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 new holiday-colored plaid wool Cafe Capri (with lining!), as well as some other items, in this post.
ReplyDeleteAlso, new reviews on the:
Delete- Lady Jacket in Indigo Tweed (not yet online)
- Dream Colorblock Elbow-Patch Sweater in Flax Cabernet
- Hacking Jacket in Double-Serge Wool in Sheer Mint
- Long-Sleeve Tweed Dress
- Polka-Dot Sequin Top in Black and Vintage Champagne
in this post.
Review of cashmere tshirt in pagoda blue, pencil skirt in antique white, dream cardigan in heather periwinkle, cafe capris in tiny dots at
ReplyDeletehttp://onecantgetoverthehabit.blogspot.ca/2012/11/gather-round-and-you-shall-hear.html
For a look at the above-knee dress length (or lack thereof) on a petite (5'2"), see here.
ReplyDeleteIn this case, it's the zigzag sequin dress. I can understand why taller ladies consider them tunics or call them something worse.
A couple of reviews here.
ReplyDeleteReview of the hothouse floral scarf on my blog here.
ReplyDelete(second post)
Reviews of the striped Merino Turtleneck today here. Love these - nice quality, run TTS.
ReplyDeleteHi, all!
ReplyDeleteDid two quickie reviews in longer posts on the Macalister High-Heeled Booties and the Factory Polka Dot Popover (its real name escapes me and doesn't describe it at all).
Macalister High-Heeled Booties can be found in the first set of photos with the detailed review in one of the close ups of the outfit in this post. (http://mysuperfluities.blogspot.com/2012/11/boden-weekly-review-roundup-in-time-for.html)
Polka Dot popover is in this post, worn layered with a crewneck sweater. (http://mysuperfluities.blogspot.com/2012/11/ootds-popping-out-in-my-popover.html)
*Sorry for not hyperlinking, busy day ahead, need to get going!*
If you just want a quick takeaway, here is the deal...I bought the booties on super sale in a size 9, and feel they are worth the price (not vull price). I think they run true to size, since I always size down in J. Crew boots, but if you have a wider foot, you may want to size up.
The popover runs a bit small, as I normally wear a size extra-small, but found the shoulders and armholes a bit tight (not so tight I couldn't wear it, just ran closer to my body than I am used to). Beautiful fabric and love the pattern, but definitely delicate, so take care when wearing it!
Dina, would you say the popover runs small enough that I should size up if I usually have to fit tops to my shoulders? I've always been a small in button downs at the factory, but sounds like maybe I should consider sizing up in this one? Thanks!
DeleteThe collection reverse tuxedo pants shipped early! I'll review when they arrive. I keep going back to the picture online and I can't decide if they're going to be fabulous or crazy.
ReplyDeleteOooohhh! I didn't even realize they had a collection lookbook up! Why does the website not display certain things on the iPad?! Can't wait to see what you think about the pants.
DeleteI just bought the University coat with Thinsulate® (17336) for the three men in my family as Christmas gifts. Can anyone tell me anything about it? I got them for about $42 each after the 25% off and now I'm wondering if there is something not quite right with this coat. When stuff makes it down to such a great price, I worry.
ReplyDeleteHi D*ska, the University with Thinsulate is a fine coat. I'm pretty sure this is a pricing error like the $20 Blythes from a few weeks back.
DeleteThanks so much silver_lining.
DeleteHooray for pricing errors. Kind of balances out the pricing games I guess. $20 Blythes sound amazing. Missed that boat. But so happy that I can now knock 3 off my christmas shopping list in one easy swoop. Now off to vote.
D*ska, thanks for the heads up on the pricing for the Thinsulate University coat - I just picked one up as a gift too! As silver_lining said, the current pricing is probably an error.
DeleteThank you for the heads up! I picked up 3 as gifts.
DeleteD*ska thanks for the heads up. It looks like it sold out pretty fast.
Deletejuliachristine & injanuity, I'm happy that u=you guys were able to pick up some. Those are really great deals.
DeleteA, I think that they just caught on. It'll probably show up later at the correct price.
Ugh, missed that one! The University coat is a nice men's coat, I would have bought it as Christmas presents too. I've been so proactive with various sales this year that I'm almost done with Christmas now.
DeleteCheck out some J. Crew Factory reviews and IRL photos on my blog at
ReplyDeleteBeachChicStyle.blogspot.com
I now have in my possession both Harley of Scotland fair isle sweaters. Obviously one of them is going back... maybe both. The web photos definitely distort the color in a favorable way, and they are less exciting IRL. The colors look so vibrant and pastel-like in the photos, when in fact they are pretty bland! The navy one is for sure going back, undecided about the light blue one. Has anyone else ordered one?
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review. I was so excited about this sweater. Your review has kept me from shopping. Yet. Again.
DeleteReview of collection bow blouse in electric plaid along with a few styling ideas HERE. The fabric and finishing details are good quality, it is very versatile and imo worth the current sale price minus discount.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it has already been covered, but in-store boot prices are amazing. I got a pair of Macalester wedges last night for $111. Turns out they were eligible for both the 25% off 150+ and the 25% off boots promotions. I've been wanting these for a while. Yippee.
ReplyDeleteAlso got the mushroom colorbock top for $22.50 in store (yeesh - something like 85% off) and a geometric print pencil skirt for $65.
To those of you with the Sterling skirt...have you all cut open your front pockets yet? I'm afraid that if I do, the pockets will stick out and look awkward.
ReplyDeleteyeah... i cut them... no problems on my end
Delete@ Jessy: (Sorry, my computer won't let me reply directly) Thanks for the info on the Harley of Scotland sweaters! I keep looking at their pictures online and have been thinking of getting the pale blue one precisely because of the beautiful colors. Good to know that they're not as saturated as they appear to be.
ReplyDeleteI liked the pale blue one much better than the navy. And I may keep it. I just wasnt as wowed IRL and it's a pretty expensive sweater not to LOVE TO DEATH.
DeleteI wore a perfect fit shirt to VOTE this morning!
ReplyDeleteAre the Macallister high-heel boots comfortable? I was thinking of purchasing them in nut with the promo because they will be about $70. TIA!
ReplyDeleteI have a high arch and thought they were a bit tight, but they fit TTS length- and widthwise. Pics here.
DeleteAre they cheaper in stores? They show at $158 online still.
Hi Rose--they are 109.99 in store! HTH!
DeleteDoes anyone have a review of the bow coat? It looks totally adorable online but I'm wondering about how it represents irl. The bow looks like it might have the tendency to look a little awkward, especially open. TIA
ReplyDeleteI got this but returned it. It looks cute; I didn't think the bow was awkward and even when it is unbuttoned the coat lies like it is closed. However the wool was not that thick and the open/wide funnel neck means you have to wear a scarf underneath or your neck will be cold. It would be okay if you live in a temperate climate. If it goes down in price on super sale I might rebuy it to save for non-chilly days, but I didn't think it was worth $365 for a coat with limited use.
DeleteHi Cass - thanks so much for this review. Can you speak to sizing at all? I usually size up one size from my shirt size in j. crew coats - do you think that's necessary here? I can't tell because the cut seems to be a little looser. TIA!
DeleteI took my regular JC coat size, which the is larger of my two sizes. There is more room in the hip on this due to the swingy shape, but if you size down it would probably be tight in the shoulders.
DeleteOff Topic -- I emailed the Director of Customer Service about a coat I purchased last year. The lining has completed ripped out of the arms and I was looking for a recommendation on where to get it replaced. She offered to have it replaced for me or send me a brand new coat. So I opted for a new coat. A lady day coat in Fresh Plum will arrive tomorrow. Wonderful customer service. She sent me a cashemere cardigan a few months ago because I complained about pilling. Lesson: it never hurts to ask.
ReplyDelete--Jaime
Great story.You're right, it's worth it to ask.
DeleteQuestion- any reviews of the EMMETT WEDGE ANLLE BOOTS? Imayhave found a 7 ands 7.5 and not sure if should go with my normal Jcrew boot size? TIA!
ReplyDeleteHi Pathos, I just tried them and they seemed snug on me with a sock. I have wide feet. I tried them in my regular JCrew boot size, which is 1/2 size up from my shoe size. So, I would not size down in them. My 2 cents. I returned bec. I wanted black and not the brownish color.
DeleteNo go on the black. They keep saying sd out but they were available online in all sizes on Saturday.
DeleteJust to weigh in on the Harley of Scotland Fair Isle sweater - I ordered it in the navy and I actually really liked the colors. It seemed a little lumpy and unflattering in a medium, which is my usual size, but I don't think I could have sized down to a small. It also had a very strong smell, and although I found it to be very pleasant it might be a bit much for some. In the end though, I returned the sweater because I had a very strong allergic reaction to it. I even had to use my rescue inhaler, which I rarely need to do under regular circumstances, and I'm not usually overly sensitive to wool.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the maritime dress in heathered tripe? (item #28550)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Stripe, not tripe ... doh.
DeleteHi joh doe - I tried this and didn't find it to be as thick as the summer maritime. It's the same material as the striped loomknit sweatshirts. I found my normal size S to be too big and would probably size down if I were to keep it, but I didn't love it for the price. It looked cute with tights and boots, but too lumpy when I layered a button-down underneath it (which is how I wanted to wear it). I was happy that it didn't have the side zippers, which I didn't like on the summer maritime. If it goes down in price, I may give it another try in the XS.
DeleteOT - wondering if anyone can help me out with Zara sizing? I've tried pants on there once, and I remember them fitting small. I'm usually a 4 in JC but size up to 28 in the skinnier styles like toothpicks to fit my hips/butt. Any thoughts on what size I should order for Zara skinny pants? I found one blog where she normally wore a 0 but sized up to 6 in Zara! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAJR, I can't use reply. I have a few pieces of Zara - pants, skirts and dresses. I'm pretty consistently a small or 4 in Zara. I'm a 2 in J. Crew. All my pieces are Zara Woman. I think their TRF (juniors) line may run a little smalle, but I'm only guessing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Desert Flower!
DeleteI was hoping for an opinion on the liberty shirt in indian red. I have liked this since it came out in August--not sure if I should pick it up during the promo. Is it worth it? Will it go on sale? TIA!
ReplyDeleteAD MD - The Indian red Liberty was reviewed by Rose and by Rynetta. HTH
DeleteLadies, I'd really love some input by this evening, if you're able: if you were choosing between the JCrew Everly suede pump in Deep Violet and the Kate Spade Licorice in Cobalt blue, what would you choose and why?
ReplyDeleteTIA!
maqsad - The Everlys are 3.5" and the KS shoe are 3" heel height. They look so similar. Both have leather soles. I would probably go with the KS because I like that pop of cobalt and it goes w/so many things. I have the KS Simon heels (low height) as seen in pics toward the bottom of this post. The Simons might be a little lighter in color, but the same cobalt idea. Cobalt shoes also on AJC (first pic). I don't have any violet shoes, so I can't make the case for those as easily. Good luck w/your decision.
DeleteThanks so much, Gigi. Very helpful info!
DeleteAs listed in yesterday's post, there were some new markdowns today or last night. The Jules dress in wool was markdown in Black & Red; My store also had the Lady jacket in double-serge wool - Pink markdown to $159 and the Peacoat Popover down to $199 (orange). A lot of other repeat stuff but I wanted to the Jules dress...so I was happy to get it. :)...oh and a ton of scarfs were markdown including the new stripe ones and the pokadots :)
ReplyDeleteLisa, how much was the Jules? I am eyeing the black. TIA!
DeleteEma -$119 but then I got 25% off because I bought a few other items
DeleteAJR--I sent you an e-mail just now, but I also wanted to reply to you here (unfortunately I can't reply directly to your comment, though).
ReplyDeleteI would size up, for sure. I would buy a small if I was re-buying. The extra-small fits, but I think the small would have just a tiny bit more ease through the shoulders and armholes, and that would be great for more casual outfits and outings.
Considering I almost never have to worry about the shoulders of a garment (they are often far too big, in fact), this was a surprise.
Hope that helps!
Can somone tell me if the sequins on the zigzag top small and close together like the sequin dot top? Also, are they similar in fit? I hoping to get one if it pops back on line.
ReplyDeletefyi -they had the hen silk shirt for 79 at the store and lots of cafe capris in jade/red for 29!
Anyone have any recommendations on sizing for the cashmere tees (LS or SS)? I sometimes wear XS and S in JCrew sweaters, so I'm not sure which size to go with for their cashmere...
ReplyDeleteA review of Madewell jeans here
ReplyDeleteThanks Amelia and Jessy for the info on the Harley sweaters--I'm on the wait list for the navy one. One question: Is the wool itchy? I'm sensitive to non-merino wool (lambswool and shetland give me a rash). Is the wool supersoft or does it have some itch to it? TIA for any input!
ReplyDeleteOn the itchier side sadly. I'm thinking I'll have to wear a long sleeve tee under it
DeleteShopLV - the sequins on the zigzag are not as small as the polka dot sequin top but it is solidly sequined, though sewn a little differently. I think the size of the sequins make it catch more so the zigzag is not as easy to remove. As for fit, the two polka dot sequin tops I tried in the same size were significantly different in fit, seems the zigzag is closer to the fit of the black polka dot, which fit smaller or more true to size ... whoa, did you follow that? ;)
ReplyDeleteHi JCA's. Review of the v-neck shift dress in this post.
ReplyDeleteHas any seen or tried the chiffon dot blouse in warm ivory? Is it extremely sheer? TIA!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have advice on how the one-piece ruched tanks fit?
ReplyDeleteHas any one tried on the Collection beaded toothpick jeans that are in the new arrival section of the website? Do they fit like other toothpick jeans?
ReplyDeleteAlso there is a Madewell cardigan on Ebay right now that has a fox on the back of it. Has anyone seen this in stores? Or is it from the past? Or maybe a sample?
link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290807832425&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
Hi JCA's! Can anyone tell me if there is a significant difference between the regular store's Perfect Shirt in Black Tartan Plaid and the Factory version of the same exact print? I know the Factory version has a front pocket on the left side but other than that I am wondering which is the better buy. I received the Perfect Shirt today which I got with a coupon for $58 but the Factory version right now with coupon would be $20 less....just wondering how the quality and fit of the two compare. TIA!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering the same thing myself so bought both. The fabric of the Factory version is thinner than the retail one. It's the same weight/thinness of other Factory shirts that I have. When you hold the Factory one up to a light, you can practically see through it (I could send you a picture of this if you want to see, haha) whereas the retail one is better quality/more substantial fabric. Don't get me wrong, the Factory one is perfectly fine and is a great deal, but personally I've decided to keep the retail one since it's a shirt that I know I'll wear a lot and will have for a long time. Hope this helps!
DeleteShopaholic, thank you so much for your reply! I have been tossing back and forth over it all day (silly, I know ;) I appreciate your honest opinion and with that, I will definitely keep the retail version. I have a few of the Factory button up shirts and while they are ok, I really love this Black Tartan Plaid and hoped to keep it for a while as well and I know the Factory version probably won't hold up as long. Thanks again!
DeleteHave a great evening!
I am currently having no little amount of trouble finding my correct size in these shoes. I wear a size 7.5 in the previous incarnation of the calf hair version but the first suede ones that I purchased in Burnt Sienna were too tight in that size. I next tried the size 8 in Jazzy Purple which turned out to be too large.
ReplyDeleteWell finally some good news! The size 7.5 Suede Martina in Jazzy Purple that I just received fit, albiet a little more snug than I usually prefer but I feel that it will loosen with wear since it is leather. The size 7.5 and 8 that I ordered in the black and burnt sienna haven't arrived but one size or the other has to fit, right?
Review of the lustre lace mockneck in this post.
ReplyDeleteI ordered the Factory Long Belted Puffer Jacket, and was a little disappointed at the quality and fit. It felt flimsy in comparison to my other down coat. Anyway, as I was not convinced it would be warm enough, and since it is 30ºF here in Boston, I went outside my building for 3 minutes to test it. It was all right in terms of insulation, but as soon as I came back inside, I started smelling wet dog. This one is definitely going back.
ReplyDeleteThe collection reverse tuxedo pants arrived today, earlier than expected.
ReplyDeleteFirst the good news. I really love the fabric. It's a silk/wool blend and feels so good. A slight sheen, not shiny. The construction is excellent. The inside seam black tuxedo stripe is quite nice, and the pants are flattering on. They seem a bit higher in the rise than some other cafe capris I've tried. The length is to the ankle, as pictured. I think they would look great with heels or flats.
Now the bad news. All the pockets are visible. Just like in white pants, the front and back pockets are very obvious and for me that's a total deal killer. Not sure if that would be cured if the pants were lined.
I have to say, even though they are stupid expensive for a pair of pants and not exactly the most versatile item since they're really not day wear, I am a bit sad they didn't work out. Other than the pocket show-through, they are gorgeous.
Tabs, I'll send you a picture tomorrow when there is some light.
I just tried on the etta pump in the navy tweed, which I ordered on a crazy whim because I love my navy tweed pieces so much (and they were such the deal!)
ReplyDeleteThese heels run small in my opinion, they killed my toes. I literally couldn't walk in them and couldn't wait to take them off. Clearly these types of fashion shoes are just beyond me now. They look great but I can't imagine wearing them! Going back and yay for me I get to mail them back from Canada, I really wish we could return things in store here.