J. Crew Quality Question

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lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Dear YLF,

You fab ladies post awesome stuff from J.Crew - should I expect decent quality from this store? I'd go to the real store in the mall, but it is frightening for a poor kid like me (there is a man in a suit who stands there to greet you).

I found a few decent things online - are they relatively true to size?

Much love,
Lyn

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11 years ago

Shopping

11 replies

Latest reply was from Misha212

Sonia

Active Member

I don't know much about J.Crew, but that dress sure looks pretty. I know a friend who has purchased from them and they are relatively true to size as far as Im concerned. That anchor dress is real sweet, i'm sure it will look fab on you!

11 years ago

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I know about the 'poor kid' thing - if you live near an outlet center, there are J Crew outlet stores where you can get good deals and coupons!

11 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I don't shop much at JCrew as they are really designed for a slim rectangle and I am not that!

I also order almost all of my clothes on line and have them delivered. It gives me time to think about items, and I am not rushed in the stores. My DD just turned 1, so shopping time is a premium for me!

Lots of ladies here do shop there, so Hopefully they will chime in!

11 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

I ordered from J Crew online before they opened a couple of stores in Canada. I've since visited both stores in Toronto. I've never thought of the person at the door as anything more than a greeter--like in Walmart?

I'd definitely say to go into a store if one is in the vicinity just to get a sense of how the clothes work for your body. I usually put the sales associate to work as soon as she comes up to me by handing her a bunch of items to take to a dressing room, sending her to find sizes not on the floor, and listening to her suggestions (even if I know I'd never buy a sequined miniskirt). Talking to an associate seems to warm up the atmosphere right away.

11 years ago

rakushka

Active Member

Hi Lyn,

I own the dress that's on the picture that you posted :). Got it on nice sale for 35 bucks.
In general, Jcrew's quality declined in recent years (which, IMHO, is true for many, many brands). I'd say quality is inconsistent - some things are great, some things are awful. You really need to look at the particular item that you're interested in. Sizing: I am a pretty consistent size 4 in many brands, and in Jcrew I'm mostly size 4 as well. Sometimes their dresses are too big for me in the chest area. Their knits can be sized inconsistently as well: some that I buy are XS, some are S. In general, it's my favorite store, I spend too much money there!

11 years ago

Classically Casual

Veteran

Just make eye contact & smile at the man in the suit. (And think about how bored the poor man must be standing there with nothing to do.) My theory is that he's watching for shop lifting, but it's just a theory. Although I seldom buy anything, I love going to see the bright colors & the displays. Also, it's nice to feel the clothing to get a sense of quality. It's truly not a scary place.

11 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Lyn, when I feel weird walking into "you young folks" type of stores, I just pretend I am there shopping for my daughters. I did this just the other day. I told the SA "My daughters love this store. I am buying Christmas presents. They are about my size. I guess I could try it on and see if it'll fit them?"

... even though it's no longer true... both girls tower over me now....

11 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Thanks ladies! I suppose I will eventually work my way over to a mall; they are just so congested at this time of year (and it's only November!) - it seems like anything worth buying is already gone - like a pack (or hoarde) of fashion-hungry wolves have descended onto the place! It's really kind of nuts!

I decided not to go with the anchor dress and got a dotty one instead I hope it fits - if it doesn't, then, I guess someone at the thrift store will be very happy!

11 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

lyn* come to the us...shop with ylf. going with a crowd decreases the awkwardness factor.

ps...jcrew is "your" store...cut for your body type, seems like your style...fun modern preppy.

11 years ago

Preppy Pear

Veteran

I agree with Rakushka about how the quality varies a lot. One other thing I'd add is that as their quality has stayed the same or even declined, the prices have continued to go way up. That being said, at least half of my clothes and my husband's clothes come from J.Crew. They fit me and my style very well. And the quality is still much higher than average, I think.

Students and teachers get 15% off, even on sale items, so I always take advantage of that. You have to go to a B and M store to use the discount, though (they will order catalog items for you there and ship them for free).

For the record, I'm 35, a pear/hourglass shape with broad shoulders and heavier legs, and take mainly 10s and 12s in J.Crew, 32 in their jeans. I also wear 10s and 12s in Banana Republic if that helps.

ETA - J.Crew often has final sale online, but I have found that in store sale items are rarely final sale. I don't buy anything on final sale.

11 years ago

Misha212

Member

Do not buy cords from JCrew any longer. They are practicing vanity sizing, so a size 2 from 2008 is now size 0. Also, the cords collect lint like magnets. In 2008 they were soft, supple and as nice as J Brand. Now they are like wearing cardboard. So, so disappointed.

10 years ago

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