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! :)
Cotton-wool ruffle dress (31374) - Lightweight, runs large, not terrible fitted, but not as shapeless as it appears online. SHORT - the small was too big, but was almost a decent length, the xs just comes to my fingertips but might make a good tunic. It actually looks better on me unbelted because the belt hit at a weird part, squishing one of the ruffles. Not sure if this is a keeper.
ReplyDeleteDream Alexie sweater (32805) - retro orange is nice and bright, like cerise from 08. Sweater runs pretty TTS. But I agree with other JCAs, it does look like Gap's sweater from last year and isn't a keeper at full price.
Sequin pencil skirt (30279) - beautiful color and fit (TTS). For the life of me, I can't figure out why it is $118 online and was $29.99 (before current promo) in-store. The one I ordered from the red phone looked perfect, unlike the stuck-together mess they were in stores. Keeper.
Factory Tori cardigan (31340) - Factory quality. The ruffle isn't as gathered as last year's retail version and the yarn is very thin and scratchy. Like the other cardigans from this fall, the arms are too small and the torso is too boxy. I would suffer through stretching out the arms in an xs, but only at a deeply discounted price. Return.
Tried out two crewcuts size 14 boys shirts and I was surprised to find they fit! I've tried girls' tops before and the sleeves were a little short (normal arms, S or M tops, a little busty) but these were great.
I think I might have posted this last week, but the tartan boy shirt (35236) fit nicely in my normal perfect shirt size.
Norwood blazer - after getting the measurements from CS I decided to order a size 0. Normally I am a 2 (Marled Thandie I got in a 4!). It looks really nice and am looking forward to wearing it in the spring. The sleeves will run short on taller ladies than me (I am 5'6").
ReplyDeleteZip collar henley in heather. Ordered an S after having tried an XS in the store (pics on my blog). Will be perfect for long sleeves worn underneath.
Merino cielo ruffle cardi in heather caramel. Nice, fits TTS.
Dream draped V-neck XS. Normally I am an S in most sweaters. Ladies with a bigger chest should not attempt this sweater. I wanted to reach and re-arrange the V the entire day I wore this sweater.
Subscribing. :)
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ReplyDeleteMerino ruffled strata cardigan went back after my husband described it as an old granny sweater when I tried it on. The dark seaweed color was great. I hoped the ruching would mimic the Maya cardigan from last year. It doesn't hit at the right spot and the rest of the cardigan is too big and baggy (I tried XS) and does not look at all fitted. It just hangs there. It reminds me very much of the boxy mess of the failed shirred cardigan from summer roll out.
ReplyDeleteI also picked up the delmy zip vest because of the recommendation of someone here, I wish I could remember who so I could thank them! I got the charcoal color in my regular size 2 and I love it. I will wear it over tees and jeans, and dress it up over pencil skirts with a belt. Very versatile and flattering.
And subbing :)
ReplyDelete@mommydearest (or anyone else who's bought kids size shirts)... can you give me an idea of your measurements? i'd like to try that kid's shirt trick but not sure what size to try... i'm usually a small in jcrew... but i did buy a buffalo check button down shirt in a 0 once. i'm 5'4", 34B but strong shoulders. thanks in advance for your help :)
ReplyDeleteWool Crepe Portfolio Dress: Love, but it was too short for me at about 5'10". It was probably 3" above the knee. For some that might be ok for work but not for me, unfortunately. It is such a cute dress, and fit true to size in a 6 for me. Also, I am a 34D and it was OK in the bust. So, I'd recommend it if you are shorter than me or can wear shorter hemlines to work!
ReplyDeleteDesert Flower, glad you like the Delmy zip vest... I found it in pink at a sample sale last year before it came out and I love it! It is very versatile.
Would love a review of these pants, if anyone owns them:
ReplyDelete- Martie herringbone trouser in super 120s (#28894)
- Stretch wool cropped trouser (#21890).
Any comments on fit/sizing/quality? This is my first JC pant purchase (believe it or not), and it would be nice to assuage a little bit of my anxiety before the package arrives.
Thanks!
Ordered and promptly returned the Montreaux Cardigan in heather grey. I love the look of the cardi (and the acrylic content didn't really bother me... although I'm not thrilled about that direction for JC sweaters), but it was HUGE. I bought my normal size XS and was swimming in the thing. Even with a long sleeve top underneath, the sleeves would have looked like a frumpy grandma sweater. Nevermind wearing it over a fitted sheath dress. It was also terribly baggy in the torso.
ReplyDeleteI tried on the color-blend version of it in green a few weeks ago and found it to fit TTS. I guess I should have known something was up when they offered the Heather Grey in XXS.
Miss JR,
ReplyDeleteI have the Boy's cotton cable crewneck sweater in a size 12 and it fits me perfectly, however I always air dry it because if it shrank at all I think it would be too small. For reference I am 5'2 and about 100 pounds.
sub. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe "montreaux" cardigan that is 100% merino wool (seems to be an in-store only item...called "merino zip cardigan on my receipt) is tts, unlike what Andrea said about the actual Montreaux. The merino version is lovely and the price is not all that different from the online version (full-price). I got a size small and it fits perfectly.
ReplyDeleteDesert Flower, I'm glad you like the Delmy Zip Vest! I love mine in charcoal . . reviewed it back in September when I bought at full price. It's such a cute layering piece! I just wore it again on Friday with a t-shirt, skinny jeans and boots and got a ton of compliments. Nice when something just works!
ReplyDeleteStill waiting to receive my latest order, so no new reviews for now.
Britten flat boots in brownstone: Arrived in Canada exactly one week after I ordered. I chose Canadian Post, thereby not paying the duties and taxes upfront, and I didn't get charged anything on delivery either! Bonus!
ReplyDeleteThe boots themselves fit tts and the quality is great. They were extremely comfortable right out of the box. Since I bought them during the 25% off everything sale, I am especially pleased!
For those who have the delmy zip vest, any advice on sizing? I am a 4 in perfect shirts, but a 2 in camis (the calista, etc.). Would it perhaps be better to go with a 4in this if you plan on wearing over sweaters? tia!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think I already reviewed the alpaca tirette cardigan, as have others, but for anyone who is interested I'm wearing it today for maybe the 3rd or 4th time and no signs of pilling. I'd say regular size on this one.
I received the tulipe cami in a petite in olive moss last night and love it. So nice when J Crew offers camis in petite. Beautiful color, nice heavier silk.
OT, full-price jackets 40% off plus free ship at talbots today from 12-3.
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ReplyDeleteKris - I took my normal size in the delmy zip vest, size 0. (I wear this in perfect shirts, camis, and pretty much any top.) It definitely isn't tight on me . . there is plenty of room for layering pieces underneath . .but it isn't baggy either. I'd probably say your perfect shirt size would be best. Hope that helps!
ReplyDelete(You could always order both and see which looks best?)
Merino strata cardigan: I agree with mommydearest it was not as fitted as shown online. It is cut straight through the body - no waist shaping. Having tried (and disliked) the shirred cardi, I did not think this one was nearly as loose. I decided to keep it because I think the ruching in the front adds some interest to an otherwise basic cardigan. I ordered gray and black and thought the arms were a tad tight in the gray.
ReplyDeleteTartan boy shirt (35236) - This is for the ladies that love the "classic" JC. Nice weight, not tissue thin, and fit perfectly. Although the background looks navy online, it is indeed black, but a 'faded' black. Will go with a lot of colors. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI agree with silver_lining on the Tartan plaid boy shirt. I just received mine today and love it. I ordered my *normal* J.Crew perfect shirt size for this year (size 0) and it fits great.
ReplyDeleteMinnie stretch twill trousers, sz 4: Flattering pants if you're willing to wear a thong with them, but should not attempt with regular undies--they show the lines really badly!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rose about the Dream Draped Sweater. It really doesn't work well with larger busts (C cup and above). Had to return it.
I have recently resolved to stop buying knits from JCrew because they tend to develop tiny holes. The Stripe Pocket long-sleeve T-shirt was the worst quality yet. It developed 3 holes on the first wear: one in the underarm area and two near the bottom seam.
Waverly Chino, Sz 4: I love these! BUT the fit is looser than I expected so it's a much more casual pant, despite being described as a skinny, sexy fit by JCrew.
ccs, thanks. I think I'm going with my perfect shirt size so I can wear a heavier sweater underneath (it looks cute with the cambridge cable turtleneck underneath as shown on the website)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to receive my tartan plain boy shirt. It should be here tomorrow. Thanks for the reviews!
ReplyDeleteHi ladies, thanks for all the great reviews on the tartan plaid boy shirt. Just a quick question: How much looser is it than the perfect fit shirt in the same size? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJackie, I have the tartan shirt as well and a number of perfect shirts (I'm a fan). I don't think the tartan shirt is any bigger than my perfect shirts, and I took the same size (4). hth.
ReplyDeletesilver lining,
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us know the color is black and not navy as shown. Saved me a order/return as I would not want it if it was not navy!
I was debating on the JCrew shirt or one I saw in plaid at Talbots. Talbots just sent me a 25% off and free shipping card good for the next two weeks! Yeah!
Made my decision easy too with now knowing the correct color. background.
Sub!
ReplyDeleteHow is it that other Canadians seem to be able to get around the duty fees? I placed 3 orders since the spring using Canada Post as the shipping option and was charged taxes and handling fees each time by the post office! The last time I was also dinged for an extra $30 duty (to a total of $65 on a $140 order!) because the pencil skirt was listed as being manufactured in Sri Lanka and not the US...
ReplyDeleteUm, so now I`m no longer ordering unless something I REALLY want is VERY on sale!!
sad tale, I know.
Jackie: I also think the Tartan boy shirt is a pretty similar cut to the perfect shirt or buffalo check boy shirt...maybe a tad larger through the body but not enough to size down, especially if you have broad shoulders or a large chest.
ReplyDelete@thatdamngreendress: The Canada Post work around is to get away from paying the exorbitant UPS handling fees (usually adds about 10-15% on your order). You pay duty when you pick up your pkg at the Post Office, regardless, % based on the info JCrew provides on the packaging. I usually pull the trigger when there's a free ship plus % off promo to help ease the sting of having to pay the duty. HTH.
ReplyDeletethatdamngreendress: what CC said. I still paid the duty, but it was cheaper than going with UPS.
ReplyDeleteCloset Crisis, I tried Canada Post for my most recent purchase. It has not arrived yet, but it seems that it is slower compared to UPS. Do you have the same experience?
ReplyDelete@rtfit: no, have actually found CP to beat UPS by a day or 2. Same when I shop with LE. BTW I'm really enjoying this little discussion about shipping options. Living north of the 49 brings its little adventures :)
ReplyDeleteCloset Crisis, geez I hope the courier did not wear my JCrew suit on a hot date as it seems the package is taking such a long time.
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ReplyDeleteGenny,
ReplyDeleteany change your Talbots coupon is multi-use and shareable (and that you'd be willing to share? :) ) I've had my eye on that paisley scarf-tie blouse forever. I'd be eternally grateful!
Michelle
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI got one of the talbots coupons too and it says it is multi-use. The online promo code is 027423609. Hope you can put it to good use.
Thank you, Cass! I just tried to use it but it didn't apply. Do you know if it's valid on sale items, and/or if it isn't valid yet?
ReplyDeleteOops, sorry michelle, it starts 12:01 AM on November 18. Runs through the 29th.
ReplyDelete@rtfit: I've seen a couple of pretty hot postees... Hope you get your delivery soon :)
ReplyDeleteA few in-store markdown prices noted and irl pics in this post.
ReplyDeleteWhen you all talk about the perfect shirts, are you referring to the 100% cotton dress shirts? I have a perfect shirt, Jaipur, but it is a silk/cotton blend. I was just wondering if the sizing is the same. Also, I have been hesitant to buy 100% cotton in a button down because they tend to wrinkle badly, is this the case? I like a blend of some kind, usually poly, because it's against my religion to iron.
ReplyDeleteCass -- Weird, that Talbots code worked for me! I was able to score the leopard flats on sale plus discount -- have been stalking forever! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteCass - Talbots code worked this morning, thanks again!!
ReplyDeleteCharlotteSometimes, the J.Crew 100% cotton or cotton/spandex shirts are a BEAR to iron... they are horrible. I have had to resist buying anymore. Even after they are meticulously ironed they still do not look crisp. This is especially true for the cotton/spandex ones.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte,
ReplyDeleteThe J Crew cotton shirts need to be ironed.
I have been ironing shirts since I started doing my dad's business shirts at about 10, and I can do one in a couple of minutes.
I won't buy any more of the silk cotton ones as I think they are floppy and do not hold a press. I have been disappointed with some of the 100% cotton ones too, but I found that the Francis shirt from last year, the Rick check shirts and all of the Liberty of London ones press great and stay crisp and neat after ironing.
Still, if ironing really bothers you, but something else...
Regarding the cotton spandex button down shirts, I iron mine, too without problems. I decided to size up to M for the last few I purchased because they are less wrinkle prone with more slack.
ReplyDeleteFFM and Kris: thanks for answering my question about the tartan boy shirt compared to the perfect shirts.
ReplyDeleteAnother ?: can someone please review the cashmere cowlneck? I know some have experienced pilling problems with JC's cashmere but how about with this particular sweater? If it's a bearable amount of pilling, id definitely consider buying it because im just so in love with it! TIA!
Jackie, I don't own the cashmere cowlneck but saw it in-store and was disappointed in how thin/slouchy the fabric was. I don't think it will hold up. If you really want it I'd at least wait for a markdown.
ReplyDeleteReceived the navy striped Reve tee (with the knit discount) and love it! I went with an XS (5'5", 120#) and it's perfect. Nice dark navy, cute subtle sparkle on the wording. Keeper!
ReplyDeleteFinally made it into a B&M store for the sale and found some very good buys... Of particular note:
ReplyDeleteBritten platform booties (item 28664, still orig. price $298 online, $99.99 instore, $70 with 30% off): TTS, surprisingly comfortable. I have switched in the last year to mostly flats (and my feet are SO much happier), but this bootie, maybe because of the hidden platform, is not nearly as uncomfortable as a >3" heel is usually. I wore them for a couple hours today and they were perfectly comfortable.
Crystal broochette necklace (item 35228, still orig. price $75 online, $49.99 instore, $35 with 30% off): interesting looking so I got it. The store also had the crystal patterns necklace in silver, orig. $85, $49.99 instore, $35 with 30% off) which I would have gotten if I didn't already have it. It's very pretty -- Bethesda MD store if anyone is interested...
I was wondering if anyone has ordered/seen the new bling cardigan and can spend a few words on how it compares to last year's one in terms of knit. I am a little bit surprised to read that it's a 7-gauge knit so maybe it is better than last year's?
ReplyDeleteAlao I tried today the tartan boy shirt and in my regular size was a little bit bigger than my perfect shirts but as notwd before not as big as to size down. The background color looked like a very dark navy to me. Will definitively go well with both black and navy. TIA
Cashmere shawl collar sweater:
ReplyDeleteI bought this in XXS. Still fit too large and there's no way to wear it alone because the v-neck is so low.
Cowl neck cashmere tunic? the one with the buttons on the side:
LOVE this. Bought it in the camel color, not sure what the official name is. I bought XXS, still a looser, more relaxed fit. Doesn't pill as badly as the cashmere from last year. Really loving this.
Cashmere turtleneck:
Bought black and the light gray in XXS and the fit is perfect. I love it and again, the quality of the cashmere appears better this season.
I stopped in today and saw the new bling button cardigans (Dulphine?) and IMO, they felt like Brillo. I couldn't believe they were $70. I don't have last year's bling button but saw it IRL and from what I remember, this year's knit is not as loose.
ReplyDeleteI received the silver lace Palmilla skirt today, and the fit is great. I had ordered size 2's in pencil skirts before but had found them too large. The 0 is a perfect fit on my 5'6", 110 lb frame. Unfortunately, I've found 0's in other items to be too snug even as 2's are a bit too large. I've learned that I simply have to experiment and sometimes take items to my longtime tailor. Profesional tailoring adds to the cost but can mean that a certain item will last for years an pay for itself and the proce of the tailoring, too.
ReplyDeleteI also ordered the sequin tank in "White Ash" (small). The size is fine, but I was expecting a pale cream/ivory color and got a very pale peach. I like it but beware: "White Ash" doesn't mean white, cream, or ivory. The sequins are not perfectly applied, but the cost -- under $100 -- didn't lead me to expect high-quality hand-application.
Finally, hoping to avoid the repeated problems I've had with the merino turtlenecks, the thin, flimsy fabric of which develops holes so quickly, I ordered "dream sweater" turtlenecks in black and warm pewter. So far, they look good. but I haven't given them the closest possible scrutiny.
Ahhhh, so they do wrinkle! Bah. The one I saw at the B&M tonight was Haberdashery? Kitsmommy, it's more about the setup than the actual ironing. We don't have an easy place for an ironing board to be out, so it has to be set up each time. Then I find myself just ignoring a shirt instead of wearing it. My absolute favorite shirt is my silk/cotton Jaipur perfect shirt, and you're right, it is more slouchy/casual. But I think that's what I like about it. In fact, I have been looking for button downs that have a longer pointed collar instead of a smaller conservative collars similar to J Crew and Banana. I fear they tend to look too straight-laced. I associate a conservative button up with a JCPenney ad, and that is a very bad thing. So the more relaxed vibe appeals to me for that reason. But, a pressed shirt is nice too, especially when it's not paired with a pair of Lee high waist jeans and a bad photo shoot!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of limp, has ANYONE found a way to make their Calista cami do ANYTHING other than lie flat and lifelessly around their neck. I think mine needs Viagra. Looks nothing like it did on the model, even when I try to create chaos.
In the B&M tonight the rosebud perfect shirt was 35 dollars after discount and it's full price online. I don't usually get to go to J Crew on Wednesdays, but there seemed to be a LOT of sale stuff. Sadly, the dream tipped chalet cardigan, 31990, which is in the mail to my house, will need to be returned. On the hanger in the store, it was piled worse than any item I have ever seen at J Crew. The colors are also dreary and do not contrast like they do on my monitor.
The soleil bracelet, 35102, was 30% off of $35. You can't tell online, but the silver one is GORGEOUS. It's an antiqued silver, so it's almost gold in spots, and will match either metal. But beware, it snags knits.
Matchstick and bootcut stretch cords were $49.50.
The sherpa hoodie was a MAJOR disappointment. It looks so comfy with all that sherpa. Putting it on, I realized the sleeves don't have sherpa! Ugh! I'm not trying to be a baby, but I was expecting soft warmth and my arm plunged into a cold cotton abyss. It fit terribly, long, tight, bulky, no double zipper to create a waist, etc. Sizing up, it was less tight in the body, but looked even worse. Overall, looked very utilitarian, more than even the average hoodie.
Hope this info helps someone!
Ema - The new bling....bleeeach. Me no likey. The one I'm talking about is style 33966. It's 45% acrylic, 37% super fine alpaca, 18% merino wool. The texture did not feel good on my eyes or on my body. Buttons were prettier on the lightweight summer version.
ReplyDeleteOh -- I know why I stopped by. Roxy of Effortless Anthropologie reviewed the silk organza starburst dress (34498). She guest blogged in this post over at my place.
ReplyDeletePosted a review of the Marled Thandie Blazer here http://momoberry88.blogspot.com/2010/11/marled-thandie-blazer.html
ReplyDeleteCharlotteSometimes: I have two Calistas (although they are the prints - moss blossom and the off-white hatched one - not sure if the ruffles are different...) that I bought on a whim and the ruffles have done well with some steam. I don't have a proper steamer, but just using some bursts from the iron (hold it up to the blouse) does the trick. I was late to the ruffle party, but these have definitely earned their keep in my fall work wardrobe. I ordered up one size for room in the bust and planned to tailor, although I haven't bothered since I always wear them with a cardigan.
ReplyDelete