Wednesday, July 7, 2021

"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

   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.

41 comments:

  1. Vent: Nordstrom anniversary sale time means every single person on social media will be posting their “picks” and stoppable links.
    Don’t get me wrong, since I was a kid shopping for school, mid summer shopping for fall always seemed really exciting to me, but what do I need for fall at this point in my life? Of course something might catch my eye, but I’ve got my Everlane and jcrew cashmere sweaters, button downs galore, Nordic boots for every occasin, skinny jeans to tuck into boots, a dozen jcrew coats…

    I guess I have to ask if anyone is eyeing anything specific for fall or are you shopping your closet?

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    1. Nordstrom anniversary sale has dropped in style and selection over the past 5 years. I can’t even find lingerie in my brand on sale this year. It’s a pass for me. Liz, mentioned that brands release subpar items for sale only. I agree.

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    2. Interesting. I think the only time I ever got anything was shoes for my kids when they were little (like 15/20years ago) and we needed the shoe fitting.

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    3. Agree! NAS is usually my stock up time for bras and activewear, but the styles/brands included this year are disappointing. The sweaters are all acrylic. The retail race to the bottom just continues, IMO. Everywhere, not just J Crew. My strategy for fall is replacing lingerie, shopping my closet, and waiting for bridge designer on sale later in the season.

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    4. @ruffles what is “bridge designer”?

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    5. My fall uniform is a midi dress or skirt/top, Ella sweater blazer, and booties or tall boots for work. I’m hoping for more colors in the Ella blazer, and some midi dresses to add to my closet.

      I’m sure I’ll add a few more coats too. I never really owned crew coats before because they were out of my price range with kids in daycare. But I’m in a different stage of life now and enjoy adding a new coat each year. So far I have an evergreen color, bright pink, and bronzed ochre. Maybe a bright red this year?

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    6. Liz, I have TWO red coats. The ladycoat is the more orangey red and very slim in the shoulders so I can only wear it with a light top, so when the trench came out in a more cherry red a few years later I had to get it and it’s been one of my most worn coats. Last year I added three which was kind of crazy and I haven’t worn any of them yet. Sigh. Or the one from the previous year…I have issues.

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    7. Hmmm coats! I have more then a few over the years!
      Nordic down parka
      Grey chateau
      Black lady coat
      Tweed navy coat from 2020
      eBay pick this year cobblestone colletta coat
      Onsale this spring I picked up Quilted cocoon puffer for $35 could not resist. Sizing was hard to find. Xs reg swallowed me. Xxs was to small so went with PSMALL.
      Also picked up black chateau with black fur for $13... could not resist.

      I use the grey Chateau and Nordic parka a lot
      Black lady coat like Suz haz said only with thin sweater.

      I do love the colletta coat. Love the color and the old fashion Jcrew detail.

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    8. I typically don't buy clothes during NAS because I agree it's too hot and the items I want usually make it to clearance. I use the sale to buy the beauty exclusives that are never on sale. So, I'm buying a couple of Diptyque products (candles & Do Son set) and LaMer travel size kit. I started using the skincare regimen about 3 years ago and it's worked so well for my skin. My favorite undies are included (Chantelle seamless hipster briefs). Natori t-shirt bra isn't included this year, but I will buy a couple again this year. It's the only bra that I purchase; basic colors (nude and black). I love Asics sneakers and my new favorite pair is included, Dynablast running shoe in coral. So happy to see them on sale since I've bought them at full price; they're worth it. Fit is tts and they're great for walking and workouts.

      Received remaining J Crew orders today. Relaxed-fit cashmere cardigan sweater in stripe (AX869). Took my usual size and fit is tts; it's definitely relaxed. Cashmere is heavier than featherweight and will work well in the office. Planning to also wear casually with white denim and a tee.

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    9. Speaking of fall, I don’t know what I will want to wear.
      I’m trying to keep each capsule or nodule in mind. Dinners out, hiking/activewear and hopefully get togethers With friends and family. Neat/functional work clothes (smart but very casual.) I really don’t need a lot for each activity and prob have everything I need and then some.
      As Liz mentioned elsewhere I could prob use a pair of short rain boots and maybe a rain coat that I can wear out that looks nicer than my more utilitarian ones. It seems to rain a lot.

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    10. @Suz Has It's hard for me to know what I'll want to wear for the fall too. The one thing I purchased, the caftan, I've been looking at since the spring. For some weird reason, the brand released a black leather caftan for spring and it has not moved. It's really versatile, so I know I will wear for fall and winter. Since Net A Porter has 70% off, plus an additional 10% on some items, I looked at a couple of leather items from Remain. I decided against them because they're not basic colors and I know I won't wear them. I think most of us probably have everything we need :), but I still like to add some investment pieces each season when they reach sale.

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    11. Mygoddy a leather caftan sounds interesting! I couldn’t imagine for spring so glad you got it on sale, I still love my leather pants so I expect to keep wearing those. Pre pandemic they became my cool weather uniform and I prob have plenty of cold weather black pants, even after giving a lot to my girls. I’d love to add another silhouette of black leather pants but I was unsuccessful in my previous search. Maybe I should look at net a porter.

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    12. Chiming in late here...will probably peruse the sale but likely not buy much. As others noted, many items are created specifically for the sale and often pop back on sale later when they're more seasonally appropriate. I did also read that Nordstrom cut their commissions significantly this year so we might see fewer bloggers pushing the sale (although my time on IG seems to suggest they're still going to be pushing it)

      I'm waiting to see what our return to office looks like...it is sounding like they want us back at least 3 days a week come September so I'll probably need to do a serious closet evaluation at that point. Skinny jeans, blouses and blazers with flats or booties were my go to in the pre-covid slightly more casual work mode so it's probably a little too soon to see what I might need. I would like some pointy toe flats (non loafers) to replace some of my Sloan flats and J.Crew d'orsay flats that are getting a little tired. All that to say probably too soon to tell but I am looking forward to dressing for work again even if it's a little more casual.

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    13. @Suz Has, you should definitely checkout NAP. I buy infrequently, but it's a very good shopping option; returns and shipping are easy. I received the leather caftan today and it's so good. The leather is very soft and drapes well. It's too hot for spring temps (at least where I live), so can't wait to wear this fall. Good luck on your hunt for leather pants. I have a couple of pairs of black leather leggings and a skinny jean; opted to buy a Remain wide leg pant option during after holiday sales. They're my go to uniform for fall/winter.

      @Anne, I haven't seen any bloggers on my IG feed, so I thought they weren't "pushing." Guess I was wrong :). I'm back in the office and it's been an adjustment; the good news is that I've been able to wear most of what I already had in my closet. Best wishes on your return to the office. Will be interested to see what you decide on.

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    14. Well you guys are enablers! I checked NAP and saw some Rag&Bone leather pants which are one of the ones I have that seem to fit really well. Nordstrom Rack had black and and my size so I decided to try while they were available. High rise, wide leg leather pants with a full length inseam. Perfect for cooler weather and my two others are ankle length. The model pics aren’t great but we will see if they work for me.

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  2. Even though I've reinstated my shopping ban (since a couple of purchases in June), I checked out the NAS out of curiosity, and there was nothing I would want for free. Truth. It is very unappealing.

    My June purchases were the J.Crew stretch linen Parke blazer in green and a pair of pants from Net-a-Porter. The pants were not on sale, and that's okay. Yes, they were expensive, but at least this was an "intentional" purchase as opposed to a reactive one.

    Thinking of Fall, the hard truth is that there is not one single thing that I need, but then that is the case with every season going forward for the rest of my life. That is the reality, but as I've said before, my purchases for some future imagined event have been ridiculous and wasteful.

    My new goal is to maintain the "fast" until Labor Day. That time is close to my birthday, and I usually treat myself to an Hermes scarf for a yearly present. I love my collection, and I've done this for a very long time--at least 25 years No regrets because they are such high quality and can really make an outfit.

    As for "bridge designer," back in the day, we considered bridge to be lines like Anne Klein II, Ellen Tracy, Adrienne Vittadini, etc. That is when they were really good and high quality before the brands were sold off to places like Kohl's. I'm looking back to the 1980's-90's.

    Today that might mean Valentino Red or Akris Punto, and maybe Theory. Not sure. Bridge sort of disappeared. It was that "bridge" between more moderately priced but good brands and designer. Okay, I'm thinking that perhaps Emporio Armani would be a bridge line from Giorgio Armani.

    Anyway, those are my thoughts.

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    1. I have that same Parke blazer and I've worn multiple times this summer. It's made a perfect summer suit for the office. I had my eyes on a couple of items at Net-a-Porter; the leather caftan I've been eyeing finally made it to 50% off sale. While not on sale, I picked up a La DoubleJ silk swing dress. My size popped back at Saks and it's definitely worth the wait. It's a new brand for me. One of my IG buddies, sartorial choices, recommended and styled a similar dress this summer. Good luck on your fast!

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    2. @Mygoddy, Hi Tara. I have purchased some of these La DoubleJ silk dresses over here and they’re beautiful. Their boutique in Milan is gorgeous and had some great deals at the time. I was also able to purchase some of their fabrics directly from Lucia Montero and having some more items made. Far less expensive. Attended a Chanel fashion show here recently and they have some beautiful new items. FYI their ballet flats are the shoes of choice these days along of course with their sandals and heels. Charlotte Casaraghi, Princess Carolines’s daughter was wearing a black and white short sleeve silk classic dress. Beautiful. Everyone has launched new lines and jewelry, some are extremely beautiful but sky high in prices. Much higher than before. Hope you’re well.

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    3. Hi Lynn! Hope you are well too. Thanks for the insight on the Milan boutique and buying fabrics. I wore the dress for the first time today and it's fantastic; lots of compliments, so I will buy more. I'm planning to travel internationally again in 2022, and Europe is on the list. So, definitely need to think about Milan. I haven't been there since I traveled with my mom in 2012. I love Chanel's ballet flats, but they don't like my feet. I've had surgery and there's a weird fit in the toe box (Sigh). I've had better look with their sandals, but it's very hard to find my size in the US. Glad to read about all of the beautiful new releases; with the prices, I'll have to be very selective.

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  3. Sorry for the duplicates. I am having a lot of trouble posting this am through blogger. Thanks for the information, Mme Jacqueline. I still
    Own many pieces of AK, DKNY, etc from
    Kohl’s or Macy’s from the 90s. Most are hand me downs from my mom or aunts. Happy to hear that you found a well made and a true want pair of pants. Your posts have encouraged me to stay mindful too.

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    1. Kikigrl and Mme, yes! In the past few years w the decline in quality fabrics at J Crew and the discontinuation of some of my favorites such as Cafe Capris, I have been having good luck getting Theory, Vince, M.M. Lafleur, and Ralph Lauren on sale and have found the pants and cashmere especially to be better quality. J Crew is still my go-to for coats and basics tho.

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    2. Kiki and Ruffles: With the decline in quality just about everywhere, it sure is time to buy less but better. I'm very fond of Net-a-Porter and have always had good service from them. Also, I will be looking more at The Real Real. I tried a lovely pair of Giorgio Armani 100% wool, made in Italy pants (NWT), but they were just way too big. The price was amazing ($85).

      Speaking of "big," does anyone here have experience with designers that run really small? I am very slender, and vanity sizing has turned into a "huge" problem for me. Alterations are a necessity, and some of J.Crew's 00's are now seeming to run larger. Very frustrating.

      I'm not one to shop for vintage clothes, but I do know that items made in the 1950's through the 1980's were much smaller. I honestly used to wear a size 6 in Evan Picone pants! I think of The Devil Wears Prada where Nigel says "a six is the new twelve."

      My husband says that I probably should just have custom clothing made. That would certainly result in my purchasing less!!!

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  4. Hi all, off topic. Does any one own the JCrew Elliot pump form 2-3 yrs ago item G4184. I am divorcing tory burch 😢as I can’t keep up anymore! Too expensive and as my mother says, they are not for waking NYC streets, they are for driving In your BMW and walking on carpet....lol
    I do like their styles, comfort, soft leather. But on sale $100 shoe looks like garbage in less then season
    I do have to say some of my Jcrew pumps wear for years and don’t become as scuffed. Thanks all !!!

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    1. Sartorial choices had them. MAQSAD or MAGSAD was her former IG handle. I’m pretty sure she sold them but perhaps you can message her to see how she liked them.

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    2. Thank you. I emailed her. I found her listing theese shoes for sale. Appreciate the help

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  5. Anybody seen the girls items AX453 or AX571? The first has no reviews and the second has poor reviews (thin cotton). I need a dress for my daughter (5) for family photos in a few weeks and am struggling with final sale. I had them pull a few things at my closest store an hour away, but won’t be there til the weekend.

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    1. Hi Zach and Mere. I haven’t seen these specific items in my local store but we are finding crewcuts running big this year so just a heads up! You may want to order a couple of sizes to try.

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    2. Thanks for the tip Liz! I hadn’t gotten them much this year (we tend to buy at end of season for the next season).

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  6. Posted a review of the sandals I ordered Friday (under reviews) but half of what I ordered this weekend hasn’t shipped yet, nor has it canceled.
    The linen seaside pants are more than double the price but showing available. Bathing suit bottoms are now final sale, one less $ and one more. I hope it all ships. The sandals I ordered for my mom on Sunday already shipped.

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    1. My linen seaside pants shipped, yay! I’m glad because I sold my Alex Mill linen pants in asphalt from Last spring. I decided I don’t want most of my pandemic clothes that I bought for trying to feel normal while I didn’t leave the house. Some things I love of course but I’m ok saying goodbye to others.

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  7. Yeah, that Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is awful. I haven't purchased anything from Nordies in a long, long time. And I intend to keep it that way!
    Can't say I'm finding anything too marvelous at J. Crew, either. Good thing I know how to sew and have a fantastic fabric stash. My guess is before long, my entire wardrobe will be handmade, except for a few J.Crew coats from years gone by - back when the quality was good.

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  8. I went back through the NAS another time and found a few items I like: a funnel neck cashmere tunic in camel, a funnel neck cashmere tunic in camel/black colorblock, and a Ralph Lauren quilted double breasted coat. There was lots of conversation on a rain uniform and I like that idea. That RL coat with some well ORS and a nice clear umbrella would be a great out wear uniform for a rainy day.

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    1. @liz, hi Liz was thinking about you and your love of Liberty prints. Tons of them made by different companies with shipping and Sezane has brought out archived pieces. Hope all is well with you.

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    2. Hi Lynn! I love Sezane so much (in fact, our last trip to Paris might have involved lots of shopping at their flagship :)). I hope you have been well!

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  9. Speaking of Nordstrom, I received a catalog over here two weeks ago and also looked online at their sale items. Was not impressed. Fortunately being over here and having access to beautiful Made in Italy items there’s no need for me to shop in the U.S. much. Jcrew is a disaster at the moment and I wonder where the company is going. I did purchase the cashmere striped cardigan in navy, the Dalton blazer in Navy and the same blazer in navy/herringbone. Rather cute, the price was right and used up rewards and birthday coupon. I have a friend coming to visit so she will bring everything with her and an empty suitcase. From now on it will be only classics for me and items I only love and will wear. I don’t see any drastic changes in the US retail sector across the board. Cheaply made over priced items and still manufactured in China. One last thing I have noticed is that Levi’s 501 jeans continue to be the rage here and beautiful oversized shirts in white and blue and white striped. Seems to the uniform at least it was in Spring.

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    1. Hi Lynn, nice to hear from you. I miss traveling. Miss London and Paris. I visited London once a year prior to this mess.

      I have a lot of weddings this year. Was considering Sézane floral dresses. Will waiting to see if jcrew can win me back with July launch.

      Hope you are well.

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  10. Vent: looks like smocking has replaced serging as the cost- and quality-cutting shortcut du jour.

    Handsmocking requires patience and talent. If done properly 0n a littke girl’s dress, it can be let out (some) as she grows.

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    1. @wellfedfred Oh the memories of my daughter’s little smocked dresses. I found a few I saved during a closet clean-out recently. The craftsmanship is exquisite compared to the junk in the stores these days.

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  11. It seems like the J.Crew men's selection is shrinking. The selection on the website is appears large, but its sneaky small. I walked into the JCrew in Chicago today looking for short-sleeve polos and the selection was down to four. The sock selection also did not have all the designs seen online.

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    1. The stores have so little of what I’m interested in, and I look at women’s mostly, I don’t think this is limited to JCrew though, I think it’s across the board in retail. I don’t know who gauges what merchandise should be in the stores vs what is online, whether it’s determined by the brand or each store individually.

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    2. I made it a point to shop at the store to support the people who work there and just be greener so I'm not getting an item shipped from somewhere else in the country in a big box.

      It seems like in general that men's polos have gone way down in color availability at JCrew. It used to have a decent variety of colors. It may be that polos are out of vogue in today's men's fashion.

      When I walked into the men's section, it just seemed that the ratio of bottoms to tops was way out of whack (maybe 3 bottoms to 1 top?)

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