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.
Women's sale is at 548? Did everything go to that big warehouse sale in the sky?
ReplyDeleteMaybe they sold everything to TJ maxx or Nordstrom rack?
DeleteThat’s exactly what I was thinking...and they held stock until as long as possible.
DeleteNordstrom rack does have some items, not thousands but over 100. I'm sure it will take awhile to get it all loaded online. TJ maxx doesn't seemt to show everything by designer. I don't shop much there anymore so I'm not sure if they show everything online.
DeleteFinally! Just get rid of all that garbage already. It's gotten to the point where people are getting used, altered, incorrect items on top of missing pajamas and puppies cancelling orders. Let people in discount stores actually see the items and buy them there.
DeleteI agree, Miss JR - plus with some things in the sale section being final sale and some not, they can't seem to get rid of anything entirely. We've probably all had a FS override at one point or another. I received an FS shirt the other day with the store security tag attached, and without any B&M near me you can bet it's going back (between this and altered jeans it's time for a break, ha!). I agree with cate below, they can't keep up with order fulfillment as it is and popbacks/free ship no minimum aren't helping them.
DeleteI cannot understand this either. It can be fun to find random popbacks, but I can't see that sale strategy doing good for the brand moving forward. They should get rid of the longstanding sale items, then focus on new arrivals. It would be different if the new arrivals were not so weak, but they are weak.
Deletehaha just came to comment the same. maybe they're getting ready for a realllly big sale tomorrow? 3000 'new' sale arrivals?!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the opposite of a big sale update? A big sale takeback?
ReplyDeleteA warning would have been nice. Winter sale coming to a close. 1500 pieces will just disappear tomorrow, etc. Maybe all those darn puppies ate them.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the small sale section today, it's as if someone at J. Crew suddenly noticed that they just got overwhelmed with orders to fulfill, so they shrunk the sale section so they could catch up on fulfillment. It wouldn't surprise me.
ReplyDeleteI was also thinking that. I can only imagine the new stuff isn't going anywhere at 25% off because everyone is still looking at sale stuff.
DeleteI don't think they removed the sale items from stock by selling to an overstock/discount reseller. I think they simply removed the sale price from the majority of the inventory so that it's back at full price.
DeleteI asked customer service about all the missing sale items when I called for a price adjustment today. They said that "maybe they all sold". I don't think 2500 items sold overnight! She had no clue where they all went. Most didn't return to full price. Crazy! So much for watching for a correct size to pop back.
DeleteA couple of things I've browsed today returned to full price - Dalphne boiled wool coat, all those cap sleeve sheath dresses, Tippis, roll neck and mockneck sweaters in lots of colors.
Deleteeeps, I think you're right, although I didn't check anything. I had a few things bookmarked and they're sold out but they were more obscure items. There was a lot in sale a couple of days ago that was more current and probably just went off sale.
DeleteSounds like an inventory or IT error to me. All those parkas and sweaters and jeans and scarves and fuzzy slippers that are marked as sold out! Can't be.
Deletep banos, and it's a bad time to pull those with this frigid weather in much of the country.
DeleteOT but I could use some help - I have to take professional work photos for something important and don't have a clue what to wear. It will only be from waist up. There will be two backgrounds 1) awful white 2) outside. I'm not as worried about the outside pic, though ideally just want to pick one outfit and call it a day. Last time I tried, I wore a bright blue sleeveless dress and I didn't love the results (and also didn't like showing my arms!) So I'm thinking a dress, blouse, or tippi and blazer. I have blonde hair, green eyes, and warm skin tone. I rarely wear reds, pinks, or purples and prefer neutral colors (which wash me out) and emerald green and blues. I don't need to buy anything, just need suggestions for color combos. They suggested no black, so navy blazer? Gray? Tan? They said no patterns but maybe a pattern blouse under the blazer would look nice? If you want a sense of what I usually wear, my IG is lep33shops. Thanks in advance!!
ReplyDeletePatterns are not good for portrait shots as they 'confuse' the camera. Solid colors work best. Neutral colors close to your skin tone do not work well as you will vanish in the photo. Generally a safe choice is go pick a solid color, not neon-bright or near-black-dark, that matches your eye color. Turtlenecks can cut your head off, unless you have a very long neck. In your case, maybe start with an emerald green blouse with a simple open neckline. Keep your jewelry and makeup simple too so the focus is on your portrait.
DeleteHi Lauren - first off, your IG is one of my favorites. Love your style!
DeleteI'd go with a green Tippi and navy blazer. I think the neckline on the Tippi is flattering and will look nice in a headshot. The last time I had a work photo taken I wore a cashmere tee, but the neckline felt too high and I didn't love the way it came out in the photo. I like p banos' advice as well. Good luck!
2nd that your feed is one of my favs too! I think blondes look great in green, especially emerald. I think green and navy in the white room would look great but if can switch to a white blazer for outside I think that would look bright and beautiful! Good luck!
DeleteWhat about a chambray button down under an emerald green tippi? A little collar detail might be nice.
DeleteI agree that green and navy sound very nice, perhaps with a statement necklace, or earrings. Have fun! Show some personality!
DeleteThis is all amazing advice, thank you!! I have a long sleeve ponte dress in emerald that will be perfect. I will try it with a navy blazer and potentially a statement necklace (last time I wore a necklace that was too long and the actual jewelry didn't show - just the strand! My friend had to photoshop it out!
DeleteSkip any large prints. If you do a printed blouse under a blazer, make sure it's a very small print. I agree that a Tippi would look nice for photos. I like your idea of the green ponte dress with the navy blazer a lot!
DeleteAll of my post-holiday sale purchases have arrived and I’m pretty happy with everything esp for the prices. I didn’t really experiment much with wonky fabric blends or items I hadn’t tried on so that helped. Favorites are the Collection Cable Turtleneck and the Slim Perfect Shirt in Leopard - I love these. The Polartec Quarter Zip in pink is also a winner for me.
ReplyDeleteA big fail was the Popcorn Cable Sweater. The nylon blend is just so icky and there is a popcorn ball missing. That one is going back. It’s sort of the overall J Crew issue - cute design, poor quality/execution. I’m sorry I missed this style when it was all wool.
I got few things as well in the mail. Love the navy princess skirt and liberty shirt in black/navy. Love my new pajama pants.... trashing my old crap.... got 3 pairs. Returning the rollneck sweater and cashmere shawl cardigan....it’s 80% cashmere....
ReplyDelete3 more pancages this week and I am done. Doing my returns Friday. My store (347 Madison) closed, pass by today and windows are covered with paper.... gonna try Rockefeller’s but they generally not very nice there....ughh.... dreading the return process....
RIP 347 Madison!
DeleteIf you're not walking, what about the Fifth Ave store? There's a dedicated window for returns/pickups. By subway, just take the 4/5/6 to Union Sq.
That might be good...it’s little out of the way... I work upper east side(York ave), my routine has been VIA to 45 and Madison, quick return and bus on 42 and 5th....to go home... lol....will defiantly try few stores to find my niche....
DeleteI got a few things in the mail as well. One (ruffle neck popover in a blue stripe) was incorrect. Right size and style, wrong pattern (the Christmas plaid). Another was riddled with brown smudges/marks and happened to be a pair of white shorts. I called CS and got a great agent who pre-emptively returned those items and reordered me the shorts. The top was out of stock and I was hoping for a popback, but maybe that's wishful thinking?
ReplyDeleteI love the silk midi dress. Yes it's spaghetti straps which aren't always great, but I love how they're adjustable and the buttons on the back are a cute detail. Great summer item. It looks like a few more things will come today (black denim skirt with ripped hem, black silk pleated shirt, some white tees, etc) despite the bad weather/polar vortex.
Work cancelled today with crazy wind chill weather, so I am finally going through all recent orders once more to be sure of keep/return and boxing it all up. So much did not work out. I'm kind of glad I'm not keeping too much, but the number of rejects is kind of overwhelming considering I've become pickier at what I order in the first place. I guess the sale frenzy got me, though.
ReplyDeleteMy Parke herringbone tweed wool blazer arrived last night. It feels slightly wool-ish but it is not herringbone and it is not tweed. Yuck.
ReplyDeleteIs that the lilac/lavender one?
DeleteMy tall boots arrived today. A brand new not tried on pair. The box says slouchy Anya boot. They are semi-slouchy, not pushed to the ankles slouchy. The fit over skinny pants, or of course will work with tights and an above the knee dress or skirt.
ReplyDeleteI have to go try them on with my wide leg crop jeans, as I think that should work too, unless it comes off as Jack Sparrow. Definitely leave the wide sleeve top and the durag at home when you wear crop pants and boots.
Certain combinations are too, too iconic? Just the other day I had on a patchwork camo jacket and my green Foundry pants. I added red gloves and a red scarf, but realized the red beret was not OK on this civilian outfit.
Anyway, I digress. The boots are nice and for $40 very nice. These will be the highest heels I have - they are clearly fashion not a winter boot. I ordered my usual 10, and they fit fine with medium weight socks, but no room to spare.
MINE JUST SHIPPED!
DeleteYou made me laugh with the Jack Sparrow comment, I guess I'll take it easy with the eyeliner too. OMG I know what you mean about iconic and I guess Melania does now too.
(Off to google Jack Sparrow.)
I'm glad yours are on the way. I'm all for JCAs twinning on these good items. (Go ahead and order the princess mini).
DeleteI'm not going to wear a pith helmet and riding boots to any ex-colonies. They can stay home like my beret and camo would if I went to Venezuela or Argentina. Mostly our
FLOTUS looks gorgeous.
I really don't need an ivory mini...besides at 19" it's probably too long for me. 😂
DeleteI tried the Reeds sweater on with one of my black minis and it's a little wide at the hips so I have to wear it with something fuller on the bottom.
Yes, I think the A-line shape of the princess mini worked better than a pencil would.
DeleteAgreed. I don't wear pencil skirts. I only do a line or flare.
DeleteMy assessment here might be off but has anyone noticed that factory hasn’t had new arrivals in a long time and product on the site is very, very slim? Seems weird to me. I guess I was expecting some new arrivals this week but none so far. Wasn’t that impressed with retail’s offerings this month so I was hoping factory had something more interesting. Maybe next week? I’m sort of interested in the heart print dress in navy which on me would be a tunic I could wear with leggings. I’ve been so focused on my new house that I haven’t shopped much but still like to browse here and there, especially this week with so many snow days home from work!
ReplyDelete@liztriden I noticed that too. And, last Factory stores I visited had a couple of empty shelves. Admittedly this was during the holidays so maybe they sold it all, but it felt like they were clising down. Not on the men’s side though, that side looked pretty good.
DeleteAlso received the cable knit sequin sweater K4664. Based on the reviews I feared I made a final sale mistake. Turns out that it fits my shape well - I have broad square shoulders for my size, and this sweater has broad square shoulders. I can see it might overwhelm if you had narrow shoulders. The arms are somewhat puffed at the bottom with a long cuff. I like this shape on me as well - I'm two sizes smaller in pants than a top. I'm wearing a small (usually a 6 or 4 on top) and find the overall fit comfortably loose. I actually like the fit better on me than in the model photo - her sleeves are too long and the cuffs too loose.
ReplyDeleteRemains to be seen how the merino/nylon blend holds up. The cable design is really pretty and the sequin trim not over the top. I noticed the sequin pattern is not symmetrical left/right. But sure enough, that's how the model photos are too.
I'm sitting here wearing the sweater over a turtleneck and it is very nicely warming me up.
The polar vortex is here! Where are you and what are you wearing to stay warm?
ReplyDeleteNYC - LLBean fisherman sweater, over Uniqlo heattech long sleeve tee. JC Cameron cotton chinos, JCx Seavees herringbone sneakers. JCxWoolrich arctic parka. I felt like a stuffed chicken on the train going to work this morning.
I wore my puffer scarf over a sweater under my wintress parka to walk a few short blocks to the gym. My sperry for Jcrew boots (easier to take off than the bean boots)
DeleteI have to say when you loop the puffer scarf through and pull it tight it really, really does keep you warm.
eeps, the stuffed chicken visual is hilarious! I can relate.
DeleteI'm in Central NY and the wind is whipping! Whiteout conditions and schools are already closing for tomorrow. Layering mostly old JC: striped tissue tee, grey textured-stitch cashmere pullover (from '13, 5-gauge - those were the days), sherpa-lined sweatpants (Holiday '10 and still kicking). When I have to go out later, Lands' End navy puffer, Liberty puffer scarf, H&M grey pompom hat, and my Bionica snow boots (love these after the Nordics didn't work for me).
Stay warm and and safe, JCAs!
I knew @Suz Has would get good use out of the giant puffer today. Tomorrow even more so!
DeleteI went for a walk earlier today and it was lovely out, sunny and calm. Pre-polar vortex. I did layer up and wore my enormous Eddie Bauer down parka plus hiking boots and long underwear. Then I had to vent 'cos I got too warm. But the same outfit will be necessary tomorrow.
My work is closed, so it's WFH day. I'm wearing a long J.Crew buttonless wool cardigan with shawl collar and pockets over a Hubbard Street Dance sweatshirt and J.Crew striped waffle knit leggings and Madewell leather slipper booties.
Delete@eeps - I love the LL Bean fisherman sweaters! I’m planning to wear one tomorrow.
DeleteToday I’m wearing a camel & black striped J.Crew 1999 funnelneck sweater in merino wool from last year, layered over an old (2009) black long sleeve perfect fit tee, vintage straight jeans in worn black wash and charcoal gray AS98 ankle boots. The high temperature was 51°F here in New Orleans. Chilly, but nothing like the rest of you are having.
I couldn’t survive the polar vortex without my Eddie Bauer Lodge Down Duffle Coat. If I’m going to be outside for any length of time, I add my Sorel Cate the Great tall boots. That’s what passes for fashionable in a cold weather city like mine! We compliment each other on our Sorels — oh, those look so warm! I add in various J.Crew and non-Crew cashmere sweaters with Maddie’s for work, and of course Smartwool socks.
DeleteIt was -21 (pre windchill) when I drove to work this morning. Tall boots over jeans, base layer, Madewell flannel, Columbia vest, massive North Face coat, cashmere wrap as scarf, hat, and gloves. I didn’t feel very chic, but it was hard to care today...
DeleteSurpringly here in Canada (near Ottawa) it’s not as cold as some of the US but we did have crazy cold days last week. My wintress puffer has been keeping me warm and my new cashmere beanie actually did a good job of keeping me warm on a short walk.
DeleteI wore a herringbone shirt dress from 2011 item 48510... supper warm... can only wear it in this kinda weather... fleece lined leggings from 2 yrs ago with boots and my jcrew down parka.... was warm.... forgot gloves!
DeleteI'm wearing a fleece lined nylon J Crew parka from 1995, it is the warmest thing I own even if getting in and out of it is a pain since it is a pullover. I look like the Michelin Man when I wear it but the hood is great and it has wonderful pockets.
DeleteCamp socks around home. Factory long puffer coat when I'm out. I've been wearing my crewneck sweater in vintage fair isle a lot on very cold days. And an old long sleeved waffle tee is a warm first layer (I guess they stopped making these).
DeleteHead to toe Uniqlo ... not J.Crew!
DeleteNYC - long close-fitting shearling coat with hood. covers a multitude of sins.
Deletesome reviews up on the blog.
I ordered the red CAPTOE boots (sorry my keyboard makes that all caps!) on Jan 21. They're supposed to be here by 1/31. They haven't shipped, I kind of think they'll be canceled.
ReplyDeleteWhy does Madewell chat never work anymore?? Also, they take days to reply to questions.
ReplyDeleteI have a reward coupon for $50 off a purchase of $150+ that expires in the next couple days. I decided to type the code in and it ended up applying as a normal gift card, no minimum. The weirdest part is the amount applied was for $36.88 - not $50 like I would have expected. Do you think they may have accidentally duplicated gift card numbers?
ReplyDeleteI thought of another reason why the deep discount off sale is stopped for the time being. Maybe to prevent price adjustments on orders that are finally shipping out.
ReplyDeleteGood point!
DeleteMy Maddies and chambray shirt both shipped.
Oh yay! Everything of mine shipped except the red boots.
DeleteLooking through the site it IS. A little bizarre. A lot of stuff is missing. Maybe they're going to really limit merchandise, like Madewell.
I was wondering if they did it to help "push" some of the newer to sale items...?
DeleteHmm. Is that what's left in the sale section? Only newer stuff?
Delete*fingers crossed* red boots for the trifecta!
DeleteMy last three pending orders have shipped as well as a pair of pants that were in purgatory for 2 weeks. I can’t wait to see what the comrade pants popback will arrive as. My guess is chino shorts... or maybe a pair of puppy socks.
Delete😂
Deleteeeps, that will be very interesting to see!
DeleteMy snake belt is lost in NJ somewhere, and I just received a very nice email offering me any other belt overnighted for $13.99...but there is no other belt I want. I already have two calf hair leopard print belts.
And I regret returning the snake captoes now that I've been wearing the black to work every day. There. I admitted it.
So I just called the store and they directed them back. But now there is no sale. Kicking myself! I blame Marie Kondo!
DeleteThat is crazy about the belt!'I saw a bunch in store. I can't believe they can't find one for you. And I'm so sorry about the boots. I am wearing mine now!
DeleteI saw a TON of the belts in the store on Saturday when I returned the boots!
DeleteI'm hoping the sale stuff comes back lmao is this the definition of insanity?
Lol
DeleteSpeaking of Madewell, I know there has been criticism for the Langsford/now Emmett wide leg from Jesse Kamm. Personally, I like the concept of the Kamm Pant but it's rare to actually see it look super flattering on. With that super high rise and no pockets, that's not doing my butt any favors, and I have a nice butt. I do however like the denim Emmett. IF the denim is soft and flowy as they say, it could be a really nice look. I find the regular length a little short but I'd consider getting the tall in the cropped version or the regular in the full length. .
ReplyDeleteI hate them. They don’t look good on anyone, imo.
ReplyDeleteKamm pants or the Madewell version? I have the metallic ones and they look good (although one unfashionable 50 something dad told me my pants were too short.)
DeleteAbsolutely your emmets look great on you!
DeleteThe Kamm pants and shape in general, I do not care for. I think any woman can do better.
😂
Deletecould never understand the hype over the Jesse Kamm pants on IG. Didn't think they looked good on anyone, even the models.
DeleteWent by Brookfield for some returns. Sale is 60% off and they had quite a lot of Daphne’s left, as well as tweed shoes in all sizes. Purchases were 20% off full price. I stared at the new Liberty floral that has us all wondering blue or black for awhile. Based on the trim on the Liberty quilted downfield jacket, the background is black. I think I stared at it until I went cross eyed. I previously thought it was blue.
ReplyDeleteI had a full cart of sale items when it was 60% off of sale but couldn't pull the trigger because I don't do final sale. Then, the discount went to 25% - why on earth would I agree to pay twice as much for an item when it's still final sale? Ugh. Then, they got rid f the 2500 items. This is a good thing, I guess, as I've not bought a single thing from J.Crew this year. As much as I whine about how things have gone downhill (gone are the days in which I'd want the whole catalog, full price), it amazes me that my favorite pieces each year are always inevitable J.Crew.
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew, if you are listening, you need to do a 7-day return window for sale items. I've recommended this before.
I'm always baffled by their sale strategies. It seems like a missed opportunity to have sold some of the sale merchandise while it is below zero in much of the country and many are home from work. For the past two days I could sleep in and actually have time to browse online while drinking my coffee, but lucky for my wallet J Crew's promos meant I didn't even bother looking. New arrivals are not exciting. Waiting for March I guess.
DeleteJust received a cancellation notice for one of the old Saint James Slouchy Long Sleeve Tees for $20.00. The other one for $28.00 is already on its way. I make call CS and ask them politely if they will do a price match/ adjustment. (I'm a cheapskate:) Odd way they priced these two exact same items except for the color. I wasn't too crazy about the colors on the 2nd but the price was good and I will try to make it work as long as it's not stained, torn, etc. Received the short silk blouse yesterday in a wrinkled crumpled ball. Mint color is pretty but the quality awful! Already on it's way back.
ReplyDeleteJust curious, what day did you find them for 20 and 28? When I ordered on Monday the slouchy tee was 48. Wondering if i should call for a price adjustment as well...
Delete@Unknown, Jan. 28th and very early in the overnight hours. A1931 color Navy, Ruby and Walnut and A1931 Navy, Green and Ruby 20.00, this last being canceled. I applied one of the discount codes and it brought it down to these prices. You didn’t get mine that was canceled did you??
Delete@Unknown, sorry the first one came down to $28.00.
DeleteArghh. I ordered the navy, green, and ruby but paid 48...so far it appears to still be processing. We will see if that remains true or if I get the dreaded cancellation email as well.
ReplyDelete@Unknown, call CS and ask them how far along it is. Depending on the status you should pay what I was charged and canceled for $20.00. I ordered the tee at 1:30 a.m. so disappointed. Good luck!
DeleteI'm hoping and praying this loss of sale items is a glitch and they will come back with the next sale. I've been eyeing the Collection tie-waist pant in italian flannel (J8253) for weeks waiting for them to go on sale. They were $248, then 20ish % off and then the extra 60% off but I couldn't justify buying $80 pants final sale with the mixed reviews on sizing. Now that they're gone I wish I had bitten the bullet and just ordered them anyway because I find myself checking J.Crew and J.Crew factory every day to see if they show back up.
ReplyDelete