Celebrate Earth Day with J.Crew!

"Thanks!" to  many of you, who shared the following email & promotion.

J.Crew is offering to donate a portion of select in-store sales to Xerces Society. Plus, they are giving away a candle with any purchase of $150 or more in store. The following is the fine print:

*Donation amount will be between 5% and 15% of the total sales at select stores on April 22, 2016, after a minimum sales threshold is reached. 

**Offer valid in select J.Crew stores on April 22, 2016, on purchases of $150 or more before taxes are added, while supplies last. Limit one gift per customer. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in combination with any other offer. Gift items cannot be returned or exchanged. Terms of offer are subject to change.

No clue how to find out which stores are participating without calling them individually. And no clue what the minimum sales threshold reached is. Odd right?

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, please share!

Take an Additional 20% Off J.Crew's Third Party Merchandise

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Sean, who let us know about the following promotion from a post over at Reddit (click here to check it out).

J.Crew Factory is offering an additional 20% off regular priced third party merchandise with promo code THANKYOU. It's unclear how long this promotion will last. So if you are interested in something, I recommend getting it sooner than later.

Sean also shares: "For instance, the St. James shirts are eligible, and Alden shoes (I’m a guy, and these never go on sale)."

This is pretty awesome! J.Crew very rarely (as in, just one time that I can remember) puts their regular priced third party merchandise on promotion.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, what items are you interested in?

48 Hours Only: A Private Third Party Branded Item Sale Event at J.Crew

"Thanks!" to many of you, who let us know about the following promotion.

J.Crew is offering their "best customers" to take an extra 20% off select third-party branded items. The email being sent to customers includes a unique, one-time promo code. The offer expires January 27, 2015. The fine print includes:

*Offer valid on the purchase of third-party branded items marked "20% off with your exclusive code" at jcrew.com from January 26, 2015, 12:01am ET through January 27, 2015, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in J.Crew or J.Crew Factory stores, at jcrewfactory.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in combination with any other offer. To redeem, enter the unique code above in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promotional code per order. Offer valid in the U.S. only. Terms of offer are subject to change.

**25% discount valid on the purchase of select full-price items. 40% discount valid on the purchase of select final sale items. Offers valid in J.Crew stores and at jcrew.com from January 26, 2015, 12:01am ET through January 27, 2015, 11:59pm ET. In-store discounts as advertised. Offers valid online on items marked "25% off with your exclusive code" and "Extra 40% off with your exclusive code." Offers not valid in the 769 Madison Avenue store, Liquor Store, Ludlow Shops, J.Crew Factory stores, at jcrewfactory.com or on phone orders. Offers cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other offer. In-store discounts automatically taken at the register. To redeem online, enter your exclusive code in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promotional code per order. Offers valid in the U.S. only. Terms of offers are subject to change. Final sale items cannot be returned or exchanged. 

This is a wonderful promotion as J.Crew rarely offers an additional percent off on full priced third party items. YEY!

Double check your email to see if you got this special email from J.Crew!

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion at J.Crew? What item are you hoping to pick up? Please share!

J.Crew + Band Aids = Why Not?

Did you notice that J.Crew has partnered, of all companies and products, Johnson & Johnson's Band-Aid? Yes, that Band-Aid. The ones you go to for cuts and scrapes. (Now you are probably singing "I am stuck on band aid brand cause band aid's stuck on me...")

J.Crew has two versions: one for adults with the Band-Aid® Brand adhesive bandages by J.Crew
(item B3283; $5.00), and one for kids with the Band-aid® brand adhesive bandages by crewcuts (item B3143; $5.00). Personally, the kids version is much cooler.

This seems like one of J.Crew's more random partnerships. However, I totally dig them. Is it weird that I am going to get them? I mean, look at how awesome they are. Amiright?

And when people ask me where I got the amazing band-aid covering my paper-cut, I can tell them I got it from J.Crew. Yes, that J.Crew. ;)

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's partnership with Band-Aid? Do you already own them? If so, would you recommend them?

The Wait is Over: Shop CFDA/Vogue Collections {plus Bridal Sale}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including A & Emily, who shared the following news/ email from J.Crew with us.

J.Crew is offering customers early access (click here to shop) to purchase from the limited edition collection of the 2012 design winners of the CFDA/ Vogue Fashion Fund. The designers include Greg Chait of The Elder Statesman, as well as Tabitha Simmons and Jennifer Meyer.

Plus, today is the start of J.Crew Factory's first "Weddings & Parties Private Sale". This event runs from May 20-21, 2013.

Customers can expect to see up to 75% off select bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses from past seasons. To shop this event, you must be a "Factory First" member. J.Crew will send out an email with a private link the the sale.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming CFDA collection from J.Crew? Are you a fan of the capsule collection pieces? Are you planning to shop the "Weddings & Parties Private Sale"?

Sneak Peek: 3 Designers. 3 Collections. Exclusively for J.Crew.

A big "thanks!" to A, Mel, as well as ReaganFlowers (in this post), who shared the following news/ email from J.Crew with us.

J.Crew is offering customers a chance to purchase from the 2012 design winners of the CFDA/ Vogue Fashion Fund. The designers include Greg Chait of The Elder Statesman, as well as Tabitha Simmons and Jennifer Meyer.

The {limited edition} collection will be available for sale online starting May 22, 2013. However, J.Crew is offering their customers early access starting on May 20, 2013. To sign up, click here.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming collection from J.Crew? Are you a fan of the capsule collection pieces?

Don't Just Look Like J.Crew {smell like it too!}

There is an article over at GQ about J.Crew's latest partnership (click here to read in its entirety):

Exclusive: J.Crew Gets Into the Scent Game with D.S. & Durga
By Matthew Sebra
March 26, 2013

After getting into the closets of, seemingly, every man in America, Frank Muytjens and his team of menswear folks over at J.Crew are now looking to claim real estate on guys' bathroom countertops as well. Working with Brooklyn-based cologne maker D.S. & Durga, Muytjens and Durga's perfumer David Seth Moltz collaborated on the exclusive, original scent that pulls inspiration from a cool, foggy day Muytjens spent at Big Sur.

According to the 'Crew's head of men's design: "The California coast is a sacred place for me, and it's been an inspiration for us in several men's collections at J.Crew. It's undisturbed, understated... it's raw in a way, and you have to search for the beauty in it. The air is rich out there and it's stays with you. I can smell it now." That intensity is translated through notes of wild herbs, predominantly sage and eucalyptus, that blend with coastal woods and kelp, producing a cologne that deftly walks the line between fresh and masculine. The scent's depth is also due to D.S. & Durga's small-batch production and premium raw ingredients, factors that are evident from first spray. We'd go on talking about the crisp cologne and quality for the price, but c'mon, it's J.Crew -- did you expect anything less?

J.Crew is currently selling 1.7 oz (50 ml) of the D.S. & Durga for J.Crew Homesteader's cologne (item 01868) for $98. Clearly this is on the pricier side for men's cologne (even for women's perfume).

The description for the cologne is pretty funny too. I can just picture "the hardy men who settled Big Sur among the wild herbs", and I am not sure if they are wearing cologne. Let alone dress preppy in J.Crew's button-down shirts, khakis, and Sperry Top-Siders. (I think it would be more like Patagonia fleeces and LL Bean boots.)

Don't get me wrong, I am definitely curious about the scent in real life. Especially one that "walks the line between fresh and masculine" (...what does that even mean?!?) I just don't know if I will be purchasing it for the men in my life anytime soon.

What are your thoughts on this latest partnership with J.Crew? Have you smelled the scent? If so, please share with us your review! :)

J.Crew Email: The velvet slipper

"Thanks!" to Irina, who shared the following email J.Crew sent yesterday.

The email not only features the Stubbs & Wootton® for J.Crew Classic Velvet Slippers (item 10264; $400.00), but also shares its back story with customers:

Though Stubbs & Wootton founder Percy Steinhart opened up shop in a tiny Palm Beach boutique in 1993, his heart was in early 20th century England: Steinhart wanted to recreate the handmade needlepoint house slippers that men would change into after muddying their boots on unpaved streets (and which quickly became fashionable options for formal, evening and dinner wear). The results are chic (and sometimes cheeky) designs handcrafted by a small community of artisans in La Mancha, Spain, known for their tradition of quality and expertise in stitching and assembling footwear. Luckily for us, Stubbs & Wootton created these quirky, totally-up-our-alley pairs exclusively for J.Crew, which means they're even more special complements to everything from dresses to tapered trousers—and you can't find them anywhere else.

Uh, I don't know what to make of these. Don't get me wrong, I think they are cute. But are they cute on? It is really tough to make velvet slippers work with an outfit.

And of course there is the price tag... $400 is a lot to spend on a trend that I am not sure will last more than a season or two. (I should add, that I do own some loafers myself. Just not at that price point.)

What are your thoughts on the velvet slippers from J.Crew? Have you seen a pair in person? If so, please share! :)

Quick Poll: Do you like the Classic Velvet Slippers?

J.Crew Styled around the World

"Thanks!" to Louise, Theo, & Desert Flower, who let us know that the Satorialist is working with J.Crew on a feature showing how J.Crew is styled all over the world.

To see more about this creative project, there is a post over at the Satorialist (click here) as well as a special feature over at J.Crew (click here) that is worth checking out. J.Crew shares:

J.Crew is all about an inspiring mix of timeless designs crafted from some of the finest fabrics around the globe. Now that we’re shipping worldwide, we can’t wait to see how our seriously stylish new friends are wearing their favorite pieces. So we sent photographers Garance Doré and Scott Schuman on an eight-city tour to gather the evidence—proving that amazing style, one-of-a-kind color and impeccable quality know no time zone…

There is a great article at WWD about this feature too (click here to read in its entirety):

J.Crew Taking Global View
By David Moin
June 15, 2012

J.Crew has a soft-sell approach to the hard task of cultivating an international audience. Starting today, the homepage of jcrew.com overseas will have a “Hello World” greeting designating a section featuring “style-makers” from different countries and different realms. Publishers, retailers, photographers and bloggers are profiled with photo diaries, short videos and concise commentaries on their personal style. They also wear an item from J.Crew, to show how it integrates into their outfits and lifestyles, but the profiles focus on the individuals rather than J.Crew product. “We’re looking to make a real personal connection, not just splash ads all over the place,” J.Crew president and creative director Jenna Lyons told WWD. “We’re not talking about us so much. We wanted a different level of honesty and integrity. It’s more humble.”

Jcrew.com/helloworld features Hilary Tsui, style blogger and owner of the well-known Hong Kong boutique Liger; TK Mak, creator of Hong Kong-based pop culture magazine Milkk; Berlin’s Sven Schumann, founder of online magazine The Talks, and Popeye Magazine editor in chief Takahiro Kinoshita of Tokyo. In July, five more style influencers from Paris, Milan, London and Sydney will be on Hello World.

To create Hello World, J.Crew enlisted CFDA Award-winning fashion photographers and bloggers Garance Doré and Scott Schuman, who happen to be a couple, to travel the globe and photograph, film and profile the tastemakers.

Also, Hello World offers customers outside of North America “insider” benefits such as complementary expedited shipping, priority access to personal shoppers and duty-free shopping through Aug. 31.

Asked how familiar people overseas are with J.Crew, Lyons replied, “That’s the magic question. We don’t know,” though she said in some places, the response is surprising. “The people on Hello World will help validate and spread the word for us. They have cool, individual styles — a point of view.”

It is always neat to see how fashion is translated by different cities. It is even better to see how J.Crew pieces are being worn by international fashionistas.

Lastly, the insider benefit of expedited shipping and duty free shopping is a fantastic perk for international shoppers of J.Crew. Great move!

What are your thoughts on the Hello World feature by J.Crew? Do you like how the pieces are worn? Do you think J.Crew has global appeal? :)

Manolo Blahnik for J.Crew {not happening!}

Back in February, in the "Manolo Blahnik Did Not Know About J. Crew Collaboration" post, we learned that Manolo Blahnik was not aware about their collaboration with J.Crew. "Thanks!" to Angela, who let us know about an article over at Fashionista (click here to read) with the latest on the Manolo Blahnik for J.Crew Collection:

That Manolo Blahnik for J. Crew Collaboration Is Not Happening After All
By Hayley Phelan
April 26, 2012

Well this is a disappointment. Turns out that Manolo Blahnik for J.Crew collaboration, revealed at the brand’s fall presentation during New York fashion week, is not happening after all.

You’ll recall that Manolo Blahnik reportedly had no knowledge of the collaboration. Still, following that revelation, Jenna Lyons later told The Daily, “We are in a good place with [Manolo Blahnik] now. Everything’s OK,” both parties have decided not to move forward with the project “due to wholesale production restraints on [Manolo Blahnik's] end,” a spokesperson for the shoe company told us. In other words, you better take a good look at those pretty stilettos in the above image because you may never get to put them on your pretty little feet…or at least not anytime soon.

“We were looking forward to the potential collaboration between our two brands, we both came to the conclusion that fall wasn’t the right time,” Manolo Blahnik’s president George Malkemus told us. “We hope to do something together in the future.”

Lyons and her team, who were “a joy to work with” according to a Manolo Blahnik rep, released a statement with a similar sentiment: “We have a mutual admiration for each other and while we couldn’t do this for fall, we hope to collaborate in the future.” Dear (shoe) gods, we hope so too.

The cynic in me doubts there was ever a shoe collaboration between the two in the first place. I think there was a lot of miscommunication and misunderstanding that caused the initial announcement in the first place, and why it never moved forward.

Are you sad that the Manolo Blahnik for J.Crew Collection will not be materializing? Do you think they will move forward with one in the "future"? What are your thoughts on this newest development?

J.Crew Teams Up with Kotur Handbags

Back in November of 2011, J.Crew held a launch party in New York for their latest collaboration: KOTUR for J.Crew Collection. (To view images of this event, click here.) Fiona Kotur designed a capsule collection of handbags, ranging from $350 to $615.

"Thanks!" to Aline of Kotur, who shared the following fun interview of Jenna Lyons with us (click here for original link):

Muse not only to me, but to many - those who blog, buy and behold her covetable, preppy-chic style. As a follower of jcrew.com’s monthly “Jenna’s Picks”, I am one of the many, inspired by her styling and her creative spirit.

Jenna’s own trademark insouciant style takes a little from the boys, a dab from Grandma and is finessed with a good pinch of chic. Often combining sequins, feathers, cashmere and camouflage in a way only the sartorially blessed can.

Truly statuesque at 6’ in her stockinged feet - not that you would ever know as she is ALWAYS in her heels, elevating even the most downbeat of 10-year-old denims to fashionable new heights.

I met Jenna when, as Creative Director for J.Crew, she asked me to create a range of bags for their Holiday collection. Naturally, I jumped at the chance, and I'm so excited to be launching the collection alongside Jenna at the J.Crew New York flagship store event next week…

KOTUR: What’s in your make-up bag?
Jenna: Red Square – Nars; Blistex; Crème Blush – always; Black Eyeliner

KOTUR: Do you have a favorite purse or bag?
Jenna: Vintage Chanel – Mint Green

KOTUR: Name your desert island essentials?
Jenna: Sunscreen, Beckett, a J.Crew string bikini, and a good book

KOTUR: Do you have a beauty secret?
Jenna: Don’t look too closely into the mirror and be happy

KOTUR: What do you wear on a fat day?
Jenna: Men’s trousers and a white shirt, the highest heels I can find and red lips – smoke & mirrors

KOTUR: How would your female friends describe your style?
Jenna: Boyfriend/granny

KOTUR: What’s the most treasured item in your wardrobe?
Jenna: My ten-year-old Okura jeans.

KOTUR: Is there anything in your wardrobe you should get rid of but can’t?
Jenna: That list is embarrassingly long

KOTUR: What do you never leave home without?
Jenna: My 1969 Gold Rolex

KOTUR: When home alone, what do you wear?
Jenna: My day of the week undies and an oversized t-shirt

KOTUR: You’re the fashion police for a day, what do you ban?
Jenna: French Manicures

KOTUR: How old is too old for a mini?
Jenna: 29 years, 11 months and 20 days

KOTUR: Have you ever worn anything you are now embarrassed by?
Jenna: Have done, will probably do again, am sure I will, forever. Asymmetrical haircut was the worst.

KOTUR: Have you ever worn anything you now regret?
Jenna: I have cried many fashion tears.

KOTUR: How high is too high a heel?
Jenna: When you can’t walk

KOTUR: What is your most recent purchase?
Jenna: Celine plaid pants & coat

KOTUR: What quality do you most admire in a person?
Jenna: Smile, vulnerability and generosity

KOTUR: Can you judge a book by its cover?
Jenna: Terribly

KOTUR: What are your guilty pleasures?
Jenna: Full cartons of ice cream with a tequila chaser

KOTUR: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Jenna: Never let people see your stress

KOTUR: What’s your favorite smell?
Jenna: Clean skin

KOTUR: What’s your idea of a great holiday?
Jenna: No phone

KOTUR: What are you most proud of?
Jenna: My beautiful boy

KOTUR: What are you least proud of?
Jenna: My ass

KOTUR: What’s your pure bliss?
Jenna: My son’s belly laugh

KOTUR: If you could meet someone from history who would it be?
Jenna: Betsy Ross

KOTUR: Yes or no to a nip and a tuck?
Jenna: Ask me in 20 years

KOTUR: What would you like to achieve before you die?
Jenna: Balance

KOTUR: Which of the various Kotur bags you have is your favorite?
Jenna: The JB Renna Shagreen clutch makes my heart stop

KOTUR: On a scale of one-to-ten, how good looking are you?
Jenna: Ha. That’s a trap.

I have to say, Jenna Lyons always comes off so personable in interviews!

What are your thoughts on the Q&A with Jenna Lyons? Did you find any tidbits interesting? Are you a fan of the KOTUR for J.Crew collection? Please share! :)

Manolo Blahnik Did Not Know About J. Crew Collaboration

There is quote over at the Fashionista (click here to read) about J.Crew's newest collaboration with Manolo Blahnik:

Quote of the Day: Manolo Blahnik Had No Idea He Was Doing a J.Crew Collaboration
By Dhani Mau
February 23, 2012

"I have been approached so many times to do one, but I don’t want to work for a big company where I’ll have to have lots of meetings where I’m told what I can and can’t do. My niece, Kristina, handles that sort of thing for me – it’s just not for me. I was recently contacted by JCrew to do something with them, so I sent them over 45 pairs of shoes, and they announced we were doing a collaboration. I had no idea about it!"

–Manolo Blahnik to Vogue UK on doing high street collaborations. So that’s how J.Crew got Blahnik to do a collaboration–by not telling him. Guess he won’t be attending meetings with Jenna Lyons anytime soon.

Oh my! {giggling to herself} I am sure J.Crew will choose to not address this quote in any press release when they do finally release the "Manolo Blahnik for J.Crew" footwear collection.

Although, could you imagine what the product blurb would read if J.Crew did?!? Something like "...we can't believe this dream collaboration came true, and apparently neither did Manolo Blahnik!" Well, that is pretty lame catalog writing on my part. WellFedFred is much better at this (she is really good), she could come up with something much more clever and funny. (Hint: I would love to see WellFedFred's take on this.) :)

What are your thoughts on the quote from Manolo Blahnik? What would be your product blurb for the "Manolo Blahnik for J.Crew" collection?

J.Crew Works Fashion Week {2012}

J.Crew had its presentation today at Fashion Week. We can pretend we were there thanks to all the media coverage!

The following list is just a start, I will update as they come in. "Thanks!" to many of you, including J.CrewJD (in this post), Catherine & Disco George (in this post), One Step (in this post), as well as Michelle, Susan, & SarahV, who shared the following:

Articles with images

• Daily Mail UK: "J Crew's Jenna Lyons takes inspiration from HERSELF for latest collection... and the fashion pack can't get enough of it"
  
• FabSugar: "JCrew Runway Fall 2012"
• Fashion Etc.: "J.Crew Fall 2012 Review"
• Huffington Post Style: "J. Crew Manolo Blahnik Collaboration Debuts At Fashion Week"
• LA Times Blog: "New York Fashion Week Fall 2012: J. Crew, Manolo Blahnik to collaborate"
  
• Racked: "J. Crew Scores a Manolo Collaboration for Fall"
• Times Magazine Blog: "Photos of the Moment | J. Crew"
  
• The Washington Post Lifestyle: "J. Crew combines classic preppy look with NY Fashion Week glamour: Beaded dress, colored jeans"
• WWD: "J.Crew RTW Fall 2012"
  

Images

• Getty Images
  
• Harper's Bazaar
  
• iliveinyellow
• ideeli
• ideeli
• styledotcommarina

Also, "thanks!" to Michelle who shared the following juicy tidbit with us: "Big news: the J Crew Fall 2012 Partnership is with Manolo Blahnik." This news has been confirmed by Racked in their "J. Crew Scores a Manolo Collaboration for Fall" article. They share:

Jenna Lyons told WWD that J. Crew will be doing a collaboration with none other than Manolo Blahnik for fall. The only details we have so far are via WWD's twitter feed, which reports that the capsule will be sold online.

How exciting! Can't wait to learn more about the partnership. I am also curious at what prices those pieces will start at. (Probably a lot of $$$!)

As for the Fashion Show, I think the above image says quite a bit. If you are not a fan of Jenna Lyons, you might just be in trouble! If you are a fan of her style, then you are in luck! As the Daily Mail UK points out in their article: "J Crew's Jenna Lyons takes inspiration from HERSELF for latest collection... and the fashion pack can't get enough of it".

What are your thoughts? Are you excited about J.Crew's presence at Fashion Week?

J.Crew Men's Empire Expands

The following article is from the Wall Street Journal (click here to read in its entirety):

J.'s Crew: As its men's empire expands, the co-branding pioneer rolls with a growing gang of specialty outfitters
November 26, 2011

"Men's fashion has moved more quickly in the last 10 years than it has over the last 40," said Millard "Mickey" Drexler, J. Crew's dynamic CEO.

One of the key moments in that acceleration may have been the company's 2008 opening of the Liquor Store, its first men's-only shop built in an old spirits seller in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood. It introduced a formula that has served as a clever template for the six J. Crew men's shops that followed (including a newly opened space in Manhattan's Columbus Circle) and planned outposts in Los Angeles, Toronto and London.

Feeling more like individual boutiques than J. Crew's integrated stores, the spaces are stylized, site-specific environments. They are filled with not only the brand's merchandise but antique furniture, inspiration books plucked from the designer's offices and exclusive collaborations with little-known labels.

"We collaborate with people that are doing what we can't do," said Mr. Drexler, who, with the help of president and creative director Jenna Lyons and head of men's design Frank Muytjens, has brokered more than 100 partnerships with brands such as Timex, Thomas Mason and Red Wing. "Now we're sharing customers with every high-end designer in the world. We want to offer something a little more scarce, a little more hard to find," he added.

The result: Obscure Japanese labels and so-traditional-no-one's-bought-it-for-decades brands become famous in a season. Here, Mr. Muytjens tells us about a few of those brands you probably haven't heard of...yet.

J.Crew Men's Shop colloborates with several designers:

• Gloverall | This brand has been producing the duffle coat since 1954 in Northampton, England. It's slim and short and the quality is beautiful.
• Drakes London | Such a great English brand. They've been around a long time, so the scarves have a very traditional look. I love the snowflake pattern.
• Ricker Handmade | This is an exclusive bag design we have from Ricker. It's made out of old postal bags with patches of vintage Japanese indigo sewn over it. No two bags are the same.
• Scott-Nichol | We love the chunky knit and the tweed yarn—they're the iconic English Hunting Sock. The Fair Isle print is my favorite.
• Fratelli Rossetti | We're always looking for the ultimate loafer. Fratelli Rossetti's are pretty amazing. The toe is not too round nor too square.
• Kato | We discovered Kato, this obscure Japanese brand, during a trip to Tokyo. It's a fresh perspective on a work shirt. We're the only ones outside of Asia to carry it.
• Mougin & Piquard | This was a defunct French watch brand that Tourneau relaunched with us. We went back into their archives and designed the Grande Seconde. We're the only ones to carry the brand in the world.
• Wallace & Barnes | These jeans in our salt fade wash are from our new vintage-inspired capsule collection, which you can only get at our men's stores. They're made in the USA from beautiful Japanese denim, and the fit is not too slim and not too straight. I've been wearing them for a month!

First, I had no idea that J.Crew had so many partnerships. They have been involved in more collaborations during the past few years, just didn't realize how many!

Second, I think their store concept for Men is great. Although I am curious if they plan to expand that across the country (not just in major cities).

What are your thoughts on the article? Any part you found particularly interesting? If so, please share! :)

Product Review: Timex® Traveler Watch

Timex® Traveler Watch
Click here for product page
Item 37301
Regular: $98.00
Sale: $78.00

J.Crew describes it as the following:

Introducing our very first ladies' watch designed in collaboration with the iconic American watchmaker. Inspired by a 1960s wristwatch we found at an estate sale, it fuses vintage elements with world-class modern crafting. Featuring an unfussy yet feminine silver-tone case, a crisp analog dial and a cherry red arrow at the second hand (a rare vintage detail we adore), this is one you'll wear day after day, year after year. Brass and stainless steel watch case. Nylon strap with stainless steel hardware. Diameter of watch case: 25mm. Strap width: 12mm. Import. Timex is a registered trademark of Timex Group USA, Inc.

Earlier in the year, I mentioned how J.Crew's Timex watch for women caught my eye. (Refer to the January 25th "New Lady Watch from Timex For J.Crew" post.) I already own J.Crew's Timex Military Watch (Item 10884; $150.00), and could not justify another one... or could I? Yup, I can! I simply could not resist when the Timex Traveler Watch went on sale last week with an additional 30% off! (I think so many of us jumped to buy this watch because of the sale too.)

My watch has finally arrived and I have to say... loves it!!! I normally favor larger watches. However, this one is so pretty thanks to its beautiful design. Some might think the poly straps would make this watch look more casual. However, the diminutive size of the watch adds to its overall delicate nature, giving it a really chic feel.

Similar to the Timex Military Watch, the straps are interchangeable and too long (requiring it to be folded over and tucked). The original Timex comes with a black strap. However, the women's version includes an olive green strap– a perfect shade that will work with almost any outfit. The cherry red arrow on the second hand really pops on the watch too!

Overall, very pleased with this watch! I already ordered an additional Women's Watch Strap (Item 39298; $12.00; select colors $2.99), and plan to get a few more colors in the upcoming year.

The real life image above of the watch is from the Sincerely Sammie blog where she beautifully incorporates J.Crew's Timex® Traveler Watch with her outfits. Check out her "Mint Cherry" (where the above image was from) and the "Orange Crush" post to see more images of this watch! :)

What are your thoughts on the Timex® Traveler Watch? Do you own this watch? Have you tried it on at a store? Do you like this style? If so, please share with us your review. :)

J.Crew Offers {New} Classic Timepiece

"Thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada, who let us know about an article over at The New York Times (click here to read in its entirety):

Ticking Again: Reviving a Classic Timepiece
By Erica Blumenthal
November 7, 2011

The watch mavens at Tourneau have teamed up with J. Crew to revive a little-known Swiss watchmaker, Mougin & Piquard. The company, founded in the 1920s by Ernest Mougin and Paul Piquard, had designed traditional mechanical watches with a Parisian sensibility, much in the manner of the Mougin family, which made ornate timepieces in late-19th-century Paris.

The company changed hands in 1960, then went out of business the following decade with the advent of the quartz movement. The new watches, with the rare Mougin & Piquard logo, are based on sketches from the company’s archives. Swiss-made with a quartz movement and a stainless steel case, they have either a cream face and brown leather strap or a black face and strap.

Mougin & Piquard for J. Crew grande seconde watch, $425 at J.Crew Men’s stores; jcrew.com.

J.Crew does a good job with their partnerships with watches. I constantly wear my Timex Military Watch (Item 10884; $150.00) from J.Crew. As for the Mougin & Piquard for J. Crew... me likey! It's a good thing that the price tag is too high for me, or I would have already ordered one of them! ;)

What are your thoughts on the watch offerings at J.Crew? Are you a fan of the latest classic timepiece?

GQ Eyes J.Crew's Timex Watch

"Thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada who shared an article from GQ's Eye (click here to read in its entirety):

Watch of the Week: Timex for J.Crew
Ted Stafford
May 27, 2011

We know we've mentioned them a few times now, but these Timex for J.Crew military-inspired watches are the ideal summer accessory: the no-sweat band, the punchy colors, the screaming price ($150, c'mon!). They also strike a perfect balance of All-American style and quality, a fact that makes them the spot-on timepiece for that Memorial Day BBQ this weekend. Our advice? Buy another strap and save it for the Fourth. At $20 a piece, you can afford to mix things up.

Available at J.Crew stores nationwide and JCrew.com.

J.Crew's Timex Military Watch (Item 10884; $150.00) really is a classic piece. It's simple, but elegant in its design. And the interchangeable straps are an easy way to accessorize any outfit. I even coordinate the straps around holidays. For example I use the red strap for Christmas and Fourth of July!

Do you like J.Crew's Timex Watch? Own it? Do you own more than one strap (like me!)? Please share! :)

Surprise! Complimentary VIP Membership to Tablet Hotels & Log Into J.Crew for Free Shipping {yey!}

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including JBird, & xoxo (in this post), who let us know the latest promotion from J.Crew.

The email announces that J.Crew is once again teaming up with Tablet Hotels for some special perks. Essentially customers can get a free membership to the Table Plus Program. For those selected, the sign-up must be completed by May 27, 2010.

They did this once before (refer to the "J.Crew Email: A special gift from J.Crew & Tablet Hotels" post). I signed up last time and didn't find the membership too helpful (and I travel a bit too). Perhaps I didn't know how to properly take advantage of it.

Even better (in my opinion)!?! J.Crew is offering select customers free shipping when you log-into your J.Crew account. This promotion runs until June 7, 2011.

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including rosie, who shared another promotion.

J.Crew is sending emails to select cardmembers with a one-time unique free shipping code. The code is only good if customers use their J.Crew credit card for the order placed before the end of Tuesday, June 7, 2011.

What are your thoughts on this promotion? Is this a good extension of J.Crew's partnerships? Will you sign up? Did you receive free shipping on your account? Are you a cardmember and if so, did you receive the unique free shipping offer? :)

New Lady Watch from Timex For J.Crew

A week or two ago, I stopped by one of my local brick & mortar (B&M) stores and noticed a new Timex for J.Crew watch being offered. But it was different from its current offerings (click here to shop Timex for J.Crew online). This new watch was smaller and the band was thinner. I thought to myself, "Dang it! I love the look of this watch too."

The following is a post from the New York Times Magazine Blog (click here to read in its entirety) that discusses this very watch:

The High Low | Timex for J. Crew
By Edward Barsamian
January 20, 2011

What: Timex for J. Crew watch

How Much: $98, watch; strap, $12 at J.Crew stores or, as of January 27, at jcrew.com.

Two years ago, J.Crew introduced a Timex watch for men. Recently, Marissa Webb, the head of women’s design, decided it was about time the girls got one of their own. “The dial is noticeably smaller than the men’s watches,” she says, adding, “Not all women want to wear a large, men’s field watch.” Other feminine twists include a range of stripy straps. “They are a nod to our men’s styles, [but] the colors are vibrant.” Think green and orange for prepsters and shocking pink for those who still have their calendars set to 1987.

I do love the simple look of this watch. Although I did not try the new version on, I have a sneaky feeling that the strap length is the right size too (not so long that I have to double fold it.)

I already own the Timex Military Watch, so I can't justify another one right now. (Well, give me time! I mean Valentine's Day is just around the corner.) :)

What are your thoughts on the latest Timex for J.Crew watch? Do you like this new version? Have you seen or purchased this new version? If so, please share! :)

Heller’s Café at J.Crew {& Spring '11 Collection}

Finally, something just for the guys who love J.Crew! The following is a post from the New York Times Magazine blog on the latest collaboration J.Crew is offering (click here to read in its entirety).

Regulation Work Wear | Heller’s Café by Warehouse
By Lindsey Botts
January 7, 2011

Larry McKaughan, head of the vintage clothing company Heller’s Café, has garnered a cultlike following among heritage-obsessed shoppers on the hunt for authentic, turn-of-the-century clothing. So when J.Crew approached him to collaborate on a capsule collection, he jumped at the chance.

“Their willingness to think outside the box and bring in other brands to the company is brilliant,” McKaughan gushes. “They know what they’re doing.” And so does he, having anticipated the now perennial trend for rough-hewn work wear and published a book on Americana arcana, “King of Vintage by Heller’s Café Inc.”

The resulting Heller’s Café by Warehouse collection (Warehouse is the company’s Japanese-market offshoot) comprises 10 workaday staples, including chambray button-ups, fitted worn-in denim and jacquard henleys. Calluses not included. Available at jcrew.com.

This collaboration already has its own defined section ("Heller's Café by Warehouse") under Features at JCrew.com (click here to shop online). Several of the pieces are reproductions from McKaughan's personal archive. According to the site:

Larry McKaughan of Heller's Café fame teamed up with Warehouse, Japan's cult-favorite denim brand (and one of the most true-to-tradition garment makers around) to bring us—and you—this extremely limited-edition, vintage-inspired piece(s).

And there's a bit more for the J.Crew Aficionados out there. We got to see some images of the Spring 2011 Collection for Men in an earlier post ("J.Crew Presents their Spring 2011 Collection" post). "Thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada who shared the following links which show a bit more from the latest collection:

• "J. Crew Men's Spring 2011 Collection Presentation" [Examiner]
• "For the Boys: J.Crew Men's Spring 2011 Preview" [Habitually Chic]
• "Preview: J.Crew Men's Spring 2011" [The Thread]
  

What are your thoughts on the collaboration between "Heller's Café by Warehouse" & J.Crew? Are you excited about the Men's Spring 2011 Collection?