Merino Portland CardiganClick here for product page
Item 99826
Regular: $89.50
Now: $29.99
I am a big fan of cardigans! I just love that it can be worn buttoned up or open, depending on the weather- it's all year, all around, perfect!
A big "thanks!" to Merino Portland Cardigan (in this post), who shared with us her great review of this {beautiful} cardigan!
I just received my Merino Portland Cardigan (Item 99826) and they're exactly what I was hoping for. Thin, soft, not at all itchy. Fits TTS but is a long sweater (25" or so long).
The sleeves hit past my wrist to the bottom of my hand which is great for me because I'm sick of bracelet lenght sleeves. It is form fitting but accomodates a full viscose jersey top underneath. The shoulder seem is set back further on the shoulder instead of on top of the shoulder, and there's no issues with the shoulders being too narrow. I don't love v-necks but this fits so well the v-neck doesn't affect my opinion of the sweater. I purchased navy and champagne, and might order more.This sweater would look great over a skirt, with or without a belt over it, and currently I have it on with my cords and it looks great with those too. It will be a great spring item too since it's thin. (The lighter color does require something under it because you can see a bra under it.) I'm glad I returned my Stephanie cardigans and bought these instead. I tried it on and have not taken it off yet. I highly recommend this sweater!
"Thanks!" again to Merino Portland Cardigan (in this post) for her review! :)
Also, if you are interested, Shannon (over at J.Crew Reviews) has a {wonderful} review of this cardigan (click here to read) as well as real-life images.
What are your thoughts on the Merino Portland Cardigan (do you like/dislike the style, design, fabric)? Are you considering or already have purchased this cardigan? Have you seen this cardigan in-person? If so, please share with us your reviews too! :)
Yay! I ordered this last week and it'll be coming tomorrow. I'm so happy to read a review and to hear that someone likes it- I was worried considered it was marked down so steeply. *fingers crossed*
ReplyDeleteMy first Portland arrived today, in melon. I am very pleased with it. The merino is soft and lightweight--lighter, for example, than the Melanie merino. It's so flexible that I can knot it at the waist over a sheath dress and it's not bulky at all. Also looks cute belted over a dress or skirt. The price is an incredible deal and I have two more coming!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, it took seeing the sweater on Shannon of J.Crew reviews to realize how long it was. :) Thanks to Shannon and Merino Portland Cardigan for the review! It does look like a very comfy sweater.
ReplyDeleteI received 2 Portland cardigans this week, 1 in navy, 1 in desert brown. TTS for both colors in the small size. Adequate sleeve length even for long arms. Nice material - a stretchy knit that clings but still retained its shape after a full day of wear. I thought it was a good price for a wardrobe staple.
ReplyDeleteStop tempting me you guys! ;)
ReplyDeleteI just placed an order yesterday for some other stuff but now I really want this cardi too!
The fact that it is thinner than the Melanie is a real turn off. I am really tired of thin sweaters. I got mine today and it is going right back! Maybe if it went to $19 I would consider it again but not for $30! No way...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fantastic reviews Merino Portland Cardigan and Shannon! :)
ReplyDeleteI received mine yesterday and I love it! I live in Florida and even though it gets ridiculously warm the AC is too much for me in most places so this is perfect. I ordered a medium and it is a little big but I can deal with it. Small might be better but I want a navy one now and there are no smalls left :(
ReplyDeleteI agree, anon@3:37 - $29 is not an incredible deal for this sweater. I too am waiting for $19.99.
ReplyDeleteI ordered this cardigan in black back in November as a "just in case" item to meet the FS/% off minimum and abosolutely loved it! I ended up ordering it in two [golden avacado and melon] more colors. The fabric is really soft, but still looks refined. The cardigan can be dressed up or dressed down and is definitely a must have!
ReplyDeleteI am not going to get any more long cardis, I have the glass button merino, and do not find it as versatile as the shorter length ones, bec. I find it makes my hips look bigger, lol. I am going to try to wear it tomorrow over a dress belted. Not tempted, but, this cardi looks cute. I am waiting for the jacki non cashmere to go on sale.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear that this got good reviews, I ordered one yesterday.
ReplyDeleteOT- Does anyone have the Cashmere Peyton dress? Does it fit fairly TTS? I'm a size 10 and should be a medium according to the size chart. But am curious what others think that have it. Is it clingly?
TIA!
Victoria
I also received two of these sweaters this week, the melon and the key lime. I purposely bought them to go with some of the new spring release. I absolutely love them! They are super versatile, lightweight and fit like a dream. Like the other posters, I highly recommend these, especiallyy at $29!!
ReplyDeleteI myself just ordered 2 of them online the other day (navy and black) I tried it on in my B&M and loved it. I can also see it as a sweater to wear all year round (especially in the office). Its very versatile and the longer length is just perfect as most of my cardigans are shorter. It does fit true to size (thanks Shannon) Funny, my B&M was selling them for $59.50 and online is $29.99.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews. I just purchased it in champagne.
ReplyDeleteI have to say- I love this cardigan. I got this by accident; I returned a defective Michelle cardigan and got this as a replacement (they look similar). I think the fabric is nicer and feels thicker than the Michelle cardi. It gets my vote!
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent sweater. I love the knit - it is not thin and wrinkly looking like some J Crew merino. I hand washed my navy Portland earlier this week & it came out great -- does not require steaming at all. Got the golden avocado, melon and champagne. Ask at the store for a price match to the Internet price. After the additional 30%, price was $20.99. Great deal!
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely. I think they are still $59.99 in my store. Wish they were $29.99 with the 30% off :)
ReplyDeleteI am slender, but slightly pear shaped. While I love the colors and knit in this, this is not a good look for me. I will leave this to those who have slimmer hips than I.
ReplyDeleteAmeilia said she got the portland in her b&m at 29.99 with an additional 30% off. She didn't say which store that was though.
ReplyDeleteI tried this on at the store last week, after taking a chance and ordering it in avocado. The wool is really beautiful and soft. It's quite long, as are the sleeves, for a short person, but I liked the styling of long cardigans on the web site and think it will look good with baggy chinos. The shorter among us will have to do quite a bit of gathering of sleeve material.
ReplyDeleteI tried on the Lea, too. The wool is about the same, the buttons are gorgeous, and it's about hip length on a 5'3" person.
Isn't this not unlike the crystal button merino cardis? I got 4 of those for $20 (including the awesome champagne color) and the buttons are TDF! Love them.
ReplyDeleteThe Portland has some great Spring colors, though. Anyone with both--can you compare them for those considering?
Victoria - I have a Peyton and love it! It is clingy but for me it fit TTS and was flattering. I wear it with a thick belt to define my waist a bit more (helps for girls who are more boy shaped). I wear a 0/2 in dresses and I got an XS, so I would go with the medium if that is what the size chart says. I also LOVE this cardigan - I made a polyvore set with it on my blog and just got it in melon. Such a great deal!
ReplyDeleteYou need to ask at the store for a price match to the $29.99 internet price. I had no problem getting the Portland cardigan for $29.99. It was a wonderful surprise when the SA took an additional 30% off. I did not ask for the extra discount, just the 29.99 internet price.
ReplyDeleteComparing glass button merino cardigan to the Portland -- the glass button is thinner. To me, the Portland feels kind of stretchy or spongy. Portland is more fitted and has no band at the bottom -- it's more of a straight fit. I thought the glass button was fabulous when I got it but it is harder to wear, IMO. The Portland just works better for me. Looks great with the chiffon flower tank underneath, too.
ReplyDeleteAnon 11:11 Thanks that makes good sense! Appreciated:)
ReplyDeletePreppy-
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving me your take on the Peyton. I think if it comes back up on the website tomorrow morning I'll get it. I'm okay with clingy as long as it's the right kind of clingy and I think I'll take the chance that this dress will be that kind. Plus, that's what control top tights are for :) BTW: I checked out your blog- too cute!
does anyone know if any stores in the DC area still have any Portlands?
ReplyDeleteIf anyone has the Champagne Portland, what colors are you wearing underneath of it?
ReplyDeleteI "think" pinks & obviously other champange tops go well with it but are pink tones it?
Thanks for any help! I've had this color for a month and have yet to wear it because of the color. I have desert brown, which looks awesome with poppy.
"Champagnia" - I always think of Christopher Walken on Saturday Night Live!
Chloe: I wouldn't base anything on the price cuts at this point. Some of these items were so overpriced to begin with! It is just a basic compared to some of JC's more stylish items. :)
ReplyDeleteOT - Ann Taylor is having an extra 25% off sale items (automatically applied), plus you can stack a coupon on top of that for even more savings! Purchased a ton of cashmere sweaters, some for $39 and others for $50.
ReplyDeleteOT: i am super disappointed about the Cambridge cable crewneck cardigans i ordered this fall. this is the second time i've worn the light spearmint one and it has stretched to twice it's original size. it looks so bad i took it off and plan to get a different sweater when i go home for lunch. *grr* even on sale, this isn't worth it to me.
ReplyDeleteThinner than the Melanie?! I won't get one. The Melanie was really thin and although we are transitioning in to spring (soon, I hope), I prefer cotton or silk for warmer temps so this is a no-go for me. Especially since it is so thin. I'm sure it will develop holes in short order, too.
ReplyDeleteI actually ordered it and I didn't love it. It ended up going back (this was back in december before the final sale). Then I happened to be in the Rock Center Store on Saturday and I notcied certain colors of the Michelle Cardigan were on sale. I liked the fit and the bigger (but fewer) buttons on this VERY similar cardigan much better. It is not quite as fitted in some places, but more fitted in others... its hard to explain... but it fell very nicely on me. And for 30% the sale price, I couldn't pass it up. It comes in the same colors at the Portland, just different names (I think)...A note, on the bright fuschia color though, this is a different bright fuschia from this past summer, it is darker. I highly recommend it.
ReplyDeleteBTW the sizing on the Michelle is normal... don't size down. It is TTS.
ReplyDeleteBTW-- I was in the Rock Center Store to buy new matchstick jeans (a be-lated holiday gift from my mom)... they are a new fabric (only in B&M) stores...the softest things ever... though they are expensive, they are worth it (I also used my teacher discount). they are marked at $135.
I don't think the Portland is thin like the Melanie. The Melanie was almost 'sheer' or see-through whereas the fabric of the Portland is more substantial, although not a heavy, thick material. Maybe it has to due with the gauge of the material? I don't have time now to compare prod. descriptions.
ReplyDeleteJust my 2 cents as I passed on the Melanie & other sweaters due to the sheerness of the fabric.
I think I am the only one that doesn't like the Portland. I'm 5"1 and I have a very small frame. It just kind of hung on me and accentuated the fact that I am only 5"1. A shame b/c the colors are lovely!
ReplyDeleteI like the Melanie and Lea and my fav is the Jackie. I agree that the Melanie is sheer.
Anon 1:15-
ReplyDeleteI ordered 4 and wear them with no change whatsoever. I have no idea/cannot imagine why that would happen to yours??
Anyone been to the Michigan Avenue B&M lately? Or the other Chicago location? Just curious what's on sale there, before I head over.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 10:02 - I got my melon one with gift card money in the Memphis store. They still have some left. It was around $20 with all discounts. I have a black one as well and I am thinking about the navy one, too.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear it doesn't wrinkle after washing. I love my Michelle merino and the glass button but they need to be ironed after washing.
anon 1:15 & Bug Pin: I have the Cambridge Cable in Spearmint and mine is starting to stretch out as well.
ReplyDeleteI really like longer cardigans -- anything remotely resembling cropped just doesn't look good on me -- but these might be a tad too thin. I've noticed that J. Crew has a lot of items that are really thin, from tissue tees to these kinds of sweaters -- and it's almost automatic that my cat or one of my shibas will puncture a little hole in the fabric when they jump up on me. I'm still holding out for a longer summer weight cashmere cardigan.
ReplyDeleteThe Portland is not thinner than the Melanie, imo. it might be lighter in weight, but it's not thin or sheer. At least not the key lime. I passed on the Melanie because of the flimsy, lightweight feel. The Portland is way more substantial. I also have melon & black on the way. This will be light enough to transition to spring. Awesome bargain.
ReplyDeleteOT-Does anyone have this years cashmere T-neck and does it run TTS? Also, hows it wearing/pilling etc.? Some cashmere has been so big and others normal.
ReplyDeleteThe Merino Michelle Cardi is on sale at $59.99 plus add. 30% off in my local stores in case any of you prefer this over the Portland.
ReplyDeleteI posted a RL picture of the Merino Portland Cardigan in the Desert Brown color for anyone thinking about ordering it in that color.
ReplyDeleteI just received my portland in key lime today. It is a pretty spring color, but I would describe it as chartreuse. I was unimpressed at first glance, however when I put it on it has a nice long slim cut to it. It is also light feeling. I personally think it feels like a lighter version of a jackie cardigan. It's a keeper!! JMO!
ReplyDeleteAthena
LOVE the Portland. Have it in Key Lime, Snow, Black. Have been wearing them with various hammared tanks in fog, slate, ivory and Victoria in ivory. Very easy and pretty.
ReplyDeleteAgree with Bug Pin the Featherweight Glass Button is a nice alternative - and in some way prettier becuase of the buttons - they are beutiful - the sweater came with a little card describing the button - they are quite special. I have that in Snow and Deep Persimmon and love this cardigan too.
I can't imagine buying that Merino Michelle for $88 when you can have a Portland. Has anyone compared the Michelle to the Portland? So very similar looking - at least on line.
--lucegirl
Have to wonder why it went to FS so quickly. Something is not right....
ReplyDeleteI chose not to go for this cardi, and whatever the one is that looks exactly like it, because the material is just too thin in my opinion. I live in Ohio, where it gets cold in the winter. I don't need a 14-gauge sweater, I need a 4 gauge sweater! I am aware of how thin 14 gauge is, and I just don't like to layer that lightweight of material over anything but a silky cami, and that is not warm enough for me. :o(
ReplyDeletelucegirl - I got my Michelle on sale in store before the Portland was in store and on sale. I actually prefer the look of the Michelle to the Portland because of the extra ribbing at the bottom of the body and sleeves. The buttons are a little larger. But, I also do like the Portland even though it is a little plainer.
ReplyDeletelucegirl:
ReplyDeleteI bought both the Portland and the Michelle and described the differences here:
http://jcrewaficionada.blogspot.com/2009/01/jcrews-website-tech-difficulties-ah.html
Sorry, I don't know how to embed web addresses. HTH!
smarty, I just learned how to do that! Wherever you want to embed, paste this:
ReplyDeleteTEXT
Then, replace TEXT with whatever you want the link to say ("here," or "this sweater," or "this photo" or whatever). And then replace URL with the website address (www.whatever.com). Just note that http:// has already been put into the command, so you don't need to add it in before the www when you replace URL (and it won't work if you do). It looks unwieldly, but it's easy.
Well, isn't that interesting. Only I would screw up my own instructions on how to make a hyperlink with a faulty hyperlink.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, I don't think I can just copy and paste the command, otherwise it will do exactly what it did. The command is on this webpage though, in step 3 underneath "If this link button doesn't appear in your browser, or isn't working for some reason, you can type in the link by hand."
yea! thanks, kitchy7! okay, let's try this...here is the post where I compared the Michelle and the Portland cardigans.
ReplyDeleteIt worked :) I'm so excited I finally learned this! Thanks again, kitchy7!
ReplyDeletewoo smarty!
ReplyDeleteJC: I was at Michigan Ave. yesterday. The whole front of the store is new spring merchandise. The back is sale -- lots of jeans, tees, cords, a few racks/tables of sweaters, a few coats (mostly size 10 and up), a small selection of jackets but not too many skirts or dresses. Also a small selection of sale shoes (mostly smaller sizes).
ReplyDeleteI love long merino cardigans, but the Portland is just okay. The main turn-off for me is how sheer it is: granted, I have it in snow, but I still was shocked at how see-through it is. The other problem is that it really stretches out over wear, especially in the arms. I probably should have purchased the XS (I am normally a S in cardigans, although I purchased an XS in the merino glass-button cardigans from the fall).
ReplyDeleteWould I have purchased this at full price? No way. Do I regret buying it for 29 - 15% student discount? No.
Finally got to compare the Portland and Michelle in person today. Portland, hands down! It is a very slim fit and clings in all the right places. Hope it would not lose its shape after a few wears. The Michelle and I do not get along at all. The merino wool in Michelle is thinner and as silly as it may sound, if I would stuff them in my handbag as I may during summer time when I need an a/c sweater indoors, the Michelle probably would get wrinkly much easier and faster than the Portland. I plan to replace the buttons in my Portlands with those used in the melanie button-cuff cardi to give it a luxurious look.
ReplyDeleteI really want a Royal Purple Featherweight merino glass-button cardigan in Medium. Does anyone know where I can get it. Got a small and it was too small. Help!
ReplyDelete