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! :)
Here is my review to share-I went to try on some ballet flats at jcrew in south coast plaza mall in the o.c. The sales associate got me a size seven in the black leather studded ballet flat($138 online presently)and it was a little snug. Considering the price tag I wanted to try the 7 1/2 to be sure I had the right fit. The sales associate checked the store and told me they had no 7 1/2 in any ballet flat but I could order it online and return it to the store if it did not work out-no mention of the red phone. I found this site when looking for customer reviews AFTER I ordered the shoe over the phone at home and I was confused as to why I was not led to the red phone to save on shipping. I used my old student id so I paid $140 dollars for the shoes with the student discount....am I naive to wonder why no mention of the red phone was made? The 7 1/2 fit me great-I was able to wear them for about 4 hours of walking before I felt some discomfort at the top of my foot where the leather started being abrasive. I read about people being unhappy with the quality of the ballets;I agree the construction inside of the shoe has a superficial quality to it but the leather is expensive looking,supple and inky black outside. The studded toe is understated yet rock and roll. I believe these shoes will be great for half day wears but I am still looking for an expensive looking flat that is comfortable...I think what I am looking for is impossible. Hope this review was valuable:)
ReplyDeleteI also have the studded ballet flat - but in the suede neutral color. I got them at South Coast Plaza. That's strange that you weren't directed to the red phone. My SA always directs me to the red phone when I can't find my size or they don't have what I'm looking for. I agree this flat runs a half size small.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have the chiffon flutter vest? Is it too poufy?
I just posted about the Goldenrod brocade top on my blog today.
ReplyDeleteI also bought the new longer length side zip toothpick cords, I'm only 5 ft 4 but I still prefer this new length to last years. They seem a bit loose at the back of the waist but perhaps that's just a one off glitch, I'm keeping them anyway.
And the slub cotton embroidered black and white flower t from the factory line in xs. It seems quite large for an xs but apart from that I'm happy with it and now I can finally stop envying Slastena in hers.
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ReplyDeleteSubscribing. :)
ReplyDeleteto Christina: because they are lazy and dont care? or dont know. or am I being too harsh at 6 30AM on a dark and rainy morning?
ReplyDeleteFWIW I am a 7 1/2 shoe but find I need an 8 in all JC shoes
it is too bad that JC cant do what GAP can and search local inventory for the customer which they are happy to do for you when asked.
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ReplyDeletesub :)
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the donnegal tweed schoolboy blazer? I love the green color, but am not sure if the cropped length would make it hard to wear to work.
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ReplyDeleteChelsea: I have a review here and some other pics of me wearing it here. I love the blazer and don't find it too shrunken. Hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteThanks AppGal, it looks awesome on you!
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ReplyDeleteSome recent purchases...
ReplyDeleteLumiere ruffle cardigan
Absolutely stunning in person. Slimming (which is not always the case when there are ruffles down the front), TTS and more finely knit than the Fall '09 mohair cardis which makes me think it won't snag quite so easily. Not too itchy. The one caveat is that on the second wearing it's already pilling under the arms, so its longevity remains to be seen.
Leather classic ballet flats
I had to go half a size down in these and they were a little snug at first, however after just a handful of wearings they stretched out so much, both lengthwise and in width, that I can no longer wear them as they literally fall off my feet. Very shoddy quality IMO and not worth the $98.00 price tag, even after the 25% red card discount. Just a word of warning.
Just ordered the Crinkled silk tempest skirt, the Leigh chiffon cardigan in desert tan and the Perfect-fit ruffled henley with the 20% sale promo, the last of which is something of a hidden sale item since only 2 colors come up in the sale section but I was able to navigate to it in additional sizes and colors from the tees and knits section. Will review once my shipment arrives.
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ReplyDeleteApologies for the multiple posts as I kept receiving an error message after my post got cut off. This is the rest...
ReplyDeleteAlso going to head to the store today to seek out the Traversa cardigan in sweet almond and the Dolce tweed mini, both beautiful in person as I saw them in store last week, so I shall report back...
I ordered the majorette jacket in both colors and was sooooo disappointed when I received them. First of all, they looked nothing like the pictures online or in the catalog. In the catalog the trim/buttons appear to be a different color than the jacket, not so in real life. Honestly, they look like H&M or Target knockoff of the jacket in the catalog. Overall very cheaply made too( fabric/stitching/buttons). Fit was awful. I normally wear a 4 in shirts and a 6 in long-sleeve shirts and jackets(for my shoulders). I ordered a 6 and the shoulder fit was snug, the sleeve length was short and the waist was boxy...if I was nine months pregnant it would probably fit perfectly in the waist. I would not buy this even at 50% off. I returned these to the JC store and even the sales people couldn't believe how different it looked from the catalog. :(
ReplyDeleteDara,
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us know about the hidden sale item! WHY does JC do this and how does everyone always find these items?!
Has anyone tried the Marjorie contrast ballet flats? Are they consistent with sizing for all JC flats? TIA!
Cashmere v-neck sweater: Bought this in store on "secret sale" for $99 + 25% off with red card. Size XS, heather plum. Love the color. It's a softer, more neutral purple. Fit is somewhat slouchy throught the bodice and fitted in the arms. Makes for a cozy, casual fit.
ReplyDeleteOrdered the Merino Cielo cardi in coal today (have the almond and pumpkin colors already, love this cardi for the price) as well as the perfect fit cami in dark rosewood. Loving all the purple shades this fall - dark rosewood, wild plum, dark raisin!
If anyone has tried the Darla ruffle cami (not sure if its even made its way to stores yet), I'd love to know how it fit!
I posted before but I noticed some of the JCA were interested in the review of the floppy belt so I am re-posting:
ReplyDeleteI bought the suede floppy belt in sandy brown and I LOVE it. It is just what i was looking for to wear with long open cardigans. Also looks great with pencil skirts. I like how it is 'floppy' (I hate stiff wide belts) and how the bottom part can hang down diagonally or be tucked in under for different looks. Had some trouble figuring out the size as the S could barely buckle and M was a little bigger than I wanted (30" waist). I finally went with M to be able to wear it lower. Sandy brown is actually more camel/yellow. It goes great with my bronzed avocado Gabby purse. It is a nice neutral that looks great with almost everything, dark browns, rusty reds, greys and blues. I got it with 25% off but would be worth FP to me.
My only purchase this week was the matchstick cords. When I looked at the Henna color online I passed (looked too much like dried blood, ick). But, for the benefit of online shoppers, I wanted to mention that IRL this shade is a pretty soft medium rust with a coral tone.
ReplyDeletenot sure if i'm just stupid this morning, but how do you match up your receipt with online? I bought a sweater that is called the "donna cardi" NA5967 this weekend, but cannot figure out what is online.
ReplyDeletelikewise, i'm pretty sure the bettina cardi (in store, 29.99, GRR
!) is called the "froth eyelete blouse" on my receipt.
asman07, on the care tag inside the garment (usually on the side seam), right above where it says the season it should give a 5 digit style number that can be searched online. HTH!
ReplyDeleteSubscribing. :-)
ReplyDelete@Christina: I'm feel so bad the SA didn't help you to use the red phone service. The South Coast plaza is the one I go to often and most SAs are pretty helpful but maybe you got a pretty new SA that didn't know what he/she should have done to help you.
ReplyDeleteHaving said they are nice, but they will no longer match prices online if the online price is lower even if I bring along a print out of the lower price. I spoke to one of the assistant manager and she insisted that has been their policy and that other stores are bending the rules. Ugh, I hate these inconsistencies... hey, but as some other JCA said the only thing JCrew is consistent is their inconsistencies.
Does anyone have the Ruffle front wool coat from last year it may have been called Amelie. How does it fit? TTS or did you need to size down. I am usually a 4 or 6.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
lisabfashion, I have the Ruffle front wool coat from last year and found that it fit TTS. If you are between sizes, I would recommended sizing down if you want a less boxy fit.
ReplyDeleteOK, my Ryder Hobo is falling apart already (after about 4 months of wear). Before this, I had to return the Marquee Tote after only 1 month of wear.
ReplyDeleteI think I am done with JC bags for a while.
Has anyone tried on or seen the Mohair & Cashmere Dapple Coat??
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
Opps forgot to Subscribe :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, jcrewphd. I was wondering the same thing myself. There are various items that are cheaper online than at my B&M. And I distinctly remember that (way back when) B&M stores matched the online prices if you just mentioned that the item is cheaper online.
ReplyDeleteAs for new reviews -- another rave for the arrow sweater cardigan/jacket. I picked this one up last night. I also tried the traversa cardigan, which added way too much bulk (visually) to my tummy area. That's a pass for me. I like the Bayberry flouncette blouse, fits TTS and has a very nice color for fall.
Chelsea--the school boy is too short for me this year--I am 5'-9".
ReplyDeleteAs for help with finding an item--I am always lucky, directed to the red phone. At the gap, they will push a button on the register that will print out a list of stores that have the item you seek but it's up to you to do the phone or leg work. It's nice but I like JC's "we'll find it" better.
Is the ruffle front wool coat different than the ribbon front coat of last years line? I believe it is. I got the ribbon one in red and it fit TTS. The exact coat is in Garnet Hill right now. Gorgeous piece if you missed out last year. I think it is prettier than the ruffle coat...Just my two cents worth. Might be worth a second look.
ReplyDeletei have the majorette jacket (pre-ordered) in black and really like it. it's made of a nice wool similar to the super 120's fabric. it's supposed to have a shrunken fit so the sleeves are actually like bracelet sleeve length and the body has a cropped length. the fit works for me.
ReplyDeleteBUT i can see that the buttons/trim look like they have more contrast in the catalog than IRL (i like it without that contrast though). my only disapointment was that the inner lapel isn't as big as it was in the lookbook (hard to describe this - i guess they changed it for production) and i didn't expect the horizontal fabric bits/trim across the front (not visible in the lookbook)- if those weren't there i would *love* the jacket (i'm still trying to decide if the trim makes it too trendy for me). but overall i think it's a really nice jacket. :)
@Christina: OT but try Geox. I own a pair of their ballet flats, and had them now for just about a year, and they are still in great shape. SUPER comfy. It may not be the most fashion-forward pair of ballets, but heck, I can wear them ALL day long. HTH
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ReplyDeleteSome more reviews as I just returned from my B&M... sorry for the tangent as I'm bored at work...
ReplyDeleteI found that the Traversa cardigan, which I so badly wanted to love, fit me very strangely. For reference, I am an XS/P0 and I felt as though the ruffles around the sides made me look wider than I am and the wide, fitted waistband was not doing me any favors either. However, I should note that it is now $49.99 in stores which would make it a great deal with the red card. But pass for me.
Next up, the Cashmere maribou cardigan. Still marked $178 in store despite being $125 online. I found that this fit well around my shoulders and chest but was quite blousy around my middle and runs very short. It was cute but seeing as how it can only be worn one way, closed (due to the maribou trim as well as the multiple snap closure), this too is a pass for me unless it gets significantly marked down in the future. Plus I just don't trust JC cashmere - my Winter '09 cardis are a mess!
Next, the Dolce tweed mini. It's too bad they didn't have my size, which is surprising because they had a bunch of them last Thursday. Today only 2 were left. This was very flattering and the pattern is lovely, although as many others have said, I do wish they kept the minis at 16" instead of shortening them to 15". Very hard to rationalize paying full price, even with the red card, for a skirt I can't wear five days out of the week. But I have a feeling I will find a way :)
I also tried on a pencil skirt on sale which I do not see online. It was a neutral brown with muted polka dots and was quite lovely and TTS, but of course since I'm better fitted to petites it was not perfect for me. It was, however, priced fairly well on sale for a nice basic pencil skirt. $69.99. I should mention it was unlined which I didn't love.
What I did end up buying, surprisingly enough, was the Rimini in nutmeg which I had talked myself out of at full price. After the red card discount, it came to $44.99. And while I think it's entirely possible that I'll get bored with it after one season, I have a feeling it's going to look great with the Crinkled silk tempest skirt I ordered this morning (saw one in store and held up both items together, lovely!)
Lastly I will mention that there was A LOT of sale merchandise, way more than they had last week. However at lunchtime it was a rummage-y mess so I can't report on everything that was offered. They did have a bunch of the Traversa cardis, several of the Katelyn cardis in sizes L and XL only and a large number of sleeveless blouses such as the Betsy and a stripey one I'm having trouble finding online. Definitely worth checking out, especially if you were the lucky recipient of the red card! (Apologies to those who weren't - not trying to rub it in.)
Eddie Bauer's ballet flats are also super comfortable, and very fashionable as well.
ReplyDeleteGot the Whisper Glimmer cardi in Metallic Beechwood this week...love the color, but it is very scratchy to the touch. Fit is TTS.
Another rave for the Lumiere Ruffle cardi which I got in Papaya which is STUNNING. I have tried this with jeans, khaki and black pants and it looks lovely with all. Fit is TTS.
Got the Marled Shawl-Collar cardi today in the Saddle color and LOVE. It is soft and cozy and perfectly cut to be worn with jeans or cords and boots.
As I may have mentioned before, I got the Stamp Tee in the Aluminum color and really like it!! The tee seems to have more "heft" and therefore is not so sheer that I worry about wearing it in front of my students! Fit is TTS.
I have ordered three pairs of the Vintage Matchstick Jeans and have been very happy with them. I got the Broken Dark Indigo Wash, Repaired Indigo Wash, and Busted Stone Wash and they are a wonderful fit (not too loose, but also not too tight...yay!!) that is TTS. I am 5'3" and the size 25/short is the perfect length for me.
I asked this in another post, but got no response, how does the Selvedge Chambray shirt fit AND several people have mentioned their SA's having them on...how were they wearing them? This shirt is very versatile, and I would like a variety of ideas. TIA!!
Got the
It has been reviewed before but I want to add that I love the Vintage Silk Scarf in viridian green. The silk is a very nice mid-weight twill that doesn't snag at all on my dry hands, (which were gardening all weekend and are extra rough). The colors range from black to gray to peacock to lime green with a little bit of rusty brown here and there. The brights are tempered by the dark neutrals and the overall effect is that of a handpainted abstract watercolor.
ReplyDeleteI especially like this scarf with my black flannel Banquette dress as it seems to be an extension of the neckline with added color. Very pretty and perfect for fall.
I tried on the Britten short flat boots last week in the B&M in the brownstone color. The brown is indeed pretty, but I think the "look" of those boots is better achieved in the black, so I'll be ordering them soon.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of fit, I am almost always a 7.5 in shoes. I take an 8 in JC flats because they are so narrow, so I was expecting to need an 8 in the boots as well. The 7.5 was a perfect fit and they were extremely comfortable. HTH someone!
I bought a sweater/cardigan that is similar to the Merino and mohair shawl-collar cardigan but is a wool/nylon/cashmere blend. I may return it because while it looks okay open, when i button the 6 buttons, it's about a size too big (it's an XS). it's a lovely camel color, though!
ReplyDeleteI just ordered the Ruched Femme Tank Swimsuit. It is ADORABLE and really a great suit--so flattering. I am thrilled with it. It fits pretty true to size with other swimsuits.
ReplyDeleteI threw the flower Mosiac embroidered tunic in my bag in order to up the amount to get free shipping. It is adorable, but it runs REALLY large. Go at least one size down.
I had to return my Brompton purse in henna today. I have been using it every day for 3 weeks and since the first week I noticed black threads coming out around the brass rings holding the top handle. I kept cutting them off or pulling them out until the stuffing started to come out too! The little threads were actually shreds of the black silky material they used to stuff the handle. The SA gave me no problems about the return.
ReplyDeleteI was disappointed because, as many have pointed out, the henna color is beautiful and I did enjoy the bag. I have several J. Crew purses and I have never had a problem with quality.
I just ordered and received the "Traversa Cardigan" in sweet almond which is adorable in theory but not sure about the fit. On JC website it says it slims the waste, and I too felt it made me look a little wide when buttoned. When left open over something else I kind of liked it, so I am still debating. Will head to the store this weekend with my Red Card in hand and the sweater may be coming with me.
ReplyDeleteHi! I'd like to move away from JC cashmere and try some other brands. Can anyone comment on cashmere from Talbots, Brooks Brothers, LL Bean or Garnet Hill as compared to JC cashmere? I realize the color spectrum will be much smaller, but I'm willing to try other brands. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the pebble jacquard pencil skirt (item 29022)? I'm intrigued, but still chicken with FS in effect. TIA!
ReplyDeleteA couple of the Jackies were marked down in the store I love today.... the mushroom and the dove grey colors... As well as all of the shades of that beautiful bib pearl necklace!
ReplyDeleteCMG,
ReplyDeleteI like Magaschoni cashmere but don't expect variety of colors. No one can compare with JC cashmere colors and fit..
Just got a package with:
ReplyDeleteBootcut Jeans in Dance Off Wash. Confused. Why so expensive? No better than my Gap denim, Long and Lean, which were half the price. Return.
Ordered two sequin tanks for FS 9.99. Odd, the pink is an XS, the green a S, yet the pink has a MUCH LOWER neckline. Inconsistency again. One is going back, I don't care about their final sale threats.
Kathy, I am sorry to hear about the poor quality of your Brompton purse! At least the SA was helpful and stood by the manufacturer's defect in the bag. Hopefully you can find a suitable replacement soon!
ReplyDeleteSoftspun sunrise dress, Item # 29857. Super comfy, very flattering. TTS.
ReplyDeleteI like Gabriella Rocha Neve ballet flats. They run a 1/2 size small IMO.
I tried on the Wool Bell Skirt and found it rather "meh". I ended buying the BR Tweed knife pleat skirt instead. Word of warning though. The skirt is rather short.
Thanks everyone for all your info on your shopping experiences at the crew and the reccomendations for other flats! While we are chatting about reviews I did check out the crew outlet in Onatrio,CA and boy did the banana republic outlet in the same mall outperform jcrew in terms of cute merchandise. Just seemed like all the poor performers ended up at the jcrew outlet and banana republic had more desirable items. There was a bit of jewelry at j crew though that was pretty. Thanks again everyone:)
ReplyDelete@Kathy: I'm sorry to hear you had to return that lovely Brompton purse. You actually are saving me $ since now it's off my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteI actually have the same issue with my Bisbee tote where in a month of use the threads started coming out of each rings and the agent that was binding the handle started cracking. I need to return it but I just love the color (Jalapeno) and I got it on super sale so I'm keeping it. But, I'm through with JC bags. I just can't believe how low quality it has become and I'm disappointed since they come in lovely colors.
Hope you and I can find a nice replacement for that lovely Henna color.
Just got the Elan Cupro trousers in wild mushroom and navy....one is a size 00 and the other is my usual size 0, but oddly enough they both fit fine. The ankles of these pants hit kinda funny so I'm thinking they will need to be cuffed. Fabric is nice and "silky" but with kind of a sueded texture, and of course they are in desperate need of a steam. But they are super comfy and I'm thinking they will be my new go-to pants.
ReplyDeleteSo today I am wearing my Cashmere Buttefield Sweater. Does anyone else own this who can tell me how to control the little back belt thing? It droops down when worn and looks pretty bad. I don't see how it'd be possible to remove it. Has anyone else encountered this issue?
ReplyDeleteSub
ReplyDeleteCMG - I have the same question. I was very pleased with a Talbots cashmere sweater that I bought last year. It stood up a lot better than my J. Crew cashmeres. Now, last week, I was looking at a cashmere cardigan in Ann Taylor and was surprised to find that it was not nearly as soft as the J. Crew cashmere. So, anyone know how the Ann Taylor cashmere is doing quality-wise this year?
ReplyDeleteRe: cashmere-- I just received one of the short sleeve tees that I bought on final sale last week in sea spray. I like the color and the feel, but it's awfully thin. At least it's quite soft and pretty. My aunt sent me a lovely LL Bean cashmere v neck 5 years ago that I still wear often. It's held up magnificently, and I would definitely recommend their cashmere.
ReplyDeleteI also received 2 double serge pencil skirts on FS in black and abyss blue. I love the blue and am wearing it today! I ordered the black in 0 and the blue in 00 since it wasn't available in 0. I can't really tell much of a difference between the two sizes at all. Love these skirts and plan to wear them year round, despite the fact that I no longer live in a stable climate.
(You can take the girl out of California, but you can't take the California out of the girl, even in Wisconsin!)
I received a catalog from Pure Collection cashmere. I have not ordered yet but I'm really curious. Here is a link to their cashmere boutique:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.us.purecollection.com/_pure-cashmere.htm
And here is a link to a cashmere top I think I could get a ton of wear out of. I'm just not sure on sizing.
http://www.us.purecollection.com/products-Longline-Cap-Sleeve-Tank_LK-898.htm
As you can see they are both US and UK focused.
I wore an Ann Taylor cashmere cardi from the new collection yesterday and was very pleased with the look and feel. And unlike my past J Crew cashmere, it didn't have any pills from the first wearing.
ReplyDeleteI have had really great luck with Ann Taylor cashmere over the years and have found it to be some of the best, even compared to higher end pieces.
I purchased the Washed leAther moto jacket in mushroom this week I love it!! It is a little cropped so I sized up from a 0 to a 2. The sleeves aren't cropped on me but I'm short! The leather is super soft and beautiful! I've been searching for the perfect leather jacket for years now and am excited to finally find it!
ReplyDeleteAlso I rebought the metallic sequin bell skirt in store only. I previously purchased and returned it but I love it ( I love sequins so much!) and repurchased this week too :)
sub :)
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I got that catalog too! Very interesting. And they have a 20% first order code out there. Not cashmere but I'm loving the quilted bag :)
ReplyDeleteWool flannel Fallyn skirt (28530) - Even though this skirt is more of a 'summer length' at 21", the color and fabric are classic and I can see wearing this one year round. Now marked down to $59.99 in stores, still FP online.
ReplyDeleteEm, I have this Cashmere Butterfield. (Love this sweater jacket, btw.) I haven't found a way to change the fact that the belt doesn't lay flat. I don't find that it droops overly much for me though.
ReplyDeleteI posted some recent reviews at my blog, including the Shearling fatigue and Shimmer tweed Ruby jackets.
ReplyDeleteHas anybody bought the Rhapsody Hobo bag? I want to know what it looks like before I buy it on final sale. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI tried on the matte jersey Marot dress yesterday at the Madison, WI store because it was marked down to 39.99.
ReplyDeleteIt was SO unbelievable funereal! I couldn't believe how matronly it made me look. The fabric was more crepe than jersey, and the fit was a little strange. I was super bummed because it was a fabulous price for something I would have liked to wear to work... but... I don't work at a funeral home. Yuck.
For anyone who was interested in the tretorn wool sneaker that is sold out online: I just purchased a pair of ugg sneakers at nordstrom. They have wool uppers that come in charcoal, a great blue and red. I've never even tried on uggs before - these are very comfy. Saw the same shoes online at zappos too. They come in suede uppers too.
ReplyDelete