Tuesday, October 9, 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! :)

100 comments:

  1. Reviews of Snow Cap Quilted Jacket, Tipped Peacoat and Tipped Hacking in Double Serge HERE.

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  2. The tie top in navy tweed and café capri in navy tweed here on my blog.

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  3. Some review of the pink tippi sweater, the capris in the black/cream, the factory cotton cardigan and the watercolour blue herringbone pencil skirt and the stretch perfect shirt in the mini windowpane here:

    http://onecantgetoverthehabit.blogspot.ca/2012/10/j-crew-reviews-colour-me-pink-and-pale.html

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  4. I received the wool-cashmere icon trench in Cabernet this weekend. It's a gorgeous coat, and I really liked the color, but I am petite (usually get reg sizes in coats for arm length) and it was just too busy for me, with all the trench details (flaps, buttons). Also I felt like the lower half of the coat had too much fabric and didn't exactly flatter my rear end.

    Finally, on one of the arm seams, was a spot where the stitching was messed up, inexcusable to me for a $200 coat.

    I will be returning and am thinking about the stadium cloth mod coat (once it inevitably goes on sale again). Has anyone gotten this coat yet ? Would love a review. TIA!

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    1. Ema reviewed it on her blog(My baby,my closet and I).

      HTH

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    2. StylishlySpoken - Thanks for the review on the Icon. I love the cabernet but nixed it because of the epaulets. They never look good on me so I try to avoid them. I figured the jacket would look heavy w/the color & everything.

      The mod cloth on Ema in this post.

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  5. Not sure if anyone has reviewed the peplum stripe top yet (it was backordered at one point i thought), but I just received it yesterday and it's going back. It was not what I expected at all. The fabric was thin, cut was boxy and it was way, way short. Very unflattering and made me look WIDE. I'm not usually disappointed with my purchases, but this shirt is not a winner for my frame.

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    1. I agree totally, Jessy. Way way too short.

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    2. I was happy to see AJC's review of the stripe peplum. They didn't make the peplum long enough. Click here for her post. I ordered TopShop' peplum tank thru Nordsstrom. It popped back today. Only $36, free shipping both ways. Not stripes & it's sleeveless, but I want to see the burgundy.

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  6. Reviews of some new, not yet online items posted today on my blog.
    In short, everything was lovely, but I am craving something a little different for a change.

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  7. Has somebody tried the cambridge cable v-neck?
    How is it(size and quality-wise)?

    Any comments on the excursion vest in herringbone?

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    1. I have not tried this year's cambridge cable v-neck, but I have one from a few years ago [I think 2009]. In short, it's horrible. Pilled terribly almost immediately. That years version also ran quite large. I should throw it away, but I keep it as a reminder not to buy another one! (I also have the cambridge turtle neck sweater from the same year -- equally bad)

      I ordered the herringbone excursion vest during the outerwear promo. It hasn't arrived yet, but I have high hopes. Hopefully someone else can give you more advice there!

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    2. Ina, I bought the cambridge v-neck last year and it's the worst ever.Pilled immediately, the hem at the bottom stretched out -and the sleeves too. and I wore it maybe twice. Same problem with cambridge turtlenecks as well. Mine aren't even worthy of house cleaning wear.

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    3. Ina - Review of the herringbone excursion in this post and links to other blogger reviews.

      Don't do the Cambridge. Don't do it. I will try to post photos soon of what everyone's been talking about here in multiple since FA12 kicked off. It really looks like a rag after a few wears.

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    4. I am wearing a crew neck one today from Holiday 08 (my mother went crazy and brought me the color run). They have held up extremely well but all the ones purchased in subsequent (like I actually needed more) did not hold up well at all. I would pass on them. I got rid of all my newer ones and wear all my older ones.

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  8. Jessy~I totally agree about the peplum top. I ordered it on a Saturday, said it was backordered till Nov 26 & then it shipped out 2 days later. I ordered the s, my usual sizes are xs, s but read on ajc's review she thought it was short. I looked horrific on me. It was very wide/loose in the waist (which totally negates the "peplum" effect IMO) & the peplum ruffle was way too short. I sent it back the day I received it & have already refunded me. Very quick turnaround.

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  9. http://colorfulcorporate.blogspot.com/2012/10/reviews-jcrews-schoolboy-blazer-in-wool.html
    Hi ladies! Link above is to reviews on schoolboy blazer in wool herringbone and boy shirt in turquoise plaid! Would love if you checked them out! Thanks!

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  10. Picked up some "classic" items, one with my 20% off coupon, the other during the 25% off promo: the Downtown Field Jacket and the Macalister wedge ankle boots. Really in love with both items, well worth the investment.

    I know the Downtown Field jacket has come in for some criticism for being unlined, and too stiff feeling, but I happen to love it. Since buying it, I have been wearing it constantly. The stiffness of the fabric gives it a very sharp, clean line. The tightness of the weave and the wax coating make it very wind and water resistant without looking like a windbreaker from a travel/trek company (which is too granola for my taste). The style is a great combination of modern, urban, and functional. I bought the black and the gold hardware really dresses it up. Jacket runs TTS - I got the XS and it fits exactly (these days I wearing size 2/4 in JC tops). I can wear a light cardigan underneath but nothing too bulky.

    I got the Macalister boots in the new dark cognac colour and love them (yes, I'm late to the Macalisters). The colour is really a rich cognac brown and can be worn with just about anything, much more versatile than the redwood colour from last year. You just need to watch out - for some reason the right side boot is prone to flaws. I checked three different pairs and with each pair, there was a slight defect in the suede of the right boot. I got fed up and settled on the pair with the smallest and least visible flaw - I figure since these will be my casual shoes this season, I shouldn't get too fussed about it. Shoe size is also TTS - I usually wear U.S. 7.5 and as these only come in whole sizes, I went with the 8, and they fit fine.

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    1. Louise~I too love my Macalisters & it's so funny you mention the flaw on the front of the right boot. I got mine 2 years ago in the grey color (can't recall exact name) & I noticed the flaw but figured Im prob the only one that would ever notice it. I kept them & glad I did. They still look brand new & I wear them a ton!

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    2. Louise, I love the Downtown Field Jacket too! It's a great piece!

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  11. I've been very uninterested in what's at JC right now and have been since August. But I really like that leopard print bracelet/bangle. I tried it on and it really is very nice. It's a substantial weight which to some may be a negative, but to me made it feel like it'd be sturdy. I love that it's not a slip on bangle, but one w/a hinge opening. The hinge felt secure, not like it'd snap open or come loose. Ultimately, I passed b/c I just think at almost $70, it's just not worth it. If it goes to sale, at a good price I'll get it, though.

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    1. I'm with you..let's see some new stuff like holiday dresses. I have a November wedding to go to and I need something to wear.

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    2. Jruby18 - Fossil has a giraffe bracelet. I'm not sure if the Macy's coupons work on them, but it might be worthy checking out.

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    3. Vera Bradley has some amazing hinged bracelets coming out in early November

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    4. Gigi, love that bracelet!! I bet I may be able to catch that one at a lower price. Thx for posting that.

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  12. I received my lady jackets in double surge wool the other day and I was delighted and disappointed all at once. I ordered gray and berry pink in my normal size 2. The berry pink suffered from some of the same buttonholes that Shopping with M mentioned. The buttonholes looked unfinished and there were threads everywhere. Also, the fit was off, tight in the arms, very large and boxy in the body. I thought maybe I got the wrong size or maybe the jacket just didn't suit me. Then I tried the gray jacket on. It is perfect! Buttons look great, not tight in the arms, not too boxy. I love it. So not sure if the berry is fitting differently or if that particular jacket was off. I reordered it in a 4p, and am hoping it will be better.

    I also ordered the matchstick cords in boulevard green, I was not impressed with the fit, the color was fabulous, a nice, rich dark green. My regular 26 was tight in the waist and super baggy in the legs, not at all like the fit on the model. I have come to the conclusion that other than Minnie's, j.crew pants just do not fit me properly. I do much better with the Loft or JBrand.

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    1. AlyShops - I received my lady jacket in berry pink and it was very tight on the arms. I had an SA suggest I try on a different jacket when selecting my size and I did but the lady jacket was WAY smaller. Thank you for letting me know that the sizes between the colors maybe off. How do you like the gray one? The online picture doesn't show a lot of contract between the gray & navy - is there?

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    2. I found an annoying similarity with the new Hacking jacket in double serge wool. On the ones I tried on at my BM, the seam that runs from the underside of the armpit to the wrist was visible and the arms were quite tight and I'm someone with slender arms and shoulders. The size 4 was ok but you'd never fit a sweater under it (though you'd probably boil if you did that unless outdoors). And the bust was too generous, go figure.

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    3. Lisa, I am glad my review helped! I absolutely love the gray/navy combo. The contrast is very nice, not too stark, but the navy does pop a bit on the gray, also I think the gray is a bit lighter than how it looks online. Definitely check out shopping with m's pics. It is soo cute on her.

      The arms were so tight on the berry pink it was uncomfortable with just a heavy t shirt on. A sweater would be out of the question unless you didn't need to move your arms for an entire day. What's up with the tight arm syndrome j.crew?

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    4. Just got the berry pink lady jacket in 4p, arms are super tight in ths size too. Sadly, it is going back. The tight arms plus the super bright pink just don't work for me.

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  13. This recent column in the Chicago Tribune references a J.Crew shirt that cost $75. The business owner was shocked that the shirt cost that much. I didn't think that was outrageous. Anyway, kind of funny: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/problemsolver/ct-biz-1007-problem-gudgeon-20121007,0,2432789.column

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    1. I think that is a crazy amount to pay for a shirt esp considering decline in quality. Even then every single J Crew shirt I own I never paid more than 15 to 30 dollars for

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  14. Got the Multicolor Tweed Skirt for a steal last week and already wore it twice. Yesterday I wore it for about 14 hours, most of the time sitting, and at the end of the day, it still held its shape well.

    I also wore the Two-Tone Cashmere Sweateshirt in pink and it pilled quite badly.

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    1. Rose, I think this needs to be made a public service announcement when JCA's ask how the cashmere (excuse me, Collection cashmere) is this year. Geez.

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    2. Rose, glad to hear that about the skirt - I'm wearing mine for the first time today. It's funny how I didn't care for it when I first tried it on at FP, but for $18.74, I LOVE it! :)

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    3. Thank you for the review, Rose! It is still 49.99 at my store, can anyone tell me if you've seen it cheaper elsewhere? And how does it run? I wear a 0 in the seam-splitting double serge cotton pencil skirts. TIA!

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    4. Anthro Blogger - sorry, I should have specified in my reply that the price I paid was in Canada. I found it TTS and took my usual 2 in it.

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  15. I got a $6.99 favorite tank after I returned my Downtown Field Jacket. I would very much like to get the Blythe blouse but I don't think it's worth $128.

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    1. I have seen the Blythe in several colors in the sale sections recently for 59.99-25%. Perhaps try calling around. 45th and Madison store in NYC had a few in turquoise as of last week...not sure if they're gone by now.

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    2. Yeah, and several colors of the factory blythes at my factory b&m have gone on clearance for $64.97 before the additional percentage off (usually 30%). Stipes are on clearance too... I think it was $69.97. The factory version is silk and quite nice.

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    3. Thanks! I didn't see it in Chicago but I will check around.

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  16. I finally determined that I'm a size 6 in the Hutton wool flannel trousers. I ordered two pairs, knowing they wouldn't be lined on the last 25% promo with free shipping. I figured if the lack of lining bothered me I would ebay the same pair from a previous season for the same amount. The fit was great but the lack of a lining left them hanging poorly. And like the pencil skirts, the wool flannel is thinner than previous season. I returned them, noting the lack of lining. I then ebayed a pair--thicker, lined, better drape. Now I'm stalking.

    As for the fit and style, I love the high waist and drape of the wide leg. I would say that sizing up helped, I can fit in the four, but it leaves the thigh a wee bit snug (no drape) and when I sit the pockets open more than I would prefer. The 6 probably could stand to be taken in the tiniest bit in the waist, but with a shirt tucked in and a belt its really fine. The length is amazing! I normally order talls and these are perfect as is with a 2.5 inch heel.

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    1. I love the Hutton pants, too, and hope J Crew continues with this style. Last year I bought the chinos in all three colors, and wear them often. I love a high waist, and being able to tuck in a shirt.

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  17. I love the cocoon coat. I'm partial to coats with zippers instead of buttons. I think the pockets are the right size and in a good spot for my arms/hands, for what it's worth (I know others don't like the pockets). It runs a bit largish and I recommend ordering down a size if you are between sizes. I was surprised (and happy) that the lining of the pocket flaps is the same color of the coat. If you zoom in on the photo on the web site, the lining of the pocket flaps looks different from the color of the coat, particularly for black. There is an inside pocket with a button flap. I love inside pockets on coats and jackets, for tissues, for cash. The web site description doesn't mention or show the inside pocket. Hope that helps!

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    1. I totally agree, LTee. Love it and size down!

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  18. Ok, I need to rave about my Tippi in Crushed Grape. Most comfortable piece of clothing I've worn in a while, and it is really soft (it's wool). It kept me toasty in 40 degree weather with just a light jacket over it. And the color is gorgeous! I remember picking it up during the 25% sweater sale (paid something like $30). I have tried other colors and the sizing has been off. The Crushed Grape runs small, which is great for super petite people who are sized out of everything. I am an XS in Blythes and non-stretchy Jcrew wear, and XXS in everything else and took an XXS.

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  19. Love my new Matchstick cords in navy. (Love that I didn't need to hem them -- I'm 5 ft 6, almost 5 ft 7 and normally have to hem.) Love my new Sterling skirt, even though I wish the A-line was more defined, like last year's.

    In general and thanks to all of you I'm learning what's best to buy at J.Crew -- stick to the basics! No sweaters (except for 100% merino) and no statement pieces and my closet and wallet are very happy.

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  20. Review of Peter Pan Collar Sweater, Peter Pan Collar Tee, and Jeweled Collar Sweater Here:

    http://sequinsforbreakfast.com

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  21. does anyone know when the holiday rollout is coming out? so excited.

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    1. dhs1220 - My vPS said holiday will be released the last week of Oct.

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    2. dhs1220: I was told the Holiday rollout will be online the 18th of October.

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    3. Holiday in October? Seriously??

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  22. has anyone ever pre-ordered something that was waitlisted from JCrew? if So did it come pretty close to the date they tell you it will ship?

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    1. Yes! Sometimes it comes much earlier. I've even had it where the order arrives before they announce that it was shipped. Hope that helps.

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    2. Yes. In my experience it almost always comes earlier.

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  23. Sorry I can't hit reply, but I posted pics of the Lady Jacket in double serge here (you can see the button debacle there). I re-ordered and my new jacket arrived today, and button holes are finished and look just right. Still love it! @Lisa -- you can see the navy/charcoal contrast, which I think is just perfect. I love both tones that they used for it.

    On a fun and OT note, I just received an invitation to a cocktails and shopping event with Tom Mora at the Michigan Ave store later this month. I think I'm able to attend, so will be reporting back on that to you all!

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    1. Lucky! I hope I get an invite. What day is it?

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    2. It's Wednesday, Oct. 24th. 6-8 pm. Just got my invite in the mail today too.

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    3. Happy dance at the mailbox - got the invite!

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    4. Hooray, will see you ladies there!

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    5. Thank you! I just saw the pictures and will order it tonight. :) It looks great and I'll probably get more use out of it....but the Pink is gorgeous and VERY pink :)

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  24. I ordered both the black and white sequin polka dot tee and the silk chiffon dot top in Dublin green. The sequin tee fit really well, except that it was too short (midriff short when I raised my arms), and I'm only 5'2. Why have they started to make everything so SHORT? Sizing up isn't an option because it would be too large elsewhere. I sized down in the silk chiffon dot top, and it fits beautifully. It isn't as sheer as I was anticipating and the green is gorgeous. It's a keeper, for sure.

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  25. Does anyone have any feedback on the Lucille dress in Cheetah Brocade? I know it was much cheaper in stores a while back...but I have yet to see it in person. I know my size in the Lucille style dress, so I am more curious about the print in person. Thanks!

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  26. I posted a review of the Hacking Jacket in Double-Serge Wool in the Sheer Mint color on my blog I also have several other reviews on my blog including the Mila Cap Toe Leather Ballet Flats in Kelly Green and the Marquess Fleur Necklace. HTH!

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  27. Oh M! Please tell Tom to mix it up more! How about a bit more diversity! I think AJC had it right on her blog this am!

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  28. Review of the Jules dress in Italian paisley in this post.

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  29. OK, JCAs! I need your help, please. I just received the Collection Crepe Shawl Blazer in Vintage Berry and I absolutely love it. The color is gorgeous (at least for my skin tone) and it fits beautifully - except for the sleeves. I'm 5'0" and the sleeves are too long by about an inch or more. I took it to my local JCrew, hoping for complimentary alterations - I paid with my JCrew card - and was told they wouldn't do it. They said their tailor only did the most basic alterations and that because of the functional buttons on the sleeves he would not be able to alter the sleeve length properly. I now have 2 options: 1. Return the jacket. 2. Find a good tailor and pay for the alterations myself. What would you do? And, does anyone know a really good (moderately priced) tailor in Center City Philadelphia? Thanks in advance.

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    1. Amelia - Glad you got a recommendation.I will also add to utilize Yelp. I've found so many awesome companies thru Yelp reviews. Good luck :)

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  30. Amelia- I would go for the tailor. Think about when men buy a suit and have to have so mnay alterations...if you know a really good tailor, take it there first and get their opinion. Also, I am sure there are really talented dressmakers where you live ( I lived there years ago- there are plenty) and they could help you too. It is always good to find someone like that to work with regularly. I had one here cut down an entire jacket to fit me and it is fine. Good luck!

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  31. Here's what I bought recently:

    PLEATED CREPE SKIRT in cabernet. Was worried that this would be too school-girlish but it's not. Love the color and shape. The pleats add a bit structure to an otherwise drapey skirt. A nice change from my pencil skirts. It looks best with the top tucked in. Not too short on me (5'4") hitting just a couple of inches above the knee. Fits TTS.

    NAVY TWEED - I got both the cafe capri pants and the postage stamp mini. They were on super sale at B&M. Love the way the tweed looks from afar. I was surprised at how much I loved the skirt. It's just cute as a button. Got it in my normal size 4, and will have the hem taken out a bit, at which time the length will be more than appropriate for me.

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  32. To Amelia regarding blazer alterations, esp in CC Phila - my husband uses Joseph's Tailor (not sure there is really a "Joseph" there any more, there's always a woman there) on S 20th St (near Walnut) for all his alterations. You could always go get a quote & see if the price is worth it to you.

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  33. Thank you JulieY! I just moved here recently and have yet to find a good tailor - I'll definitely make a trip over there and see what they say. I definitely agree with you MJ that it's worth it in theory - mostly i just worry that I'll end up with a botched job and a $300 blazer I can't wear. Thanks again! It just goes to show - JCAs know everything.

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  34. This is a non-J. Crew review and I should put it in the "other retailers" post, but I know I'll forget by the time that one rolls around.

    I got two silk charmeuse blouses from Talbots today and I am so impressed. The fabric is a nice weight, and it's that perfect dull shine silk, not super shiny. There are no pockets. The blouse is nicely fitted, well made and the colors are amazing. I got persimmon, a perfect orangey red, and bright blue which is a rich cobalt. There are 8 more colors including a true red.

    I work in an office and will wear these with skirts and dress pants, under jackets or alone. They'll be great with jeans in the fall under my leather jacket, I'd do a great black lace skirt and wear them to dinner.

    They're $99 and Talbots frequently has codes and sales. Highly recommend.

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  35. Hi ladies!

    This is off-topic, but has anyone ever tried to return items to J Crew and Madewell in the same box?? I just called CS and they told me I couldn't, however I read on someone's blog that you can...I feel like I ended up speaking to one of the rare CS reps who just didn't want to help. I was given a flat "No. You can't." answer.
    It simply doesn't make sense! It's exactly the same return address. I will be returning the items from Canada so it's a difference of ~$25 for me.

    Thanks!

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    1. Claire Rebecca: I have returned J.Crew and Madewell items together in the same box on multiple occasions, and have never had an issue.

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    2. Thank you! That's kind of what I suspected... in any case, I dropped the parcel in the mail today! :)

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  36. The sale promo has been moved from SHOPJCREW for 25% off to MUSTHAVE for 30% off. Good thru this Sun, 10/14.

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  37. I am so disappointed by the collection toggle coat. I can not believe that for a $595.00 coat they would not use leather to hold on toggles but use a cheap plastic looking man made material!!! Back it goes ......Unbelievable

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  38. Bought the workwear shirt dress which I'm wearing (very casually) here:
    http://chocolateshoesanddebate.blogspot.com/2012/10/party-time-excellent.html

    SIZE DOWN if you buy this, unless you want it to be very loose. The 00 was the only size left in my B&M and I really did not think it would fit, as I'm usually a 0 or a 2 in J Crew dresses and sometimes a 4 in things with longer sleeves. Fit like a charm. Belting it makes the back "pucker" a little bit, but it was worth it to have a waist.

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  39. I ordered the Toothpick Ankle Jean in velvet (listed as backordered until 10/23). I ordered them with the last 25% off promo, so the price was around $80. They shipped immediately, despite being listed as backordered and I think they are really great pants. I ordered them in navy (I know some JCAs were asking about the true color of the mauve blush, and I'm interested as well). The navy is a really pretty deep navy (matches my navy Velvet Eden Blazer perfectly, and I'm considering rocking the velvet suit sometime over the holiday season). The pants are very slim (just like the regular Ankle Toothpick Jeans). They hit me right at the ankle and I'm short (5'3" on on a good day), so taller people should think about getting the tall if they want them to hit at the ankle. They are really comfortable pants and I think the velvet is a nice, dressier alternative to denim. Depending on the actual color, I'd consider ordering the mauve blush if there was another promo.

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  40. I know this has been said a thousand times but what in god's name is J.Crew's fixation with ultra short dresses? I just received the wool crepe v-neck dress in violet and it is really gorgeous . . . if it were 8 or 10 inches longer. I mean, I had to check see if my underwear were showing. I am nearly 5'8" for reference but c'mon, this was ridiculous. Why on earth would you make a long sleeved winter dress summer-mini length? The type says 'hits above knee'- more like upper thigh in reality. I really really wanted this to work but back it goes. On the bright side, a lovely lovely color and thick wool crepe fabric although the dress is not terrible fitted and runs a little large imho :)

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  41. For anyone wondering about the color of the Toothpick Ankle Jean in Velvet in Mauve Blush, Sarah Vickers of Classy Girls Wear Pearls is wearing them in her post today. She wears a lot of current season J.Crew.

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    1. That's so funny, I was just coming here to post the exact same thing.

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  42. Factory floral lace sheath - LOVE. It is super flattering and really comfortable. I wanted to buy it so badly but have so many unworn dresses at home... I think it runs slightly large.

    Factory wool walking coat - Meh. The wool is super scratchy and icky feeling, IMO. Could not bring myself to try it on because the fabric is a dealbreaker.

    Factory printed boatneck blouse in polka dot - all I could think was oh honey, no. The polka dots combined with the little poufs on the shoulder made for an 80s look. No thanks. I don't think I've ever said this about any piece of clothing (after all I am 5'10" and a size 6, not teensy weensy) but the blouse is overwhelming. If you are interested, it and all the other colors were 50% off in the store.

    Factory matchstick cords in retro jade - love these. I guess they don't put alot the items that are exact copies of current regular J.Crew items online (schoolboy blazer, excursion vests, and matchstick cords), but yeah, I love these. The color is soooo pretty. It is more turquoise/teal than the "retro jade" in the wool cafe capris. For 40% off of $69.50 I had to have. They also have cobalt, red, ivory, beige, and violet.

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  43. Review of the Collection cheetah brocade pencil skirt in this post. Skirt is sold out online, but if you're considering the dress you can see the fabric.

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  44. Reviewed some items that are new in stores, including some outerwear: the Tipped Peacoat, the Double-Cloth Slim Trench, and a not-on-website long Double-Cloth trench, as well as some other items, including the Collection Cashmere Waffle Colorblock Sweater, in this post.

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  45. I received the Icon trench in wool-cashmere in Cabernet yesterday. One word. Gorgeous. The color is beautiful, as suspected and is closest to being represented in the stock photo online (the coat on the stand, NOT on the model). At 5’3 and usually between a 4-6 in dresses (6 in shirts), I ordered a 8P. The fit was fine...leaving room for a thick sweater underneath and hitting just above my knees. And the sleeve length is perfect for once for me, hitting just at my wrists.

    I love that there are no big, bulky shoulder pads in this coat and love the long belt length. I was happily surprised that this coat was not extremely heavy. I’m used to my heavy J.Crew Peacoats and although this has a nice weight, it does not weigh me down too much (which I was extremely afraid of on my petite frame). This coat did add a bit of bulk to my backside…which I never need; however, I may overlook this since I usually have a hard time minimizing this area anyways. Overall, really well made...and great for the price with promos. I'm usually afraid of color in coats, but think this color will work as a neutral in my wardrobe for years to come.

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  46. Does anyone own the Biella Patent Leather loafers? Do they run true to size? I really like the aubergine color, but always hate ordering shoes online, without trying them on. Thanks!

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    1. JCREWGAL, they run TTS... as opposed to other J.Crew shoes which run small. I almost always need a 10.5 or 11 in J.Crew shoes but these are perfect in a size 10, which is the size I wear at most other retailers. I hope that is helpful. They are really, really comfy.

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  47. That really helps! Oddly, they remind me of the penny loafers I had to wear to school that I loved! Thanks. :)

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    1. I second what J.CrewJD said. I'm wearing the pair I bought from her on the Exchange and I absolutely LOVE them!! They are the most comfortable J. Crew shoes I own. I'm stalking them in other colors, too. HTH!

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  48. Good to know! Most of my J.Crew shoes are pretty inconsistent when it comes to fit and comfort. I am adding them to my list to grab, when there is another offer or they go on sale!
    Thanks guys!

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  49. Ordered 2 coats to try during the coat promo (also had an extra 20 % coupon) and I'm having trouble deciding which to keep! I ordered the stadium cloth boulevard coat in Neptune green - the colour is lovely. So soft and pretty. I ordered a size 2, which is more or less my size (I am generally either a small or extra small in tops and a 2 or 4 in skirts) and found it just a tad loose, especially in the arms and shoulders. The next size down might be too small though... The fabric is very soft. The second coat I ordered was the metro coat in retro jade. Also a size two. Good fit with a bit of rom to spare. Flattering cut. Colour is also lovely, but quite bright. I Think the people who have observed that the outerwear materiials aren't quite as luxe as past years are right. Still nicer than a lot of what you find out there, but I definitely see the difference. Still, I am going to keep one - just not sure which. Any advice for an indecisive JCA?

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  50. Revision on my love for the velvet toothpicks: I am wearing the navy ones for the second time today and am noticing that on the thighs the velvet is wearing off! I am horrified.

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  51. I've been following your blog for a bit now and I really appreciate all of the reviews. I thought it was time to contribute one myself.

    First, JCrew vanity sizing has only increased this year. I am 5'7" 117 lbs slim build, 34/26/35 and I now apparently qualify for size 00 in JCrew skirts. That is insane. I should not be a 00. I just received the super 120s wool pencil skirt in a 0 and it needs to be taken in a good inch. Crazy town. Checked online, the 00 is of course sold out and the extra 30% has ended. Argh.

    Second, I would like to comment on the tweed hacking jacket. I just received the purple. I read reviews that called it "slim" and claimed there was no vanity sizing, so I took what should be my normal size (per size charts), a 2. Wrong. While I concede it fits well in the shoulders (I do a lot of shoulder presses...), it was seriously gaping in the chest, torso, and waist. I think the 0 will be too tight in the shoulders, but it would possibly still be a bit baggy through the body. To me, that is not slim or tailored. Major disappointment. :(

    Also, one last gripe about JCrew -- and I realize gripe even while I continue to buy several hundred dollars in clothing from them every couple of months, so take it with a grain of salt -- why are their website images sooooooo bleached out? A color that looks pastel on the website will be saturated and dark in person. And it's not my monitor, I've checked. They must be blinding the models in these photos shoots (hence their deer-in-headlights expressions). It's annoying because 50% of the time, the color of the product I receive is a surprise... or even a disappointment.

    All of that aside, the quality of the fabrics and stitching remains supreme. I also snagged some adorable polka dot ballet flats in the recent extra 30% off sale. JCrew Shoes NEVER disappoint!! Especially on sale. :) I only wish the closest store was not 3 hours away from me. Yes, you read that correctly. Sigh...

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  52. double cloth lady coat - I got it in golden sun and love it! it's a pretty warm yellow in person, not nearly as bright as in the picture. I'm so happy with this jacket. It's a slim fit, true to size (I got a size 0) - same size I would get at Banana Republic and other places. I like the simple classic style that I'll definitely be getting another color. Definitely recommend this coat.

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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! :)