J.Crew Factory: Take 25% Off EVERYTHING!

"Thanks!" to Mel (in this post), who shared the latest online promotion with us today: J.Crew Factory is currently offering 25% off everything online using promo code HELLOMAY! This offer expires Thursday, May 2, 2013. The fine print includes:

Offer valid on purchases made at jcrewfactory.com from April 30, 2013, 12:01am ET through May 2, 2013, 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 code HELLOMAY in the promo code box at checkout. Offer valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer are subject to change.

J.Crew and J.Crew Factory sure are offering up a lot of promotions (including yesterday's surprise 10 to 30% off Factory code and the extension of the 25% off for regular J.Crew). Mel (in this post), also thought the same thing by mentioning: "...Is it just me, or is J. Crew turning into Banana Republic with these constant, ever-rotating discounts?"

I love that J.Crew is offering so many promotions, however it does feel like its either a drought or flood type situation (we either do not see too many, or not too many good ones, and then we see a lot of great ones in a row). Personally, I rather see more (offers) than less. Especially since the "good stuff" seems to be selling out quickly like the Barbados Dress (item 46133; $168.00).

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Are there any Factory items you are interested in getting? 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! :)

Spend 24 Hours with J.Crew's Jenna Lyons

"Thanks!" to Pansy, as well as ReaganFlowers (in this post), who shared the following news with us: J.Crew's Jenna Lyons was recently featured in Harpers Bazaar.

Pansy shared the following scans (found in this post) of the article with us. Just click on either image to view larger. ReaganFlowers shared the link to Harpers Bazaar that has the article as well (click here to read in its entirety).

The following is a quick list of what I thought was interesting:

My List: Jenna Lyons
300 pairs of shoes, 3 minutes to get dressed, 14 pints of ice cream in the freezer... The J. Crew creative director's life by the numbers.
By Harper's Bazaar Staff

• I do my makeup in about five minutes, and I get dressed in about three minutes. I definitely don't have a work uniform. The idea of a uniform is like a slow and painful death to me. There is nothing I like more than getting dressed.

• I get probably 200-plus e-mails and more than 100 texts a day.

• The first day the intercoms were being installed at the J. Crew offices I was like, "What the hell is that?" But it's awesome. Mickey Drexler, J. Crew's CEO, is sort of like a fireball of kinetic energy; he has more energy than my six-year-old. He had the intercom installed, and he uses it mostly to make sure he can get someone immediately. 

• I easily own 300 pairs of shoes. And I have so many clothes; I have storage spaces full of clothes. 

• I always shower at night; I don't like getting wet in the morning.

What are your thoughts on the feature? Did you find anything particularly interesting? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Store News at Georgetown Park

A big "thanks!" to Rosie, who shared the following news / email from J.Crew. (She also was kind enough to share the following real life photos in this post.)

J.Crew has moved a DC store to a new (& bigger!) location offering "the very best" of J.Crew's women's and men's collection.

Plus, customers can enjoy a special gift with their purchase of $250+ or more (while supplies last). Rosie also shared a photo (& name) of that special gift (for the ladies) which is the Crystal and Cabochon Necklace (Item 68193; $45.00). DreamInOrange (in this post), let us know that the special gift (for the gentlemen) is a black umbrella.

The new location for the store is:

J.Crew at the Shops at Georgetown Park
3222 M St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 965-4090

Have you stopped by the new store location? Do you like the layout? :)

EXTENDED: 25% Off Every J.Crew Purchase {in-stores & online}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including innisfree & GigiOfCa (in this post), who also let us know the following...

J.Crew has extended their promotion to take an additional 25% off merchandise by using code SPRINGBEST. Card members can take an additional 30% off merchandise when they use their J.Crew credit card and with promo code CARDSTYLE. These offers now expire Friday, May 3, 2013.

Is your store offering this sale? Will you be checking out the new arrivals or sale items? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get?

J.Crew Factory: Secret Discount Code {check your email!}

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

J.Crew Factory is offering customers anywhere from 10% to 30% off their Factory purchase with a unique (one time) promo code. This offer expires today. The fine print includes:

*Discount valid on a purchase made at jcrewfactory.com on April 29, 2013, from 12:01am ET through 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in J.Crew or J.Crew Factory stores, jcrew.com or on phone orders. One-time use only. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in combination with any other offer. To redeem, enter code in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Offer valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer are subject to change.

This code is being sent to customer through an email. So double check your email account (and SPAM folder) to see if you got this offer!

What are your thoughts on J.Crew Factory's latest email promotion? Did you get the email? Are you planning to use it today? 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 SPRING sale, or to see some new 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!!! :)

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

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

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

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.

JGIC Product Review: Ahoy Matey

A big "thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada who is graciously reviewing Men's items from J.Crew with us.

Yeah a cheesey title, but I'm channeling the nautical vibe and my take on it by our friends over at J.Crew.

Ever since it's beginning J.Crew has nodded towards its preppy/east coast influences.  Some of it's offering in this vein are much more successful than others.  Case in point the fleece toggle cardigan #86524.  The colour is great, and I love me some fleece; but what's up with the rope and toggle closures?  To my eye they totally over power the fleece and make it look over designed and almost costume like.  The heavyweight shawl-collar pullover in stripe #99119 in navy is far more successful, stylish and just plain real.  Easy to wear with a tee, a rumpled oxford or even alone.  Wear it with denim, chinos or shorts.  As I'm no fan of white denim I'd skip that choice when styling the pullover.

The 9" Staton short in striped linen #82734 in seaside stripe is one of those 'this could end badly' items.  Not having seen it in person makes it tough to judge.  It could be wonderful, but as we know horizontal stripes are not always kind.  Would you wear stripes that could possibly make your butt look bigger?  Honey do these shorts make my butt look big?  That must be the most dangerous question of all time.

Having been there the first time I'm hesitant to pull the trigger on deck shoes.  But if you like them Sperry is the way to go.  Why not try the 2-eye in orange natural navy?  Go big or go home eh?  They'll get you noticed that's for sure.  The Quoddy leather canoe shoes in dark brown chromexce #90361 are a much more interesting option.  Yeah I know almost $300 once you add the tax, but a true moccasin, hand sewn and in beautiful chromexce leather.  Bet they feel like 'budder'  (can't you just hear Mike Myers saying it?)

While I do like the preppy look, like drinking it best done in moderation.  Agreed?.

Another fantastic review! "Thanks!" again to J.Crew Guy In Canada for his take on the nautical look for Men.
 
What are your thoughts on J.Crew's nautical-inspired offerings? Is there an item that helps you rock that boat-side look? If so, please share with us your take. :)

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, 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). Fortunately, the April catalog (click here to view) is available to view. However, not the May catalog.

Note: I wanted to mention that the Sale Section (click here to shop online) had a decent update this morning for Women (990+ items) and Men (325+). It looks like several new items have made it to the sale section.

Plus, J.Crew is offering an additional 25% off merchandise and free shipping online by using promotional code SPRINGBEST. The 25 % offer offer expires April 28, 2013. The free shipping offer expires today.

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? :)

J.Crew's New President: Libby Wadle

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including GetFresh, who shared the following great article from Fast Company about J.Crew's Jenna Lyons Libby Wadle (click here to read in its entirety):

What Libby Wadle's Promotion Says About The Future Of J.Crew
The new president of the soaring J.Crew brand says she is a devotee of CEO Mickey Drexler. Could she one day have his job? Here's what she says.
By Danielle Sacks

J.Crew may have finally tipped its hand as to who will become the retailer’s new CEO whenever 68-year-old Mickey Drexler decides to retire. Yesterday Libby Wadle, J.Crew's executive vice president of brand, was promoted to President of the J.Crew brand, a title no one at the company has owned since 2010 when then-President Tracy Gardner left to “spend more time with her children." As I posited in this month’s Fast Company’s cover story, Wadle—a merchant by training—along with her designer counterpart, executive creative director and president Jenna Lyons, are rumored to be heirs of the company.

In many ways Wadle has spent her entire career working towards this moment as Drexler’s understudy. In the 90’s the Boston College English major ventured west “dreaming of working for the Gap--for Mickey--to be perfectly honest,” she told me in March. She spent ten years working in Gap Inc, starting in its merchandising training program, working her way up to running Banana Republic’s women’s business. After Drexler was fired in 2003 following a plunge in the company's stock (despite turning the $400 million enterprise into a $14 billion empire) Wadle left--“it had already become a different place [without Mickey]”—and went to Coach to run their women’s merchandising group. That is, for a mere 11 months until Drexler called and asked her to run J.Crew’s Factory outlet business. “I was a little hesitant just because I didn't really want to do off-price [discount], but I wanted to work for Mickey so I didn't really think about it,” says Wadle. “I came and it was the best decision.”

In her eight and a half years at J.Crew, Wadle, 40, has risen to oversee every part of the retailer’s merchandising business. After Factory she took on Madewell; then in 2010 when J.Crew’s women’s business needed refocusing, she was charged with running the mother brand. During a tour of a J.Crew store with Drexler and gaggle of his top executives, Wadle--who could easily appear in a J.Crew catalog with her mane of chocolate brown hair that’s often tossed into a bun and natural fashion sense that rivals Lyons--is totally unassuming. But then she shows how she can meld with Drexler’s steam-of-consciousness mind just when he needs it. I ask Drexler if becoming a private company has enabled J.Crew to make more risks, and he replies, “I just think it’s much lower blood pressure for me”--then immediately turns to Wadle, for her to finish his sentence. “It doesn’t change the way we make decisions or run the business, whether we are public or private,” Wadle continues without missing a beat. “It’s a different kind of cadence of blood pressure.” ...

As a disciple of the Drexler school of merchandising, Wadle has also become an essential partner for the retailer’s chief creative, Lyons. But it’s not a partnership that is guaranteed in the culture of retail. “I think it's by coincidence that Jenna and I have good chemistry,” says Wadle, who seems to have a sisterly rapport with Lyons. And like many of J.Crew’s top talent who have been with the company for around a decade, Drexler describes the dynamic among the three of them like a healthy family. “It’s collegial, it’s argumentative, it’s disagreement, it’s agreement,” he says. But when asked who will take the helm on the inevitable day that Drexler decides to bid adieu, Lyons and Wadle both demure that they don’t allow themselves to contemplate it. “We don't want Mickey to go anywhere,” Wadle insisted back in March. “Okay,” I said to her. “But I think that would also be pretty badass to have two women running the company.” She took the bait and flashed a grin. “It would be pretty badass, yeah,” she says. “It would be pretty cool.”

The Wadle Way - 5 philosophies for running a design-driven retail business from J.Crew’s new brand president.

1. Merchandising is an art, not a science. “A lot of heads of CEOs or heads of businesses are merchants and what we do is we try to break things down into a formula and try to make things fit so they work perfectly. Mickey really doesn't do that. It's a unique kind of merchandising. It's not a formulaic merchandising that we do here.”
2. A merchandiser is the yin to a designer’s yang. “I am the business side to the creative piece. I'm Jenna's partner. So she and her team design the product, design the brand creative, all of that; my team picks the product, edits it, decides how much to buy and how much to put in which store it goes in, that kind of thing. Sort of creates the picture for the customer in the store, how often it comes in and then how much you should be buying of it...." I’ve worked with a lot of designers in the past and while I would never call Jenna a democratic commercial designer, she gets it and she also really understands our customer and she loves our customer. And she understands how far you can push her, how far you can't. And that's the beauty of it. Her head is not in the clouds but she also will push me and my team to move forward.”
3. Healthy tension between designers and merchandisers leads to a great product. “Tension will always help move each party forward, especially a merchant. A merchant can actually create a line but then it becomes very formulaic, it becomes very much what the customer has asked for, has bought in the past. But with a good amount of design inspiration and tension, there is always that healthy debate about how you move something forward. And that's the magic of the merchandising and the design relationship. So whenever you have a designer that's too easy to work with, it's almost not great.... It's not really a fight as much as a healthy conversation. So there is sort of a pass off that happens; design creates the line and then merchandising takes it from there.... The unique thing about J.Crew is while merchandising takes it, the creative influence doesn't end there, where it sort of ends in a lot of companies. The merchant here edit the line and pick the product but then we do the website and the catalogue and there is still a creative vision throughout that can really continue to inform everyone and it's sort of a real magical part of J. Crew.”
4. Collaboration is more important than ego. “I think you just have to stay constantly connected and partnered here. I mean it is about collaboration and it's not about blazing a trail that was your idea and you're going finish it out to the end. That won't work here.“
5. Acting like a small company breeds creativity. “What happens here is we have these small, special ideas throughout the company or a style that's selling really well that's a small investment. But that's how we make things big. We take these small things and then we distort them. We're constantly looking for these little pieces of gold, as Mickey always says, panning for gold, that's all we're doing. So it's not as much an invention as a distortion of something that was really unique.”

This article is a part of the series on J.Crew over at Fast Company. Refer to last week's "J.Crew's Jenna Lyons & the Cult of J.Crew" where the first part was discussed.

It is refreshing to read about J.Crew's Libby Wadle. Often times, it feels like the media focuses on just Mickey Drexler or Jenna Lyons. It is nice to change it up a bit and learn more about the other team members who are at J.Crew.

Did you enjoy the article? Any points you thought were particularly interesting? :)

"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.

Get Sun Ready: Madewell New Arrivals Are Here

Madewell sent out an email this morning announcing there are new arrivals on their website (click here to shop online).

I am definitely a J.Crew-shopper. But an item or two from Madewell always catches my eye with each roll out. As mentioned in previous posts, I am avid fan of the their Skimmers and Storybook Scarves.

One of my recent purchases from Madewell is the Biltmore® for Madewell Baseball Hat in Sungarden (Item 01410; $24.00). Even though this is not a new arrival item, it is totes adorbs! (Check out AppGal's great review with real life photos of this perfect Spring topper in her "Madewell Review: Biltmore baseball hat in sungarden" post.)

Will you be checking out Madewell? Did you already pick up an item or two? If so, please share!

Sneak Peek: J.Crew's May 2013 Catalog {thanks Mel & cuckoo4crew!}

"Thanks!" to Mel, who shared the sneak peek (and related product info) from the upcoming May catalog with us. {yey!} Just click on any of the images to view it larger.

Handkerchief Linen Top ($98.00)

Toothpick Jeans in Garment Printed Floral ($135.00)

Mari Metallic Sandals ($238.00)

Cambridge Satchel ($295.00)

Mari Piped Suede Sandals ($238.00)

Swoop in Punk Floral Dress (Silk Dupioni) ($178.00)

 Merino Tippi in Monarch ($98.00)

Janey Flats ($178.00-$298.00)

 Featherweight Cashmere Armband ($258.00)

Large Bucket Bag ($278.00)

Lillian Glitter Wedges

 Knit Princess Seam Dress ($128.00)

Rugby Stripe Dress ($88.00)

 Bow Shoulder in Stretch Wool Dress in Navy ($228.00)

 Scalloped Linen Jacket ($188.00)
Linen Skirt ($118.00)

UPDATE: "Thanks!" also to cuckoo4crew, who shared the majority of the Women's section from the upcoming May catalog with us.{yey again!} Just view the slideshow below.


So exciting to see some images from the May catalog! Can't wait to get my copy in the mail. I am especially curious about the Scalloped Linen Jacket. It looks pretty awesome.

What are your thoughts? Do you know when the newest arrivals are expected to be available? Are you looking forward to the upcoming new arrivals?

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! :)

Enjoy 25% Off Every J.Crew Purchase {in-stores & online}

"Thanks!" to many of you, and as mentioned in yesterday's "25-30% Off Women at J.Crew {in store only}" post, for the following news: J.Crew is offering an additional 25% off merchandise at brick and mortar (B&M) stores and online by using promotional code SPRINGBEST. This offer offer expires April 28, 2013. The fine print includes:

*Offer valid on purchases made in J.Crew stores and at jcrew.com from April 22, 2013, 12:01am ET through April 28, 2013, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in the 769 Madison Avenue store, the Ludlow Shop, J.Crew Factory stores, at jcrewfactory.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 used in combination with any other offer. Offer not valid on men's suiting or third-party branded merchandise. Discount on retail store purchases applied at register. To redeem online, enter code SPRINGBEST in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Offer valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer are subject to change.

"Thanks!" to Marietta & Mel, who let us know that J.Crew is offering J.Crew credit card holders 30% off their orders with promo code CARDSTYLE. This offer also expires April 28, 2013.

"Thanks!" to shopwithm (in this post), who also let us know that if you already have a J.Crew credit card, you can get an additional 30% off in B&M stores. Plus, it is an additional 30% off at B&M stores if you open a J.Crew credit card.

"Thanks!" to Ruth (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew is offering international customers 20% off their orders with promo code INSIDER20. This offer expires April 30, 2013.

Thrilled to see this promotion being extended online. (Plus, it is not just limited to Women but all merchandise!) Especially since there are quite a number of new arrivals that are calling my name. ;) 

Is your store offering this sale? Will you be checking out the new arrivals? 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 SPRING sale, or to see some new 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!!! :)

25-30% Off Women at J.Crew {in store only}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including AD MD, GigiOfCa, innisfree, & Beach Chic Girl (in this post), who shared the following news:  

J.Crew is offering an additional 25% off regular priced Women merchandise at brick and mortar (B&M) stores. It's an additional 30% if you open a J.Crew credit card.

This in-store promotion will run until April 28, 2013. "Thanks!" to Mel (in this post) who let us know that this offer will most likely be offered online, at JCrew.com, starting tomorrow morning.

This extra percent off makes new arrivals look extra enticing! Plus, customers do not have to worry about any purchase being "final sale". (A huge bonus in my book!) Definitely worth a visit if you live near a store or a call beforehand to find out. 

Is your store offering this sale? Will you be checking out the new arrivals? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get?

J.Crew Mother's Day Gifts {free shipping & gift wrapping}

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

J.Crew is offering free shipping and free gift wrapping on select items in honor of Mother's Day. (Reminder: the day is celebrated on Sunday, May 12 this year.) To shop the Mother's Day Shop, click HERE.

This is a nice treat (& opportunity) to pick up an item or two without worrying about shipping costs. And not just for your mom, but for yourself!

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's offerings for Mother's Day? Will you check them out?

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

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

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

Solange Knowles Spotted Wearing J.Crew Collection Skirt

"Thanks!" to D*ska (in this post), who shared the image above of Solange Knowles, during Coachella 2013 (image from The Citizens of Fashion "Solange Knowles, in J.Crew and Alice + Olivia, with Marni sunglasses." post).

Solange was wearing J.Crew's Collection Leather Skirt in Hibiscus Floral (item 74681) that retails... wait for it... $1,200!!! Yeah, that skirt is worth a whole lot of money. So much, that I would be very worried about sitting anywhere at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Annual Festival in fear of getting it dirty. (Which seems like it would be more about cheap jean cut offs and v-neck tees. Not pricey collection items.)

Solange Knowles is no stranger to J.Crew. She was the face of Madewell, J.Crew's sister company, last year (refer here). Plus, she is buddies with J.Crew's Jenna Lyons (refer here). Which makes me wonder if she got some former-employee-discount with the Crew.

What are your thoughts on the skirt? Do you like the way Solange is rocking the skirt? Would you consider getting it (if you had some spare cash laying abouts)?

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.

JGIC Product Review: Show A Little Ankle

A big "thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada who is graciously reviewing Men's items from J.Crew with us.

Ever notice in the style guide, aka catalog, that most times the male models aren't wearing socks?  For the past few years regardless of the season the men were sock-less. Now I try to stay current and up to date, but this whole no sock bit has gone too far.  Spring, summer and even early fall are great times to go sock-less.  But, really winter?

Admittedly I do go sans socks, but I cheat.  Shocking I know, but I do.  The no-show socks are my secret.  Okay first I did try to go truly sock-less, it wasn't pretty.  Tough on the shoes, feet and nose.  The no-show socks like #92041 for $10 a pair are fun and even colourful.  They are cut low enough to ensure your socks are flying under the radar and not detected or peeking out of the shoe.  Come Spring I go this route with all but the dressiest looks.  A suit still looks best with the ankles covered.  Just like a woman's outfit it's sometimes better to leave a little mystery; even if it's just if your ankles are tanned.

Dress up and this is where socks become fun.  Gone are the days of shoes, socks and suit must all be in the same dark colours, you know navy pants and socks and black shoes show no imagination or personality.  Personally I wear brown shoes with wool pants, chinos and the like 90% of the time.  Yes your belt and shoes need to match, but the socks have become much like a tie, a chance to show some personality and boldness, so reach for a bright pattern or colour or both.  Don't trust me? check out any GQ, they're showing it all over the pages.
Argyles are a great place to begin, not too out there yet playful enough so you don't look too serious.  Navy pants, dark brown shoes and for a little fun try #87045 in indigo for $14.50.  Want something gutsier?  Try some of the offerings from Corgi, made in Wales and they even label which one is the left foot.  I like to channel some Wicked Witch of the West vibe with bold stripes like #46485 in blue orange aqua or teal grey stripe.

There is one hard and fast rule.  Please promise you'll avoid the sock with sandals look and plastic shoes.  Yes those nasty Crocs need to go away.

Another fantastic review! "Thanks!" again to J.Crew Guy In Canada for his take on ankle-bearing for Men.

Speaking for myself, I love the look of going sock-less with shoes but know that can be kind of gross. Instead, I opt for no-show socks (when it comes to sneakers) and KushyFoot knee-high tights and foot covers (which I wear for ballet flats and heels). Plus, it helps avoids getting blisters that tends to come along with the sock-less look.
 
What are your thoughts on J.Crew's no-sock-look? Is there a look that you rock with going sockless style? If so, please share with us your take. :)