Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Product Review: Jaime Bag {gorgeous!}

Italian Calfskin Jamie bag
Click here for product page
Item 97485
Regular: $495.00
Select colors (here): $249.99

This bag has been the focus of a few posts (refer to here and here). I saw this bag (the tulip color) in person recently and thought it was g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s! It was the perfect size bag- big enough to carry lots of items (e.g. wallet, cell phone, make up bag, David Sedaris' Me Talk Pretty One Day paperback book), but not too big (e.g. can't carry a laptop).

Luckily for us, Anon at 12:50 PM (in this post on 12/6) shared with us her great review of this bag.
...I just have to post my thoughts on the Jamie. I received the bag (black) yesterday and I love, love, love it! Excellent quality, and worth every penny of the original $495 tag (Like Anon, I paid $190 too!!!!!).

The calfskin is buttery soft, and as far as I can see - simply flawless. Better than my Mulbery Agynes. I would say it's very close to the quality of the leather on my Chloe Heloise. The pleats are so adorable I'm sure the black color will camouflage any future scratches and dings better than the other colors. I think I can get lots of mileage from this bag due to its quality, classic design, size, and color.


The bag's size is perfect. It's actually much larger than what I expected. I know some of you find it too small. It actually has more room than my Coach Large Zoe (flatter silhouette) and has about the same room as the Sabrina (a similar shape but slightly wider and shorter). I can fit in two external hard drives, one large wallet, a pocketbook, a makeup pouch, cellphone, PDA, blackberry and a 3.5 oz of hand cream with lots of room to spare. I think it would take a small bottle of water too.


I also like the shoulder strap. It's functional and I can see myself using it when I'm traveling. The bag looks good too when slung across my body messenger-style. I can do with an extra hand with a toddler. For everyday work use, I'll detach the strap. A strap and a handle seems a popular design these days - you see them a lot in Marc Jacobs, Prada and Miu Miu's latest collections. It's very similar to the Blake from Marc Jacobs but I actually like the Jamie better because the shape is a little less classic. You can't get a decent bag of this quality for $500 these days.


The brass hardware is sturdy, with a nice antique texture and shade. The lining is OK, with some sort of satiny, stripey brown polyester. The zippers do get in the way of the handles' hardware (too close) but may work better after some use. Just need to pull the leather holders apart and they're fine.


Overall, I'm very pleased with my purchase. If you're looking at the Jamie, try calling - the website info just doesn't tell what's really available and what's not. Good luck!
"Thanks!" to Anon at 12:50 PM for sharing her great review with us! :)

What are your thoughts on the Jamie Bag (do you like/dislike the style, design, material)? Are you considering or already have purchased this bag? Have you seen this bag in-person at your local store? If so, please share with us your reviews too! :)

106 comments:

  1. Gosh, cell phone, PDA AND Blackberry?

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  2. I love this bag (based on the website and reviews) and wish I could see it IRL. My store doesn't have it. I also wish I could score the black on sale like some JCAs did! I'd take a chance on it for sure then.

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  3. I placed an order for the Jamie in dark cloud this afternoon - but being that I don't live in a big city (and therefore don't have the need to carry my life with me in a bag) i have a feeling it's going to be WAY too big. i don't want my handbag to double as a messenger bag - that's what my messenger bag is for! i might just have to cancel that order... :-/

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  4. I got mine today in yellow. nice bag but i think theres just too much hype about this bag being $500 then down to$180. I dont know what it is but bags that I have which are made in Italy is just made so much better than those made in China. I have a few nice looking bags which are made in China but when I compare them to the Italian made ones, there is really a noticeable difference in quality, materials aside. So all Im trying to say is that I am returning mine even if I am such a bargain addict. That just shows you that I am not that overwhelmed with the bag. I ordered the large Thompson metallic bags instead both in metallic gold and silver. I think I will get more use of those than the Jamie bag. I should have listened to my shopping assistant who said the Jamie bag isnt all that in person. Jcrew's advertising is just really working well so we end up wanting a bag which we wouldnt really consider buying if we saw it at the mall. Thats all! Happy Holidays!

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  5. There are a lot of JCrew items that I considered purchasing just because of reviews on this blog or polyvore sets.

    Having said that, I am not a big fan of JCrew bags in general for some reason. I am guilty of buying three uptown totes and I'd buy them in every color possible to be honest (considering the Thompson tote as well!). Besides that, there is no other bag I *have to have*, even when they are on a great sale, like right now :(

    Good luck to everyone who purchased Jamie :)

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  6. alexis, i was wondering if you would write about this in one of your upcoming entries:

    suggestions for how to work jackets that are traditionally for autumn (ex: jamie jacket, herringbone fiona jacket, etc.) into our winter wardrobes. it seems like such a waste to only wear these beautiful jackets in the fall/spring!

    :) btw, the jamie bag is gorgeous, no matter what anyone says.

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  7. anon @ 1:13: I thought your comments were so interesting. :) I have not seen the Jamie in person but have ordered a Thompson tote. What made you spring for a Thompson tote but not a Jamie?

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  8. Thank you for the review, it is great. Actually, I asked for the review earlier today and it was nice to see it so soon. :)
    My major concern about the bag is the scratches. I saw Sean bag at the local store that is made of the same leather (I think). I looked at two tulip bags and they both had scratches. I understand it is easy to scratch this type of leather. This worries me.

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  9. Not a fan of JCrew bags. No way do I think they are worth the money even on sale. The quality of leather is just not there.

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  10. Good review! I ordered a metallic Jamie a week or so ago and am waiting for it's arrival (I live in Italy). I think the metallic leather drew me to it, but I'm really not sure if I will like the shape/style. We'll see!

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  11. Good review! I ordered a metallic Jamie a week or so ago and am waiting for it's arrival (I live in Italy). I think the metallic leather drew me to it, but I'm really not sure if I will like the shape/style. We'll see!

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  12. I'm sure i would love the leather and colors, but i hate the design and style! i think it looks terrible! tassels, really?
    I'm not downing anyone, i'm just saying we all like different things! this is a pass for me

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  13. Recent J.Crew bag collections look like Tod's bags - very similar style - especially Python Jamie bag. I prefer to see more J.Crew "origial" rather than copies of major brands.

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  14. I would rather buy the thompson tote! cute colors good materials. and with the current promotion you could get one for 70$

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  15. Thanks for the fantastic review Anon @12:50pm!

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  16. i ordered this bag in dark cloud (twice by accident!). if anyone wants the extra please let me know, otherwise it's going back to the store. $250 shipped. email mschwoer17 AT yahoo

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  17. Thank you for the review. I saw the Jamie in Honey Glaze and think that it is beautiful. If I didn't already have a Christian Dior Gaucho in black I think that I would really consider this bag! :)

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  18. I own the Jaime in Dark Cloud. I bought it a while ago, back around when they first came out at FP (thought the cloud would sell out). It seriously is the perfect (grey) bag. I'd been looking for one, and found it in this bag. It is not very large, but the perfect medium size bag that can suprisingly fit a lot without losing its shape. The tassels on the zippers are fun, the hardware is the perfect antiquey look, the pleating is nice, the handles and long strap are a good size and functional. I can't say enough about this bag. I've been wearing it almost every day since I bought it (about 2-3 months ago), so my price per wear will eventually get to $0, which I consider an excellent buy! I also get tons of compliments on it, especially from JC SAs that see it in person and didn't know what it was like. Hope my additional comments help those on the fence about this fabulous bag! Buy it! :-P

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  19. J Crew bags just don't seem deserving of the price points they sell for. For about the same price you can get a similar bag at Coach and they have a guarantee. Michael Michael Kors and dozens of other labels also sell similar bags in the same range at department stores and I would rather go with a trusted designer, even if it's their lower priced line.

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  20. OT, has anyone had any experience with Onyx Sequin Dress? It looks pretty online, and perfect for a new years eve event, but its weird that the model is wearing the dress with a favorite fit tank. I'm trying to gauge if wearing it without the tank is possible. Why would they only show the dress with tank...so strange.

    Any thoughts?

    Also, random...I'm sure all the savvy shoppers on here already know this, but yesterday I placed a large online order, over 250 and got the 30% off. During the day some items I wanted reappeared on the site (or I just accidentally missed them the first time) when I called CS, they jsut put a separate order for me, waived shipping and gave me the 30% off. It was really nice of them, I ended up doing it like 3 times and each time it was not a problem.

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  21. I ordered the Onyx sequin dress a couple of days ago, so I can let you know what it's like when I receive it.

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  22. OT-anyone else not been able to see items on the site? I can open the site but when I click on an item to see more info I get, "We are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again a little later. We apologize for the inconvenience." All morning thus far--is this just me? No one has mentioned anything today.thx.

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  23. Yeah, Bug Pin, all morning for me, too. Surprise, surprise. More annoyances for us sale shoppers.

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  24. Did this bag ever come in black?? Why have I never seen it for sale online, in stores, or in the catalog but I seem to see pictures of it online - is the dark cloud that dark?? I didn't think so....

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  25. OT: Alexis: Could you do a post on what is your ideal Jcrew outfit? It think it would be fun to hear what items aficionadas/aficionados are the perfect outfit and why.

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  26. The bag came in black, as well as burnt sienna, honey glaze, dark cloud, and tulip. There's also a metallic version.

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  27. Does anyone have an electronic version of the Paris JCrew catalog?? I recall someone was super nice and had offered to scan it (maybe it was you, Alexis!) -- I'm psyched to go to Paris this winter and what better way to prepare than taking a stroll through "the catalog that got away"??

    thanks so much if anyone can help!

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  28. Thanks, Alexis, for sharing my review of the bag! I also added in later posts about the functionality of the tassels (not just a cute feature) and that the bag has 4 sturdy feet. I haven't had a chance to weigh it yet (someone asked because MJ bags are so heavy).

    The bag is still available in black, but it's not being featured online. One reason may be that J.Crew upped the price back to the regular $495, when last week the Sienna, black and gray cloud were $300, and the tulip and honey glaze were $249.99.

    Let me add that I returned the gray because they are just so many scratches and imperfections. Maybe I got a bad/returned piece? Even some parts near the pleats show discoloration simply from being folded down! Perhaps if you want to avoid scratches, it's safer to go with the black or the metallic (gorgeous, gorgeous color!!).

    That said, taste in bags is a highly personal issue. This bag works for me! I'm not easily swayed by hype. To me, a bag has to be a balance of style, function, and practicality.

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  29. If anyone likes Dooney & Bourke, I have a coupon (in-store only) for $50 off a purchase of $200 or more, good through 1/19. If you want it email me at femme55@hotmail.com. They have stores in NYC, White Plains, L.A., Costa Mesa, Las Vegas, Dallas and Honolulu.

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  30. FYI - there are some great cashmere deals at the Boston store. Jackie cashmere cardigans are $99 with an additional 30% off, plus my student discount, cam out to $59. They had golden cypress, ivory, and a type of heathered peony that I didn't see online.
    Also, if you spend $100 can get an extra 20% off this!

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  31. Maybe I'm a bag snob but Coach bags are EVERYWHERE and carried by some, uhm, very interesting women. I personally feel that the Coach brand is getting too common. Yes, you can buy a $200-300 bag at Coach, but it's not even leather. $500 at Coach doesn't get you very far either. And there's too much hype too over Coach quality! If you want real designer quality, be prepared to shell out at least $1000. On that note, Marc by Marc Jacobs is not the same quality as the Marc Jacobs collection.

    There's no loud overbearing J.Crew logo, and I like the fact that sometimes people have to guess what bag I'm carrying :)

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  32. totally OT, but does anyone have a strong opinion about the super 120s suiting? do the blazers fit well? does the fabric drape well? thanks!

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  33. I find the Super 120s doesn't drape as well as wool crepe or gabardine. Wrinkles easily too. I returned mine. Just my 2 cents' worth.

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  34. Can anyone tell me how the hammered silk tank fits? Thank you!

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  35. Anon @ 3:09. I typically wear a size 4 in Jcrew tops and jackets, but sized down 1 size with the Hammered Silk tank so that the armholes would not be too large. It's a very nice top. I also wear a 2 in the Annette and Teagan blouses.
    HTH:)

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  36. Does anyone have the metallic Thompson totes? If you do, can you post a review on the quality and size? Thanks!

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  37. MELANIE @2:13 am, I just think that the metallic leather looks like its different and can be dressed up or down. The design is also classic which I always take into consideration when I purchase items. The Jamie bag is just really BLAH! I just think that the design is not impeccable. The zipper is too close to the handle which makes it hard to open and close. If you see it you'll probably say the same thing. Its really good marketing. I bet if you saw that purse in the mall at a store you wouldnt end up buying it...Its really good marketing thats all. Ive seen nicer bags to tell you the truth.

    hope that helps ;)

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  38. Slightly OT, but I bought the Sean bag over the weekend (using an amazing combination of discounts) in the grew color, and it's awesome. It's the perfect bag for going out, you can carry it like a clutch, or put the strap over your shoulder or across your chest. I highly recommend it.

    Jen

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  39. Bellemarie-I second that! I am dying to see that catalog--it is constantly referred to on this blog and I didn't get it so would love a way to view it!I know it's not in the google catalogs either. Alexis--do you have this one scanned in your computer by chance? Or anywhere from past posts? Thanks!

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  40. Anon@3.55: When you first get the Jamie, the zipper is close to the handle, because everything is squashed together during packaging/shipping. But the handle holders are leather, and you just push them aside (and they stay apart) - no more problem with the zipper. No brains needed to figure that out.

    If you want a solid opinion, get it from people who actually own the bag, and have used it for some time, like Marta B.

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  41. Does the stupid website ever work anymore? For the past two days, every time I've tried it's down.
    Nice timing - it's not like the single biggest gift-giving holiday of the year is near ....

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  42. I think this bag is really cute!

    I don't think it would be large enough for me unfortunately. I need something big enough to carry my stuff as well as baby stuff. Very cute though, I personally like the tassels.

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  43. Great review, thanks! I think the Jamie is beautiful, especially the tulip color, but the price is a bit rich for my blood. I'm thinking maybe the small Oslo in grey, anyone have any comments on it? TIA!

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  44. I have Coach leather bags bought a decade that I still use because they look great and are timeless. As for a brand being diminished by who uses it, well, that holds true for several companies - Burberry, for example. Louis Vuitton bags are ubiqitous. Chanel bags, too. Many of them are fakes, but fakes are so well made now, that unless you grab a person's handbag and look inside, you won't know.

    Personally, I've not been impressed by J.Crew's bags.

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  45. Thanks for the fantastic reviews! They moved me to order the Jaime this morning in Dark Cloud. After the promotion, it was $175. I've seen some of the new Spring collections for 2009, and it looks like neutrals will be a focus. I think the Dark Cloud is a great shade in that it's neutral, but unique. I love this blog - thanks, everyone, for sharing your thoughts, both positive and negative, about this product.

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  46. I know what you mean...I have never been impressed with JCrew bags either...way to expensive for what you get and-- while I DO NOT carry designer bags-- for the price I would buy one...b/c if I am going to spend that kind of money I would want it to show and who else knows/cares about a JCrew bag??? No one.

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  47. A couple orders from yesterday have already shipped, hooray!

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  48. Yayy, my order from yesterday has shipped too! 8 items and not a single one cancelled! Looks like they're working hard to fulfill orders. Keeping my fingers crossed that they shipped the correct items.

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  49. Anon@5.49: If you really, really care about brands and logos, why even buy J.Crew and visit a J.Crew blog? There's no designer bag selling for this sort of price, unless it's a fake. Go start your own Fake Chanel blog, please.

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  50. Anony@6:18
    Your post makes NO SENSE whatsoever! You obviously can't read...b/c your reply has nothing to do with what I said...

    I do not care about designer names.

    JCrew is not a designer name to me at all. It is a company who makes clothes that copies top, true designers.

    Also, I buy orginal designer bags at the same price JCrew sells theirs for... You have to know where to shop in Europe.

    Also, Radley bags leather is top top quality.

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  51. OT but I love my patent quilted leather quincy hobo. It's so soft and the navy is so sleek and shiny, unlike the leather version. The size is great although it could use more pockets including a cellphone pocket. I have a bag organizer so it's not such a big deal. Got THREE compliments just today when I was out for lunch. Yum!

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  52. Oooooo...Europe....the lady doth protest too much.

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  53. How do the bathing suit tops run? I am a 34C (on the big side of C), usu wear size 4/S in tops. My frame is small, but my bust is large, and Im not sure which size to order. Do you recommend S, M, or D cup top?

    Also, I am a 2 on bottom (large side of 2)-- should a S fit ok for the bottoms? Thanks!

    K

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  54. K,

    I am the same on bottom and S usually fits fine. I would say a S should also fit okay on top, but might want to order a M also just in case.

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  55. my clutch was cancelled =( - even with overnight shipping. they're probably scrambling to find anything in my order - everything Open.

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  56. The metallic thompson is unlined. Any thoughts?

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  57. Just some fun knowledge for you all: the leather on a the J. Crew bags come from the same tannery that Prada, Fendi, and Chanel use. In addition the leather on the Thompson tote is the same as the leather on the LV bags.

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  58. associate- yes it is probably the stuff they would throw away/not use. everyone knows even coach only uses the top 10% of the leather they make

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  59. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  60. bellemarie -- which clutch was it? i ordered the golden roses clutch, but there were only 2 left, so I'm doubtful I'll receive it.

    My last TURKEY order arrived, and it was perfect! All correct items, nothing missing. But the orders I placed yesterday morning are still 'submitted' or 'open,' so I'm trying not to get too excited.

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  61. Hello everyone -- I reviewed 4 more items on my blog. I rushed to get them done so people can see them before HOHOHO ends. I will try to do one or two more tomorrow. Click through my username to get to the blog.

    As far as the Thompson metallic vs regular leather. I found the metallic to be very shiny. I like shiny things, but it didn't strike my fancy. The regular leather on the other hand is lovely. At first I felt like lining is necessary in all bags, but I don't think that's the case. It may end up ripping anyway. All this talk about bags and today I just remembered my father used to make and sell bags on Telegraph in Bezerk(!)ly while he was in college. I have a few of the bags and they are from the 70s. And unlined. They are still in great shape. So quality of leather is the main key; not nesc lining. I think for a tote no lining is just fine.

    Gotta go -- off to my 1st holiday party of the season! :-)

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  62. kendra - I have never ordered a bathing suit, but I am a 34C also and would probably try a M for the top. You could always have the band sewn smaller. Can't make the cup size fit better if it's too small. Good luck!

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  63. Do you realize how pompous and pretentious a few of you sound when talking about "certain interesting people" carrying designer bags and how it diminishes its value? You realize someone may be looking at you carrying your designer purse and thinking "ugh"? Get over yourselves.

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  64. Re: the Onyx dress. I ordered it for a holiday party and it is HUGE. I'm a 10, on the bigger side of 10 especially up north, and there was tons of extra fabric around the chest/armpit area. The waist and hips were not fitted at all. I would recommend going down at least one, maybe even two sizes if you are at the lower end of your size. Hope that helps!

    Also... I just got a cashmere care kit instead of my plum berry astrid :( Boo J. Crew!

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  65. Speaking of Jcrew handbags. Does anyone own the uptown tote in the tan rose vachetta leather. It looks so beautiful but I am concerned with it scratching and darkening unevenly. Any opinions? Oh, it's a great price right now.

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  66. I like the handbag and all things Jcrew but.. once you have bought a Furla bag in my opionion it hard to buy anything else. I was in Italy this summer and I bought 3 new ones. The handbags from Jcrew remind me of Furla's I guess because there Italian and they have a classic look to them. My first Furla I bought 5 years ago and I still use it (which is fairly amazing me for me). The quality are amazing and there are just terrific bags. The prices are a little more expensive but I have been able to get most of them on sale. So Jcrew you lost me on this one even its a great deal...

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  67. Kendra - I would go with an XS in JCrew swim bottoms - I wear a 10 bottom and take a M in swim bottoms. About the top, I'd go with a Small D.

    To Anon inquiring about the hammered silk tank - mine fits TTS, maybe a tiny tiny bit on the loose side but not boxy AT ALL and I would not size down.

    Hope this helps!

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  68. Is the site loading slowly/not loading for anyone else?

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  69. I own the metallic Jamie bag. I bought it at almost full price (I think maybe 30% off with a promo a few months ago) because I thought it would sell out and I thought it was SO beautiful I couldn't live without it. There are good things and bad things. The bag is a great size, and it's very, very gold, which I wanted. Like others have said, it's somehow both small and large enough at the same time. It does tend to lose its shape when you put things in it--looks longer (almost like a bowler) and not as wide and fluffy and satchel-y, as it looks in the pictures or when just stuffed with tissue. I don't know if this is just the metallic version; some of the regular leathers may be more structured. Also, some of the metallic finish has satrted to flake off, which I find devastating, as I truly love this bag. It's especially bad where the pleats fold, near the zipper (which IS difficult to open, even after months of daily use) and anywhere it rubs against your body. All that said, it's still my favorite bag ever (seriously), and I have too many bags (some designer) that I paid way too much for and regret. I don't regret this one a bit. In fact, it is the only bag I've carried since I bought it, and I haven't even been tempted to buy another bag since...and that is saying a lot for me. I even considered ordering a second one as a backup, just in case this one started looking crappy if/when more of the metallic finish flaked off. But, I'm going to be strong instaed...have sworn off spending for myself until the new year.

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  70. anon@4:14pm ok dear chill. the way the design is with the zipper being stuck everytime on those two areas is just annoying. it is my opinion. i did purchase it and tried to use it and didnt like it so missy chill. i have many purses most of them were purchased not only based on how they look or what kind of bargain i got but also for their functionality and design. by the way, I am a physician so maybe just maybe I do have some brains. Thats all! peace! Its just a bag girl...chill! No need for any negativity.

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  71. I have this bag in dark cloud and love it, but that might also be because I paid $70 for the bag when I visited the clearance store in Lynchburg, VA. It had been returned and had a small scratch on it which I am sure I have added more scratches on my own since then. It wasn't on display at the store but asked the sales associate why the store didn't have purses and she brought it out of the back. Just a hint for anyone who visits. Happy shopping!

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  72. I got this bag in the gray color last week and I absolutely love it. I just want to warn anyone who's tall (I'm 5'8") and thought that they would extend the shoulder strap as advertised: You can't. It's hard to explain, but when the strap loops through the clip at the end it tapers to fit through the slot. That means when you go to extend it, the strap gets too fat to fit into slot on the clip and you can't actually extend it all the way and it looks funny. It's a bummer but the bag is still amazing without the shoulder strap.

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  73. LolaFrye: Thanks for your review of the metallic Jamie. I agree it's a beautiful bag, and I've been wanting it. Will have think twice after hearing about the flaking.

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  74. OMG the site is loading soooo slowly that I am simply going to go to bed and try again tomorrow! Blah!

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  75. Anon@10.48: I have the bag in black and have fully extended the shoulder strap but didn't have the problem you described. Strange.

    But I must say that the strap isn't really long enough to sling across the body messenger style - or maybe I just prefer the bag to sit lower. I'm 5' 6" /size 2.

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  76. anon@10:46pm geez...ok missy this will be my last reply to your post...I guess you're young or have a young mind. Dont get too overworked and mean. bear in mind that no matter how much jcrew products you have to make you look nice, people see through character and personality eventually so good luck in life!

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  77. kitchy7: it was the sonia. no more energy to keep checking the website when even if you find the item and can order it, chances are slim, sadly.

    The other items in my order say they are shipped, but it's a bummer because the sonia was the one I wanted. I'll review the Frankie if I actually receive it - not sure on that one, liked the sonia a lot more. Hope you get yours!!!

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  78. in case anyone's looking for an orange lucille in sz0 i returned one to Palo Alto yesterday. was just too bright for me, or any of my relatives and friends.

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  79. The coach quality nowadays isn't the same as it used to be. Even the $500-700 bags from Coach or Cole Haan are still made in China, not Italy.

    I bought the Jamie bag in black, but haven't used it yet. I fell for it when I saw the sample display on the wall. The leather is just sumptiously soft.

    I think the workmanship is good, and the handle is long enough to carry on the shoulders and soft enough not to dig.

    I won't pay full price for it as it consider it worth about $350. The $200 that most of us paid is a bargain just for the leather quality. BTW, having leather scratching isn't indicative of the quality. I have a $500 coach bag which is very easily scratched as well. Just polish with leather conditioner.

    If J Crew is serious about selling their bags they really need to show them off at the store more. It's really hard to see the quality or touch the leather over the internet!

    Lastly, I have a Furla bag I bought here in the US, and it's one of my favorite bags - just big enough, but made with an ultra lightweight leather that makes it not so heavy. I really didn't find the styles I care for in the last couple of European trips. Actually I find the non-designer bags and shoes in Italy inferior to J Crew and much more expensive when you account for the exchange rate.

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  80. Anony@6:28

    I live in Europe:) I have for several years now.

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  81. Bellemarie & BugPin: Unfortunately I do not think I have the Paris catalog anymore. (I moved a couple of times recently and I think it got lost or tossed out in the shuffle). I was able to find some random 2005, 2006, and 2007 catalogs, but no Paris (the one I much rather keep).

    If anyone else has a copy and willing to scan it, I would be more than happy to post it. :)

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  82. How was this bag $190 in Black? I told my boyfriend to buy it for me and he got the honey glaze b/c the black was still $500. I really need a black bag and not another shade of brown. Please let me know if there is some secret promo to get the black bag down to $190!

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  83. How can I get the Black Jamie Bag for $190? Sounds like the last person got it this week. Was it purchased online or in the store?

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  84. katiequinn or anon -

    Can you please provide details for your purchase of the black Jamie bag. The price is back up to $495! J.Crew said they would honor the $192 if I had details about my "friend's" purchase. I realize this is a strange request. But if either of you would be willing to share an order number they could look up the information.

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  85. Alexis, I truly love this blog. Thank you. I don't live near a store and have been wanting the metallic Jamie for so long, but after reading one review about how the metallic finish flakes, I've changed my mind!

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  86. Calfskin? Although I do own leather products, calfskin is just taking it too far. It's cruel and sad actually. J.Crew should stop using calfskin and calf hair.

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  88. Anon @9:35:

    I just received the Italian vachetta uptown tote. The leather is great but the color is different than online-it has a bit of a yellowish tone in addition to the light pink color shown online. If that doesn't make sense, look at the Iceland holiday catalog, page 66. That's the right color!

    I'm still thinking whether I'll keep it or not so I can't say anything about scratching/darkening

    Hope that helps :)

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  89. Anon at 12:56PM: I am happy to hear that this blog has helped you out! The members of the blog, and their willingness to share, is what makes it so great! :)

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  90. k.fai -

    I think you may have missed the opportunity. For a while all colors of the bag were $295, then there's a 30% off TURKEY promotion , and I am guessing with the educator's discount which they are not technically supposed to combine with it's about $190 with tax ($295 * 0.7 * 0.85 * tax).

    I got it for $220 including tax without the educator's discount. If you placed the order around Thanksgiving with the TURKEY code they may honor the price. There aren't a whole lot of the black bags in stock, but there's always people returning.

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  91. kfai: I just bought the bag in black yesterday for $192 including tax and free shipping. 30% off plus 15% educator's discount ($300 x .70 x .85 = $178.50). Only 10 left this morning, so you may want to overnight shipping to move things along quicker. I spoke to a manager to get the reduced $300 price.

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  92. Hi kfai what did you say to the manager to get the reduced $300 price along with the 30% & 15%? I want to order one today if possible. Please advise. Thanks a million.

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  93. I got the bag in black. I told them the bag was priced $300 last week. She put me on hold for 5 mins, came back, confirmed it, and gave it to me for $300. She did say it was a one-time courtesy. Good luck!

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  94. I just received a large thompson tote in pink color today. Even though the color is absolutely adorable, I'm not impressed with the overall quality of the bag. The leather is so-so, and the worst of all, it's unlined and the bottom is unpadded! With a bag of that size, you can easily de-shape it with with magazines and books. I don't think the bag worth even its bargain price.

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  95. I tried ordering the Jamie in the black for the $300. They said the price had gone back up to $495. Very disappointed :(

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  96. I just ordered the black for $300 this morning! Could you call back and try another CS rep?

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  97. I must be the only person unable to convince the CS to give my Jamie Bag for $300!

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  98. Unbelievable I'm literally upset that I'm clearly the only person unable to get the CS Rep to give me the Jamie Bag for $300. I called at 6:30am with no luck! Any advice or recommendation is greatly appreciated.

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  99. I'm sorry to hear that some JCAs are having problems getting the Jamie bag for $300. My sister just ordered the bag in Sienna (listed as $495 like the black) this morning and paid $300 for it (before the JINGLE discounts). She told me she asked to speak to a manager after the CS rep refused to honor the $300 price.

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  100. Good news: The price for the Jamie bag (Sienna and black) has been reduced to $395.

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  101. Thanks to everyone that assisted me with the Jamie black bag. I finally purchased it! :) I hope it's as beautiful as I imagine it to be & as everyone said it is.

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  102. The bag price is down to $395 on the website for both colors - black and burnt sienna. If you want other colors I recommend you checking your local stores. I already posted that I was able to get a grey Jamie in grey for $130 after 30% sale discount and 25% card discount. If you see the bag in store and you have a student or teachers discount you can apply it since the 25% off card expired yesterday. And since black Jamie was on sale at $249 before you may get a better deal on the returned item in store than online using the available discounts. Anyway, good luck with the purchases, this bag is beautiful in all 4 colors.

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  103. The black jamie was never on sale for $249. The lowest was $300. In any case, $130 is a great deal on the gray cloud. Congrats!

    For any store returns, check it carefully before purchasing it. My sister bought a Jamie in tulip that was returned to a store, and it was missing the shoulder strap and a tassel!

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  105. I finally received my Jamie bag & was very disappointed with the hardware. It is in brass although it was mentioned in the product description the photo of the Jamie bag hardware looked silver. The finish also rubs of on light colored clothing, therefore don't take it out in the rain or snow.

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

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