Tuesday, October 30, 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! :)

85 comments:

  1. Reviews of the new November rollout here and here. Also, I received the Cafe Capri in Herringbone in Warm Camel and reviewed it and posted outfit pics here.

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  2. A ton of sale reviews HERE. Mostly tops, skirts and a schoolboy blazer review. Hope they are helpful!

    Kim
    A Pretty Thought

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  3. When I saw the Collection cashmere crewneck cardigan in pink, I ordered it immediately. It was a powdery pink I've been looking for to wear with jeans or capris and ballet flats. I imagined this clear powder pink cashmere that would be soft. What I got was what barely looked like cashmere (it almost looked like Dream) and the pink looked dirty and had an almost lilac tone. What happened to JC's great colors? And the cashmere was not fluffy at all. I always thought light colors required a better quality of cashmere, that dark colors is where companies tended to use the less perfect cashmere. I returned it.

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  4. Review of the sequin polka dot top in both colors, in this post.

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    1. Thanks for the review...everyone looks so good in this top! I have been interested since AJC posted it and I love how Tiffany Rose styled it. So nice to see reviews since I don't have a BM so have to really on reviews and the web site.

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  5. I've got the antique white pencil skirt in tall ( even though I'm small) on in in my blog post from the weekend. Also the Sterling skirt in the coral - no pic yet, I'll be reviewing that on Gigi's site, love the colour.

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  6. I have also reviewed the polka-dot sequin top in black here and in champagne here.

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    1. Sorry I forgot to comment on your blog but it looks awesome on you!

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  8. Reviews of the wool City Mini, Optic Dot Dress, Quilted Excursion Vest in Herringbone, and Boy Shirt in Snowcat here:
    http://onlyboringpeoplearebored.blogspot.com/2012/10/jcrew-reviews-city-mini-optic-dot-dress.html
    (sorry for the long link).

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    1. I LOVE the optic dot dress on you - it's making me want to try it on. I fell for the Crewlade after reading your previous posts about the boy shirt and bought it over the weekend - it is a great top!

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    2. Thank you! And I wore the top again out to dinner with the red City Mini - I am really enjoying it!

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  9. Review of J Crew MacAllister Wedge then Mona Patent Mary Jane here:
    http://bluebooby101.blogspot.com/

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  10. Review of not yet online top with lace print HERE. I think it is rather pretty.
    Also last week I reviewed antique white no2 pencil skirt and compared tall to regular. See HERE.

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  11. Glad to hear from those who have checked in and given the all is well report after Sandy. Hope all are ok. On a lighter note , has anyone done a review of the new cafe capri in camel plaid item # 29240? Since I got a cardholder offer I am considering them.

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    1. Mine just shipped so I will let you know what I think once I get them in a few days.

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    2. Shopping Celle, they may be sold out. I'm not sure if they were an online-only item. I ordered mine shortly after they arrived and I'm glad that I did. I ordered both of my JC sizes and wound up keeping the larger of the two. Not so much that they run small, but I am between sizes and the plaid magnifies every flaw, so I didn't want to risk the slight pulling at the thighs I saw in my smaller size. I am happy with quality and cut. One point worth noting--the camel background is a herringbone with black flecks--this gives the camel a slight olive undertone that wasn't visible in the photos. In other words, it's not a warm, caramel-y camel. I'm happy way the pants mix orange and neutrals.

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    3. Thanks Hexicon the review was great! I had no idea they were out of stock already. Hopefully they will pop back.

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    4. And thanks kms423! Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

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  12. Anyone have a review or IRL photo of the Collection Lucille Cheetah dress? I need a holiday frock for an event and this looks promising but not wanting to spend a ton on something I can't try on and final sale. Thoughts?

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    1. Hi MaryMoo - Slastena reviewed the dress here.

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    2. Hi MM, this dress looks so fabulous on Slastena (but then, what hasn't?) but I saw this in my B&M, brought it to the dressing room, and didn't even try it b/c I knew I wouldn't buy it, even on sale, even with an additional 30% and an additional 20% cardholder's discount, because all of the dresses in store had loose embroidery with little gold threads sticking out, and I just thought it would be too hard for me to keep it looking good...

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    3. audreys....did you think the gold was too "over the top"? I've wanted that dress since it debuted, but now that it's final sale, it seems like such a risk on a dress that would only be worn once or twice a year.

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    4. If you can hold out another week or 2 final sale should go away for the holidays.

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    5. i am interested in it too but on the fence. i LOVE the fit of the lucille and would love to add it to my collection.

      the only thing i am not crazy over are the bows on the back. hopefully they could easily be removed by a tailor.


      go away final sale!

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    6. The bows were another thing I was unsure about. I love the look, but they would probably look funny underneath any kind of sweater, light jacket or wrap....which would be nice to have the option to wear with a sleeveless dress during the winter season :-)

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    7. Heather, I did not think the gold was too much, nor the leopard print. For shiny gold, and leopard, the material is actually quite subtle. Even the bows pretty much blend in. (Of course, those are some major caveats!) IRL it is a very pretty dress. Like I said, I just have a thing about metallic thread, especially when it frays and looks like tinsel...

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  14. Just wondering if anyone has any feedback regarding the Flat Booker Buckle Boots. I bought them in Spice in extended calf about a month ago. I wore them for the first time this weekend. They won't stay up on my calves! They fall down and look like a scrunched down sock! I hate them!

    Any feedback for the Harper Boot in Leather?

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  15. I know that this is a slightly older item, but I'm hoping that someone who has the Swiss Dot Tippi can comment on how well those dots have been holding up. (I've seen a bunch of the helpful reviews posted when this item initially came out.) I was excited to score a popback XS recently, it arrived today, and some of the dots are looking the worse for whatever wear this item got before it arrived on my doorstep. I'm not surprised, but it somewhat changes my perspective on the sweater when it arrives looking a little bedraggled. Thoughts?

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    1. I have the Swiss Dot Tippi and LOVE it! I've had it for a couple months now and worn it 5 or 6 times; so far so good. It still looks new and I have gotten a lot of compliments on it. Granted I haven't washed it yet, just using one of the J Crew wool sprays and will dry clean eventually (I usually wash my merino sweaters on cool and lay flat to dry but like this sweater too much to risk it).

      I think it's definitely a keeper :)

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    2. I've only worn mine twice so far, but it still looks perfect. Still in love with it.

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    3. Erika and Whitney, thanks for the reassurance! It is a lovely sweater...

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  16. I seem to be the one person who didn't like the polka dot sequin top. The longer short sleeves were wide and matronly-looking on me.

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    1. It didn't look good on me, I looked like a rectangle in it. I think they missed the mark a little bit on the cut of this.

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    2. Cass, I don't like it either. Ick. I don't like anything about it. You're not the only one!

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    3. I actually like it and it looks good on other people, just not so good on me.

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  17. Does anyone know where I can find the raspberry boucle coat that's on the jcrew website? Or how much it is?

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    1. I believe that is a collection piece that sold out. I think it was about $525...you could try calling one of the collection stores in NYC to see if they have it in stock. But they are probably closed today due to the storm.

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  18. Has anyone tried the majesty coat? I love the pink. I don't really need a new coat, but it's so cute!

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    1. Yes, I have a photo of it on my blog. Loved it!

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  19. For those who have tried on the Hothouse Floral Dress...did you feel that the waist sat high at all? Most J Crew dresses (lately) are very short waisted and look ridiculous on those of us with longer torsos! Thanks :-)

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    1. Yes it is high waisted, and the hem length is also shorter than I expected.

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    2. Thanks, Cass...I was afraid of that. Guess this is another beautiful print that will have to pass me by :-(

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  20. Somewhat unrelated, but I got a card in the mail with my Factory purchase with two promo codes that I'm not going to use. They're one-time-only, so first come, first served.

    10% off your purchase of $75 + free shipping: FPTYHAAUJ

    20% off your purchase of $125 + free shipping: FPZDM3RRR

    Good until December 22.

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  21. OT, I got to wear my Dublin Green Majesty Pea Coat today (three compliments on the color)and felt like a proud mama. I love it!

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  22. I have two codes for 20% off online purchases of $150 or more that I'm not going to use. They expire tomorrow, so please only leave your email address if you will definitely use one by then.

    I will send them to the first two people who reply with their email addresses.

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  23. Does anyone have a review on any of the jcrew leather boots? I've been looking at the booker midheel in the tan color but I've never tried jcrew boots. I'm also short (5"3) so I was thinking a heel may look better than flat?

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    1. I didn't try the midheel ones, but I did try the booker flats on the weekend. They are pull on style, and I didn't find them flattering at all (my husband thought they were hideous to be honest). I found them baggy at the ankle and pretty much throughout (and I have runner calves). The sole was pretty thin, so would not be practical at all for the types of weather we get for fall/winter. I did find them TTS.

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    2. I tried the Booker mid-heel last year but sent them back. I love the way they look, but they were too tall on me. The top back was hitting behind my knee (uncomfortable) and the top front was up too high (looked odd, in my opinion). I am 5'4". I ended up buying the Booker flat boots and didn't have any issues with those. I agree the heel may look better and I wish they'd worked out because it's hard to find an unembellished boot with a medium heel height.

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    3. I recently purchased the booker Midheel buckle boots with extended calf. I personally love them! I'm 5' 4" and they weren't too tall on my legs... Fit just right! I took a gamble since my lots were final sale but I don't regret it one bit!

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    4. I agree with injanuity. They are baggy at the ankle and felt the leather is kind of cheap.. I have reviewed these on my blog last year, if interested.

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  24. Hi there,
    Maybe this is more of a vent? I definitely need some advice. Anyway, I just washed my Jackie sweater for the first time... It's that bright orangey red colour - vibrant flame I think it's called ... Anyway, I washed it with colours only( no darks, no jeans ), in cool water, on the delicate setting - which is how I wash everything - and then lay it flat to dry. Before it was dry I noticed this strange dark stripey pattern developing... Long story short, it won't rinse out. Has anyone had a similar problem? Has it been corrected? I love the colour and sort of want a replacement but not if the problem is going to repeat itself. The second thing I'd like to know is has anyone else gone through a similar situation? And what is the best way to return the garment? I live in Canada and having to pay for the shipping is pretty unfair given the circumstances. The sweater was originally purchased from the store in Las Vegas and I have no plans to visit any time soon but will be traveling to San Antonio/Austin in a couple of weeks... Should I attempt to return it to a B & M store there? Or is sending to Virginia the best thing to do? I've contacted CS but would like to hear what those of you who have been through this have to say...
    Thanks,
    Erin

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    1. Sorry to say that I had bought a Jackie sweater with the same problem. It was a deep red color - cerise I think. I noticed the discoloration before I washed it. I thought that washing it might even out the color but it did not. It looked like the color had streaked across the sweater. Anyway, I sent it back. I had ordered mine online, but I should think that any store would let you return it, since it is defective.

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  25. An open letter to J.Crew:

    OK, forget about your total lack of platform shoes for a moment... why oh why didn't you make the Paisley Applique Top in more colors? I was already in love with the ivory one, and then the black one showed up and it's even more fabulous. It feels like a tee but it looks expensive and luxurious. Please make more clothes like this!

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  26. Tried on quite a few items..some were hits..some misses. Hothouse floral blouse was a miss for me. Colors are vibrant and beautiful in person, but those colors just overwhelmed me once on and the top was just a tad too short for my liking. Fair Isle ski sweater was a no-go for me. The first words out of my mouth when I was handed this were “Wow, that is a lot of orange.” So yea…the orange was brighter than I expected and overall, this sweater felt odd on in terms of the actual fit…so pass. And the loomknit sweatshirt…too short. Ugh. I’m hoping one day J.Crew will make their sweatshirts longer again because I love me some of their sweatshirts.

    Loved the classic mini in felted wool, despite it being a bit rough/itchy to the touch. Took one size larger than my normal pencil skirt size. Interested to hear anyone’s thoughts on the antique white color. I’m on the fence…love it, but not sure how I’d pull that off. And actually liked the Optic-dot top, which was marked down to $79.99. The dots are a more of a beigey/off white irl, if I remember correctly and I took my normal size. Down side to this shirt was that all three left had the hems already coming apart..bummer.

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    1. And on another note, I hope all of you on the east coast are safe and sound! And continue to stay safe!

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  27. I've tried the Matchstick Velvet Jeans in navy. They are fantastic but tight in the calves, which I would expect from the Toothpick jeans but not from the Matchsticks (I have other Matchsticks and don't have this problem). I returned them, but regretted it and re-bought them. I wore them for a half an hour and I think they will be okay. The material is a little bit stretchy. Sacrifices for fashion... they are really nice though!

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    1. For really great high quality velvet jeans, I like AG Stevies and Pilcro at Anthropologie. Great colors, they last a long time and they're super comfortable.

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    2. Thank you, I will take a look!

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  28. Purchased this weekend: Merino turtleneck in stripe-LOVE and sequined polka top top in black-love the fit...I am an XXS and it fits just right-short enough, not too boxy...and easy to pull on and off (this is HUGE)

    Anyone try the lace mockneck T?? The neck opening looks tiny, and of course no side zipper...another J Crew top you can get on and not get off??

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. I did, and those are not its biggest problems. It has a button at the back, so the opening is sufficiently large. I had my eye on it too, but that top was the scratchiest thing I've ever tried on. Hopefully after a wash and softener it would get better. The body is boxy enough, so it doesn't need a side zipper, in my opinion.

      I will have a review later this week on my blog.

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  29. Hothouse floral dress: I just received this in my regular JC dress size. It fit but was a tad snug across the shoulders and I am small chested. I really like the pattern and colors. The sleeves are sheer and baggy on me which doesn't look flattering. The sleeves in the catalogue pic look more fitted. I am disappointed in the length as it is shorter than I expected (copy says falls to knee). I am 5'7" but I thought it would still fall closer to the knee. If I lift my arms or sit down it is too short IMO. The silk is quite thin and feels delicate in that I think you'd have to becareful when wearing it. And I would freeze wearing this in the winter. The waist sits a little high but it didn't bother me on this dress.

    I really wanted to love it because there isn't much I've liked in the last rollouts. But I will have to return it because of the length and it is just ok on me, not worth the money for 'just ok'.

    Between this disappointment and the talk of the leather culottes from the Spring Preview post I am devastated. What has happened to JCrew!!

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  30. OT, but funny. Check out the thigh on the model for the jackie cardigan product page.

    I saw the article about it in the Daily Mail. Amused that J.Crew took the jackie off the site altogether, especially since you can still google it and see the pic! Why didn't they just change the picture to a stock photo or something??

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    1. Well it must have happened around the same time that they lowered the actual price from $65 to $62 which meant it was not included in the markdown 30% off sale. Which I thought was pretty sneaky...but trying to erase inches off that skinny models thighs is even worse.

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    2. That's hilarious. It looks like someone took a bite out of her legs.

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    3. JRSConifer, my thoughts exactly. We're in deep trouble when a model needs her thighs retouched...

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  31. 20% off $150 codes, good through Oct 31:
    Raf64whbd
    Rafyehn5n
    Rafayux8f
    Rafb787pa

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  32. OT //but If someone still has a code to spare I would be grateful to get it. dianachantal1 at gmail dot com

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  33. Hi, all! Again, super late to this review game since almost everything I am buying is on sale and it seems all the other JCAs have reviewed before me, but I will still throw this review in the review pot, 'cause you never know who might be helped by it. :)

    I was able to snag the Collection polka-dot cashmere sweater in the green/blue color, and since I wore it today, I thought I would do a combo review/ootd post.

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  34. The solid cashmere bateau sweater in burnished terracotta has got to be one of my favourite purchases of all this season. I have been wearing it constantly and feel so chic in it. The colour is a rich burnished dark orange colour that is really flattering and the standup round bateau collar gives a cool 1960s feel - so far I have just been wearing it with jeans, but I'm thinking of pairing it with some skirts to play up the slightly retro look. I got this during the 30% off sale a few weeks back and for the amount of wear I am getting out of it, it is an incredible deal at the sale price. Fits TTS in my opinion - I usually wear size small in the cashmere sweaters and the small in this style fits perfectly.

    Received the Factory cotton/silk polka dot popover today - love it! From what I can tell, it is almost identical to the retail version of the polka dot popover that came out last year. I like that the dots are paler and more off white, than the retail version (which I bought and returned because I didn't like that the dots were beige).

    Off topic, but anyone who happens to be following my blog, I've relaunched with a new domain name. The server is in the process of redirecting from the old domain name to the new one over the next couple days, but this is the link here in case anyone wants to update their bookmark list now: www.ingredientsofstyle.com.

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    1. I loved the Factory cotton/silk popover as well. It seems slim fitted,which is good, fabric is very soft ans machine washable. The dots don't match up everywhere, that's the nature of the beast. I got 2 by mistake and I am keeping them both!

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  35. I bought the black suede Bryce flat boots and am very pleased. Fit is good (I sized up, as usual for JC, a half size), style is very clean and versatile. Wish the soles and linings were leather, but that's hard to find.

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  36. Some Madewell reviews - I ordered some things to try w/the last Madewell % off sale with FS. What a disappointment. All of it is going back. I tried the "Newprint" silk blouse. Totally sheer and way too blousy. You couldn't wear it w/o a cami of some sort underneath. Didn't look flattering at all. I also tried the Giraffe Print sweater tunic in sz. M. I had tried the Giraffe Print regular sweater in a sz. M, and it was too big through the body and it was boxy - not flattering at all, so I figured the Medium would be the right size to try in the tunic version. Nope. It was wayyyyy too tight. Finally, I ordered 2 of the RXmance t-shirts (not the house brand, but an "in good company" type) in sz. Medium in the hopes of finding a good substitute for JC graphic t's that are no longer worth buying. They were HUGE. Way too long and too big. They're more like a tunic than a fitted t-shirt, which wasn't what I was looking for. They were a cotton/poly/rayon blend, so there's no way they'd shrink either. Needless to say, it's all going back. Thankfully, it wasn't final sale, which is why I was willing to give these things a shot.

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  37. I just posted a small batch of reviews on my blog including a pair of plaid capris that aren't on the website, the hot house floral blouse, velvet toothpics in a pretty rust orange color and the long-sleeve tweed dress.

    Check them out here.

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  38. Just posted a review of the Collection Pencil Skirt in Windowpane here. Love it!

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  39. I am really curious about the Collection red crepe dress, which is up with a model pic on the website now and only in smaller sizes. Drop waists scare me, but the whole vibe is very Valentino to me.

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  40. I would love thoughts or reviews of the Brompton mini-hobo bag, the Baby Brompton, and the regular Brompton hobo. I'm trying to decide between them as a 30th birthday gift to myself -- anyone purchased and loved any of them?

    Also, anyone purchased the Etta glitter tweed pumps? I'm dying to know if they are as awesome in person as they look online, and if they are horrendously uncomfortable.

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  41. OURTREAT gets 25% off sitewide + free shipping on $150+ thru Thu, Nov 8

    A couple of exclusions, i.e. 3rd party.

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  42. Reviews on some newer items, including a new wool Cafe Capri in a holiday plaid that isn't online yet in this post.

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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! :)