Monday, January 21, 2013

Succumbing to a Sale Only To Have JCrew and Universe Say No! And then Yes!

Happy Monday!

Sorry for not posting yesterday!  We had a grant feast on Saturday night, but sat at our table talking until 1:30 am.  You know you are having a good time when you can do that!  But the result was that my Sunday body wanted to lay around yesterday.  A lot.  But sometimes a restful Sunday is a good thing if it is the result of a very good Saturday night with good friends!

Were you surprised to wake up this morning to the 40% off sale at J Crew?  I was, even though I know there were good sales going on in the stores.

As you know, I have been really good about J Crew lately and about shopping in general.  Since I am not currently working, I certainly don't need or want to add to the working clothing which is already hanging quite forlornly in the back of my closet.  However, I have been thinking I might need another pair of minnies and so when I saw the British Khaki on sale for only $48 CDN, I bit.  "Very versatile pant," I told myself "excellent for working around the house and running errands tucked into boots.  Can wear into Spring."



I then saw that a pair of shoes I have been stalking, the metallic blue ballet flats, were also available in my size this a.m.  You know that I love royal blue; these seemed a no-brainer for $56 CDN and something I could wear now around the house, but look forward to wearing in the spring, as well.  I had been looking at the suede, but I have pink suede flats, which although I love, are harder to take care of and woe betide the person who gets caught in a sudden squall.  No - it would be the metallic flats for me.


What you need to know is that I had this conversation in my head for about 10 minutes.  I checked my Paypal account balance - I had more than enough to cover it.  I chatted with husband who said "I think those are sensible purchases", since he has agreed to be my "person" to make sure I no longer buy things for events that do not even exist in our town!  I questioned how much I would wear them and in what situations. I imagined outfits in my head.  In other words: I was making an INFORMED and THOUGHTFUL decision.  This, in stark contrast to my usual "Oh look there is a blue shoe, must buy because it is 40% off!" kind of decision.  I was proud I tell you, proud.

And then poof - they were ripped from my shopping cart!  My thoughtful choices are now winging their way to other homes, off to make other shoppers happy.  Oh sure, they may pop back before the end of the sale.  Oh sure, there may be some other treasures, well loved and waiting to be discovered.  But it won't be the same.  sigh....  On a positive note, I still have lots of money in my paypal account.  And the universe obviously wants me to have something else!

Update: weeks ago, I changed all my j crew acct info to my personal email, not work.  When I happened to look in my work email about 5 minutes ago - I had an email from J Crew saying "thanks for your order"!!!  It never showed up on my screen when I submitted - it showed the items as gone.  Has this ever happened to any of you?  so now I guess I MAY have these items coming.  I will believe it when I see it... the JC universe and its weird and wacky ways...
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My other random Monday Thoughts:

I read an interesting article about Jenna Lyons in the New York Times yesterday, which some of you may also have caught.  Called "The Woman Who Dresses America", it was a gushing, though thoughtful, article about the challenges/benefits of now being fashion's "it" girl.  I can't help it - I do like her.  I don't know if the modesty is all an act, but I think she is quite charming, although I am not thrilled with the direction she may be taking the store these days.  Having said that, I was still up this a.m. looking to see if something I was stalking had popped back, only to have the "adventure" described above, so I am in no position to be too high and mighty about J Crew!

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Mrs. Obama's new hairstyle:

President Barack Obama is officially sworn-in by Chief Justice John Roberts, not pictured, in the Blue Room of the White House during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, as first lady Michelle Obama, holds the Robinson Family Bible, and daughter Malia watches. (AP Photo/Larry Downing, Pool)

I don't know what I was loving more - the bangs or the blue.  It was a toss-up.  I think the new "do" makes her look 10 years younger.  Well done, Mrs. O!

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And finally, I did watch both parts of Oprah's interview with Lance Armstrong.  I was a fan of Lance's in the day, when he was winning all of those titles and being so inspirational.  I am not going to jump on or off the bandwagon of heaping abuse on old Lance.  However, I will say that I did not have the sense that this was a man who truly understands the impact of not only his lying (which would be bad enough), but even worse, of his bullying.  He was saying one thing, but I felt his body language was saying something else completely.  But maybe that's just me?

Have a lovely lovely Monday.  Would love to know your Monday thoughts and hear all about your weekends.  It was -15 this morning - back to heavy down coats for me!  Stay Safe and Warm Out There!

 






47 comments:

  1. WMM, Happy Monday despite your shopping cart challenges. I have been staying away from JC and trying to stick to my list. Also a fan of Mrs. O's softer bangs and a clear hairstyle. (Although, having grown mine out for one of the first times, not sure I will ever go back to a real fringe?) As for Lance, I feel for his charity and I also thought the responses didn't jive with the attitude. Am I so cynical about the media-message "game" that I even thought there was at least some element of manipulation in the use of his 13-year-old? As in they have to at least feel sorry about me and my kid. I will give props to Oprah for being well prepped and asking some tough questions and leave it there. I think he might have said it himself, "too little, too late." On a happier note, I am looking forward to the Inauguration pomp at lunch today and wishing our American neighbours a more productive four years.

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    1. Hey GF - with you completely! Still have no idea if that order ever went in, as it doesn't show up in order list. Weird stuff! If it comes, okay, as I really do need some casual pants that fit. I find the summer cafe capris just too baggy on me and they are going away to a charity I believe, unless I keep one pair to be my gardening pants!

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  2. There's a very well thought out and well written article by Diana Nyad on Lance Armstrong in the Huffington Post. For me, it wrapped up all the really angry feelings I was having towards him, but gave me a good reason as to "why". I think you'll enjoy it. Good picks from J.Crew. I also love Michelle O's bangs!

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    1. Kathy, I just had a look at that article. Very well written, and some good comments too - thanks for pointing it out.

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    2. Kathy - great article! I concur with everything she wrote. I think the extra month or two of time might have helped him hone his story as she suggests. When our heroes falls, we will help them get back up, but only if they come down and walk amongst as mortals. I had the feeling that Lance thinks we are still suckers. If he does not, he needs to work a lot harder on the delivery!

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  3. I had a hard time resisting the sale today too! There were lots of popbacks ,but i didnt bite(even though i love those iced lilac cafe capris).
    Must safe my money for all the spring stuff!

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    1. Hi Ina! I still don't know if I am getting anything! Weirdest order ever - they have me a # in the email, but when I type it in, no such order exists! Oh well, if they come I am okay, if they don't come I am okay! and yes - spring! That is the only reason I bought these two items - they would be spring items around here!

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  4. Hi WMM, it's cold here too, also -15. I wanted to drive my son to school but the car doors were iced up! So he walked as usual - but at least this time he put on his winter coat and boots. What is it with teenage boys and refusing to get dressed properly for the weather?!

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    1. Patricia mine was the same and it drove me crazy!

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    2. The no coats, no boots. Mine is in exams week (otherwise known as hell week in our house as he is not a happy student and therefore not a happy studier..) and is just hanging on till saturday to get his nose pierced. Ah well...

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  5. I checked the sale today as well but I was saved by The List 2013. Thanks Heavens I have something to keep me in line.
    I love Michelle Obama and she always looks amazing, that blue dress! It's gorgeous!
    I am very excited to watch the Inauguration today, my stepbrother is playing in the parade, I can't wait to see what Mrs. Obama and the girls wear, and the best part is my youngest daughter has a PA day so she can watch it all with me!
    We had a big hike yesterday in the -15 wind, it was very chilly indeed. And a lovely date out on Saturday night just the two of us. Then of course the football yesterday which was very exciting!
    Stay cozy.

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    1. Which band is your stepbrother in? I will watch for them!

      I am having a belated birthday lunch with a friend, which will be nice and then running 1 or 2 errands and that is it.

      SOunds like you had a wonderful weekend!

      I sort of felt like that about your order - they were two things I identified I wanted for this year, so when they showed up at that price, I was good. Now we will see if they come..

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    2. Dani, brownie points to you for sticking to The List.

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    3. GF I need controlling by that list I am indeed silly.
      WMM my stepbrother plays for Georgia State, the sax. Keep your eyes peeled, lol, I'm sure there will be millions there!

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    5. I say good for you for sticking to your list too, Dani! It really does make a difference, and gets easier to do with time. :)

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  6. Quite mysterious about your order. This batch of stretch twill minnies has been good for me--have 3 pairs and am wearing the Br Khakis now ( in Florida this week) with T and sandals. Good comfy travel pants too for the plane.

    Of course will be watching the lovely Michelle ( and her hubs).

    Armstrong has never appealed to me; always something fake about him to me. He looked reptilian in that interview and not a particle sorry.

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    1. Hey Lane - wish I was in Florida with you! I like the minnies as well - have the navy and green and find them great casual pants that can also be dressed up a bit. Love the stretch! The cafe capris are simply too baggy through my thighs in cotton. I don't seem to find it quite as bad with the wool.

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    2. I wish I was some place cold. I'm tired of the heat...especially in January!

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  7. I wonder if you will get the shoes after all. You will see if it was meant to be...
    I got the weirdest package from J.Crew last week. I did not order anything but there is was and very heavy. I opened it and it was a bunch of health related books with bookmarks in them, a notebook with somebody's personal notes and business cards and and a blender booklet. Huh? I will call J.Crew to inquire if I can send it back.

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    1. That is truly bizarre!

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    2. AJC - that is indeed weird! Maybe there is a ghost in the machine!!!I have no idea if I will get anything or not - will be a surprise!

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  8. Hi WMM! Good for you taking Sunday off to relax! We all need that every now and then. :)

    I wasn't surprised by the sale this morning, but was expecting to see free shipping/no minimum included instead of the normal $175. I did check the update like I do every morning to see if there were any new promo items or markdowns to make sure my sale lists are up to date. However, I didn't make a purchase since there aren't any J.Crew items on my list right now. So weird about your order though! I'm curious to see if the items actually arrive. Did you check to see if the money is gone from your Paypal account?

    I saw part of the Lance Armstrong interview on a news show and didn't really care for his answers, explanations, or demeanor myself. His lies have affected a lot of people, and there should be appropriate consequences for his actions.

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    1. Good idea - it says there is an order to J Crew pending... Gotta love good old J Crew!

      I am just watching the inauguration - you folks put on a good show! Oh - the Battle Hymn of the Republic is beautiful!

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  9. I love her hair, I am going to have to be held back from the scissors today.
    I wish I could wear Minnies, I look revolting in them.

    I missed the whole bullying aspect to Lance Armstrong, I'll need to google it but I do understand why he did what he did , they were all it - not that I condone it of course but it was par for the course in that sport which needs to be cleaned up.

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    1. Stay away from the scissors, Tabitha! I had my hair cut with bangs cover 2 years ago, and now that I am in the process of growing the bangs out, I wish I had never had them cut in the first place. I have even had my hair cut shorter to help aid the process, but it is still a long, grueling one, and not something that I would ever recommend.

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    2. Tabs, I think the issue with Lance (for me at least) is not so much that he doped (I do think they all were), but his bullying, accusatory actions when people spoke the truth. He was accusing good people of being crazy and said horrible things about a couple of women in particular. It is all sad though on so many levels. I sure hope he comes out the other side, because living in darkness is a sad way to live, isn't it? So all good thoughts for Lance and his family. He must take his responsibility, but I hope nothing but good things for him in the future.

      No scissors! try a wig first. Your hair is so amazing and you look so beautiful!

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  10. You will be interested to know that I had a similar J. Crew ordering experience the other day! I thought I bought something, clicked "Place Order, but I forgot to add the "STYLEFIND" promo, so I quick tried to add it, but then instead of getting the Order Number confirmation, it told me my item was out of stock (it was a pop-back and the only one, apparently). Later, I noticed an email confirmation of the order. So we'll see, I'll believe it when and if it shows up.

    I think your attempted items were very smart! The blue shoes are practical but fun and the Minnies are practical. I have the black ones but am on the fence about how the tan ones would look on me. You will have to report back (if they show up) and let us know if the tan color is good in the Minnies. I think you can wear any color because you are a skinny minnie yourself!

    I like Jenna Lyons too. I think she seems sincere and very likable. She may not understand short peoples' style issues, but I give her a pass. She keeps things interesting and she does not seem like a diva.

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    1. Hey Cate - it sounds like we had the exact same experience! How odd!!! I thought the minnies would look good with light colours (ivory, white) and my blues. I am not a skinny minny, but I am sending you a virtual kiss for saying so!!!!

      I think Jenna is sweet. And I guess we don;t want our designers to be like us. If I was in charge your would all be bedazzled!!

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  11. Michelle Obama looks great!

    What an odd J. Crew ordering experience.

    I read that NYT article. Despite having become engaged in this J. Crew blogging world (so many nice and thoughtful people!), I don't shop there (the clothes don't suit me or fit me). I was struck in that article by how, in embracing her, the fashion world sees something very different in J. Crew than its established customer base does. What that is, I don't really understand. I definitely think that they are moving into a world that will alienate their base, and that they are fine with that, as their are obviously being welcomed with open arms into that other world.

    I don't have a "list," but I do have the shopping deterrent of living in a country where a) import taxes are nearly universally applied on online orders and are very high, b) the local shopping options don't appeal to me, and c) even when they do, they are priced much higher than the same items elsewhere. I must work on my binge-shopping habits when I'm visiting N. America, but in the in between periods I have long stretches with no purchases.

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    1. p.s. I have been reading and enjoying your archives. I see you mention Judith and Charles sometimes. Do you remember what they used to be called?

      I have a dress from that era, a simple, cotton sleeveless dress, and and it is truly special. It's a "basic" but not at all boring - it has interesting darts and a tiny bit of ruffle, the good kind (and I am petite and avoid ruffles!). The hem did fall, which was a disappointment, but otherwise I have been really happy with it.

      Thanks for reminding me to keep an eye on that brand.

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    2. Oh the dreaded their/they're. Sorry!

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    3. Hello Abby - I think they used to be called Teenflo.

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    4. Hey Abby! I can relate on the ordering from abroad - I just got my first Brora order this morning (more on that tomorrow) and I do find the importing and shipping can be a bit much from other countries.

      Patricia is right - it was Teenflo and I really do like them. I don't know if my order will actually come, but am glad I got a couple of casual things - I will not buy more until I know what I will be doing this spring and summer. And really, I do have a lot of clothes. Have to always remind myself of that!

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    5. Teenflo, thank you WMM and Patricia! My dress was a second hand find by my mother, quite impressive.

      Yes, living here is a bit like living in Canada - not the country to shop in, relatively speaking.

      Yes, good point about reminding yourself that you have a lot of clothes, I need to do the same sometimes.

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  12. I was also thwarted in purchase-making this weekend. I trekked 45 minutes to the Brooks Brothers store to buy some penny loafers only to be told that it doesn't stock the penny loafers and hasn't for 2 years now. But I think perhaps the universe is speaking to me too. It's saying, "Buy cuter shoes." :)

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    1. Oh Merry Wife! I hear you!! But you know what - I bought penny loafers 2 summers ago at the Cole Haan store and honestly, I have worn them constantly since I have been on my leave. I think they are the perfect shoe - I can wear them with socks or tights, they are comfortable for working around the house. They are perfect! I always think of FFM's cost per wear and I think that I paid $100 for them and now they are likely down to pennies a wear!

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  13. Wondering if First Lady bought her JC gloves with one of the many sale offers?

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    1. I bet! Are Malia and Sascha wesring JC coats? I haven't googled that yet! They look beautiful!

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  14. Yep, Malia kept the JC tradition going - coat and gloves. But Sasha went with KS coat and dress.

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  15. well, I enjoyed seeing Mrs O and family this morning, they looked so lovely.And because of a stray at making pre-dawn noises, I was able to snag a pop back - which may ship? J.Crewlette again.

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    1. Oh you gotta love those strays! When do you head to Hawaii?

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  16. Funny how things work out with sales sometimes. I hope everything arrives in mint condition and that you love it. I'm not even looking at J.Crew these days but my PS said the spring preview is coming end of January so we'll see.

    I didn't watch any of the inaugural but a friend had to text me about the Thom Browne pieces, she knows I am a huge fan.

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    1. I am now going to do some more research on Mr. Browne!

      I just got an email that my J Crew Order shipped! Who knew!!

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  17. If you would like the cabernet minnies, the Vancouver store has them for $26! ($52 minus 50%). I scored the red snowcap quilted vest for $63.

    I think Jenna is genuinely modest. I have seen her in several interviews and I got the same vibe from her every single time.

    Mrs. O. looked smashing with the new do and that gorgeous blue coat!


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    1. I think Mrs. O is perfection! I may call the Vancouver store, as that is a steal and would give me more hanging around the house pants - thanks!

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Kindness is a virtue...