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.
Well, just to get the convo started, I'll state the obvious. Almost 1500 items in the sale section with zero percentage off when for the past few weeks it's been 50% off.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I'm thrilled, because it's almost 1500 items I won't even look at.
#noshopfebruary,
Ok, so I'm not perfect, but I'm trying and "no additional discount" helps immensely.
I told my BF last night that I was having withdrawals and was ready to buy something.
DeleteAll of my posts from yesterday mysteriously disappeared. I don't recall what I commented on, but it is obvious you're trying. We're all doing the best we can! When you've wanted something and find it at a fair price, that's the deal. That's what we do.
I was wondering what happened to your posts! I saw at least one and t hen it vanished!
DeleteI definitely try to only buy sale if it was something on my wishlist or a general item I need like a t-shirt. With that said, I find the no percentage off times annoying. Because I am looking for really specific items, I am always having to get things price adjusted if there is no current % off.
DeleteFor most of January, sale items were 50% off. When that ended, in-store sale items were 1/2-off up until a few days ago. It's a bittersweet turn of events: there's new sale stuff that I really like, but then again--as the person on top says--I won't even consider buying it at the no-discount price.
DeleteAgree @Suz Has. My store had 30% off Womens shirts and sweaters, no extra % off sale.
ReplyDeleteI wish they’d make some jewelry in sterling silver or white gold. I love the newer, simpler styles in the yellow gold, but the yellow isn’t great for my skin tone. I also wish my store would do a Crewcuts pop up every once in awhile. I’ve mentioned it to my store managers and think it’s a great way to change seasons/prepare for holiday traffic when parents are buying new clothes.
Yes to silver tone jewelry!
DeleteI agree that no discount on sale items makes it very easy to just say no. The question I keep posing to myself is if I am not willing to buy that item without a % off do I really need it or would I just be buying because it is cheap. I know I buy more than I need because of bargain prices but even $15 spent on an item I don't need and will wear once is a waste of money. Really trying to shop my closet and stick to it!
ReplyDeleteFor me, the urge to buy on sale stems from when that’s the only time I could buy. I learned to stretch my dollars really far out of necessity. But over the years a few things have changed: my budget is higher, clothes are cheaper than ever, and sales are constant. So my keen “hunter/gatherer” skills (thanks to Suz for that!) in the current shopping environment means I accumulate way too much. Right now I’m wearing an outfit where every item was half price or less. I love the outfit and will wear it again, but at the end of the day I just have too many bargains.
DeleteThat's funny. I don't think I said Hunter/Gatherer but someone said it response to me. I often put on an outfit and will remember that great deal I got. I like shopping sales. It adds to the challenge I guess. Sure, I could set a strict budget for myself and decide to buy ONE of each full price item I lust after, but why? Could I get away with adding less to my closet? Of course. Do I only want one pair of fabulous boots/shoes/jeans, etc? No way. There has to be a balance. I could definitely be better about buying less, but I enjoy loving a variety of pieces/styles/etc.
DeleteYes, I like having my quantity of items. I just need to be more selective. One thing I have zero desire for is a capsule wardrobe. I shudder to think. Dressing is by no means a stressor and rather, is a great amount of fun and something I take pride in.
Delete@Suz Has @shopgrrrl - It was me who compared our bargain foraging to our hunter/gatherer ancestors. I'd like to take credit for originating it, but being a voracious reader and a huge fan of books on wardrobe planning and home organization, I probably read it in a book.
Delete@Cheritheberry - I realized that having a tiny wardrobe is not for me when I moved cross country in late 2015. I packed up most of my clothes and shoes and sent them with the movers several days before I left. Then I drove all the way to my new home with my cats and a small amount of personal belongings, stopping on the way to spend a few days with relatives. Then the movers were delayed a few days due to an issue with another customer. By the time the truck finally delivered my stuff to my new home, I had been wearing the same few outfits for 3 weeks, and I was so desperate that I went out and purchased a new sweater, as the single one I had in my bag had become damaged and unwearable and I was freezing.
Deletere: hunting, gathering, etc.: see http://thewhiningdiner.blogspot.com/2011/12/recovering-shopper-and-liebster-blog.html
Delete@jeanne @suz Sorry for getting mixed up about who said what! I just remembered the sentiment. And @WFF thanks for the reference! I’m truly a hunter and I’m known amongst my friends for my shopping acumen. If I know someone is looking for a particular item I’ll casually scout it for them and alert them to deals. Off to stalk some prey....
Delete@Cheri you said it! Capsule wardrobes are only for vacations for me, otherwise I need a lot more variety.
DeleteVery funny, WFF!
DeleteShopgirl, no worries!
I actually really like the concept of a capsule wardrobe but I've realized I'm way too fickle. Sure I have a favorite pair of jeans, but that can change each week. I already have a very limited color palette which helps minimize purchases. So instead of all different colors, I have 20 black shirts, 10 white etc. and I also pack a capsule wardrobe for vacation. So much easier.
J.Crew neophyte here (who went crazy on January sale items).
DeleteHow often do they run those additional 50% off all sale items? Is that a once-a-year kind of deal? I'm seeing interesting new stuff in the sale section, but I won't consider it at no additional discount.
It's rare that they do 50% off of sale. Most of last year, the sale section was either an additional 30 or 40% off, but once they had a change of leadership later in the year, there was no additional % off at all. I think this led to the 50% off because there was so much inventory in the sale section that wasn't moving because shoppers had gotten used to that additional % off. So we'll see - either they'll go back to no % and have a bigger sale less frequently, or go back to a more consistent % off sale. It's hard to know which route they're going to take.
DeleteAhh, ok. So I shouldn't hold my breath waiting for these two sweaters in the sale section dropping 1/2 price anytime soon from their current $80...?
DeleteI am very seriously considering buying something. Not clothes, but clothes related. I could really use some more drawer space. I keep talking about decluttering, organizing my clothes and folding them to make the best use of my limited drawer and closet space. So why not increase my drawer space a bit? I'm pretty sure I've found the chest I want, but I'm still considering my options.
ReplyDeleteYou totally should. I think it's very important to be able to see clothes to know what you have. I don't necessarily agree with the Marie kondo philosophy of keeping everything in drawers, I kind of like my shelves but I also keep my closets fairly neat and organized. If you have room for another piece and it will help you keep your clothes organized, go for it.
Delete@Suz Has - I admit it. I ordered 2 of the chests last night. They're smallish, but are made so they can be attached to make either a tall chest or a side-by-side dresser. They're made of reclaimed wood pallets, in kind of a rustic look. Not everyone's style, but I love them and they should fit in well with my global/handmade decor.
Deletehttps://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/INK-IVY-Renu-Light-Brown-Multi-Dresser/14253888/product.html
Business vent: Looks like JC is going the undies route. One of the SAs at Brookfield posted on her IG (kristymayn) photos of the new intimates collection. Eesh JC! I have not heard any JC shopper say, "boy, I wish JC sold underwear!" I just want them to focus on one thing - womenswear - and get it RIGHT. This is just a dilution of the brand and a distraction. I get it that underwear is cheap to make and profit margins are high, but what is JC adding to the existing underwear market?
ReplyDeleteNothing. They are just throwing everything at the wall in the hopes that something will stick. Athlesiure, sunglasses, perfume, "beauty", underwear...
DeleteDidn't they do an intimates line a loooong time ago? Even before JC Yoga and Crewmutts?
I saw the posts from Brookfield and it confirms my suspicion (and several others') that they're trying to market to a younger market a la Aerie and things of the like, as evidenced with the latest swimwear rollout.
DeleteAs a side note, J.Crew did have an intimates line in the early 2000s when I worked there (I can't recall for how long, other J.Crew historians would have to chime in here). They carried basic t-shirt bras and panties, sort of reminiscent of Gap. I may still have a beige t-shirt bra from J.Crew buried in my underwear drawer - I eventually sized out of it but somehow never parted with it. I think they capped out where their swimsuits still cap out from a sizing perspective, around a 38D. I'll be curious to see how the sizing works on this but my suspicion is that any of us who wear larger than a C cup, we're better off sticking with our go to lingerie retailers.
@silver_lining, I remember baskets of very bright-colored nylon thongs at the registers - Cosabella ?
DeleteI think the Cosabella collab was more recent than their own intimates line - my google search for J.Crew intimates is yielding sports bras and some of the Cosabella items on Pinterest.
DeleteIt's no wonder J.Crew is circling the drain. It's like they're TRYING to fail. :(
DeleteYeah, I think I've seen pieces on eBay that said "J.Crew Enjoy" in the tag? I see that BR's offering Cosabella now, BTW.
DeletePersonally I am not interested in bralettes. Saw the pictures on Instagram from the Brookfield store; looks like the type of merchandise Madewell would sell, not J Crew.
DeleteI wouldn’t think of J Crew as the place to purchase lingerie. I go to department stores like Nordstrom & NM for those purchases. I own a few bralettes from Hanky Panky that I bought on super sale a few years ago and have no need for more. I’d like to see more focus on women’s wear since that is the bulk of the business and the reason why they brand is in trouble. Adding underwear is like “treating a symptom.” I looked at those posts for new items and nothing I’d purchase.
DeleteNow that you guys are mentioning, I have vague memories of seeing very basic underwear in nude/gray/navy tones while flipping through JC catalogs. Maybe late 1990s?? I might have though it morphed from underwear and was rebranded as loungewear.
DeleteFunny. While reorganizing, I had just thought "At least J.Crew isn't trying to do underwear". Mmmm. So if they get this one wrong, what will they do with a massive pile of returned undergarments? Agree it is a distraction. Not what we need. I don't have faith that they have something to add- rather I feel it's a desperate move for a quick dollar to stave off bankruptcy. Although if it's a good product and it does help them survive, great; even though it does, as eeps said, dilute the brand in a way.
DeleteDear J.Crew, I would just like to buy a pretty sweater that I can wear for both work and casual. It needs to cover *both* of my shoulders, and as my shoulders are fairly broad, preferably no ruffles to accentuate them. There are lots of pretty patterns out there beyond leopard spots, just pick one. I don’t need J.Crew underwear. Really.
DeleteYours truly,
Sweater Girl
J Crew used to sell underwear and I have some sets around that I still wear, these date back to the late 1990s and early 2000s {I know, I should get rid of them} but they are great for sitting around the house and have lasted for quite some time. They weren't done as a collaboration, they have J Crew tags. The problem is there is so much competition now and I doubt they would be as nice if they tried again.
DeleteYep I remember when J. Crew sold underwear. I've gotten rid of what I had, it wasn't the most comfortable.
DeleteBralettes are always a No for me, I need some support.
I love bralettes but I already get mine from Gap. I've tried others but they're not as comfy for me. Doubt I'd be buying JCrew undies unless I had to meet some minimum shipping requirement.
DeleteUgh, no. I do not need J. Crew trying to do lingerie. I do like that red dress and pencil skirt featured on that instagram, though.
DeleteNew arrivals at Factory, including their version of the open-front sweater blazer in cotton, more Anya leather ballet flats, and reading glasses (?).
ReplyDeleteReading glasses!?! Wow, they're all really all over the place with their target demographics!
DeleteOT: My new perfect fit t-shirt in Deep Berry has finally shipped! I ordered it months ago when the color name showed up without the accompanying color swatch. The picture of the tee on the email I just got shows a gorgeous raspberry red color. Hopefully that means there will be a bunch of new perfect fit tee colors coming soon for spring.
ReplyDeleteVent/review. Having worn the Liberty PJs now, I can say I hope they soften, I hope the shirt placket learns to stay flat, and I wish the bottoms were longer (I'm 5'3"). Worst thing is that the distance from the top to second button is more than an inch farther than the distance between all the other buttons. So, had the top been more flatteringly tailored (it's not, really), I still couldn't wear it out. These pajamas were nearly $200 full price. Kind of a joke.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh. I received my package yesterday, and boy was it a nightmare. I got myself two half zip sweater which were lovely and a wool/cotton sweater that was problematic after washing. If any of you are interested of seeing my review or little rant about my J.Crew haul just click the link of "My J.Crew Haul."
ReplyDeleteMy J.Crew Haul
Really love the stripe sweater that you're wearing. Wish there was a women's version! I tried on a sweatshirt at BR this week that had a similar colourway, and stripe spacing, which I think I will get. The last 1/2 zip you're wearing looks great too. Glad you were able to stretch out the arms to length!
DeleteYou can never go wrong with a stripe and you can never not have enough. I was glad too that I was able to extend the length of the sleeves because I didn't want to return it. The sweater was release in holiday 2016 when Frank Muytjens was mens creative designer.
DeleteJust checking if anyone has had problems with pages on J crew website loading beyond the first 120 items. This has been an ongoing issues for the past 4-5 days.
ReplyDelete@Black Hydrangea, yes, for about the same time frame.
DeleteYes and it is annoying. They haven't fixed website issues for months and it gets worse every week.
Deleteannoying, and easy reminder of the #nsf I signed up for.
DeleteReceived 2 orders (1 pair of shoes each), and both were defective. One had material stuck between the sole and the insole which made it extremely uncomfortable to wear, and the other, the leather upper was not properly attached to the sole. Needless to say, two different CS reps handled the two situations with varying degrees of helpfulness. Sadly, this has become the rule, not the exception.
ReplyDeleteSooo bummed. Just got the crepe wrap dress in green. Beautiful color, terrible design. The fabric isnt the right weight for a wrap, the wrap is wide open to the waist, no clasp and adding one wouldn't help. Awkwardly adds pounds in the torso area which a wrap never does. So sad. Going back immediately. Their work wear was where they always had me. :(
ReplyDeleteAlso it was short and with the design flaw, it felt even shorter with the wrap across that didn't work properly. What is wrong jc?????
DeleteI tried the wrap sweatshirt, and it had similar design issues to those you describe. Why would someone want a gaping bulge that allows anyone to look inside their clothing? So bizarre.
DeleteI received a package with two items not from my order. Emailed to CS for next steps. I could quietly keep them they are my size but I guess whoever miss the items will be confused and desperate.
ReplyDeleteNot that I'm checking obsessively for popbacks or anything... *whistles* The sale section got an update with popbacks and new to sale items. Of note: the black Drake cotton popover; a bunch of collection items and third-party collabs; and looks like some sales items got a tiny markdown. I really wonder about some popbacks - where have some of these things been this whole time? Hiding in boxes that get uncovered during spring cleaning at the warehouse? Still no additional % off so #noshopfebruary is still on for me. (dying slightly inside though)
ReplyDeleteSame same same same same
DeleteDying.
Tried to post this earlier item H2646 Liberty Floral sleeveless blouse colors are very pretty and sheer in some areas and lighter than depicted on the website. Would have preferred silk fabric considering the price, however with a 30% discount and a $25.00 promo card I purchased and received yesterday. Fit it tts. I would not purchase this at full price considering the above info.
ReplyDeleteSuz, help please. I remember you loving the drapey wrap front top. Am I correct? If so, how was sizing? Maybe, just maybe, I will get white and bring it on vacation.
ReplyDelete@cheri, not me. Anne (fablifeforever) and Jan both mentioned it. I know it would be too low and not right for my proportions
DeleteI found it on your insta last night LOL! The name is confusing - you got it in black 2T - the sleeveless tank with the a little night of ruffles on thick straps that criss cross in front of the neck? Your insta was very helpful! HAhaha!
DeleteI have to repair my Italian cashmere open cardigan (last year's purchase) for the second time in a year. The seams on the sleeves came loose in the spring and now under the armpit there is a gaping hole at the seam - couldn't wear it out to dinner. Meanwhile cashmere items from five or more years ago are still going strong. Of course, the declining quality is of news to no JCA's, I'm sure. Luckily it is a black cardigan so it will be easy to match the thread color and get it done. Ugh.
ReplyDelete@Malvina, I totally agree with you. I have approximately 40 JCRew cashmere from 2007 to present and during the last couple of years the more recent ones are no way as nice (quality of cashmere) as the older ones. There is a glut at present on the cashmere market and I suspect JCRew has purchased a more inferior grade than they previously did contributing to lower prices (Everday cashmere) and inferior quality. For me it has been hit or miss with the cashmere side slit style, not bad but not the greatest and I only paid $36.00 with discounts, promos rewards etc. The Everday Cashmere line is crap and very low quality cashmere. Enough said. Hope you read this JCRew and stop telling CS and VPS,s to say it’s the dye in the yarn. BS
DeleteYep. For the price point in the past, their cashmere was unmatched. I also started purchasing around 2008 and have the boyfriend cardigan from that time period in the full rainbow of colors, it was a bit of an obsession. All of those, save for one or two that were destroyed in college from snaggy drawers have held up to perfection. They look more new than my new cashmere. Everything from the thinness, the pilling, etc. gives the inferiority away in the newer styles and EVEN in the colors they dye these new knits. I always held off purchasing the basics in large quantities thinking foolishly they would always be around. Now I regret it all the time ...
DeleteYes, my old ones wore well. Last year I bought a black cashmere tee and the shoulder seam on the back ripped about 3 inches wide on the second wear. Definitely wish I had a few more basic cashmere sweater from years past.
DeleteI feel like part of the problem of why J.Crew doesn't invest on quality fabrics anymore is because their customers only shop for sale items. A mistake that J.Crew made with constant markdowns/sale which conditioned the shoppers to never pay full price; causing the company to cut cost on fabrics while still asking for hefty price.
DeleteGuilty as charged.
DeleteI "rediscovered" J.Crew in early January, and I went on a month-long J.Crew bender where I bought every pant & wool sweater on 1/2-price sale that appealed to me, as well as dresses and a dozen or so leggings for my young daughter. In the (literally) hundreds of times that I refreshed the sale pages while hunting pop-backs, it occurs to me that I never once bothered to peek at the regular-priced items.
Now I'm seeing a Wallace & Barnes sweater that looks interesting, but I'm like, "Eighty bucks for a wool sweater...? No way! I was just paying $29 for something very similar a few short weeks ago!"
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ReplyDelete