Monday, August 25, 2008

Product Review: Berry-trim Astrid Jacket {delicious!}

Berry-trim Astrid Jacket
Click here for product page
Item 96309
Regular: $248.00
Colors: Plum, Bright Blue, Heather Charcoal

A big "thanks!" goes to Weab who was kind enough to share with us her review of the Astrid Jacket she purchased (in the scrumptious heather charcoal,) recently. The following is her review in its entirety:
As I mentioned, my mom was with me this time. The second she laid eyes on it (in charcoal) her jaw DROPPED! My thoughts exactly. I (and the SM) insisted she try it on but she didn't want to buy the same one I just bought. She finally caved and the second she got it on her face just lit up! She bought it. :)

I have to note that she saw the other color options in the cat but felt the same way I did: not versatile enough in such bold colors for that kind of money.

It's more structured than I expected. And SOOOO CHIC!!! I thought the jacket was so novelty looking and had been advising everyone to stay away from it. However, I think this particular combination of charcoal with the special details makes it a showstopper but with class. You won't feel self conscious or kitchy walking into a room with this on. But I believe it's one of those pieces that will draw compliments every time you wear it. It looks like a $2000 Chanel jacket. Again, I believe it's the neutral color that really makes it work so beautifully (somehow the bolder colors don't have quite the same effect imo.)


The "berries" seem to be sewn on very securely and have some firmness to them. It doesn't seem like they're going to fall off as soon as you put the jacket on. I do understand the concern of the backing fraying but, if it does, I really think it will add to its character. It also has hidden hook closures that I didn't even know were there until the SM fastened them for me. But a nice feature to add to it's versatility.

I found the fit true to size. I took a 2. I usually need a petite but this jacket is cropped and has bracelet sleeves so I was fine with a regular. I think it's something that can be dressed down and worn with jeans and a graphic tee or dressed up with a skirt and pearls. SO beautiful!!! (In fact Tracy Gardner is photographed wearing the Astrid in this very color in the "How Much does the J. Crew Team Make?" post. )


Now, I just have to be sure my mom and I consult with each other first before arriving anywhere. ;)
First, "thank you!" again to Weab for sharing with us her awesome review. Second, I am totally loving the heather charcoal color! It seems like such a fabulous shade that transitions well from business to casual. Love it! Also, I actually tried on this jacket but at the time there were no other colors in the store besides the bright blue. Although I liked the jacket (especially the berries), I didn't think the bright blue was versatile enough to warrant the full retail price. So I am thrilled to see that heather charcoal is an option for this jacket. :)

What are your thoughts on the Berry-trim Astrid Jacket? Have you tried this jacket on? Would you love it or leave it? Are you planning to purchase one? If you already own this jacket, please let us know what your review is.

P.S. What are your thoughts on J.Crew calling the heading "jackets" now "blazers" on the website?

97 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for the review! I'm torn between this jacket and the Lucille in mustard and was thinking to myself when I saw the title of this post how much I like the Astrid but wished it came in a grey color! I'm definitely going to have to try both on and then decide - I normally wouldn't cough up that much for one piece, but I suspect that they'll go fast.

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  2. Thanks for the review - what a great description and story! :) I could only afford one jacket this season and chose the Lucille for myself, but if this puppy goes on sale (and my size is still available) - watch out LOL!

    This same jacket was just featured a "buy" in my recent Harper's Bazaar (actually there quite a few J Crew pieces in there this month); both the black and the blue, I believe..

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  3. It is definitely a showstopper. I can't wait to see the neutral color in person. Congratulations to Sally and a great review. :-)

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  4. a little too frou frou i think.

    but i have a question about why things are PERPETUALLY ON FINAL SALE? :-/

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  5. Too much going on with this jacket.....I think it will look dated fast. Plus, if you like all the detail why hide it in a dark color???

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  6. Congratulations, JCrew you have gone for an older demographic with this one...It screams Old Lady to me:)

    Even though I am 30ish I have several friends in the 70's and 80's range...I know they would wear this:)

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  7. Thanks for the review. When I saw the pictures of the jacket, I thought it toed the line between fussy old lady and chic Chanel. I'm glad to hear it looks good on!

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  8. I love this jacket!!! I did try on the charcoal color in my B&M store, and almost bought it. Although the charcoal color is lovely, I have a lot of grays and black for Fall/Winter and so I decided against it. I could not stop thinking about this jacket and ended up ordering it online in PLUM. I love the way the color pops and for me would work with jeans,gray cords, and black/gray skirts. I agree with anonymous, who said that the darker charcoal color would hide the detail. And also the other poster who thought it could look matronly... if worn the wrong way. I would wear it with jeans mainly and a subtle graphic/ plain tees in gray, or another simple top. Hope I like the color as much in person as I do online. I'll let you know!

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  9. Thanks for the review Sally, and congratulations on the jacket! :)

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  10. Kirbydog, let us know about the purple color when you get it....Also, did the jacket run true to size for you. Thanks.

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  11. I like the side views of this coat on the website but the close up of the front makes me say, "WHOA".

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  12. Thanks for the review. I don't think it looks old or fussy, I love the detail and bright colours!
    I wish they made it in tall. If the regular fit a petite frame then I'm guessing it will be too short on me :-(

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  13. anonymous: Yes the jacket did run true to size, unlike the Lexington jacket I bought last year. I had to size up in that one....(thanks to my "more than ample chest"... thank heavens for minimizer bras is all I can say...:0)

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  14. montrose: I am almost 5'9" and I did not feel it was too short and/or cropped on me. Hope that helps.

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  15. I love the gray! I'm slightly annoyed that this jacket is only a few dollars more than the Simone, which I loved, but has no berries, and doesn't come with a lining or extra buttons. Nutty pricing.

    I love how these berry jackets are styled with tees and jeans. Very cool.

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  16. I saw this in our store yesterday. It is right up front and boy is it a beauty! Congrats!

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  17. Kirbydog, Glad to hear you did not find it too cropped as I am tall too...was wondering about that...I would still like to get 20% off the price instead of the 15% that is on right now...

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  18. Thank you so much for the excellent review.... I am definitely buying this one..... It is a BEAUTIFUL jacket.

    Congrats to those who already have it hanging in their closets! :)

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  19. Thank you so much for the excellent review.... I am definitely buying this one..... It is a BEAUTIFUL jacket.

    Congrats to those who already have it hanging in their closets! :)

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  20. Thanks so much for the review! I love this jacket, and hope it lasts in my size until it goes on sale. I think I'm going for the blue color though. I love the pop it has of brightness and think it will be fab with a black pencil skirt and heels!

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  21. I am known for my wardrobe and how I wear my clothing (and I can assure you that the clothing I wear is timeless and NEVER looks "old lady"). After seeing this jacket I am ordering it asap!! I also caved and got the Lucille in both colors and if I can't make a decision soon I will just keep both. I am constantly outdoors at functions for my boys so I would not be uncomfortable wearing the "same coat/different color" at all! LOL.

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  22. All the colors are pretty. I think this is one to try on and not judge until you do:) I would like to try ordering it when it goes on sale and see...but the price is a bit steep for me right now:)

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  23. I love the styling of the Lucille but the colors are not ones I wear....

    I still think this jacket looks a bit "old ladish". Agree with the other poster earlier...

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  24. Lots of money for a jacket that will be in style for a season or 2.

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  25. I agree with jcrewjunkie. I don't dress like an old lady and I love this (btw, I'm 34). Also, Sally is me...oops. There goes some anonymity...oh well. :)

    jcrewjunkie: You sound so much like me!!! I am having to FORCE myself not to order the orange Lucille too! You have to let me know what the orange color is like IRL! (I think you know I already have the mustard one but still wonder about the orange.)

    Julia: It's hard to compare the Lucille and the Astrid because Lucille is more of a coat and the Astrid is more of a blazer. If you had to choose one, I'd say the Lucille only because it can act as your coat for the season and you could wear it everyday. Whereas the Astrid, imo, is something you'd have to rotate out since it's not really outerwear. Hope that makes sense. :)

    Also, Do you all think the Tuesday trench will last until a sale? I really love it but have TOTALLY hit my spending limit on coats! :)

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  26. Oh, and the SM did mention that she believed they didn't make many of the Astrid and that they'd go quickly.

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  27. OT, has anyone tried the tartine pullover sweater (not cardi) or the juliet midheels? Was wondering if the chiffon flopping issue still occured in the pullover style of the tartine, also on the comfort/fit of the juliets. Are the shoes worth $200?

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  28. cass: I believe math teacher said she tried on the Juliet Midheels while she was trying on other merchandise, and that they were extremely uncomfortable. The SA told her that women are buying them irregardless of the fact that they hurt their feet.

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  29. Hi! Someone might have mentione this already, but I just saw this jacket featured in People Stylewatch edition! In their opinion, this jacket is a statement piece worth the splurge!
    Although I agree it's cute, I don't think the style will match well with what I normally wear. If I buy it, it seems that it'll just sit in the closet for me to contemplate on...

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  30. cass: Here is the post from Math Teacher regarding the Juliet midheels:

    "One more thing I tried on that my sa said was selling well, the Juliet safari patent-leather midheels. They were NOT comfortable. At all. I don't know how women are wearing these and walking or standing for any amount of time. They didn't have any of the other Juliet heels, so maybe those are more comfortable? Btw, he knew I was going to think they were uncomfortable before I tried them on. So women are buying them in spite, I guess."

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  31. I was just thinking about this Astrid jacket, (clearly I am obsessed), and wondering why I didn't buy the charcoal.... ok, I have tons of gray/fog in my closet....but something about the charcoal color bothered me. Then I realized what it was..... it kind of reminded me of my son when he used to play ice hockey, he was a goalie and it reminded me of his padded gear he always used wear!!!

    That's just me, it's still a stunner!

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  32. If you put this jacket with pearls, a tee and destroyed denim (or any denim for that matter) there is NO POSSIBLE WAY that it will look frumpy OR old. While I do think that the more vivid (but VERY beautiful) colors might date more quickly, to get even 2 seasons out of a jacket is terrific IMO. Sweaters last for year and years, but jackets just never have much longevity unless you have a tailor fix them each year. Think shoulders, sleeve length, detailing, etc.

    anon @ 6:40: WOW!! If you do indeed have friends in the 70/80 age bracket and they are still wearing jackets like this then I applaud them for being so fashion forward. It is my greatest wish to be that "fashion savvy" when I get to be that old!! Woo hoo!! :)

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  33. weab: thanks for the great review! the jacket sounds fabulous!! i still have yet to try it on since i can never find my size...i've seen it in 2 store though!

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  34. This jacket is not for me, at least in the version with the stuff all over it. When I saw it at the B&M I was surprised to see that the ruffles have unfinished edges. IMHO that frayed look might be interesting on a young actress on Oscar night but not on me . . . heh, maybe the inevitable fraying will counteract any Old Lady tendencies.

    But, I really like the unembellished version offered in the suiting options; I just wish that the blue and the plum (rather than sour lemon and sweet potato) were offered in the suiting version.

    Also, I just received an e-mail titled "Cardmembers, you have to see this bag" about the Jamie bag. Not that it's anything new, but at least they are sending some e-mails to cardholders now.

    Finally, I ordered a fall T-shirt nearly three weeks ago and now they've lost the order a second time. Without checking with me, to ensure shipment they've entered an entirely new order *and* charged me for shipping this time (I had a coupon on the original order) and promised to refund the original order. I don't feel like spending 20 minutes on hold to contest $5.95 but it looks like I'll have to.

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  35. I was thinking it would have been funny if they had designed this jacket with the ability to remove at least some of the decorative berries. That way, the gals who love the embellishment could leave them on and others could "harvest" the berries and keep a more minimal look :D

    ..I have a faux fur collar that zips off one of my jacket hoods...same idea..

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  36. hexicon: I just wonder how many lost orders that JC has. I received someone's lost order by accident last week, and JC was clueless who this order belonged to. That could not have been the only lost order, so maybe something similar happened to you and that is why JC placed another order.

    They don't call you with updates same thing happened to me last week, I guess they are too busy cleaning up the mess.

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  37. With the berries on the jacket, it must be hard to clean, even for a drycleaner.

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  38. Also, re Juliet, the PS brought be some to wear while I tried stuff on, and I found them TTS and not unusually uncomfortable--stiff, like a lot of patent leather. I would say they were actually more comfortable than my patent leather peep toes. But I've know some found the peep-toes very uncomfortable too--maybe years of abusive footwear have killed off all the nerve endings in my feet :-)

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  39. To be fair to them, I read the e-mail more closely and now I'm really confused. They claim I'm not going to be charged twice, but how can you refund something that was never charged (sigh). I'm just glad that it was not something I really wanted.

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  40. ffm and hexicon, thanks for the feedback re: juliets. I was thinking of the pearlized ones, which I think are regular leather rather than patent...I wonder if those are any more comfortable. They are website/catalog only...might add them on if I am placing another order before they become final sale and I can't return them! If they are not good, I will take the $200 and get another pair of cole haan nike air pumps!

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  41. OT, but the site now has "Be Back Soon" on the main page.

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  42. Hmmm, it may fit me yet. What's the feedback on the plum colour?

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  43. I think that the berries make it too fussy for me. I was rushing out the door and didn't actually get to try it on when I spotted the gray one, but I don't like the rows of berries across the breasts and near the waist hemline. I think if it didn't have those two rows, it would appeal to me more.

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  44. Looks like the search function isn't working on the site right now... I'm trying to track down some orders from 3 weeks ago. Arrrggg

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  45. greetings all,
    i have looked at the pix a few times this morning, and am going to go with my initial impression when i saw this jacket/blazer in the b&m: too much and too fussy. the lucille is far more appealing, and grows on me the more and more i look at it. regardless, i really appreciate hearing the enthusiasm and excitement of those i disagree with. amazing how clothes can make us feel.

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  46. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  47. I've ordered the Lucille jacket in both Mustard and Orange. The Orange is so pretty IRL. It's not a bright Orange at all but a deep reddish Orange. I really can't decide which color to keep

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  48. melanie: Is the orange of the Lucille similar to the Bright Flame pieces as of late, or is it more muted and softer? Also, what is the weight? Is it more like a coat or can it be worn as a blazer with jeans and a tee like the Andrea?

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  49. Not realted but I wanted to give you a heads up on a quick blurb about LISA FINKELSTEIN
    Director of design/women’s jewelry, J.Crew in my local magazine.

    I linked it to my name.

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  50. I saw this jacket in the blue color a few weeks ago.

    It's a jacket inspired by Carmen Miranda and probably only someone who dresses as outlandish as the fictional Carrie Bradshaw will contemplate.

    The gray color is almost bearable.

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  51. FFM: I have the Lucille in Spicy Mustard and ordered the Orange color this morning. I will let you know what I think once I see them side by side. The weight of the Lucille is similar to that of a coat not a blazer. I consider it to be a winter coat. The Astrid I can wear in the early part of fall sans overcoat. The Lucille I will be wearing once the weather gets colder. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. :)

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  52. jcrewjunkie: Thanks for the info on the Lucille! One more thing...is it heavier than the Andrea?

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  53. Isn't is odd that the people with the most negative comments choose to hide behind the cloak of anonymity? LOL.

    By the way, I will be wearing my grey Astrid...berries and all...with jeans and a tee to my son's football games this fall. I will also wear it with dress pants to church and either dress pants or a skirt to the very stuffy med/dent functions that I must attend with my husband. :)

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  54. FFM: According to my postal scales the Lucille is 1 ounce heavier than the Andrea (1 lb. 6 oz. vs 1 lb. 5 oz.). Do note, however, that the Lucille looks like outerwear (i.e. something you would wear everyday) whereas the Andrea looks more like a blazer. I hope this makes sense. LOL.

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  55. jcrewjunkie: You are so sweet...thanks for all the information!

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  56. Allison, thank you for that article. What an amazing job she has!

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  57. My comments are NOT negative--they are my opinion and I am entitled to it just as you are JCrew JUNKIE! Some people like the coat and others do not....

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  58. P.S. I do not have to leave a name of any kind on a public blog! I do not think it is wise in this day and age and that again is my choice.

    THank you Alexis for allowing this and a big thank you for posting the catalog and taking the time to do that:) You rock!

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  59. anon @ 12:53 and 12:54: Whatev. LOL.

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  60. Jcrewjunkie: Just wanted to let you know I like your sense of style. I recently purchased the Astrid Jacket in blue and was a little unsure initially, but I find it looks great with a graphic tee and vintage jeans. BTW, in a previous post you mentioned you have a Chloe. If you don't mind sharing, what kind of Chloe bag do you own?

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  61. anon @ 1:35: Thanks. I do love the one in blue, but my sister had already purchased that it so I went with the Grey. She wore hers this past weekend to an art gallery opening and received many compliments. I hope that you enjoy wearing yours. :)

    I actually have two Chloe bags. They are both the Paddington Satchel style, one in black and one in metallic silver. If you have any specific questions about them please don't hesitate to ask me. :)

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  62. I like the look of Chloe's Paddington. But man, why in the world would they wanna make it weigh like a ton???? Its such a pretty bag, but I have enough junk to haul around in my purse and don't need a bag that is SOOOOOO heavy by itself. Brrrrr

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  63. My first impression was too much going on with this jacket. I just can't like it no matter how many times I look at it. I think adding pearls to this jacket would make it look frumpy as others have mentioned and I do love pearls...I think no jewelry with this jacket if you chose to wear it would be best...

    I do not feel like the other Anonymous people are being negative as JCrewJunkie stated. This is a bold piece and of course people will have their opinions about it.

    Just in case...you think my opinion is not to your personal liking JCrewJunkie...

    Clare C.

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  64. I was dying to buy this from the moment I set my eyes on it (in the fall preview). I was convinced that it would look amazing on me. However, I had the opportunity to try it out last week and changed my mind completely.

    I found it a little too fussy for my taste. While the color was amazing (I tried on the blue), the leaves and grape clusters were just a little too much for me. I'm neither a large nor small person. I'm 5'4" tall and weigh 125 lbs. I wear a size 4. I looked way too grandmotherish in it. I won't be buying it unfortunately.

    That's just my humble opionion.

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  65. Anony@3:37. I like the way you stated your opinion...thanks for you input:)

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  66. FFM, The Lucille jacket is just like previous poster said. It's more like a coat and less like a jacket. That said, I found it light to put on. The material is kind of airy. I also own the Andrea, and it feels heavier. Perhaps because the material is thicker. As far as the color, I'm not sure what bright flame looks like. It's an orange, but not overly bright. It has a lot more red in it than yellow. I was in B&M this afternoon, and they had some on the floor. So perhaps you'll be able to see it IRL. I really can't decide which color I'm keeping. They are both so pretty. BTW, there are two Melanies on the board. I am different from the original Melanie. This is only my second post.

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  67. melanie: Thanks for the information on the Lucille! Glad you decided to post, too! :)

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  68. anon @ 2:01 pm: I totally agree, the Paddington is very heavy! In fact, just last month my husband (a dentist) had to do a root canal on the front tooth of someone who had accidentally hit themselves in the mouth with the lock! Yikes!

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  69. anon @ 3:37: How did the sleeves on the Astrid fit as far as length? Also did you find it tight across the back? When I got the Andrea in a regular size 0 (which I have worn for years) the sleeves looked like they were just too short (not bracelet length like on the model) and it felt tight across the back. I am hoping that I don't have to return the Astrid for the same reason. I am 5'4" and weigh 100 lbs.

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  70. melanie: Hello there! :) I always like when I find others with my name.

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  71. Just like some of JCrew's costume jewelry, this jacket is pure kitsch. Cute, pretty, fun kitsch though. I could totally see it with jeans and pearls looking fab, and I think if you have plenty of disposable income it would be fun to have. I don't think it's designed for a pragmatic buyer. It has to be worn by a confident, attention seeking type, who doesn't take something like a jacket too seriously. She'll wear it a few times, and dump it on Ebay when the excitement wears off.

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  72. The juliet patent shoes were most uncomfortable. I really love the light pumpkin color, but when I tried one on for size at a store I knew it will kill my feet within 5 seconds.

    I buy a lot of J Crew shoes, and while most of them are not that comfortable, the Juliet is really bad.

    I ordered the Lulu in grey and that pair is cute, and doesn't kill my toes. I sent them back as I don't like the grey, but contemplating on either the orange or the pink.

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  73. I think this jacket is very cool looking, but I'd rather save $90 and buy the plain flannel Astrid jacket and dress it up with some nice accessories (vintage brooch, chunky necklaces, etc.). I think it would be more versatile and I know I would wear it alot more than this "statement piece" at $248.
    Also, I wish J Crew would make some of these cute little blazers a bit longer in the body. While I do like the "bracelet" sleeves, I don't like it when the body of the jacket stops so far above my pants. I think it looks sort of sloppy. Also, I don't like the way any of these cropped jackets look on the models on the website, especially when paired with the distressed jeans. Her back view looks pretty bad...

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  74. The fit of the Astrid on the model reminds me a little bit of the Cheshire jacket from late last fall, though that didn't have the seam down the back. I'm going to go to an actual store tomorrow and try both the Astrid and Lucille on and then decide - I'm set on both jackets and coats, so I don't really need either of them, but they're so pretty! Also, I just got my September catalog in the mail today - did anyone else notice that the herringbone Ecole was priced at $98 in the catalog? I got really excited at first, but then realized it was a typo :(.

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  75. UPS just arrived and I wanted to post some item reviews:

    Dream tie cardi in eggplant: LOOOVE this. Looks amazing with jeans or over a sheath dress. Wish the other colors were better. As others have said, this runs large and I'm glad I tried for size in B&M. I never take an XS in anything anymore (sigh) but I needed it here.

    Suiting dresses: as these items are supposedly web/catalog only I'm posting detailed fit comments. J.Crew suiting and suiting dresses are a staple for me. BTW I'm 5'4", 125, hourglass build with thigh issues, wear a 4 or 6, often take a 6P in suiting.

    Super 120s Isabelle in royal violet, 6P:
    I wanted to like this sooo much. Even though web says web/catalog only, I found this in 6R in the store and it was huge--very large in torso and shoulders, waistband hung around my hips. B&M did not have a 4R to compare but I was sure that a 6P would work. Unfortunately, moving to P didn't work--still very loose in the torso, waist does not hit right, A line skirt is unflattering on me, made hips look large and legs squatty. And it's SHORT--shows as above the knee on the model but is shorter than that on me. If I raise my arms the hem shoots up to my fanny! Back vent is a slit rather than pleat so it's doubly revealing. I may try to exchange for a 4R but I expect, sadly, that it will ultimately go back. I love the color so much but I think I'm not going to get a flattering fit.

    Wool Gabardine Dress 96279: This is the same body as the super 120s sleeveless dress from spring. I ordered a 6P in the sleeveless version and the fit was skimpy in the hip/thigh, and the waist hit up on my ribcage, so I ordered a 6R in this dress. Looks like I am right between an R and a P on this one. The shoulders are a little too broad and the area from the shoulders to the waist is too long (darts don't point at bust "apex," as tailors call it), but the waistband hits me correctly. It looks nice enough, and I will have it altered and keep it, but it's not a knockout like the Jane dress from two years ago.

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  76. oh no hexicon, the super 120s in violet isn't working?!? I didn't even notice the slit so I'll have to be extra careful if I order it. I definitely don't want to give anyone a peek at the fanny!

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  77. Often times, jackets like the Astrid are considered "statement pieces". I often feel that when I wear an item like this, I look great but then am afraid to wear the item again any time soon for fear that it was so outstanding that everyone remembers it! Does anyone else feel the same?

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  78. ffm and cass: you have a great memory. I tried on the juliet in safari and they were uncomfortable and the sa did say they were selling anyway. Maybe the other material is more comfortable?

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  79. okay, I should read all the comments before I post. I had a long day at school (over 12 1/2 hours) so I'm just now reading. :)

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  80. anon 7:30 PM
    I agree with you..it is a jacket that I think will also be very identifiable with J.Crew since it appears to have been heavily marketed ie. back cover of catalog, Peopele mag.) and you may tire of it after a season.

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  81. Hex - good to see you. Too bad about the super 120s in violet. That color is so pretty. Thanks for the details. You & I are the same size, 'cept I am always trying to hide my stomach. It's probably not that bad, but I still wake up thinking it's going to look like I did all the years I stupidly complained about not being able to hit 100lbs. Those were the days & I didn't know it. *lol*

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  82. I was at a B&M store today and I have to admit, I am really not a fan of this jacket. The berries are just too much for me. I didn't try it on so I don't know if I'd change my mind by seeing it on me, but I didn't even like how it looked off so I wasn't going to try it. I only saw the charcoal at my store.

    I seem to be in the minority on this and the Ecole jacket. I love that one. I bought a brownish velvet one in the store. They didn't have that color online. I think it looks great. I also got the Mediterranean Blue herringbone one online. It is a lot brighter than it looks on the back cover of the August catalog but I still really like it. I think it'll look great with black work pants or khakis. Even dark jeans would be good I think.

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  83. Gigiofca, so true. I know that I shouldn't be sad about being a 6 but I used to be just as lithe as the models in the catalog :-(
    I just spent two hours putting together a donation bag of stuff I can't fit into . . .

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  84. I love the purple color:)

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  85. Update on my order for Berry-trim Astrid Jacket in Plum:

    I just received an email from J Crew saying, "Your J Crew Order is Inventory Canceled" They are sorry and wished they had ordered more, but it is now sold out. WTH!!! Did they order only one in each size? I just received the catalog yesterday! Well saved me $250.... oh brudder!

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  86. kirbydog: have you called? I would definitely call in and see if it's some weird glitch or something. I know you had to pre-order them for awhile, so maybe when they actually came into stock, it shifted all the orders in a weird way and started canceling them. It sounds weird, but with all the stories of random cancellations, I would bet something like this happened.

    You could also use the find it now feature since the item is full price...

    good luck! I hope you get it!

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  87. I got one of these emails about the Jacinda and I almost cried.

    Oh well, like you said, saves me some money.

    I was in the store today and saw the red astrid with floral trim. I didn't try it on because they didn't have my size, but it's very pretty.

    I didn't think it was possible, but I might have a touch of J Crew fatigue. Haha

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  88. KirbyDog: I am so sorry to hear about your order. I can't believe they are out of stock on that jacket already! :(

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  89. Thanks Kater, Molly & Alexis

    I'll get over it I'm sure, J Crew never runs out of great things to buy! Kater, I was going to call and see what was up with that jacket, but was to have a 10 min wait for a sales rep.... too long. Thanks again guys! :)

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  90. Okay, I called about the Jacinda and they did have it after all. You should definitely call about ANYTHING "Inventory Cancelled" from them. It's probably a mistake. I guess I should hold my tongue (fingers?) until I get the jacket, huh?

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  91. let us know if you ever find anything out about it kirbydog! because you can certainly still add the jacket to your cart online.

    You have freaked me out though. I came thisclose to ordering it, but restrained myself. I have spent so much at the crew lately it is insane! But I hope for both of our sakes, it really isn't gone!

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  92. I wonder if the new system just doesn't have some of the new items listed in stock???? OH MY GOD! THIS IS BAD NEWS!

    Poor Kirbydog:(
    Let us know....please call and see what you can find out......

    I am just getting really mad....I was planning to order this jacket in the next 10 days or so when my next CC cycle is over and a new one starts.....this sucks rocks....

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  93. So, I broke down and bought the Astrid today - I ended up going to the store in Southlake rather than Dallas after calling ahead of time to make sure they had it in stock and thus avoiding the additional temptation of the shoes/bags/jewelry at the Northpark store. They didn't have the Lucille, so I couldn't compare, but I already have a couple of late fall coats, so I felt like I'd get more use out of the Astrid. I almost never spend that much $ on one thing, but I justified it because of the student discount. I don't find the berries kitzchy or overpowering, but I do plan on wearing simple pieces like jeans and a t-shirt with it because anything else would compete. The seam that shows so prominently on the purple color on the website is almost invisible with the charcoal and even though it's cut to hit a bit higher, with jeans or a skirt, the effect is really nice, and I love the length of the sleeves. It seems very well made, so I'm not worried about the detailing coming off. I didn't have one of those OMG moments when I tried it on in the store, but I decided to get it anyway since they were already out of 2s and it's been selling so quickly thinking I'd return it if I changed my mind. When I got home, I tried it on again, and I will definitely be keeping it! Yes, it stands out, and I'll be limiting my wearing of it to once a week or so, but I think as long as you change up the styling with each wear, each new outfit will be memorable. I love the idea of jeans, t-shirt and the jacket, and I think I'll be pairing my black Daisy eyelet skirt, a t-shirt, and the jacket for a dressier look.

    I also picked up a couple of the new t-shirts - I am typically not a t-shirt girl at all, but the fit and colors of these for fall are really cute. I bought the slub-cotton shoe tee, and a grey ringspun tee with an embroidered patch pinstripe wool crest. I also bought the ruffled jersey seaside dress in a slate color which will be adorable for football games this fall - looking at it online, it's something I would never buy, but in person it's very chic and versatile.

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  94. Congrats on the Astrid:) I wish I had a store nearby to get one...I am too afraid to order online...

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  95. The bright blue looks to be the most popular color online...already sold out in one size......I think it was a 2 or 4 when I checked....

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  96. it's selling out in blue online? man, the color I want would have to be the one that is most popular online (I think in the stores, the charcoal is more popular). I have a feeling I'm not going to be able to hold out for sale on this one if I really want it...

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