Love It Or Leave It: Metallic Rose Jacket

Metallic Rose Jacket
Click here for product page
Item 12850
Regular: $700.00

This jacket is described as "a true stunner" and that it is! This jacket is a complete "leave it" for me.

There is just a lot going on, even though it is a simple jacket.

First, I am not a fan of the material: "a delicious shade of metallic pink, and lined with our exclusive medallion print in silk crepe de chine". I would feel very uncomfortable wearing this jacket on a sunny day because I would blind everyone around me. ;) I should add, that I think the material and color would look great on a shoe, but just not for a jacket. :)

Second, this jacket looks weird in the close up image-- especially the darts around the chest area. Is it just me, or does her chest look lopsided? (I have seen this model before and her body is perfection, so I know its not her but the jacket causing that "look".)

What are your thoughts on the Metallic Rose Jacket? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? How would you "rock" this look? Have you seen it at a store? If so, please share with us your review. :)

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30% Off Final Sale Online {wahoo!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Crew_Girl_In_Canada & Anon at 12:03 AM (in this post), Anon at 12:14 AM & GoldCoastGal (in this post), as well as Kim & Marietta, who let us know about J.Crew's latest (& greatest) offer! :)

J.Crew is offering 30% off final sale items with promo code EXTRA30. This offer expires 4/2/09. This is a wonderful sale- I am excited to see it's return!

Are you planning to take advantage of this offer? If so, which items do you plan to get? ;)

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Madewell Email: So essential for spring

Madewell sent an email letting us know that they "know white jeans". According to the email, "nothing says Spring quite like a pair of white jeans- and when it comes to the most flattering gits, we're the experts".

The email also showcases an outfit, featuring the Chambray Tunic ($89), Skinny Low Garment-Dyed Jeans ($115), Embroidered Fringed Scarf ($52), and the Gladiator Sandal ($145).

I like the outfit, but there is no way I could pull it off. ;) I am also not a fan of those particular gladiator sandals. I much prefer the Vachetta Sandals (Item 88559; was $88.00, now $29.99 ) offered by J.Crew. But that's what is great about having choices, we can all choose what we like! ;)

As for the Chambray Tunic... I still wear denim jackets, but I haven't worn a denim shirt is such a long time. (I think the last time I wore a denim shirt, was 5 or 6 years ago.) So this got me thinking, are denim shirts still in style? :)

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J.Crew Loves LemLem {watch the video!}

A big "thanks!" to Anon at 6:18 PM (in this post) who let us know that J.Crew not only is featuring LemLem, a children's line of handmade clothes, but also provides a video about Lemlem on their website (click here to view video). Even more fabulous, J.Crew's Creative Director Jenna Lyons interviews Liya Kebede, founder of LemLem.
In addition to understanding the creation & inspiration behind LemLem, we also get to see "behind the scenes" of the photoshoot for the latest catalog (click here to view the catalog online). It is a relatively short video, but still interesting to watch. :)

What are your thoughts on the video? Do you like or dislike the LemLem line? How much do you l-o-v-e the Milla Gown (Item 11729; $495.00), as shown on Liya in the first image? ;)

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J.Crew Email: Cardmembers: couture is in the bag.

A big "thanks!" to Ashley who shared with us the latest email sent to cardholders about the Leather Gallery Satchel (Item 13336; $298.00).

I have to admit, I much rather prefer the cousin-version of this bag, the Small leather gallery hobo (Item 13383; $250.00). But that is just my personal preference. ;)

What are your thoughts on the Leather Gallery Satchel? Are there are any J.Crew bags that you are currently lusting after? Are there any bags that you would definitely *not* purchase, even if it was massively reduced in price? ;) What are your thoughts on J.Crew's bags/ purses in general (fan or not)? :)

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J.Crew Email: Spring is here. See what's new. In-stores and online.

J.Crew sent an email today letting us know about their new arrivals. They also reminded us about their free shipping offer (on orders of $195+) with promo code MUSTHAVE. It is unclear how long this offer will last.

Although I appreciate the email, what I am really looking forward to is checking the mailbox later today to see if I was lucky enough to receive the latest red card (refer to this post). ;)

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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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J.Crew's Red Card Is Back {oh yeah!}

A big "thanks!" to JBird (in this post) & Slastena (in this post), who let us know that they both received a special promotion in the mail (with a red card) offering 25% off any item from J.Crew. Also, "thanks!" to JBird who scanned the image above for us to view. :) This card can also be used multiple times! This offer expires 4/30/08.

The mailing reads as follows:
Now more than ever, we remain obsessed with bringing you things hat have lasting value- design, style, and quality. This is our commitment to you.

To show our thanks, we're sending a special gift just for you, one of our most loyal customers. Enjoy 25% off all purchases in any of our stores between now and April 30th. Just bring the attached card with you when you shop (and you can use it as many times before April 30th as you'd like).

As always, we are available at 24-7@jcrew.com.

Best,
Mickey
Millard Drexler

There was a similar offer (refer to here and here) and I loved it! I am thrilled to see it brought back! So chances are, you may receive this promotion in the mail in the next couple of days, so keep "an eye out" for it. :)

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J.Crew's "Pick Me Up" :)

"Thanks!" to Laura (in this post) who alerted us to a new feature on the homepage (click here). The new feature is called "today's Pick-Me-Up" which offers a "a special deal to make your day". The offer then leads to a pair of critter wedge flip flops for $6.50 (regular price $26.50).

I am not sure how long this feature will last, or if they will have rotating products, but I think this is an interesting concept. I look forward to seeing more items being offered! :)

What are your thoughts on the "today's Pick-Me-Up"? Do you think they will offer more items (per day)? How long do you think this will last? :)

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J.Crew Updates Website With New Arrivals {yey!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including GingerSnap & Lynzeeroo (in this post), Crewbie (in this post), as well as Anon at 12:14AM & Julia (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, exclusively featuring Liya Kebede (refer to this post), online (click here to view). I am all for new arrivals and I can't wait to look through the new catalog!!!

What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised to see? Which items did you hope would be included?

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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 what's left (if anything) in the winter sale or to see some new Spring/ Resort arrivals 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 Email: Celebrate in Cherry Hill + special offer inside...

"Thanks!" to Shirls who shared with us an email letting us know that the J.Crew in Cherry Hill, NJ is opening today. The location for the store is:

Cherry Hill Mall
2000 Route 38
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
(856) 910-9901

A big "thanks!" also goes to Angela (check out her blog: "Durangela") who shared J.Crew's latest promotion in regards to the Cherry Hill store opening. (Angela, and her 2 year old daughter, were also the first ones to shop at this store today!) :) J.Crew is offering $25 off purchases of $125+. This offer expires 4/14/09. To redeem this offer, just click here (or on the image above) and print it out (so the associate can scan the bar code).

Happy shopping!

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J.Crew's Latest Collection: Vintage Closet

A big "thanks!" to LizPoms who shared with us the news that J.Crew is offering a new line of clothes in stores. LizPoms (click here to read her post about this) found that several items had a special tag reading "Vintage Closet". GigiOfCa (click here to read her post about this) ran across the new line at her local store too. (Incidentally, the image of the tag above was taken by GigiOfCa & can be found at her post). :)

The items, including the blouse shown in the image (which LizPoms was kind to share), in this newest line appear to be more romantic and vintage in design. The items also offer lots of pretty details that make the line ultra-femme.

I personally cannot wait to stop by a local J.Crew to see this new line in person!

What are your thoughts on the new "Vintage Closet" line? Do you think this line is temporary (e.g. just for the Summer) or permanent (e.g. like the Collection line)? Have you seen any "Vintage Closet" items at your local store? If so, please share! :)

MINI UPDATE: Some Aficionadas (including Anon at 5:17AM & 5:35AM in this post) explained that this is not a new line, but has been around for a season or two. Apparently this line shows up in just a few select stores (which would explain why some of us have not seen it before). ;) Hopefully the Vintage Closet items will be available for purchase online. :)

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J.Crew Featured In Self Magazine

A big "thanks!" to Appgal who not only let us know about one of J.Crew's new arrivals being featured in the latest issue of Self magazine, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the images itself or here to see it larger.)

The item shown is a three-quarter sleeve jacket described as "punchy pink" and retails for $148. Self magazine also states, "The power of today's bold saturated pink: It makes you feel as strong as you do soft."

The jacket does look pretty in the image. I also adore the color- that shade of pink is incredibly lovely! However, it is unclear from the image whether or not the jacket is fitted (which would be my preference). Luckily for us, Lizpoms (click here to see her post), Emily (click here to see her post). & GigiOfCa (click here to see her post) have taken a few images & commented on this particular jacket . From their images, the jacket is more swingy in its shape.

What are your thoughts on the jacket? Do you like (or dislike) this jacket's shape? Do you prefer to see more fitted jackets this Spring?

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J.Crew's Hello To Spring Break: 15% Off Factory Stores

A big "thanks!" goes to JTS (check out her great blog: "j'adore these stores") who shared J.Crew's latest promotion on her blog (click here for the post).

J.Crew is offering 15% off purchases of $75+. This offer expires 4/12/09. To redeem this offer, just click here (or on the image above) and print it out (so the associate can scan the bar code).

Happy shopping!

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J.Crew's Newest Arrivals For Fall 2009 {part 2}

Over at Glamour's Slave to Fashion blog (click here), they show several additional images of the new Fall 2009 Collection. There are lots of pretty things... and lots of questionable items. ;)

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J.Crew's Newest Arrivals For Fall 2009 {yey!}

A big "thanks!" goes to JTS (check out her great blog: "j'adore these stores") who shared with us a fantastic article (including images) from WWD:

J.Crew's Lighter Note
Play’s the thing for fall at J.Crew. Its signature mix of blazers, sweaters and chinos taken from the boys and girlish frills, i.e. ruffles and Chantilly lace, were done with fun in mind. “We paid attention to things we know make people happy,” said creative director Jenna Lyons Mazeau of the T-shirts sporting giant jewel-encrusted necks and dog prints. “Everyone needs a little levity right now.” That statement was echoed in the light-as-air, lavender feathered gilet.

On the men’s side, it was all about the unexpected. Classic pieces such as chunky cardigans, chalk-striped suits, buffalo-plaid sport shirts and trenchcoats sported unique touches such as leather buttons or lighter-weight fabrics that updated the trends and made them modern.

Quick Note: To see the above image larger, click here.

What are your thoughts on the new Fall items? Do you dislike or like any of them? Which items were you hoping to see?

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What Is Your Favorite J.Crew Accessory?

Georgia Girl (in this post) suggested a wonderful post topic "...the posts about the Gala clutch made me think that a fun idea for a topic could be our favorite J.Crew accessories. It would be difficult for me to choose just one, I do love the J.Crew handbags very much. Come to think of it, I have a lot of J.Crew gloves, hats, scarves, belts and hair accessories too. Not to mention shoes!"

I have to agree with Georgia Girl- it is very difficult to pick just one accessory! There are so many accessories that I absolutely adore from J.Crew. I will pick one item that I am currently coveting... the Small Leather Gallery Hobo (Item 13383; $250.00) in tan rose. What an absolutely gorgeous item. It can be worn multiple ways (as a handbag or as a messenger bag), and has just enough room to carry all my needs. Least favorite accessory... it would have to be the Atomic Flower Necklace (Item 14831, Regular: $150.00) (refer to this post).

What is your all-time favorite J.Crew accessory and why? What is your favorite J.Crew accessory that you are currently coveting? Which J.Crew accessory is your least favorite, and makes you wonder how that even got mass-produced? ;)

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J.Crew Featured In Allure & Marie Claire Magazine

A big "thanks!" to Pansy who not only let us know about some of J.Crew & Madewells new arrivals being featured in the latest issue of Allure and Marie Claire magazine, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the images itself or here & here to see it larger.)

The first item is a watercolor pencil skirt that retails for $110. This item is not yet available online (or it could be, but I couldn't find it). ;) I am curious as to what fabric (e.g. silk, cotton) this skirt is made of.

The second item is a pair of Madewell white jeans that retail for $98.50. These pants look very similar to the their Garment-Dyed Zip Crop Jeans ($92) from an earlier post (click here).

Unfortunately, neither of these two items will work for my pear shape frame. Pencil skirts and skinny jeans only emphasize my ass-ets, which I need no help with. ;) However, I have no doubt that several Aficionadas could rock either look effortlessly. :)

What are your thoughts on either items? Have you seen, tried on, or purchased these items? If so, please share with us your review! :) Are you a fan of side zippers on the legs of jeans? :)

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J.Crew Executives On Spring Fashion

A big "thanks!" to Cass (in this post) & Danielle, who let us know about a great article over at Time Out New York (click here) featuring J.Crew's Jenna Lyons and Frank Muytjens.

Spring Fashion 2009: Trend or faux?
By Lisa Freedman
Mar 19, 2009

Jenna Lyons and Frank Muytjens, J.Crew’s creative director and head of men’s design respectively, riff on the fads that have graced—or disgraced—our fashion world.

Ripped-up jeans that cost a fortune
Lyons: I love them, and I hate them. I love the look and understand that not everyone has the time or the creativity to make them look that way. But I hate that the store-bought ones cost a fortune.
Muytjens: I like the idea of them. I wear unwashed jeans and break them in myself. When you buy jeans, they’re so rigid, but you wear them throughout the years, and they become yours; they mold to your body, and they fade on their own. When you earn it, it’s real and it’s genuine.

Bow ties for men
Muytjens: The bow tie has a bad rap. It all depends on the guy. If you remove the bow tie from its East Coast, preppy context and put it on a guy wearing an oxford shirt with rolled-up sleeves and skinny jeans, it definitely has a place.
Lyons: If you’re Barack Obama you can sport a bow tie anytime you want. Aside from that, I love bow ties on younger guys. I think there’s something really playful and tongue-in-cheek about a younger guy wearing jeans and a bow tie.

Teeny, tiny “It” bags
Lyons: Tiny little bags, tiny little cell phones and tiny little charms for your phone all go in the same category for me: What? I have no appreciation for them whatsoever. I have total appreciation for an evening bag, in which a girl can keep her keys, her credit card, her safety cash and her lipgloss. But I just don’t get small bags. Small bags have no reason for being.
Muytjens: I completely agree with Jenna. I don’t look at women’s bags every day, but I do notice a woman with a classic bag that can last for years and years. It’s like a woman’s signature. You don’t have to change it every month or follow the latest trends.

Animal prints
Lyons: Oh God. They’re hard because they just don’t die. It’s not like I don’t like them, I just wish they would come in and then just go away for a while. But they seem to stay forever.
Muytjens: But they sell well…

Super-duper high heels
Lyons: I love heels, so I think it’s unfortunate that a taller woman—five foot seven and above—looks proportionally better in a pair of heels than really small girls. Small girls in high heels look like they’re on stilts, and it can look ridiculous, not elegant.
Muytjens: It’s about how you put it together. For instance, Jenna will wear high heels and combine it with cargo pants to make it more interesting and not so cookie-cutter.

Sweatpants in public
Muytjens: No. They’re made to work out in.
Lyons: For men, I totally agree. Girls can pretty much do anything they want if it’s done right. A pair of gray sweatpants by Phillip Lim with a little cuff at the bottom and paired with little heels, an oversize men’s blazer and a little sequin top, then yeah, totally there. But sweatpants tucked into Uggs? No.

Tight pants on men
Muytjens: On the right guy, it looks really cool. With Converse sneakers and all that. At the same time, you have to be careful not to make it too trashy.
Jenna: If you can see his package, there’s a problem. Trends are scary because when something becomes a trend, people decide to wear them whether they look good in them or not, and that’s where people fall off the cliff. Skinny jeans are for guys who have the body to wear skinny jeans. If you don’t have the body, then it’s not for you and don’t do it. It becomes grotesque when you’re spilling out of it.

Leggings as pants
Lyons: I love it! As long as they’re not cheap, poorly made ones—or too tight.
Muytjens: I agree. Of course, we don’t ever talk about leggings on guys. I like it on girls, though, absolutely.

Speedos
Lyons: No! Unless you’re Michael Phelps you cannot wear a Speedo. And if you’re Michael Phelps you’d better always wear a Speedo.
Muytjens: No, absolutely not.

I really loved this article. It's great to hear different perspectives on these topics... I have to agree with both Jenna and Frank about small bags- I love them for an evening out, but they simply don't work for me when it comes to everyday use. I have to disagree with Jenna when it comes to heels on "small girls" (whatever that means). I think heels can work at any height. As for the animal prints, I thought it was great that Frank pointed out to Jenna that they are big sellers. I think every season, J.Crew has introduced an item with an animal print. Lastly, how funny is Jenna with the tight pants for men comment!?! ;)

What are your thoughts on this article? Disagree with any of the opinions shared? :)

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J.Crew Featured In Elle Magazine

A big "thanks!" to Sweetmint who not only let us know about one of J.Crew's new arrivals being featured in the latest issue of Elle magazine, but also scanned the image for us to view! (Click on the images itself or here to see it larger.)

The clutch is described as being satin and retails for $118. This is a new item, yet to be released online (or at least I could not find it). ;)

However, I do remember a similar purse from an earlier post (refer to the "J.Crew Wedding Collection: Sneak Peek to Spring '09" post). The only difference I can see between the two purses is the closure. The pink purse looks to have a different closure on the top than the green purse (which has the typical "shiny brass-finish frame closure").

What are your thoughts on the new clutch? Are you a fan of (or do you dislike) the design and fabric? Is this item already available in stores? If so, please share! :)

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J.Crew's Upcoming Catalog Features Liya Kebede

A big "thanks!" to empalc, TweedyBird, Bianca, Anon at 10:18 AM (in this post), birdie butter (in this post), & Joanne (in this post), who let us know that Liya Kebede will be featured in J.Crew's newest catalog slated for this April and also shared with us the following two articles:

Liya's Crewcuts: J.Crew partners with Liya Kebede to carry her handmade children's collection
Fashion Week Daily (click here for link)
March 19, 2009

When J.Crew creative director Jenna Lyons and team met supermodel, mother of two, and International Goodwill Ambassador Liya Kebede, a relationship was born. Lyons approached Kebede to appear in the April catalog, but both quickly realized their relationship needn't end there. The product of their partnership? Not only will Kebede be the first model to be the exclusive face of a J.Crew catalog, but J.Crew's Crewcuts line will pick up pieces from the model's handmade children's clothing line, Lemlem. Lemlem (the name means "to bloom") was launched by Kebede in 2007, with all of the pieces made by hand from natural cotton in her native Ethiopia. The line will be available at Crewcuts store locations and at jcrew.com beginning in April.

Liya Kebede Lands J.Crew All by Herself
Fashionista (click here for link)
March 19, 2009

Even though J.Crew’s had plenty of well-known models in their catalogs (Lauren Hutton, Cintia, Anouck, and Mallory from the Real World Paris), if you’re into fun facts, they’ve never signed just one face to front the print shopper from first page to last - until now.

Fashion Week Daily reports that Liya Kebede, Ethiopian mother of two and face of St. John for Spring 09, has been signed to model the April J.Crew catalog all by herself, which is sure to bring some fashion-centric attention to the brand that’s just come off so much press from Michelle Obama’s support of the office-wear staple.

But more pressing: Does this make the J.Crew catalog the new barometer of a model’s success?

Liya looks amazing! After seeing the two images, I cannot wait to get the new catalog. When will it come out already! ;)

What are your thoughts on the cover for the upcoming catalog? When will the new catalog come out? Who would you like to see modeling J.Crew clothes next?

UPDATE: I disabled the comments for this post. I am not sure how this topic got so heated (in two different arguments), but it did. It no longer was a discussion on a topic, but personal attacks and charges of hypocrisy. :( This blog (and its posts) are suppose to be for fun & entertainment. Let's try keeping it that way. :)

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J.Crew Email: Up to 30% off select women's shirts and camis. Online only.

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, as well as Silver_Lining (in this post) & Snow (in this post), who let us know about J.Crew's latest promotion.

J.Crew is offering up to 30% off select tops, including shirts and camis. This offer is available online only. (Although, I have a sneaky suspicion that stores might be carrying this offer as well.)

Incidentally, I have yet to get this promotion emailed to me. Usually, I receive these kind of emails during the morning they are offered. Did anyone else, who normally get J.Crew's emails, not receive this particular one yet?

Are you planning to take advantage of this offer? If so, which items do you plan to get? :)

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Darlings, is it time for a J.Crew coupon code?

Yes, it is that wonderful time!

A big "thanks!" to many of you who, including Silver_Lining (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $195+ with promo code MUSTHAVE. It is unclear when this offer will expire.

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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: perfect dresses for everyday play

Crewcuts sent an email today letting us know about their clothes that are "perfect" for everyday wear. :)

J.Crew is also reminding us that today is the last day to take advantage of an extra 20% off final sale items, using promo code EXTRA20.

I did end up buying one item through this offer, the Merino Lili ruffle-chiffon cardigan (Item 10000; $110.00, now $39.99). I originally was *not* a fan of this cardigan. I passed by it several times in the store without giving it a second thought. However I just had to get the cardigan, after seeing a few posts from fellow Aficionadas, who looked amazing with it! :)

Were you able to take advantage of this latest promotion? If so, what did you get? :) If not, why (e.g. waiting for a better promo; website wasn't working)?

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J.Crew Email: Just ask... the personal shopper event. (In stores only.)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who let us know about J.Crew's most recent promotion.

J.Crew is offering 20% off purchases of $125+ when you make an appointment with their personal shopper. This offer expires 3/31/09. Click here to make a personal shopper request online.

J.Crew has had similar offers in the past (refer to this & this post) and it seemed to be a wonderful experience for many Aficionadas.

Will you be taking advantage of this offer and using a personal shopper? Do you have a personal shopper? If so, what are your experiences with the service?

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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 what's left (if anything) in the winter sale or to see some new Spring/ Resort arrivals 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 Featured In Martha Stewart Magazine

A big "thanks!" to Belle de Jour & Susan who let us know about one of J.Crew's items being featured in the latest issue of Martha Stewart magazine. Also, "thanks!" to Susan who also took a picture with her phone's camera for us to view!

Belle de Jour shared with us that the item is J.Crew's Golden Foil Agnes Jacket (Item 12180; $478) and appears in the article titled "Jacket Required". I was unable to locate the jacket online. Thankfully JLiz/Lizpoms shared an image of the jacket from a look book sent to card members over at here {great} blog (click here for her post).

After seeing both images, I do like the jacket. I love the length and shape. I would love to see the item in person.

What are your thoughts on the jacket? Have you seen, tried on, or purchased this item? If so, please share with us your review! :) What are your thoughts on the fabric for the jacket (e.g. are you a fan and love it or do you dislike it)?

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J.Crew Online Ordering: Making Changes

"Thanks!" to both Anon at 8:50 AM and Soon to be PhD (in this post) who found out that J.Crew is now offering up to 60 minutes to make updates to online orders. This feature use to offer up to 20 minutes to make changes to orders.

I am not sure how long this increase in time has been available for customers, but I do appreciate the feature. It is wonderful to know that customers have the opportunity to modify/ cancel orders for a considerable time after an order has been placed. :)

Are you a fan of this feature? Do you think the increase in time (from 20 to 60 minutes) is beneficial to customers?

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J.Crew Offers Additional 20% Off Final Sale

"Thanks!" to many of you, including limegreen_lover (in this post) & Cass (in this post), who let us know about J.Crew's most recent promotion.

J.Crew is offering 20% off their final sale using promotion code EXTRA20. This offer expires 3/21/09.

Happy Shopping!

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

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Love It Or Leave It: Gwen Dress {hmmm...}

Gwen Dress
Click here for product page
Iitem 99367
Regular: $2,000.00

"Thanks!" to Heather:D (in this post) who suggested this dress for a "Love It or Leave It" post. After seeing the pictures, I can understand why! ;) This dress has some very lovely features, but several "say what?" features as well.

I will say that I love the ruffle front. That particular design is very much like the Teagan Ruffle Swiss-Dot Top (item 99679; was $98.00, now $29.99) that they offered last year. (I love that Teagan top by the way!) With that said, I am not a fan of the fabric, which looks... fuzzy? According to J.Crew, the fabric consists of "layers of chiffon, organza and soft French tulle".

Second, this dress looks super short on the model. The dress falls "above knee; 20" from natural waist", which means it would probably fall short on most customers as well. I guess sitting while wearing this dress would be out of the question for me. ;) Also, for $2,000, there should be more fabric. However, the dress does come with "a garment bag, shipped in a gift box with blue ribbon". ;)

Lastly, I don't know what to say about the bottom portion of the dress. There is waaay too much going on. Glass beads, sequins AND feathers? As Joey from the t.v. show Blossom would say, "whoa!"

Overlooking price, this dress is a complete "leave it" for me. There are so many other dresses J.Crew is offering, that I would prefer to wear. :)

What are your thoughts on the Gwen Dress? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Have seen it at a store? If so, please share with us your review. :)

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J.Crews Infamous Green & Forbidden Screens

At one point or another, Aficionadas and Aficionados have seen the dreaded green screen or the words "forbidden" and "error". As of lately, many of you have mentioned seeing this screen way too often.
A big "thanks!" to Teresa (in this post) who shared the following insights on this {troublesome & annoying} issue:

Anyone still having problems with forbidden, green screen, not being able to add items to shopping cart, etc? I may be able to help. I contacted JC repeatedly (restarting my router was no good), and, after about 6 weeks, they found a solution: I needed to change some settings on referrer info (yikes) in my antivirus software. I canNOT believe it took it them that long to resolve the issue, and I did NOT spend $ with them I otherwise would have.

...Depending on your antivirus brand you can find instructions online to adjust the settings... Hope this helps!

I am happy to hear that there is a solution. I have also read comments here and there from several Aficionadas mentioning that they had to change their IP addresses to access J.Crew's website. Hopefully this issue is not happening too often for Aficionadas and Aficionados.

Incidentally, J.Crew offers some advice on their website (click here to view a larger version of the image above, or click here and here). Unfortunately, it does not offer too much in terms of remedying the issue.

Have you been getting the "green screen" and/or "Forbidden" message often, as of lately? Have you been able to clear up those issues? If so, please share with us your solution. :)

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Second Sample Sale in NYC {is it worth it?}

Well, today's the first day of the Second J.Crew Sample Sale (refer to this post for more information on times/ day).

A big "thanks!" to Anon at 1:46 PM (in this post) who gave us a quick review on the event:
Just got back from the sale... There was a line 100 ppl long at 11am. Everything was overpriced. Tshirts were 10, dress pants and skirts 50, cashmere sweaters 60, knit tops and blouses 25, jackets and outerwear 75. I didn't find a thing. No shoes. I've gotten much better deals at a regular sale. Stay home!

It sounds like the second sample sale is just like the first one: not that impressive. :( I really appreciate Anon at 1:46 PM letting us know about the event, including the items and prices available. (Especially since J.Crew items were popping up all over T.J. Maxx stores across the country at amazing prices. I was wondering if the second sample sale would have more items to offer, at those same T.J. Maxx prices of $19.99 or less.)

Will you be attending this current sample sale? If you are, please let us know what your thoughts on it are! :)

Quick Note: This image is from the first sample sale (refer to this post).

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