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.
So I tried yet another pair of pants. The slouchy Boardwalk pant. Great price with the 50% off last week. Super cute while standing up and good length on my 5'4" frame. I sit down and the circulation in my legs is being cut off. How does anymore wear J. Crew pants anymore? Am I just so used to spandex/Lycra in pants now? Do people with skinny legs have the same issue. I seriously give up!
ReplyDeleteYou were not the only one. I have been having all kinds of problems with J.Crew pants sizing lately. In the last six months I've purchased pants from a size 2 to a size 8. I used to always be a consistent size 4 in the café capris but sizing is all over the board right now. Waste, thighs and calves are too tight while the hips and belly pooches with extra fabric. Thank goodness we haven't had much final sale to deal with!
ReplyDeleteWaist not waste. Clearly I need a proofreader.
DeleteWhere are all these women with huge bellies and pencil legs? I don't see them....do you guys???? Sure there might be some, but most women I know have more in the hips/legs area then in the tummy. I've had the same issue with skirts. The linen pencil skirt was ridiculous. That's why it went on major sale. I ordered a size up from my usual pencil skirt size and it was too tight to pull over my hips BUT about 10 inches too big in the waist. What???? Then I looked closely at the picture in the catalog and I could see how they had a big skirt on the model and fluffed up the shirt to fill in the huge gapping waist. Not cool, J. Crew.
DeleteI have tried the same pants....same issue . good while standing but can't bend my leg.....fix it J Crew please.
DeleteI have to add the super high rises and baggy crotches on some pants lately, along with the pencil-thin legs. Like the Slim Cargos. I loved the old fit of those, wore my older pairs to death and need new ones. But who can WEAR the fit of these? They looked like I was wearing a diaper, and the waist came up to my armpits!
DeleteI know high-waist styles have been trending, but IMO a slightly lower rise is much more flattering and comfortable on me, anyway.
Really missing the fit of my casual "workhorse" pants - the Cafe Capris and older Cargo Pant styles.
Ruffles, my review of the slim cargo pants was just accepted at jcrew.com. You're not kidding re: the rise on these things. I was laughing so hard. The back view was atrocious. Love the previous incarnations of the slim cargos and was hoping these new ones would work out but no way. Don't know how these pants made it into production - that's how awful they are.
DeleteYou might try the tailored crop pants from Gap. I bought a few pairs in basic colors on super sale at the store. They are similar to the old café capris, IMO.
Great suggestion, shopalot, I'll check out the Gap!
DeleteI've had luck with Banana Republic Factory lately - bought several pairs of their Hampton crops & I am in love! Inseam is 26.5" & there are no belt loops but the fit is identical to the Cafe Capri. Not to mention they usually run <$40. I now own a pair in navy, tomato red, aqua, & black (wearing today) & intend on buying every color they release!
DeleteI also love the factory BR Hampton....perfect for me.
DeleteI also love the factory BR Hampton....perfect for me.
DeleteWearing a pair of cafe capris from several years ago, the navy rope print, and sitting at my desk with no issues. How can you not be able to make pants that fit properly? Pants are not a new concept. If someone had just sat down in the pants when they were being designed, they would have known instantly they were too tight in the thighs and hips and calves. Also, I ordered a pair of shoes this week and they arrived in a plastic bag inside a shipping box. Hard times if they can't even put them in a shoe box anymore. They were shipped from the warehouse so I called and complained about the packing and they gave me a 15% discount. Guess I can go to the container store and buy a clear plastic storage box.
ReplyDeleteOh I got some shoes in just a plastic bag too. They were smashed. I took them back and told the store SA. I'm nice but I was clearly annoyed. I also ordered a pair of shoes that clearly were damaged....if anyone had actually looked at them. They were damaged and made of cheap materials with crummy construction. When I returned them I was asked if I wanted to reorder them. Ummm....really?
DeleteI am full of vents this week. Just got the email for 40% off sale early access for cardholders. I saw there were fresh markdowns yesterday and placed an order that hasn't even shipped yet at 30% off. Guess I will be asking for a price adjustment. On top of that my order of 4 items from last week shipped in four separate shipments. I guess the only thing I can love this week was the good deals from the 50% off sale last week.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the promo for cardholders? Thanks!
DeleteGood luck asking for an adjustment. They must have new CS's I need to train (ha)cause I got the "well we'll give you a one time adjustment" speech when I called yesterday. My order hadn't even shipped. Talking of shipping, why are all of my orders being split up and things shipping separately and days apart? It makes me nuts keeping track of things! Also yesterday I got a cute sweater (sailor stripe sweater) and (of course) it has a big boxy torso and really tight sleeves. I don't get this! So do I reorder and have an even bigger sweater just so the sleeves don't look like sausage cases? Or do I just admit dealing with J. Crew has taken it all out of me and I'm tired and done! I seriously getting embarrassed with all the returns I've done over the last two months.....crap, why am I embarrassed!!!!
ReplyDeleteI guess we'll see. If they just kept the sales % off consistent they would not have to deal with this. everything I ordered yesterday is still in stock so I will reorder if need be as the adjustment is about $25. Denying the adjustment is just stupid. If I do reorder and return everything from the first order it costs them more than just giving me the 10% back. Also I too am embarrassed about my returns lately. I have two different stores that I usually go to and the one gives me the stink eye when I return a lot. Probably because they are a smaller store. I do not order with the intention of returning but due to the inconsistent sizing, quality and fabric issues I just can't justify keeping it even at sale price.
DeleteI have returned everything I have ordered in the past 6mos except for one top....which I was stuck with because final sale.
DeleteDoes anyone know if you can get a price adjustment on an item purchased in store? I just bought the lakeshore dress in onyx from Madewell at full price but I'm guessing that they're going to do a promo for the holiday weekend.
DeleteOne thing I'm very vexed with are all the items made of gauze. Too many gauzy tops. They're too sheer, not appropriate for the styles they insist on using them for and they wrinkle like crazy.
ReplyDeleteYes - and it can be a really sloppy look. Not like linen and the way it wrinkles, but sloppy.
DeleteWhy oh why have the Favorite tanks disappeared?
ReplyDeleteListen, I would not order anything off the website at 30% off sale. The stores all have 50% off and they will ship. They kill me sending out these emails that sale is 40% off online but the stores are so much cheaper. Also, if the store doesn't have it, they will order it for you sometimes and honor the in store price. The Northlake store in Charlotte is awesome. They know their merchandise and they will ship or they will will do an online order for you. They are super nice and helpful.
ReplyDeleteI agree DD. I just put something on hold in the store to decide on and it is 50% off, plus I have the $20 off $100 valid through the 4th. I did order a Tippi online and totally forgot about the order. It arrived on my doorstep yesterday, seriously J Crew, the order was placed on 6/21 and arrived 6/30. I actually paid for the shipping since it was a color Tippi I did not have and had been sold out for a while.
DeleteThe Canadian Dollar slipped to .79 cents today. J Crew is offering an $25 off $100 and $50 off $200 with free shipping today only....this is with code CANADA. This would have to be at least another 10% off for us to be equal to the US prices online.
ReplyDeleteJ Crew do the math....you are still way over charging Canadians....our instore prices up here are better. So Canadian are better off to shop instore....signed tired of Being ripped off with US and Can. dollar conversion.
Like you I really watch more more closely before I jump off my wallet. The 20% (or more) premium we pay is cutting into my J.Crew action. I find myself shopping much more in the store and with Canadian websites; especially Club Monaco.
DeleteUnfortunately the selection is not the same at Jcrew Canada. Less variety. The shoe section at Yorkdale, for example, has almost disappeared since my last visit there. Bloor street is a pain to get to if you don't live or work downtown since they close at 6 or 7 pm. I will order online if there is a sale and if it is an item I have tried to find here and cannot...Even then, I have really cut down. I have been sending so many things back that have a strange fit or don;t look like the picture, that it is not worth it in the returns costs we are suckered into paying with Jcrew online orders up here. I don't by in store much either now. I will keep an eye on their early fall roll-out, but, this Jcrew customer is slipping away...
Delete"buy" not by. I couldn't let that typo go...
DeleteThe slow delivery is really making me angry. Went to B&M Saturday morning to exchange two tees for different size. The store didn't have my size so the SA helped me place an online order matching the price I paid. Finally got a shipment notice on Tuesday and guess what? Two separate shipments! One of the tees is coming from California and won't be delivered until MONDAY. Seriously? What takes so long? Really hate the SmartPost/SurePost.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya! All of my orders were split up into separate orders and all send on different days. It's taking forever. I live in Oregon so it's already slow enough. It's making me very tired. You know I remember last summer the same thing happened. After a few orders and all the stress, returning, reordering different sizes, getting adjustments I just said "ENOUGH!". I'm there now!
DeleteI thought I'd have my cute striped tees for the 4th of July weekend but I guess not. You would think a week would be enough time for J Crew to deliver two small t-shirts that are currently in stock online. Super sad trombone!
DeleteOne thing I've noticed in the past couple weeks is that the SAs I've dealt with seems a little stressed out. My cheerful VPS and other SAs in my regular store have been a little wearier and snippier lately. Granted I've had several returns and price adjustment issues, but the mood has been gloomier and not quite as willing to go the extra mile.
ReplyDeleteIt must be hard for a SA dealing with the pressures of falling sales, constant price changes, customers w problems, rumors, bad press, mgmt changes and merchandise that you love a little less than you used to.
I hope it's temporary.
I've noticed it too. They are still better than a lot of stores but they seems a little on guard. I feel bad for them.
DeleteHow ironically, I posted a few weeks ago (in love to love section) how I like associates being less pompous, as in trying to be more approachable on purpose. Now I think they simply lost their "steam" - well, JCrew isn't "all that" anymore. Hard to be return to being a peasant....
ReplyDeleteSorry for typos, multitasking. After last week's "highs" of the extra 50% sale, I am having "lows" disappointments of having to return 80% of the items.
DeleteAccording to Jenna: "Collection started as an idea of taking the classic elements of what we do at J.Crew and giving you a psychedelic, amped-up version of that.” Not only Collection, but entire JCrew merchandise at this point is psychedelic, and bipolar, and has multiple personality disorder. Shopping at JCrew is very tiring these days. Normalcy, anyone?
I feel ya. When I do find things I like or am curious to try, I always end up returning the majority of them. It seems like items are rarely as they appear in the photos and just look cheap and boring in person. Or the fit is so odd you wonder who they are cutting the clothes to flatter. I've heard women with all different body types lamenting over fit, so it's very confusing.
DeleteI've had my most pleasant, successful and enjoyable shopping this summer at Ann Taylor. I used to think it was kinda boring and for petite ladies. I've been pleasantly surprised to find longer dresses and skirts and THE most perfect shorts (Cotton Walking Shorts, Modern Fit) which I bought 5 pairs of. I've bought several nice dresses and skirts. They are nice basics made of good fabrics. And ALL OF THEM were 40 to 50% off....these things aren't sale items that have been warehoused since 2009.....these items are new in stores now! I needed to replace some basics as I've gotten a bit older and have changed my style a bit and these things really fit the bill. I'm really pleased with my experience so far with Ann Taylor and can't wait to see what's coming for fall.
DeleteOh Stray Cat, I LOADED up on those shorts too! Ann Taylor for me has years that are dodgy and years that are absolutely brilliant. I'm loving this year . . .
DeleteIn addition to all of the issues frequently cited in this blog (fit, fabric, etc.), price and changing consumer buying habits are also affecting J Crew - at least my in case. Too many items at J Crew are overpriced for the item and the quality. For example, who's going to pay $150 for a romper? That doesn't make sense IMO. I mostly buy at J Crew when items are on super sale because I've been trained to wait for a sale. Why pay full price, when J Crew is in a perpetual state of promotion? The UPS driver teased me yesterday and commented, "you must love J Crew." I let him know that's true, but only on super sale. He couldn't believe I was buying items at 75 - 90% off. Case in point - I purchased the cashmere open cardigan in heather acorn for $35 (originally $300) after 50% off sale + educator discount + $50 of $150 purchase. My son and I both commented you can't stay in business that way; he's a fan too, but who wouldn't be, when you're buying your summer wardrobe at deeply discounted prices.
ReplyDeletethat is alot of stacking promos....i would love to get this CS on the tele when I want a PA...
DeleteMy UPS driver and told me he's so glad his wife doesn't shop as much as I do.
DeleteAnother article on JCrew @ Business Insider.com "J Crew is trying to hide its biggest flop of the year"... (referring to the earnings call made by MD blaming the company's downfall on a single sweater "Tilly") . Article points out that the website no longer displays the Tilly but an identical sweater on the site has been renamed "Merino woll crewneck sweater"...
ReplyDeleteI really think 'SOMETHING" is going to hit the fan soon...for J Crew
DeleteI'm sorry, but it really pisses me off that they are blaming the Tilly for all their woes. As far as I'm concerned, that is the least of their problems! I mean, just look at this vent thread and all the complaints of poor fitting pants.
DeleteSOMETHING...is not the Tilly.
DeleteAbsolutely. And so sad. So very sad.
DeleteThis forum is a testimony of all the love there is for JC. Why would we even bother to vent weekly if not to have them listen?
Lauren, I absolutely agree with you! I think though, that those articles are almost written as a ridicule of the absurdity of JCrew and its management. No one is buying that stupid Tilly excuse. Tilly was a smoke & mirrors, not to address real issues, and everyone knows that.
DeleteAnon, I totally agree that most of the articles are ridicule. I'm not even talking about this article,(didnt read it yet) but the fact that he actually said that out loud. It is so embarrassing and infuriating to me. Especially since I do still spend a lot of my money there.
DeleteDoes anyone have the cardholders 40% promo? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCARDPERK-you have to enter your JC card info before it will work
DeleteOne more vent. It looks like the new promo brought final sale back with a vengeance. Since this morning many of the items I have my eye on have slipped over to the dark side. Sad trombone!
ReplyDeleteI went to the Brookfield Place location (the new concept store) today. They have a lot of items that are going to be part of the next rollout, mid-July. Nothing I saw was a must-have. Not. one. thing.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it will seem much more dazzling once it arrives at my regular (old concept) store, but for now, I'm completely underwhelmed. Waaahhhh.