The Edit: J.Crew’s Summer Event

AMEN!

I’ll add… ebay! If you search for specific designers, you can find incredible deals. I’ve been buying a lot of second-hand Eileen Fisher on ebay lately. I filter for within the US, size, and price. From there, I see what tickles my fancy (and I look VERY carefully at the photos!)

or just check out local thrift shops. i learned so much about my style when i stopped buying new clothes. it also became way more fun. would love to share if the COJ team is reading and looking for a feature :)

I feel this deeply. I am about to be RIFd from the federal workforce and haven’t bought new clothes in months. It is shocking to realize how easy it has been to forgo clothes shopping (and when it is time, to only buy second hand except for socks/undies/sneakers etc). BUT. CoJ is a business, and they need to make money! Posts like these is how they do that. I won’t be buying but it’s a fun way to keep tabs on trends. Also CoJ has been talking up second hand a ton recently and I am here for it! Keep it up.

I feel this -I also want to chime in to say that there are some of us who are still purchasing from mega brands like J.Crew thoughtfully. Not only do I not have $400 to buy a locally made pair of pants…I also don’t have $400 to spend at J.Crew. I’ve got $100…so I’m choosing those pieces carefully. Of course, this is not how everyone shops. Over-consumption is DEFINITELY a thing. But also, some of these mega brands allow us to stretch our dollar as much as we can…and we’re still not overconsuming.

Maybe if we’re loving this blog and want to support it but not buy new clothes, join Big Salad?

Not all clothing made in China is made in unethical ways! Also, the technical prowess of Chinese and other foreign country manufactories is unmatched to that of the United States. Also – I think CoJ has posted about more ethically made pieces before and as I recall, people balk at the prices. If that leaves you in a stuck place like me: trying to avoid fast fashion and I simply cannot afford a $320 pajama set as much as I want to! There are so many great second hand shops. The Real Real, Noihsaf (the very very best!) https://leset.com/products/phoebe-pajama-set

I agree, pushing overconsumption seems incongruous with the tone of the blog.

Claire, I’m with you (as much as I’m able!) but every time a post (week of outfits, other links in style posts) mentions anything in the local, ethical fashion realm there’s always a TON of blowback about price. Not to mention that those are usually small companies with little or no ad budget. I doubt the Cup of Jo team is turning down requests for sponsored posts from ethical us-made fashion companies.

As someone who has designed, made and sold clothing in the US,off and on for decades, my own experience is that it is extremely difficult, almost (but not entirely) impossible. When one does, the prices one has to charge are very high, and the customer base is very small. There are other ethical concerns as well, and skilled labor (which is important) is crucial & difficult. Made even more so by recent events. J Crew has had their ups and downs, but I think they are more thoughtfully run than fast fashion. I wouldn’t put them in that category at all. If J Crew works for you, this is a great sale!

Everyone wants US-made until they actually have to pay for it. There’s a reason clothing production shifted to parts of the world where labor is cheap, because most people can’t afford $300 jeans. And those who do are seen as out of touch. Can’t win

I would categorize J Crew as fast fashion not based on where their products are made, but based on how very many things they make, how often they produce new things, and how often they are on sale. They are churning through product over and over and over throughout the year, increasing fashion waste and landfills. Clothing can be made ethically anywhere—but in terms of ethics we also need to look at our own consumption as well. How many items do we truly need? How often do we need a refresh? Why have four of the same shirt when you can just re-wear something several times before washing it?

Sure, would love to see more posts about minimalism and capsule wardrobes. The Beauty Uniform posts are great for this. Over consumption is an issue, but there are those of us that still need to find affordable, quality pieces for our capsule wardrobes. I appreciate that JCrew has petite options. I also appreciate that the sponsors on this blog feel well curated and it allows me to read this blog for free. Blanket statements about fast fashion and not being made in China not as helpful.

Caro — not all clothing is made unethically in China, but why are we supporting clothing made in China regardless? Do we want to support a country that forces people to work crazy long hours, 7 days a week? Please watch American Factory. Even “ethical” companies are unethical. I totally understand made in the US clothing is expensive. And I think it’s appropriate for people to balk at the price — but then, if you can’t buy it, don’t buy it. You don’t need to supplement an expensive, sustainable item with a fast fashion item from Zara or Madewell. Just don’t buy anything then. I ask can’t afford brand new made in USA items, but all of sustainably made clothes are used. I just don’t see why we need to keep supporting fast fashion companies period.

Victoria, if you need to find quality items for your wardrobe, I highly recommend eBay and Noihsaf! Everything I own is made in the US or by sustainable, ethical brands. I’m a teacher earning $50k a year — if I can do it, I think you can too.

Same! Found a jcrew men’s linen shirt on poshmark and I love it

Everything seems to be “cropped” lately!

I also bought that shirt and thought the same thing! The shirt was super voluminous and looked like I was wearing a tent. It might be cute on the A/B cup crowd?

Oh friends, do I have great news for you – something very similar to that easy travel shirt is actually available on Quince! And… drumroll please… it’s the full shirt!! https://www.quince.com/women/organic-cotton-gauze-short-sleeve-shirt?color=white&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__%2Fwomen%2Fshirts-%26-blouses__Shirts%20%26%20Blouses__5 I can’t speak to the fit yet, but I have a bigger chest and generally Quince shirts work well for me. Not to mention transparent and more ethical supply chain, lower price point and higher quality. I want to want to shop at J. Crew, but I don’t. The quality has decreased dramatically over the years while the prices just keep going up. I would pay full price happily for a J. Crew item from 2012, but nowadays, it’s a no from me.

I’m 5’2″ and the Quince shirt is nice and a good price, but I had to shorten it by several inches, just fyi.

Uggh, I feel you about the width. I’m lucky in recent years that everything is “cropped” – I’m really short, so that means it hits at a perfect length. The width, though!! It looks like a potato sack on those of us with an ample chest.

I bought it too and had to return. Incredibly unflattering. Don’t do it!!

That’s good to know because I have it in my cart. I love the regular linen button down so was going to try this one too. But I hate how cropped they are making some things lately.

So true! I’ve never understood why they added “Final Sale” to their “sale” merchandise. They’ll lure me in with a “New Sale Styles Added” email but it’s all Final Sale. Also the $7.50 return fee drives me a little batty but I’ve found that they’ll waive it if you are trying to exchange something and they’re out of your needed size. Bathing suit quality has noticeably shifted over the last couple of years. Otherwise, I’ve been in a very happy relationship with JCrew for probably 30 years. Classic designs, fair prices, reliable fit. Grateful for JCrew in all seasons of the calendar and in all seasons of my life!

Pro tip: if you return “final sale” items to a store, they just take them back. If you don’t mention it, they don’t mention it. :)

I have a big butt and a small waist and I also am very pro butt coverage with swimsuits! I can’t stand the cheeky wedgie feeling of most of the trending suit styles right now. Putting in my plug for the Left on Friday Weekender one-piece suit– I bought one last year and I love it so much! Looks great, feels great, and most importantly feels SECURE. I did a full day boat snorkel trip in this suit and it really held up and felt cute the whole time.

Janine, I think you are right on trend :). From Billabong: Sunrays Retro and freshly announced today by Seea: Rosita One Piece (for the moment not size inclusive but who knows maybe soon :)).

@Charlotte—thank you for the recs! I’ve been looking for something like this for years. Am giving that Billibong suit a try!