Calling All JCAs in the South Florida Area

A big "thanks!" to Milljcrew who shared with us some more great news! There is a shopping event for JCAs in the South Florida area.

The following are some details she shared about this {fantastic} event:

• The Fort Lauderdale Galleria is hosting a Private "Fall Fashion" Shopping Event
  
• Sunday, July 31, 2011 at 11:00 AM
  
• Get 20% off of your purchase (an additional 20% off sale items), free alterations, personal shoppers, and light refreshments.
  
• Open up a J Crew Credit Card and get an additional 20% off your purchase.
  
• Pre-Order your items to be waiting for you in the store by calling Maritza at (954)566-6428.
  

So if you are in the area and interested in attending, please call Maritza at the store for more information.

P.S. How awesome is this event?!? Loves it! ... & keep 'em coming! ;)

Calling All NYC Area JCAs!

Summerilla (you know her as the stylish blogger behind the "Sum Sunshine" blog) is offering to put together a lovely shopping event for NYC -area JCA's!!! {fantastic!}

The event would be a JCA gathering to see & shop the new Summer arrivals that is expected to arrive at stores around the end of April. In order to help with the planning, it would be great to find out how many JCA's there are in the NYC area & how many would be interested in attending this {fun} shopping event.

For those in the NYC area & interested in attending this event (or any future NYC JCA events): please contact Summerilla (email: summerillablog at gmail dot com) as soon as possible to let her know. :)

J.Crew & the J.Crew Aficionada Blog

In one of today's posts, it was mentioned that the JCA event scheduled at the King of Prussia Mall (in PA) was canceled because it got too popular (read more over at the post "Update: Calling all JCAs in the King of Prussia, PA"). In that post, love2shop4bags shared several details including the following: "according to the manager, corporate stated that J.Crew cannot be associated with this blog" (referring to the JCA blog).

Unfortunately, this is not the first time I have heard this. Over the last year, several J.Crew employees mentioned to me, that management made it clear they could have no contact with this blog in particular. (I referred to this in the May 26th post, "J.Crew's Internal Blogging Policy: Don't Do It!"). As a result, I ended up advising any employee contacting me to check with their managers first. (Especially in this economy, I don't want anyone to lose their job for sharing.)

I thought maybe the tide had changed when Madewell's Twitter page started to follow the JCA Twitter page. But after reading love2shop4bags comment, I think I was too hopeful. ;)

I completely understand the decision by J.Crew Corporate– to maintain their professional distance from this blog. J.Crew has an image they want represented a certain way. I also understand that if one employee responds to a comment in a public forum, it could be seen as representative (fairly or unfairly) of an entire organization. With all that said, the news also deeply saddens me. It's like finding out someone, who you love so very much, wants nothing to do with you. :( [Wait, that is exactly what it is.] ;) Even though it may not come across it all the time, I do want the best for J.Crew.

{sigh} ...maybe, just maybe, one day J.Crew will love me back. ;)

Update: Calling all JCAs in the King of Prussia, PA Area

Let me begin, by shouting a big "thanks!" to love2shop4bags who set up an event for JCAs in the King of Prussia, PA area with the associates at the J.Crew located in the King of Prussia Mall. (Refer to the August 19th post "Calling All JCAs in the King of Prussia, PA Area".)

Unfortunately, this event (for Sunday, August 30th), is canceled.

I know that love2shop4bags worked really hard to make it happen. Without going into too much detail, the event became popular (e.g. a lot of JCAs were planning to attend) and corporate thought it was "best" to cancel the event.

Update: I think the following JCAs did a better job explaining what occurred, so here is what happened:

lilaccupcake said... I was planning to attend the event, and I was told that they don't want to give the discount to that many people. That's basically it. ...P.S. We are not allowed to reschedule in smaller groups; they said the discount is now for new personal shopping customers only, and several of us are already established customers at KOP.

love2shop4bags said... "There were 22 people signed up for this event by the time it was cancelled. It most definitely would have made a great profit for J. Crew and would have made their customers happy to buy items, especially the new fall collection, at a discount and more likely to return for more in the future. I was really looking forward to meeting the other JCAs, and am very disappointed with this outcome.

I tried speaking with a manager as well and pleading on our behalf that if only the discount could be honored for this last event as it was already scheduled, would generate lots of profit, and would avoid dissatisfied customers, but was again reminded that it is J. Crew's new policy as of this past Friday. I also added that I was never told there was a limit to the size of the group or any restrictions either. According to corporate, the discount would come from the shop and share program and can only be given to small groups and to customers new to personal shopping. In order for this program not to be removed all together, they needed to adhere to strict rules across all stores. Further, according to the manager, corporate stated that J.Crew cannot be associated with this blog. Further, the only reason that I found out about this change was because I called to confirm the event, and am wondering if I would have been told prior to our arrival on Sunday."

After reading these comments, I wonder if JCA Events will become a thing of the past. I really hope not. :)

Calling All JCAs in the King of Prussia, PA Area

A big "thanks!" to love2shop4bags who has shared with us some great news! She has set up an event for JCAs in the King of Prussia, PA area with a {wonderful} associate at the J.Crew located in the King of Prussia Mall.

The following are some details about this {fantastic} event:

• Who: J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados
  
• Where: J.Crew at the King of Prussia Mall
  160 N Gulph Rd
  King of Prussia, PA 19406
  (610) 265-0210
  
• When: Sunday, August 30th
  fun starts at 11AM (store opening)
  
• Bonus: 20% off entire purchase of $125+ for JCAs!!!

So if you (& your friends) are in the area and interested in attending, please RSVP by sending an email to: love2shop4bags (at) yahoo (dot) com. (Quick Note: Please do RSVP since love2shop4bags needs an exact person-count for the event, as there is only one promo card identifying the discount at the store.)

P.S. I love hearing about these events! They're just too fabulous for words! :)

Calling All JCAs in the Brea, California Area

A big "thanks!" to JCMama who has shared with us some great news! She has set up an event for JCAs in the Brea, California area with a {wonderful} associate at the J.Crew in Brea Mall.

The following are some details about this {fantastic} event:

• Who: J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados
  
• Where: J.Crew at the Brea Mall
  2011 Brea Mall
  Brea, CA 92821
  (714) 255-0307
  
• When: Thursday, August 20th
  fun starts at 6PM until 9PM
  
• Bonus: 20% off entire purchase of $125+ for JCAs!!!

So if you are in the area and interested in attending, please RSVP by sending an email to: notaryjulee (at) gmail (dot) com.

P.S. I have said this before, and I will say it again: I love love love hearing about these events! They're just too fabulous for words! :)

Calling All JCAs in the Houston, TX Area

A big "thanks!" to Samantha who has shared with us some great news! She has set up an event for JCAs in the Houston, Texas area with a {wonderful} associate at the J.Crew located in the Houston Galleria.

The following are some details about this {fantastic} event:

• Who: J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados
  
• Where: J.Crew at the Houston Galleria
  5075 Westheimer Road
  Houston, TX 77056
  (713) 552-1188
  
• When: Wednesday, July 29th
  fun starts at 8PM until 10PM
  
• Bonus: 20% off entire purchase of $150+ for JCAs!!!

So if you are in the area and interested in attending, please RSVP by sending an email to: samanthapham (at) yahoo (dot) com.

P.S. I have said this before, and I will say it again: I love love love hearing about these events! They're just too fabulous for words! :)

Get your closets ready… the Columbia Event only 1 week away!

Just a reminder to let JCAs know that a week from today, there will be a Fall Preview at the Mall of Columbia (Columbia, MD). (Refer to the original "Calling All JCAs in the Columbia, MD Area" post.)

"Thanks!" again to Lyssa & the {wonderful} associates who set this up for us JCAs. Also it sounds like there will be some fantastic visual elements displayed, and refreshments may be served at this event too! [Perhaps some cheese & crackers; veggies, small turkey & veg wraps; cupcakes; festive fall punch (cold), & hazelnut coffee (hot)...]

If you are in the area and interested in attending, please try to RSVP (for head-counting purposes) by sending an email to: lyssaf (at) gmail (dot) com.

P.S. For those attending this event, please please please take pictures. I love seeing fashionable JCAs and their fabulous outfits! :)

Calling All JCAs in the Washington, D.C. Area

A big "thanks!" to AnneG & 3-Penny Princess (3PP) who shared with us some more great news! They have set up an event for JCAs in the Washington, D.C. area with a {wonderful} associate at the J.Crew located at Tysons Galleria.

The following are some details about this {fantastic} event (click here to also read 3PP's original blog post about this event):

• Who: J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados
  
• Where: J.Crew at Tysons Galleria
  2001 International Drive
  McLean, VA 22102
  
• When: Sunday, August 23rd;
  fun starts at 10AM & ends at 12PM
• Bonus: 20% off entire purchase of $125+ for JCAs!!!

So if you are in the area and interested in attending, please RSVP by sending an email to: contact (at) 3pennyprincess (dot) com.

P.S. How awesome are these events?!? Loves it! ... & keep 'em coming! ;)

Calling All JCAs in the Reston, VA Area

A big "thanks!" to AnneG who has shared with us some great news! She has set up an event for JCAs in the Reston, Virginia area with a {wonderful} associate at the J.Crew located in the Reston Town Center

The following are some details about this {fantastic} event (click here to see larger image of invite above):

• Who: J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados
  
• Where: J.Crew in the Reston Town Center
  11953 Market Street
  Reston, VA 20190
  (410) 740-1118
  
• When: Monday, July 27th; fun starts at 7PM & ends at 9PM
• Bonus: 20% off entire purchase of $125+ for JCAs!!!

So if you are in the area & interested in attending, please RSVP (for an estimate of how many will attend) by posting a comment (just a first name & that you are attending is enough) to this post.

P.S. I have said this before, and I will say it again: I love love love hearing about these events! They're just too fabulous for words! :)

Calling All JCAs in the Columbia, MD Area

A big "thanks!" to Lyssa who has shared with us some great news! She has set up an event for JCAs in the Columbia, Maryland area with a {wonderful} associate at the J.Crew located in the Mall of Columbia.

The following are some details about this {fantastic} event (click here to see larger image of invite above):

• Who: J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados
  
• Where: J.Crew at the Mall of Columbia
  10300 Little Patuxnet Pkwy
  Columbia, MD 21044
  (410) 740-1118
  
• When: Wednesday, July 29th; fun starts at 7PM
• Bonus: 20% off entire purchase of $125+ for JCAs!!!

So if you are in the area and interested in attending, please RSVP by sending an email to: lyssaf (at) gmail (dot) com.

P.S. I have said this before, and I will say it again: I love love love hearing about these events! They're just too fabulous for words! :)

Calling All San Francisco, CA Area JCAs!

"Thanks!" to Ms. Mer (please check out her great blog here!) who has shared with us some great news! She has set up an event for JCAs in the San Francisco, California Area with a private shopper at the J.Crew located in the Westfield Mall.

The following details are also available at her blog post about this {fantastic} event (click here):

Who: JCrew Aficionados/as, of course (all levels welcome, hehe)

Where: Westfield Mall JCrew (preparty at Zazil)

When: Saturday, April 18. Preparty is at 7:00pm at Zazil in the mall, JCrew party at 8:30

The plan is to meet up, get a drink and a snack at Zazil (fuel for shopping!) and get to know each other, and then head on over to JCrew to be there at 8:30. You can always just show up at JC if you can't make it for the preparty. I would just love to know how many people will make it to either/both, so I can make reservations at Zazil, and let my personal shopper know how many ladies will be invading JCrew so they can have enough staff on hand. They can also provide refreshments/snacks if I request... right now I think we'll only need refreshments since we'll eat beforehand.

So if you are in the area and interested in attending, please RSVP by sending an email to: maugust (at) gmail (dot) com. Also, please RSVP before Wednesday, April 15th.

P.S. I have said this before, and I will say it again: I love love love hearing about these events! They are just too fabulous for words! :)

Calling All Huntington, NY Area JCAs!

On the morning of March 28th, the J.Crew in Huntington, NY will be hosting a special event to celebrate Spring & their new collection. Customers will also be able to receive 15% off their purchases. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning for those living near the Huntington location!

Location: J.Crew Store at the Walt Whitman Mall
(160-5 Route 110, Huntington, NY)

Happy shopping! :)

Calling All Long Island, NY Area JCAs!

After reading the "Calling All Chicago, IL Area JCAs!" post, Allison (an associate at the J.Crew at the Manhasset store on Long Island) offered to host a similar private in-store shopping event for Long Island -area JCA's!!! {fantastic!}

In order to help with the planning, it would be great to find out how many JCA's there are in the Long Island area & how many would be interested in attending this private shopping event, located at 1950 Northern Boulevard, NY. The time frame for this private shopping event would be sometime in the next few months.

For those In the Long Island area & interested in attending: please contact Allison (email: jcameeting at gmail dot com) as soon as possible to let her know. :)

P.S. If there are any other J.Crew stores interested in hosting similar events, please let us know! :)

Calling All Chicago, IL Area JCAs!

"Yey!" for the Washington D.C. area Aficionadas, who have inspired many J.Crew Aficionadas with their {wonderful} get-togethers (refer to here).

After reading the "Calling All Washington D.C. & Boston, MA Area JCAs" post, Hillary (an associate at the J.Crew on North Avenue in Chicago, IL) offered to host a similar private in-store shopping event for Chicago-area JCA's!!! {how fantastic!}

In order to help with the planning, it would be great to find out how many JCA's there are in the Chicago area & how many would be interested in attending this private shopping event, at the North Avenue Collection store.

The North Avenue Collection store (located at 929 West North Ave) has Men's, Women's and Crewcuts. The time frame for this private shopping event would be sometime in March or April.

For those In the Chicago, IL area & interested in attending: please leave a comment in this post with your email address, so Hillary can contact you. She will let you know about the details as soon as possible, once they have been finalized. :)

P.S. I love, love, love hearing about these events! :)

P.S.S. If there are any other J.Crew stores interested in hosting similar events, please let us know! :)

Calling All Washington D.C. & Boston, MA Area JCAs!

Awhile back, several J.Crew Aficionadas living in the Washington D.C. area got together for an evening of fun (refer to Slastena's post and 3-Penny Princess' post to read & see fantastic pictures of the event). Over at 3-Penny Princess' blog (click here), she announced that there will be another outing (brunch & shopping), for the Washington, D.C. area Aficionadas. {Sounds lovely!} Even more exciting, according to her post: "The Arlington-Pentagon City J.Crew store is excited to host the D.C. Aficionadas for a private wardrobing session on Sunday, March 29! The store will open early just for *us* so we can check out the season's newest arrivals - before anyone else". How awesome is that!!! Click here to learn more about this {amazing} event.

Inspired by the wonderful time had by the Washington D.C. area Aficionadas, there will be a Boston JCA event. Over at the {great} J'Adore These Stores blog (click here), there is a post (click here), that will help coordinate Aficionadas living in the Boston, MA area to meet and have a fun time out.

I have to say that I love, love, love the idea of JCA chapters across the country! :)