Monday, May 31, 2010

J.Crew Laughs All the Way to the Bank!

A big "thanks!" to Raina (check out her lovely "If The Lamp Shade Fits" blog) who shared the following article over at the Wall Street Journal (click here).
J.Crew Profit More Than Doubles
By Elizabeth Holmes

May 27, 2010


J.Crew Group Inc. doubled its profits in the first quarter
on stronger full-price selling and expanded into online denim and standalone bridal shops.


The New York-based casual apparel retailer, which operates 246 full-price stores, is a darling of Wall Street because of its continually robust sales as well as its expansion potential.


On Thursday, J.Crew unveiled an online-sales channel for its fledgling denim division, Madewell, and also opened its first bridal boutique, J.Crew Bridal, on Manhattan's tony Madison Avenue. Appointments there are booked through July, and Chief Executive Millard "Mickey" Drexler said standalone bridal stores could easily be replicated elsewhere.


"I don't see why we can't do this in every major city in America," Mr. Drexler said on a call with investors.


J.Crew weathered the recession better than many of its peers, because its highly sought-after fashion has given it a cult-like status in some fashion circles. But the popularity in certain categories, such as embellished cardigans and T-shirts, has led to several copycats from lower-priced retailers.


For the three months ended May 1, J.Crew's profit more than doubled to $44.7 million, or 68 cents a share, from $20.4 million, or 32 cents a share, a year earlier. Net sales rose 20% to $413.9 million. Sales at stores open at least a year, a closely watched measure of a retailer's health, increased 15% over the prior-year period.


Mr. Drexler said the company is focused on winning market share. "It's a take-from-your-competitors business," he said.


Gross margin increased to 49%
, up more than six percentage points from a year earlier. Merchandise margins were "significantly better than anticipated" the company said. The average price per item also saw a "significant" increase versus expectations.


The company raised its full-year guidance to $2.35 to $2.45 per share, up from the previously $2.20 to $2.30.
There is also an article over at Reuters (click here to read it in its entirety) that shares some interesting points:
The company, which caters to urban professionals willing to pay extra to make subtle fashion statements, boosted its full-year earnings forecast to $2.35 to $2.45 per share from $2.20 to $2.30 per share previously.

New York-based J Crew said fewer markdowns and promotions helped first-quarter net income rise to $44.7 million, or 68 cents per share, from $20.4 million, or 32 cents, in the year-ago quarter.
Dayum! J.Crew is performing uber-well. Which is great news for stock-holders. I am delightfully surprised how well they are doing too, considering how many other retailers (like Ann Taylor Loft) are offering similar styles (with greater sales & promotions than J.Crew too!)

As a consumer I am a bit sad to see less & less markdowns and promotions. ;) At the end of the day, J.Crew has its fans (or fanatics in my case) who won't shop anywhere else! Incidentally, I like to think the JCA Blogaversary/ BIRTHDAY code helped boost J.Crew's profits a tiny bit. :)

How incredible is it, that appointments for J.Crew's new Bridal Boutique is already booked up through July!?!

Would you consider purchasing J.Crew stock? Do you think J.Crew will continue to perform well in its next quarter? :)

J.Crew Email: Shop for Pop

"Thanks!" to Marietta & xoxo, who shared the following email J.Crew sent yesterday.

The email gives customers a new gift option for dads on Father's Day: the Shirt of the Month Club! The email states:
This Father's Day, treat Dad to our world-class shirts. We'll handpick our favorites and ship one to his door each month. Just let us know his size. For details, call 866-739-5944.
J.Crew has offered similar "Of-The-Month" clubs in the past (like Cashmere, Jewelry, and Shoe clubs). However, they are usually promoted around the holiday season. I wonder how profitable they are... In any case, it's interesting to see the offer for Father's Day.

Would you consider joining the Shirt of the Month Club? Do you like the concept? :)

Have a Happy Memorial Day {& free shipping on $150+}

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!

First and foremost, I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day today! :)

Also, "thanks!" to many of you, including Mia (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew is offering free shipping on $150+ with promo code SHIP150. This offer expires today, 5/31/10.

Like many of you have mentioned, I am a bit surprised to not see a bigger promotion for the weekend (like J.Crew Factory's percent off sale). Ah well! ;)

Sunday, May 30, 2010

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. If you are a reseller, 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. If you are a reseller, 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 SPRING 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!!! :)

Thursday, May 27, 2010

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 SPRING 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!

Happy Memorial Day! {celebrating with J.Crew?}

Have a great Memorial-Day weekend everyone! I know I am a bit early with this, but I still wish everyone a great Memorial Day and to travel safely. :)

Many of us will be attending various outdoor parties, parades, and traveling to visit family & friends throughout the weekend-- so it would be fun to get ideas of what to wear.

Depending on how the weather turns out, I plan on wearing the Embroidered-Pinwheel Smocked Dress (Item 93494; $118.00) from back in the day. The dress is super light and comfortable, while providing plenty of cover to hide any of my "concerns." ;)

What are you planning to wear this Memorial Day weekend? Are you planning to go "head to toe" J.Crew or parts J.Crew?

Memorial Day Sale at J.Crew Clearance Centers {take 30% off!}

A big "thanks!" to AppGal (check out her lovely "Musings on the Mountain" blog) who shared the following {fantastic} news with us!

The J.Crew Clearance stores in Asheville & Wynhurst (in North Carolina) and Millrace (in Virgina) will be offering 30% off customers' entire purchase to celebrate Memorial Day! This promotion takes place this weekend:
Friday, May 28th (10AM to 8PM)
Saturday, May 29th (10AM to 8PM)
Sunday, May 30th (11AM to 6PM)
Monday, May 31st (10AM to 8PM)

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

Looks Inside J.Crew's Bridal Boutique {yey!}

I was so curious what the interior of the new Bridal Boutique looks like. Fortunately for us, we have several {beautiful} pictures that provide us a sneak peek of what's inside!

"Thanks!" to Anne who let us know about her article over at Aisle Dash (click here to view all the amazing photos). There is a great slide show with lots of interior shots. She also shares the following:
J.Crew Opens Bridal and Special Occasions Boutique
By Anne Chertoff
May 27, 2010

After the successful launch of their wedding and bridesmaid dress collection, J. Crew opened their first bridal salon in New York City. The French-inspired boutique offers every member of the wedding stylish and affordable fashions and accessories.

In addition to wedding dresses ($250-2500) and bridal accessories (shoes, bags, jewelry, headpieces and veils), bridesmaids, mothers and guests are sure to find fashionable designs that they are sure to wear again and again.

The 769 collection of party attire and accessories is exclusive to this Madison Avenue occasion (769 Madison Avenue at 66th Street), while the wedding and bridesmaid dresses can also be purchased at jcrew.com's wedding site.
Also, "thanks!" to Lauren from NBC"s New York The Thread, who let us know about their photo slide show (click here to view all the images). Also, the following is shared:
  • The boutique itself is situated just blocks from heavy-hitter rivals like Vera Wang, and the J.Crew store stacks up: The windows are luxuriously dressed, and there's a security guard beyond the heavy door.
  • The bridal windows feature J.Crew's classic madcap styling.
  • Inside, a reception area awaits for those looking to make appointments. The top floor is devoted to "occasion" ready-to-wear with higher price points than what J.Crew usually offers.
  • We found tons of spectacular pieces exclusive to J.Crew's new wedding store, like the sequin pants that Jenna wore on her Oprah debut. (Only four in production, so these will llkely sell out today!)
  • Similar exclusives include a fabulous ostrich feather cocktail skirt (cleverly paired with a plaid button-down) that seems inspired by the spring collections of high-end designers like Jason Wu.
  • The tabletop reveals a lot of the label's collaborations -- working with Essie to sell the perfect pale pink nail polish and Wolford on the just-right tights.
  • Downstairs offers a by appointment-only shopping experience where the entire catalogue of J.Crew's offerings are on display.
  • In classic J.Crew fashion, one unconventional bridal style features a long white silk skirt and a furry pink vest.
  • The bridal dresses are a mix of current pieces and favorites that have been brought back. A key point is that brides won't actually purchase the dress here -- they'll try on and then make purchases online (either through the store or from the comfort of their own couches).
Super exciting stuff! I loved both slide-shows of the new Bridal Boutique. Everything is so beautifully laid out. Doesn't it make you want to buy everything in sight! Well, maybe not the fur vest! ;)

How interesting is it that there is only 4 of those Sequin Pants (that Jenna Lyons wore on Oprah)?!? I wonder who the other 3 buyers are going to be? (Hint: it's not me!)

The only pause I had was reading that customers cannot actually buy the dresses at the Bridal Boutique. You can look & even try on. But if you want to actually buy it, you have to do it online. Yeah, that seems pretty weird at first. (I thought that would be one of the perks of going to the Bridal Boutique in the first place!) But then I remember that most bridal stores only let you try on dresses, since they make you order their dresses too. ;)

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Bridal Boutique now that you have seen what it looks like & what it has to offer? Do you like those famous Sequin Pants that Jenna loves so much? :)

J.Crew's Bridal Boutique is Now Open for Business!


We have been waiting for this for some time now (refer to May 14th "J.Crew Email: Our very own wedding announcement" post and April 8th "J.Crew's First Wedding Boutique is Coming Soon!" post). Now the time has arrived... It's officially open: J.Crew's first stand alone Bridal Boutique in NYC!

J.Crew also shared the video above with the following note:
Our big day is here! Our very first bridal boutique is now open at 769 Madison Avenue at 66th Street, New York City. Watch our behind-the-scenes video of a wedding paradise in the making.
I love these behind-the-scenes looks. Everything looks so pretty! There is also an article over at the Huffington Post (click here) that sheds some light on what to expect:
J.Crew Opens First Bridal Store
By Huffington Post

May 27, 2010


J.Crew has opened the doors to its first bridal store, WWD reports. Located at 769 Madison Avenue in Manhattan, the French-style salon combines wedding garb with the J.Crew sensibility. Dresses run from $229 up to $3,500, but that's not all that shoppers will find on the racks.


Bearing in mind the before and after parties, rehearsal dinners and the honeymoon night, there are separate areas on the first floor for cashmere sweaters, handbags, shoes, jewelry, lingerie and a new 769 Collection of cocktail and evening dresses, tuxedo jackets and harem pants. Much of the assortment, J.Crew executives boast, incorporates fabrics from some of the finest Italian mills, such as Clerici Tessuto and Canepa, yet without the expected sticker shock.
There's also makeup, perfume and headpieces.

J.Crew Group president Tracy Gardner summed things up, saying, "We're not fancy here. We're still J. Crew, but it's an elevated experience."
The location for the new store is:
769 Madison Avenue
(at 66th Street)
New York, NY 10065

What are your thoughts on the Wedding Boutique on Madison Avenue? Are you excited about its arrival? Do you think you will shop there? :)

Shop Madewell Online Now {+ free ship on jeans!)

A big "thanks!" to many of you, including David & Belle de Jour (in this post) as well as an Anonymous JCA, who shared the following exciting news.

Madewell is now available to shop online on their own freakin' e-commerce site!!! {wahoo!} Click here to visit & shop their site.

Madewell is also offering free shipping on all jeans. The fine details of this offer include:
Free shipping and free returns are valid on purchases of Madewell jeans only. Offer is valid on phone and online orders shipped via regular shipping (4 to 7 business days) to U.S. and Canada addresses only. Free ground shipping is applied automatically at checkout. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotion and cannot be applied to previous purchases. Offer is valid for a limited time only and is subject to change without notice.
I honestly did not think this day would ever come. J.Crew Corporate has talked about launching an e-commerce site for the past two years. The deadlines for the launch date would come and go without any changes. So it's a delightful surprise to see it has finally arrived!

What are your thoughts on Madewell launching its new fully-functioning-stand-alone e-commerce site? Will you be shopping Madewell online? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Email: 20% off all boys' & girls' shorts & swim. 3 days only.

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who shared the following promotion with us.

J.Crew is offering 20% off & free shipping on all Boy's & Girl's Swimwear & Shorts. This offer is automatically applied (no code needed) and expires 5/29/10. Click here to shop Crewcuts.

Will you be taking advantage of this offer? Are there any Crewcuts Swim & Shorts you are interested in getting for your mini-J.Crew Aficionada or mini-J.Crew Aficionado? :)

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

J.Crew Spotted In Vogue {let's swim!}

A big "thanks!" to Eleni, who not only let us know about J.Crew items being spotted in the latest issue of Vogue Magazine, but also scanned the image for us to view! (Click on the image to see it larger.) The article features two items from J.Crew...

The first is the ever-classic-beach-staple of the Seaside Tote (Item 24909; $45.00). The magazine shows a delicious shade of red which is currently *unavailable* online. The only shade for purchase on their website is "Natural Straw". What makes me love this bag is that "it's foldable and packable, so you can stuff it in your suitcase and it keeps its shape every time".

The second item is the Solid Scallop Underwire Tank (Item 25134; $80.00) in Black. This one-piece bathing suit boasts laser-cut scallop detailing & an under wire for additional support. It has that classic appeal to make this suit the kind that you use for years to come.

What are your thoughts on the bag & bathing-suit featured? Do you own either item? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tuxedo Henley Is ..um

One of J.Crew's newest arrivals includes the Vintage Cotton Tuxedo Henley (Item 26532; $39.50). At first glance, it is another super cute ruffle top. However, after today, you may not look at it quite the same way. ;)

A big "thanks!" to Raina (check out her lovely "If The Lamp Shade Fits" blog) who shared the following tee-hee moment over at her "J.Crew's bajingo tee" post.

P.S. Not sure what "bajingo" means? Don't worry, Urban Dictionary has got your back (refer here).

It's Official: J.Crew Summer Sale is Here!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Genny (in this post) & FFM (in this post), as well as Marietta, who shared the following news: the arrival of the SUMMER SALE section (click here to shop online).

There was a decent update today so far. Also, doesn't it feel like another "percent off sale" promotion will come around soon?

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are interested in? If so, please share. :)

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Inside Madewell Fashion Maven's NYC Home

"Thanks!" to Marisa & Ashley, as well as spockcookbook (in this post), who shared the following article about Madewell's Marketing Director, Gigi Guerra, from Refinery 29 (click here to read the entire article & to view all the great photos).
A Chic Peek At Madewell Maven Gigi Guerra's Pad
By Christene Barberich & Piera Gelardi

Photos By Kava Gorna

May 19, 2010


Chances are, you're probably just as big a fan of Madewell's quirky-chic style staples as we are. Smart-fitting jeans, great I-can't-believe-it's-not-Margiela knit jackets, and way too many dangerously good pairs of shoes to count. Surprise! One of the brilliant minds behind this label we wanna live in, marketing director, Gigi Guerra, just happens to be a former editor at Lucky and one of our longtime gurus of personal style and a certain sort of off-beat chic…times a hundred. Naturally, we were super psyched when she invited us to her home on the Lower East Side, which is pretty much like one big, carnival of sartorial surprises. Vintage, designer, random ephemera from Guerra's travels all over the world…it's all here, but it's how she makes it work so effortlessly and with such a wink of fun that really enchants us. ...


Describe your personal style in three words:

"Spontaneous, affordable, mash-up."


What's your secret weapon, the thing you turn to in a pinch to bring a look together?

"In winter it's black tights. In summer, Madewell jean shorts. Year-round, it's a cluster of mismatched vintage brooches and stick-pins."


Tell us about working with Alexa Chung on her forthcoming Alexa Chung for Madewell line. How did you two collaborate and how did you decide to bring her on board?

"All of us at Madewell are huge fans of Alexa's. Her personal style is just so intuitive and individual and inspiring—she really does her own thing. I feel her brain is always exploding with ideas: When she was on vacation she faxed us some sketches of T-shirt illustrations, and those exact ones ended up going into production, literally straight from the fax."


Any exciting new Madewell products or news in the works?
"
The biggest news is that you'll be able to shop Madewell online early next month at www.madewell.com. I can't wait! Absolutely everything in the line will be there, and if you want to find out exactly when it's all happening, sign up for emails now at the site. The Alexa Chung for Madewell collection will be there, too, when it launches this fall. I'm going to live in it all. Also, we're launching a partnership with Shareen Vintage, an amazing (and wallet-friendly) vintage dealer out of L.A., in mid-June. The L.A. Madewell will stock the collection, which was handpicked with Shareen and our design team, as will the NYC Madewell. Most of my vintage comes from her, so I'm super excited."
On a related note, "thanks!" to Jenn who shared the following news with us: "just called J.Crew for a customer service inquiry and while on hold they noted that Madewell.com would be launching online shopping on June 1, 2010". Can't wait to see Madewell's new e-commerce site! (Although I have been saying that for years now!) ;)

What are your thoughts on the article? Did you like Gigi's style & take? Are you excited about Madewell's online arrival? :)

Diane Kruger Hearts J.Crew Too!

Actress Diane Kruger was spotted in Manhatten wearing J.Crew recently. There was quite a bit of press about it too!

"Thanks!" to Raina (of the lovely "If The Lamp Shade Fits" blog) who let us know about its coverage at the Style File Blog (click here). "Thanks!" to Ashley (in this post) who let us know about its coverage over at Fab Sugar (click here).

As Diane Kruger was attending a Fox TV event in NYC this past Tuesday, she was sporting J.Crew's Cashmere V-neck Cardigan (Item 21842; $158.00) in Fuchsia tucked into her Surf Tweed Charter Skirt (Item 26009; $138.00). The outfit was topped off with J.Crew's Studded Bar-Car Belt (Item 26763; $38.00).

Honestly, I would never put those three items together. Never. With that said, the outfit looks really chic on Ms. Kruger (and probably only on her!) ;)

So let's go back to the skirt for a second. The skirt has waistline shirring that makes it sit above (& outward at) the waist. I am not so sure about this trend. It looks like the skirt does not fit properly and your forced to wear a belt, when in fact that is the style. Maybe I will get use to this over some time, just like I did about rolling-up tapered pant legs. But then again, maybe I won't. ;)

What are your thoughts on her outfit?
Do you like the color combination? Do you like the style of the waistline shirring on the skirt?

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

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Desert Flower & Erica (in this post) as well as ZanyAZ, who let us know that the latest catalog sent 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).

What's even more interesting is the specific code that ZanyAZ received. She shares the following:
...in my June catalog there was a one time use coupon for 20% off if I use my AMEX. It's unclear whether it's sponsored by AMEX or J.Crew, but it's still awesome. It's only valid online through June 6 and not valid on non J.Crew items. ...just thought the other JCAs should double check their catalogs. ...it's deep purple and mine was on page 3 with a purple circle on the front saying special offer inside with the AMEX logo.
So check your catalog to see if you got a unique promo code too! :)

Monday, May 24, 2010

J.Crew Spotted in People's Style Watch {all over the place again!}

A big "thanks!" to Desert Flower, who not only let us know about several J.Crew items being spotted in the latest issue of People Style Watch, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the images to see it larger.)
What are your thoughts on the items featured in the magazine? Have you tried on or purchase any of the items listed here? If so, please share! :)

Pleated Lombard Ruffle Cardigan {doube take!}

Remember J.Crew's Pleated Lombard Ruffle Cardigan (Item 18281; $118.00, now $69.99) from Fall of 2009? J.Crew described it as: "It's the unconventional techniques we used to design this cardigan that make it so special: Our designers spent hours painstakingly hand pleating cotton lawn into an intricate cascade, then laser cut the edges to keep them from fraying (we're obsessed with the way it creates an unexpected vintage feel). A hand-tucked rosette makes this thoroughly romantic piece even more irresistible".

A big "thanks!" to Linda (in this post), who found a cardigan over at Kohl's, that shares a striking resemblance. The cardigan is the ELLE™ Pleated Cardigan (Item 580175; $44.00, now $25.99).

Personally, I like J.Crew's version a tiny bit more. However, Kohl's version is a super close second. And the price tag! The Elle version only makes it even more attractive for those who missed J.Crew's cardigan the first time around. :)

Incidentally, to see some real-life images of J.Crew's cardigan, check out:
-"J Crew - pleated Lombard ruffle cardigan" post over at Gigi's Gone Shopping
-"Lombard Review" post over at My Bag Overfloweth
-"Lombard cardigan IRL" post over at Patina's Confessions of a Shopaholic

What are your thoughts on the Pleated Lombard Ruffle Cardigan? Do you like the version from Kohl's? :)

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

Yes, it is that wonderful time!

A huge "thanks!" goes t0 Just Visiting, who is super nice to share with us that J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $150+ with promo code RBY7D9. This offer expires 5/31/10.

P.S. I have noticed that other blogs & websites post J.Crew codes & coupons *after* this blog does. If you happen to get codes & coupons from the JCA blog & post them at your site, could you please give give a "shout out" to the JCA blog? This way more JCAs are inclined to share. TIA! :)

Star Wars Bow-TIE Tuxedo Shirt

Remember the infamous wedding Tuxedo Tee? Well, move over because nothing says "geek-chic" like a finely starched Star Wars Bow-TIE Tuxedo Shirt.


[click image to enlarge]
Buy one here

J.Crew Email: New arrivals for her, in stores and online

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

The email reminds us that new Summer arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here) are not only available online, but in brick & mortar (B&M) stores too!

Have you checked out the latest arrivals in-person at your local store? Were there any pieces you are super excited (or disappointed) about? :)

Sunday, May 23, 2010

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. If you are a reseller, 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. :)Great (Weekly) Exchange

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. If you are a reseller, 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 SPRING 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!!! :)

Saturday, May 22, 2010

J Crew Factory: 20% Off Any Purchase of $100+

A super big "thanks!" to Y who let us know about another wonderful offer from J.Crew.

J.Crew Factory Outlet is celebrating the SuMmeR by offering customers 20% off any purchase of $100+. This offer is good through 6/6/10.

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 access the barcode).

Happy Factory Shopping!!! :)

Crewcuts Email: the tee emporium (plus, free shipping)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Desert Flower & Marietta, who shared the following email from Crewcuts this weekend.

The email features a smattering of tees from the Girls' Crewcuts line (click here to shop online). As usual, I am lusting over some of the Crewcuts tees! ;)

What are your thoughts on the Crewcuts tees? Do you think you will pick some up at your local J.Crew & Crewcuts stores?

Thursday, May 20, 2010

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, Desert Flower, & 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!} Although the J.Crew Collection (click here) displays the same new arrivals for Summer from last time.

J.Crew has also provided the latest catalog online (click here to view). The Men's catalog for June is available too. As for the new arrivals...

What I am feeling. I am head over heels for all the madras and gingham in the catalog! In particular, I love the Gingham Schoolboy Blazer (Item 27098; $148.00). I think it such a great jacket for the summer.

Definitely Questioning. I do not like the stripes on the Spritzer-Stripe Satchel (Item 27961; $278.00) at all. J.Crew describes the stripes as "webbed cloth panel with fun stripes in splashy summer shades. Think of it as our quirky take on nautical." The stripes is what kills the bag for me-- it makes it look like a duffel bag I used to carry in junior high to swim class.

In general. I am "over" the art-tees with random paint spots that look like flowers but aren't really. Moreover, is it just me, or does it appear to be an overabundance of mini-skirts? Don't get me wrong I like mini-skirts, just not on me. I recall back-in-the-day, when J.Crew would carry additional lengths besides the mini (let's say for example, knee-length). ;)

J.Crew is also offering 20% off & free shipping on all Men's & Women's Swimwear. This offer is automatically applied (no code needed) and expires 5/31/10. The fine print reads:
Prices as marked. Offer valid at J.Crew stores and jcrew.com only and cannot be redeemed for cash or applied to previous purchases. Offer valid through Sunday, May 23, 2010, 11:59pm ET on Internet orders shipped via regular shipping (4 to 7 business days). Free shipping applies only to online orders of men's and women's swim. Free ground shipping on men's and women's swim is applied automatically at checkout. Offer not valid on phone orders.
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? :)

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 SPRING 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!

Wedding Fashion from J.Crew (courtesy of Ms. Martha Stewart!)

J.Crew's Head of Wedding Design Tom Mora was recently on the Martha Stewart show to show off their latest looks for the wedding party. To watch the video, click HERE. The following information was also shared:
Whether you're dressing for a wedding that's black-tie or beachside, there's a wide selection of attire perfect for any occasion. Tom Mora, head of wedding design at J.Crew, presents some of the latest looks for guests and members of the bridal party.

Weddings editorial director Darcy Miller is hosting a party June 2 to celebrate the opening of J.Crew Bridal in New York City. For more information, visit jcrew.com.

The first look below is called "City Hall" and consists of: Beau silk gazar gown, Leah C. Couture Millinery veil, Halsey crystal strappy sandals; Italian wool Ludlow two-button suit, Alden shoes . The second one is the "Black-Tie Couple" look and features: Silk taffeta Sascha gown; Ludlow two-button tuxedo jacket and pants, Alden shoes.
The second set features the "Black-Tie Guests" look consisting of: Left: Two-piece pailette dress, long-haired shearling vest (both part of the 769 Collection); right: Hand-sewn sequin pants, Ludlow tuxedo blazer, tuxedo shirt. There is also the "Mother and Ring Bearer" look featuring: Washed crepe bias skirt, solid stretch shirt; boys Italian wool tuxedo jacket and pants, gingham tie.
I honestly love all the looks ...except for the "Black Tie Guests". Although those outfits would rock for some occasions (I am thinking any scene from SJP's Sex in the City episode), I do not think they would work for a wedding. If I showed up to a wedding with J.Crew's Shearling Vest or J.Crew's Sequin Pants (for $650!!!), I am pretty sure I would be laughed at or worse, asked to leave for being a distraction. ;)

What are your thoughts on the video? Do you like the looks put together? :)