J.Crew: Just Ask?

Melanie pointed out in the "J.Crew's Weddings & Parties Collection" post that J.Crew is offering up a new campaign called "Just Ask"- to make sure its customers are aware of their usual benefits like personal shoppers, monogramming, teacher/student discounts, etc. (Essentially there is nothing new, service wise, that the visitors haven't discussed in this blog before. I feel like it is just their way of saying, "Hey you! If you have a question, we can answer it.")

They are also promoting a "Just ask concierge desk" at their Rockefeller Center store in NYC. (I have to admit, I am a bit curious as to what that means... Is it a real concierge desk with its own dedicated live customer service rep standing there, ready to answer my questions? Or, is it just a stool with a red phone on it for me to call their regular customer service line?)

First, I completely agree with Melanie's suggestion of emailing them and asking for "free shipping" (preferably with no minimums). ;)

Second, I often wonder if someone at J.Crew has taken note about this blog, its visitors, and its purpose. I mean, J.Crew's whole campaign is to ask them questions- on anything. Well, that is what this blog kind of does... this blog has (fantastic & insightful) visitors who ask & answer each others questions on just about everything J.Crew. (Probably not- I doubt J.Crew has taken notice of this site. However, if they did, then I think it is great that they are listening to their customers. And if they are reading this particular post... please bring back "free shipping with no minimums" and eliminate "final sales".)

Are you going to take them up on their offer and "just ask" them questions? What questions would you ask them?

me, the Crew,... and you!

Seriously, a big "thank you!" to all those visiting this blog and posting comments! This site has been growing at a steady pace thanks to you!

For those who have just discovered this blog, it is meant to be an open conversation for all J.Crew shoppers and admirers. My hope is that you feel encouraged to not just visit, but to join in the discussion. (That is why I enabled the option to be "anonymous" when commenting, so you don't have to login.) I have found that we have been able to learn a lot more by sharing and drawing from our collective knowledge. :)

I have several new ideas for future posts. However, I also want to hear from you all: What are some of the topics you want to discuss and see more of on this blog?

P.S. Do you wonder about the three "No way! They have every right to do that"votes in the "Are you upset that J.Crew removed its promo codes from other coupon websites" poll? Out of 530+ votes, I was still surprised to see votes in that column. I almost believe it is someone who works for J.Crew! :)

J.Crew Special Sizes: Petite & Tall

I have noticed many comments directed to the Petite & Tall clothing selection that J.Crew offers (or lack there of). Therefore, it is time for its own dedicated post. :)

The selection for both "Special Sizes" (as J.Crew refers to them) appears to be very limited in terms of the actual number of products offered (when compared to the regular size items). Moreover, J.Crew does not stock the Petite & Talls in their stores (or at least the stores I have been to). This makes it extraordinarily difficult for those who are not "regular" in size to purchase J.Crew's great styles.

How do you feel about their Petite & Tall clothes? What, if any, are issues with the selection & offerings? What would you like to see J.Crew to do in the future, in regards to Petite & Tall clothes?

J. Crew Sizing: Do you have it down?

One of the topics that a commenter wanted to discuss on this blog relates to J.Crew sizes. I am fortunate enough to know (after all these years) which size I am, depending on the clothing item (top versus bottom, shirt versus dress). Which makes ordering online a lot easier for me.

I have come across a few personal observations, which I have listed below. These are just my opinions when it comes to sizes and should not be taken for actual measurement specifications! Obviously, if you are unsure about sizing, you should try on the clothes to see how they actually fit.

1. SHOES: The flats tend to run true to size. However, sandals, peep toe shoes, and wedges run 1/2 size too big.
   
   
2. TOPS: The t-shirts tend to run true to American measurements. [Which basically means that American size charts are "bigger" than its European or Asian counterparts. If you don't understand what I mean, then I refer to H&M clothes. Haven't you ever notice that if you are a "extra small" with J. Crew (which is a 0-2 in size), you are a "small" with H&M (which is a 4-6 in size).]
   
   However, when it comes to button down work shirts and blouses, the shirts run a 1/2 to a whole size bigger. (For example, I am a size 2 in tops, but I order a size 0 when it comes to button down shirts.)
   
   
3. PANTS: Again, these run true to American size for the most part. (I have found it is similar to GAP's sizing.) However, when ordering matchstick jeans or capris (in other words, tight/ fitted pants), then order a size up (as they tend to run a bit small).
   
   
4. DRESSES: For the most part, the size chart is true to their sizing. However, once in awhile I will notice that some dresses run either too big or too small. I blame those hiccups in sizing on the different manufacturer of clothes that J. Crew relies on.
   
   
5. JACKETS & OUTTERWEAR: My mother use to tell me to order a size up when it comes to jackets. This is not true when it comes to J.Crew. Whatever size top you normally are (again, for me it is a size 2), then that is most likely the size you should get for your jacket.

What are some of your own personal experiences with sizes? Do you disagree with me on any of the points I listed above? Do you have any of your own that you would like to share?

P.S. If you were curious about the item in the picture, that is J. Crew's Jelly Ballet Flats (Item 91531). I actually own the black pair. They are very nice to wear when its raining, but have absolutely no support for your feet (I mean none!) I ended up having to purchase an insole to make these shoes comfortable to walk in.

me, the Crew,... and you!

A big "thank you!" to all those visiting this blog and posting comments! I am always excited to see and hear from other J. Crew aficionados (or aficionadas in this case!)

This blog is meant to be an open conversation for all J.Crew shoppers and admirers. Hopefully it is a place you feel welcomed to discuss. (That is why I enabled "comment posters" to have the option to be "anonymous".)

What are some of the topics you want to discuss and see more of on this blog? ...besides codes of course! (Which I will update when I come across them. I even posted them on the top right hand column for easy, quick viewing access.)

Welcome!

This is the first ever entry to a blog devoted mainly to my retail fave: J.Crew. I thought about creating this site for a long time, but never found the time (or thought anyone else would be as interested in the topic as me). After posting to a few different sites about J.Crew, I realized that there are "others" out there who are just as interested in J.Crew as me. So please, feel welcomed to browse the site and participate in the conversations!

Also, have a Happy Mother's Day!