Let's Babble About the Bubble

Congratulations J.Crew, you did it! You broke me and now I am obsessed with your Bubble Necklace (item 92687; $150.00). {sigh} Well played.

Honestly, I did not care for the necklace when it first came out in Spring 2009. (I believe it was around then.) I initially thought "meh". It is too big and clunky, and the price tag... woah! Just beads people.

Then last holiday season, I got my hands on the red version for an incredible price (thanks to all those post-holiday-lets-liquadate-merch sales). I did not wear it much at first, but slowly it became my go-to necklace.

The red version is great, a classic, but it doesn't work with every outfit. And that is how my collection of Bubbles began...

Next thing I know, I am getting all the colors being offered including my all-time favorite: white. (As an aside: I have worn the white version every other day and it is worth every penny of full retail price! I receive a compliment on the necklace each time I wear it.) Who knew the red Bubble Necklace would have been my gateway necklace?!?

J.Crew is selling these like hot cakes! Every time I stop into a J.Crew store, I notice a fellow shopper checking out with one of these necklaces in her shopping bag. It doesn't help that J.Crew keeps re-introducing them in additional amazing shades.

So now I am obsessed with these darn necklaces and can't seem to get enough of them. Am I the only one?

Are you a fan of the Bubble Necklaces from J.Crew? Do you own multiples of J.Crew's iconic statement necklace? If so, please share your obsession! :)

Quick Poll: Are you a fan of the Bubble Necklace?

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"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.

Read More

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.

Read More

J.Crew Expanding in Hong Kong

Last year we heard about J.Crew's expansion plans to open in Hong Kong (refer to the "J.Crew Enters the Asian Fashion Market" and "J. Crew to Open Store in Hong Kong {oh yeah!}" posts).

"Thanks!" to Sabrina & Get Fresh who shared the following article from the Wall Street Journal (click here to read in its entirety) about J.Crew's overseas move:

J.Crew Plans to Expand in China, Hong Kong
By Jeffry Ng, Yun-Hee Kim, & Mariko Sanchanta
July 31, 2012

After withdrawing from Japan four years ago following a botched expansion, J.Crew Group Inc. now is wooing someone new in the region: the sophisticated Chinese consumer.

The U.S. clothing retailer, ...will dip its toe into Hong Kong and Beijing this autumn when it debuts its clothes at Lane Crawford—Asia's version of Barney's New York.

J.Crew is scouting stand-alone retail space in an upmarket Hong Kong mall, with plans to open next year and is looking at opening stores in mainland China, according to Chief Executive Mickey Drexler. The company, which is based in New York, also is looking at a possible return to Japan. Mr. Drexler was to fly to Tokyo on Tuesday for meetings and to scout out real estate.

J.Crew's move comes, however, when the once torrid China luxury market is starting to show signs of a slowdown.

It isn't clear whether the U.S. line will be well-received in China, where consumers favor luxury European brands and logos. The late entrance of U.S. retailers into China means they have to try harder to build brand recognition and loyalty.

"It is easy for a Chinese consumer to understand Gucci, 'It is expensive, so it must be good, and you must be someone if you have it.' How does a Chinese consumer understand the history and lifestyle that [a particular U.S. brand] represents?" said Franklin Yao, chief executive of consulting firm SmithStreetSolutions.

J.Crew this year started shipping online orders to more than a hundred countries as a way to test the markets. Hong Kong, Japan and Australia are now among J.Crew's top five international e-commerce markets.

Mr. Drexler, who ran Gap Inc. for much of the 1980s and '90s, said J.Crew is in no hurry to expand internationally and that he would wait to see its stores open in Hong Kong and London next year before considering his next steps. "We don't have a grand plan for opening X%," he said.

Building brand recognition in Asia, particularly in China, will be a challenge. J.Crew will have to compete with the dozens of midtier international clothing names already in the market. Pricing is an issue for new brands entering China, Mr. Yao said, especially with the advent of international shipping from e-commerce sites and the growth of Chinese travelers shopping abroad.

"You need a more sophisticated consumer, someone who can make the distinction between spending $150 for a pair of pants compared with $80," said Torsten Stocker, the head of the consumer group at consulting firm Monitor Group. "These consumers are emerging in China, but it's not as obvious as it is in markets like Hong Kong or Singapore."

To address the challenge, J.Crew recently hired a head of international marketing from handbag maker Coach Inc., one of the most successful U.S. fashion names in Asia. ...

Mr. Drexler said he believes customers in Asia will be attracted to J.Crew's unique, high-quality apparel. "We offer an alternative that's not being offered in the marketplace today," Mr. Drexler said.

Unlike other U.S. retailers seeking international exposure to mitigate slowing growth at home, J.Crew has been expanding steadily. It plans to open 42 stores in North America this year, bringing its store count to around 400. "We're not here because we are running out of places to go in America. We have so much organic growth there," Mr. Drexler said.

...It was Mr. Drexler's decision to pull its shops out of Japan, at the time J.Crew's only market outside North America. "Tokyo reflected the same issues we had in America but trying to do something in America and fixing Tokyo at the same time was impossible," he said.

What J.Crew won't repeat is expanding abroad with local partners, a strategy that was unsuccessful in Japan. "We like control.…We have the capital to do it, and I don't want to visit a store where I have to discuss with…my partner what I like or don't like about my store." "I don't consider this a huge risk at all and if, in fact, we didn't succeed in Hong Kong, life goes on. We'll figure out alternatives," Mr. Drexler said.

It will be interesting to see how J.Crew translates its brand to a consumer base who may not be that familiar with the company. The other thing is what kind of prices will J.Crew be charging. (As international JCAs already know with J.Crew's current international e-commerce site, the initial price points are much higher than the counterpart in dollars.)

I am also interested in seeing what types of marketing their new head of international marketing (formerly from Coach) will pursue. I am guessing the Hello World is just the start (refer to the "J.Crew Styled around the World" post for more).

Lastly, I did not know that Hong Kong, Japan and Australia were part of J.Crew's top 5 international e-commerce markets. I am guessing Canada fills one of the two other slots. Maybe the U.K. is the other one?

Are you excited about J.Crew's move to Hong Kong? Do you think J.Crew can build & translate its brand in the international retail market?

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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! :)

Read More

J.Crew Store Location Series {Dallas, Texas}

*Image above is from Paperless Post, found through NYC Recessonista's post

A big "thanks!" to GigiOfCa {of the delightful Gigi's Gone Shopping blog} who came up with a brilliant suggestion for a series of post: a city guide where JCAs can suggest which J.Crews to shop at.

This post will focus on Dallas, Texas! With so many stores in the area, it might be too much to visit them all. So if you are a local, or a knowledgeable tourist, please share what stores a fellow JCA has to visit!

Feel free to share other tidbits of advice. For example... What are your top three spots? Are there certain stores that should be avoided at certain times of the day/ week? Are there stores that have a better selection than others? Which stores have the best sale offerings?

Which J.Crew brick & mortar (B&M) stores {in the Dallas area} should an out-of-towner shop at? Which stores should be avoided? Please share! :)

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J.Crew of Seasons Past: {a look in the closet}

It's that time again, to take a look at an image of J.Crew pieces from seasons past! As caribbelle (in this post) so beautifully termed, "ye olde j crew of yore".

This post features the Strapless Jolie Organza Dress, a beautiful black and white strapless dress from J.Crew with a striking floral pattern all around. J.Crew does an amazing job when it comes to their party dresses!

What are your thoughts on the look(s)/item(s) from the past? Do you find the look(s)/item(s) classic or do you think they are dated?

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Celebrity Edition of J.Crew Spotted {Katie Holmes}

"Thanks!" to Leah, as well as MissKitty (in this post), who let us know about Kate Katie Holmes wearing J.Crew. Over at the DailyMail (click here), the article shows an image of Katie sporting the Tippi Bow Sweater, part of J.Crew's new arrivals for Fall.

Also, "thanks!" to Andrea who "spotted" the Scatter-dot dress (Item 85792; $168.00) on Natalie Morales during an episode of the Today Show. I own this dress and I adore how chic it looks on with such minimal effort on my part.

Love me those polka dots. Can't blame these ladies for feeling the love for them too!

What are your thoughts on the polka-dot craze hitting our favorite retail obsession? Are you a fan of the trend or are you already over them? :)

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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. :)

Read More

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?

Read More

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 SUMMER sale, or to see some new SUMMER 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!!! :)

Read More

J.Crew's August Catalog {double check it!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Shaina & Hwin (in this post) & Megan, who shared the following news.

The latest J.Crew catalog sent to customers may have a unique promotional code (for something like 20% off on any order, free shipping with no minimum, or $20 off a certain amount).

So double-check your catalog to see if you got a unique promo code too! :)

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JCA Community {quote it!}

Greta (in this post):

And does Barack ever say to Michelle, "slow down a little now, it's been too many boxes from J Crew"? Like my husband sometimes does to me?

HA! Been here too. ;)

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Catalog Cover Flashback {Spring/ Summer '89}

J.Crew posted this Spring/Summer 1989 catalog cover over on their Facebook page. How amazing is this picture?!?! Love. It.

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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! :)

Read More

"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.

Read More

J.Crew Store Location Series {San Francisco}

*Image above is from Paperless Post, found through NYC Recessonista's post

A big "thanks!" to GigiOfCa {of the delightful Gigi's Gone Shopping blog} who came up with a brilliant suggestion for a series of post: a city guide where JCAs can suggest which J.Crews to shop at.

This post will focus on San Francisco, California! With so many stores in the area, it might be too much to visit them all. So if you are a local, or a knowledgeable tourist, please share what stores a fellow JCA has to visit!

Feel free to share other tidbits of advice. For example... What are your top three spots? Are there certain stores that should be avoided at certain times of the day/ week? Are there stores that have a better selection than others? Which stores have the best sale offerings?

Which J.Crew brick & mortar (B&M) stores {in the San Fran area} should an out-of-towner shop at? Which stores should be avoided? Please share! :)

Read More

"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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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! :)

Read More

J.Crew Store Location Series {Boston}

*Image above is from Paperless Post, found through NYC Recessonista's post

A big "thanks!" to GigiOfCa {of the delightful Gigi's Gone Shopping blog} who came up with a brilliant suggestion for a series of post: a city guide where JCAs can suggest which J.Crews to shop at.

This post will focus on Boston, Massachusetts! With so many stores in the area, it might be too much to visit them all. So if you are a local, or a knowledgeable tourist, please share what stores a fellow JCA has to visit!

Feel free to share other tidbits of advice. For example... What are your top three spots? Are there certain stores that should be avoided at certain times of the day/ week? Are there stores that have a better selection than others? Which stores have the best sale offerings?

Which J.Crew brick & mortar (B&M) stores {in the Boston area} should an out-of-towner shop at? Which stores should be avoided? Please share! :)

Read More

J.Crew of Seasons Past: {a look in the closet}

It's that time again, to take a look at an image of J.Crew pieces from seasons past! As caribbelle (in this post) so beautifully termed, "ye olde j crew of yore".

I want to say this image came out in Spring 2008. Although the outfits are kind of boring, there is something quite lovely about this image. Maybe its because the photo looks like it captured two girlfriends sharing drinks and fond memories together. In any case, I love it!

What are your thoughts on the look(s)/item(s) from the past? Do you find the look(s)/item(s) classic or do you think they are dated?

Read More

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. :)

Read More

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?

Read More

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 SUMMER sale, or to see some new SUMMER 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!!! :)

Read More

J.Crew's August 2012 Catalog {take a look!}

A big "thanks!" to Fabulous Florida Mommy, of the amazing Fabulous Florida Mommy blog, who scanned the Women’s *and* Men’s sections of the August 2012 catalog. Yeah, that's right! Both Women and Men. Woot, woot!

To view the catalog in an easy-to-view slideshow, check out her "J.Crew August 2012 Catalog" post.

As some of you mentioned in the "J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!" post, J.Crew is not releasing their catalog online until next week. Oddly enough, I was told the same thing by an in-store associate for the paper version too (to coincide when new arrivals hit the floor).

What are your thoughts on the latest catalog? Do you like the styles displayed on the pages? Anything you love or question? Please share! :)

Read More

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 SUMMER sale, or to see some new SUMMER 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!

Read More

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Tabitha (in this post), MissKitty (in this post), as well as Irina, who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website today (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, as did the J.Crew Collection (click here).

The July catalog (click here to view) is available to view. However, the latest Fall/August catalog is not yet up.

J.Crew is no longer keeping up with this feature in a timely manner. (Not sure why either.) Best bet is to pick up the new catalog in their brick & mortar (B&M) store.

Incidentally, catalogs for January, February, & March are still up (click here to view).

As for the new arrivals... If you are a fan of polka dots (and honestly, who isn't?!), then this upcoming Fall season is for you at J.Crew!

Adorbs! The Tippi sweater in polka dot (item 11808; $89.50) is such fun! I love the pairing of the fantastic Tippi with the oversized dots. My personal pick is the Navy/Burgundy combo.

Loves it! Did anyone else hear the song "Hello" (by Lionel Richie) playing in her head upon seeing the Polka-dot tie-neck dress (item 97186; $198.00)?!? This dress is perfection thanks to its classic shape and style (cap sleeves, yes please!) Polka dots, too? {swoon}

About that... Apologies in advance if you are a fan, but I just do not get the Archipelago Necklace (item 23206; $165.00). And clearly I do not, because this necklace already has a wait-listed date of August 6, 2012. I much rather buy another Bubble Necklace than get this one.

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 today? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)

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Madewell Email: Dive in: extra 30% off sale styles (+ free shipping)

"Thanks!" to many of you, who shared the following promotion from Madewell today.

Madewell is offering an additional 30% off their Sale (click here to shop online) and free shipping (on orders of $100+) with promo code LOVEIT. The offer ends Monday, July 23, 2012. The fine print includes:

*Offer valid at madewell.com only. Offer does not apply to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards. 30% off discount applies to sale styles only. Offer valid through Monday, 7/23/12, 11:59pm ET. Savings are applied at checkout with code LOVEIT. Offer not valid on phone orders. Limit one promotional code per order. Details of offer are subject to change.

**Previous purchases are not eligible for this discount. Free shipping offer valid on madewell.com orders shipped via regular shipping (3 to 6 business days). Free shipping applies only to online orders of $100 or more before shipping, handling and taxes are added. Free ground shipping is applied automatically at checkout. Offer is valid for a limited time only and is subject to change without notice.

Will you be checking out Madewell? Did you already pick up an item or two? If so, please share!

Read More

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! :)

Read More

"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.

Read More

J.Crew Store Location Series {Chicago}

*Image above is from Paperless Post, found through NYC Recessonista's post

A big "thanks!" to GigiOfCa {of the delightful Gigi's Gone Shopping blog} who came up with a brilliant suggestion for a series of post: a city guide where JCAs can suggest which J.Crews to shop at.

This post will focus on Chicago! With so many stores in the area, it might be too much to visit them all. So if you are a local, or a knowledgeable tourist, please share what stores a fellow JCA has to visit!

Feel free to share other tidbits of advice. For example... What are your top three spots? Are there certain stores that should be avoided at certain times of the day/ week? Are there stores that have a better selection than others? Which stores have the best sale offerings?

Which J.Crew brick & mortar (B&M) stores {in the Chicago area} should an out-of-towner shop at? Which stores should be avoided? Please share! :)

Read More

Ends Today! {extra 40% off Final Sale}

Today is the last day J.Crew is offering customers to take 40% off all sale items (no min) with promo code OURTREAT online.

Unclear if this promotion will end in the brick & mortar (B&M) stores too. Does anyone know?

In any case, J.Crew is making room for their Fall arrivals by reducing their Spring & Summer stock. No complaints here! (Well, maybe on the Final Sale aspect...) ;) But overall, prices are very tempting for those of us not "shopped-out" yet.

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get?

Read More

"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.

Read More

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.

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J.Crew Warehouse Sale {Arden, NC}

"Thanks!" to Molly & Victoria, who let us know that J.Crew is having another warehouse sale on August 11 & 12. Victoria shared the following details: "...the girl I spoke to told me this is the big warehouse/box sale, not their normal monthly sale."

The location for this shopping event is:

J.Crew Clearance Store
1 Clifford Way (off N.C. 191)
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 687-6475

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

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Sneak Peek at Upcoming J.Crew Catalog

A big "thanks!" to KnitYarns (in this post) who shared the following:

... I just popped into my local B&M (Garden State)the JC concept shop, and they were merchandising all of the new fall goodies...

There were beautiful spectator with chains Chanel type ballet flats- no price, but the SA thought about $200-eek. They came in Camellia pink and black, and saddle and cream. There was a Jules type shift in a vibrant green, a saddle and cream striped (OMG)cashmere mockneck ($228), a 2 tone cobalt and lighter blue bubble necklace, and lovely glass stone cobalt and deep green jewelry. There was a fabulous ecru lace embroidered bracelet sleeve top- with a little stretch- very elegant- $98.
Chanel tweed-esque capris in a violet with black and white. One of the loveliest most inspiring collections they have had for a while.

...I snagged a catalog, and will try to post some images. (My primary blog is geared towards knitters- so feel free to stop by if you are interested, but I also have a fledgling fashion blog (www.ontrendorchids.blogspot.com), and I will try to put the pictures there. They are so awesome, I would love to share!

There are more pictures over at her "New J Crew" post that you should check out.

Also, "thanks!" to Nicole, who shared the following response she received from a J.Crew rep about the Brompton Hobo:

"I’m very sorry, but the Collection Brompton Hobo (item 29063) will not be offered in an Espresso brown color this fall. It will return in the Henna, True Black and Rainforest Green colors. A new color will be introduced - Blue Sea (dark blue color). ..."

Lastly, according to many of you, including cashmereandchai (in this post), rynetta PhD (in this post), as well as Nicole, new arrivals are expecting to be available this Thursday, July 19th. Can't wait!

What are your thoughts on the latest arrivals from J.Crew? Are you excited about the upcoming collection? Are you ready for Fall?

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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! :)

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J.Crew of Seasons Past: {a look in the closet}

It's that time again, to take a look at an image of J.Crew pieces from seasons past! As caribbelle (in this post) so beautifully termed, "ye olde j crew of yore".

This post features a page from J.Crew's Spring 2008 Look Book. One side showcases the various ballet flats that J.Crew offered that year. The opposite page features the Printed Silk Twill Boatneck Top (Item 91811) with a pair of white jeans. I would totally wear that outfit today. Fabulous!

What are your thoughts on the look(s)/item(s) from the past? Do you find the look(s)/item(s) classic or do you think they are dated?

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J.Crew Store Location Series {Washington, D.C.}

*Image above is from Paperless Post, found through NYC Recessonista's post

A big "thanks!" to GigiOfCa {of the delightful Gigi's Gone Shopping blog} who came up with a brilliant suggestion for a series of post: a city guide where JCAs can suggest which J.Crews to shop at.

This post will focus on Washington, D.C.! With so many stores in the area, it might be too much to visit them all. So if you are a local, or a knowledgeable tourist, please share what stores a fellow JCA has to visit!

Feel free to share other tidbits of advice. For example... What are your top three spots? Are there certain stores that should be avoided at certain times of the day/ week? Are there stores that have a better selection than others? Which stores have the best sale offerings?

Which J.Crew brick & mortar (B&M) stores {in the D.C. area} should an out-of-towner shop at? Which stores should be avoided? Please share! :)

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Extra 40% off J.Crew's Final Sale {now we are talking!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Y (in this post), as well as Leah & nmpat (in this post), who shared the following email & news from J.Crew.

J.Crew is offering customers to take 40% off all sale items (no min) with promo code OURTREAT. This offer expires Wednesday, July 18, 2012. The fine print includes:

*No exchanges, no returns on items marked as final sale. Offer valid at jcrew.com and at J.Crew retail stores only. Offer is not valid at J.Crew Factory stores. Offer valid in US and Canada only. Offer does not apply to previous purchases or to the purchase of gift cards. 40% off discount applies to J.Crew sale and Factory sale online items only. Offer valid through Wednesday, July 18, 2012, 11:59pm ET. Savings are applied at checkout with code OURTREAT. Offer not valid on phone orders. Cannot be combined with any other promotion. Limit one promotional code per order. Details of offer are subject to change.

There was a nice update this morning (women at 1,300+ items and men at 430+ items). To shop online, click here.

I am really happy to see 40% off their sale is available both online and brick & mortar stores. YEY!

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get?

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