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! :)
20% off knits & tees + free shipping on $150 or more with SHIP150 thru Thu, 5/5.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite new purchase is the crewcuts, boys white poplin shirt. I am usually a 2/4/6 in women's shirts and XS in mens (depending on if I'm after something roomy or tiny). I got this in a 14 and I love the fit. The fabric is nice and details very cute. I wanted a second but they are sold out again in this size--argh! I am quite tall and the sleeves work.
ReplyDeleteoff topic but this is in the news:
ReplyDeletehttp://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2011/05/j_crew_dares_to_photograph_a_g.html
(Hi everyone, I changed my username from socialscientist to life as a cat.)
ReplyDeleteHmm wow, I haven't done this in a while so I guess there are a few things . . .
Tea-Stained Dobby Dress, XXS: I know this has probably been reviewed many times, but I'll put in my two cents. I decided to keep this one even though I relate to the odd fit others have mentioned. The waist is too low to be empire and too high to be natural, so one is not sure where it's supposed to hit. In addition, the bodice seems too poofy and gives the impression of a really large, droopy chest or something. I think I've accepted that the dress is probably just supposed to have a hip, slightly "off" look that would befit an Urban Outfitters aesthetic or Jenna Lyons's eye. I found that the dress looks best belted to create a waist, and preferably with the bodice stretched downward to reduce the poof. If there were any way to take in the sides of the bodice that would still allow it to be wide enough to get the dress on, I think that would take care of most of its problems. It is a bit short, but is quite demure for a minidress. I'll be wearing it with a rust-colored cardigan, maybe in Smoldering Brick, and some sandals I have. Will upload pics as soon as I have my tripod with me!
Perfect Fit Boatneck Tee, XXS, in Spearmint, Melon Spice, and Dried Rose: I feel like these tees have gotten even thinner since last fall, when I noticed a thinning from the seasons before. Disappointing. But as I pretty much pull on a cotton long-sleeved tee first thing when I get dressed 9 or 10 months out of the year here in Seattle, I need these. I loved these three colors; the summer ones are disappointing and I will await the fall color palette to see if I can score some more.
Oh yeah, I forgot:
ReplyDeleteSaturday Sweater, XXS in Marled Pulp Alabaster: Why is this sweater neon yellow?? It shows as a sweet, buttery yellow on the website. Upon further research on Google, I discovered that another reader had already stumbled upon this problem. Well I decided to keep it anyway as I loved the fit. The slouchiness was wonderful and chic, and the off-the-shoulder shoulder seams worked out surprisingly well. It was rather large when it came but as with most J. Crew knits, it dependably shrank (don't know what I'd do with wovens, but it's a good thing I don't wear them for the most part). I tried wearing a t-shirt underneath but that immediately made my upper body look huge. I would recommend something with straps no thicker than a tank top, otherwise your shoulder won't look the way they're supposed to with this sweater. The yellow is slightly see-through which is a toughie, because it looks so nice with nothing underneath it. Oh yeah, after my first wear I noticed some holes where the hem hits the button tab of my jeans. Ridiculous. Fortunately it was fixed up with some thread.
sub
ReplyDeleteHere are some reviews I posted on Polyvore, but not on my blog yet:
ReplyDeleteI ordered the matte sequin cami just to try out for fun -- turns out it's lovely, and perfection with the seaweed open knit cardi. The color is really pretty. Great price at $35 IMO.
I really wanted to make the Casbah Blouse work, but I tried a 2 and then a 4, and it's just too tight in the shoulder/arm seams, in a strange way. Sadness. Maybe if it comes down in price.
So instead, I will now keep the Lace Popover, which I looove! It's really lovely on, and will get a lot of wear. Both an XS and a S worked for me.
The Marled Sweatshirt Tee was a lark, and darn if JC didn't pull it off, b/c it's lean and long and so cute. True, the ragged armholes might be a mess, but I might be willing to make do.
Love the leopard spots tee. Reminds me of my neon 80's.
I'm in the love-for-the-Urbanite camp, and now have every color. Love. I went with my usual dress size (2) and feel comfortable with that (no gaping armholes). I know many have sized down.
Sadly, the Moto trench was too short, as was the lace merino skirt.
Love the Crewcuts Cotton Zip Captain Cardi, but can't justify keeping it. So cute though! (I got the 12, only size that popped back, and it fit, but sleeves were a bit short)
I recently got the Weekend Dress. It's very comfy-casual in soft cotton with rollable sleeves and an easy drawstring waist. The skirt is fairly straight, which is great for those of us who are not blessed with curves from the waist down. It's a little on the shorter side but fine for casual wear. IMO you couldn't really dress it up too much anyway, because of the patch pockets. The pockets are handy though and the dress is very flattering. This will be a summer favorite for me. I might even try this one in fall/winter with a tissue turtleneck and nights. Marked down from $88 to $39.99 and still quite a few sizes left.
ReplyDelete^ I mean "with a tissue turtleneck and tights."
ReplyDeleteAlthough it's already been reviewed a few times, I just thought I would post about the Sailor sweater again - it's definitely one of my current favourites this spring (IRL pic on my blog here; be forewarned there is a back story re: the outfit, i.e. the post is not an outfit review). Although I usually order size M to account for shrinkage, I took a size Small in the Sailor sweater, because I didn't want it to be too slouchy. I'm happy with the fit.
ReplyDeleteReceived a few goodies last weekend - the Roulette clutch in sandalwood, the Shelby dress in white, the driving scarf in retro orange and the liquid rib cardigan in Hampton yellow.
The clutch is an ochre colour, which I was expecting from the online reviews. The design is not the greatest, in terms of getting at your wallet easily, it is really more a showpiece than a working purse.However I love the look of it so it's a keeper.
I love the Shelby dress, it will be great for the summer - fits TTS. I also have it in black.
The driving scarf in the retro orange (graphic) print is pretty masculine looking so I will be saving it for work outfits.
The liquid rib cardigan looks to be a new favourite - I love the yellow colour. The knit is very soft but fragile, I'll have to be careful not to snag it.
Playa skirt - I got this in the citron, size 2 (my usual size). The color has a slight greenish tint with a bit of sheen, similar to how it looks on my monitor. It measures just shy of 19". I measured the length from the top of the actual waist band, since this is the narrowest part and determines where the skirt sits on the waist. It sits at my natural waist and ,at 5'3", places the bottom of the hem 1.5" above my knee. The paper bag ruffle extends about 3/4" above the top of the waist band.
ReplyDeleteThe back pockets are sewn shut and topstitched down, so they lie perfectly flat and don't add extra bulk to my butt. Very nice!
I ordered this skirt because I liked how cute it looked, but mainly because the description on the website indicated it was machine wash. I was highly disappointed to see that the care tag says to Dry Clean. I may return it for this reason.
I just received the Eyelet Derby in the jade color and the Cecelia in the blue. Both are going back! I ordered a size 2, my usual size and they are both too big through the top which makes them look hideous on me. :(
ReplyDeleteI did buy the Collins heels on Tamara's recommendation and they are AWESOME. I have needed a pair of brown-toned heels, the mink is beautiful and they are so comfortable despite the 4" heel, it's incredible.
I got mine for $69.99 on the last 30%, still lots of sizes left. Thanks Tamara!!
Bought the merino lace skirt in the vintage fatigue, I love it. Sized up so it sits on the hips and gives some length, a beautiful piece. I'll post some pics on my blog this week!
I highly recommend the Boys Crestline Madras shirt, I got it in a size 12 ( usually wear a size 0 or 2). The 12 fit me better than the Women's size 0 in Perfect shirts, and overall the Madras print is lovely.
ReplyDeleteOMG, how many items does this make now where the actual item does not match the online description in some way?
ReplyDelete- Beatrice blouse (poly, not silk)
- Jane dress (Lyocell, not silk)
- Playa skirt (DC, not machine wash)
- Dotted tulle fineline cami (poly, not silk)
Hello?! All the poly I would expect from LOFT - but at least they don't lie about it in their descriptions.
Whoops, this isn't the vent thread? ;)
Has anyone tried or seen the Leslie Lace Shell? At $88 it seems a bit pricey for a cotton/nylon/poly shell. I like the idea of it but I am wondering if maybe it looks too underwear-ish. Any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteTIA
xoxo, I just posted a review of the Leslie Lace Shell on my blog. You can find it here.
ReplyDeleteI can't attest to sizing because I bought this thing for a project (i.e., to scavange the fabric), but the Revele mini is very cute and not super short. If anyone wants actual measurements for size 10, let me know. The color is much more orange-y than it appears on my monitors, but it's cute, like an apricot. The fabric has a metallic sheen, most of it is covered by the organza trim which is really pretty. The fabric is kind of stiff but since the skirt has pleats instead of gathers it needs to have body anyway. If I were a mini-wearer I would definitely wear this skirt. I had gotten it with the 30% off promo so it was only $70 (and not final sale!), well worth that price IMO.
ReplyDeleteDani, I'm so happy that you like the Collins! The mink color is so pretty. I bought my sister a pair, she doesn't know yet. :) I like this shoe so much I'd like to have a backup pair, I'm hoping they get marked down further.
I ordered the western denim shirt (I have a weakness for denim shirts). I love it, I think it runs a tiny bit snug. Not worth $100! I will return and wait for sale. The funny thing was, when I pulled it out of the plastic, there was a strong leather scent. They must spray it with leather scent when they pack it to give you the full "western" experience. The other item in my order was not leather and did not smell of leather. Just thought it was funny.
ReplyDeleteand sub :)
ReplyDeleteI ordered the vintage cotton lace inset tee and I really like it but am unsure of sizing. I have it now in a medium and it is big and swingy but people say it looks fine so maybe it is OK like that. I think with the lace insets you would not want a snug fitting shirt anyway. They dark grey is really nice and not see-through at all. I did order a small to compare, but if I keep the medium maybe I'd put it in the dryer and not worry about it.
ReplyDeleteI also received the sleeveless safari dress in navy. I love this. I feel great in it. The material is nice and comfortable. It is not too short on me, but I am just under 5'6".
Kristin, I had the same problem with the lace inset tee. I decided to return and reorder in the smaller size. It was just too roomy for my liking. Thank goodness it is not final sale now. Hate final sale on items that aren't available in the store.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info, shopalot! I got measurements and didn't want a shirt that was too snug but I still feel like the medium is a little too big. I too am glad it's not final sale so I can keep trying and see if I can get it right. If final sale had been going on I never would have tried it in the first place. It's a cute tee - it should have been in stores IMO. What color did you get?
ReplyDeletejacquelyn, thank you for the review and IRL photos of the Leslie. I was not crazy about the contrasting lining in the black and you confirmed my suspicions that it's not for me. I'll probably go the blue or white, maybe one now and one on sale. So glad to hear that it is soft.
ReplyDeleteKristin, is medium your usual size in tees? I agree that, with the lace insets, I wouldn't want the shirt to be tight. I'd love to get the white, but don't want something too see-through.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried on the Summer Hours linen dress? I'm thinking of getting it for my law school graduation. Any opinions on it for that occasion or other suggestions? Thanks!
ReplyDeletemaryeb - my "usual size" is all over the place! I wear a 4 in sleeveless tops, 6 in perfect shirts, medium in jackies and a medium in the perfect fit tees but they stretch out on me after 2 or 3 wears so I wash them on warm and dry on hot to bring them back to shape. I went to a store and tried on other vintage cotton tees and would have taken a small. I showed an SA the inset tee in the medium but she did not think it was too big on me, it has sort of an airy swingy shape and she thought with skinny bottoms it would be cute that way. My gut it telling me it is too big, especially if it ever stretched out. I've got a small on the way so I will get to see for certain. I did email for small and medium measurements - if you are interested I can send those.
ReplyDeleteI bet this shirt would be gorgeous in white but you just know it is see through. The regular vintage cotton tees in the store are so I'm not even going to try it.
I ordered the vintage cotton lace inset tee in spiced olive and faded black. Agree with you, didn't want it too snug but my regular tee size just looked silly, like a smock. Someone mentioned that when a top is available in XXS, it's a sign that it runs large. In this case, I would have to agree.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kristin and Shopalot. I appreciate the detailed info.
ReplyDeleteI got a bunch of stuff from the last 30 off/FS promo. I really like the Beatrice blouse, but don't think I'm going to hang onto it for FP. Hoping it gets marked down. I really think it's very flattering. I wear a 10 or 12 and got a 12 and don't think I could size down. I got the cashmere zip hoodie in the blue color and returned it. It wasn't bright enough to justify keeping. But I do love these cashmere hoodies! I also got the Electra wrap sweater after seeing it on DaniBP's blog and love it!! Got a sz. Large and fits good, maybe could've gone w/a M. I was so curious to see how the Merino sequin sweater dress would look and I hated it! It runs small and is way too shiny! Already been returned. I got the Casbah silk pullover. Not sure I'm keeping it, but it is pretty. Also, on the fence about the Lady Lace popover in black, sz. L. I like it and it's roomy, but just not sure I can justify another black sweater. Whew! Sorry so long-winded!
ReplyDeleteIRL photos of the Casbah bikini and perfect shirt print comparison here.
ReplyDeletesub :)
ReplyDeleteReceived my package on Monday, full of dresses--unfortunately, most of them are going back.
ReplyDeleteI had high hopes for the Lorelei beach dress, ordered both P2 and P4 for trying-on purposes. The P4 fit best in the bodice, skirt was a little short but flared out beautifully. However, the strapless bodice is simply not forgiving of different-sized busts... I'm a 32A in a push-up bra, and the chest very obviously required tailoring. Even in the P2, which barely zipped up (I have size 0 hips and size 6 waist) but still poofed with empty fabric at the bust. Too bad because I adore the sea crest color.
Also ordered the drift/lyric dress in shadow (teal was sold out), XXS and XS. They both fit, I'm keeping the XS for more stretch--and I normally take a 2, sometimes 0, in dresses--which means that the XXS really isn't that small. There's maybe a centimeter difference in width at the waistline, but the waist-shoulder length (where I would want to size down) is the same. I wasn't sure about the color and the deep neckline, but wore the dress to a dinner today and if the fabric softness/drape holds up to washing, I think it will work, especially for $28.
Ordered the Amie dress in XS, too, to pad for free shipping. The fit was more forgiving in the bust, but color and drape were just meh. Another return.
My measurement stats: 31-28-34 (straight though not particularly thin), 5'2", 120 lbs.
Reviews of the following:
ReplyDeleteThe Good
Matte Sequin Cami in Faded White, Size 6 - Feels like great quality, drapes well, neckline wasn't too low, was long enough, but not too long and the matte sequins were quite pretty. A bargain at $35.
The Not-So-Good
Merino Keyhole Popover in Heather Graphite size Medium - Ran large, and the neckline was very saggy, just okay.
The Ugly
Lulu Frost Blizzard Bracelet - This felt very cheap and light, but despite that I still wanted to keep it, I wore it for a few minutes and the mesh bent on itself and would not unbend... not good. Not even for the sales price.
Got the Indio hobo today. Meh. Very lightweight. I do like it but it just isn't worth the price. Also the description says the strap adjusts to wear messenger style but it does not. I even chatted with customer service and she went and got the bag and couldn't figure it out. Also the dust bag was not soft but felt more like a scratchy percale sheet. Will return. :(
ReplyDeleteI realize this is an old shoe but I just got mine and they're great, the black Streamer t-strap platforms. I got them with the 30% off promo. I was afraid they might be beat up, and they did come in a substitute box with no fabric bag, but the shoes are in perfect condition and the suede is so pretty and dark black it looks like velvet. They fit exactly like the other straight heel platforms, like Gibson and Coddington.
ReplyDeleteLbelle, it sounds like they used part of the copy from the Indio bucket bag for the hobo. I like the look of the Indio bags but why did they put the same brown strap on all three colors? Couldn't they color-match the strap? It looks out of place IMO, like you took a strap from another bag.
ReplyDeleteI also received the Factory cotton-silk camp shirt in orchid shadow. I ordered an XL since I'm a 12-14, it was pleasantly loose but just like with the J Crew 3/4 sleeve Perfect Shirt the neck is so dang huge! Honestly, I don't need a 20" collar. It might be tolerable if I had it spread open all of the time, but sometimes I like to do the nerd-girl thing and button my shirts up. It's a shame because the cotton-silk fabric and orchid shadow color is beautiful. The fabric is sheer though, I'd definitely need to wear something underneath. It's going back. I have to give up on J Crew's collared shirts. Will focus on cardis and shoes again. :)
ReplyDeleteSubscribing. :)
ReplyDeletePosted pics of the merino lace skirt, satin invitation clutch and the Collins heels in BOTH colors on my blog today.
ReplyDeleteAlso the merino keyhole popover!
has anyone tried the cutler and gross cat eye sunglasses? Trying to determine if I should take the plunge.
ReplyDeletemargie, I think they're adorable but can't pull the trigger on them. Would love a review if anybody's seen/tried them!
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ReplyDeleteDaniBP, the Collins fit you perfectly! They look great, very flattering. Thanks for the shout out, too. :) I also have both colors and thought I should send one back but just can't do it. With a 30% promo, the price is just too good. I hate to encourage shoe overindulgence (shoe-besity?) but the mossy oak suede Collins are awesome, the color is more subtle than it appears on my monitors, it actually can function easily as a neutral.
ReplyDeleteI just received the Factory stripe linen-cotton camp shirt (now on sale for $29.99, I think final) in navy and really like it! It's a nice linen/cotton mix and fits very nicely (same sizing as the end-on-end camp shirt). I took XS. It's nice and light and very cute. The navy is very dark, almost black, but it's a very fine stripe. Thumbs up!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteShekster, your affair comment made me laugh out loud. :) I thought the decorative piece up the front was going to be too wide, but it's not at all. It's another example of a shoe that didn't look 100% right to me online but on the foot looks beautiful. The Gibson closed-toe was the same way. I'm looking forward to wearing the Streamers, it might be a while. I wish I could find a pair in that brown color, that color was probably the first to sell out.
ReplyDeleteTamara I love my Streamer T-strap shoes too.
ReplyDeleteI tried the Playa skirt and actually liked the shiny citron color but it was just way too short for me at 19" since I'm on the tall side. The site says it is 20" but was 19"in the size 6. I thought about sizing up but it probably won't help. I think my favorite purchase was the Shelby dress. I have the navy and pink, and have worn them to work, with stockings due to my height. Lame, I know. It runs big IMO at least 1 size. Of course the hem is already coming undone on the pink Shelby after one wearing. I hate needle and thread !
Got the Metallic Linen Henley today in White Gold. Pretty out of the box, although the metallic does make the fabric a bit scratchy. However, it is much too sheer for me so its going back (could wear a cami or layer something over it but to me that kind of defeats the purpose of a 100% linen shirt for the summer).
ReplyDeleteAlso got the solid Perfect Shirt is jade. I am on the fence about. The fabric feels great (cotton/silk mix) and it has some sheen to it. The jade color is definitely green without much of blue tone. While I like it, I wonder how well I can integrate that color into my wardrobe.
Finally, I picked up the Merino Stripe Zip Cardigan in navy on sale. Love it! Got my usual size and it fits great. The v-neck is cute and the double zip thing is different but subtle. Stripes on the sleeves are super cute and the merino is soft. Thank again, dinster (shoppingonthefly)!
Lolo, your comment about the metallic henley is right on. Do any women (ones who shop at J Crew, at least) really want to wear sheer clothes? During warm weather I don't want to be forced to wear a top under another top and I can't imagine wearing these tops, even in the most casual settings, with nothing else underneath. I just don't get it.
ReplyDeleteI ordered the Cece leather ballet flats in olive moss. I was so afraid that I'd be disappointed as I haven't always found their flats comfortable and some have had a loooong and painful breaking in period...but...OMG I LOVE THEM! They are so comfortable and don't need breaking in at all. I've worn them twice with little foot-socks and they're almost like slippers. I'm so much more likley to buy J Crew shoes now and I won't even balk (as much) at paying full price!
ReplyDeleteThis isn't a review, but I'm looking for some help on the Coquette Hobo in Luxe Tweed from the fall. Has anyone seen it in person? Is the color actually a dark green, or more like black with multicolored threads? I'm looking to get one online and need to double check on the color. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the Marguerite leather wedges or the eyelet derby dress? 20%off and FS for cardholders has me chomping at the bit. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeletelife as a cat - I'm pretty sure that bag is the same tweed as the moss tweed pencil skirt from last fall. That tweed was also used for the studded invitation clutch. It looks the same to me anyway. It's a black background with green, violet, blue, and light greyish threads through it. Lovely and versatile, IMO. I have the skirt. HTH! :)
ReplyDeleteajr - Thanks for the observation! It was helpful to be able to see the material in different fabrications. The black with multi threads is just what I was told by the seller, so I guess everything matches up.
ReplyDeleteI recently posted pics and a review of the Havana clutch on my blog. The black one was fine, while the natural one had VERY odd plastic strappy things at the bottom hinge, instead of straw. I called and they said that sounded odd, so sent me a new one. Um, yep, it came with the SAME plastic straps. I took it in to show my PS and she snipped them to see what the deal was. And the bag promptly fell apart! We were both horrified that they were selling these. So just an fyi and a warning.
ReplyDelete