Referencing {FAQ}

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Cass (in this post) who suggested a "weekly 'Did you try on/receive any JC items this week?' post where we could all "deposit" our reviews for various items". I think it is a brilliant idea. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

92 comments:

  1. Went to a B&M this weekend and have posted a few reviews, incl. the Buffalo Check Shirt and the Pilar Paisley Perfect Shirt.

    http://onetoomanyclosets.blogspot.com/

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  2. my $.02:
    1. marled boyfriend v-neck tee--runs very large

    2. exhibitor mega tote--arrived--gorgeous!!

    3. merino boyfriend sweater. tried 2 sizes and both did a weird stand-up thing on my shoulders--bummer!

    4. vintage military belt--just picked up in olive plus a wonderful metallic canvas version that isn't offered online. great for $25.

    5. trouser slouch socks are beauties--have been looking for this sock for years.

    6. waverly--fits like the scout but with straight leg for different footwear and looks.

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  3. I reviewed some of the new fall jackets (Navy Schoolboy blazer, Waxed Utility jacket, and Ripstop Field jacket) in this post.

    I also stopped by the J.Crewlet this weekend and found a lot of factory items that echoed current retail items. You can see IRL pictures here.

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  4. I received a couple items lately:

    1. printed lorelei dress in dark pewter: I absolutely love this dress!! Can be casual with flats and dressy with heels. It is strapless but has a plastic band and a strap in the back so it doesn't move and you don't spend the day pulling it up. And, did I mention, it has pockets!!! Runs true to size (i ordered according to the sizing chart on the site)

    2. Brushed stripe tank: bought it only to get free shipping. I wasn't thrilled when I bought it, plus it was final sale. I ended up loving it! There is just a touch of sparkle so it's very appropriate for day. I wore it to work with the coral jackie and a denim pencil skirt and it looked amazing. I got it in natural and it works also well with white jeans or khaki shorts. It isn't too low cut, not as much as the sequin striped henley tank, I would say. It is now on sale for 19.99$ +30%.

    3. Ikat dot pencil skirt: beautiful material, special skirt. I got a lot of compliments when I wore it. Runs small though. I am a P2 in the tailored denim pencil and cord pencil but I had to size up to a P6 to get it to zip. I guess you won't have to size up as much if you have a straight figure. It also stretches a bit when you wear it and wrinkles a lot, especially when you sit down all day!

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  5. I'll be receiving the Softspun Sunset dress today, so I will do a review later on to anyone who is interested!

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  6. I'm really liking the Waverly chinos. I wear chinos with jackets and cardigans at work and the narrow leg on the Waverlys make my old chinos seem wide legged and dumpy. They're long but I wear them with low heels and snug fitting (went down a size). With a perfect tee and small cardigan, the look is flattering.

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  7. Hey, all. Many of you have seen these, but just in case you haven't, I did a whole bunch of IRL photos of in store only items (two from the retail store, and a lot from the outlet).

    http://mysuperfluities.blogspot.com/2010/07/some-in-store-only-items-in-real-life.html

    In re: what I tried on and didn't photograph...

    Waverly Chinos--Really liked, nice feel, comfortable, took a size 6. (Sized down one size.) Would order the tall version from on-line when they go on sale.

    Pretty Red/Brown/Cream V-Neck Merino Cardigan--Only in-store as far as I can tell, but has a lovely print (some abstract floral motif), and for those of you hankering for a real "red," this comes pretty close. Liked it, but did not full price love it. Took a size small (tts). I did not get a item # for this one, but it is unique, so if you are interested, I am sure all the SAs will know what you are talking about.

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  8. Agh--scratch that about the Waverly Chinos! I would order the regular version as the inseam is 32 inches and perfect for my height to wear with flats. If I ordered the talls I would have to wear them with my Alecias...there's an interesting combo. LOL.

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  9. V-neck Lundi dress: I love this. I am tall and it's not too short on me. The fabric is a happy medium between light for summer and substantial so it doesn't show too much. The neck is not too low and the empire waist is just the right place to be flattering on me. TTS.

    Infinity cardi: I got paradise blue and love it. I like JC's long cardis (again, because I'm tall). I found it runs TTS. I've had great luck with JC 14 gauge merino - it is durable and I've never had it pill.

    Matte jersey curator pants: love the concept, but didn't work for me. The waist in my regular size was a bit snug but way too big if I sized up. Also, the tapered leg opening hit me at a spot on the leg that was too tight on my right leg and just fine on my left - so it caused a weird bunching at one knee but not the other. These went back.

    Vintage tees in color "fern" - this appears a beautiful grass green on my computer screen, but IRL that I saw in my B&M it was a dull olive green. :o( The bright guava is a lovely coral color, though.

    Chili pepper tee: I thought this was sooo cute when I saw it online with the new arrivals. Tried it on in my B&M and didn't buy. The "rose dust" color is kind of drab, and I didn't think the sequins were sewn on very securely. I may buy it if it's on super sale. TTS.

    Microspun pocket tank: Love. So soft. TTS. Great layering piece. It is hand wash, so I will put it in a lingerie bag and use Woolite on gentle cycle in the machine.

    Cashmere v-neck sweater: I got matisse blue, which is a deep, saturated teal blue IRL. It's a great color. The sweater is TTS, slightly long, but unfortunately the body of the sweater blouses out over the ribbed hem. This doesn't necessarily bother me so I am keeping it, but shorter ladies, beware. The cashmere feels more substantial than some other cashmere I got over the summer in a long sleeve cashmere tee that was on sale.

    Classic leather tote: saw this IRL in my B&M. The leather seemed nice - not too thin. Unfortunately there is no closure at the top, which means if the bag tips over, all your stuff falls out. I love the silhouette of the bag and may buy it anyway in the future. I only liked the brown and not the black.

    Hammock dress: did not work for me. It was mostly TTS, although short. Unfortunately the torso of the dress at the bust bulged out underneath my arms, giving me little batwings, and it would have required tailoring. Fabric is nice.

    HTH someone!

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  10. Drea dress - I am in love. This dress is so comfy and flattering.
    I shop at the garden state plaza store, so they have a lot of skirts that are not available online yet. I didn't really like any of the shorter ones.. really not flattering, and the seemed to run big. Loved all the pencil skirts though!

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  11. Went home with the Bettina in White Ash & the Waxed Canvas tote in Black. These are the 2 items I thought was worth buying full price. Normally a 6 in perfect shirts, I sized down to a 4 in the Bettina.

    Gorgeous colors for the double serge skirts but last year's version fits me better for some reason.

    Waiting for reviews on the Raye cardi. Not happy with the 16-gauge merino for this one.

    Many of the new items I already have in my closet in some variation so I think I'm done with this roll-out. Hope next month has more exciting unique stuff.

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  12. I just received the Turkish Delight Pencil Skirt and the Ink Blossom Pencil Skirt, both off final sale, but neither show up as final sale on the receipt :)
    The Turkish Delight Skirt is the most beautiful piece of clothing I purchased from J.Crew, ever. And that is saying a lot! I am pairing it with a white cotton Victoria ruffle tank and a coral cardigan from Nordstrom and nude patent heels. So, so gorgeous. If any pop back, just buy it, it will go with lots of colors. I am usually an 8 in city fit and a size 10 in skirts (don't know why the disparity) and the 10 fit nicely.
    Now for the Ink Blossom skirt - it is beautiful and fits well, I just have no idea what to put with it. The Polyvore sets don't give much guidance (lots of white tops). The "ink" color is a grey-navy-purple that surprisingly doesn't look good with any gray, navy, or purple I own. Bright pink is too much (esp for fall). This may go back as I don't want its price to increase dramatically in the search for something to match it. Let me know if you have any ideas!

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  13. Oh, and I tried on the Rimini cardigan in-store over the weekend. It looks better if you get it a little more snug than what the model online is wearing, a medium was good for me (I am almost always a medium in JC sweaters). It is a nice change from all the traditional button-front cardigans. In cobblestone, with a light pink tank, it had a pretty ballet look to it. The fabric is nice and there is an adjustable tie on the inside that you can use to change the fit a bit. If this goes on sale, I will definitely buy it, but $98 was a bit much for a sweater I won't wear until late October most likely.

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  14. Yesterday I received the alpaca long cardigan in heathered umber and love it. Very soft. Love the color. I think I'll be able to wear it with lots of things this Fall and Winter.

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  15. I just got the Unisex Saint James® Meridien II nautical tee as a birthday gift from my mom and I am not loving it. I'm so disappointed because I was obsessing about it for ages. The material is very heavy and stiff and even in an XS it's enormous on me (they recommend going a size down and I usually wear a small).

    I really wanted to love it so I'm willing to admit it's me, not the shirt, that has the problem! I'd be curious to hear if anyone else has any opinions on this one.

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  16. Rebecca, I paired my ink blossom skirt with shadow, dark pewter and dark plum and all look good. I also like it with light berry. Of course it looks good with white or cream i.e grand ruffle in chalk or Caralie cami. But surprisingly my favourite pairings are ink dot tunic and light flamingo perfect v-neck. Tunic makes it look like a dress and plays with proportions longer and boxy over short and lean. Light Flamingo (bright pink) gets toned down by the skirt and the ink dot gets more vibrant by this pairing. At the store I also said to SA 'no,no bright pink' so this was a surprise. I really like the skirt but I can totally relate to your concerns about increasing price of the garment when you start buying things to much... hth

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  17. Thanks, ajc! I have a light flamingo top around someplace, I will try it!

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  18. I tried on two dresses today. First, the Super 120s Carlyle Dress in Mink. For reference, I am 5'4" tall; 34B; 118 pounds and normally wear either a 0, P0, or P2 in dresses, depending on the cut. I tried this one on in a zero.

    The dress has a side zip and I pulled it over my head. As my arms went through, I had a horrible "Oh my God, I'm stuck and it's gonna rip!" moment. I do have arms that are a bit thicker on the upper part (from all that weight lifting, of course ;) but I'm not the Incredible Hulk, so I'd say that most will find the arms a bit constrictive at first. But once the dress was all the way on and I could adjust the fabric, the arm fit was fine--close, but not uncomfortable.

    Likes:

    The fabric is a nice lightweight wool, the length is right at the knee, and the cut of the scoopneck is flattering.

    Dislikes:

    I hated the color. I'm fair and blonde, and it was very unflattering with my skin tone and hair color.

    But the bigger problem was the fit. Although the arms fit snugly, the waist and stomach area were very loose. Part of that is the forgiving cut of the dress, and part of it is due to the empire-style seam about an inch or so under the bodice. For me this meant an overabundance of fabric in an area that needed a snugger fit.

    I could size down to a P2 or P0, but unfortunately, doing so would cut off the blood supply to my arms. So this one was a pass for me.

    I had more success with the Drapey Wool Dunaway Dress which I also tried in a 0 in the charcoal color and LOVED This one looks great cinched with a belt--in fact, I wouldn't wear it unbelted. I loved the little cap sleeves to and the length--just above the knee on me.

    This one I'm definitely getting when there's a 20% promo or it goes on sale. Full price isn't warranted on this one, imo, but it's a classic, flattering dress.

    Hope this helps someone!

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  19. Does anyone know the style number for a store-only seersucker zipper skirt/shorts from this season? Only the cropped seersucker zipper pant (25574) is online, but I saw the skirt/short version w/ the same gold zippers in a store and am trying to track down the information. Online says they don't have a way to look up 'store-only' items (which I have trouble believing). TIA! :)

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  20. Hello all, I got the Turkish Delight pencil skirt in the mail today--size 4. It popped back late one night and I got it for 39.99. As usual, none of the items on my receipt say final sale. Anyway, I am just checking with you all on the fit. I have never owned or tried on a JC pencil skirt. This one fits, but it seems to have to go quite high for me to zip it. It hugs my waist, definitely above my hip bones. I'm 5'6", and it falls to mid knee. Does this sound right? I would love to lose enough weight to wear a shirt tucked in fully, but this skirt is showing my gut, where I carry all my weight (the band at the top of the skirt is above my gut). I would have to wear a top outside of it for now. I guess I don't know if it's supposed to be a high-waisted skirt, because the way this one is fitting me that's what I would call it.

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  21. I also received two of the crystal chain grosgrain bracelets (full price) as ride alongs. However, I had seen one in the store the day they were putting out new fall jewelry, and LOVED it. Didn't want to leave it, but the price!!! So I ordered both colors online, not sure which is the greenish/khaki I had on in store. Neither is! One is heather petrol, which I don't care as much for (the metal is shiny), the other is vintage rose, and it's BEAUTIFUL. OMG. Still, kept thinking of the khaki one, so I called the store and had them put it on hold. I will exchange the heather petrol one for it, bring it home and decide if I like it, or the vintage rose better. Or if I can afford either. I am afraid to open my JCrew statement this month, it's just sitting there. Wonder why they don't carry all the colors online. Gt my Crystal Carlyle bracelet in soft petal, love it much better than the other one I have with black. Will try to sell that one.

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  22. Rebecca, the TD skirt is gorgeous. I was surprised (neither good or bad) at how much the gold foil stands out. I am trying to figure out a way to add "edge" to the skirt so that it doesn't look old lady (my previous stereotypes about gold on clothing being old lady, my issue I know).

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  23. AppGal - yes please! I would love to see a review of the softspun sunset dress. I looked online just last night and couldn't find any reviews or irl pics.

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  24. Buffalo Check shirts arrived today! TTS (same size as in the Perfect shirts), some bloggers have mentioned not liking the thin fabric for fall, but I LOVE it - it's soft and sumptuous and will layer really nicely. (While I like the appearance of a nice crisp oxford, I have found these such sturdier shirts to be a bizatch to layer.)

    My only tale of woe is that they sent the ugly orange ("autumn sunset," not my color) instead of the pretty pale pink ("rose dust")!

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  25. Rebecca, I wore my ink blossom skirt with a periwinkle perfect-fit tee yesterday. I also like sky blue and very pale turquoise tees with this skirt. I plan to wear with my Jackie twinset in hyacinth next week and then with orchid shadow to transition into late summer/early fall.

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  26. Rebecca, I don't know if this will help but you can see an irl pic of the skirt in this post on my blog. I *do* think this skirt sits a bit higher on the hip/waist. The wide waist band doesn't help. I'm 5'2". In the pic you see, the band is over my navel. HTH. Don't keep the skirt if it doesn't work for you. It doesn't matter the price. There will be other great pencil skirts in the future.

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  27. Can anyone offer a review/opinion on the perfect-fit mixed tape cardi? I am loving the dark rosewood and bright seaport colors online. Would love to know if the colors are "as shown" and how this version fits.

    TIA

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  28. melissa -

    the saint james shirt was just as terrible on me. my boyfriend and i laughed so much because i looked ready to star in leatherheads. i just needed an old fashioned football. the x-small even fit my boyfriend and the shoulders were still too big for him! i returned mine the day after i received it in the mail.

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  30. Melissa, I am with you on Meridien St. James tee. I reviewed the original one awhile back and found it to be huge and boxy and with weird sleeve length. It said long sleeves, but they were definitely cropped on me. For anyone who's interested IRL pics here:
    http://jcrewchick.blogspot.com/2010/04/product-review-saint-james-meridien-ii.html

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  31. I received a package today -

    alpaca cardigan in umbre. As others have noted, really a very nice sweater. Love the color and seems a quality knit. Hits mid-thigh on me at 5'4. I took the smaller of my J. Crew top sizes (xs) and it is nicely fitted.

    belle skirt in charcoal. This is on the short side (obviously) but I pulled it down some on my hips and that seems to work. My normal skirt size is fine, but I'm considering trying one size larger for extra length. I don't want too much volume, though, so I'm undecided.

    Serge pencil skirt in wisteria. I got this in a petite to avoid hemming. TTS, but I think it fits a little more snugly than last year's perfect pencil. Lovely color, and I'll probably order another later in the light gray.

    Hope that helps someone -

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  32. Hello, somebody knows what is the name of music of fall 2010 behind the desing with jenna lyons (my idol)
    Thanks,
    Florencia from Buenos Aires, Argentina!

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  33. Amy,

    All my JCrew pencil skirts sit at or slightly above my natural waist. Several years ago some of their skirts were meant to be worn or were made low waisted. Have not found that with the pencil skirts I have bought from them in 2009 and 2010--at the waist fit.

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  34. xoxo: I tried the mixed tape cardi in rosewood. I was loving the color online, too. IRL though, it's not as pretty and vibrant. It's more of a deep, very dark maroon. It's not as rosy and purple-y as I thought it would be. I had gotten it on 20% off promo, but I sent it back anyway.

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  35. Just a quick review on the Sunset jersey dress (will post pics on blog tomorrow)

    Color is GORGEOUS (I got the weathered wood color) --very pretty, saturated fall color. Wish there were more items that it came in. Fit is normal for my usual jersey dress size (xs). Neckline is kind of square-ish, which I find pretty flattering. It's very unique. I was worried it'd be too low-cut, and it is by just a tad. I may feel slightly uncomfortable wearing it to school. Length was fine...right above knee, and I'm 5'6". Will be trying it on again tomorrow after steaming the wrinkles out and giving it a second look. First impression was good!

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  36. Got the tulle underwire tank in light pink in the mail today. For a large chested gal, I have to say the cups were fine even though it wasn't one of the special D cups. The light color is not for the faint of heart, however. I tried to fool myself but after taking a photo in it to test it out, realized it will not work on me. Too bad, it's beautiful. Also, the straps are waaaaay too long, and not adjustable. Would be fairly easy to shorten though

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  38. Kind of OT, but anyone else notice how similar the Crew's Mara suede wedges are to Banana's gray suede wedges? As someone who recently purchased the Banana ones on sale for about $75, I can say, save your cash and avoid the crew ones. The Banana ones are great!

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  39. ajc and xoxo,
    Thanks so much for the ideas on the ink blossom skirt. Like Rebecca, I love the skirt but was struggling with what to wear with it. Going to try it with my dried orchid jackie tomorrow.

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  40. This isn't really a review, but I'd been eyeing the CAMDEN BROGUES on the website and hoping they'd somehow miraculously go on sale, and I managed to find some on Ebay! It looks like several different sellers have a few colors for about $150. I managed to find my size in the two-tone color, which is on backorder until August 19 too! Just a tip for anyone else looking for them.

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  41. Geneva, I have the seersucker shorts. The style number is 26064. Hope that helps. Good luck!

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  42. If anyone is playing sales hide-and-search, and you come across the Dolce sweaters, size DOWN. I see the shawl collar sweater is on sale for $19.99, which is a great deal. I ordered the medium during the winter clearance and it runs HUGE. Wish I'd gotten the small... the Bling button cardis and Eden velvet blazers are also lurking, if you're interested.

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  43. Thank you Andrea for looking at your shorts for me! I really appreciate it! :)

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  44. socialscientist-I totally want the brogues! But I'm always leery of ebay items....can you verify if they are true JCrew? Have you gotten a pair yet? TIA :-D

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  45. Thank you everyone for your ideas and input! The flamingo top looked great, but for spring, not fall. I am going to take the skirt with me to the mall and try periwinkle and some of the other suggestions, as I am really falling in love with the skirt.

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  46. I would like to hear from owners of the downtown field jacket. Namely, is it worth its high price tag, and is it indeed fitted through the waist? I can't really justify buying it, because I found an Old Navy knockoff for about 1/10 of the JC price and I loved it so much I got it in 3 colors. lol

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  47. Elaine,

    I don't own the downtown field jacket but I remember it had a really boxy fit and the material was a bit too stiff for my liking. Not worth it at full price I think but I would consider it if it went on sale because I love the style.

    That old navy jacket is cute! I like the cinched waist. Is it pretty good quality?

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  48. hallie829, thanks for the info on the rosewood. I was hoping it would be as purple-ish as it looks online so maybe will pass and try one of the other colors.

    How did you find the fit of the mixed-tape cardi this season?

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  49. Elaine, I bought the downtown field jacket last year and I returned it. It was boxy and rather stiff but I liked the style. What bothered me was that in my climate (NJ) it was not practical, it is not a light weight jacket, so too warm and heavy for early fall and then quickly too cold when the temperature dropped. I think I bought it in August and returned in November because I still haven't worn it. In January, I was in Scotland and I bought original Barbour jacket that JC knocked off.
    Check it out:
    http://www.lindaclifford.com/BarbourUtility.html
    This one is waxed and lined in tartan making it much more functional, warmer and weather proof. Of course, it was twice the price even on sale :(
    I can only hope I will wear it for years. They've been making these jackets forever and now many Barbour fans are pissed off that J Crew ruined the jacket for them turning it mass market. Oh well...

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  50. Just received my Super 120s Caryn dress and sadly back to the store it goes at lunchtime. The color and style of the dress is fantastic but the fit is all over the place (and quite unflattering, on me at least). I was debating whether to go for a P0 or a P2 and went for the P0 praying it wouldn't be too small. Oddly it fits great from the waist down but from the waist up it's MASSIVE! Shoulders, chest, arms, everywhere. If this is how they're sizing petites, I can't even fathom how the regular sizes must be cut. I would consider sizing down to P00 when it goes on sale but I fear it will be too snug around my stomach... too bad because it's so pretty and I adore the styling of the pockets.

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  51. Thank you to Erin and Slastena for your input on the Saint James shirt. So it's not just me! I should have been suspicious when they chose not to picture it on a model!

    Going back today...

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  52. Melissa- I returned my St. James too! I really love the Sailot shirt that was in stores this Spring (item # 26977) also runs big but I think it was cuter than the St. James and almost half the price.

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  53. Dara, too bad Caryn did not work out for you :(
    which color did you order? If cedar, then how did you like it irl? Regarding the fit, if I can ask you, what body type are you? I am bigger on the top, so I am wondering if it would work for me. I usually wear 2/4 in bottoms but 6/8 in dresses to accommodate my chest. And how was the length? tia.

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  54. Can anyone comment on the fit of the ikat dot blazer? Does it run large or small (I'm usually between sizes)? The skirt is in my cart and I'm thinking of getting the blazer too while there's still a %off...

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  55. xoxo-re: mixed tape cardi, I have it in a size sm in the sand/tan color (forgot the name.) I take a size sm in sweaters, so I guess it is tts. In fact, when I put it on I immediately thought "perfect!" It feels wonderful, a very fine ribbing, sleeve length perfect and it falls to my thighbone. I am "thin" and stick straight, so there is no button pull and the ribbon lies flat when buttoned all the way (I like it buttoned up, in fact.)I wore it unbuttoned too with a billowy gauze blouse underneath which worked well as the sleeves are fitted. This sweater works really well for me and i plan to buy more colors :) HTH!

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  56. I just looked a the model on the online page, and the mixed tape fits me like it does her, arm and torso length-wise, but the arms and body are more fitted (it looks slouch on her.) HTH!

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  57. Caryn Dress in Dusty Cedar: My husband loved it but I'm not so sure. The scoopnect was pretty wide and I constantly needed to adjust with my regular bra. Also, it was pretty short on me, but I'm 5'9". The color is beautiful, its so original!

    Double serge pencil in nordic blue. This is such a nice skirt. Nice, thick material and fits perfect. I love the color and found so many things in my closet that it will look great with!

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  58. xoxo - I found the mixed tape cardi to be TTS and the same fit as my other "perfect fit" items. I was not a fan of the ribbon trim because I thought once the item has been washed and dried in the dryer, it may cause weird pulling between the ribbed fabric (that has give) and the ribbon (no stretch there).

    Elaine - I own the downtown field jacket and I LOVE it. I get tons of compliments on it and it's not boxy on me at all. There are snap tabs in the back that can be adjusted to create a "waist" on it. I wore it countless times from Oct. through March. I live in Ohio. I bought it with a gift card, so I didn't pay the $148 or whatever, but I WOULD pay it, considering how much use I've gotten out of it.

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  59. OT, but I have a coupon code good for 40% off two full-priced items at Banana Republic (excluding shoes), online only. It expires end of today and I won't use it. E-mail me at jadorethesestores AT gmail DOT com if you'd like it!

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  60. ElizabethKia, I hate too wide scoopneck, so annoying... Would this be fixed by having the bra strap snaps added? Or were you just uncomfortable barring too much skin?
    Have you found it too big on the top like Dara? And how short if you compare to double serge skirt?
    At least you are happy with the skirt. I ordered bronzed ochre but 4 was too big and looked dumpy. I may try the 2 but I liked wider waistband better. I think getting interesting color is key here (yoy for nordic blue) otherwise it does not pass the Macy's check (would you stop to look if you saw it on a hanger at Macy's?)

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  61. ElizabethKia (and others): what is the material like on the double serge skirt? I have 2 of last year's perfect pencil skirts but haven't tried the double serge. Is the fabric thicker like the Perfect pencils? TIA!

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  62. Help! Can anyone comment on the Julienne heels sizing? I love the look but I have limited experience with J. Crew shoes and I am scared of getting stuck with the wrong size because of the Final Sale. Thanks!

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  63. Alice -

    I have the Julienne heels in suede. I think they are tts. I have an 8, which is what I almost always wear in pretty much all brands, and it is perfect. They are reasonably comfortable for J. Crew shoes, too.

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  64. AppGal, Double serge is not as thick as perfect pencil. It has more of a twill like structure whereas perfect pencils from last year were almost felted. hth

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  65. How does a size zero compare to a zero petite in jackets? I usually wear a size zero, but I was wondering if 0P would be too snug? Thanks!

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  66. Has anyone else seen these really comfy cotton (look like linen) shorts in the stores with a tie belt? They are so cute in the orchid shadow, but are $49.50. I keep watching them for a sale, but STILL not. They are SHORTS, J Crew, c'mon. And they are not online anywhere. Odd.

    Alice, add the shoes to your bag and go to checkout. Many things are not showing up final sale on the receipt.

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  67. Hi Karen!
    Regarding the brogues, I'm waiting for mine to come in the mail so I haven't seen them yet. There's no way to be 100% positive they're real but I'm fairly confident they're not fakes (I'm not that well-versed on Ebay fakes, however). My seller put up large pictures of the actual item (not stock photos) and the listing said that there was a line through the "J. Crew" to prevent store returns. I've seen similar things on other listings. I contacted my seller to ask how they managed to get the brogues for so cheap and way before the online ones were supposed to ship, and they mentioned a place they get their inventory. Since other sellers also mentioned a line through the "J. Crew" logo, I imagine maybe they all got them at sample sales or something. The seller also had a good track record of selling J. Crew items, including shoes, so I would think they are just connected to a steady source of these things, eg sample sales. Since the brogues are such a temporary item it seems like it'd be inefficient for someone to fake them too. I checked w/ the pictures on the J. Crew website and the product does like identical. However, I haven't seen any brogues from the stores in person either. Waiting for mine to come so I'll see! I may write a review to help w/ other Ebay shoppers. Hope that helps! :)

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  69. Please be aware of the JC items on EBay like brogues that are appearing too early. Chances are they "fell off the back of a truck", i.e. they were lifted from the distribution centres or straight from the factory. I've seen previous comments/posts on this blog about JC jewelry on ebay originating from HK or China. Same theory. They may be the real deal, but may have come by not-so-ethical routes.

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  70. To those who have followed J Crew for years, what is the most percentage off final sale you have EVER seen?

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  71. So, SO very upset! I THOUGHT I had scored two amazing popbacks last week: the Paradise jacquard pant and a Jackie twinset in endive. What I actually received today: the Casino pant and a twinset in two different shades of green. Come on, JC! I've had a messed-up order or two over the years, but nothing this blatant.

    Thanks for letting me vent. :)

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  72. Amy- In the Summer of 2008 they had 50% off Crewcuts in stores. Not sure if women's was included?? anyone?

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  73. Does anyone have IRL pics of the Brompton hobo or the Exhibitor mega tote? I saw a couple of people mention that they received the Exhibitor mega tote. If no IRL pics, can anyone speak to how the latter hangs without the tissue paper in it? Thanks!

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  74. Karen, socialscientist and Closet Crisis, some of the ebay sellers are close enough to the discount warehouse or sample sales and pick things up there specifically to sell on ebay. Several of the ebay sellers listing the Camden Brogues have been selling discounted J.Crew for years and I have purchased from a couple of them personally with great results. Paisley Petunia is one who was discussed on this blog many months ago and often JCAs will offer an ebay find on the Weekly Exchange, "marked to prevent returns".

    Occasionally the ebay items may be slightly damaged, defective or shop worn but usually it is just the line through the embossing or a cut/removed label in the case of clothing or handbags. Smart sellers will disclose all defects or issues because their positive feedback is crucial. Current J.Crew items show up fairly quickly, they are not always outdated popbacks. Reading through some of the great deals JCAs reported in B&Ms recently means there is probably a lot of new stuff on ebay now too.

    Some time ago someone on this blog asked J.Crew about these discounted ebay items and J.Crew replied that to ensure J.Crew quality you should purchase directly from J.Crew. Totally ignored the question.

    As someone who buys and sells on ebay regularly, although rarely J.Crew, I would say to check out the sellers feedback, particularly any negative feedback. Was it a question of authenticity or some other problem? Of course, if you've got thousands of sales there may be one unhappy customer but feedback should be overwhelmingly positive.

    There are also ebay guides to help you ensure you are getting what you pay for, check them out, they are usually written by people who sell the real deal and want to expose the fraudsters.

    To be fair, it is possible that some things "fell off the back of a truck", but for sellers listing thousands of items over years, I am sure J.Crew loss prevention would investigate, particularly when they are located in the U.S.

    As Gigi says, just my $0.02.

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  75. Thanks Karen and hallie829 for further details on the mixed-tape perfect-fit cardi. I have three of these in the last season version and have worn them a lot during our cool, wet summer. I like the close fit and comfort so will probably try at least one in the new colors.

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  77. One more post and then I'm done for tonight. Promise.

    Received the Breakers plaid shirt item #26018 recently.

    The fabric is definitely soft, a nice woven cotton that reminds me of a picnic tablecloth we had when I was a child, if that makes any sense. Not a fine woven cotton like the perfect shirts, a little broader loomed. It is comfortable and has a boyish fit, as promised, although not too boxy on me. The neutral background is more flax than I expected but it still works. The pockets are cute, but they are flap pockets and not the basic patch pockets shown online. Similar issue with the madras shirt this year, which was shown *with* pockets and arrived *without*. Anyway, I usually take 8/10 in J.Crew tops and a Medium fit me fine. I will definitely pop this on over a bikini this summer and wear on it's own come fall. Sold out online now but was last seen for $19.99, a popback steal at that price or even better with a % off.

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  78. Got the cashmere zip pocket cardigan for $48.99! The Rockefeller store in NYC still has the misty lavender color in all size! I knew the style was marked down from $99.99 to $69.99 but for some reasons the store marked it back up to $99.99! I told the SA to match the online price and she gladly did! If you're looking for it, call the store!

    It fits TTS and love the zip style! Less than $50 for cashmere cardigan, not bad!

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  80. Re: Julienne shoes. Thanks Kris! My feet are a tad wide and I never know if I should size up or not. A few years ago I had a bad experience with oddly narrow J Crew boots so I am a little leery of the shoe sizing now. The Julienne's sound great!

    Anyone else have experiences with the Julienne sizing?

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  81. Chili pepper tee (29386)—I saw this at my B&M and fell in love! I just think it’s cute :) I would say it fits TTS and the cotton doesn’t cling to you as much as their other tees do.

    Red/brown/cream Merino V-neck cardi—This is in-store only as of now, it seems. I can check for the item number once I get home if anyone is curious. The tag says that the pattern is “hand painted” and that really is what it looks like… just big paint brushstrokes of the prettiest fall colors. It fits TTS.

    Calista cami (28506)—Love this! I’ve only started doing the majority of my shopping from J. Crew for about 6 months so I missed out on the Victoria and just purchased the Frances about a month ago. So happy they offer this in a P00 because it fits perfectly! The folds are a little weird and it’s hard to tell how they should lay… mine sort of just went straight up. I purchased the dark rosewood color and paired it with my black super 120s high waisted pencil and a skinny black patent leather belt and got a thumbs up from the SA when I walked in :)

    Petal stream tank (29733)—Unsure about this one right now. The ruffles lay REALLY flat and the edges are so much more frayed than I thought they would be (it does mention this in the description). It’s cute, but not worth full price.

    Marled knit Thandie blazer (29305)—LOVE! I like this color more than the lighter gray and black which are $148 as opposed to $158 for this. I was reluctant at first because it doesn’t come in petite sizes like the other 2 but when the SA told me it runs really small, I thought I’d give it a shot. She was right: it definitely does run small; I took a 2 instead of my regular 0. And lucky for me, I can fold up the sleeves about 2 inches and the inside of the blazer is the same fabric (as in, the lining doesn’t start until about 2.5 or 3 inches up the sleeve). The fabric is a little “hard” at first, but should be worn in within a few wears according to the SA. I can wear it to school and to work so it’s a keeper for me!

    Buffalo check boy shirt (28642)—I don’t have any of these J. Crew perfect shirts or collared shirts, so I wasn’t sure if this was going to work, but tried it on anyway and I loved it! I’ve read other reviews saying it’s too thin but I didn’t notice that at all. The SA actually also gave me a merino vest (28148) to go over it and I loved the two of them together so I purchased both.

    Herringbone bell skirt (28261)—Love this as well! My B&M had this in a 00, which is what I got. Definitely fits TTS; I have a ton of J. Crew’s elastic waistband skirts. I think it would be too short on most, but at 5 ft, it fits perfect on me. I’m not sure what I’m going to pair it with yet though, so I’m open to suggestions!

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  82. well said, xoxo. myself, i find that i'm really just relucatant to purchase any merchandise from sellers located in China, Hong Kong, etc. i'm pretty sure that what those peeps are selling is locally-made knockoffs of the real deal. which isn't a big deal if they use decent materials, but my guess is that they don't.

    i was so bummed last week when i realized that something i hit 'buy it now' on was based in hong kong. :-( not a jc item, but a brand name. i should have looked more closely, and the low price should have tipped me off :-/. i'm hoping and praying that when it arrives it won't be total crap, but i'm worried. :-(

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  83. ldc: I found the Ikat dot blazer true to size. I tried it two regular sizes and a petite. The jacket is very cute. It is a lightweight silk with a smooth texture so it wrinkles somewhat and can be delicate.

    Jeweled jardin jacket: Very ornate and beautiful sequin detailing. It runs true to to size. Unfortunately, it's very unstructured, and with the weight of the sequins, it tends to not hang well. I also cannot believe the inner lining is low-grade polyester instead of a heavier weight silk or vicose. Not only does the particular polyester they've chosen not breath well, it's also quite stiff and a bit rough.

    Also, pics and more reviews, including in-store only items at my blog.

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  84. -Cape-Stripe Underwire Tank SUIMSUIT-

    Does anyone else have it?
    I got it in a size 2 and it's really hard to get on and off but it looks fine on. It could be a little longer though. Also it isn't the bright blue like in the pictures. It is a darker navy color. I'm not too happy about this. I like it but a size 4 would work better so I don't know if I should keep it or just send it back and hope a 4 becomes available.

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  85. Jackie -
    I just got the herringbone bell skirt too and I love it. I ordered a 0 and I'm 5'6, and I think the length is just fine. It's actually longer than I expected. I think it would look cute with a white button up top and some gladiator sandals for now.

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