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.
I seriously haven't found anything at J Crew that has interested me in months. I'm annoyed I have to wade through Factory and Madewell items on the website, if the website works, and there is no catalog or cohesive anything to inspire me to take another look at items. The catalog always used to make me look at pieces I would typically skip. The Factory dresses also have no petite sizing so even the ones I am remotely attracted to are non-starters. I'm sad about this, it's like the company has been taken over by a group of people who have no idea what they are doing.
ReplyDeleteHi Teri - I agree, and when I finally do find something to order (the Liberty symphony floral one-piece) it doesn't ship. My order delivery date is "on or before 6/6" and it's still showing "In Progress". I get that they probably got slammed with flash sale orders, but they're obviously not nimble enough to be able to accommodate a sudden influx of orders. Besides, my order was placed before that sale.
DeleteI understand why they felt that they needed to get rid of the catalog, but that was their thing! Even Madewell didn't really have one. Truth be told, even though I haven't liked much from them this year, I'd probably give the pieces a second look if I saw a catalog pic of Mona Johannesson or Heloise Guerin in them.
I have a large order that says it will be delivered on or before 6/6. Today is 6/6 - no progress on the order since I’ve placed it. All items are still showing available on the website. Very little confidence in J Crew when I place orders now. When (if ever) will I receive my order?
DeleteI miss the catalogs. As stated above, it inspired me to give things another look. It WAS J Crew’s thing, the beautiful catalogs. Now it feels like I’m shopping at any dull mall store or department store with the weird junior-ish styles thrown in. They definitely don’t know what they’re doing or just don’t care that they are blowing up a brand.
Mona Johannesson and Heloise Guerin are like the J.Crew goddess to me. I'm still glad to see Heloise model for Anthropologie. She is so freaking pretty and flawless!
Deletehttps://www.anthropologie.com/shop/martha-peasant-top?category=new-clothes&color=040
I am so with you regarding the loss of the catalog. It was a really stupid move on their part. I have bought things here and there over the last couple months but I used to buy so, so much more from JC. Mercantile is the worst! I don't even understand the concept.
Delete“it's like the company has been taken over by a group of people who have no idea what they are doing”
Delete^ I suspect they’re trying to save money by replacing experienced, higher paid employees with younger, inexperienced, lower paid employees. A lot of companies do this and IME it’s false econmy.
Vents this week: cancelled items, remaining items still haven't shipped even though they are due today, and price fluctuations - The sweater I bought from the flash sale went from $12 to $79 yesterday, and is now $27
ReplyDeleteOn the bright side I did reflect on some of the pieces I really love from the past year and there were 6 or so that have been fantastic for me.
with the flash sale...I think its dishonest to sell something so low one day and hike the price up the next....
DeleteThat was a weird little sale (for JC) and I think it could've been communicated better. The e-mail said it was 24 hours only but the site didn't seem to make that clear - probably because they have so much red text in the sale section on a good day! Anyway, it's apparent that they still haven't recovered from that sale.
DeleteSorry for the canceled items but here is some info why that is. One of the reasons why the items are canceled is either stolen which happens quite often and the inventory doesn't get updated till the order is being processed, the product is damage with makeup stain also common, or just damage with snag etc. As for the late orders I would say limit your orders at days like Wednesday to Friday because it doesn't get process until the day after and then comes the weekend which UPS doesn't pickup shipments (unless if it's a overnight shipment). Stores were slammed during Memorial Day even a week before Memorial day with online orders and pretty much UPS. To top that off there was a three day gap with no shipment from UPS from Saturday all the way to Monday.
DeleteHonestly, I don’t want to hear a bunch of excuses about the website or inventory or shipping or staffing problems. Just behave like competent professionals and get it done.
DeleteThe website is awful and definitely needs a make over. As for the inventory try going all around the store looking for a merchandise that probably doesn't exist. You must be a wonderful customer.
DeleteIn case it’s not obvious, my little vent here ^^ was directed at J.Crew, not Jake. When I reread it, I wasn’t sure that was clear.
DeleteStore closing, is my vent. If the brand hadn't morphed into whatever it is now, I'd still order online, even without a store to try on at or return to, even without a catalog/style guide. But there's such a high chance I'll return an order now that it just isn't worth it to me. I think J. Crew and I are finally parting ways.
ReplyDeleteHi cate - sorry to hear your store is closing! I thought those had slowed down for a while. : (
DeleteNow I rely on the reviews on the site more than ever - especially since some of the item descriptions turn out to be wrong. If they're going to have a smaller store presence, they should've found a way to do free returns (like MW Insider).
Cate I second your vent. My store closed in March and it wasn’t all that close to begin with. Now I have to drive an hour to make it to a store. There is not much I like anyway but the thought of two hours drive time just to return has helped but a damper on my shopping. This along with no more catalog and a product mix that is not my style has led to me for the first time in years looking elsewhere. Also want to vent about the shipping. Great that upgraded shipping is offered to card members but as others pointed out why bother if you are not going to get anywhere near the date. It is really hard to come up with any positives at this point in time other than I am saving money by shopping my closet,
Deletesilver_lining, Thanks. I agree about the MW Insider shipping. It's why I still buy from Madewell, otherwise I wouldn't. I want either a close store to return to or free returns. Without either one, I don't shop a store/brand.
DeleteJessF, that is frustrating. They seem to have major disconnects lately with inventory and shipping (plus web site problems). The experience isn't good.
Hi, Ladies
DeleteIt's not a complete answer to the store closing dilemma, but you might want to consider using PayPal to pay for your J Crew purchases and then claiming on their return charges refund program by mailing your returns back. Some very helpful JCAs mentioned the PayPal return shipping refund service if you pay for your purchases with PayPal. I haven't used for J Crew yet, but have used for J Crew Factory returns. It's been great. I just take a photo of the package back, showing the shipping address and the amount paid, and submit an online claim on PayPal's website. The reimbursement by PayPal has been very fast. I think that if you pay for J Crew with PayPal there are two places in the process you can pay with PayPal. If you want the order to show up on your order history, I think you need to wait until the final check out screen (where you would otherwise choose a credit card) to select PayPal.
But pls check the small print before you jump in. There are limits in terms of number of refunds - 12 claims per year for maximum of $30 each claim, must make claim within 30 days of shipping back etc.
DeleteThanks Toronto Modern. It's nice that is an option.
DeleteYes thanks TM! I was not aware of this.
DeleteCate, which store is closing?
DeleteI don't have a vent this morning, but I do have unexpected love. My Store Director was in last night and asked me to try on the Point Sur moss green wrap jumpsuit. I was talking about it on Monday night with my coworker and we had already decided it was way too much fabric and would look ridiculous on me. Well, I was totally wrong and it came home with me. I have a long torso and I cannot remember anything with a self-made elastic waist ever looking good on me. I sized down. The snap closure at bust was a pleasant surprise. Can't wait to wear it to the store and also my office job. Another shocker was the wide leg cropped pant in cotton poplin. SO cute. I never imagined the pleats, elastic waist band (in rear), cropped leg and belt would all work, but they did. I'm going to buy them this weekend. These are two items I never would have tried on my own accord. The long sleeve striped dress I did pick for myself looked horrid, but the quality was definitely there. I looked pregnant and the length was not flattering. Hope this helps anyone on the fence about these items.
ReplyDeleteI would have like it in navy...I don't do green well.
DeleteI don't like jumpsuits because of my long torso (and practical purposes) but I really loved the shape of this one. I'll have to check out the pants you're referring to, I don't remember seeing them.
DeleteWhere is the pretty jewelry this season? I don’t think I have purchased anything new this year other than a popback from fall. I feel like they need to focus on style and substance instead of some of the poor quality mishmash that is in the stores right now.
ReplyDeleteprobably where all the gorgeous bags and shoes are....gone for good??
DeleteThe jewelry has gone so downhill. I used to love and covet their statement necklaces. They don't do many if any anymore;.
DeleteEven the glass display cases where they show the jewelry aren’t used at the B&M in SF anymore. I get the accessibility of wanting to touch and try the products openly without having to ask sales people to unlock the display cases...
DeleteBut the jewelry now—not so pretty as it was 5-12 years ago. Gold seashell earrings, really?
Remember the collab with Lulu Frost? Those were so pretty.
@JSR - I actually picked up a JCxLulu necklace at a Lulu Frost sample sale a few years ago. It was around the time they were available in the stores, and I got one for 1/2 off the retail price. I still love it but I haven't worn it in awhile. Seems like jewelry trends are going toward smaller layerable tongue-in-cheek pieces, not chunky cocktail jewelry. I assume that's why JC hasn't done similar jewelry to the Lulu Frost collab for awhile.
Deletetuning fork necklace and earings..who is designing these?
Delete^LOL. Seriously. I had to look at those twice (and not in a good way).
DeleteLoved the collab w Lulu Frost. Still wear a couple of those lovely Art Deco bangles.
DeleteAnyone remember the Stone Bead Necklaces w the beautiful real stone round beads and ribbon tie?
No vent for me. I received Collection Washed Leather Jacket in navy. It’s been on my wishlist and I was able to order during 40% off promo and educator discount. The reviews are right about the leather. It’s soft and very well done. I love that it’s navy all over, including the snaps. Fit is tts and will work well with lots of options. Still waiting on some orders to arrive and ship. When orders have been delayed in shipping, J Crew has upgraded to Next Day Air.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately my orders are routinely slow to ship and my shipping is almost never upgraded. The orders usually arrive either on the “due date” or a day or two...or a week...later.
DeleteI was checking on the status of a (delayed) order this morning and decided to click through my 9 pages of Order History to remind myself of what I’ve ordered from J Crew in the past couple years. I like how it has photos of all the items, going way back.
ReplyDeleteSo here’s the vent: when I look over my Order History showing online (its 50+ items), the great majority of those items are no longer in my closet due to 1) poor fit, 2) looked like a rag after laundering, 3) fell apart/quality, or 4) sale goggles and just never wore it. Off to the garbage or Goodwill they all went. How depressing to see how much money I wasted on REALLY mediocre stuff when I could have bought a few designer pieces. The J Crew stuff in my closet that I love, wear the most and still looks beautiful is from many years ago.
Check out your Order History. It’s eye-opening.
I just did this and yeah, it is eye-opening. I returned a lot. Definitely had a lot of sale goggle purchases over the years. But the main thing I noticed is that all of my orders looked nice - like I was curating an online cart. For the most part, the items in the orders complimented each other. It was so easy to buy back then.
DeleteI do agree with ruffles that the pieces I love the most are mostly older and for me mostly bought secondhand.
Most of my purchased that weren’t returned are either still being actively worn or were worn out (mostly tees). I see surprisingly few purchases that I regret.
DeleteI returned about 50% of my purchases, but looking back I probably should have returned about 25% more ... particularly the items that didnt survive even the gentlest of wear and laundering. I have to get better at figuring out which are made well enough to survive more than a few weeks. I outgrew “disposable” fast fashion stuff a long time ago!
DeleteI feel the same way, ruffles.
DeletePlaced a big order two weeks ago and unfortunately returned it all:
ReplyDelete--paisley wrap top was all kinds of off shaping and fit,
--yellow striped maxi dress was seen through and awkward sizing/weird waist placement
--point sur ruffle peasant top was drab and maternity ish
--tshirts were already (!?) Pilling in bag
What are you doing j crew??
I was a fan of the perfect fit t-shirts for years.
Deletethe new version ...longer sleeves but shorter in length has been a huge fail. the material is not same. The new version doesn't hold its shape like the previous one did. I packed up everyone I purchased for summer (I only wore one...and will only wear it for sleeping now) and returned them.
I'm a big fan of the new slim perfect fit tees. I have every color. I don't see why J Crew couldn't make both the longer sleeved version and the regular short sleeve tee. Sorry to hear they did not work out for you. Definitely have been in your shoes with other items J Crew has modified that were not to my liking at all!
Deleteolder version made in China. new one the phillipines.I think. I tried the tank as well...I guess what I loved teh most about the older version was the length. do you feel the cotton is the same?
DeleteUknown, IMO it depends on the color. I'm wearing a striped perfect fit tee right now and it is nice and thick. Some of the lighter solid colors seem thinner, which is unfortunate. I had the same issue with the long sleeved perfect fit tees, though. The fabric of the pale colors definitely had a different thickness. I have a long torso and do not have any trouble with the length.
Deleteagree w shopalot, those tees seem ok in some colors (and stripe), but the 2 white ones I purchased were AWFUL. Thin and did not keep their shape at all and looked dingy. It's awful quality cotton on the white ones at least. Such a bummer as I liked the shape of the new version and if they simply had used a better quality fabric (and I'd happily have paid for that!) it would have been a winner.
DeleteI like the longer sleeves on the new perfect fit tees but I’m a bit annoyed that they’ve shortened the body length. The long, slim fit is what set the perfect fit tees apart from the plethora of short, boxy tees on the market.
DeleteRegarding the fabric, I’m noticing more and more “cotton” tees that appear to be synthetic blends, at J.Crew and at many other merchants. I think they’re trying to save money by purchasing fabric from questionable sources and skipping the quality assurance testing to verify that the fiber content matches the label.
Question - Has anyone seen a dupe for the 2 button semi fitted pique polos of yesteryear? I wish I knew they were a dead item. I am down to one and it is tight.
ReplyDeleteCheritheberry - I've been purchasing the Polo Ralph Lauren skinny stretch polo. I get the ones with the long placket but they do make a two button, if I'm not mistaken. I have to size up A LOT. I am XS or S (sometimes XXS) in J Crew but a straight up M in the Polo Ralph Lauren shirts. They seem to run very small.
DeleteThanks shop! Those are a bit out of my budget...meaning I want a cheap fix hahaha!.. I may try Kohl's!
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DeleteTJ Maxx & Marshall’s often have the Polo polos for $19.99. I picked up a few new colors earlier this spring. The ones I got directly from Ralph Lauren.com were on super sale. I’m a big discount shopper & would never pay full price! 😉
DeleteCheri, try Landsend! The pieces I have bought from them have been great quality. Plus they have a lifetime guarantee! Not the most exciting designs, but affordable and good basics.
DeleteAnthro! Do you want the kaleidescope sweater? I've been on the fence, it should probably go to you :)
DeleteI will check there, great idea.
Brooks Brothers slim fit polos are nice. The colors online right now are very limited but there may be others available in-store. I have several in pastels and brights that I purchased in past years.
DeleteThanks you very much ladies! In my efforts to only buy what I "need", I avoid B&M stores. Those are great suggestions.
DeleteCheri, if you decide you don;t want the kaleidoscope sweater I'm happy to take it off your hands or chargesend it from your store. But only if you decide you don't want it, no pressure. Let me know where I can reach you via email, or you can email me at bankygirl @ gmail . com.
DeleteI hope you can find some polos!
I just got a "look what's in your shopping bag" e-mail, and it was... empty. LOL
ReplyDeleteI get those too. So lame.
Deletetoo many swimsuits. point sur items look more Madewell style to me
ReplyDeleteHas anyone else noticed that J.Crew has completely changed their size charts? Size small used to be a 2-4. Now it's 4-6. I'm between a 2 and a 4, so this really puts me in a bad spot. They should have at least announced it. The measurements are all over the place now- not the way they were. Also, what is the deal with Mercantile and Point Sur? What are they trying to do? The site is becoming unrecognizable. I'm still looking and occasionally buying something, but I feel like I need to be on guard all the time for their sneakiness.
ReplyDeleteSizes have changed definitely as have lengths. I'm 5'7" and in the last year or so I've had to only purchase "tall" items...while years ago, I'd occasionally dabble in petites. I used to feel the j crew woman was tall;now shes really really petite especially in torso.
DeleteYes! I tried on one of the chinos last night. Size 25 was an unintentional flood length and I'm just shy of 5'5"...
DeleteThis is vanity sizing, no? Anyone who doesn't notice the change will think they got smaller, because if they're a 2 and used to buy a small, they'll try on a small and it'll fit big - like a 4.
DeleteJC has had too short torsos for awhile now. Even as a petite I find their torso lengths to be absurdly short, like their navels are an inch below the boobs.
You are so right! I am 5'10" and do always need to get tall sizes now, when regular used to be ok.
DeleteI bought the tie neck dress in navy wool last season. This season, see it in pink, I order it, I'm happy. I get it and... It's not wool. My bad; I didn't check what the composition was. But JC did call the fabric 356 so I assumed it was thin wool. And I think they wanted me to! But it's poly. Back it went! The difference in price is $30 between wool and poly and I'd pay up and get the wool every time. I'm mourning the older JC styles because I'm 50 and have been buying it since college. You do the math :-).
ReplyDeleteThis is insane to me. I've noticed "silk" dresses made out of poly, "wool" jackets made of mostly synthetics with NO wool content, etc. I guess it's good marketing because it convinces us to buy, but disappointment invariably ensues. I have an idea, what if we were to have accurate descriptions on the website? As in, if something is not wool, don't call it wool J Crew? Just a thought.
DeleteDoes anyone know if there will even be a J crew sample sale in NYC this June?
ReplyDeleteHistorically it’s on Pride weekend and at the 260 NoMad location but their calendar has Theory for that time and store. 260 hasn’t updated their calendar past that weekend yet.
DeleteI like the move to additional sizes and the fact that they are bringing back more origina/traditional designs but they are almost becoming a budget line - the fake "sales" at Factory is annoying but it is what it is, but now they are bumping the prices at JCrew with another sale every other week too, which makes it just feel cheap. I would rather they take the Apple approach - one price all year round at all stores with few exceptions. At least then I know what to expect and don't feel constantly ripped off.
ReplyDeleteMy Flash sale items finally arrived and it is a mixed bag. I'm keeping 1 (merino boatneck), returning 2 and still deciding on another. Pineapple Tippi is cute and fits great, just not sure if it is my style or if it looks like old lady vacation wear. I probably shouldn't have ordered anything, as I don't really need them.
ReplyDeleteMy vent is about one of the men's shirts I ordered, as the wrong item arrived (which happens) but this shirt looks like the J crew tag was sewn back on and the size tag is missing. It has the store hang tag, but is clearly the wrong shirt both in color and in fabric. Shame on whoever returned this non J crew shirt and actually took the time to sew a j crew tag on it. It was very strange. I hope they take it back, since it is clearly the wrong item.
Website keeps flipping to CAD. So I change 'ship to' to USA, shows prices in USD and then when I do 'add to bag' it's CAD again. Luckily this didn't happen on my iPhone so I was able to place an order. But really ...... it's 2018, right! Any other retailer would have lost my business by now and my patience is def wearing thin.
ReplyDeleteI have not purchases one article of clothing from any retailer since Dec. 2017. I didn't put myself on a shopping ban or anything like that. I'm just so uninterested in the styles and composition they are made with. I'm wholeheartedly happy with what I have. J crew will always be my first love in fashion. Been loving their stuff since the 90s, but for now, we are going to part ways for a bit.
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ReplyDelete