"Thanks!" again to Slastena who shared with us the images of J.Crew's Spring Look Book (click here for post). Fortunately for me, I was able to pick up a copy of the new Look Book yesterday. When I asked why these Look Books were so hard to come across I was informed that (1) these Look Books are no longer being mass distributed by mail to customers, just to a certain few (like a few hundred customers), and (2) store associates are given a certain amount to share with their top and preferred clients (so there are not a lot available to share). (The only reason I got a Look Book was because the store associate had an extra copy left and took pity on me.) :)One of the items featured is the highly discussed Zebra Tee on page 6 (as shown in the image above). "Thanks!" to an anonymous reader who let us know that the Zebra Tee will not actually be available for purchase. Instead of a zebra, the design is going to be a fish. Apparently it was decided the Zebra Tee was not going to make it to production after it was included in the Spring Look Book catalog.
What are your thoughts on the Zebra Tee? Did you "love it" or want to "leave it"? Are you excited about a fish design instead? Do you think we might see the Zebra Tee in the sample sale in NYC? ;)
It's a unique tee, but I'm not sure I love the design of an orange zebra so much. Maybe the fish will be a nicer color.
ReplyDeleteI do not like zebra prints at all. I think they are awful and ugly (sorry to those who like it but to me ugh!) I do think the zebra tee though with the actual animal is cute.
ReplyDeleteI am a fish print fan so am excited to see what it looks like:)
Do J. Crew associates get paid on commission? What kind of incentives do employees have to keep the "certain few" happy?
ReplyDeleteYes, they get commission.
ReplyDeleteWhitley Kros designed quite a few zebra tees this past summer and spring. I also saw a bunch of "knock-off" zebra shirts at Forever 21. Maybe J. Crew cut the zebra because they want to be a little more original? Just my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI give the zebra tee a big fat meh. Its cute enough, so I don't hate it, but I couldn't see myself wearing it, and I definitely couldn't see myself paying $55 for it.
ReplyDeleteI am pretty so-so on animal prints generally, but they look cute in pastels, and I am really digging the new giraffe print stuff!
Hello, Paper Bag Princess! OT, but I LOVE that book, sent it to all my women friends, and tell it in classes when I'm "fracturing" fairy tells for gender insights.
ReplyDeleteZebra tee: Marketing psych suggests its appeal would be limited, compared to water creatures, so I suppose it all depends, for me, on the "fish" chosen. Once JCrew [appearing to know I benefit from visual examples] shows candy tees or critter tees with classy jackets and pencil skirts--I'm ready to take them to the classroom, any lecture, traveling (to bright my mood waiting to airplanes (redundant), and, of course, shopping ...
I really like the tee! I think it would be great over a swimsuit or as a summer pop-on. I am hoping maybe a few will pop up at the sample sale. :) The shirt faintly reminds me of the Banana Republic tees from the 80s with the map on the front and the large animal on the back. My older sis would wear them and I remember coveting them as a kid.
ReplyDeleteThe tee is OK, but you pretty much have to wear it untucked, which limits the wearing for me. Not that I tuck everything, but I wouldn't wear an untucked tee over a skirt typically.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping the fish will be in a shade of blue or blue-green.
I like the zebra tee, although I would not have purchased it in white.
ReplyDeleteI'm not picturing a fish tee as being cute, but I'm still hopeful I'll like it since I love J.Crew's tees.
Professor, interesting. I wonder what would makes the fish more psychologically appealing... more tranquil and 'beachy' I guess!
ReplyDeleteha ha, yes The Paper Bag Princess is required reading for all IMO! I send it to all the young girls in my life! I once dressed up as PBP for Halloween - a pretty easy costume to put together actually!
You know - when they first started producing these fancy lookbooks I had my PS preorder stuff - then I found out that half of what I wanted wasn't actually produced, or was made differently than pictured. I realized it was pointless to preorder, that I might as well wait until the day things were released then order....I actually think the zebra tee is cute and doubt I will buy a top with a fish. I hope most of the other things in the Lookbook are made...otherwise it is just a tease
ReplyDeleteA:)
lately i find myself kinda "over" graphic tees in general. if i buy one, i get it from threadless.
ReplyDeletei look forward to seeing the new spring clothes soon!
OOh, I am actually disappointed as I really wanted that tee exactly as pictured.
ReplyDeleteare you sure they won't have the zebra tee available at all? An anon in the topic about Spring Collection said the stores will get them in April. I want one :) I like pink color and it looks good on me.
ReplyDeletei'm not a fan of this zebra tee for myself. it looks cute for the catalog picture but i couldn't see myself actually wearing it out...and it wouldn't work for wearing under a cardi with the color peeking out at the chest because the graphic wouldn't show. i am a huge jcrew graphic tee fan but i'm taking a break from them for now - i don't love the current one...the candy tee's were the last ones i purchased. i just bought a few of jcrew's plain tee's in neutrals like white, stone and champagne (ringspun and perfect fit) when i realized i was lacking in these basics. i hope the next round of graphic tees is better ;).
ReplyDeleteroxy: i had one of those BR map tees in the 80's! i loved it and wore it so much!!
I got the lookbook, because I am special! But really, don't be envious, because I spend an ungodly amount there...
ReplyDeleteHate it, the design on the bottom of the tee is is not flattering for some women who have hips or flab on the stomach.
ReplyDeleteThe zebra is cute but I did not plan on buying it. A fish sounds less appealing. I prefer tees with interestingly framed text or floral tees. Not so much into animals
ReplyDeleteIf you had a flabby stomach, that would be cool to wear with the zebra tee, because then there would be a 3-D version of the zebra...I'm going to pound several chocolate cakes to try to achieve that special effect...
ReplyDeleteOld Navy has a (somewhat) similar tee for $14.50. It is white with an orange anchor in the same position as the zebra. It gives the same graphic pop of color as this, with a little less childish appeal. I refuse to spend $50+ on a t-shirt, when there are so many great ones out there. And there's always Delia's crazy fun tees...
ReplyDeletewoo hoo, sign me up for the 3-D zebra diet!!
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say, I am willing to suffer for fashion. (:
Hilarious about zebra pouch.:))) Girls, you are ruining it for me, I really want that tee. Please, stop!!:))))
ReplyDeleteI'd think there's a chance that it'll be at the sample sale. Forgive me if I decide to snatch one up. :p
ReplyDeleteI loved the Zebra T. I would have bought it for sure.
ReplyDeleteThe great thing about the Rose T was that it was abstract-ish, especially when it was on a body. I love animals more than just about anything, but I'm not into wearing something so overtly representational. I also agree that the placement of the Zebra is in a weird awkward place on the shirt.
ReplyDeleteJ Crew should have a Flower Series of T Shirts using the the same scale and placement on the shirt that the Rose T had. I would definitely buy a Lily T or a Peony T. can you imagine a Peony T in that jasmine pink color? Ring me up!
Most of the associates are not on commission. But some are personal shoppers and they get paid on commission. I asked once because I wasn't sure why they asked who helped me. She said if it's the name of one of the personal shoppers they get the commission.
ReplyDeletegosh, unlike many people here, i really like the zebra tee. maybe i just have terrible taste--or it may be my inexplicable fear of fish. :) in any case, i think it's too bad that they aren't producing this one, because i'm definitely not going to go for a fish tee.
ReplyDeleteI like it too! I think it's cute and would be even better in different colors. I'm not so sure about the fish tee though.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Slastena! I liked the zebra tee and would have bought it! I'm anxious to see the fish tee, too!
ReplyDeleteHuh? I don't think anyone said they AREN'T producing the zebra tee. In fact, someone on the Lookbook thread said that their SA told her it won't be in the retail stores until April. The Anon above only warned that not everything in the Lookbooks are actually produced, NOT that the zebra was definitely one of those items.
ReplyDeleteAm I reading the comments wrong?
I used to work at J. Crew and I just want to clarify that the only associates that work on commission are personal shoppers. For regular associates, sales are monitored, but they only get commission if the sale is above a fairly large dollar amount.
ReplyDeleteThe tee is "cute". But I think it's more suitable for a crewcuts kid than an adult womann, that's just me though. I swear I've seen something similar at Gymboree or Gap Kids. Perhaps it's the pink design...maybe if it were black and white and more abstract???
ReplyDeleteAnon at 3:58 PM: The person who shared with us this info clarified that the item, the Zebra tee specifically is not for sale because it didn't make it to production. I hope this helps. :)
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know when the store /online will get new items?
ReplyDeletebtw the old navy graphic tees this season are made of the same ringspun material (this can be good or bad) bc they look amazing on and have a wonderful texture but don't last too long. i personally love this tee, way more than the candy tees. :)
ReplyDeleteI like zebras. I do not like this tee. The graphic reminds me of a sweatshirt I wore when I was 10 or 11, only the zebra was black. Not a fan.
ReplyDeleteNot sure I understand the logic in putting out a look book meant to entice shoppers and then have it be apparently full of things that won't actually be for sale. From what I've read now on this blog, neither this zebra tee, nor the flower pins, will ever be available...
ReplyDeleteI like it. Not worried about flab or whatever...however, not for $55.
ReplyDeleteI just got the Old Navy anchor tee. It does look alot like the JC zebra tee (similar fabric and look). I plan to style it somewhat like the model in the JC lookbook. I like it because it has the nautical look without being too "sailor"ish. Way better price. :)
ReplyDeleteAnon;
ReplyDeletethanks fo te heads up about ON tee. I ordered few- they are cute
Later in the look book, there is what seems to be the zebra tee in black on gray, peeking out from under a jacket i think. I like that one WAY better and my SA seemed to think it would be available. I wear a lot of gray so that is far preferable to any pinky colors, for me.
ReplyDeleteCan someone please describe to me what CERISE looks like? Is it orange or red, or a combo of both? It looks different on every item, I swear!
ReplyDeleteThanks for any clarification!!!!
Maggie May, good catch, now I can see grey zebra too :)
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 10:55 - I believe the orange Victoria cami is labeled "cerise" by JCrew. That should give you an idea of what they consider "cerise."
ReplyDeleteI don't really like this tee, but I don't really like zebra patterns in general. :) I'm sure it'll look great on other Aficionadas!
ReplyDeleteI like the zebra. I'd get the zebra--Once the zebra goes on sale. I think the zebra graphic would distract eyes from my slight tummy if I wore it untucked, as it's not big enough to make the zebra go 3-D. I'm interested in seeing a black on gray version of the zebra, but not really interested in a fish version.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 10:55, cerise usually refers to bright or deep red but JC seemingly uses it loosely - see below items:
ReplyDelete1. Victoria Cami in Cerise (Orange)
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/shirtstops/camisblouses/PRDOVR~99742/99101635296/99742.jsp
2. Merino Lili Cardi in Cerise (very bright orange red IRL)
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/sweaters/merino/PRDOVR~10000/99101606083/10000.jsp
3. Watercolor Crawford Cami in Cerise (unmistakenly red):
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/shirtstops/camisblouses/PRDOVR~10022/10022.jsp
4. Sanibel Crawford Blouse in Cerise (nothing bright of any sort IRL):
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/shirtstops/camisblouses/PRDOVR~10586/10586.jsp
:)
This tee is childish, when little kids see you wearing it they will say Look Mom it is a Zebra, how embarrasing! and you had to pay $50.00 for it.
ReplyDeleteSeriously?
ReplyDeleteAm finding a $55 tee that looks like it could be from Walmart ridiculous.
I'd rather spend my money on quality, adult pieces.
I liked the zebra tee, but would not have bought it at full price.
ReplyDeleteThere are some shops in my neighborhood that sell screenprinted shirts by local artists which I prefer b/c there are fewer produced, so they're more unique and edgier, and it's still cheaper than a jcrew printed tee.
anon @10:55,
ReplyDeleteit appears that jcrew is equating cerise (which means cherry in french) with safety cone orange. It is really bright (although a little darker orange than the candance jacket in sweet orange from last summer).
Maggie May: The tee on page 24 of the lookbook is the tee I was considering, too. It appears as if it might have some sort of sequins or beading on it, as well...very cute. I sure hope it makes it to production! :)
ReplyDeleteI loved it. I wanted it. I get so ticked off at J. Crew for showing things that aren't available. Why should it be harder to print a fish than a zebra? Thank you for letting us know.
ReplyDelete^It's not about how hard it is to print..it's a choice to go forward with a different design--thus the zebra prob WILL be at the sample sale if the info that they aren't making it is true. Sample salers--be on the lookout:)
ReplyDeleteI think loomstate did a tee just like that a few years ago
ReplyDeleteTo answer the query when Spring items will be arriving: my B&M SA told me that the first installment arrives *in stores* on Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know the current commission rate for J.Crew personal shoppers in April 2012?
ReplyDelete