tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post3563159770311260362..comments2024-03-28T05:33:23.130-04:00Comments on J.Crew Aficionada: J.Crew Email: NEW STYLES ADDED, EXTRA 30% OFF sale items & FREE SHIPPING ENDS TOMORROWAlexis {J.Crew Aficionada}http://www.blogger.com/profile/01823796392253094261noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-86807428757136557242011-05-02T08:02:09.451-04:002011-05-02T08:02:09.451-04:00Wow, what time did mega update occur? I went to b...Wow, what time did mega update occur? I went to bed late and couldn't reasonably get up before 6am CDT. I was shocked to find a Velvet Ruby and Britten boots, jammed them into my cart, checked out in a hurry, and then realized that I'd grabbed a size 14 tall weathered wood Velvet Ruby instead of a 12. :( I had to cancel that item. But I got the black Brittens. No Wylders though, they might have been available earlier and I missed them. Oh well, one item down, 3 more to go.tamara.chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16897696857151633520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-40894946765671090662011-05-02T00:34:06.917-04:002011-05-02T00:34:06.917-04:00The J Crew used shoes on eBay seem to be holding g...The J Crew used shoes on eBay seem to be holding good value. I think MeganCrew has the right idea, extra care while you own the items means you can sell them later. I always wear some type of pad inside of my shoes, I'm not doing it to preserve the interiors but it has that effect. And I put non-slip stick-on material on the bottoms, not sure if it can be peeled off later (I've never tried) but if it can then the bottoms would look great too.<br /><br />Thanks for telling me about the shoe returns, I've seen very few shoe popbacks on the web site compared to clothing and jewelry updates. I was about ready to give up hope, but if there's the possibility of future shoe popbacks then I'll keep checking.tamara.chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16897696857151633520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-63106733841856335782011-05-01T21:19:29.881-04:002011-05-01T21:19:29.881-04:00Tamara: I think they might put the shoes back on ...Tamara: I think they might put the shoes back on the website. I once heard some SAs saying they were packing things up to send back to the warehouse, so I would think they would end up back online. I don't know for sure though. As far as selling my shoes, I have not tried that. I really just started going crazy with Crew shoes but have always just given away my shoes to Goodwill. I guess if they were cheap enough they might sell. It just seems that the soles get so scuffed up on the J.Crew shoes. I suppose I had better consider this before buying too many more shoes !Sheksterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15362467778293391112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-73458358984879952952011-04-30T13:45:58.601-04:002011-04-30T13:45:58.601-04:00Another item going back, the Dixon tall boots. Too...Another item going back, the Dixon tall boots. Too small for my calf even though I bought the extended calf. I see J Crew's extended calf is very variable, the tall Miller's had the smallest extended calf I've ever seen, around 14.5". But even if the Dixons had fit, I'm not sure I would have kept them because they made my fingers black in just a few seconds, and the stuff was difficult to wash off! I think the boots would only work with pants tucked into them, because any fabric that touched the outer part of the boot would pick up that horrible black. Even then, I think the pants might have a ring of black where the tops of the boots rubbed. Otherwise a very nice boot, I wish I could have kept them because they were dirt cheap.<br /><br />Shekster, J Crew shoes are my biggest problem. I doubt that any of them will go into my sell pile after my weeding. Do you think you're going to be able to get rid of any? It would be tough to get rid of jewelry, too. I too am not so into the J Crew coats, I like how they look, just not for me. But like so many others I do love the collarless melon-colored coat in the Fall 2011 collection. I'll bet that one never makes it into the sale section. Of course I thought that about the Collins!<br /><br />Does anyone know if J Crew ever puts shoe returns back on the web site? I'm thinking they don't, and I should just give up hope of finding my few remaining target shoes/boots on the J Crew web site and hope that they show up on eBay. The one thing I hate about eBay is that the resellers ask such exorbitant prices!tamara.chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16897696857151633520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-82717922428393764032011-04-30T01:18:33.601-04:002011-04-30T01:18:33.601-04:00I agree with cleaning out the closet and it is goi...I agree with cleaning out the closet and it is going to take FOREVER ! I wish I were not into the jewelry and the shoes! I just got the Mara wedges and they are fantastic. They are comfy and I think TTS. I wish I could have purchased all the colors but I waited for a sale and then you know how fast things move. At least I can swear off most coats and jackets. I never really need them where I live. Heavy sweaters are usually good enough.Sheksterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15362467778293391112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-40695265321910295772011-04-29T19:51:13.119-04:002011-04-29T19:51:13.119-04:00I can't tell you how much this conversation is...I can't tell you how much this conversation is making me want to tear up my closets and my dresser drawers and do a brutal weeding! But I need an entire day to do it and won't be able to until June. :( But it's going to happen.tamara.chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16897696857151633520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-23390294224908947332011-04-29T14:45:52.054-04:002011-04-29T14:45:52.054-04:00MeganCrew, I am much the same -- I've reached ...MeganCrew, I am much the same -- I've reached one in, one out critical mass! :) And my Paypal money is like my 'soft' money too, as it represents sales of clothing I'm not wearing and other items I'm not using.Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00193483506777142971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-92055812218709029652011-04-29T00:48:50.763-04:002011-04-29T00:48:50.763-04:00I saw the promo go away but no update. I guess I&...I saw the promo go away but no update. I guess I'll be getting up early again. I'm kind of liking getting up early, it's very quiet at that time of the morning.<br /><br />Shekster, sending the bracelets back also has significance for me because it means I'm unlikely to binge on J Crew jewelry. (The shoes are bad enough!) The jewelry is very pretty, especially the Lulu Frost pieces, but it's a style I think looks better on other women, not me. I guess I'm not so sparkly. :)tamara.chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16897696857151633520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-12656043739279203432011-04-29T00:11:56.707-04:002011-04-29T00:11:56.707-04:00Hi Tamara. I am so proud of you for sending back ...Hi Tamara. I am so proud of you for sending back that jewelry ! Hang in there, this blog is a great support group. I am going to read the Real Simple article as well. And, MeganCrew, I don't think you sound cheap at all. My sister will not buy anything that is not on sale and she is helping me get back on track. :)Sheksterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15362467778293391112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-38096464743567373122011-04-28T22:12:53.699-04:002011-04-28T22:12:53.699-04:00Ooh, forgot to add, since I'm so interested in...Ooh, forgot to add, since I'm so interested in decoding J Crew's sale section updates, I know the 30% off promo ends tonight at 11:59pm EDT, and the last time a promo ended there was an immediate update to the sale section. So of course this screws with my routine of going to bed early (well, earlier than I used to) and getting up early. :)tamara.chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16897696857151633520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-20385683813018219012011-04-28T22:08:55.051-04:002011-04-28T22:08:55.051-04:00I'm actually sending something back. I receive...I'm actually sending something back. I received two Lulu Frost bracelets. The Deco Blizzard is OK but not worth $89 to me. And the other one was supposed to be the Crystalline Cameo but they shipped the Oval Blitz. So if anyone is interested in these bracelets, watch for the popback, I'm sending them back tomorrow. I actually feel good making a decision like this, I very rarely send things back to J Crew!tamara.chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16897696857151633520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-68525556169695255352011-04-28T20:59:18.229-04:002011-04-28T20:59:18.229-04:00Thank you so much Ema! You're a doll. Picked u...Thank you so much Ema! You're a doll. Picked up the cami($21) and a cute shift dress which I tried on a whim even though it was a Sz4 and I'm a pear shaped 8/10...To my surprise it fit!($28). Did an item # search,it's the Ella dress in the Ashen Blue color, still full priced online @ $138. Again thanks so much Ema without your help I doubt I would have been inclined to venture into a B&M anytime soon, Heaven knows I don't "need" anything else until winter...:)Candecehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16913507120738870946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-76131066286103901122011-04-28T20:32:47.749-04:002011-04-28T20:32:47.749-04:00tamara, go for it, try ebay out! I typed out a lis...tamara, go for it, try ebay out! I typed out a list of all of the tips or things I have learned over the years ebaying but it was a book and realized I'm not sure if I am considered a pro to be giving out tips....<br /><br />Yep, there is always that item that I hesitate to sell. Typically I don't have a lot in my closet so it taunts me by calling my name and it gets worn or is sold at a loss in hopes of making it up on other items. Sometimes, I will choose items I'm willing part with to justify a purchase of something I really want at that time. (It's not always a perfect system or exact but in the big picture it all works out)<br /><br />BeyondtheBlue, I am so glad that great Fine Cotton Desert Shirt went to a good JCA home! Thank you for your thoughts, I'll remind my husband of these things when he is griping about my ebay time! Your right consignment and exchange are also a great idea. A good way to keep our closets manageable, actually useful and our love of shopping Jcrew alive!MegCrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13749008268323578897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-79377749969553299832011-04-28T19:21:24.920-04:002011-04-28T19:21:24.920-04:00MeganCrew, I think you have a very smart strategy ...MeganCrew, I think you have a very smart strategy when it comes to your wardrobe. You still get to enjoy the new items that come out without an overcrowded closet full of seldom worn clothes that just cause guilt. I think I may even have been the lucky recipient of one of your eBay items (Fine Cotton Desert Shirt) and I certainly can attest to the quality of what you sell. I am trying to do something similar, but so far I only take my things to a consignment shop or list here on the Exchange. You don't sound cheap, you sound smart- thanks for your words of wisdom! :)BeyondtheBluehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08886971902746192477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-66748820354952456172011-04-28T19:04:38.324-04:002011-04-28T19:04:38.324-04:00Go for the EBAY!!!!! You will be amazed. There i...Go for the EBAY!!!!! You will be amazed. There is a bit of a learning curve but those dollars REALLY add up. <br /><br />Of course there is always that item that sits there, but since I keep my wardrobe down to a manageable level I can always see it and it might actually get worn making it not a total loss. <br /><br />Here are my ebaying tips:<br /><br />-when you are in a good purging mood go through your closet and PURGE: Get it all out of your closet and put it in another room so you aren't tempted to remove it or rethink it. I have an "Ebay room" and after a couple days, I don't even think about those items as mine anymore.<br /><br />-Compile all of your information: (measurements, color, size, material, descriptions)before you list. Doing it at once on all your items will save you time. <br /><br />-Make a listing template: make it good and detailed (international shipping or not, payment within how many days, name, description, quality, size, color, etc)<br /><br />-List: just fill out that template using the information you gathered already on all of your items<br /><br />-Be honest: if you are honest there isn't anything to worry about and you will have good feed back<br /><br />-Become a shipping pro: Use the ebay shipping tools, print labels from ebay, buy some easy shipping bags and have the shipping service you use pick up your packages (it is free!)<br /><br />-Factor in costs:<br />Shipping, packaging, ebay fees, and pay pal fees should be calculated into your price.<br /><br />Few! You got it, it is a HUGE amount of work, but because of this I personally really think twice about any purchase.<br /><br />I'm not sure this is even helpful....Sorry if it isn't and for the long post. This method probably isn't for everyone...MegCrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13749008268323578897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-3614951524948634432011-04-28T18:30:42.863-04:002011-04-28T18:30:42.863-04:00I need to get over my shyness to sell on eBay. I&...I need to get over my shyness to sell on eBay. I've been buying there for years, never sold anything there. In fact, this forum is the first place I've ever sold any clothing except a few items to my sister that were too valuable to just give to her.<br /><br />Have any of you ever engaged in this mental game of not wanting to sell something that you aren't wearing because you think you won't get the full value from it? Like hanging on to it is better than getting some cash? I do this! It doesn't even make sense to me.tamara.chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16897696857151633520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-3777653322645518292011-04-28T18:02:03.154-04:002011-04-28T18:02:03.154-04:00It is such a beautiful day in my area that I am re...It is such a beautiful day in my area that I am ready for summer. We are a cool 90* and it is only going up from here....<br /><br />I thought I would mention a trick I have picked up...<br /><br />I think all of us LOVE the "art" of clothing,that is why were are here. Unfortunately, they are just clothes and they don't really make us as happy as things like our family and friends do, but as with all things there is balance. <br /><br />For me (this is my dirty little secret so be kind!), I have had a no cost shopping policy for a couple years. I sell everything that I am not wearing or tired of on Ebay / here on the blog for someone else to enjoy. <br /><br />Then I take the proceeds and make purchases for the new season or things I am craving.<br /><br />I have shopped JCrew enough to know what a good sale is an I ALWAYS at least break even. It is partly why I am 100% Jcrew, I know that I can sell when I am ready. <br /><br />Sure, it takes TIME to sell everything and I have to take really good care of my clothing (why wouldn't I) but it is the price I am willing to pay. <br /><br />I still get to shop, I can wear my "art" and love it, but it isn't costing me anything (past my initial investment years ago). <br /><br />This policy forces me to shop sales, keeps me away from full price, helps me really go through my wardrobe regularly and understand what I wear and don't. It is a lot of work to sell so I HAVE to like an item to buy it.<br /><br />Cats out of the bag you could say. My "friend from Jcrew" mostly known as a PS asked me if I had the worlds largest closet because I am a "regular" and she was shocked to find out the I take up about half as much room as my husband! (as I read this I sound like the cheapest person in the world!)MegCrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13749008268323578897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-58162762346522393752011-04-28T15:16:12.449-04:002011-04-28T15:16:12.449-04:00Made a trip this morning to return the scout chino...Made a trip this morning to return the scout chino (that I rebought online) and the short-sleeve chambray shirt. I saw the vintage cotton sequin tank is on sale for 49.99 plus 30% off, so I grabbed the navy! I've been wanting this since it came out and feel like I got a great price! I also bought a jackie in green (code OGR). It was out with the casbah items and it's a close match to them. Since the button down didn't work on me and the short-sleeve top is $100 (!!), I settled for the cardi. I will keep an eye on both of the other pieces, but I'll be surprised if they make it to a sale.math teacherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09138745106263001588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-71393745331124493532011-04-28T15:04:12.244-04:002011-04-28T15:04:12.244-04:00Elaine, you submitted your post while I was writin...Elaine, you submitted your post while I was writing mine. I do watch Hoarders, and I see that I share some of their traits. I like to differentiate myself, they buy junk and I don't, but in the end it's really the same problem. I see something I like and I buy it, I almost never need it, and sometimes I don't even use it. And yet I too feel suffocated by too many possessions, so even though I enjoy acquiring things I hate to manage them! I don't want to have a closet so packed full of clothes they're all jammed together and I have to buy those skinny space-saver hangers so I can fit more in. I don't want drawers that are filled to the brim with 45 cardigans. (45!) I don't want to have to buy a new shoe organizer because my old one doesn't have enough spaces. Hell, I probably could have bought a brand new car with all of the money I wasted on clothing. I feel a pivotal moment coming on!! This conversation and the Real Simple article is motivating me to go through all of my clothes and get rid of anything I know in my heart I will never wear. Good thing I didn't buy that green Velvet Ruby jacket because it would be the first to go, lovely as it is. :) At least I'll wear the Streamers, they're black.tamara.chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16897696857151633520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-56338254054881619722011-04-28T14:50:52.729-04:002011-04-28T14:50:52.729-04:00I had a relapse! I bought the Streamer platforms a...I had a relapse! I bought the Streamer platforms and a sequin-stripe tee. Welcome to my suede-, brocade-, crystal-, sequin-, and platform-filled abyss. J Crew stop enticing me with such beautiful things! I know I should stop stalking their web site. I AM WEAK.<br /><br />Fortunately most of the summer stuff doesn't appeal to me, so I'm expecting my purchases to taper off soon. But I still have 5 fall 2010 items I'm still praying will pop back.<br /><br />I read the Real Simple article on buying clothes. Excellent advice! I especially like suggestions for analyzing shopping mistakes. I don't panic for special events, but I definitely over-buy. I have bought at least half a dozen items for my upcoming anniversary, and I don't know if I'm going to wear any of them! I'm actually eager to scrutinize my wardrobe, see if anything can be weeded out, and plan for my future purchases. I think planning is key, and sticking to the plan.tamara.chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16897696857151633520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-40929687538332488302011-04-28T14:50:41.542-04:002011-04-28T14:50:41.542-04:00I hear you, Tamara. I almost mentioned this yester...I hear you, Tamara. I almost mentioned this yesterday but then decided not to ... yesterday I gave away an absolute mountain of stuff to a pet-adoption charity run by someone at my work. The organization has biweekly tag sales using donated merchandise so they can use the proceeds to pay the bills.<br /><br />I can't even go into what I gave away because I'll probably feel ill ... except to say that it filled the entire backseat of my SUV from the floor nearly to the ceiling. And yes, it did include some clothing and yes, some of it was Crew (no worries, y'all, it was nothing anyone here would want).<br /><br />But I'd held on to it all for so long, reluctant to let it go because it was all 'worth something' ... and now I've finally reached the point where what's worth more to me is my time and my sanity. <br /><br />This was my second large purge -- the first one was a similar amount of stuff that I donated to another nonprofit planning a tag sale.<br /><br />And there will be more. I have a lot more to get rid of.<br /><br />But I feel these things are suffocating me, and I just want them all OUT OUT OUT. Out of my house and away from me. And since I can't bear to trash them or deal with people picking through my possessions in my own driveway, I at least feel ok about the fact that some people and some animals will benefit from it.<br /><br />Have a few big purges like that and it will make you think twice about bringing new stuff in!<br /><br />Watch 'Hoarders' too. Some of the women with all the unworn clothes make people like you and me look like saints. That show truly boggles my mind!Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00193483506777142971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-19010953047946460432011-04-28T13:07:44.758-04:002011-04-28T13:07:44.758-04:00checked out the sale @ my local store add'l 3...checked out the sale @ my local store add'l 30% off and FS, lots of stuff, some of it has been there a while. as remarked before they should really mark this stuff down to get rid of it or ship it to the outlet. One mark down and 30 off doesnt do it.<br />did buy that neon leopard t,<br /><br />Store wasnt that busy, probably because bloomingdales was having the private sale which brings in tons of shoppers at that mall (Riverside sq/Bergen county NJ)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-63292554882783174392011-04-28T12:13:21.148-04:002011-04-28T12:13:21.148-04:00Thanks for your help, gigiofca! :)Thanks for your help, gigiofca! :)Linhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01659694872179508433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-36896429951054922722011-04-28T11:13:09.974-04:002011-04-28T11:13:09.974-04:00@Tamara
My reality check came when I discovered ho...@Tamara<br />My reality check came when I discovered how many tagged items I had in my closet. Well cared for, unworn and non-returnable. When I estimated the value, both in time and money, I decided I needed to make a change.<br /><br />Somewhere in a blog linked to JCA, I found the tool I needed. It's the simple concept of a larger goal. This costs X. Do I have something else I'm working towards (art, travel, books, concert, education, home renos, gifts, charity). If so, then I could be using X to get me closer to my goal.<br /><br />I use it all the time. It's the pause, taking the moment to breath and focus on what I want to achieve. I use this approach for everything from shopping to eating to managing my time. Y being the maximum I have and X (plus the return shipping fees) being the little/big steps along the way.<br /><br />Must say, making a point of staying away from the site makes a HUGE difference. ;-)<br /><br />Be gentle with yourself.Belle de jourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07098862997511500441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317882250647868056.post-36811701464203315882011-04-28T10:40:00.114-04:002011-04-28T10:40:00.114-04:00pathos, the site wasn't down. Were you maybe ...pathos, the site wasn't down. Were you maybe having trouble with your internet service provider?<br /><br />Sorry everyone for my massive prior post! I didn't realize how much space it was going to take up until after I posted it. I might delete i later.tamara.chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16897696857151633520noreply@blogger.com