Tuesday, January 17, 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! :)

69 comments:

  1. If anyone is considering the cashmere blouse (item 50505), either now or if it ever goes on sale in the future, I'd like to throw in my two cents on fit. I have my normal size 6 and it is quite narrow through the shoulders, arms, and chest. It is wearable, but just barely. So if you have average to large shoulders, chest or arms, sizing up is the way to go. I wish I had! It even pulls at the chest on the model who is pretty flat and tiny... so there ya go. Size up!

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  2. Review of the Café Capri in Harvest Tweed here.

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  3. One quick review on the Ragtime popover hoodie, item 59809 - fit is loose through the body but not sloppy; I took my regular perfect-fit tee and top size. The fabric feels kind of hefty for a lightweight hoodie, in a good way. The color is marled from ivory to black, "marled pepper" is a perfect description. The sleeves are nice and long (and I have long arms). I can see myself wearing this year-round and highly recommend it.

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  4. Looking for a review on the French dove graphic tee - is the linen knit sheer? Does it feel flimsy? TTS? This item is not listed as online only but it was not out in my local B&M. Thanks in advance!

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  5. On a whim and on a tip from a JCA in another post, I did a charge/send with the Tysons store for the liquid silk skirts in Navy and Dahlia. I'm so glad I did. These are probably the prettiest items I've added to my closet in recent months. And what a deal! I'm sure I'd love the bright blue color as well. I ordered my normal JCrew skirt size and it fits perfectly.

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  6. Reviews on skirts, blazers, coats, denim and other sale and regular items on my blog. www.aprettythought.com

    I also tried on the neon persimmon toothpick denim and am unsure whether to buy it. Please also check out my thoughts and pictures on that and help me decide on my blog.

    Much appreciated!

    Kim

    www.aprettythought.com

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  7. *Cotton Waffle Pullover*
    This one was okay, but overpriced for what it is. The fabric is fairly thick and substantial and the quality seemed pretty good. I found the fit to be boxy through the torso in my regular XS, and sizing down to XXS helped a little bit but made it a bit shorter than I wanted. I felt like the cut and the thickness of the fabric just made me look a bit wide. "Blue Sea" read as plain navy to me. I might pick this up on significant sale to wear on the weekends or around the house, but that would be it.

    *Jackie Pullover*
    I hate to say that I just wasn't a fan of this, and I love the Jackie Cardigans and Shells. The main issue for me was the fabric - I disliked the hand feel, it wasn't soft at all and felt a bit stiff. I also don't think it will hold up well over time - I got the Byzantine Blue and there was already some discoloration/fading along the lines where it was folded during shipping. Fit is TTS (same size you wear in the Jackie Cardigan - definitely don't size down) and the Byzantine Blue was a beautiful colour. If the price were (much) lower I might have kept the blue, but the quality just isn't there for me. In all honesty, I purchased a couple of crew neck sweaters from Old Navy before the holidays for about $16 each and they looked better and felt better than the Jackie and have held up well in the wash.

    *Stripe Turtleneck Dress*
    The biggest surprise for me was the fabric used for this dress - I wasn't expecting it to be so thick and heavy. It is definitely a fall/winter piece. Fit was TTS - fabric is stretchy but also very dense (if that makes any sense), so it felt tighter on than it looked - if you are between sizes I would personally recommend ordering your larger size. No itch factor. Definitely a body conscious piece, so keep that in mind. I passed, mainly because I didn't envision it being a very versatile piece in my wardrobe.

    *Toothpick Jean in Garment Dyed Twill*
    A definite pass for me. I found these to fit TTS, though a tiny bit gappy in the waist on me, which is not a problem I usually have. The fly sat off-center when I was wearing them, which I found very strange, and overall I just didn't find them super flattering. I've managed to pick up coloured denim from AG and 7 For All Mankind on sale for a similar price and I find those pairs to be much more flattering and high quality.

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  8. Cafe Capri in Harvest tweed here, Edie Purse in sagebrush color here, and Perfect-fit Colorblock Tee here.

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  9. Just returned the polka dot popover. I tried the 4 and found that the sides were too short. I received the 6 and it was so boxy!

    I love my colored denim (neon persimmion) and I feel they fit like all my other toothpick jeans. The color is great (and I scored them during the old 30% promos).

    Has anyone seen the gingham perfect shirt in neon yellow (size 4 or 6) at their B&M? If so, let me know which store! I'm dying to have it and didn't realize it went on sale. Great for the price but it makes it so hard to find! TIA!

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  10. Wearing Tippi & Cafe Capri in Wool Check here.

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  11. Has anyone tried the Martina wedges, particularly the tortoise patent ones? How is the quality? And do they run true to size (true to size for Jcrew shoes, which for me run smaller than normal; or true to size in general)?

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  12. Alexia, I blogged about those wedges here and here before.

    Bear in mind a have a medium width foot, so if you are a narrow size, you do not need to size up, probably.

    They are really nice quality in my opinion.

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  13. Alexia-

    I have the tortise wedges and to be honest I love the design of the shoe, but the tortise is just a thin covering over the actual shoe and the area at the tip of the shoe is peeling on mine. I have only worn once and they are not looking good.

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  14. Alexia, I have the Martina wedges (solid version) and they run very small even for Jcrew standards IMO. I am a 7 and got them in a 7H during the Xmas promo but they would probably be more comfortable in a 8 (which I never wear). HTH!

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  15. The front of the Crochet Lace-Front tee is very pretty and just what I expected. The back is VERY SHEER. Even in navy I can clearly see my bra through the back of the tee. Trying to decide if I want to wear a cami under it all the time or return it....

    My Eyelet Schoolboy blazer showed up and I love it, but there is a teeny lipstick stain on the collar and some kind of resin stain on the left shoulder. For a $35 pop-back FS blazer that I have been coveting for almost a year, I am fine with the stains. The lipstick will come out with a bit of Dawn, and I'll work on the resin. It just makes me wonder where it has been living for the past, oh, 6-8 months.

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  16. Today I'm wearing my black Factory Caryn wool suiting dress. Love, love, love. I feel like a million bucks, and I look especially cute with my citron-yellow flats on! When I threw on my Icon trench and my sunglasses, I felt so happy. That happiness you feel when everything looks and fits just right, even if you do happen to be carrying a little extra winter insulation in all the wrong places. ;)

    I grabbed the dress during the after-Christmas blowout at the Crewlet; I think I paid about $33 for it. Worth every penny. A very flattering/slimming fit on me.

    Was originally planning on wearing something else, so I happen to have on a strapless bra with it ... no issues with adjusting the wide scoop neckline to hide bra straps. :)

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  17. Thanks for the feedback on the Martina wedges, ladies!

    LMD, I wonder if you have a defective pair?

    I am normally not too gaga over JCrew shoes, but when I saw these I developed a major case of grabby-hands (i.e. these will be mine!).

    I guess I will just wait until they go on sale and then hope that the 11s fit my size 10 feet.

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  18. Factory city safari pant (clereance section). I have the retail version of these and they are my favorite summer pants (very casual). I was weary of the factory version but I thought that for $7 I would give them a try ;-).
    I am very surprised, I honestly cannot see any difference with my retail version (I have the retail in pearl and got the safari), besides the fact that they seem to fit slightly bigger (but I almost boiled my pearl ones by mistake). I know that I will wear these a lot in the summer and would recommend for the crazy price!

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  19. OT but does anyone know why the Minnies are marked $89.50 in my store, yet $79.50 online and in the catalogue? I was torn on them because they are so snug and with the side zip, I wasn't sure how they looked in the crouch, but I took them home with me in the Vibrant Flame because the color is gorgeous. But WHY are they $10 more???

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  20. @ Alexia, I have the martina wedges in the black/grey tortoise and I love them! I have gotten many compliments when I wear them. I usually only wear them with pants and so far the wool minnies and toothpick cords. I did have to go up 1/2 a size they run snug. HTH

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  21. Alexia, I have the Martina wedges in black, and have been wearing them to death. I just adore them! I usually go up half a size in JC heels or wedges, and this was true of the Martinas as well (usually a 7.5, took an 8).

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  22. Can anyone comment on the fit of the color-blocked stripe long sleeve tee? So cute to look at, but I'm afraid it's see-through and/or too loose and low cut around the neck, as many of last years tees were.

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  23. @jessy,

    i noticed the price difference for the minnies when i came home from the store and gave them a call. they were very nice about doing a price adjustment over the phone. all they needed was the transaction # and my credit card info and i was credited $10. you should just call them and mention that there is a price discrepancy :)

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  25. Got the hacking jacket in tipped double serge wool in pearl grey but gosh if I'd waited a day or two I could have got extra 30% off! Fits TTS unless you are kind of petite in width, in that case I'd size down. Anyways, as I now have two, the size 0 is going back unless anyone is looking for this particular jacket as its sold out in a size 0. In which case I'd be happy to sell direct for what I paid for it. Thanks!

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  26. As to the question about the color blocked stripe long sleeve tee: if you mean item 62774, then I can answer your question as I have it in both colors: NO, not see through, not flimsy, not lowcut. I wore the red striped one with the blue liquid silk skirt to a holiday event even! They are 100% cotton not thick like a French maritime tee but not the kind of cotton which disintegrates when you look at it. The on line pic does not do justice to the periwinkle one as the colors are more vibrant, the periwinkle is more periwinkle than the photo represents. As for sizing: I got large and extra large to try them out: I am a 12 and could easily wear both and tried the XL to get more coverage over skinny jeans. I went with the L in the end to get a better shape with the above described outfit.

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  27. Does anyone have the green wool Cafe trousers? Is the green a forest green or something brighter?

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  28. Has anyone tried the new striped sweater skirt with the pockets ? How does it run ?

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  29. Thanks, Margaret, for the information on the striped tee.
    I hope to make the 40 minute drive to a store as soon as next batch of new arrivals is out and try it.

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  30. Hi ladies! I posted a review of the J. Crew Silk Marlice Popover in size 00:

    http://thepetitefittingroom.blogspot.com/2012/01/j-crew-silk-marlice-popover.html

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  31. Review of Factory softspun cowlneck dress (item 53610) - I have it in gallery green and plum orchard, and love the colors. I wore the plum today and got a lot of compliments. Some issues: The green is slightly larger than the plum. Fits loose in general, but not sloppy; I usually wear a size small but probably could have gone down to an extra small. The waist is high so it would be difficult to wear with a belt. Fabric feels soft.

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  32. I asked this yesterday but I'll try again :)
    Any jca's with any input on a retail only collection piece... A navy / charcoal houndstooth coat similar in silhouette to the envelope coat?
    Toronto area JCA's in particular may have seen it , as apparently it is on super sale there right now.
    Any help at all would be appreciated as I haven't seen it myself.
    Thanks

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  33. Factory Double Serge Skirt in Cobalt Blue - BEAUTIFUL color.... Fit is TTS, like the B/M Double Serge Cotton - Unlined. I paid $47.00 for it and will get my moneys worth this spring. Highly recommend. If interested you might want to call a factory to ship/send. My store had only a few in this color left. Also comes in black, neon peach which are online.

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  34. Just received the Boy Shirt in Indian Voile and like it quite a bit.
    Yay for petite sizing! It is somewhat sheer, has a bit of sheen and fits a bit large. Will be a very nice dress up or down shirt over a tank or tee. But...will return and wait for a markdown or sale as I won't be able to wear it for months.

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  35. Has anyone tried the Vintage cotton lace tee? It's on Sale for $39.99.

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  36. Union suit in charcoal with white stripes: I saw how much my husband loved his union suit that I got him for Christmas, so I had to give it a try at the deep discount last week. The fabric is VERY different between the men's and women's versions. His is a very thick, heavy cotton, that actually weighs quite a lot in your hands. Mine is a very soft, thin, and extremely stretchy jersey (95% cotton, 5% spandex). It is not as high quality as the men's, but is extremely comfortable and so far is not losing it's shape. I think it is meant to be form-fitting, which I personally do not like, so I probably would have sized up if I had known. Neverthless, my normal size fits perfectly and is very comfortable.

    The bum flap is literally genius. (Also different from the men's).

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  38. Mackenzie Anne, I have the vintage cotton lace tee from last year in white, and love it. If you want to see IRL photos, check Gigi's blog (link on the main JCA page)--her review of it last summer is how I found out about it :) Last year's version was very sheer (not sure about the darker color--think this yr is black; last yr was navy?), and ran large--I should have sized down. However, I still really like the one I got, and have gotten lots of compliments on it. HTH!

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  39. Talbots has the perfect tall boots for plus-size ladies with athletic calves. They're roomy in the ankle if you need that and very well made. I was so sad that I needed to return them, but my chickin' legs were swimming. Did I mention that they were on sale?

    Photos here.

    :) J en

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  40. Mackenzie Anne, you can see pics of the tee here. Just scroll down.

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  41. Thanks So much Wendy and Rose! Looks quite Sheer will probably have to wear a tank top underneath but It's worth it! Looks like a Great summer top!

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  42. I purchased the Marceau Purse #57109 in warm grey, it popped up last week during the 30% off. Louise from Cosmetic Bee mentioned she liked hers. For a person who always carries, hobos and totes, I have to say I really like this bag. I like that it is a bit oversized. Seems proportioned for a 5'5" frame. Works really well as a cross body, which surprises me since it looks so dainty, but it must be b/c it's wider than most purses this style. Also works well with the strap shortened more so to carry on one shoulder, at elbow-bent height. A very comfortable bag. The warm grey color is growing on me too.

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  43. I received the Darby Glitter Toe Loafers today ($108 on final sale). They're patent, so I sized up by 1/2 and I'm glad I did - they're snug. Overall, they're cute shoes and look reasonably well-made, however, the $275 retail price is completely ridiculous. We'll see how they wear - especially how long the glitter lasts.

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  44. If you can find them, the Silvia snakeskin pumps are a great bargain at $78. ($129.99 less 40%) FP was an overpriced $425. I normally wear either a 6H or 7. The Silvia 7 was a good fit - albeit slightly snug. The upper is snakeskin with a leather lining and leather sole. The quality of the snakeskin was good but not great - more Via Spiga than Miu Miu. The pumps appear to be well constructed and sturdy with no visible defects. The heel is 4 inches. This is slightly higher than what I normally wear for work but they were still comfortable at the end of a long workday. These were definitely a great find.

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  45. Review of the cashmere rugby striped turtleneck sweater in this post.

    In SF as of yesterday - 2 liquid silk skirts in the bright blue (not navy), both size 4

    And San Francisco Westfield has a few pair of the Silvia snakeskin pumps as Muffy described. They are quit enice. Don't recall the sizes. Also saw Viv pumps in henna with the sticker price on the box $179.99. Size 8 empty box so maybe they're on display. There was a second pair in wild mushroom also in the sale section.

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  46. Mackenzie Anne - The link Wendy is referring to is this one for the vintage cotton lace tee. I love that top. She's right about the size. I was 8 months pregnant and took a S.

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  47. Hi all! I just posted some reviews of my sale goodies (Golden-stripe bracelet, drapey sequin tank, perfect fit ribboned tank, Maddie pants, scalloped lace shell, and a couple other tees) here.

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  48. Vintage Lace Tee: I liked the top, but passed because I did not want to have to wear a cami under it. My "nude" bra didn't show too badly, but you could clearly see my stomach and the top of my jeans. (Sorry, but I kept thinking that it looked like I was in a wet tee shirt contest.)

    Painters Stripe Tee: I got this as a Christmas present in my usual small. It fits like a glove -- a really tight glove. I know I hit the holiday cookies a little hard last month, but I didn't gain that much weight. This ran really tight -- especially the arms. I hate to return a gift picked out by my husband, so I will try a medium.

    Daisy Lace Top: What a surprise when this arrived at my door -- it was on backorder for long that I had forgotten that I ordered it in black. The small was TTS for fitted tops. Liked the fabric and the lace adds an interesting detail.

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  49. Baby Bromptom item 63021
    In a nutshell, overall I didn't care for it. It has matte leather, which is good for smoothing or brushing away light scratches, but I don't like it. There is alot of brassy hardware. Also, now I'm thinking the shape of the bag doesn't work for me as a crossbody. I like squares or rectangles, not so much of a round shape. Henna color is more burnt orange irl. Sahara Dune is ttl, and Vibrant Coral is a chalky orange, not so attractive in my opinion. I'm sure others will love it. On a positive note, there is a zippered area to keep valuables if you're worried about items falling out of the area secured by the turn-lock closure.

    MacAlister shearling wedge boots item 55817 Fit tts, crepe sole makes them comfy under foot and the sherpa feels so good against my bare feet! Nice alternative to boots.

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  50. Can anyone tell me how the stretch perfect shirt turns out when you wash it? Is it a mass of wrinkles or is it fairly wrinkle free?
    I know it's been around forever but I'm looking for a shirt that doesn't require tons of ironing to look fresh and crisp. Is this that shirt?

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  51. Debby- the stretch perfect shirts are probably what you are looking for. I wash mine in cold, hang to dry (or maybe 5 min. of tumble before a hang) and I haven't experienced any shrinkage. I wear a size 2 and they are fitted/just right so I wouldn't want any shrinkage either. They iron up really nice. Also the ones I have are a nice weight, in that, not see through at all. I hate that.

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  52. I like to think that I'm a connoisseur of all things striped, so I'd lke to let anyone who's considering the Factory striped dress, that it is a no go. Cheap, flimsy material and the stripes do not match up.

    A much better bet is the blouson dress in stripe, but definitely wait for a sale if unlike me, you don't need it now. It fits much the same as the other silk print blouson dresses, so if you loved them, you'll love it.

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  53. pathos, I'm glad to hear you liked the Marceau purse! It's a good size, isn't it? I took a risk with the Final Sale and bought the Marceau tote bag in dark green. It looks like it could be a very useful tote bag for work - I am hoping to carry stuff like my iPad, cardigan and lunch in it. Fingers crossed that it works out!

    I received the Wildcat cardigan last week and was a little disappoint to see that the background of the print is very dark beige, not the pale beige (almost ivory) in the photo. Fit is slightly generous, you may wish to size down on this one.

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  54. I would second that there is no problem washing the stretch perfect shirts. I also wash mine on delicate and hang to dry - no shrinking and no ironing. I have some black ones and they do fade over time but I think they wear pretty well.

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  55. I need opinions on the fit for the Double-cloth lady day coat. I am very busty and tall 5'9. I wanted to know if anyone with similar body type has tried on this coat. I debating between the 14 and 16 and to purchase the coat as a part of the final sale. Thanks

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  56. @cca. - I have the double cloth lady day coat with thinsulate in a 10T (I'm 5'8" / 36d chest and usually wear a 10 in jc blazers/coats.) The sleeves are perfect for me in the tall length but I would say I probably could have sized up to a 12. With the extra bulk of the thinsulate lining, I find that I'm just about comfortably getting it buttoned and that's with nothing bulky underneath.

    There were a few reviews on last week's review of other people saying they were inbetween sizes and rec'd sizing up...hth!

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  57. Starfish28 
    The French dove graphic tee, item 69620, is 100% cotton, not linen as stated in JC's product descr.  I just got the order, and the tag most certainly states 100% cotton.   I also happen to be wearing my linen crespi tee, which is 100% linen so I can also feel & see the difference.  

    The blue is not nearly as bright and ocean 'blue' as online.  It is a darker, cobalt blue, and the print is a light grey.  The embroidered hart is there.  (Hey, you never know!) :)

    I ordered a size medium, expecting it to be linen and shrink a bit.  Based on the fit of the medium, I would say it runs tts but it is long.  Medium lands at crotch level (sorry).  I'm 5'-7" and short-waisted but this is still long for a tee!

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  58. Thanks shopmurphy, helps me alot.

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  59. @dagmara, To me the green is somewhere between their new Oasis Green and Forest Green. IMO, a very ugly green

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  60. Love love love the newsstand tote in leopard suede I received today. It's darker and more neutral than it appears online but it's just what I wanted. Perfect size, beautiful suede and a lot more structure than I was even expecting. For $70 it was a steal!

    In terms of care of the perfect shirts, they can withstand a lot. I do just a standard, no frills wash & dry and my shirts still look excellent even after a couple years.

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  61. @D*ska, thanks, they popped back so I was considering them as I like the fit (I have them in cherry). I have the metro coat in oasis green but I would prefer the pants be a dark, hunter green not emerald green. The catalog and website colours differ. I'll pass on final sale.

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  62. got my packages and most are hits thank god.for reference I am medium but busty and pant size is 10
    factory hip slung cords are a steal, soft flattering to my part shape
    factory mohair in large in black and camel are perfect for layering here in cali
    pintuck lace shell in maize below in medium very pretty , a steal at its price
    perfect fit colorblock jn navy/pine. In large, I love it! Substantial weight to it not flimsy
    vintage cotton lace tee in black, I have this in white from last year and it is one of my favorite tops. A bit big so size down
    Hutton chinos, soft, comfortable , flattering with heels
    thus
    also for my 6 year old daughter got the double dip skirt in orange and cupcake twirl skirt, very pretty

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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! :)