Wednesday, February 4, 2015

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.

18 comments:

  1. OT: Sale section is at 2142. Lots of new markdowns! Too bad no extra % off....

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  2. Check the extra 50% off section under sale!

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  3. I loaded my cart with a few items I have been waiting to hit sale. Now just give me a percent off and my rewards card and I will purchase. Noticed a few items from the new roll out are already on promo. Grossgrain ribbon top and mixed print tee to name two off the top of my head.

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  4. Club Monaco is offering an extra 30% off sale. A lot of pieces are still insanely pricey but I have been liking their designs the past couple of seasons.

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  5. Mango still has their winter clearance sale on. Purchases over $100 get free shipping. FROM SPAIN. Just saying, J. Crew...

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  6. With Piperlime slated to close, they're starting some amazing clearance sales. I just got an amazing tulle skirt (that was at Anthro) by Bailey 44, originally $168, for $32.

    Definitely one to keep an eye on!

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  7. Received my first order from Boden today- very impressed. Items ordered by their suggested sizing fit perfectly, fabrics feel high-quality AND are machine washable. They left a promotional item out of my order and a live chat with customer service fixed the issue in 2 minutes.

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    1. I think Boden has really good customer service.

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  9. I am also liking Boden. They had a red and blue floral in the New Arrivals this week---same basic color scheme as Crew's Firework Floral, but so much prettier and better executed. Sometimes their stuff can be a little too cutesy, and sometimes their florals can look like my aunt's old sofa pattern, but more often lately, they remind me of old Crew stuff circa 2006-2007. Same models, too.

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    1. I also like Boden. I agree that you have to pick and choose to avoid the frumpy and the cutesy, but there is a lot of old school JC and anthro charm to be found, especially in the dresses and skirts. Also am still a fan of their cashmere, thick and lovely and soft, without the super-pilling worry that is always at risk with JC cashmere...

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    2. Thanks Audrey, glad to know about the cashmere. I have had my eye on Ombre Cashmere sweaters on the site, but was unsure about quality.

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  10. A rant and a rave for Loft:

    Rant: I went to make two online returns at the B&M the other day and they scanned my license using some kind of card reader for each return. When I asked them what the return limit was, the SA could not give me a clear answer. She said, “Oh, it’s like a certain number over a certain number of days”. I don’t get to a B&M often and tend to order multiple sizes (or online exclusives) and would like some clarification on this policy before I place any more orders, you know? The photo ID thing is annoying enough, but I’d like to know what the official policy is - what if it’s three returns in a 30-day period and I get shut down if I have to make another return in February?

    Rave: I didn’t realize that they offer Quick Exchange by phone, which honors the price you paid (if you bought on promo and the item’s off promo by the time you need to exchange) AND free shipping. I bought the overalls (yay overalls!) on a 50% promo and needed to size down and thought that I’d have to wait for another promo and possible ride-alongs (see above gripe) but I just called their CS and ordered the smaller size at the price I paid with free shipping. Very happy with that.

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    1. That return experience is really weird. I order and return tons of stuff from Loft and have never had a problem. I have never had my license scanned at a Loft store. In fact, I have never even been asked to show my license at at Loft during any transaction. Maybe there is something funky going on at that particular B&M?

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    2. Hi SE Mom - good point about something going on at my B&M. I could understand showing a photo ID if I were attempting to return without a receipt or something, but I had all my online paperwork, tags were attached, etc. They were even "online exclusive" items. Geez! I'm going to try to get some answers from Loft CS and will post if I get any clarification.

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    3. silver_lining, thanks for the Loft info. I just returned a few items last weekend and was not asked for my license. If they are starting with that sort of thing, I will stop shopping there. I won't buy anything from Victoria's Secret for that reason alone; even if you're just exchanging for a different size, they scan your license. I don't abuse returns but I do make a lot of online returns because like you, I order different sizes because I'm unsure of sizing. Please do let us know what you find out from CS.

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  11. A quick applaud for the new BR "premium" denim skinnies and legging jeans -- I have an athletic body type, no waist, muscular but thinnish glutes and legs, so the skinnies and leggings fit me best. BR traditionally was too loose in the crotch/upper thigh for me, not attractive, but their new premium line (not sure why the "premium" designation, as it seems not to be any more expensive) is stretchier and so I think it will fit a wider range of body types. I keep trying JC denim, as it has evolved, but it has never been more than just okay. The main draw for me has always been the colors offered in their cords, but for the most part, I shop elsewhere for both denim and cords...

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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.

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