Referencing {FAQ}

Tuesday, March 13, 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! :)

72 comments:

  1. I love the No. 2 Pencil skirts and also the Telegraph in royal violet, it is a stunning color and nice longer length.
    OT, I bought something and now it is on final sale (wasn't at time of purchase), if I return it by mail will I get my full refund? Or can I not return it now?

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    1. Wendy - Based on what you shared, if you return it you get a refund for the price you paid.

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    2. Thanks Gigi! I purchased item 72585 the No. 2 Pencil skirt in medallion paisley, purple color, cotton, GORGEOUS! The fit is perfect, the material is sturdy and the print has a vintage/feminine look. Last night I saw that it was moved to final sale, plus with the 30% off it can now be purchased for half price! I sent mine back and just ordered it again on sale.

      The 'Neon Pink' Schoolboy Blazer, item 37852 (got it last week) has a very nice hand, I just can't believe I paid $175 for rayon/poly, but it is wonderful! So soft and flattering. The color wasn't as neon in person, imho. It just seemed more like a bright pink. The herringbone is extremely subtle (read: almost difficult to see). Great for spring/summer. Fit TTS.

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  2. Off topic but, the silk pintuck blouse (http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shirtsandtops/blouses/PRDOVR~59142/59142.jsp) was in last week's episode of Happy Endings. The character Alex was wearing it around 9:28 (http://www.hulu.com/watch/336884/happy-endings-the-kerkovich-way#s-p1-so-i0). Loved it.

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  3. Extra 30% off final sale items with MUSTHAVE. Enjoy. :)

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  4. Received my large order yesterday - really liked the schoolboy in neon azalea, but returned the tshirt in the same colour - ugh! I also received the eyelet skirt in chili, which was lovely, the garden lace factory skirt, which I also like, and the factory camp shirt - all are good. This morning, I finally bit on the morse code with the 30% off and the valentinas in the heritage green - at $145 CDN, they are well worth the price and if they don't fit, at least they are not final sale!

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  5. A lot of new Promo-price additions this week. I have the majority of them listed here.

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  6. Reviews of Denim Shirt, Medallion Skirt and Unidentified Striped Silk Popover HERE and Drawstring skirt, cotton v-neck and superfine cotton pencil skirt HERE. Foulard maxi HERE and ultra eyelet pieces HERE

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  7. Hi all,

    Ordered the no. 2 pencil skirt in double serge cotton, light rose and am sending it back. I didn't even take it out of the package because the colour isn't for me. It's a lot different than the corall-y pink pictured online. IRL it is very bright and actually kinda neon. Does anyone know if the citron colour is as well? The light jade green colour is a keeper though. Vibrant and rich but not too bright. Great skirt with a nice weight and length to it, but they unfortunately are unlined. For me this means I can only wear it with bare legs, with is a little limiting because I feel the fabric is potentially multi-season. But I am keeping the jade one!

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    1. I didn't think the Citron no. 2 pencil skirt in double serge cotton was too neon-y. To me, it was more like a neutral. It's still got the interesting color, but it doesn't draw a lot of attention, if that makes sense. I bought it but returned it for other reasons (it wrinkled so easily and I don't need it for the job-I-don't-have-yet! :) ). I keep thinking about it, though, and I may buy it again if it hits sale.

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    2. Gumdrops, I am still debating on the pencil skirt in citron. It is a pretty color as cate said but IMHO it is more green than yellow as it appears online. I ordered it in petite in the last 20% off and love the way it fits, the length in petite is perfect.

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    3. Thanks, pals! I'm happy to hear the citron shade isn't TOO bright, and actually kinda sounds like something I'd like. I'm always looking for summer versions of my beloved bronzed ochre and spicy gold wool skirts - maybe this might be close enough.

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  8. Also ordered a couple of jackie cardis that I am sending back. I don't know, is it just me or are they feeling flimsier and not quite as nice this year? Very disappointing if so, because jackies are kind of my go-to cardi, especially for Spring/Summer. ):

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  9. I received my hot dot bikini last night and just thought I'd post something b/c there was quite a bit of discussion about sizing. I'd never ordered a bathing suit from j.crew before and mine fit TTS. I ordered my usual bra size and then an xsmall bottom (I'm usually a 2) and they both fit like a glove. HTH!

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  11. I did a mock checkout this AM just to see if the classic cafe capris would have the 30 off applied and it did not apply to them. Just an fyi. Not sure if the 30 off will apply to promo price items in that case.

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    1. I did a mock on a metro coat and hacking jacket. Both are marked FS but neither would take the extra 30%.

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    2. Jruby18 and Catherine K: I just did a mock checkout on all of the items you both mentioned and the 30% off was applied. The discount is definitely working on the promo items. I've tested it on several different items successfully earlier this morning and just now, too.

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    3. thx FFM! You're right, but it didn't apply to the Factory items which is what I really wanted, so I'm going to wait this one out.

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  12. Has anyone tried the long number 2 pencil skirt in double serge cotton? When it came out as a new arrival a few of us were interested but worried that the stiffer fabric would not lend itself well to that length and would look rumpled after sitting for a bit.

    I have preordered a collection item I saw in the feature on the website, it's the bureau skirt. It's a linen/jute blend, runs a bit longer at 25" and comes in navy and bright papaya. I've preordered the navy. I'll review when it arrives. I'm also interested in the ribbon tweed skirt shown in the feature, it's black and white with a black border on the bottom. I'm copying DaniBP and creating a spring color story which includes a lot of navy and white and black and white. This skirt isn't available yet, I'll provide details when it is.

    Just a comment for those of you who post links to your own blog for your reviews. I know a few of us subscribe by email and read the comments from this blog on iPhone or other PDA. It's tough to go back and forth between blogs and click links. If you're able to post an abbreviated version of your review here it would be greatly appreciated!

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  13. a few JC and Madewell items discussed here.

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  14. I've been trying J Crew's terry sweats, and they are not working out. I like how soft the material is, but that's about it. I've tried 2 sizes in the Summerlight Terry Miniskirt, 2 sizes in the Summerlight Terry Shorts, and 2 sizes in the Summerlight Terry Sweatpants. The shorts and skirt make me look wider than I am (possibly because of the pockets). All of the above run very big. I'm a 6 in pencil skirts and chino shorts, but the Small in the Summerlight terry styles is too big. A sales associate told me that they stretch out, too, so if you get them, keep in mind that you might want to go down a size.

    I'm going to give the Factory terry/sweat shorts a try, and if they don't work, I give up. But the Factory denim shorts fit me better than the Retail versions, so maybe that will be the case with the terry/sweat shorts too.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for this info -- I had the summerlight terry pants in my cart this morning and dropped them at the last minute for precisely the reason you described, was worried they would make me look wide. I sure don't need help in that department, lol.

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  15. I got my bathing suit order and it all fit true to size, however, I took a Small in bottoms and in other brands I wear a Medium in swimwear bottoms. The heart throb swim suit is pretty but the top is so thin, not flattering at all. I don't know who can wear tips like that.

    The suede wedges in purple were pretty but not worth even the promo price. They run small. I normally wear an 8 even in Jcrew open toe shoes, but these were uncomfortably tight.

    The 30% off FS isn't working on promo prices items - at least not working in the crew cuts section. I was going I pick up some ts, but oh well. It didn't work on a crew cuts FS item ending in .99 either. I guess more games.

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    1. A: I just did a mock checkout on a promo crewcuts sweater with the code and the discount was applied.

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    2. Thanks FFM - I just tried again and it worked. I tried 3 times this morning and it didn't work. They must have had a glitch.

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  16. Catherine - that happened to me too - shoes that are 129.99 and marked FINAL SALE in red, but the 30% won't come off.

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  17. I have a review of the Elinor dress in polka dot here.

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  18. Suzy & Cate,
    Same for me on fs items. The promo is not applied to some items designated with a red final sale price.

    Also, since I had been holding a dress in my cart with a red final sale price for several days, I noticed today the red price is now the grey font, 'regular' price, & the promo won't apply to it. This change has been made to several items in fs section they must not want to discount any further.

    What a challenge to figure out which items are part of the promo and which are not today.

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  19. Gumdrops, the jackies this year is definitely flimsier than the prior years. I also find it to be see-thru which won't be work appropriate and that is where I wear them to.

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  20. Desert Flower, I tried the no. 2 long pencil skirt in double serge cotton. I returned it because the stiff fabric combined with the long length just felt like a big wall o' skirt. It was a little overwhelming. Mind you, it was too long on me and I would have had to hem it at least two inches. But I wasn't convinced that wall of skirt feeling would go away if I hemmed it. By contrast, I have a couple of the telegraph pencil skirts. They are the same length but because the fabric is light I don't have that drowning in fabric feeling. I did feel it would probably also rumple. I exchanged for a regular length double serge skirt.

    Sunny - argh! I noticed that too. The jackies just don't feel like they're going to hold up once washed. Booo.

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  21. Was able to visit a B&M this weekend and will do a blog post this evening with pics, but here are the highs/lows:

    Raindrop Lace Top in Neon Azalea = Pretty much the last thing I expected to love, but it is beautiful and the color is so flattering. Lace is soft with a nice drape.

    Boy Shirt in Folly Beach Plaid = Full of win. Cotton is soft yet sturdy, beautiful color saturation, wore it yesterday and got lots of compliments. I love the Boy Shirts SO MUCH.

    Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in White Denim = Liked the length on these, also liked the fit, but only when I sized up. My normal denim size did strange things in the crotch area.

    Attache Dress in Linen-Canvas, Oceanfront = Two words: burlap sack. Two more words: hello wrinkles. Biggest disappointment of the day.

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  22. I purchased the Fanfare Jacket yesterday because I couldn't get over how great the structure felt. I usually don't go for a cropped jacket, but it felt more like a blazer, so I went for it. Felt like I got a great deal in store at $59.99. Will be posting an outfit with it today on workdayweekend.blogspot.com. I also bought the Colorblock Striped Boatneck Tee and will be returning it. I wanted both the pink and navy kiwi, but there was a distinct difference in quality. While the Navy Kiwi was soft and the colors were actually dyed into the fabric, the pink one was screen printed on and was rough to the touch. I bought the Navy Kiwi in size XS without trying it on. The body was huge and the arms were tiny. Boo.

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  23. OT but I agree it's total crap that many of the Final Sale items don't get the extra 30%. If you expect me to roll the dice with FS, J Crew, given your known QC issues, you'd better make the price rock-bottom. I'm literally not buying it.

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  24. I bought 2 cashmere cable sweaters this morning, they were listed as final sale $129.99 with red price and the 30% was applied. I go to order a few more not 4hrs later and not only are they discretely hidden, now 'grey priced' and the 30% not longer works. WTH J.Crew? Thanks for really really ticking me off.

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  25. WTH? The hutton trench trouser in purple just rolled out last week and now it is final sale. Guess I won't be able to try them now.

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  26. It looks like many of the items have been removed from the sale section for this promo. Also, many non-final sale promo priced items have been removed and the prices are gray instead of red, and the promo doesn't work on top anymore.

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    Replies
    1. Cass: The promo-priced items change each week. Some are removed and others take their place. In some cases they are on promo for several weeks and then go back to regular price.

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  27. the colorblock perfect-fit tees are priced at $39.50, are Final Sale, and are "expected to ship 07.12.12". Why bother?

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  28. I have reviewed the Tillary Tote (love it) and the Terrazo Tweed pieces in the last week (sent the Terrazzo stuff back, not flattering on me).

    I bought the Cable Knit Sweater Dress in heather toffee (item 48541) during the last 30% and though I have not yet reviewed it on my blog I do love it. I bought my usual size. It is better looking in person but the best thing is the wool/camel blend is very very soft. I have been wearing it with the fair isle merino leggings and my tall shearling boots, it is a perfect cold-weather outfit. It looks terrible belted in my opinion (as shown in the product shot) because it is so substantial.
    I also like it with my black skinny jeans and the patent ballet flats in the walnut leopard colorway.
    Thought I'd share as it is available in all sizes and it is a good price with the extra 30% off!
    I also bought the Carriage Coat Dress which I love as well but it is sold out, at least for now. ;)

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    1. How long is the cable knit dress? May I also ask what size you ordered? I really want it, but not sure what size to get! I am usually a small but it could be disastrous for this dress to be tight...

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  29. I steamed the pleats out of the Frances Raindrop Lace Dress and then shortened it by about 6 inches so it hits at my knee and now I absolutely love it with a belt and heels. The pleats and length felt heavy like files in a file cabinet, but I loved the design and fit of the top/waist and now it's just perfect after steaming and shortening.

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  30. I know the Viv flats have been talked about before. But I can't find it. I woul love some feedback on them in terms of fit. So u take your typical ballet flat size? Are the leopard print cute or do they chip off? Thx.

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    1. I sized up a 1/2 size in all of my Viv Flats with the exception of my first pair. I wish that I'd sized up a 1/2 size in the first pair. HTH!

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  31. I bought both colours of the Button Front skirt and I love it. I wear a 4 in No 2 Pencil and a 6 in these if that helps anyone (I'm 5'6 and 130). The red is very bright orange. Skirt is same cut as the Flair skirt from fall but in a waxed linen with acetate lining and pockets. Skims the tops of my knees. A great skirt to ride your bike in like I do. Here's a pic hope my link works.

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  32. Pathos: I had to go up half a size from my ballet flat size in the Viv flats. I take a 6 in all J. Crew shoes (even smaller ones like the Monas), but I needed a 6.5 in the Vivs. Not sure if everyone else had the same experience.

    I hope that helps!

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  33. I tried some newest arrivals (not on the webiste yet), including the striped coat of the Lookbook (disappointing fit on me) and the new printed dress of the newcatalog and posted pics here. Enjoy!

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  34. Ema... i JUST asked CS about that tunic dress in the apple print... i was tempted to just pre-order it but now i'm not so sure... thanks for the reviews :)

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  35. My latest J Crew love is the Boy shirt in Indian voile, classic navy. I had purchased it in regular size and then purchased it in petite with the 20% off and love it. The petite fit is perfect and the style is a classic, it will be my go to shirt for all seasons. Assuming it lasts..yes J Crew I am talking about quality here.

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  36. Wanted to share a PSA for those of us on the larger sizing end of the spectrum. The Wintress Puffer is available for $99 less the 30 off. Wow, totally amazing price!! And I highly recommend this coat. I LOVE it! It's comfy and warm, but so cute. Great gold snap buttons and a tie belt and detachable hood. Also has those cute built in cuffs that you can put your thumbs through. Grab it if you can!

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  37. Just received 3 pairs of flats in the mail. 1) Lula flats in black patent leather (can anyone tell me if these stretch? I normally wear an 8.5 and ordered a 9 but they feel a tad loose. Not sure if its enough to size down..2) Lula glitter flats in gold, and 3)Cece black leather studded flats

    I am definitely sending the Cece flats back. Not my style. But I do plan to order the Cece's in a solid suede color. Very comfy just didn't care for the studs. Love the black patent leather Lulu's, just deciding if I got the right size or not and the jury is still out on the glitter Lulu's. Other than that, I found their new flats to be really comfortable and well made.

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  38. @Nicole - Did you take your normal size or your J.Crew size in the Cece flats? Thanks in advance!

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  39. Reviews w/ images of the items that I mentioned above HERE

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  40. Crewlet reviews in this POST. Reviewed the Shrunken Fisherman Sweaters (solid and stripe), Polkadot Crosstown Tee, Thandie Sweater and Short Sleeve Blouse in Eyelet.

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  42. Hi Erin. I wear a size 8.5 in all shoes and ended up ordering a 9 in both the Lula and Cece flats but they were too loose. I called J.Crew last night and ordered the patent Lula flats and the suede Cece's in a size 8.5 and I think they will be perfect. The 9 were loose but stayed on my feet but I have a feeling they would've stretched a bit and been flopping off them soon. I do have to add though that they are very comfortable and I love the addition of the rubber sole. I recently tried out a pair of French Sole flats and a pair of Cole Haan flats and like the J.Crew flats much better in both comfort, quality, and construction. Hope that helps!

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  43. Nicole - Yes, that helps so much! Thank you!

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  44. In case anyone is wondering about the Bellamy leather ankle boots, see IRL and review HERE.

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  45. I made a return run to my b&m today, and was perusing the new in-store arrivals while I was there. For those of you who adore the Maritime Dress and all of its incarnations, but may be feeling a little over-striped, I saw a new dress today that I absolutely loved. It is the Maritime (heavy weight cotton, long sleeved, side zips at the hem) in a solid navy blue with an orange band around the bottom, and it was absolutely adorable! I'm not seeing it online yet, but I may have to go back and pick it up, because it was just perfect.

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  46. Has anyone ever tried the Kids' Saint James tee? I'm usually an XS in women's, and I'm wondering if I could just get a kids' version and save $40....

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  48. Big-shot Dot Dress: Amazing! I am a size 4 usually in dresses, but sized down to a 2. I have small noonday and did not fill out the 4. It is really flattering and finally used my rewards on something I love. Oh and I tried it on with a bright blue bra and you could not see it through the white dress :)

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  49. Has anyone thought about or purchased the Sperry Top-Sider® Authentic Original 2-eye boat shoes in twill? I really like the cerise and the dark spearmint colors, but I've never worn Sperrys and I'm not used to that much color on my feet! Any thoughts? Suggestions?
    PS-I'm 34 w/two kids. Are these too young looking?

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  50. Hi Christy! I love the SPerry's. I first bought the gold metallic ones back in Spring 2010. Still wearing them and love them. I added the bronze metallics last summer when they went on sale, and at the end of the season, I purchased the white twill/leather mix at super reduced price of like 69.99 less 30%. This year, I bought the pink twill during a site wide promo, and love them! They do not tie, however. This year, they have made little curly q's out of the leather laces and they are just through the front loosely - which makes them a much looser fit. I think I may have been able to size down a 1/2 size, but I'm not real sure. Oh, and btw, I'm over 50!! Lol I think Sperry's are a classic summer shoe = boating and all that. Try them!

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  51. I ordered the mini delicious apple bikini to try during the last swim promo. The sizes are radically different from last year. I am a 34 D bra size, but in previous years a 34 D top at J.Crew was enormous.... so I ordered a 32D and a 34 C in the apple. Both were, very surprisingly, too small.

    I also ordered small and medium bottoms, after all of the size medium bottoms I bought last year (both bikini and hipster styles) were too big (and I've NEVER worn a small bikini bottom at J.Crew!) The medium in the apple bottoms fit. So, it looks like they corrected the sizing issues from last year. I haven't actually tried a 34 D yet but judging by the fit of the smaller sizes I did try, I think it should be a perfect fit.

    The bottom line... swim doesn't seem to be running large like it did last year.

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  52. I just received my recent order of the Sasha maxidress in skinny stripe, and the Kira sandals in dusty clay. Wow, I can't get over how awful both of these items are! To start with the dress, I was surprised at how thin the material is that it's made out of -- I bought a maxidress from J Crew last year that was made of a much heavier jersey that really drapes beautifully, so that's what I was expecting. I also think it's an awkward length. I'm 5'7 and it came to right above my ankles. But the worst of all is what the cinching at the waist and the stripe does to my figure. I'm fairly thin (27 inch waist, 36 inch hips) and it makes me look soooo wide. YUCK is all I have to say about it.

    The shoes are just as bad. The leather looks cheap, and the dusty clay color is more orange than the online image makes it seem. They also run small -- I'm almost always an 8 (or 7.5) but my toes were hanging off the front of them. Totally not worth the $118 price tag.

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  53. hey! does anyone buy SPERRY TOP-SIDER ORIGINAL 2-EYE BOAT SHOES IN TWILL ???how is it?is the colour is as nice as the photos?

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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! :)