This gets complicated, but here’s what you need:
UPDATE: Thanks to ari in the comments. Code VIP is active through tomorrow and gets you 30% off and free shipping no min. Plus, for now, it looks like you don’t need to click through your Factory First email to see the goods.
“Factory First” is an email database that gets 24 hour early access to J. Crew Factory’s newest arrivals via email clickthrough. The day before new Factory items go on sale to the general public, “factory first” members get an email heads up, plus the option to buy them first if they click through to the site through that email. And there’s often a discount in play
The latest Factory First email blast went out this morning. This time, it’s a new crop of fall + winter ready stuff. Plus, they’re offering an extra 30% off all the Factory First members. No code necessary.
No code necessary? That means you can use that 25% off Gilt City code from last week… right?
30% off $248 = $173.50… 25% off voucher applied to $173.50 = $130.12
Yes indeed, as of post time, you can. In theory, you MIGHT be able to grab a Gilt City voucher + sign up for Factory First today, even if you haven’t done either in the past. Maybe. You just have to wait (and hope) for that email from Factory First that allows you to click through and see the new stuff.
Now, all this hoop-jumping might be moot tomorrow if J. Crew Factory runs a site wide 30% off no code necessary sale, but as of right now, today, this seems like a somewhat worthy pursuit. Here’s some picks. Prices reflected here show the 30% off Factory First discount + usage of a Gilt City voucher.
Thompson Suit Jacket + Pant in Wool Flannel – $208.60 ($426)
Thompson suit prices have gone up. $426 retail is steep. Suitsupply steep. BUT… nobody pays retail at Factory. Low $200s for a well fitting flannel suit seems more than fair. Who knows how thick the fabric will be. Probably not that thick. Guessing it’ll have a brushed feel to it like a flannel shirt, but this one is wool/viscose and should see use on extra cold days this winter. All speculation here though. Was $223.50 w/ the voucher. Drops to $208 with the VIP code.
Lambswool Crewneck Sweater – $26.60 ($54.50)
100% lambswool. A basic for fall and winter. Six different colors to pick from including a brighter green and that orange-ish “clay” Was $28.50 with the voucher. Drops to $26.60 with the VIP code.
Lambswool Dotted Shawl Cardigan – $47.95 ($98.00)
Hoodie alternative #15738. Carries the dot trend seen this spring and summer into the fall. Sidenote: $98 retail for a J. Crew Factory sweater? Ouch. Prices might move around a little (Factory seems to have done that in the past), but that’s steep compared to previous prices. Was $51.38 with the voucher. Drops to $47.95 with the VIP code.
Mock Neck Lambswool Sweater – $36.40 ($74.50)
Hoodie alternative #1573…9. Factory actually calls these things henleys, but they’re sweaters. They sold a similar version last year and it’s the perfect blend of tough lambswool, a mock neck to keep the wind out, and no nonsense rugged looks. Was $39 with the voucher. Now $36.40 with the VIP code.
Thompson Wool/Viscose Topcoat – $121.45 ($248)
Hot damn. They made a Factory version of the J. Crew Mayfair (now called “Ludlow) topcoat. Not all wool, but a wool viscose blend. No word on how much of each is in there. Last year’s Factory “Walking” coat was a dud on fit, but here’s to hoping these are more dialed in. Description does say: “Designed to fit over the Thompson suit jacket/sportcoat”. 36/38/40/42 etc… chest sizing. Was $130.12 with the voucher. $121.45 with the VIP code.
For Her: Factory Wool Blend Pencil Skirt in Houndstooth – $43.75 ($89.50)
Pencil skirts. Damn. Was $46.88 with the voucher. Now $43.75 with the VIP code.
These items should go up for sale to the general public tomorrow, 9/12/13. Fine print on the email does seem to indicate these prices will stick through 9/17, but who knows if they’ll require a code tomorrow. If they require a code? Then you can’t use the Gilt voucher.