Hi Everyone!
WARNING: I don’t usually vent, but when I do, it’s about design and sizing choices at my favorite retailer.
Now that you’ve been warned, let me just say that while J. Crew is my favorite store I do not understand a lot of their design/sizing choices.
For example, I wanted to love the Puff-Sleeve Blazer in Stretchy Cotton; however, it made me look like a linebacker, a card carrying member of Prince and the Revolution, Shakespeare’s younger sister….take your pick:
The retail store has a pretty red color that is wasted on a poorly designed blazer in my humble opinion.
And, finally, I was super excited about the retail store rollout and upcoming website launch until I received preview images from my amazing online VPS. The one skirt that I want, the Collection Photo Floral Mirror Pencil Skirt, is not offered in a size 14. Sigh.
Despite the numerous letters that I’ve written, as well as the numerous times I’ve submitted feedback via the Bizrate online survey and my amazing VPSs, J. Crew continues to pick and choose (very arbitrarily, in my opinion) which skirts they will offer in a size 14/16. I’m baffled that they do not offer ALL skirts in a size 14/16. These sizes are the first to sell out AT FULL PRICE while the smaller sizes often languish in the sale section. On the one hand, size 14s/16s sell out because J. Crew orders limited qualities for some inexplicable reason; on the other hand, these sizes disappear quickly because they’re in high demand. And, their unwillingness to offer size 14 skirts in retail stores is another topic for another day.
#ventover!
Have a marvelous Monday!
I am so sorry to hear that this blazer did not work for you, I totally love it.
I often assume their designers are on drugs. I also assume that Jenna thinks that anyone who likes J. Crew and purchases J. Crew clothing is underweight. No offense to any of the smaller ladies out there (love ya! Mean it!).
Rynetta,i had to laugh when i read your headline:)Sorry that the blazer didnt work out for you and i can understand that it is annoying that they sometimes dont have the size 14 in the pencil skirts:(.
One thing I noticed is that they offered XXL as a size choice in many shirts and sweaters during the fall/winter season. Now that it is spring, those choices have disappeared. I can often wear an XL in J. Crew tops, but I like to have the option! And pants- forget about it, I have tried many variations and they never seem to fit my small butt.
One thing I noticed is that they offered XXL as a size choice in many shirts and sweaters during the fall/winter season. Now that it is spring, those choices have disappeared. I can often wear an XL in J. Crew tops, but I like to have the option! And pants- forget about it, I have tried many variations and they never seem to fit my small butt.
One thing I have noticed is that there were many shirts & sweaters offered in XXL during the fall/winter season. Now those sizes seem to have disappeared for spring. I can often wear an XL in J. Crew, but it's nice to have the option to size up if needed! And I've given up on J. Crew pants- if I size up, the butt is super huge and baggy on me; if I size down, the waist is too tight.
Rynetta – good for you on the venting. However, I am now afraid. You not loving the crew makes me think I need an insurance policy or something! ;-)And AGREE completely on the 14/16!
You are funny Wendy!
I totally agree with you with their limited sizing being offered at the store and the larger sizes such as 14 and 16 only available online only. I'm always noticing the larger sizes sell out as they are released. I've complained at Anthropologie too!
I'm right there with you on that blazer!! I wanted to love it!! I desperately wanted a super cute, shrunken, fitted white blazer for Spring. Unfortunately, it wasn't in the cards for me. While I was able to go down in size (yay!!!), I looked like I had football pads on!! That blazer is definitely designed for the super tiny people of the world. I was super disappointed in the fabric/cuts of the new floral print too. I tried on the shorts in my normal size & since its a back zip, couldn't do it. Why not stick with a fit that obviously works and works well?!?! Grrrrrrr Jcrew. Love to hate you right now!!
Haha! As soon as I read the words 'puffy sleeves' I knew I would never like that blazer. I HATE puffy sleeves so much on me!I also hear you on sizing gripes. It's really annoying when J Crew don't offer a full sizing spectrum.
Greetings Rynetta . . . Part One: While I'm not against puffy sleeves in general, I had to put the pretty red puffy-sleeved blazer back on the rack as the sleeves were _too short!_ Since no one has pointed out that I have abnormally long arms, I assume I have normal arms and the arms on the blazer were abnormally short. Part Two: I looked for a sound effect of a typical Prince scream at the beginning of one of his songs to illustrate your frustration, but couldn't find one! Thus, this quote from Seinfeld's "The Puffy Shirt" episode, where Jerry absolutely hated the dreaded puffy shirt, may illustrate the thought process Mickey and Jenna went through in coming up with this idea, "Yeah, see, I think people want to look like pirates. You know, it's the right time for it.. to be all puffy, and devil-may-care." Cheers – Jennifer
I am usually surprised when I see a full range of sizes and the largest sizes already blacked out early in the season. I, too, look wistfully upon cute styles only offered in regular sizes but not offered for the short-limbed like me.
ditto, ditto, ditto and I hate puffy shoulders
I have to say, I actually LOVE the puffy sleeve blazers. I have a few school boys and I generally think that they are too boxy. I liked the fit of the blazer and the shrunken feel. I wish I would have snatched up the red one before it sold out in my size. In the latest roll out, it appears they have released a few more puff sleeve blazers. As for the 14/16 thing, I really agree. I am a size 12T and I often get frustrated that they do not offer EVERYTHING in tall. Considering that talls sell out so quickly, I think there is a market out there for it. A size 14 is the average size of the American woman. There is no reason that Jcrew should not offer a 14 in everything.