https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:24:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew/page/2#post-1795750 Fri, 07 Apr 2017 11:02:30 +0000 kkards 1795750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>wanted to add this very interesting analysis of the situation from the NYT fashion critic &amp; one of the fashion reporters, outlining the unprecedented line&nbsp;between mass-market&nbsp;and high fashion that jcrew &amp; jenna lyons in particular tried to walk...if you are intrested in the business of fashion as well as fashion it worth a read....<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/04/fashion/j-crew-jenna-lyons.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2017/0.....lyons.html</a></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew/page/2#post-1795689 Fri, 07 Apr 2017 05:19:56 +0000 Dianna 1795689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another fan of JCrew coats here.&nbsp; I used to love their shoes as well (a few years ago), now not so much.&nbsp; Sad to see Jenna going. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew/page/2#post-1795673 Fri, 07 Apr 2017 04:31:03 +0000 Jeanie 1795673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just chiming back in to comment on the service issue. &nbsp;I believe the stores have not done a good job of aligning their Online and Retail stores. &nbsp;The stores often get penalized for online returns and not making sales and I think that makes the clerks edgy. &nbsp;Maybe people look at the store and then order online and somehow the store should get credit for that. &nbsp;I also have old J Crew sweaters that are so wonderfully made I expect I will have them a long time. &nbsp;I do appreciate their more fun quirky items and their coats are awesome!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew/page/2#post-1794915 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 12:52:44 +0000 viva 1794915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Karie, it will be interesting to hear about your Factory experience. I think our Factory has been chosen for this "resale" duty, so it's not typical. See or ask if they ever get JCrew Collection through their clearance, and that will tell you. (We do, which I think is very unusual -- but because it's often damaged, it's not as great as it sounds.)</p> <p>RE: quality. You all know I am a huge JCrew fan and wear a ton of their clothing, but I do think some things have gone downhill. I still remember a violet cashmere sweater from about 12 years ago that was MUCH plusher then any they sell now. And, it NEVER pilled. God knows why I got rid of it (too much purging!). In the past 3-4 years I've purchased soft wool sweaters from JC that have pilled almost instantly. And my daughter had to return shoes that literally broke (heel became unglued) the second time she wore them. I don't have any problems with tees, and I adore their dress pants, but wool and cashmere are very tricky in my experience. And a lot of people are very vocal about JC's increased reliance on synthetics (more poly, less silk) - if you care about that.</p> <p>RE: service. I would expect Angie to get stellar service anywhere, especially where she is known, but even still, my experience with JCrew has been overall very good, and whenever I have called or chatted online with a problem, they have been really really good about making things right. But really, I have gotten fantastic service and iffy service from pretty much every brand. Depends on the store and the day. Reps are people who have their ups and downs, and some brands are better than others at training and inspiring. I think overall, JCrew is pretty good at this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew/page/2#post-1794901 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 12:19:35 +0000 Jaime 1794901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for quality decline at crew. I have a sweater from 15 years ago that still looks amazing. Similar sweaters from the past 5 or so years fall apart or pill in a season-some sooner. But this is not just them-I have found this to happen from other old favorites like Ann Taylor, LOFT and BR. This year I have stopped buying sweaters from this type of retailer altogether, no matter how cute I think they are. In their place I am shopping&nbsp;at&nbsp;indy online only retailers like Grana and Everlane and Eileen Fisher.&nbsp; No more Nordstrom either as I hae also noticed a decline in their house brands while at the same time a huge change in the CS experience there. They no longer stand by their product when worn it seems.<br />One thing I have been buying for years at J crew is handbags. Hate branded bags and theirs were simple and of great quality and color selection. Not anymore though-very bad workmanship and quality in the last couple years sadly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew/page/2#post-1794763 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 23:31:46 +0000 cherylm 1794763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Several years ago most of my wardrobe came from J Crew but as it skewed more blingy and the quality declined I went elsewhere. I think they created many of their own issues by cheapening the brand with poor quality and too many sales. Seriously - why by anything full price at J Crew? I also question why Nordstroms is selling J Crew. Why would I pay full price at Nordstroms for something I can walk down the mall or across the street to get on sale? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794753 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 22:25:24 +0000 Anonymous 1794753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie</b> -- I believe that in your professional role you would get great service anywhere. &nbsp;I don't think you are a true barometer. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794752 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 22:21:32 +0000 texstyle 1794752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've always had such good service and usually good items from jcrew, but I admit the past few years I've mostly purchased from their factory store or the Madewell "sister" company because my needs are so casual.&nbsp; I still have shorts from at least 8 years ago that I wear regularly from jcrew.&nbsp; </p> <p>I do think they may need to expand their sizing options and stay focused on quality.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794747 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 21:56:18 +0000 Janet 1794747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm hot and cold on JCrew, but this will be an interesting transition. </p> <p>Big fan of their coats, but their sweaters in recent years have been a little disappointing quality-wise. Nothing else of theirs fits me -- it's all cut too straight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794744 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 21:36:09 +0000 Karie 1794744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a huge fan of J Crew (I adore their blazers) and I'm sorry to hear that Jenna is leaving.&nbsp;<br />Viva, I hope my local J Crew Factory hasn't gone downhill like yours has. I was planning on going there in a few weeks, so we'll see... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794730 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 20:47:41 +0000 Christina F. 1794730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like J. Crew. I never shopped there in the classic era, as I was a broke grad student then. Now I turn to them for coats and fun prints, and occasionally to Factory for some deals. </p> <p>That said, they've had some curious design choices in recent years (anyone remember the embellished lama sweater?), and I can see how some of the more outre stuff, along with declining quality may have alienated their previous fanbase. </p> <p>The problem is that, as other mention above, the declining quality issue is more widespread than J Crew and not going away any time soon. So if this was a move to fix their problems rather than a personal choice of JL's, it's probably not going to do much.JL was there during the more classic era, too. I will be glad if they stop styling the models to look like her, though! Not everyone can rock her style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794729 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 20:39:08 +0000 Angie 1794729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>High five, Marilyn. </p> <p>Have to say that I get good service from J. Crew. They never make me feel bad about returns. Staff in Seattle are fab. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794726 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 20:27:45 +0000 Marilyn 1794726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Must agree with Angie about their coats being "amazing".&nbsp; I have several because I need petites (hard to find) and the quality is great.&nbsp; I have two Regent Topcoats and every time I wear one I get compliments.</p> <p>J Crew without Jenna will be weird.&nbsp; She's been the face of the brand for so long. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794689 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 17:40:56 +0000 JAileen 1794689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A year or so ago I ordered the utility jacket in a couple sizes. They were made for a different shape body than mine. I, too, looked very unfab. I returned them to the local store and found the SA to be very nice and helpful. Since then, the store has closed. The nearest JCrew is about 100 miles away. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794688 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 17:30:09 +0000 LaPed 1794688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling -- I've had the same trouble with JCrew SAs being bored/rude/apathetic, or annoyed with me for returning online purchases in store. I'm glad it's not just me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794678 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 16:54:52 +0000 kkards 1794678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>finally have time to comment...</p> <p>i've been a jcrew shopper since they were catalogue only, although back in the day, they were an expensive, for me, brand. the over all ecstatic, classic with some preppie and some trendy,&nbsp;speaks to me. that being said, some seasons its more hits and others more misses. I'm&nbsp;impressed that&nbsp;Jenna Lyons lasted as long as she did....its hard to&nbsp;think of any other&nbsp;major retailer or clothing line that has had continuous design leadership that lasted that long. that being said, it is a very unsettling time in retail right now, the sands are shifting, and no one is quite certain, if and when the storm will be over. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794669 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 16:37:55 +0000 Greyscale 1794669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>La Ped, I noticed the same thing with evelane but I thought it was just me. When they were new they had tiny capsules and I thought of it as the store where I could buy one of each item and be set for a year. Not that I did that!</p> <p>I was really impressed by how Jenna Lyons took J Crew from a somewhat staid brand to a really creative collection sold at Net-a-porter. But I don't think the fashiony things were ever driving their sales as much as their excellent essentials (nice wool etc) and I think they sort of turned off a lot of loyal customers. The quality issues seem ubiquitous at stores these days and I'm just not sure it's possible to sell the same materials at prices we can afford. But I really don't know. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794632 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 14:21:57 +0000 Angie 1794632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Madewell too - but often don't like the colours unless they are neutral. They're also VERY casual, whereas I skew dressy. I just bought this little darling though. And their jeans are fabulous.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794630 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 14:20:59 +0000 Angie 1794630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a huge J.Crew fan. Their coats are AMAZING, and I can always rely on them to do colour (and be on sale). Bought fun stuff there for Spring (&amp; Summer). See Finds. I have no quality concerns with J.Crew because I don't buy tees.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm looking forward to the next phase of their leadership, and wish Jenna well.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794618 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 13:57:56 +0000 LaPed 1794618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>10-15 years ago (high school/college for me) I was a pretty devoted J Crew shopper. Quality was definitely better then than it is now. But I'd say the same goes for BR/Gap and other competitor brands. The fast-fashion market has put a lot of pressure on mid-range labels. I even feel like this is happening to some of the newer brands -- thinking of Everlane here. They have some great products, but a lot of misses, and I feel like they've reached a point where they're doing new releases just for the sake of having something <b>new</b> rather than something <b>great</b>. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794606 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 13:17:55 +0000 Anonymous 1794606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm. &nbsp;I am in the camp that felt there was a decline in quality. &nbsp;</p> <p>I bought some cashmere tops/sweatpants last year and I had to check the label to see if I had inadvertently bought lambs wool by mistake. &nbsp;The label did say cashmere, but it was unlike any cashmere I have owned in the past. &nbsp;</p> <p>I returned the items to the store and asked about the quality. &nbsp;The clerk shrugged with a mix of antipathy and boredom. &nbsp;I never stepped foot in a J Crew again. And it was the clerk's attitude that was the turnoff. &nbsp;If she didn't give a damn, why should I? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794591 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 12:44:11 +0000 Jonesy 1794591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been a J. Crew shopper since I was in college (so, late '80s!). I have a different perspective on the brand and its quality: I rely on them for most of my button downs (silk, cotton, cotton-silk blends [always hard to find], flannel--all in interesting prints and impeccable quality) and lots of my pants (cargo pants, wool flannels, cotton batik prints) and have found the brand to wear like iron; I also love their linen t-shirts that are collaborative efforts with artists and charities. Finally, I have a winter coat that I bought maybe 10 years ago and still looks current and in great shape. I have found that cotton J. Crew clothes do not shrink in the dryer, unlike similar items from other retailers. I have not seen any overall decline in quality over the several decades I have shopped there. I do think that they are currently trying to do too much and appeal to too many different types of shoppers, and their constant sales are nuts (and I'm not really into all of the ruffles they are pushing right now). But for me at least, their pros heavily outweigh their cons. In short, I am sad to see Jenna Lyons go and I am crossing my fingers that they can still deliver these high-quality, stylish, reasonably-priced items to me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794394 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 22:03:38 +0000 Jeanie 1794394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It seems a lot of us would like to see the quality of J Crew come back. &nbsp;I'm not sure they can make that happen and cure their financial woes which seem to be a result of the fast fashion competition. &nbsp;Still I am inspired by a lot of the design and details I find at J Crew. &nbsp;I hope they are able to keep up the inspiration with new leadership. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794374 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 21:46:18 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1794374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been shopping at J Crew for about 30 years. I didn't realize she had been there for so long. Recently, I have been more impressed with Somsack Sikhounmuong, especially in his Madewell days. I hope he may now take his vision a bit farther.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794336 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 20:50:59 +0000 minimalist 1794336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh gosh, I thought this was going to be an article about her family status. JC's proportions never worked on me; the last item of theirs I tried on was the ubiquitous utility jacket, a few years ago. Had I taken a picture, it could have been an advertisement for Un-Fab Anonymous. The quality and sourcing ethics didn't exactly wow me at the time; but apparently it worked for them for a while.</p> <p>Are Lyons' next plans already known? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794316 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 20:13:55 +0000 crst 1794316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>J Crew Mercantile is the same as J Crew Factory, except it isn't located in an outlet mall.&nbsp; You can even make online J Crew Factory returns/exchanges there.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794299 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 19:44:05 +0000 Anonymous 1794299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recently spotted a "J Crew Mercantile" store nearby.&nbsp; Does anyone have experience with this offshoot?&nbsp; Is it J Crew's version of Old Navy? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794270 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 18:56:27 +0000 viva 1794270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GF, I agree that production quality has suffered of late, and loyal customers have been very vocal about this. </p> <p>Jenna Lyons had a great run at JCrew and had an indelible stamp on the aesthetic of the brand for a long time. I just read in one article that she had "just the right amount of narcissism" to have a vision and drive a brand's look in the direction that she personally wanted it to go. That sounds about right to me. Good luck, Jenna! </p> <p>I'm looking forward to the new design leadership and to seeing if JCrew can address its financial woes and bring consistent quality back. It would be a really good thing. (On a related note, our Factory Store has become a clearing house for damaged goods from Madewell and retail, and I think it's a really sad sign that JCrew is selling rather than scrapping or donating these things. It's turned the store into a madhouse of really sketchy items.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794267 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 18:47:49 +0000 gradfashionista 1794267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a brief flirtation with J. Crew several years ago, even though long-time shoppers were already complaining about the quality. At the time, the store was a wonderful resource for colourful clothing in NATURAL fibers, one of a few that sold cashmere, linen, and silk at relatively good price points. I stopped shopping there because more often than not, clothing was a miss. The quality declined immensely and the clothes often looked cheap. When J. Crew introduced online reviews, it was shocking to see the number of negative reviews on so many of their garments. I'm not sure who's responsible for the cost-cutting measures, but I hope Jenna isn't the scapegoat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jenna-lyons-out-at-jcrew#post-1794265 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 18:47:25 +0000 Suz 1794265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow. Well, it will be interesting to see what happens for her -- and J. Crew -- next! Since I have relied on them the past few years for half my wardrobe, I admit to a bit of nail biting.&nbsp; </p>