I find that I'm typically better off ordering J Crew stuff online. I can take my time to browse without pressure and this store seems to have trouble keeping items in stock. You can't count on something you saw in the catalog to be there.

A few times I've walked in with this attitude, "Hi, I need an outfit for 'x' so just pick something w/accessories and it costs what it costs." You'd think that would open up all sorts of doors. Well it winds up in disaster every single time. I'm not a picky person and like most everything in the store. Whenever they put it together I never look catalog worthy at any price. It's....awkward. And then I feel guilty for taking up their time and not buying stuff. Or I buy it and then return it.

When I'm on my own, I can typically try stuff on quickly and pay quickly. I can even return stuff I bought online quickly. This is what keeps me coming back to the store.

For some reason, my kid hates this store. I can't put my finger on it because she happily shops with me elsewhere. :)