Thursday, January 17, 2019

"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to LOVE with J.Crew" post, a place to share our favorite experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a positive 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 stellar experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

96 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. I was waiting for navy Maddie’s to pop back up since I am currently without navy work pants, so I was happy with that at 60 off this morning.

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    2. whoa! so...practically free with that extra 25% they sent out?!

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    3. $20!
      I didn’t use the extra 25%...I didn’t receive one but actually made an order that day, so I emailed expressing my disappointment and received a note back yesterday that they would honor the extra 25% manually of an order if I called them!
      But I’m hoarding it lol

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    4. ha, saving mine too. I've bought so much in the last week, not much is catching my eye and the raising prices really doesn't sit well with me, it's so dishonest. I bought the black collection waist tie waist pants and the grey lake wash toothpicks and a black suiting dress and emailed for price adjustments so we'll see how that works out...

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    5. I too have been picking up stuff here and there. Those pants could be great on you, I like the green tie waist on you and admire how they work with ankle booties - for you. That's a tough look for me to get right.
      I too emailed for price adjustments, which I generally don't do, but the differences were enough to warrant it today. Fingers crossed.

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    6. I had snapped up my Navy Maddies at 60% + 15% in a prior sale. These are perfect for work pants, I agree. I've taken advantage of the sales since most of my size 4s are way too big and I am now a 2. I got both black & blue. I wash them cold water short cycle inside out and then line dry and medium iron when they are still damp.
      I tossed my size 4 Maddie chinos in the dryer to try and shrink them on purpose! The waist is large, but with a belt I can still wear them. Hooray, as I love those pants and have all three colors (I think I paid like $10 a pair!)
      They were always smaller than the cotton bi-stretch.

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    7. I'm going to have to look for these Maddie's you speak if. I personally love the Winnie's but they have changed!

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  3. A lot of sale items went up in price though.

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    1. yes, I just noticed that as well :/ and some items are 60% off no final sale or 70% off fs

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    2. I went through my order from yesterday and last week to see if I qualified for any PAs. This week's 50% off was the same as today's 60% off + price increases. The 25% off coupon I used on yesterday's order completely negated by today's price increase on 60/70% off. The most I'd get back would be a dollar. Tricky JC!

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    3. @eeps, I called and the CS associate graciously applied the 70% off and then recalculated the additional 25% on top. So before I had 50% + 25%, and she adjusted to 70% + 25%. The sale price on my item had not changed.

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    4. I sent a DM through IG with my order numbers. Hopefully they respond.

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    5. @p banos, my items changed (went up) in price so I didn’t bother calling for PAs. I thought the adjustments are for sale prices, not to match the promo?

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    6. @eeps, They always give a price adjustment if there is a better promo, based on the new total price vs what you paid.

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    7. @p banos, the new price under the new promo is the same as what I paid thanks to the extra 25% and price increases, so I think I'm out of luck. I've done this in the past thinking they would match the promo, but then they would say "but you actually paid less at the time of your order." Also these PAs are so chancey now - most of the time they'll say it's not available in my size anymore so it's not eligible for a PA, which is why I take screenshots. But then I would have to email the request instead of call, and the response time is double or triple what it used to be. Oftentimes, they don't respond by email until after I already receive the item and it turns out I'll be returning it anyway. My credit card bill has been all weird since Black Friday because of these price adjustments and returns.

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  4. Not impressed with the sale story. I did the math and everything I have purchased within the last 60 days given price adjustments and not factoring in rewards are what I paid for the same listed items today. Unless a spectacular old Collection item comes up that I don’t have, I will pass. I’m saving the 25% off coupon for something that comes up during the next launch. I have been monitoring the prices in the website for the last 4 hours. Let’s see if anything more interesting shows up:)

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    1. I used my coupon yesterday because I didn't want to have it burning a hole in my proverbial pocket until the expiration date. I'm genuinely hoping that after my order yesterday, I will take a real break from JC for awhile. I made up a New Year's resolution this week to limit my entire JC spending for this calendar year to $1000. I usually try to limit my JC spending to less than $200 per order, and given that I usually place orders 2-3 times a month, this might be an impossible resolution to keep, but I need to steel my resolve. But mostly I really need to cut back spending so I can afford to redo my kitchen this year!!

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  5. I wish I found nothing...
    Tall black boots with high heel (85mm=3 ish inches), gold Sadie boots (better off spending under $50 on these since I returned the Everlane ones for $134), the Cabernet plaid Topcoat that I've wanted since I saw it, the two pairs of jeans I saw yesterday in store, two chambray/denim tops and leggings, oh and the glen plaid wrap..and a pair of earrings.
    I used my extra 25 percenr off
    Spent about $250

    I've sold a few things on Poshmark and returned a few things this week so...

    I've been thinking about a pair of tall black boots since I haven't been wearing my skirts. I sold most of my Frye boots and. Only have a pair of flat black riding boots. I thought these could work, and maybe be a different look over my skinny jeans. For the price, how could I resist, they're classic.

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    1. I had the red plaid pants in my cart. They went up from 59-62.99. Still they would have been about $25 so a fair price.

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    2. Mostly everything I bought was 60 off, I had to stop myself from buying the tall Wide leg trouser jeans in the light wash which are 70% off.

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    3. ha, well, the day is still young, I'm sure I'll check again today...I had my eye on those red pants as well, was pretty sure they'd popped up in price. I did get the tux stripe black wide leg pants earlier this week with the leopard strap poppy flats so hoping the pants work out. Those boots are great, can't wait to see them on you.

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    4. Hi Anne, yes, they went up three dollars, as did the easy pant/pull on pant in velvet.

      I have ankle tie leopard flats from a few years ago I haven't worn enough so I had to stop myself from getting those, especially after I saw they have a back zipper!

      I haven't gotten the tux stripe pants yet. My other black pants are either heavier wool or more casual poly so they would serve a purpose in my closet if the fit is great. I wasn't crazy about them in store but at home with the right shoes and top is always a different ball game.

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    5. @Suz Has, I think those black boots look great! I am fortunate that my size was not available or I would have bought them too.

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    6. I just posted in the style me thread, I realized I'm not sure how to wear them, aside from with a black skirt and sweater! I may need some suggestions. I don't wear midi or long skirts and haven't worn "dressy" boots in ages. Most of my Frye boots were chunky and more masculine. My uniform used to be skinny seven for all mankind or Jcrew jeans, usually a Jcrew blazer and tall (mostly flat or chunky heel) boots, but that's going back quite a few years.

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  6. I wonder if this is really the beginning of the end.

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    1. Yes, I wonder too. I know that they have to clear out the old merchandise, because it's just deadweight, but who is buying the new merchandise at full price? I've essentially been trained to look for lower and lower prices. I remember when I used to get excited about a dress being marked down to below $100 Cdn, and couldn't check out fast enough. Now I'm picking up work dresses for $50, $40 and even less(marked down from the inflated original list price of $200) . Of course, the problem is that I am spending just as much as before - just buying more!

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  7. I was feeling good about not having ordered for a while (a while being a mere week which is really not anything to be proud of), but I caved today. Lodge coat (not final sale) at $130 Cdn?! Men's Ludlow easy care shirts for $8 Cdn?! Sheath dress in tweed for $31?!

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    1. But I should give credit where credit is due. My break from ordering was not due to any newfound willpower on my part, but was attributable to J. Crew excluding Canadians from the recent BIGGERSALE promo :-)

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  8. I have to say I was feeling a lot of love for J Crew the other day. I was wearing J Crew head to toe and feeling professional and confident, but not boring and conservative, in the tweed lady jacket with ties G7548, emerald green Tippi, navy maddies and plaid bow flats in rustic blue white G8008.

    I just don't get the same "lift" from wearing clothing from other retailers.

    J Crew - I need you to pull through!

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    1. Sounds lovely! And I am experiencing the same. Yesterday I wore a cashmere argyle sweater from 2006, under my orange wool hacking jacket from the same time period, old wool French Connection pants, and beautiful quality gray heeled booties from the crew. Everything I was wearing was at least a decade old, minus the J Crew oversized gem necklace and earrings from recent years. J Crew provides a special perk to my step.

      Although the sizing can be hard to pin down now, I nearly always find the right fit. Other retailers are impossible and I truly have no alternative...

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    2. I feel the same way. I've checked out banana, Ann Taylor, Loft and a few other brands in recent years. I don't want to look so corporate and I hate to say it but I do find some of the other brands have a cheesiness (for lack of a better word) that I don't find with my Jcrew selections. I mean I,m fairly boring so I could easily go anywhere and just buy black and denim but Jcrew has kept me interested enough in some other options that make the look, nice coats, petty shoes and some accessories.

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    3. Yes! Even the Ryan pants I just ordered from Banana are a cheaper quality and fit than the two pairs I already own. And forget their button downs...I bought a pair of pants at loft last year and even posted here on JCA but they just don't fit right. It's impossible. I know how to shop and there is nothing else out there for this body I occupy.
      Although I do love Club Monaco, I haven't had the budget to shop there in years, and my lifestyle doesn't call for nicer silk blouses now anyway.
      Suz, you are NOT boring!

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    4. Haha, Cher, I totally could be! And by boring I mean, you know, just wearing jeans and black tops. As much as I like to keep it simple, I also like to keep it interesting. Even though that might not make sense I think many JCAs would understand.
      A few years ago I won a closet consultation with an image consultant. My style has evolved a little since then, but she described it as classic but whimsical. I don't like super trendy but I'm not just going to wear Lands End turtnecks and mom jeans either. 😂

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    5. Couldn't agree more Toronto modern, their clothes fit me the absolute best. And I'm 5'10", 138, 36A. I'm big boned and tall, but still find their clothes super flattering and well fitting (once I get the right size). They must have really good fit models. Why only JC? If they do disappear I'm really going to be at a loss.

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    6. Hi, Julie

      I am 5 ft athletic/stocky and I think it's funny/interesting that even though I am 10 inches shorter than you I agree with you on J Crew fitting the best - but you are right that it's a question of getting the right size. It took me a long time to figure out that in certain styles I need one size, and in other styles I need a different size.

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    7. @Toronto Modern:: I love the bow tie jacket, I missed it and have not been able to find it...it beautiful.... sounds like a great outfit

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    8. @Toronto Modern:: I love the bow tie jacket, I missed it and have not been able to find it...it beautiful.... sounds like a great outfit

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    9. I feel the same way about my J Crew wardrobe. The gorgeous colors, prints, flattering fit and general “specialness” of old school Crew garments, shoes, bags and even the jewelry was so unique. I found and wore the Tiger Eye Stone Beads Necklace (from maybe 2006?) the other day and got many compliments. Boden comes closest for me but yeah, there’s no substitute.

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  9. I was tempted and then realized I didn't really need the items in my bag, was letting the 70% bewitch me and had to resist. They probably have a lot of stuff to move since they had so many glitches during the holidays that prevented items from selling. They also really need to ditch the home stuff, just why?

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    1. I am going to encourage everyone to just say "No"
      Its too wasteful all this ordering returning reordering at lower prices. consider the carbon foot print of all this for clothes.
      spring is around the corner as are new arrivals. i can tell
      that if I had really needed an item from sale i would have ordered it long ago and would have worn it alot by now....just walk away for cart. !

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    2. Why? Because they brought in a CEO that just did what he already knew- selling home goods. No knowledge of clothing, but hey, he wanted a new job, I guess.

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  10. Have stopped myself (so far!!!!) from clicking checkout on Regent Blazer in Glen Plaid ($57!!) and white Ryan loafers ($24!!). I have so many new things still on the way to me (from all the massive J crew sales and popbacks this month), I'm worried about the clothing hangover to come. I have a pair of very nice white driving loafers already and although I LOVE blazers, I really don't wear them *that* often. I am a mom and housewife, for cryin out loud, and I work part time, but in healthcare! And we just switched to scrubs! I need to take off the sale goggles and confront reality here. :D

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    1. LOL. I picked up the blazer a week or so ago and am waiting for it to arrive - I love the regent style and wear blazers often. BUT, that said, I received three dresses yesterday that I tried on and promptly put back in the bag to return. My sale googles made me make some questionable choices - fortunately none final sale! -lep33shops

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    2. Lauren, if you keep the blazer, please share a pic on your IG! It's one of those things where it's very hard to tell what the plaid looks like. It almost looks bluish-tinged on the website and I know that can't be the case.

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    3. will do! I usually wear a petite in blazers and was bummed this one didn't offer petite sizing, so we'll see...

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  11. The 70% off is pretty misleading. Most items are 60% off. If you click in to the 70% off section there is hardly anything there and a lot of it looks like full price stuff (my guess is there are colors that are marked down and not available). Again, misleading that they are advertising 70% off. (sorry, I know this isn't the vent thread!)

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    1. Anyone check on that 2016 Planner? 70% is mighty tempting!

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    2. Haha TeriLynn13, the old planners are my favorites! I don't see it any more though, maybe someone bought it?

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  12. Checked out the 70 off only to discover that the items on my wishlist had actually had their sale prices raised, and on top of that were actually only 60 off. Irritated.

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  13. Placed another order this morning, few pajamas, liberty shirt and navy princes skirt..,, I have an order arriving tomorrow and now 4 orders pending..,, I did find the black cherry cashmere sweater for my mom, in large hopefully it will fit.,, ( usualy M) mine is also coming tomorrow.,, ughh ... gotta stop.,,

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  14. Hi! Does anyone here know whether this season's Tippi in "intense pink" is a bright, neon pink? I have a neon pink one from several years ago that I LOVE, but I accidentally threw it in the dryer and shrank it. Also, the dryer caused a hole. :( Wah! Any input on this would be much appreciated. :)

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    1. Honestly can't say, but from the web pic, it looks more bubblegum/Pepto bismol. I often see the neon colors on eBay FYI.

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  15. Velour sweatpants. So so comfy, but starting to look nappy already today. Unacceptable. I have a pair from Kohl's that still look okay, despite wearing them all the time, and I truly can't recall the last time I was at Kohl's. It's been years. J.Crew purchase less than a month old. Just a warning. I know Suz and maybe others have ordered but maybe not worn yet.

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    1. Worn? I haven't even gotten them! Huh. Nappy, as in the material is pilling or getting matted?

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    2. Looking matted, and even a bit faded.

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    3. Ok, thx for the warning, if I don't love the fit I'll pass. I don't need another pair of junky looking sweats.

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    4. Which color did you get Sarah? I’ve worn my heather grey ones a ton and they look new!

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    5. Caroline, I have them in black. Happy yours still look good!

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    6. Thanks I’m guessing the grey should be fine since they are lighter colored!

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    7. Of course I ordered the black too. Oh well.

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  16. So, beware when using rewards. I ordered $16 shorts, and now have $5 remaining from $25. I guess they apply them in $5 increments, which was stated nowhere.

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  17. @unknown, Suggest you call and speak with a VPS she will be able to help. The company did make a Tippi Cashmere years back in Intense Pink. Good luck!!

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  18. I'd been eyeing the Collection pleated midi dress in gold lamé (item K4474) since it first released. Recently the full price of $298 dropped to $148.99. Has two 5 star reviews and it's now 70% (but is final sale). For $44.70 I think it's a total steal. I normally wear 2 in dresses so going by the reviews I sized down to 0. Fingers crossed it fits!

    (Interestingly, this dress doesn't appear to show in the dedicated 70% section for women's sale items.)

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  19. I love my 100% merino wool open front sweater blazers. Has anyone been brave enough to wash this item, in defiance of the label which specifies dry cleaning? I hate dry-cleaning but I am concerned about ruining them (or even impacting them adversely) given they are the few items in my wardrobe that I did not get deeply discounted. (Also, J Crew seems to have switched over to the blend and these 100% wool ones seem harder to find.)

    Any advice?

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    1. I don't have those but I generally handwash my merino. I've even put them in the washer on delicate. I don't dryclean except for the occasional pant/blazer/coat.

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    2. if your really worried...and you paid full price...then the added cost of dry cleaning is probably worth it.

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    3. I have this blazer and I’ve only dry cleaned. I’m too chicken to defy the care instructions. Dry cleaning is $3 where I live, so not going to risk it.

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    4. I always hand wash sweaters, regardless of instructions. I had the merino wool sweater-blazer with striped lining (G9843) from last year. I hand washed it several times (I used Caldrea delicate wash, my favorite) and laid it flat to dry. It looked and smelled wonderful. When possible, I prefer to hand wash rather than dry clean my clothes to avoid exposing myself and my delicate fabrics to dry cleaning chemicals. I only send tailored items to the dry cleaner.

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    5. I spot clean my wool blazers (cold water and a towel does wonders) if they need it, and use a steamer for wrinkles. I will take blazers or coats to the dry cleaner sometimes but probably only visit the dry cleaner once every year or two, lol. I'd be comfortable hand washing those merino wool sweater blazers since they are unlined. I did RUIN one of those nice Tippi merino cardigans years ago by putting it in the washing machine. The neckline and placket wrinkled up and puckered and looked awful. I don't kow how banana republic makes such nice washable merino sweaters - I can wash those on delicate and lay flat to dry and they look new.
      I did find some website once where the person swore they washed EVERYTHING at home, even men's suits and lined blazers and things, by soaking (hand washing) and lay flat to dry then steam or iron. I kind of want to buy a thrift store item and try it out!

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    6. I iron my merino and cashmere sweaters after hand washing and drying flat. They always look good as new.

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  20. For those of you following the action on Reddit's frugal male fashion

    https://www.reddit.com/r/frugalmalefashion/comments/agubl1/jcrew_extra_6070_off_final_sale_styles_wcode/

    These guys are dedicated! There are tales of people waking up in the wee hours to comb through the sales updates. I feel like an amateur.

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    1. So funny! The one that said "Netflix on one screen, JC on the other"....LOL

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    2. My favorite reply:

      “30 orders later, 936 pending points, rip my future”

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    3. I will not nor will I ever get up in the night to check the J Crew sale page. it is only clothing for gosh sakes. this would be a warning sign that I need to rethink my thoughts on 'CLOTHES'

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    4. OMG they KILL me. I'm sitting here laughing...and realizing I don't check the men's site and prob overpaid for that olive green vest for my husband. 😂

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    5. Wow, and I nearly always check in the middle of the night. But it's not like I set an alarm to do so. Right now I'm not stalking anything so I haven't in a few days...

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  21. Wow, that's dedication! I admit that when I've been after certain pop-backs in the past, I've woken in the night to check-in, but it's a rare event. I'd rather get my beauty sleep, lol.

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  22. Maybe this was answered in a previous post, but if my online receipt does not say Final Sale, can I still return it? I think when I purchased it online, it was marked Final Sale, but it’s not noted on the invoice (I’ve seen it before in last invoices).





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    1. I'm not 100% sure on this, so take it with a grain of sale, but I think it's possible that while it may not say final sale on your invoice, the item may be marked as Final Sale on your e-invoice that the cashier accesses when processing the return. Again, I'm not sure though, and I'm basing this on vaguely remembering something like that coming up when I saw someone else make an online return.

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    2. It's usually an asterisk on the invoice or it might be written in red on your order online or the one that's emailed, I've had a few cases where it actually wasn't final sale. And either way, if it really doesn't work for you it can't hurt to ask for an exchange. I try not to, but over the years I have.

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    3. I have noticed that too. I never see final sale on the receipts.

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    4. I use to see them, but don’t anymore. I’ve been able to return FS items in the past, w/o a blink from the SA. Guess I’ll just have to see if I can return the faux fur coat to the store w/o any problems.

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  23. I received all the items from my 1/10 order. UsualyU with Jcrew it's really hit or miss, especially with sizing. However, this time I'm quite happy!

    - Lodge coat in Heather Pink. I've hold off on a wool coat for a looong time - college student, grad student, I didnt need it, etc. But now it dropped to $100 and I couldn't help it. I size up to a P4 from my normal P2 and it fits perfectly with room for a sweater. I feel like it's going to be one of my "happy items", which brighten my day any time I reach for.

    - Popover in dalmation print: love the print. I ordered a reg 2. Could have gone with a P2 but it's not such a big deal. A steal for 10.80.

    - Stretch cowl bodysuit in subtle pink: This is the only item I'm debating. It's a bit big but I dontd know if XS is too small. I've got to think what pants/ skirts I can pair it with first.

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    1. Congrats on your finds! How is the print on the shirt? I was afraid it would look cheap on the other dog shirt they have. I miss the days when the J. Crew critters were embroidered :(

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    2. Had my eye on that pink coat! I love the idea of a bright color winter coat when everyone else is in a sea of black/navy/gray.

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    3. I love my colored and patterned coats, they always add the right pop to an outfit! So glad you got one you love.

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    4. @Cheritheberry: I wish the dalmations were embroidered as well! (They probably would cost more than $11 though...) I think I'd prefer puppy dalmations to adult ones since I like quirky but low-key prints, but it's a minor point. One plus for me is, this shirt seems to be of the same material as the deer print shirt, and with the other one as long as I hang it immediately after the dryer then I don't even need to iron it!

      @Julie and Suz: I've been telling myself I should invest in a basic camel coat first before going for the fun colors, but I've never seen such a classic coat at such a sale price so this time I decided to go for it. This is a dangerous slope... I can see myself getting sucked into the fun prints outerwear tunnel!

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    5. I love a camel coat on other people but I feel like it just washes me out so much, so I don't wear that color. For my very dark hair, fair skin instead of camel I have the deep redwood which is like a brick red and now the double leopard. I have several red coats (the more orangey red and a true red), a pale pink regent Topcoat (I think it was called Heather sorbet?) and some checks. Of course black and gray as well. I definitely reach for the,colors and patterns when I need a little pop. They always get compliments!

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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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