Herringbone Fiona jacketClick here for product page
Item 96553
Regular: $198.00
Sale: $150.00-$89.99 (depending on store)
I recently bought the Herringbone Fiona Jacket in pumpkin orange. Although I like the jacket, I can't say that I love the jacket.
First, I picked the sweet potato color because I thought it would be a "fun" color to wear once in awhile. The color in person is very cute (although not as vibrant as in the picture) and perfect for Fall.
Second, sizing. I am normally a size 0-2 in jackets and I bought this jacket in a size 0 (which I am glad I did!) Unfortunately, this jacket runs into a problem when it comes to sizing... the body of this jacket is a size too big but the shoulders are a bit narrow. So if I went with a size 2, the shoulders might fit me better but the body would have been too big on me. With the size 0, the body of the jacket fits me better, but the shoulders and arms are a bit snug. I highly recommend trying on this jacket before purchasing, to determine what size will work best for you.Third, the material (described as "midweight Scottish lambswool herringbone") is i-t-c-h-y. Unbelievably itchy- but alas that is the price to pay when wearing wool anything. ;)
Fourth, the sleeves are short. I compared the sleeves with the Bella jacket (from last year) and the Fiona is clearly 2 inches shorter in the sleeves. Seriously, what is up with J.Crew and short sleeve jackets and coats this season? If this jacket had another inch or two in the sleeves, they would be completely fine. ;)
Fifth, I do like how the jacket looks with a belt cinching the waist. It actually makes the jacket more tailored- which improves the look drastically in my opinion. Also, I should add that I don't think the jacket looks too great when it is worn open. Maybe it is just me, but I appear more bulky when I wear it open. :)
Lastly... would I recommend this jacket for a fellow Aficionada? I guess it depends on what price you pay for the jacket. I don't think the jacket is worth the $129.99-150.00 price tag (especially in certain colors which limit the amount of usability). However, I think it is a fine buy at $89.99 (which some stores are offering this jacket for), plus an additional 20-50% off (depending on which store you go to).
What are your thoughts on this jacket? Were you planning on purchasing one in the future? Do you already own this jacket? If so, please let us know what you think of it. :)
Alexis I totally agree! The jacket is cute, but the wool is super super itchy! I forced myself to return it for that reason b/c I didn't think I could stand wearing it all day. I tried putting a t-neck underneath to shield my skin but that made the look to bulky. A lot of JC's wool has been extremely itchy lately (I think someone said the same thing about the sparkle tweed dress?). They really need to think about this for next year's line.
ReplyDeletebought Fiona last week for $89.99 plus 20% off.
ReplyDeleteThe sweet potato color looks really pretty (I plan on wearing it with jeans and white tees until I figure out another items I can wear it with)
I probably wouldn't pay above $100 for a jacket that I plan on wearing occasionally (it's perfect for San Francisco weather since it's never too hot or too cold here).
I bought a size 4, just in case I wanted to wear a sweater underneath (size 2 would have been too snug for me with a sweater). The sleeves are LONGER on me than on the model (I'm 5'5").
Hope this helps! I absolutely adore it.
This exact jacket has been hanging in my closet for a while now (can't wait for fall weather). I bought it on secret sale (plus student discount) in August. I too noticed that the arms are tight while the rest of the jacket is loose and can appear boxy. It's also fairly itchy (although I find most fall/winter fabrics itchy). But, overall there was something I really liked about it. It could have been that reminded me of a jacket I wore quite often last fall but was going to be too big this year, or that there is just something about that sweet potato color with the ruffles that I can just not resist.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of wearing a cream or eggplant turtleneck underneath it, but would love any other color suggestions.
This post makes me even more anxious for cooler weather.
I bought this one in a camel color, which I've only seen in the stores so far. I really really like it. I agree with a lot of Alexis' points - it is a bit itchy and doesn't look as good open, but I expect a little itchiness from wool and tend to not wear jackets open anyway. It's been hanging in my closet for the past month or so and I'm looking forward to wearing it. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I wanted to say that I am petite and did not have any problems with the sleeves. They hit normally instead of being too long. :)
I haven't seen the jacket for 89.99, is it just the pumpkin color? Which stores have this??
I used to love Herringbone, but I've since grown tired of it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't found the wool to be itchy. Maybe I haven't really put it on my skin? I bought & returned it when it first came out. With this lower price, I purchased it again. I agree that it's boxy and I got a 2 this time around. I have decided to wear it as a novelty jacket and not worry about layering with sweaters.
ReplyDeleteMelanie -- I have only seen sweet potato (orange) at $89.99.
I did a review of the silk Georgia dress (96707) that I recvd yesterday. I ordered it in black today as well.
Alexis & Cass: I totally agree with you too! This is the first time for me to buy a wool jacket at J.Crew. I do love the design, but my wool Fiona is extremely ichy! Other jackets are also hard in texture... J.Crew really need to improve the quality of the wool.
ReplyDeleteItchy=CHEAP WOOL in my book. Very high quality wool and cashmere is not itchy! AND I have very sensitive skin....
ReplyDeleteJCrew just really made me mad....cancelled another item in my order....I have had enough...everyone else enjoy the 20% off. I check back in 2009 and hopefully things will be better. The website is just really bad news. Thanks for lettig me rant. I haven't ordered online in ages and wish I hadn't now:(
ReplyDeleteI've always associated itchy wool with poor quality wool. I've never found good quality wool to have that problem. I'm sorry that this jacket has so many issues, as it looks very cute on the model. Poor fit+itchy wool=low quality, as far as I'm concerned.
ReplyDeleteI've had some trouble with recent online orders, too, lots of cancellations. It hasn't really upset me all that much; I just view it as more money in my pocket.
I tried this jacket on in my B&M when it first came out and it just did not look good on me, so I don't think I'll be purchasing even if the price gets lower. I do however LOVE ruffles...congratulations to all those who got the jacket...I'm sure it looks great on you! :)
ReplyDeletemary, this was a top that I REALLY wanted..but then again I only buy things I REALLY like. I don't care how low the prices go on things..if I didn't really want it to begin with a price change isn't going to influence me...
ReplyDeleteThe fall's Fiona jacket is just like the canvas version in the summer-it is meant to fit in the shoulders and across the back but for tapering in the waist, cinching with a skinny metallic belt is a great idea! I love it- own in 4 colors. I am d'c", however, and the sleeves were extremely short so rather than order tall, I had the sleeves shortened to 3/4 length and it is adorable now! Happy shopping!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the ruffles on this jacket, and I do plan to purchase it when the price comes down. If I can find it for $89.99 with some additional percent off, I will likely do it. I did find the fabric itchy and the fit too boxy just like Alexis - I totally agree that the shoulders and body seem to be a different size. But for the low price, I can justify a trip to the tailor ;)
ReplyDeleteOT - does anyone have any comments on the Metallic Daisy Dress? I LOVE it in the picture, but I have enough experience with J.C. online to know that looks can be deceiving, haha.
Thanks for the review, Alexis. I have been eyeing this jacket since it came out--I LOVE the colors and I LOVE anything herringbone. But I think i'll have to wait until I can see it in person versus buying off the internet. It sounds like one of those pieces that really depends on the person's body type with how it fits. (I'm crossing my fingers that my body type is one that works :) )
ReplyDeleteIt was great reading everyone's comments about this jacket and the fabric.
ReplyDeleteI also really enjoyed the reviews of the other owners of this jacket! It's too bad that this jacket seems to be itchy for a lot of you as well.
I also didn't know that itchy wool is cheaper wool (I learned something new today!) :)
I hope J.Crew comes out with another ruffle jacket, but with a more fitted body and slightly longer sleeves. :)
Anon at 6:47 AM: Great idea about shortening the sleeves to make the jacket work for you. :)
Appgal: Please let me know if you do end up getting this jacket. I would love to hear your review of it as well! :)
Speaking of fit, can someone offer their opinions of how the Gayle Ruffle Trench fits, especially in the shoulders and in the hips?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Oops, just found the convo from May about the trench. Thanks anyway!
ReplyDeleteInitially, I looooved this jacket in charcoal and pumpkin, so about a month ago, I went to the store and tried one on (in grey -- I already have 2 orange coats so I'm trying to restrain myself from getting a 3rd, lol!). The size 0 was HUGE, even the sleeves and shoulder. I figured a 0 or 2 would be perfect, but it was kind of boxy and I looked lost in the jacket. I too would prefer a more fitted body. The bracelet sleeve, I'm ok with, because I'd probably only wear this jacket in the fall anyway.
ReplyDeleteThis coat does come in petite, so a p2 or p0 might fit me (and others) better, when it comes to the big shoulders and boxiness.
This was the fall piece that I had been lusting after for a very long time. I already have the canvas version of the Fiona from the spring and it is one of my very favorite jackets. In September I broke down and paid full price for the herringbone Fiona and I LOVE it. I haven't gotten to wear it yet, but can't wait for the right weather to come. The fit is boxier, which I usually avoid--but I find the Fiona style to be very flattering. I am tall, so I pair my fionas with a long tee or sweater underneath as the jacket is slightly short, and a slim pant and I just love the look it creates.
ReplyDeleteanonymous at 6:16
ReplyDeleteI didn't say anything about price, so I'm not sure what you're talking about. I buy things at full price, too, if I like them. I just wouldn't buy a jacket that made me itch. I'm glad you really like the jacket. It's certainly pretty.
I bought this in gray and although the fit was nice and very cute, I returned it because of the itch factor too. It wasn't just itchy around the colllar like I expected it to be, but I could also feel the wool poking through the lining in other places. I was really bummed because I love the look of the jacket.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday everyone!
When I saw this in the store for the fall season I was not impressed. I bought the Navy one from the Spring and loved it. I know it sold out everywhere then and it is a forward style but why repeat it for fall? Especially when J.Crew is lacking their traditional wool "anchor" blazer of this season. The colors it came in were pretty but I could not be talked into buying the same jacket only in different fabric.
ReplyDeletemary,
ReplyDeleteI was referring to my order being cancelled...as you commented on my earlier post in the second 1/2 of your comment.
I have no comment on the Fiona.
Elena, I felt the wool poking through the lining, adding to the itch factor as well. They should have used a thicker lining. But even with that the neck and the cuffs touch your skin with no lining.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the look of the jacket and it fit me well (not too big in the body) so I was bummed to return it too.
I tried this jacket a while ago and it just didnt work for me. I am a solid 2 in everything, so I tried both 2 and 0, even 0 was huge on me. i really dont remember it being narrow in the shoulders being the issue, i just remember thinking how huge I look in this jacket - not flattering at all. That being said, I really liked how they showed this in catalog - with a belt. Too bad it didnt work for me.
ReplyDeleteI loved the look of the fiona (I'm a fan of both herringbone AND ruffles) on the hanger, but not on me - too boxy and I think the pockets just emphasized it. I don't recall the itchiness, but I think I tried it on over whatever I was wearing. Maybe if they lowered the price to $29.99, I'd go for it (LOL), but I'm not holding my breath...
ReplyDeleteI so want to have this jacket! But every time I try it on I just don't like how wide the body is. I usually where a 6 or an 8 jacket. If I could size down to a 4, I might get the width right, but the shoulders will be too narrow. Cinching at the waist is cute but then I am bothered by all the width puckering around the belt.
ReplyDeleteI also tried the petite-sizes. P6 might have worked for width but the shoulders were too narrow.
This one's a no-go for me.
I own this jacket in grey in size 6. I haven't had any problems with the wool being itchy, or the sleeve length. The jacket is boxy, but works well with my figure -- I am on the tall side and slim, so I wear fitted pants with the jacket and it looks really smart. I just think boxy fits don't work on some body types.
ReplyDeleteI actually really, really like this jacket and wear it all the time...
On a separate note -- I ordered a top last week online and they sent me the wrong item. I had selected the gray slub tunic top in size small for $9.99 on final sale and they sent me a men's sweatshirt cardigan (not even close!). The B&M store near me took it back, and refunded my shipping, but I was bummed out that I didn't get what I ordered, and now of course they are sold out of that item.
The product description for this jacket says "with just a bit of swing". That's JCrewspeak for "a wee-bit boxy". I think a jacket of this short length would look better if it were fitted in the body and not so boxy. Also, the itchy wool and the wierdly too-short sleeves indicate that JCrew is trying to save money. I won't be buying it. That's too bad 'cause I like the ruffles and the color choices.
ReplyDeleteI think the whole belt-around-a-jacket thing is strange. It does look really cool, but what do you do when you want to take your jacket off? What if you wear it out to dinner and you want to take it off? Do you give the coat-check person the jacket AND the belt? It seems awkward...
ReplyDeleteAnonymous @ 4:40 - Good point about wearing a belt around a jacket. I didn't think about that.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 11:18
ReplyDeleteI had the black Lily cardigan in my shopping bag and "released" into the warehouse 2 times in the same week, and both times I was notified that the order was cancelled. I really like it (I have a blue one, and it's awesome) and really wanted it, but in the end, it's just a cardigan, and there's always something else that's eyecatching to come along, and if it does, I have extra money from the cancellation to put towards that. I was irritated by the cancellations, to be sure, and I'm keeping an eye out to see if the Lily comes round again, but if it doesn't, so be it. Things have been so inconsistent with web ordering that I've come to accept that if I place internet orders, there are going to be problems, so I'm just trying to find a bright side. I wasn't commenting on waiting out price drops on items we love, just trying to avoid being annoyed about not getting what I want when I want it. And that's not easy!
I went to the store today to investigate the Fiona, and when I tried it on I just could not get past the itch factor. I have to size down to make it fit in the body, so I would not be able to wear it with more than a tee underneath. It's just too darn itchy for me to purchase it. I was sad, because it is a cute coat.
ReplyDeleteOn a more positive note, I did purchase the pique Felicia coat in black and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It's so flattering; the pic on the site doesn't do it justice. And the pleating in the back is very cute. When I get a minute, I will sit down and write a review.
I tried on the camel Fiona today at my B&M when I returned my Dana coat - I have to echo all the statements here, too big in the body, tight in the shoulders, and itchy, itchy, itchy! It just doesn't look that right on me.
ReplyDeleteI did see the wool-cashmere camel mystery jacket that I think gigiofca commented on - it looked like the same material as the Dana, with kind of flared bracelet sleeves, a funnel style neck with a tie. It looked so cute on the mannequin, but not quite right on me. I'm not much for the funnel neck style, and had no clue what to do with the tie. The quest for the great camel coat continues...
Michelle, I'm happy to hear that you got the Felicia. I have it in Navy and think it's just great!
I'm a size 12 and the camel "mystery" coat was adorable on me! I just couldn't justify the ties. I ended up getting the new charcoal coat instead (after the lady day was a DISASTER on me...beware if you have a large bust haha). The charcoal one has the same slightly flared sleeve and a tiny version of a double breast...smaller buttons that weren't very wide. The back had a cute cinch with a slight flare and definitely is my new winter coat...though they would be smart to launch it in camel as well.
ReplyDeletesilver_lining & lindsay - I agree -- you have to tie the tie or it looks odd. Glad you got to see the mystery coat. It's so soft. It definitely has that going for it.
ReplyDeletelindsay, I totally agree - I saw that coat at the b&m as well but didn't even try it on because I have a double breasted black wool coat (Charlie) that looks similar.
ReplyDeleteJust bought the Fiona jacket in camel (which i believe is a a retail color only) Love the color! Love the ruffle. Don't love the shape, but i deal. As for itchy wool...pain is beauty my friends! Plus, you get what you pay for J.Crew is cheap and you get great quality for your money, if you want super soft wool go pay$400 as ralph or brooks bros. I won't tell you how much i paid but it was much much less than 89.99!
ReplyDeleteI just received this jacket yesterday in the bright rhubarb. I agree sizing down makes the jacket fit better in the torso (I'm a 6, but ordered a 4), but makes the sleeves a little more snug. I think I will wear light weight, long-sleeve clothing under it anyway, so the sleeve snugness will not be a problem. Since I am taller (5'9"), I cannot do the cinching w/ the belt thing, the jacket is not long enough. I love the bright color, and the ruffles are ridiculously pretty. It is a boxy fit, which I like, too. It's something different. Also, this is a jacket I can wear to work and w/ jeans. So I am happy with the purchase!
ReplyDeleteKelly, I disagree. I have some very soft wool jackets that cost Less than JCrew's....also have some soft ones from JCrew from a few years ago when their quality was better...high price doesn't always mean quality...
ReplyDeleteKelly, I've been looking for the camel fiona. Can you tell me where you bought it and how much you paid for it at your store? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAnon at 12:@2pm: I bought my camel colored one at the Crabtree Valley Mall (Raleigh, NC) location for $150. But they also have it at the Stanford (Palo Alto, CA) store for $149.99 + 20% off. They had a bunch, in all sizes.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, thanks! Since Kelly mentioned buying hers for much less than $89.99, I wondered whether there were new markdowns on it. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteNo problem. :) I would have loved to know where to get it for 89.99 as well! ;)
ReplyDeleteI went to go purchase the Fiona in rhubarb--you guys were right, TOO ITCHY. I guess I didn't notice the first time I tried in on.
ReplyDeleteI just bought my Fiona for $52 (what a steal!) but am not too happy. As the reviewer said, the body is huge and boxy but the shoulders are tight! I also find the upper arms are too snug and I could not comfortably fit a long-sleeved shirt under it. I usually wear a XS or 2 at JCrew, so I ordered a 0p and and a 2p. The 2p is very tight across the back/shoulder blades, so I am thinking about returning. :(
ReplyDelete