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 SALE, or to see some NEW 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 Expanded Sample Sale This Weekend {Arden, NC}

A big "thanks!" to Janice, who let us know that J.Crew will be hosting another Sample Sale this weekend! Lots of merchandise for men, women, and the kids! Plus, a bit of Madewell stuff will be thrown into the mix.

The dates for this event are as follows:

Saturday, December 14 (from 9AM to 8PM)
Sunday, December 15 (from 10AM to 4 PM)

The location for this shopping event is:

J.Crew Clearance Store
1 Clifford Way (off N.C. 191)
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 687-6475

If you know any more details of this event (like pricing) and/or planning to attend, please let us know!

Congrats to all those in the area!!! :)

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J.Crew Sale Continues: 30% Off & Free Shipping

J.Crew sent an email this morning reminding customers they are offering an additional 30% off & free shipping at J.Crew (both online and in stores) with code GIFTNOW. The additional percent offer expires December 24, 2013 (and free shipping on any order expires today!)

What else? There are over 400 new styles added to the Sale section (click here to shop online) section online this morning. YEY! Lots of merchandise for everyone (1200+ for Women and 580+ for Men). From the looks of it, things are moving out relatively quickly.

When checking out the items, I noticed the Liberty Pajama Set in Katie Ann Floral (item 07677) which is on promotion from $198 to $158. Still too expensive for me to justify a purchase. However, it is gorgeous!

Incidentally, is it just me or are we all a bit shopped out lately? From the comments, it is starting to feel that way. (I wasn't sure if it was just me and I was just seeing what I related to.) I am still checking out J.Crew, and purchasing a random item or two, but no where near the levels I did a few months ago (or even this time last year). All the promotions have been nice, but nothing I am overly excited about is pulling me in. 

Will you be taking advantage of this latest promotion? What are your thoughts on the new markdowns to sale? Are you still buying as much at J.Crew lately? Share your thoughts!

Quick Poll:  Are you "shopped out" at the Crew?

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JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

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"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

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 Factory: Deal #6 (50% off & free shipping, plus another 15% off in stores!)

J.Crew Factory is offering customers 12 days of holiday cheer and deals. For day six, they are offering up to 50% off items (prices already adjusted), plus free shipping. To take advantage of this offer online, use promo code 12DAYS. This offer expires today, December 11, 2013. The fine print includes:

*Prices as marked at jcrewfactory.com reflect discount. In-store discount automatically taken at the register. Offer valid on purchases made in J.Crew Factory stores and at jcrewfactory.com from December 11, 2013, 12:01am ET through December 12, 2013, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in J.Crew stores, at jcrew.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash. Offer may be used in combination with one (1) additional and valid promotion. Offer not valid on men's shoes, women's leather apparel, BAGGU(R), Sperry Top-Sider(R), Rainbow(R), Toysmith(TM) or Natural Products Ltd.(TM) merchandise. Offer valid in U.S. and Canada only. Terms subject to change.

**Offer valid on purchases made at jcrewfactory.com from December 11, 2013, 12:01am ET through December 12, 2013, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in J.Crew Factory or J.Crew stores, at jcrew.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or purc hase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash. Offer can only be used in combination with applicable site-wide discount being offered during the same period. To redeem, enter code 12DAYS in promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Offer is valid on online orders shipping to U.S. via economy shipping (6 to 8 business days) and to Canada via standard shipping (4 to 7 business days). Return requests must be made in accordance with our return policy. Terms subject to change.

There is more! J.Crew Factory is offering an additional 15% off purchases made in Factory stores! Just click on the image above or HERE (which will take you to a larger version of the image) and print it out (so the associate can access the barcode).

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, what items are you interested in?

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GiftNow: 30% Off & Free Shipping on Everything (well, almost everything!)

"Thanks!" to many of you, who let us know about the following this morning.

First off, I can't tell if J.Crew had a small update to its website this morning. I know, I know. That is pretty bad on my end. But at least I do know they are running a new promotion...

J.Crew is offering an additional 30% off & free shipping at J.Crew (both online and in stores) with code GIFTNOW. This offer expires December 24, 2013 (although free shipping expires on the 12th of December). The fine print for this offer includes:

*Offer valid on purchases made in J.Crew stores and at jcrew.com from December 11, 2013, 12:01am ET through December 24, 2013, 2:59am ET. Offer not valid in the 769 Madison Avenue store, Ludlow Shops, Liquor Store, J.Crew Factory stores, at jcrewfactory.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in combination with any other offers. Offer not valid on wedding gowns, babies' merchandise, select Collection styles, select leather apparel, select men's footwear, select men's Ludlow suiting, select Wallace & Barnes apparel, select crewcuts outerwear, High Line merchandise or select third-party branded merchandise. In-store discount automatically taken at register. To redeem online, enter code GIFTNOW in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Offer valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer are subject to change. 

**Free shipping valid on any purchase made at jcrew.com from December 11, 2013, 12:01am ET through December 12, 2013, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in stores, at jcrewfactory.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash. Free shipping automatically applied at checkout. Offer is valid on orders shipping to the U.S. via economy shipping (6 to 8 business days) and to Canada via standard shipping (4 to 7 business days). Return requests must be made in accordance with our return policy. Terms of offer are subject to change. .

This promotion is a slight upgrade from yesterday's promotion- that is good news! :)

Will you be taking advantage of this latest promotion? What are your thoughts on this sale? Are you loving the latest arrivals from J.Crew?

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"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

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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Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent" posts), where we can share our finds from other retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew (like Anthropologie, LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and the like.)

If you have recently encountered items that are similar to 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 experiences with certain merchandise pieces, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

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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 Merry Promotion: 25% Off ($100+) or 30% Off ($200+

"Thanks!" to many of you, who let us know about the following promotion this morning.

J.Crew is offering an additional 25% ($100+) to 30% off ($200+) at J.Crew (both online and in stores) with code MERRYMERRY. This offer expires December 10, 2013. The fine print for this offer includes:

*25% discount valid on purchases of $100 or more before taxes and shipping are added. 30% discount valid on purchases of $200 or more before taxes and shipping are added. Offers valid on purchases made in J.Crew stores and at jcrew.com from December 9, 2013, 12:01am ET through December 10, 2013, 11:59pm ET. Offers not valid in the 769 Madison Avenue store, Liquor Store, Ludlow Shops, J.Crew Factory stores, jcrewfactory.com or on phone orders. Offers cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other offers. Offers not valid on babies' merchandise, wedding gowns or select Collection, Ludlow suiting, men's footwear, crewcuts outerwear, leather apparel, Wallace & Barnes or third-party branded merchandise. In-store discounts automatically taken at the register. To redeem online, enter code MERRYMERRY in the promo code box at checkout. Offers valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer are subject to change.

Love that this promotion is available both online and in stores! Love that there are so many back-to-back promotions. The only downside, deciding when to buy an item (do you wait for a better promo tomorrow, or do you swipe the credit card and purchase today)!

Will you be taking advantage of this latest promotion? What are your thoughts on this sale? Are you loving the latest arrivals from J.Crew?

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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 SALE, or to see some NEW 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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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.

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Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, 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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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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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, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, 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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J.Crew Factory: Deal #2 (extra 20% off 3+ items plus, everything is 40%-60% off)

 "Thanks!" to many of you, who shared the following news/ email from J.Crew Factory with us.

J.Crew Factory is offering customers 12 days of holiday cheer and deals. For day two, they are offering an extra 20% off your entire purchase of three or more items, plus free shipping. To take advantage of this offer online, use promo code 12DAYS. This offer expires December 8, 2013. The fine print includes:

*20% discount valid on purchases of three or more items made in J.Crew Factory stores & at jcrewfactory.com from 12/07/2013 - 12/08/2013. Offer not valid in J.Crew stores, at jcrew.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or purchase of gift cards & cannot be redeemed for cash. Offer can only be used in combination with applicable storewide/site-wide discount being offered during the same period. In-store discount automatically taken at register. To redeem online, enter code 12DAYS in promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Free shipping valid on online orders shipping to U.S. via economy shipping (6 to 8 business days) & to Canada via standard shipping (4 to 7 business days). Return requests must be made in accordance with our return policy. Terms subject to change

Overall, I like the promotional concept: keeps me coming back everyday to see what the new deal is. I like where J.Crew Factory is heading with today's promotion too.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, what items are you interested in?

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J.Crew: 30% Off "Present Perfect" Styles

"Thanks!" to many of you, including YoungJJ (in this post), who shared the following news/ email from J.Crew with us.

J.Crew is offering customers a special treat: 30% off select "present perfect" favorites. To take advantage of this offer online, use promo code PRESENTS. This offer expires December 8, 2013. The fine print includes:

*Offer valid on the purchase of Unwrap More Event styles at jcrew.com from December 6, 2013, 12:01am through December 8, 2013, 11:59pm ET. Discount valid on styles found on the Unwrap More Event page only. Offer not valid in J.Crew stores, J.Crew Factory stores, at jcrewfactory.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in combination with any other offer. To redeem, enter code PRESENTS in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer are subject to change. .

This is an okay promotion. Not as good as the universal 25-30% off offers we have seen in the past week or two. On a bright note, it is only running for two days. Enough time for JCAs who are interested in certain items on sale to buy -and- for JCas who are not interested to wait it out.

The fine print states that this offer is not available in stores. Although, I am almost certain store associates would honor the online prices. Never hurts to ask!

Also, I am thinking that B&M stores will continue to run an additional 30-40 percent off their sale. (I recently stopped by one of my local J.Crew stores and it was overflowing with sale merchandise. I am sure they want to move out that merchandise as quickly as possible.)

Will you be taking advantage of this offer? Is your local B&M store running any promotions? If so, please share! :)

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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 SALE, or to see some NEW 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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Last Day: 30% Off Fall Sale Online (40% Off for Cardmembers & In Stores!)

Today is the last day J.Crew is offering an additional 30% off Sale merchandise online by using promotional code WINTERSALE. Enjoy an additional 40% off if you open a J.Crew Credit Card or if you are already a J.Crew card member, by using promotional code FESTIVE.

Thanks!" to many of you, including KnitYarns (in this post), who let us know that brick & mortar stores are offering 40% off their sale. (No need to be a cardmember of J.Crew.)

Will you be checking out J.Crew's Sale? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get?

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Madewell: 25% Off Purchases $125+

"Thanks!" to many of you, who shared the following promotion from Madewell today.

Madewell is offering an additional 25% off (on orders of $125+) with promo code GOODCHEER. The percent off offer ends December 9, 2013. Free shipping is available on all purchases until December 24, 2013. The fine print includes:

*Offer valid in Madewell stores and at madewell.com from December 5, 2013, 12:01am ET through December 9, 2013, 11:59pm ET on purchases of $125 or more before shipping, handling and taxes are added. Offer not valid on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in combination with any other offer. Offer not valid on the Transport Tote, Linen Paris Tee, leather jackets or merchandise from any of the following brands: Barbour®, Chimala®, Mara Hoffman®, Sessùn™, Vans® or Veda®. Discount on in-store purchases taken at the register. To redeem online, enter code GOODCHEER in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promotional code per order. Terms of offer are subject to change.

Free shipping valid on purchases made at madewell.com from November 19, 2013, 12:01am ET through December 24, 2013, 11:59pm ET only. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash. Free shipping is applied automatically at checkout. Orders will be shipped via economy shipping (6 to 8 business days) and return requests must be made in accordance with our return policy. Offer valid in the U.S. only. Terms of offer are subject to change..

This offer is available both on line and in stores. Offering free shipping might make things more enticing if you don't live close by a brick & mortar location... happy shopping!

Will you be checking out Madewell? Did you already pick up an item or two? If so, please share!

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J.Crew Factory: Prices up to 40-60% Off {plus another 15% off & free shipping!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, who let us know about the following promotion this morning.

J.Crew is offering an additional 40% - 60 off select items at J.Crew Factory (both online and in stores). Prices are automatically adjusted to reflect the offer. Plus take an extra 15% off and free shipping with code 12DAYS. This offer expires December 6, 2013. The fine print for this offer includes:

*Prices as marked at jcrewfactory.com reflect discount. In-store discount automatically applied at the register. Offer valid on purchases made in J.Crew Factory stores and at jcrewfactory.com from 12/05/2013 - 12/06/2013. Offer not valid in J.Crew stores, at jcrew.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash. Offer may be used in combination with one (1) additional and valid promotion. Offer valid in U.S. and Canada only. Terms subject to change.

**Offer valid on purchases made in J.Crew Factory stores and at jcrewfactory.com from 12/05/2013 - 12/06/2013. Offer not valid in J.Crew stores, at jcrew.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash. Offer can only be used in combination with applicable storewide/site-wide discount being offered during the same time. Free shipping valid on orders shipping to U.S. via economy shipping (6 to 8 business days) and to Canada via standard shipping (4 to 7 business days). Return requests must be made in accordance with our return policy. In-store discount automatically taken at register. To redeem online, enter code 12DAYS in promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Terms subject to change.

Neither offer valid on men's shoes, women's leather apparel, BAGGU(R), Sperry Top-Sider(R), Rainbow(R), Toysmith(TM) or Natural Products Ltd.(TM) merchandise.

With so many promotions at Factory, it is hard to figure out whether to hold off on buying or not (in terms of getting the best price). Good luck JCAs! ;)

Will you be taking advantage of this latest promotion? What are your thoughts on this sale? Are you loving the latest arrivals from Factory?

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JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

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"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

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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Questionable Item of the Week: Collection Cashmere Popcorn Sweater

"Thanks!" to Silver Lining (in this post) who pointed out an interesting addition to J.Crew's Collection line: the Collection Cashmere Popcorn Sweater (item 08441).

Some of you might think its the whopping $498 price tag alone, that got the Popcorn Sweater nominated for this dubious honor. As Silver Lining amazingly noticed, it is the care instructions that are baffling: "We recommend folding (never hanging) and storing in tissue paper." This is preceded by, "Treat yours with love and it will last forever." Why don't they just say, "We strongly recommend not wearing the sweater to maintain shape. For best results, store it in a locked cedar chest and throw away the key. With love and non-use, it will last forever."

Plus, did you check out the following: "This is not the popcorn sweater you had in the '80s. Ours is superplush and covered in raised dots everywhere except the sides, so it's still slim in the right places." Yeah, when you mention 80's and sweaters... I am going to think Cosby sweaters. Now that is all I can think when I see this. I am gonna pass on this hand-wash-only-top.

What are your thoughts on the Popcorn Sweater? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?

P.S. Every time I see or hear "popcorn", I think of Schmidt from Fox's the New Girl... video here.

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J.Crew Factory: Early Access + 30% Off Everything + Free Shipping

"Thanks!" to many of you, who shared the following news/email from J.Crew Factory with us.

J.Crew Factory is offering a sneak peek at the latest arrivals! To promote early shopping, they are offering 30% off everything with promo code SALE30! Plus, free shipping (no min!) on every order. Both these offers are just for today! So check your email to see if you got the invite.

This round of new arrivals is a bit lack-luster, in my humble opinion. I did not see any new jackets and the number of new sweaters is minimal. Weird considering this is the time of year to be pushing both categories. But J.Crew Factory did manage to offer a lot of sleeveless tops and shorts. ...Um okay. ;)

Have you received this email? Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Any items you are interested in? If so, please share!

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"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

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 in London {the info!}

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including Teri Lynn, as well as Knit Yarns (in this post), for letting us know about the following news about our favorite retailer.

The following are excerpts of an article from Business Week (there is a lot of good stuff, click here to read in its entirety):

The J.Crew Invasion
By Emma Rosenblum
November 27, 2013

Dozens of shivering British fashion bloggers, TV personalities, and socialites snake down London’s Regent Street, waiting patiently to get into the Nov. 6 opening night party for the J.Crew flagship store. ...

...Lyons says there was talk of tweaking the collection to be more British “for maybe five seconds,” but “we have a point of view. We felt good about exporting what we were currently doing.” That includes everything from hair elastics to hand-knit Fair Isle sweaters to $1,800 embellished jackets. The vibe is casually stylish, cool yet cheerful. Perfectly American. ...

Back in the store the next day, Drexler, sitting on a couch in the women’s shoe area, is thrilled to talk about the transformation of his company from sweater catalog to the kind of international brand that draws A-listers on a chilly London night. “The party was below-the-radar cool,” says Drexler. “They all looked good. Oh my God, if we could look like that!”
Drexler, 69 ... is constantly doing his own market research and pauses to greet some VIP shoppers. “How do you like the new store?” he asks. (Everyone loves everything, which seems to disappoint him.) “The interesting thing about apparel and clothes is that it’s emotional,” he continues. “People’s emotions can change quickly. And the advantage we have in coming to London now is that it’s not J.Crew how it used to be. It’s J.Crew. It’s brand new. Oh my God!”

...With prices hovering above fast-fashion chains such as Zara (ITX:SM) and H&M (HMB:SS) but below designer lines such as Alexander Wang and Thom Browne, J.Crew has found a lucrative niche as an aspirational destination for younger shoppers and the go-to store for wealthy customers seeking wardrobe staples. “I don’t want to risk being arrogant, but I think a lot of what we’ve done has connected emotionally with America,” says Drexler.

...The words that Drexler and the president of the J.Crew brand, Libby Wadle (who heads merchandising and buying), use to describe the company’s international strategy are “thoughtful” and “careful.”

J.Crew rolled out shipping for online purchases in more than 100 countries last year, but the U.K. stores are its first physical outlets overseas under Drexler. He’s planning two stores in Hong Kong next spring. In addition to the Regent Street flagship, there’s a women’s boutique in the upscale shopping area of Brompton Cross, selling the higher-priced J.Crew Collection, and a men’s shop on Lambs Conduit Street that specializes in suiting. “We’re not flooding the markets. We’re not out to become a mass brand,” says Wadle, 40, who worked with Drexler at Gap and has been at J.Crew since 2004. “And so we’re putting a lot of pressure on the stores we are doing to succeed.”

...Lyons has made it less so. “Style is for everyone,” she says. “We don’t talk down to our customers.” The ethos of J.Crew is design plus value; the cashmere is made in Italian mills, but costs less than at Bloomingdale’s. Nothing falls apart. (If it does, the salespeople will happily replace it.) The post-2008 demand for value coincided with a resurgence in buying made-in-the-USA products and supporting local manufacturing. J.Crew smartly began beefing up its In Good Company offerings, which include American heritage brands ...

...Lyons’s influence is everywhere. Sitting at a large table in her office, which is white and airy and piled with sketches, she talks about her role at the company. “At the end of the day, all I really want is for people to be excited about clothes,” she says. ... Lyons is J.Crew the way Diane von Furstenberg is DVF; her own image is so intertwined with the clothes she creates that it’s hard to separate the two. Yet she says she’s not necessarily designing for herself. “You want to love what you make,” she says. “I don’t wear shorts, but we design lots of shorts. I can have a really robust dialogue about shorts!”

...“This is not a store for college kids anymore. That woman over there—look,” Drexler says, pointing at a middle-aged shopper in the shoe section of the Regent Street flagship. “She’s buying three pairs of £375 leather ankle boots. They’re made in Italy, and designed by us. We take it from our costs directly, so there isn’t a double markup. These would be twice as much at a department store,” he says. The gray boots, with their sleek shape and pointed toe, do look a lot like a Manolo Blahnik version that sells at Barneys New York for $1,055. But to buy the same J.Crew shoes in America, customers pay only $375. Many items in the Regent store and on the U.K. website are priced the same in pounds as in U.S. dollars. With the exchange rate at $1.60 to the pound, cute ballet flats cost 40 percent more in the U.K.

Drexler has gotten some flak for the jacked-up British prices: “Shoppers shocked as Michelle Obama’s favourite brand J.Crew lands in UK … at double the price!” read a Nov. 8 headline in the Daily Mail. “Prices are different from country to country. I’ve been coming to Europe for decades, and it’s always been that way,” says Drexler. The bad press doesn’t bother him. “Opening international stores enormously helps your domestic business. Because then customers will buy even more when they come to America, because it’s cheaper,” he says.

...J.Crew is deep into its leasing negotiations for the two planned Hong Kong stores. The brand has some experience in the city—last year, it began a collaboration with upscale department store Lane Crawford, displaying J.Crew merchandise in a store-within-a-store format. Drexler says that venture “did really well, though I can’t tell you the numbers, ’cause then you’d have to report them.” His executives, however, seem more measured about J.Crew’s move into Asia.

I thought this article covered a lot of great topics. Some that made the top of my list: (1) That J.Crew stands by its product and nothing falls apart. HA! Yet, in the same breath they will gladly replace items that do. HA! HA! (2) Jenna does not design for herself. I respectfully disagree with that one. Did they forget the Jenna-clones for the models used at Fashion Week (and even the MasterCard commercial)?

(3) J.Crew has moved away from college students: I could not agree more. They do offer a student discount, but I don't know too many college students who can afford J.Crew today. In all fairness, they have done a great job differentiating themselves in terms of offering "classics with a twist". Yeah, they stray away with some questionable pieces, or some head-scratching company moves, but for the most part they offer styles I am interested in.

(4) I am glad they addressed the international price mark ups. It is amazing to see such an increase in prices, but offering an explanation (the reasoning behind it) helps a bit. Plus, I could not agree more that it helps domestic sales.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree with any of the points made in this article?

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Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent" posts), where we can share our finds from other retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew (like Anthropologie, LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and the like.)

If you have recently encountered items that are similar to 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 experiences with certain merchandise pieces, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

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Surprise! J.Crew Sends Their Love

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Blakemdjohns (in this post), who shared the following delightful surprise/ news with us:

...I received a "Thank You" gift from J. Crew of two Grafika notebooks. The note says they asked the company to produce them in these colors and patterns just for our Cardmembers. ...

Also "thanks!" to Suzy (in this post), who also shared:

I received the notebook gifts today, but also included is a $50.00 donation gift card where you can log on and select a charity to donate it to. Did you all see that? or get that? It's written on a card enclosed with the notebooks. Don't throw it out!

This is not the first time J.Crew has delivered Holiday presents to lucky JCAs. Last year J.Crew sent out notebooks. The two years before last, they sent a planner

So how do some customers get these gifts? I believe it has to do with your spending level over the year. Don't feel too bummed out if you did not get one. (I never do. Except for that one time.)

Lastly, this is wonderful gesture for loyal customers! It is a great gift and more importantly, a touching offer for those who receive it. :)

So check your mailbox in the next few days to see if you got something extra special from J.Crew. :)

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Enjoy 30% Off Fall Sale Online (40% Off for Cardmembers!)

Thanks!" to many of you, including GigiOfCA (in this post), for the following promotion from J.Crew.

J.Crew is offering an additional 30% off Sale merchandise online by using promotional code WINTERSALE.

Enjoy an additional 40% off if you open a J.Crew Credit Card or if you are already a J.Crew card member, by using promotional code FESTIVE.

This offer offer expires December 5, 2013. The fine print includes:

*Discount valid on the purchase of sale items in J.Crew stores and at jcrew.com from December 3, 2013, 12:01am ET through December 5, 2013, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in the 769 Madison Avenue store, Liquor Store, Ludlow Shops, J.Crew Factory stores, at jcrewfactory.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in combination with any other offer. In-store discount automatically taken at the register. To redeem online, enter code WINTERSALE in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Offer valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer are subject to change.

Hopefully J.Crew will also have a nice update to their Sale (click here to shop online) section online this morning.

Curious, will J.Crew be offering an additional 40% off sale at brick and mortar (B&M) stores? (Will they reduced it to 30% off sale in stores to match online?)

Thrilled to see another promotion being offered both in stores and online. Honestly though, I am surprised to see it is 30% online, when stores and online both had 40% off recently. However, I do appreciate the promotional tiers- cardmembers need to get some perks!

Will you be checking out J.Crew's Sale? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get?

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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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Cyber Monday at J.Crew!

"Thanks!" to many of you, who shared the following news/ email from J.Crew with us.

J.Crew is offering customers a special treat for this year's Cyber Monday: 30% off and free shipping (no min!). To take advantage of this offer online, use promo code MONDAY. This offer expires December 3, 2013 at 3AM EST. The fine print includes:

*Offer valid on purchases made in J.Crew stores and at jcrew.com from December 2, 2013, 12:01am ET through December 3, 2013, 3am ET. Offer not valid in the 769 Madison Avenue store, Ludlow Shops, Liquor Store, J.Crew Factory stores, at jcrewfactory.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in combination with any other offers. Offer not valid on wedding gowns, babies' merchandise, select Collection styles, select leather apparel, select men's footwear, select men's Ludlow suiting, select Wallace & Barnes apparel, select crewcuts outerwear, High Line merchandise or select third-party branded merchandise. In-store discount automatically taken at register. To redeem online, enter code MONDAY in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Terms of offer are subject to change.

**Free shipping valid on any purchase made at jcrew.com from December 2, 2013, 12:01am ET through December 3, 2013, 3am ET. Offer not valid in stores, at jcrewfactory.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash. Free shipping automatically applied at checkout. Offer is valid on orders shipping to the U.S. via economy shipping (6 to 8 business days) and to Canada via standard shipping (4 to 7 business days). Return requests must be made in accordance with our return policy. Terms of offer are subject to change.

This promotion is really just the same promotion as the last one with free shipping thrown in. I am not sure why, but I was hoping to see something a bit... more.

Will you be taking advantage of this offer? If so, please share! :)

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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 SALE, or to see some NEW 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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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.

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Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, 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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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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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, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, 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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