J.Crew Collection Video {download that song!}

The song behind J.Crew's Collection video got quite the love from JCAs (as discussed in the June 19th "J.Crew Collection Video {what's that song?}" post).

"Thanks!" to Angela & AppGal (in this post) who let us know that customers can now download that song ...for free! Click HERE to start.

According to J.Crew's Facebook page, "the chanson, “To Be Free,” sung by Guylaine Vivarat, was composed exclusively for us—and it isn’t available anywhere else".

I have to give "kudos!" to J.Crew for making the song available to its fans. It was a nice move on their part. :)

What are your thoughts on the song? Will you download the song? :)

J.Crew Wants to Chat With You!

A big "thanks!" to MissMasala, as well as Ashley (in this post), who let us know about an exciting new feature over at JCrew.com. Also, "thanks!" to MissMasala who shared the image below with us.
J.Crew is now offering real-time chat services with J.Crew Specialists! As customers browse the website, pop-up message appears asking if one wants to chat with a specialist. After clicking on it, a new chat window appears with a specialist waiting for you.

Other retailers, like LE Canvas, offer this service. It is a convenient way to communicate with customer service without having to use the phone (especially if you are at work!) Personally, I love it. I think it is great that J.Crew is now offering this. :)

What are your thoughts on the new update? Do you like the chat feature? Have you already used it? If so, please share your thoughts! :)

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Christy, Fiona, & Silver_Lining (in this post), as well as Marietta & 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!} Of course, Crewcuts got updated too (click here). Even the J.Crew Collection (click here) displays new arrivals for Summer.
J.Crew has also provided the latest catalog online (click here to view). As for the new arrivals...

I am in love... Island Paisley Perfect Shirt (Item 28026; $78.00) looks amazing!!! The intricate and feminine design on the shirt has already won me over. :)

Cute... I think the Reusable Canvas Totes (Item 24934; $10.00) are adorable. I love that they keep updating the design on the bag.

My eyes hurt... What is up with the Hooded Cotton Slicker (Item 27894; $128.00)? Shapeless rain slickers are not J.Crew's forte. Remember the 2008 disaster of the Lucido Jacket (Item 96559, $1,800.00)?

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? :)
Quick Poll: What are your thoughts on the newest arrivals?

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Desert Flower, Marietta, & 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) & catalog online (click here to view) displays the same new arrivals for Summer from last time.

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? :)

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? :)

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Christy (in this post), LilyBart (in this post), as well as Marietta, 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!} Even the J.Crew Collection (click here) displays the new arrivals for Summer.


J.Crew has also provided the latest catalog online (click here to view). It is another destination location of Turks & Caicos with the tag line of "a day in paradise". Gorgeous! :) Also available is is the Men's only catalog for May 2010. :) As for the new arrivals...

Loves it! I love love love the Dizzy Floral Perfect Shirt (Item 26239; $78.00)! The floral design reminds me of my Hello Kitty stickers that I still own (& use!) The Featherweight Cotton Ruffle Cardigan (Item 26603; $79.50) is lovely. It has just the right amount of ruffles along the front and comes in the most delicious shades. I am also drooling over the Piped-and-Twisted Pocket Cardigan (Item 26139; $88.00). It comes in classic shades that make you want to go back to college. :) I also love that the Ladies' Companion Totes (Item 24934; $10.00) are now available online. So cute!!!

Can't decide yet. I don't know about the Cozumel Tunic (Item 26153; $78.00). The Pale Lilac looks "meh" on the model, however the Saltwater Grey & Champagne versions look quite nice. The Sea Urchin Ring (Item 28023; $50.00) doesn't look that great online, but it could in-person. I don't know why, but it reminds me of Ursula in the Little Mermaid.

Oh my! Did you catch the La Sequin Crochet Dress (Item 27120; $1,400.00)? I really dislike this dress. Unless you have a perfect body (like the model shown), every bump will show up ...with sequins to point it out too! Who needs that kind of pressure? ;)

Hmm. The Liberty print for the Plume-Print Plunge Tank (Item 27132; $125.00) reminds me a lot of the Liberty for Target bathing suit (click here) & tiered dress (click here).

Hates it! The Ruffled Zip Shell (Item 26013; $128.00) could have been nice, but this version just looks weird. The Tissue Flutter Tank (Item 26315; $35.00) looks messy on the one side. I honestly think it's one of those pieces that is a bit too difficult to wear. All I can say about the Denim Vest (Item 27362; $88.00) is no, no, no!
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? :)

J.Crew Email: Just for you: this Mother's Day, we're making your shopping a little easier

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including MissMasala, Irina, Whitney, Marietta, & Desert Flower, as well as FFM, silver_lining, IRL, Stacy, Genny, Heidi, & xoxo (in this post), who let us know the latest promotion from J.Crew.

J.Crew is offering select customers free monogramming & free gift boxes when you log-into your J.Crew account. This offer will run from 4/15/10 through 4/23/10.

It's also completely mysterious to me the rationale of which customers get selected. ;) However, "congrats!" to those who have the offer! :)

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Heidi, Christy, & maureen1125 (in this post), as well as Marietta, 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) looks to be the same with its new arrivals from last time.

J.Crew has also provided the latest catalog online (click here to view). Since I am so ready for Spring, I find the catalog to be delightful! All the bright colors & lovely flowers {randomly tucked in belts and bags} are gorgeous. Also available is is the Men's only catalog for April 2010. :) As for their new arrivals...

Hearts-a-flutter! I know the Dotsalota Chiffon Cami (Item 24733; $138.00) looks kind of clownish, but I love it! I am a sucker for polka a dots and ruffles. And how cute is the item name!?! I am also loving the Watercolor Pastiche Perfect Shirt (Item 25238; $78.00). Not only is the watercolor pattern perfect for Spring, but the cotton-silk fabric will work well for those warm Spring days. Lastly, the Waterfloral Pastiche Delphinia Gown (Item 25144; $650.00) might be the loveliest item of all. So pretty! If it weren't for the price, this little number would be going home with me. :)

Hearts-a-breaking. The Denim Utility Shirt (Item 24431; $88.00) looks tired. Frankly, it looks more Madewell than J.Crew. Stick to what works well, like the polish looking Chambray Cotton Contrast-Stitch Perfect Shirt (Item 15463; $78.00). What's up with the Magpie Medallion Vest (Item 25163; $750.00). It might be the way it's styled, but it looks blah. And that price tag? Let's just hope they only made 2 of these. ;)

Say what now? Um, is the Luxe Terry Un-Sweatpant (Item 26049; $59.50) for realz? (An image of it is shown above.) Is this an item that one would honestly wear outside the home? I just think sweatpant-skinny pants (with an ankle zipper!) screams disaster. Did you also catch the Gallery Overalls (Item 23572; $168.00)? (Image shown to the right.) J.Crew states this is "a great alternative to jeans" and it couldn't be farther from the truth. I just don't think the slightly oversized, faded, paint splattered, cropped leg (yes, its cropped!) overalls are anywhere near "great". And the price tag... at $168 I would expect it to look a lot better than something I would find in the trash. (There I said it! I think this piece is rubbish.)

Final Sale. As many of you have pointed out, the Final Sale section (click here to shop online) had quite an update today. It might be a good time to check it out, in search of any coveted items that you missed the first time around. :)

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? :)

J.Crew Offers a DIY Class {crewcuts style}

The Crewcuts section (click here) of J.Crew offers something a bit different to parents... a do-it-yourself (DIY) tutorial!

Crewcuts Designer Jenny Cooper shares five of her favorite tips to personalize various pieces from the Crewcuts line. They are the following:

We totally went crazy doodling stars, hearts and critters on our rivet chinos. Then we studded one pocket (with a bedazzler) for a little rebel-cool flair.

A little scrap of cheerful yellow fabric inspired us to reinvent our favorite cashmere cardi. We stitched it into multilayered fabric flowers and sewed on a few mini bouquets. (Side note: Also try bits of ribbon or snip up a favorite top she's grown out of.)

All it takes is that zig-zag setting on the sewing machine and some colorful thread. Add a few bits of fun yellow fabric and voila.

Ok. this took forever but ended up looking really precious. We found a stash of colorful beads and used them to stitch fun designs, like flowers on a vine and a bright starburst on our striped anklets.

We heart hot pink and orange. So we grabbed a fabric pen in each color, picked up our white ruffled seesaw dress, and went dot, dot, dot...

I have to admit the DIY for a cardigan is a super cute idea! Although, I won't be using a cashmere cardigan like the tip does! ;)

What are your thoughts on the tips? Do you like this DIY marketing concept? Do you think J.Crew should incorporate an adult version? :)

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including opheliasmom (in this post), as well as Christy, Heidi, & FFM (in this post), & Marietta, 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 slide show of new arrivals from February.

J.Crew has also provided the latest catalog online (click here to view). Also available is is the Men's only catalog for March 2010. :) As for the new arrivals...

Crushin' on: I already mentioned some of my favs in an earlier post (refer to "J.Crew's Catalog for March 2010 {thanks FFM!}"), like the the Roses Vines Perfect Shirt (Item 23484; $78.00) which has a fabulous print. Of course, I found more items to love! I am also crushin' big time on the Cotton-Gauze Petal Cardigan (Item 24596; $98.00). The scalloped petals down the front placket are absolutely lovely. Although, I am not a fan that it is "hand wash" (really J.Crew?) There is also the Sunshine Peony Cardigan (Item 24938; $98.00) with its "ready for Spring" watercolor floral print.

Hatin' on: Why, oh why, did you include the Matte Jersey Curator Pant (Item 25507; $168.00)? Call them "curator pants" all you want, but those are harem pants. No one can rock these. No one. And to call them a "a work of genius" makes me really question you sometimes J.Crew. Seriously, you can do better. Much better. While we are in the pants section, I do not care for the Silky Linen Slouchy Pant (Item 24575; $69.50). It is the distant cousin to last year's Linen-Silk City Pant (Item 20184; $98.00). This is one family reunion I am going to have to pass on. I also have to mention the Crystal Nebula Bracelet (Item 25319; $78.00). I saw it in person and gawked at the massive size of the orbs. I don't know how anyone could legitimately wear this bracelet for a whole day without banging into stuff constantly. Bigger is not always better. Better is better. (You know what I am talking about Mickey!) :)

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? :)

J.Crew's Look Behind the Design with Frank Muytjens & {Ask} Jack

As mentioned in the January 30th "J.Crew's Look Behind the Design with Jenna Lyons" post, J.Crew's latest website update with new Spring arrivals has provided all sorts of behind the scenes look.

"Thanks!" to HDNB (behind the great Hotdish & Bars blog) who let us know that there is another short video (under 3 minutes) showing the "behind the design" of the latest Spring & Summer 2010 collection for Men.

The video (click here to view it) features J.Crew's Head of Men's Design Frank Muytjens & Men's Stylist Jack O’Connor (also known from the "Jack Knows Best" marketing campaign), and their inspirations for the latest collection.

I love these behind the scenes peeks and how J.Crew puts it altogether. :)

What are your thoughts on the video? Are there any points or scenes that you found particularly interesting? Do you care (or not care) for these "behind the scene" looks?

J.Crew's Look Behind the Design with Jenna Lyons

J.Crew's latest website update with new Spring arrivals has provided all sorts of behind the scenes look, including a short video (just under 3 minutes) showing the "behind the design" of the latest Spring & Summer 2010 collection.

The video (click here to view it) features J.Crew's Creative Director Jenna Lyons, apparently referred to by others as "Commander in Chic", and her inspirations for the latest collection.

There is something fun about getting to see how J.Crew puts together their outfits & photo shoots. :)

What are your thoughts on the video? Are there any points or scenes that you found particularly interesting? Do you care (or not care) for these "behind the scene" looks?