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! :)
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ReplyDeletesub
ReplyDeletecan someone comment on the side-zip sweatshirt? i thinking of ordering the color that is in final sale(dark cloud).
ReplyDeleteTIA
Ina,
ReplyDeleteI own both colors. Love them both. I highly recommend it. I wear them much more often than any other jc item I own. big big thumbs up from me! :)
very fitted and flattering. it has the casual yet fitted, put-together look. perfect for weekend shopping or indoor lounging. :) fabric is soft yet textured. HTH.
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ReplyDeleteA couple of JCAs have blogged about J'Crewlet finds. Check out Audreybella and Sparrows & Sparkles.
ReplyDeleteI saw this list of specials from the outlet site of my nearest storetr:
J.Crew -Aug 26 - Sept 1
Womens:
30% off Jackie Cardigans
$34.99 Stretch Bootcut Cords
$29.99 Silk Ruffle Camis
30% off Wool Schoolboy Blazers
30% off Jewelry
Mens:
40% off all Broken-In Chinos
$20 off all Denim
25% off all Blazers and Outerwear
30-40% off all Men's Shirts
40% off all Men's Solid and Graphic Tees
While supplies last
I should add I'm looking at the Premium Outlets group. They also have this promo:
ReplyDeleteJ Crew Factory Store (aka J'Crewlet)
Aug 27 - Sept 7
20% off any purchase of $150 or more
You have to create an id to become a VIP member. Once you're in you can see all of the specials in the coupon book. You have to p/u the coupon book at the visitor's center and all the coupons are inside. It's more like a foldout pamphlet.
HTH
I ordered and received the Emilie leather and suede moccasins a few days ago (light ginger, size 5). Purchased them during final sale. I usually wear size 5 1/2 so I thought they would fit okay. They were huge! It was a whole size bigger. What was worse was all the black scuff marks on the sides of the shoes. It was blatantly obvious someone had wore them. The bottom of the soles had bits of lint and dirt on them. I called customer service and talked to a rep. He made a note in the system so that I could return them even though they are final sale. He didn't seemed apologetic or shocked. Weird...
ReplyDeleteIna,
ReplyDeletei did a IRL post here, hope it helps--
http://eggytarty.blogspot.com/2010/08/side-zip-sweatshirt-ruffled-plaid-dress.html
Ok! I got the fitting room pics up, in addition to the ones of the retail-only marching band jacket I found today. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSubscribing. :)
ReplyDelete@ eggtarty,
ReplyDeletethank you for your review!
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ReplyDeletesubscribing
ReplyDeleteAhhhh, the shoes. Or rather, shoe karma. The two-tone Camden Leather Brogues (formerly known as saddle shoes) kept appearing and disappearing from my computer, and then one day the stars aligned - I was on the computer and the shoes popped up in my size. Ordered them out of curiosity/persistence, in my regular size, and I am keeping them, keeping them, keeping them. Arrived in perfect condition, perfectly packed (I said karma, didn't I?). Leather lined, leather sole, nice shoelaces, just enough lift to the heel to avoid flat-foot tendinitis. I think they might be slightly narrow, because I usually wear AA or AAA width in shoes that have widths and have to add a liner to shoes that don't. I didn't have to do any post-purchase fix-ups here, and the leather is soft enough and there's enough room in the lace-up that width may not be an issue for people who don't have skinny feet. Room in the toe box, which is a nice old-fashioned touch for authentic saddle shoes. And I adore the perfect café au lait color, wish there were more items, any items, available in it. The kind of nice surprise when your aunt fixes you up and you wind up thanking her. Aaahhh, the shoes….
ReplyDeletesub
ReplyDeleteVintage bateau top (new) - After trying on the XS and the S, it seems (IMO) like they may have adjusted the sizing a bit on these newer ones. My slate one from the spring is an XS and fits perfectly - it was a smidge tight in the arms at first but the body fit great. I tried on the navy one the other day and the XS was tight all over, but the S fit more like the spring's XS. I'd say the fall ones are more TTS, but if you're looking to purchase try on both your size and a size down. My store said that top was their #1 seller last week. What, not the shedding sequined sweaters (say that three times fast)?
ReplyDeleteGlen plaid Minnie pant - again, another sizing adjustment where you may have to try two sizes, especially if you already own a pair of Minnies. I have the regular stretch Minnies in a 2 and they fit great. I knew that the GP ones wouldn't stretch so I tried a 4 and the fit was nice, but a bit tight in the calves (and I have slim calves). The GP was cute looking, but itchy, and I was a little surprised that the pants were unlined. I don't think they are worth $118.
Wool flannel Fallyn skirt - no stretch in this as well. Size up from your normal pencil skirt size unless you want it to feel like a sausage casing! I liked the back zip and thought that it would be a great basic. It's a little shorter (21") than last year's fall pencils, but not undoable for me at 5'5".
Dressage belt - loved the "english saddle" color. Thing is with some of these belts, you have to decide how you want to wear it before purchasing. The small fit at my natural waist but there was no way I could wear it lower. Conversely, the medium fit lower but the way the design is, I wouldn't have been able to cinch it enough to wear at my natural waist. Kind of a bummer - I'm not buying 2 of these, ya know? Just something to keep in mind.
Gigi : Do you have the name of the outlet with the Stretch Bootcut Cords for $34.99 ?
ReplyDeletethanks
ilovetoshopinparis at gmail
Can anyone comment on the sizing of the Gusto cami? I normally wear a P0 but this one's not offered in petites and of course it's online-only and final sale ;) Just wondering whether I should chance it or assume it's going to be way too large. It's supposedly "fitted" so I keep going back and forth...
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ReplyDeleteIna: I bought and love my zip-side sweatshirt. I have it in the dark charcoal color and ended up buying a size small. It fits perfectly. Here is my blog review w/pics.
ReplyDeleteGot the pencil cord skirt in the golden wood color. Really nice. Little bit of stretch, perfect pencil shape. I order my regular size 8P and I think it's a wee bit tight. I'm keeping though b/c I figure with the stretch it'll be fine. Or I'll wear spanks.
ReplyDeleteSAM: If you ever have any size 5 shoes that you are trying to unload, email me: continentaldesign AT earthlink DOT net
Also received the Caden wedges in dusty blossom on FS. Love them. They give me lots of height but only feel like a 2.5" heel. Bonus!
I'm afraid to buy any Minnies since the sizing just seems so weird on them. I'm going to have to try on in the store one of these days ...
ReplyDeleteOT: Just received a Lands End email with 20% off and free shipping (no minimum). Select new fall items only and no Canvas, but items include a wool peacoat,
ReplyDeletesome cardigans and scarfs.
Coupon code is FALLDEALS and pin is
3012.
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ReplyDeleteMy PS called this week because she found a Muchilla bag for me (it has been on my wish list for ages). I am so psyched! I will review as soon as I receive it!
ReplyDeleteAlso, wore the navy Petal Stream tank yesterday with a pair of Cocktail capris and by the end of the day the "petals" were totally shredded!! I like this top because it is soft and comfortable, but the amount of material coming off those petals was insane!!
Silver lining, that's good to know about the vintage top. I just got one of the ones from spring (it had been backordered so long, I forgot it was coming, tee hee) but the fit is awful - the small fits in the arms, but is so loose in the body. Maybe I can exchange it for one of the newer ones, thought I think jcrew sneakily jacked the price ...
ReplyDeleteGigiofca--thanks for clarifying factory vs. outlet. My nearest outlet is called a factory store on the store locator legend on the site (the green box with an "f" in it.) Does anyone know where the outlets are instead of factory stores?
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ReplyDeletegem twin - Actually, I wasn't clear and I apologize. There are only J Crew Factory Stores nationwide, not outlets. You can look on the website to find the Factory Store closest to you (aka J'Crewlet I started saying long ago).
ReplyDeleteThere are no outlets, per se. The Factory stores sell merch that's made specifically for those locations. You know you're getting made-for-factory when the J Crew label has 3 diamonds just below (I believe) the J Crew name stitched on it. If you're interested in merch that is cleared from the website, stores or sample sales, I believe that's only in the Clearance Centers. One is in Lynchburg and I *think* the other is in North Carolina, but not sure. Sample sales are held periodically in NY, I believe. I am not 100% on the sample sale & clearance info as I'm not near them. You can research on the blog here for more info.
Taais - The outlet near me is the Premium Outlets. Premium Outlets has various locations nationwide. However, I would guess that any promo J Crew Factory Store is running, it will be in all of the Factory Stores, regardless of what outlet destination the store is location in. HTH
ReplyDeleteKhloe jacquard cami in cobblestone, size 12: This fits TTS and drapes beautifully. Unfortunately the color is very different from what it appeared on my screen - instead of a warm silver-grey, it is gold on a greyish-brown. Thus it won't work with black slacks as I had planned. Worse, this special piece should really have come with a silk lining as the website promises, but it is in fact lined in scratchy 100% polyester. Return.
ReplyDeleteCaprese tunic: I had originally ordered these in size L, and they were hilariously too big. Now took a chance with size M on Final Sale, dusty shale striped and bronzed clay solid. While still loose, both fit fine with their belts. A nice casual summer shirt style.
Thank you, Alexis, for running this informative blog. I've been lurking for a while, and it has inspired a few purchases :-)
OT: Didn't see this mentioned on the blog yet - a J. Crew cardi is featured in the Vogue September issue (page 613) -- worn backwards!
Have several items from Final Sale but wanted to caution everyone on one item - the Marina-Stripe Perfect Shirt. I thought it was a no brainer, a Perfect shirt in a light blue, but it's sheer, very sheer. Considering all the shirts I got on FS and this was the most expensive even w/addl 20%, a bit of a bummer. The rest, the Indigo, the white Perfect, the Slub Cotton, the Oxford Tuxedo are all good and so are the Scout Chinos at $24 w/promo. The Cleos and Ares platform shoes were a great deal for less than half the original price. FS is a gamble, but I totaled my items, including a necklace, Jenna and two pairs of shoes and got an avg. price of $43. Take out the shoes and it goes down to $30. a piece.
ReplyDeleteFor new items, loved the Bootcut cords in Shadow - beautiful dark grey blue color and the fit is really good, solid around the waist too. The Matchsticks fit cute (had to go down a size) but didn't "hug" my hips as nicely as the Bootcut, YMMV. Wish the Graphite or Blanched Almond color came in the Bootcut as I think light colored cords look dressier but the Champagne had a slight yellow tone (didn't get). Also, the Cobblestone cords have no grey tones like the other Cobblestone items this season; it's basically light brown.
The cashmere colors are beautiful but the V neck pullover is long. I may still get one but only on sale. If you're short waisted, the Cody and the crewneck are better; the crewneck sized up it gave it a loose feel that I personally liked.
The Arrow is thick, didn't buy. The Sasha Peacoat is adorable but I'm leaning toward the Icon short trench so I can layer. The Tweed Schoolboy jackets fit very cute but that tweed fabric is not great as compared to previous years (insert long discussion) I would not pay $198. for it even with that cute fit.
The Crystal Patterns necklace is my favorite now. I can't wear metal on my skin and this hangs perfectly over a shirt and the stones are smallish and spaced. It's the only JC jewelry item I've bought that wasn't deeply marked down.
I also didn't really like the Glen Plaid Minnies. This type of pant NEEDS to have stretch, I think. The ankles are narrow and I have pretty narrow calves. Definitely size up... but if you do, they still might not fit.
ReplyDeleteDelmy zip vest... found it in a sample sale before it even came out online, in a lovely azelea color. It is a little short for me at 5'9" but definitely an adorable, flattering top. It really cinches the waist!
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ReplyDeleteReviewed the arrow sweater jacket today in this post.
ReplyDeleteVintage silk scarf in viridian green
ReplyDeletewas $58.00 now $39.50 item 24826. A very light silk with striking varieties of greens and an ink bluish/black color with a retro 50's vibe. It is very versatile and flattering for a fair skin/red head complexion. One of my favorite J Crew scarves to date.
ditto on the minnie fit. the glen plaid I had to size down and then the calves were too tight (and I am also quite thin). Also bummed as the wool pants I really like--in store only--basic with zipper in the front, slash pockets is unlined this year too. I got such nice, basic, lined, wool pants last year at JC. I don't want to spend all my time (and money) at the cleaners so I spent more on another brand.
ReplyDeleteThe one full price item I purchased from the fall roll-out was the Delmy Zip Vest (item 28580) in Dark Charcoal. It is super cute!! I got it in size 0, my normal, size and it fit great. I'm only 5'2" so I can see it maybe being a little short on someone taller. It cinches the waist well and I actually like the zipper because it allows for different layering pieces underneath. I plan to wear with a lace cami or long-sleeve tees. The v-neck will allow for a nice statement necklace too. Overall very pleased! Just need to wear it before it goes on sale and I get mad I paid full price. :)
ReplyDeleteFirst time poster (Hi!). Thought I would post reviews of some pieces that I haven't seen mentioned as much. FWIW, I'm 5'4", 124lbs, usually a 4/S in everything. Everything below is size 4.
ReplyDeleteSuper 120s suit in black:
2-button jacket. Perfect, really. TTS. The 2-button jacket is a great length if you are a bit height-challenged like me. Note - no back vent, so if the back contour doesn't hit you right, it could look weird.
Durham pants. These fit really well, TTS. With a pair of 3 inch heels, they just brush the floor, so I'll need to get them hemmed. I wish they had belt loops so they would stand on their own without the jacket a bit better. They aren't lined, but I'm in a tropical climate and the fabric is not scratchy, so that is ok (I wouldn't get Super 120s crops, though - those are more fitted and I'm guessing they would itch a bit).
I really love the super 120s fabric. It's perfect if you are in a hot climate but working in an office with powerful A/C. I'm using all my willpower to keep from ordering the new super 120s herringbone suit.
Superfine cotton suit in white:
Nouvelle jacket. TTS. I have the wool twill version of this one, so I knew it what to expect here. The fabric is lovely, and the longer length works well with the cropped pants.
Cropped pants. TTS. These fit very nicely, but they are white and unlined (why?), so I won't be wearing them without the jacket or a long sweater to keep the rear view from being obscene.
Silk Maddie blazer, size 4, dark pewter - I couldn't find any reviews of this one online, but the price was low enough that it seemed low risk. Eh. It's ok, The fabric is very nice and I love the color, but I'm not sure what to do with it. It is very unconstructed and lightweight - almost more like a silk blouse in the shape of a jacket. I might keep it stashed at my office for when I have a meeting in The Cold Room...
Super 120s Banquette dress, heather flannel. Love this! This is a teeny bit big on me (um, mostly in the chest), but I think a 2 would be too tight for work. If it ever goes on sale and I catch my size in another color, I'm all over it.
Tortoise printed patent peep toes, graphite tortoise, size 9. TTS. I love the print on these and they seem comfortable enough, though I haven't road-tested them yet (can't wait to wear them with my new black suit). They are cut very low on the side, which makes them look a bit dowdy from the top (not sure if that makes sense) - but I'm probably the only one who gets that view, anyway.
Alecia shoes, Pale toffee, size 9 - awesome. TTS. I only wish I'd gotten them in black suede too before they sold out in my size. Fantasizing about Paris pink suede. Wore them all day today. They were comfortable enough, considering the height. At one point I had to hike outside to another building (10 minute walk over concrete), and my toes started to pinch, so if you do a lot of walking, they probably aren't the best choice.
Island print perfect shirt, size 4. Love it. I think a 2 might have fit, but I liked the loose blousy effect. The fabric is fairly sheer, but the print is busy enough that I got buy without a camisole. It looks like black-on-white online, but really it is more like gray-on-ivory. This looks great tucked into a pair of gray slacks.
Sorry for the mega post - please let me know if you have any thoughts on how to wear that Maddie blazer!
Waverly Chinos- AMAZING! First pair of chinos from J.Crew since gaining weight that fit PERFECTLY. Loose through the waist and a slouchy fit. On the website it said that these are the most fitted of all of their chinos but I didn't find that to be the case. The legs taper in a flattering way, not like last year when everything was severely tapered.
ReplyDeleteH I love the Waverly Chinos too. I find them to be nicely fitted but I also size down; I wear an 8 normally but a 6 in the Waverly. Very slimming when worn with a Perfect T, Jackie and heels. ITA, the tapered legs are just right.
ReplyDeletewellfedfred - Don't you just love the brogues?? One thing that I found is that you have to be careful about getting water on them. Apparently water stains won't fade off the lighter leather. I wore them in the grass one time and still have a tiny streak from when I think some moisture must've rubbed in. Did not dry or fade. I wonder if there's any treatment that will protect the leather from this?
ReplyDeleteI'm a brogue collector (chiro issues) and am happy to read wff's review as I have always been afraid the JC Camdens would fit too wide for me. As for the spotting I learned the hard way this year. It might be too late to fix unless you are willing to polish them with some neutral cream polish that might make them turn a little darker. Next pair of light leather you might want to get some OTC protector or take to the shoe repair for a coating before you wear them. I am hoping with time the "patina" will make my water spots less noticeable but learned my lesson.
ReplyDeletegem twin & social_scientist, thanks so much for the warnings and advice!
ReplyDeleteOT, I just followed links in another post to the Jezebel reviews & comments (worth the journey), and guess what my word verification is: hooes.
How can they tell, how can they tell.
During the last 30% off final sale a ordered
ReplyDeleteTHE LUX TWEED BALLET FLATS
in CHROME GREEN
They are breathtakeing (a delightful aray of teals, blues, grays, and seafome greens with a subtle dusting of silver) and seem to be quite true to size, however they fail to stay on my feet without assitance. I first tried to fix the issue with a bit of mole skin but it had little effect. I then purchused some "Smileing Feet" (yeah, fo realz) heel grippers which appered to do the tick...until they fell off (the grippers), I will have to find a stickyer gripper but am still very pleased with the buy.
wwf--they DO know--all those "cookies" and "beacons" and mini software aps the retailers install on our computers when we browse and shop. I recently heard every computer has up to 3,000 of them! No wonder jcrew ads follow me around where ever I seem to go on the internet.
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ReplyDeleteEveryone: Thanks for your great reviews!
ReplyDeleteflaminga: Thanks for the nice words. The community here is great! I know they inspired a few purchases from me too! :)
gem twin - Thanks for the tip on the brogues! I've been meaning to take them to a shoe repair place or do something so they'll make it past their fifth wear (lol) and beyond without staining.
ReplyDeleteI went to the University Village store today (4th J. Crew visit in two days ^_^;;;;) and OMG the Peekaboo Sequin Cardigan in Vintage Wisteria was on sale!!! It's funny b/c I'd just blogged/written about it yesterday saying how I wanted something in the Vintage Wisteria color (a fave for the season) but the Peekaboo Sequin Cardi wasn't on sale yet. And now it is! It's $69.99 btw, down from $118.
I checked the stack of them too and saw that there were ten of them - meaning that the store got in two size runs and not a single one sold at full price. Hilarious. But good for me as they had to be put on sale!
I'll put up pictures and a review later.
Oh yeah, not sure if the Ochre color in the Peekaboo Sequin Cardi is on sale; the store didn't have any of those anyway, I think.
ReplyDeleteAnd since I forgot to mention, I looooove the cardi. Very witty and playful.
socialscientist, thanks for the IRL photos of the band jacket and others. I am not a fan of the angled zipper but the jacket looks cute on you. I actually like the H&M one from the Vogue article in the link I posted yesterday. I'm not going to go crazy trying to get in on this trend though. Soon it will be all about winter coats here in Canada and I don't think I could wear a band jacket in the office, too trendy.
ReplyDeleteRe: Camden brogues, I sprayed mine with leather protector twice before I wore them outside. I have the light ginger so was worried every little mark would show. So far they have held up well and I had to dash through a sprinkler in the park the other day but there are no water spots, it just beaded off. Before winter hits I'm going to get the cobbler to put a rubber sole saver on them. A must here once we hit freezing temps as it protects the leather and gives you a bit more traction on the ice. Love these shoes, which surprised me as I usually hate flats. But these are sooooo cute. :)
BOOOOOOOO, final sale-itis strikes me again -- happily for only the
ReplyDelete2nd time in my considerably long life. My order arrived today and I knew as soon as I picked up the package that something was wrong, because it felt really heavy. Sure enough, what was supposed to be black shorts was a pair of purple pants. FAIL! I was mad because really wanted those shorts! Boo hoo. :-/
Ah well, just as well that I didn't toodle over to the store today 'cause I'll be going tomorrow. Will report back if I see anything noteworthy. :-)
i turned my local store upside down and tried on a few (ok, a lot) of items. bombarded the blog with plenty of pics. hope it helps someone.
ReplyDeletehttp://eggytarty.blogspot.com/2010/08/many-pics-from-fitting-room.html
xoxo - Thanks for the tips on the leather protector! Question, does it darken lighter leather? Also, can you find this sort of thing at Target or do you have to go to special stores?
ReplyDeleteOoh, there was a small sale update (~100+ items) and some fall stuff is now in it!
ReplyDelete- Peekaboo Sequin Cardigan, 69.99 (yay! Just got mine in stores.)
- Infinity Cardigan in two colors, 59.99, though it's been on sale for a while in stores
- Khloe Jacquard Cami, 49.99
- Gusto Cami, 69.99
And some price reductions on some already on-sale items, among them
- Zip-side Sweatshirt, 24.99
Lots of other stuff too I'm sure, I just wasn't keeping track of them. Oh yeah, and there's the free shipping on $100 promotion too!
Sorry for the zillion posts today. I put up my pictures of the Velvet Ruby Jacket and my attempt at making it fit with safety pins on my blog!
ReplyDeletehiya, i recently also got the brogues (got the darker tan color) in the mail, I absolutely love them, but they are quite uncomfortable (rightly so though, leather), but appreciate all the insight into the wet weather issues.....here in seattle, i'll have to deal with that, so thinking about not wearing 'em unless I'll be garage parking! I've only worn them once, but looking forward to mixing all my outfits to fit around these beautiful shoes! I've been reading this blog for a very long time now, and will begin making more posts!!! Also a fan of the minnie's, jackie, palisade, linen sweaters, perfect tees, and been eyeing the felted wool mini in hthr carbon!!!
ReplyDelete-Lily
OH! and I just got the marled pullover hoodie! it's beautiful! Fit a bit big, so I sized down, and am still able to wear a longsleeve underneath....=)
ReplyDeleteOooh! So apparently the marching band jacket which I saw in one of the stores in our area is actually on Net a Porter, though not on the J. Crew website! I was inspired to check after the Net a Porter post here. Forgot that they carry different things sometimes...
ReplyDeleteJust got the Silky stripe romper (S) and buckle short in desert grass (0) in the mail....somehow this is what my cart got narrowed down to when the Finale Sale popped up, although now I'm bummed that I didn't get the Jaipur perfect shirt (kind of like reverse crewmorse). The romper is amazing, it looks like a shiny silk on the website but its actually a matte textured (although very very flimsy and sheer) silk. Probably could've gone with an XS. I have no idea where or how I'll wear it in public but I had to have it (I have a weird thing for rompers and nautical stripes are like crack to me, combine the two....) The shorts are cute, just basic pleated green shorts.
ReplyDeleteAlso got the Island Paisley Bubble skirt in an XS after a sympathetic CS guy did a nationwide search for me when it sold out AFTER I placed my order! Skirt is also a little baggy on me but if I wear it at the waist it should be ok! Sorry about the long post, this is my first JCA review but I've been drinking the crewlade for months and I'm glad I'm not the only one!!