I had my eye on the Dark chambray swing skirt (Item 90972) for ever. Imagine my delight when I saw it in the sale section last week for just $19.99 plus shipping. Naturally, I bought it immediately (not even caring that I had no "free shipping code" to apply to the order).I just received it today and... so disappointed! Besides the skirt color not being as dark as in the photo, the skirt hits above the knee (20 inches long). The picture with the model wearing the skirt, clearly shows the skirt hitting below the knee. I naturally called J.Crew's customer service (which by the way, the menu prompt is now different) who told me that the skirt is in fact suppose to be 20 inches long. She also told me that she was surprise to see how short the skirt was in-person as well (since her friend has the skirt).
I am strongly considering returning the skirt. I thought it looked cute/classy below the knee. However, I think it looks a bit too "young" above the knee (especially when I am 5'8 in height).
For those who have this skirt, what is your impression? Were you disappointed or delighted with the skirt?
Hi Alexis... I wanted to let you know that I received my Dark Chambray Swing Skirt yesterday, and was also disappointed, as well. I do think it is cute, but I must say I am glad that I only paid $19.99, as I don't think it would have been worth the $85 original price. The picture is deceiving, as the model's skirt hits at her knees (with heels on) which made me think it would be a little below my knees, as I am only 5'4", but it actually hits above my knees. I ordered the size 4 and it is a little big in the waist, which means it sits further onto my hips, thus making it a little longer. If I had gotten the size 2 then it would be even shorter...just not what I expected. Mine is not as full as the picture, either...maybe if I iron it that will help? Overall...cute skirt...not what I expected from the pic, though...glad I only paid $19.99...but frustrated that if I return it I will be out my $5.95 shipping...I wish that J.Crew would also refund shipping when the website pic is so deceiving.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you're talking about! I swear those J Crew catalog models are about 5'4'' tall. Everything looks longer, including the bermuda shorts. I'm 5'9" and they look strange on me. I bet the skirt is very cute on you even though it's shorter than you imagined. You're young and can get away with it, you're supposed to wear shortskirts at your age!!!
ReplyDeleteFabulousFloridaMommy: I am so happy you caught this post! I bought a size 6 but was thinking if I bought the size 8, I could have gotten the skirt to be a bit longer!
ReplyDeleteThe picture is, as I think you accurately describe it, deceiving! I even have the February 2008 catalog with a different model (a blonde) wearing the skirt, which shows the skirt to be below the knee too!
I can't believe the skirt hits above your knee too! The customer rep at J.Crew stated that it was suppose to hit "at the knee" but clearly for both of us, it is "above the knee."
I also am debating about returning it because I would then have to absorb the shipping cost. (Just like you!)
What did you think about the color of the skirt? Was it as dark as you thought it would be?
Kirbydog- thanks for writing that we are young!
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe how different the picture looks than in person!
5'9 is tall, I am sure it is even more difficult for you to find the proper length in clothes.
Incidentally, I don't even bother wearing shorter shorts (unless I am at the beach) anymore. Depending on the locale (beach versus the office), I think they look too short on anyone over 5'7 and over the age of 25.
Hi Alexis...the color is not nearly as dark as I thought it would be, either. I am overall just really not pleased with the skirt at all, and will probably end up returning it, as I don't really see myself wearing it... I'd rather be out just the shipping charge than the entire purchase price, too.
ReplyDeleteFabulousFloridaMommy, thank you for letting me know about the color too! I really thought for awhile I was sent either (1) the wrong skirt (because there is another chambray skirt that is lighter in color from a past season) or (2) a petite version of the skirt.
ReplyDeleteBut after reading your experience with the same skirt, it sounds like that is the way it is suppose to be.
Too bad, I was really looking forward to this skirt. It looked so pretty in the catalog. :(
Could you imagine if we had paid the $59.99 "sale" price?
I'm sorry to say this but I'm actually happy to see that the skirt is shorter than what is seems to be on the model. Because I am only 5'3", I always have trouble finding skirts from Jcrew that hit me at my knees--they are usually either too long or too short.But I do agree that if the color was as dard as the picture shows, it would have been nicer.
ReplyDeleteA site note, today I found that the Kate dress is only 19.99 now (originally 98). Unfortunately, they are not in-stock at this moment, so I had to plac an order for its waitlist :(
Hi Crystal! Well at least someone can benefit from this skirt being a bit shorter than expected. :)
ReplyDeleteHowever, I should still warn others that they might still have trouble with this skirt. FabulousFloridaMommy is 5'4" and I am 5'8" and we both found the same issues with the skirt.
In case anyone was wondering, I was told the skirt varies in length depending on size. For example, Size 6 is 20 inches long while size 8 is suppose to be 20.25 inches long.
P.S. Crystal, the Kate dress at $20 is a steal! Great find. :)
ReplyDeleteI have been disappointed in things that I have ordered via the website before that ended up fitting very differently than how they were pictured and described. I e-mailed J Crew with my complaint and they sent me a pre-paid label to send the item back - worth considering if you do decide to return.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm a bit worried, I actually just got this skirt this morning and like most of you am expecting it to be knee length...I'm 5'7 as well. Is the colour much much lighter than the pic? I might call in and delete the item from my order
ReplyDeleteI was also excited to see it appear at $19.99 this morning!!
Anonymous at 1:47PM: Excellent point about notifying J.Crew to get the pre-paid label.
ReplyDelete(When I did call them, I let them know why I was disappointed about the item: length & color not true to image. The customer rep even agreed with me!)
A: You shouldn't cancel as long as you are aware that the skirt will hit above your knee (not "at the knee" or "below the knee") and you are okay with that. :)
[I even steamed out the wrinkles in the skirt to see if I could get "extra" length- but still hits above the knee.]
As for the color, I think it is maybe a couple of shades lighter than the online image shows. It is probably a shade lighter than in the catalog image.
Sometimes I have difficulty finding the same items we are all talking about. (ie the Kate Dress)
ReplyDeleteAnother point to note: The Zoey Dress (and all dresses this shape this season) tend to fall a bit low on the chest line. However, the dresses are so comfortable, wear well, and are an easy fix at the tailor. The dress allows enough arm hole room to nip the top seam a bit bringing the front up just enough to no longer worry about overexposure! Overall opinion: These dresses are well worth the $90 (est) pricetag. Here is a link to one of the Zoey dresses:
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod93618173&catId=cat90221
or
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod93408161&catId=cat303192
PS I am obsessed with the Soey Eyelet, but refuse to pay $235 for a white summer dress!
To Alexis:
ReplyDeleteI can't seem to find the previous post with the description on how to incorporate links into the message. Please, can you kindly post another one?
Hey Alexis...I am SO glad I did not pay the $59.99 sale price...can you imagine having bought it at full price PLUS paying for shipping? Talk about adding insult to injury!
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that they are giving a prepaid return label, but I will be returning mine to a store, so I won't need it. What I DO need is for them to credit me the shipping I paid to get this "skirt of disappointment" TO my house!
BTW...my size 4 is 19.5 inches long...glad I didn't go for the size 2...would have been even shorter! I'm curious...do they think that for every inch your waist gets bigger that you grow an inch in height, and that is why they add an inch in length for each size up? Also...if the length is determined by the size, then that would make the model in the photo a size 14 or 16, and we all know that that is NOT the case at all.
Hi, Can't comment on the skirt b/c I haven't seen it in person but I honestly didn't like it when I saw it the first time. Looks frumpy to me. Just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteAlso, even though I am 5'10and 30 something I wear JCrew and other sporty nylon shorts all summer long...every day that it is warm enough (upper 60's on up) during the day, to pick my daughter up from school, etc. I try to walk (exercise) as much as possible whenever I have a free moment....when I did teach I has summers off and while I love skirts and wear them too...shorts are my uniform. Plus, my best assest are my legs...as long as they look great...will show them off!
Shannon, Thanks for the info. on the Zoe dress. I ordered the aqua blue color but have yet to see it in person. I think the same style (Zoey) was used for the school of fish dress I ordered too...It looks like the perfect dress for my figure and summer weather back in the good ole USA.
ReplyDeleteHi Slastena! The code to display a link is: Click here
ReplyDeleteFabulousFloridaMommy: I am sure if we call them and explain the situation, they might be willing to credit us back the shipping. After all, we both purchased under the pretense that the skirt was longer and darker in color.
I also find it interesting that your skirt was shorter than the 20" stated in the description. I don't know how they come up with that. Excellent point about the models being tall (and most likely a size 0) and clearly not wearing a size 14. Although, they might have pinned the back of the skirt for all we know! :)
Jagjag2: It's not that I don't like shorts, I do. :) But there is a time and a place for shorter shorts like the 3" inseams. However, I see 7"-11" inseams being worn almost any wear (including the office).
Alexis, thanks!
ReplyDeleteTo all: thank you for sharing opinions about chambray skirt- I seriously considered bying it. Glad I did not!:)
fabulousfloridamommy- If you would be willing to sell the skirt, I would love to buy it from you! I'm only five foot one, and most of their 'knee length' skirts end up being a frumpy mid-calf length on me. If it's a bit long on most people, it would probably fit me perfectly!
ReplyDeleteWow! If anyone is disappointed enough with their skirt that they would like to sell it, I would be keen to buy it from you! I'm a size 6 and it would more than just make my day if I could get one of these skirts as they are all sold out online. =(
ReplyDeleteMy email is lisa-marie@shaw.ca. Thanks!!
Hi Jennifer! I don't mind selling it...it's going back to the store anyways. :) I just need an email address to contact you at to get specific details.
ReplyDeleteAlexis: Is this ok with you? It is YOUR site afterall, so I don't want to do anything that would go against your rules.
FabulousFloridaMommy: Thanks for checking with me first, you didn't have to. :)
ReplyDeleteYou can do whatever you like since it is still independent from this site. I wish you good luck with the possible transaction! :)
Hi Lisa-marie! You should check J.Crew daily for the skirt. Just today, they had the skirt in size 6 available. So it is very possible they will get more soon. When I bought the skirt last week, it had a wait listed date for July. The next day it was listed as "ready to ship." So I am sure you will be able to get the skirt through J.Crew. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Alexis... Just wanted to let you know JCrew is offering an additional 20% off items in the summer sale. Yippee! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Alexis and everyone, I understood your feelings when you get something different from what you expected. But don't worry. Your case is not the worst one. My order was not shipped but the price ($99.00 for Porta Jacket) was charged... J.Crew rep said that my order was not shipped by mistake and the item was no longer available... Also email reply was sooooo slow. I hope that J.Crew improves customer service.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, I feel your pain! So sorry that happened to you!
ReplyDeleteLinda,
Thanks for the heads up! This blog is not good for my credit card.
Hi Alexis and FabFLMommy,
ReplyDeleteDon't know if this helps or now but short skirts, even some fuller ones with a light crinoline (sp? I am running on 3 hours sleep)--all hitting right above the knee are ALL they are selling right now in the UK. You guys are up and coming in fashion. I have bought several of these type of skirt and I do like them.
PS I meant to type: helps or NOT. sorry:( I should proof read....
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fashion style update Jagjag2! It is good to know what will be hitting our stores in the US soon. :)
ReplyDeleteOk Alexis...here is my latest update on this skirt: I received my backordered, yes I said backordered size 6, yes...I ordered the 4 AND the 6 because I wanted the skirt so badly that I needed to make sure it fit without selling out. Anyways...if the skirt were to actually fit me properly at the waist, I would wear the 0 or maybe the 2, BUT...it would be a MINI at that point. The size 4 falls right at the top of my knee, which is wearable, but NOT my preferred length (I like skirts that fall right below my knee or lower) and the waist hits at my upper hip. Now the size 6 sits on my hips and gives me the desired length which falls just below my knee, and since I like to wear clothing lower on my hips anyways...it works out well. I tried it with my cap-sleeve cashmere tees and it looks really ADORABLE both with a heel and flats. It's also cute with 2 layered tanks and my Jackie Cardigan, as well. I think I will keep the size 6, as it actually fits me like the picture looks, just not in the waist (which will be covered by my tees/shirts anyways). Weird, though, that I had to size UP several sizes on this one to get the right fit length wise...just glad that it doesn't end up looking too big in the hips by sizing up...it's actually more slimming because it is a true drop waist this way...and since it is supposed to be "full" anyways, it actually works! Maybe if you were to try a 10 instead of your normal 6 you could achieve the look you want, as well. Anyways, it IS cute when it fits like the picture shows. :)
ReplyDeleteFabulousFloridaMommy: Thank you for the update. I was thinking about ordering a size 8/10, but didn't know what to do. But I think I might now. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update Fabulousfloridamommy! I ordered the skirt in a size 14 b/c it was $19.99 and I really really wanted it even though I normally wear a 10/12 in j.crew. I figured that if it was a bit loose, I'd just wear it a bit lower, no problems. I'm glad to know that sizing up worked for you. I was a bit apprehensive when Alexis first posted reviews for this skirt but I'm looking forward to getting it now. Will update when I receive it and get to try it on!
ReplyDeleteI am also looking forward to trying it with some cashmere tees! :-)
You've really quelled some of my fears! I was worried it would be above the knee and I prefer skirt lengths at the knee if not lower so hopefully this will work for me!
Hi a! I'm glad my post helped you, and I hope the skirt in the larger size will work out for you, just like it did for me! Can't wait for your update! :)
ReplyDeleteFabulousFloridaMommy: I just ordered the size 8 today (for $15 plus shipping). I would have ordered the size 10 too, but that size wasn't available.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that the size bigger will work out for me. Thanks for letting us know it worked for you! :)
Hi Alexis! I hope the skirt works out for you, too...I really do like it now that it is longer and fuller (like the pic)! :) Let me know what happens!
ReplyDeleteThanks FabulousFloridaMommy! I am hoping the size 8 will work for me. But if I see the size 10 online in the next couple of days, I will purchase that as well. I will follow your strategy: get all the sizes and choose the one that best fits me. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is too bad J.Crew didn't size up the sizes it offers for this current skirt. It would have made things a lot easier for all of us!
FabulousFloridaMommy - I tried to email you through blogger, but I don't think it worked. Anyway, I was able to find the skirt during the 20% off sale yesterday! It's a 2 rather than a 4, which I'm a little worried about given your sizing/length comments - but we shall see. :)
ReplyDeleteJennifer: do you mind telling me how you send an email to a person through Blogger. Unfortunatey, I don't know how. Any guidance would be appreciated! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer! I'm so sorry I didn't get the email from you! Is it supposed to come to my regular email address? I assumed that you were able to get in in the 20% off sale, and that is why I didn't here from you. ;) I hope the skirt works out for you...you can always call later to see if they have another size if the 2 doesn't work out for you, and they will ship it to you for free, since it is an exchange. I have a feeling that they will be around for a little while, since the sizing and pic is off, and they will probably be receiving alot of returns. GOOD LUCK! :) Let me know what happens!
ReplyDeleteHi FabulousFloridaMommy! I just wanted to let you know that I bought the Chambray skirt in size 10 today. So I will wait next week to see which of the two (size 8 or size 10 will work best for me) and then return the ones that didn't fit.
ReplyDeleteAgain, thank you so much for letting me and everyone else know that this skirt needs to be sized up from the normal size we wear. Great advice! :)
Hi! I purchased the skirt quite awhile ago at it's original cost. I had to have it shipped to me because it was backordered at the time. When i finally received it i was extremely disappointed. I ended up returning it and buying a new outfit =)
ReplyDeleteHi Lisaa320! Sorry to hear the skirt didn't work out for you either. Were you disappointed by the color or the length?
ReplyDeleteHi Alexis! Glad you could get the 10 as well as the 8...it will give you a better chance at getting the fit you want! :) Be sure to post when you get it and tell us what you think.
ReplyDeleteFabulousFloridaMommy- I will definitely let you know which one of the two works for me.
ReplyDeleteAfter you told us how the skirt worked for you (and looks like it does in the catalog) I can't wait to get mine in the mail! :)
Thanks again for figuring out the skirt's true sizing.
Alexis and FabulousFloridaMommy - apparently you can't send comments to an individual through blogger, or else I just don't know how to do it! When I posted my original comment on this post, I checked the box that sends follow-up comments to your email address. So when I got the comments from each of you in my inbox, I tried to hit reply. It put 'username@blogger' or something like that in the 'to' section of the email, so I assumed it had worked... but we all know what happens when you assume :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer for letting me know that you can't send individual comments. :)
ReplyDeleteAlexis,
ReplyDeleteI returned it because of the length. I am petite measuring a whopping 5'2" so you can imagine how ridiculous it looked on me. But for $19.99 i would totally have kept it!
-Lisa
Hi Lisaa320- Too bad it wasn't the right length for you either! It really is a pretty skirt at the end of the day (just needs an additional 3 inches!) With the new price of $19.99, would you consider getting a bigger size like FabulousFloridaMommy suggested?
ReplyDeleteOh totally! =)
ReplyDelete-L
Hi Lisaa320: Too funny! Well hopefully you got the skirt in a larger size and it works out.
ReplyDeleteJust to let the rest of you know what I ended up with... I kept the skirt in the size 8. I ordered both the size 8 and size 10, in addition to the original size 6.
Unfortunately, the size 10 was too loose for me to wear. I think because I am actually a size 4/6, that the size 8 worked out fine. Also, neither skirt (size 8 or 10) fell below my knee. However, they both hit at my knee (which looks a lot better than "above the knee").
So I am happy with the skirt now that I ordered up a size. Again, I want to thank FabulousFloridaMommy who figured out that this skirt is not true to size and gave us the "heads up" to order up a size or two. Totally great advice!!! ;)