Best Picks from the J.Crew Final Sale

Jan 10, 2013

 

1. Double Cloth Symphony Coat ($139 + 30% off) // 2. Tissue V-Neck Tee ($14.99 + 30% off) // 3. Lia Mid-heel Sandal ($119 + 30% off) // 4. Dodo Case for iPad ($59 + 30% off) // 5. Biennial Satchel ($238 + 30% off)

Today, we’re having a bit of J.CREW overkill, but it’s one of the few mid-price retailers that sells stylish, professional pieces.  And having made a few regrettable mistakes over the years while shopping their famous 30%-off Final Sale, I wanted to share my strategy for getting the most bang for your buck because no one wants to feel the sharp sting of final sale regret.  

One. In my opinion, coats and outerwear are the best buy.  Well-made coats that are usually priced at over-$300 can be had for just over $100 in some cases.  And since it’s January, you can still get a few weeks of wear before you pack it away for next season.

The coat above is lovely, but if you are in need of a warm, basic winter coat, I own this Lady Coat with Thinsulate and it can be yours for around $160.  A great deal.  

If you need a short coat, this Majesty Peacoat is around $150.  And if your basics are already covered, this bright pink coat with a bow and this belted wool coat in mint, lavender, red and black is also fabulous.

Two. I sleep in cotton t-shirts.  I wear them to work out, and just lounging around on the weekend.  So if I can pick up a few in neutral colors for around $10 per shirt, I stock up.  

Three. If you know your size in J.CREW shoes, you can pick up some lovely things on sale.  The strappy sandals above would be great for the springtime.  These printed flats would be adorable with jeans, and these double strap Mary Janes would be fantastic for work.

Four. I have a Dodo Case for my iPad, and I love it.  It provides a bit of electronic camouflage and makes your device look like any other old notebook, so you can carry it in public without drawing unwanted attention.  And whether you like bright colors or neutrals there is a case for you.

Five. Handbags are great because you don’t have to worry about them fitting properly.  I own this satchel in red and it is fantastic.  The pockets are perfect for organizing all of the things you need to carry to work, and it has a simple, clean look to it.  The sale also includes a to.die.for handbag with a leopard flap.

Shopping the J.CREW final sale is an art form, but if I could leave you with one final piece of advice: Don’t buy anything that you are not 90-percent sure will fit.  If you need to, go to the store and try it on.  Otherwise, you might get stuck with a lemon.

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  1. JulieY says:

    I love the Lady Day Coats but even with the Thinsulate I do not find it warm enough for the coldest winter days in Philadelphia. I would definitely be interested in suggestions for a winter coat to go over suits/bulky sweaters (other than a puffer). Thanks

  2. ww says:

    What percent wool is in the jackets?

  3. B says:

    Oh Belle, I must crush this at-work shopping habit. But I just picked myself up a Petite Majesty peacoat in pink (vintage berry?) for $150, including shipping. YES!!

  4. Shannon says:

    Picked up the Tippi cardigan in pink and some t-strap flats, which isn't bad for $100 and a bit of browsing.

    If anyone is looking for great loungewear, I swear by my J.Crew featherweight cashmere tunic. Most comfortable article of clothing I've ever owned. It's a looser fit, and it's bright orange, so it's not appropriate for work. But my tunic, paired with leggings and a drapey cardigan, has seen me through plenty of lazy Sundays and long car trips.

  5. gigi says:

    Has anyone seen the pink coat from the post in person? Is the color is too bright/loud to wear to the office? That is the only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger…!! It's such a good deal.

  6. I know many times the website will yell FINAL SALE NO RETURNS at you multiple times while shopping the sale, but if something comes and you really hate it (fit/quality/etc), you should be able to return it to the store.

    I used to work for J.Crew, and I can not think of a time where we didn't accept a return–even Final Sale items. (Someone once returned several pairs of pants from 2005!!) Unless you get a mean SA, just be incredibly polite, explain why it didn't work, and they should process the return for you. Or if it's a fit issue, you can ask to swap sizes.

    Unless something has changed in the last few years since I worked there, they're pretty polite about returns.

  7. Molly says:

    Agree with Tierney — the Georgetown store is particularly great about accepting final sale returns, and for customer service in general, even though their actual sale selection in store is not great. I got sniped at on F St once, but told them I'd talked to someone on the phone when ordering and they said I'd be able to return it (stretching a mostly-true story).

  8. amanda says:

    I just tuned out a training meeting/workshop because that coat was too good to pass up. I needed a new one, and that green is simply gorgeous. Thanks for posting. I would have completely missed this sale.

    Love, love your blog.

  9. Kay says:

    I saw a woman wearing the Lady Thinsulate coat walking around the hill a few days ago… definitely caught my eye! what are your thoughts belle? too “loud”? or a statement?

    I have a black, long kenneth cole coat, and would adore something bright and fun (hey, I'm 23). Should I stick to the aqua or green?

  10. KVC says:

    I like this, but having seen it in person, the light fabric is so thin that it's completely see through. I would say the same of the tissue tshirt, you will be able to see skin/bra//belly button. Ugh, I wish they would replace the poor Old Navy fabric to something more substantial. Who wants to wear layers with a tshirt or sleeveless shell? No thanks

  11. CS says:

    Although I do love a JCrew coat, beware that the buttons are often not sewn on well. I usually have to end up re-enforcing them with heavy-duty thread within a few wearings, but otherwise they wear well for years.

  12. Laura says:

    I absolutely love J Crew but after all the horror stories about ordering online Final Sale items I'm a bit skeptical. If I can't see it in person from J Crew and it's Final Sale I just don't buy it. I've known some people to get some sketchy items e.g. previously worn. I just don't take that chance but for those who do it and win….more power to you!

  13. Jennelle says:

    I LOVE J.Crew, and shopping their final sale IS an art form, like you said. I've been eyeing some of those coats to replace my current well-worn J.Crew dress coat, the last couple times I've gotten the Final Sale email. My only hang up is the coat I have, while it's kinda boxy, doesn't fit well over a suit jacket. It doesn't seem to be big enough in the shoulders. Do you have any suggestions for dress coats that can be worn over a suit? I've never tried going up a size, but I was thinking about doing that. Do you have any advice?

  14. AR says:

    @JulieY – I lived in Chicago for two years and I swear by my Add Down coat (I have a knee-length version of this https://www.shopbop.com/nylon-gloss-icon-puffer-coat/vp/v=1/845524441953389.htm?folderID=2534374302065941&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=12867). Yes it's a puffer but the fit is really flattering… the coat actually has a shape without the belt and doesn't make you look like a marshmallow. I actually get compliments on it all the time and my gray version looks really nice with dresses and suits. It's the best wardrobe investment I've made in years.

  15. nicci says:

    Belle, I am so drawn to the Bienniel Satchel. I am an over-the-shoulder work bag, girl, though. Is this more of a handheld bag? The handle measurement seems a bit short. Can you comfortably wear it on your shoulder? Thank you!

  16. Phoebe says:

    Jennelle + Julie: I've found that J.Crew's Stadium Cloth Cocoon coat fits over a suit. I purchased my normal coat size. It's exceptionally warm. Stadium cloth is even warmer than J.Crew's coats with thinsulate.

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