Tuesday, December 28, 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! :)

41 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. I know it has been reviewed previously but I want to chime in and say that I love my buffalo plaid jacket. I wore it constantly over the holidays, mostly with tissue turtlenecks. It was so comfortable and warm, which was great since we were staying in a rustic log cabin and spent plenty of time outdoors. I received several compliments and inquiries about where I got it. Besides lounging fireside, I wore it skating on the lake and snowshoeing, as well as strolling around through the mountain town where we spent the holidays. I think the only time I took it off was to ski and sleep! Totally reminiscent of the classic preppy J.Crew. IMO anyway.

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  3. Has anyone attempted to wash their Arrow sweater on their washing machine's delicate cycle? I know the care instructions say to hand wash, but would prefer to let the washer do the work :)

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  4. xoxo I love my buffalo plaid jacket too! I just got mine but I agree it seems classic and it is SO warm!

    Glad you love yours too!

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  5. AppGal - I have washed each of my Arrow sweaters in one of those Tide sweater bags on the delicate cycle. They came out just fine. If you don't have one of those bags, I think turning the sweaters inside out and using the delicate cycle would be OK. HTH!

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  6. I tried on 2 new items today. Due to the snow, my b&m got the new line a day later than normal, so it wasn't on the floor yet. However, my ps let me try on 2 of the items. :) The shelby dress is an adorable eyelet dress. My b&m had white and navy, but it also comes in black and dusty pink in the catalog. SO cute! Even though I won't be able to wear it for months, I bought the white. Size down from your normal dress size. Did I mention it also has pockets? :) I also tried on the drapey stripe tank, which is not new online, and it's cute but not good for chesty girls. The horizontal stripes just made me look bigger. I saw lots stacked up in the back just waiting to be put out, but couldn't tell much about the items. He showed me a merino floral cardi that looked pretty, but I was not able to see it close up. And a super short mini in a floral pattern. He told me that there were several mini's, which are not for me. I also heard that the new items will be online next week. And, he gave me the new catalog. My favorite things - the sandals! And the bevin blouse, which could go either way IRL. And some of the new pants - can't wait to try them on.

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  7. math teacher: what's the eyelet dress like? Strapless? A-line skirt? I'm intrigued!

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  8. Just wanted to say that I saw a few new arrivals in-store today and uh...looking rough. Absolutely nothing of interest. I seriously hope they introduce some great new pieces that make up for what I saw today!!

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  9. Got my SHOPNOW order today, placed 12/23 (definitely the longest it's ever taken for an order to show up!).

    Vintage cotton traversa top in caramel/ash finally popped back in a Small, yay! This top runs large IMO (I sized down).

    I really love the lighthouse cardi (item 34746, a silk & cotton blend, popback from summer I think). Love the smoky charcoal color.

    I tried it on quickly over my Traversa tank and it left GRAY FUZZY DOTS everywhere all over me! At first I was all indignant -- WOOF, I got a popback top that someone else wore and returned, boooo! Then I came to my senses and saw it was my own sweater fuzz.

    So, not thrilled about that -- and wondering if the weave of the sweater is going to stretch out over time. I hope not, 'cause I really like it.

    The Factory stripe textured jersey scoopneck tee ... hmmm. It seems to fit VERY tight. I ordered my usual Med and I feel a bit sausage-y. However, I am carrying an extra 5 to 7 pounds these days thanks to too many holiday indulgences, so maybe it will fit in a few weeks!

    Drapey sequin tank in olive moss... I really love the color, I'm just not sure where I'm going to wear this. I think I'm going to have to mix it up with casual stuff for day. Seems to run TTS to me.

    Factory Nolita denim jacket -- this wasn't really what I expected. It's *really* lightweight, much lighter than regular denim weight, IMO. All my other jean jackets are on the darker side and the fabric feels heavier.

    Could be a good throw-on item for late spring and the dead of summer. It's a little boxy to me, but I think it runs TTS.

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  10. AppGal - it's v-neck, cap sleeve, elastic waist with a ribbon tie that's only in the front (it's covered in the back by the eyelet material). The top is gathered/pleated around the neckline - I don't know if that makes any sense at all! :D It's also short - maybe 2-3 inches above my knee, but it has a 2-inch hem that I'll probably have let out. I wouldn't wear it to school without letting out the hem. I would call it a-line. Once you get the catalog, it's on page 42. I almost didn't recognize it b/c it's hard to see the eyelet in the black. $128 and machine washable (yay!). HTH

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  11. Elaine- I have the drapey sequin tank in olive and I dress it down over a light gray tissue turtleneck with jeans :)

    Hth

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  12. Oh, also, either there are some in-store only colors of the Merino strata cardi or they've introduced some new ones for spring. I spotted a spearmint-ish color & a dark olive.

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  13. I could only get a quick glance today as I was w/my kids just making a return, but did see a few new items. A very lightweight pair of jeans? trouser style. A grey & white sailor top w/an exposed zipper in the back. Saw the strata sweaters, perfect t-shirts w/a boatneck and buttons on the neck. also, a couple lace minis, and some sack type dresses.

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  14. Oh, and I forgot that I did see a really pretty cardigan w/an interesting abstract pattern that was $98.00.

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  15. Hi Math Teacher: do you have a photo of the Shelby dress that you can post?

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  16. RE: new arrivals

    I also tried on the white eyelet dress mentioned above. I tried on a 0 (xs?) and it was kinda big on me. It didn't strike me as something especial, maybe cause the fit was off on me, and I know I can get something similar for way cheaper somewhere else.

    Now on the other hand, I tried on a tuxedo shirtdress in a light blue color (or chambray? not so sure) and that one I reaaally liked. It felt so crisp and light, and it fit just right. It also has a drawstring at the waist. If I remember correctly, it was $78. I'll definitely be picking it up later.

    I also tried on a pretty silky top, cap sleeves, loose fit, and yes, ruffles. I tried on a blue-gray color, like a light teal, can't recall the name for it, really cute. It was $79 or something like that. I'll probably get it once it goes on sale.

    I did purchase a pink and cream giant checkered button-down, very preppy IMO. The tag says THE BOY SHIRT; it is very fitted, like a perfect shirt. Got my usual size 0. I love it! I want to wear it right now, I don't care that it's still winter lol. It is priced $72.
    Item #35187

    I also saw a colorful floral mini skirt, some cute springy scarfs and some striped tops. There was more but I didn't have that much time to peruse.

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  17. Based on Miss Penny Z's description, it looks like Dinagideon is wearing the new pink & cream giant check shirt in this post:
    MySuperfluitiesBlogPostWithPinkPlaidShirt.

    Also, the tuxedo dress is online too: Tuxedo end-on-end dress item 33410

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  18. Decaf - sorry, I have no digital camera (my sister is a professional photographer so I see no need to take my own pics :D) and no scanner. Maybe someone else who has the catalog could scan it?

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  19. Miss Penny Z, I'm guessing the blouse is the nickelby bib top. My b&m has had it for a couple of weeks in 2 colors - light gray blue, called waterfront in the catalog, and dark slate. I also think the blouse is cute, but wish it came in some colors.

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  20. Miss Penny Z and IRL:

    That is the blouse/boy shirt and I agree, it is love at first sight. I was beyond pleased that I was able to get it when they had the extra 30% off everything in stores, but even at $72, it is a fairly decent price for something that should stay a classic. Great weight, pretty colors, and nice shape, very much like the J. Crew of the mid-2000s.

    I look forward to seeing what else they have to offer for the spring!

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  21. I spied the eyelet dress over the weekend- so cute!! I'm already longing for Spring and we're not even through December. My store was nearly sold out of the navy and had just a few of the white. I love it, but I can't quite justify the price.

    I did buy the striped painter tee because I loved the back zipper. The fit is much looser than it appears online. I picked up xs when I'm usually a s. It's also much more flattering than it appears online. I think it may just work better on larger busts due to the size and direction of the stripes as well as the scooped neckline.

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  22. IRL, you are right! The tuxedo dress has been online for a while lol.. maybe because I hadn't seen it at my b&m before I assumed it was new. I'm glad I tried it on because from the online pic I wouldn't have thought it was so flattering and cute.

    math teacher, I think it is the same top. My b&m must have gotten it recently becauese I didn't see it last week..cute!

    dinagideon, you are lucky you were able to get it at a discount. I usually don't like to buy at full price anymore but I didn't want to take a chance on this one...it's so pretty!

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  23. I got the crystal blooms necklace in black and white and I very much love it!! http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/jewelry/necklaces/PRDOVR~35093/99102215644/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17+4294966897~15~~~~~~~/35093.jsp

    It is huge but it is super pretty and I get compliments every time I wear it!

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  24. Ali, I'm not impressed either. Lots of hot pink.

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  25. Received a few (okay, a LOT) of my pre Xmas "SHOPNOW" orders. First, a minor gripe that these are all marked as final sale in the box and on the paper receipt, even though they did not show online as final sale. I think we were lucky to use the promotion early, so I am not griping too hard...

    Second, I am REALLY happy with my factory items! Thank you JCAs, for the general comments about factory, which led to my ordering almost only knits... I ordered four of the holiday tees (snowflakes and one elk) and they are lovely -- retail quality but better, as they are a thicker material. LOVE them. I also ordered the shimmy dress (19700), which I got for $42 with promotions, and it is adorable and TTS. Certainly different from the retail version, but good for casual summer dinners. Also ordered the factory stardust pencil skirt in gunmetal (29991) and to my eyes, is of equal quality to the retail stardust pencil skirt in copper, which I also own. Also TTS.

    A third note: Crewcuts size 14 is really quite comparable to adults XS in tops, 25 SHORT in bottoms. I ordered the girls' stretch riley cord (17091) in several colors in size 14 and they fit great. I am 5'3", and usually order a 25S for reference. They do have the elastic tabs, which will undoubtedly annoy some grown ups, but I'm fine with them, esp. considering I got these cords at either $14 or $18 depending on color. I also ordered crewcuts undone ruffles tank (33777) in both colors -- a caramel and a lilac -- in size 14 for $17.50 with promotions, and they are ADORABLE and fit perfectly as well. For reference, I am an XS in JC tanks (S in tees that cover shoulders), and again, am short, at 5'3".

    Finally, as for regular JC women's purchases, I didn't get much! Drapey sequin tanks, which I love and are TTS, but which I personally do not find very comfortable (I am prone to itches and hives etc.), and also was so lucky to purchase (and receive!) the short icon trench in warm taupe for $63 with promos... ordered a 4 (which is the size of my regular length icon trench in black), which is a size larger than my normal JC coat size, and it fits perfectly.

    I'm happy with my purchases, my JC credit card isn't TOO overwhelmed despite certainly being overworked, and I am ready for a shopping break (to DH's HUGE relief -- he went into one of my local JC's recently and was quite dismayed to see that nearly all of the SAs knew me by name!) until spring really hits.

    Hope all of you had happy holidays and a great 2010 that will continue into a great 2011!

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  26. Has anyone seen or tried on the eyelash tweed blazer? I'm desperate for this style as we've got nothing similar in australia and need to order online through a delivery service. Any tips for jcrew sizing for jackets/blazers? I'm not sure if i should size up or down for that style.

    Thanks :)

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  27. zoe, email erica@jcrew.com, which is the personal shopper generic email, and ask them for the actual measurements for the sizes in your potential range. My PS will get measurements and even try things on for me, it's really helpful.

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  28. So, has anyone tried the Armory tote? I am considering it in Walnut as my carryall since I am selling my bag collection on eBay. I need something that I can use to take to work, grad school and the gym.This might do the job. Thoughts?

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  29. I just received the marled Alexie sweater, which I purchased with the 30% off final sale promo. I ordered an XS, which is my usual size in JCrew sweaters. In this case, however, an XS is a bit too tight. Since it was a final sale and I can't exchange it, I'll probably end up wearing it under jackets and blazers, so that the too-tightness isn't as obvious. Unless, that is, a JCA wants to trade for a size small! The yarn seems to be of good quality and feels like it will last. The marled look and the buttons make this sweater more interesting than your typical crewneck.

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  30. Has anyone tried the un sweatpants and if so any comments on fit and if they get baggy in the knees or butt after wearing them? TIA

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  31. Miss Penny Z, yes, it was love at 1st sight for me too with nickleby bib top. I tried it on in a 2 and was 2 large so will have to size down. I also tried on the eyelet dress (shelby dress). And alone, it was just 0k, but worn with a belt, I really love it. Wishlisted 4 a sale. I did a review of these items as well as a couple others on my blog here. http://confessionsofacallcentergal.blogspot.com/2010/12/jcrew-fitting-room-reviews.html

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  32. Can anyone comment on fit or general style of the tulip minis? I am SOO intrigued by the lace tulip mini but it is final sale and I'm afraid it's going to make my hips looks ginormous. Thanks and happy new year!

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  33. These are all old, but I received my box from before Christmas finally, and maybe it will help someone looking for popbacks.

    I got the zip leather gloves in the olive green color, size small. Great deal after the 30% off at $35. The color of the leather matches the online image. The cashmere lining is very soft, and they matched the measurements that the online customer service person sent me exactly so they fit well. They are pretty thin and lightweight, so I don't know how well they hold up against scratches over time, but I like that they aren't too bulky and the leather is super soft. The part of the zipper that is sewn into the glove past the top of the zipper opening has already left a zipper shaped dent in the leather, but I don't think that's a bug deal as long as those teeth don't wear a hole in them later. Also, I discovered that I am able to use the touch screen on my gps through the gloves with no problem. Just not sure how warm they will be when it gets really really cold. Overall, very pleased with this purchase.

    I also got the silk vivie top in plum in size 2. I am usually a size 4 but a 2 in tops at J.Crew so this was in line with their usual sizing. This was final sale so I was nervous, but I loved everything about it. It's machine washable, the color is just like it looks online, and the fit is great. The shoulders are just right and the blouse is full and billowy, but not too boxy. I also have the lace tee in XS and found this to be a bit less boxy than that was, just right. I also thought the ruffles seemed oddly too close together in the online image of the back of the shirt, but it is not so on the shirt I actually received. Very pleased with this shirt.

    Last thing i got was the check wool minnie pant in size 4. i am only 5'3" so these were a touch long, but not too long that they don't work on me. i liked the fit that the stretch lent as it shows the contours of your leg well. These fit pretty well, though J.Crew's pants often need to be tailored for me. The hips fit, but I'll have to have the waist taken in. The fabric is a little itchy, so I wish it were lined.

    Hope this helps someone.

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  34. I went to my local JCrew store today to pay aon my charge and as usual bought 2 new things (both collection)
    I snagged the sherpa hoodie and I love it..it is so warm and I am always cold..it was marked down to $99 with 40 % off, couldn't pass it up and its a light color so will work for spring
    the other collection top is the sequin studio top that is beautiful..not so much in online pics and it looks cute under the sweatshirt and it was the samp price
    Happy Birthday gifts for me from me
    i started a new blog, crew addict and i am not sure how it all works yet..any ideas??
    Cath

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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! :)