Referencing {FAQ}

Monday, September 8, 2008

J.Crew Email: The Long Cardi

J.Crew sent out an email today about their long cardigan (Featherweight merino glass-button cardigan; Item 96033, Regular $88.00). I am personally a fan of cardigans that hit at the low hip, but not super long cardigans. The really long cardigans (that cover ones rear) always end up looking weird on me.

What are your thoughts on the long cardigan? What is your desired length for sweaters and cardigans? Are there any J.Crew sweaters that you are currently lusting? ;)

42 comments:

  1. I actually bought this sweater in the yellow to go over the Abstract print rose dress (I saw the combo in the catalog). I like this cardigan over dresses but no so much over jeans/pants. I'm a little worried that it is going to pill easily.

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  2. While I like the look of the sweater, I don't like long sweaters on me. There are several sweaters that I'm longing for, the cashmere argyle sweater and the Cashmere femme sweater, just to name two. :) I plan to try both of these on the next time I'm in my b&m.

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  3. I have a grey sweater just like this and I wear it all the time in cooler weather. The longer length means I can wrap up a bit in it when it's chliiy but it's thin, so I don't get overheated indoors

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  4. I'm not used to the longer cardigans myself but maybe I will try it on the next time I am in the store.

    I recently bought the Dream shirred tunic sweater in charcoal and I love it! I normally wear Medium but it was too way to big and loose on me. So I got the small for a more fitted look and I love it! The neckline is a bit low but I plan to wear a tank or camisole under it.

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  5. I just got this from the UPS man today in light pewter, and it's too big! While I like the look of long cardigans, I think they need to be pretty slim to make the outfit work, especially if you're wearing it unbuttoned. So I called in to get a size down. It's currently waitlisted, so hopefully I will get it, because I really do like this look, I just don't want to look like I gained 10 lbs whenever I put on this sweater!

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  6. I like this sweater but the one that really caught my eye is the featherweight merino v-neck with the pockets in front. It kinda looks baggy so I am unsure about the size.

    I will wait and see if the cashmere sweater that I ordered on sale will ship.

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  7. I think the picture with the model looks nice, but for myself, I think I own one cardigan (that hits at the hip) and I never wear it :-) I've just never been into cardigans. If I need an extra layer, I'll grab a light jacket.

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  8. The long cardigan is a tricky look to pull off. If you layer it over something too bulky, you may end up looking like Katie Holmes or an Olsen twin. I keep seeing similar cardigans everytime I go into the Gap, and I have tried one on. It reminded me of a bathrobe. Also, the longer they stay on the hanger, the longer they seem to grow...

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  9. The merino doesn't pill too much at all in my experience. I love it!

    I love the long cardigan look too. Today I wore one of last year's long merino cardigans -I have 7! - over a silky pleated top and wool crepe pants. I wore the cardigan open today, but when I wear one over a button down, I button the cargidan and wear a belt at my waist.

    Needless to say, I haven't bought any of this year's long merino cardigans because I have plenty.

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  10. I love this look, but I think it only works if the rest of your look stays slim. Today I wore it over a long tank top and leggings. I also got the same sweater, though with plain buttons, the other day at Target in light grey for less than $20. It fits like a dream, and seem to be a fairly good quality cotton!

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  11. One more note about the merino - it's very light and springy, so it doesn't lose its shape over time like cotton or other fiber blends.

    I seriously love this stuff!!

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  12. I got a long cardi the other day. I'm short and that usually isn't a great length for me...but for some reason this looked super cute! I got the charcoal grey.

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  13. I'm not a fan of long cardigans, because of the bathrobe issue someone mentioned previously. I just end up looking frumpy when I wear them.

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  14. I agree with slightlyoldersally that this is a tricky look to pull off. And I don't think it would be too flattering on me. :)

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  15. I just bought this cardigan this weekend and I love it! I had to size down to an XS because it fits very big. (I'm normally a size 4-6). So if you are interested, I would size down so it is not too big and bulky. I am planning on pairing mine with the checked academy wool trousers which I also just bought and a white button down.

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  16. Thumbs down on the long cardigan. I like it to fall to the hip area.

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  17. I usually wouldn't do a cardi this long. However, I ended up loving this one and did need to size down for it. I'm 5'2 and that it would make me look even shorter and too frumpy but somehow, that wasn't the case. I bought it in heather graphite and wore it with the dark rinse cropped matchstick jeans and and a plum-ish tank.

    p.s. I'm loving all the sweaters in plum right now (have it in the dream t-neck) and would love to pick up a sweater in hthr vine too. (I already have so much green but every shade is so different!) ;)

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  18. Not a fan, personally...I like my cardigans a little shorter and more fitted, just like the Jackie. :)

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  19. WHOAAAA has anyone seen the silver tweed university pant... those puppies are loud.

    http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Feature_Assortment/NewArrivals/pants/PRDOVR~97138/97138.jsp

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  20. leogrl6787, funny you mention them, I was just looking at them the other day and laughing trying to think of when I'd wear them. Maybe they're less outre in person, but based on the picture, I couldn't see myself in them :-)

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  21. OT: WEAB...have you been able to wear your Serengeti Midheels for an extended period of time? If so, what is the comfort level on them?

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  22. these cardis are fab, if you try them on and pair them with the right thing, they are really pretty and definitely selling well it seems....

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  23. Personally, I am not really a fan of the longer cardigans. I think the shape makes people look heavier than they are. My primary gripe is that JCrew cant seem to make any fitted sweaters any more... its a little annoying.

    I ditto what Molly said, the merino really doesnt pill at all.

    I also love the feather weight merino--- its not itchy at all. I wish they would make sweater styles in this gorgeous fabric.

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  24. I'm not sure how I feel about the long cardi yet - I need to try it in the store - maybe with a belt around it to give some shape!? I have a feeling I'm going to feel a little frumpy in it, but like I said, I haven't tried it yet!!

    Emily - ditto on your shout-out to Target clothing. If I could only shop for clothes at 2 places it would be J Crew and Target. I have several pieces from Target (including jackets/coats, light sweaters, camis, and layering pieces) that are awesome assets to my waredrobe. And, if they aren't in style next year, who cares because it wasn't $200! I feel Target's quality and fashion is pretty great on most things for the price... plus it helps me balance out my J Crew spending :)

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  25. Can anyone tell me what the sale sections of the brick and mortar stores are looking like? I'm debating a trip either tomorrow or Wednesday but not sure if it is worth the drive

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  26. lleila - my b&m sale section is looking really sad these days ... it's looked pretty empty for a while, so I bought nothing from the sale section, but...

    i ended up taking advantage of tons of promotional prices on items like the cord skirt, matchstick cords, and watson pants, though, which was well worth the trip!

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  27. ffm: I have to say they aren't the most comfortable things. Cole Haans they are not. They sort of pinch at the toe, though the size is right. I think it's just that my feet slide down. (However, the heel isn't very high so that really shouldn't be happening.) There's very little padding or support in the footbed so they just tire my feet out pretty quickly.

    This being said, the heel height is perfect for me (not to high, easy to walk in). There's *lots* of "toe cleavage" which I happen to like. The rounded toe doesn't leave enough room for my toes though. Sizing up wouldn't work because the arch would hit at the wrong point and I would have extra shoe behind my foot.

    I still love the look of them and plan to wear them when I know I won't be on my feet very long. Hope this helps!

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  28. Thanks Weab! Your review helps a lot! I still love the look of them...just wish they were comfy like Born or Cole Haan.

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  29. ffm: No problem! I hear you! For the money, I really wish they were something I could wear comfortably all day long. Maybe they'll break in some more and improve with time...did I just sound like Jenna!?! ;)

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  30. Hmm, I could pair that long cardi with the legging pants and feel like I was back in college!

    I 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.

    The 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 :-)

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  31. Also, I received a second scoop T--after waiting four weeks for it to ship (it was new, full price, and in stock) now I have two. Sheesh! Not sure whether I've been charged twice or not.

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  32. The cardigan in yellow caught my eyes and tried this cardigan over jeans, but it did not work for me. I like this bright yellow tone, but it does not match with some bottoms (not sure whether because of this color or because of length of cardigan...)

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  33. NOT a fan of the long cardigan, at least not on me! I tried this thing on at my B&M a few weeks ago and it nearly swallowed me. It was a little bathrobe-like as someone else mentioned before.

    Speaking of a cardigan I *do* like, I just received an online order (ALL sale, and ALL of it arrived!) which included the summerweight cashmere cardigan. Love it! The only thing is I think it is a bit too small. I run somewhere between a XS and a S for cardigans, and I went with the XS. Maybe I will sell it off an ebay and get another one when the final sale goes back to 40%.

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  34. i love this look, but i haven't tried it on yet. i really want the one in heather flannel or maize. the featherweight merino sweaters are about the only thing at JCrew i will pay full price for lately, they never pill and are so lightweight and soft. but, they do usually end up on sale and $88 is a little high, so i am waiting on this one.

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  35. I am a petite 5'1", and these long cardigans look awful on me. The Jackie is my ideal length for a cardigan.

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  36. Weab - I am also 5'2 and got the long cardi in heather graphite with the pretty buttons. Good call to pair it with the berry colors. Hadn't thought of that. Have you tried an insert for your heels? I think those things are the best.

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  37. gigi: great minds think alike! I love to hear when people are the same height as me, it makes me feel like less of a shrimp! :)

    Also, about the heels, I'll give inserts a try. My only concern with that is it may cramp my toes even more though? I'm still holding on to the hope that they'll improve as they break in some more. I really appreciate the suggestion! I'll let you know how it goes.

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  38. I am 5'1.5" and I find that long cardigans are not flattering on my frame. I definitely prefer shorter, more fitted cardigans. I think you would need to be on the taller side to be able to pull this off.

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  39. Hi all,

    This is my first comment... So I hope it's useful :}.

    I've purchased the long merino cardigan in Heather Flannel. Now, I'll admit, I'm a sucker for anything with "Heather" in the descriptive. Also, I was excited about buying it at the B&M. Most especially because the personal shopper was helping me build outfits around it. It does look cute with the chiffon rose ribbon belt as shown in the August catalogue. In my case, I wore the cardigan open, tied the belt around at my natural waist & bloused the sweater a little over the belt. It works well when you're 5ft+ like me. The sweater looks cute with a peacock blue top & grey or black skirt. Sort of like an loose jacket.

    That said, I'm not in love with the sweater & haven't worn it since I brought it home. I just don't know if I have the sophistication to pull it off at work. When I look in the mirror, it looks like I stole the sweater from my mother/big sister's closet & am trying to work it with accessories. I confess to doing just that -- in high school. Nowaday's I'm trying for a more pulled-together & polished approach.
    I do agree that the merino is a great fabric. In fact, I still have a few petite v-neck sweaters in the merino. I wish they would bring those back so I can stock up in some new colours.
    So, to sum up. The sweater's a great look, if you're tall. As for my fellow petite's-- here's hoping they come out with more options for us (beside the "shrunken" sizing).

    Thanks for reading,

    HeatherD

    P.S. Anyone out there know if JCrew is down-sizing it's petites line?

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  40. Heather:D: Welcome- feel free to comment anytime as we love to hear from all J.Crew Aficionadas! :)

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  41. A little late to chime in here...I love this sweater and bought 5 of them (I Know, I have a problem!) but I think the reason I think it works well for me is b/c i'm on the taller side (5'7) and normally find Jcrew's cardys much too short on me. This only goes down to the bottom of my bum so its not too long. And I love the button detail. I have it in black, snow (which I am considering exchanging for the pewter), kelly green, royal violet and heather flannel. Really like them and consider them to be excellent wardrobe basics :)

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