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 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's CEO to Appear on CNBC Today

A big "thanks!" to Liz who let us know that J.Crew's CEO Mickey Drexler is scheduled to appear on CNBC this morning– on the "Squawk Box" at 8AM. After watching his segment, some highlights include:

• Brings right product to stores & are as creative as ever
• Have been respecting customers, differentiating from all the sameness, & producing products of up-most quality
• Always respecting customer on quality & value demands
• Their mission is value-style product
• Their model is why do you need all the middle people selling a great brand (so eliminate that & control own distribution)
• When Mickey took over (7 years ago), he fired 70% of their factories & searched for ones with best fabric, best quality, etc.
• Mickey believes they have (1) the right fashion, right now, (2) a good design team, & (3) the content of the stores consist of items of "what they are famous for"
• Constantly evaluate their assortment, in particular those predictable items that evolve (sharpen their edge) like the Minnie pant, cashmere sweaters, or jackets for Women and the Wash Shirts for Men
  
• There's a "J.Crew Look" which is a style with no logos
• Never want to compete on price & can't buy products on sale anywhere else
• Considers First Lady Michelle Obama wearing J.Crew clothes an "act of God" (then one of the hosts made an inappropriate "joke", which was *not* funny and flustered Mickey Drexler)

This appearance is on the heels of J.Crew's recent buzz concerning it's financial performance. The following article from ABC News (click here) re-caps the good news.

J.Crew Boosts Profit Outlook as Sales Improve
J.Crew raises 3rd-quarter guidance, upbeat about sales; shares jump to 52-week high
By Michelle Chapman
October 22, 2009

Shoppers still have an appetite for fashion during the recession, as evidenced by apparel retailer J.Crew Group Inc., a favorite of first lady Michelle Obama.

The chain significantly boosted its fiscal third-quarter profit forecast Thursday on better-than-expected sales and margins — two components most retailers have struggled with as consumers continue their discretionary spending clampdown.

The company, which has grown in popularity partly because Obama wears the chain's clothes, saw its stock soar $4.41, or 11.7 percent, to $42.15 in midday trading. The shares hit a fresh 52-week high of $42.94 earlier in the session.

J.Crew has been on a surge of late, with its stock up 37 percent over the past three months. The chain has managed well during the recession by keeping a close eye on its inventory levels while continuously rolling out products that appeal to its customers.

With higher sales and margins than anticipated for the third quarter, the retailer pushed its earnings guidance to a range of 54 cents to 59 cents per share. That's a marked improvement from the 30 cents to 33 cents per share forecast issued in August.

J.Crew expects the good times to roll into the fourth quarter, assuming sales and margin trends continue. The retailer now anticipates a mid- to high single-digit increase in sales at stores open at least a year and a low single-digit rise in direct sales for the fourth quarter ending Jan. 30. The company previously forecast a low single-digit increase in both sales at stores open at least a year and direct sales.

Sales at stores open at least a year are a key indicator of retailer performance since they measure growth at existing stores rather than newly opened ones.

Heading into the holiday season — a critical time for most retailers — BMO Capital Markets analyst John Morris is confident that J.Crew will fare well due to its inventory management efforts and favorable product mix. The analyst reaffirmed an "Outperform" rating in a note to clients, saying he has "great confidence in the company's growth potential."

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Madewell in the News: It's On Its Way

There is an interesting article over at the LA Times, that discusses J.Crew's sister store, Madewell (click here to read it in its entirety).

Madewell paints the town denim
By Booth Moore
October 21, 2009

At last, Madewell is ready to step out of J.Crew's shadow. The denim-based fashion purveyor, a family-owned work wear label founded in Massachusetts in 1937 and resurrected by the J.Crew Group in 2006, is gearing up for an e-commerce launch in the spring. Madewell has always been cast as J.Crew's edgier little sister, so it's only fitting that J.Crew creative director Jenna Lyons would give the brand a boost by including a couple Madewell pieces (the sparkle cardigan and slim slouch jeans) in her October Jenna's Picks feature on the J.Crew website.

But soon Madewell will have its own stylish face, to be announced in the coming weeks. Who could she be? There were plenty of contenders at the Bar Marmont last night, where Madewell and Lucky magazine celebrated the last stop of their national, in-store denim tour with lemon drop cocktails, mini lobster rolls and starlets galore, including Rachel Bilson, Lauren Conrad, Joy Bryant, Kristen Bell and Mandy Moore. Bilson's mom, Janice (a self-proclaimed spiritualist), read tarot cards, and guests posed for photos that were made into flip books.

Plenty of fashion industry types were there, too--L.A.'s hot new shoe designer Jerome Rousseau--just back from showing his line in Paris, Fug Girl Jessica Morgan, hair colorist Byron Williams, L.A. boutique owner Hillary Rush, and her old boss from when she was advertising director at the Gap, J.Crew Chairman and CEO Mickey Drexler.

It's all in the family for Lucky and Madewell. Former Lucky magazine editor Gigi Guerra is the brand marketing director at Madewell now, and her quirky style seems to be the perfect match. At the party, Guerra wore a Madewell cropped knit biker jacket pinned with a Masonic pendant she picked up at a flea market. She's helped create some interesting features on the site leading up to the e-commerce debut, including a forum for real world twenty-somethings to share how they wear the clothes, and a monthly newsletter; the October issue lists music blogger Largehearted Boy's favorite female artists.

Guerra says that jeans are the No. 1 seller in Madewell stores (specifically the "ex-boyfriend" style--love that name--and the legging jeans), followed by boots and the tasseled and fringed scarves that have been one of the brand's cool chick mainstays from Day 1.

Guests left the party with a scarf, as well as a canvas Madewell tote and a bottle of OPI "Madewell to Order" nail polish, a special dark purple mixed just for the occasion.

It's been years that J.Crew has discussed launching an e-commerce site for Madewell. The worst part is they always state when it is going live only to push it back a few months, and then start the process of announcing the new launch date that gets pushed back again. So I guess I will believe the news about going live this Spring, when I actually see it. ;)

The news about hiring a "face" for Madewell sounds super interesting though. I wonder who she might be? (Kristen Bell sounds like an excellent choice!) :)

What are your thoughts on the article? Looking forward to seeing the e-commerce site this Spring? Do you think it is a good marketing move to have a "face" for Madewell? Who would you like to see in that role? :)

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Sneak Peek for J.Crew Men's Collection in 2010

"Thanks!" to Amanda (in this post) who let us know about a post over at Urban Daddy's Kempt featuring a sneak peek at the Men's Collection for 2010 (click here to see more of images).

The Latest Crew
By R.B.
October 21, 2009

We got a look at the J.Crew Spring/Summer 2010 preview today, and in addition to adding Hill-Side ties and Clarks Wallabees to their stable of collaborators and buddy brands, they’ve kept things moving in the same solid direction as the last few seasons. If it ain’t broke…

There’s a new navy sharkskin version of the Ludlow Suit and a reliably pleasing assortment of chambray, but we also really liked the rugged Fireman’s Jacket, a light, clasping jacket that should be the perfect antidote to summer rainstorms. (No word yet on how it holds up against fire.)

From the images above, the Men's Collection is looking good. The Men's stylist just gets it (e.g. no ridiculous layers, no ill-fitted pants, etc.). That's how you dress! :)

Thoughts on the upcoming arrivals from J.Crew? Any pieces that you find particularly exciting? Are you liking the styles from the men's section?

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Sneak Peek for J.Crew Women's Collection in 2010

A big "thanks!" to PrettyBallerina (in this post) who let us know about a post over at Fashionista featuring a sneak peek at the Women's Collection for 2010 (click here for their post).

J.Crew Goes Girly for Spring
By Britt Aboutaleb
October 22, 2009

Editors swooned over J.Crew’s spring/ summer collection at the company’s Astor Place headquarters yesterday.

Creative Director Jenna Lyons presented a slouchy, girly, heavily layered look. There were liberty print rompers (that won’t make it into stores, even though I’d buy five), camo jackets, sequined shorts and tanks, a bunch of grandpa cardigans and one great gown all paired with brogues and what looked like Kork-Ease wedges.

There were touches of neon everywhere (even more than for fall) and chunky jewelry layered atop itself on wrists and necks, including those Miriam Haskell pieces Lyons was so excited about.

Pants-less looks made more than one appearance, with plaid ruffled high-waisted bloomers and what looked like grey knit short, short shorts. And though the clothes were fantastic, it’s the brilliant styling that made everyone want to jump in and live in J.Crew world. That and the pigs in a blanket they were passing around.

Also, "thanks!" to Amanda (in this post) & AMW who let us know about a post over at Vogue (click here) featuring three additional images of the Women's Collection for 2010 as well. Click on any of the images below to see them larger.

Something Old, Something New:
How to Dress for Spring 2010 the J.Crew Way
By Mark Holgate
October 22, 2008

When plenty of women are diving into that little boutique at home called Their Own Closet, how does fashion convince them it might be time to go buy something exciting and new? Well, here are the options: Ignore that idea of home shopping and just keep producing more and more stuff. Acknowledge that it’s happening, do your darnedest to produce beautiful things, and pray that that economic sunny day will shine soon. Or, if you’re like J.Crew, go with the flow and smartly rationalize that new and old can—and will have to—work together brilliantly.

Which brings us to J.Crew’s presentation yesterday afternoon at its HQ near Astor Place in New York. Specifically, to the necklace worn by J.Crew’s creative director Jenna Lyons, assembled from all sorts of bits and pieces: a yellow enamel flower brooch, a gilded bee, wooden buttons from a cardigan that never made it into production, and strands from a diamante necklace that got smashed up and stitched onto this one. “The necklace started with things that we never used or that no one wanted but that we kind of liked,” Lyons says. “So, we decided to use them; recycle them, in a way.” Those necklaces are actually on sale right now at J.Crew, but the approach Lyons and her team took played a big part in shaping how they designed spring.

For instance, the pale pink shorts (above) actually started out as khaki pants, but Lyons wasn’t into them, so she decided to rework the shorts when completing the collection. She cut them up and dip-dyed them, and then they were paired with a tweed cardigan jacket and a slouchy striped top. Her feeling is: If you like the idea of casual shorts with something sparkly and smart, then why not buy the top and jacket and doctor your own shorts? And if you don’t want to do that, well then, simply go get the spring 2010 shorts instead.

This idea is now more important and relevant than ever before: Be happy with what you already have, but also allow yourself the pleasure of buying a new piece or two to add to the mix. And there was plenty at J.Crew with enough newness to spread some joy around, like the floral military jacket in camouflage colors; or the lightweight linen blazer, its perfect, lean proportions contrasting nicely with the crumpled, love-worn texture of the fabric; or embroidered sequined dresses which can be worn with tees underneath; or, one of the delicate Swiss lace blouses or short, ruffled skirts in next season’s palette of pale, makeup shades. Chances are you’ll have plenty already you could wear with any of these. Lyons certainly does. The jacket she was wearing at the presentation? A washed-green utility number that’s from this fall’s collection.

After looking through the photos, I am disappointed. I thought the sneak peek was for Madewell until I read the articles that clearly state it is for J.Crew. First, I am not excited about any of the pieces. Maybe, just maybe, the striped skirt (or is it a dress?) that was paired with the denim jacket in the slideshow. Second, I am tired of neon. No more, pretty please. Third, what is going on with some pieces? Is the brown sack for a shirt with the sleeves rolled up a for-real item?

I should add, that the previous {quick} judgments are based on these initial photos. I have been known to change my mind once I see them in person. ;) Moreover, if J.Crew is listening... One of the reasons I love your clothes is because it is lovely at any age and many of the pieces are timeless classics (e.g. Jackie Cardigan). As Roxy (in this post) eloquently put it, "You stay classy, J.Crew!"

Thoughts on the upcoming arrivals from J.Crew? Any pieces that you find particularly exciting? Are you liking the styles from the women's section?

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J.Crew's Styling: Let's Take a Step Back Please

As Cass (in this post) pointed out, J.Crew updated its homepage this morning featuring a new Flash slide show of "Plays On Texture" styles (click here).

I also couldn't agree more with Cass' comment: "...more whacked out styling going on.." Just take a look at exhibit A, B, and C below as just a few examples. Now each outfit isn't horrible if a few items were removed from each one. Exhibit A, remove the Shadow Shearling Jacket (Item 20889; $2,500.00). Exhibit B, take away the Pleated Paulette Top (Item 19834; $168.00) and while I am at it, let's avoid future poses that way. Really now. Exhibit C, what were you thinking with the scrunched-up Solid Knee-Highs (Item 57042; $12.50)? Seriously, stop pushing the "socks with heels" look! We get it.

Even some of the style tips that J.Crew is offering doesn't seem sound to me. For example, the hard copy of the November catalog (click here) on page 5 states, "[style tip] How to get that perfect baggy pant look? Buy a size or two larger, belt the waist (as our stylist says, "paper bag it") and voila!" I am going to pass on this. Always.

When creating the "J.Crew's Best of the Worst Items" and the "J.Crew's Best of the Best Items" posts, I ended up flipping through several past catalogs dating back to 2005. As I was looking through them, I saw some enticing styling. Each page had a lovely & realistic outfit that I want to recreate from head-t0-toe. For example, the catalog featuring the Piazza Jacket also had this beautiful white cotton-linen cami underneath it, paired with jeans and heels– simple yet charming at the same time.

J.Crew's obsession with layering didn't really kick-in full throttle until this year. Now I can understand the argument that J.Crew's recent {over the top} styling efforts are not meant to be translated literally, but more as an inspiration styling guide to take one or two ideas from. That is a valid point. However, maybe it's time to give this styling a break and return back to the "less is more" look.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's recent styling efforts? Are you a fan of the current styles or of past styling efforts? What suggestions for styling would you make? What style tips would you avoid? :)

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J.Crew Factory Email: New holiday arrivals are here...

"Thanks!" to AnneG who shared the following latest email from J.Crew Factory. The email announces that select new Holiday (say what? did they mean Fall?) arrivals are now up to 40% off at their Factory Stores.

Are you planning to visit a Factory Store to check out the latest Holiday (aka: Fall) collection? Are there any items you are hoping to purchase while there? If so, please share! :)

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