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! :)
Just posted some JCrew Factory reviews on my blog....
ReplyDeletehttp://megancrewreviews.blogspot.com/
Suckered Perfect Shirt, Striped Maxi Dress, Linen pants, double serge skirt, etc.
Jenna Lyons at The CFDA Awards' Red Carpet
ReplyDeletehttp://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2011/06/slideshow_all_the_looks_from_t.html#photo=31x00046
Sub!
ReplyDelete"sidewalk short" #41938
ReplyDeletesuper cute. bought the same size i usually buy with the 3" chino shorts. the sidewalk shorts are a hair longer and wider in the pant leg than the chino shorts making them a little more conservative. the description says "higher rise" but these fall a little lower on my hips. i bought the shadow color which i think will be a great neutral to wear to work or to dinner in the hot weather. and i love love love the little tie belt. i'm lucky that i can wear shorts to the office but i do wish these came in a bermuda short length too. if they weren't $65 regular price, i'd def buy more.
Subscribing. :)
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the doria dress or the rumi dress? Thanks!
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ReplyDeleteReview of the Quorra high-heel oxfords on my blog here.
ReplyDeleteScored the linen/cotton v-neck in mocha item #38477. Very heavy knit with a slightly rougher texturer than just a straight cotton sweater. The rougher texture is most likely due to the linen. It will definitely work well in both spring and fall and on a cool summer evening.
ReplyDeleteThe light weight fleece crew neck sweater item #42648 is awesome. Very soft and light weight knit. The stormy sea colour is a soft navy. Great for layering over a button down oxford, or just hanging out on a Saturday. It has much the same fit as the sweater above, fitted, but not too snog or tight. The arm holes are placed higher up giving a fitted look. It's not a sloppy item and fits true like the sweater.
I am always so late to the game! This review will probably only help for popbacks, but if you LOVE dresses, I would keep your eye out for the Mirabel dress. Wow, what an exceptional item! :)
ReplyDeleteYou could also see if a personal shopper can do a wwfify, if you really want it. I am not surprised it sold out (or is near selling out), it seems if J. Crew prices things well initially, the item will sell out. (You hear us, Mickey???)
Quickie review: Size down one size, especially if you are smaller on top. The hips are generous. The material is a nice weight cotton, and the embroidery, while machine applied, is still very pretty.
http://mysuperfluities.blogspot.com/2011/06/j-crew-mirabel-dress-review.html
I received the Factory 5" chino shorts in iced lilac. This is my third pair of Factory shorts (the others are the Carson prints) and I'm pretty happy with them. The construction is fine compared to my JC retail shorts, although I think that they wrinkle slightly more. The color is softer and more of a mauve than it appears on the screen.
ReplyDeletesub :)
ReplyDeletelaurenphd- I reviewed the Doria dress on my blog
ReplyDeletehttp://megancrewreviews.blogspot.com/2011/05/first-review-part-2.html
Couple unexpected finds last weekend:
ReplyDeleteChambray tuxedo cami
This was already on sale in my B&M for $39.99, plus I had catalog coupon for 20% off so it came to about $31.
For this price I love it. It fits tts on me but I think if you are smaller on top you may be able to size down.
It is a nice breezy casual top very summery and regular bra friendly. The straps are wide and they have the snaps to keep your bra straps in place.
It is a boxy fit, loose around your middle and fitted on hips, looks really nice with skinny capri pants and ballet flats. Love the pockets of course.
I would not buy it full price but at the sale price it is worth it. The straps could be tiny bit shorter on me but that's often a case with J Crew tanks.
It is minimal, so it doe not bother me but it may be a problem on a shorter person ( I am 5'6").
Tea-stained dobby dress
I have seen this dress months ago and my PS was recommending it but I never even tried it since I usually don't like baby doll type dresses.
But I always loved the fabric, so when I saw it on sale and with the extra 20% coming to about $55 I decided to (sceptically) give it a try.
It turned out I actually liked it a lot. I tried it in size small (it was the only size left) and it is not as short on me as I was afraid.
It hits about 3 inches above my knee.
I don't think I would not wear it to the office but it is perfect weekend/casual/vacation dress and I needed one. Well, I could use one at least.
The fabric is very pretty, the neckline is not too low and again, it is bra friendly. I would not belt it just add a long necklace and sandals.
I also like it with skinny jeans and cardi, I think this is what tipped the scale for me.
It has a slightly boho vibe so if you like that look, give it a try.
Rumi Dress Review:
ReplyDeleteSize down. If you're straight, size down 2 sizes. I got an 8, and I'm normally a 10 in J.Crew dresses. (Although I would need a 12 in the silk stripe dress, it is so narrow on the bottom.)
The dress is airy and flattering - in my opinion. If you are hourglass, I think this is a great dress for you. A v-neck is great on me. The neckline is slightly low. It is a good summer length, although can be perceived as short.
I got the reddish color. Love it - actually got 2 compliments on the color when I wore it out to dinner with my boyfriend's family last weekend.
Again, size. down. down. down.
You'll like it if it fits!
(i'm going to order the black and blue ones next!)
Wrinkle factor: slightly wrinkles but not like linen... it just looks casual.
Does anyone have the Lombardy leather driving mocs? Like, dislike? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYesterday I received the vintage cotton cowlneck tee (modern orange) and I really love it! It's so unbearably hot here, and the fabric is nice and light and cool. And I just LOVE the color. It's definitely more orange than red, though. Similar to the 'bright flame' color from days of yore.
ReplyDeleteI was very intrigued by the whisper linen boatneck tees and tried one on in-store last week ... wow, they are sheer! I want the agate one ... I'm holding out for % off, which my Crewdar tells me will pop up later this week. :P
@KLlovestoshop - I tried the Lombardy driving mocs and sent them back. To me they just looked to heavy on my foot. I think it was that they were cut too high up on the sides and at the toes, so that not enough foot was left exposed. I always think the more foot you can see the longer your leg looks. Hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteI agree with sizing down on the Rumi dress. I’m usually a size 4-6. A size 0 fit the best in this dress for me, but that put it a tad tight in the arms, but 2 was a bit too big.
ReplyDeleteNot much to review, but I love the 3'' chinos in african violet. I love all the colors I have, but really love this new color. Perfect summer color. These do stretch out some, but a great summer short.
Anyone have a review on the Stripe blouson dress?
Speaking of shorts, does anyone konw if the 9 inch chino shorts were ever offered in the African Violet color? I love that color but I can't do 5 inch (or 3 inch!) shorts. Just wondering if I am looking for something that never existed.
ReplyDeleteKLlovestoshop - I have the mocs in the spruce and I really like them. I usually wear at 8.5 and went with the 9's on these ones. They were a bit snug at first, however, with more and more wear they are super comfortable. My bought the mocs for my sister for christmas in the silver and she is obsessed with them. She wears between a 7 and 7.5 and I bought her the 8. Because they only run in whole sizes...I recommend at least a half size up if not a whole size.
ReplyDeleteThanks MegCrew, StaciStaci, and TXgirl14!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip about the Bahia Hobo being on sale for $19.99 (previously $78)! If anyone else, like me, was having trouble tracking down this bag, it's because they were transferred out of a lot of stores to the Boston, MA store. I was finally able to order the bag in brown from this store yesterday at that awesome price plus a mere $6 shipping fee! So, if any other aficionada's are trying to find this bag, as of yesterday they had several in both colors. I can't wait to get it in and will be sure to follow-up with a review once I do!
ReplyDeleteRUMI DRESS
ReplyDeleteI'm normally a 6 in J.Crew dresses, but I wound up buying a 2 in this! I had to try on 4 different sizes, but once I found the 2 I love love loved the way it fit. Definitely size down if you have a small chest, I'm a 34A and I was swimming in the top of the 6. I'm also a little over 5'9", and the 2 was not too short as I feared. Enjoy!
Any reviews of the Rope Cloud Ikat dress? It looks like a great summer dress, although a bit short on the [very tall] model.
ReplyDeleteEscape tunic (42570) - fit quite large IMO, even for a tunic. The sleeves were gathered elastic, which I wasn't expecting. Also, it may be my monitor but I was expecting a greyish-bluish background on the orange multi, and found it to be more white - the orange was also much brighter than the picture. Not bad, just not what I was expecting. So not worth $88 in my opinion - but for $20-30 it could be a cute option for summer.
ReplyDeleteJacinta cami (41472) - As short and boxy as I was expecting from the picture. The poppy color was very cute, and I didn't find it to be see through even though it wasn't lined. What I found odd was that the front eyelet is in a "V" formation, which just does not sit right. The picture of the white cami shows the eyelet going straight across, which was what I was expecting. Because of the slight "V", the rest of they eyelet on the front and straps didn't lay flat. Cute design, but execution problem.
Peekaboo tee (47170) - Love everything about this (soft, TTS, flattering) but the price. Will return and wait for sale.
Eyelet embroidered tank (40035) - a little late to the party on this but I had to try after seeing it on Gigi and was not disappointed. Baltic blue is a beautiful color identical to JC's "Ocean" color of a few seasons ago. I'd say most JCA's could size down in this one, it's pretty generously sized.
Surplus pant (31654) - have not tried these new ones yet, but they are the identical item number to the "Annie" pants that were in the B&M earlier in the year, and they are by far my favorite JC pants in a long time. The ripstop is great, and the cut is slim but not overly so. I tried the Troupers several times and could just not get them to work - these have no stretch and were just a lot more flattering on me. I have the green and black and wear them constantly - and will probably wait for sale on these since I paid like, $13 in store. However, I've worn them so much that cost-per-wear would be low even on full price.
@KLlovestoshop, just as a side note on the Lombardy mocs, I have them too - love the look. They took a while to break in, but just be aware that they are fairly narrow. If you have wide feet ...like me....then it will take longer to break in. HTH :)
ReplyDeleteTasia
I received the Schoolboy Eyelet Blazer in smokey graphite (37960) yesterday. While I like the overall fit of the jacket (it fits just as all the other schoolboy blazers do), I'm not really a fan of the color IRL. I was hoping for a lighter heathered gray, as it appears on on-line (on my computer at least). IRL the color is definitely darker and isn't the most flattering color on me. So I will be returning it shortly.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty pale skinned with blonde hair, and I think the color would work better on someone with a darker complexion. Oh well!
New cafe capri pants in silk shantung
ReplyDeleteThe pants are made in the style of the new cafe capris, hence the name, i suppose. :) I liked the color a lot, though it isn't as pale a pink as i would have expected given its color label of pink frost. I think the lighting made them appear a more cooler color on the web site.
The material is rather substantial, and they are not fully silk shantung as its name would lead you to believe. Instead, they are a blend of heavy cotton and silk, so not as light and nubby as a silk shantung.
They are true to size.
If you pick these up, this is the model you would be buying, not the pleated ones. So glad too they released them in the more simple lines.
For me, the verdict is out. I like the color, but i can't say i'm in love with them. I'm not a big fan of tapering leg pants and would have preferred a fuller leg like the classic cafe capris. I do like the color but have reservations on the tapered look (at least on me).
Let's try the link again:
ReplyDeletehttp://images.jcrew.com/erez4/fsi4/fsi.swf?FPXBase=http://images.jcrew.com/erez4/erez?src%3D&FPXSrc=images/eiec/46/46672/46672_PK5585.tif&MenuAlign=TR&width=500&height=651');setColorName(' pink frost')
Minnie pant in cotton paisley
ReplyDeleteLove these. Textured, substantial cotton twill, though no stretch. True to size. Note they are very vibrant, so perhaps not the pick if you are looking for understated. I like how they paired them with the linen perfect shirt, as seen here from this JCA post.
I've been reading this blog for awhile, purchasing a lot of J Crew over the past few months, and thought maybe it was time to post a review!
ReplyDeleteOralie cardigan
Ordered this in stone colour when the 30% sale was on, so it came to only $35 vs. original price of $148. I think it fits TTS, other than that the sleeves may be a bit short (I don't think I have unusually long arms). I found it looked cute with the sleeves rolled. It's shinier than it appeared on my screen, but that was ok with me, and it works with a lot of tanks I have. It's quite heavy, and definitely not a summer sweater! For the price, I thought it was a good buy.
Cleo, are the shantung pants as shiny as they appear in the picture? Thanks !
ReplyDeleteI bought the Rumi dress in White and went with one size down. I have a small chest but I am pretty tall. I was not comfortable in the smaller sizes since they were more fitted and it brought up the length too much for my comfort level. I'm over 5'9". I will wear a cami with it due to the low v-cut in the front. I also got the Tea Stained dress on the promo and LOVE it ! I wore it today and got multiple compliments. I sized up for more length. It is very light weight and the elastic waist was not tight or restrictive like some dresses. It is machine washable and it may have shrunk a little bit. I don't use the dryer.
ReplyDeleteSkester, they are shiny but not overly so. I would say a high sheen as opposed to a bright metallic look. They look exactly like the image whose link i posted in full.
ReplyDeletesub
ReplyDeleteCleo,
ReplyDeleteI have the paisley pants and like the too. They are bright but very well made. I was wondering if you are going to post pictures of both pants on you. I love the pink pants but would like to see them on someone before ordering and I am wondering how the placement of the print is on your pants. Thanks
LaurenPhD: Tried on the Rumi dress today...it runs very big. Size down one or two sizes for sure! I love the poppy color..it's beautiful, but the fit was so off for me. It was not flattering. I'll be posting pics prob. tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteFirst order in awhile. Some great, mostly meh, at least at the prices I paid. :)
ReplyDeleteMy first vintage v-neck tee - in casablanca blue - LOVE! Crossing my fingers this one doesn't get holes. Gorgeous color and I love the fit. Would prob pick up a backup if this color makes it to sale in my size, I love it that much. I've never done that before. :)
Cammy pants - I noticed several JCAs had gotten these and I mostly remembered positive reviews, but I don't think they work for my body. bit loose at the waist, a bit tight in the legs, and the faded black is quite a bit more faded than I expected. Paid like $15 so I'm sorta thinking about keeping them since I love my Troupers so much... I sized down in the Troupers but wouldn't want to in these due to the really tight fit in the legs.
Oralie in stone - agree with previous reviewer on fit, color, etc. Still wondering how it will wear over time though. Still undecided on this one. Loved the color since I saw it in the catalog.
Iris suede sandals in the pink color - Gorgeous shoes and quite a bit more comfortable than I expected. They look a little weird on my feet, but I have very long narrow feet. Will reconsider if they (or any of the irises) make it to sale in my size, just not worth what I paid to me. Lovely shoes though, and tts though prob on the narrow side, which is good for me. :)
Factory twisted strap maxi - that might not be the right name, but I'm to lazy to look it up right now. :) Sized down from my normal dress size since it's sleeveless jersey - right decision. Sooo flattering, very thin and cool fabric, though i'm betting it will pill pretty quickly. Minimal vpl. Wish it was a little less $ than it was, but it's so cute on, it's most likely a keeper.
mini, glad you like the paisley pant. They're fun.
ReplyDeleteI will try to post some pictures on true crew love, time permitting, in the next days.
Thanks Cleo!
ReplyDeletepastille tweed pencil skirt
ReplyDeleteLovely skirt, fashioned in medium-weight neutral tweed with flecks of lavender, pink, and pale orange. Perfect for summer, even spring. I like the grosgrain waistband and more fitted waist. The zipper is not exposed. The skirt is true to size, and reminds me in fit of the heirloom lace pencil skirt.
Ladies looking for a longer length will be happy with this skirt. It's a nice alternative to the le soleil tweed mini, beautiful fabric, but sad disappointment due to the length. It was wasn't 18 inches, but more like 15.
garden lace pencil skirt
ReplyDeletePretty fabrication, just like the lady lace popover, but with a grey silk lining. The execution of this skirt, however, was a disaster. There is approximately three inches of difference in the waist and hip measurements, which means it doesn't fit my curvier figure, though i think many women would have difficulty pulling this skirt off without alterations. Also, there was a bit of bulk in the back at the center seam, likely due to the fabric. It wouldn't lie flat.
Sadly, i returned this skirt.
ajr, i like the style of the cammy utility pants but they didn't fit me well. I found the legs too narrow and the waist too wide, more so than the trouper pants. Also, they were somewhat stiff which made bending at the knees uncomfortable given their fit.
ReplyDeleteminnie pants in black cotton twill
ReplyDeletei'm short (5'0"), but have muscular legs. i figured i would either love or hate these pants --turns out that i LOVE them. i'm normally a 0P or 2P but i sized down to 00P in these. they hug my curves in all the right places and i think they're even acceptable with a shorter top because of the (fake?) rear pockets. the only con is that i paid full price but i am impatient sometimes :)
Cleo - yes, that was precisely my experience. If the cammy pants were softer like the troupers, I think they'd work better, since the troupers were also quite tight in the legs when I sized down. But as is, bending at the knees is quite uncomfortable since the fabric on the cammys is not nearly as forgiving. They are really cute though! I wish they'd worked for me.
ReplyDeleteMy latest purchase (on sale, of course), was the occasion clutch in club green. This is the second one I have; I got the pine green last fall. This is a good-sized bag, will fit my phone, camera, and other things. It gets road-tested on the 18th, at my sorority's scholarship breakfast.
ReplyDeleteSomebody asked about Stripe blouson dress. I tried it today and I would say it fits tts. The store only had it in 4, I wear 6 in dresses and it was just a bit tight in the chest. My hips are 4 and it fitted well in that area. Like most JC dresses this is slightly short waisted, but the length was very nice, to the knee on me (I am 5'6"). The stripes are vibrant (black and cream) and the spaghetti straps are cute. You need a strapless bra, of course, but the armpits and the top portion are fitted, so it looks nice and I think it would pass the bend over test, ykwim. Overall, I liked it, I think it will also be very cute with blazer or cardi. It would be a nice dress to wear somewhere where you want to look polished without trying too hard. I happened to have red ballet flats when trying it on and it looked great together. I may pick it up at some point but not a must have for me.
ReplyDeleteCashmere Maureen sweater (hthr slate) - Just got in the the mail last night and am wearing it to work today. Great sweater...nice neckline. Fits TTS and have already had tons of compliments on it. The shoulder detail is really nice...more on the subtle side (not poofy).
ReplyDeleteWaffled cashmere cardigan (in black) - I really love love love this cardigan. Fits TTS and it much thicker than the other cashmere cardigans. I already had this in the gold sparks and wore it all the time, so I had to get the black.
On a side note: I wore my Mirabel dress in faded black sand with mossy oak suede collins and I had sooo many people stop and ask where I got my outfit. I was basically a walking advertisement for J. Crew. That dress and those shoes are very flattering...highly recommended.
Leslie lace shell
ReplyDeleteFits tts, I tried the black one and i liked the effect of black lace over cream lining.
It is simple and the lace is not too intricate which is a bonus for me as I love lace but don't want to overdo it.
The fit is rather boxy which also did not bother me but just wanted to note. Overall, a very nice top, just overpriced for what it is, imo.
Rowboat dress
Size down on this one. I wear 6-8 in dresses and 4 in pencils.I tried S and it was a little loose around the hips and fitted in chest area. It has some puckering around the seams which may be possible to fix with ironing. I actually liked the length which was few inches above the knee, but below mid tigh (I am 5'6"), I think it works with the shape of the dress. Now, keep in mind that if your hips are bigger it may ride up and appear shorter. This is very good everyday type dress that you can throw on anytime and look chic, but the quality is not the greatest (comparable to the basic pique polo shirt). I would say, if you can pick it up on sale, it is definitely worth the try.
I love the mossy oak suede Collins! Wore them with my dizzy floral Frankie and warm cedar mixed tape cardigan and everyone loved it. :)
ReplyDeleteI could imagine the Collins dressing up a basic skinny black pant/dark tank top/blazer combo. Gorgeous!!
I agree lolita the mossy oak is a perfect neutral color. Not boring, but they can go with anything! Skinny jeans, Capri pants, dresses, anything :)
ReplyDeleteRialta Tweed Jacket: Runs TTS/slightly large so size down if you want it less boxy. I normally wear a size 2 in J.Crew jackets but got this one in a size 0 and love the fit. The fabric is light weight, making it ideal for warmer climates, and the colors of the tweed are beautiful in person. I would have preferred to not have the zipper pockets, as I think the jacket would have more longevity, but even with them I still love it.
ReplyDeleteSchoolboy blazer in ticker-stripe: Love this one, too...much cuter IRL than the online pic. Runs TTS (purchased my normal size 2). I think this one will easily transition into fall and the color is a great neutral to wear with numerous other colors already in your wardrobe.
Factory stripe three-quarter sleeve shirt: I've mentioned before that the perfect shirts at the factory are actually better now than their retail counterparts, and this one is no exception. I ordered the pink in XSmall (runs TTS), which is actually pink and white pinstripe and it is adorable. The fabric is much thicker than the solid perfect shirts at retail, and I find them to be a more fitted silhouette through the bodice, giving an overall more feminine look. I am really not a fan of factory items, but this one does get my vote (and the price is great, too!).
Silk Blythe Blouse in Poppy. Such a gorgeous color IRL, especially on this blouse. It took a couple tries to find the correct size in this one and that ended up being a size 2. (This is another shirt with skinny arms and small shoulders, so I would recommend sizing up at least one size.) However, it is too short IMO, and I am short-waisted even. I think it would be a more flattering fit if it were longer and less boxy. Too bad they don't make it in tall sizes. I would have definitely given it a try again because it really is a beautiful blouse. I am sadly returning this one.
ReplyDeleteIkat pencil skirt: I bought my usual size 0P and thought it was snug and it seems to ride high, making it a little too short. The label says 2% spandex, but I detect no stretch at all. I take a size 00P in the No. 2 pencil skirt, so was surprised at the fit on the ikat. Also, the fabric is a bit "meh" - feels somewhat like canvas, and has a "dull" finish, if that makes sense. As much as I collect J.Crew pencil skirts, this one will be returned.
ReplyDeleteI got my Factory stripe zip cardigan in navy stripe today. I have a 40" chest and originally ordered the size XL but it was too large, so exchanged it for an L (thanks for the help, FFM!). The L fits perfectly. I really like this cardigan a lot, love the color and fiber blend, love the little pockets, the sleeves aren't too tight or too loose. The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have a 2-way zip like the regular J Crew version, but I knew that when I bought it and I am considering installing my own 2-way zipper.
ReplyDeleteAnd then I got a couple more hats, so I now have the Stripe-brim straw fedora in warm pebble and black and the Classic straw fedora in mink. I really like these hats a lot! I have a 22.25" head and the M-L fits very well. The hats are finished very nicely and are very lightweight and flexible.
Count me among the fans of the mossy oak Collins, definitely one of my best shoe purchases from J Crew.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cleo. I hope you have time to post the pants ! I would love to see them IRL. :)
ReplyDelete