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 Spring Sale, or to see some new Summer arrivals {wahoo!} 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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Last Day To Use Your Red Card

Well, it's almost over... the 25% off red card offer from J.Crew ends today. I quickly made a stop at a J.Crew yesterday to pick up the Crocodile Cocktail Jacket (Item 12154; was $168.00, now $99.99) in order to use the card (for the last time).

"Thanks!" to Marie Antoinette (in this post), who came up with a great question: "Did you get more use out of this one or the one in December?" I have to say that I definitely shopped a lot less this time around. There didn't seem to be that many additional percent off sales, or sales in general, for me to go crazy with the red card (like I did back in the Winter). ;)

Are you planning to use your red card today? What items did you get with the red card this time around? Did you spend more or less than the first red card offer (from Winter '08)? :)

Quick Poll: Did you spend more with J.Crew's Red Card this time around (versus the one in the Winter)?

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Madewell Email: The must-have for May

Madewell sent an email recently announcing their Harem Pants which are described as "slouchy, hip and totally wearable- they're the coolest shape of the season". The email also mentions that Madewell is now on Twitter (click here).

First, I have seen pages devoted to Harem pants in several fashion magazines, including Marie Claire, and all I can think is "...why?!?" I think Harem Pants are universally unflattering. There is nothing beautiful about them either- it just looks like an adult diaper + pants gone wrong.

Second, I appreciate that Madewell is reaching out to their clients via Facebook and now Twitter. But how about a fully functioning e-commerce site (and not just the collaboration with ShopBop)? It feels like we have been waiting forever to shop Madewell's site online. ;)

What are your thoughts on the Harem Pants? Are you a fan of the design and style? Which body styles do you think the Harem Pants could work for? ;)

Quick Poll: Do you like the Harem Pant style?

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J.Crew Offers Additional 20% Off Spring Sale :)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Chanel Fashionista, Naomi, & Sherbie (in this post) , as well as Anne & Sudi, who let us know about J.Crew's most recent promotion.

J.Crew is offering 20% off their sale using promotion code EXTRA20. This offer expires 5/1/09. J.Crew also sent an email (shown below) announcing this additional percent off.
Happy {online} Shopping!

Are there any items you plan on getting with this promotion? If so, please share! :)

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J.Crew Email: Special savings for summer

"Thanks!" to Soon to be PhD who shared with us an email that J.Crew sent yesterday. J.Crew is letting us know that their factory stores will be carrying new summer arrivals as well.

Happy {pre-summer} shopping!

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At Last... The Famous Crewcuts Coats

"Thanks!" to Sarah who let us know an update on the Crewcuts coats Malia & Sasha Obama wore at the Inauguration (refer to this post). On the Crewcuts website (click here), J.Crew announces that the coats are now available to pre-order (call 1-800-591-3745).

The coats are a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e! I am curious how quickly they will sell out (especially since many parts of the U.S. are enjoying summer-like temperatures- seems too early to think about winter!) ;)

What are your thoughts on the Crewcuts coats? Would you consider pre-ordering them? If you already have, please let us know! :)

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J.Crew Email: Are you missing out?

J.Crew sent an email to its non-card members to invite them to open a J.Crew Credit Card. The email lists the benefits associated with being a card member (which have been discussed many times on this blog).

I would love to see J.Crew offer reduced shipping fees (or even a flat rate of $7) for card members. I think it would also be great if card members could get 10% off all their purchases. These perks would make getting a J.Crew Credit Card more enticing. But as the benefits stand now, I really don't need it.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Credit Card? Do you feel non-card members are "missing out" by not having one? What perks would you like to see be added for current card members? ;)

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J.Crew's Fall 2009 Collection For Men {part 2}

In some previous posts ("J.Crew's Fall 2009 Collection For Men" & "J.Crew's Newest Arrivals For Fall 2009 {yey!}"), several images of the Fall 2009 Collection for Men were shown.

A big "thanks!" to J.Crew Guy in Canada who found additional images of the Men's Fall 2009 Collection at the Mister Mort blog (click here). The blog also shares the following:

I like what J Crew is up to. and don't front. We've all been in there-been for a minute. I enjoy a pinstripe with a solid grey.. Very "Morning Suit for taking a stroll to the bank". Theyre teaching guys it doesnt have to be precious.. Loro Piana fabrics! Thomas Mason shirtings! i mean this is the stuff royalty has their clothes made of but they offer it to the general public with no seals of the queen or anything.. These are the shirtings Turnbull and Thom Browne use!

There is also a pair of painted khakis in the upcoming collection (click on image for larger view). I don't know what J.Crew was thinking when they decided to include this piece in the collection. When I think of J.Crew, I do not think of sloppy (and these pants s-c-r-e-a-m sloppy to me!) ...And I just know these pants won't be priced at $30, but around $80 or more. ;)

What are your thoughts on the latest pieces slated for Fall 2009? Do you like or dislike? ;) What are you hoping to see in Fall 2009? Are you a fan of the painted khakis? Do you like the look? :)

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Details on J.Crew's Wedding Trunk Show {lovely!}

J.Crew recently held a wedding trunk show "featuring styles from our 2009 collection" (refer to the "J.Crew Wedding Trunk Show & More!" post). Luckily for us, some Aficionadas attended this event and shared the details!

A big "thanks!" to Donna who not only shared her review of this event, but also shared all the {amazingly beautiful} images of this post with us. :) (Click on any of the images for a larger view.) The following is her review:

We were greeted outside given a pad and pencil (picture) to take down any style numbers for dresses to try on- there were limited samples and a Personal Shopper would set-up a room and bring the dresses as they became available. Some of the dresses were not offically available until June.

The dresses were set-up in the cashmere section and there were bridesmaid dresses as well as bridal. They had swatchs for all of the colors and fabric types..overall the quality was there and there were one or two dresses that didn't look that great on the hanger.

We (my friend and I) were spoken to about taking pictures and the salseman even wanted to see my iPhone and make sure I didn't have any photos- try again. I'm a mouthly New Yorker and a lawyer.

Also, "thanks!" to Jean (in this post) who shared her review of the event as well:

Went to the bridal trunk show today... quite disappointed. It wasn't a show, more like a bridal gowns preview and sale for people to try on the gowns and buy them.

All samples are either size 2 or 8 but you can order the size that you desired. Also, they let you use your 25% red card to buy the gowns or bridesmaid dresses.

For anyone who's looking for the Jayne dress in tea rose, they have two size 0 at the store (Rockefeller Center).

These images of J.Crew's dresses, are just beautiful! They all look so amazing, that it makes me want to renew my vows so I can wear one of them! ;) I also think the pad that J.Crew provided its attendees was a nice touch.

Did you attend J.Crew's Wedding Trunk Show? If so, please share with us your review too! ;) Are there any dresses (for brides, bridesmaids, or attending guests) that you are currently loving (or loathing)?

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J.Crew Summer Rewards Card {be on the lookout}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Dina, Emily, as well as Em, Twiga, & burntphotograph (in this post), who let us know that they received their J.Crew Rewards Card (click here to learn more) by regular mail recently. Also, "thanks!" to Dina for taking the above images of the latest rewards card for us to view and letting us know that it expires 6/15/09.

So if you are a card member, chances are you will be receiving your rewards card in the mail in the next couple of days, so keep "an eye out" for it. :)

Have you already received your J.Crew rewards card? If so, please let us know! :)

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Off On A Tangent: Gap's Offer For Friends & More

Don't worry, I am still all about the Crew! But sometimes there are codes from other retailers that might be useful for some J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados, like now...
"Thanks!" to Dina who shared the following email from the Gap. They are offering 20% off regular priced items on all orders (no minimum) with promo code FRIEND. This offer expires 4/29/09.

"Thanks!" also to jbird (in this post) who shared the following:

• Gap is offering 20% off regular priced items on all orders (no minimum) with promo code 1FORYOU. This offer expires 5/10/09.
• Macy's is offering 25% off (with a few exceptions) with promo code MACYSFF. This offer is from 4/29/09 to 5/4/09.
• Origins is offering 25% off with promo code FFMAY4. This offer is from 4/28/09 to 5/5/09.
  

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J.Crew's Welcome Offer

"Thanks!" to xoxo who shared the following free shipping code with us. J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $150+ with promo code E531CL. This offer expires 4/30/09.

I am happy to see the return of the welcome offers (which seem to have come and gone a few times). ...Remember when J.Crew offered free shipping with no minimum as a welcome offer? Those were the days! ;)

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J.Crew Email: Jackie's back (in new shades for summer)...

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Julie, who let us know about J.Crew's latest email.

J.Crew is promoting their sweaters (click here), with a focus on the Jackie Cardigan (Item 85613; $59.50). The Jackie is a regular staple at J.Crew. (I have to add, that I personally love this cardigan- it's incredibly versatile.)

J.Crew is also reminding us about their Spring Sale. (Has it updated today?) ;) Also, what are your thoughts on the sandals the model is wearing in the image?

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Jackie Cardigan & the sandals the model is wearing? Would you recommend this top? Also, do you find the quality of J.Crew's cardigans have remained consistent over the years? :)

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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.

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?

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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.

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?

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Crewcuts Email: New Arrivals for Crewcuts + Free Shipping

"Thanks!" to many of you who let us know about Crewcuts latest email. J.Crew reminds us that there are new arrivals for their Crewcuts collection.

They are also reminding us that J.Crew is offering free shipping on all Crewcuts orders with no minimum (refer to the "Free Shipping For Crewcuts!" post). Just like the old days, this promotion requires no code (it's automatically applied)! ;) This offer expires 5/31/09.

Also, only Crewcuts items are eligible for this offer. So if you have non-Crewcuts with Crewcuts items in your cart, only the non-Crewcuts items will get charged for shipping.

Happy {weekend} shopping!

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J.Crew Email: For your one and only (mother)

"Thanks!" to Julie & Marietta who were kind to share with us, J.Crew's latest email. ;)

J.Crew is showcasing a variety of pearl necklaces, as a perfect Mother's Day gift. They are also reminding us that Mother's Day orders should be placed by April 30, 2009 (to ensure delivery).

What are your thoughts on the necklaces? Would you consider purchasing pearl necklaces from J.Crew or from a jeweler?

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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 take advantage of using your Red Card, to see what's available in the Spring Sale, or to see some new Summer arrivals {wahoo!} 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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Questionable Item of the Week: Crystal Bow-Tie Necklace

Crystal Bow-Tie Necklace
Click here for product page
Item 16943
Regular: $98.00

"Thanks!" to Anon at 2:44 PM (in this post) who suggested this necklace for a "Questionable Item of the Week" post. After looking at the necklace online, it is clear why she suggested it! ;)

This necklace is (and I am truly sorry if I offend anyone...) just ridiculous! I am sorry, but it really is (in my humble opinion). ;)

It's just huge and abstract-looking-- like a craft-project gone wrong. It also, kind of reminds me of Christmas ornament-garland. In either case, it's not meant to be worn around my neck (let alone worth $98).

It's a shame too, because I adore the materials its comprised of: faceted acrylic beads, silk chiffon string, and nylon tulle bows. I think a great Project Runway-esque challenge for J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados is to create a necklace using the same materials. I bet there would be some fantastic creations (and for a fraction of the $98 price)! :)

Do you think I am being overly-critical? What are your thoughts on this necklace? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

Quick Poll: Do you like the Crystal Bow-Tie Necklace?

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Behind the Design At J.Crew

In the latest catalog (click here to view), J.Crew asks their designers to share some of their inspirations. The following is the text of each image above (from left to right):

Behind the Design- We work with some of the best of the best. Our designers labor over quality, agonize over detail (and happen to have degrees from some of the top design schools in the world). See what inspires a few of our own- and find more at JCrew.com.

• I spend weekends in flea markets and furniture stores, looking at beautiful vintage castings, interesting glass, shapes and new ways of construction. -L.F.
• Creativity comes from the everyday in New York. I studied design at FIT, but I have to say, you learn more from life than school. I'm inspired daily by the city's culture, people, architecture and history, -M.W.
• Books are a constant source of inspiration, something I picked up early at Parsons School for Design. I read everything I can get my hands on. -T.M.
• My two boys inspire me daily. We see so many great things together that I use at work- bright flowers and special details that I know kids are crazy for (and parents adore). -J.G.
• I went to the Royal Academy of Art in Holland, but I find my muse in American workwear from the '40's and '50's, roadside American and the earth tones of Joshua Tree National Park. -F.M.

I found each one's take to be really interesting. It is always great to learn more about what influences the designers at J.Crew. Especially Frank Muytjens quote- it was clear he had some influence in J.Crew's recent America catalog (refer to this post).

What are your thoughts on the designers' quotes? Did you find their inspirations interesting or bland? What are your thoughts of the following quote from the introduction: "Our designers labor over quality, agonize over detail"? :)

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J.Crew's Offers 15% Off For Kentucky Residents

"Thanks!" to Laura (in this post) & Lindsey B. (in this post) who were kind enough to let us know that J.Crew is offering something special to Kentucky residents. Also, a big "thanks!" to Lindsey B. who was kind enough to share the email image (shown above) of the offer on her {great} blog (click here).

J.Crew is offering 15% off any purchase at their Kentucky stores (in Lexington & Louisville). This offer expires 5/1/09. To redeem this offer, just click here (or on the image above) and print it out (so the associate can scan the bar code).

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J.Crew Email: New arrivals. Just in time for warm weather. In stores and online.

J.Crew sent an email today letting us know that new arrivals have made it online and in their stores. The email design looks great- I love seeing all the outfits! :)

I am also happy to get this email! Especially since I have not been getting a lot of their previous ones. ;)

Did you get this email? Have you been getting J.Crew's email (or have you been getting some, but not others, like me)?

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J.Crew Updates Website Today!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Naomi & Anon at 5:25 AM (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew updated its website (click here). There are new arrivals for men (click here), women (click here), & the J.Crew Collection (click here).
In addition to having new arrivals for men and women, J.Crew also provided the latest catalog online (click here to view). I am all for new arrivals and I can't wait to look through the new catalog (which the cover alone looks amazing)!!!

What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Also, did you receive the latest catalog?

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Oh no! Final Sale is Back! ...or is it? ;)

It's back! The Final Sale (click here) has reappeared on J.Crew's website. "Thanks!" to many of you, including Naomi & Anon at 5:27 AM (in this post), for letting us know this news.

I guess we all knew that the removal of final sale was not going to last forever. But why did it have to return so soon! ;)

UPDATE: "Thanks!" to many of you, including Lauren H, JTS, Crystal, Slastena, Jean, Sophie, & Em (in this post), as well as Anon at 10:38 AM (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew has changed the sale section back to no final sale. (I think this took place around 9:30 AM this morning.) This is fantastic news!!! :)

What are your thoughts on the final sale's return? Did you know it was coming? Are you happy to see that the "final sale" was removed? ;)

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Free Shipping For Crewcuts!

"Thanks!" to many of you who let us know about J.Crew's latest promotion.

J.Crew is offering free shipping on all Crewcuts orders (with no minimum). This offer expires 5/31/09.

I love these kind of shipping offers, where there are no minimums present. Love, love, love it! ;)

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Hello Sunshine...We've arrived {$25 off at Malibu}

A big "thanks!" to Vanessa who shared J.Crew's latest promotion in regards to J.Crew's At-The-Beach store opening today in Malibu, CA (refer to this post)!

J.Crew is offering $25 off purchases of $125+. This offer expires 5/6/09. To redeem this offer, just click here (or on the image above) and print it out (so the associate can scan the bar code).

The location for the store is:

Malibu Lumber Yard
3939 Cross Creek Road
Malibu, CA 90263
(310) 456-6760

Happy shopping to all those in the Malibu, CA area! :)

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J.Crew's Fall 2009 Collection For Men

In a previous post ("J.Crew's Newest Arrivals For Fall 2009 {yey!}"), a few images of the Fall 2009 Collection for Men were shown. Luckily for us, over at the Kempt blog (click here), several images of the Men's Fall 2009 Collection can be seen. The blog also shares the following:

The Old Crew
By R.B.
March 27, 2009

The folk at J.Crew have been on quite a hitting streak lately, and it look like they have every intent of keeping it going.

We got our hands on their latest fall catalog, and once again, we’re impressed. There are the usual assortment of old school ties and cardigans that J. Crew made their name on, but this time there’s a more rustic edge too, with a few of the usual easy-iron button-ups traded for chambray workshirts.

As usual, the real gems are in the collaborations. They keep up old collabs with Mackintosh Coats and Alden Shoes, but our favorite is the boots from W. C. Russell Moccasin Company out of Berlin, Wisconson of all places. It would be a pretty good find for a boutique, but for a national brand it’s practically a statement of principles.

Bringing heritage brands onto a larger stage is what the workwear movement is all about…and bringing a bit more chambray into the world isn’t so bad either.

It looks like there will be lots of great items in store for the guys this Fall. Wahoo! :)

What are your thoughts on the pieces? Do you like or dislike? ;) What are you hoping to see in Fall 2009?

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Store Opening: J.Crew-at-the-Beach

"Thanks!" to Christine who shared with us an article over at the Los Angeles Times (click here) about J.Crew's most recent store opening:

J.Crew-at-the-Beach opens in Malibu
By Max Padilla
April 19, 2009

J.Crew, the preppy clothing line that's a First Family favorite, introduces its new resort store -- called J.Crew-at-the-Beach -- at the just-opened Malibu Lumber Yard open-air shopping center.

Taking a cue from its coastal environs, J.Crew-at-the-Beach features a beachy color scheme, salt-air weathered brass fixtures and sun-bleached floors made from reclaimed oak. The store also carries limited-edition surfboards and has customized offerings such as the Malibu houseguest survival kit -- a monogrammed tote with flip-flops and swimwear. (On opening day Tuesday, it will be giving out neon Capri flip-flops as a gift with purchase.)

The Lumber Yard store stocks the crème de la crème of J.Crew's women's collections, including cashmere knits, jewelry and made-in-Italy shoes and bags, plus resort gear and the "crewcuts" kids clothing line -- but no menswear (a stand-alone men's store is being considered). The store also houses a shop within the shop that will showcase exclusive lines such as LemLem for crewcuts.

LemLem, the 2-year-old hand-woven children's clothing line (prices range from $80 for a scarf to $175 for a girl's party dress), is designed by Liya Kebede, the Ethiopian-born model and UNICEF International Goodwill Ambassador, and features embroidery and other accents from her native country.

3939 Cross Creek Road, Malibu. (310) 456-6760. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

To be honest, I am intrigued by the new store. I would love to see the layout and how it differs from J.Crew's more traditional store layout. "Congrats!" to all those living in the Malibu, CA area! :)

What are your thoughts on the article? Do you like the "concept store" in Malibu, CA? Do you think they should create more stores like this one?

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J.Crew Email: Spring sale. Treat yourself.

J.Crew sent an email today letting us know about their "Spring Sale" in-stores and online (click here).

So far the website has not updated the sale section, but I am looking forward to it when it does. ;)

Are their any Spring items that you are currently lusting after? If so, please share! :) Also, when do you think the next "additional percent off the sale" will occur? ;)

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For awhile (like a day or two), it seemed like the LOVEIT offer was over. (Many Aficionadas mentioned the code was no longer working for them. Also, the code was even removed on J.Crew's home page). But the offer is back (and for a limited time)! ;)

J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $175+ with promo code LOVEIT. This offer expires 4/22/09.

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New Arrivals Hitting Store Shelves {wahoo!}

"Thanks!" to many of you who let us know that many, if not most, J.Crew stores will be putting out their latest "new arrivals" in stores today (or in the next few days).

So if you plan on stopping by a store to check out the arrivals, please share what new items you spot. Also, it would be super-helpful if you could mention which location you visited and if you recommend other Aficionadas to visit the store. "Thanks!" in advance! ;)

Quick Poll: Are you excited about the newest arrivals?

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J.Crew's Bubble Necklace: What's the Deal?

Bubble Necklace
Click here for product page
Item 92687
Regular: $150.00

A big "thanks!" to Sweetmint who made an excellent observation concerning J.Crew's Bubble Necklace.

In particular, she found two images of the necklace in the catalogs where one of the beads (on the bottom of the necklace) was missing. The images can be found in the America catalog on page 60 and the Liya Kebede catalog on page 54. To view these images, click on the image below or here.

Sweetmint also raised a great question, wondering if anyone had any issues with the beads falling off this particular necklace. I am surprised to see that there are two different instances, where the same necklace is showing an imperfection. It definitely makes me wonder about the quality and durability of this necklace.

What do you think of J.Crew's Bubble Necklace? Have you seen or purchased it? If so, how did you find the quality of the necklace?

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JCA Poll Results: What Do You Buy The Most Of?

The results of the last poll are in and it seems that the category of items most often purchased from J.Crew is "Sweaters". "Knits & Tees" was a distant second, with "Shirts & Tops" close by as third.

I find the results of the poll super-interesting. Most of the comments made on this blog about quality, have been about the lack thereof, with J.Crew sweaters & tops. In particular, many Aficionadas have mentioned that the quality of J.Crew's cashmere has not been the same as in past years. There has also been some comments about the durability of their sweaters & tops (e.g. not lasting after a washing or two, lack of proper stitching).

So this got me thinking... Which of J.Crew sweaters (& tops) would you consider a good wardrobe investment? Which sweaters (& tops) would you recommend avoiding? If you could bring back a sweater (from a previous season), which one? What are some of the reasons behind your selection? :)

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Product Review: Dressy Jersey Twist-Strap Dress

Dressy Jersey Twist-Strap Dress
Click here for product page
Item 14994
Regular: $78.00

A big "thanks!" goes to AppGal who shared with us her great review (as well as several real-life images) of this dress (which can also be found at her great blog here):

In my quest to find the perfect knit dress for summer, I squealed with delight when I came across the "Dressy Jersey Twist-strap dress"--aka the "Lori Dress," according to the packing slip. When I saw it, I just knew this would be my "it"dress for the summer, just like my Lisa dress was last year. So I ordered the dress in the Tropical Aqua color (which, by the way, is a beautiful color!)

The dress arrived this afternoon, and I have to say, I am pretty disappointed. You will see why in the following pictures, but the fit was all wrong, the detailing was shoddy, and I just felt downright sloppy in it.

First of all...the fit: I ordered an xs in the dress since all of my jersey knit dresses from j.crew seem to fit better in this size. I figured that with the xs, I would have more support in the boobular area, if you know what I mean. From the empire waist down, the fit is fine--no problems there. The problem lies above the waist. The v-neck is sloppy, and I felt like I was swimming in the top region. The fabric just laid over my chest lackadaisically. To get the support and fit I was hoping for, I would have needed an xxs or xxxs!!! It's not like a have a small chest either--I am a 34B, so usually I can at least fill out a dress. Also, the v-neck is way too low for me. Normally, with a low v-neck, I would just layer a tank underneath--but you can't do it with this dress. Because of the twist-straps, the tank's straps would peek out, ruining the effect, IMO. The same with bra straps. You'd have to wear a strapless or one of those nu-bras to make it work.

So it almost looks okay in the first pic...still sloppy though. Don't the bra straps look awful? And come to think of it, a strapless bra wouldn't work either because of the low-back (see last pic). In the second and third pics, you can see what I mean about the looseness a little better.

...Secondly, the detailing just looked cheap. It was actually the first thing my husband noticed about the dress when I asked him about it. It has that rugged, raw edge that has been so prominent in j.crew's recent offerings on the bottom hem and all along the v neck-line. I'm not a fan, especially on a knit fabric like this. The jersey material itself is wonderful, but the cheap edge ruined it for me. The elastic at the empire waist also looked cheap. In my husband's words (gotta love the honesty), "it looks like the waistband of some cheap underwear!"

All in all, it's not horrible, but it's not the dress I was hoping for. Maybe if they carried an xxs I would give it another go! But I just wasn't comfortable with the looseness of the top part of the dress--if they could tighten that up, I'd be all about it! If you're dead set on this dress, definitely size down at least one size, maybe two!

"Thanks!" again to AppGal for sharing with us her great review!

What are your thoughts on the Dressy Jersey Twist-Strap Dress? Are you considering or already have purchased this dress? If so, please share with us your reviews too! :)

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J.Crew Email:This just in: the jean of the season

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who let us know about J.Crew's most recent email. They are featuring their Vintage Slim Jeans (Item 16426; $98.00).

Although I love the look in the image, I do not think this style is universally appealing. Also, I have a hard time paying more than $20 for jeans with holes (or as they nicely put it, a "distressed look and had-it-forever feel") already in them. ;)

What are your thoughts on the Vintage Slim Jean? Are you a fan or not of the design & style? How would you rock this look? Have you tried these particular pair on? If so, please share with us your review! :)

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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.

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?

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