Tuesday, April 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! :)

74 comments:

  1. Hello JCA!

    Today I did a review on the J Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Tipped Linen

    Check it out here: www.aprettythought.com

    Hope it is helpful!

    Kim

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  2. If anyone is curious, I reviewed some dotted and striped items last week including the Elinor dress, Big Shot Dot Circle Skirt and Gondola stripe top here:

    sewpetitegal.blogspot.com

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  3. If you're considering purchasing the Downtown Hacking Jacket, buy it! I normally wait for a sale, but I was afraid the mossy oak color would sell out in my size at my B&M since it was mostly gone online. It fits TTS, and is more of a medium lightweight jacket, so you won't be wearing a thick layer underneath. I can wear smalls but usually prefer mediums in tops (I'm 5'7", 135 lbs, 34B), but I bought this in a small. It fits similar to a blazer, right down to the ultra-tailored fit around the shoulders. So much so that when you raise your arms, the entire jacket goes with the motion, and yes, it does feel tight when you move your arms around in different directions. But this jacket is WAY too cute to pass up. I get compliments on it everytime I wear it, and the tighter fit bothers me less than I thought it would.

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  4. I reviewed the Lion Head Necklace here:
    http://thepetitefittingroom.blogspot.com/2012/03/j-crew-lion-head-locket-necklace.html

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  5. Can anyone comment on the Lillian Dress in Gardenshade Floral (Item# 73878)?

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    Replies
    1. I loooove mine. I've worn it to work and I also think it would be appropriate for a wedding or more fancy event. It fits tts, but mine is a teensy teensy bit tight in the shoulders with a bit of extra space around the bum/hips (which is really just the style of the dress).

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    2. Thanks so much, teeny84. I purchased my size this morning when it popped back in my size in the sale section. I am needing it for a wedding coming up. I can't wait to get it!

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    3. I have a review here. I think it's a beautiful dress.

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  6. I went to my local b&m today and purchased the giraffe long chain necklace from the new catalog. Its divine. The length is great and the online shot doesn't do it as much justice. I recommend this buy for anyone considering. I wasn't sure id like the charm (it looked crater-ish online) but I'm glad I saw it in person and made the purchase. Especially with the student discount :D

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    Replies
    1. I have that necklace and I love it too!
      Also the one with an elephant but giraffe one is more subtle and delicate.
      Very pretty.

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  7. Hi folks,

    received my Rococo top last Friday - I am truly pleased that I ordered this, even at FP. It is a beautiful top, lined, and the craftsmanship is excellent. It came with my new suede ballets in soft fuschia - the colour is lovely and so NOT the neon-y pink shades J Crew has been drawn to this season!

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    Replies
    1. I second the love for the Rococo top! It is really gorgeous and well made!

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    2. Waaaahhh, I have no idea what you guys are talking about! Does anyone have a photo? Search brings up nothing on the site. :(

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    3. Try this:

      http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/Collection/topssweaters/PRDOVR~75550/75550.jsp

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    4. wmm- did U take your regular size in the suede ballet flats, fit tts, and do you get toe cleavage?

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  8. i reviewed a few things on my blog,like the jersey maxi skirt and the vintage tank here

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  9. The Tippi sweater in orchard print is back online this morning for any JCAs who were looking for it. :)

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  10. The metallic linen slicker is up on my blog, hubs hates it and I did swither over it as the chunky gold fastenings are a bit OTT but it's just so wearable. Size 4 I have a 35/26 inch bust so I think that's true to size, i didn't want it too tight anyway as I fence and seem to be developing bigger wider shoulders as I age.

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  11. Would love a review on the brompton mini hobo in straw. I like it, but am hesitant to buy it without a review. TIA.

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    Replies
    1. savvy shopper I reviewed it today on my blog! I give it full marks, I think it is darling and very sturdy.

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  12. All I can say are good things about the Cafe Capri in Pop Art Polka Dot print :) I don't think they are online yet (just pictured in the looks we love)but I just got them this weekend in Toronto. Check out my review here http://bit.ly/H6Zgkn

    Tasia

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  13. I bought the color blocked slashed henley in the navy, it fits tts and it is not thin and sheer. It is a keeper for me.

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  14. Has anyone tried the Frances Lifesaver Dress? TIA!

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    Replies
    1. Someone reviewed it in the last couple weeks and was disappointed that it was unlined and see through, I believe.

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    2. Yikes. Thanks for saving me the time and hassle of a return!

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    3. That was me and I was really disappointed by the $350 price tag for an unlined dress that is transparent in the white part of the design! It is going back- too expensive for the tailor to do something with it.

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  15. Thumbs are up for the Brompton Straw mini-hobo. I reviewed it today on my blog!

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  16. I have reviewed some new upcoming items on my blog. Pictures of new Collection Blazer in Gondola like stripes

    HERE

    Jacket did not work for me but it is cute and something different for a change with interesting texture and not exorbitant price ($225). I am also showing new navy polka dot cami (cute but pricey) and red linen Talitha-like blouse that I think is worth a look.
    If you haven't seen it yet, check out my reviews from last week including new paisley and flower print cotton pencil skirts and new anchor print in Maritime dress and blouse plus some other items with lots of pictures.

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  17. curious if anyone has tried the clearance ipad case ($9.99) on the new ipad3? i'd like to know if it fits... even though the description says ipad2, i know the dimensions are nearly the same. though maybe the camera hole is off center?

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  18. Has anyone tried the Valentina calf hair pumps?? TIA They look beautiful and are on sale!!

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    Replies
    1. I have these and I looooooooove them, I get compliments on them every time I wear them, and they go with everything. I found them to be a tiny bit tighter at first than my regular leather Valentinas, but they stretched and are now perfect and comfortable. I would go with your true shoe size. HTH!

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  19. Posted reviews of a few recent purchases on Polyvore:

    http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=46519274

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  20. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  21. @ DaniBP: Thank you for reviewing the mini straw Brompton! I need a summer bag and I was waiting to see if anyone could comment on the quality of the straw, whether it would pick easily, etc. Also, M. Dariaux's "Elegance" is my bible. I found an original 1964 edition in a West Virginia Goodwill during college for 25 cents and it's one of my prized posessions :)

    @WMM and J.CrewJD: That Rococo top is gorgeous and, as soon as I saw it, it reminded me of old-school J.Crew. So glad it lives up to expectations!

    I bought the Sunflower Bracelet in Navy and I really like it, although the color is much more of a deep Cornflower Blue (to steal from a box of Crayolas) to my eyes. One thing that I've noticed about all of the J.Crew bracelets that I've bought? The clasps are large and easy to fasten on your own. Kudos to the jewelry designers for that detail.

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  22. Metallic Swing Sweater reviews? I tried to post, but my comment disappeared. Wondering whether to get a small (as in most JC sweaters) or size up for a drapier fit (I took a M in one sweater so far).

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    1. Also, the Viv Flats in the red and purple print. I've never worn pointy shoes before, but I love these! Wondering about toe cleavage (hate it) and sizing. I usually wear 8, sometimes 7.5.

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    2. Bo Sanborn - Don't size up, imo, in the sweater. There was enough swing in my regular size.

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    3. Bo - Irl pics in this post. Very metallic-y in person. Not in a disco way, but it's unmistakably gold.

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    4. Thaaank you! I went for it in my normal size.

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  23. I received a shipment the other day with a couple of sale items (no. 2 pencil skirt in charcoal wool, leopard print tippi sweater) and the carnation bracelet. I REALLY love the bracelet! As Whitney pointed out, the clasps on the most recent group of bracelets, including the carnation, are really easy to do yourself - and it is just pretty and special!

    I also love my new skirt and sweater, but I've bought both before in other colors, so I wasn't surprised by my happiness for them.

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  24. I have a review of the Director Dress in Bi-Stretch Wool in Bright Dahlia on my blog HERE.

    Unfortunately the dress was a pass for me. The color and fabric are nice but the sleeves seemed awkward and the skirt was too full and looked quite sloppy. HTH

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  25. Has anyone tried the Jacquard Dot Pencil Skirt? I realize it is online only but I was hoping someone may have ordered it to try.

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  26. XOXO, I tried the Jacquard dot pencil skirt and returned. The fabric is a poly wool blend. The tone on tone dots are subtle and pretty. I felt the fabric was stiff and didn't move well. The trouser front closure gave me a pooch, I really didn't like the side view. The pockets were a nice touch and the front slit was work appropriate. It had a lot going for it, I just couldn't get over the unflattering fabric and the side view.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Desert Flower. I was concerned about the fabric content and I definitely do not want a pooch so I really appreciate your comments. Saves me the hassle of buy/ship/return.

      Now is the first time in a long time that I have nothing on my virtual wishlist.

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  27. OT - fab sugar posted a preview of madewell's fall collection. Lots of cute stuff in there! It's at www.fabsugar.com/Madewell-Fall-Collection-Pictures-22506368. Sorry, my phone won't let me embed. Pretty jewel tones, cute boots, a few new animal prints, and some really cute other prints.

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    Replies
    1. Oh how I need that polka dot blazer! So many cute things in there... loving Madewell more each time I buy something from them!

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    2. oh my god I want those sheep print sweaters and the boots and the dresses and everything!

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    3. Thanks for the link ajr! I'm most happy to see what looks to be a leather version of the zipcode boot. The black & dark brown leather bag looks good too, along with the scarves (sheep print & map prints), and more blues. Yay! Maybe Mickey loves Madewell more than JCrew. They seem to be churning out the goodies!

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    4. You're welcome! I was really excited when I saw it too! I loved that same bag, JustVisiting. And J.CrewJD - you are so right - I keep loving them more each time I buy something too. I cannot wait until there's a store closer to me! And just in time for the fall collection. :)

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  28. Just a tiny review of the factory Bee and Crab necklaces. They are quite cute IRL (the bee is cuter for sure than the online pic). They land somewhere in cleavage-land, with a fairly delicate chain. They're down to $14.50 (so not even FS), and I think worth that for a bit of cuteness. :)

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  29. XOXO, I know how you feel. I have one item in mind to add to my spring/summer wardrobe. Usually I have dozens. I saw a white Celine top in a magazine a few weeks ago, and in the same magazine I saw a white Banana Republic top that was almost identical. The Celine, $900. The BR, $50. I contacted BR customer service and they tell me it is the Pia top in white and will be available in a few weeks. I'll be buying it. I'm not usually a fan of synthetic fabrics. This one has great reviews online (in black) so I think it's worth a try to get that high end Celine look for less.

    http://www.polyvore.com/banana_republic_pia_ponte_knit/thing?id=48057461

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    Replies
    1. The BR tee looks like an expertly seamed and fitted top that you could even belt into a peplum silhouette if you chose. Ponte knit is often synthetic and I had a polyester ponte knit dress that was very nice. The knit should give it body and stretch that recovers too, what a great find!

      I can't imagine paying $900 for something similar unless it was made of spun silver. Designer prices are so crazy sometimes.

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  30. JCA (or readers)! Help please!
    I know this is a long shot, but if anyone knows J. Crew - it's you!
    In the Spring of 2012, I went to a J. Crew outlet and saw the most beautiful Jackie cardigan. It was bright pastels in a watercolor pattern. They had matching scarves and headbands as well.
    I am searching desperately for the cardigan. Have you come across anything like this?
    THANKS! XOXO

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    Replies
    1. HoneyHive - the outlets get different items than the main stores, and I've noticed that it takes weeks, sometimes, for those items to show up on the Factory website. Fingers crossed for you, it will show up online soon!

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  31. I am bitterly disappointed! I purchased a long-coveted NWT Talitha blouse in wreath green from ebay, and I wore it, with much excitement, for the first time today. Even though I sit behind a desk all day, and I wore no necklace, the blouse already has three fine runs (and two loose threads/snags) just from normal wear! I can't even recall brushing up against anything--and I certainly didn't catch it on something!!! Has anyone else had this experience with a Talitha?

    I love this blouse, but if I can't wear it even one day in my office without incurring snags and runs, what is the point of owning such an expensive silk blouse?!!! ARGH!!!

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  32. I just posted reviews of the Cactus Flower Necklace, Chambray Shirt, Monotone Beaded Necklace, and Stripe Sequin Tank HERE

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  33. Reviews of several Madewell t-shirts and new pictures of J.Crew new paisley skirt
    HERE

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  34. Today I have a picture/review of the Gondola skirt. I returned it. It was shorter on me than in the product shot, and the short length combined with the stripes made it look a little "young" on me I thought.
    The silk seems nice and the lining is poly. It was TTS through the waist on me.
    I also have a review of the feather paisley pencil which I am keeping, I love it. TTS, lined in cotton, very pretty print.
    I reviewed the chambray top which I love. I also returned it, I found it restricting across the top of the chest, it limited my arm motion. I took my usual size 0, might have just been an off fit on me. It's a perfect blue, lovely fabric with a bit of heft.
    All items on my blog today!

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  35. @Leah - I've only worn my wreath Talitha once so far but didn't get any snags in it. I washed it in the front load washer on 'hand wash' and it came out fine. I'm sorry to hear about your snags, not sure it that is normal for this shirt. I hope not as I love it.

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    1. Thanks, Jan! I really can't figure out what caused it. The ebay seller is really great and she offered to let me return it for a refund, which I may do. I'm on the fence about it. I don't want it to keep snagging/running, but I am sad to think that I won't have the blouse anymore if I return it. I love it so! :)

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  36. Has anyone tried the stripe board shorts. I want them but they are final sale now and I am not sure if I need the size 0 or 2

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    1. simplydreaming: Clicquot reviewed them back in February. She said:

      "Wide-Stripe Board Shorts -- I liked these even more than expected. They fit TTS: I wear size 4 in pencil skirts and JC pants, but have always worn a 6 in their shorts. The 6 in the board shorts fit perfectly and I wouldn't have wanted to size down. The material is softer than I expected, but still sturdy. There are functional back pockets and a side pocket on one leg. Really cute fabric in a sun-faded navy & white. Velcro "fly" and lace-up front make them fit nicely. Thumbs up!"

      HTH! :)

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  37. Tippi leopard print sweater -- I saw XS, S, L and one XL at San Francisco on Wed, 4/5.

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  38. Basketweave tweed skirt in Marine has popped back. I thought there had been a petite version but I don't see it now. I normally take a 4P in skirts (though the double-serge wool was too tight in 4P and I needed the 6P in the flair). Question - if I go with the regular version do I need to take size 2?

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  39. Help, does anyone own the Merino Sweater dress #38328? Could anyone give me some idea of how it fits, does it run TTS, how do the hips run, is it clingy or sheer? Any help would be great. Thanks

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  40. A quick review of the garment-dyed ankle-zip toothpick jeans: I bought them in Ancient Fig. I *love* the color. I also love that the ankle-length is good on me in a regular size, even though I normally need Short jeans for my itty bitty legs. One warning: these run *super* small. I had to buy two sizes up! They also wrinkle a bit in the wash (because of the percentage of modal in the blend) but they iron right out. Gorgeous jeans, and I forsee wearing them all summer.

    The boyfriend's review is: "Wow, those make your butt look really good." (And they do - thank you, modal!)

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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! :)