Tuesday, January 11, 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! :)

68 comments:

  1. has somebody tried the canvas military skirt(#34685)?
    i really like the pine color,but i am not near a store.is the pine color sort of like olive?
    how is the fit and the lenght of the skirt.
    thanks for any comments!

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  2. Julienne heels -- I have a high arch and they are too tight across the top of the foot.

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  3. Received the nylon schoolboy blazer in forest last week. Fit is TTS. The fabric is a nylon knapsack material - not too shiny. I actually like it in this color more than the navy blue, because it gives a very subtle military feel to the garment.

    It's more like a cropped raincoat that a blazer - definitely not for a formal business event, more like friday casual. I can see it for the employee appreciation barbecue in the summer....

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  4. Love the petite stretch wool trouser in favorite fit (14033). It reminds me of the great fitting suiting pants in 2006-2007. The lightweight wool fabric has a great hand-feel and not too flimsy. It's slightly stretchy and fully lined. And I love the favorite fit - it keeps everything under wraps - unlike the city fit, which sometimes creat a muffin top on me.

    Got a P00 which is my usualy size. It's just a teensy bit on the snug side at the waist for now (maybe due to the holiday food consumption?). Others may want to size up if you want to tuck in your shirt or turtlenecks.

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  5. I am loving the Short Icon trench in warm taupe! I passed it up at full price but on vacation was able to try it on in a store and fell in love! The color is neutral enough for work and the fabric and details are perfect. If you can catch it on a pop back it is worth it!

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  6. OT but I got an email that the Ellenton (FL) outlet will start carrying Crewcuts on January 20th, along with a coupon for 20% off any purchase over $125 from 1/20 to 1/31. It's good on both Crewcuts and non-Crewcuts stuff, but only at that specific store. I moved away so I won't be using it. If you want it, email me at casveum at gmail.com

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  7. Totally off topic- so apologies in advance... but I just got an e-mail from Boden and they are offering 20% all spring and free shipping with $175 purchase AND their sale section is packed with $50-$70 blazers -very cute and Guess what? NO final sale! They are pleased to take your return:) I LOVE my jcrew but Boden has some very cute Spring stuff and a few gems left from Fall.

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  8. Perfect-fit mixed-tape cardigan is TTS. For some reason I thought it ran small (can't remember whether I read that here?) and almost ordered up. Sleeves are a bit small - GO BACK TO NORMAL SLEEVES, JCREW! Sheesh, my arms aren't even fat!!

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  9. I got the same email as Catrina's. It's for Allen, TX outlet store and the coupon too. I'm very excited b/c my girls mostly wear crewcuts.
    But I buy a lot of non-factory J Crew & Crewcuts at the end of the season rather than almost full-price factory stuff.
    I'll check the first day for sure (and report)

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  10. Would love to hear any reviews about...

    - Indian voile boy shirt
    - rainy day utility jacket
    - pinstripe mini-short.

    Thanks!

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  11. ina - I tried the canvas military skirt. I haven't seen olive, though. I wear 4 in pencil skirts and 6 in the shorter skirts if I even 'go there.' The same is the case in this skirt (6). The skirt is well constructed and I felt that by way of the waistband when I tried it on. It's a nice basic. Will try to put up the pics later this week.

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  12. mommydearest --

    I think my posts may have been what you're referencing in terms of the Mixed-Tape cardis. Maybe the fact that the sleeves are very tiny make me feel as though they ran small. I am a 0/XS in almost everything and I found the XS to be a little too tight around the bust/shoulder/arm area. It's weird though because I feel like my bronzed twig color in that cardigan fits like it should. Either way, I was disappointed in the sizing :( However I kept them anyway cause the colors disappeared so quickly and I figure I've got some extra winter padding to lose this spring anyway. :o)

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  13. Any reviews of the Allura shift dress? I'd like to try it in superfine cotton and it's been out in super 120's for a while so maybe someone out there has tried it? Would love to hear about it if anyone has an opinion.

    Also curious about the Lighthouse cardigan. It looks so pretty and soft. Anyone?

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  14. I haven't tried any new items or ordered from final sale lately so nothing for me to review.

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  15. @gigiofca:
    thanks you so much!cant wait for your review.
    and thank you for post about the jca community.i agree with you totally.

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  16. Ina--I just received the military skirt in the green which is a fatigue/olive. I usually wear a 0 or 2 in pants and ordered a 4 thinking I could pull it down low to make it longer--big mistake--way too big. It isn't really THAT short so I am exchanging today for my usual size. It will work year-round where I live.

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  17. xoxo - The Allura shift is another review I haven't gotten to. I tried a 4 and it fit well. I am 4 or 6P in JC dresses. Great dress. Nice fit & nice neckline. Not low.

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  18. I received the silk/linen striped sailor sweater. Not surprisingly, it runs a little big. I'm an s or an xs in J Crew tops and the xs was good. It is lightweight, definitely spring-like, and slightly sheer but not see-through. I'm pretty sure I'll keep it. I was afraid the roll up sleeves would be sloppy, but they don't seem to be. It is a loose fit, which I generally don't like, but I like this one belted.

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  19. Gemtwin & gigi -- regarding the military skirt, do you find that you can wear it with a t-shirt, untucked? My worry is that the drawstring waistband will create unattractive bulk and force you to tuck whatever top you wear with it.

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  20. Thanks Gigi! I'll watch for your review and in the meantime if I can get a blanket promo or one on dresses, I'm ordering the superfine cotton Allura in my smaller dress size. I just love the superfine cotton fabric for summer.

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  21. Anyone try the washed crepe Jane dress? I am wondering about the fit, and also in the picture it looks like a nice option for daytime but I wondered if it would seem more for formal in person.

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  22. Xoxo,
    I loved the lighthouse cardigan and ordered it almost as soon as it was released before Christmas (the tag inside in Sp 2011) with a promo code. A couple weeks later, they were marked to $59.99 with another 30% off, so I purchased it again. Honestly, it is worth the original price I paid (just over $100), but I'd be forced to hold out on principle since they've jacked them both up to full price again.

    The silk content gives it a very nice drape and smooth hand feel. The ash color reads more of a pinky oyster to me. I'm almost consistently an XS in cardigans, but I took a small in this one because I preferred a looser drape. It's cut a little closer and shorter than it looks on the model, but the quality is definitely there with this piece.

    HTH.

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  23. I just tried on the Indian voile boy shirt in indigo and really like it. It's a fitted, tissue thin (slightly see-through) chambray style; fits just like the check boy shirt.

    I didn't see anything else worth buying in the store, and it baffles me why the online store seems to have so many great items and none are available in store.

    Speaking of the J Crew website, what's up with the 1999 look and functionality? Where are all the commonly expected e-commerce features that are pretty much standard these days, like shipping quotes before check out and reviews? What else but lack of confidence can explain the absence of product reviews? Imagine how much easier it would be for all of us to shop if we would see other people's reviews on the J Crew website!

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  24. Heather, thanks for the info on the Lighthouse cardi. I never even noticed it until I saw it in the recent catalog. Too bad I missed it on sale but maybe it will get marked down again. I'll be sure to size up, based on your recommendation. Now, which color should I get...?

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  25. I just received my Indian Voile Boy Shirt via UPS. I ordered the Strawberry color using my B&M red phone. Ordered my normal shirt/top size and found the Indian Voile to fit tts. Sleeves are long enough (and I have long arms). Sleeves are not tight at all...thank goodness! I too found it sheer - not quite what I was expecting.....doesn't look sheer online. The top also has a sheen/finish that isn't as evident online. All in all a keeper!
    Lighthouse cardi review: Purchased my normal cardi size and found the sleeves to be too tight. Unfortunately I purchased it as a FS item so must make do with tight sleeves......lesson learned on fs item!

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  26. Made an order with Madewell with the 20% off promo I was sent, have a few quick thoughts!

    1) Night Sky Jacket: Very cute and chic at the same time. I feel younger wearing it, has that look that so many teenagers and twenty-somethings "get" but I don't. {Snort.} I tried it open, zipped up partway, and then zipped up all the way, and I like all three ways. I bought a small and I am glad I did. I think the x-small would have been very tight in the arms and the hem would have bunched up, instead of sitting at the hips like the small does.

    One thing to note...the wool/poly combo is kind of itchy and I am *not* sensitive to wool.

    2) Stirrup Leggings. Looks deceptively small out of the package but the medium fit great, length and all. I have a 34 inch inseam and the stirrup works and the crotch wasn't all saggy like the stirrup leggings of my youth (oh, the horror, OH THE HORROR of those original stirrup leggings).

    3) Bensimon Elastic Sneakers: Size 40. Maybe should have bought a 41, but I figure they will stretch a bit, a la keds. Would rather not have shoes that are too big. The vanilla color reads light brown/tan, very versatile color for the spring/summer.

    Hope that helps someone.

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  27. Lisa, thanks! Good to know I am not going crazy imagining things (yet)! It is irritating how different colors fit differently, no? I have heard two explanations for this - one is that different dyes take hold differently in the same fabric causing variations in the give. The other is that mass-produced garments are cut in a huge stack and then pieced together. Depending on where that particular piece is in the stack, it can be a little bigger or smaller than the norm. Whatever. Either way, it makes it annoying to take several of the same size just to find one that fits *right*

    And you're right - the sleeves are a bit small.

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  28. Re: lighthouse cardi - those of you who bought it on sale - was/is it marked down in B&Ms or was it one of those online pricing games? $42 is a lot less than the current $138! TIA

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  29. Clicquot--just came home with the smallest of my usual sizes and am considering going smaller if they make a 00. I was concerned about the waist too. A loose, drapey top can go over or a fitted one tucked in. You could even do an accent belt over the drawstring if you wanted...

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  30. Tried on the Belmarin pants in the store today and they are nice. They fit sort of like the Waverly chinos but the leg is more trouser style. I didn't buy them though because I can't tell how they will wash. They have linen in them and while it looks nice, can you really just toss them in the washer and have them come out the same? At $75. I didn't want to roll the dice. So if anyone has tried them and braved the washer, I would love to know how they came out.

    The B&M has a new color Jackie, a pretty sea blue marked BBL. Loved it and bought it immediately.

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  31. Elizabeth, I saw that Jackie color and it's very pretty.

    New arrivals next Thu.

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  32. Thanks Gigi, looking forward to spring!

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  33. Any comments on the Laramie purse? I really like the dark pewter color and am hoping it will also go on sale.

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  34. Mommydearest, my lighthouse cardi was online final sale. I have the charcoal gray.......love except for tight arms. If ever gets marked down again I will get the ivory and size up

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  35. Received the Amory Puffer Satchel in light amethyst today. I really wanted a different bag for Spring and this is not it:( I can't get over how much it looks like a diaper bag. It is big and the inside has a great coral contrast fabric, but something about it makes me want to throw in some wipes & a bottle.

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  36. has anyone tried on the britten bootie heels that are on sale for 199? they remind me of these chloe shoes from some years ago, but i'm afraid the opening might be too wide.

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  37. grimbley I have the Britten platform booties (heels) in both brown and black and I really like them. I've worn the brown the most. The heel is not too high, feels solid and I like the buckles. I can get my foot in without unzipping them, they are TTS and comfortable. I wear them with a thicker sock which makes them cozy in the cold weather.

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  38. thanks elizabeth!!

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  39. I'm wearing my silk bloussana tunic for the first time today. I got it for fp - 30% off before xmas - it was backordered till end of Jan but shipped a month early.

    I LOVE it. Fits tts, very pretty, simple, and classic. I can see the poofy sleeve may not be perfect on everyone, but I have broad shoulders for my frame and still like it. A little sad I didn't get it for the price some got it in store, but I'm still happy with it for what I paid. I'm sure I'll have this top for a long time.

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  40. grimbley, I'd say the Britten booties fit true-to-JCrew size . . . for me, that meant going up a half size in heels. The driving mocs and most flats fit my normal size.

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  41. Cafe Capri (Item 34629) in Desert, purchased in my B&M. Fits TTS, in my opinion. I am pretty particular about cropped pants, but I am happy with the length as well. A nice, structured pant that I can't wait to wear!

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  42. I'm hoping someone can offer some help with trouper pant sizing.

    I'm usually a size 27/4. That holds true at JC in Matchsticks and every pant I've tried with 2-4-6 sizing, but I have to size up to a 28 to get my booty into toothpicks. I know most of you have said the troupers are tts, but do any of you size up for toothpicks? The troupers look like they have a skinny fit more similar to toothpicks, but it's so hard to tell...

    They're not fs, so I could order both sizes, but I'd love to avoid that if I can. Any help is greatly appreciated! TIA!

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  43. ajr: I tried on the Trouper pant in my normal size (4) and it was a good fit. I also size up to 28 for both toothpick denim and toothpick cords. Didn't pull the trigger on them because my B&M only had them in titanium, and I want them in shadow. Just my perspective; hope this helps!

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  44. Review of the Brigadier utility jacket in this post.

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  45. Thanks Joanie, that helps a lot!

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  46. ajr - I am on the fence between two sizes. Sometimes a 4 in the pants and sometimes 6. In the toothpick ankle jean I wear 29, which is technically size 8. They're definitely too big in the waist, but I tried the 28s and creating a jegging fit, instead of looking jeans.

    If I were getting the troupers, I would get a 6. They look really slim. I don't have a large rear, but it's round and that's what I have to consider as J Crew flatters the flatter, imo.

    I find chatting or calling to find out measurements is very helpful. Sometimes I'll ask for measurements on something I already own that they can still see in their system. And then compare those measurements to those on the item I have my eye on.

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  47. gigi - Thanks for the input. You are always good for sizing advice. I find measurements really helpful for tops, but not so much with bottoms (at least from my experience so far) but the CS I chatted with did suggest sizing up. I just wasn't sure whether to believe her or not as it didn't sound like she'd actually tried the pants on. But you are right about the booty fit - my toothpicks fit like jeggings, which I like for them, but not sure how skintight I'd want the troupers to be. Maybe I should just suck it up and order both sizes.

    Oh how I wish I lived closer to a B&M. An hour one way is a long drive to try on a pair of pants. :) And with my luck, they wouldn't have them, but they'd have something else I'd "have to have"! :)

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  48. ajr - Don't ever drive an hour to look for something. Call first. A sales assoc can look up the style # on their computer to see the item and tell you if they have your size or not, or even carry it in the store. FYI, troupers are *not* .com only.

    ;-)

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  49. Loved the new cafe capris. They fit like normal cafe capris - TTS. But instead of the leg being a bit flared at the bottom, it is more straight down.

    Also, love the dream open shawl cardigan - the one that looks like a cocoon. I think it fits TTS or a bit large. Very cozy. The rope color is a really nice neutral.

    Belmarin pants - I agree that it looks and fits like trousers. They had the chambray color at the b&m. Very lightweight. Fits tts and perfect for the summer.

    I think I'm the last one on the boat for the Macalister wedge boot. They are so beautiful and super comfy. I'm a 7 1/2 and the 8 fit perfect. I rolled up the new cafe capris and put the boots on without socks- it looked super cute. I normally don't wear any heel, but the 3" wedge was very wearable.

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  50. I received the Ashbury tote in tuscan olive today (stalked in on eBay and finally got one for a decent price).

    This bag is a monster - more of a bookbag size than a legitimate purse-size. I'm fine w/this b/c I commute on foot/subway to work every day and this bag will hold it all (and then some), but be forewarned if you're looking for a "purse". The Ashbury tote is way too big to be counted in the purse category.

    The color is a very lovely olive shade that will go with lots of things.

    The leather is very soft and "floppy" with a nice pebbly texture to it. This was kind of surprising, as all the photos of the bag showed something of a "glazed" or harder leather finish. I'm happy with this leather, but it will take a bit more to keep it clean and in decent shape.

    There is a crossbody strap that is adjustable (and removable), but I think it's a bit thin for a bag this size. The hematite metal handle is very lovely however, and the rope weaved in is a nice accent.

    Overall, I'm very pleased with this bag and it will suit my purposes well. The fact that it's been sold out on J. Crew forever tells me that I'm not alone in this thought!

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  51. If anyone's been eying the FAUX FUR VEST during the weekend J.Crew factory sales...I'd say buy it! I do think $150 for factory is a wee bit high...but maybe it'll be discounted even more soon.

    Here it is!
    http://dtdiaries.blogspot.com/2011/01/simple-yet-classic.html

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  52. Ok, quick help please!

    1. Can anyone comment on the fit of the Stretch wool two-button jacket or the Two button jacket in Super 120s? I need a better-fitting blazer and want to scoop up one of these before my size sells out, but I don't want to spend a lot of money (the 120s) if the stretch wool 2-button one is just as good (or better).

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  53. Ali - I haven't tried either of those blazer. However, I noticed the stretch wool two-button jacket hits at the hip and is .com only. The classic two-button jacket hits at the high hip, meaning it's shorter. It's available at select stores. That's all I got for ya.

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  54. Has anyone tried the bell staff Shannon boots?

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  55. I got the maxi print boy shirt in the bright pink check this week and i love it! I feel it runs small I tried on my normal 0 and felt like I could seriously rip out of it!! I ended up getting it in a 2 but if typo want that bigger boy look I would have sized up to a 4 honestly! Love it though light weight and good for layering and such. So my recommendation is size up on this one!

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  56. I definitely agree about sizing up with the maxi-check perfect shirt. I always take a 0 in them, with room to spare, but definitely felt that a 0 in this one was a bit snug.

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  57. Karen or Heather, in case either of you has subscribed, could you shoot me an email? Thanks so much :)
    mommydearestjca at yahoo

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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! :)