J.Crew Jewelry: Thoughts & Article :)

Jenna Bracelet
Click here for product page
Item 98337
Regular: $75.00

I was at a J.Crew store yesterday and noticed the Jenna Bracelet in the circular glass container by the cash register. I was shocked by how ginormous (gigantic + enormous) this bracelet is. I mean it was exceptionally huge (even for J.Crew's costume jewelry standards). Not only was it huge, it was heavy! I thought immediately that this bracelet could do some serious damage to all around it. (How many table tops and work surfaces have been damaged in the wake of this bracelet already?) ;)

I really do like J.Crew's jewelry, many pieces are absolutely gorgeous. However, maybe they would consider toning down the size (& weight) of some of their pieces or offering the pieces in two versions: regular and smaller-size. :)

There was an interesting article from WWD (click here) awhile back about J.Crew's jewelry, that I thought would be interesting to share:

Costume Institutes
by Jessica Iredale
August 18, 2008

With September tomes on the newsstands, fashion magazines are giving readers a firm reminder of what’s on trend for fall. And it’s hard to miss the larger-than-life costume jewelry by Louis Vuitton, Lanvin and the like piled on throughout the pages. But there’s good costume outside of the four-figure price range. Stores including J.Crew, Club Monaco, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Talbots and private labels, such as Victor Alfaro for Bon-Ton, have revved up collections that offer the impact of the designer trend without the price tag. ...

J.Crew also saw instant results from the designer trend in March. “It was great for us,” says Jenna Lyons, J.Crew’s creative director, noting that Crew was well-stocked with statement jewelry before the collections. “When people see things on the runways that we already have in stores, there’s an immediate opportunity for them to purchase. We’ve seen a huge surge of people buying really quite large pieces and pretty dramatic pieces. We’ve always had success with that stuff, but for sure the level of pickup on that was much quicker than we’d expected. More people than we ever thought are buying it.”

Indeed, J.Crew has been a leader on the costume jewelry front, consistently offering some of the strongest collections at vertical retail of late. A recent lunch-hour trip to the company’s flagship on New York City’s lower Fifth Avenue saw considerable interest over the jewelry displays. “They’ve really upped their game,” says Jasmine Avilez, a stylist and an apparent J.Crew jewelry enthusiast, decked in J.Crew’s starfish earrings and fall’s Art Nouveau cocktail ring, made a beeline for the jewelry cases in pursuit of a cabochon turtle bracelet. “You have to get it now, or it will be gone,” she said of her purchase ($135.47 with tax). “Right now, this is on eBay for over $200.” Two-hundred-sixty-five dollars, actually.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's current jewelry collection? Are there any pieces that you love or would leave? Have you seen any jewelry at J.Crew's stores and thought, "wow!" (either in a positive or negative way)? :)

Sneak Preview To J.Crew Spring 2009 {men&women}

A big "thanks!" to J.Crew Guy in Canada who shared with us two fabulous sites, providing us a glimpse of what to expect this Spring for both the men's and women's line at J.Crew.

1. The "A Continuous Lean" blog, that shows *several* images of the J.Crew's "Spring Mens 2009". (Click here for link.)
2. The Courtorture site shows some items for the "Spring Womens 2009" at J.Crew and Madewell. (Click here for link.)

There is also an article at WWD (click here) that shares the following insights on the upcoming women's Spring looks:

"Springtime at J.Crew was all about contrasts and closet-raiding. Blazers were slouchy and tailored in the men’s wear tradition, while vintage-inspired jacquards and diaphanous details came out of grandmother’s wardrobe. Likewise for the muted palette of mint greens and nudes — “old-school makeup colors,” as creative director Jenna Lyons called them — that was a soft counterpoint to the label’s signature saturated hues. Meanwhile, Madewell’s workwear heritage merged with a Mediterranean influence. Denim, sturdy and well worn, as in the new “ex-boyfriend” jeans, was paired with airy knits and breezy bohemian scarves."

{If you are interested, there was a post recently ("Sneak Preview to J.Crew Spring 2009 :)") that shows some items additional photos from J.Crew's Spring Women's line.}

What are your thoughts on the few items slated for Spring 2009 (both for men and women)? Which items do you love or would leave? ;)

J.Crew Email: Up To 50% Off. Fall Sale.

J.Crew sent an email announcing the "best Fall sale ever" both online and in-stores. As many of you have pointed out, there have been some price reductions and new additions to the online sale section.

For example the Bouclé Tweed Penny Jacket (Item 98464; $228.00 now $159.99) is on sale in all three colors, whereas before it was just the ivory on sale. Silver_Lining (in this post) noticed the following: "Looks like there are some new markdowns on .com - the taffeta A-line skirt is down to $80, the red Francie skirt is $59.99, floppy-flower Astrid is $160, chiffon cardigan is $95.00 and the bow-neck cardigan is $59.50."

Happy Shopping! :)

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

Yes, it is that wonderful time again! :)

A big "thanks!" to Green_Dino (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew is offering free shipping with purchases of $125+ with promo code SHIP125. This offer expires 11/16/08.

"Thanks!" also to jcrewlover (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew is offering free shipping with purchases of $150+ with promo code SHIP150. This offer expires 11/16/08.

jcrewlover also noted the following: "you know whats funny, when I first opened JC this morning, the "FS on $125" was right there on the homepage. Now it's got a new code for "FS on $150"!! it can't be gone already!" So I am not sure if the SHIP125 code will work, since it seems to have been replaced with the higher minimum code of SHIP150. (Note: casual-crew just tried the SHIP125 code and it worked fine. So hopefully it will work for you too.) :)

Seek & Find: Will you visit J.Crew this Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to take advantage of the "secret sales" or to see some new arrivals in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic! Also, please let us know if your local store is carrying an additional percent off sale. Towson MD (in this post) shared that the Towson, MD J.Crew was still offering 50% off sale items. (Maybe there are still some stores that are carrying 50% off as well!) Thanks in advance!!! :)

P.S. I noticed that many of you have already been reporting sale items (and in which stores) in other posts which by the way "thank you!" :) I really appreciate how helpful we are for each other!

Product Review: J.Crew Corduroys

"Thanks!" to Anonymous at 5:51 PM (in this post), who came up with a great post topic: "In the spirit of the collapsing economy, could we review an inexpensive basic, like cords or all the different styles of chinos? A lot more people could participate, and it might be helpful for sizing purposes." I think this is a wonderful idea since J.Crew is known for their basics, and many of us can share our knowledge with those who are a little less familiar.

The first (of many) "product reviews of basics" will focus on corduroys. Corduroys, with its durable fabric, are a great pick for many of us Aficionadas (click here) and Aficionados (click here) during this time of year (where it is starting to get a bit chilly, weather-wise).

I own the City-fit pinwale-cord trouser (Item 86975; regular $89.50 now $39.99) in black and love to wear them during the fall and winter! As with most J.Crew pants, I find these pair were true to size and a bit long length-wise. (I am 5'8" in height, and I find most of J.Crew's pants, including these pair, too long to wear with flats but perfect for heels.)

If you own *any* J.Crew corduroys, please let us know what you think? Please include anything that you believe might be useful for another aficionada (or aficionado)- like color (are the colors different than shown in images), sizing (do you need to size up or down), fitting (do you find its loose around the waist, not loose enough around other areas), etc. Thanks! :)

J.Crew On The Phone {did you get the up-sell?}

Recently I placed an order online that got canceled. Imagine my surprise to see the very item I ordered (same color and everything) available the following day for sale online. I immediately called J.Crew to see if I could still get the item, when J.Crew's customer service rep decided to "sales pitch" me the J.Crew credit card as well as upgrade my shipping for a fee (which in the end didn't matter because my item was no longer available). I was taken a bit by surprised as I was more focused on getting my item than anything else at the time.

Well, thank goodness for this blog's members- because I have been reading so many accounts of members experiencing the same "up-sale" by J.Crew recently! (For a minute, I thought my experience was a strange, out of the norm, encounter.)

For example, in the "Expect Some New Arrivals At J.Crew Stores! ;)" post, Melanie shared the following: "Also, is it just me or has anyone else noticed an increase in upselling when you call in an order? I was on the red phone yesterday and the woman asked me if I wanted this item, because it sold well with the item I'd ordered. That's happened on my last four red phone orders, but has never really happened before that. I didn't know if it was a new trend or if I have only just been paying attention more recently." Casual-Crew in the same post mentioned "...I called CS to ask a question about my order and I had to listen to a 4 min speel about JC credit card and other stuff before my question got answered..."

So chances are, when you call J.Crew (through the red phone or elsewhere) you will hear some sort of sales-pitch. I realize J.Crew is thinking of ways to promote their services (like the credit card and more costly shipping methods), but I am not sure if this is the most effective method.

I always enjoyed shopping at J.Crew stores (and over the phone) with *out* getting the sales pitch (which I normally do hear at most other retailers like the Gap and Macy's). But maybe those days are over... :)

Did you recently get the "sales pitch" when you called J.Crew's customer service? What are your thoughts on the up-sell? Do you think it is a smart move (there is the opportunity to get customers to buy more!) or a bad move (there is also the opportunity to annoy customers)?

Madewell Email: Warm Up (+25% Off Sale Items)

Madewell sent an email today featuring the pairing of faded jeans and shearling boots, to stay cozy this season. What is more interesting is the announcement of an additional 25% off all sale items, which is fabulous! {yey!}

Also, Madewell is offering 15% off any purchase (click here and print out the coupon). This offer expires 11/30/08. Unfortunately the fine print for this offer reads "Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion."

Lastly, Madewell does offer a 15% college student discount at all of their stores (just show a student ID). :)

J.Crew Email: Reminder About the 20% Off Sweaters

J.Crew sent an email reminding us (click here) that today is the last day they are offering 20% off select full-priced sweaters using promo code SWEATERS. I am curious if this promotion was successful or not.

Did anyone take advantage of this offer (either online or in-stores)? If so, please let us know which items you selected. :)

J.Crew's "Of-the-Month" Club

"Thanks!" to Kate! (in this post) who let us know that J.Crew is offering an "of-the-month" club. To find this, click on "unexpected luxuries" under "women" in J.Crew's gift guide (click here).

The "of-the-month" club is touted as "twelve months of luxury- for someone who's been very, very nice." Unfortunately, the "more info" link does not work for me. I am not sure if the club is made up of different offerings (like jewelry, cashmere, and shoes) or there is a club for each item category. I am also curious how much joining the club would be. :)

There was a "shoe-of-the-month" (click here), and it had some really great items chosen each month. I am curious what items will make it to the new "of-the-month" club too.

UPDATE: "Thanks!" to Drewablank (in this post) who share with us the following: "they are offering only the "Shoes of the Month" and the "Cashmere of the Month" clubs for now. Both would be $1800, paid upfront. You may choose just flats or just heels or a combination of both for the "SOTM" club, and the pair for the month would be chosen every beginning of the month by the designers. The pair would cost $150 or above. As for the cashmere, each item would be chosen at the beginning of the month and would also cost $150 or above."

Would you participate in the "of-the-month" club from J.Crew? Do you know any more details, if so please share. We would love to know more about it. :)