Wednesday, November 15, 2017

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.

20 comments:

  1. In my search for new winter coats, I had purchased this year's version of the Cocoon coat only to be disappointed that in adding the pocket flaps they also removed the side pockets that you can actually put your hands in. BOO.

    I was pleased to find this coat at Lands End which looks more or less identical to the previous iteration of the cocoon coat for a fraction of the cost.

    https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-stadium-coat/id_315872?sku_0=::E7S

    They are running 40% off and free shipping, so this coat ended up under $150. It's offered in camel, grey and black.

    I haven't received it yet but it arrives Friday and I will report back. Has anyone tried this coat?

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  2. Has anyone ordered anything from Everlane? Looking for some general or specific item feedback.

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    1. Melanie, their seems to have been a lot of talk about Everlane over the past few weeks in different threads here. If you’re on IG, user ‘sartorialchoices’ shared her most recent experience yesterday. She has shared several others as well. Also, ‘wearthislikethis’ shared some of her purchases recently. I have only purchased shoes and bags from Everlane, and have only had positive experiences. I love their Modern Loafers (size up a 1/2 size) and Twill Weekender bag.

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    2. I've ordered a fair amount from Everlane, including recently. I got the V-neck cashmere sweater last week and it's fabulous. Fits is a bit big, I sized down to XS from my usual small. I also got the micro ribbed pima cotton tee with elbow length sleeves in two colors. I love these tees, so flattering. I have the relaxed silk shirt in mix stripe, and the slim silk shirt. Both are very good quality silk, comparable to Equipment or Theory for 1/2 the price. Less recently I ordered the day heel in suede which I fondly refer to as ugly shoes. They are super comfortable and my go-to when I'm going to be walking a lot. I've been buying for the last few years and have quite a bit from Everlane. Not every item is a hit, but I don't return much. HTH.

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    3. Love Everlane. I have a couple cashmere sweaters and they are great quality, way better than J Crew currently. I also have the Day Heel in suede and it’s a great work shoe. I just ordered a Primaloft Puffer, too. I also love the business model - it’s a transparent company w great integrity, focused on quality. Downside is not many prints.

      If you need an incentive, here is a $10 off $50 code: M78QZY

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    4. I used to be a huge Everlane supporter -- I don't know if they still do this, but every holiday, they would send a thank you email and credit to spend at the site -- for a few years, I was one of their top 100 customers. I love their overall aesthetic and vibe, but they're still a young company, trying to figure it all out. I find the quality and fit extremely hit or miss, and customer service inconsistent. To give you an idea, not a single one of their knit pieces (french terry, sweaters) that I have purchased from 2012-2016 are still a part of my wardrobe -- all have had to be tossed (pilling / falling apart). I have tons of Vince, J. Crew, Aritzia, Madewell, etc. that are still going strong, so it's not like I'm super hard on my clothes. This on top of the fact that now, they do not refund duties or taxes for Canadian shipments if you make a return has pretty much halted my shopping there. That said, I did shop the Nordstrom pop up here in Vancouver -- their cashmere has always been one of their better products (silk tops as well), especially at such a low (cashmere) price point. Loved the lounge cashmere hoodie. Fit is typically generous on top, pants are TTS to a bit small. Classic cashmere and silks are about TTS. Footwear, if you have narrow feet is about TTS, small if your feet are on the wider side. If I lived in the US, I would still shop at Everlane, as they do have a good return policy (90 days, but you do pay for return shipping...waived if you accept a credit over a refund), and they *often* stand by their products, but not always (definitely helps if you have a social media presence, or call them out there...not something I've done, but what I've observed). HTH!

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    5. Echoing @R, above -- I have several cashmere sweaters from Everlane, all at least a few years old now and still in excellent condition. None of their tees or scarves went the distance for me (shrinkage/pilling/etc), and the only pair of pants I purchased from them -- the wool skinnies -- stretched and got shiny in the rear after just a year. I still keep an eye on their offerings, but haven't bought anything from them for probably a year now.

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    6. FYI, I just got an email that today Everlane is offering free 2-day shipping!

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    7. So I wore my Street ankle boots walking around a bit yesterday with thin socks and boy was that a mistake. Huge blister on my smaller foot. I bought them specifically for a trip we are taking next week and I'll have to wear heavier socks and probably put a heel pad in. I don't think I could have sized down and had them be comfortable, and truth be told my right heel does tend to slip in certain shoes, but I hope I don't regret the size I got.

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    8. I've order two items; merino wool tunic and oversized wool/cashmere cardigan. Only worn once since they're recent purchases, but happy with quality. Tunic is a nice chunky knit in 100% merino wool. I've paired both with J Crew cashmere tees and leather or suede leggings. Happy with the fit and quality; both were 60% off so very reasonable prices. Reviews on site were really good.

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  3. I just came to report that I am returning every single Lands End item we ordered. Something was off about each one. For me, although overall quality seemed nice, fit was off. Formy husband, the two pairs of boots he tried he couldn't even get his feet in.
    I did order a ski jacket fo rmy daughter and I'm hoping that works.

    Re:Everlane, I think it's hit or miss. I like my street boots fine, fit on the three pairs of pants has been off, even though I checked measurements. My black tee shirt looks navy. Clothes are sent in a box without plastic or tissue. I opted for the credit so I didn't have to pay for the return, but it may end up being a revolving door of credits.

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  4. Posting a review of the Madewell black denim with velvet tuxedo stripe. Didn't work for me. I took the smaller of my JCrew skinny sizes but still had a lot of sagging on the butt. They also had a weird chemical smell. I could try a smaller size, but it won't fit my thigh areas. Very nice denim, otherwise. Would recommend ordering multiple sizes, and its only available online. I would have posted a pic on IG, but I couldn't wait to take them off due to the smell :(

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  5. I think the Copywriter from Space is moonlighting at thelimited.com. Eg: Sheer, ultra-femme detail emerges in a chic art of arms that's made to wow. Styled with a pretty V-neck that punctuates a fluid, figure-skimming cut, this gorgeous go-to is made bold by an understated colorblock design that endures from day to evening.

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  6. Just wanted to report back on the Todd and Duncan cashmere duster I purchased from Banana. I wanted to wait until I wore it a bit to report back. It is a midweight cashmere and is fairly soft. I wore it around the house a few times and the piling is not bad. Honestly I just wore it lounging around so hard to say how it will hold up. I do plan to wear it mostly around the house over the winter. If it becomes a pilling mess over the next few weeks I will report back.

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  7. Somehow I've only been in an H & M a handful of times. I don't like the layout or look of the store, but as I went to not-my-usual mall yesterday to return Lands End stuff to Sears, I stopped in. I still hate the store layout but as I looked at some sweaters that cost $10-30 I had to wonder why I've spent so much more on J.Crew and Madewell ones that also don't really hold up very well.
    I hate throwing sweaters out because even when they look past their prime, I still feel like they serve a purpose (warm for lounging around, etc). As a result I have a stack of not ready for prime time sweaters. I'd feel less guilty tossing them if they cost H&M prices.

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  8. Hi JCA's - for those of you looking for the NYFW leopard clutch that may or may not ever be rolled out, Ann Taylor has a similar looking clutch. They've also got some velvet clutches similar to the JC ones for about $20 less.

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  9. Got a postcard for Gap sale so I decided to look at their sweater offerings online. About a dozen or more styles I like but NOT ONE comes in black. Not one. What the heck? I don't want navy or pink or ivory, I want black!

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  11. do-over

    If you're into Thirty One Bags or have wanted to order the Large or Medium utility totes, the time is now. Their November special ends tomorrow, 11/20. If you spend $35, you can add on a Medium utillity totes or Medium Inserts for $10/ea.

    E.g. Order a L tote for $35. Add on a M utility tote for $10. Or add on a M Insert Organizer for $10. Or you can do both for $20. If I understand correctly, the M utility tote is only available once/year. I love the look of the frosted metallic. That option and charcoal croshatch are almost sold out. Frosted metallic is only available in M.

    Contact your rep if you have one. If not, here's the link to my thirty one bags online party

    I think I get a hostess gift. Don't know. All I know for sure is I love these bags.

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    Replies
    1. Someone asked me this, so sharing:

      LARGE UTILITY TOTE
      11.75”H x 21.5”L x 10”D

      MEDIUM UTILITY TOTE
      10”H x 18”L x 9”D

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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.

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