Sketchbook roses Belle skirtClick here for product page
Item 96173
Regular: $140.00
Michelle posted a great review of the Sketchbook Roses Belle Skirt (in the post "J.Crew Stores: Additional 20% 0r 40% Off Sale?") that deserves its own post. The following is Michelle's review:
"...I wanted to post a review of the Sketchbook Roses Belle skirt because I love it so much and feel like a lot of people might overlook it. It's not as flashy as some of the other pieces this season, but it is definitely a beautiful, classic piece."Thanks!" to Michelle for a great review! :)I was curious about this skirt because the pattern is similar to that of a Chanel scarf I saw in Lucky magazine last month or the month before. I thought the skirt was pretty online, but I was afraid that it was overpriced. I was pleasantly surprised by it when I saw it in the store. I tried it on, and I fell in love with it. The silk taffeta is so soft and smooth and light as air. The roses do look like a charcoal sketch, as they are soft shaded graphite color, but they also have a hint of shimmer because of the silk taffeta fabric. I tried the skirt on and decided it was worth every penny; I took it home with me.
The shape of this Belle is a bit fuller than the cotton taffeta Belles. It almost looks as though it has some crinoline underneath it, even though it doesn't have anything but the thin lining layer. The fuller shape gives the skirt a flattering, waist-cinching 50s silhouette when paired with a form-fitting top. I paired this skirt with a tucked-in black cashmere ¾ sleeve turtleneck, skinny black patent belt on the skirt's waist, pearls, and simple black heels, and put my hair in a loose chignon. When I saw myself I was vaguely reminded of Grace Kelly in Rear Window, which is impressive because believe me I look nothing like Grace Kelly. I made a polyvore set with this look (which does even come close to doing it justice), and this is how I plan to wear it to my rehearsal dinner this Friday. I am so glad I paid attention to this skirt!"
What are your thoughts on the Sketchbook Roses Belle Skirt? Do you love it or would you leave it? If you already own this skirt, please let us know what you think?
I LOVE this skirt-- in fact, I've loved all of the similar brushstrokey flower prints-- primarily done on silk-- that J.Crew has offered during the past several months. Classy, romantic and elegant!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty skirt. It look so classy and has a touch of uniqueness to it. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI like this skirt, too, but I wonder if it will puff out TOO much? I'd like to try it on in person first.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty and elegant. I will try it on, then wait out a price reduction.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
Thanks for the fabulous review Michelle, and congratulations on the skirt...it is absolutely beautiful! :)
ReplyDeletePretty skirt but not something I would purchase...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful skirt. Fabulous review. Contratulations on a wonderful purchase :) After reading this I am thinking about getting it as well!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the skirt. I am glad you liked it. Unfortuately, I would have to give a terrible review to this item. I love the cotton Belle skirt, and ordered this as soon as it came out. However, I was extremely disappointed in it. The fabric is lovely and I really like the print. The fit is a little smaller than the same size in the cotton, and therefore was shorter. It is also extremely stiff and puffed out too much. Also the gathers were sewn terribly, and did not lay well at all. I am pretty slim and adore really full skirts, but this skirt was a miss for me.
ReplyDeleteMichelle: congrats on the skirt. I think it's beautiful. Unfortunately, I have to echo kitsmommy. I have and love the paintbrush belle but this one didn't work for me. I compared the two skirts in the same size and laid them one on top of the other fearing I may have had too many carbs! But in fact the sketchbook belle is about an inch smaller in the waist and about four inches fuller at the widest point at the bottom.
ReplyDeleteI really wish it worked for me but the extra fullness was way too overwhelming for my 5'2 frame.
But again Michelle, I'm so glad it worked for you since it really is a beautiful skirt! :)
PS, congratulations on your wedding! (and on finding an outfit for your rehearsal dinner!) :)
Michelle: Thank you for the wonderful review. How exciting for you! YAY for your new skirt purchase. So what are your planned outfits for the skirt?
ReplyDeleteI love this skirt. It's on my watch list since the price is still a bit high for me.
ReplyDeleteI just saw the sketchbook roses belle in the store yesterday and I admit, I was intrigued. At first, I thought it was the paintbrush floral belle, but then I noticed that it was a litle shinier.
ReplyDeleteI actually thought it was a little less poufy than the paintbrush floral belle. Maybe that's due to the silk taffeta compared to the cotton taffeta. The drape is a little softer and the shape works well with something fitted on top. My only complaint is that I wish this shape was also made in petite length.
It's got a nice sheen and can be worn into the holiday season with cashmere and angora sweaters. The print is subdued and I think it would pair well with a bright rhubarb, persimmon, green, or turquoise top as well as the gray sweater shown online.
I would give this skirt a chance - although probably not for $140.
I was so disappointed that this skirt didn't work for me. I had already planned out a ton of outfits with it. Fortunately, I was able to pick up a similar skirt off ebay from Ann Taylor Loft that will be substituting for the J Crew one.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=3618564
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I saw this skirt on a mannequin in the store yesterday, and they had paired it with a black rose cardigan and one of those pleat-front tie-neck blouses that are displayed near the sweaters (either grey or white), and a thick black patent belt -- it looked GORGEOUS. Definitely going to try it on next time....
ReplyDeleteCould someone do a product review of the Gretta coat for me? I really want a new black coat for winter and haven't been able to see the Gretta in person. I did love and want the tulip coat, but when I tried it on in the store i actually didn't like it. It is for this reason that I don't know whether to get the Gretta before being able to try it on.
ReplyDeleteFor more information I am trying to decide between two coats... the Lilly Pulitzer abner coat in solid black of the JCrew Gretta coat in black. I was able to try the Lilly one on and loved it, but I really am so loyal to JCrew I couldn't get it without knowing more about the Gretta. I was afraid maybe I would like the Gretta more, but like I said I haven't seen it in person. Has anyone tried this coat on or seen it in person? Thanks so much!
Anon,
ReplyDeleteI have the Greta in Persimmon and the Felicia in Black (in store color). I love both of them.
The Greta runs TTS, in my opinion (I purchased a 4 at 5'4" and 122). It is a little bit swingy, but not overly voluminous. I love the way the buttons look, but they are hollow metal and feel a little funny. I love the double cloth and have several other coats in it and have always loved how crisp it feels and how durable it is. It hangs well both open and buttoned.
If you have specific questions about the fit, please let me know and I will try to get back to you.
kitsmommy,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! i am really interested in how the sleeves look and feel. i thought i would like the tulip sleeves but in person they looked dated to me. how do you like the sleeve with the button detail? is it a little flared or no? thanks again!
Anon,
ReplyDeleteI just looked at the Abner online. It is very cute. The coats are very different in style as the Abner is long and has 3/4 sleeves. I like the neckline of the Abner, but wonder how it will look with shirts or sweaters with a higher neck. It is lovely, though.
I think the sleeves are straight. I am not at home, so I can't check right now. The button detail is really pretty, but they do hit a lot of things. Overall, I think the Greta is amazing. I considered getting it in the black also, but when I saw the Felicia in the black, I fell equally in love with it.
ReplyDeleteI tried the tulip, but did not like the sleeves at all either. They seemed too fussy.
Anon: I have a different perspective on the Greta coat. I ordered the houndstooth Greta in sweet potato. My double-cloth coats are an 8 and 10, but given J.Crew's sizing this season, I ordered the coat in a 6 and it was still way too big. (I am 5'-4"). It seemed like it was cut for a taller person--the sleeves were very long and the hemline fell lower on my thigh than a I expected. I did not reorder in a smaller size because I thought the shoulders would then be too narrow to accomodate a bulky sweater.
ReplyDeleteKitsmommy is right about the buttons feeling a little odd--they are hollow on the Collection verious too. Maybe the hollow buttons to correct a long-standing design flaw in J.Crew coats. The metal shank buttons are always so heavy and the thread so thin, that the metal shank buttons pull off or sever the thread. (I once upon a time had a super SA who always sent all the coats I purchased to the tailor to have the buttons reinforced on J.Crew's dime!) Maybe this won't be such a problem with a lighter weight button.
I do agree--its a darn cute coat. Wish it would have worked out better for me!
I think this skirt is beautiful, but based on the reviews I would prefer to try it on. Also, I could/would not spend that much money on a skirt - I just can't. If it goes on sale and is still around in my size, then it will be mine. :)
ReplyDeleteAnon 2:55
ReplyDeleteI bought the Greta in sea salt. I loved it. Mine was a size 8 - I'm 5'6 and I had plenty of room, but don't think I would size down. I think it ran tts. But - I returned it because I was worried about keeping it clean - and truth be told I had ordered so many things that at that point SOMETHING had to go back. However, I've not forgotten about it and I'm stalking the sweet potato houndstooth Greta. I looked at the abner on line. I think the Greta is much nicer. It will hold it's shape it's classic and the buttons really give it a good look. I vote for the Greta!
I've had my eye on this skirt since it came out. I have the Cotton Belle Skirt in Buttercup and love it! I just couldn't justify the $140 price tag.
ReplyDeleteAlexis: Thank you so much for making this into a post! I was so surprised when I saw it there. I am glad you thought it was a good review :)
ReplyDeleteWeab: Thanks for your help with the rehearsal dinner outfits. I tried to go strapless, but I am so self-conscious about it. When I tried dresses on, I would keep pulling them up even when I really didn't need to. The t-neck I'm wearing with this is pretty form-fitting, so I am hoping that will make up for the lack of skin ;)
Blumre: I have a couple of outfits up on polyvore, but I haven't really had the time to make more. They all revolve around the black/gray/ivory combo; I am really into that right now. I would welcome any suggestions for color.
I am probably going to be pretty absent over the next few days, but I will check in when I can :) I am getting very excited ... I can't believe it's finally here!
OT but i wanted to see if anyone thought like me. If jcrew is having success with their wedding line and crewcuts then they would definately succeed with even a little maternity line. People are paying the money for their kids to be in crewcuts even though they will outgrow the clothes in months, we will pay for some nice maternity clothes! Jcrew get on board with the new fashionable maternity wear!
ReplyDeletemichelle-awesome review! Congrats on your wedding! I am getting married Sunday!
ReplyDeleteI didn't try it on, but just checked out the pattern and touched the material at a retail store. Wasn't interested enough to try it out. I guess I am the only one who doesn't like the pattern - I just feel like I am seeing double.
ReplyDeleteI like the belle skirt in the grey/bronze green watercolor much better. It seems more versatile as I can pair it either with grey, off white, or bronze. I like the cotton better than the silk in this skirt.
OT--about coats--I love the TULIP coat! It is so simple and the sleeves are beautiful. This is classic, refined goodness at it's core. Know need to be concerned with the sleeves ladies--bell sleeves are always in--this is a classic vintage look that is always tres chic. Size down.
ReplyDeleteOT: I don't quite know where to post this so I guess I'll post it here.
ReplyDeleteThis is for those who may have used the PEEKABOO code when purchasing their orders. A couple of weeks back, I used the Peekaboo Code. This code gave me a $25 credit against my purchase. Unlike other codes in the past, this code for $25 is not applied against the total purchase but pro-rated against each item. I purchased 4 items and a portion of the $25 was applied to each item. This was all fine until J Crew "inventory cancelled" my items on me. As a result of the cancelled items, I ended up receiving 2 items and getting a $10 total credit as opposed to the full $25.00. I called J Crew to ask them why I only got $10 instead of the $25 since the items shipped totalled over $100, they basically told me that the PEEKABOO code was only to be used against Crewcut items. I told them that their system accepted my code. In short, they wouldn't do anything for me.
I just wanted to give everyone else the heads up on this just in case, they had used the PEEKABOO code and found out later that some of their items were inventory cancelled. If that's the case, unfortunately, you wouldn't get the full $25 credit. It's unfortunate. I realize that the code was for Crewcuts - but then, J Crew should set the code up in such a way that it could not be used against anything else other than Crewcuts - in which case, I would have then used the Free Shipping code.
I apologize if I appear whinny. I know, I did get the benefit of a $10 credit. This is just a heads up for anyone else who may have used this code.
crew girl in canada: I'm sorry that you lost some of the $25. When I used the code, I called it in. I ordered only one item, and I was worried about what the cs would say when I tried to use a crewcuts code on a women's item. She applied it without a word, and the 25 came off. Fortunately for me, my order came through with the 25 off. You'd think if one cs knew it was a crewcuts code, that all would know. I know, I know, this goes back to assuming that their policies are standard. Anyway, again I am sorry that they wouldn't honor the full code. Did you call or email your request in? Whichever one you did, maybe try asking the other way. You never know, maybe a different cs will honor it.
ReplyDeleteI did not use the PEAKABOO code...I felt since I was not making a Crewcuts purchase it was not for me to use...just my 2 cents worth and the way I was raised.....
ReplyDeletecaw: Congratulations on your wedding! It's going to be a fabulous weekend :) Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI ordered the Watercolor Floral Madison Dress this morning. I have been looking at it awhile and this morning it was marked to $39.99. Does anyone have this dress and if so do you like it? I bought the deep atlantic color.
ReplyDeleteMath Teacher: Thank you for your support. I did call and was told by the CS that PEEKABOO was only for Crew Cuts. I didn't bother calling another CS for J Crew is right - it's only for Crew Cuts. I took my chance and ended up with the short end of the stick. Live and learn, right? It's only $15. I'm not going to sweat it. I only posted it so that others would be aware of it, that's all.
ReplyDeleteBut your empathy is greatly appreciated. :)
crew_girl: I think that they changed it online as well. I tried using the PEEKABOO code this afternoon and wasn't able to since my order did not meet the "conditions" for the code (which is odd since I have used it on several orders w/o a problem none of which had any crewcuts merchandise).
ReplyDeleteI've used the PEEKABOO code online twice in the past week and it's worked for me (luckily!). It did expire yesterday, so that is why it's not working today. It's strange how JC lets some codes go through online, but when you call they don't. I guess it's sort of like 20% FS online, but 40% in store. Crazy!!!
ReplyDeletejcrewjunkie: I don't think they changed the code per se, I believe it expired yesterday - Sept 30, 2008. JMHO. :)
ReplyDeleteBut I'll know not to use similar codes in the future on Final Sale items just in case they "inventory cancelled" my items. lol!
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