Rip off Britain - J Crew opens in London

Unless you've been under a rock, you've probably heard that US mail order and retail shop, J. Crew is opening 3 flagship stores in London and one on Regent Street a few weeks ago.

I had read about J. Crew's arrival in the UK in several of the usual glossy mags. Anticipation was high.

Apparently, J. Crew is best known as Michelle Obama's favourite shop. Of course, I haven't lived in the US for 8 years, so to me, I still remember J. Crew as a preppy brand that was great for the basics - jumpers and staples of the wardrobe (well, if you were middle class and need a rainbow of cashmere in your closet). I had noticed over the years that the prices seemed to go up and up and I was only ever picking up items in the sales, if at all. Oh, and I also did like their online selection of swimsuits, even if they were a bit pricey - $80 for a bikini is expensive, isn't it?

Anyway, I had mixed feelings hearing that J. Crew was coming to the UK. Would it be good news? Or would it invariably suck?

I was kinda assuming it would suck. Looking at other US companies when they come to the UK, such as Banana Republic or Abercrombie and Fitch, we've seen that the UK prices are usually a total rip off. Often, there are generally less items available in the UK branches (when you look at the UK versus US websites) or the UK just gets the old US stock. (Actually, maybe that sounds harsh, I actually really like BR in the UK... however I haven't bought anything from A&F in the UK in years and don't think I will again).

And guess, what? Yep, apparently the UK prices for J Crew are almost double the US prices. What a load of crap! It's already completely overpriced in the US, but seriously trying to sell it at double in the UK? What do you take us for? Ugh.

It's rare I agree with the Daily Mail, but they posted a story on how the new London shop (and website) were a major rip off.

From the Daily Mail: Shoppers shocked as Michelle Obama's favourite brand J Crew lands in UK... at double the price!

No thanks, J. Crew, no thanks!

But, my dissatisfaction with J. Crew in the UK isn't limited to their prices.

They posted me a catalogue to announce they were coming to the UK. It was one of the mags that tries to target both men and women in one book, by having one of those flip it over and read it the other way (sorry, that's the worst explanation for that from someone who works in publishing. I cringe at myself).

Honestly, I wasn't too impressed. It reeked of 'trying too hard' and 'misreading your audience' or maybe they're after an audience that isn't me. Funny, I used to be their audience.

Firstly, the men's shop has a private men's entrance. Seriously? What is this the 1920s? I also found it vaguely insulting how much of the men's half was devoted to suits and what is clearly serious work wear, while the woman's side featuring girls looking, well, kinda flightly and frivolous. Where were the business women dressed smart in J Crew's quality clothing? Oh wait, that's right, the suits and serious stuff is for the men, you girls can have some cute colourful outfits to suit your silly personality. Hmmm..

Overall, I'm not impressed.

How about you?

Pantone colour of the year: Emerald Shoes

Given that this year's colour of the year from Pantone is emerald and just so happens to be one of my favourite colours, thought I'd do a series of posts featuring this lovely shade.

Today let's look at shoes!

J Crew - miri midheel suede pumps (link)

Banana Republic - Ashley bow ballet flat in mojito green (link)

H&M - ballet flats in dark green (link)

Hunter - original green wellies (link)

New Balance (link)

Puma - glyde low in mint leaf (link)

Converse - Chuck Taylor all star in greener pastures (link)

Sperry Top Sider - AO Pumps (link)

Ugg Boots - classic short sparkles in jade (link)

Luciano Barachini -  Celia (link) 

Paul & Betty - gorly (link)

Personally, I'm lusting after those Luciano Barachini sandals. If only we had the weather here to justify me getting them! I wonder if they're comfortable too. 

Will you be wearing any green on your feet this year? 

Ready for summer swimming thanks to J. Crew

Okay, for my American visitors this may not be too exciting, but for everyone else, hold on to yer hats.

J. Crew is currently offering free international shipping, free international returns, duty-free shopping now through 30th April 2012. Plus, you can shop in your local currency.

Amazing. Just what I needed. To spend some money at J. Crew!

Well, one thing I did need was some new swimwear. My last few swimwear purchases have been £6 bikini sets from Primark, which I have to say I have been pretty impressed with, but I have been a even longer fan of the swimwear at J. Crew.

The more I swim, the more I can induldge in treats, like my favourite biscuits/cookies - double chocolat au lait from YokuMoku.

 Actually I'm off to London today to see L'Arc~en~Ciel at the O2! I am so excited. I have always wanted to see laruku, and never imagined in a million years that I would *in London*! I thought I *might* see them one day in Japan... but wow. Anyone else going to see them? 

It was hard to find a good clip of my favourite Laruku song from its release - Niji (Rainbow), the clip quality isn't brilliant, but hopefully the beauty of the music still comes through. 

And cos I love them so much, here's another song - Anemone with English subtitles. Enjoy! 

Spring has sprung, time for some new clothes!

It's really spring here! We have warm and sunny weather. I really hope it stays around.

With it comes a tide of new spring clothes!

Yes, I know, I need more clothes like I need a hole in my head, but I couldn't *not* share this!

J. Crew is currently offering free *international* shipping, free returns, and duty-free shopping!! By *international* they mean anyone outside the US. So I've just ordered a few things... looking forward to it! Unfortunately taxes were not included but added at checkout. I didn't really get this, in the UK taxes are included in the price, and when I shop duty-free here, that means there's no tax, so it's 20% less...  oh well. It's still an amazing offer. It's available from now until the end of April 2012. If you're a fan of their clothes, check it out!

I also got an email from Abercrombie & Fitch with some gorgeous lace dresses that I have to share as well. Aren't they lovely?!

 

I really don't need any... but oh, how I want one or two. ^.^

Have you made any spring purchases?

J. Crew catalogue lust-afters

So my moms is in town visiting from the US, so I've had a few days holiday. I don't know if it's the time of year or what, but I just couldn't get it together to book anything, so we just hung out around the homestead. She brought over a J. Crew catalogue for me to browse. When I lived in the US, it was one of my favourite brands, so I love looking at their stuff. Here are a few items I saw in the catalogue that I am loving! 

I love deep dark and bright green, and this toggle coat in cashmere-wool is simply gorgeous if you ask me! I totally love it. I so want it. >_< At $325 US though, I'm probably not going to get it. However if I happen to see it in the Xmas sales, well... then this baby is all mine!  

My next choice would be these gold Biella penny loafers. Again, not for the fainthearted at $248 USD, but they sure would look lux on! 

My last choice would leave Dorothy jealous! These red Mona glitter pumps are unreal! Sadly since I started writing this blog, they've also disappeared from the website! I guess everyone snapped them up! I imagine there's no place like home when you're rocking these pumps with a black dress! 

The mother is very thoughtful indeed. Although sadly she didn't have the foresight to buy me any of the above mentioned items, she did bring some awesomeness my way in the form of a bumper supply of Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate, which is the bestest hot chocolate ever! She also brought me a haul of nail polishes that I'd ordered (including the much awaited Chanel Peridot!). I order them in the US because it's soooo much cheaper than in the UK! Reviews and swatches to come!