J.Crew Email: A VIP look at a design team favorite

J.Crew is a busy bee with all these emails sent out today! ;) "Thanks!" to Walt, who let us know about another email J.Crew sent out to the Guys today.

The email above features the not-yet-officially-released-online Alden® for J.Crew Cap Toe Cordovan Boots (Item 20853; $595.00). J.Crew describes these shoes as:

A handcrafted masterpiece in genuine shell cordovan leather by Alden® (est. 1884), an icon of old-school American shoemaking—and it's ours alone. Alden's integrity and attention to craft have long made us loyal followers, and these boots are no exception. Each one is handcrafted entirely in the U.S. using shell cordovan (for its magnificent lustre and extraordinary durability), which is vegetable tanned for six months at one of the country's oldest tanneries. Features all of Alden's hallmark details including their famed Goodyear® welt, full-leather lining and tempered steel shank. They don't make them like this anymore. If properly cared for, these boots will last for generations (to make sure they do, you can send them back to Alden for resoling). Because these are handmade, your size may be on back order. We recommend putting yourself on the waiting list (trust us, it's the worth the wait). Double leather outsole. USA. This shoe was shaped over a Barrie last and runs o

The description is pretty interesting for a few reasons: (1) It looks like they didn't get to finish it. The last sentence leaves me wanting more. (2) I like how they state up-front that these shoes may *already* be on back-order. Didn't they *just* come out? (3) I love that they insist you get on the wait-list staring now. How about ordering enough so no wait-list is needed? ;)

As for the shoes itself, they do look pretty darn awesome! And I have to give it to Alden for actually resoling shoes for customers anytime. (I am curious, will they offer this service for free or for a fee? If it's free, than the price of the shoes seem way more reasonable.)

What are your thoughts on the Alden® for J.Crew Cap Toe Cordovan Boots? Do you like the shoes? Will you order it?

J.Crew Spotted in Lucky Magazine

A big "thanks!" to Desert Flower, who not only let us know about a J.Crew item being spotted in the recent issue of Lucky Magazine, but also scanned the image for us to view! (Click on the image to see it larger.)

The item featured is J.Crew's Camden Leather Brogues (Item 23936; $250.00) in Light Ginger. J.Crew describes them as the following:

A truly handsome (and seasonless) borrowed-from-the-boys wing tip oxford that we're absolutely loving with everything—from cut-off shorts to dresses, skirts and more. Nubuck (nutmeg, black) or waxed napa (light ginger) leather upper. Leather lining and sole. 7/8" stacked heel. Made in Italy.

These shoes have grown on me! I find the details of the classic style to be absolutely darling. It's too bad none of my local stores are carrying the Camden, as I would love to find out how comfortable they are.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Camden Leather Brogues? Have you tried on or own a pair? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Spotted in Lucky Magazine

A big "thanks!" to Desert Flower & GingerSnap (of the lovely "GingerSnap's Daily Fashion Post" blog), who not only let us know about a J.Crew item being spotted in the recent issue of Lucky Magazine, but also scanned the image for us to view! (Click on the image to see it larger.)

The item featured is J.Crew's Marjorie Suede Ballet Flats (Item 13054; $98.00) in Black. J.Crew describes them as the following:

We were inspired by dance but designed these shoes for real life, so they're comfortable and practical as well as prim and pretty. Soft Italian suede upper with grosgrain trim and a sweetly tied bow at the toe—a classic ballet detail.

I think every lady should own a pair of black ballet flats to complete their wardrobe. The Marjorie Suede versions are fantastic to wear all-year round. They are like the "little black dress" for your feet!

I personally own a ridiculous amount of J.Crew's ballet flats. (I honestly could start my own store with how many I own!) So I feel like I am knowledgeable enough to state that J.Crew's ballet flats are not "comfortable". I have mentioned this before, but it's worth saying again: their ballet shoes are fantastic office shoes. (As in, you sit at your desk all day. Not to wear if you are on your feet often.)

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Marjorie Suede Ballet Flats? Are there any pairs that you are currently interested from J.Crew? :)

J.Crew Judges Your Feet by Pretending They Didn't {giggles!}

As a part of the Summer collection, J.Crew is offering the Astria Sandals. The sandals come in two versions: the Metallic Astria Sandals (Item 26253; $108.00, now $69.50) and the Suede Astria Sandals (Item 26252; $88.00; now $59.50).

They both share the following description in common:

For the foot that needs a little more coverage (no judgment), we've created a broader, triangular T-strap that's fresh and flattering with any outfit—and we do mean any outfit.

A big "thanks!" to Mia (in this post) who made a humorous observation about them:

Did anyone else find the blurb about the Astria sandals weird?

"For the foot that needs a little more coverage (no judgment), we've created a broader triangular T-strap that's fresh..."

Umm. "No judgement" ???? Seriously? That sentence is fraught with judgement!! And it's not like the sandals are totally covering up the foot either. IMO you have to have a narrow foot to carry off that style. Insulting much, J Crew?

Ha ha ha! They totally do judge you for needing "more coverage" by saying they don't! And what does "needs a little more coverage" even mean? First, I was worried about J.Crew thinking my wrists were too fat (refer to the "J.Crew's Pinning Habit {c'mon now!}" post), but now this? ;)

What are your thoughts on the Astria Sandals descriptions? Do you think J.Crew is judging (or not judging) those customers with foot-coverage needs? ;)

J.Crew Email: Introducing the fringed MacAlister boot for her

"Thanks!" to many of you, including HeidiG & Marietta, who shared the latest email from J.Crew this morning.

The email features the Fringed MacAlister Boots (Item 25486; $158.00) which is described as the following:

Just when we thought it couldn't get better: our famed MacAlister boot, now with fringe—and like the original, these are made from the finest Italian suede. Our original MacAlister is inspired by the crepe-soled boots worn by British officers in WWII. Unlined for a more casual feel. Hit at ankle. Crepe sole. Made in Italy.

The regular Metallic Suede MacAlister Boots (Item 24411; $145.00) are already "meh" for me, adding the fringe only makes it worse. Although, I will give "kudos!" to J.Crew for adding a bit of history about the shoes in the description. I do find those tidbits interesting.

Personally, this is not a look I am going to pursue. Even if they are super comfortable, the price makes me want to turn to my classic "go-to"— a simple pair of black Converse All Star Lo-Tops.

What are your thoughts on the MacAlister Boots? Do you like or dislike the style of the classic footwear?

Product Review: Reese Studded Back-Zip Gladiator Sandals

You know Spring is just round the corner when retailers start bringing out the sandals! J.Crew has introduced several new additions to their sandals collection, including the Reese Studded Back-Zip Gladiator Sandals (Item 22862; $138.00). I really love the style of these sandals (with and without the studs, they look amazing!)

J.Crew describes them as the following:

For those curious to venture into gladiator territory, we highly recommend this sandal, a wear-with-everything strappy flat in studded vachetta leather, finished with a gladiator-inspired back zip. Regenerated leather footbed. Man-made sole. Made in Italy.

A big "thanks!" to Clicquot (in this post) who shared the following review with us:

Mini-review on the Reese studed gladiator sandals that I received last week.

I got the black colour, and I love how they look. They're strappy enough to look cool and trendy, but thankfully don't go overboard with a crazy amount of straps that go halfway up the calf. The zip at the back of the heel make it much easier to get them on and off.

My only concern is that the straps that cross around the ankle (the highest straps on the shoe) are a bit snug. I would assume my ankles are no bigger than anyone elses (not as skinny as a model's, though), so I don't know if the snugness is typical of this kind of sandal. I can slip a finger under the leather so it's not as though the straps are cutting into my ankle, and they're fine to walk in, I just worry that in the heat of summer, after walking around all day, will they be uncomfortable?

I do love the style and know I would wear them a lot...maybe I'll see if a shoe repair can stretch the leather a bit.

"Thanks!" again to Clicquot for her great review of these sandals! I, along with many other JCAs, had been curious about them— especially since they had a zipper on the backside of the sandals.

Again, these sandals look great! I should also add, that like every other flat leather sandal from J.Crew... they are not the comfiest. I own several sandals with similar foot-beds (like the Capri and Vachetta) and they are painful to wear if walking around for an entire day.

What are your thoughts on the Reese Studded Back-Zip Gladiator Sandals? Have you seen or own these sandals? If so, what is your review of the size & style? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

J.Crew Email: It's ballet season

"Thanks!" to Marietta, who shared with us an email from J.Crew this morning. The email focuses on J.Crew's ballet flats collection (click here to shop online).

I see that J.Crew brought back the water-resistant ballet flats with this season's Rainy Day Ballet Flats (Item 22855; $55.00). The new colors like "metallic gold" and "barely peach" are absolutely lovely in-person. However, I have the version from last year (in black and red) and must admit they are very uncomfortable. They have absolutely no support on the sole (worse than the regular ballet flats) making it painful to walk around after awhile.

Although it is not a part of the latest batch of new arrivals, the Abby Toe Cap Ballet Flats (Item 20331; $128.00) are absolutely lovely. I own the Black version and adore the nude toe cap.

What are your thoughts on the latest ballet flats from J.Crew? Are there any pairs you are interested in getting? Please share your reviews too! :)

Crewcuts Email: ooh-la-la bensimon

"Thanks!" to Marietta who shared a Crewcuts email that was sent yesterday.

The email features the (1) Bensimon® high-tops (Item 23774; $52.50); (2) Bensimon® Tennis Elastique (Item 23773; $40.00); & (3) Kids' Bensimon® Tennis Lacet (Item 23749; $40.00). J.Crew touts the following with their partnership with Bensimon:

Established in 1954, Paris-based Bensimon (family owned and operated to this very day) has been designing some of Europe's coolest shoes for years. Their iconic sneakers, known for their simple, clean lines and bold colors, are beloved by legendary style icons of all ages—and we are incredibly excited to announce that J.Crew is the sole retailer of this shoe in the U.S.

I did not realize that J.Crew is the only retailer for Bensimon in the states— that is pretty cool! :)

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that Crewcuts now comes up to size 14. Although, these items are available online/ catalog only.

What are your thoughts on the Bensimon sneaks for kids (& adults)? Have you bought a pair already? Would you recommend the Bensimon brand to fellow JCAs?

J.Crew Email: Our favorite new sneaker for her (in exclusive colors)

"Thanks!" to Marietta who shared the latest email J.Crew sent today.

The email features the Tretorn® Canvas T56 Sneakers (Item 18317; $68.00) which are described as:

Established in 1891 and considered the first luxury sport shoe, Tretorn sneakers— synonymous with good taste and practicality— have been worn on (and off) tennis courts around the world. This lightweight canvas shoe, inspired by a vintage sneaker from the 1950s, epitomizes everything we love about the iconic Swedish brand and features new, exclusive colors you won't find anywhere else. Each pair comes with two sets of laces: white and dyed to match.

I have to admit, there is something lovely about the classic style of these sneakers. But in all fairness, I might be biased considering I still wear Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers. ;)

Lastly, the Final Sale section (click here) once again updated this morning with several additions (including lots of popbacks). As usual, I was too late to enjoy the update. By the time I got there, all I could see were the ghost pages (mocking my poor timing). Hopefully some JCAs out there scored some amazing deals! :)

What are your thoughts on the Tretorn sneakers? Do you like or dislike the style? Do you think this is a good partnership/ fit with J.Crew's offerings? :)

Madewell Email: The coolest shoe on the horizon

"Thanks!" to Marietta who shared the latest email Madewell (click here) sent earlier this week.

The email features the Sunset Sandal ($128.00) which is described as the following: "Seriously, how cool are these sandals? Vintage-y wood soles, wide leather straps– we can't get enough of them.".

I actually like the thickness of the leather straps, but I am not feelin' the chunky soles.

What are your thoughts on the Sunset Sandal? Do you like or dislike the style? Are you a fan of the wide straps and wood soles? :)