If
you are stopping
by a J.Crew store this weekend to see
what's available (if
anything!) in the SALE, or to see some NEW 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!
These boards are really quiet. J. Crew is not creating its usual buzz!
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking the same thing yesterday cate!
DeleteI agree, Cate, I wondered about that! Is it temporary, or a trend? Is it the lulls between recent rollouts, promo fatigue, or does J. Crew's current sales success reflect more casual customers who are not super brand loyal?
DeleteThere seems to be a cycle:
Delete1. New arrivals! Weeeeeeeeee!
2. Reality sets in when new arrivals are reviewed (for better or for worse).
3. Sale section is updated with new markdowns! Weeeeeeeee!
4. Sale section starts to feel tired.
5. Additional % off! Weeeeeeeeee!
6. How long is that stuff going to be in the sale section?!
7. New arrivals! Weeeeeeeeeee!
We're kind of at #6 right now.
For me, I think I just have enough J. Crew clothes. Not promo fatigue, but just J. Crew fatigue. Their aesthetic has moved in a direction that is not my style (jewels on clothes, big costume jewelry, jeweled/studded shoes, emphasis on the Toothpick jeans that don't fit me right, lots of leggings/Pixie pants/Minnies). It all looks pretty in the store but it doesn't translate into my everyday style.
Deletesilver_lining, lol! you're right! I think we're definitely in #6, but the Weeeee! stages are a bit flat for me lately. I don't stalk sale any more because I don't want any of it (I guess that's #4, but I'm skipping #3). I'm also skipping #5 because I've already stopped thinking about it by then. My cycle looks like this:
Delete1. New arrivals! Weeeeeee! Percent off? purchase!
6. How long is that stuff going to be in the sale section?!
I always enjoy looking at a new rollout, though. Stage #1 is fleeting, though, most of the time I am in stage #6 lol.
I totally agree. Though right now, I think I have promo fatigue, or the promos aren't right for me. I know it's really easy to spend $100 at the store to get the 25% off, but I don't want to have to buy something I kind of like to get the % off.
DeleteAlso, while I love some of the items, the fabrics aren't what I want. I need some sweaters, but I can't do lambswool or that weird mix of nylon and wool with my sensitive skin.
You all read my thoughts and said it more eloquently. I shopped my closet last night and was more impressed with the J Crew there than in the stores and online right now.
DeleteYears ago, J. Crew would have never even imagined to stack two promos like this (well, at least from my recollection) when things were selling at full price. An SA told me in store last week that she is shocked that stuff goes on sale so quickly. I agree with you all that it may be due to lackluster offerings. With that said, I did buy two Jackies last week with the 40% + educator discount, which roughly comes out to the same as the stacked discounts. If they went back to quality silks and cottons with silk linings, I know I would consider buying FP much more. Right now, there's not a lot sperating them from those who knock them off qualitywise (like the Gap brands) except for the shoes, and even the quality control is not there in those. I had to go through 3 pairs of shoes to get one that wasn't defective. Oy.
DeleteI wonder if some of it is just being a fan of the brand for so long that I already have what I need. I have cords, I have cardigans, I have coats. I have a lot of their core basics already. With the trendy stuff not being my style, I don't find anything to buy now because I don't need a million pairs of cords or cardigans or coats. Enough is enough.
DeleteHi cate - I think that you hit up something. For me, what I really want is not a new style, but to replace some of my favorites that have worn out over time. Like the tuxedo henley from a few years back. Over the years mine has started to shrink in length and I'd buy a new one in a second. I guess that's why the tuxedo sweatshirt caught my eye at first, but it's just not the same.
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DeleteCate said it - not my aesthetic anymore. Well, barring the occasional third-party item (Nike sneakers for example) and even menswear (New Balance wind cheater). I do have an androgynous aesthetic I'll admit.
DeleteStill waiting on the backordered monkstrap loafers to ship.
I might stop into the store to try the Barbour Durham winter jacket. It caught my eye on JC's Pinterest board. The only thing that's stopping me is the "spot clean only" restriction.
DeleteI need to wash/dry clean my outerwear regularly!
@Cate - don't forget
Delete# 6.5 - Why aren't they marking down these sale items to reasonable prices to get them moving?!
Jruby18, haha you are right I forgot that one!
DeleteI agree, new style is weird, strange patterns, too much jeweled collars, expensive! I just need simple, well made basics. But you can only have so much blazers, sweaters, shirts, so I don't see the need to buy J Crew this season.
DeleteMy B&M seemed like they starting to unpack some new arrivals, but there appears to be a lull between collections. The sale section was full and it included a lot of items that I swear just came out.
ReplyDeleteI was in the Palo Alto store yesterday and wasn't tempted. Women's sale was 30% off and the store was stacking that promo with the 25% off 100 promo. I'd rather wait it out for new arrivals next week. I may head over to the San Fran store to see if they've put out any new items yet.
ReplyDeleteNo trip for me. I'm not really interested in anything right now, and if the Bejeweled Atari Llamas sweaters that Gigi reviewed are any indication of what's to come, I'm apprehensive about the next rollout.
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard llama sweater, I thought it would be similar to the camel critter style. I was sorta looking forward to it but after seeing it on Gigi (no offense Gigi) I am underwhelmed. A big Meh from me!
DeleteI'd like the sweater more if it weren't llamas. I also love the Atari style, but maybe that's just my love of old-school gaming systems coming out.
DeleteI'm not offended. I wasn't impressed w/the llama sweater on me either. lol
DeleteI've been in the store so few times in the past couple of months that they always ask where I've been. I tell them the merch isn't that interesting and they concur. I feel bad for personal shoppers. They must be taking a financial hit if sales are very low right now. I don't know if pumping Factory was such a great idea either. Significantly improved versions of recently released items for great prices. It was mentioned on JCA that perhaps they were trying to shuttle some of us that way and it's working. Now who is left to buy retail? There's not a lot of interest, even with promos. There are definitely some design issues. I think that's a big problem. I also think they're not understanding who their core customers are. The mini skirts always *always* end up in droves on the sale racks in the stores I visit.
Gigi I totally agree with all of that.
DeleteSo do I. Factory has been on fire lately. Stuff sells out and sometimes it never pops back. Some items are so similar (Minnies and Winnies, Pixies and Gigis, Tippis and Charleys, for example) that veteran JCA's can't tell the difference between Factory and retail. I used to be very anti-Factory, but I think they've come a long way and I also think JC's quality has declined enough over time that they kind of met in the middle somewhere. Plus, a lot of JC stuff just feels so trendy and similar items are everywhere, often cheaper - Loft, Gap/ON, JCP, Target. If I wanted a jeweled sweatshirt that for the holidays that I probably won't want to wear in a year, I could do a lot better than $98+.
Deletesilver_lining, I think they've lost sight of who they are selling to. Their trendy stuff, including jewelry, is knocked off almost immediately by Loft, Target, Old Navy, GAP and by their own Factory (which I agree has been great lately). They need to distinguish their retail brand. Why do people shop at J. Crew and not these other places? Their great pencil skirts (which they have recently started mucking with), their great use of color, their shoes - mainly flats - are more comfortable and durable than those at the knock-off stores. Their dressier shoes and heels are usually fun or unique. Their coats are better than anything I've seen at those stores, from the field jacket types up to the wool winter coats. Their handbags are usually pretty good. And their stores are nice places to shop, the ones I go to are always well maintained and look great, seasonal decorations, etc. But in general the company just seems confused this past year.
Deleteafter staying away from the crew for couple weeks...(well a week of two) i grabbed some good things yesterday - the floral sweatshirt in navy, the jeweled shoulder sweater which I got two sizes up for an oversize fit with leggings and looove, the utility chino skinnies, the midrise black toothpicks, a scarves and necklace for holiday gifts - all additional 30% plus 25%.
ReplyDeleteGreat score! Do you remember how much teh navy floral sweatshirt is? I hadn't seen it had gone on sale. Thanks so much!
Deleteits 89.99 before all the sale promos :) wearing mine today and loving it!
DeleteI stopped in store and really tried to find stuff because the prices were so reasonable. I honestly couldn't. I ended up with a pair of socks for $4
ReplyDeleteA couple of reviews. The cotton-voile polka dot popover & a printed perfect shirt here. The dot popover is still regular price online vs $59.99 in-store.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely going to check out the newest store in town at Park Royal.
ReplyDeleteSome reviews here.
No, I won't be shopping this weekend. I'm waiting for the Factory store at Nebraska Crossing to open next week to spend my money. I can't wait to finally have one so I don't have to order online all of the time.
ReplyDeleteWell said everyone. Totally agree.
ReplyDeleteI am so ready for the holiday rollout. This is the first time in years that I have nothing on my Christmas wishlist from jcrew. I hope that changes! I Havent liked much lately. Some of it is cute...but just not for me.
ReplyDeleteDropped by a store today and the herringbone cargo pants were $59.99 plus addl 30 off sale :) this was in canada.
ReplyDeleteStopped in to make a return and browse. Lots of activity in my store and the sale section was full of very recent arrivals. I was glad I've purchased with stacked promos lately when I saw those markdowns. I didn't make any new purchases.
ReplyDeleteI really do love a lot of the current looks now, but then again, I already HAVE most of them. Maybe it's that more than one or two or three bejeweled sweaters, leather accents, or statement necklaces in the closet and they don't look all that unique or special anymore.
Picked up the Black Suede Etta, walking around the house in them to try and decide if I can do the height. As my daughter said "wow Mom it has been a long time since I have seen you in heels that high!!!"
ReplyDeleteA code for Canadian JCAs: HELLOWORLD. 25% off! no min! free shipping and returns via UPS. Valid Nov. 1, 2013 to Jan. 31, 2014.
ReplyDeletefree returns....wow ! that is a shocker !
DeleteThanks Shargey for this! Free returns...yes...just an FYI for those who haven't attempted this before: you have to ship back yourself, and enclose (or email) a receipt for your shipping charges. J. Crew will then reimburse you for your out-of-pocket fees.
DeleteAnd keep a copy of that receipt- I have never had them refund the shipping without sending them the receipt again later. I always included it in the return with a note, but each time I had to contact them with the receipt by email anyway...
Deleteand I just had my random item in my box problem of the season--a pair of macalister suede oxfords in brown in a size 11 instead of the collection salon mini skirt in quartz that I had ordered. the customer service woman I talked to was very nice and is sending the correct item and waived shipping fees on the replacement and the return.
ReplyDeleteha! the macallisters' must be the item of choice whenever they feel like sending you something in lieu of what you ordered. Got one too, size 8 though:)
DeletePicked up a couple of things at my B&M today--peony tee, leather front cardigan, skinny herringbone cargo, french knot tippi. I noticed the new tassel necklace is on sale for $39.99, riviera earrings, black calf hair bracelets were also on sale! HTH!
ReplyDeleteHi AD MD!!! Was the leather front cardigan on sale in store?? Thank you:)
Delete@ADMD, can you tell me if the sale items were 30 off in store? I really like the tassel necklace. Thanks!
DeleteHollDoll129--unfortunately the leather front cardigan was not on sale in store, they adjusted it for me! Jruby18, sale items were 30% off in store and then if you met the $100 minimum, they applied the 25% off as well
DeleteI am planning to hit the Livermore outlet this weekend. I'm one of those "have to see in person" before I can pull the trigger on a purchase. Hopefully, the crewlet will have some good markdowns...
ReplyDeleteCould you please let me know how much the red buffalo plaid shirt is in store and what it's like? Thanks
ReplyDeletesavvy shopper - I don't have the current in-store price of the red buffalo plaid shirt, but I reviewed it here.
DeleteThanks Gigi. Not sure about the faded colors, though the cut does look awesome on you.
DeleteI've been completely uninterested in most of JC's stuff lately, although, I really do like that Tassel necklace. I'm wondering if it's still 30% off sale in stores? Can anyone confirm? I'd be interested in buying that if I could get it at the sale price less 30%.
ReplyDeleteI posted before I read most of the comments. ITA w/everyone. I just have not been excited about JC stuff in ages. Sure there's an item or 2 that grab my attention, but the other day, I was at the mall and had NO desire to even walk in and look around. They're off the mark for me. I'd say it's been that way for the past 6 months at least. And I think their pricing strategies are messed up. I'm not buying at their ridiculously over-inflated prices and I'm tired of the sale games, the "buy-rebuy when it goes on markdown" dance, etc. I'm just over all of it. I've been finding really fun things I love at smaller local boutiques lately. And I'm also trying to be extremely conscious of my purchases as well. I'm just not willing to part w/my money unless I know I'll wear it A LOT and love it.
DeleteJruby18 - From what I'm reading, the tassel necklace is $39.99 in-store. The current promo is addtl 30% off final sale + 25% off $100 more.
DeleteI confirm, it is $39.99 less 30% off less 25% off if you meet the $100 minimun. The 25% off is applied even if you only buy sale stuff, as far as the total AFTER the 30% is more than $100. HTH!
DeleteSaw one today at Park Meadows, CO B&M (303-649-9620) if anyone is looking for one, $39.99 without 30% off. I did stop by to try on some button downs so I am prepared when they go on sale. I did purchase Crepe Baseball Top (blue and black), this has not gotten any love and lots in stock. I sized down from my normal 4-6 to a 0 and liked how it fit. For reference, I am only 5' 1" and did not like how the Crepe Henley looked on. It looked good with jeans and I am sure minnies, final price with discounts $31. Also, picked up the Studded Ceces, in black. final price with all discounts $47. I did not qualify for a rewards this quarter so my shopping has been definitely down.
DeleteThank you for the post about the tassel necklace! I have been eyeing it online (local store doesn't carry) as well as the twisted pearl necklace. Did a live chat and they could not match in store price (I thought this was weird but I don't know the policies) but she did find both necklaces for me at Copely. I called there and placed the order (discounts done correctly) and for $95 I'm getting both necklaces!
DeleteMuffin - The customer service center won't match online prices if you tell them over the phone and they won't call a store to verify. If you are on the red phone in the store, they will accept & price match w/info given by a sales associate. Or, if you're in a store that can order thru the register, they will price match and order it that way thru the warehouse/online.
DeleteSo much to keep straight--thanks Gigi!
DeleteOT: There are a lot of new Promo-Priced items at Madewell this week. I've updated the list which can be seen here. They also have 25% off all sweaters with code KEEPCOZY at checkout, and free shipping on all orders, too.
ReplyDeleteJCAs, has this been discussed? Upper-right hand corner of jcrew.com:
ReplyDelete$5 flat-rate shipping & free shipping on orders of $150+
I read most of the shipping read, but I don't recall $5 flat rate. Is that new or am I late?
that should say I read most of the shipping THREAD
DeleteHi Gigi!
DeleteI noticed it early last week, I believe. Factory has also changed their shipping from $4.95 to $5. I'm very happy they've dropped their price, but it seems like they're trying to make a sale almost any way they can! Let's see how long this lasts!
Was somebody at JC playing with Photoshop this morning or is it just my computer? All of the pictures on the category pages look like somebody went crazy with a "Sharpen" setting.
ReplyDeleteNo silver_lining not just you, they have a weird 3 dimensional vibe. The crazy eye model looks even more scary than normal.
DeleteA warning if you are shopping both the sale and fp items. They have to scan both the codes and some SAs are skipping the 30% off if you are not attentive or there is some kind of glitch. Even if I asked twice the SA if she had applied both the codes it turned out she missed the 30% off. My purchase included a return so it was difficult for me to do the math on this one and I didn't catch it. I had to go to another store (because I was already on my way home when I finally noticed) and have it fixed. Super-annoying!
ReplyDeleteYep. I have stopped even looking at the website much- there just hasn't been anything to tempt me in awhile. I got into the Crew in 2010, and for me the things that resonated were sweaters and well-cut silk blouses in great colours (with amazing styled combinations in the catalog). The pieces were great basics, and I found them at fairly good prices on sale. Now the colours are dull, the shapes are repetitive without being well-cut, and the prices are sky high for lesser quality. Sure there are lots of promos, but I'm still seeing unsold stock from last winter in the sale section, at almost unchanged prices. Blah. I used to order at least twice a month and now it's once every 4 months or so that something may tempt me.
ReplyDeletePlus they messed with the cut of the double serge pencil skirts. They just don't fit well anymore.
I would forgive much of this if they would just bring back colour!!! Please!?
I went to the Charlotte store yesterday. Lots of stuff but...the Cate iced lilac cami was cut low enough to be a vest. Too indecent to even step out of the fitting room. The navy textured stripe sweater has a weird pouchy cut in front. The technicolor silk top and emerald polka dot blouse were marked down but were nothing special. I ended up spending my rewards card on a black patent belt and the calf hair belt. Both are basics I need but not much to get excited about. Fashion seems to need a major silhouette change or something to get people excited again. I'm seriously thinking of buying a sewing machine for Christmas for the first time in 20 years. Skirts and dresses are mostly straight seams and I can get the length I want, lined with nice fabrics.
ReplyDeleteWent by a store tonight but didn't see anything too exciting in the sale section. It was pretty busy though. I did want to mention that I saw the scallop trim mini in the red, grey and navy colors. I know someone here was looking for this skirt . I didn't notice the sizes but their were about 5 of each color. They were marked $79.99. This was at the Tysons VA store. HTH!
ReplyDeleteOT: I wonder if there will be a 30% FP in the near future?
ReplyDeleteReviews here of the collection cashmere diamond sweater, tie-waist tweed mini, horsing around sweatshirt (I know, old) & collection leather-front merino cardigan which is on promo + GOSHOP.
ReplyDeleteReview here of the Moroccan stone bracelet. Very pretty.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, this promo really got me spending for the first time this season, I got a kick out of the stackable 30% and 20% off and also I was lucky to find my wishlisted items on sale. So I got two button painter tees (the navy for $11 and the indigo one for $14), the floral sweatshirt in navy and the shoulder-embellished sweater from the sale section. The only FP item that I decided to get now is the crinkle boy shirt in blackwatch plaid as I know that I am going to wear it mostly from now to Xmas, even if the darker colors make it more everyday than holida-y. I also got a skirt for my daughter and the cord dress for $13.99 (I can't believe they were selling this for almost $60). I might go back for more Crewcuts stuff as my daughter has outgrown last year's stuff.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: what is the difference in a perfect shirt and a boy shirt?
ReplyDeleteI don't know the exact difference, but having tried on both styles I think the perfect shirt is more tailored and the fabric has more structure to it (think crisp) The boy shirt is a little less tailored and the fabric is much softer (when I ordered mine online, it was wrinkled a bit). I got roughly the same size in both. But I prefer the perfect shirt because its more tailored.
DeleteI think the main difference is that the perfect shirt is nipped at the waist while the boy shirt is straight. I think the perfect shirt has darts at the chest but not the boy shirt (don't quote me on that though). As a result the perfect shirt is more tailored and more fitted. Although the boy shirts that I tried recently were fitted too.
DeleteKelly - both shirts have bust darts but the perfect shirt has additional vertical darts in the back of the shirt to be more fitted. The perfect shirt is also cut so it curves in at the waist along the side seams while the boy shirt is cut straight. In addition, some boy shirts have that center pleat below the back yoke to allow more movement in the arms and shoulders. I think the perfect shirts are sized alpha while the boy shirts are in numbers. I think the boy shirts are longer too. Basically, you'll want a perfect shirt if you want the shirt fitted/tailored and the boy shirt is for the more casual look.
ReplyDelete