Friday, September 5, 2008

J.Crew's Fall Looks For Women {Do you like?}

Over at the Women's section (click here for link), J.Crew offers a Fall Look Book that shows both "Black & Grey" and "Fall Color" outfits. These images are not new, seeing as how they are in their latest catalog (click here to view catalog). However, I do like looking through the outfits in both categories. I find them as great sources of ideas and templates on how to pair items.

Which is your preference (in terms of style & outfits): the "Black & Grey" or "Fall Color"? What item in both looks do you really love and which item to you question in its inclusion?

118 comments:

  1. I'm not a huge fan of oranges and yellows (last year's Dani peacoat in yellow an exception), which is why so much of the fall collection doesn't appeal to me.

    Where is my beloved azalea, J.Crew??

    ReplyDelete
  2. If the Lucille came in azalea or iris, I'd already own it in both colors (or I'd have ordered it, and probably either been short-shipped one of them or the whole order cancelled, haha). :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm liking the black and grey maybe because like La belle helene oranges and yellows are not colours that like me. (Bring on the pinks, blues, greens and some reds for me!!)
    I'm loving the Sequined chiffon-ruffle cardigan (97832). Wish it came in some other colours

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am so scared of the model's hair that I can't focus on the outfit!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What about the crazy "I'm making myself less pretty so you think I'm smart" glasses?

    ReplyDelete
  6. I couldn't get past the hair on the one model either...too funny!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Black and gray make up so much of most people's wardrobe, so this shouldn't really be a stretch for most. I like orange and yellow, just not on myself. And yeah I agree that the crazy bedhead look is distracting. Is that a sign that J.Crew is pushing to go higher up the clothing/designer food chain?

    ReplyDelete
  8. You're right j.crew guy, the more outlandish the styling = the more expensive the clothing.
    Don't forget the exaggerated posing which adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the whole ensemble.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I just clicked through the color look book and not a smile to be found :-( Just the same stupid pout in every picture - such a cliche.

    ReplyDelete
  10. And in the black & grey look book, only a semblance of a smile in the picture where the girl is seated. Perhaps because her feet are hurting and she's glad to be off them?

    I much prefer the happy models from the Paris shoot :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am more drawn to the fall color, probably because I am digging the Ecole jacket this season. Although, I probably would go with tawny olive velvet version rather than the sour lemon herringbone on the model. Having said that, though, I really like the cashmere striped sequin cardigan on the black and white side.

    ReplyDelete
  12. There were just new things added to the sale section.

    ReplyDelete
  13. OT - is anyone's store still having 40% off sale, or is that over?

    ReplyDelete
  14. They updated the final sale items around 10:30. Definitely more bags and more accessories.
    Mandy

    ReplyDelete
  15. La belle helene I agree, I am not a fan of yellows. i was a much bigger fan of last year's purples, blues and grays.

    I do like the fall looks for the most part. I am just really not into the over sized sweaters. I miss fitted sweaters! These sweaters that just sag do nothing for my body!

    ReplyDelete
  16. the soiree jacket is already on final sale.

    ReplyDelete
  17. One color I really liked for this fall was the burgundy color, which I've seen in the velvet ecole but not too much elsewhere (though I haven't looked too hard). I really like that color, so I hope it shows up somewhere else!

    ReplyDelete
  18. la belle helene---so you are an azalea/iris fan as well...I am not feeling the JCrew love this fall with their color choices either....

    ReplyDelete
  19. The whole black and grey spread looks like it is something the Gap would do. Even the model. All of the outfits are booooooooring.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I prefer the black & grey only because I'm tired of that citron/sour lemon color! I'd really like to know who looks good in that color! Sorry J Crew! :(

    ReplyDelete
  21. I like the black and gray looks because there's something unconventional in the pairings and the accessories. I love to look at the color combinations in the other section, but often stick to neutrals in my own wardrobe.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I was too distracted by the models to focus on the clothes. I felt like I was on gap.com. blah.

    Does anyone know if the Sequined chiffon-ruffle cardigan (97832)comes in XL? If it did, it is sold on online. Thanks Montrose for the tip - I didn't give it a second look til I read your post. Now I think I need one :) Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Sale update--just went to 45th & Madison store. The Final Sale has indeed been downgraded to extra 20% off--I think b/c they just added a bunch of the new fall stuff and didn't want to cut into their margins too much yet.

    Added to final sale: Marcella blouses in selected colors. Ecole jacket in selected colors (velvet and wool). Dream tie cardigan (i tried on and it was too itchy for me). Jackie cardigan in selected colors. Cord pencil skirt. Long lightweight cashmere cardigans. I think that was most of the notable stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh, and the cashmere v-necks and crewnecks were on "secret sale" to $99 from $145.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I just received my J.Crew indulgences catalog in the mail! Did anyone else get one?

    ReplyDelete
  26. cass-thanks for the update, how much were the dream ties and pencil skirts?
    too bad 40% has gone!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. OT but I wanted to report - I got the Glass-bead ribbon necklace in dark fog yesterday and I LOVE it. lovelovelove. It is a little heavy cos there are lots of beads, but the color is perfect - will go with so many things. The thread/knots between the beads is black (someone said other colors have odd colored string/knots between beads). Highly recommended!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Mack: Are the beads black and it's just the ribbon that's dark fog?

    ReplyDelete
  29. OT - my tunic finally arrived today! After ordering on 8/7, them losing the order, then them ordering a refund (wonder when that will go through), then re-ordering on Monday, it finally came! Now to watch my cc and make sure the money is handled correctly.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I prefer the Black and Grey the best out of the two sets. I'm not a huge fan of tons of color in the Fall/Winter...I prefer richer and more muted tones during this time of year, at least on me. I don't like the majority of the color combinations in the Color lookbook, either. I think that just because you put two completely opposite colors together doesn't necessarily make the outfit stylish, chic, or fashionable, although J.Crew seems to be intent on selling the look.

    ReplyDelete
  31. The cord pencil skirts were 54.99 minus 20% and the dream ties were 59.99 minus 20%.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Mack--I am interested in the dark fog necklace, but if you zoom in on the website pick the thread between the beads looks yellow, not black???

    ReplyDelete
  33. math-teacher: Congratulations you have finally received your parcel! How come CS did not refund you while you were talking to them on the telephone?

    I am also not a fan of oranges/yellows, and I cannot get used to the higher waist on some of the items. I like the peacock/eggplant colors I have bought alot of tees and sweaters in these colors.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I know I'm in the minority here, but I LOVE the crazy hair on the "black & grey" model. It's very un-JCrewy and it's a refreshing change.
    Also, what's up with the rolled up cutoff jeans worn with thigh-high saggy socks in one of the other pictures in the black & grey lookbook? It's a really cool look in a Prada-esque way, but can anyone over 21 really pull it off?

    ReplyDelete
  35. sigh, I wish the sale stuff in store was updated on-line

    ReplyDelete
  36. casual crew: The order for the refund had already been placed. I assume there was a case on it. Since I already had an order for the item, you'd think he could have sent one using that order#, but he couldn't.

    I do like the oranges and yellows, although I like other colors in my wardrobe as well. And,I love the black and grey as well. I have gray chinos from last year, and I would like the grey (whatever they're calling it - fog maybe?) matchstick cords this year.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Ugh...I just received a dream tie sweater today that I ordered last Friday at full price (minus the 15%)
    I also received the Dream argyle crewneck in kelly green. It looks really nice with the grey vintage cord skirt; bright blue Kelly to wear with the hammered silk tank (the tank is tts but it is a little long on me) and the cotton-silk lawn shirt to wear with the paintbrush floral belle. I bought the ivory.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I, too, am not crazy about a lot of the color choices for the fall line. It just doesn't feel that Autumnal to me! I have enjoyed past catalogs that are set in Britain or New England because I LOVE the fall foliage, etc. This feels like an extension of the Spring stuff... (especially the pale colors of the handbags...)

    That said I LOVELOVELOVE the color peacock. It is gorgeous. It is also pretty flattering on redheads (such as moi). ;)

    ReplyDelete
  39. sally, I agree about the hair! It's very Vogue.

    ReplyDelete
  40. La Belle Helene, I agree with your comment about colors. I've ventured out into orange, which was a big step for me, but this fall it seems that so much I like is offered only in yellow/honey or orange, and I do find those colors limiting and hard to wear.

    I would be so much more interested in jewel tones, whether bright (azalea, violet, brilliant blue) or deep (wine, bottle green). I really have my eye on the violet Tulip coat but as I already have the Lady Day in azalea I can't justify it unless it gets marked way, way, down.

    I prefer the smiling models in the earlier catalogs. IMHO J.Crew buyers aren't looking for a haute couture substitute, so we can skip the mannered, artificial photos. I'd rather look at creatively styled and acccessorized but natural-looking models--it gives me a better idea of how the clothes would look on me.

    OT: I just got a pair of 2006 BNIB Melrose kitten-heel boots on eBay for $89. There are quite a few pairs available, and they look quite a lot like the current Rivington boot.

    ReplyDelete
  41. slightlyoldersally and molly: I really love the hair, too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. I agree about the oranges/yellows--I stay away from them like they're radioactive. It usually seems that a large percentage of the final sale items are left in yellow...

    I am also early awaiting the passing of the high-waisted trend.

    ReplyDelete
  43. thanks cass for the prices

    ReplyDelete
  44. That reminds me, they also had a lot of the cashmere argyle sweater vest with the bow in the final sale section as well. They were 99.99 minus 20%.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Mack: Congrats on the glass bead ribbon necklace- it is beautiful!!! :)

    Math Teacher: Yey! I am happy to hear your tunic arrived!!! :)

    FFM: I am in total agreement with you about preferring the richer more muted tones. Although I do like a pop of color now and then. :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Cass, what colours of the ecole jacket were on sale? I've been obsessing over the burgundy. Do you think it means it will be on sale on-line tomorrow or should I call it in?

    ReplyDelete
  47. OT: Math Teacher...how are you weathering the storm? Are you feeling any effects yet?

    ReplyDelete
  48. Montrose, the ecoles I saw on sale were the olive velvet and the pumpkin (I think) wool...it was at the 45th and Madison store in NYC. Other stores might have other colors...you may want to call and ask.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi, does anyone have the sioree sweater? I REALLY love it but I still think sale price is a lot? What are your thoughts? Would you wait for further sale or is it going to be gone?

    ReplyDelete
  50. i agree w/ everyone about the oranges/yellows etc. being too bright, esp. for fall. i much prefer toned down versions any time of the year. i just saw and tried on the lucille in orange...they have it in the walnut creek, ca. store. it's WAY too bright for me! i didn't expect it to be so bright!

    also, just bought this necklace at Banana....i love it. since the stones are very light in color, they darken if you put a dark shirt under it...it's VERY pretty, more smoke than green, and not too chunky like most of jcrew's necklaces - i love it!! :)

    also la belle helene: i know we talked about it before but have to agree again, the models in this year's cat. are so somber and i'm not thrilled with the fall clothing this year. i only have purchased a few things. last year was so much more fall-like and happy :)

    dulcie, casual-crew: i LOVE peacock too...i think it looks good on everyone :)

    ReplyDelete
  51. Ok, update on the glass bead necklace - I must have been half asleep last night when I was trying it on. The beads are dark gray but transparent. The ribbon is gray. And you are right - the knots between the beads are a muted green color! I didn't even notice when I had it on all night last night with my PJs :) But today in the daylight, I do see that the knots are greenish, but for some reason, it works. Not obvious and if someone is close enough to notice, its kind of an added feature. Sorry about the misinformation. I was really tired (but delirious with happiness to get a J Crew order at my door).

    ReplyDelete
  52. OT: Just got an email from JCrew....you can use only one coupon per order...that includes the educators or student discount counting as the ONE COUPON....you can use it and nothing else...signed Brandi CS

    ReplyDelete
  53. ffm: although we dismissed school at 11 this morning, we're really not bad yet. We've had some rain off and on and some wind. I'm inland though, I'm sure it's worse downtown by the coast. The strong winds are suppose to start around 8 tonight and last through most of the night. They say that we could have sunshine by tomorrow afternoon. Which would be nice since I need to go pick up my floral belle. I called today to see if I could come get it after we got out, but they didn't open today. I would guess that most, if not all, of the downtown stores were closed today. I'm hoping that they'll open sometime tomorrow if it really is going to clear up. Thanks for asking.

    cass: how much is the dream tie cardigan marked down to? Is it a promotion, or a sale (so the 20% works on it)? TIA

    ReplyDelete
  54. Brandi: if I can really only use 1 coupon per order, then I won't be buying as much from J Crew as I have since they introduced the educator's discount. That little bit extra just gave me the incentive to buy.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Math Teacher, that is why I sent the email asking JCrew to clarify it's educators discount and coupon codes b/c I was told yesterday that I couldn't use both the FALL and my educator's discount....got the email from Brandi CS rep just now clearly stating that BOTH cannot be used. Upsets me a great deal...

    CEG

    ReplyDelete
  56. how much are the ecoles on sale for?

    ReplyDelete
  57. Anonymous at 4:45 PM/CEG: Thanks for letting us know what the CS told you. I am surprised (and saddened) that the educator's discount is now being limited in use on orders! :( I always appreciated that I could use the educator's discount on top of another code.

    FFM & Math Teacher: I hope you, your families, and friends are all safe as Hurricane Hanna approaches the U.S.

    ReplyDelete
  58. For those of you who like reds (like the awesome holiday red from last fall/winter), Talbots has a really gorgeous red this season - I passed by their store the other day and made a mental note of it. Plus, and I know this will be appreciated by many on this blog, but Talbots never ever ever has final sales :-)

    ReplyDelete
  59. to anon about the ecoles: From what I recall from being in a store this week, the ecoles were 25% off.

    ReplyDelete
  60. la belle helene: i noticed those reds at talbots! finally, true reds...come on jcrew, where'd the reds go? i've never looked at talbots until molly mentioned them on this blog...i really like the red short peacoat. i'm going to pay a visit to that store sometime ;)

    ReplyDelete
  61. la belle helene, I blog about Talbots too. Check it out! :-)

    40 is the New Black

    They are undergoing a rebranding and are doing a great job with modernizing and making things more youthful while still appropriate to grown women.

    ReplyDelete
  62. ccbmum,
    I've had good luck at Talbots now and then, and I think their clothes are well made (and again - NEVER ON FINAL SALE). Plus, as someone who often needs petites, I love them because everything they make in regular also comes in petite - something I find few stores bother to do (like J.Crew and Banana Republic).
    Isn't that red just fantastic? I love really good reds. J.Crew's deep perssimmon, which I think is supposed to be their red, does nothing for me. Same with bright rhubarb, which I'm still not sure falls into what color category, even.

    ReplyDelete
  63. The ecole is 129.99 minus 20%. It's actually only the brown velvet and the pinkish wool color (whichever one that was) which are on sale.

    The dream tie was 59.99 minus 20%, FS. They didn't have a ton of them left. I saw some navy and rhubarb.

    I got the soiree jacket, got the 199.99 minus 20% and then they also applied my student discount (maybe b/c I was also buying full price stuff), so it came to $136. If you are concerned about it selling out, you could call online (where it's also on sale minus 20%) and ask what the stock level is.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Molly,
    thanks for letting me know - I'm going to check out that blog right now :-)

    ReplyDelete
  65. ooh, the talbots spread looks fab, Molly - and I see you're all over that great red :-)

    ReplyDelete
  66. that red peacoat looks lovely, btw

    ReplyDelete
  67. I didn't know they were re-branding - good to know.

    ReplyDelete
  68. cass-what color soiree did you get?I love it and am sooo glad it went on sale!

    ReplyDelete
  69. cass: thanks for the info on the dream tie cardigan. I will continue to call my store in the morning to see if they have any left. I have no idea if they'll open at all, let alone when. Although, the new forecasts say Hanna should be completely gone from here by tomorrow morning. :)

    I received the Talbots flier today, and they have many things that I'd like to have. I will definitely keep on eye out for them to go on sale!

    Alexis: thanks for the thoughts. Right now, we're just getting lots of rain, which will be on and off all night. Luckily for us, the worst part is going to miss it. Unfortunately for those north of us, the worst is going to hit them. Hopefully it will stay a tropical storm and not become a hurricane.

    ReplyDelete
  70. oops - meant the worst part is going to miss us, not it.

    ReplyDelete
  71. CEG is right...I just tried to call and use the Fall 15% off and my teacher discount and was told NO. I told the CS rep Rachel how disappointed I am in JCrew and this new development and she was firm and stood her ground...I tried every angle I could think of and no go...I just told her I would not be placing the order after all. So sad:(

    Clare

    ReplyDelete
  72. Does anyone know if the fiona jacket is still on promo/sale? and are there any other available discounts that can be applied to it? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  73. hey math teacher: I hope your weather isn't too bad! I also hope you got your hands on the cashmere argyle vest which went on sale today! I was able to get on in the wheat color at 20%, and then my additional 15% (at the B&M store) and I hope you did too, because I think you're the one that has also been waiting on it!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Hi girls! Does anyone mind if I quickly vent about something? I ordered the rose print abstract dress recently and finally received it in the mail a few days ago. Since they didn't have it in my local store, I ordered the size I normally wear (a 4). This dress just doesn't fit the same as any of the other dresses I've bought from them. And I'm so bummed because I love the fabric and print of this dress. So I decided that as an alternate I'd order the Strapless Claudine Dress in Printed Silk. I need a dress for a wedding I'm going to next weekend, which is why I was especially bummed about the rose print dress not fitting. When speaking to the CS rep, she let me know that the Claudine in a 4 is backordered until October 20th! Two different dresses and no luck. I normally wouldn't be this upset, but I really liked both dresses and am frustrated that the rose print dress fit is quite wonky and I can't get the Claudine in my size. There were a few sale items I'd been wanting to order and was planning to while things were still 40% off in the store, but of course today they had to change it to 20% off. So I figured I'd at least ask if they'd still honor the 40%. The CS rep let me know that they would if I were in the store, but not over the phone. Completely out of luck on this J. Crew order day. Again, sorry to vent - I just needed to get that frustration out. All I wanted to do was spend some money at J. Crew, but it just wasn't in the cards today...

    ReplyDelete
  75. kater: you're right, I do want it. However, my b&m doesn't carry it and I'm worried that the V is too low for me, as a short person (5'4"). My sa thought it might come down close to my belly button, which would definitely look strange! If I could try it on, then I wouldn't mind spending that much. But, that's a lot to spend to have to keep. Plus, I really liked the wheat and it's been gone online for a while. Oh, well, I will continue to watch and hope. Maybe another markdown or a higher percent, especially since many cs are not allowing both discounts. As for the weather, just rain right now. They still say the worst is going to be north of us. Problem is, Hanna has been unpredictable since the beginning, so until it's past, we'll keep hoping for the best. Thanks for asking.

    ReplyDelete
  76. megan: I totally understand! I've been feeling frustrated lately too, and I think it's doubly hard because things had been going better since the upgrade for about two weeks, and now they're back to wonky again.

    don't ever feel bad about venting here!

    also, I wanted to mention that natedac from ebay (from a previous post) was right about the floral ruffle astrid. The version in the store DOES NOT have ruffles on the sleeves, as it does in the pictures online. It's still cute, but not as cute. So it's now definitely a "wait" for me. Has anyone ordered it from online? If so, does it have the sleeve ruffle?

    ReplyDelete
  77. math teacher: I'm glad hanna hasn't been too bad - yet!

    As for the sweater, the v definitely wouldn't go to your belly button! It is low, but on me, it hit at the cleavage, and I'm 5'7". I really don't think it would be lower than that on you! I would size down, however. I had to.

    My store - Pentagon City in Arlington VA had lots of the heather wheat. They allowed both discounts so you could call them if you really wanted it. I would also be happy to pick it up for you (so you could save a little on shipping)if you put it on hold!

    And, since you have such close relationships with the SA's in your stores, I bet if one called for you, they would ship for free!

    Sorry to be such an enabler, but I thought of you as soon as I saw it!

    ReplyDelete
  78. The color look book was awful, hodge-podge. The black and grey was better. Interesting how either could change with the October roll-out.

    ReplyDelete
  79. I got the soiree in heather silver. I'm normally not a fan of gray tops, but this one just looked too special to pass up!

    Re: Fionas, my store still had the 25% off promotion. Warning that the wool fabric they made these with is extremely itchy.

    ReplyDelete
  80. kater: thanks, that's so sweet. I have no idea when I'm going to be able to get to my b&m. Downtown was already starting to flood this morning, and that was before all the rain we got today. So, if they're not open tomorrow or Sunday, I'm in trouble. Since they're downtown, they close at 6 through the week - crazy, right? I may call, though. I was surprised when my sa told me he thought it could be that low. I mean I know I'm short, and slightly short-waisted, but my belly button? You are enabling - I'll have to think about it tonight (and until I can get to my store). I will let you know if I decide to call your store, although I think you're right that I could get one of the sa's to call for me. Free shipping would be nice, too. You would suggest sizing down? I am a 36C, so sometimes I have trouble with smalls, although I'm a 6/8 on top. And, if you had to choose between the vest and the dream tie cardigan, which would you pick? I've had that on one, so I know I like it. TIA

    ReplyDelete
  81. math teacher: that is a super hard choice!!! I have both the dream tie and now the argyle vest with tie, and think they are both darling. Can you tell I love bows?;)

    After much thought, I think for you, I would recommend the vest. Mainly for the reason that since the dream tie is wool, I'm not sure how much use you would get out of it in Charleston. It's not heavy per se, but it's the kind of wool blend that I think gets really hot and itchy if there is only a touch of humidity. Does that make sense? And I think with a white tee under the vest, you could totally go into early summer....I cant totally see that with a pair of khaki bermuda shorts and ballet flats or flip flops!

    And I would definitely size down! Based on what you're telling me, and our size difference, I'm guessing a small for you. I usually am a 10 in tops, 12 if they're button downs because of my chest, and I got a medium in the vest.

    I hope that helps. We're start to supposed feeling Hanna tomorrow (I'm in DC) but if you need help getting a hold of one, just let me know. Your store needs to stay open later on weeknights for goodness sakes!

    ReplyDelete
  82. I meant "can totally" not cant. whoops!

    ReplyDelete
  83. I liked the disheveled hair. Refreshing. I agree with the comment about the look with the cutoffs..not only should you be under 21, but 5'11" + too. Cute as it is on the model, it would turn tragic in real life for most people.
    Yellow isn't the worst, but the shade has to be perfect and they are missing that half the time. I like it paired with the gray and the pearls though. And I am sick of the puffer vests & jackets. Lay off for a year..jeez.

    ReplyDelete
  84. OT: I know some of you ladies have the Piper tank. If so, how do you wear it? I'm thinking of getting it in ivory. I love the neckline but probably won't be wearing it on its own as it the weather is starting to cool down. It looks a bit full bodied som I'm not sure how it will look under slim-fitting cardigans or jackets. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  85. anon @ 11:38: I have the Piper in Sea Glass, Ivory, and Kelly Green. I wear the Sea Glass Piper with a Soft Fuchsia Jackie cardi, khaki shorts, gold accessories and sandals. I wear the Kelly Green Piper with a Navy Jackie cardi. If you check FFM's Polyvore she has the Piper's in some of her lovely outfits. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Hey, everyone. I'm a J Crew employee that have been with the company for a while. I read on the previous post by another employee regarding the "fave" customers' special $25 GC and what he/she may be true. However, this may seem unfair to loyal J Crew card members, which they are only entitled to a giftcard only if they spend 500+. But the employee's post didn't mention all the other goodies that also come along with the card, which non-card customers will not get.
    - Free complimentary alterations for any full priced items.
    - First to be on the wait listed items. Jcrew CC > Visa, MC, Amex, etc.(Trust me, with the new collection pieces coming out, you'll NEED to be on top of that list).
    - Personal shoppers (anytime!! before and after regular store hours!)
    These are just few of the benefits of having the card. The special $25 gc is basically giving non-card customers a little dip into the cookie jar.

    As for the educator/student discount, this discount is only for In-Store purchases. There are few comments regarding how they won't accept the discount over the phone is simply because there is no way for them to verify if it is true or not. I'm sure you guys are honest about it, but over the phone, anyone can claim to be whoever. As for In-Store purchases, all you need to do is just present your valid educator/student ID. And yes, In-Store will give you the additional % off final sale items plus the educator/student discounts.
    Hope this post clear up some confusion and that this is informative to you guys. =)

    ReplyDelete
  87. Hey, it's me again, J Crew employee. I just realized I post a reply for the wrong post. It was actually for the post regarding J Crew Special Customers $25 giftcard. Sorry about that, please regard my post.

    ReplyDelete
  88. JCrew employee...there is a way to verify over the phone and you did take my discount SEVERAL times...I faxed a copy of my valid teaching certificate to you and was told the names who to make the fax in attention to...it is now listed in my files b/c I live part time overseas and don't have a store nearby. JCrew has changed its rules and will only allow ONE COUPON code per order AND now you consider the educator's discount a coupon code. I spoke with Rachel and Brandi in CS about this just yesterday.

    ReplyDelete
  89. I bought my Astrid ruffle jacket from the store and it has ruffles on the cuffs...don't know if they have different versions out there or not...

    ReplyDelete
  90. P.S. I also talked with a third rep just now...P.J. and she also confirmed that the educator's discount cannot be used with another coupon code. 2phone reps and and 1 email---plus, others comments on this site...I think it's a new rule they are enforcing.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Good to hear about the astrid having ruffles on its cuffs. I really want it but if mine came without I would return it. Thanks for the info!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Also, I need help...I am going to a college football game today with my Dh and some of his college buddies (we are out of college, early 30's) anyway, what do I wear? The schools colors are green and white (not that that matters) but I was thinking about my green piper with jeans or shorts? Is that too dressy? I just bought all these new J Crew clothes and want to wear them. What would you guys do?

    ReplyDelete
  93. Hey J Crew employee, question: Does my personal shopper get "credit" for calling in a on-line order for me? Aside from them being able to wave the shipping whats the benefit for me calling them to call my order in? If he does get credit I'm happy to have him place it but if not sometimes its a hassle.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Some people who were not entitled to it tried to use it online and that is why the rule changed.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Hi guys! I'm a j crew junkie and just within the last couple of days found this blog. Soooo happy. At my BM the sa always apply by educator's discount and the extra 20 or 40 - whichever happens to be going on at the time. Just thought you'd like to know. Of course, if I'm buying something at full price it's only the 15 percent.

    For the first time, I'm experiencing a problem with my on line orders. Ordered a large order more than a week ago and still not even an email to tell me it's being shipped.
    I much prefer on line because my BM doesn't have nearly as much. But I'm going to my BM today to see what's coming after reading the earlier post from the employee about collection pieces. I'll let you know how that goes.

    ReplyDelete
  96. I was in my b&m yesterday, and the in-store discount was indeed 20%. These were the new things on sale that I made a mental note of: Jackie cardigans for $49.99; cashmere schoolgirl cardigans and cashmere argyles for $119; cord peplums ($89.99) and ecoles ($119.99); and dream tie cardigans (69.99). All of these items were in the final sale section. I'm sure there were more, but the sale section was bombed out, and after my first full week at school since June I just didn't have the energy to plough through the mess. I bought a Jackie, and they accepted my educator's discount for an additional 15%, bringing the total cost to $33 and change.

    I asked the CSR about the educator's discount, and she said that (at least in store) they won't combine it with coupons, but the do take stack it onto final sale items. I only had a problem with that in one store in NJ; all the others I go to will stack the educator's discount onto the final sale percentage off.

    I do like the fall look book--the cuts and the designs are lovely, although I'm not a fan of the yellows, as I tend to look terminal in them. I tried on the Lucille in the spicy mustard and although I loved the jacket, that color so close to my face was frightening!

    ReplyDelete
  97. However, the spicy mustard with my coloring isn't as frightening as that model's electrocuted hair!

    I think J.Crew has been searching for a new look for their catalog for a while--the smiling models and happy family group photos of yesteryear have gradually been replaced with models jumping, jetteeing, frisking, gamboling, snapping their fingers and looking coyly down--anything but looking directly at the camera with a smile. It's okay, I guess...something different (although this look book could be Bloomies' new catalog...seems a little high-end generic, I suppose).

    ReplyDelete
  98. musthavejcrew: I think the Green Piper will be fine to wear to the game since you plan dress it *down* with either jeans or shorts...what shoes do you plan to wear?

    ReplyDelete
  99. That should say *plan to dress* and not just plan dress...sorry!

    ReplyDelete
  100. Love JCrew and Mary, I was told by the CS rep PJ on the phone this week that you can use the educators discount in stores on final sale items but not if you are using a coupon at the store. So you are correct, Mary.

    However, online ordering is now different. You can only use one code and the educator's discount is considered a code.

    ReplyDelete
  101. Kater- thank you for taking the time to set the record straight about the floral astrid jacket (in store) having NO ruffles on the cuff.

    As for the anonymous person who chose to tell people on this board that my items are samples and exercise her free speech here on the board, I have personally contacted her with this information and the reply was "to get over it" about her slamming me. It's my feeling that she may spitefully anonymously do it again.

    Just a heads up that although many of you do not agree with my practices, I will always strive to provide you with the correct information about the product.

    Thanks and sorry I had to repost this issue, it was just bothering me a bit....

    ReplyDelete
  102. kater: thanks for your advice. I'll try the tie cardigan on today and see what I think. Your reasoning for the vest was my original reasoning for the vest - I can wear it with short sleeves when it first starts to cool off/warm up. I thought I could wear the cardigan for most of our "winter" since it has 3/4 sleeves. And, it's flattering on. I just called my b&m, and they are opening today, just later than normal. I guess the flooding downtown didn't reach them. :) I hope things are going well for you and that you're staying safe while Hanna's there. The news shows that you're getting lots of rain - I hope that's all you get.

    ffm: are you far enough inland that Ike isn't posing a problem yet? I saw that they're evacuating the Florida Keys (which I know are way down from you) and wondered what you're weather people are telling you.

    ReplyDelete
  103. math teacher: from what the Weather Underground has said...Ike is basically a rogue Hurricane and noone is sure where he will go once passing over Cuba...a couple of the models show it curving back onto Florida and hitting the west coast. That would be EXTREMELY bad for us...we are toward the middle of the state, but still get severe weather and storm force winds, since the state isn't that many miles across, anyways. The Hurricane bands always reach really, really far. It will definitely be one we watch extremely close.

    ReplyDelete
  104. ffm: I noticed that they seem unsure of what Ike will do. I was surprised they had mandatory evacuations with the path still so up in the air. Hanna kept changing, too; yesterday, I can't tell you how many times they kept changing what we were going to get. And, today the sky is blue, the temp is hot, and there's a great breeze. I couldn't even tell that parts of downtown were flooded yesterday.

    kater: I went with the dream tie cardigan. I'm too afraid to spend that much money on an item I haven't tried on. My sa was a little concerned about my ordering a final sale item, too. I do love the cardigan, and my classroom can be cold, so I think I'll about 4 1/2 months a year out of it. Maybe more, if I don't mind being warm. :) If the vest comes down in price, then I'll give it a try.

    ReplyDelete
  105. I just called three different CS reps, and demanded the old 40% discount, plus the FALL code, Plus my educator discount. They refused. This is terrible customer service, and I'm never shopping at J Crew again! I can't believe they want to make a profit! They owe me what I demand!

    ReplyDelete
  106. The FALL code expired yesterday.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Above post was satire, I believe.

    ReplyDelete
  108. anon, 3:11 pm- do you have problems with other companies? or just w/this one?

    ReplyDelete
  109. I sure hope it was a satire, because that chick sounds like a real B&*(^!

    ReplyDelete
  110. OMG-

    I'm the one that posted that, lol. I thought it was obvious-of course it's lampooning all the posts that claim they must have their demands met, or it's bad CS, and they're giving up JCREW forevah!

    ReplyDelete
  111. LOL- got it. I guess my comment says it all about some of the ridiculousness on this site!

    ReplyDelete
  112. People aren't demanding that JCrew meet their coupon codes/discounts. It is just that up until about a week ago they did honor those things...people have a right to be surprised/upset when things change. No need for satire either! I have shopped there for many years and I too am surprised by their recent changes that are not in favor of the good customer service that they are known for...

    ReplyDelete
  113. la belle helene - I recvd the new Talbots catalog the other day and it's beautiful. They have so many great items. And it's very forward of them to bring out a deep rich red now and not wait until the holiday season. Although my sister did say she saw Christmas decorations somewhere already. *lol* Talbots is definitely worth a look. I would not dress head to to in it, but a few pieces...nice.

    math teacher - Glad you got the dream tie. I had the same quandry at a b&m today. The v is definitely not too low and the sweater is just so cute. I preferred the grey pattern, but heather mushroom was nice in person as well. 100% cashmere, also nice, but I could see getting tired of the bow after awhile or the sweater just looking dated. Couldn't put my finger on it. I felt that a S was fine and I am a 34C. I think it runs TTS, even if you want to put a top on underneath it.

    I think the dream tie is great because cardigans are just the best. And the fit is great. I hope you love yours.

    ReplyDelete
  114. I will be blogging about the Talbots catalog over the next few days. I'm deeply impressed with it.

    40 is the New Black

    For all of you who don't like the oranges and yellows of J. Crew, you should really check out Talbots. Lots of deep pink, true red, and purples. Go to the store and get a catalog stat - the site doesn't have the same impact just yet (but it's tons better than it was).

    ReplyDelete
  115. molly: I agree - I loved many things in the Talbots catalog. And, the colors were what drew me in. I will definitely be keeping an eye on several things at Talbots.

    ReplyDelete
  116. Lovejcrew: Welcome to the blog- we love to meet new Aficionadas! :) I am also sorry to hear about your online order. I hope it gets shipped. :)

    Casual Crew: Thanks for letting me know about the FALL code. (I just removed it from the list.) :)

    ReplyDelete
  117. A great way to get an extra break when shopping online with J Crew is to go through EBATES. 2% of your entire purchase is refunded, plus you can still use coupon codes.

    ReplyDelete
  118. On a side note, Banana Republic is celebrating their 30th Anniversary, so for today ONLY, 9/8/08, use code HAPPY30 for 30% off entire purchase, plus free shipping.

    ReplyDelete

Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)