The first item is the Casette-tweed Marcel jacket (Item 12182; $550.00). J.Crew's website describes the jacket's fabric as "the "cassette" tweed because of the way its lacquered fibers resemble an audiocassette's glossy black tape. We think it rocks too." I have to give J.Crew credit for coming up with a unique product description. With that said, why would I want to spend that much money on something that resembles a cassette tape? ;)
The second image shows two items: the lovely Dazzling-dots Pencil Skirt (item 11804; $158.00) and the Marjorie Metallic Leather Ballet Flats (Item 12659; $98.00). The skirt is gorgeous. Unfortunately, I fear this is the type of skirt (because of the fabric and pencil shape) that you would nead to wear Spanx with. ;) As for the flats, I am happy to see that they are not priced around $130. However, at $98, they seem a bit expensive for the relatively simple design.What are your thoughts on either items? Have you seen, tried on, or purchased these items? If so, please share with us your review! :) What are your thoughts on the fabric for the jacket and skirt (e.g. are you a fan and love them or do you dislike them)?
That jacket is listed under the "40's". Ouch. I'm 30. No way am I going near that one...
ReplyDeleteI have the flats. They are cute and versatile but not worth $100. I have many versions of this shoe in different fabrics and they don't last all that long. :(
ReplyDeleteI am 29 and stay away from some of JC's jackets/blzers because they look they were designed with the 40+ consumer in mind.
ReplyDeleteHey, I'm 42 and I also stay away from their matronly looking things. I don't want to look old either!
ReplyDeleteI think the "Cassette" jacket is one of the most fun items they have in their current collection. However, I am in no position to pay $500+ for it. I wish they would offer a few more items of the same concept as the Cassette jacket--classically pretty, but with a little fun twist--for more "middle-class" prices.
ReplyDeleteAs for the shoes, I don't buy many J Crew shoes anymore. They used be practically my sole (excuse the pun!) supplier. But I find the quality has gone down. Now I buy sandals from Bernardo, and boots from Frye and other brands.
I can't believe pay a lick of attention to what a magazine says is for women in whatever age group. It's all a matter of opinion. Better a miniskirt on a well-tone 42-year-old than a sausage-legged 22-year-old.
ReplyDeleteThe jacket looks to be the same cut/design as the Astrid jackets but done in a different fabric, and way overpriced, too. I think it looks cute on the model.
ReplyDeleteThe Ballet flats are also cute, but again are way over priced for what they are, IMO. That design is sold everywhere at all different price points...no need to pay $98 for it, unless you want to.
anon @ 7:10: I agree 100%.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't see why that jacket is for 40s only. I like it! I am 23! Of course I'd never buy it bc it's so darn expensive for something that is trendy and couldn't be worn all the time (at least not in my opinion).
I have often thought JCrew's ballet flats were overpriced. It was one thing when they had leather soles/linings back in the day but now they are essentially the same quality as shoes I can get at TJMaxx for $40 or less that are just as cute, if not cuter!
anon 7:10: Right on! It is stupid to label an item based on age.
ReplyDeleteThe jacket isn't really labeled "40 only" the point of the article is to point out how someone who is in a different place in life could try a hot trend (which I think might be tie neck blouses). I am 30, and yes, some of J.Crew's stuff is a little older for me now, but that is a hugely smart decision on J.Crew's behalf (along with having Lauren Bacall in the catalog). Companies that cater to only one age group (Pac Sun, Hot Topic) are doing the worst right now. I have worn J Crew since I was 15, and I love that I will be able to still wear them when I am 60 if they keep going the way they are.
ReplyDeleteGood morning.
ReplyDeleteYesterday Martha Stewart showed spring jackets on her show (and I believe they are profiled in her April magazine as well) and a model/MS staffer wore the Golden foil Agnes Jacket from J.Crew! Martha loved it and said she loved wearing gold and would be purchasing it for herself! It actually was a lovely jacket that I think would flatter a variety of ages.
I wish they had Lauren Bacall as a model--talk about a classy dame (to use the lingo of the Bogart era)! It was Lauren Hutton, not Bacall. Easy mistake to make--not too many iconic Laurens out there. I smiled, though, because I love Lauren Bacall and think she would make a great J Crew model.
ReplyDeleteSheesh, you are right about Lauren Bacall, maybe that was wishful thinking on my part? How great would a spread with Lauren Bacall, Lauren Hutton, and hmm, maybe Angelica Huston look? I know they wouldn't do it because they would be worried about looking too, uh, mature. But those ladies are gorgeous and I can only hope I look that good in 30 years!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Anon 7:10am. LOL Snausages/sausages
ReplyDeleteFlab/fat has no age barriers.:o)
JC needs to stop with the boxy style jackets especially if it looks like cheap shiny leather mixed with seaweed. It most definitely is not worth their asking price.
I think the pencil skirt is a very pretty color.
Tie-neck blouses - speaking of matronly! My grandmother wore those. I see them now and can only think "dated". I stay away from anything dated, as a general rule. I have only one blouse with ruffles and one t-shirt with ruffles. I love ruffles but I am not buying them up because in a few years the look will be so passe and really, all you need is one good item to incorporate the trend.
ReplyDeleteOf course, people can wear whatever they want, whenever they want. But for me, I like my look to be classic, yet current. I use a lot of basics, only purchase 1 or 2 pieces of any trend, no matter how long it lasts, and I use quality accessories. I'm often asked about my clothes and have swayed several friends and co-workers to J.Crew basics. No, I'm not the fashionista, but I do look good.
The cassette jacket would be easier to wear if it wasn't so shiny. Seems similar to the Astrid as FFM said, which is a classic cut. As for the ballet flats, better quality, better deals elsewhere, which we've all said time and again. Nice look though.
Have a wonderful day everyone.
FFM your right the Astrid worked better because of the fabric choice and was very pretty a Chanel like rip off. I drank the kool-aid. ha ha ha
ReplyDeleteFashion goes around like a circle and many of us choose which cycle we love as a personal statement and style. Basics cannot stand alone unless your a old boring librarian. lol
ReplyDeleteI get so amused by some of the posters on one of the fashion message boards I frequent. I have seen some things from Chadwicks that remind me of JCrew, and I will post and say, "Does this look JCrewish" They will respond, "no." Well, it is actually many times more fitted than the JCrew items. I think JCrew is just an obsession with alot of people. Now, they do have some pretty blouses and dresses, but their jackets lack.
ReplyDeleteJTS did a nice review of the dazzling-dots skirt:
ReplyDeleteJTS's Dazzling Dots Review
J.Crew's sequined pencil skirt was featured as a "must have" in the March issue of Town & Country.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I thought of when I saw the tape jacket was the crackled jacket from this past winter - which I only saw in the cat., never in person. Did anyone get it?
ReplyDeleteOk Rachel people have obsessions, preferences and....?
ReplyDeleteOk now I understand why there was a mention that some would need Spanxs to wear the pretty skirt. It sure will show off some lumps and bumps.
ReplyDeleteOT, but is anyone going to the sample sale today? I'm wondering if it is worth going. I went to the alst one, but this one I am debating...
ReplyDeleteMartha Stewart wears J.Crew clothing rather frequently in photos of her that are appear in Living, and on when she appears on television. In the last issue of Living, she was photographed wearing the navy dream wool cardi that had the metallic trim.
ReplyDeleteHi All, just bought a few items after this mornings update and tried the EXTRA20 code and it worked!
ReplyDeleteI am 39. I never like the outfits that magazine offer in the 30's range. I either like the 20's or the 40's look. It has been that way for me for about the past 6 years so nothing new...I just don't like the 30's stuff that the mags offer up. Age means nothing...buy what you like and that suits your body type. Enjoy fashion! Don't be boxed in!
ReplyDeleteAnony@10:08 Thanks for the post. I tried it on a mock check out as I am not buying anything this week and it worked. Won't last long though...maybe a few hours so hurry people before JCrew people read this and pull the code!
ReplyDeleteHappy Saint Patrick's Day!!!! What is everybody wearing?
ReplyDeleteOT - anyone have the augusta ballet flats? comments?
ReplyDeleteanon @10:30am,
ReplyDeletewhat I'm wearing: for st. Patrick's day. the tights are really bright, so the rest of the outfit is neutral.
there are several other st patrick's day inspired sets on the jca pv group. :)
Alexis, I'm guessing you are not Irish. But that's O.K., 'cause TODAY YOU ARE!!! Yahoo!!!! Happy St. Paddy's Day everybodeee!!! I hope you all are wearing green (whether it's JCrew or not)!!!
ReplyDeleteAnon 8:33 - the poster talking about basics said she adds a couple of trendy items and accessories.
ReplyDeleteI also find that is a great way to dress and was given the advice by a stylist years ago. It's really helpful to find those basics that fit well and then spice it up with a few add-ons. The bonus is that you always have something nice to wear, rather than looking like you are trying to pull off the latest fad.
Looking good is not boring, it's great.
Nooooooo...I *just* put an order in and missed anon@10:08's post about the extra 20! Sigh. Luckily it was just a few swim items, but sad nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the cashmere Harper sweater yet? Curious about weight and fit.
Since when do you have to start dressing like Nancy Reagan when you turn 40? That giant white bow? Ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteThe jacket is a pass for me. I'm not into looking like a $500 cassette tape.
ReplyDeleteLike the skirt and the ballet flats but they would need to be 50%off before I would bite.
Just got the crackle metallic mary janes in metallic parsley in the mail today... returning them in store tonight. The "crackle" looks like it will just get worse over time and start flaking off. I love the color and shape of the shoe, if only it were offered in regular or patent leather. :/
ReplyDeleteDon't care for that jacket at all, ITA about the age thing, some people look 'young' in their 40s, and others look fat/matronish in there 20s/30s ~ its just a #. What seems to matter more is what shape you're in, your style, and how you carry it. JC does not do jackets well, IMO. Love the pencil skirt, but totally agree, bec. it is shiny, and straight it will show bumps, bulges, etc. BTW, have seen many, many over 40 ladies shopping at the BM JC, maybe bec. they can afford the $$!!
ReplyDeleteThe EXTRA20 Code just worked for me too with no minimum order and it was a FS item. It made the shipping cost for a 29.99 item a little less painful
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteextra20 code, whether a snafu or new promo, is nice, but no more shopping for me!
ReplyDeleteHow is jcrew determining what is final sale? The stretch cord skirt from fall/winter is NOT final sale, but the mariner sweater jacket from this season IS final sale. Seems odd.
For $550 it should be leather. For a minute I thought it was a new leather astrid, which I would totally go for.
ReplyDeleteI saw the dazzling dots skirt at the retail but passed. The fabric is thin and I know that it will show my bump in the middle. Anyone tried the dazzling dots dress in rose? I saw it on the sales section - didn't even see it on the website at regular price before it went on sale.
Because of my obsession with Metallic Guava/Metallic Blush/Metallic Sherbet - I picked up the Marjories 2 weekends ago at Pentagon City in Arlington, VA. They were on Promo for around 70!
ReplyDeleteMiss LA: Off topic, but I just clicked on your profile and saw the name of your blog "Bayou to Beltway." (What a great blog title!!!) If you ever get your blog up and running, I will be your first follower. My hubby is from SW Mississippi and spent his college years in New Orleans, so I love all you transplanted Louisiana folks in the DC area. :) Just a thought!!!
ReplyDeleteextra20 only seems to be on (final?) sale when i tried it - didn't take anything off for my full priced items...
ReplyDeleteHappy St. Patrick's Day to everyone!
ReplyDeleteAnon at 10:53 AM: Happy St. Patrick's Day to you too! :)
Anon at 10:08 AM: Thank you so much for the "heads up" on that code!!! :) I have a feeling that we will be getting an email about that in the next day or so. :)
P.S. Should I create a post about the EXTRA20? I am hesitating a bit because I don't want J.Crew to pull the code.
ReplyDeletetastymoog - didn't you get a little insert with your crackle shoes? I did and it said that the finish will crackle more over time and contribute to the vintage look. Not that I'm supporting that "feature". I have worn mine a few times and haven't noticed a lot of flaking. I love my sherbet crackle shoes. They are sweet and sexy at the same time.
ReplyDeleteJust a reminder about last time someone found about a J. Crew extra % on a Tuesday. I think it went out to cardholders, if I remember correctly. Lots of people placed orders, then Wednesday the promo showed up on the site with additional markdowns. Hard to predict.
ReplyDeleteTo Anon at 8:29am -
ReplyDeleteHow do ruffles look less matronly and less dated somehow than bow tie blouses? Isn't that just choosing one trend over another, even if you're cultivating a classic look?
Funny how one's look is all a matter of one's opinion.
Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone! Today I am wearing the double serge pencil skirt in ivory, an ivory beaded cani from Ann Taylor, a beautiful lawn green cashmere Jackie cardigan, and tall brown Via Spiga boots. I'm also wearing a flower ring from JC, I don't see it offered online but I found it last week at a b&m. It's primarily gold, with a smattering of crystals along the petals and around the center of the flower. So pretty!
ReplyDeleteI also ordered the dazzling dots pencil skirt, it came last night but I was too pooped to try it on. Looks so pretty, though! Lust at first sight! :-)
I just used the EXTRA20 code and it worked perfectly. Yippee!
ReplyDeleteAnon @12:13,
ReplyDeleteHmm... nope, no insert/note in my box. :/ I am mostly concerned with the ankle strap and heel area, which already looks a little worn out (natural/brown color visible). It's good to know that someone who has the shoes has not experienced any flaking, though. Maybe I should hold off on returning them so soon, and think it over a bit. Despite the images online, I still managed to underestimate the "crackliness" of the product, I guess? :P
Speaking of JC jackets, I got my Atelier in the mail yesterday. I am undecided. It is a bit boxy/baggy, but I just love the fabric, weight, and colour...any thoughts? I think I am leaning towards sending it back but I'm disappointed because I can't seem to find a cute spring jacket/blazer.
ReplyDeleteI actually LOVE the flats and totally think they are worth $98. I have the pale gold and graphite. To me, what makes them worth the extra money is the fit (they molded to my foot perfectly after a few wears), the unique colors, and the hard sole which makes them sturdier than most ballet flats. The other shoe that it TOTALLY worth the money, IMO, is the Coralie suede heel. It is SO beautiful and actually very comfortable for a 3.5 inch heel.
ReplyDeleteRe: JCrew Jackets, I think part of the charm of some of them is that they do look a bit "matronly" and conservative. If you play them off with fun accessories, it's a very cute juxtoposition (sp?).
Anon 10:55am. Everyone has basics in their closet I am sure. What the stylist stated is nothing new. JC is known for their basics and a little something extra. I am sure that is why they are so popular. Happy St. Paddy's day to you too.
ReplyDeleteAlexis,
ReplyDeletejust my two cents but I would not post the code yet. After I saw the tip here I called CS to see if I could get a price adjustment. The CS rep was sooo confused - she said she didn't have any 20% off codes currently and wanted to know where I'd heard about it...I just said a friend emailed me:) I think it's a bit of an early snafu on their part. Or maybe it was just supposed to be for cardholders as someone else mentioned. Either way, my inquiry raised an eyebrow.
Anon 12:20pm matronly is based on ones preference. Ruffles to some equate to being juvenile. What works for some does not work for others. Fashionable is subjective at best.
ReplyDeleteAlexis,
ReplyDeleteI would not post the code; otherwise, it will disappear very fast. Just hope people read the blog posts.
Sherbie, so did the rep give you the price adjustment?
ReplyDeleteI'm the original anon that posted about the tie-neck blouse looking matronly. It looks that way to me because it reminds me of my grandmother, she always wore tie-neck blouses. So yes, it is based on my experience and that doesn't mean it doesn't look fresh to someone else. All a matter of personal opinion, totally right!
ReplyDeleteSince the Atelier jacket was mentioned-this just showed up at my house and I agree, boxy! I loooooove the neckline but otherwise it looks like a maternity shirt on me. Nice fabric, maybe a little too casual for the design though (very dull canvassy). I got it in the dove grey, but it will be going back due to boxiness. True to size, btw.
ReplyDeleteIt's beyond obvious that things are going to look different to different people. No need to explicate that.
ReplyDeleteTo me ruffles are feminine,girlish, and sometimes, a bit over the top and precious. That giant bow as shown in the pic is, to me, VERY matronly. No gettin' around that one.
As a petite, I'll sometimes read style articles that recommend me to stay away from "sweet" details like ruffles and bows because it can make the petite frame look too cutesy. I haven't worn any bow or ruffle details to work because I already am petite and have a baby face. I look like a child, and putting on a bow might just be too much.
ReplyDeleteI like the bow and ruffle details sometimes, but am afraid that it would have that affect because of my small frame.
I tried on the atelier in one size smaller and it worked on me. I could button it up, but I liked it better unbuttoned. This will be a buy for me once it gets another markdown.
ReplyDeleteAnon 2:33pm There is no getting around bows being in some personal opinion girlish = juvenile.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I was lucky enough to purchase both the jacket and the skirt - love them both!
ReplyDeleteSpending the extra money on a jacket like the Cassette is worth it because it's classic fun that I'll keep for years to come.
I'm on the hunt for a jacket that I recently have seen in a magazine.I ripped it out of a magazine and now I can't remember which one(Elle or Bazaar March 09?),but I haven't seen this in any store near me or on-line.It's gold,no button closure, 2 front pockets,has collar,3/4 sleeve and retails for $375.The page had a mix of gold and pink items;this jacket was paired with a pink ruffled top.
ReplyDeleteAnon 1:51 am
ReplyDeleteI think your looking for the Metallic Rose Jacket 12850. It's a collection item and there are only size 2's left.
I ordered the Dazzling Dots Pencil Skirt with the recent SECRET promo. It's very pretty, although it is a much more saturated green IRL than on the website. It's also a bit shinier in person. The fabric is much thinner than it appears on the website and feels like it will wrinkle within 20 minutes. I had bought it to wear to work, but I don't think there's any way that it will look good after a few hours of wear--it is much better suited to wear to a party or wedding, rather than somewhere you will be sitting down. Also, I thought the skirt ran a bit smaller through the hips than J.Crew's other pencil skirts.
ReplyDeleteAnyone know where I can get the casette-tweed jacket in a sz. 0? I'm absolutely DYING for it and I know it's a few seasons old but if anyone has any leads, please PLEASE let me know!!! Thank you!!
ReplyDelete