Solid Leather Opera GlovesClick here for product page
Item 98621
Regular: $130.00
Oh my! How formal of J.Crew to offer a gorgeous pair of opera gloves. I am loving the colors (fresh mint, black, dark cloud) and the buttons along the side. However, the description could use some work as it is a bit bland: "Opera-length leather gloves. Leather-covered button detail on wrist. Unlined. Import." Every time I read it, I think of Seinfeld's Elaine (who worked for the J.Peterman catalog,) who could write something a bit more captivating. ;)
Now this is one of those items that I absolutely adore in concept, but will not purchase. Besides the price being expensive for me (but acceptable for high quality leather gloves), it is also an item that I will probably never wear. There are not a lot of occasions that call for me to wear opera length gloves. ;)What are your thoughts on the gloves? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? If you do "love it", do you think you will order a pair of these gloves? And if you already have, please let us know what you think! :)
P.S. As shown in the image above, there is a green version of these gloves. Yet this color is not offered online. Do you think the green pair will be offered later this season?
$130 for gloves? I think these are a tad over my budget. Cute, if I lived where there was snow...but useless b/c it's hot where I am. (TX)
ReplyDeleteGreen may not be available. I think that's a "show piece". :(
Leave it.
ReplyDeleteErm, my comments weren't very coherent so I apologize for the deletion. I just got back from a very luxe wedding and am afraid that I am TWI. (Attire, Janey Cotton Cady dress in Azalea, eBay $79, Gwendolyn satin t-strap sandals in azalea, eBay $29!!!!)
ReplyDeleteI have wanted leather opera gloves ever since my high school best friend, since deceased, beat me to the bin at Goodwill in 1983 and snagged a very similar pair. So, these were emotional must-haves for me even though they are an entirely unnecessary item, sartorially speaking.
I have two justifications, however. First, the chocolate Agnes top coat I got last year has bracelet sleeves, so longer gloves were somewhat in order. Second, I have subscriptions to two opera companies, so I can justify on name alone :-)
I ordered these with the 15% off coupon this morning so I will have to report back on the quality. I am somewhat dismayed that they are unlined. Ugh, room spinning, better take an ibuprofen and go to bed before I buy more.
Kinda an off topic question, but does anyone know/recall when the coats will usually go on sale? I want the Felicia coat so badly (I click on it at 2am every single day) but I can't justify $285 and shipping fees (I do need the petite, sob!)
ReplyDeleteUm, but back to Opera gloves: Unlined for $138? Pish.
The gloves seem like the perfect special occasion item - to wear once. Seriously though, for $130 i'd expect a little more versatility from my clothing.
ReplyDeleteAnd... I've been to the opera (granted, they were all in Ohio - Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati) And for all the very well-dressed ladies in attendance, I have NEVER seen anyone sporting opera gloves *at* an actual opera.
The gloves are really pretty, but not worth the price, IMO. I also really don't like the picture of the green pair with the blue Astrid...the glove in front looks all distorted and rubbery, like a pair of green *dishwashing* gloves...I really think they could have done a better job with that picture.
ReplyDeleteFFM, I thought almost the same thing when I saw the photo - I thought, "that woman shouldn't be cleaning toilets in such a pretty jacket!" :)
ReplyDeleteFFM: You crack me up! Firs thing I thought of when I saw ht photo was PLATEX LIVING GLOVES!!!! HAAAAAA :D
ReplyDeleteFFM
ReplyDeleteYeah, I was wondering what those gloves reminded me of! Those playtex living gloves commercials from back in the day! Hilarious!
I don't know where I would wear them. Definitely, as others have said, they are a statement piece (and are another piece that seem inspired by early 60's fashion, ie Mad Men).
Unlined gloves for $130...that is crazy! I bought some really nice black ones last winter for $40 that were unlined...that is more like it...
ReplyDeleteahhh, love them. although i think i would buy anything from jcrew in that dark cloud color, i am obsessed! perfect if you have a bracelet/ 3/4 sleeve coat like hexicon.
ReplyDeleteOT- opinions on the san telmo jacket? is it really light or more sturdy? are the sleeves truly elbow sleeves or can they be longer on a petite person? TIA!!
Last spring I was in the Coach outlet store and bought two pairs of similar but better quality and lined opera gloves. They were marked down from $285 to $15 each and I could not resist! I have several shorter sleeved coats so I look forward to wearing them this winter.
ReplyDeleteJCrew ones are not lined and I have not seen them in person. So at $130..it is a leave it for me.
Just for comparison sake, I checked out a couple of the glove shops in Florence while I was there and one, Madova, had basically the exact same gloves in about 12 colors plus a choice of lining (silk, cashmere) for 90 euros, which works out to about the same price as J.Crew's with the exchange rate. So, long story short, definitely leave them.
ReplyDeleteI love gloves, love, love, love them, in all lengths: From the short ones that snap shut at one's wrist to long ones like these. However, this particular pair, it does make me nervous they aren't lined, especially given how far up one's arm they need to go.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read your review, Hexicon. I have several bracelet-length jackets, too, and think they look so classy with longer gloves.
mom-nyc: Wow, what a deal you got. At that price, I'd have bought every color in my size. Markdowns that low, I think, are a great opportunity to experiment, because I know I wouldn't rue it all that much if I never wore something bought for $15...:-)
OK - Granted I'm not the target demographic for this but Opera Gloves? To me this is where J.Crew is reaching just a bit and $130??? I'm willing to bet they'll be in the sale bin at $59.99 within 6 weeks....
ReplyDeleteGood to know I wasn't the only one who thought the glove were for dishes. I remember seeing this photo for a fall preview and wondering why J.Crew would put plastic gloves with such a beautiful jacket.
ReplyDeleteI expected opera gloves to be satin or velvet and go with an evening gown. Maybe I'm missing something here.
Alexis, Please do your next love it or leave it on the JCrew bug pins...there are 3 different designs...I don't know where to begin with them!
ReplyDeleteI actually think these are gorgeous, and can't wait to read Hex's review. BUT I also thought the exact thing that FFM did when she first saw them with the Astrid in the early photos of the fall collection - why do they have the model with cleaning gloves on? Are they trying to be coy or something? Definitely not a good photo...:)
ReplyDeleteI also wondered why they had dishwashing gloves with their jacket! :) These are a leave for me, even if I did live in a climate that required them. Those that don't need lined gloves, don't wear them enough to warrant this price; those that do wear gloves a lot, need lined ones. IMO
ReplyDeleteHexicon: I think it is very sweet of you to buy these in remembrance of your friend. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Konosur: The coats that come out now (in the season) I find can go on promotional sale in September/October. I think November is when we start seeing them in final sale. :)
FFM: I laughed at your comment about the green gloves because they do look like dishwashing gloves! ;)
Melissa: The San Telmo jackets have a nice sturdy fabric to them- perfect for the fall. They are also nicely lined on the inside. They would also fall to your elbows, even if you are petite. :)
Mom-NYC: $15 for Coach gloves is a real find- congrats!!! :)
Douglas: I think you might be right about these gloves being on sale- I don't think these items well sell too well because very few people (including myself) need opera gloves.
Anonymous at 10:21PM: You may be interested in the "J.Crew Pins: A Tad Overpriced" post. I think some of those pins could be made by summer camp kids for $5 (in material cost). ;)
It is a very unfortunate picture, that's for sure. J.Crew would have been better off showing them with a sleeveless dress and with a bracelet or two for effect.
ReplyDeleteKater, did you make it to the factory store yet? I haven't been able to go yet - think I might do it Tuesday or Wednesday instead of this weekend. Would love to hear if you found anything, though :-)
alexis: thanks for the information on the coats! I want to buy a classic peacoat, but since they come out every year, I KNOW they will go on sale (I just didn't know when.) =) I just wish they had made a pretty red color like last year.
ReplyDeleteKatherined: If you can wait that long, the best deals on coats are usually online starting Christmas day. I remember last year there were still tons of Bella coats, as well as lots of other amazing coats, marked down pretty decently.
ReplyDeleteKatherineD: I love J.Crew's classic peacoat!!! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a gamble on when to buy winter coats. I should know, I have about 7 J.Crew Winter Coats in addition to all the other season coats I own. I bought the J.Crew Sybil Coat last year for almost full price (and it was backordered). A month after I received the coat, the coat was slashed drastically (half off). I was so upset that I didn't wait a bit longer. But you just never know if the size/color you want will be available. I also know that in January/February, J.Crew offers the *best* prices for their winter coats. I bought my Bella winter jacket last year for about $150, and saw it in January for around $80. (Again, I was bummed out that I didn't wait longer). :)
Since I am writing so much, I am thinking that maybe winter coats should get its own post this week? :)
alexis, i love the winter coat post idea! i am in love with the lady day coat and soooo disappointed that it doesn't come in camel this year. oh well, maybe later.
ReplyDeleteI remember that someone was looking for the Paintbrush floral Belle ... I saw some yesterday in the Liberty Place store in Philadelphia. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteMelissa: on the San Telmo - I am somewhat petite, although not a true petite, but I have short arms. I found the sleeves on the San Telmo to be longer than elbow length, and honestly that detracts from the aesthetic IMO. The fabric is nice and sturdy, so it does sort of puff out a little at the elbows for me after I bend my arms. It's kind of a nit-picky thing, but it bothers me. If it you don't think it would bother you, then nevermind ;)
On the opera gloves - I feel like the least J.Crew could have done is line them. I think they are lovely and elegant, but come on with the lining.
Melissa: I love the lady coat! (I have the one in brown with the belt from two years ago.) :)
ReplyDeleteI will be sure to have a winter coat post for tomorrow. :) I do love J.Crew's winter coats! :)
la belle: I went to the outlet store yesterday, and believe it or not, didn't buy a thing! I think I mentioned this somewhere else, but the prices are truly outrageous. I thought there might be some deals given the email sent around about a labor day sale, but there really weren't. And I know it's completely psychological, but I feel like the outlet should be significantly less than what things were selling for last year. And they just weren't, even if I used my student discount.
ReplyDeleteI still love some of the stuff, which I'll list below, but I just couldn't pay the prices. I live pretty close to one right now, so I've vowed to just try and wait it out.
the herringbone bellas: they have these in camel, the gray (B&W herringbone) and the reddish color. They were 178, with 25% off. Even with my additional 15% off for being a grad student, it would have been about 130 with tax. I just couldn't do it! I almost did, because I love the camel one, but when you can get it for cheaper (albeit 10 dollars cheaper) from the lady from the phillipines on ebay, it just didn't seem right. It was truly hard to do, and I thought about it for hours afterward...but...I really want to get it for no more than 100.
dani peacoat: I also love this, but it was 198 with 40% off. I had to size down by 2 sizes. Again, I'm waiting for the price to come down. The quality seemed good (they also had red and black), but I couldn't pay that price.
They also had a tweed pencil skirt that was pretty cute (can't remember the price), versions of the sherpa lined hoodie that felt wonderful (59.50 with additional 30% off), and the jumper with the ruffle from last year that came in gray and black, but is only in black at the outlet (59.50 or so with 30% off). I liked all these, but just couldn't justify the prices. Again, it was psychological...:)
The store was packed with merchandise though, so I'm really hoping there will be a better sale soon. I might have to settle for another color on the bella as the camel seemed to be the most popular, but I guess I will live...:) Does anyone know - does the outlet get new merchandise as quickly as the retail stores, and then mark things down as quickly as well?
Sorry this wasn't more encouraging la belle! Maybe you should wait on your trip? I'll be happy to keep everyone posted on prices, as the store is literally 10 minutes away from where I am doing research right now...
sorry also for the long post!
FFM: I thought the same thing too!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I know this is OT, but I can't remember where we discussed this to begin with. I was talking to the special occasions folks on the phone the other day and they said they only made two of each size in the twinkle tweed and there is a crazy waitlist for it. :( I'm both simultaneously sad (I probably won't get it, even though I pre-ordered!) and okay with it (it's a really pretty dress but I live a more casual lifestyle). So. :)
Also, I was surprised to hear they only made two of each size! That seems like not at a lot at all.
ReplyDeleteMelanie: I am with you in that I am surprised J.Crew would make two of each size. I wonder why marketing told them to produce such a low figure?
ReplyDeleteashley and alexis: I'm happy to know that a) the peacoat is a great piece and b) that it will go on sale. Although I can't wait until after Christmas (I need to start wearing winter coats in November) it's good to know that the best deals are after Christmas. Two issues, however:
ReplyDeleteI tried on the XS in stores, and the sleeves were almost too short. They didn't reach above my wrists, but I prefer my sleeves a bit longer. I didn't try on a S, but I'm afraid that it would drown me. I thought the tall sizes might have longer sleeves, but they don't come in XS.
Also, I really do not like this year's colors. No offense to anyone, but the orange, blue, and purple don't go with every piece in my wardrobe. If I already had a basic coat, then maybe I could go for something more out there. I had a black coat last year (plus everyone has black), and I'm not a fan of the brown colors. The white is so classic and pretty, but I'd probably trash it after wearing it everyday. If anyone has the white color, can you comment on how quickly it gets dirty?
Also, I ordered three sweaters from last year (the pictures didn't show up) for $110. The argyle vneck, and two cambridge cables. I also used a free shipping code - we'll see if/when they come!
KatherineD: I hear you about needing the coat for the winter. I would suggest waiting until the mid to end of October- I am sure the coats will be on promotional price by then. :)
ReplyDeleteI have found some of J.Crew's coats to be an inch or two short on the wrists as well. :) Instead of sizing up (which the extra size wouldn't flatter me too well), I decided to just keep gloves in my pockets.
I also never understood why the tall sizes didn't come in XS. There have been many tops that I wanted from J.Crew in Tall but found no XS as a choice.
As for colors, I can understand about not wanting some colors. However, my sister in law has a beautiful winter coat in burnt orange that I absolutely adore (and would have never considered until I saw her wearing it). I think if you own a black coat, then a nice color but still neutral is navy. I have the stadium coat in Navy and its a wonderful coat. The only issue is you can't wear navy pants with the navy coat (because then it looks like a uniform). But wearing jeans or any other color pant is fine.
I also own a winter white coat (from Banana Republic a few years ago), and let me tell you its one of the coats I receive the most compliments on. I actually had several people stop me on the street to ask me about my coat. It also doesn't get dirty (but I am also careful when I am wearing it). I would suggest white to anyone because it is a great color that looks great on anyone.
Okay sorry about the long post. :)
I love the mint version of these gloves! They are definitely a statement piece. I wouldn't pay $130 for them unlined, but if they go on sale or I see them on Ebay I might buy them.
ReplyDeleteI have very small hands, so any hesitancy I might have would be the fit; think they make them for crewcuts? ;)
Thanks for the information, alexis! I agree about the gloves - if it's cold enough to wear a coat, you'll need gloves anyway! I also agree about the tall sizes - I guess they figure there isn't a large market for those sizes =(
ReplyDeleteUnless J.Crew comes out with a red color in the peacoat (or I see one on ebay) I'll probably get the white and just be careful with it. I think white, like you said, looks so elegant and pretty. I can always dry-clean, right? =p
Alexis: I think you and I may have the same winter white BR coat fro a few years ago! I also get tons of compliments on it every time I wear it. However, I try to only wear it for special occasions since I don't want it to get ruined. But that's just me. I have Murphy's Law going on EVERY time I wear anything white, I always get tomato sauce of wine on it! I think I become a magnet for it when I'm in white! :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I finally caved and bought the Wool Tuesday Trench in Navy for fear of letting the ps 20% expire and missing out on the coat in a petite...I have NO will power! Anyway, This is my first coat in Navy and wondered if it would go with *black* pants? I know we're seeing the two colors paired together more and more these days (ie sequined chiffon ruffle cardi, which I have and love) But what about in separates, will it work as well? TIA!
Sorry, I also noticed something else while I was comparing two old catalogs of mine. The classic peacoats in the September and Holiday catalogs are different in terms of colors.
ReplyDeleteSept: Ivory, Black, Heather Charcoal, Pony Brown, Roasted Pepper, Honey Glaze
Holiday: Ivory, Black, Heather Charcoal, Navy, Heather Surplus, Dark Poppy
You know they're going to come out with the perfect red before the Holdiays - and its not going to go on sale until January =(
I only own one JCrew winter coat in camel and it has held up through 5 MN winters beautifully although I do wear my LLBean parka mainly:) I do own it in a Tall.
ReplyDeletewinter white coats...I have always wanted one and worried about the "dirty" factor too...I just bought 2...one this past winter late in the season....March that is wool with a funnel neck and one in July that was drastically reduced to $18!!! It is beautiful with a lined hood...it may be a bit more creamish white. Anyway, buy a winter white coat on sale so you won't worry about it is my advice.
Sorry - off topic - but I'm sure many of us went out this weekend and got one of Belle skirt on sale. What are you going to wear with the Atlantic blue skirt? I can't wear yellows, so all I'm thinking is neutral colors. Any great ideas?
ReplyDeleteargyle: if you're on polyvore, slastena ("j crew chick" on polyvore) put together many outfit ideas with the belle in blue. You should check it out.
ReplyDeleteargyle: sorry, it's "jcrew chick"...no space in "jcrew".
ReplyDeleteargyle: since you can't wear yellow or orange, then try pairing the Atlantic Blue bell with Gray, Navy, White, Cream, Green, Rhubarb and also with the Rich Purples that are out this Season. I think your Heather Mushroom Tartine could work if you wore a white tee or tank, the skirt, cardigan, and then gold metallic or neutral colored shoes and gold accessories.
ReplyDeleteThanks FFM and weab - great ideas! I also jumped on the bandwagon and ordered 3 jersey knit tanks!
ReplyDeleteKater,
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the details! I loved that Dani peacoat in yellow, so I'm definitely going to try it on at the FS.
That's rotten that the prices are so high, though given the regular store's penchant for mark-ups, I suppose the FS would follow suit. Let's hope the Factory Store has a sale soon - and that it isn't a final sale. I just resent the dickens out of those. And why is the early Fall stuff already in final sale - what happened to the regular sales?
Aaargh! What if the coats goes on sale and then my size is out? What if it goes on sale and the color is out? What if I bought it now and then it goes for half-price? I hate how companies toy with consumer minds. I wish I had more willpower... or more money, then it wouldn't be a problem... I think.
ReplyDeleteKonsaur: I usually buy coats at the end of the season to wear for next season. J. Crew always ends up having an awesome selection still left at the end of the year; plus there are still new styles to be unveiled! Just be patient, and I'm sure you will find a fabulous deal on a fabulous coat. I guess it's easier for me to wait though, since I don't even get to wear coats until mid-December, and that's a conservative estimate. Remember, as popular as Sybils were last year, there were so many of them left in a billion differnt colors at the end of last season! As for me, I will look forward to getting some wear out of my beautiful wool pique Gramercy coat in Bright Alpine that I picked up last year.
ReplyDeleteKonosur: oops, I just realized the real spelling of your name! I apologizing for calling you "konsaur", as if you were a dinosaur :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, that Twinkle Tweed Dress is perfection. The fabric is delish! I want one! Doesn't look like I'll get one though.....Sad, because it is a spectacular cut, and one you don't see very often. I think there is a huge demand for the type of sophistication this dress conveys, as well as a strong demand for sexy flattering dresses that are not low cut. This dress speaks to an older J Crew customer, who have no problem dropping 400.00 on a dress.
ReplyDeleteI saw the orange Lucille today. It is very bright/borderline neon. I think it will eventually go on sale.
I never even saw that twinkle tweed dress, and now that I have I want one :-) I can't even get a size to show up, though, on the website, so I'm sure it's a lost cause...
ReplyDeletela belle helene and anon: I know! I first saw it when they announced the September new arrivals, so maybe 2 weeks ago? It caught my eye right away. I was debating whether to get it and watched all the sizes disappear within hours, so I called up from the red phone to pre-order. I doubt I'll get it, even though I pre-ordered when it first came out. The associate made it sound like they took pre-orders before it was even available online and that there was a huge list for it! Sad. :(
ReplyDeleteArgyle, I bought the same skirt and have tons of ideas, probably more then I'll ever need.:)
ReplyDeleteCheck my ideas here :
idea1
idea2
idea3
idea4
idea5
idea6
idea7
idea8
Hope it helps!
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm missing something, but how did those people know about it? I don't recall it from the August catalogue, nor September ... and since you ordered hours after it appeared on the web, how was it already waitlisted? That just doesn't seem fair to you (or those of us who take a whopping two weeks to find out about it) ....
La Belle Helene: I wasn't too sure too. Thinking about it, maybe some Personal Shoppers pre-ordered it for clients? Or something like that. They never said anything, the lady I talked to just said there were 2 of each size and there are "no guarantees" I'll get one. When I ordered it from the red-phone, all the sizes were gone except for 4 and 10 at that point, I think. It sounded to me like they hadn't yet finished making them, as they had to fill out a form for my pre-order. So I don't know why something would be "available" online but I'd still have to pre-order it if I called it in. I feel like I could have stepped through the entire checkout process and it wouldn't have told me the item was waitlisted. Has anyone ever had that happen?
ReplyDeleteAlso, they said they'd be inputting it late last week but it still hasn't gone through. So who knows? :)
Sorry for the long-winded explanation but hope it helped!
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteMaybe that's what happened - under any circumstance, I hope you get the dress! What a fab find.
It is odd that sometimes items that are brand new still get waitlisted very quickly - like J.Crew sold the eggs before the chicken hatched them, or whatever that saying is... :-) I just mean that they should make sure to have a good supply in stock before offering it :-)
Quick fyi: I don't know if this has been mentioned, but the "As Seen In" portion of J.Crew's site has been updated =)
ReplyDeleteArgyle, I just caught your line about yellows. You could substitute any of my yellows for a neutral or another bright color: turqoise, green, bright pink. It would work equally well.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, that twinkle tweed dress is absolutely stunning. If not for you link, I would not even have known it exists.
ReplyDeleteHope you get it. I think last year there was a lot of hype created around cashmere taffeta Bal D'Hiver dress. And guess what, it popped on one morning sale 3-4 months later in every size for a fraction of a price. So, there is hope.:)
I should be happy. Content. Peaceful. Everything about tonight is perfect. The limousine. The five-star dinner. The private balcony. Pagliacci.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm not happy. I'm not content or peaceful. I'm empty. Incomplete. Naked.
Something's missing.
I close my eyes and breathe deeply, searching myself for the reason, the source of this emptiness, this feeling of complete inadequacy.
And then it happens.
A tap on the shoulder, and I look up. My companion holds the answer in his hand. My favorite J.Crew Solid Leather Opera Gloves in Fresh Mint.
He smiles confidently and says, "I think you dropped these."
ha elaine! that's hilarious.
ReplyDeleteOT, what do you all think about the possibility of the bags going on sale? i am in love with the jamie but as someone stated before in the post on that bag, there's no way in hell to justify $500 for a jcrew purse. but seeing as how it's part of the jcrew collection, is there any liklihood that it will make it to sale?
katherined, thanks for the heads up on the updated AS SEEN...fun to look at...
ReplyDeleteAlso, FYI, the Sept. catalog is online...Yeah! (I have only looked at the one Alexis posted so it was nice to "flip through" just now:)
If you could only get one of these jackets, which one would you get? I can't decide...please help:)
ReplyDeleteFloral Astrid
Snow Leopard Simone Peacoat
Plum Astrid
Thanks:) Ann
I would get the Plum Astrid. Not only have people on this blog given it some very positive reviews in that color, but you would get more versatility from it since it is a solid color. I personally have it in grey and think it is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteann: I would personally pick the Floral Astrid...it is actually on my wishlist right now. I hope it is still available in my size when it gets marked down in price. :)
ReplyDeletehexicon: I wore my mother's white opera length gloves in my very first beauty pageant so I too have a sentimental love for them! :)
ReplyDeleteFFM: What would you wear the Floral Astrid with? Just wondering. Also, did you see my answer to your question? :)
ReplyDeleteI'd get the plum Astrid or the snow leopard Simone. That latter one is especially fabulous. I think eiher one of these jackets would look divine with jeans, or a black skirt...a lot of things, really :-)
ReplyDeletep.s., Anon, I notice the plum astrid has bracelet length sleeves. You know what that means: Long gloves :-)
ReplyDeleteI have long black leather gloves!
ReplyDeleteAnn
jcrewjunkie: Yes, I did see your answer about the Orange Lucille...I must admit I was hoping it was a softer orange. I really want to get the Lucille, but don't think the Spicy Mustard will look good on me, and I already have too many Bright Flame colored jackets, so I think the Orange is out. I really wish it came in a different color than just those two.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Floral Astrid...I like it with a white tee or tank and jeans (like the model in the pic), but think it will look really fabulous with a turtleneck and pencil skirt or navy pants this Fall. I also think Winter White, Charcoal Gray, and Slate Gray will be pretty to wear with it, as well. I would like to see it in person in order to actually know the shades of the white/ivory/light pink on the ruffles...then I would be able to give a better opinion on shirts. It looks as if the rhubarb and guava colors might work with it from what I can tell from the picture. I think it will be so pretty for the Holidays and parties, too! :)
ann: I also like the Snow-Leopard Simone Peacoat...the detailing on the back is beautiful. It would also look fabulous with your black leather gloves.
ReplyDeleteI think you need to decide if you want something very colorful and feminine or in basic black and white, but in a beautiful pattern and shape...it's a tough decision, since all 3 options are very beautiful. In my decision making I try to figure out wear/when/how I am going to wear each piece, and choose the one that gives me more use and options. :)
Normally, I am very good at making decisions but I am so torn...thanks for all the good advice...It would help if I could try them on but I don't have a store nearby and to make a long story short...what I order will be what I keep--as I am moving.
ReplyDeleteOh decisions...I am very girly and my favorite color is purple, I love the ruffles and the red color too and I had thought of the holiday option for wearing as well...on the other hand, I own no animal print items at all and I LOVE snow leopards and was thinking of trying something different...hmmm...I know it is just a coat but I have birthday gift cards...
ReplyDeleteAnn
this is OT, but I just noticed that the price on the Stephanie dress is now $128! It was originally $98 on-line and $128 in the store! Geesh Jcrew, make up your mind!
ReplyDeleteOT but a note of happiness: I had been on the fence about ordering the Jacinda jacket in black in XL, but I took the plunger last week and it will be here tomorrow. I am glad I didn't wait for a sale as this color and size combo is now sold out!
ReplyDeleteMy dream cardi in eggplant came and my husband gave it an 8.5 out of 10. As others have noted it does seem to run a bit big but the XL feels more comfie than the L I tried on in store. Also, the eggplant does not seem as itchy as the grey. I have another one coming, too---same size and color combo---the one that showed up Friday was the original order they "lost" and now I can't cancel the back-up order as it is now in a released/open state and will ship soon, along with a grey Belle skirt that was a back-up order for a canceled order! My poor husband will making at least one trip to the B&M to do the returns for me.
Coming tomorrow is the Jacinda, the cord skirt in grey, and the denim pencil skirt. Also this week I should be getting a Belle skirt in rhubarb, but CS would not give me the extra 40% off as he said it was not final sale---so I take that as my option to return if needed (even the conf e-mail only notes the other two items as FS)! I was able to get the 40% off on some other things (Avery sweater in papaya, and a tank for my toddler).
I also went by the B&M the other day as I had to do a return at Anthropologie and they are right by each other. My store had a ton of the Belle skirts in rhubarb and blue. I live in Tucson so if you are looking for them, give this store a call. They also had a lot of the denim pencil skirts and cord skirts. I did try on a few things they had in stock in XL---a sweater dress (not for people with any kind of a pooch), a white tee (that was very sheer), and a Belle skirt in a 12 (a 14 would be much better fit-wise).
While there I talked to the PS who basically told me she could not help me out much since my size (14/16, XL) is not carried in the store. She said she mainly works with people who are size XS, S, or M. She also said my store only gets one size XS with each shipment so those go fast, and she holds them back for her clients. She did say she would work with me but that without my sizes in store it would be only as someone I could call to help find things. I was kind of bummed but until the store starts carrying my size I guess I am relegated to online shopping.
I do prefer this blog:)by far...but there is an interesting review of the JCrew orangy/reds at the other JCrew blog...
ReplyDeleteJacquelin, I am the same size as you (plus size 11 shoes), so my in-store shopping is limited. I work with a very nice online PS named Rachel, if you want to try that route.
ReplyDeleteRe: the gloves, BR had long leather gloves last year for around $100. They were marked down after the holidays to $40. Since the economy is even worse this year, I imagine we will be able to find these on sale later in the winter.
ReplyDeletejacquelyn,
ReplyDeleteIt might be worth it for you to shoot off an e-mail to J.Crew about your situation - I think it's ludicrous if stores don't carry xl. Plenty of shoppers need a bigger size, especially with J.Crew, which tends to run small across the shoulders in jackets and such.
Either way, it doesn't sound like you're getting the same service as others, which I think is wrong.
I hope you love the Jacinda :-)
On another note, despite having two stores near me, one of which is in a very luxe mall, I'm still frustrated at how many things I'd like to try on but aren't in stores, especially party dresses and so many of the jackets.
cass, I looked and looked for those BR gloves after seeing them in Instyle but I could never find them...even online...I really wanted them:(
ReplyDeleteThis is OT, but I have to relate my experience. I visited my b&m and had a great sa (my regular sa wasn't in this morning). I LOVE the paintbrush belle skirt, but just couldn't justify spending 98. I know it's gone online, but I'll have to wait. Maybe I can still find it somewhere later this month. I had to use the red phone and I had the worst cs ever! First off, she told my sa that what I wanted was in stock, then 15 minutes later during my conversation with her, one of the items was suddenly gone. :( And, she wouldn't do a find it for me search since it was a sale item (although my sa promised to call stores to try to locate it - so far, no luck). So, one item was final sale and I was to get the 40% plus my 15%. Well, she put me on hold and when she came back about 10 minutes later, she gave me my order number. Then, I had to ask for the total and it was about 20 more than it should have been. Oops, she "forgot" to give me the 40% and she charged me shipping for both items! So, of course, since the order has been submitted, all she can do is submit a case for my refund. So ridiculous! Now, I'll be charged the first amount as soon as the items ship, but the refund could take up to 2 weeks. NOT happy! Total time spent on the red phone for 2 items - 30 minutes. I must have been her first call ever.
ReplyDeleteSecond, my item ordered on August 7 has never arrived. They put a tracer on it, but wouldn't send another b/c they didn't want me to end up with two. Well, the item is lost, I'm being credited (another 2 week process), and no more in stock in my size. Argh! I haven't really had any problems since the downgrade, and now 2 in one day! :(
I am happy with my purchases today, cord pencil skirt (my 2nd) and jackie cardigan. I also got my niece a dress. My b&m (Charleston, SC) had lots of the blue and white ruffle henleys, rhubarb belles, and luxe knit gathered tee in dark peacock and white on final sale (sorry, didn't check the price).
If anyone sees the ruffle henley in dark gray in size large, please let me know. I want (need) this! :) Thanks.
Sorry for the long post.
Weab: I think we may have the same white coat from Banana Republic! :)
ReplyDeletejacquelyn: Congrats on the Jacinda jacket! :)
KatherineD & Anonymous at 8:19 AM: The updated "As Seen In" and catalog section was very briefly mentioned in the J.Crew Website Is Updated With New Arrivals post. I am thrilled that these sections got updated. For some reason J.Crew doesn't really keep up with these features (even though I think they are fantastic). :)
Math Teacher: I am sorry about the red phone situation. I am surprised she wouldn't perform a "we will find it" search for you since your item was available during the beginning of the order. I am also really upset to hear the order charge being messed up- I find that to be ridiculous. If you hadn't kept track of the pricing, you would have totally been overcharged. (This is exactly the reason why I have an excel sheet open when I am ordering online, so I know what I should be paying at the end of the conversation). I hope it won't take two weeks to be refunded too. :(
alexis: you're right that had I not totaled it up on my phone's calculator, I would not have known that she overcharged me until I got home and checked online. I did email J Crew and they apologized and told me that the service was unacceptable and that they would send the email on. I don't know if anything will happen, but they should really have people answering the phone that know what they're doing.
ReplyDeleteI did call back about my 8/7 item when I checked and discovered that it was still available. I guess I shouldn't have taken the cs' word for it. So, I called back and this cs reordered it for me at the same price, plus is overnighting it for free. :) Unfortunately, when an item is lost, they automatically refund it even if it's still available. Strange policy.
Math Teacher: I am happy to hear that they emailed you with a good response. And I am happy to hear about the 8/7 order being available!!! Congrats :)
ReplyDeletemath teacher: my b&m had a few ruffle henleys left in dark slate. I believe some were larges. 817-416-1098. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAlso, last night I called to request a "we'll find it for you" on an item that's no longer on-line. The CSR said she couldn't place the request because she couldn't find the item on-line/in her system. I even GAVE her the item number! She explained to me that since it doesn't show up on-line, she is unable to process the request...WHAT! If it was on-line, I wouldn't have to do the we'll find it"! I called back and the second CSR processed the request with no problem and the item was found in about 30 minutes!
Just another example of *really* bad cs. Like someone else said before, it's either really great or really bad, you just never know what you're going to get. Anyway, math teacher, I'm glad it seems to be working out for the best after all.
Ann Taylor has long leather gloves
ReplyDeletehere in black and chocolate for $98, plus they always have coupons for 20% off. I'm sure they will be marked down soon though anyway.
Hi Math Teacher, Best of luck on your refund...I have been waiting for mine for 14 business days now. I had to get nasty and send and email (third one) asking about it. If it ever gets done...the first two times I just got these standard canned replies of "be patient". Finally, when I had to get a little nasty/direct/whatever in my email I got an actual, personailze response saying they would send my request (again) to the support services dept. A refund should not be that hard....
ReplyDeleteYou have to be firm and ask to speak to a manager, even if you have to repeat your request several times.
ReplyDeleteApparently alot of customers have been calling cursing at the CS, I know things have been pretty bad during this downgrade, I have had my share in the last month, but that is not going to resolve the problem any quicker.
Hi all, I personally love the gloves, and, for dress, I sometimes like an unlined glove for ease of pulling on and off and if you leave it on if you are in and out much or wear jewelry over them. A lined glove is too bulky at times. I agree that its a pretty impractical glove if you are looking to wear it alot or don't dress up much. I have a ton of vintage coats so I can use it, otherwise, its not a great investment IMHO.
ReplyDeleteNow, the problem is how do I place an order?! I am frustrated as far as the wait time on the phone, I love to order online and browse around but since about a week ago, I cannot access items when I click on them, it just takes forever to load and item or detail never comes up, so, I suspect they made a change again that does not agree with my server as when the new site first launched (it went away after about 2 weeks). I run IE explorer, any suggestions or similar problems? I will scream if I cannot order online anymore, after 2 months, all of these problems are insane!
Also, still have items hanging that have been cancelled so I am wary of ordering! Seems like the problems are still there w/ that for sure. This new upgrade is a nightmare! And preventing me from shopping!
lily, I too have a problem ordering online, long wait times (and I am calling them from overseas...it is not free), crazy slow computers, still waiting on my refund gift cards after 14 days....it is really hard to continue buying JCrew if you don't have a store nearby...I just used my rewards card and after paying the JCrew cc bill I am going to cancel my credit card with them. I don't plan on buying another thing until the website is 100%. I would either wait or buy elsewhere in the meantime.
ReplyDeleteI received my opera gloves today. Now I am the first to admit that they were an irrational purchase, as I bought them because they reminded me of a recently deceased friend. My review is mixed--I will keep them for sentimental reasons but they're not as easy to wear as I'd hoped they'd be.
ReplyDeleteThe leather is lovely--you can call it buttery or any other cliche that is applied to leather. The lack of lining is traditional--IIRC there is a scene in an Edith Wharton novel in which the women are powdering their arms so that they can smooth their gloves. The gloves I got on my trip to Florence are also unlined. But, because these are both long and unlined, they not easy to slip on and off.
As for fit, ordinarily, the fit on gloves should be very snug (hence the other cliche). My hands are large for the size of my frame but my forearms are slender. The small was snug on my hands but not in the arm. Of course, if they'd been any smaller they would be even more difficult to get on.
I had hoped that I could wear these this winter with my Agnes coat, which has bracelet sleeves, but they're too complicated to be an everyday item. I will save them for special occasions--such as the opera :-)