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.
code VIP will get you an extra 30% off entire purchase plus free shipping.
Well that’s something. Right-o then. Updated above. Thanks ari.
Good thing I just bought the searsport suits from ll bean backstock for discounted pricing! No more flannel temptation
Man, that’s a sharp looking Camel Coat. And the price is right too.
Not everyone has access to their outlets, and in the last few years (thanks to their debut of e-commerce) “Factory” has really become it’s own, nice, diffusion brand for J. Crew. Much more affordable.
Scam? Hardly. Factory clothes, while their “Retail” is hugely inflated, are a great buy with codes and sales. The Thompson is the best fused suit out there for around $200.
Junk? Nope. My favorite V-necks are their slim fit merino wool sweaters.
Based on the picture, the camel topcoat looks more of a sandstone color, seems too light to be considered “camel”. It looks like a 60/40 wool/viscose blend too.
camel topcoat is a nice find Joe. No man should be without one. Camel with a worsted blue suit is one bad combo. And if that flannel is remotely as nice as the ludlow flannels it is a great buy at this price point, although much more than this and i would pass
Anyone know anywhere to get a Fair Isle sweater in a tall size for less than $100?
Anyone else managed to sign up for Factory First today and actually get the email?
Unless I’m misunderstanding, you don’t actually need to sign up for Factory Firsts to see the items (there’s a link at top in the UPDATE section) and you can just use VIP for an additional 30% off and free shipping.
EDIT: nevermind.
Web pages generally don’t show color very accurately. I’m not saying the color isn’t accurately shown in this case, but there’s a strong chance the shade will be different in person. The same photo will look different depending on your screen, browser, etc.
So anyone have some insight on the fit of that coat? I’m typically 40R, slim build, 5’11 165lbs, but I wouldn’t be wearing this over a suit, just shirts and/or sweaters so I’m wondering if a 38R would be better.
I thought that initially too, but I believe that the Factory Firsts email just gets you to the item listing (with the as-listed 30% off). Joe originally posted using the LivingSocial/Gilt voucher for 25% off, but then ari pointed out that using VIP was actually better at 30% w/ free shipping.
However, if you can get that to stack with voucher… “damn” indeed!
Wish they had short sizes on that suit jacket.
If I had a girlfriend I’d buy her that pencil skirt and the sweater at the top. Yikes.
Just so I understand, if you use the VIP 30% off code, that negates the ability to use the Gilt City 25% voucher as well, right?
Got the email and did my shopping while I was still in bed this morning. Almost pulled the trigger on the topcoat, think I should wait for an in person or a review. Got a lambswool sweater in blue and the slim chinos in melted caramel. Was waiting for a good time to use that VIP code! JCF at 40%-60% off has to be the best price/quality ratio going.
All hail fall.
Correct. The 25% off Gilt City voucher is useless with the better 30% off VIP code.
Got the topcoat on the way for an in person.
Any idea how the chinos fit? I wanted the same but was afraid to pull the trigger
Awesome!
The slim fit is perfect for me. Slim without being to trendy for work. For reference I’m 6′ 160lbs, lean, no gym rat, and the calves are getting snug for me. The slim-straight fit is too baggy for my preference though.
Awesome, and the waist fits true-to-size? For instance I normally wear 31″ in Levi’s 514s, should I go for 31″ in these?
For slim I’d say so. My 32’s fit like my Levi 32’s. The slim-straight cords seem bigger in the waist too. I’d go down an inch in slim-straight.
Any know how do the fit of those lambswool sweaters compares to the others? I get the slim fit of the v-necks, but they don’t seem to do slim fit for anything else.
keep an eye on lands end. they don’t have one now, but they do carry both fair isle and tall sizes. they should drop new fall stuff soon, i would imagine.
hi everyone,
looking for any input on the slim flannel shirts.
http://factory.jcrew.com/AST/Factory/FactoryBrowse/FactoryEarlyAccess/early_access/early_access_913/Men/PRDOVR~92937/92937.jsp
I was able to stack the codes this morning.
Yea I’d really like to know what the length is like. Where does it hit, the shin or thigh?
It just came out yesterday. I doubt anyone even has one yet.
Outstanding! I bought. Both color options for the coat. Nice VIP….
Why you mad?
This is the only topcoat I’ve been able to find with a chest pocket under 150. That pocket gets stuffed with vintage opera scarves(and some cool ones from brooks brothers). I can do that with my other coats but they cost so much that I’m scared to wear them… a 6000 dollar brioni cashmere just hangs there… like moth bait. I recent moved to florida and, out of fear, have stored all my heavy stuff in space bags. I hope that fends of the “old” smell and moths.
Its a square deal for an everyday coat.
Picked up the houndstooth skirt for my wife as an early Christmas gift — she is an Alabama fan — thanks for the find, Joe.
Joe,
Is this a good option for a affordable navy suit?
http://factory.jcrew.com/mens-clothing/jackets_outerwear/sportcoats/PRDOVR~47226/47226.jsp?color_name=navy