Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

     This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent" posts), where we can share our finds from other retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew (like Anthropologie, LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and the like.)

If you have recently encountered items that are similar to 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 experiences with certain merchandise pieces, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

11 comments:

  1. I’ve been scouring different sites for what trends we will be seeing this fall. I guess after all this time I’m starved for fashion. I don’t really follow trends but if something is considered “in” I do like to see what I have in my own closet or what I might want to buy.

    Just my vague takeaway from some overlaps I’ve seen: sweater vests, sequins/sparkle, olive green, lilac/lavender, of course denim, lug soles/chunky loafers.

    Re: the sequins I’m glad I have those banana pants and a jcrew scarf. Maybe I’ll break them out for a dinner out soon. I hope to see more people dressing up when we go out. Our first date night out this spring I was shocked how sloppy people (adults) were dressed going to a nice restaurant.

    I love the lug sole trend but admit I find really chunky boots difficult and loafers don’t fit my feet well. I may just stick with my Stellas, more of a Flatform but definitely chunky.

    I passed on a ton of stuff to my oldest daughter who is visiting, so I am looking to add another pair of black pants (more casual) but not sure the direction I want to go.

    I’d love to hear what others are liking or retiring.

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  2. @Suz Has: I certainly know what you mean about people being dressed sloppily. Quite honestly, when I see that in a nice restaurant, it ruins it for me. I wish I could ignore it or not notice it in the first place. That's not likely, though, since I'm so into clothes. I miss seeing people in public who are dressed well.

    I haven't picked up on trends, but I mostly look at classic, tailored items anyway. I'm pretty happy with my closet these days, but it's always great to see something that is new and wonderful. I'm going to be looking at Net-a-Porter and The Real Real going forward, although I do NOT need one darned thing.

    J.Crew has been so disappointing to me with the recent offerings, and I know I've said that before. I would truly be okay with having them be less promotional if they would just delight me with something in a great fabric. In fact, if sales were only in January and August, it would be sort of a relief rather than getting into the buy and return mode and trying to get the lowest price.

    I wish J.Crew would do collection items that are just better, including nicer shoes like they used to have (all leather, made in Italy). They can still sell the cheaper junk if they must....

    I do know that I will not be purchasing any pull-on pants or skirts. I never have, and I just don't. I get that those type of garments are easier and less expensive to manufacture, but no thanks.

    It will be interesting to see what they present for fall, winter, and holiday.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for responding, MMEJACQUELINE. The restaurant I’m referring to is consistently rated among the top in the state, fine French cuisine. Not like it’s a pizza place. They did just expand and we sat in the front “bistro” section based on availability—it’s not easy to get a reservation. I told my husband for the future I’d sit in the more “formal” dining room if only because I want to dress up. Food and service is the same throughout, supposedly. If I’m spending that much on a meal I want it to be the total experience. (And my dressing up was far from formal but I wasn’t wearing ripped jeans and a tshirt or leggings like some other patrons!)

      I get rid of clothing and don’t usually regret it, but aside from shoes I’m now in minimalist territory. Between my button down shirts and blazers getting too small, and giving my girls most of my pants, I’m down to a just a few bottoms I’d wear to dinner. But I’m being really picky and I’m not finding new stuff I love.

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    2. Your comments about January/August sales reminded me of my favorite retailer, Ann Mashburn. Her husband Sid Mashburn used to be a designer at J. Crew men's back in the day. Ann used to work as a fashion editor at Vogue. Ann's taste is impeccable and her clothing is timeless and v. high quality (and expensive, but worth it a couple of times per year IMHO).

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  3. Hi all, here’s what I’ve been wearing in Jcrew, the lobster dress, the Ratti regatta pants, Safari Jungle Print dress, some of last years tiered tee shirt dresses, Cece’s Italian ones, and the linen dip-dyed shirt which I renamed Under the Tuscan Sun Shirt. I will wear my older collection pieces when weather permits. I wear alot of linen and with the pants Hermès scarves as halter tops. I’m into dresses silk when I go out to dinner. People dress for dinner here so I play dress up unless going out for a pizza. No shorts, except on the boat; easy to distinguish tourists here as most of them parade around town in them. Tacky. Large flowy pants seem to be the trend here. Side note, Attended a Chanel Show and I was stunned by their apparel this year. Gucci is pretty too for a change. @Suz, I always see a lot of black pants worn especially with older women but this is nothing new here. Lots of bright cheerful prints around and at all price points. Back to Jcrew, repeating what I saw previously. Awful stuff that up until now. Hoping their next large launch this month will be a massive improvement, otherwise won’t purchase. I’m happy I purchased their navy tweed line/ cotton blazer though and will wear when it gets cooler as well as the Dalton navy blazer. One last comment, oversized blazers and flown pants will continue to trend with shoulder pads.

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  4. Frank and Eileen Brand have some very nice pants. Pricey but worth it. They wash and dry well no shrinkage. Also purchased a denim shirt in Indigo, it’s beautiful! Sign up for an email and you will a discount. I also received a brochure by mail with $50.00 off. Nordstrom will price match for you. Suggest purchasing from Nordstrom if you’re unsure about sizing.

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    1. Never heard of it but will look.

      Just ordered Rag & Bone from Nordstrom rack, coincidentally—black crepe pants, high rise, wide leg and flowy, but structured on top, not an elastic waist. Says only a 30” inseam which may be too short. Also all cotton black denim Maya high rise wide leg ankle length jean. At this point I don’t mind paying $150 for pants if they are quality with the fit I want.

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    2. @Suz,I love black pants in general. I’m going to try a pair of black flowy ones, just don’t want them so long that drag on the ground🤣 I’ve seen some women wearing these and that’s where the hem lands.

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    3. @lynn I love black pants too which no doubt stems from my old neighbor who when I was growing up told me I had a “f@t ass…” 😆 I’ve probably mentioned that before but obviously it scarred me.
      Do the pants you’ve seen drag? I love a full length but not dragging.

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  5. I ventured into a COS store last week for the 1st time since the pandemic started, and really appreciated how streamlined and minimalistic everything was. I love a good print every now and then, but there's something beautiful and understated about a classic look with a slight twist, and accessorizing with some jewelry. I work right by Conde Nast in NYC and I can spot a Vogue staffer from a mile a way - they're really good at getting colors/accessories to a minimum and wearing a great one-piece like a maxi dress or a hookup. Wish I could do that.

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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.

And now back to J.Crew! :)