J.Crew's Fall Sale {minus final!} is Here

"Thanks!" to many of you, including K Mel & Cass (in this post), DinDin, Nichi, & Em (in this post), as well as Rosa, Dina, & Kathy, who let us know about an update to JCrew.com.

J.Crew updated the image in their sale section online (click here). What's not on the image– the words "final sale" anywhere. Could it be true? No final sale? {wahoo!} They also updated the section early this morning, with several new-to-sale and sale items reduced in price.

Also, "thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who shared the email (shown above) that J.Crew sent this morning. The email announces that the Fall Sale (with prices up to 30% off) is not only happening online, but in brick & mortar (B&M) stores as well.

Are you planning to check out J.Crew's Final Sale section? Are there any items you are suprised to see on sale? Will you get any Summer sale items, or hold out for the new Fall arrivals? :)

J.Crew's Best of the Best Items

As promised in yesterday's "J.Crew's Best of the Worst Items", this post is on the most loveliest items from J.Crew. The "OMG, now we are talking!" items (aka: items that we still talk about and hope to see in new arrivals once again) from the most recent years.

The following (in no particular order) are my Top 5 "OMG, now we are talking!" items from J.Crew. Again, I tried to include items from different item categories. I should also add that there were lots (and I mean lots & lots) of items that could easily make the list as well. However, I am trying to limit myself to five. ;)

1. Bella in all its versions: the Wool Herringbone Jacket ($198.00), Velvet Jacket (Item 85794; $158.00), and Double-Faced Wool Coat (Item 85858; $350.00). I know what you are going to say: Oh! Could you be any more predictable with that choice? I don't know how to answer that, except to say that I love the Bella from the 2007 Fall & Winter season! ;) I love that it is a fitted jacket with the most perfect standing slightly-ruffle collar. It is the perfect length and has great finishes like the round leather buttons and interior silk lining.

2. Victoria in all its versions: the Victoria Ruffle Cami (Item 99742; Regular: $88.00) and Victoria Ruffle Shirt (Item 99694; $89.50). The ruffle camis & shirts have so been done before by J.Crew (e.g. the lovely Elizabeth Cami). Yet, none were as exciting as the Victoria from early this year. What can I say, those micro-pleated double ruffles of the Victoria are just genius! I also want to add that I have seen these tops on several women representing a variety of demographics and they *all* looked fabulous with it. That is the true test of "the best of the best"– when it looks great on everyone.

3. Jaime Bag (Item 97485; $495.00). J.Crew likes to say "only l'ultimo will do" and this handbag is it! Where to start with this bag that came out during Fall of 2008... First, I love the smooth and luxurious leather. Second, it came in the most delicious shades including Burnt Sienna, Honey, Dark Cloud and Tulip. Third, it is the perfect size bag. It can carry all your essentials and more without being that bulky bag. Lastly, I love the design– from the classic tassles, to the removable leather shoulder strap with lobster clasps. Bravo!

4. Piazza Jacket (Item 81751; $140.00). Remember this fantastic top that J.Crew introduced back in Spring of 2007? This sweater jacket really manage to capture both the feminine and classic styles that J.Crew is known for. Everything is just right– from the button-down peacoat-style, to the lovely tie on the back, to the three-quarter sleeves with adorable cuffs. {sigh!}

5. Versailles Shift Dress (Item 82879; $265.00). There are lots of amazing dresses by J.Crew that could have also made the list (like the Library-Print Doll Dress in all its bookish glory). However, I went with this elegant dress that debuted in Spring of 2007 (and has captured my heart ever since). This dress has the most magnificent illustration of the Palace of Versailles. Moreover, the style is absolutely exquisite with its fitted bodice, knee-length full skirt, and circular opening at the back that has a decorative tie. Well-played J.Crew!

What are your thoughts on the Top 5 "OMG, now we are talking!" items? What items (from recent years) would make it to your list? :)

J.Crew Email: We're celebrating in La Cantera + $25 off

A big "thanks!" to Audrey who let us know about another wonderful offer from J.Crew. The J.Crew in San Antonio, Texas is having its first anniversary. To celebrate, J.Crew is offering local customers $25 off any purchase of $150+. This offer is good from 10/23/09 through 11/6/09.

Just click on the image above or here (which will take you to a larger version of the image) and print it out (so the associate can scan the bar code).

The location for the store is:

The Shops at La Cantera
15900 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-1072

Congrats to all those in the area!!! :)

Madewell Email: This just in: the boots you'll covet

"Thanks!" to Marietta & HeidiG who shared the email Madewell sent yesterday.

The email features the Lace-Up Ankle Bootie which is described as "vintage details and luxe leather– it's a pair that ties any look together" and retails for $198. This look is completed with the Vintage V-neck ($68), Ex-Boyfriend Shorts in Furnace Medium Dark ($72), Sequin-Trim Floral Scarf ($68), and the Hue Flat Knit Sweater Tights ($18).

I am liking the laced-up ankle booties but I am loving those tights! Those tights are tight! Am I right? ;)

The email also reminds us that J.Crew has yet to create an e-commerce site for Madewell. ;) So instead, customers can shop select items through ShopBop (click here). As mentioned in the last week's "J.Crew Updates Website With New Arrivals Today!" post, J.Crew online (click here) is starting to offer a few Madewell items too– including the Madewell Patent-Leather Oxford (Item 18810; $148.00).

What are your thoughts on the Lace-Up Ankle Bootie? Are you a fan of Madewell footwear? Have you been purchasing Madewell online (either through ShopBop or J.Crew)? :)

J.Crew Email: Are you missing out?

"Thanks!" to GoldCoastGal who shared with us J.Crew's latest email.

The email reminds customers why it's so great to be a card member. This topic was recently discussed in the October 16 "J.Crew Email: A special offer... for a limited time" post.

Although not mentioned in this email, J.Crew is offering 20% off your first purchase when you open a J.Crew credit card. This offer expires 10/25/09. To apply online, click here.

J.Crew's Best of the Worst Items

I was randomly thinking about J.Crew's worst items they offered. After having a good chuckle, I thought it would be a fun post to list my top 5 "what were they thinking?" (aka: a bit ridiculous that they offered them) items from recent years.

The following (in no particular order) are my top 5 "what were they thinking?" items from J.Crew. I tried to include items from different item categories. I am sure there are other items that should have made the list too (I just couldn't remember them at the time!) ;)

1. Jumpsuit (Item 83998). This little number came out in the Spring/ Summer of 2007 and was priced over $100. (Not sure of the exact amount). I was shocked that it sold out. Yeah, it looks cute on the model... but she's a model! Jumpsuits rarely transition well to real-life. Unless it's on a toddler. Also, the jumpsuit doesn't seem to fit with J.Crew's over all style.

2. Lucido Jacket (Item 96559). This outerwear item, which debuted September of last year, made it to one of the "Questionable Items of the Week" post and for a good reason. Often referred to by fellow JCAs as the "murder jacket", this raincoat retailed for a ridiculous $1,800! For this price, why not turn to the classic style of Burberry? I have no idea if any were sold. When I attended the first ClothingLine + J.Crew sample sale in NYC this January, I saw a whole bunch of these sad-looking coats on the rack. No one, and I mean no one, went near them.

3. Atomic Flower Necklace (Item 14831). J.Crew has produced several necklaces that have been complete disasters. However, this one takes top honors. From the size to the design... it's just a hot mess no matter how I look at it. This necklace, from Spring 2009, wasn't cheap either, it was priced at $150!

4. Soleil d'Or Jacket (Item 93420). This jacket came out in May of 2008. My first impression from the images online and in the catalog: pretty! However, in person... not so much. At my local brick & mortar (B&M) store, I tried it on and immediately thought I looked like a horrible space cadet. The material was incredibly stiff. Unlike the image shown, the belted jacket would not stay open at the collar for a casual look. The metallic-foil finish was just too modern to wear anywhere too. It just didn't seem like J.Crew. It seemed like a piece I would find at a local boutique selling oddly shaped cardigans. During the "J.Crew is in T.J. Maxx" phase, I was able to find this regular $278 jacket for an amazing $14.99 price in my size. I left it behind.

5. Sienna Fringed Moccasin Booties (Item 17499). Semi-reasonably priced at $88, these booties made their debut this Summer. This item has been discussed on the blog before (refer here). I saw these floppy booties at my local B&M store and thought "I don't get it." This is another item that doesn't seem to fit with J.Crew's overall style. I guess you would wear them with jeans, but why not wear cute Ballet Flats instead?

For tomorrow: a Top 5 post on the most loveliest items from J.Crew, the "OMG, now we are talking!" items from the most recent years.

What are your thoughts on the Top 5 "what were they thinking?" items? What items (from recent years) would make it to your list? :)

Product Review: Wool Tweed Oona Coat

Wool Tweed Oona Coat
Click here for product page
Item 18081
Regular: $550.00

The past few days have been {unseasonably} cold in the Northeast. At some points, it was even snowing! Although the snow didn't stick on the ground, it got me bringing out the old Winter coats.

Since it is now Winter coat season in some parts of the country, the following reviews for the Wool Tweed Oona Coats makes for perfect timing. :)

J.Crew's item page states:

A fabulously chunky, luxurious tweed in a tailored A-line shape. The standing collar, oversize pockets and grey metal buttons add a subtle but modern twist. Wool/acrylic/alpaca. Rounded collar. Long sleeves. Patch pockets with button-flap closure. Back belt. Fully lined. Hits at midthigh. Part of the J. Crew Collection.

A big "thanks!" to Canadian (in this post), who shared her thoughts on this coat with us. The following is her review:

... I finally received the Oona Tweed coat - The texture of the fabric is quite nice, soft not itchy at all. The coat is well lined, well made in general.

I am 5'2" and typically need a P2/P0, I got a size 0 regular as no petite was available. The shoulders are a bit big, but not too bad with a sweater under, and probably would be needed as the coat is generally light and somewhat thin, although doesn't appear that way on the photo.

The back band is a bit too high for me, ends up being above my waist, about 4 inches. I would have to reposition it. The flare-out is quite significant and the pleat stays closed as there is no movement I can make that would strech the coat to open the back pleat.

The coat looks too big on me. The only way I found that I could wear it well is with a wide belt - then it is really cute - but for $550? Unfortunately - it's going back. Hope this helps.

Another "thanks!" to Meredith (in this post), who also shared her thoughts on this coat. The following is her review:

Canadian--To follow up on your OT post about the Oona coat, I ordered it too and was also disappointed. I'm normally a sz 2 in J. Crew due to my bust (including in other coats like the Icon), and so I ordered the coat in this size. The coat was HUGE on me. I definitely had room to size down, but at 5'10, the sleeves were already *just* long enough. I agree with you that it was soft, but thin--not OK for a Chicago winter. Back it went!

"Thanks!" again to Canadian & Meredith for their great reviews!

What are your thoughts on the Wool Tweed Oona Coat? Are you considering or already have purchased this coat? Have you seen this coat in person? If so, please share with us your reviews too! :)

J.Crew Event at Collection Store (NYC)

A big "thanks!" to Roxy (who runs one of the most amazing blogs, Effortless Anthropologie), Cecilia, & Brittany, who shared an invite they received from J.Crew. (Also, "thanks!" to Roxy who shared the image above with us.)

The invite reads, "Jenna Lyons, Creative Director, toasts our top J.Crew Cardmembers with an evening of cocktails and private shopping to celebrate the arrival of the 2009 Holiday Collection". To make the event in November even sweeter, "guests will enjoy a 15% discount on all purchases made during the event".

J.Crew has held similar {private} events at the Collection store in the past (refer to the March 15 "Private Showing of J.Crew's Fall 2009 Collection" post, as well as last year's "J.Crew Holiday Collection In NYC {fabulous!}").

These events sound like a wonderful evening for {selected} card members to enjoy. A fabulous perk for those card-members in the area. {yey!} :)

If any JCAs are invited to this invite-only event and planning to attend, please do share with us! We would love to hear more about it. :)

J.Crew's Controversial Jacket {oh crap!}

Well, J.Crew found themselves in a bit of controversy with one of their offerings, the Belstaff® Trialmaster jacket (Item 22979; $795.00), formerly known as the Belstaff® Che Guevara Replica Jacket.

If you do a Google search on this topic, you will find a handful of consumers outraged that J.Crew would associate themselves with Che Guevara. As a result, J.Crew quickly renamed the jacket by omitting the name altogether.

I am not going to go into the whole Che Guevara discussion (there are lots of other blogs, books, etc. that already do, and are much better informed than me on the topic). Instead, I like to say that I am happy to hear that J.Crew quickly reacted to consumers' concerns (no matter what the issue is at hand). However, I am left wondering why J.Crew would even bother including the name in the first place, knowing there could be some sort of controversy around it.

When I think of J.Crew, the last thing I think of is "controversial". There are some other fashion houses I might think of... like Calvin Klein with those super skinny (almost strung out) models like Kate Moss back in the '90s, or the recent Ralph Lauren ads that show ridiculously thin models with heads bigger than their hips (refer here), or Karl Lagerfeld's recent quote (refer here). But definitely not J.Crew.

The last time (that I can remember) where J.Crew found itself in some trouble was in 2005. In one of their catalogs they offered several pieces of clothes and footwear with real fur trim (like the puffer vest in the image to the left). After protests from organized groups and many angry consumer complaints, J.Crew pulled all the pieces from their stores and online. Which is why I found it odd that J.Crew's newest arrivals included the Shadow Shearling Jacket (Item 20889; $2,500.00).

So here's to hoping that J.Crew learns from the past and avoids the serious controversy. And that the most controversial aspect to J.Crew is how the Silk Taffeta Belted Short (Item 20103; $118.00) made it to Jenna's Picks as one of her "forever pieces" (refer to here).

J.Crew Email: Jenna's picks - my forever pieces

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta & HeidiG, who let us know about J.Crew's most recent email, which showcases all of Jenna Lyons' picks for the latest catalog.

Click here to view all the items selected, including the following:

I'm loving versatile, elegant-meets-easygoing pieces that go anywhere (and look great, season after season).

1. Marlene Crisscross Platform Heels (item 20358; $228.00)
2. Metallic Aran Isle Scarf (Item 20404; $49.50)
   
3. Pearl Pastiche Necklace (Item 22596; $135.00)
4. Silk Taffeta Belted Short (Item 20103; $118.00)
5. Madewell Slim Slouch Jeans (Item 18653; $110.00)
6. Ruffled Collier Top (Item 19685; $89.50)
7. Boyfriend Fatigue Jacket (item 19985; $148.00)
8. Infinity Earrings (Item 22660; $65.00)
   
9. Ryder Satchel (Item 20310; $298.00)
10. Superskinny satin belt (Item 21396; $25.00)
    

I am not overly excited with Jenna's picks. In particular, I don't like her choice of the Silk Taffeta Belted Shorts. I know those silk shorts are a very popular look right now, but I can't help but think "clown shorts" when I see them. They are definitely *not* a "forever piece". However, I do like a few of her choices including the Infinity Earrings and Ryder Satchel. Both items I would like to see in person. Especially the earrings. As much as I like J.Crew's earrings, they tend to be very heavy (which means I can't wear them for more than 10 minutes).

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