Quilted Puffer Vest {Retail versus Factory!}

Both J.Crew and J.Crew Factory came out with Quilted Puffer Vests for their respective Fall 2014 collections. I thought it would be fun to break down the two versions and see which one JCAs like more. To borrow a phrase from GigisGoneShopping, a "smackdown!" of the two.

Excursion quilted vest (item B0109; $120.00)

J.Crew retail's current version is a copy of J.Crew retail's 2013 Excursion Vest. When it comes to sizing, it runs large for most customers. I am normally an extra small/size 2 and find the extra extra small fits best.

Pro

• It has a side pocket in addition to the button covered pocket
• Quality: It is always better from retail.
• Color: Comes in both chartreuse and bright ivory this year. Both colors have not been done in vests before.

Con

• Those gold snap buttons are not my favorite. I don't know what it is about them, but I am not a huge fan. Mind you, I do own two versions of this vest with the gold buttons.
• The zipper is only one way. The two way zippers from 2012 are much easier to wear.
• Limited number of colors this year. Last year, there were more choices. Not sure why this year there are only four. :(

Factory quilted puffer vest (item 92465; $98.00)

J.Crew Factory's current version is actually a copy of J.Crew retail's 2012 Excursion Vest. When it comes to sizing, same scenario as the retail version: size one down.

Pro

• The side pockets are more streamlined with the vest. Plus, there are inside snaps on this version that help keep stuff inside. Awesome little feature! (The retail version from 2012 did not have inside snaps, nor did Factory's version from 2013.)
• Quality: I compared this version with my vests from retail 2012 and could not tell the difference. 
• Colors: The factory version comes in a lot more colors. Including red currant and olive moss, both of which have not been used before.
• Two way zipper- love this! Enough said.

Con

• Quality: It's from Factory. I can't tell the difference from the retail version, but I know J.Crew cut costs somewhere. I don't know where, but it's somewhere... ;)

From my comparisons above, it is clear that I am hearting the Factory version a bit more. It's not to say that I don't like the retail version. I do! I just think the Factory version wins out.

What are your thoughts on the puffer vests from retail J.Crew and J.Crew Factory? Do you have any additional pros or cons that you would add to the lists here? If so, please share! :)

Quick Poll: Which puffer vest do you adore?

J.Crew Outerwear Sale: 30% Off & Free Shipping

"Thanks!" to many of you, including GigiOfCa (in this post), who shared the following promotion with us.

J.Crew is offering 30% off AND free shipping on {select} outerwear for women (click here), men (click here) and kids (click here). This offer expires Wednesday, November 28, 2012. The fine print includes:

*Prices as marked. Offer valid on outerwear purchases made at jcrew.com or in J.Crew stores through November 28, 2012, 11:59pm ET only. Offer is not valid at jcrewfactory.com, in J.Crew Factory stores or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other promotion. Discount is not valid on purchases of Barbour®, Mackintosh®, Baracuta®, nanamica®, Norse Projects™, H.W. Carter and Sons®, Chimala®, Penfield™, K-Way®, Woolrich John Rich & Bros.™, Authier®, Rocky Mountain Featherbed® or Nili Lotan® branded outerwear. Free shipping valid for shipments to the U.S. and Canada on orders shipped via regular ground shipping (3 to 6 business days). Return requests must be made in accordance with our return policy. Terms of offer are subject to change.

This is another good offer from J.Crew that works both online and in stores. Great for those of you who wanted to acquire a new Winter coat, as there is plenty of stock available. Although, if you do not need a coat right away... the best deals are in January.

What are your thoughts on this latest promotion? Are there are pieces you are interested in getting?

Up to 25% Off on J.Crew's Outerwear

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Tiffany Rose (in this post), as well as Irina, who shared the following promotion with us.

J.Crew is offering up to 25% off on {select} outerwear for women (click here), men (click here) and kids (click here). This offer expires Sunday, October 7, 2012. The fine print includes:

*Prices as marked. Offer valid on select women's, men's, boys' and girls' outerwear only. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash or applied to previous purchases. Offer valid at jcrew.com only. Offer is not valid at J.Crew retail stores, J.Crew Factory stores or on J.Crew Factory items. Offer valid through Sunday, October 7, 2012, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid on phone orders. Terms of offer are subject to change at any time.

This is a pretty nice offer for those of you needing a new Winter coat (or two!) There is plenty of stock available.

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Also, if you have already tried on a piece of outerwear, do you mind sharing your review? This might help other JCAs decide which items to try (or which ones to avoid!)

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My personal pick is the Excursion Quilted Vest in Herringbone (Item 93111; $138.00) that is currently on sale for $103.50. I purchased this great vest (as well as the solid ivory version) when it was on sale (25% off) in stores last week.

It is a beautiful piece! The contrast piping and gold hardware are nice touches. I know some JCAs are not fans of the printed herringbone graphic, but I actually found it lovely. I also think it will make it easier to clean.

As for sizing... I own the Excursion Quilted Vest version from last year and found the size XS fit me best then. For whatever reason, this year's version of the vest fits me better in the size XXS. The chest is a tiny bit snugger, but the body looks much better on me. So it might be best to try this on or call for measurements, to make sure you order the right size.

Lastly, this vest (in all its forms) must be selling well, because I notice that my stores are only carrying a few sizes now (instead of the full range).

What are your thoughts on this latest promotion? Are there are pieces you are interested in getting? Have you already tried on a piece of outerwear? If so, please share with us your review!

J.Crew Factory: Out with the (c)old: 30% off women's & men's jackets

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, who shared the latest promotion from J.Crew with us today.

J.Crew is offering 30% off select Factory Outerwear for women and men. Click here to shop J.Crew Factory online. This offer ends today, September 23, 2012. The fine print includes:

Prices as marked. Offer valid on Factory men's & women's jackets online only. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash or applied to previous purchases. Offer valid through Sunday, September 23, 2012, 11:59pm ET. Details of offer are subject to change at any time.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Are there any Outerwear you are interested in getting? If so, please share!

J.Crew Reviews: Coat Review Roundup!

"Thanks!" to Pathos & altagracia (in this post), who suggested that there be a dedicated post to reviewing J.Crew's outerwear.

With the colder weather settling in and all the promotions that are going on, it would be great to have a dedicated post for J.Crew's outerwear collection. (By the way, I know many of you have already shared your outerwear reviews in the "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}" posts, and thank you so much too!!! Just adding a dedicated post so JCAs can find these outerwear reviews a bit faster.) It will be especially helpful in making thoughtful purchases since J.Crew brought back their {dreaded} Final Sale.

I have two reviews to share myself...
First up is the Double-Cloth Townhouse Trench (Item 49612; $350.00). I found that the coat was true-to-size as I went with my usual size 2 in outerwear. (For reference, I am a 34B.) Although I should add that it was a bit snug in the arms and torso when I had a sweater on. (I can easily see how sizing up might help those in between sizes.) There is no back flap to the coat, so that is something to consider if you are pear-shape (like myself). I also want to mention the buttons- they feel a bit on the cheap side. From far away they look great, but are "meh" up close. As for the material, it is the same double-cloth material that J.Crew has offered before. It is good for light Winter days, but not freezing cold temperatures.

My second review is for the Stadium-Cloth Boulevard Trench (Item 19648; $325.00, now $229.99). This coat is also true-to-size for me. I went with size 2 and it fit me perfectly- even with a sweater underneath. The arms were not tight either. It is a beautifully constructed jacket that I highly recommend. There is a back vent which is a nice touch and the collar looks great up or down. (I have definitely popped the collar once or twice to keep my neck warm too and it works!) Lastly, the stadium-cloth material is fantastic at keeping you warm.

What are your thoughts on the outerwear from J.Crew? Do you own any pieces? Have you tried on any at a store? If so, please share with us your review. :)

Up to 30% Off & Free Shipping on Outerwear

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Caitlin (in this post), Michelle P. (in this post), as well as Irina, who shared the following promotion with us.

J.Crew is offering 30% off AND free shipping on {select} outerwear for women (click here), men (click here) and kids (click here). This offer expires Wednesday, December 7, 2011. The fine print includes:

*Prices as marked at jcrew.com. Discount taken at register in stores. Offer valid on women's, men's and kids' outerwear only and cannot be redeemed for cash or applied to previous purchases. Offer valid at jcrew.com and J.Crew retail stores only. Offer is not valid at J.Crew Factory stores. Offer is valid on full-price merchandise only in stores. Offer is not valid on third-party brands in stores or online. Offer valid through Wednesday, December 7, 2011, 11:59pm ET on Internet orders shipped via regular shipping (3 to 6 business days). Free shipping applies to online orders of women's, men's and kids' outerwear only. Free ground shipping on women's, men's and kids' outerwear is applied automatically at checkout. Offer not valid on phone orders. Terms of offer are subject to change at any time.

This is another good offer from J.Crew. Great for those of you who wanted to acquire a new Winter coat. There is plenty of stock available. Although there are some pieces in certain colors already sold out and/ or on back order!

What are your thoughts on this latest promotion? Are there are pieces you are interested in getting?

Up to 25% Off & Free Shipping on Outerwear

"Thanks!" to many of you, including GigiOfCa (in this post), as well as Irina, who shared the following promotion with us.

J.Crew is offering up to 25% off AND free shipping on {select} outerwear for women (click here), men (click here) and kids (click here). This offer expires Tuesday, November 22, 2011. The fine print includes:

*Prices as marked at jcrew.com. Discount taken at register in stores. Offer valid on select women's, men's and kids' outerwear only and cannot be redeemed for cash or applied to previous purchases. Offer valid at jcrew.com and J.Crew retail stores only. Offer is not valid at J.Crew Factory stores. Offer valid through Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 11:59pm ET on Internet orders shipped via regular shipping (3 to 6 business days). Free shipping applies only to online orders of select women's, men's and kids' outerwear only. Free ground shipping on select women's, men's and kids' outerwear only is applied automatically at checkout. Offer not valid on phone orders. Terms of offer are subject to change at any time.

This is a pretty nice offer for those of you needing a new Winter coat (or two!) There is plenty of stock available. Although there are some pieces in certain colors already on back order!

What are your thoughts on this latest promotion? Are there are pieces you are interested in getting?

J.Crew Review: Encore Trench

Encore trench
Click here for product page
Item 47739
Regular: $398.00
Now: $239.99

J.Crew describes this piece as follows:

The sartorial love child of an undercover agent and a prima ballerina, this classic trench transforms in an instant, thanks to a dramatic tulle crinoline that attaches to the inside waist of the jacket (so brilliant). Cotton. Notch collar. Long sleeves. Self belt. Welt pockets. Button-tabs at cuffs. Back vent with button-tab. Fully lined. Hits at knee. Part of J.Crew Collection. Import. Dry clean. Available in select stores.

Most of us gasped when we first saw glimpses of this coat in the Fall sneak preview from awhile back. Pairing the classic styling of a trench coat with the girly flair of the full skirt... LOVES IT!

I knew I had to own this piece after Bourbon & Pearls reviewed this trench (formerly called the Ethel Trench). For reference, check out the "Fellow JCA Reviews the {beloved} Ethel Trench" post.

When I saw the Encore Trench go on sale, I knew I had to act fast. It wouldn't stick around the sale section forever. So as an early birthday gift, I ordered last week the Encore Trench. Good thing too, because it is already sold out!

Now with J.Crew's crazy sizing... I am usually a size 2 in outerwear with J.Crew. Although the past two seasons, I could go down to size 0. For this coat, I decided to stick with the same size I have for the Icon Trench (Item 11210, $298.00, now $199.99). I went with a size 2. I am glad I did, as the fit is perfect. (For reference, I'm 34B.)

The coat is longer than I realized, even on my 5'8 frame. Hits me right above the knee. I like the look and it works for me. But I am not sure if it would be considered too long for those with petite frames. It is worth trying on beforehand (if possible).

The interesting thing about this coat is that there are two belt loops in the back only. It could use another two towards the front of the jacket.

Also, if you were to leave the coat open, it looks okay. Why? Because the tulle totally shows. At least it can be easily removed via buttons along the top. (Of course, the fear is removing the tulle and putting it in storage. Then forgetting wear I put the tulle altogether.)

The full skirt of the coat is really quite stunning. It definitely dresses up any outfit in an instant. Because it is so full, I think it works best with skinny pants. (Although, I haven't tried the coat on with a trouser leg yet.)

I also found the "burnished khaki" quite lovely for Fall. A classic shade of khaki too. It's shade is darker than the "light khaki" of the Icon Trench.

Overall, I really like this coat. Definitely worth the sale price plus the additional 25-30% off (from the promotions of this week and last week).

For another perspective on sizing for this coat, J.CrewJD (in this post) shared her valuable insight:

... I think the consensus is you can either stick with your normal size or go one size up.

I went one size up, the same size I have in the icon trench. But I am kinda busty, and will want to wear layers underneath, and just found the one size up much more comfortable. If this helps, I have a 6 in the wool cashmere plaza coat, the stadium cloth boulevard trench, and a small in my long puffer, but I have an 8 in my lady day coat, icon trench, and encore trench. But I know of another JCA who got her normal size, and lives in a warm climate. I hope that's helpful!

What are your thoughts on the Encore Trench? Have you tried on this coat? If so, please share your review with us too! :)

Product Review: Indigo Pea Jacket

Indigo Pea Jacket
Click here for product page
Item 39331
Regular: $148.00
Now: $89.99

I mentioned awhile back (refer to the "J.Crew Jackets & Blazers... Still The Same?" post) that I got this jacket. I thought it was time for me to actually review it now that it is in the sale section! J.Crew describes this jacket as:

A spring classic beautifully rendered in a new metallic-threaded cotton and given a fresh update with artful weathering and outsize metal buttons. (The metallic threads are specially woven throughout, lending a subtly tousled, essence-of-the-season texture we adore.) Notch collar. Long sleeves. Welt pockets. Partially lined. Hits at hip. Import. Dry clean.

So now my review... My initial reaction is that the jacket is super cute for Spring. I love the nautical inspiration behind it.

When it comes to sizing, I went with my usual size 0. The shoulders were a tad snug, but the body fit me fine. And here's the thing about the body: it was a great fit from the front view, but it was certainly not fitted from the side. So overall, not a fitted or tailored jacket.

The shine of the material is subtle, not in-your-face glitter. It was not scratchy either. Which is a good thing, since it is not fully lined. Honestly, the jacket could have used full lining, and a pretty one at that. When you take off the jacket, the body (which is not lined) looks cheap with its exposed seams inside. Moreover, it didn't look great when I tried rolling up the sleeve.

The gold buttons on the front and back are a great shade that provide a great contrast against the navy blue backdrop. But the buttons feel and look cheap. They should have used the gold embellished buttons of the Schoolboy Blazer.

Although the jacket does not have that much structure to it (it's a bit floppy and seams like it would be prone to wrinkles), the collar does stay up like in the first image of this post. This is actually pretty great as it frames the face nicely.

Overall, it felt to me that J.Crew should have spent a bit more on the details (like the lining & buttons) to make this jacket a classic staple that would be a "go to" for years.

Ultimately, I ended up returning it because I found I never wore it (let alone took the tags off).

What are your thoughts on the Indigo Pea Jacket? Do you own this jacket? Have you tried it on at a store? Do you like this style? If so, please share with us your review. :)

J.Crew Email: Key piece: the matinee trench

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Ketan, who shared the following email J.Crew sent this morning.

The email features the Matinee Trench (Item 36326; $158.00), described as

Getting top billing in our closets this season: our impeccably chic spring topper crafted in polished cotton twill. It's loaded with iconic trench touches (from a waist belt to a buckled back vent and an oversize hood), and we added matte gold hardware for a bit of glamour-girl gleam. Regular fit. Zip closure. Long sleeves. Fully lined. Hits below hip. Import. Dry clean.

The positives: I love that this coat is a trench style (so pretty!) with a hood (must protect the hair!) The question: is the coat water resistant? If not, that sucks. The negative: I don't care for it being dry clean only. I also like the Iconic Trench coat's style more (which incidentally repels water and machine washable). Now there is a coat that will last for a lifetime! :)

What are your thoughts on the Matinee Trench? Have you tried on or own it? If so, please share.

J.Crew Email: Fashion forecast: the rainy day utility jacket

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Ketan, who shared the following email J.Crew sent this morning.

The email features the Rainy Day Utility Jacket (Item 33368; $188.00 , described as

Our sleek spin on the utility jacket—in water-resistant washed nylon and cotton, with sublime sherpa lining, an easy hood and a chic, shape-shifting drawstring waist. A piece you'll reach for day after day because it goes with absolutely everything. Nylon/cotton. Standing collar. Zip front with snap closure. Long sleeves. Welt pockets, chest patch pockets. Functional snaps at cuffs. Fully lined. Hits at hip. Import. Machine wash.

I tried on this jacket at my local brick & mortar (B&M) store. I love that the jacket comes with a hood. A lot of water-resistant jackets don't, which always bother me (I have to protect the hair from frizz!) ;)

I tried on a size 0 and felt it was true to size. With that said, the jacket is a bit boxy. So cinching it in at the waist with the drawstring definitely helps create a shape (but by no means, is it overly tailored).

It will keep you warm with its super lovely sherpa lining. It's definitely a cold weather coat. My only thing is that I like my cold weather jackets to be longer (for more warmth). So I found this jacket short for my needs (as it hits right on the upper hip). But since the jacket is boxy, it probably looks better at the current length it is (versus it being longer).

For awhile this jacket was on sale for about $150 plus an additional 40%. Some lucky JCAs were able to score this item for an amazing price. (And who knows, maybe B&M stores are still carrying the promotional price.)

What are your thoughts on the Rainy Day Utility Jacket? Have you tried on or own it? If so, please share.

30% Off Women's & Men's Outerwear {in stores & online}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including GigiOfCa (in this post) as well as Marietta, who shared the latest promotion from J.Crew.

J.Crew is offering 30% off select Women's & Men's outerwear. This promotion expires this December 8, 2010. The fine print includes:

*Prices as marked. Offer valid on men's and women's outerwear in J.Crew retail stores and at jcrew.com only and cannot be combined with any other in-store offer. Offer excludes Aether®, Authier®, Baracuta®, Barbour®, Belstaff®, Mackintosh®, Crescent Down Works, Dollar Trench®, Fjällräven® Kanken, Fox Brothers & Co., Gloverall®, Heller's Café, Levi's®, Mister Freedom® and Woolrich John Rich and Bros. Offer is not valid at J.Crew Factory stores or on J.Crew Factory items. Offer valid through Wednesday, December 8, 2010, 11:59pm ET. Previous purchases are not eligible for free shipping discount.

Love to see that this promotion is automatically applied. It works great with their offer for free shipping on orders of $150+ with promo code SHIP150. (This offer expires December 20, 2010.)
Personally though, there are not too many coats I am interested right now. I have so many beautiful ones from previous seasons of J.Crew, that I am all set.

Will you take advantage of this latest promotion? If so, what items did you pick up?

20% Off All Women's Outerwear

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Amanda (in this post) as well as Marietta & Irina, who shared the latest promotion from J.Crew.

J.Crew is offering 20% off all Women's outerwear. This promotion expires this Sunday, October 24, 2010. The fine print includes:

*Prices as marked. Offer excludes Belstaff®, Barbour®, Mackintosh® and Authier® and cannot be redeemed for cash or applied to previous purchases. Offer valid in J.Crew retail stores and at jcrew.com only. Offer is not valid at J.Crew Factory stores or on J.Crew Factory items. Offer valid through Sunday, October 24, 2010, 11:59pm ET.

Love to see the promotion. :) Personally though, there are not too many coats I am interested right now. I have so many beautiful ones from previous seasons of J.Crew, that I am all set.

Will you take advantage of this latest promotion? If so, what items did you pick up?

What's Up w/ the Vintage Zebra-Stripe Trench?

Vintage Zebra-Stripe Trench
Click here for product page
Item 22365
Regular: $188.00

J.Crew describes this trench as the following:

All the true-to-tradition details of a classic trench, updated in a brushstroked zebra stripe (what can we say, we're animal lovers). The best part? The playfully tiered ruffles in back. Yup, this is the piece that will make you pray for rain. Cotton/poly/metallic threads. Long sleeves. On-seam pockets. Functional tabs at cuffs. Fully lined. Hits at hip.

The Vintage Zebra-Stripe Trench is no Snow-leopard Simone Peacoat (which I absolutely adore!) Instead, this trench makes me wonder if J.Crew is straying from the classic but chic appeal of their line by going to ruffle-overdrive. Apparently, I am not the only one...

A big "thanks!" to Tiffany Rose for suggesting this item for a "Questionable Item of the Week" post. At first glance, this jacket from the front view does not seem so bad. In many regards, it has a cute zebra print with a classic trench shape. However, from the back... there are a lot of ruffles goin' on. The tiers of ruffles on the back side are way too much. I love ruffles and I think J.Crew does a great job of incorporating ruffles in the past few seasons, but maybe they shouldn't stick ruffles onto every new arrival. ;)

Also, a big "thanks!" to Mack who took notice of this jacket for a different reason. She found a mini-blooper with the stock photos of this jacket. In particular, the image of the jacket on the model shows cuffs around the sleeves while the image on the mannequin does not. To emphasize this blooper, the cuffs disappear/ reappear when you zoom in and out from the image of the jacket (shown on the model).

What are your thoughts on this jacket? Do you like or dislike the style (e.g. ruffles) or print? Do you own this jacket? If so, please share your review (& let us know if it came with cuffs or not). :)

Product Review: Mint Tweed Griffin Coat

Mint Tweed Griffin Coat
Click here for product page
Item 20401
Regular: $395.00

With the Winter season officially here, there can never be too many reviews for J.Crew's outerwear. This time it is for the delicious Mint Tweed Griffin Coat, which J.Crew describes as:

The coat of the season in luscious mint tweed, finished with vintage-inspired faux-horn buttons and a notched hem and sleeves. It feels incredible on—it's an Italian lightweight wool that allows lots of movement while keeping you toasty warm. Wool blend. Closure anchored with interior backer buttons. Long sleeves. On-seam vertical pockets. Fully lined. Hits just above knee. Part of the J.Crew Collection.

A big "thanks!" to Modern Antique (in this post), who shared her thoughts on this coat with us. The following is her review:

I just received the mint tweed Griffin coat. I was more excited about this piece that any other this season, but I have to return it because of the fit.

I am 5'9" and always wear a size 4 in J.Crew jackets and coats. The shoulders fit just fine. Straight across the chest was more fitted. There is almost no shape to the waist-it's more of a loose/swing style. The killer was that the arms were 2" too short on me. Looking at the model wearing the coat, I think you can see sort of the same thing-the sleeves only hit her high wrist. Due to the way the sleeves are sewn, I'm not sure a tailor could lengthen them. The fabric isn't folded under, the seam is right there at the bottom edge of the sleeve.

The mint tweed fabric, however, is absolutely gorgeous. The color and the marble faux-horn buttons could not be more beautiful.

On a side note, I was disappointed with the way this item was packaged. The coat was quite rumpled when I received it. It was just folded in half over a piece of cardboard. There was no hanger or anything else to differentiate it as a collection piece.

Hope this helps.

"Thanks!" again to Modern Antique for her great review!

What are your thoughts on the Mint Tweed Griffin Coat? Are you considering or already have purchased this coat? Have you seen this coat in person? If so, please share with us your reviews too! :)

J.Crew Email: ENDS TODAY. 30% off all outerwear + FREE SHIPPING.

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who shared the following email J.Crew sent today.

It is another reminder email that J.Crew has two promotions ending today. First, they are offering 30% off all outerwear for Men (click here to shop online) and Women (click here to shop online). This offer is available both online and in brick & mortar (B&M) stores. Second, they are offering free shipping on orders of $150+ with promo code WINTER.

From the comments in previous posts, it sounds like some of you got some new Winter coats. {yey!} It is perfect timing, consider the snow storm experienced in many parts of the country today. ;) (Including where I live. Which means I have to start shoveling the snow off my driveway now.) :(

Will you be taking advantage of either promotion? If so, what items are you planning to get? If not, why (waiting for a better promotion)?

J.Crew Email: 30% off all outerwear + FREE SHIPPING

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Dina, Tiffany Rose, Marietta, as well as Green_Dino (in this post), who let us know the following offers.

J.Crew is offering 30% off all outerwear for Men (click here to shop online) and Women (click here to shop online). This offer is available both online and in brick & mortar (B&M) stores. This offer ends this Wednesday, 12/9/09.

J.Crew is also offering free shipping on orders of $150+ with promo code WINTER. This offer expires 12/9/09. :)

Lastly, the sale section (click here to shop) had a nice update this morning. Of course that would happen the day after the 25% off promotion ends. ;)

Will you be taking advantage of either promotion? If so, what items are you planning to get? If not, why (waiting for a better promotion)?

J.Crew Email: Covetable, collectible coats

J.Crew's sent an email today to promote their outerwear for Women (click here to shop online). They are featuring the Stadium-Cloth Winnie Jacket (Item 16729; $245.00), which has been available online and in-stores for awhile. In case you are interested, GigiOfCa has a post dedicated to this jacket that is worth check out: "J Crew - stadium-cloth Winnie jacket".

Frankly, I am not overly excited about the current selection for outerwear. I can't wait to see the next roll-out (which is expected to happen soon, like next week soon!) to see what J.Crew delivers in terms of winter coats, including the one shown in the center image below.
Incidentally, these images come from the "Sneak Peek Into J.Crew's Fall Offerings {thanks MissMasala!}" post from last week.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's current outerwear? Are you excited or disappointed with the current items? Are you looking forward to the next roll-out of outerwear? :)