Monday, October 12, 2009

J. Crew (In-Store Only) Lovelies...

So, I know you all are looking the next picture and asking yourself, "dinagideon, I have seen that great looking puffer vest before, here at jcrew.com, but I don't recall seeing that color...tell me where did you ever find it?" To which I respond, "In-store only!"

I recalled seeing the puffer vest in the catalog and being smitten with it...I love it for its sheer practicality...especially in a climate like ours where you can get by with a heavy down vest with a sweater for 50% of the winter. But then I saw the clincher...not available in the olive color. Well, color me sad. :(

Then, I, along with three other beautiful JCAs of the DC area, HeidiG., Summerilla, and Drewablank, went to Tysons yesterday to scope out the goodies there. And within mere seconds of entering the store, I saw it...the OLIVE green puffer vest. (YAY!) And even better, it looked so nice on me, and, the very best part...instead of being $118, it was on special for $98. :) Yes, it came home with me...as did these other (in-store) only beauties.

(By the way, am I the only one who didn't realize just how much stuff is sold in-store only at J. Crew? I thought there might be a piece or two, here or there, but no...there are totally different styles...different colors...)


By the way, you will see this outfit again...probably not for a week or two (man, it takes me FOREVER to get these posts up), but I wore it out today sans puffer vest (tried that on only so you all could see it in real life). The outfit I wore out included the pumpkin fiona jacket. (Yes, I know, very fall-like...)


Here is a polyvore of the outfit above (yep, the puffer vest I clipped to polyvore from this post, plus the other three items (tissue turtleneck, striped tissue tee, and the men's cardigan), so they are under my items if you are a polyvore addict).


This is the tissue turtleneck in peacock blue (or teal or whatever)...it is NOT available on-line in this shade. Such a shame, this is a BEAUTIFUL color in real life. Purchased a small, my normal size.


Both Summerilla and I came home with this gem. The scoopneck is insanely flattering. I bought a small, which is my usual size.


The above puffer vest, close up. The vest is lined in sherpa and is so cozy, I want to wear it to bed one night. I bet I would sleep well. ;) I purchased this in a small, which is great, because I typically have to wear a medium in cardigans at J. Crew.


Now, this is a MEN'S cardigan, but we went a little nuts and discovered that the men's section (especially the sale section) holds some goodies of its own...HeidiG. purchased a men's sweater in a rich red/orange, Summerilla purchased a cardigan (I believe), Drewablank purchased a cardigan and a button-down. I, of course, got this one...it is fleece lined, and also extremely cozy. The closest I could find to it on-line is this, and it looks like they are close to selling out. I also did not pay as much as it costs on-line. I do not anticipate wearing this except in the most casual of situations (it is a tad big on me in a men's small), but this morning, when there was a nip in the air and all I was doing was trying to stay warm in my pjs, this FIT the BILL perfectly.

******************************************************
I hope you enjoyed seeing what your local store can offer you...

I wanted to also mention that I am so behind in commenting that when I do comment back it will have to be a group response, which I hate to do, but I want to get back on track...thanks for your understanding, everyone!

19 comments:

tm said...

I am rather annoyed that there are so many fun colors in store, but tons of blah colors online. Merino turtleneck, in store, all great shades including burnished olive. Online? 3 shades of beige, black, and dark grey.

Seems like they've been playing this game more often recently. There's always been catalog/online only and store only, but it seems more prevalent the last few years.

And, men's shirts are never available in xs in store (or they just sell out quickly), and the s is way too big for me. blah!

MMM said...

I purchased a puffer vest in the dark charcoal last year that was an in-store-only color then but I see that they are offering it as a color again this year! Weird!?!

Thanks for sharing your *finds*! I always enjoy seeing what others purchase because I tend to overlook certain items- so I can use the heads-up! ;)

Patina said...

I'm getting that scoopneck TODAY. I can't believe I walked out of the store and didn't get it. I'm getting the pink and navy version-LOVE IT. I'm glad you had a great time, but you didn't mention if loved all the fab jewelry.

Cate said...

ooooh LOVE the turtleneck and puffer vest... but it's only october 12 and I had to wear my down puffy coat today, so who knows how much use i'd get out of a 2nd puffer. i have to get to a retail store soon...

amy kelinda said...

I love perusing the men's section, even though everything is way too big for me, haha! I make up for this by buying things for my guy friends and little brother (who's actually not so little anymore).

You look so comfy and cozy in that puffer! It's bizarre how many things are offered in stores only! I guess it's to make up for the things that are available online/catalog only?

HeidiG said...

Yay, I can grab your striped tee pic for PV - I've worn it a few times (including today) and have yet to PV any of the outfits since I couldn't find a good dupe. And I was *clearly* too lazy to get my own pic. :)

So fun to see you all yesterday!!

Anonymous said...

I am jealous of the striped tee. I want one so bad now.

I hope you guys had a great time shopping. Did you girls see any of the new coats?

Drewablank said...

Yay! You look wonderful in that puffer, sweetie! So your color! :)

And having found so many goodies in the men's section? Too terrific for words. The buttondown is perfect for downtime or even under a jacket, and the cardigan, perfect little throw-over-whatever. That striped shirt is so French, I might have a hard time avoiding it. ;p

It was really fun to see you lovely ladies and hang out after such a long time! 'Til next time! :)

Ema said...

I have noticed that the retail-only items thing this year got a new twist with in-store only colors, especially in the cashmere sweathers. Go figure why they won't offer the same colors in store and online.

Love the olive puffer vest on you!

I have the same Merona shoes (my first Target apparel purchase ever), aren't they just lovely?

Summerilla said...

Love Love the puffer vest on you! And major BUMMER for me - when I got home where was my navy striped tee? I must have sat it down before hitting the register and I didn't realize it didn't get rung up. Boo. Hopefully I'll be able to snag one this weekend!

CheesyGoodness said...

Great new stuff! Also, a belated thanks for your raves earlier in the year of the featherweight cashmere short sleeve cardigan. You were right on the money. I got one, late spring, in light pewter, and liked it so much I ordered another last week in misty lav. for forty bucks! Whatta deal for such a cute piece.

jcmama said...

I may have to try the puffer vest since I don't own any. The color looks so good on you! I bought the striped tee in the thinner darker color and I love all tissue tees. I must say that teal/peacock color is one of my favorite along with dark charcoal/slate color.

Unknown said...

I lile the idea of a puffer vest but - unlike you, even though I live in DC too - I freeze all winter! So I don't think I'd get enough use out of it to justify the purchase. Love the olive color on you.

dinagideon said...

Hi, guys! Thanks for your patience, I am FINALLY energetic enough to comment back. Well, I say energetic, but I am not 100% so I am only going to do my whole "comment to the group and answer individual questions, etc."

Glad this helped some of you all decide whether or not a trip to your local store is worth it!!! Sounds like a lot of you agree with me that the colors alone are worth it (even if it is a pain in the rear to get to one--babies, etc.)!

Tastymoog: Obviously I left you a message on your blog saying the same thing, so you now know I totally agree with you!!!

Patina: Oh, I stayed FAR AWAY from the jewelry on purpose. Like you, J. Crew jewelry is DANGEROUS for me to look at...btw, I got the pastiche necklace in rose gold today and I LOVE IT!!! It is the prettiest darn color and the style is just deconstructed enough to make me feel hip, but not over the top edge-y or something...

HeidiG.: I hope all you Polyvore addicts (like me) grab the photos!!! Makes making sets SO much easier!

Rosa: Next time you need to come!!! (HeidiG., remind me the next time we head out to CALL or E-MAIL Rosa!!!) The only new coats I saw were a grey double-breasted wool coat (very pretty) and a navy version of the Carlin coat (which I AM SALIVATING over but cannot justify at full price). :) Hope that helps...

Ema: I can't figure their system out, either. VERY frustrating!

I LOVE the Merona cheetah print shoes a lot...HeidiG. was the enabler on these...she actually e-mailed me the info and insisted I take a look. She was right...

Summerilla: WRONG! You and Patina must get it, STAT! :)

CheesyGoodness: Well, that is such a great price, I am very jealous!!! I have worn mine tons...and am now the proud owner of it in slate, misty lavender, olive, and navy. I didn't pay full price for any of them, but only the olive and navy I purchased at the lower cost!!!

Katherine: You and HeidiG. can make all the fun you want of me this winter...I run hot and rarely need a HEAVY duty winter coat...must be my nordic background, but honestly, I am way more of a summer person than winter, which seems weird, I know, but well, to each his own!!! :) Maybe you can get the sherpa lined puffer jacket with the hood?

Unknown said...

I love your puffer outfit. It's so cute. I also love the neckline of that striped tee...that it has a darker border right at the neck. Cute.

Unknown said...

Copycatalert! I ordered a puffer in antique stone & the striped navy tee. ;-)

Anonymous said...

I snagged a puffer in the same (or very similar - Golden Avocado) color a couple of years ago at the outlet for $40! Of course it's not nearly as nice as the regular store version - no sherpa lining for example.

Anonymous said...

Oh, and I just wore mine on Tuesday to my son's soccer game with a purple painter's tee! I love that color combo!

dinagideon said...

Gigiofca: I totally agree with you...the collar on the striped tee is perfection.

And since everyone and their brother copycats you, I totally am more than willing to have you copycat me...very very cool!

Anon: I am so pleased that you have one in this color, too...and btw, my kenneth cole one in white from last year is really inexpensive and I like it almost as much as this one!!! And this color green and purple is awesome together, I agree wholeheartedly!!!