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.
Quasi vent, caved and purchased a crinkled yellow gingham blouse only because I am on a yellow color streak at the moment and VPS waived return shipping. ((for sizing) I hate the crinkled looked and years ago when I purchased one I starched and ironed it. I know I should look for something without the crinkle factor, too lazy so I will give it a try. Anyone here who feels the same way? Received the vintage tee in yellow. Arrived in a plastic bag and very wrinkled. Was hoping it would have been a tad darker. TTS and somewhat sheer.
ReplyDelete@Lynn, I too am on a yellow hunt! I’m still awaiting my sun vintage tee to arrive, thank you for reviewing yours. I was worried it might be a bit sheer.
Delete@Jan, wouldn’t it be nice it they brought the entire yellow color line back from 2013 or so? So tired of the colors they kicked out recently. I’m hoping that with the next launch in March we will have some more beautiful “old yellow”. I recently purchased a yellow cashmere featherweight sweater from 2013 on eBay. It’s in excellent condition and beautiful. The one I previously had I gave away to a friend.
DeleteLoft has a pretty yellow top right now! Also the Drapey top with ladder trim might popback - I have it in a mustardy yellow when I, too, was on my yellow hunt!
DeleteI, too, cannot get down with the wrinkled look. Hopefully they can be ironed out and the shape left is a sunny, crisp new blouse!
DeleteThe current Boden catalog has gone big into yellows. I recall a yellow/white wide stripe silk shirt, a cotton coat, a tweedy jacket, an ottoman dress, pants, and a gold/yellow linen shirt. And of course the requisite cashmere sweaters and cotton tshirts. Oh, a handful of yellow shoes and boots as well.
Delete“Coffee” code for 40% off was working last night when I tried to purchase three vintage ts, but I was unable to checkout as the shipping option was void, and would not let me move forward - no matter what browser I used. This morning, the discount count was not applying to said items anymore, so, no thank you, I will not be purchasing them full price. I thought the website glitches would be resolved by now. *sighs*
ReplyDeleteCall CS and explain I’m certain they will honor the 40% off and an additional 10% off with an email code. They’ve been very helpful. Good luck
DeleteHi Lynn, which 10% extra code is there? Thank you!
DeleteThank you, Lynn. I’ll DM them. How do you feel this vintage t compares to the old ones? I have a yellow vintage t that is VERY saturated. Vintage and Tissue were the only ts I could wear, as I mostly run hot.
DeleteJan, if you have received an email that reads “PSA Your offer is waiting” click to shop and if there is something you wish to purchase the code pops up at the top of the banner heading on the website. You would see it in blue and white. Items added to the checkout automatically reflect the additional discount. Each code is an individual one otherwise I would gladly post one here. If it doesn’t work or you want the 10% off call CS directly and I’m sure they will help. Hope this helps.
Delete@Margot, I honestly only have an old one in a lavender color from at least 5 years ago and it held up very well. As I just purchased the yellow it seems a little lighter in weight. In fairness though , I will have to compare it with the old one which I haven’t done. I just wish it were a tad more saturated. It just arrived yesterday. Will post again after washing. Sorry I can’t be more helpful at the moment.
DeleteThank you Lynn!
Delete@jan, Margot, Did they give you the additional 10%?
DeleteLynn, Ithanks for the input. I have an extra 15% for being a VIP Crew member, which was offered to me to test how the checkout works with an automatic rewards discount. I also received the 10% email, but it doesn’t apply to my account any longer. I DMed J.Crew and they told me to go ahead with the full price purchase, and that they would honor the 40% off after my order was placed. I’m going to try to go through the checkout ordeal again.
DeleteMargot, I too am a VIP Crew member and I always appreciate what they do for me, whether it is my VPS or CS. Happy you received a discount. Always works when you contact them.
DeleteThe quality of the solid colors of the everyday cashmere is so bad! I can't believe anyone is keeping it. It is so scratchy and doesn't feel like cashmere at all. I purchased cashmere from Everlane this year and it is soft and has held up well. For the $100 vs $98 price point I don't know why anyone would purchase from J. Crew. Now I understand no one pays full price for it and Everlane rarely has sales but the difference is night and day. Also purchased cashmere from Talbots that is soft but had a bit of pilling. There are just so many better options out there. Nothing from the new rollout excites me. The quality continues to go down and I am still missing all the pretty patterns they used to be know for.
ReplyDeleteYes it’s been awful. They knocked the price and the quality went down along with it. Disgraceful. It’s not worth $20.00. That’s along with their so-called Collection Cashmere as well. Overpriced even with a large discount. Just look at the finishing. Awful. Too bad because Jcrew always had the most beautiful colors and such quality. Gone are those days. Never purchased Everlane so I am unable to give an opinion. Thanks for the info about Everlane. Perhaps it’s worth looking at.
DeleteI have a few Everlane cashmere sweaters... I do recommend them. Not as many color choices as JCrew, but they've held up well.
DeleteMiss JR, thank you. I will order one based on your feedback. Perhaps they will add additional colors in the near future for spring.
DeleteAny thoughts on Banana Republic cashmere? I dropped by one of their larger stocked stores and was surprised at their cashmere sweater selection for spring. I was impressed with some of their winter sweaters but never tried their cashmere and wondering how they hold up.
Delete@dr32 I have two cashmere hoodies from 10 years ago, one J.Crew, one Banana Republic. They’ve both been heavily worn and both still look pretty good for 10 year old sweaters (very little pilling, very plush). But that’s my only BR Cashmere piece. I haven’t even bought any from J.Crew in a few years as I really have enough cashmere sweaters and keep hearing bad things about the quality.
Delete@dr32 The old Banana Republic cashmere was amazing (Gap, too). The cashmere I bought in 2003 still looks like new. As shopgrrrl said, plush! Have not purchased anything recently as my local store stopped carrying cashmere. The J Crew everyday cashmere that I saw earlier this week in the store was thin and had a scratchy feel, very cheapie. The colors were pretty but I would not recommend.
DeleteDoes anyone think that the models are just... not pretty? Perhaps that’s too harsh - I think that it's more the greasy/dirty looking uncombed hair and no makeup. Like the model in the "double-faced leather" (is that a thing) trumpet skirt (L3861) - the outfit looks nice enough, but I would never get that dressed up if my hair looked like it did when I had the flu and was in bed for 8 days. Same with the model in “The New Nine-to-Fivers”.
ReplyDeleteThe lack of hair and makeup doesn't make me aspire to dress nicely, it makes me want to stay in my PJs or workout clothes and keep my wallet shut. Is this what they think “real women” want? The opposite of what was in their catalogs for years? The aspirational models in aspirational locations were very appealing. I can get generic anywhere! This just seems so un-Crew-like…but I guess it’s the new ‘Crew.
I think part of the new crew in my opinion is that it's a way for the company to be more inclusive. There is not just one J.Crew girl, but their are multiples that exudes different aesthetics. I'm going to put style numbers because I don't know the models name L0113 (she is the preppy chic J.Crew girl 2011-2016), L2542 (has more of a tomboyish vibe), H5513 (she's a lot more serious and aimed towards the 20's and over professional crowd), L0137 (I call her the madewell girl who shops between stores), G0823 (the all around girl because she basically looks good on everything), L1636 (for the younger 16 year old crowd and above who is transitioning to more formal clothes but still casual), L1068 (just a casual girl who can go from casual to formal), J5805 (she's the trendy girl who is more adventurous with differen cuts/styles). That's how I see it, but if they're trying to sell an item that is over $200 it better be well styled and presented!
DeleteI think I know what you're trying to say. They're just not fully styled very well. I think in the "old days" the models felt more relateable/fully put together. To me, it detracts from the outfit as a whole.
Delete@silver_lining, agree completely and well put. I would like to add they’re missing the boat by not including older models. Sadly, Jcrew lost it. I also agree with Zach and Mere. I could go in and on but don’t want to offend anyone and appreciate you being forthright.
DeleteThe makeup is minimal. It used to be minimal but more fresh, a little flushed cheek, a pretty lip. I don't get the messy hair. If it was styled in some way, even more severely slicked back, it would seem more purposeful.
DeleteLynn, yes they are definitely missing age diversity despite the attempt at more inclusiveness. In the past there have been lovely older models who exuded the same polish and were just as aspirational as the younger ones. But maybe it was because the clothes themselves were polished and aspirational. I wonder if the different approach to selecting models is working or if it making people more confused about who the brand is. Sometimes trying to be “all things to all people” results in being nothing to nobody!
DeleteI agree with you, they are posed and photographed awkwardly and just don't {for me anyway} inspire me to buy what they are wearing. You can look at Aerie, who uses real people that are all ages, diverse and not perfect, and they just look fresh and lively in the clothes. There is a lot they offer that I would likely never wear but it's easier to mentally try things on than it is for me at J Crew these days.
DeleteNot a vent, but a request for advice. Maybe I should post tomorrow as well.
ReplyDeleteI managed to pick these up during the 60% extra promo frenzy (not final sale) for the eye-popping price of $22.40 before taxes. Even after the punitive 13% sales tax I have to pay on top, they were just over $25.
https://www.jcrew.com/ca/p/undefined/p/H5547
I know that it's a bad way of thinking but they fit and they were soooo cheap that I feel like it would be crazy to return them. But I'm a middle-aged mother who works in a corporate setting (although its a bit more progressive). Will I look slightly ridiculous (juvenile)? I guess jeans go with pretty much everything so I can wear them with jeans, but jeans are only an option for me on Fridays. Any suggestions for wearing the glitter Mary Janes to work? As I type and read that phrase, maybe the ridiculousness of that statement tells me that this is not something that I should be doing :-) Thank you in advance for your input.
I'd try then with white or ivory pants plus a blue top that works with the shoe color. That should pull them into an outfit. Maybe a navy turtleneck or a simple button down? Keep the outfit fairly simple, but pull in the shoe color. Don't see why that is not work appropriate unless you are a Congressional aide.
DeleteI posted elsewhere that this season I had to stop myself from buying more glitter shoes (the Madewell mules, the J.crew boots). I have several pairs of glitter heels, the embellished pointy toe Mary Jane flats from last year and some other glitter heeled shoes. Since I dress pretty "simply" shoes and accessories are always the exclamation point for me. Especially in the blue, I think you can wear a pair of simple pants in tan, gray, black or whatever with those shoes and even forgetting they're glitter, add a touch of blue somewhere (or let them stand on their own) and they're totally fine. As I posted on Instagram yesterday with the red patent boots, they're not a shoe you wear because of your mood. They're fun and playful, but the darker color makes them more subdued. Pretend they're not glitter, just blue. You could wear them with glen plaid, any type of plaid, any masculine jacket or pant to add a feminine, fun touch.
DeleteI meant to say, they're a shoe you wear BECAUSE of a mood.
Deleteor a partner in a law firm, or hoping to be a partner in a law firm...
Delete@Toronto I purchased these shoes in black suede (or velvet, can't remember) for $20 USD and while I love the look of them two things made me return them despite the great sale price: 1) I felt I looked like a toddler and 2) they felt so cheap in terms of weight, construction, and the synthetic lining and sole were too stiff for me. Maybe I was being unrealistic given J. Crew's current quality, but I was trying to be honest. These would have replaced a pair of black Janeys (remember those?) and there is really no comparison. My advice is to take the sale goggles off and go with your first instinct rather than "trying to make it work." Unless the novelty is worth the high cost per wear and the space they take up in your closet. I hope you don't mind my honesty!
DeleteIt's all relative. I don't work in a corporate position but someone very close to me is a corporate lawyer in NYC and although typically in head to toe black, her shoes are often fun statement pieces. KATE Soeade floral embellished, glitter, metallic, rhinestone embellished, etc.
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Delete@Toronto Modern, forgive me but don’t keep them. They’re not an attractive design. If they were the Mary Janes with the pointed toe I would say keep them. They’re stylish and whimsical. I’m all for glitter well designed glitter shoes, sneakers, etc, and I when I wear them, I feel good wearing them. I’ve received compliments while wearing them. I work in a male dominated field (self employed) and find at times it even breaks the ice with stuffed shirt types:)
DeleteI’m sure you have something prettier. P. S. I’m older than you too:)
Anthro, Janeys and Juliets were some of my favorite shoes EVER.
DeleteAll figures are Canadian dollars. Discount by about 30% to get comparable US dollar figures.
ReplyDelete@TorontoModern I bought a pair of glitter Kikis ($25 or so) years ago and have worn them maybe five times. So my advice would be: better not #sorry
ReplyDeleteThe kikis are my favorite shoes ever, so comfy! Even though glitter is not my style, I probably would try to wear them frequently :)
Delete@Anthro Blogger, I wore my Kiki’s the other day . Positano Blue. Aren’t you the Cece lover too?
DeleteLynn, the positano blue Kikis are the ones I never managed to snag! And yes, I love Ceces, but I love Kikis more. I miss the quality of Italian made J. Crew.
DeleteMy thanks to all of you for taking the time to provide me with input.
ReplyDeleteMy dissociated state has passed, thanks to your help! I will be returning the shoes, despite the temptingly low price.
I'll echo what others have said before - what a lovely community!
I was the lone dissenting voice! But you have to do what feels right. I have lots of cute shoes that barely get worn so I might not have been the best to give advice!
DeleteActually I think they are ok too. I also have too many shoes, so I'm another bad example. I don't have glitter shoes, but I have metallic silver and gold shoes, and metallic gold sneakers, and bright red patent leather...and I wear them all! @Suz Has I am in love with the red boots, BTW.
DeleteHeart print blouse spotted on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
ReplyDelete