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Wednesday, November 4, 2015

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.
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50 comments:

  1. silver_liningNovember 4, 2015 at 7:12 AM

    Good morning, JCA's - can we talk workout wear? I've been doing hot yoga for the last month and am loving it, but my regular Gap and ON yoga pants (cotton/spandex) are definitely not cutting it in the 95-degree room. I'm in the market for pants/capris, low-impact sports bras, and tanks that are breathable/wicking. What do you like?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. cateNovember 4, 2015 at 7:54 AM

      I don't do yoga, but the Carrie Underwood line looks like cute yoga type stuff (I don't own any, though).

      Delete
    2. LaurenNovember 4, 2015 at 8:02 AM

      I haven't tried it myself, but someone posted high praise here about a brand called Outdoor Voices. Jcrew sales a few of their items in the "in good company" section...

      Delete
    3. lolcatgirlNovember 4, 2015 at 3:49 PM

      You're going to want to stay away from anything that has cotton in the fabric. For pants, my favorite pair of capris is from Athleta but is sold out. These are similar and have the same fabric composition, Quest Chaturanga Knicker. It also comes in a capri length.

      Lucy is also a good store to check out.

      Delete
    4. AnonymousNovember 4, 2015 at 5:01 PM

      Lululemon's yoga workout wear is very good IMO. Certain pieces are better than others, but in general I like Lulu for yoga.

      Delete
    5. JessicaNovember 5, 2015 at 12:12 AM

      I like Lululemon for tops. I think they make the best sports tops, but I like a brand called Moving Comfort for sports bras. You can order online, but REI carries some of their bras in store.

      Delete
    6. shopgrrrlNovember 5, 2015 at 1:31 PM

      I did hot yoga for several years. I owned several pairs of Prana pants and capris, and one pair of Lululemon capris. I can't say I noticed any difference in performance, but Prana pants always go on sale at some point, making them much more affordable. I didn't like the Prana cotton yoga pants and top I tried (I think it was their Mehdi line? I don't know if they still make it), I returned those. I own a ton of Prana tops as well, they have great colors and patterns compared to Lululemon and for me there isn't any noticeable difference in performance, but the Prana prices are much more reasonable. The only caveat with the tops is, I'm pretty flat chested, so if you need more support, they may not be great for you, or you may need to wear something with them.

      Delete
  2. rufflesNovember 4, 2015 at 7:32 AM

    Silver_lining, have you tried Zella at Nordstrom? Quality is better than Athleta or Lululemon IMO and price point is quite reasonable - about $50 for the pants.

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    Replies
    1. julielion96November 4, 2015 at 7:45 AM

      wow, thanks for the tip ruffles! In my limited Athleta experience I've found quality does not live up to prices at all...

      Delete
    2. Stacy66November 4, 2015 at 8:09 AM

      I agree. Zella has great work out wear. I highly recommend.

      Delete
    3. JRSConiferNovember 4, 2015 at 8:40 AM

      Thanks for the Zella tip, I do hot yoga too and good clothing is essential.

      Delete
    4. MeginNovember 4, 2015 at 12:47 PM

      Zella stuff is pretty good, but I must stick up for Athleta--I do barre classes and have a shameful amount of workout wear, most of it from Athleta. I will admit their last few roll outs have not thrilled me, but I generally love their tights, any kind. I recently bought the motto ponte pants and they're great, though they're street wear only. I love the extra long Chi tanks also. And the return policy is fantastic (which is why they're not cheap). I love knowing I can return something literally any time, even if it took me months to decide.

      Delete
    5. shopgrrrlNovember 5, 2015 at 8:45 PM

      I like Athleta too, especially because a lot of their stock is offered in tall sizes. I only buy on sale, and I find their quality very good for the price. I don't wear their stuff for yoga, but I do wear it for outdoor active and it's all held up very well.

      Delete
    6. 3ppmNovember 5, 2015 at 10:16 PM

      I love Nike's dri fit line (tees, bras, vests, etc). I've never tried hot yoga, but for regular yoga and intense spin classes, dri fit works well for me.

      Delete
    7. silver_liningNovember 6, 2015 at 6:54 AM

      Thank you all so much - you've given me a lot of good ideas!

      Delete
  3. rufflesNovember 4, 2015 at 7:41 AM

    Friends and Family going on at Lands End. 30% off everything and free shipping no minimum. The new Christmas catalog is really lovely. I'm ordering some cashmere and a few personalized gifts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cateNovember 4, 2015 at 4:23 PM

      I loved some things in that catalog too! Pretty plaids and dresses!

      Delete
  4. JRSConiferNovember 4, 2015 at 8:39 AM

    Couple of other retailers info. Everlane introduced their coats, they are wool, cashmere and polyamide but classic basic looking coats under $300. Also, Eileen Fisher introduced free shipping on all orders. Not sure what the method is since I use their free ship to store option, which is 2 Day Air.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy FreemanNovember 4, 2015 at 10:02 AM

      The Everlane coats look really nice! I almost regret getting the Regent topcoat now (almost.)

      Delete
    2. CailleNovember 4, 2015 at 12:48 PM

      I went to an Everlane shoe try-on event last night and picked up a pair of the leather street shoes. The Chelsea boots were stunning if anyone needs a pair of those.

      Delete
  5. WendyNovember 4, 2015 at 8:44 AM

    If anyone has an extra Banana Republic Friends and Family code to share, I would really appreciate it. Thanks! fdfoster @comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  6. SunnyDayNovember 4, 2015 at 8:59 AM

    I have another Banana Republic F&F code I'm not going to use: L6VG2BGY33MJ

    Incidentally, I ordered their knotted leather belt and it arrives today. Having been priced out of the similar Vuitton version, I'm hoping this is a winner!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ccNovember 4, 2015 at 9:07 AM

      Thanks, Desert Flower. It doesn't seem to be working, so I'm wondering if someone else has already used it, or if I don't understand the conditions of the promotion.

      Delete
    2. Stacy66November 4, 2015 at 7:54 PM

      Here's my code up for grabs for BR. Enjoy!

      D6DRCVRNXD6W

      Delete
  7. Amy FreemanNovember 4, 2015 at 10:01 AM

    I have a couple of Anthro reviews here. Hope they are helpful!

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    Replies
    1. cateNovember 4, 2015 at 4:58 PM

      Thanks Amy! I like the look of that mockneck tee. It might be worth trying a size up? It is pretty cute.

      Anthropologie is always hit or miss for me. The more unique the item is, the more of a miss it usually is on me. I've had great luck with their Pilcro jeans, Pilcro Hyphen chinos, and the solid tees.

      Delete
  8. Melissa@AllThingsSimplifiedNovember 4, 2015 at 10:31 AM

    Target: Buy More & Save - 20% off your $75+ purchase of clothing, shoes, & accessories until the end of today. More details and my personal picks in this post...lots to love! Free shipping & free returns, too! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. rufflesNovember 4, 2015 at 10:01 PM

      Melissa, someone at work had on the Faux Leather Pleated Midi Skirt last week! I complimented her on her "J Crew" skirt and she cheerfully said, "Nope! Target!"

      It looked great.

      Delete
    2. rufflesNovember 4, 2015 at 10:02 PM

      Melissa, someone at work had on the Faux Leather Pleated Midi Skirt last week! I complimented her on her "J Crew" skirt and she cheerfully said, "Nope! Target!"

      It looked great.

      Delete
    3. Melissa@AllThingsSimplifiedNovember 5, 2015 at 7:56 AM

      That's great to know, ruffles! I love it when the items turn out even better in person than they look online! What a great way to get the look in a less spendy way!

      Delete
  9. dinagideonNovember 4, 2015 at 4:10 PM

    Hey, you all. Boden's diminishing discount sale began on Monday. This time it started with 25% off and is being reduced to 20% off on Friday and Saturday. That means there is still part of today and all of tomorrow to enjoy the 25% off.

    I wrote more on the sale here.

    I also wrote up two reviews on the Swing Tunic and Boucle Jacket here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. dinagideonNovember 4, 2015 at 4:11 PM

      Darn it. The one link for the sale is wrong...that goes to a recent ootd post. D'oh.

      Use this link instead for the sale info...
      LINK.

      Delete
  10. SunnyDayNovember 4, 2015 at 8:55 PM

    I got my Emerson Fry linen cocoon coat today and love it. I'm in a warm part of the country and don't need a heavy winter coat. The linen is substantial and weighty, more than enough for my needs. It would be perfect for spring in the cooler parts of the country. The shape and construction of the coat are perfect. It's nice to have something so nicely made, in the USA no less.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ccNovember 5, 2015 at 7:42 PM

      I just rec'd mine, too. I ordered a small based on the fact that the model, whose measurements are about the same as mine, was wearing a small in the product shots. HUGE. I realize the cocoon cut means a less fitted shape, but the shoulders were sooo bulky. How did you determine your size? I'm wondering if it's worthwhile to exchange for a smaller size.

      Delete
  11. silver_liningNovember 5, 2015 at 6:06 AM

    Speaking of Target... what the heck is this sweater for two? I have so many questions.

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    Replies
    1. Melissa@AllThingsSimplifiedNovember 5, 2015 at 7:58 AM

      I agree silver_lining! What the heck is that all about? Why would anyone even begin to consider wearing one of those? Things that make you go hmmm...

      Delete
  12. Melissa@AllThingsSimplifiedNovember 5, 2015 at 8:00 AM

    Btw everyone, Target has increased the discount to 30% off your purchase of $75+. I've updated my post to reflect the changes. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa@AllThingsSimplifiedNovember 5, 2015 at 4:29 PM

      I placed an order for two pair of boots at Target this morning, and already received notification that one of the pairs has shipped...love that! They are shipping even faster than Amazon Prime ships most of the time.

      Delete
  13. Melissa@AllThingsSimplifiedNovember 5, 2015 at 10:14 AM

    As ruffles mentioned, the Lands' End Friends & Family Event is taking place now. The Holiday Shop items are included in the promotion, and there are a lot of great gift giving ideas to be found. I've shared more information about the deal, along with my personal picks in this post. I ordered the Christmas stockings on sale last year for my boys and had them monogrammed with their names. They are excellent quality, and a great size, too...very excited to give them to the boys to use this year. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LaurenNovember 5, 2015 at 1:40 PM

      Melissa, the stockings are awesome! My mom purchased them for me and my siblings a looong time ago and now gets them as gifts for the grandchildren as they come along (7 and counting...)

      Delete
    2. Melissa@AllThingsSimplifiedNovember 5, 2015 at 2:07 PM

      Lauren, that is such a wonderful family tradition! The stockings really are so very nice, and the monogramming is done beautifully. They really do make a perfect gift! :)

      Do you have any of the Classic Stocking Holders that they sell? I was going to get them last year as well, but the ones I wanted sold out too quickly. I'm curious to know how the quality is, and what they look like IRL. They have an almost 5 star review on the LE website, so I'm assuming they are just as awesome as the stockings are?

      Delete
  14. LaurenNovember 5, 2015 at 3:33 PM

    Melissa, I dont have the stocking holders but they look very nice! And like you said, they get great reviews. Also, I wanted to tell you that I'm glad to see you back here! I really enjoy your picks and commentary!

    ReplyDelete
  15. RoseNovember 5, 2015 at 11:10 PM



    A few Old Navy reviews here.



    ReplyDelete
  16. Melissa@AllThingsSimplifiedNovember 7, 2015 at 9:34 AM

    I've shared this weekend's list of sales taking place around the web in this post. Lots of good deals to be found! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Melissa@AllThingsSimplifiedNovember 8, 2015 at 7:20 AM

    There is Free Shipping on Orders of $100+ at Sundance Catalog until the end of today. They don't send out specific codes for the free shipping, but I've shared a link on my blog that will apply the deal to your order when you click through it. See the post with that link here. :)

    ReplyDelete

Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)