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!
NYFW Fall 17 - J.Crew will be showing this Sunday @ 1:30 EST. check your Instagram for pics!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteOh how cute and sophisticated are these...
ReplyDeletePink is nice but would hate to get it dirty since it's suede. And is that a zipper behind? Hmm..
https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_feature/styleguide2017/suede-double-anklestrap-sandals/g0981?isFromSearch=true&color_name=fresh-peony&N=17&Nloc=en&Ntrm=Sandal&Npge=1&Nrpp=60&Nsrt=0&hasSplitResults=false
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Delete@JSR, I fell in love when I saw those but then noticed the zipper which I'm personally not keen on but I'm sure others will like. I already have some pink sandals (printed paisley and the light pink Leila wedges from last summer) so I'm asking myself- how many pink sandals should a grown woman have? :) I'm hoping the zipper keeps me from buying them and giving in lol
Delete@Jan - I know, right?? Zippers ruined it for me. What's the point of having adjustable buckle straps? It's similar to what Madewell designed. But I was too slow to buy it.
DeleteEspecially since many people were already complaining about exposed zippers on clothing - so why put them on shoes. :)
DeleteI am trying to be more thoughtful about my purchases and the feedback and reviews from the JCAs have been very helpful. (Thank you, everyone!) I've been using a wardrobe management app for about a year. I started using it because it helps me put together and record what items I have put together into outfits so I don't have to remember what necklace I wore with what blouse, what tops work with a particular skirt, etc., but it also generates statistics, and the numbers have given me some pause. I can see how many items I own in each category/type of clothing, how many times I have worn them so far, and "cost per wear". I make no apologies for the fact that I enjoy hunting for clothing (on sale, of course!) that makes me feel good when I wear it, but the statistics have made me think (although I am still buying - although a bit more thoughtfully)
ReplyDeleteWhat do JCAs think is a reasonable number of wears for an everyday article of clothing (i.e. not including special occasion clothing like evening wear) in order for the purchase to be justifiable? I always used to buy something thinking I would get a lot of use out of it, but now I can see the cold hard statistics which show that because of the number of items I own, I am not getting "a lot of wear" - even on items that I love
When I buy a dress for work, how many wearings should I get over the lifetime of the dress in order for it to be a reasonable purchase? Should it be 10 wears? Should it be 30 wears? If I wear it only 5 times, was the purchase a failure? Or should I be looking at "cost per wear" rather than number of wears? If I get that dress for $80 on sale, instead of $200 at regular price, does that mean it's OK for me to get 4 wears out of it, instead of 10 wears? (If people think these prices should be lower, please remember that I am Canadian and we pay more because of duties and exchange rate differences for the lovely J Crew items :-) )
Maybe I need to think about clothing the way that a figurine collector would think about them.If I collected figurines, I would not worry about things like "cost per wear" or "number of wears" - I would collect them because they appealed to me and I loved them. But clothes, unlike figurines and other collectibles, are supposed to be used/worn, aren't they?
I have been using Stylebook, but some of the alternatives are reviewed here https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2016/03/readers-favourite-style-and-wardrobe-apps.html.
I want to confirm that have no affiliation with Stylebook and apologize for the length of the post :-)
Great questions and topic of conversation. It's been on my mind too as I've been methodically getting rid of perfectly good clothes I own because I have too many. I've been asking myself what is the number of items in each category that I want to own. I don't have answers yet but I'd like to hear others' take on it.
Delete@TM, I've been tracking wears, etc, on a spreadsheet and you're right, it IS eye-opening! I aim for $1 (US) cost-per-wear, which is easy enough for every day items like tees but probably too ambitious for more expensive work wear. I've seen recommendations for 30 wears regardless of cost, which doesn't seem unreasonable to me. The best advice I've seen is not to lose sight of joy-per-wear. Not sure how to measure that, though!
DeleteI remember reading an interview (shared by someone on JCA!) with Livia Firth and she stated she only purchases things she will wear at least 30 times. That is a great standard and I think of it often when adding to my closet or deciding what to let go. I also like cobalt's idea above of aiming for $1 cost-per-wear. Hardest things for me to get more wear out of are summer dresses..I only have a few right now but do love them so. It's one of those emotional things when the weather will start to warm up a bit (I live in Michigan) and you get excited for spring/summer and want a pretty dress for the upcoming season. :)
DeleteThis is a great topic and something I've thought about lately as I tried and failed at a shopping ban in January. Personally, I tend to think of 'cost per wear' more often than number of times. Maybe it's because I've justified some purchases that way (ie even if I only wear it a few times I'd be ok with that due to a great sale price). I find that I do well with basics like jeans, tees, plaid shirts (even though I have a ton from Jcrew) and skirts/dresses in the spring/summer. My cpw and # of times worn for my cashmere items is terrible as I never wear them - I always worry my toddlers will ruin them. :) same with a number of sweaters I have and heels that never get worn.
DeleteYesterday I caved and ordered the Paperbag waist skirt but I kept wondering how much I'd really wear it and cpw but I figure I'll try it as I've been curious about it. Ive realized that I have a skirt addiction and think I have too many but I keep buying them. Like cate mentioned, I'd love to hear what a reasonable # of each category is - especially skirts. :)
My other 'problem' is that I hang onto a lot of older Jcrew clothes that are like new but I just don't wear them. Even though I've donated, consigned etc. I still have lots of older items that just sit in the closet.
I should really try using an app. :)
What app r u using to track ur wardrobe ?
DeleteThanks everyone for the input/feedback. I think those figures are reasonable but here's where things get a bit depressing for me. If I use the lovely lady jacket with liberty trim as an example I think I ended up paying $200 Cdn for it (taxes included) during the recent 30% off promo. To get the cost per wear down to $1, I have to wear it 200 times. Let's say I wear it 2 times a month for 10 months each year (I'm excluding the hottest months). That gets me to 20 wears per year. It will take me 10 years! Even if I allow myself $2 per wear (because my Canadian dollar is worth less :-), it will take me 5 years. And if I am brutally honest, I am unlikely to get anywhere near 20 wears a year - even for something as lovely as that jacket... On the plus side, maybe I could get to 30 wears (at between $6 and $7 per wear) over, say, 3 years???
DeleteChanie, I am using an app called Stylebook. I think it is only available for apple products so far, so android users are out of luck.
Deletejan, I hold onto older J. Crew items too. The ones I can't seem to get rid of are the Liberty button-down shirts. I keep thinking I'll regret it, even though I'm not wearing them right now.
DeleteGreat topic! Usually I think in terms of cost per wear and try to keep it under $5 per item. I do think there are exceptions to every rule. For example I own a Celine Nano which I bought new and adore. It will take me years upon years to get the cost per wear down to $5...but it doesn't matter. The bag brings me so much happiness every time I wear it!! It reminds me of a big success at work that yielded a big enough bonus to buy it and still have money left over to save. Every time I look at it I smile. That's what matters to me.
DeleteSo I guess for me it's a balance of cost over time with the happiness each item gives me.
I think $1 per wear is unrealistically low unless you buy your whole wardrobe at walmart and I think the metric is unduly granular as it doesn't take into account "joy per wear" as someone said, or the fact that certain items will need to be more expensive so you look professional (i.e. suits for workwear).
DeleteI would love to get better at this too - and am trying to be more deliberate about my purchases. I do still have that impulse to have something new and shiny to mix it up and I don't ever think I could get to the point of the capsule wardrobe which inevitably leaves me with an overflowing closet. I think I need to be paying less for those items that I may not wear as often.
DeleteThat being said...I still would like less of an overflowing closet and would hope to get to the point where I'm not purchasing items I'm only wearing once.
I love this discussion. I work part time, very casually, and generally wear jeans when I do, so while my black sweaters and jeans get worn a ton, with certain exceptions, and my dressier clothes don't. I'm trying to make more excuses to wear items like my dressier pants and the beautiful shoes I own.
DeleteWay back when I got my first job in publishing around 1990, my boss who was in a managerial position, wore the same thing everyday. Black skirt, black hose, patent pumps, and I'm remembering a hot pink top but maybe that was her lipstick. My department, art related, was permitted to wear jeans, no one else was, but I often dressed up because I liked it. No one seemed to notice this boss wore the same thing everyday. Truth be told, I have no idea if it was the exact same garments or if she had multiples.
I've got my handful of dressier staples: black skirts (and a few colored skirts), blazers (in black and colors) which I also wear with jeans, black pants, gray pants. I know it's dreadfully boring but this is a big reason why I made black the base of my wardrobe. I don't need to be like my old boss and wear the same thing everyday, but I also want to get many wears out of the clothes I have.
Traveling also inspired this. When we go away I like to only bring carry on luggage and I know I can pack for a week (or a month, etc.). If I pack like this. I often find I don't even wear everything I pack.
I don't track CPW but the past few years I've gotten rid of so much clothing that wasn't worn often, or if I have multiples and prefer one, etc. I do seem to buy a lot and I am trying to stop myself from buying any more coats, jeans, blazers or shoes for awhile, but when I see a special item that works well with my wardrobe I buy it. Also, if I try something from my closet on and dislike it for whatever reason, I do try to sell it or donate it.
I do not store out of season clothes (I rotate my closets just for accessibility) and I still have room in my not huge shared walk in closet. (Dressier clothes/shoes are stored in a typical reach in closet in our room.) My walk in contains all my workout clothes, undergarments, sweats/pajamas, tee shirts, sweaters, button down shirts, more casual skirts, pants, blazers and jeans.
I keep my bags in a lingerie chest and my dresser just holds socks, hosiery and costume jewelry.
I can find anything, and if I can't, it's often found in one of my daughters' rooms. (Usually crumpled on the floor or something.)
Sorry that's so long!
DeleteAlso, I'm starting the job hunting process so I want to make sure I have decent interview clothes. I'm creative, but like to dress professionally for meetings.
Oh, this is a GREAT topic, Toronto Modern, and I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's thoughts!
DeleteThis very issue has been on my mind lately, as I know I've gone overboard in terms of shopping over the past two years. I have more clothes than I really (*really*) need, and despite telling myself that I'm going to be more thoughtful about my purchases, I still find myself picking something up 'because it's on sale' or 'because I don't have it in that color', etc. I think part of me likes to almost, 'collect clothing', while another part simply responds to sales or impulse buys. I know I need better discipline.
I bought the Style app. you recommended a while ago, Toronto Modern, but have yet to use it (blushing). I keep a Clothing Expenses diary of how much I paid for something and when I bought it, but that's about it. (Last year's tally was somewhat groan-worthy.) I know very well that buying something simply because it seems like a good sale price isn't the best or smartest strategy (interest negates whatever savings on an item, unless one's c/c is paid in full).
Like Jan, I have a weakness for skirts and these, along with dresses, are I wear during our relatively short warm season here in NY. I have so many of them in fact that once a co-worker observed, 'I don't think you've worn the same outfit twice this summer!' Which is very true and somewhat embarrassing. I 'love' so many things that I end up with so many and never get to wear some more than 2x a season.
So yea, lots of work to be done - I do purge my closet a lot, but I also find myself stuck with items that in the cold light of day I realize that I shouldn't have bought in the first place. I'll donate or try to sell on ebay, but it's usually at a loss.
I can't even begin to think of CPW (and I rather agree with Cass that $1 seems a bit low -- but also VERY impressive if that goal is reached!!)
This is all to say that I know I need to make smarter choices, personally. My closet in my NYC apartment isn't even big enough and I end up with lots of wrinkled clothing b/c there isn't enough room. I am taking baby steps and have managed to talk myself out of 'pretty things that I really don't need' this week. (I love JC wool pencil skirts, but already have a blue one from Banana - the quality is crap on the BR one, but in the end, it doesn't matter, as I don't end up wearing this one THAT often.)
Thanks for listening to my rambling thoughts! I feel like this is the first step of Conquering a Shopping Addiction. :-)
CPW has been a great reality check for me at times but I don't use it regularly for all the reasons already mentioned. Sometimes an item is so "me" or I love it so much or it is for a specific occasion and CPW is less important.
DeleteCPW has really opened my eyes to quality issues, esp w Factory items. It's fine when you are buying an item intending to only wear it once or twice and are satisfied with that. Trendy stuff, inexpensive basics. CPW will really identify what lasts through wear and laundering and that helps me w future purchase decisions. Unfortunately a significant number of J Crew items I have purchased in the past couple years fall apart very quickly, so even on super sale the CPW isn't very good.
Great discussion. I use and love polyvore. I create an OOTD so I easily look back and see what I work last month, last year, etc. I also create a monthly purchases post - good for keeping things in perspective. I also like using the search feature to see what I or someone else paired with a specific pair of shoes, blazer, etc. rarely repeat exact outfits so I'm always trying to think of new combinations.
DeleteI am also somewhere between CPW and joy. I do have items I've been wearing for 10 years and others that only make it a single season. I have become more aware of the labor and environmental issues with the fashion industry and am making an effort to be more thoughtful about purchases overall. I donate regularly to a local charity that has a dress for success type of program - if I'm not going to wear it, someone else should.
Luxette, I use your last sentence to help me get rid of things (if I'm not going to wear it, someone else should). It makes it a lot easier to say goodbye to stuff if I know it's going to be worn by somebody else. I've bought (and still buy) my share of used clothes over the years so I think of how happy I am when I find a used treasure, so I picture someone else on the receiving end (whether it's been donated or sold used) and then it's easy to let it go.
DeleteI'm loving reading everyone's comments, lots to think about! Past discussions on jca about such topics have encouraged me to do closet purges, trips to consignment and reminded me to donate instead of letting some things linger. This past holiday I donated items to a women's shelter which felt great and I hope helped some.
DeleteThis discussion has been a good reminder not to feel too guilty about purchases as @cagliari67 wrote about so well. Shopping is really my only true hobby and with little ones (especially my two yr old :) ) sometimes retail therapy keeps me sane. I do have some improvements to make though as sometimes I think I teeter between shopping pleasure and shopping addiction. @TM93, I feel like I could go all spring/summer and not wear the same skirt twice as well. :) I know skirts are a weakness but I just keep buying more, i need to get some willpower there.
This is such a great topic. I keep thinking that I should track CPW and the like but I don't know if I'd have the time or energy to keep at it. I've checked out wardrobe apps before but never committed. A lot of things sit it my closet for long after I've bought them and then I end up using them constantly. Or I'll buy something, wear it until I'm sick of it and not wear it until months later. Then of course there are the classic pieces that I just know I would regret getting rid of, even if I don't readily pull them out. I don't know how CPW would work for me. If I were to employ it, I already know that my jeans, Martina wedges, silk camis and 6 handbags would have really reasonable CPWs but my myriad of jackets and blazers would have atrocious numbers. There is no way that I'd get low numbers on those despite already thinning out the herd. I think, for people like me, who can't (or won't) tackle the CPW issue, it just comes down to being highly aware of what you're buying and why. I no longer buy stuff on sale just because it's a great price and if I'm not (internally) squealing over it, I'm not buying it. I'm using "WOW! factor", "Will I wear it 10 years from now?" and "whether this truly looks good on me" to regulate my purchases. My mum has clothing as old as I am, so 10 years shouldn't be too much to ask for. I do think that I was a little bit of a shopping addict though. The high of a supposedly great deal and new shiny, pretty stuff is quite alluring. The much needed kick in the butt came courtesy of my mom and her accountant, who embarrassingly questioned my spending versus saving habits. My closet that overflowed into three clothing racks in my bedroom aided their case. Why would I ever need so much clothing and shoes? In the end, for me, it came down to improved self-control and a seriously scary, pit-bull of a financial advisor.
DeleteI've taken to wondering now if I'd have been so successful in my new shopping habits if my situation had remained the same. If I hadn't had to move across states, twice!, and gone back to school, what would my idle hands have gotten up to? Only time will tell. Talk to me at the end of the year. Lol
DeleteD*ska: yes! I was in grad school for the peak JCrew days and only have a handful of pieces from that era. I definitely bought more nice items when I lived in NYC. Now I live in a small town and it's a lot harder to justify purchases (better for the wallet, though) -lep33shops
DeleteLady jacket with liberty trim appears almost sold out. Petite sizing seems completely gone and only 00 left in regular sizing I think? I ordered mine yesterday - I hope it ships and I do not get the dreaded update email telling me "we wish we had enough" (I am trying to ignore the irony in me posting this immediately after posting about trying to reduce my shopping.)
ReplyDeleteHi TM! I applaud you for keeping tabs on your collection. First off, though - don't worry: the cycle of returns in the lady jacket will soon begin. You haven't lost out. For me, my wardrobe is very much like the collection of figurines you mentioned. And I'm absolutely a shoe fiend too. When we moved house, one of the movers had the temerity to come up to me and say: just how many shoes do you have, lady? I just gave him an icy glare.... I think I've also started trying to be more conscious of my new purchases, especially bc I'm worried about size changes, etc, as I grow older. Clothes are not forever. I think, though, that they do bring us sincere joy. 10 years have passed by in a flash for me: I clearly remember 2006, as if it was yesterday. So I don't think so hard about how many times I'll wear something, but rather hang on to unique or particularly "me" pieces. I have tried building a weekly capsule wardrobe, or working with one by default, since I try to keep things in rotation. But that's about it. Sorry, you just got me to reflect on this without having a real solution or even the discipline you have!
DeleteHaha, I also had a mover commenting on my "collection" once. He said something like "you only own clothes" (because we had very little furniture compared to the size of my wardrobe" or "I have never moved so many clothes" which probably made me look like Carrie Bradshaw.
DeleteHaha, I also had a mover commenting on my "collection" once. He said something like "you only own clothes" (because we had very little furniture compared to the size of my wardrobe" or "I have never moved so many clothes" which probably made me look like Carrie Bradshaw.
DeleteUgh! I'm still indignant at that mover! My house, my shoes! Not his business!
Deletemaqsad, ema - they would NEVER say that to a man. Somehow it is OK to make derogatory comments like that to women. Same thing happened to me when I moved. I'm paying for the wardrobe boxes - what the hell do they care what is in them? Clothes weigh less than boxes of books or sports collectibles!
DeleteEXACTLY!
DeleteHave some returns to do (ordered two sizes of stuff)
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to be better about spending but I guess we'll see what's in the store. Nothing I NEED right now plus I want a new bike so I have to keep that in mind.
I am also trying not to buy impulsively or just for the sake of a promotion, especially when the stuff I am interested in is a season ahead of me. I had put some stuff in my cart yesterday but when I look at it there is nothing that I need right now or that I like so much that I have to have it out of fear that I might miss out on it. If I do, something else will come along.
ReplyDeleteFOMO! That is such a big one with JCrew! Between the price and sale stalking and early release of everything and then the fear of missing out, JCrew does a number on my psychology each time! Ugh.
DeleteI was thinking the same exact thing, FOMO.
DeleteNot to add fuel to the fire of FOMO but I feel the things I never got haunt me ( ok being a tad over the top:) than the things I bought that I dont wear as much. I was just wishing, after seeing the very stylish poettodesign, I had bought a couple of the sadie flats they look so cute!
DeleteI still search for the Harper tassel mules in cream that I didn't buy at my store for $34?!!! I'm so mad at myself. I still love them. I was just afraid they'd slip off when I walked.
DeleteYes, this is a big one: FOMO!! Fear that if I don't pounce on an item on sale, even when it wasn't on my radar before, I will miss out and regret it somehow. I really do find myself thinking about clothes more than I used to. But like Ema mentions, I'm also trying to remember that there is always more to come and that I might end up liking something that's yet to come even more. I'm trying to wait for pieces that are REAL loves, or at least, true necessities, practical.
DeleteI am also trying not to buy impulsively or just for the sake of a promotion, especially when the stuff I am interested in is a season ahead of me. I had put some stuff in my cart yesterday but when I look at it there is nothing that I need right now or that I like so much that I have to have it out of fear that I might miss out on it. If I do, something else will come along.
ReplyDeleteMaqad - please don't apologize.I don't think there is a solution and I am enjoying the discussion and contributions. I read somewhere that you should not be afraid to wear the same thing a couple of times a week (like a business suit) because no one will notice or care you wore the suit a lot. If the suit is great they will just notice how great you look. I totally buy that. I have lots of nice clothes for me not for others to see. I am the first to say that I am very lucky to have the luxury of "problems" look this.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I will totally admit to having far too many clothes. (Fewer shoes, still fewer bags.) I honestly don't think of pieces in terms of cpw though. For me, that concept attaches a burden to the clothes, a weight of guilt. And it is difficult to predict sometimes what will become a favourite, a staple - I know I've been surprised by some things that seem to worm their way into my outfits regularly. I even have a few things that are more than 20 (30?) years old that still work or that keep coming back into fashion (prairie skirts, anyone?). I have learned that there are certain retailers that it's just not worth my while to shop at, as I take tally of what goes out with my purges to donate or consign - JCrew Factory being one, Gap and Old Navy as well. I've stopped buying cashmere because of a permanent moth problem *sob*. If I collected rolling pins or antique sewing machines or cameras, I wouldn't be putting the equivalent weight of cpw on them; if I had other hobbies that required spending on consumables, I wouldn't judge that either. My husband doesn't put his cigar purchases into a spreadsheet. Clothes are my hobby. Some bring me more joy than others, it's always a learning process and I do stop and think, am I only going to wear this once? Do I already own one of these? And that helps me a lot because I try to be realistic. That said, I realized last week that I own 11 grey sweaters... Yes, I'd have a bigger bank account *sigh* but I think too often that women's interest in style and clothing is looked on as frivolous and therefore not worthwhile, and we unconsciously put a moral judgement on ourselves because of it - I'm so bad, I bought another ___. If it really is a concern about money, then definitely work on it. But if it's just a feeling that you're not as noble a person because you've spent on clothing that you don't wear 10x a month, don't beat up on yourself. We get so influenced by minimalist instabloggers with neutral capsule wardrobes and it's just not realistic for most of us. I know that there is also the awareness of the environmental, social or economic impact of buying or not buying, but you have to choose which mast to nail your flag to. Do what works for you. Do what makes you feel good. Life is short, and small moments of joy shouldn't be undervalued. *Liberty on the barricades strides off to stare at her closet*
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteAgree @cagiliari67
DeleteThat was very well said cagiliari67
DeleteBeautifully said!
Deletecagliari67 - my sentiments exactly. It's my hobby. It is not hurting anyone. I can afford it and it makes me happy!
DeleteWonderfully stated, cagiliari67. I have really, really enjoyed everyone's comments today!
DeleteThanks all - just wanted to add a different perspective and sing the Marseillaise lol.
DeleteSuch a good point about the minimalist capsule wardrobe thing! I am a careful shopper but I would die of boredom with that type of closet. I need color and I need change. I try to pause once and a while to get full use out of what I already own and love, but one should not feel guilty about a wardrobe that exceeds X number of items. To each her own.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! A capsule wardrobe would make me sad. Dressing in the morning is actually a little bit of a mood lifter for me.
DeleteYes and Amen to all the points raised above. I do have to say that one of the baser instincts that can lead to overshooting, apart from FOMO, can be jealousy or a "gotta have it" "keeping up with the JCAS" mentality. It has definitely happened to me and when I really really need to hit the brakes, I do have to switch off the insta and not check the blog, so I just don't hear or see how cute everyone looks in the latest thing. Because of this, I'm super super proud of all of us for being open and honest - a very womanly trait - about our foibles and our joys in this particular thread. I think this is a strange obsession, JCrew, that leaves many people who know us in our daily lives completely mystified. But I also believe it's there for good reason. We have a unique appreciation for the stuff that JCrew in particular puts out. While there's no question that I think the timing of this community/blog and our individual obsessions coincided with a time of economic prosperity in general, I think that one thing that might help all our pocket books, including JCrew's is to be less voluminous in output and purchases. If they can control their production cycle a bit, make less of the variations on everything and make it all gorgeous, we would spend on fewer items. This is only about the physical count, let me be clear: just the thought that everyone needs to edit, including JCrew. Does that make sense?
ReplyDeleteSorry, couldn't spell check above: overshop, not overshoot.
DeleteAnd the point I was trying to make was: I wish JCrew could make our lives easier and save its ass in the process by reducing the number of rollouts and charging reasonable prices but offering only the high quality things. This is the fundamental issue they're facing, right? And identity crisis about whether they're a quality high street brand or a fast fashion producer with constantly new tings. They consequently find it impossible to hold their ground on pricing anything and end up fire-selling a lot to clear their racks.
Also: jealousy of others was meant in the most benign way. Envy is possibly the more precise word that I should have used.
I give up on spellings! (Eye roll)
DeleteThat does make sense. J. Crew (and many retailers) are churning things out in so much volume (and similarity) that much of it doesn't seem special and I'm not really drawn to buy most of it. I remember this when I was into Vera Bradley 5+ years ago. Their rollouts were infrequent and fun. Now they churn out new patterns and styles so fast that none of it seems special any more. J. Crew could put on the brakes, but I'm guessing their financials point to the faster volume cycle being more profitable.
DeleteI really only shop the sale section, aside from when I look at the style guide or new arrivals, but I admit I skim over so much stuff that I know I won't wear. And then less than two weeks later it's all reduced and an extra 30-50% off, because the next rollout is coming. I agree I wish there were less options, but maybe more colors. People love colors, but navy and black should be standard in most items.
DeleteGood point about that 'gotta have it/keeping up' mentality, maqsad. There are times when an item isn't even on my radar (I don't always look through every category on JC) and then someone will point it out here and all of a sudden, I'm intrigued. Not necessarily a bad thing, but in terms of wanting to pare down or be more practical, it often becomes too tempting. Sometimes I find the best way to stop myself from shopping is to stop coming here and definitely, stop looking at the Sale section. (Fun to find popbacks sometimes!) But yea, sometimes you need to go cold turkey.
DeleteWell said Maqsad! For me growing up, I didn't have much. Now that I'm older with a job, it's hard not to be frivolous with spending all my money on clothes. It could be psychological that I compensate for what I lacked as a kid. But lately I'm trying to be mindful about what I buy. Also what stops me from going overboard is I think about my 8yr old who will need that money for college. Yikes! 😊 I've been on that road before. Watched too many Sex and the City--Carrie's love for fashion and shopping.
DeleteLots of good points, cagliari67. I'd add to that the storage problem, though. Technically, I have room. But in practice, I can't easily see what I have because my storage is jammed full. I want my clothes (mostly) all in one place, not stashed under beds or in the back of a hall closet or up on a shelf in a box etc. For me, if I have that many clothes, I have too many clothes. I can't see what I have, and if I don't see it, I don't remember to wear it. I don't aim to have a minimalist capsule wardrobe, that's just not me. But I do aim to be able to look in my closet and see my options. When I can do that, I'll know my wardrobe is the right size for me.
ReplyDeleteGood points! Agree.
DeleteYes, I agree 100% plus! My mom has a small reach in in her room but since it's only my parents now, she's got several other rooms full of stuff. For the past few years I've been telling her how I've been getting rid of stuff. Her weight fluctuates a lot as well so her sizes can range from an 8 to a 16 or higher. Looking for an outfit she told me she found a whole bunch of XL clothes with tags. (She's now a medium.) hopefully she'll never go back to an XL as she had a lot of health issues! She loves shopping and finds great clearance scores, but what good is it if she can't even see them?
DeleteThis is a bit of a problem for me too. While my closet is very neat and organized by type etc. it's so jam packed it's hard to see everything. Also, I often forget about shoes that I have and Jcrew jewellery as I keep it in the original boxes so out of sight is kind of out of mind for me.
DeleteVancouver store - 50% off sale has vanished with this new 25% off purchase promo. Sale racks still full, tee shirts from last summer never move, but more sizes in fall items seem to have appeared from the back room. Not tempted - final sale and only 25% off vs 50% two days ago. Too early for spring colours in midst of our wet, grey February so holding onto gift cards and the wallet for now.
DeleteEnjoying all the comments and reflections (and true confessions above). I've failed the Marie Kondo "spark joy" purge regime and 3 colour minimalist capsule wardrobe attempts. So I'm interested to hear what discipline others trying to bring to their purchases in terms of thinking about cpw or pragmatic decisions about number of times likely to wear an item in the lifestyle one has at this particular moment. My aspirational purchases often get little wear in real life.
@jan
DeleteA tip I often see about storing shoes (which can maybe be applied to jewelry as well) is to put a picture of the shoes on the front of the box, so you can easily see what they are.
For costume jewelry, I took velvet jewelry trays and put them in shallow drawers in my dresser. I have one full of necklaces, so I can see them all. I just keep them flat, spread out so they don't tangle. You could cut a piece of foam core to fit the size of a drawer and attach velvet to it with spray adhesive. Or use a fabric covered cork board. (Both materials could be pinned into if the jewelry slipping is a concern.) they make prefab velvet lined trays too. (Mine don't fit perfectly so I took the velvet liners out and just used that part. )
Delete@emily, that's a great idea! Thank you!
Delete@SuzHas, great idea for jewellery! I was worried that my Jcrew jewellery would tarnish if exposed (if not kept in the cloth bag which I then keep in its box). I sadly have a nice fabric covered jewellery tray in my drawer but I have the boxes in it lol. Do you find that your items tarnish in your tray?
Delete@jan, I haven't noticed anything tarnishing.
DeleteCost per wear is a weird one for me. Last year, I picked up several investment items, like leather jackets and a Celine Nano (like Roxy, I was celebrating a work accomplishment and used a bonus). Sometimes I wield cpw as justification for a pricy purchase that I know I'll wear a ton, and other times, it's just one of the things about the item that makes me smile, especially for things I buy on mega sale or used.
ReplyDeleteMy work wardrobe is all over the map, since some days I can wear athleisure while I work on curriculum at my desk, but other days, I need to dress up to teach. In the last year, I've expanded my shoe collection to serve as my "something fun" for my outfits that are otherwise more classic. Lately I've been getting rid of things I bought while wearing sale goggles and anything that doesn't make me feel good, and I try not to think about the money I spent but didn't spend well. What I can do, though, is think about why I made whatever purchase at the time and try to avoid the same trap in the future.
Although I play the part of an extrovert for a living, I'm quite introverted, and I use my wardrobe to communicate my personality. I love art, and I love looking at some of my prettiest acquisitions hanging in my closet. I might not wear my tartan maxi skirt more than a few times a year, but I do remember how I feel when I put it on or admire it, and that is a source of joy. I guess I also think about getting a nearly $170 price adjustment for it when I put it on, too, so there's that!
I've been reading JCA since probably 2006, but I haven't contributed much until recently. This community feels so comfortable and personal-- thanks to all of you over the years who have kept it up! I've enjoyed this opportunity to reflect.
Hit the nail on the head! Clothes feel personal to me bc they convey smth about me, and help me feel a certain part of me, that I won't otherwise have a means of putting out there. I was raised very conservatively and frugally - which is a double edged sword bc there's all the guilt of this "frivolous spending" alongside all it's self-actualising pleasure.
DeleteYou've both put into words what I couldn't. It's so nice to have people to relate to on that level here- because I don't in my daily life
DeleteWell said, Monica Bonica! I've also been reading this blog for around 10 years and am happy to have a great community to share the love for Jcrew. I've even learned about other brands and have gotten great advice on here.
DeleteWonderfully said Monica Bonica!!
DeleteVery thoughtful post, MonicaBonica! (I loved the'sale goggles' bit, hahaha!)
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DeleteRé: cpw. There are going to be exceptions (wardrobe grammar?). I'll begin with holiday outfits. I have a long patchwork skirt that comes out of its cave between US Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's dressy - some of the patches are velvet. I have a few velvet jackets that similarly step forth for holiday events that require a showing that some effort has been made. I don't think I could face December without velvets, satins and paisleys. Luckily most of those pieces are quite elderly, so while they continue to take up space they were amortized a while ago.
ReplyDeleteValentine's Day is almost here, so I've just counted up "heart wear". Let's just say I won't be buying any more. It's nice to have a few appealing ❤-themed items but 30 wears? Unlikely.
I'll stop trudging through the calendar here. Please note that I haven't even mentioned that I have a bunch of "event outfits," and some stuff that only goes to resorts... etc etc etc
The point, if there is one, is that there are many items that one needs or wants that don't easily fit into spreadsheet categories. Just like life - days that make no sense, days that end in smiles.
Yes! Very important observations, WFF. Many items hold different value for different reasons and they are not all equal. And that's ok!
DeleteThank you, everyone. I've enjoyed reading the different perspectives. The facts are that (i) I enjoy clothes; (ii) I am fortunate enough that I can indulge a bit, and I have more clothes than I can reasonably use; (iii) I have purged (a bit) but I still have too much; and (iv) I want to (and do) continue to add to my already overstuffed closets because my clothing "collection" gives me pleasure and there are always things I think will enhance the "collection". It sounds as if I am not alone :-) There is a virtually endless supply of reasonably priced lovely clothing and accessories, with more being produced all the time, so I am constantly looking for tools to help me. While I could always spend less, my bills get paid and I certainly don't feel guilty (although I do hate seeing the occasional eye rolling from the hubby), but I do feel that I need some tools to help me manage my "collection" for the reasons others have cited: practical storage space issues, environmental issues, etc. So I've looked at various tools like cost per wear, number of wears, one item in one item out, Marie Kondo (what a failure for me that was - my joy threshold is way too low)... It's a work in progress for me, with an effort to be more mindful/thoughful about what comes in and what goes out, but opportunities to have a discussion like this and solicit views really helps me in my efforts to think more about what I am doing.
ReplyDeleteThanks again, everyone. (And thank you to Alexis for the forum.)
I hold on to clothes forever for sentimental reasons so I have a bunch of stuff I know I'll never wear but don't want to let go. I also have a hard time finding things to fit me, dress clothes especially, so I might buy more of one color to sit on just because it's hard to find something reliable. I do buy way too impulsively at times because I forget certain items don't work for me in spite of how much I want them to. I try to buy more pre-owned items in general and for the most part I have doing well with it. I made the rule that if I buy something, and I don't want to wear it immediately (unless it's formalwear) it probably won't get worn and it needs to go back. I also swore off FS.
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ReplyDeleteOne more note on shopping ... Know Yourself. I have a close friend with a shopping addiction. If you are spending excessive amounts of time shopping online and on shopping blogs each day, if you are compulsively making purchases daily or almost daily, if you are hiding your actions and packages from others, if you are anxious when your bill arrives, or if a little voice is telling you that shopping is taking too much of your time, money, and energy, take a break.
ReplyDeletethis is really good advice. I don't have an addiction, but forcing myself to do a Jan-Feb (hopefully March!) shopping ban has been a really nice reset. Has cleared my head of the "I need" voice and encouraged me focus on other things. -lep33shops
DeleteI just realized that over the last few months I have spent more time reading what the JCAs have to say and started participating and I have paradoxically been buying less on J Crew! Perhaps there's only correlation and no causal connection but I think I'm onto something!
ReplyDeleteJcrew is posting a little sneak peek on their Instagram today. Don't forget that you can blow up the pictures to get a closer look at things.
ReplyDeleteThe March catalog is slowly loading on pintrest. They're up to the kids section now, so women's should start loading in several hours
ReplyDeleteJust got mine in the mail!
DeleteI was hoping to get mine. Not today :(
DeleteI guess this means I need to give up my hope on ever receiving the February catalog :-(
DeleteI love the pop stripe dress, but I'm curious about the fabric. It doesn't say online but it looks like an awful poly, which is too bad. Otherwise I would have to have this.
Delete@bythelake the skirt is showing online as being poly so I'd guess that the dress is the same...
DeleteThe pop stripe dress is, unfortunately, poly.
DeleteSad that the pop stripe dress is poly. I would have definitely gotten it if it were silk or even silk/cotton blend. Great design, poor execution.
DeleteCate, what do you think of it? My mail hasn't come yet
ReplyDeleteSpaghetti straps and off-the shoulder stuff. Lots of paint splattered stuff. Some embellished cardigans. Shoes, giraffes, blazers. Liberty prints. Lots of stripes. I like the destination tees (Florida, Maine, New Mexico). I like the side-tie t-shirt. There is a cropped trench (tan with navy) that looks cute. Sailor pants Printed Seavees (red stripe, blue/white gingham, navy/red/green/white striped). I like the cotton peacoat. There's a silk pajama in foulard print. Stretch chino shorts. Pop striped skirt and cashmere sweater, also a sleeveless dress. There is an eyelet skirt/shirt hookup shown in "indigo sea" (looks navy), also in white and bright citrus. There is a hobo bag. Bathing suits and cover-ups. Christy Turlington Burns models workout clothes. Some loafer slides ("Charlie" slide). Bell sleeve tops. It's a fun spring-like catalog. I'm not into some of it (I don't do off-the-shoulder and I'm not into the paint splatters) but I like a lot of it.
DeleteThank you for the overview Cate! I'm curious about the eyelet "hookup". Btw- on Instagram, you can click the link in J.Crew's profile and there is an overview of the inspiration for Fall '17. Tartan and camo are going to play a big part I guess
DeleteBringing back old school J.Crew styles from the 80's mixing with new styles. So far I like what I'm seeing.
Delete@JSR -- loved the rugby shirts with big stripes, very old-school J.Crew! I like camo so I'm hoping they have some good pieces in there.
DeleteTM93, I like camo too. Hopefully there will be some wearable camo when it rolls out. I'm hopeful. It seems like their actual rollouts haven't resembled the fashion week stuff that much, recently.
DeleteThe traditional camo color palette do not suit my complexion but it doesn't matter since I never really appreciated the print. Surprisingly I am loving the tartan and tulle look. I'm so tempted to get the gingham Seavees. I own the gray wool ones and am constantly wearing them.
DeleteJust noticed @shopalot shared some of the new catalogue on her instagram.
ReplyDeleteReally appreciate it, shopalot!!
okay...this is great! can anyone post more? pinterest is like watching paint dry.
Delete@Toronto Modern, just want to second the love for Stylebook. Have used it since jan 2015 and i love it! Friends call it my "Clueless App", since i can visually keep track of my wardrobe and make outfits. Definitely helpful for streamlining and it logs my CPW on the built in calendar. Helps me avoid wearing the same work outfits too often! No stake in the app, just a big fan too!
ReplyDeleteMy giraffe skirt and embellished Jackie have already shipped! Too excited.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Looking forward to your pix on Insta, hope they're both loves. :-)
Deletejcrewismyfavoritestore ...is going to be live on her facebook from the
ReplyDeletejcrew new york fall 2017 fashion. all i can say "is wow...lucky gal"
CHECK OUT JCREW"S INSTRAGAM...SHE IS IN THE PINK TULLE SKIRT !!!!
Delete@Unknown, saw that, she looks awesome!! Such a pretty skirt.
DeleteNo store visit for me, but I did call the store to order a slim denim shirt. My current Polo denim shirt is over six years old and definitely has met the cost per wear target as it nearly done. Sad to see it go but looking forward to breaking in and wearing the slim cut J.Crew version.
ReplyDeleteJust received an email from UPS, the shirt will be delivered Tuesday.
DeleteWhy do I order through the website (and Borderfree) instead of calling the store? Shipping is quicker (Borderfree usually takes close to ten days) and cheaper than Borderfree as well.
Interesting! What about duty/taxes/brokerage? Is that all the same as when you order from the website?
Deletevancouver robsen st store...sale section 40% off
ReplyDeleteI stopped by and bought a Liberty print headband. It made me think of spring, now I need the weather to go with it :)
ReplyDeleteWas just looking at the JCREW NYFW presentation ...I didn't think it could
ReplyDeleteGet worse than last few but honestly it did id wear nothing maybe the shoes and the red wool bow skirt but everything else is unwearable in my conservative workplace in DC and otherwise too crazy for DC outings. What does everyone think? The camo and tulle and kilt and ruffles oh my so bad.
I didn't see anything I liked. I'm sure there will be something I like eventually, when they tame it down for the general public, but nothing from that. I especially hated the pink tulle skirt with the green icelandic sweater. Are they just trying to be weird?
DeleteThe weird patchy camo pants and puffy shirt a la Seinfeld was my least favorite - idk they completely lost it it's so masculine and 90s and just a mess. Just comparing with Club Monaco which is a million times better, still over the top but at least visually pleasing. And I feel the same about that outfit too!
DeleteThe things I have seen are horrible. They look like they got dressed in the dark.
DeleteAgree...the stuff looks terrible and the styling is even worse. There were maybe 2 or 3 individual items I saw that could have potential but otherwise if this is what they put out next fall sales will be in big trouble.
Deleteohhh..whats with all the camo ? tulle and tartan...I guess this is why it is a show and not necessarily the real deal we will get. I find it all weird ...but then I am 50 and not rocking it like Jenna does. I don't live in NYC so my clothes will never look like this
ReplyDeleteNoticed the signet bag in new color scheme...and we get another bag please....
I am not a camo fan at all but I also don't like animal prints either. I loved the grey ruffled cardigan though.
DeleteHah, I live right in the center of NYC and believe me this is not how people dress.no no no. You are misjudging New Yorkers. Well, most of us anyway.
Deletesorry..yes I said in jest as....when in a big city no one looks twice at what your wearing.
DeleteJust teasing you...
Deletedoes anyone know if nw arrivals will be Monday online ? or is it tuesday or wed |?
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ReplyDeleteI know I seem to be in the minority but I like a lot of it. I love that shirt that Jenna is wearing and that's shown with the red wide leg pants/skirt. I think the denim looks amazing and I really like the olive green pants with the ruffle shirt. Of course I would expect a lot of it to be toned down for real life. I like the half off the shoulder shirts. They seem a little more "effortless" than the current OTS tops.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Suz!
DeleteI liked it, too. I wouldn't style myself in that same way necessarily (simply not me nor could I pull it off), but I thought some individual pieces had potential. I liked these OTS tops more than the ones we've been seeing lately, as they seemed a little more relaxed and casual (I prefer when one shoulder, rather than both, is revealed.)
DeleteExactly re the tops, in a flash dance kind of way, like they just fall like that as opposed to the totally elastic top that needs to be pulled over your shoulders.
DeleteI'm with you Suz Has!! I liked this presentation a lot better than previous years. I see a lot of wearable stuff, lots of fun accents like tulle and ruffles, and the craziness is somewhat toned down from years past.
DeleteI love my purchases from the last year AND the last 10-12. I think what's wrong with their sales is they haven't changed the basics enough. I can still wear most everything I've bought over the last decade and it looks current. Of course, those huge draggy pants are going to bomb. They're unwearable for short people or anyone who has to go outside!
ReplyDelete