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).

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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! :)

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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. :)

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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?

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 & FALL sale, or to see some new FALL 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!!! :)

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J.Crew's Holiday 2010 Collection Is Here

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Carnivore Girl (in this post), who shared the following news from Fashionista (click here to read in its entirety). Just click on any of the images to view larger.

J.Crew’s Holiday 2010 Collection Launch: Jenna Lyons Talks Gifts, Gingham, and Why She’s Still Set on a Louboutin Collab
By Elana Fishman
October 29, 2010

It may only be Halloween weekend, but according to the fabulous folks at J.Crew, it’s already beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Yesterday evening, American Express and the classic-cool high street store joined forces to celebrate the launch of the latter’s Holiday 2010 collection at their Fifth Avenue flagship store.

As a line of eager shoppers wrapped around the block outside, J.Crew’s creative team mingled with those inside—and were more than happy to spill the details on their holiday gifting lists. “I think I’ve bought something like 12 gingham shirts at this point,” laughed Jenna Lyons, the brand’s President and Executive Creative Director (and our own longtime girl crush). “And lots of cashmere socks—I mean, who would actually spend $30 on a pair of socks for themselves? They’re the sort of extravagant thing you’d never treat yourself to—which is why they make for a great gift.”

Meanwhile, we couldn’t help but grill J.Crew’s dapper VP of Men’s Design, Frank Muytjens, about what to buy for the guys in one’s life. “I love our Thomas Mason oxford shirts…and the Alden for J.Crew wingtips,” he said. “Every man should own a great pair of wingtip shoes—once they’re broken in, you’ll have them for the rest of your life.”

As the event’s media hour wrapped up, J.Crew’s head honchos took their places on the store’s main staircase to greet their friends and fans—and share more about the new holiday line. “We saw this amazing picture of a decrepit, old mansion,” explained VP of Women’s Design Marissa Webb, “and that raw, rustic, faded-out image inspired this whole collection. It’s about the idea of contrast, of taking a raw space and bringing it to life with shine and color. After all, J.Crew stands by the idea of mixing and matching!” Judging by Marissa and Jenna’s own attire—both wore festive, embellished pieces paired with outdoorsy olive field jackets—it’s clear this store’s team practices what they preach. Added Muytjens, “We love things rooted in history–things with a patina.”

As for the new collection itself, it was chock-full of the classic standbys for which the store’s known—think luxe cashmere knits in an array of autumnal mustards and rusty reds, plenty of sequined skirts and cardigans, and the occasional hit of plaid. And following J.Crew’s successful collaborations with both Essie and Stila, Webb hinted that the company is planning to pair up with other beauty brands in the near future. As far as Lyons is concerned, however, there’s one label she’s truly courting for a J.Crew collaboration. “Christian Louboutin!” she exclaimed. “If he said yes to the idea, I would die and go to heaven.”

This event was mentioned in the October 12th "J.Crew Fall/Holiday 2010 Insiders Fashion Event {N..." post. For a first hand account from a fellow JCA, check out Heather's "An Evening with J. Crew" post.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming collection from J.Crew? Are you excited or disappointed by the direction of the newest arrivals? :)

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Darlings, is it time for a coupon code?

Yes, it is that wonderful time!

A big "thanks!" to Heidi, who is super nice to share with us that J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $100+ with promo code PV2X8C. This offer expires 11/19/10.

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! :)

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J.Crew Email: FACTORY ONLINE IS BACK...BUT JUST FOR THE WEEKEND (NO TRICKS, JUST TREATS)

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

The weekly email once again announces that J.Crew Factory (click here to shop online) is open for business.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Factory new arrivals? Do you like some of the latest offerings?

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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 & FALL sale, or to see some new FALL 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!

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J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including 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.

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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20% Off Select Women's Sweaters {ends today!}

Today is the last day that J.Crew is offering their online customers 20% off select regular priced sweaters for women (click here to shop online).

Some items on sale include:

• Marled Alexie Sweater (Item 32851; $69.50, now $55.60)
• Alexie Sweater (Item 32805; $69.50, now $55.60)
• Sequin Studio Sweatshirt (Item 26138; $168.00, now $134.40)
  

Will you be checking out J.Crew's sweater section? What pieces are you interested in getting? Please share! :)

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"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Ibi who suggested weekly 'Looking to LOVE' and 'Looking to HATE' posts where we could all "deposit" our best & worst current experiences. I think it is a brilliant idea and will try it out for a few weeks. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

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.

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J.Crew of Seasons Past: Fabulous Finds!

I like to sometimes search for images of J.Crew pieces from seasons past to collect in my virtual J.Crew LookBook (which is just a folder containing lots of photos). I have been able to find so many beautiful photos of J.Crew, including some showcasing their 2007 pieces (which I will definitely post soon!)

I just thought I would post these two images now, to show how beautiful J.Crew's items are. Even though these pieces are from a few years ago, they are really quite timeless. And that styling! Simple. Impeccable. I mean, I would rock those outfits today. :)

UPDATE: "Thanks!" to Ibi who shared a J.Crew Catalog archive with us (from Shannon's fabulous blog Wardrobe Review). More importantly, the iconic J.Crew Paris Catalog of 2007 is available too, just click HERE. {yey!}

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"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Ibi who suggested weekly 'Looking to LOVE' and 'Looking to HATE' posts where we could all "deposit" our best & worst current experiences. I think it is a brilliant idea and will try it out for a few weeks. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

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.

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J.Crew's Newest Men's Store in NYC {Jon Hamm It Up!}

There is a great article over at Huffington Post (click here to read the article in its entirety) about J.Crew's newest Men's store opening in NYC.

J.Crew Conquers The Upper East Side
By Cator Sparks
October 21, 2010

J.Crew opened up their swankiest outpost uptown on the corner of 79th and Madison and, along with GQ, invited a bunch of fur balls and fun editors to celebrate. TIMBER! The entire place is swathed in pine walls, floors and counters. But fear not, nary a new tree was touched for this handsome outpost. All the wood was sourced from upstate barns built in the 1800's. Wouldn't you love to be there when a swarthy urban lumberjack from J. Crew knocks on ole Billy Bob's screen door to buy his barn to make a store on Madison Avenue? I wish that was on tape.

But the result of all that wood in this cozy space is perfection. It's also smart. We know that this plaid, rustic man is de rigueur at the moment, but if J. Crew ever has to go a little more polished, the wood can be stained and, voila! Instant country club/library vibe.

...When we finally were full and headed downstairs we discovered the awesome vault that has been there for decades. This space was originally a bank and of course, you can't really move a walk-in vault. So the smart people at J. Crew turned it into the first retail outpost for cult website Hickoree's Hard Goods. We found Big League Chew, birdcalls and colored bootlaces. Just like at Cracker Barrel.

Also downstairs is the enormous men's suit shop. This is the biggest one J. Crew has opened. And for good reason. These prepsters uptown haven't quite scruffed up enough for flannel and tweed in the city. As VP of men's design, Frank Muytjens' told us, "The suits and ties are flying out of this shop! But we are still working on getting them into flannel." Baby steps Frank.

Speaking of tweed, there is John Hamm! The handsome Mad Man was very on-point in his tweed cap, broken in leather jacket and snuggly scarf. And nice too! Even lumberjacks want their pictures with Mr. Draper. ...

The store looks amazing. These concept stores really do have such creative interiors! As for, John Hamm... he looks so handsome with his stylish outfit! :)

What are your thoughts on the latest Men's store? Have you visited or plan on visiting it soon? If so, please share! :)

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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's Jenna Lyons on WhoWhatWear

A big "thanks!" to jcrewlove & Mack who shared the following news piece featuring J.Crew's Jenna Lyons from WhoWhatWear (click here to view).

What They Wear: Fashion Inisders
Now that the S/S 11 fashion shows have finally wrapped up, it's time to turn our attention not to the designers behind the illustrious runway looks, or even the mesmerizing warm-weather pieces themselves, but to the unsung Fashion Week heroes: the editors, of course! ...With their insiders' insight about the hottest trends, covetable access to the most au courant designer pieces, and unparalleled awareness about what makes a truly unique look, these key industry players always provide us with delectable sartorial treats via their outfits. And, while we do flip for a gussied up red-carpet regular, we appreciate that these illustrious icons aren't afraid to break the rules and draft new ones by taking a risk—or two, or three! So without further ado, get your pens and pencils ready and reach for a fresh inspiration board, as we present to you the fashion cognoscenti in all its achingly stylish glory!

Jenna Lyons
As Executive Creative Director of J.Crew, Jenna Lyons has revamped the longstanding American sportswear outpost, taking it from preppy staples to accessibly chic essentials. So it should come as no surprise that we always look to the lovely Lyons for casual, on-trend ensembles with a classic touch. The outfit she selected to wear to Billy Reid's S/S 2011 presentation at Milk Studios during New York Fashion Week offers an ideal example of her dressing sensibilities. Lyons picked a J.Crew solid lightweight shirt from their Summer 09 collection and paired it with the belted Longuette Skirt ($285) and Fur Scarf ($593), both from Dries Van Noten's F/W 10 collection. Her look not only pays serious homage to fall's call for leopard accents—love that lust-worthy scarf—but it also perfectly translates the military trend, proving that army pieces can be styled for on as well as off-duty looks.

That outfit would look absolutely terrible on me. I would never imagine pairing that scarf and bag together. Never. However, Jenna Lyons pulls off the entire look effortlessly. She makes that casual chic style look so put together. Well played Jenna, well-played.

What are your thoughts on the article's feature on Jenna Lyons? Do you like the outfit/ style that Jenna is sporting?

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You Got Mail... Holiday Rewards Cards are Here! :)

A big "thanks!" to Ji (in this post), who let us know about the following news regarding J.Crew card members: rewards cards are being mailed to qualifying card members now! :)

Ji was also super kind to share the image of the latest Holiday rewards cards being sent. The theme this time around is "Our top 5 picks on how to put the joy back into holiday shopping".

Don't forget, the latest rewards card expires December 15, 2010. Knowing my JCAs, you won't have to worry about them expiring! ;)

So if you are a card member, *check* your mail to see if you got your Holiday Rewards Card! :)

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20% Off Select Women's Sweaters

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including GigiOfCa (in this post), as well as Marietta & Ketan, who shared the following news from J.Crew this morning.

J.Crew is offering their online customers 20% off select regular priced sweaters for women (click here to shop online). This offer expires Thursday, October 28, 2010.

Some items on sale include:

• Marled Alexie Sweater (Item 32851; $69.50, now $55.60)
• Alexie Sweater (Item 32805; $69.50, now $55.60)
• Sequin Studio Sweatshirt (Item 26138; $168.00, now $134.40)
  

Will you be checking out J.Crew's sweater section? What pieces are you interested in getting? Please share! :)

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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?

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. 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. :)

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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 & FALL sale, or to see some new FALL 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!!! :)

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J.Crew Email: WE'RE BACK! FACTORY ONLINE IS OPEN - BUT JUST FOR THE WEEKEND.

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

The email once again announces that J.Crew Factory (click here to shop online) is open for business.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Factory new arrivals? Do you like some of the latest offerings?

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 & FALL sale, or to see some new FALL 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!

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20% Off All Women's Outerwear

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Amanda (in this post) as well as Marietta & Irina, who shared the latest promotion from J.Crew.

J.Crew is offering 20% off all Women's outerwear. This promotion expires this Sunday, October 24, 2010. The fine print includes:

*Prices as marked. Offer excludes Belstaff®, Barbour®, Mackintosh® and Authier® and cannot be redeemed for cash or applied to previous purchases. Offer valid in J.Crew retail stores and at jcrew.com only. Offer is not valid at J.Crew Factory stores or on J.Crew Factory items. Offer valid through Sunday, October 24, 2010, 11:59pm ET.

Love to see the promotion. :) Personally though, there are not too many coats I am interested right now. I have so many beautiful ones from previous seasons of J.Crew, that I am all set.

Will you take advantage of this latest promotion? If so, what items did you pick up?

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J.Crew Email: A surprise is inside your November catalog...

"Thanks!" to so many of you 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).

Another "thanks!" to Mary who shared the email above that J.Crew sent her which announces this news too. (I have never seen this type of email before!) On an interesting note, Mary did receive the November catalog from J.Crew. What wasn't there? A promotional code between pages 20 and 21. Thus, making the email useless. :(

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

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J.Crew Mini-Blooper: Cashmere Open Cardigan {sample that!}

"Thanks!" to Caroline (in this post) who found a special message in the Cashmere Open Cardigan (item 32987; $198.00).

On the inside of both the Heather Tide and Henna versions, one can find the words "SAMPLE" in magic marker.

This is pretty funny. Too bad it is not the first time J.Crew has been caught using sample items for its website. Oh J.Crew!

Did you notice that the cardigan had the sample marking on the inside? Did you get this cardigan? If so, notice any markings? ;)

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"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Ibi who suggested weekly 'Looking to LOVE' and 'Looking to HATE' posts where we could all "deposit" our best & worst current experiences. I think it is a brilliant idea and will try it out for a few weeks. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

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's Outlook Takes Another Hit

The following is an article from Bloomberg (click here to read in its entirety) about J.Crew's most recent performance:

J.Crew Falls After Needham Cuts Estimates on Rising Costs, Discounting
By Matt Townsend
October 20, 2010

J.Crew Group Inc. fell the most since August in New York trading after Needham & Co. cut profit estimates for the clothing retailer, saying increased promotions will lower earnings.

“The fall season has been difficult, due to warmer weather trends, increased promotional environment at the competition and a lack of dramatic fashion newness,” Christine Chen, a Needham analyst in San Francisco, wrote in a note to clients today. Second-half profit margins will be under pressure as the New York-based company increases promotions, she said.

Needham trimmed its profit estimates for the year that ends Jan. 31 to $2.25 a share, from $2.36, and for the following year to $2.48, from $2.54. Earnings estimates for the current and next quarters were reduced as well. Improved fashion and discounting at competitors also put pressure on J.Crew’s prices, said Chen, who recommends holding the company’s shares.

J.Crew dropped $1.76, or 5 percent, to $33.12 at 4:15 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The percentage decline was the largest since Aug. 27. The shares have fallen 26 percent this year.The retailer now has a sale on its website with some items, such as a pink dress, discounted more than 70 percent.

J.Crew has been offering a lot of promotions lately. (I am not complaining.) However, this article makes me wonder if J.Crew is going to start spacing them out more now.

I also hope J.Crew can take the appropriate steps to get back on {fashion} track. Let's hope the Holiday roll-out will be amazing. :)

What is your take on the article? Would you consider purchasing J.Crew stock? Do you think J.Crew will perform better?

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Fall Sale is Back at J.Crew {but is Final Sale still around?}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Dinster (in this post), Heidi (in this post), Dashrashi (in this post) as well as Rosa, Marietta & Ketan, who let us know a change to J.Crew.com.

Final Sale is gone and Fall Sale (click here to shop online) is back. More over, a lot of items have been reduced in price. For example, the Marled Thandie Blazer (Item 29305; $158.00) is now $49.99 (which is the same price stores are currently selling it for).
NOTE: Unfortunately, there seems to be a catch. For some reason, when I add items to my cart, the dreaded red letters "Final Sale" still appear. Not sure what is going on there. Hopefully the same is not happening to you.

What are your thoughts on the change to J.Crew's Sale? Are your items in your cart still showing up as "Final Sale"? Will you be taking advantage of it? If so, what items did you purchase? :)

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J.Crew on eBay: Beware of the Fakes!

A big "thanks!" to Em (in this post) who raised a very important subject with the following comment (also "thanks!" to Sweetsy who suggested this for a post):

I don't know where to post this but... watch out for fake bee necklaces on eBay. Like this one. It is definitely fake. ... but if you hadn't seen the authentic version up close it might be hard to tell.

There are several pieces of jewelry on eBay claiming to be from J.Crew. Many are pieces purchased by customers from our favorite retailer. Unfortunately, some of them are mass produced fakes.

It's very difficult to tell which items are authentic and which ones are fakes from the online photos. Honestly, it's hard enough to tell between J.Crew from J.Crew Factory jewelry. Now we have to be worried about knock-offs!?!

I guess this is another good reason to save catalogs! This way you can refer back to previous seasons, to see what pieces were offered (and not offered).

What are your thoughts on knock-off J.Crew jewelry? Can you tell which items are authentic and which are fake?

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"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Ibi who suggested weekly 'Looking to LOVE' and 'Looking to HATE' posts where we could all "deposit" our best & worst current experiences. I think it is a brilliant idea and will try it out for a few weeks. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

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

Frank Muytjens Favorite Things

"Thanks!" to Nicole who shared the following post (click here) from Times Magazine about our favorite J.Crew executive, Frank Muytjens!

The following is the article which also has a slide show (click here to view online):

GET: IN-STORE; Manly Thing: J. Crew Men's Shop
By Sandra Ballentine
September 12, 2010

Housed in a former bank on the Upper East Side, with a knotty-pine interior inspired by old Swiss farmhouses, the new store is as layered as Frank Muytjens, the company's head men's-wear designer. ''We tried to create a special experience, with lots of exclusive items, limited editions and interesting one-offs, like vintage books and records,'' Muytjens says.

1. The store will carry pieces from the English leather-goods company Swaine Adeney Brigg. ''Each piece demonstrates that particularly English attention to detail,'' Muytjens says. This trolley is $2,875.

2. The designer likes to peruse the case at Bedford Cheese Shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. ''Every single cheese has a mouthwatering description that defies you not to buy it,'' he says. Go to bedfordcheeseshop.com.

3. He makes his point with red graphite pencils from Ito-ya, the Tokyo stationery store.

4. Muytjens has a thing for thistles, and he uses the spiky flowers for design presentations and as office d?r. He even grows them in his garden upstate. ''They are spindly and prickly and look very masculine.''

5. He collaborated on these supple boots ($400) with W. C. Russell Moccasin Co., which has been making handmade moccasins in Berlin, Wis., since 1898.

6. His beat-up Filson bag contains a copy of Paul Taylor's 1988 book about Malcolm McLaren. ''He was the first one to mix musical elements from different cultures and come up with something completely fresh, and was hugely influential to me growing up.''

7. Muytjens teamed up with another American heritage brand -- Seattle's Crescent Down Works -- on this vest ($265). ''I love the simplicity of their designs,'' he says.

8. A nature lover, he heads to his house in Hillsdale, N.Y., for ''tranquillity, open space and a killer view.''

9. He collects examples of ''La France Travaille,'' a series of books from the 1930s and 1940s about French workwear. ''I'm inspired by people who use their hands and are close to the earth,'' he says. ''Their garments are stained and mended and passed along for generations -- they tell a story.''

10. The designer is obsessed with old-fashioned American hardware stores, and tools like this Estwing hammer: ''The more you use it, the more beautiful it becomes.'' Go to estwing.com.

11. Muytjens combs Germain, a home furnishings store in Great Barrington, Mass., for French industrial pieces. ''It's dangerous territory for me.'' Go to germain-store.com.

12. These one-of-a-kind $350 chinos (only 20 pairs were made) are patched with panels from vintage pants. ''We may be a big company,'' he says, ''but we relish small, unique projects like this.''

Um... what is up with those chinos!?! The Repaired Stanton Chinos (Item 39088; $350.00) are just plain ridiculous. I checked out the description and frankly could not figure out why they cost so much. I might be missing something. But I know what I am not missing, $350! ;)

With that said, I really like Frank Muytjens. He has done a fantastic job with men's design at J.Crew. My hope is that one day he will return to the Women's department. Even if it is for just a limited time collection. :)

What are your thoughts on the article & slide show? How much do you love Frank Muytjens?

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Cardmember Email: An exclusive sale, for Cardmembers only

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including Kelly, JBird, WillieW, Summer, Kerry, Susie, Staci, Rosie, Marietta, Jennifer, Amy, Katrina, CCS, Irina, & Karina, who shared the following email from J.Crew this morning to its card members.

It's a private sale! Get 20% off your purchase of $175+ with promo code JCCSALE. This offer expires Thursday, October 21, 2010. There is a catch though: the offer is only good if you use your J.Crew credit card to pay. The fine print includes the usual:

*Subject to credit approval. Offer valid on purchases made online at jcrew.com only through Thursday, October 21, 2010, 11:59pm ET. Enter code JCCSALE at checkout to redeem. 20% discount applies to online orders of $175+ before shipping, handling and taxes are added. Offer may not be combined with any other promotion and does not apply to previous purchases, alterations or the purchase of gift cards. Offer does not apply toward branded merchandise including A.R. Trapp, ACL & Co., Adidas®, Aigle®, Albertus Swanepoel™, Alden® for J.Crew, Angela Adams® for J.Crew, Baracuta®, Barbour®, Belstaff®, Bensimon®, Blundstone®, Bobbi Brown®, Brady®, California Baby®, Caran d’Ache®, Chippewa® Boot Company, Clarks® Originals, Converse®, Corgi™, Cosabella®, DUNCAN®, Ebbets Field Flannels®, essie®, FENTON/FALLON™, for J.Crew, Field Notes™, Fjällräven® Kanken, G.H. Bass® & Company, Globe-Trotter®, hat attack, The Hill-side, How to Be an Explorer of the World: Portable Life Museum, Hunter®, Imogene + Willie, J Girl by J Brand®, Jack Purcell®, Kikkerland®, K-Swiss®, K-Way®, Lemlem®, Levi’s®, Lola for J.Crew, Mackintosh®, Maptote®, MiH Jeans®, Mimi’s Shoes, Minnetonka®, Miriam Haskell®, Mister Freedom®, My Wonderful World of Fashion, Panama hat, Persol®, Postalco, Quoddy®, Ray-Ban®, Red Wing Shoes®, Rogues Gallery™, Room for Children, Russell Moccasin™, Co., Saint James®, Salt-Water®, Schleich®, Schylling®, SeaVees®, Selima Optique® for J.Crew, Sensi®, Siku®, Sorel®, Sperry Top-Sider®, Spring Court®, Superga®, Superior Labor, The Laundress New York® for J.Crew, Thomas Mason®, Timex®, Tretorn®, Urbanears™, Want Organic™ for J.Crew, Warehouse or Wexler & Co. products. Offer not valid in J.Crew retail or Factory stores or on Factory merchandise. Offer not valid on phone orders.

Love that they brought this promotion back for card-members. You go, J.Crew! :) Also, J.Crew has been offering a lot of sales back-to-back as of late. As a consumer, I love it. As a stock holder, I hope everything is okay.

What are your thoughts on this promotion? Will you take advantage of it? Did you get this card members exclusive email?

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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's 11th Sample Sale {coming soon!}

Yup! ClothingLine (click here) is hosting another sample sale for J.Crew in NYC. We are moving up in the double digits as this will be number eleven.

This sale starts the second week in November. For the event's days/hours:

Tuesday, November 9th (10 am - 7 pm)
Wednesday, November 10th (10 am - 7 pm)
Thursday, November 11th (10 am - 7 pm)
Friday, November 12th (10 am - 7 pm)

What to expect at J.Crew's latest sample sale:

• A holiday focused sample sale for Women & Men featuring party dresses, suiting and jewelry. Plus outerwear, cashmere, knits & more!
  
• for Men & Women
• Holiday party dresses for Women
• Suiting for Men
• plus cashmere, outerwear, jewelry and more

As with all their sample sales, all sales are final. The location for the event is:

Clothingline | SSS Sample Sales
261 W 36th Street
(between 7th & 8th Ave)
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018

Will you be attending this latest sample sale? If you are, please let us know! If you could also share any information (e.g. merchandise selection, quantity, prices), it would be greatly appreciated. :)

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J.Crew Email: What every fall wardrobe needs...(plus, EXTRA 30% off sale & FREE SHIPPING)

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

The email features J.Crew's classic staple, the Tissue Turtleneck Tee (Item 17656; $39.50). J.Crew simply describes them as:

Lightweight, bias-cut cotton with a very soft wash. It's the perfect turtleneck for now and a great layer for later. Long sleeves. Import. Machine wash.

I own a few of these tees (which always go on mega-sale at the end of the season). They truly are easy to wear under anything, as they are light & comfortable.

J.Crew is also reminding us about the offer for 30% off any purchase from their Final Sale {no minimum} and free shipping (over $150 *after* discounts applied) with promo code MUSTHAVE. This promotion expires today!

I did l-o-v-e seeing this offer online. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to take advantage of it. The Final Sale section was pretty empty during the promotion. I am not sure it even updated much (or I kept missing it). Oh well! Hopefully some of you got some amazing deals! :)

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Tissue Tees? Did you take advantage of the 30% off Final Sale promotion? Will you make any purchases today, before the promo ends?

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