Wednesday, October 22, 2008

J.Crew Shoppers In Utah... You Are So Lucky!!!

The YourHeartOut blog reported that there is a J.Crew Warehouse Sale hosted by DownEast Outfitters in Utah. Apparently there are deals like "$7 for a 100 percent cashmere sweater". (Also, the image above of the warehouse came from their post.)

This warehouse sale is also mentioned in the Stephmodo blog, where the author Stephanie reports some great prices for J.Crew items: "We're talking swimsuits for $5, heavy coats for $15, and these cute galoshes for $10." She also shares the following "P.S. There are no fitting rooms available (just a full-length mirror) so wear a fitted top to make trying things on a little easier and more accurate."

Both blogs were also kind enough to share the location and additional details of this fabulous Warehouse sale:
J.Crew Warehouse Sale hosted by DownEast Outfitters
Today, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Thursday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
(additional 20% off)
The Barn at Thanksgiving Point
Take I-15 exit 284 and head west;
the barn is near the Thanksgiving Point water tower

If any Aficionadas or Aficionados plan on going to this warehouse sale, please let us know how it is. I have never been to a warehouse sale, so I am curious to hear all about it! :)

Darlings, is it time for a J.Crew coupon code?

Yes, it is that wonderful time again! :)

J.Crew is offering free shipping with promo code KT-69 on orders of $150+. This offer expires 11/1/08.

"Thanks!" to iheartjcrew (in the post "J.Crew Free Shipping Offer & Fall (Not Final) Sale") who let us know that J.Crew is offering free shipping with promo code J27L34S on orders of $150+. This offer expires 10/30/08.

At least both offers are slightly better than the one for free shipping on orders of $195+. ;)

Sidenote: Both codes came from J.Crew's catalog by mail. Some catalogs get a special free shipping code, while others do not. I am not 100% sure how J.Crew categorizes customers to receive the code or not.

Also, SJs Mommy (in this post) let us know that in her catalog, there was an "announcement of the new store opening at La Cantera Mall with a gift card (coupon) for $25 off purchase of $150". Rachel (in this post) shared with us that she "received in the mail $25 off $150 for the new J.Crew opening in the freehold mall on October 28th".

J.Crew Free Shipping Offer & Fall (Not Final) Sale :)

"Thanks!" to Miramar (in this post) who let us know about both of the following. First, on J.Crew's website, they are offering free shipping with promo code FREESHIP on orders of $195+. (It's unclear when this expires.)

Second, the sale page has changed its image to say "it's here... fall sale". What is {wonderfully} absent are the words "final sale". Could it be true, after all these months, that the final sale is now gone? ;) Also, as Cass and Anon at 2:27 AM pointed out (in this post), J.Crew has reduced many of the sale prices. {yey!}
P.S. J.Crew sent out an email today (shown above) announcing the "fall sale" online and in-stores. Does that mean that the final sales in stores are over as well? If so, that would be fabulous! :)

What are your thoughts on the "fall sale" no longer being a "final sale"? Do you think the sale not being "final" will last until after the holiday season? {I hope so!} :)

Product Review: Maggie Double-Serge Jacket

Maggie double-serge jacket
Click here for product page
Item 99322
Regular $250.00

A big "thank you!" to FabulousFloridaMommy who shared with us her review of this {beautiful} jacket. The following is her product review:

Oh How I Adore My Maggie Jacket!

I recently purchased the Maggie Jacket in Camel because of its shape, and the basic, neutral color. I have been anxiously awaiting for J.Crew to make a flattering, classic piece in a NON- bright color, and this one fits the bill perfectly. The fabric is beautiful...it is called *Double-Serge Jacket*, so I am assuming it is the same fabric as the Double Serge Pencil Skirt that everyone has been raving about. The tailoring and quality on this jacket are impeccable, and the fit is reminiscent of my Herringbone Bella Jacket, but withou
t the high collar. I love the inset waistband with the side tabs as well as the vertical pockets on the front of the jacket, as they give it an even more *feminine* feel.

Sizing: I purchased the size 4 after calling Customer Service for measurements…I am normally a 4 or 6 in J.Crew Jackets, as I sometimes size up to fit my broad shoulders, but the Maggie fits nicely on me in the 4 when wearing a tank, button down shirt, or thin sweater. However, I would have needed to size up to the 6 if I intended to layer or wear a thicker sweater underneath it. The jacket is longer on me than it is on the model in the picture…I am 5’4”, and it hits me at the hip, as described. The sleeves are long…they hit at my wrist when they are cuffed, and at the top of my thumb when they are not cuffed. The sizing of the Maggie seems to run consistent with the Andrea Jacket, Tulip Jacket, and Lucille Coat, if you are familiar with the fit and sizing on any of them.

I personally intend to wear the Maggie as a Blazer...I tried on the Madeline Double Cloth Coat as well as the Peacoat in my B&M on Sunday, and the Maggie is definitely NOT as heavy as either of them. The jacket can easily be dressed up or down, and is extremely versatile and flattering. I really do adore this jacket, and know for a fact that it will be my *go to* piece this Fall/Winter.

"Thanks!" again to FabulousFloridaMommy for her fabulous review of this lovely jacket. :) It's too bad this jacket is "Catalog/jcrew.com only" because I would love to see the different shades in person (especially the "deep yellow" and the "heather bright berry" colors).

What are your thoughts on the Maggie double serge jacket? Do you love it or would you leave it? Do you already own this jacket (or tried it on)? If so, what are your first-hand impressions (and would you recommend others to purchase it)? :)

J.Crew Coats: Which One Is For You?

"Thanks!" to Marta who suggested a great topic for a post, which is about which coat you currently really love and/or planning to get from J.Crew. There are lots of beautiful new choices in J.Crew's outerwear page (click here to view). Also, the discussion can include conversations like sizing (are coats true to size? or do they need to be sized up or down?), to Thinsulate or not to Thinsulate, and the like.

Although I will most likely not purchase a winter coat this season, I am in love with the Italian houndstooth Greta jacket (Item 96180; $375.00). I think the pattern and style of the swing coat makes it stand out for this Fall season. However, if I could buy one coat for the winter, hands down, it would be the Stadium-cloth Shipley coat (Item 99248, $350.00) in white. Not only does it have a beautiful shape for a coat, but the fabric (the stadium cloth) is fantastic at keeping me warm during the bitter cold New England winters.

What J.Crew coat do you currently love and/or planning to get? Why did you choose that coat? If you tried it on (or already own it), please share with us what you think about sizing and the like? Would you recommend the option to Thinsulate?

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

J.Crew Email On Their Credit Card: Get 20% Off

"Thanks!" to Maggie May who shared with us J.Crew's latest email, which reminds us (click here) of the offer to get 20% off your first purchase when you open a J.Crew credit card. This offer expires 10/26/08.

The email's subject line- "Treat yourself (with the J.Crew Credit Card)"- made me smile since I don't consider opening a credit card as "treating myself". If I do decide to treat myself, it will be purchasing the Victoria ruffle shirt at full retail price (or more realistically, eating Chips Ahoy Chunky Chocolate cookies while watching reruns of the Gilmore Girls). ;)

What's Your "Top 3 J.Crew Items"?

With the addition of new sale items from previous seasons, as well as new arrivals (already online and in-stores,) I thought it would be fun and interesting to have a post on what Aficionadas and Aficionados select as part of their "top 3 coveted items list" and why. :)

My top three would include: (1) the Victoria ruffle shirt (Item 99694, $89.50) in white. I saw the shirt in person and I just love love love those ruffles! I think it would look great underneath a sweater- a bit of feminine flair for my normal crew neck or v-neck sweater and trouser pants. (2) the Victoria ruffle cami (Item 99742, $88.00) in classic navy. Same reasons as the shirt version- but I could wear the cami during the Spring and Summer seasons, underneath a t-shirt or other short sleeve shirt. (3) the Snow-leopard Simone peacoat (Item 96475, $260.00). I thought the jacket was pretty online, but it is even more beautiful in person. I just love the collar and how it delicately drapes over the shoulders.

What top 3 items are you currently coveting? Also, what is the reason behind the selection of those items (e.g. love the fit, color, style)? :)

J.Crew Stores: Email Sharing Promotion :)

"Thanks!" to an anonymous member of the blog who let us know that J.Crew is starting a new e-mail campaign today to get customers who have not shared their email address, to share it. :)

When checking out at the store's register, J.Crew asks for your email. J.Crew will offer a "10% off your next purchase" code if you share your email address. This offer lasts for a limited time.

Also, "thanks!" to kate! (in this post), who shared with us her experience: "I just went to my B&M and picked up a lot of the new sale sweaters... they gave me a card after i gave them my e-mail and the card says "J Crew you're offcially on the list... Now you'll be one of the first to know about new arrivals, online exclusives, special offers and more. And as a special thanks for sharing your email address, please enjoy 10% off your next in-store purchase." Then has a bar code and has the normal exemptions. The SA also told me you get one everytime you give your e-mail (every purchase)".

I think the code is a great incentive to get customers to share their email. :)

Off On A Tangent: Gap Inc Offers Some Savings

"Thanks!" to Mary who let us know that Gap is offering 15% off $125+, as well as 20% off $150+ with promo code GETSAVE. (This is valid for three of their stores: Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy.) This offer expires 10/22/08.

"Thanks!" also to Laura1 (in this post) who let us know that Gap is offering 15% off $75+, as well as 20% off $100+ with promo code GETMORE. (This is valid for three of their stores: Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy.) This offer also expires 10/22/08.

P.S. Looks like Gap is splitting offer-types among customers as well. ;)

Dear FFM: Help Put Together A J.Crew Outfit For Me

FabulousFloridaMommy (FFM) regularly guest blogs on outfits she creates with items that you, the members, request. :)
FFM has done it yet again! A big "thank you!" to FFM, who has created a fabulous outfit for numerous requests in the "Dear FFM: Help Put Together A J.Crew Outfit For Me" post!

To view the wonderful sets, click on the links below. (The name of the link relates to the request for an outfit.)

Quick Note: In honor of the new arrivals, we are going to change things up a bit. For this week only, we ask members to suggest 4 new arrival items that you would like to see made into an outfit. Tomorrow morning, FFM will select the 4 most popular "new arrival" items suggested and create a few Polyvore outfits for each of those items (which will then be posted for all).

What "new arrival" pieces from J.Crew do you wonder how to use in an outfit and would like to see an outfit created for (please include item name or item number)?