Tuesday, August 18, 2009

J.Crew Fall Collection: What Would You Get?

A big "thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada who came up with a great post suggestion: "What if you could only buy one item this fall, what would it be and why? No cost limit, just one item of clothing or footwear." What a fun question! Especially since many of us have several items on our "J.Crew Shopping Wish List".

After some serious thought, I selected J.Crew's Navy Wool Schoolboy Blazer (Item 17072; $178.00). I have seen it (& tried on many many many times) in my local stores. [It's too hot in CT for me to buy a wool jacket right now. ;) ] I just love the fabric which has a nice weight & feel for "traditional Donegal wool with a hint of stretch". This seems like a perfect jacket to wear with jeans, khakis, or black pants. I also think it will transition well to Winter & Spring. Who doesn't love the idea of a navy schoolboy blazer! ;)

With all that said, as I mentioned in a previous post ("Product Review: Cotton Corsage Cardigan"), I found the same issue that other JCAs encountered when it comes to size. If I go down to a zero, the shoulders are a bit snug but the body of the jacket fits well (but not tight]. However, if I go up to a size 2, I find the shoulders are fine, but the body is too big. However, I am willing to look over those sizing issues once that jacket goes on sale!

If you could only purchase one item (clothing or footwear) from J.Crew's Fall Collection, what would it be? What are some of the reasons behind your selection? Have you seen/ tried on/ or purchased the item you selected? If so, please share with us your review! :)

48 comments:

  1. Lexi clutch in light amethyst, $225, item 18252. Want but cannot afford. It's an item to perk up anything I wear for fall. Goes with my favorite color purple and all the navy stuff I pull out for fall and winter. The leather looks so caressable...oops, I'm back to reality now. Great post idea, J.Crew Guy In Canada.

    ReplyDelete
  2. my sister loves the grey cords, I want the purple velvet blazer.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would get the Silk Evening Primrose Brynn Dress. I would wear it to a swanky cocktail party or wedding this fall. I would even wear to church with a sweater and belt. I love the colors and feel it would be the perfect dress for many occasions.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The Matchstick cords, I already have the grey ones and I am planning to order another pair soon.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The colleen flats. These look like adorable flats! I probably won't even get to see these IRL as my b&m carries very few shoes. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that they get marked down and still have my size. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cyclone: The Lexi Clutch is such a nice choice too! The Lexi Collection is really quite pretty. :)

    Mslay & Casual Crew: J.Crew does have some excellent cords! :)

    Iwish4Jcrew: I would love to see that dress in person. I think the print is so pretty online. :)

    Math Teacher: I was actually considering those flats as my choice! J.Crew has the prettiest flats around. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I went ahead and got my favorite (so far) from the fall collection...the double-cloth camino coat in dusty blossom. I love J. Crew's double-cloth coats and this item is in such a pretty color and its shape is striking that I knew I had to get it quickly. That said, here in the muggy swamp of Virginia, I will be amazed if I can wear it before mid-November, maybe even December. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I purchased several items already, but my favorite is the schoolboy blazer. It fits so well, looks so crisp, and will go with so much! I can't wait to wear it. I posted a few other fall item reviews on my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hands down - the Mia pencil skirt. It is a wonderfully made and the gray color I purchased goes with a ton of my older items.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I've been lurking around the rosebud Pencil Skirt. I'd love to see it in person, but the fabric texture looks so touchable.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great topic! I already purchased the tiered ruffle cami, so I'll pick the Molly Slingbacks in black. Hmm, maybe I should live this topic out to save some money this fall...

    ReplyDelete
  12. probably the tall downtown trouser cords... i a pair or two every year and they are the best!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I know it's not technically footwear or an item of clothing, but I dream about the Campo bag.

    Wait, is that a fall item or pre-fall?

    Doesn't matter - I still covet it.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh yay! I miss these types of topics! I've already gotten my most-wanted fall item: cords-a-plenty! One of my favorite things about fall is pulling out the corduroys. Not sure what it is about them, but I get a little obsessed! This year, I ordered the new cord pencil skirt in pecan, the bootcuts in aubergine, and the trousers in gray. I loooooooooove them all!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Well, this is not quite accurate, b/c I already have several fall items that I purchased for "back to school", but the one thing I'm looking forward to is the dusty blossom double cloth cameo coat. I did pre-order it, but it's not coming until October. Not sure if that's just for my size or in general when it is available.

    Love this topic too!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I am LOVING and coveting the Long Boyfriend Blazer! It is so cute and so versatile -- dress up, dress down. This will be my "big" purchase (other than the Campo bag) at upcoming DC Area JCA Private sale this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wool herringbone Ludlow two-button suit jacket and pants in charcoal. I know I know technically two items, but you really need pants to look professional.

    Eventually I need to move one from charcoal, but for now it's 'the new black' at least for me it is.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am not going back to school this year for the first time in 8 years, and I am sad I don't have an excuse to buy back to school clothes! (Not that I really ever need an excuse. But still, you know what I mean.)

    But, anyways, my two items that I have been sitting in my shopping cart forever: 1) Campo Bag, and 2) the Ribbon front top.

    Can't wait to see the next Fall roll-out!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Ooooh, so many to choose from!

    The Cossette peeptoe shoes have been on my mind ever since I saw them in the catalogue. But I also love the Rosebud pencil skirt and the lovely coats.

    ReplyDelete
  20. The Michelle O skirt from Vogue. Its not online yet but so many are reporting its in the store. So for me its pencil skirts, pencil skirts, and pencil skirts! I like the rose one as well Jen and I cannot wait for the gold quilted one we saw in the previews.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Maryamjan -- I'm with you on the pencil skirt obsession. Can't wait to get me to a B&M store to buy a few for the fall/winter season. It's driving me crazy hearing about them but not being able to see them online yet!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Definitely the long boyfriend blazer -- it's long and fitted, unlike many of their recent jackets & blazers. Love it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great topic! I already purchased several new items for fall, but if I could only choose one, it would be the Collection rosebud pencil skirt (which I own, and absolutely love.... cannot wait to wear it!).

    ReplyDelete
  24. Ok, so I'm really interested in the Colleen flats and the Mia pencil that several people have commented on...I don't see them on the website?!? Are these items not available online? Or perhaps sold out? Thanks!

    Oh, and I'm eyeing the downtown field jacket! Tried it on in my B&M and I love it! I'll be able to be wear it with SO many different things! :) Can't wait to purchase it!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I practically live in pencil skirts, so for now it'll be the double-serge orchid pencil skirt. However, I really don't think I can have seen all of autumn's offerings - I mean, isn't the September catalog the big one? Given that the double-serge pencil skirt isn't even on-line yet, there must still be quite a bit that's not yet available ...

    ReplyDelete
  26. That is a treacherous question!! I cannot possibly pick just one item! But, for the sake of the game I think I'd go with some aubergine toothpick ankle cords.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I already purchased my must-have item from the August roll-out: the Eden jacket in iris, which was partially covered by my rewards cards. I'd really like another pair of Minnie pants but I probaby have enough basics like that.

    The way the economy is going, that jacket could well have to tide me over for the entire season :-(

    ReplyDelete
  28. I had to have the Tweed Telulah (Professor) Jacket. I love the leathers buttons and piping!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Re jacket fit, buy the jacket to fit your shoulders and have the body altered.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I have already purchased a number of items from the fall rollout (evening primrose cardi, cashmere crewneck cardi, fresh plum double serge skirt, tortoiseshell skirt, vintage cord pencil skirt, Maya cardi, Glen wool plaid short, silk indigo floral skirt) but to the detriment of my wallet, I am also longing for the downtown trouser cords, hammered-metal skirt, destroyed matchstick jeans and the Stretch wool rose shift dress. I hope I'm not poor by the time holiday rollout arrives!

    As far as the destroyed matchstick jeans, I tried on my usual size in store but they were a bit baggy... I know that's the fit of the "destroyed" jeans but I like them a bit more snug. Wondering if I could size down... unfortunately they don't carry a size smaller in stores so I may have to press my luck ordering online. If anyone has had success sizing down in these jeans, please let me know!

    OT Does anyone know the name of the lace top that is pictured with the opaque tights (item 97788)? I'm sure it's a super expensive collection item but it's sooo pretty... reviewed my look book but I don't see it.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Ooooh,

    Gotta love this topic! Lesssee...

    If $$$ were no object, then the entire campo collection. Although I think I could settle for just the tote if I had to. Hmmm... My birthday is in Oct. maybe I should start hinting for giftcards now ;}

    As for already purchased (& lovin') items it would have to be the Mia wool pencil skirt. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I bought a grey & a copper version earlier.

    As with many JCAs I'm in love w. this seasons skirts. Which could be a good thing since I don't wear trousers very often. Or it could be considered a bad development (at least for my wallet) as I want so many. The Mia, Michelle O's tweed, the wool rosebud, ever colour in cords etc., etc. I could easily build a weeks worth of outfits with just those skirts :}

    Speaking of skirts, Marietta, could you please write a review about the rosebud skirt? I'm curious what "a distinctive rose foil bouclé" is like IRL. Any observations would be very appreciated. TIA.

    I hope everyone gets their wish!

    Heather:D

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Heather - I wrote about the skirt a few weeks back, here are my thoughts on it....

    The rosebud wool skirt is a textured boucle wool, somewhat similar in feel to the sparkle plaid wool tweed skirt... they are also both similar in shape, as they appear to be cut the same. The skirt hits higher at the waist, and goes to the bottom of my knees. I am only 5' 1.5", so if you are taller it would probably hit right at your knees. I don't know if I will get it shortened, I like the look of a longer pencil skirt, especially when worn with tall boots. I would say the color is similar to a dusty blossom, interchanged with deep rose. It is lined as well. I ordered my usual size, so it is TTS. The skirt is definitely a keeper!

    HTH!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I already bought it - the Wool Ruffle Front coat. That's really the only item I'm loving from this fall collection so far :-)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Dara: The chantilly lace cami is pictured on the model with the opaque tights. It never appeared on the website because it sold out in pre-order so quickly for $795.

    My favorite fall piece so far is the Eden jacket in Iris.

    ReplyDelete
  35. If cost wasn't a factor, I would definitely purchase the
    Bronwyn tall two-tone burnished leather midheel boots. I live in D.C. and would only be able to wear them for three months out of the year, but they are beautiful.

    I have already purchased the flannel schoolboy blazer in grey - it's sitting in my closet waiting for late-Fall!

    ReplyDelete
  36. The charlie suede ruffle mary janes in rust or navy. Love them, but need them like a hole in the head.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks Marietta,

    I completely missed your earlier review. I appreciate the re-cap. Two more questions, does it have a metallic look like the sparkle tweed? I'm wondering what "foil" looks like. Secondly, what's your fav top to wear with it? Does it work with a light pewter slim shirt or is it more of a sweater set sort of skirt? TIA

    I'm gonna try to use the new search function more productively from now on... I promise!

    Heather:D

    ReplyDelete
  38. I always purchase at least one wool coat from J.Crew and sometimes two. The Camino looks OK but I sure do not like the oversize plastic snap at the neckline so have passed on it for now anyway. The ruffle-front coat is not my style and I am waiting for the rest of the coat line to be released.

    JcrewGuyInCanada - it's totally true, you *do* need pants to look professional. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thanks everyone for sharing your selections! It is so much fun to read the comments!!!

    I also love the campo bag. It's such a gorgeous handbag!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi Heather - not a problem at all. How to describe the foil.... it's not a bright metallic, but it looks like there is a glint of gold interchanged with the deeper rose. It's very subtle, but definitely gives more depth to the deep rose color. I think it's definitely more of a sweater set kind of skirt... I love the Maya cardi paired with it. HTH!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I bought my 3 favorites already on day one that they came out in the stores. My favorite though is the Eden blazer.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thanks so much Marietta,

    That was a very helpful description. It sounds like a great skirt. I admit, I prefer items that are a little more unusual (i.e. the birch cloth skirt instead of plain navy cotton)& have elements like the rose foil. I find that "statement" pieces add a little fun to my rather safe work wardrobe.

    Now I just have to decide if I can hold out for a price break or if I want/need it now :}

    I appreciate the help,

    Heather:D

    ReplyDelete
  43. To list what I've already bought and love, I have the evening primrose cardi, the maya cardi in flannel (LOVE this cardi!), the parlour cardi in amythest (re-ordered on sale and returning original), and boatneck painter tee in plum. I desparately want the toothpick jeans, but refuse to pay that much for denim (maybe if I could wear them to school I'd be willing to pay full price). I hope these go on promo soon. I also love the mia skirt, but again, I won't spend that much on something that I can't/won't wear to school. I'd be way overdressed compared to the other teachers. :) I have pre-ordered the silk chiffon tiered cami in fresh plum and I hope I love it! I want to order the shimmering paisley dress, but again I'm worried it might be too much for school. I might have to give in on this one, though.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Reposted: Alert! The September Catalog is out ! Almost everything is new, and I listed some descriptions + photos on my blog. Saw some items in store, will blog more later.

    and about the 1 item, i wish they would come out with the lexi tote or clutch in a medium gray!

    ReplyDelete
  45. I would love to get the Lexi tote in light amethyst. I haven't seen it IRL but it looks soft and beautiful in that color.

    ReplyDelete
  46. dara, that is the tiered lace cami, part of j.crew's collection line--i found one yesterday at the prince st shop!

    however, sadly, it's huge on me--i've been searching endlessly for the top...couldn't believe my luck when i saw it yesterday--it's a 6 though and i need a 2...took it anyway in the hopes that a tailor can do some magic!

    so, until i find such tailor, the lace cami remains my must-have item of the fall!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I was in the store today just to return some pants from the website. I told myself I would not look.

    BUT, the Eden jacket in the purple color was truly striking. I am trying to get petites as much as possible so I didn't buy in store. I was actually looking at my potential fall purchases when I saw this post!

    I am done with purchasing for summer :o)

    ReplyDelete

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.

And now back to J.Crew! :)