Friday, August 29, 2014

American Express + J.Crew = $20 off $100+

A big "thanks!" to reedandbamboo (in this post) who shared the following news with us:
...AmEx offer - $20 off $100 purchase at J.Crew (online & in-store)... You have to sign up for it on the Offers section when you log-in to your AmEx card account. Once it's added to your offers list, you're good to go. Not sure if you can Twitter sync it...
I believe this offer expires October 5, 2014. Definitely sign up and register if you have an American Express card! :)

J.Crew Labor Day Weekend: 25% Off Select Fall Styles & 40% Off Final Sale

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Melissa@AllThingsSimplified (in this post), who let us know about the following promotion this morning.

J.Crew is offering an additional 25% off select merchandise (over 300+ eligible items) and an extra 40% off Final Sale (about time!) using promo code WEEKEND. This offer expires August 31, 2014. The fine print for this offer includes:
IN STORES: 25% off select fall styles for women as marked and 40% off final sale items. ONLINE: 25% off select fall styles for women as marked and 40% off final sale items, with select final sale items at 50% off. Offers valid from August 29, 2014, 12:01am ET through August 31, 2014, 11:59pm ET. 25% discount only valid on items listed in "25% Off Fall Styles for Women" assortment at jcrew.com or as advertised in stores. 50% discount only valid on items listed in the "50% Off Select Sale Styles" assortment at jcrew.com. Offers not valid in Liquor Store or Ludlow Shops; in 769 Madison Avenue, Bloor Street or J.Crew Factory stores; at jcrewfactory.com; or on phone orders. Offers cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in combination with any other offer. In-store discounts automatically taken at the register. To redeem online, enter code WEEKEND in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promotional code per order. Offers valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offers are subject to change.
Overall, this is a really great promotion! It covers both new arrivals and sale.

It is worth mentioning that a lot of new arrivals are already on sale (and not promotion priced either!) in brick and mortar stores. I saw the Quilted Boyfriend Fatigue Jacket (item B2589; $168.00) on sale for something like $139.99 in one of my local stores, before the additional percent off sale applied. Crazy how fast some items are moving from the front of the store to the back sale racks. In any case, it might be worth a visit to your local J.Crew to see if any other items are markdown.


It's too bad I feel "in between seasons". I don't feel like shopping the Final Sale for any Summer clothes and I don't feel like shopping for new Fall items yet either. However, I am sure I will change my mind once I take a look around. ;)

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, what items are you interested in?

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 see what's available (if anything!) in the SALE, or to see some NEW ARRIVALS {sigh!} 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. 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!

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Extra 30% Off Madewell's Sale Styles! {20% OFF SELECT DRESSES & BOOTS TOO!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, who let us know about the following promotion.

Madewell is offering customers to take an extra 20% off select dresses and boots, as well as an extra 30% off all Sale items (with some marked as "final Sale") with promo code YESYES. The offer expires September 2, 2014. The fine print includes:
**Offers valid on purchases in Madewell stores and at madewell.com from August 28, 2014, 12:01am ET through September 2, 2014, 11:59pm ET. Offers not valid on phone orders. Discounts cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in combination with any other offer. Discounts on in-store purchases will be taken at the register. To redeem online, enter code YESYES in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promotional code per order. Terms of offers are subject to change.
On Tuesday, Madewell updated its website with some new arrivals. It might be worth a double look to see if there is something you are interested in!



Plus, there are a lot of new items that are now on sale or on promotion (like the the Textured Large Pouch Clutch in Paintstripe). I am a big fan of Madewell's pouches, in particular the Simple Pouch in Desert Stripe (item A8114; on promo for $62.50). The quality is great and it looks amazing.


Lastly, Madewell is also offering free shipping on any order... wahoo! Madewell just makes shopping it so easy!

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion at Madewell? What Madewell item are you hoping to pick up? Please share!

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to LOVE with J.Crew" post, a place to share our favorite experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a positive situation with J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including stellar experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to VENT with J.Crew" post, a place to share our not-so-stellar experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a frustrating situation with J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including poor experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Random: J.Crew Gingham Shirt Gets Own Instagram Account

"Thanks!" to many of you, including J.Crew Guy In Canada, Erin, as well as traderscoobies and JSR (in this post),  who let us know about the following random news: J.Crew's Gingham Shirt for Men has its very own Instagram account (click here).

If that is not random enough, this story is everywhere (including Time and GQ)! The following is from the Huffington Post (click here to read in its entirety):
This Is The 'Bacon Of Shirts'
By Jamie Feldman
August 21, 2014

There are some shirts so classic and timeless, they become staples in just about everyone's wardrobe. The J.Crew Gingham print button down is one of those shirts. Guys either have one or want one --and we all know someone who has worn one.

Need proof? You'll find it on this clever Instagram account, aptly called "thatjcrewginghamshirt." We chatted with the brains behind the sartorial operation Jonathan San about how he came up with the idea, why he thinks the shirt is so popular and of course, if he has one of his own.

So, do you own the shirt? If so, in what color?
Yep, in navy. Navy blue gingham is patient zero in my book.

How did you come up with the idea?
I probably first noticed how ubiquitous the shirt was last year. I remember going to a movie with one of my friends and we both ended up wearing that J. Crew gingham shirt. From then on, I started seeing that same shirt everywhere just walking around New York City. Then a few weeks ago I was watching "The Internship" and I saw Owen Wilson wearing it, and I was like "that shirt"! I saw someone wearing it in line at Pret A Manger the next day and knew that I had to make an Instagram.

Why that shirt?
Mostly because I see it everywhere and 90% of my friends own it. Honestly, when I walk around I see people wearing the shirt and those who are not. It's like seeing the world in black and white, except it's gingham and not-gingham. And if you don't own that J. Crew gingham shirt you're either lying or just seriously out of the loop. Go buy it.

Why do you think so many guys have it?
I would go with it being a "safe choice." Your dad can wear it, your taxi driver -- I recently was in a taxi with a driver wearing it -- can wear it, your boyfriend can wear it. It's the bacon of men's shirts, and who doesn't like bacon? Also, vegans and vegetarians are totally allowed to wear this shirt.

Where do you find most people wearing it?
I've seen them all just walking around New York -- I see at least one a day. Now a lot of my friends will see one and take a photo and text it to me. It's hilarious. I've seen I think three in one night, that might be the record so far, although now some people are tagging me in their own photos. I recently was tagged in one photo of a girl wearing it, which is the first. The first GingGirl...we're breaking through the glass ceiling for sure.

Has anyone ever confronted you about taking their photo? Have you had any issues?
Nobody's ever confronted me. I don't think anyone's ever noticed. You'd be surprised how close you can get to someone and take their photo and they have no idea. Plus it's all in good fun.. and everyone looks good in that shirt.

This is pretty funny! Quite honestly, the shirt is a classic staple and I can see its mass appeal. It is the type of shirt that looks great on anyone and everyone. Plus, it works well for almost any situation. Going to the office? Wear the Gingham Shirt. Going out with friends? Wear the Gingham Shirt. Dinner with the fiance? Wear the Gingham Shirt.

What would really be awesome??? If there was some sort of Meetup.com group for "wearers of That J.Crew Gingham Shirt". Then everyone meets up while wearing the shirt. ;)

What are your thoughts on the J.Crew Gingham Instagram account? If you could create another Instagram account for an item from J.Crew, which item would it be?

Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent" posts), where we can share our finds from other retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew (like Anthropologie, LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and the like.)

If you have recently encountered items that are similar to J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including experiences with certain merchandise pieces, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

J.Crew End of Summer Sale {Clearance Store}

A big "thanks!" to Janice who shared the following {fantastic} news with us!

J.Crew's Clearance Store in Arden, North Carolina is having a major warehouse sale. This event takes place through August 29, 2014.

The location for the store is:
J.Crew Clearance Store
1 Clifford Way (off N.C. 191)
Arden, NC 28704

Look at those prices! Ugh, those prices look amazing!!!

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

25% Off Select Styles at J.Crew {extra 25% off sale styles too!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, who let us know about the following promotion this morning.

J.Crew is offering an additional 25% off select merchandise and an extra 25% off Final Sale using promo code ALMOSTFALL. This offer expires August 28, 2014. The fine print for this offer includes:
*Discount valid on final sale items and items marked "25% off with code ALMOSTFALL" or as advertised in stores. Offer valid in J.Crew stores and at jcrew.com from August 26, 2014, 12:01am ET through August 28, 2014, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in Liquor Store or Ludlow Shops; in 769 Madison Avenue, Bloor Street or J.Crew Factory stores; at jcrewfactory.com; or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in combination with any other offer. In-store discount automatically taken at the register. To redeem online, enter code ALMOSTFALL in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promotional code per order. Offer valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer are subject to change. Final sale items cannot be returned or exchanged.
I like that this promotion is available both online and in stores. Plus, that there is a promotion for new arrivals.


What I am not liking? Just 25% off for FINAL sale?!? C'mon now J.Crew. There are over 2000+ items in the Women section alone and things are. not. moving. Why would I want the same items, at the same sale price, that were eligible for 50% off and not final sale several weeks ago? (Or for that matter, was eligible for 30% off just a few days ago? Losing 5% is not a lot, but it is something.)

I understand that there are several items that are new to sale, and a deep discount doesn't make sense for those items yet. However, anything that has been in the sale section for over 4 months need to go. Let it go...

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, what items are you interested in?

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

Are You Ready For Fall?


I cannot believe that it is almost the end of August and September is just around the corner! Everywhere you look, Fall is smacking you in the face. Forget the Back-to-School theme at stores, I already saw Halloween and Christmas decorations on display.

A quick look on my Blog reader and it seems like everyone changed over their closet from Summer to Fall too. Don't get me wrong, I love Fall... the crisp air, the pumpkin flavored coffee, the maple scented soaps, etc...

Despite all that, it is still pretty darn hot where I am at. Enough to enjoy pool parties and wearing shorts. So even though I am loving all the Fall stuff, I am not ready for Summer to end quite yet. ;)


Are you excited for Fall? Still want Summer to last? Which season are you dressing for?

Monday, August 25, 2014

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to sell}

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, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)


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?

Sidenote: What's up with JCAs writing "sub" or "subscribing" as their comment? It just means they are subscribing to all the comments (which are then automatically sent to their email) in that particular thread. This way they can stay aware of all the comments posted. :)

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to find}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.


Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)


Also 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/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

Sought & Found: Did you visit J.Crew this {past} 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 stopped by a J.Crew store this past weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SALE, or to see some NEW ARRIVALS {sigh!} 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 was/ is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

Friday, August 22, 2014

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 see what's available (if anything!) in the SALE, or to see some NEW ARRIVALS {sigh!} 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. 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!

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Another Flash Sale at J.Crew Factory {30% off everything & free shipping!}


"Thanks!" to  many of you, who shared the following email & promotion from J.Crew.

J.Crew Factory is offering 30% off and free shipping with promotional code TICKTOCK. This offer expires today at 3PM, EST. The fine print includes:

*Offer valid on purchases made at jcrewfactory.com on August 21, 2014, 11:00am ET through 3:00pm ET. Offer not valid in J.Crew or J.Crew Factory stores, at jcrew.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other offer. Offer not valid on men’s suiting and footwear, boys’ shoes, women’s puffer vests or third-party branded merchandise. To redeem, enter code TICKTOCK in the promo code box at checkout. Free shipping valid on orders shipping to the continental U.S. and U.S. P.O. Boxes via economy shipping (6 to 8 business days) and to Canada via standard shipping (4 to 7 business days). Return requests must be made in accordance with our return policy. Limit one promotional code per order. Offer valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer are subject to change. 
I feel like prices might be a little better at brick and mortar factory stores... However, it is definitely worth checking out. Especially since they are offering free shipping too.


Can we take a moment to admire the outfit above? Is it just me, or is it simply perfection. Such a great, clean way to wear such a fun sweatshirt. It's such a polish look.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, please share!

What I Heart at Madewell

"Thanks!" to Catherine (in this post), who came up with a great post topic:
Hi Alexis, can you share some of your favorite styles? And do they run true to size? I am liking more and more their clothes, but have found in the past they run too small...
It's no secret, but I have been coming around on the Madewell bandwagon. When J.Crew first introduced their sister store, I thought, "that's nice". However, I never felt the clothes were really for me. I could always manage to find one or two items, but it was definitely not a go-to store. Well, things have changed. Lately, I have been turning to Madewell *instead* of J.Crew. I know, I know... scandalous! ;)

I thought I would pick a few items that represent the reason why I think Madewell is pretty awesome.


The first item is Madewell's Skinny Skinny Jeans in Nightfall (item A2279). I never thought Madewell's jeans were that great, especially since that was their "thing" from the very beginning. However, consider me a believer this year. They are blowing the competition out of the water with all their styles and fits. The Skinny Skinny Jeans in Nightfall are the *most* comfortable pair of jeans I ever owned. They also look great after multiple washes and don't sag out after long periods of wear. No joke, I bought a back up pair just in case. ;)


The next item is the Outbound Jacket (item 42249). This jacket is the kind of item that looks great on anyone and everyone! The cotton is both sturdy and soft (sounds weird, I know) that makes it feel like it is well-worn and will last forever (sounds weird again, I know!) The jacket looks so amazing thanks to its gorgeous collar (you just have to try it on to see how great it frames the face).


I should start off by saying that I own J.Crew's Downing Tote in English Saddle and I adore it! It's an absolutely gorgeous bag and I get compliments on it all the time. However, I really wanted a darker version too. I wasn't feeling the Downing Tote's Navy option so I turned to Madewell's the Transport Tote in Navy (item A8097) instead. The bag is a great size (just like the Downing Tote) that literally allows you to carry everything without feeling like you are carrying everything (the bag is so refreshingly light!) Plus, it has an attached zippered pocket that is actually roomy enough to carry keys or a phone (something the Downing Tote does not offer). I know it's a simple bag, but I really feel like it is one of those bags that will stand the test of fashion times.

As far as sizing goes... I think Madewell is all over the place. I am way more consistent in J.Crew's offerings than in Madewell. When it comes to Madewell, I am pretty much a size 2 or extra small in dresses, but I vary wildly in jeans (anywhere from 27 to my normal 29). I rely heavily on customers' online reviews to get a sense of what size I should get. Thank goodness those are there too!



UPDATE: Madewell is offering 20% off select styles using promo code HOTANDCOOL. This offer expires August 25, 2014.

What are a few things that you love from Madewell? Are you loving Madewell more lately? Please share! :)

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to LOVE with J.Crew" post, a place to share our favorite experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a positive situation with J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including stellar experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Quilted Puffer Vest {Retail versus Factory!}

Both J.Crew and J.Crew Factory came out with Quilted Puffer Vests for their respective Fall 2014 collections. I thought it would be fun to break down the two versions and see which one JCAs like more. To borrow a phrase from GigisGoneShopping, a "smackdown!" of the two.


Excursion quilted vest (item B0109; $120.00)

J.Crew retail's current version is a copy of J.Crew retail's 2013 Excursion Vest. When it comes to sizing, it runs large for most customers. I am normally an extra small/size 2 and find the extra extra small fits best.

Pro
  • It has a side pocket in addition to the button covered pocket
  • Quality: It is always better from retail.
  • Color: Comes in both chartreuse and bright ivory this year. Both colors have not been done in vests before.
Con
  • Those gold snap buttons are not my favorite. I don't know what it is about them, but I am not a huge fan. Mind you, I do own two versions of this vest with the gold buttons.
  • The zipper is only one way. The two way zippers from 2012 are much easier to wear.
  • Limited number of colors this year. Last year, there were more choices. Not sure why this year there are only four. :(


Factory quilted puffer vest (item 92465; $98.00)

J.Crew Factory's current version is actually a copy of J.Crew retail's 2012 Excursion Vest. When it comes to sizing, same scenario as the retail version: size one down.

Pro
  • The side pockets are more streamlined with the vest. Plus, there are inside snaps on this version that help keep stuff inside. Awesome little feature! (The retail version from 2012 did not have inside snaps, nor did Factory's version from 2013.)
  • Quality: I compared this version with my vests from retail 2012 and could not tell the difference. 
  • Colors: The factory version comes in a lot more colors. Including red currant and olive moss, both of which have not been used before.
  • Two way zipper- love this! Enough said.
Con
  • Quality: It's from Factory. I can't tell the difference from the retail version, but I know J.Crew cut costs somewhere. I don't know where, but it's somewhere... ;)

From my comparisons above, it is clear that I am hearting the Factory version a bit more. It's not to say that I don't like the retail version. I do! I just think the Factory version wins out.

What are your thoughts on the puffer vests from retail J.Crew and J.Crew Factory? Do you have any additional pros or cons that you would add to the lists here? If so, please share! :)

Quick Poll: Which puffer vest do you adore?

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!


"Thanks!" to many of you, including Melissa@AllThingsSimplified & Wendy (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website (click here to view online).

There are some new arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here). {wahoo!} It looks like Crewcuts (click here) has been updated, but not the J.Crew Collection (click here).

The AUGUST catalog (click here to view) is still up. However, the latest SEPTEMBER catalog is not. As mentioned by several JCAs, J.Crew posted several images of the newest catalog over at Pinterest (click here to view).

This time around I was able to find a lot more items I am excited about. My top picks are:

Polka-dot flannel shirt (item B0958; $88.00): I don't need another polka dot button down. However this one looks super nice and super cozy. Perfect for Fall!
Shattered print dress (item B0080; $138.00): I love the print and length on this skirt. I can't wait to try this one on!

Sophie Plaid loafers (item A9808; $138.00): Just look at them, the plaid print is gorgeous!!!

Two-floral scarf (item B4114; $55.00): The print, with the pop of royal blue trim, is so beautiful and screams Fall to me. This one is mine!

Can I just address the issue about skirts. I have been complaining for quite some time about the need for some more lovely-print, knee-length skirts from J.Crew. I don't care for the pleated versions they have been rolling out lately (pleats are trouble for me to maintain). The only skirt I bought in the past year from J.Crew was the Patio Skirt in Photo Floral. More of those types, pretty please!

Also, J.Crew is offering 25% off select styles with promo code SHOPNOW. Items online will be marked "25% Off With Code SHOPNOW" on the item page. This offer expires August 25, 2014. There will also be free shipping on all orders placed today too! This offer expires today, August 20, 2014.

"Thanks!" to Wendy (in this post),who let us know that J.Crew credit card holding customers can take an additional 20% off Crewcuts items using promo code CARDSHOP. Customers need to use a J.Crew credit card as payment for the code to work. This offer expires September 15, 2014.

What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you expecting a bigger roll-out? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)

"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to VENT with J.Crew" post, a place to share our not-so-stellar experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a frustrating situation with J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including poor experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent" posts), where we can share our finds from other retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew (like Anthropologie, LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and the like.)

If you have recently encountered items that are similar to J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including experiences with certain merchandise pieces, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

Dress Like J.Crew, But Can You Smell Like J.Crew {answer: yup!}

Some exciting new additions are making their way over to J.Crew... J.Crew is set to launch two new fragrances!!! The following is from Elle (click here to read in its entirey):
J.Crew Launches Fragrances With a 1940s Feminist Twist
By Megan Cahn

August 15, 2014


We know we're not the only ones who feel this way: Open a J.Crew catalogue and you want to live in its pages—to go on the idyllic Indian/Balinese/English countryside vacation in the perfect not-trying-too-hard outfit with the most ruggedly handsome dude. The world of J.Crew has always been Instagram-perfect before there was Instagram. It's completely alluring, so today's announcement that J.Crew will be adding fragrance to its world just seems right.

Jenna Lyons and Co. worked with fragrance developer Carlos Huber, who creates scents that "restore the olfactive experience of a particular time and place" at his small-batch perfumery Arquiste, to create J.Crew's first two fragrances, No. 31 and No. 57. “Fragrance is not something we know a lot about, so when the opportunity to work with [Huber] arose, we knew it was time to do this,” Lyons told WWD.

The scents, out on August 18, are meant to evoke a very specific moment in time: January 5, 1943. This date marked the opening of the “Exhibition by 31 Women,” the first all-female modern art show in the U.S. Curated by Peggy Guggenheim and displayed at her Art of This Century Gallery on East 57th Street in New York, the show featured works by Lee Krasner, Dorothea Tanning, and Frida Kahlo. Of course, there was also a fabulous opening night party to celebrate the show, heralded as the "party of the decade." Huber describes the scene to WWD: “Guggenheim had oak chairs so patrons could sit down and admire art. The walls, floor and ceiling were all done in wood....There were Manhattans, negronis, and gin-and-tonics—all these cocktails that were popular during that era.”

J.Crew's new scents are meant to conjur up the excitement of that night. No. 57 evokes the warmth of the wood and glow of the party (aged whiskey, cinnamon bark, labdanum and vanilla), while No. 31 reflects the crowd and the cocktails (red vermouth, eau-de-vie accord, Bulgarian rose, and damson plum). "Each scent has a unique feeling and will attract many different women," Tom Mora, head of J. Crew women’s design, says in a release. "The scents are strong in their own ways, and after experiencing them, our customers might find that they love both; it’s a very personal thing."

J.Crew has dabbled in beauty before, but this foray into fragrance certainly seems like it will be a lot more memorable.
The Arquiste for J.Crew fragrances are available in 1.7 fl.oz ($78/£78) and 0.34 fl.oz ($25/£25) bottles. I read elsewhere that they will be available starting August 20th at J.Crew stores / online (and September 23rd at the J.Crew store in London).

J.Crew has dabbled in the scent game before. They came out last year with the Men's D.S. & Durga for J.Crew Homesteader's Cologne (refer to the "Don't Just Look Like J.Crew {smell like it too!}" post). For Women, as D*ska (in this post) mentions, J.Crew had a self titled perfume a super long time ago. A quick search on eBay found several bottles of "Sea Glass" by J.Crew (or should I say, So J.Crew!)

This new product seems like a good extension of J.Crew current offerings. They already offer makeup and hair accessories, so why not perfume? Plus, a lot of other retailers like Banana Republic and Zara, offer their own signature scents. So it's a pretty common move too.

I am curious what it will smell like in person. I already feel like I own too many bottles of perfume, but I can always make room for one more if it smells right!

What are your thoughts on this new product extension? Are you excited about smelling like J.Crew now too? ;)

Monday, August 18, 2014

J.Crew Factory: Extra 25% Off!


"Thanks!" to many of you, who let us know about the following promotion this morning.


J.Crew Factory is offering an additional 25% off all purchases using promo code EXTRA25. Yey! This offer expires August 20, 2014. The fine print for this offer includes:
**Discount valid on purchases made at jcrewfactory.com from August 18, 2014, 12:01am ET through August 20, 2014, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in J.Crew or J.Crew Factory stores, at jcrew.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in combination with any other offer. Offer not valid on women's puffer vests, women's leather apparel,men's suiting and footwear, boys' shoes or any third-party brands. To redeem, enter code EXTRA25 in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promotional code per order. Offer valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer are subject to change.
I love these types of universal promotions that work on both sale and regular merchandise!

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, what items are you interested in?

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to sell}

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, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)


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?

Sidenote: What's up with JCAs writing "sub" or "subscribing" as their comment? It just means they are subscribing to all the comments (which are then automatically sent to their email) in that particular thread. This way they can stay aware of all the comments posted. :)

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to find}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.


Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)


Also 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/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

Sought & Found: Did you visit J.Crew this {past} 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 stopped by a J.Crew store this past weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SALE, or to see some NEW ARRIVALS {sigh!} 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 was/ is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

Sunday, August 17, 2014

J.Crew's September 2014 Catalog on Pinterest

"Thanks!" to many of you, including JSR (in this post), TeriLynn13 (in this post), as well as Susan and Stella (in this post), who let us know that there are several images from the September 2014 catalog on Pinterest. (Click here for J.Crew on Pinterest.)

"Thanks!" to
GigisGoneShopping
(in this post), also posted the catalog up on her blog, check out her "September 2014 catalog" post.
















* Love this outfit!


* I love this photo, cast and all!

* This photo is beautiful!




I have often mentioned that the Fall collection at J.Crew is usually the best with rich colors and beautifully tailored offerings. I am just not seeing it here for the Women's collection.

I simply do not care for the styling shown in these photos. I am sure I will love most of the individual pieces in person. But not as they are currently shown. Frankly, I am just not excited with what I see. This bums me out. Really. It does.

The Men's photos all look amazing! The styles are on point and the offerings look like the perfect mixture of "classics with a twist"! Even the Crewcuts photos show kids styled in fun, exciting ways. Which makes the Women's side of the catalog all the more disappointing.

On a bright note, the catalog is already available in J.Crew stores. Plus, it is being shipped out to customers via snail mail.

Word among several JCAs is that the next roll out of new arrivals (online) is this Wednesday. Brick & mortar stores might already have items on the floor.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming collection? Are there any pieces you are super excited about? Does your local store carry any of the new arrivals yet? If so, please share!