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! :)
Reviewed a few sweaters, a new popover and Trudy Peacoat HERE. Will post reviews of shoes later this week.
ReplyDeleteSome reviews here.
ReplyDeleteSome reviews here.
ReplyDeleteGot my first 30% off order today - the morse code jacquard schoolboy and the valentina sling backs in heritage green. I really like the blazer - I actually size up one so that it would fit more like a regular blazer and I was not disappointed - it is very nice! More than worth it for the price I paid!! As for the Valentinas - I am in love - they fit TTS, are SOOO comfortable, the leather is very soft and for a $145 CDN, an absolute steal! I am now stalking the other colours! I also hope to receive the valentina pumps in the leopard print today and am hoping they fit as well!
ReplyDeleteA week or so ago here, I proclaimed my love for the Merriweather jacket. I really did like it initially, but suddenly it hit me that it resembled a prison smock, with its large horizontal stripes. After that revelation, there was no way I could wear it and enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThe only other item I have recently purchased is the high-waisted denim pencil skirt. I love that one! I have worn it several times already, and love it with a shirt, tucked in. It would also look nice with a cropped sweater.
Oh Meredith! Yikes - I feel for you!
ReplyDeleteDown town field jacket
ReplyDeletehave some fit pics up. its quite nice, but a pass for me right now
If it goes on sale, you should grab it immediately -- it looks fabulous on you! And you are cute as a button as well. :)
DeleteSo, I took my patent Valentina's out to dinner and the symphony and while I love the way they look and initially they were comfortable, by the end of the night, I was crippled!! *cry* My toes were all cramped. Maybe some foot pads in the front?
ReplyDeleteI loved the striped zipper front dress Rose reviewed so well on her blog (it looks great on you, btw!), I returned mine b/c I have the navy Maritime dress from last year and this one is navy and not black. I could've sworn it was black in the store and my PS even said it was, but it is definitely navy, so back it went.
Thanks, Jruby! It's definitely navy - the label says 'NAV,' I just checked.
DeleteI ordered the 'Anchors Aweigh' 2-piece with the swimwear promo a few weeks back and I adore it! The top fits TTS and the bottoms run just a tad big. The top is lightly padded: enough to avoid nipples poking through without adding too much bulk. I love that the top comes with adjustable bra straps as well as tie-back straps.
ReplyDeleteThe anchor print is really fun and cute, I can't wait to wear it to the pool!
I have a few reviews and pics up on my blog here. Items include apple print Tippi, Sovereign paisley pencil skirt, Spindrift sweatshirt, big-shot dot dress, and others!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the cotton ribbed cardi (72277)? TIA!
ReplyDeleteAny thoughts on the Factory Carson shorts #37417?
ReplyDeleteThere is a review of those here -- I just noticed while I was reading the post. :)
DeleteI ordered the two-tone striped hat along with a bunch of other stuff. The other stuff (a couple pencil skirts, a couple Natasha blouses) was fine but nothing nice enough for full price. I really liked the idea of the hat, but in reality, it was comical. The brim flopped right down in front of my eyes so I couldn't see at all. No amount of fiddling and bending could make it stay up. Isn't J. Crew embarrassed to send out products like this?
ReplyDeleteI did a review of the Talitha blouse here!
ReplyDeletej-crew-review-talitha-blouse.html
Took advantage of the 30% off FS last week to buy my second Superfine Cotton Suit (pencil skirt and 1035 jacket). I have only good things to say about these pieces and will probably buy another suit set or at least another pencil skirt. I'm between sizes in J.Crew skirts and I took the smaller of my two sizes. Size down one full size for the jacket - it's roomy. The Superfine cotton does show some mild creasing after a day's wear, but not nearly as much as the Double-Serge cotton pencils.
ReplyDeleteI love the superfine cotton pencil skirts because the are lined and have fully fashioned waistband. If you like the color (and they have this pretty blue in addition to neutrals) it is a better value and better fitting skirt than double serge cotton. I posted a review of the skirt HERE.
DeleteSome fitting room reviews HERE.
ReplyDeleteI am dying to know what the collection ribbon tweed skirt is like. It's at the Madison Avenue store. Any NYC JCAs that have seen it?
ReplyDeleteLast week, my Viv flats and Valentinas, both in the animal print, arrived. Couldn't tear the box open fast enough!
ReplyDeleteI do love them and I think they'll be great once I stretch them out just a *tad*. I have narrow feet and found myself wondering how on earth ppl with wider feet could get them on. Yet I couldn't have gone up a half a size or I would have been walking out of them.
I will report back after I've worn them for a few hours and/or a whole day.
My maraschino cherry schoolboy jacket is due to arrive today. I hope I love it as much as I think I will! :D
ooooh! I am waiting on the Viv leopard flats myself. What do you think of the pattern? I can't wait to get them. I sized up a half size just as I did for the bow flats. I hope they aren't going to be too big!
DeleteI don't think they will be too big; many bloggers found it necessary to size up. I like the pattern more than I thought it would. My favorite thing about it might be how pretty it will look when paired with charcoal gray. I think you will love them!
DeleteI'm waiting on the Viv leopard flats too! Mine are scheduled to arrive Thursday and I can't wait either!! gumdrops, Elaine is right, the shoes will not be too big. You'll be glad that you sized up a 1/2 size!!
DeleteElaine, seeing leopard pumps paired with a charcoal wear-to-work dress in a recent JC catalogue is what convinced me I needed a pair. (:
DeleteRynetta - I think that's right about the time mine will be showing up - yay!
Has anyone reviewed this year's Jackie shell? Anyone know if I should size up, like with the cardigan?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Adding: the JC investor relations earnings call is happening right now. Very interesting to hear the plans for new stores opening, re-positioning of existing stores, plans for website changes, etc.
ReplyDeleteTo listen in, go to jcrew.com and then to Investor Relations under 'About J Crew' at the bottom. Then click on webcasts. You do have to log in, but it will accept you. Make sure your sound is on.
Has anyone reviewed the Tipped Linen Schoolboy? I could only find a 2 in my store and while it fit pretty well, I can't help but wonder if a 4 would be better because the last button was a little snug.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Review of Tipped Linen Schoolboy Blazer
DeleteHERE, I loved it!
CC reviewed it here. HTH
DeleteThanks! The pics helped me a lot with the fit, now I'm just on the fence about the linen becoming all wrinkly.
DeleteJust posted a review of the Scout Chinos on my blog megancrewreviews.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteElaine, what are the plans for "repositioning existing stores"? Just curious. :)
ReplyDeleteCass, I know they mentioned one in the Hamptons and at least one other, but I forgot where, urgh. I was trying to multitask and do work and talk to people all at the same time, and ppl kept coming into my office and interrupting my listening, lol.
ReplyDeleteI think the webcast will be available for download later; if it is, you should check it out.
They talked quite a bit about new stores they're opening, many in Canada, including a second one in Toronto, and their first Crewlet in Canada (again, I forget where -- next time I will take notes!).
Also mentioned plans are progressing for opening stores in Asia and Europe. And the Schoolboy blazer and the Cafe Capris were mentioned multiple times on the call as generating lotsa $$.
There was much mention of a loss they took on shipping charges due to free ship promos and the loss of the tiered shipping rates / conversion over to flat rate. Somehow revenues on shipping costs still rose 6% from a year earlier, I think. So boo hoo for you, J Crew.
The analysts' questions were quite weak. I think I missed my calling. I want to be a retail analyst when I grow up.
Oh and they didn't elaborate on what the repositioning entailed, they just said it will be 'exciting.' So not sure if the format is changing -- more concept stores maybe?
DeleteAnd if I heard correctly, a second menswear-only outpost in NYC focused on suiting due to demand for it from the Liquor Store location.
Crewlet in Canada? Let's hope it's out West. :)
DeleteThanks for the info. I guess this is why we keep seeing more and more rollouts of the same items in different colors/prints (i.e. capris, schoolboy blazer), even capris for the fall preview...At some point I think there has got to be saturation--I think people can only own so many pairs of patterned capris. Would love to see some new styles instead of same styles in different fabrics.
DeleteI love the VIV pointy flat...I have the spicy gold and mushroom color. I think I need the black (as my black ones from 10 years ago are dying). I also purchased the twin of the Tippi at the FS and I love it...a very pretty shade of turqoise/green...and the Bermuda short in the same color.
ReplyDeleteHoping my local B&M store receives some of the cute apple print soon.
I also have the pintuck shell in white. It is sheer but I have worn it already a lot with long cards and spring style blazers. Lot's of compliments.
I love the Viv pointy flat too!!! These shoes = one of my favorite J. Crew purchases ever. I have the Viv bow flats in Henna and Topiary, and the patent version in Festival Green. The patent leopard print version is on the way to me! These shoes are super versatile.
DeleteI think it's my fave J. Crew item too! I have henna and mushroom and am absolutely kicking myself for not jumping on topiary when it was still in stock. Rynetta, I've loved looking at all the JC and Madewell flats on your blog - we have very similar taste in shoes! (:
Deletegumdrops, thanks SO much!! I love the J. Crew and Madewell flats. And, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you can snag the Topiary Viv Bow Flats on a popback.
DeleteI got the Jules dress in fanfare. It's the first Jules dress I own and I love it. I like the slightly mod shape and the black (navy?)/white fanfare print is very pretty. The rayon has a slight nubby texture and the dress drapes well. Got my usual size 4 and seems to fit TTS (hitting a couple of inches above my knee). It feels so easy and chic. Will be perfect for the weather right now. Would not have paid full price for it, but at $84 (during the 30% promo) it's a pretty good buy.
ReplyDeleteI purchased the "Maritime" dress (item #37228) in the blue stripes (fat stripes, not the skinny stripes) a few weeks ago and loved it so much that I just purchased the same dress in the black stripes this last 30% off sale items promotion. I love that the material is thick and sturdy feeling while also soft and comfy like a sweatshirt. The zippers down both sides at the hem are a nice, unexpected yet edgy detail. I will be wearing these dresses a LOT! I wish they would make some in solid colors because I would totally buy more!!
ReplyDeleteThey are making a colorblock version of the Maritime Dress - same fabric and design, but solid navy on the top with a bright pop of coral on the bottom - I love it! You can see it on AJC in this post: http://ajcshoppinnghabit.blogspot.ca/2012/03/jcrew-fitting-room-reviews-mid-march.html.
DeleteThat Girl, I got the Maritime dress at the outlet last Wed. and I really like it too.
ReplyDeleteI just received the circle eyelet dress and it is beyond awful. My usual size far too small in the chest and I am not busty at all. It is also inches too short in length and in the waist. I have seen some pictures of the dress on other bloggers and think the dress looks much more silly and shrunken on person.
ReplyDeleteIn contrast, I bought the Elinor dotted dress from the B&M last Friday and really like it. The fit is nice and it is a good length. I usually wear a size 2 in dresses with full skirts and this perfect.
I meant "in person."
ReplyDeleteQuick review on a couple of items.
ReplyDeleteThe cotton button collar hoodie #58988 was originally $103.50 Cdn was marked down to $69.99 but with a promo I scored it for $48.99. Fit is TTS and the cotton very soft. Worn it a couple of times and the response from friends and co-workers has been great. Colour is rich athletic gray. Definitely worth it.
In keeping with my hoodie theme, just got the sunwashed fleece zip hoodie #61676 in washed cadet. Again the fit is TTS and the colour is more uniform than the website shows. Cotton is very soft and the fit is slim, not loose or bulky. Very happy with this hoodie too and it's currently on promo for 20% off.
Just added 2 Crewlet reviews here :)
ReplyDeletej-crew-factory-reviews-jackie-striped.html
Has anyone tried the Thea (one shoulder) maxi dress yet? I love the red color, but I'm worried it might be too voluminous. TIA!
ReplyDeleteCrewbie, I tried my usual size S and the fit was good. The red is like a brick red w/lots of brown in it, not a true red or a deep red. As I said, has brown in it. I exchanged it for the black. I love the one shoulder & that it has pockets. I didn't find it to be too voluminous. Will try to put that up for Thursday's post on my blog.
DeleteCrewbie, I have the Thea in the navy and love it. My normal size M drapes nicely and is very flattering. However, I have worn it twice and it is already pilling under the arms. Not a huge deal, but this makes me nervous about how the rest of the dress will hold up.
DeleteI managed to get to an actual store today. And the catalog was there...so I photographed a few of the pages and put them here at my blog. I didn't have a ton of time so it is only seven images. There was a lot to love, very nice colors and styling, but nothing that overly wowed me.
ReplyDeleteThe images we saw at Slastena's blog that were all color scary were in fact over-processed as they appeared normal enough in the catalog. I have no clue what happened...
I did NOT re-shoot the images we have seen, but the argument can be laid to rest, there is no purple "large apple print" dress...only the red one that have been shown off a few time by other (fab) JCAS. :)
Enjoy!
I bought the Downtown Field Jacket and LOVED it. It goes with everything, the fabric is fantastic, and it has quite a bit of structure. You can see how I styled it today @ http://workdayweekend.blogspot.com. This has been my favorite purchase in a looooong time.
ReplyDeleteCheers!!
Sarah
ReplyDeleteI ordered the Factory colorblock stripe boatneck tee (the tee in your profile photo) today thanks to seeing it on your blog. It took a week to catch a popback but totally worth it. I love how you're wearing it! :)
Completely OT but does anyone know what happened to Bourbon & Pearl's (Tabitha's) blog? It's gone and I miss her....
ReplyDeleteTabitha's blog is still here. She is on holiday. I think we'll see lots of updates when she returns.
DeleteI'm wearing the Eyelet Pencil Skirt in Chili Red today...just put it on an hour ago and have already received compliments from 3 people. The color really is gorgeous and it's much softer than I expected it to be. My thanks to all of the JCA's who reviewed it and urged me to buy it :)
ReplyDeleteI bought the eyelet pencil skirt in chili. I sized up one size which I know some other JCAs did also as it seems to help with the shadow effect on the skirt. I love the fit and color, I don't love the shadow effect but I think I'm going to keep it.
ReplyDeleteRetro Lemon shift dress - I tried a size up because they didn't have my size in store. It was too big on top but I found it quite short. So in my normal size I think it would be even shorter, yikes! I really wanted to love it but the shortness was a dealbreaker.
Cotton cable sweater in byzantine blue - was on sale in store. I loved the color but the fit was off IMO. Like ajc mentioned on her blog, I found it boxy in my normal size and the sides were unflattering, kind of lumpy. Too bad because the blue is so pretty.
Does anyone have any sizing advice for the Polly Popover? I have the Silk Boy Shirt in Stripe (the one that looks almost the same) in a 0, but I probably could have done a 2 for a bit of extra room in the bust (I ended up adding a hook and eye between two buttons to prevent it from gapping). Wondering if I should get a 0 or a 2 in the Polly. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have a review of the Keeper Chambray Shirt? I was curious about sizing and if the price is worth it! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCaitlin, I ordered the Polly popover in my normal size 2 and it was oddly snug in the shoulders and pulled across the chest when I moved. I'm not large chested. It didn't pass the "put your arms up on the steering wheel" test and I sent it back.
ReplyDeleteHelp!
ReplyDeleteCan anyone tell me if the Talitha blouse runs true to size? A personal shopper said it was 'boxy' but also comments that it runs narrow in the shoulder?
Same question about the peasant pintuck henley!
My parents-in-law can bring some items over to me in the UK so returns unlikely.
Also does anyone know if the Madewell Archive boots fit true to size?
Thank you so much for advice and input!!!
Suzy - I've seen the Talitha look lovely on many bloggers, but, for me, your PS's description is spot on. My normal size 8 fit perfectly in the shoulders, but was too baggy and shapeless in the body. Sizing down may have worked, but I figured it would be too tight in the shoulders. I do have broad shoulders though, so it may work better on you. HTH!
DeleteSuzy, I know shopwithm has those boots and loves them. I can't remember what she said about sizing though. You might try searching her blog <a href="http://shopwithm.blogspot.com>here</a>.
DeleteThanks Desert Flower!
ReplyDeletesugarmagnolia: I have the Keeper Chambray and I love it! It goes with everything. Fits TTS in your normal perfect shirt size, but if you are between sizes I would recommend going up, only because I think chambray shirts are better with a bit of extra room.
ReplyDeleteIf you have the option, I would recommend checking it out in person because the degree of fading varies quite a bit from shirt to shirt. I tried one on in-store while I was on vacation and the fading above and below the pockets was extremely pronounced, which I wasn't crazy about. I tried it on again in my local store and the fading was hardly noticeable at all, which I preferred. HTH!
I was all a-fluster over the Gondola stripe silk tee from the photos I'd seen beforehand. That was until I saw it IRL yesterday at my local B&M. The 'washed' silk is soft but just looks faded instead of that pretty, saturated hue it has the the pics. Still holding out hope for the coat in this pattern.
ReplyDeleteAnother disappointment was the Schoolboy blazer in seersucker. The button holes are so poorly constructed that it makes the whole jacket look cheap. Ugh!
On the happy side, the Perfect linen shirts are soft to the touch (thank goodness) and the colors are super-sturated in actuality. And while I may be the only person whose not in love with the apple print, the Tippi sweater with this print looks to be well made and is 100% merino.
I just posted a review of the Viv Patent Printed Flats on my blog HERE
ReplyDeleteBleh - I just received the high waisted pant in silk wool (bright sun) today. This piece is the poster child for over-priced, poorly made J.Crew pieces as of late. These are a collection item; however, they are unlined and made of the thinest and cheapest looking silk/wool blend ever. Once on, you can clearly see the pockets because of the thin fabric and lack of lining.
ReplyDeleteThese are an immediate return.
Posted reviews of the Cropped Fray Jacket (cute! TTS) and Big-Shot Dot Skirt (cute. TTS) today here and the Tiered Ruffle Dress (love! TTS) and Big Apple Tunic Dress (Another love! TTS)
ReplyDeletehere.
Jaspe pullover: very cute, nice substantial yet airy knit. It feels more like a sweater than a tee. My normal small is flowing and not at all tight and it looks great that way so unless you want it tight, stick to your normal size. I am a bit concerned about washing it... think it may have to dry flat which is always a pain.
ReplyDeleteI received the Wide-stripe bandeau swim tank yesterday in the neon azalea. I love their bandeau tanks, and this would have been sooo cute...except for the bumpy seaming of the padding that went straight across the bust. It makes it look like it's *ahem* freezing, even when it's not. Totally negated the benefit of that light padding. I consider that a defect, and I'm sure my PS will let me return it when she sees it. Not sure if they're all like that, but wanted to put out the warning.
ReplyDeleteI also ordered the Hearthstone Trapper Hat & Pocket Scarf in heather acorn with the extra 30% off, making them insanely cheap. The color is a great neutral, the hat looks cute, and the scarf pockets will actually be really handy (no pun intended). I'm not sure if the material will end up being scratchy or not, but it didn't feel that way just in my trying it on.
Received my No 2 Pencil in Light Rose tonight, first off, it is not light rose but neon pink, and second it was the wrong size. So that is going back which is frustrating since I got a great price on it. I am going to look at the other colors and then call CS and see if they will send a new color and the correct size for the same price. Now I remember Gumdrops says it was very bright but completely different than the color online. I am glad I did not send back the one in citron, I am now thinking of keeping that one since it seems tame in comparison.
ReplyDeleteFactory printed cecelia dress - adorable! It was on clearance at my b&m so I gave it a try. It is very cute and has a retro feel. It is quite a bit shorter than last year's version... it hits me several inches above the knee and I am fairly tall. It runs TTS. I think it will be perfect for a summer wedding or just to wear on the weekend.
ReplyDeleteReceived the Frances lifesaver print dress today and it is unlined. For $350? Gorgeous print but the white part of the print is see-through as is, but stand in front of a light or out in the sun and you can see straight through it. Not sure if it is even worth taking to the tailor to see if they can add some kind of lining in a light fabric.
ReplyDelete