Tuesday, January 3, 2012

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! :)

70 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Jules dress in Ashbury floral on my blog. Please scroll down.

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  3. Here are my recent J. Crew reviews:

    toothpick jean in garment-dyed twill, 24 (LOVE THESE!)
    http://thepetitefittingroom.blogspot.com/2011/12/j-crew-toothpick-jean-in-garment-dyed.html

    the bataeu tee, xxs (bought three in different colors!)
    http://thepetitefittingroom.blogspot.com/2012/01/j-crew-bataeu-tee.html

    the plaza coat, oo
    http://thepetitefittingroom.blogspot.com/2011/12/j-crew-plaza-coat.html

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  4. i have some reviews on my blog:

    ina-wonderland.blogspot.com


    can somebody comment on the fit of the painter zip tee in stripe #62114?
    TIA

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  5. I have a few new reviews up now, find here (and i have all of my old reviews here)
    new reviews (w/ pics) for
    -cashmere isabel sweater (35770)
    -stadium cloth elements coat (31410)
    -cafe capri in wool check (64911)
    -drapey sequin tank (32360)
    -sequin shell (57931)
    -cafe capri in wool (49398)
    -waverly chino (29468)

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  7. I received the cashmere lined leather gloves in bright dahlia for Christmas. What a disappointment. After the second wear, the color is changing and getting really dark and ugly. Sadly, these will be going back.

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  8. Has anyone tried on or purchased the leopard-print sweater dress? Wondering if it's itchy and/or stretches out easily.

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  9. I did a review of the Gimlet skirting coastal stripe here.

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  10. Received my lunchtime delivery of Jackie Pullover Sweaters and Basketweave No. 2 Pencil Skirt. WIN, WIN, WIN. I liked the Jackie Pullover so much that I just ordered two more. TTS. Good construction, no weird puckering at the seams (we'll see how they hold up in the wash). If you are a fan of the weight/fit/style of the other Jackie sweaters then I'm pretty sure you'll be a fan of this one. Basketweave pencil is lovely and has a nice, soft hand and drape. Blue colorway is versatile and the fit is the same as the double serge wool No.2 pencil. Will try to post irl pics tonight.

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  12. Whitney,

    May I ask for the skirt, what percent is cotton and what percent is rayon? I try to stay far away from rayon so hoping it is a low percentage of the overall skirt material. Thanks:)

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  13. Whitney: I am SO glad to hear that the Basketweave Tweed Skirts and jackie pullovers are winners! My skirts are on the way--I can't wait! Thanks for the reviews!

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  14. I got the macalister wedges for Christmas.

    I am normally a 7.5 or 8. The 8 seems big and the 7 a little smaller. HELP! What do others think who have them? I love them so much and have wanted them for a while. I finally got them and now I am not sure I'll be able to keep them...
    Thanks!

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  15. Lilly Grace - I wear 7.5 or 8 and would take 8 if I were you. If your feet start swelling a little when you walk, the 7 will be too tight. I made that error w/the jelly bow flats, thinking they would stretch. Not.

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  16. Thanks! I have been wearing them around the house. The only thing is suede does stretch... I have feet pads in the 8. The 8's are so loose in my ankles. I just want them so bad.
    Anyone else who has the boots have any input?

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  17. The McCalister specifically says to size down 1/2 size. I have these and they do run big!!!

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  18. Lilly Grace - Get shoe stretchers and the spray. That totally works in the case of half sizes. :)

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  19. Off topic but when I was on my break from work this morning I saw them working on the new Vancouver J Crew store on Robson St. It'd the old Tommy Hilfiger at Thurlow, right beside the Banana Republic. They were taking down the Tommy awning. The windows are papered with big "J Crew Opening Soon" signs.
    Exciting!

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  20. @ (original) Genny: Basketweave Pencil is 94% cotton, 6% rayon. Made in Sri Lanka. Jackie pullovers are 66% cotton, 31% nylon, 3% spandex. Made in Hong Kong.

    This year's Jackie twinset has the same cotton fiber percentage as the pullover, but with 29% nylon and 5% spandex. They are also made in Hong Kong.

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  21. I posted a review and pics of the Palm Beach necklace here.

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  22. Can anyone comment on if the garment dyed jeans run big or small. I'm going to hopefully get to my b&m soon to try them on, but if they run small, I don't want to get my hopes up.

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  23. ringspun stripe henley - tts. Love the navy.

    basketweave pencil skirt - tts. I love the blue, but would order the green since I have last year's purple and blue tweed pencil skirt.

    gimlet skirt in coastal stripe - tts. Love this skirt, although it is a little fulland requires a fitted top. It is lovely and, best of all, machine washable. Just wish it had pockets.

    ripplestich sweater - tts. Love this and hope to pick it up on promo or markdown.

    space-dyed cardi - tts. LOVE, LOVE this one in blue. I may not be able to wait on a promo or sale.

    scalloped lace shell - tts. This is gorgeous, but overpriced. It's also hand wash. I am keeping my fingers crossed to get this on markdown.

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  24. Hi Carolyn from Vancouver here.
    ****Mia*** Thanks for the update for Vancouver's first J Crew store.
    You made my day. If you here an opening date please post.
    Thanks also for the info about letter box in Point Roberts. What I am thinking is now is...
    - is it possible to order online, ship to Point Roberts and return up to Store on Robson St.
    - I find the Peace Arch border could care less how much I have to declare in shoes, purses and clothing so duty is not my big concern. Only concern is returning and not having to to it on the spot.
    - my question is can I pay the cheaper US prices and pick up in the states yet return to Canadian B&M ? Mia... any thoughts
    What about any other Canadians ? can anyone comment on this ? We all know how much the prices jump on the site from Can. to US shopping addresses. Thanks in advance Carolyn

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  25. @ Jruby18

    My regular size (24) had a slight waist gap, but they could still be worn without a belt and not sag. I have not washed mine yet. :)

    Review of toothpick jean in garment-dyed twill in size 24, blue grotto here:
    http://thepetitefittingroom.blogspot.com/2011/12/j-crew-toothpick-jean-in-garment-dyed.html

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  26. has anyone tried the Lana Cami? wondering about fit/material. thanks!

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  27. Thx Michelle. I'm really excited to try them out.

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  28. I recently purchased quite a few items from J Crew!

    I posted a haul including some J Crew items on my blog and am uploaded a review of the Schoolboy Jacket tonight!

    Finally when my Hacking Jacket comes in a mail, I'll do a comparison study!

    Hope you can come visit soon! http://www.aprettythought.com

    Thanks!

    Kim

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  29. Ina - striped zip painter tee runs small. I would definitely size up. I usually wear a small, but had to go up to a medium.

    Lilly Grace - Macalister wedge - I am a size 7 1/2 and I took the 8 with no problems. I wear them with the converse chuck taylor socks (they're thick like athletic socks) so the socks don't show thru and they are a perfect fit for me. Have not had problems with this shoe stretching.

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  30. Hi there,
    I was just searching for J. Crew Super 120s (Used) suit jackets online and was wondering if anyone knew if the "Super 120s" is always stitched on the interior of the jacket? Thanks for any help!

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  31. Cambridge cable cardigans (46066): FAIL. Bought in multiple colors only to discover that they shed. Like. Crazy. For someone who wears a lot of black tees, skirts, and pants - this was a big no-go. :(

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  32. Whitney, so glad to hear the Jackie pullover and basketweave pencil skirt did not disappoint. Thanks for the fabric content too, much appreciated.

    Which colors did you get in the Jackie, including your latest order?

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  33. I absolutely loved the look of the toggle coat in houndstooth plaid when I saw it in the November catalog, but the price kept me at bay. It was on the website for pre-sale and then totally disappeared, but I decided to do a we will find it for you search and it showed up on my doorstep today. Imagine my surprise in seeing it on the website today. http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/outerwear/wool/PRDOVR~58498/58498.jsp

    I wish I could say it is love, but sadly, this coat is not worth $400!! The plaid reminds me of an old man blazer, but I actually like that look although a part of me feels like I can find something similar in the thrift store. My issue is that this coat is so thin. For the price that it is, you would expect some level of high quality, but the thickness is on par with a Forever 21 coat that I bought last year. I ordered this in my regular size and the body fits well, but the shoulders are snug. It has a rope toggle enclosure that I would be afraid of fraying after a good amount of wear. I had such high hopes for this, but it just did not live up to what I thought it would be in real life. Good news, is that my cc thanks me for the future return.

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  34. Carolyn: You won't be able to order online and return to the Vancouver store (not even if you ordered and had the items shipped to your Canadian address). The only items that can be returned in Canadian stores are those that were actually purchased in a Canadian store.

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  35. My recent purchases and Christmas gifts included:

    The Kendor cardigan (item 54540)...my only complaint about this cardigan is that I paid almost $20 more for it in the store (even after 50% off sale discount) than I could have paid if I had checked the website first because it's only $29 online and the 25% off promo is on thru 1/6. Oh well, my fault for not checking online first. Other than that bad experience, I love this cardigan. Its so soft and comfy! For $29 its definitely worth it.

    Mens Vintage Flannel Shirts (item 58493, 58541)....I love love love these shirts!! I love the look of a mens shirt paired with skinny jeans and this were perfect. One of the things I really like about J Crew is that their mens shirts don't often (if ever) fluctuate in size so I know they will always fit perfect. 3 years ago I borrowed one of my husbands J Crew banker stripe shirts and I've been buying them for myself ever since.

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  36. Reviews of the Jackie Pullovers and Basketweave Pencil skirt now posted on my blog.

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  37. Has anyone tried the MiH jeans? I'm interested in the Breathless style..thanks!

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  38. Mia, thanks for the great news! Hopefully we can see it open this spring!

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  39. Miss PennyZ- I have those jeans, in the Pinetop wash, I reviewed them last week. The color is a really nice bright, faded blue. They are very, very tight in my normal jean size 26, with hardly any stretch. I wore them all day the other day and they barely stretched out. I don't think sizing up would work for the waiste/butt area. Anyway, I chalked them up to tight jeans to wear with flip flops come spring. HTH, see my last week review.

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  40. Thanks for the information on the basket weave skirt. I will need to wait for sale as I just don't think any of Jcrews items are worth full price anymore

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  41. Carolyn from Vancouver here...


    Caitlin... thank you for the info. I am assuming we can't return because on-line we pay in $US and this would be a way of getting a really good deal from J CREW ?
    If you live in Vancouver and go to the store when it opens I will be the women shopping in the sale section only....the canadian prices are unbelievable. Did anyone read the article in the globe and mail when the Toronto store opened... I think J crew will not do that well in Canada esp. since we are getting more US stores every year. Target is coming 2013...Anthro is here in Van and this is probably only the beginning.
    I will maybe order online again but only with no final sale and I will try Mia's advice on the shipping to across the border...this is the best option to save more than just a few dollars... It will save plenty....J crew you are making it difficult to be a JCA in Canada. Thanks to all the JCA's for all the help on this site. CAROLYN

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  42. Pathos...I would love to read your reviews on the MiH jeans...is your blog private?

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  43. @MrsKaileeC, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Lana Cami. It's thin & flimsy, so I think it's way overpriced even with the current promo. I usually wear a size 6 in JCrew button downs (perfect fit) but wear size 4 in cami's so that's what I ordered in the Lana. I think it fits tts. It doesn't have the bra tabs in the straps but they're wide enough to cover bra straps & the straps stay up.

    Here's a link to a solid review w/irl pic's:
    WillWork 4 Shuz's Lana Review

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  44. Hi Carolyn! Yes, I assume that we can't return in-store because we pay for online orders in U.S. dollars.

    I live in Toronto and frequently ship my orders to Niagara Falls/Buffalo and then go down to pick them up. Then I go to a mall in Buffalo that has a JC store, check for flaws and try on my items and return what I don't want in-store on the spot.

    I went to the Toronto JC store shortly after Christmas when they were still doing 50% off sale items...they had clearly received a massive shipment of sale items from U.S. stores or the warehouse, since they had items that I hadn't seen in the Toronto store for months (TONS of Fisherman Sweaters) along with items that they never actually carried at regular price in the Toronto store. Very strange. Also, the sale prices were quite high, so I imagine they set them with the additional 50% off in mind.

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  45. Just visiting -thanks for the info and link! Normally a size 6 in camis with it being tight around the bust. Should I size up because of the pleats?

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  46. I just bought the tweed hacking and did not like the fit. I'm 5' 3" and it flared really awkwardly out at the hips. Not flattering. I tried both the 0 and 2. Maybe next year...

    The Jules dress in is a gem. Super cute. I purchased a 2 for a lose, casual feel. THe silk is nice quality too as it doesn't wrinkle after sitting through dinner!

    Has anyone purchased the Macalister wedge booties with the shearling lining? I'm so curious...

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  47. This is more of a question than a review, but has anyone else had trouble with their Mona patent pumps making very audible squeaking/creaking noises when you walk? I just bought a pair on ebay and am wearing them for the first time, and the squeaking is so loud that I don't know how I'll be able to continue wearing them to the office if it doesn't let up.

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  48. Hi Leah,

    I purchased the Coddington pump last year and could hardly wear them because of the squeak. I don't notice it as much anymore now that they are worn in. I was self conscious at work too because I felt like everyone could hear it in 'cube-ville.'

    I did receive a pair of monas for Christmas. I haven't walked far in them, so I haven't heard the squeak yet.

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  49. Leah - I haven't had that problem with my patent Monas, but my suede ones squeak like crazy!!! I was sooo self conscious when I wore them to the office. I did read somewhere that the squeak goes away as they break in, so maybe wear them around the house for a while to try and expedite the process?

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  50. Quick fix for squeaking shoe problem -- happened to me with a brand new pair of flats. It was so embarassing in the office with the squeak, squeak on every step. I Googled for tips and found an easy one. Sprinkle baby powder inside the shoes and knock it around like you are flouring a cake pan. Sounds goofy but it totally worked for me. I keep a mini container of baby powder in my desk drawer for this specific purpose!

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  51. Thanks so much, InboxImpulse, Caitlin, and shopalot! I am glad to know I'm not alone in this. It was embarrassing to walk around "cubeville" that way today; in fact, two of my colleagues commented on--and laughed at--the squeaking. It was THAT loud! LOL! I'll try wearing them around the house--and using baby powder. I appreciate the tips!

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  52. Leah - In addition to baby powder, try the Band Aid friction blocking stick, seen here, scroll down. Sometimes the squeaking is caused by your feet sticking to the shoe, even if you can't feel it. I've tried lotions, but they don't work like the Band Aid stick.

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  53. Well, I'm sad sad tonight. I went to my b&m this afternoon and tried on the blue grotto dyed jeans and OMG, they were SO tight in the 32 I couldn't button them! Yes, I gained a few lbs. recently, but not that much. I think they run small. And since they no longer make 33's, I won't be buying these jeans, sadly. :(

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  54. Can anyone comment on the Miller motorcycle boots? It's killing to buy them now at full price after all the promos, but any reviews would help, TIA.

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  55. windycitywardrobe- RE: the miller short motorcycle boots. I bought them on a promo ahwile back b/c I liked the brown color, but the leather was so, disgustingly cheap looking, I didn't even take them out of the box to try on. I have them in black from last year, and it is a way different leather. Anyone else notice?

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  56. pathos: Wow, thanks so much for saving me the eventual return. So sad they are so cute online, that seems to be the same old song, looks great online/real life quality terrible.

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  57. Thanks, gigofca--I'd never even heard of this miracle product! I definitely will check it out! :) Thanks, too, for your many JC reviews; I check your site often!

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  58. r lama, I have reviewed Macalister wedge booties with the shearling lining couple of weeks ago. They are very cute, warm and comfortable. I am in between 8 and 8.5, I wear 8.5 in most J crew heels and I took 8 in them. They run quite narrow so at first I thought they are too small but after wearing them for couple of days they are OK. They do get water stains if you wear them in the rain, but maybe weatherproofing would help. I got compliments from everybody when I was wearing them, i find them nice alternative for Uggs. With all that said there is plenty of similar shoes from other retailers that you can get for better price.

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  59. Thanks, AJC! They just went on sale, so I may take my chances:)

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  60. Does anyone have thoughts on the Nolita jean jacket? I feel a void since I got rid of my denim jacket about a year ago and think I need a new one. Is this one it? I don't like the price tag, but it sure could be cute...right? maybe?

    Or anyone find a good other brand? And it needs to be soft. I hate stiff denim! :)

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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! :)