Referencing {FAQ}

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

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! :)

52 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Unhappy with the inconsistent sizing/ie lower quality from JCrew. I bought two colors of the boutonniere blazers same size and one fit fine but the wool was really itchy. The other one was not itchy but did not fit. Shoulders and body and sleeve length--all there area were MUCH SMALLER. Both got returned. So happy did not buy these on final sale. Would have gone into the depths of my basement with the rest of final sale losers of the past!

    On the plus side I still love JCrew flip flops. I kept the 3 pairs I ordered for under $5 each:)

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  3. sizing issues here too...

    bought the boat neck perfect fit t (#27237) in medium because it ran so small... but just bought the perfect fit striped boat neck t (#36545) in a small and it's actually a little bigger than the medium ones i bought!

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  5. sizing issues with the perfect fit mixed tape cardigans too...

    ordered one in dark rosewood and bronzed twig. bronzed twig was noteably more roomy than the rosewood.

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  6. I got the Laramie purse for Christmas and I'm in LOVE! I got the graphite color which is a great neutral to wear with most anything. It is roomie enough to carry my daily necessities and the strap adjusts to a cross body bag. Lots of pocket to help keep me organized. The leather feels really nice. Only gripe is I wish JCrew could have gotten something other than scratchy thick cotton to line the bag with, but overall it works fine. Loves it!

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  7. Happy New Year everyone!:)

    I got the Miller high heel motorcycle boots for Christmas and reviewed them on my blog here.

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  8. Tuxedo jacket (34121) - Have to admit, as the copy promised, it is insanely flattering. But runs BIG - I am normally a 4 in jackets and a 2 is perfect. The knit lays nicely but the partial lining will be a dealbreaker for some JCAs. I really do love it, but it may be have to go to the exchange as I have no real need for a tux jacket...

    Also the pefect-fit (tee, not button-down) shirts seem to be running larger this year. I had to size down from previous years.

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  9. Ordered the vintage cotton sunburst tank in white ash to try since I haven't seen it in the stores yet. It is lovely but the fabric is thin. Not quite see-thru due to the chiffon strips sewn to the front but IMO not worth full price ($58). I'll wait for the markdown; definitely a repurchase for me in both colors.

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  10. I got the merino thigh high socks for Christmas. Just wore them yesterday for the first time and after a few hours they had a hole in the heel! I am upset because they looked darn cute, but now they are ruined. Has anyone else had this problem? Will I be able to return them as defective? Maybe another pair wouldn't lead to the same story...

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  11. I checked out the store last week and tried on a few items, including that colorful skirt that had no description on the website and the drapey striped hoodie.

    See reviews on my blog.

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  12. Oh how I wish someone would make my day and review the Plumage Mini, no. 33317, especially in the Heather Peach color. And I promise not to snark even if there are links to IRL pictures.

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  13. Megan, I had problems with the merino thigh highs too. They do not stay up and mine got a hole in them as well. I'd just stay away. Great idea, poor execution!

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  14. Tuxedo jacket 34121 - I got this in a sz2 and my normal sz0 in black. The Sz0 fits, with snug arms (which I prefer, but just as a warning since it's Final Sale). The Sz2 is a little boxier but without any extra length. I like the shape (though was hoping it would be a little longer, it's almost cropped on my long torso), but the texture is the killer for me. It's like felt and I don't see it wearing well over time. I ordered some tux blazers from Madewell to see if they are any better.

    Sequin sweatshirt 33583 - Got in XXS. Tried XS in store and was too big for my liking (I'm normally a size0/XS). The XXS is still a little slouchy but fits better on my arms and neck. The neck is a bit wide, shows the collarbone nicely. The silver is a bit too shiny for me, so I got the heather dove white, coming in the mail on final sale. From trying on the darker color, seems very comfy with the terry sweatshirt texture!

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  15. Also thought I would do a quick review of the JCrew Cashmere boatneck sweatshirt...I got the gray color. It is really soft and holds its shape nicely compared to other cashmere pieces I have from JCrew this year. I bought a size M and at 5'9 it hits me at low hip. Some of the more petite ladies might be sized out of this. It runs big in my opinion, I ordered the S and M and would have kept the S except for the sleeve length. I've worn it with jeans and skirts and I love it!

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  16. Still loving the buffalo check jacket. It's one of my favorites from last year!

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  17. Anyone have an input on the CeCe ballet flats? I haven't had great luck with Jcrew shoes in the past, since they have been super uncomfortable. I would appreciate any feedback before I order them!
    Thanks!

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  18. My third pair of Waverly Chinos are "out for delivery" today. I really love these pants on my curve-less lower half, they actually make me look like I have a bit of a butt. They are so comfortable and flattering and they don't stretch out during the day. I hope they will offer them in some spring colors soon, or even basic black.

    jcrewlove, I am still enamoured with my buffalo check jacket too. I keep reaching for it over and over. I am even wearing it to work over pencil skirts. Only as outwear though, it's too warm to keep on in the office.

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  19. I am late to the party (only by about a year), but I am loving the Minnie pant recently.

    I tried them on several months ago (when they were originally getting a lot of love here) in my usual size (2) and HATED them. They were slightly too tight and just not flattering at all. I hated them so much (and they were still FP) I didn't even think about trying on other sizes.

    A few weeks ago in a B&M I came across a pair of the herringbone version on sale for about $30 and I really liked them when I sized up to a 4.

    Last week I visited an outlet and decided to give the Winnie (outlet version) a try, again in a 4, and liked them (again, they were about $30). Then the stars aligned and I found a retail pair of the bi-stretch wool version in a 4 for $15 after discounts (they are still $98 online).

    I don't often see such a huge change from sizing up or sizing down, but it really made all the difference in these pants. After buying three pairs in a few weeks time, I think they might be my new favorite pants for work!

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  20. I reviewed the Shelby dress, Nickleby top and Mona Shirtdress in my blog here

    I'm also going to post reviews on the Stripe Drawstring Dress and Sundrine Chambray later tonight. you can check it out on my
    blog  later today.

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  21. Xoxo, I totally agree on the Waverly chinos. I feel like I need to stock up and size 6 seems to always be sold out in the stores. Would love to see new colors as I would automatically buy them. I prefer trying them on in the store though as I have found slight variations in the cut. One of the SAs said it had to do with whether the pants fell at the top or bottom of the stack when they cut them.

    Am I the only one that hates the low-cut Tees? I don't like scoop necks of any kind because, strangely, the top part of my chest gets cold. Crewneck Perfect Tees were always good but the necks are getting more floopy with each season and lose their shape after a couple of washes. I was even contemplating a $60 white tee from Vince because the cotton seemed so much better. Now I look at the striped tees for spring and just wish they came up a bit higher.

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  22. Regarding the CeCe leather ballet flats [JCREWGAL]:

    Great idea, but they HURT after wearing only a short while. Style is great, but because of the elastic band, they have cut them HIGHER in the back, which, within an hour, really hurt my heal. Wore them twice to see if I'd get used to it, but too painful. I remember another JCA mentioning it; wish I'd listened then.

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  23. Xoxo

    I'm so glad you love it too!! Isn't it surprising how warm it is?

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  24. Professor- Thanks for the honest review! I will continue my search elsewhere for comfortable flats! :)

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  25. XOXO and Elizabeth,
    Thanks for the Waverly information. My store has two new colors ( a gorgeous minty green color and a soft blue - neither is on the webiste/catalog yet...). I'm dying to try them, but nine months pregnant right now. Could either of you comment on the fit comparable to the Scout crops of last summer? I hate to take a risk with the return policy and postpartum weight loss, but I know these colors will move quickly.

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  26. HI Heather -- I love the Waverlys, too. I got scout crops on sale last year, the distressed ones. . .

    I'd say the Waverlys fit about the same. They look slimmer, because they drape in a more flattering way and are cut a little narrower mid-leg. My usual 2 fits loosely, but I think they look good loose.

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  27. Elizabeth - I'll admit I am out of touch with the gazillion tee styles, but right now I am wearing a tissue tee from 2007. I stopped trying on most of the tees a while ago in the store because I also don't like a low scoop neck and all the plain colored ones seemed to be low. I prefer it to be higher (normal?) or actually another style eg more of a boatneck (might have the term wrong - straight across hitting right at the decolletage) like some of the other tees. I bought a new white pure and good tee at Anthro because I couldn't find a new plain white one at J.Crew even though I have some still with tags from my sale buying in 2007 (mostly v-necks though). As for losing their shape, maybe I am in the minority but I also prefer the different fabric of the old tissue tees. It is not 'ribbed' and doesn't stretch out, it's smooth. Maybe others didn't like it because it doesn't give as much, but I think it stays looking like new and the tees I have have washed really well. I don't know why they changed. But since I am not a big buyer of basics from J.Crew (I bought a lot a few years back and sort of need new stuff now :)I am not sure, I just noticed they changed what they were calling 'tissue tees'.

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  28. Heather, I never tried the Scout chinos but I am in between size 4 and 6 in J.Crew pants and took a 4 in the Waverlys. They are not tight at all so I'd say take your usual size. Even a bit loose they are quite streamlined so would not look too saggy IMO. They have a nicely tailored appearance.

    Best wishes for your delivery and to the whole family! :^)

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  29. Sydneygirl, I agree, I consider the boatneck/crewneck "normal" but I felt like I was the only one. I like wearing a crisp white crewneck tee under cashmere or Jackie cardigans, I think it looks better on me than the matching shells. But in order for it to look good, the neck has to stay in shape and flat. As we've seen, the quality on everything has become an issue and that sad floopy neck ruins it. Plus, as a pink skinned blonde, a low cut just looks pale, plus I get cold. I'm going to have to make it a mission to go to all the retailers and find five to ten good white tees that fit right and put them in the drawer.

    Heather and fidele, I didn't know there were two new colors on the Waverlys, now I have to go check. The last time I went to the B&M, no 6's in any of the colors but I had all the colors. I now grab the natural color when I see it in my size since I like it best. Blue and mint green sound cute!

    I think they do fit similar to the Scouts, maybe slightly slimmer in the leg but in a very good way. Not anything like matchstick or toothpick, just a straight narrow leg. They make the legs on the Heritage chinos look huge. They are 32" in length which is perfect for me with boots or a small heel and no hemming and they keep their shape pretty well through the day. Oh and no ironing needed because the leg is slim - they look great right out of the dryer (miracle). Since J. Crew's MO has been to take something great and scale it back, I feel like I need to buy twenty pair before they change it.

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  30. Any input on the silk lined cashmere sweater? I think it looks very pretty and feminine online, but I am curious as to the fit, and whether it'd be work appropriate in a professional environment.

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  31. Wore my Aldridge in heather charcoal suit today. I can now make a comparison with the Ludlow (gray worsted wool) suit I received more than two weeks ago.

    Both suit jackets (38R) fit me really well. They're both snug but not tight. The Ludlow jacket is slightly shorter and the lapel narrower than the Aldridge. I wear slim ties shirts with smaller collars with both jackets. It will look disproportionate if one would wear ties larger than 3 inches with these jackets.

    As to the pants, the Ludlow has a lower rise than the Aldridge. Also the latter has more room in the thigh area than the former. The bottom is slightly narrower with the Ludlow.

    I love both suits. If one is looking for a more classic cut, then you should consider the Aldridge. The cut is 'very Cary Grant' in the classic (1959) movie North by Northwest----it is a timeless suit. Not sure if the narrow lapels and slim ties look has a lot of fashion legs left and that's why I decided to get an Aldridge. If I am wearing a suit for a job interview, without a doubt I will pick it over the Ludlow. Having said that if I am going on a hot date, the Ludlow will be my choice----it has a trimmer silhouette------sexier than the Aldridge. Besides, more room in the pants is unnecessary as I don't need to fight the bad guys on top of Mt. Rushmore just to get the girl.

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  32. About the tees: I have two new tissue crewneck tees from this fall/winter and they are great. Fit tts. Don't stretch out and no quality issues. I love wearing them under cardigans or other long sleeve shirts. I wash on delicate in a lingerie bag and lay flat to dry.

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  33. rtfit_jcrew - thank you for sharing a male perspective on the blog.

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  34. I received an order of some older items from sale. The dot flouncette blouse is gorgeous. I will be honest and admit I bought it because FFM said she loved it :) Her taste is so good, I knew I would like it as well. I also received the draped sleeve blouse in smoky charcoal. I bought my usual size 2 and I could have sized down to a 0. It's a full cut. I love the drapey nature of the 2 though, and I think it will look great with slim skirts. The suede floppy belt isn't floppy at all and it's amazing. I got the grey color and I love it. It's a great waist cincher. I may such up shipping and buy it in the other color if it pops back. The sequin stripe henley was an afterthought in the order and I'm glad I picked it up. I'll wear it a lot this summer. Finally, the renton stripe body suit showed up in a popback and I snagged it. I truly love it. It was in the leisure wear or weekend wear section. It's also going to serve me well in hot weather. Every piece in my order was a hit.

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  35. I concur w/ Genny on the Boutonniere Blazerbeing inconsistent in sizing. I've ordered this blazer twice in the same color and size and they both fit differently. When I tried this blazer on instore, multiple times, it fit a bit snug in the shoulders. I also ordered this via mail, and it was bit snug. I since returned and reordered FS, due to a price dip. I got lucky that the FS Blazer fit better than all the one's I've tried on so far.

    Donegal tweed schoolboy blazer-Moss
    Fits TTS, and very slimming, but I found the color and jacket itself a bit on the bland side. Sent it back, since already had another favorite Darker Green Blazer.

    Tatum Tweed Blazer
    A unique blazer, that I found TTS but a little more shabby than chic. There is a bit more unfinished ribbon edging than I imagined but still looks great from a distance. Worth the price I paid, but maybe not $300 worthy.

    Nickleby bib top-Waterfront
    This is gorgeous top, and the color is very complementary w/ olive complexions. The top runs one size too big. I had to size down on this one, or it would definitely be sloppy looking. A little on the short side, but pairs well with most things and looks great with the heather angora bling cardi.

    Stadium Cloth Peacoat-Fits TTS, but the one I received was way too long in the sleeves. I had to get them tailored. Dark Fatigue is a beautiful olive color, and a little lighter than promo pics.

    Colletta coat
    Beautiful coat, Fits TTS, and sleeves have been spot on in a few that I've received and tried on. Both the Nightfall Blue (Teal) and Rainforest Green (Hunter Green) are gorgeous colors. I however held on the green and sent the blue back.

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  36. Love the Elette cashmere cardi in apricot mist. Got it during sweater promo a while back but only started wearing it now. Fabric is very warm, flattering fit, layers well over thin merino sweaters & perfect shirts. Keep an eye out when this gets marked down, it'll sell fast.

    Also loving my drapey stripe tank in navy. Fits a bit loose in the torso but I like that, as it camouflages the muffin top I gained over the holidays. The angled stripes are much more flattering, IMO, than stripes that go straight across -- keeps the eye moving so it has nice slimming effect.

    Tried on the printed bubble skirt (Item #35987) w/pockets. Cute but way too short, even on my 5'1" frame. Hope JC does this print in a longer skirt version or in a top -- such cheerful colors but there's no way I'd buy a bubble skirt style; screams teenybopper for me.

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  37. @rtfit: love your review and N x NW is one of my all time faves! Hitchcock/Cary Grant = amazing :)

    Ok, long list of items to review; all from the end of Nov./early Dec. promo (can't remember the code name now). Will post some IRL pics on my blog later this week.

    Cashmere crewneck cardis - Treated myself to the Heather Tide (a beeeautiful dark greeny blue), Bronzed Olive (surprisingly neutral and wearable) and Heather Agate (a warm lovely shade of orange that doesn't scream). They all fit about the same, took my usual Medium and no issues. Should pair very well with other JC tops/tees.

    Jackie Twinsets in Dark Pewter (a surprisingly "flat" dark grey, a good basic I guess) and Orchid Shadow (my favourite JC colour this past year). Shells and cardis fit TTS, no issues aside from a broken button on one of the cardis, have written to CS for a replacement. Note: these knits are tagged "Made in HK". In my experience HK factories still make superior knits compared to those in the PROC. Fingers crossed that JC won't move to the PROC to make the Jackies.

    Perfect Haberdashery Shirts - Warm Burgundy and Olive Tree (love the colours, so rich) were my picks. Fit TTS, no change in quality from last year's.

    Chevron-Pleat Shirts in Alabaster and Charcoal (white and faded black) - a bit "controversial" as right after I placed the order they were marked down further and CS wouldn't give me a price adjustment. For what it's worth, I was OK with paying $24 for each of the shirts, they're TTS, and are made from a lovely light cotton. Would be great layered under jackets and cardis.

    Tissue Turtleneck Tees in Grey, White and Navy - nice cotton, fits well, hopefully won't shrink too much (haven't put them through the wash yet as I'm writing this).

    Leopard patent belt in bronze tortoise and Superskinny patent belt in burnt caramel- boy, are they skinny! but great colours, and the buckles are nicely plated, unlike some of the skinny belts I got last year.

    Chambray Tuxedo Pleat Shirt - a nice chambray, not too light, fit TTS. Can probably wear it right through to early Summer.

    Ribbon-wrapped crystal bangle in black and Silk-wrapped crystal bangle in metallic silver - the big disappointment of the lot. The hinges on both bracelets were tarnished/looking kinda flakey. Thank goodness I paid less than $20 for each. Will have to baby them. But I do like the look of them stacked together. Should dress up jeans and a tee nicely.

    Was in B&M last week and got to try on some bottoms. Don't think JC tailors for curvy-bottom-half me but just for kicks I tried on a wool pencil skirt and the Sunnie skirt. Tried them both on in the same size and I was swamped in the pencil skirt and the Sunnie left me shifting left and right to "make it fit longer". Hmm.

    Think I'm J.Crewed out for a good while. Staying away from Final Sale for sure.

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  38. Does anyone have the Woolcot pant? What do you wear them with??? I found a pair at the outlet for $12 and they look comfy so I picked them up but will be wearing them only around the house unless I can figure out how to style them in a way that does not look ridiculous.

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  39. erin and closet crisis.....my pleasure.

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  40. Has anyone tried the Moonbeam sequin blazer? It just went to sale, but I hesitate since it's final sale and not sure of sizing. Thanks!

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  41. The downtown skinny jean runs a lot smaller in the clear sky wash than the pearly blue wash. I ordered both in the same size and the pearly blue fit perfectly. I could barely zip the clear sky wash. Big difference!

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  42. Umm, seaport blue is not the beautiful bright blue it appears on my monitor. It's teal IRL. That's great if you like teal but it isn't at all what I was expecting.

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  43. I received the Irena gladiator sandals item 33063 in Toffee today.

    -size 9 fits TTS. Footbed is the exact same shape as the Palma Vachetta .

    -toe thong placement is perfect (8-5/16" from heel of shoe)

    -the highest ankle strap starts about 4-1/2" up from footbed. The leather that extends up back of heel moves to the right a bit because the highest ankle strap isn't so tight the strap doesn't move. (I can see this only being an issue for someone w/really skinny legs. Mine are 8" around where the highest strap is buckled & I could use one more hole to make the strap tighter.) Not a deal breaker but it's hard to tell w/o actually wearing them for a while to know if this will be a nuisance.

    -the color in the product shot is ttl.

    I like this look ALOT (even though the height of ankle straps may 'shorten' the length of the leg). I'm sure it's attainable from other retailers but I tried some shoes similiar to this last year that just didn't work out. After going through all my summer sandals to compare footbeds, I'm kind of thinking I can wait for these on sale, and if I miss them I won't 'die'. (At least that's how I feel right now. I'm sure if I return them & can't get them I'll be kicking myself!) Not sure what I'm going to do but am thankful I have SIXTY DAYS!!! to decide. Esp. since it's only January! :)

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  44. Pffft, I don't even know if I should bother reviewing a bunch of a stuff I bough super cheap on final sale, buuuut:

    SUNNIE PENCIL SKIRT - super cute!!! So lux. Runs small though and is a little short for a pencil skirt. Unless I have gained some holiday chub and it's fitting tight/short. Actually, that's probably it.

    MERINO CIELO RUFFLE CARDI - cute, esp. for $25. I'm not sure the half-assed ruffle adds much though. I might cut it off. Fits slim but true to size.

    MERINO CHIFFON PLACKET CARDI - Soooo cute! I wish I had scooped up more. True to size but fits pretty tight in the arms. I like that though. Is that weird?

    There you have it, a bunch of reviews of stuff that probably isn't even available anymore. You're welcome.

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  45. I received my final sale order today with some older popbacks and overall I'm very pleased!

    Camden oxfords in light Ginger  I got in size  7.5 and they fit well- I would say slightly big but just fine. The color is as expected!

    Dorian wedges in black.27872 Ive had my eye on these a really long time but have never seen them irl! I ordered a 8 but they sent a 8.5 (  and the box said 8 on it) but I tried them on and they fit perfectly! Isn't that the most bizarre thing you've heard?? I guess typical for our jc though! They are different but I still like them and have plans to wear them with tights and (dont judge) socks.

    Received sequined slouchy tank size xs 32360 in the light pink.found it to be tts. Very happy with the price and I feel I should implement a lifetime sequin purchase ban starting now.

    Last I purchased the Jaspe ruffled cardigan in black. Much thicker than I  expected and pleased. The xs seems tts.

    Hope this helps someone considering pop backs! :)

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  46. I ordered two dresses recently on popbacks: the silk swathe dress, and the wool origami sheath dress.

    I hated the silk swathe dress. I was hoping for an easy, comfy casual dress to just throw on. As soon as I took it out of the bag, I almost didn't want to try it on at all because the fabric was so unpleasant. I found the non-silk portions to be really rough and clingy in that it kept sticking to itself. Any loose threads it had or bits of lint would stick to it like glue. It seemed overall just worn out to me and once on, it was really uncomfortable. Didn't love the fit, either, as it seemed to make me look wider even though it is all black.

    I ordered the wool origami sheath dress in my usual petite size 4 and found that the top half fit like a dream, exactly like it does in all the product and model shots, very flattering and interesting neckline. Also thought the length was great for me, but the bottom was a bit clingy. I'm a bit of a pear and take one size larger for bottoms than tops at J.Crew, so I already suspected I would have this issue and I did. If I had scored the heather elm color, I would have taken it to a tailor to see if it could be saved, but I was only able to get the dark charcoal color which I didn't like as much. I thought it was great and seemed really well constructed. Wish it had been a shirt instead of a dress.

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  47. got the "Waffled cashmere zip sweater" 32496 in Dried Wisteria. LOVE IT. I am a size 4/Small but order 1 size up since I read some review online that ribbed cuffs & sleeves are tight, and I made the right choice. The color on website looks like reddish brown but in person the sweather is more like a washed-red-violet (vintage like). Not to mention the soft Italian cashmere which keeps me warm & happy. After 30%off sale, it costs only $112 pre tax.

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  48. Just got the Laramie purse in dark pewter... thought it'd be more gray than brown. I really wonder if they mixed it up and sent me the warm fig. Anybody have the dark pewter? Is it supposed to be so brown?

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