Tuesday, November 23, 2010

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

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! :)

67 comments:

  1. Took advantage of the 30% off final sale at my local J. Crew when I saw the Marled Amadé Sweater on sale. It was the only one there, and it was size XXS.

    I'm normally XS or S and I'm a solid D-cup so I had doubts about it fitting. However...I soon realized this sweater was magical. I put it on and fell in love. Definitely runs big.

    Perfect cozy fit, hangs right in all the correct places, and has a perfect cowlneck - and I loved the marled brown color.

    Doesn't look so awesome on the model online but I guarantee it is so flattering! And the $45 price tag made it look that much better.

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  2. There's TURKEY Sale on J.Crew... how come it's not on the blog here?

    25% off $150 till Sunday Nov. 28...

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  3. Received my 30% off order containing:

    Drapey Sequin tee-
    Amazing. Fits TTS, it was fitted (but not too snug) through the arms bust with a subtle drape around the midsection. I ordered both the shadow and heirloom pink colors (would have ordered the pewter to try as well, but they were already sold out of XS!). The shadow color is beautiful, but much darker than it appears online. It is dark navy for sure. I have very long, thick, dark brown hair so this color didn't do much for me, but I'm sure it will look beautiful on someone with a fairer complexion and/or shorter hair. The heirloom pink color is equally beautiful, with a dusty pink base color covered in slightly matte gold sequins. My only (small) complaint is that it is slightly difficult to get on and off for fear of yanking at all the sequins.

    Martie herringbone trouser in super 120s (#28894)-
    Love the cut on these pants. They are slimmer than most trousers found at BR or AT. Unfortunately they are unlined, which I found to be ridiculous for a pair of suiting trousers retailing at over $100. I almost never pay FP at J.Crew, but still... my first suit from the BR factory outlet had lined trousers.

    Stretch wool cropped trouser (#21890)-
    Also unlined, but I'm willing to let it go because the cut is so fabulous. These hit about an inch and a half above my ankles (I am 5'7"). Super flattering cut; they float away from the body even without the lining. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for the work-appropriate version of the Minnie.

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  4. Piccione,

    Alexis is on vacation. The TURKEY promo was discussed in Monday's J.Crew news post:

    http://jcrewaficionada.blogspot.com/2010/11/jcrew-news-whats-happening-today-monday.html

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  5. Can anyone tell me if the Cashmere Femme cardigan runs TTS? It's always hard to tell if I need to size down when the XXS is available. Thanks!

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  6. Heading to Barton Creek Square JC today to do some returns. There are actually a couple of things I want so if I don't find them in store, I may try to order from the red phone and see if they will honor the discount ( the grey sequin trim perfect shirt and the tartan tuxedo shirt would be great for the holidays!Plus i want to order a few things for my husband for the holidays). I just received the star dipped ballet flats in black that I ordered with the last % off/free shipping sale and love them! Got them for around $45-50. Will report back on any significant finds. The SAs at this store are GREAT!

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  8. My small 30% off order hasn't arrived yet. If it shows up today, I'll report back.

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  9. If you missed the beach cardigan, a version is at the crewlet - got it in gold for about $40 - selling for $89.50 - plus 40% off sweaters plus and VIP outlet coupon for 25%.

    I have the silver from retail this summer and side by side - I can't tell the difference. RN #'s on tag are identical. Gold crewlet seems softer and TTS. It might be muted compared with the retail version (I am comparing silver vs. gold). It would work for holiday parties this season.

    Retail Silver is 80% viscose while gold is 82% rayon -I guess you pay more to get the fancy name for rayon. ;-)

    Also Crewlets are having Black Friday 12 am specials. Mine has 40% off clearance which is where I found the retail Arrow and retail infinity plus 50% off "other holiday fashions"
    HTH!

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  10. Blah. Ordered the Calista cami in the moss print during extra30 last week and it's huge. I can almost always wear an 8 off the rack but this one had enormous underarms. ARRGGGH. But it's just as well, because I wasn't thrilled with the way the collar was laying anyway. Didn't really look much like the online pic.

    The vintage cotton Traversa stripe top with the diagonal ribbons also either ran large or had a 'relaxed fit' ... I was so excited to get it and now it has to go back. Again, I can usually wear a Medium, but not this time. Urgh.

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  11. Zipper ZigZag Clutch is adorable! I saw it in a Retail store last month and snatched it up today on sale for $69.99 + 25% off. I am not a small purse gal, but this one really caught my eye. The material is thick wool and the zipper detail is fantastic.

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  12. Has anyone tried the Cropped Plaid Tuxedo Pant ? TTS? Flattering? Comfortable? Thanks!

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  13. I bought the Luminosa puffer vest in Light Amethyst a couple weeks ago in the store. It was a new item, but the store was offering 25% off all outerwear. Very cute in person (looks a little "blah" on website), nice sheen, not too puffy, pretty silver hardware. I would say it runs TTS and doesn't overwhelm my petite frame. Love it!

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  14. Elaine,

    Thanks for the review of those 2 items. I normally wear an 8 and a medium as well so I know those would be too big for me. Will keep those on my no buy list.

    It is sad about inconsistency in sizes at JCrew nowadays. I no longer will by final sale b/c of it! I hope it stays away for a long time but I know that is just wishful thinking.

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  15. PTO Prep- would you happen to have the style number for the outlet Arrow? I'd like to call my local crewlet to see if they have any. TIA!

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  16. Review of 30% off promo buys.:

    -Dream sweater-jacket, item 29189, color rope: I was expecting a slightly off white color, not a creamy camel-like color. Also, the plastic piece the zipper is sewn to is coming out of the bottom of the sweater. Be sure to check your sweater at the bottom before you wear it. I don't care for the zipper pockets, color and the fact it's damaged or already showing signs of poor craftsmanship.
    Did anyone JCA's purchase this sweater? It was constantly out of stock but I don't think I read about it anywhere.

    Factory two-pocket chambray shirt item 32043: I LOVE this shirt!! TTS. It's cut slim but not as slim as a perfect shirt, fits across back, shoulders and chest (not the I can't lift my arms feeling I've been experiencing w/some of JCrew button-downs), fabric feels nice and it's a beautiful shade of blue.

    Muse Tank item 32367: a little delicate but very cute alone or w/a sweater/jacket. Not as billowy as shown on the model - maybe due to shipping flat.

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  17. ashley: the style # should be the same as the retail Arrow--there is no outlet version. Many Crewlets are getting the charcoal Arrow (retail version)--it seems as though they made a lot of this sweater and are shipping it out to the Crewlets to sell faster. My local Crewlet had a ton of these sweaters.

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  18. Can anyone comment on the cashmere Elette cardigan... item #30794?

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  19. http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2010/11/22/j-crew-nears-a-sale-to-chairman-and-buyout-firms/

    Did everyone see this???

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  20. Can anyone comment on the Dulphine sailor stripe sweater? I know it is sheer (nothing a nude tnak can't solve right?) but the stripes and style are right up my alley. I see it is offered in XXS, which is usually an indication to size down, no?

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  21. @ Stephanie: I went with my usual size w/ the Dulphine sailor stripe sweater. It is a little sheer but it looks fine with a perfect tank underneath. I've tried a navy tank underneath which looks good.

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  22. I recently ordered a few things from J Crew on promotion, including the Martie herringbone trousers, the stretch wool cropped pants, the Super 120s cropped pants, and the tulipe cami. Everything went back or was exchanged.

    The three pairs of pants were all unlined. Andrea, you commented on the lack of lining in many dress trousers, and I agree with you. I chatted with a (very nice) customer service rep about this, and she said that the designers felt that some dress pants don't need a lining because the fabric is so high-quality and drapes beautifully by itself. Now, that may be true, but lining has other uses. For example, I think it really cuts down on "baggy knees," which is such a bad look with dress trousers.

    (By the way, I'm also told that if the item description does not mention a lining, that item is not lined.)

    I thought that the Martie trouser and the super 120s cropped pant run slightly small, while the stretch wool pant runs TTS to slightly large.

    The tulipe cami (if you can find it ever again) ran very small in my opinion. But that is in comparison to most of their other tops, which I think run very large. And the top is cut in such a way that if it's too small, it's much shorter. I don't like this, so I went up 2 sizes and it's still borderline.

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  23. I got my Tissue Sweatshirt tee and I really like it. It really is like a sweatshirt, but not in weight, if that makes sense. It fits looser than other tissue tees and it is thicker and more substantial, but still soft. I got the faded orchid color, which is almost too light for me (I am super pale). My only beef is that I would buy it in many other colors if they offered it (blue, green, another purple). I didn't pay full price for it (faculty discount) and I'm sure it will get marked down for the holidays...I recommend it as a casual top.

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  24. Lovie, I own the Elette in all three colors and I love it. It fits TTS on me (a medium in most JC items). The cashmere is heavier than the other cashmere items so it keeps me pretty warm. I typically wear some sort of T Shirt under it but I think you can pull off a light sweater underneath if you'd like.
    I've had mine for about two months, worn them on errands and outings and so far I have not experienced any pilling. Typically, the darker colors pill the most for me and the black one is in perfect shape just like the other two colors.
    Needless to say, I'd highly recommend this sweater :)

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  25. @ Flowers - Thank you for the tip. I did not think to try out a color underneath. I will definitely check out the navy tank.

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  26. @ShuLvr I tried the plaid tuxedo pants and didn't like them because the fabric seems like a blanket. I expected it to be a finer wool, like 120's, not a coarser thowblanket type wool.

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  27. I received the Delfy zip vest. Others have reviewed this, I think, but I'll chime in. I really like it, fits tts. I'm not sure about wearing it with skirts, but I love it with a turtleneck and toothpick jeans, seems kind of hip but not too weird. Worth it with the extra 30%.

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  28. @ Caroline
    OOHH Caroline you lucky girl!! my budget will allow only one and on sale at that....so I patiently wait for the apricot mist or cobblestone to go on sale. I do see the black on sale, but I dont see the collar (loveth!) definition as well on the black. That collar just makes it for me. Glad to hear of the great quality on this piece. I can see even on the website how substantial it is

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  29. I snatched the Buena Notte bag, which is absolutely beautiful. It has a Lavin feel to it -- luxe and classic -- and just the type of bag that I like. Possibly my best J Crew purchase this year.

    Also got the Lace tee in cobblestone. Sort of on the fence about it, just because I'm not much of a lace person.

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  30. Lovie, I actually got them during the 30% off sweater sale plus 25% coupon in Sept (and I was pretty lucky that they erroneously calculated the price in my favor). I'm crazy cheap but I don't regret buying these. I look forward to wearing them each time.
    The apricot mist and the heather cobblestone are both neutral and beautiful, I'd say you can't go wrong either way.

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  31. Emily,

    I did not even notice this item until you mentioned it. I have many tissue tees from 2008-2010; one of my favorite JCrew items/fabric of all time. This might be one to try on sale. Thanks for the heads up!

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  32. @ShuLvr - I reviewed the cropped plaid tuxedo pants in another post. I ended up returning them. While they were well made and actually lined . . they were just not flattering on me due to the length. I'm only 5'2" and they fell at a very weird spot. Due to the fairly loud plaid print, they would look cute cropped, but were too long on me. Also at $130 ($140 with tax) I didn't love them enough to pay that and an extra $25 to get them hemmed. Hope that helps!

    My 30% off order is due to arrive today . . finally! Will post any favorite items.

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  33. I've been eyeing the Tartan Boy Shirt and waiting for a sale, like the TURKEY sale, to purchase. It sold out online, but there were 2 left in my B&M, both a size down from what I usually wear. I still got it and am so excited to wear it over the holidays.

    P.S. I'm new to JCA, but I'm now obsessed.

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  34. @ LauraK - I too am obsessed with the Tartan Boy shirt. I don't normally wear plaid but I just had to grab this one. I hope you enjoy it.

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  35. Emily, did you take your usual size in the tissue sweatshirt tee, or did you size down due to the slouchy fit? I love the look of this basic!

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  36. Off topic, ladies but they had the Sunnie pencil skirt at my B&M today for $90.

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  37. I also got the Delmy vest b/c a few JCA's had mentioned how much they liked it. So, when it went on sale + 30, I decided to check it out. It is cute and runs TTS to a little large. But I don't think I'm going to keep it. I'm having a hard time figuring out how I'd wear it, and it seems very sheer. But still cute and might work for someone else.

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  38. I just received my box from the 30% off, which included:

    Lace Tee in cobblestone -- Love! Slouchy fit, but XS fits great. Bit delicate, so can't wear it around my toddler.

    Silk Safari jacket in weathered wood -- So pretty, great color. I ordered the 4 and should have ordered the 2, boo. It's a bit boxy, but still is pretty, and could be worn pretty much all year long I think. I'd like to keep it, but think I may have to return.

    Poppy art tee (green/purple one) -- Love this. I know I have a tee obsession, but this is a perfect match to the fresh plum pencil skirt, so I'm really happy with it.

    Tissue t-neck in shale -- Great color. I size a bit up to a small in these and they are still fitted enough to layer over, but I can pull it off alone if I want.

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  39. Just got back from my local Crewlet where I got the charcoal Arrow sweater (retail version) for $45...such a great deal! Worth stopping by your store to see if they got any in-stock.

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  40. I ordered the oxford leather shoes last week at full price, is there any way I can take advantage of the Turkey sale or is it no go? I haven't even recieved them yet, they haven't shipped actually.

    Silly, silly me.

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  41. I got an amazing deal during the 30% off promo...

    I was at the B&M and they had a "secret sale" promo (I still do not get these, what is the point of having it be a secret...) on the V-neck and crewneck cashmere sweaters (again) for $99. I really wanted black for work but that is an online only color, but using the red phone they honored the instore promo price, this was the Friday before the 30% off began, they also gave me my student discount bc the SA was there to see my id. Two days later I got the email about the 30% off promo. I had placed another order online on saturday and I called because neither order had shipped to see if they would apply the 30% off and they applied it to BOTH orders! Even though the cashmere was a promo and not a sale AND they still gave me the student discount on that order! She said it was a one time deal and such, but it so made my day! I actually ended up returning the sale order I got (cotton double serge pencil skirt... super long) but kept my black cashmere v-neck and it was (tax and all) <$63.00!!!

    Fit wise: I don't get the sizing on the cashmere vnecks... a bit long for my taste but its not horrible. The part that confuses me is that it is quite large in the tummy area. I am normally a small/medium but I got an XS and its still quite loose, in anything but the black it looks a bit sloppy and too unprofessional for me to wear to work. Also I find the arms quite tight, but I am hoping they will stretch, and for the price I definitely cannot complain!

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  42. Victoria-

    As a side note to my post (sorry it was so long) when I got that great deal they sent my call to customer service. So if you call you can ask the SR right away to send you there or tell her your dilemma. I find it really depends on who you get, but it is definitely worth a shot as they've been doing a lot more lately for me when I call (free shipping on that pencil skirt order I mentioned above, and then the beautiful deal on both orders). Perhaps they are in the holiday spirit? :) GL!

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  43. Can anyone comment on the fit of the short Miller motorcycle boot? I'm considering ordering them with the Turkey code. They are back 12/16 so I assume someone's buying them :)

    I also recently ordered a few things during the 30% off sale: the ruffle up cami in mossy oak (am really hoping it looks as ruffly as online--anyone with experience with that cami want to weigh in?), the twist knot tee and the wool flannel 1035 trousers...will review when they come.

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  44. aaargh back ordered to 12/16...sorry

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  45. patsystone-

    I ordered the Miller boot today and am also interested in a review.

    Also liked the Briton but too darn $$$

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  46. Received the Twist knot tee- Didn't really like it. The material is not soft... it's like a rough cotton. I thought it was going to run big so I got an XS. Bad idea! It hugged in all the wrong places! The knot collar is a little awkward IMO. It's not quite a V and not quite a scoop. I got the white one and its definitely see through. HTH!

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  47. They have Arrow sweaters at my crewlet too but they are only 20% off the clearance price, grrr. It is always 20% here when it is 30% in other states. Same with when they have an extra % off final sale in the regular b&ms. They were $59.97 - 20%. Still not cheap enough for me to buy... but I'm currently unemployed so unless it's under $40 I just can't do it. Cute sweater though. Nice to see a nice heavy merino, that seems well made.

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  49. Has anyone tried the gilded plaid pencil skirt and can comment on it?

    Also, any thoughts on the sterling jacquard pencil skirt?

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  50. Thanks, ashley...thankfully, nothing is final sale so it's all going back if I'm not happy. I had wondered about this twist knot tee...liked it in the catalog but the Crew has a real talent for making things look smashing in photos :) I have a feeling the ruffle up cami is going to be a wah wahhhhh when I finally see it IRL.

    Lauren, I tried on the Briton in store and liked them as well but they only had the brown. I think the black would be better for me as I already have a pair of tall brown boots. Hope you enjoy them when they arrive!

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  51. Abigail,

    I agree with you that the super 120s Martie trousers run slightly small. They still fit me in my normal 0, and when I tried them on I was not having a particularly svelte day, so I don't think they will be indecent for the office. However, if anyone is between pant sizes, I would definitely order up in these.

    I found the stretch wool cropped trousers to be TTS. I am always a 0 in pencil skirts and a 0 in these fit me perfectly.

    Interesting to hear about your chat with the CS rep! I totally agree with you about the baggy knee thing.... and I think that in general, lined trousers are just more sanitary. I'm going to keep both of my pairs regardless, because I am trying to build my work wardrobe and the JC trousers have a much more modern cut than things I've found (and own) from BR and AT.

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  52. some decent deals at b&m if you drop by, esp with the 25% off, probs more worth your time if you're balking at paying the shipping prices like me. Blazecoat and select colors of coletta coats at 160 before discount. tons of embellished tees and merino cardigans still left too

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  53. Got the Sunnie pencil skirt at the San Francisco Westfield store for $90 - 25% for the promo. Its not the yellow or blue color but sort of a light brown/purple color. Not sure how to describe it. Love this skirt. It is very nicely made, thick and flattering.

    Delmy vest - Got the peach color. Very cute and versatile. I would say to size down. It is thin though. I will probably use it for layering.

    I got a pant in the B&M on sale that rang up as Yoko Easy Zipper Pant. It is a super flattering silk pant that can dressed up or down. Best part is that I don't have to hem it (I'm 5'1) since it has tabs on the bottom that you can use to roll up or down the legs. I have never seen this pant on-line.

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  54. Appgal-what kind of discount was your outlet offering on the Arrow Sweater Jacket? I called my local outlet and they said with the discount it was $63!

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  55. @HLei my crewlet had the retail Arrow marked down to $59.50 on clearance with 20% off all clearance. THere was another outlet center promotion that brought it down to $35 but that promotion is over. Usually once the crewlet marks it down - the item stays down. They may have taken the % off clearance in anticipation of the Black Friday sale so the $63 may be the $59.50 plus tax or shipping? HTH

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  56. HLei: Mine was marked down to $59.50 with 30% off. Wonder if your store will do a price match with another store?

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  57. Cashmere V-neck Henley, item 20925, Hthr Saddle is soft & the color seems to go w/alot. I sized up to medium & it's a tad boxy in the waist but not so much I'd go smaller. The sleeves are nice & long, it's very soft, no itchiness at all & for me a perfect casual pullover in place of a sweatshirt.

    Factory Molten Metallic tissue tank, item 31993, is TTS & no room for bulges. Seems like the same cut as tissue tanks from a few years ago although the scoop is not too low. Soft Graphite might be too shiny/metallic looking for me-have to try w/something over it. Black has more of a 'sheen', not sparkly nor does it have a metallic appearance. It's just what I wanted for under some tops & sweaters.

    Factory Kerris Ruffle DeepV-neck tee, item 31638, in white is pretty thin, pretty low cut & pretty ratty around the ruffle. Not worth the cost to ship back so it'll work under sweaters, etc.

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  58. babymama,

    That skirt sounds gorgeous. I love purple/brown combos. Do you know if they had a 10? I would call for a ship/send tonight before they close. Thanks for any help.

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  59. Thanks PTO Prep and AppGal! I will call my outlet again and see if they will do a price adjustment. Everyone is so helpful on this blog! Happy Thanksgiving! =)

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)