Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Product Review: Cascading Flowers Astrid Jacket

Cascading Flowers Bouclé Astrid Jacket
Click here for product page
Item 99457
Regular: $425.00

This jacket looks absolutely beautiful- just divine! Luckily for us, two members of the blog shared with us their review of the Cascading Flowers Bouclé Astrid Jacket. :)

Anon at 2:46 PM (in this post) shared the following review:

I got my Cascading flower jacket today. It came nicely wrapped in a box with a bow on it. They included a garment bag in which to hang it. That being said I'm not sure I'm going to keep it. When I saw the picture in the lookbook on the collection part of the website, I thought for sure I would love it. I then saw the picture through the regular site, on a different model, and I second guessed even ordering it in the first place. It didn't look as good on the different model, and I don't know how I feel about it on me. I had my hair up at the time, and really I want to see how it looks with my hair down and fixed.

The flowers running down the sides are gorgeous and "cascade" just like I think they should, but the flowers around the neck I'm not crazy about. I can't put my finger on why, except maybe they are too flattened? And I wouldn't know where to begin on fluffing them up. They are a very heavy material, and each individual flower is made up of a lot of petals. I understand during a shipping process something that delicate can be squished, but they just don't lay right to me. And I'm not sure they're squished, just that they're so heavy they don't perk up like the ones on the jacket from the lookbook.

Considering the jacket is so expensive, I feel like I really should LOVE it to
keep it. The material is nice, and the silk the flowers are made out of is really soft and incredible. You really just want to touch the flowers when you're wearing the jacket.

Lastly, on fit. I am between sizes in Jcrew- I vary from a size 4 to a size 6. I ordered the 6 in this because I had heard it was running small, the 6 fits fine to me but I also feel like the 4 would have fit nicely as well. It's not as boxy as the berry trim astrid, and I think that because of the fabric it molds to your body better. The jacket is definately cropped, and the sleeves are definately bracelet length.


Cleo26 (in the same post) shared the following review:

I recently received the cascading flower Astrid in ivory. It is a very nice, mid-weight jacket with beautiful almost ruffled flowers. The boucle seems thicker than that of the fuschia boucle Astrid with one flower sold in many stores. I find the ivory slightly less bright than what's shown on the model online, and the roses have less of a yellow ting. With all the flowers, I do think I would have liked the jacket better with only two pockets. Seems to have too much going on with four.

For most ladies familiar with J. Crew jacket sizing, they would find this Astrid true to size. For me, i think i'm in between sizes. I feel a slight tightness at the shoulder blades, but a larger size would be too loose in the bodice, especially if i go by how it's modeled on the website. Since i am much shorter than the model, the jacket hits me at the hip, right below the natural waist, and the sleeves fall 3/4 to bracelet length.

"Thanks!" to both Anon at 2:46 PM and Cleo26 for sharing their great reviews with us! :)

What are your thoughts of the Cascading Flowers Bouclé Astrid Jacket (do you like/dislike the style, design, flowers)? Are you considering or already have purchased this jacket? If so, please share with us your thoughts! :)

88 comments:

  1. I think it's gorgeous. *makes grabby hands*

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  2. its nice but a pain to take care of. not worth it.

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  3. Thanks for the reviews anon@2:46 and Cleo26! I'm sorry to hear that the jacket isn't living up to the expectations we have all had for it, especially for the price. I really appreciate you both taking the time to inform the rest of us. :)

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  4. Is the lining real silk or is it acetate/polyester (fake!)? Thank you for any info.:) I appreciate it:)

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  5. Mine should arrive in ivory today. I also pre-ordered. I'll let you know what I think.

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  6. Thanks for those detailed reviews! I too am between a size 4 and 6 & have to try on stuff each time to see which size is better in that style. For me the jacket, altho beautiful is just too much ~ agree, maybe no flowers on the neckline would be better, but for $$$, it would not be a keeper for me.

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  7. Mine should arrive in black today (not a pre-order) and I will also let you know what it think. Thanks so much Cleo26 and anon@2:46 for giving us your reviews of this jacket. Much appreciated! :)

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  8. Thanks for the reviews! I too am a little concerned about the flowers along the neckline...but I wonder if they could be removed easily?

    I pre-ordered mine and am still waiting...looks like I should receive it this week. I wish someone would post an IRL photo.

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  9. Ladies,
    thank you so much for the reviews! As I am not likely to see this jacket IRL, it's nice to hear such detailed descriptions. I think this is indeed a beautiful jacket, but I am looking forward to spring collection as it appears we will see more of longer silhouette ( I have more then enough cropped/short jackets at this point).:)

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  10. OT:I am wondering why JC hasn't put those bug pins in the sale. Do you think people are buying them?

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  11. Slastena: I am with you on the cropped jackets- I am looking forward to some longer jackets. (Especially since I would like to wear them during the winter, which is usually pretty cold in the north east). :)

    Anon at 8:50 AM: I have often wondered why those bug pins have not been reduced. Those star pins (the ones with the large glass and acrylic jewels) have been on sale in stores for some time now, and they came out during the same time. I can't imagine those bug pins being a best seller either (but I could be wrong). :)

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  12. Alexis and anony:

    Doesn't it seem like the accessories and belts don't go on sale until much later online and then for higher prices than at stores...really is a bummer b/c even the chiffon rosette belts took forever to go on sale for $15 and the black/ivory one never did. Store had them for approx. $6. (But I wouldn't even buy a bug pin for $2!!!

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  13. Thanks for the reviews girls!! I think the jacket is pretty, but its too much neckline detail for me. I think this jacket would be difficult to store and it is a bit on the pricey side.

    However, as a less pricey alternative, i think the Lily Ruffle Chiffon cardi is great!

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  14. Anon @ 7:00 AM: I am almost positive the lining is acetate/polyester.

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  15. It's super pretty, but too much for me. I think I would like black better, too.

    Could anyone tell me what 'Open' means in a new order? Does that mean nothing has happened yet?

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  16. OT - Does anyone know if the B&Ms still have 50% off sale merchandise? I was thinking of sneaking out and hitting one today during lunch.

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  17. OT-I think the Lilly Ruffle Cardi is a love it or hate it item. IMO it is paper-thin and looks like George Washington. There's just too much ruffle hanging off something that thin.

    Seems like there are a lot of these cardigans that remind me of some kind of appliqued Holiday sweater that no one will forget seeing and can only be worn one way. Seems difficult to wear these items multiple times--like they are disposable. IMO, unless you're loaded, many will probably wait for a sale for these sweaters..just thinking out loud.

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  18. anon, try steaming the flowers - I'd be curious to see if it might plump them up a bit.
    OF, I was at my local store today and they were offerring 20% off ALL women's sweaters. I didn't get any today. I had been looking for the Lili ruffle cardigan, but was extremely disappointed upon seeing it in person. It was very cheap looking and the clasps were really weird. Oh, well - next time maybe.

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  19. First, thank you for the reviews. This jacket looks gorgeous online, and I was wondering if it would hold up IRL. I don't know if I'll be buying it, though; I'd be trying too hard to pair with things and end up not wearing it for fear of getting it dirty and non-gorgeous. :p

    Anon@10:53AM: I was at my B&M yesterday, and sadly, there was no more additional % off the final sale.

    Anon@8:50, Alexis, Anon@9:13: It does seem pretty funny that the bug pins are still "alive & kicking" on the website. I've already scored a couple of the star pins from a B&M. Although, I gotta admit, they do look kinda cute on the crewcuts pieces. :)

    And I gotta agree with Anon@10:55: I was expecting a lot of the Lily ruffle cardigan. IRL, the ruffles are flat as flat can be and not nearly as "ruffly" as on the website.

    I tell ya, they do know how to market these things perfectly on the website!

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  20. So sad to hear about the Lily Ruffle cardi. I have not seen it in person yet! It does look thin online.
    I think the embellished cardigans are a trend for the season. They are not classic pieces to be worn for years to come.

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  21. I can say though that the merino rose cardigans (which are on final sale!) are so dainty and pretty. I also got the houndstooth bow cardigan, and that is definitely one purchase I'm really, really happy about! It's warm, cute but polished and sophisticated.

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  22. OT- So the ruffles on the merino ruffle Lili aren't as ruffly? Thats sooo sad:(

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  23. slastena: Totally agree, I'm ready for some non-cropped jackets as well!

    Also, the jacket sounds like it came wrapped so prettily. :) I ordered a wedding dress from J.Crew (didn't keep it) but it sounds similar to the box with a bow wrapping. And the miles of tissue paper. Oh wow. So. Much. Tissue paper!

    I returned it to a store and I think the sales associates had never seen a wedding dress wrapped up like that because I could hear them ooh-ing behind the counter while I was browsing. :)

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  24. OT - Anon@11:36: No, sadly, the ruffles aren't ruffly. :(

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  25. OT again sorry- But are the merino tuxedo Lili cardi as pretty IRL as its shown online?

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  26. OT-can anyone provide feedback on the stores that carry the most shoes? Mine carries very few to hardly any and the website is out of Fleur Peep Toes/Deep Atlantic size 8. They will not even do a we will find it on $170 shoe! In fact, the reps do not even know which stores carry shoes (forget how many of what and where there is inventory) but just WHO CARRIES SHOES? How bizarre is that?? I complained big time (to the rep--not AT her) and asked her to send it to corporate.

    When will they get on a Gap-like inventory locator type service where one can find out how many of a certain item is where?? They are losing out on valuable business. It doesn't seem that hard--Gap/Old Navy just scans the items number adn ot comes a sheet with each store and roughly how many with contact info. I am irritated as you can see.

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  27. Thanks for the review!!!

    I LOVE this jacket but I am not ordering it unless I get a chance to see it in person. I know that JCrew started off as a mailing company but if a retailer is selling me a wool/nylon jacket for $500, it better be in the store for me to try it on :)

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  28. I love this blog! Thanks so much. Doesn anyone have any info or thoughts on the Maria ruffle cardigan or the Alpaca Kennedi jacket. I love them both!

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  29. I just got my CF jackets yesterday in black and ivory. The black in my opinion is awful, it looks like dead flowers hanging around me from the neck down. The ivory color is gorgeous. I am usually a 4 but CS recommended the 2 for a better fit and it's perfect. I've also been hanging the jacket upside down to trying to fluff up the flowers, I'll update in a few days to see if it works.

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  30. covert5:
    I have no idea if the J Crew clearance store in Lynchburg, VA (434 316 6324) does over the phone orders, but last time I was there, they had quite a few of the Fleur Peep Toes in Deep Atlantic. It's probably worth a call.

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  31. Does anyone have the high waisted pencil skirt that is on sale? If so, do you like the fit and is it true to size? Thanks!

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  32. Are you ever not irritated?

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  33. THe denim high waist pencilskirt is tts to slightly large. if you like the skirt to fit tight, then you could consider sizing down. be warned that the skirt is longer than what it looks on the model. i'm 5'6 and ordered the sz 0 ( which is my usual size) and it covered my knees, whereas on the jcrew website, it shows that it's above the knees.

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  34. carrie how are you hanging it upside down? i had thought of that, but couldn't quite figure out how to do it successfully,
    thanks!
    (the anon who had posted her review)

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  35. that's so frusterating about the CF jacket. i ordered up a size because the CS recommended it, and i really think i should have gotten the size smaller. i wonder what my chances of exchanging it are?

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  36. OT- but Alexis, thank you for whatever you did to the blog! I'm not having anymore problems and it loads lightning fast! It's such a nice relief after dealing with the slow loading :)

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  37. Carrie, please do let us know how that turns out!

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  38. carrie,
    I don't get how a size smaller could fit you...I have all the measurements for my size and I usually wear a 10 and I got the 12 b/c the 10 measurements were smaller than my 2 other size 10 Astrids as well as 3 other JCrew blazers I recently got.

    The special occasions rep I spoke with said she had to size up. She usually wears a 6 and she had an 8 sample right there and said it fit her fine and in fact it was a bit snug in her bust!

    What is your height? and/or body shape?

    Just wondering. Thank you for any additional info.

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  39. anony@4:02. I think you will be fine...

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  40. Personally, I like the flowers being a bit flat around the neckline. I don't want them all big and billowy...

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  41. OK, I got the CF Astrid in Black today and am going to try sizing UP as the 0 (which at 99 pounds is what I always wear) was tight across the back. I also found that it hung funny over my boobs (which, even with padding, are not generous enough to make anything hang funny...LOL). I did really like the black color as I think that the flowers seemed more subdued and I personally prefer that look, plus my PS told me that color was the one they were receiving the most calls for and expecting to sell out first (I remain skeptical about this however...lol). The bright spot was that my flowers were fluffy and soft and didn't seem smooshed at all! Yay! I think that I will probably try the Ivory to see which I like best as far a color goes, but will def try and get the next size up for comfort. Admittedly, I did try it on with a long sleeve tissue tee (although if I stayed with size 0 I am quite sure that I would only be able to wear a tank) so maybe that accounts for the tightness. Oh yes, mine also came in a box with tissue paper and a ribbon tied around it. Hope this review is helpful. :)

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  42. Jcrewjunkie,

    Thank you for the fabulous review. May I ask how tall you are?

    I ordered a size up and am so happy I did:)

    I am also happy that the black sounds gorgeous and your flowers were fluffy:)

    Yeah:)

    I hope you can get a size 2 in both colors:)

    Fab:)

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  43. jcrewjunkie: O/T Did you ever get your tracking # for last Friday parcels? I am still waiting for mine that was placed 6:30 pm, however I found out the cut off time 12 noon on Fridays, anything after that it gets grouped in the weekend orders and it is last to get picked. CS told me mine will not ship out until Friday, 5 flippin business days, she was more interested in making a sales pitch for me to sign up with their credir card. The order I placed before Friday noon I will receive tomorrow.

    I found a hole in my cashmere sweater that I have only worn twice, right at the seam. Great quality, you are really a high quality merchant (not). Keep this up your share will drop further.

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  44. Ugly retailing news:

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27677942/

    Macy's posted $44 mil loss in the last quarter.

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  45. I did order this jacket (in ivory) as I *thought* I would love it enough to justify this being one of the rare occasions I actually am OK with paying full price for any of my J.Crew items.

    It arrived today --and it's also going back today. I wanted to love it; I really did... but I was hoping for elegant instead of cute and for 'elaborate' instead of busy.

    Frankly, I looked like I was wearing a wedding cake or playing dress-up in some Elizabethan closet. Since I wasn't aiming for either effect, the jacket's going back tonight.

    N.B.: 'the wedding cake effect' I described may have simply have been due to my proportions: I'm relatively tall (5'8''), thin-ish (J.Crew sz. 0 in pants), but my bust is a 34DD. I probably should have anticipated that a jacket with so much chest detail would never work for me, but it just looked so purrty in the picture that I suppose I was hoping against hope ;(.

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  46. Re: inventory locator:

    I think it a lost opportunity for JC as well. I called 1-800 # a few weeks ago to see if they could tell me if any stores in NYC had a certain coat in stock so I could try it on. They said they don't have the ability to do that. They can do "we'll find it for you" to have the item shipped, but they don't know which actual store it will ship from (also beside the point if I want to try it on).

    Both AT and BR have store inventory locators which are very helpful.

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  47. Anony@4:50

    Sorry to hear about the hole in your cashmere sweater....I have had the same experience twice and I no longer will buy any cashmere from JCRew...Just out of curiosity what sweater style and color was it? Just wondering if it was the same as mine...thanks:)

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  48. skittles,
    Thanks for your review...You almost had me panicked with the 5'8 comment until I read the rest of your measurements...I am almost 5'10 but a size 8 and 36A bust...at least it was worth a shot and you tried the jacket:) I hope mine works for me and I don't look like a fluffy, over frosted cupcake???? :)

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  49. anon 5:25 - It was the 3/4 v-neck cardigan that was $168.00 I got it for $89.00 fs, the hole was in the seam right by the neck, real cheap, I am glad I did not pay fp.

    I saw the cashmere in Old Navy this week, not much different from J Crew's thin and poor quality brand,both were made in China.

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  50. Alexis-

    In the spirit of the collapsing economy, could we review an inexpensive basic, like cords or all the different styles of chinos?

    A lot more people could participate, and it might be helpful for sizing purposes.

    I know it's boring, but maybe just once... ;-)

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  51. anon @ 4:50...still waiting. My Saturday order, however, have arrived...one yesterday and one today.

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  52. gg-thank you for your kind response to the shoes--I will try that.
    cass-I find it beyond strange that they would upgrade the system and not include locator.

    anon-when am I not irritated?

    When a retailer that has been in business this many years and is trying to now tout themselves as upscale gets their act together and starts walkin the walk instead of talkin the talk. Don't offer pre-orders unless you can follow through appropriately. Get an inventory system that can locate product in other stores for customers, and for goodness sakes--teach your CSR's which stores carry shoes! I just don't think this is too much to ask for.

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  53. anon @ 4:40: I am 5'4". HTH. :) Also, in the mean time I have tried it on with only a tank, and it still is uncomfortable tight across the back.

    anon @ 5:51: I love the idea of reviewing basics too! I would love to review pants, for one, because I have never ordered a pair of full length pants from J Crew that has fit! I am fine with capris, however.

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  54. Covert, it's also interesting that they won't do a "we'll find it" for $170 shoes just b/c they have been marked down. I think they are trying to make it as difficult as possible for us to buy sale items so we'll give up and buy stuff at FP. I think someone else recently mentioned that she called a store to have a sale item sent and that they said that they "don't ship sale items."

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  55. SO FUNNY--lately, I started thinking that people were placing the acronym HTH in the strangest places and just realized it is HOPE THIS HELPS not HAVE TO HAVE!! On a clothing blog--HAVE TO HAVE often works so interchangeably that I felt I knew what I was reading:) LOL! You can tell I do not text:/

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  56. Anon 5:28: Sorry for the unintentional scare. It actually seems to me that proportions like yours might just be ideal for this style. I would guess that women who can pull off the Victoria or Elizabeth would be equally stunning in this jacket as well. Unfortunately for me, my proportions are ass backwards (literally!) so I may have to learn to take a general pass on ruffle collars/cascading flowers and all the other cute stuff... :-((

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  57. okay--today is the 12th, correct? I just opened my mail and got a typed up note from my J Crew PS about a holiday sales event that is taking place today. It's offering a first look at the new 2008 holiday collection and offering add'l markdowns and promotions. Set up appt or stop by. At bottom is *teacher/student discount 15% off info. Anyone else get such a thing?

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  58. Anon, I hung the jacket upside down with a pant hanger, socks between the clips to protect the fabric on the jacket.

    anonymous @4:32p, this is my first Astrid jacket so I don't know how others are fitting. I'm 5'3 and 116lbs. 32/27/36. I have also ordered the Penny jacket in a 4 but exchanged for a 2. The 4 fit fine but the 2 had a more tailored look, fitted but not tight.

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  59. I tried on my CF Astrid today in Ivory. The ivory color is beautiful and the boucle is thick. The silk flowers were gorgeous.

    My only issue is that I am a 32 D on top and I found that the flowers over the bust area made me look a little too top heavy. I'm not sure if I'm going to keep it. I tried pairing it with a simple tee and also a black turtleneck with denim. Both looks were good but I am finding the cascading flowers attracting more attention than I would like to my bust area.

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  60. could someone send Alexis IRL pics (or upload to flickr/ google picasa) of the CF astrid so we could see the 'fit'? - seems like nobody can agree on size up or down! TIA!

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  61. Totally OT: I do have one final review of the "expensive" items and then I am anxious to hear about the basics (which is what I mostly buy!). In addition to my CF Astrid I ordered the Feather-collar Cashmere Cardi. In my opinion, do NOT waste you money on this sweater which is priced FAR FAR FAR higher than it should be!!!! It arrived wrapped in simple tissue paper which was fine, but I would have thought they would try to protect the feathers more!! The feather collar was wonderfully soft, but the feathers were MUCH longer on the right side than the left. Additionally, on the shorter side several of the feathers stood straight up and NO amount of coaxing could get them to go down. The Hazelnut color is beautiful, the sweater itself is sumptuously soft and the collar is actually not overpowering and does not give the impression that you are a dancer who forgot to remove her feather boa...LOL. The sleeves a quite long and I had to cuff them, but that looked really nice as well. The vertical ribs were very elongating to the body and very flattering. If this were to be drastically reduced I might consider purchasing it (and wearing it sans the crooked collar), but there is no way that it is even worth $250 let alone $500!!!

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  62. Well, my pre-ordered cf astrid arrived today, as expected. I couldn't wait to try it on especially because I had been reading this blog all day (at work) knowing my package was at my front door!!! Well, first impression - love the ivory color (size 8) - the flowers are almost tipped in a darker ivory in certain places, I feel, giving the jacket a rather vintage look. I love that it's truly ivory and not a bit whitish at all. The fit on me was perfect. Many times I'll wear a 6 in JC jackets, such as the penny and andrea from this fall season - but have also needed a 10 in others. Size 8 was the right size. Bracelet sleeves were perfect and it was just right across the shoulders, and I felt it snipped in a bit at the waist; definitely not a boxy jacket on me. Overall, I feel it's a great piece. The boucle fabric is thick enough that the jacket had an expensive feel, but thin enough to be comfortable when wearing. I plan on wearing this jacket casually - a tank with jeans or khakis and maybe pearls.
    This is a pricey jacket and even after seeing it in person, I still think it's a bit overpriced. But to me, it's different, I love the style,it's classic with a twist and I know I'll have it and wear it for many years to come. It's a keeper.

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  63. I'm shocked at JCrew's prices on these "fancy" items. I am also surprised that so many of this blog's readers can afford this jacket (no, really, I'm happy for you).
    If I'm going to spend $425 on a little jacket, it's going to be custom-made by a local designer and it's going to be GORGEOUS. In fact, I don't think it would even cost that much but I know it would fit me perfectly and it would be one-of-a-kind. And I'd feel confident that I'd never walk into an event or restaurant and see somebody else with the same $425 jacket!

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  64. Covert5- I was in the Chicago Michigan Ave store a few weeks ago and they carried a lot more shoes than most stores.
    HTH:)
    Twiga

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  65. This is totally OT, but I just checked an order online that I placed on Saturday hoping for a tracking number, but instead, it was CANCELLED!
    I called CS and got everything worked out and they are over-nighting the order to me at no ADDITIONAL charge (because it's for a wedding on Friday!!) but they have no idea why the order was cancelled ... the CS was totally confused and had no explaination! Even worse, if I had not saved the gift card that I used up on the order (just in case since I know how J Crew has been lately!) I don't know what would have happened because he needed all the information again!!
    AND, it kind-of ticked me off when he asked me if I wanted to expedite the shipping at an ADDITIONAL charge after THEIR screw-up.... hahaha! Seriously? At least they waived the fee for faster shipping .... but as the CS said: It's an exception they'll make "this one time".
    Whatever.
    I'm just glad I checked the order status tonight instead of just waiting for the box!

    Thanks for letting me vent!

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  66. OT: if you are thinking about the Fleur suede shoes in "deep violet," I received mine today. (I ordered the flats but they also come in a heel.)

    They are not violet; they are not even electric blue-violet like the regal purple Joelle blouse. They are dark royal blue. Blue! Of course, the little rosette is actually violet, so it clashes with the shoes.

    Also, I ordered my usual size and they are so large, and so flimsy in structure (like the Clea ballet flats) that they literally fall right off my feet.

    Sorry to be negative, but I don't want anyone else to be as disappointed as I was.

    OTOH--I have been thinking about the ivory cascading flowers Astrid and if I can persuade J.Crew to let me return the shoes I guess I know how I can use the credit . . .

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  67. Does anyone know how the Kelsey Tank Dress fits? I really like it from what I see online and in the catalog, but I want to see if it runs TTS, big, whatever -- anyone know?? Thanks so much!

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  68. I have the Kelsey- get a size up, b/c you'll probably want to wear a button up shirt under it, and if it's too tight, it will buldge out...

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  69. I have the Kelsey- get a size up, b/c you'll probably want to wear a button up shirt under it, and if it's too tight, it will buldge out...

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  70. Lindsey B: My fiancee ordered something from GAP for his niece in London and it was scheduled to arrive today. It didn't ship on time. When he called GAP CS they shipped his package overnight for free. No questions asked.

    I've had bad experience with JCrew CS and I had to vent on this blog as well (I apologize to people who read my ramblings); it helped :)
    I shop in stores now cause I love SAs in both SF stores, I stopped shopping online :(

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  71. The fleur is a d'orsay type of shoes, and you need to size down for the shoes not to slip off your feet.

    I got the bright warm marigold color, and loved the style. The only problem is that since it's suede and it's a light color shoes, it gets dirty really fast so I have to keep using an eraser to get the dirt out.

    I ordered the cascading flowers jacket but am still waiting for the shipment. Given the comments I have a feeling it won't fit well as I am busty on top.

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  72. covert5,
    You might want to try calling back to CS (not that you should have to). I did three sale "we'll find its" last weekend and it wasn't until the third time did any CS rep tell me that they don't do those on sale items (they ended up doing it bc I told them I had already done two with no problem). So, I'm thinking it might be a case of getting an unwilling CS rep...maybe you'll have better luck on a second call :)

    Also, OT, I called from a red phone tonight to order the wide patent leather belts (on sale in stores) and they told me I'd have to pay shipping since they were price-matching a sale price (as I expected). Then, when the order was totaling, she said the computer did not end up charging me shipping, it was "my lucky day". I was excited but, again, where is the consistency??

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  73. It was "his/her" lucky day you didn't report them for being a jackass. God, I hate some of those snotty CS people!

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  74. Kelsey dress - I found it to run TTS for my regular size (I have no idea what my "jcrew size" is - apparently it's anything from S/M to 4-8). I usually buy M and got the Kelsey in M. The L was way too large (droopy in the chest and roomy in the sides). It hits slightly above the knee on me, and I am 5'4. I would be careful about bending over though ;)

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  75. Thank you thank you thank you for all the Kelsey recommendations and understanding my 'vent' about J Crew CS. ;)

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  76. lindsay B.

    Vent all you want:) JCrew deserves it this time!

    It is no wonder their stock is plummeting...even if people have money and want to order their order gets screwed up!

    Send them an email and ask that it be forwarded to the correct person for review as JCrew needs to know they are doing a poor job!

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  77. I think a post about basics is a great idea! I will have one on corduroy's soon. Thanks!! :)

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  78. I love over the top items and I feared this may be a bit too much even for myself. The flowers seems to be laying weirdly for me on this. Same thoughts on the feather sweater. Price not really worth it IMHO. I also have a problem with the seam at the necklines coming apart with one or two wears. This happened to 3 cardigans,which actually fit me rather loosely, so not sure what is going on there. Seams and stiching are super delicate. My husbands cashmere sweaters are pilling as well. I am sadly falling out of love with J. Crew as of lately. I just had a necklace totally fall apart upon wearing it for 3 minutes as well. At $175 plus shipping, this upset me a bit. Again, keeping positive that Spring and slumping stocks gets them to correct their sins a bit. The prices are getting out of hand but service and quality are lacking latley so its a recipe for disaster. Sorry so negative but can't help it, i am frustated!

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  79. Okay--so guess what just showed up on my doorstep. A pre-ordered Floral Astrid.

    Problem 1-
    It just comes unannounced..never a confirmation nor shipping notification. They talk the upscale but they are not walking it. I think of it something like this.. a luxurious, collection, one-of-a-kind jacket with the fabulous option to pre-order it so that you do not MISS OUT! I missed out on something...follow up from a live rep with a confirmation/order number and shipping/tracking info when it was sent. What if it never showed up? I promise I would have thought they never filled my order until I suddenly noticed it on my CC bill. (As I have stopped tirelessly calling them yet again to follow up on this jacket.)

    After hearing of the issue to size up--I had called back in and ADDED a larger size so I could compare the two. I have received the original ordered smaller size 2 and it fits me perfectly. BTW-this is the size I wore in the berry Astrid as well, I am a 32D and do not find problem with bust or closure of the jacket.

    Problem 2-
    Box contains a receipt for 2 jackets (sz 2 and 4) and appears I have been billed on this receipt for 2 jackets but there is only one in the box.

    Problem 3-
    I ordered this with a discount which was not applied.

    Problem 4-
    I just logged in to see whether I was actually charged for 2 jackets but it appears the sz 4 was canceled. When and Why? I do not know.
    So as far their system reads, I was charged for one but will now have to double check with them and my CC.

    Problem 5-
    This receipt is itemized and shows sz 2 and sz 4 each size along with billing info for both sizes of $885.91. Another idiotic feature of their receipts--customer panics when the receipt reads that you were shipped 2 jackets and the cost is there for 2, yet, there's only one in the box! Oh great! Who are they gonna believe? Why doesn't it say one was canceled/backordered, ANYTHING puh-leeze!?

    Problem 6-
    Just to pre-order, I had to call them numerous times and stay on the phone for honestly, close to an hour on one occasion. Isn't that a bit much to ask? I am actually ashamed that I have allowed myself to spend the time and energy getting sucked in to this nonsense.

    Problem 7-
    I get to call in and have one of the CSRs dis me, trying to sell me something while I am explaining this fiasco/billing concern;) Just a joke-hopefully they will not do that.


    REVIEW:
    I think the jacket is well-made, much thicker fabric than the "floppy flower" neon pink boucle jacket in stores right now. The lining is acetate (not silk), I think the flowers are just right--I wouldn't change a thing about how they lay, the color or consistency, the ivory boucle and ivory tinged flowers is vintage perfection...and great on blondes I might add. The jacket was made in the Philippines. After all that, still not worth the $425 price tag thus I purchased under the guise that it was discounted (as always;)
    It's actually just as one-of-a-kind as I had thought it would be but not sure how wearable. I think one would just need to go-for-it and not give it a second thought as the average person would say, "What are you going to a wedding, mother-of-the-bride, perhaps"? Because it is really over the top, IMO it needs to be played down with jeans. Any other way, it stands to look FAR too fussy. BTW-it was shipped in their brown gift box with tissue and tied with ribbon--garment bag was included.

    Unfortunately, I am so confused on how I feel about this item right now. The whole fiasco makes me want to run it straight back to the store no matter how much I may love the jacket just based on principle.

    I think I have hit the bottom with J Crew. What a discouraging experience.

    UPDATE-I just called in, it was actually only about 10 minutes, they only charged my card once, credited the discount and I was not on the recv'g end of a sales pitch;) Now--do I keep it?

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  80. covert5,

    Glad the size you got fits you:)

    I know Jcrewjunkie and I both sized up so I think it is needed...guess it just depends on body shape.

    I know what you mean about mixed feelings. I felt that way on the phone...like cancelling my preorder b/c the lady I was talking to was already talking about my next preorder when the current one was a mess and I just wanted to scream, "Are you insane...I am not sure I even want the jacket now!"

    Wait a week and see how you feel about the jacket is my advice.

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  81. ^Thanks anon--that's exactly what I thought I would do. I'll try it with a few things see if I can really picture myself going out in it enough to justify the $. It is pretty fabulous but still gotta think about if you only wear it 3 times-DOH!

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  82. covert5:

    OMG, your story is a true horror story. I experienced *problem 7* myself very recently!!! --- that they try to sell me something while they are dealing with their own mistake! How dare can they!!!

    I wrote my story under the remind of 20% sweater coupon thread...

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  83. covert: I agree......the jacket must be worn in the most casual of ways...otherwise it appears to be too much.......I tried it on last night and then put it away to think about it....will look at it again in the morning.....but I must say...I have never had a problem with pre-order which this jacket was, or any other order placed over the phone or in the store. I must be lucky....however, I placed my pre-order for this jacket, never received a confirmation, but never even worried about it because I figured the order would show up on my door step.......and it did, just about the time I expected it would!!!!

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  84. covert5: sorry to read about all the problems. I guess i was lucky in that i simply ordered mine, and they came with no problems. OK, so i did not get the garment bag. I can live with that.

    You put into words exactly what i was thinking about the jacket -- that it would look best paired with something casual. Otherwise, it could look over the top. I am going to see what FFM puts together first though before i decide if i am going to keep it. :)

    Have you thought about how to wear this beauty underneath a coat? What to do? The flowers are somewhat delicate. It's too cold here for me to wear the jacket without a heavier coat.

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  85. I never get shipment confirmation when I preordered before. It didn't bother me as it's a pleasant surprise - just when you about to forget that you preordered an item, a present shows up at my doorstep.

    The billing errors is a bummer though.

    I finally got mine in the mail, and I agree it's the exact same size as my regular astrid jacket.

    It's over the top gorgeous, but I really like off white. I think I'll probably pair it with off white pants or camel pants. Don't know if the material or workmanship is worth $400+. I can bearly ply the hook off the clasp to get the jacket open.

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  86. If anyone is tired of their ivory CF jacket (sized 0 or 2) I'm looking to buy ...

    Serious sellers only.

    Thank you thank you thank you!

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  87. Looks impressive. Only fresh flowers can compare with this. You can find a large selection of different varieties of flowers here. Only the best bouquets and arrangements for you.

    ReplyDelete

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