Tuesday, January 18, 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! :)

43 comments:

  1. Don't have my most recent final sale purchase (yet! just got an email saying it had been shipped!) but hopefully others have gotten theirs.
    Sub!

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  2. I should be getting the new cafe capris today and I will report back!

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  3. I tried the Bonfire cardigan in store and I wouldn't recommend it to petite lades like me: the lapels looked funny and overwhelming on me. I also would have liked it to be longer but it was strangely a little bit too short (it hit at my hip) for this kind of cardigan. The weight is very substantial though and it's a nice cardigan so if you are tall it might work for you. I will post pics of this and other stuff that I have tried later today if I can. HTH!

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  4. OT but there are two NWOTs Maggie jackets on eBay ending in 5 hours, both size 10T. One berry, one black. Starting bid is $29.99 on each + $7.99 to ship, no bids yet. I lurve my Maggie, so if you have ever wanted one, this price is tough to beat -- they're usually $100+ at resale.

    Seller's username is gracemarienicole -- not my auctions nor those of anyone I know.

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  5. I'm still waiting on my shipment which would arrive later this week (I hope).

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  6. Does anyone have the silk chiffon taryn dress or the washed crepe jane dress? I would really appreciate any opinions on the two, TIA.

    This is kind of a late review but I bought the stadium cloth boulevard trench last week for a song and can not begin to tell you how happy I am with it. I live in the northeast where it gets pretty cold and the coat keeps me so warm. The stadium cloth is definitely worth the investment. I have a lady day with thinsulate and it is not as warm since only the body is lined. The only con is that the coat is a little longer than I'd like (I'm 5'2" and it skims my knees) but definitely my favorite piece I bought all season.

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  7. Does anyone else own the Gibson sandals? I bought them on final sale, they haven't arrived yet. I'm a little worried because the shoe is still available in so many sizes/colors, and I'm wondering if everyone else returned theirs! I hope I don't have to put mine up on eBay. :)

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  8. Can anyone comment on how this year's cashmere is holding up -- pilling, fuzzing, balling, etc?

    The last cashmere sweater I bought in 2008 pilled so badly that within 3 months, it looked like I'd dragged it through velcro loops. I've stuck w/merino wool since, but would like to try the cashmere again (not featherweight, though). Also, is there a quality difference between the regular cashmere & collection cashmere?

    I have the cashmere Elette cardi, which is a collection item, but haven't worn it yet for fear it'll pill just as badly as my previous purchases.

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  9. Wow, did anyone else get the 60% off wedding dress e-mail? They are basically giving some of the really expensive gowns away. Wish I had the dough to get the dress I want with this insane sale!

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  10. Connor: I went a little overboard with last year's cashmere (5 Cody's, 2 Femme's, cashmere tee dress, 3 v-neck cardis, and some more...). I'd say the regular 12-gauge knit has been holding up pretty well compared to the ones from '08/'09. However, the ones I've worn few times for more than half day it does show some pills along the sides on the bottom where the most friction is I guess. Overall, I'm happy with my cashmere from '10 and hope it continues to stay that way or get better. I do try to stay away from the 14-gauge featherweight (as much as I love them in those beautiful colors) though since those are more prone to pretty bad pilling.
    I'm not sure if there's a difference with the Collection cashmere and I guess someone could chime in. HTH!

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  11. Thanks jcrewphd. Can you comment on the sleeve fit? I've heard some say the sleeves on the V-neck cashmere pullovers were tighter than usual; what about the cashmere V-neck button down cardigans? I like to layer both a tissue-weight tank/turtleneck under a perfect shirt under cardis; will that be too constricting? TIA!

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  12. I too got the e-mail about the 60% off Wedding Dresses =)

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  14. Thanks for the info about the featherweight cashmeres, I was thinking about getting a few for spring but don't want to constantly be cutting off pills. (I just finished cutting some off of another maker's cashmere cardi). I'll stick with merino as well. Seems like there could be some finishing process that could reduce pills.

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  15. I love JCrew jackets and treated myself to a couple during the 40% off. In case anyone is interested: I got the eyelash tweed in ivory and like it a lot, it's very eye catching, but it's not clear to me yet whether I'll wear it in the day or reserve it for evening. The sleeves are long on me (I am petite) but otherwise the fit is fine (perhaps a little big in the body). Was it worth $598? I don't think so, but for under $200 I like it.

    The morceau, even at $119, is a pass for me (thank goodness my receipt doesn't say FS). The fit in the shoulders was off, making me look like a linebacker. I really wanted it to work but my fashion consultant (DH) gave me the thumbs down. That said, I really liked the tweed and didn't find the sequins overwhelming.

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  16. I enthusiastically agree with Michelle's review of the stadium cloth boulevard trench. It's very warm and well constructed. The boulevard trench is double breasted, with a lot of fabric overlap at the button front. The lady day's button front doesn't have much overlap and tends to gap a little between the buttons, which lets cold air and wind in. I like my lady day coat, but it's not suitable for *really* cold days. On frigid days, I stick with my boulevard trench or sherpa lined puffer jacket.

    My only recent JC cashmere purchases were two cashmere hoodies. I haven't worn either of them enough to judge the quality, but I don't see much pilling so far.

    ITA with the comments about the 14 gauge "spring weight" cashmere pilling excessively. It's not just JC either. My Lands End and Talbots lightweight cashmere also pills like crazy and I'm afraid that constant use of the de-pilling comb will make holes in the thin knit.

    I'm waiting for 2 pairs of wool flannel trousers and 2 pairs of Minnetonka boots from the 40% fs promotion. I bought the flannel trousers as replacements for some well worn Talbots wool flannel trousers and the boots are just because I love Minnetonka moccasins and sherpa lined boots.

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  17. Connor - The two cashmere cardigans that I got in the fall are doing okay. Some pilling, but not much - certaily not as much as in the past. I did find, though, that the sleeves on the v-necks were very tight. The sleeves were too tight and the body was too big no matter what size I tried.

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  18. Hey JCAs...I highly recommend the BRIGADIER UTILITY JACKET! I have last year's similar style...and I can't get enough! Style it up or down...I LOOOOOVE IT!!!!

    Last time i posted it over a dress...this time I'm wearing it casual with tons of layers!

    http://dtdiaries.blogspot.com/2011/01/good-bad-and-ugly.html

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  19. I have the cashmere cowl neck sweater and have worn it quite a bit with no pilling or problems so far whatsoever!

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  20. My 2nd (and final) MUSTHAVE order just arrived. The gunemtal factory sequin stardust skirt (item #29991) is FINALLY mine, and it's TDF! Now at least I know I'll never be without something to wear for a dressy occasion. Fit is TTS imo. Awesome deal at $29.99 after discount.

    Also love the haya sequin sweatshirt in marled charcoal, $49.97 after discount. I'm not sure what people whill make of it when I bust it out at work, but I'll report back!

    Last but not least, the bronzed leopard cami was about $30 after discount. I didn't read the description so i didn't notice it had a chest pocket. Not terribly crazy about the pocket on there, but I'm still going to give it a chance. The colors are more saturated IRL vs online, IMO.

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  21. I rec'd the Twill utility vest/small/item 22560 (recycled item # & desc. from last yr). It fits tts. The modelled pic is a true to life rep. of fit. I think it's shorter in length, thinner twill/cotton, has exterior drawstring you can tie & cut wider than last years light grey utility vest. The color is a bit darker olive green than the photo. Ooh, I kind of feel like you could hook some lures on it, put on a cotton bucket hat & head for your fishing boat. SORRY, just kidding. I didn't feel that way about it in grey.

    Not reviewing these since they're from last year but I received the Reese studded back-zip gladiator sandals & am not sure I'm going to keep them. They look and fit fine but pulling the zipper up the back makes me squirmish. I'm fearful that in a hurried moment I'm going to catch the skin on my achilles tendon in the zipper...eek!

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  22. Connor -- I feel like the 2010 cashmere is thicker and better quality than 2009 and especially better than 2007/08. I have one of the cardigans and a v-neck sweater that have had about 8 wearings, and there's very little pilling. I also feel like the cardigan sleeves are slightly roomier this year as compared to 09.

    HTH!

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  23. not sure if this is the right place to post, but there's an auction on ebay right now for the Michelle Obama skirt that she wore on Oprah magazine with the matching jacket in a size 4. Not my auction. The bidding starts at $70. Just type in J Crew tweed 4 and you'll see it. I'm sure some JCA would love it.w

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  24. I just got an email that my 40% purchase has shipped. I ordered the Bonfire cardigan (which I tried on at the B&M). I thought it was very flattering and it did fall below my hip (I wonder if Ema just tried on a defective one). I also ordered the gingham perfect shirt in black (I've been wanting a gingham shirt, but didn't want to spend $70). Also ordered a pair of earrings and a scarf from Factory. I didn't want to buy anything, but the 40% off was too tempting. Luckily, I there wasn't much available that I wanted.

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  25. Forgot to mention that I'm tall, so maybe the Bonfire wouldn't work if you're short.

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  26. In my experience there is no difference between the collection cashmere and the regular cashmere items for the comparable gauge cardigans for example.

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  27. I received my cafe capris. I ordered desert and black. First off, I really hate the front pockets. They are very visible on the desert pair, not so much on the black but still enough to be bothersome. I will have my tailor sew them shut and cut off all the excess fabric. On the upside, the new style is great in my opinion. I ordered my usual 2 and they are not tight. I hope they don't stretch too much with wear because the fit is so nice. I like the slim cut and the longer length is good. I'm 5' 7" and they hit my right at the top of the foot. The fabric feels really nice. I recommend except for the pockets. Even if I used front pockets, which I don't, I think these are just too visible and unattractive.

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  28. Desert Flower I am envious that you can even entertain buying spring clothes. I'm living the reverse of you geographically - I'm a Southern girl transplanted to Canada - and I'm freezing in the depths of winter right now. :^( Still a few weeks until the next tropical vacation. Enjoy your capris!

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  29. XOXO, it was 75 here today. I love it but it's going to be spring and I haven't had a chance to wear all my winter gear! My gorgeous wool pencil skirts and blazers got very little action this winter.

    Still deciding whether I should keep the cafe capris or wait for sale. As someone else pointed out, I need to factor in the tailoring cost too.

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  30. I was finally able to catch the Collage-dot Seraphina gown in my size last week. It arrived yesterday and I love it...definitely worth the sale price I paid. :)

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  31. Rec'd my final sale box today:

    Long Benny Blazer in heather charcoal: this is a nice, lightweight wool blazer that fits like a "boyfriend" blazer (this is not a fitted jacket). For me, it's a great outer layer for L.A. in winter. Unlined with a slight bit of stretch.

    Cropped Tuxedo Pant in charcoal: these fit true to size and are really cute. Unlined with a slight bit of stretch.

    Dulphine Bling Button Cardigan in heather graphite: Typical J. Crew v-neck cardi. Fits true to size, nice lightweight knit, very similar to the crew neck bling button cardis from last season.

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  32. This is a review of the Minnetonka shearling-lined boots (item 32134): These "boots" are more like furry mocassins than winter boots. I definitely wouldn't wear them outside in bad weather. They have thin rubber soles, like driving mocs, and they're suede. I doubt any amount of waterproofing spray would keep these boots dry in wet snow.

    I ordered both colors during the additional 40% off promotion for $75 a pair. I love Minnetonka mocassins, and I plan to keep them, but they're not worth the $168 full price IMO. As far as sizing goes, they're tts but a little on the narrow side.

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  33. Anyone own the Wool crepe blazer!?! I ordered it and want some comments on quality, fit, etc. if there are any.

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  34. I received the Canvas Military Skirt item 34685, in black. Black is true black. The material is thicker, heavier, soft cotton but not 'canvas' like you may think of canvas (I was imagining stiff). I ordered a size 6 which is a size too big for me in skirts. Even if I had ordered my regular size I wouldn't keep it, even on sale. I think it looks like a barrel. If you were to pull a top over the gathered waistband, the lumpiness would show through. If you tuck a tee or top into the waistband you achieve the barrel effect. The waistband kills it. Maybe it's designed to be worn w/a tee and sporty jacket over it? Actually, a tee and the military vest may look nice with it if you like the vest. Sorry, I'm sure others will find a way to work w/it.

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  35. just got the Bevin Blouse in White Ash. Absolutely adorable, beautiful details, boxy but not shapeless. Flattering and worth the $$!

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  36. Jeanne -- Am very interested in your review of the flannel pants. I just ordered 2 myself (4 petite), and am concerned about 2 things:
    1. Warmth (are they nice and toasty?)
    2. Fit -- I have bigger hips / behind, so wanted to know the fit around that area. I would be wearing these to work, they couldn't be *tight*

    Thanks!

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  37. Sangita, my wool flannel pants are "out for delivery" so I will post a review this evening or tomorrow.

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  38. I received the wool flannel 1035 trousers (item 28587) in the mail today and all I can say is, "WTF????? This is *NOT* wool flannel!" I own numerous well-worn pairs of wool flannel pants. I KNOW what wool flannel looks like. These are UNLINED, very lightweight wool pants. I checked the tag against the online number because I was sure they accidently sent me the stretch wool trousers but, oddly enough, the tags in these pants match the item number for the wool flannel pants. They're "final sale" but I'm tempted to return them on principle, even though they fit well and they're comfortable. So, to answer Sangita's questions: 1. Hell, no. They're NOT warm or toasty. 2. They *do* seem to have a curvier shape than most JC pants.

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  39. Wool lolli pants- love these! I purchased in normal size 0 and they seem to fit tts maybe slightly big. They are slightly cropped and cuffed- I didn't notice they were cropped until I received them but I somehow ended up really loving just the same! They are unlined but very soft. Keeping them and honestly think I'll wear these with a ton of the basics and neutrals in my closet!

    Fs order:
    Love everything !

    Lace tee in the cobblestone color 31958- normal xs and oversized as expected! Also very sheer (as expected) will have to layer which is just fine! Excited it came with no flaws or snagged! Can you believe this retailed for $110?!? I love for the price I got very much though!

    Dulphine torque sweater- 34634 have had my eye on this forever. Purchased in usual xs and fits perfect. Very delicate with sparkle. Love the tie on back of neck. Will wear with black cami underneath!

    Suede Flannery Platform ankle boots 31028- love love! Got these in anchor grey size 8 (my normal jcrew ballet flat size) will absolutely be wearing these with tights and jeans for months until spring comes. If these pop back in your size I very highly recommend!

    Bonfire cardigan 34053 in gray size xs. Ok I know this isn't everyones favorite but omg I love it! I got my normal xs it's super cozy and dare I say I don't think it will pill!! It is a lot of material but I plan to wear it belted and with skinny jeans. For reference I'm 5'3" and don't feel it's too overwhelming! One of my favorites so far honestly!

    I'm done with final sale and for sure with shopping for the month! Hope these help someone debating about pop backs :)

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  40. I got my final sale order yesterday and was pretty happy with everything:
    Vintage cotton amour tank: I got a size small in both navy and light pink. LOVE them both. Perfect for layering under a cardigan to dress it up a little. The neckline is not too low for work and the armholes aren't too big. At 40% off 19.99 they were $11.99!! Now I want the charcoal grey too.
    Starry Night Mini: I sized up from my usual 4 to a 6. The fit is a little loose but overall good. I really like this. It doesn't look too dressy / shiny. It also has a really nice heavy duty zipper in the back with a cute grosgrain ribbon pull. I think with black tights this will go to the office with no problem. I just hope the sequins don't get stuck on my chair.
    Wooltown skirt: I sized up from my usual 4 to a 6 and am glad I did. It's really (really) short. It barely meets my work's dress code skirt length requirement that the hem is at least at your finger tips (and I'm 5' 3").
    Lastly, if you're going to take advantage of the new 40% off - check out the tights. I stocked up since the solid opaques were only $6.30 after the discount and the heather carbons were only $9.90 after the discount. yay!

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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! :)