"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta & Ketan, who shared with us the latest email from J.Crew.The email above features the the Velvet Ruby Jacket (Item 29018; $168.00). J.Crew describes this velvet jacket as:
This jacket has been discussed on this blog before (refer to the July 15th "J.Crew Email: A chic peek, just for Cardmembers" post.) This jacket looks cute in the email above but not so great in real life. It's missing that "something" for me.Our blazer meets cardigan—elegantly deconstructed and drapey, in buttery panne velvet with sheer blended silk georgette lining and trim for a modern mix of textures and vibes. The finishing touch? A removable grosgrain belt for waist definition and added dimension. Rayon/silk. Lapel collar. Hook-and-bar closure. Long sleeves. Welt pockets with flaps. Fully lined. Hits at hip. Import. Dry clean. Catalog/jcrew.com only.
What are your thoughts on the Velvet Ruby Jacket? Have you seen or tried it on? Do you like the style- from the shape to the ribbon? Please share! :)
I actually ordered this on its first promo appearance because they promised me green velvet. I sent it right back and posted a rant on this blog, which I now can't find. Executive summary of prior rant: droopy with cheesy trim. Oh, and I measured the 2 shoulder seams: not the same size.
ReplyDeletePretty much epitomizes how far j.crew has fallen: Mostly synthetic-material pseudo jacket, no structure, no shape, no pizzazz. And it's $168. What happened to the people who brought us the Bella?
ReplyDeleteI've seen much better renditions of a velvet jacket with the integrated bow. This is not appealing to me.
ReplyDeleteThe past few seasons it seems that JCrew has decided to give up on real design and churn out copies and designs that appear to have no real thought behind them.
I directly asked my online PS about this jacket. She had another PS try it on and emailed me back. At least she was honest. She said the jacket was shapeless and did not fit her coworker at all around the bust area and she tried the jacket on in her usual JCrew size. So I won't be wasting my time buying/returning this BIG LET DOWN. I really wanted the green.
ReplyDeleteWellfedfred, Yes, I have measured some JCrew items before and they have been off as well. Sometimes the small amount of difference did not ultimately matter if I wanted the item and it was the only one left and other times back it went!
OT, but shows where J.Crew's focus is:
ReplyDeleteThis season's NY Times Style Magazine, just out with a 2-page ad from JC!
Right page: Lovely black lace dress, jewel neckline, 3/4 sleeves, skirt covers most of model's butt so would probably cover some of mine. Accessorized by 2 pairs of gloves, 1 leather, 1 ribbed gray knit. Knit theme repeated in socks, can't tell what the boots with 3 straps are made of. Dress is topped with large shaggy sleeveless vest. I would have added plastic pearls & artificial flowers but maybe JC is going for subtlety this fall?
Left page: yes, very subtle. All black (couldn't scan). Gray type in center says J.CREW, small white type says "collection" AND AT THE VERY BOTTOM OF THE PAGE IN teeny tiny type: LET THE OBSESSION BEGIN...
Is J.Crew developing a sense of humor?
Haven't seen this IRL but things with ties always position like empire waists on me and I am not ladylike enough to keep it all in the right place with a nicely tied bow-- would probably end up strangling me or falling in the toilet untied. The schoolboy velvet is a great buy IMO. Thankfully the tall fits me well as all the jackets are ALL too short for me this season.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried this on and don't intent to. I don't like the flimsy ribbon on it and it's probably shapeless as other JCAs are saying.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many other choices even from other retailers I wouldn't want to spend $ on this one.
I tried this one on. It was cute, but the tie was awkward. It was too empire, and made me look top-heavy! If the tie sat at your actual waist, and gave a smoking jacket feel, that might be cool. But this kind of mimics a bath-robe sash. No likey! You could remove the sash, and just let it drape, I suppose? But not for full price!
ReplyDeleteThey think we've drank so much of the kool aid that we're willing to buy anything they make.
ReplyDeleteSad. Very sad - my new catalog came and no love from me at all.
La Belle Helene, my first thought when I saw this e-mail was, "I can hardly wait until it's cool enough to wear my velvet bellas again."
ReplyDeleteI don't like this at all. It looks cheap. I didn't like the release of the velvet jackets last year either - even at the lowest markdown I refused to "drink the Kool Aid"! It reminds my of school days as a young girl with velvet pants, jackets, dresses and so on. This grown-up version does not translate well at all.
ReplyDeleteWellfedfred,
ReplyDeleteIs this the dress shown with these tights? If so, it does need artificial flowers ;).
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/accessories/PRDOVR~19331/99101848502/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~heather%20carbon%20tights/19331.jsp
kitsmommy, good catch!
ReplyDeleteWell, just to show we're all delightfully different, I have this jacket in both the charcoal and green, and adore it. Got the green for the Christmas holidays, since I don't like to wear red and am always looking for a dressy casual holiday color.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I don't wear the sash, except occasionally doubled looped in the back. I've worn it, instead, with a thin JCrew belt (such as the patent leather animal print), or, more often, open.
It is the silky drapey velvet I love, rather than the stiffer more cotton-like velvet. It looks incredible with a tight fitting top underneath. I also wear it with a long JCrew silk tunic shirt from 2 seasons ago, as well as a perfect t-shirt (tight fitting). Often worn with toothpick jeans. Always get compliments,both from college students and faculty-staff.
Fashion-love is wonderfully individual.
I don't have any velvet jackets, and have drooled (sorry keyboard) at the jackets from the last 2 winters. Everytime I try on one IRL (from JC and elsewhere) I've found them to be too heavy/warm and add unwanted visual pounds.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to try this one on just to see how an unstructured jacket would work on me. And yeah, I'd totally replace the sash with a skinny belt.
What a hot mess this jacket is and I love velvet jackets. I am very tall and thin and this jacket just hangs on me and looks really bad and that is hard to do with me and jackets/blazers! Really sad. I think this is a first for me as JCrew jackets alwasy fit me consistently year after year. My online PS recommended the school boy over this one and she was so right. Much better option and fit.
ReplyDeleteProfessor,
ReplyDeleteGlad it works for you but just wondering what climate do you live in that you could wear velvet this time of year????
Personally, I would not break out my velvet until November even in MN.
Genny,
ReplyDeleteI live in San Francisco, where we are having the coldest summer recorded since the 1950s.
Wink.
OT If anyone wants an invite to the Gap friends and family Aug. 26-29 send me your email address and I'll happily put you on the list (racing_turtles_ [at] hotmail)
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I would purchase even on sale. Meh is the only thing that comes to mind when I look at this jacket.
ReplyDelete"Elegantly deconstucted" is crewspeak for shapeless mess! Just because they say it, it isn't necessarily true. Hope they try again with velvet, it's one of my favorite fabrics.
ReplyDeleteYep, I live in the bay area too...lived in San Francisco for 15 years. We can absolutely wear velvet jackets pretty much year round here. Summers here can be very cold...this year has been particularly cold!
ReplyDeleteProfessor: Thanks for the positive info on the jacket (I've been curious about it). I can easly see wearing it around here. I'd wear it pretty much how you are (which is how I wear all my JC jackets) with skinny jeans. I'd like to check out the weathered wood at some point. :)
For anyone that has both, how would you compare the Jenna cardigan to the Jackie cardigan in sizing? If I want to put a shirt under the Jenna cardigan, should I go up a size? If I do that, will I lose the whole fitted look? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOT- Anyone who has tried on the Arrow Sweater Jacket, I was wondering if the arms were tight on this? Do I need to size up if I am going to layer a turtleneck or shirt underneath to allow for the tighter arms???
ReplyDeleteTIA!
Sorry to go off topic, but speaking of ribbons, I wore the camos w/the ribbon waist tie (I think Femme Camo Delancey), and I washed them for the first time and the ribbon is completely fraying. Should I return them? I think it looks shabby and I only wore them once! I just feel awkward b/c I'm in the store a lot returning stuff that has broken or frayed or whatever. They've always been nice about it, but I'm sure they hate me.
ReplyDeleteProfessor and ccbmum--isn't it GORGEOUS today! our first day of summer I had just given up and purchased a new wool coat and pants over the weekend thinking I could wear them now but can finally break out the sandals. sorry to be OT for the general audience here but a day like this is to be celebrated with other shivering SF dwellers. I also just got my email from JC so can see the photo better. the jacket looks beautiful on the model.
ReplyDeleteJruby18: Take it back. You have the right to expect j.crew to produce clothing that looks good past one wearing/wash. Yours is, unfortunately, a common complaint on this board - seems j.crew has become obsessed with cheap materials & craftsmanship. Very disappointing.
ReplyDeleteBay Area resident here as well...Three cheers for the SUN!! I was in the city yesterday and it was 75 in Delores Park. Yeehaw!
ReplyDeleteNow, back to the regularly scheduled Crew Talk.
another SF native here, too! indeed a lovely, lovely day! i hope this weather stays well into fall, since we didn't get so much of it during the summer. :)
ReplyDeletewill check out this and the velvet scoolboy. thanks for all the opinions! :)
LBH & Jruby18- this is what happens when quality control is effortless at all levels.
ReplyDeleteThis jacket looks very pretty styled on the model. I'm afraid it wouldn't look so good on me IRL with the deconstructed look. I really prefer tailored looks that don't require constant fussing to keep in place.
ReplyDeleteThe proportions seem a bit off with the model leaning forward and the tie pulled down over the pocket. Plus, what is going on with the seam on the left sleeve, is it separated or is that a bare strip of chiffon to make it look worn and vintage? J.Crew clothes can't even make it through a photo shoot without falling apart?!
Wendy,
ReplyDeletei purchased the arrowhead sweater in dark grey before online carried them. i tried it on with a perfect tee under and fit was nice. then, i tried it with a side-zip sweatshirt under still wasn't too tight in the arms. i think the material has a good amount of give. if you're hoping to do more layering under, i'd say consider ordering a size larger. overall, it's a pretty fitted sweater jacket. i like my sweaters a little fitted so i got my usual size. HTH!
OT: I have a new contest on my blog now that many of you may be interested in. :)
ReplyDeleteClick Here
I'm interested to try on the jacket too -- I tend to prefer a slouchier velvet as opposed to a structured one, so this may work. Glad to hear some JCAs have had success with it.
ReplyDeleteRe: Quality issues
ReplyDeleteI took back a "final sale" top -- the petal stream tank in apricot mist because (1) the color was NOTHING AT ALL like what is shown online and (2) the streaming petals were disintegrating and just looked nasty. The SA who handled my return tried to sell me the Crewlade. When I complained about the tattered look of the embellishments, he said that was deliberate to give it a "vintage" look. Since he was a very nice fellow, I didn't laugh until I left the store. Vintage, my foot!
The tie would not flatter me at all, so I'm not even considering this piece. Not even on final sale. I prefer a jacket that's cut to flatter, not a boxy cut you can cinch in using whatever you have handy. It looks so pretty in the JC pic, and I like the styling, but such things never really translate very well to real life. At least for me, anyway.
ReplyDeleteShopalot, I bought the same top and I too was horrified when I saw the color IRL. Online it looks almost IVORY with a contrasting trim! I was so sad when I saw it. I didn't so much mind the tattered petals. I can forgive a lot. But the color was just puke. Arrggghhh. So maybe I have some prayer of returning mine as well. I love 95% of my FS merchandise. This was a rare fail for me.
ReplyDeleteLove the jacket but I don't think it would look the same on me. Off topic, has anyone tried the "We'll find it" service on a sale item? As usual, I once again waited too long to order and now my size has sold out online, sigh...
ReplyDeletelindabenoit, i only had luck with we will find it for a sale item one time. i asked 2 times after that and was denied. which to me is the height of idiocy, but what do i know? lol
ReplyDeleteElizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI have a Jenna cardigan and it is the same size that I wear with the Jackie. I take a small in almost all J.Crew sweaters, but size up to a medium for these two. I think the Jenna is pretty fitted - with a medium I can wear a shirt underneath. The merino sweaters are my favorites and I love the olive colored Jenna.
I have used the 'find it' service three or four times. Only once could they not find the item and it had been around for quite a while so I was not surprised. I think it's nice that they offer it. I have been to many retailers who suggest that I could call their other shops to check for my size or color and never offer to do it for me.
ReplyDeleteSE Mom, thanks so much. I think I've overlooked them in the past because I thought they were made out of something else, but I notice it's actually merino, which is great because you don't get bulk with layering. It would be great if they were in the stores to try.
ReplyDeleteOk, quality rant of the day: my ripstop cargo pants from last summer RIPPED in the wash! They have a huge hole in the butt right by the pocket.
ReplyDeleteYes, they are last year's version but haven't been worn/washed more than six times.
My husband's response (channeling JC marketing/strategy): well, just in time for you to have to buy a new pair!
Hope you all are having better luck with your pants this season. I was under the (obviously mistaken) impression that ripstop fabric stopped rips?
shopalot, i plan to return my FS petal stream tank tomorrow for the same reason.
ReplyDeleteI think JC is behind the times in this respect. They cannot even tell you which stores *carry* their shoes! And this is when you are already doing the calling for yourself! Pretty bad, imo.
ReplyDeleteMy two big beefs when they went through the massive techo update is WHY on earth they didn't make it like the GAP stores and have a locator? Or even Ann Taylor that allows you to seek the item at a store right through their site.
Worse than that is the prehistoric in-store online returns system. It's like dying a slow death. Perhaps that's their am-o...to deter people from making returns. Sometimes it is truly painful and for certain a lesson in patience.
Why couldn't they have made these things better??
Elaine & Cass, thank you! I was worried it was just me thinking there was something seriously wrong with that top. Looked so very cute on the website. Quite a shock to see it in person, all sad and falling apart. Don't even get me started on the color discrepancy.
ReplyDeleteRe: Antiquated - nay, vintage - cash register systems at j.crew, an SA told me last month they are suppose to get new systems this fall (think she said October). Let's hope for an effortless transition. It's ridiculous they can't tell if items are in other stores.
ReplyDeleteLBH and Sweetsy, I asked SA at the Rockefeller Ctr store (50th St) if they could find my item at any other NY store. They told me they had to use a JC locator service, which takes about 2 hours and then I would get a call. I explained I could walk to the Madison Ave store (45th St), or take a bus to TimeWarner store (way west of there but a fast ride), or even Collection (79th St) in 15 minutes or less, if they would only tell me which one. No. So I called Madison Ave, hopped on bus, made purchase, but wondered-- what have they done to my store?
ReplyDeleteEggtarty,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the advice. I really appreciate your help!
I don't see this covered here, but regarding the quality issue, I received a card in today's order (it only came in 1 of the 3 orders received today).
ReplyDeleteIt said the following:
Thanks so much for shopping with us.
We know that, first and foremost, great quality is at the top of your list, and you'll find it in the tiniest details of each and every purchase you make from J.Crew. Bringing you the best of the best is truly what drives us day after day.
If we can ever be of assistance, don't hesitate to let us know, 24-7@jcrew.com.
Signed by Mickey.
Ironic given the quality issues noted above.
Caroline... seriously?
ReplyDeleteExcuse me for a sec..
AHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
....aaaaanyway....
I received an Arrow sweater jacket today with a noticeably skipped stitch right on the front seam, that is noticeable from a distance.
Great quality! Stop, Mickey, you're killing me!
I also received that "quality" card from Mickey for a recent order. I kept it in case I have to do a return due to quality issues.
ReplyDeleteI have often used their we will find it for you service. I'm very happy since they were always successful in finding the items for me. I don't mind waiting for 2 days since shipping is free if done through the red phone. Good for full-priced items only, unfortunately.
Not a fan of this jacket, although I haven't seen it in person--could be totally different irl! However, it makes me think of something Hugh Hefner would wear...
ReplyDeleteI have 2 of the Eden jackets from last year and love them...think I'm good on velvet jackets for now, unless the schoolboys go on sale. Those look so cute!
I seriously wish they would bring back a corduroy blazer! Didn't they used to carry those season after season?
AppGal,
ReplyDeleteI tried on the cutes Corduroy blazer at Talbots tonight:) I came home though with the cute plaid ruffle jacket. I already have a brown embroidered corduroy jacket as well as a blue one so did not need a third (at full price at least) will wait for a sale.
I went into JCrew and came out with nothing. Just wasnt' anything there. I still like preppy/classic with a twist and Talbots *surprisingly* fit the bill in many ways. I was told they have a new designer.
I am hunting for a black velvet blazer but am not a fan of this one. I would love the velvet schoolboy blazer if it came in black
ReplyDeleteI got the same quality card in a couple orders this week. I have to say I was impressed with phone CS last night. I called about a final sale item I received that was ripped, and the associate readily offered to waive the return shipping fee so I could send it back. I also needed to return another item from the order, and she said she would waive the entire return shipping fee. (By the way, this is my very first time returning anything to JC by mail, and I have never noticed that they charge more for the smartpost return label if you send more than one item. What in the world? That makes no sense to me.)
sweetsy,
ReplyDeleteThat is why I used to save up my orders until it got close to the 60days and return 10-14 items all at once. Worth the small return charge/smart label fee and I did not have to die the slow death in store making a return. I mean it actually took 30 minutes one time to return 4 items. Insane. My hubby was going nuts waiting for me. I swore never again!
Genny: I think I know which plaid jacket you're talking about! It is so cute! I actually went into Talbots saturday (I have a post with pics coming tmrw) and saw their corduroy jacket. It is a little pricey for me at this moment, but I absolutely LOVED it. Talbots is really stepping it up...
ReplyDeleteFor those looking for a corduroy blazer, Banana Republic has a cute one out
ReplyDeletehttp://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=48848&vid=1&pid=764982&scid=764982022
The item number is 764982 in case the link doesn't work
Talbots never fits me in the chest (too loose!), but their shoes are super-comfy.
ReplyDeleteSorry, a bit OT, but does anyone know if some free shipping with $150 minimum codes cannot be combine with the teachers discount if I'm ordering full price items? That happened to me today. I received an order and called CS to have three full prices items adjusted for my teachers discount. CS said I could not cuz I had already used a discount ($150 + free shipping). Really?
ReplyDeleteLong story short, I ended up speaking to a manager and he (politely) gave me this speech on how it's expensive for Jcrew to ship items, so they shouldn't allow combining discounts...blah blah blah...a bunch of BS really, I think. He ended up crediting this as a one time thing...(OMG, please...Jcrew you are not doing me a favor! I could just go to my B&M 15 miles away and return the items and reorder with the discount + courtesy shipping which would end up costing you more $$$!)
Anyway, I am a bit annoyed at how Jcrew is making things more difficult now to (apparently) save costs. However, I feel they should focus on coming up with quality items and then they wouldn't have so many issues that just irritate customers!!!
I pre-ordered this"jacket" in black. It's no more than a sheer blouse with velvet over it. The trim you see is the sheer blouse underneath(or you could call it the lining). I can think of better ways to spend $200 than a cardigan style blouse. A pass for me.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of this jacket, and I have been obsessed (LOL) with green velvet ever since Scarlett's curtains, but this would have to be a super-sale purchase for me and I'd have to try it in the store first. The waist looks too high, and on the model the belt hits at the pockets--talk about adding unflattering bulk!
ReplyDeletenewyork311,
ReplyDeleteI placed an order for two full priced items with the free shipping with $100 a few weeks ago. My online PS applied the educator's discount with no problems. *But this is JCrew so who knows????* The most inconsistent retailer in history* I would suggest getting an online PS so you don't have to mess with regular CS. At least you can ask your online PS upfront and know where he/she stands and then (hopefully) no worries about this in the future.
Genny,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experience! I never thought of getting an online PS, but will consider it for future purchases! I just think it's not right for Jcrew to run business this way - We're talking about full-price items like cashmere sweaters of $168+ and he is telling me how it's expensive to ship items for free + discount....
Thanks again!!!
Also, if you have any order problems you can just email your online PS and they can get a replacement sent, etc. I find them to be very helpful for ordering regular price and sale items (but not popbacks as they sell out fast). I place most all orders this way.
ReplyDeleteI ordered this jacket to try on and actually really like the idea of it . . . but it's too big. And since I wear a 00 it won't be possible to size down. But maybe the boxy fit is actually their problem, not mine as I tried on the Schoolboy Blazer in a 0 (it didn't come in a 00) and it was nicely fitted and almost worked for me. Thus I have no doubts that if a 00 existed in the Schoolboy, it would've actually fitted and so the 00 Velvet Ruby has no excuse for being so off in the measurements.
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of this jacket because I do want something less structured - the Schoolboy looks too business-y or formal, and I don't have a formal work setting to wear it to. The Velvet Ruby is more of a casual, bohemian, left-bank Paris style that is also really nice because it's made out of a lush fabric. When I took it out of the box it was indeed more of a shirt material (same as that of the retail-only velvet skirt) than a stiffer jacket one. The velvet, which I loooooove, is the synthetic type, which is denser and more luminescent than cotton velvet. With the silhouette, I can imagine it fitting into a cafe, reading books. The lush velvet reads as a nice surprise rather than something you'd expect on the silhouette.
I don't mind the sheer trim (which is actually an extension of the lining) and rather like how it extends past the fabric at the sleeve and side seams. I found it to be a thoughtful design detail. It also doesn't seem badly made to me, I'd argue that its quirks are all intentional. The fact that the trim is actually the lining, just extended was quite innovative, I thought. However, it has no excuses for its poor fit! Lol. I don't understand how someone who is a 00 is supposed to make this work when it's easily two sizes larger. Even the sleeves are too wide. I actually put some safety pins in it to try to take it in a bit, which was fortunately quite easy to do since the seams are just the lining fabric, and worked - somewhat. I took pics and will put them up on my blog in a bit.
I agree with another reviewer that it kind of looks Hugh Hefner if it's too large on you, lol. I solved this problem slightly by tying it in the back rather than the front. Still, it's too bad they didn't cut this a bit smaller.