J.Crew Email: Final sale. New styles added.

As many of you have noticed and mentioned, the Final Sale got replenished this morning. J.Crew sent an email this morning announcing the news as well. :)

Were you able to purchase any final sale items today? If so, what did you get? :)

J.Crew's Inspiration Board {how lovely!}

J.Crew has posted a new inspiration board (click here) for us to view. {yey!} It offers a glimpse behind the creation of new arrivals in the latest LookBook for Women (click here).

I have to admit, that I enjoy the subtle color palette chosen. It is both lovely and chic. Definitely colors that will transition well between seasons.

I am also really loving two items from the LookBook: the Halter (Item 12966; $128.00; debuts in March 2009) and the Butterfly Bauble Bracelet (Item 14392; $125.00). However, I am seriously questioning how wearable either item is. (I just know that Halter is not "machine washable".) ;)

What are your thoughts on the Inspiration Board? What would you have liked to have seen included? What are your thoughts on the items in the new Women's LookBook? :)

Product Review: Madewell's Rail Straight Jeans

Rail Straight Garment-Dyed Jeans
in White Wash
Click here to view denim
Regular: $115

"Thank you!" to Posey (check out her great blog here) who shared with us her review of these jeans plus several real-life images (how fantastic does she look in them!?!)

After reading your posting on the Madewell "Rail Straight" white jeans, I went to my Madewell store to check out some of their spring goodies. (My measurements for reference: 5'8'' tall, 24 in. waist and 31 in. hips.)

I tried on the white version of the "Rail Straight" jeans in a size 25 waist, which is my usual J.Crew jean size. They were too big in the hips and butt area. I was surprised to find that their smallest size was 24, but they were still too big in the hip area but snug in the butt area.

In both sizes the thigh area was kinda tight, but the denim was structured enough not to reveal any of my nooks and crannies. They were really low-rise. When I sat down in them, I had a sudden "crack-attack."

I talked with one of their associates and she said the best thing to do would be to size down because after a few minutes of wear they stretch out a lot.

They were OK jeans with a teenie-bopper feel, but I'm sure there are some skinny white jeans that are better suited for grown-ups. Hope this was helpful!

"Thanks!" again to Posey for her fabulous review! (Incidentally, I am loving her ballet flats in the images! Are they the J.Crew Salina flats?)

What are your thoughts on the Madewell Rail Straight Jeans (do you like/dislike the fit)? Are you considering or already have purchased this jean? Have you seen this jean in person? What are your thoughts on Madewell denim in general? :)

Seeking: J.Crew “Ken Doll Husband” {say what?}

"Thanks!" to Connor who shared with us some interesting (and slightly random) news. Apparently Britney Spears is looking to cast a "J.Crew-style “Ken Doll Husband” (22-29)" for her newest video (click here for more).

I wonder if J.Crew's Mickey Drexler would approve? ;) In either case, I am totally going to watch her video (when it comes out) to see their interpretation of a J.Crew style husband! :)

J.Crew Sweepstakes: Happily Ever Honeymoon

A big "thanks!" to C E S (in this post) who let us know that J.Crew is offering a *new* sweepstakes and free shipping code.

The grand prize is a $2,000 J.Crew gift card and a trip for two to Santorini, Greece. (Once again, I am more excited about winning the gift card than the trip itself!) There is also a daily prize {yey!} of a Mirror-Metallic Passport Cover (Item 10470; $29.50, now $9.99).

The sweepstakes ends 3/15/09, so make sure you enter daily until then! Click here to enter and good luck!

Lastly, J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $175+ with promo code WEDDING. This offer expires 2/7/09.

J.Crew Shipping Deadline for V-Day {sweet!}

J.Crew announced the shipping deadlines to receive gifts for Valentine's Day on its main page (click here). As stated in the image above, "order by 9PM EST, Thursday, February 5th to guarantee standard delivery for Valentine's Day".

This got me thinking, "what would I want for Valentine's Day?" I would love for my "lobster" (Phoebe's theory from an episode of Friends; click here to view the reference) to get me a gift that consisted of J.Crew- that would be wonderful! I think my "dream Valentine's Day gift" this year would be J.Crew's Large Tumbled-Leather Odile bag (Item 13386, $350.00, now $149.99). I have been crushing on the bag (in the Coral Reef version) ever since I saw Chloe {how g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s is she!?!} showcase it in a post over at her {great} blog (click here).

What would your dream Valentine's Day gift from J.Crew be? What are the reasons behind your selection(s)?

Product Review: Sun Bleached Appliqué {Cherry Blossom} Tee

Sun Bleached Appliqué Tee
Click here for product page
Item 15897
Regular: $45.00

"Thank you!" to AppGal who shared with us her great review of this shirt (plus several real-life images) over at her blog (click here to view her original post):

I got my Cherry Blossom tee this morning. I was shocked that FedEx delivered it on a Saturday, but was thrilled to get it unexpectedly! Of course I immediately tried it on, and oh my, I love it SO much! :)

It is such a wonderful material--soft to the touch but it is not see-through at all. It's the "ringspun" material, but it reminds me somewhat of the painter tee, only not as sheer. It's pretty thick.

As far as the size goes, I usually wear a small in j.crew tees, and this small was a perfect fit for me. The color is a little lighter than I was expecting, more light beige than brown, but I really like it.

Not sure if you can tell in the photos, but the flowers are slightly darker than the cardigan I wore with it (the city tee grosgrain cardi) but I still think it looked cute. Perhaps a pewter cardi would look a little better? Here are some pictures--excuse the mess on my husband's dresser and the trash bag in the background...yes, those are bags of clothes that have just been cleaned out of my closet...to make room for new stuff of course:)

Overall, I'm very happy with this tee; even though I paid full price, I think it's worth it. I'll get a lot of wear out of this. Here's the best part: I had this shipped from my nearest b&m, and not only was I able to apply my teacher discount, but they also didn't charge me shipping. How did that happen? No complaining here!

"Thanks!" again to AppGal for her great review!

I saw this shirt (in-person) and it is v-e-r-y pretty. It definitely has a sweet, delicate, almost Anthropologie look to it. After reading this review, I am definitely trying it on the next time I am visiting one of their stores! :)

What are your thoughts on the Sun Bleached Appliqué {Cherry Blossom} Tee (do you like/dislike the embroidered silk appliqué)? Are you considering or already have purchased this tee? Have you seen this tee in person? If so, please share with us your reviews too! :)

J.Crew Email: Jenna's Picks For Feb New Arrivals

J.Crew sent an email showcasing Jenna Lyons and Gayle's (women's stylist at J.Crew), picks of what they are "loving this month". Click here to view all the items they selected, including the following:

This season we're loving boyfriend styling- a tomboy touch that's still utterly feminine. Gayle (our women's stylist) is taking classic pieces and adding in unexpected twists of color, detail and softness for a less predictable, more modern look. It's a new way to do chic and it's all in how you wear it.

1. Solid Silk Garland Cami (Item 11527; $88) - A sweet little confection, perfect with rumpled boyfriend chinos and heels.
   
2. Spectator Belinda Heels (Item 12340; $225) - The mix of shimmering linen and neon makes this our go-to shoe.
   
3. Pearl Necklaces (starting at $55) - More pearls, please: pile them on and twist for a clustered effect.
   
4. Cotton-Linen Seaside Shorts (Item 13052; $49.50) - Our favorite alternative to a skirt. Wear with a pretty top, strappy heels and top it off with a blazer and loads of pearls.
   
5. Essie Nail Polish In "Mini Shorts"
   
6. Molten Metallic Tank (Item 13616; $62) - Layer in a cute metallic tank for a bit of shimmer.
   Tissue Painted-Strip Tank (Item 12671; $32.50)
   
7. Broken-In Boyfriend Chino (Item 12953; $69.50) - Perfectly slouchy - never sloppy (there's a difference).
   
8. Large Metallic-Leather Gallery Hobo (Item 13334; $325) - The gallery bag: we're wearing it messenger-style for a tomboy look.
   
9. Jack Purcell Distressed Sneakers (Item 85554; $65) - The classic makes a comeback and still looks fresh (even with a suit).
   
10. Cluster Ring (Item 14674; $65) - The season's statement piece- (day or night).

What are your thoughts on the items selected? Which items would have made your top picks of new arrivals that you are loving this month?

The Great (Weekly) Exchange

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID). Please note: this posting is not for resellers.

Individual members can also request in this post, items that they are looking for and interested in buying. :)

Please note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site? Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

J.Crew Shares {on the rise?}

There is an interesting article over at Forbes (click here) that describes J.Crew's current financial status.

J.Crew shares rise on analyst upgrade
By Associated Press
January 23, 3008

Shares of J.Crew Group Inc. rose on Friday, as an analyst said the company is making progress with inventory and expense reductions and upgraded the company to "Equal weight" from "Underweight." Shares rose 30 cents, or 2.9 percent, to end at $10.56.

Earlier this month, J.Crew Group (nyse: JCG) Inc. said that weaker-than-anticipated sales would lead the apparel retailer to report a fourth-quarter loss. The New York company said sales were hurt by an aggressive effort to clear fall and holiday inventory during the fourth quarter.

"Sales remain under considerable pressure, but we think inventory and expense reductions move the risk/reward back to neutral ground," said Barclays Capital analyst Jeff Black.

He raised his estimate for the year ending in January 2010 to 57 cents per share from 40 cents per share - while analysts polled by Thomson Reuters, on average, predict a profit of 58 cents per share.

"Heavier clearance and a January sample sale should help J.Crew bring inventory in-line with sales by the third quarter, though we expect weak margins across the first half of 2009," he said. "All in all, we believe management is doing the right things, the long-term square footage opportunity is attractive and our 2009 estimate is no longer an outlier."

First, I am thrilled about the positive news. Although, I am cautiously optimistic about it considering these economic times. Second, I find it interesting that the Sample Sale was mentioned in helping J.Crew with their inventory levels. When I attended the event, I saw lots of people but they were *not* purchasing lots of merchandise. Now that the sale has ended, I am curious how "well" it did. ;)

What are your thoughts on the article? Do you think the positive direction described will continue for the rest of 2009? Would you consider buying J.Crew stock right now? ;)