change.

It is nice to see this offer being extended to brick & mortar (B&M) stores as well. Although I am surprised this promo will run for only two days. Which makes me wonder if J.Crew will be having another promotion (or no promo at all!) for Thanksgiving...

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Are there any Sweaters you are interested in getting? If so, please share!