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! :)
OT - Gap's 30% Give Get begins this Thursday. click here for info & an invite if you didn't receive one via email or haven't found one online.
ReplyDeleteSomeone pleeease review the Merino tulle & sequin cardigan if they own it!? Size XS is completely sold out (ignoring a potential popback), so I bet at least one of you owns this cardi! Spill!
ReplyDeleteIn less frantic news, I am incredibly displeased with my 1st Jackie cardigan. I bought it on one of the 20% off promos in the tavern green color. This thing is skintight, which is ok until it rides up with every step I take. I wore a tank underneath, but I could feel the itchy cotton/nylon blend as I moved. It was just wrong. The color is also not nearly as bright as I'd imagined. Not worth FP and not even worth the $49.60 I paid for it, but I can't return since I've already washed, worn and de-tagged it.
Subscribing. :)
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ReplyDeleteI just received the stripe sequin boatneck tee (item 27388) in pumice stone -- have to admit that I knew I would love it as I have the black and pink already. It runs large, would definitely recommend sizing down. I was expecting the pumice stone to be more of a grey, but it's more of a taupy olive. Love the color, very neutral.
ReplyDeleteAlso received the Rhodie tote! (item 29498; was $375, now $300 -- i got it for $225 during the 25% off promotion) I initially ordered the Rhodie satchel in olive -- I loved the color but returned it because I didn't like the shape when using the crossbody strap, which is what I would have used. The tote is much more to my liking. It only comes in black, but that's fine...I love the distressed leather in either color. The "distressed"-ness is definitely more pronounced in the black. The bag IS huge, but I like large bags, and it isn't divided like the satchel is -- things will likely get lost in there -- and it is a fairly shapeless bag. So, while I don't love everything about the bag, I love the leather enough to keep it, especially at the sale price.
I have also picked up a few of the cashmere cody cadigans (item 29607, was $158, now $70). I have the heather plum (I think that was the color -- sold out online), cobblestone, heather saddle, bronzed olive, and matisse blue. So far the most I have worn any is 3x -- but so far no pilling. I really like this sweater. It runs really small for that shrunken look -- which I personally don't like -- so I ordered two sizes up and it fits like a boyfriend cardigan, and I love it. Soft and comfy and cozy.
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ReplyDeleteAli,
ReplyDeleteSorry about your Jackie:( When I was in store I did touch and glance at the Jackies. I only own one in Navy from 2004 and I would not trade it for anything. It is such good quality. I would not even consider the new ones as just touching them felt so different! I have been all my cotton cardigans from Land's End. Worth every penny.
Sub :)
ReplyDelete'In the navy yes you can sail the seven seas, in the navy you can put your mind at ease'. Feel like singing this Village People classic when I am wearing my new Authentic Peacoat with Thinsulate in what else-----Navy.
ReplyDeleteIt is a warm coat. The woolen fabric is not soft but I guess it was meant to be that way since it is navy peacoat. I love the buttons with the anchor design in them. It's not a typical JCrew superslim fit (I have the medium). It is snug but not as much as the thinsulate overcoat. The peacoat's navy color is darker than the overcoat's navy. The latter's blueness just pops especially in bright conditions. Somehow I expected the peacoat to be short but I was wrong because it is long enough to wear it over my blazer.
Styling this peacoat abounds. Since the white rule had been relaxed, I would love to wear this navy peacoat with my white 7 for all Mankind skinny cords. Last weekend I wore the peacoat to an outdoor female model shoot (I shoot lifestyle/fashion occasionally). I wore it with a bright red plaid shirt, blue merino wool v-neck sweater and JCrew slim gray cord pants. I further grounded the red shirt with a navy blue thin silk knit tie. The model loved it :-)
rtfit you are so lucky to be shopping from the men's section! Every time I stroll over to that side, I think their side is better than ours. You guys have wool and leather and trims and toggles, we have, sequins. The only bags I would consider buying are on the men's side, the leather postal tote type bags because they have an old world look.
ReplyDeleteI did buy the Britten platform booties and the Langford platform heels. These both fit TTS. The Langford heels are more comfortable than I expected. They are not MacAlister Wedges at the mall, but they are totally comfortable for work. The Britten booties are a great midheel height. I was worried about the buckles when I ordered the brown but they are cute and have a European vibe like something on The Sartorialist.
If you want better pictures, I would check out Netaporter. I love Netaporter, their outfit combinations, variety, content and zoom/video. They show J. Crew better than J. Crew does. Maybe everyone knows, but on Netaporter, you can click New Arrivals and choose by product or click "outfit" and all the new items are displayed in outfits. I also trust their picks, which is why I started with the beige Langford Oxfords and the brownstone Brittens.
I also received my Langford high-heeled Oxfords yesterday and am wearing them for the first time. So far they're great...very comfortable! The chunky heel and platform feel very stable. I got them in Smoky Graphite...love the colour, it's very unique and neutral enough to go with just about everything. I got my "usual" JC size 8 in heels, even though I'm actually 7.5 and sometimes 7 in ballet flats or flat boots.
ReplyDeleteWould someone please review the Britten tall flat boots ...I'm dying to get them, but wondering if they're worth the splurge!? Thanks :)
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ReplyDeleteLove, love, love the store-only sunnie pencil in blue. Beautiful color combo, thick wool, nice wide waistband. I think the shorter length works well with the fabric/plaid. I wore it with a chambray popover and a Jackie in burnished olive. Can't wait to try it with burgundy and lavendar.
ReplyDeleteI L-O-V-E my Crystal Blooms Necklace!! I got it in the soft yellow and it is gorgeous! It is pricey at full price, but I used a rewards card on it and it is going to be my statement piece for the holidays. A nice contrast to all the holiday black. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso received the cute little elephant charm necklace from factory. . .it is adorable! Definitely worth ordering at the price.
At the risk of seeming to be a shopaholic, I just received my thinsulate double-cloth Colletta coat in cobblestone. (Item 30250, $318... but got during coat/cardholder promo for $203.52) I love J.Crew coats in general, and this one fits tts, took my usual 2. I am 5'3, about 105 pounds, but I find the regular size coats to fit better than the petites -- I have relatively large shoulders so the regular sizes feel better, and I don't like the short sleeve length which I've found in just about every petite version of J.Crew coats that I've tried. The cobblestone color is great -- I've bought a lot of it this year -- and is truly a neutral -- can wear with anything. I lean towards black and totally away from browns, but I've really loved the mushroom / taupy colors in J.Crew's clothing this year.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have the Thandie Blazer? Reviews?? Does it run TTS?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I'm in a rush now so I'll post some reviews of the Nightfall blue pencil skirt and the Thandie later today. :-D
ReplyDeleteI have the Thandie blazer in the marled colr. I am very slim on top and usually wear a size 2 or 4 in J Crew jackets. Honestly, I think this runs a tad bit small. I ordered a 4 and it feels just a little too tight in the sleeves and shoulders and the vents will not lay flat on me. Also, it hangs out from my body in a not so flattering way when it isn't buttoned (and I wouldn't wear it buttoned). If I tried sizing up, it would just be too big everywhere else. Almost, but not quite a nice fit for me. It is going back...
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth, I think the grass is always greener adage applies for us men too. If I were a woman I would go nuts over the skirt section:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/skirts.jsp
As a matter of fact, I wish the models that I work with (in my model shoots) would style their wardrobe that way-----timeless, sexy but classy!!!
Lodge puffer jacket - Love this jacket. I got it in the cobblestone color during the outerwear and extra % discount. Got it in my normal coat size. This puffer is super warm, soft and cozy. I am only 5'1 and usually wear petite sizes. It hit me right at my hip. Maybe taller ladies might find it to be short.
ReplyDeleteBi-streatch wool minnie pants - Thumbs up so far. Slimming pants for that sleek look. Not for tucking in though. It is wool but not lined. Fabric is not itching. This is supposed to be a cropped pant but on me it bascially hits right past the ankle so I can wear flats. Usually with petite sizes I still have to wear at least a 2" heel.
Dream zip henley - LOVE! Super cute and love the pinkish color. I don't have problems yet with the dream fabric (have 3 dream sweaters so far) and they feel super soft.
I have now worn my elements coat a few times and I love it. I got the dark green color. I probably wouldn't have gotten it at full price, but with the 20% off outerwear and then 25% off in store I got it for about 190, which I think is reasonable because it is not as thick as I would like. I'd also like it a little better if it had some thinsulate in it, but with a scarf and lots of layers underneath it is warm enough for the mild Virginia climate. I got a 0, my usual size, and it is probably a full size too big. I would have sized down if it came in 00. That being said, the look is very casual and baggy, so it works. It hits about mid thigh and the color is a great neutral.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone review the Stadium-cloth boulevard trench? How warm will it be? I wear a smaller size in tops than bottoms. Should I order my top or bottom size? Leaning towards the bottom size. Generally, is it worth $325? Thank you!
ReplyDelete@crewcrazy, the boulevard coat was reviewed here many times, if you do the search it should come up with multiple posts. From what I remember reading, everybody (including me)liked it and it runs tts. The cut is relatively straight, so I would say go with your bottom size if the difference is significant. If the difference is minimal you should probably get the top size to get better fit in the shoulders and there is some flare to accommodate your hips. As for the price, imho, $325 is rather high. I would wait for at least %20 off unless you really love it and/or are afraid it will sell out in your color/size. But there is many retailers offering similar and better coats in this price range. Many of us got it with 20%+25% promotion and it is definitely worth the $190, especially that you will have it the whole season. hth
ReplyDeleteJust received:
ReplyDeleteChiffon Cecelia Cami - divine! Glad I listened to other JCAs and did not size down. I took my usual size 4. Ethereal and lovely.
Darla Ruffle Cami in vintage rosewood - color looks very red online but after seeing the henna color in the cashmere IRL (more subdued, almost rust colored) I figured that the vintage rosewood would be similar and it is. I would size down, I took a 2 and it fits great. Very cute and I'm happy with the color.
Can someone give insight on the Aigle boots - either pair? I want some tall boots, but am not sure how much they are worth to having. I was thinking I might could get away with a pair of Aigles depending on the finish and fit. Any thoughts are welcome!
ReplyDeleteAny reviews of the sweet nettle perfect shirt? Does it look more like a spring shirt than a fall/winter shirt? I did a search and found nada.
ReplyDeleteI received the Gemini Pouchette in an order yesterday. I was totally unimpressed. The placement of the zipper pockets is such that the largest pocket with the inner zip gets folded in half so really isn't very big and the smallest pocket on the front by the clasp is so short you can just fit a credit in. Very non-functional design other than the single top-zipper pocket. Although the copy seems to imply that you can wear it more than one way you really can only attach the strap to the middle and fold it over.
ReplyDeleteThe hematite hardware is pretty but I expected the round rotating clasp to fold down and lock the bag closed. It doesn't fold down and the flap opening did not stay centred on the clasp when closed, even though the clasp held it closed. I also thought the zippers looked more like brass, not hematite. Last, but not least, the strap is really, really skinny and did not suit the bag, it looked cheap. The strap has holes so you can buckle it to different lengths, but there was no keeper for the extra strap, which kind of just flopped around.
Unfortunately this will be returned.
OT -- I'm so excited!!! Just opened the new JC newsletter 'Thread' and it says that a Canadian store is opening in Toronto in 2011!!!!! Finally, a store in my town. My husband is rolling his eyes nervously :)
ReplyDeleteVintage cord in 484 slim fit for men: started wearing this the other day. Waist fits TTS but thighs to bottom borders on the skinny than slim fit. I also have a comparable Levi's slim fit pair of cords. I prefer the JCrew fit because of a narrower bottom than the Levi's. BTW, Levi's has a skinny version of the cords but good luck in putting it on-------it feels like jeggings, great for women but IMHO not OK for men.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to wash the JCrew cords so I don't know if it will shrink. If it does, I have no choice but to adopt Frank's 'show some ankle' look :-)
Jeanne,
ReplyDeleteI have the sweet nettle shirt and really love it. I was ticked because it came bundled up in an itty bitty plastic bag and was really wrinkled, but after ironing it looked great.
It is very well made and I love the design. I do think it would make a great spring/summer shirt, but I have been wearing it often with a charcoal skirt and light mauve cashmere sweater.
Clicquot, that's great news. Heck, I'll even take the day off to attend the grand opening and maybe meet Frank :-)
ReplyDeletertfit_jcrew -- see you there, I'm not missing that! ;)
ReplyDeleteI'll be curious to see if they jack up the Canadian prices like Anthro does, despite the dollar being so close to parity.
Clicquot, hopefully JCrew will follow Coach's lead----1:1 (between Coach US Online vs. CDN bricks & mortar). BTW, have you been to the JCrew store at Walden Galleria in Buffalo? If so, how's the selection?
ReplyDeleteYes, see you in the Grand Opening too. I'll be wearing socks if it is close to Valentine's Day :-) but most likely it should be in the springtime.
Arrow Sweater Jacket - ordered an XS in black. My normal size is a Small. Everyone else said it fits TTS, but all the IRL pics I saw online, the sweater fit a little looser than I would have liked, so I ordered a size down. Glad I did - fits perfect! I ordered another in the camel last week - waiting for it to get here.
ReplyDeleteDream Open Shawl-Collar Cardigan XS in Navy. Too small. Should have ordered my normal size, but I sized up due to dream fabric sometimes stretching out. Overall I wasn't crazy about the lack of closures anyway and the makeup of the dream fabric (my past experience with this particular makeup is lots of pilling), so it's going back.
Waiting for my latest order - the camel Arrow Sweater-Jacket, the green Montreax Cardigan, and the Tissue Sweatshirt T. Will post reviews when I receive.
Hopefully I won't get screwed again on duties this time. The first time I ordered in Canada, I only got charged 13% HST. The second time - 31% in HST & duties. My husband likes to rub it in that he never gets charged on anything he orders from the states. Jerk. I am hoping since I am technically still a visitor they might refund though!
Random, I know, but can anyone comment on the fit of the Sienna Fringed Moccasin Booties (Item 17499) from 2009?
ReplyDeleteI know a lot of JCAers did not like these, but I do and am thinking about getting them. Do they run TTS? Large?
I see a pair for sale but they are a half size smaller than my normal size.
Thanks!
Received a couple of pieces I ordered from the red phone with the 25% promo.
ReplyDeleteOne piece I was really hoping to love was the large Ashbury bag in the tuscan olive color.
It's enormous- be forewarned. That's a lot for me to say, considering I love *huge* bags. The color is hard to describe- it's a greenish gray, darker than the online photos IMO.
Oddly, it seems to be gone off the website. I feel sure it's not sold out- perhaps playing hide and seek?
I'm going to wait a couple of days before I decide if it's a keeper.
Stadium Cloth Elements Coat in Sandalwood.....
ReplyDeleteI really love it. I sized down to a 2 from my usual 4 and it fits perfect, the color is really pretty (but not pink like the catalog shows at all..they must have had it in some florescent lighting or something) and the buttons are brown (not white like shown on the website) which is great!
It is 79% Wool and 21% Nylon for those who were wondering....
Sub :)
ReplyDeletertfit -- Yes, I was actually in the Walden Galleria store last month. I hadn't been for several years before that, and I was pleasantly surprised that they had shoes and purses. It's a smaller store, but much more selection than I imagined they'd have. The men's section was smaller than other stores I've seen, but still pretty good inventory.
ReplyDeleteThanks again Clicquot. I think I will make a trip to Walden next spring.
ReplyDeleteTaais,
ReplyDeleteThe run true to size IMO. They are very comfy and well made but I did not care for the design of the sole by the heel. I just needed more support in that area. But I really liked them overall. I am sticking with my moccassin shoes.
Holiday catalog is in stores now. Tons of new sparkly stuff; my SA told me they were there all last night reorganizing the store. I only had time to pick up a catalog; no time to browse. Will definitely try to get back over the weekend. Did notice a new version of the snowflake tee, reindeer tee and a new bling button cardigan. Tons of sequins, too.
ReplyDeleteGenny-
ReplyDeleteThanks a bunch! I appreciate it.
Have any of you Arrow sweater-lovers noticed that the heather caramel color runs slightly larger than the other colors (specifically the heather elm color)? I just got the caramel color and feel like I'm swimming in it, whereas my elm one fits perfectly.
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ReplyDeleteAppGal: I have the Heather Carbon and have tried on the Heather Caramel, but didn't notice a difference in size either.
ReplyDelete@ AppGal
ReplyDeleteI have the Arrows in both of those colors (M) and I do not notice any difference!! Sorry!
I do love them!
Ok I'm back. ;-)
ReplyDeleteSo I received the double serge pencil skirt in Nightfall blue and the Jackie in the same color. The Jackie appears to be slightly darker than online picture and actually more like the pencil skirt color. I like the Nightfall in Jackie and will be keeping it to pair it with the Moss tweed skirt. However, the skirt has more green tone than teal blue. It is still nice, but since I already own the Moss tweed I'm going to send it back since I'm not sure what to pair it with.
I received my second Arrow sweater in black and got my true size since I don't want the arms to be too tight. I'm just hoping it doesn't pill like a lot of people are experiencing...
Merino Cielo cardigan: I ordered a size up but both will be going back since they are too loose in the arms. I remember trying it at the store in my size and being really snug so I'm not sure what's up with the sizing. Also, the weave is pretty thin (14-gauge) and I spotted a tiny hole in the seam along the shoulder already! If you do order any of these thin sweaters I would advise to check for holes.
Drapey stripe baseball tee: I ordered the dark cinnamon color since my store were already out of stock on these. I took my regular tee shirt size and it fits well. But I feel like I can find something similar for less at F21 or H&M maybe?
Marled Thandie blazer: This is going back. I had returned the one I paid higher and got it again during the 25% off. The arms are just too snug when I'm wearing a thin long sleeve tee and when I size up the body is loose. I'm not sure if this is because it's new since the one I tried at the store and brought home felt much better and less stiffer than the one I received from the ware house.
AppGal - I have the charcoal in a M - I sized up b/c the sleeves on the S were really tight on me so no room to layer. I just received the caramel in the same size - and it seems huge! I'm debating ordering it again with the new promo in a S this time but if others aren't having this experience, I don't know. How frustrating! :)
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