Off On A Tangent: Gap Inc Offers Some Savings

"Thanks!" to Mary who let us know that Gap is offering 15% off $125+, as well as 20% off $150+ with promo code GETSAVE. (This is valid for three of their stores: Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy.) This offer expires 10/22/08.

"Thanks!" also to Laura1 (in this post) who let us know that Gap is offering 15% off $75+, as well as 20% off $100+ with promo code GETMORE. (This is valid for three of their stores: Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy.) This offer also expires 10/22/08.

P.S. Looks like Gap is splitting offer-types among customers as well. ;)

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Dear FFM: Help Put Together A J.Crew Outfit For Me

FabulousFloridaMommy (FFM) regularly guest blogs on outfits she creates with items that you, the members, request. :)
FFM has done it yet again! A big "thank you!" to FFM, who has created a fabulous outfit for numerous requests in the "Dear FFM: Help Put Together A J.Crew Outfit For Me" post!

To view the wonderful sets, click on the links below. (The name of the link relates to the request for an outfit.)

Tartine Cardi In Maize...Casual Chic
Weekend In L.A.- Look #1 | Look #2 *Off To See Wicked*
Watercolor Schoolgirl Skirt Casual Chic- Look #1 | Look #2
Jamie Jacket...Two Ways
Color Suggestions For The Aubergine Cords
British Millerain® oilcloth field jacket Casual- Look #1 | Look #2
Kelsey Tank Dress For Fall/Winter
For The Attorney - Professional Chic- Look #1 | Look #2
Adelaide In Honey Glaze
Pretty In Peony- Look #1 | Look #2 In Blue
Cashmere Argyle Ruffle Cardigan In Honey- Casual Chic

Quick Note: In honor of the new arrivals, we are going to change things up a bit. For this week only, we ask members to suggest 4 new arrival items that you would like to see made into an outfit. Tomorrow morning, FFM will select the 4 most popular "new arrival" items suggested and create a few Polyvore outfits for each of those items (which will then be posted for all).

What "new arrival" pieces from J.Crew do you wonder how to use in an outfit and would like to see an outfit created for (please include item name or item number)?

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J.Crew's Celebrating at Burlington Mall w/ $25 Off

A big "thank you!" goes to Margot and Alexis (another Alexis- yey!) who shared with us the following latest promotion from J.Crew. The J.Crew at Burlington Mall is celebrating its first anniversary and offering $25 off purchases of $150+. This offer is good from 10/21/08 through 11/4/08.

Just click on the image above (which will take you to a larger version of the image) and print it out (so the associate can scan the bar code). Congrats to all those in the area!!! :)

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J.Crew Email: New Arrivals {we know!} ;)

J.Crew sent an email announcing their new arrivals in stores and online. I appreciate the effort, even though most of us already knew that information. {wink!}

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{Fabulous} Insights From A J.Crew Employee :)

Michael, a J.Crew employee, shared with us some great insights on J.Crew (sorry for the long post, but I think it is worth it!):

1) Nothing is set in stone. It actually says this in our training manual. We have the power to waive almost anything and everything. It doesn't mean that it will happen, but it does mean that you do not have to immediately "ask for a supervisor" to get something done; chances are they will tell you the same as what we have told you.

2) Please don't be a bad consumer. J.Crew is a 1.3 billion dollar company, so they are going to be able to figure out if you have asked us to combine multiple discounts multiple times, or are generally scamming us. We have a dedicated group who's only job is to research customers, and classify them as VIPs, Frauds, Exceptional Negative, etc. We can usually tell if you are selling things on eBay; it's a pretty predicable pattern. It is pretty uncommon for someone to legitimately needs the same pair of clearance shoes in 5 different sizes and 2 different colors when they are on sale. We also notate every customers account thoroughly; if you have called in the past and combined multiple coupons, etc, and were told that it was a one-time courtesy, it will be notated on your account in big letters, and you will not be able to pull the stunt again. Also, don't go "rep hopping" if you don't get what you want. We may be a big company, but we are a pretty close-knit bunch inside the call center, and we do chat amongst ourselves and can usually pinpoint a customer that is calling in multiple times a night trying to get a freebie. Lastly, please don't say "I'm a great customer." If you are a great customer, we will know. You will get flagged as a VIP, and we will bend over backwards for you. A single thousand dollar order does not make a great customer. You need to hit close to five figures before you become a VIP at J.Crew.

3) The above being said; if we genuinely screw up, we will do whatever we can to fix it. We have had items hand-delivered to customers houses, sent an associate to meet a customer at the airport, and routinely send out gift cards to people that we have wronged. We even refund orders and allow the customer to simply keep the merchandise if the situation warrants.

4) If you are buying a full-price item that is not carried in stores (or your size/color preference is sold out), buy the item from physically inside a store. Let me explain: we have what is called a "red phone" inside every singe retail store. If you pick up that phone, it is a direct line to an associate in our call center. If you are ordering a full-price item from a retail store, we will waive shipping automatically. Also, if you live near a J.Crew store, just return your items to the store, and save yourself the shipping.

5) You should genuinely consider opening a J.Crew card. Complementary alterations, a discount on your first order, as well as genuinely exclusive promotions. In addition, if you are placing an order of more that $500 (a good third of my orders are above this amount), you are an idiot if you don't open the card. For every $500 you spend, you get a $25 "rewards card." Legally, we can't call it a gift card, but it is essentially the same thing.

6) J.Crew clothes are of very high quality. Our cashmere sweaters, for example, are from the Loro Piana mill. If this doesn't mean anything to you, look it up on Wikipedia. The colors are exclusive to us, but contractually, we are not allowed to advertise this fact. J.Crew actually is Loro Piana's second biggest customer; the first is the Neiman Marcus department stores. We also have a "mock store" in our call center; if you have a question about an item, just ask and we can go physically grab the item and bring it back to our desk and examine it for you. Our leather shoes and bags are from the same sources and factories as Gucci and Prada, and our costume jewelry is made by some of the same designers as the big names. J.Crew isn't the Steve & Barry's of upscale clothing...you get the same quality for a much lower price.

7) Don't be afraid to pick our brains. We are put through a style "boot-camp" of sorts; if you have a question about whether something looks good, just ask. We also have access to all kinds of detailed measurements, including things as ridiculous as the circumference of buttons and the width of zipper pulls.

8) The website sucks if you are not computer literate. Just pick up the phone and call us; there is nothing on the website that we can't order for you. Regarding the big thing with the computer upgrade and all the glitches; it is pretty much all worked out. If something happens, we will take care of you. You honestly don't have to raise hell to get good customer service with us.

In closing, I want you to know that I am not one of those people that hate their jobs and are ranting about it. I love J.Crew, I genuinely think that the clothing is amazing, and I hope that they continue to do well. I really enjoy talking to all different people who call in, and I always have a friendly chuckle with the people in Texas who are buying goose-lined coats and cashmere sweaters before they visit friends up North next week because they think that 50 degrees is going to be insanely cold. (I am from Minnesota originally).

PS: Coupon code "JUSTASK" will always get you free shipping. And of course, if you call us and use a .edu email address, you will get a 15% discount. Otherwise, show your student ID at the retail store.

"Thanks!" again to Michael for sharing with us the inner workings of J.Crew. I value his input and appreciate his willingness to share with us. (I also learned a lot from his comments too!) :)

Michael also let us know that the code JUSTASK doesn't expire. (Which equals "awesome" in my book). ;)

Lastly, I have disabled the comments. The direction of the comments towards the end ceased being a discussion. Please stop the negativity and let's try to get back to discussing our love of J.Crew clothes. :)

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Love It Or Leave It: Bow Necklace Cardigan

Bow-necklace cardigan
Click here for product page
Item 10175
Regular: $110.00

When it comes to clothes, I am pretty "girly". I usually love it when the description of an item includes one or two of the following terms: ruffles, sparkles, sequins, glitter, bows, (and the like). ;)

However, this time... the bows on the Bow Necklace Cardigan are too much. From a distance, the cardigan looks okay. However, I can't say the same for the up-close image of this cardigan. I feel like someone at J.Crew got carried away applying bows on a normal cardigan. (The bows are all around the neckline- including the back-too!)

To be fair, I have not seen this cardigan in person. I also think this sweater would look adorable on a 6-year old girl. However, I just don't know if a professional woman can carry this look.

What are your thoughts on this cardigan? Do you love it or would you leave it? Do you think I am being overly critical on this cardigan? Do you own this cardigan (or have tried it on)? If so, what are your first-hand impressions (and would you recommend others to purchase it)?

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The Great (Weekly) Exchange

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.

Individual members can also request in this post, items that they are looking for and interested in buying. :)

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? Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

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