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! :)
Hello and Merry Christmas JCA!
ReplyDeleteI went to J Crew to get some last minute shopping in and tried on some clothing. On my blog are fitting room reviews of some pieces. Notable ones are the Liberty Toothpick Denim in Emma and Georgina and the Scattered Sequin Sweater.
Enjoy and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!
Kim
A Pretty Thought
Happy Holidays to everyone!!
ReplyDeleteI reviewed a cute Crewcuts Houndstooth sweater and some cute Factory items including the Stripe Knit Blazer and Polka Dot Popover here in case anyone is interested.
I have some Madewell. The silk lace panel tee, dulcet top, and silk tee. I also just received the J.Crew sterling skirt. Unfortunately I am for the most part a sale merchandise buyer so no new arrivals from me.
ReplyDeleteGot several pkgs the last few days. The Collection Isabel Cashmere sweatshirt, sz. S was huge. And as one JCA feared, the neck was also huge and I don't think sizing down would help that. It is being returned. I also got the funnelneck grey sweatshirt. I had originally felt it was boxy, but after seeing it styled on a few blogs, it really grew on me. I was able to track down a size M thanks to a fellow JCA, and I love it! It runs very small IMO. And it is also short, which is fine for me, as I'm short and short waisted. But on a taller person, it might be too short. I offset the shortness by wearing a longer fitted cami underneath and it looks great. I also tried the denim selvedge chambray shirt. I really like it, but I think it runs pretty big. A sz. S was on the verge of being too big through the shoulders. I am exchanging for a sz. S, but am worried it might be too tight through the tummy. Will hang onto the S until I get the XS to compare. I also threw in the Ivory cashmere snood (before FS hit) as it was a good price. It is super soft and love the style, but the ivory is BRIGHT. Maybe too bright? On the fence about this one. I can't get over the size differentials in all these tops. I really want to try the two-toned cashmere sweatshirt, but I'm not sure what size I should go with and am afraid of getting stuck.
ReplyDeleteDid you try washing the funnelneck grey sweatshirt? It has wool content in it, in case you didn't see that, so be careful not to wash it like any other sweatshirt. I haven't tried washing mine yet. I wish I'd bought it a size up, but the M should be okay if I don't shrink it.
DeleteThat was me wondering about the wide neckline. I got the Isabel sweatshirt in the mail but haven't had a chance to try it on yet. I am glad it wasn't final sale, since it might be too Flashdance :-) I've just discovered their cashmere this year, since their sales have been good enough for me to try it. I really love the cashmere cardigan, and I recently ordered the cashmere shell to try under it. Does anyone know how the shell runs, size-wise?
Please let me know if you pass on the snood kiwigem (at) att (dot) net
Deletethx!
Jruby18, I found the same thing with the selvedge chambray shirt. I got the S and XS could not tell a big difference in actual body size, but the shoulders on both are way too large. Taking them both back tomorrow.
DeleteI tried on the Isabel sweatshirt, why did they do that with the neckline? I tried on different style tees under it and none worked. Forgot to try a turtleneck. I think it's meant to be worn without a shirt under it, but it looks awkward on me that way. I may still keep it, will try it on again later.
Delete@kiwigem - will let you know if I decide not to keep it. @ Cate - thx for the heads up on washing the funnel neck. As for the Isabel, I'm not keeping it b/c I feel like I'd be cold w/ so much shoulder exposed. @JRS, bummed hearing confirmation on the sizing of the shirt thru the shoulders. And I'm broad through the shoulder area!
DeleteRecently got the Lambswool Diamond Sweater in Caramel Red and love it! The wool is not too itchy. The colors are beautiful and the diamond accent on the sleeves are a nice touch. It goes perfectly with the vibrant flame no. 2 wool pencil skirt as well as the classic mini in felted wool in brilliant fuchsia. It is in advanced shipping online but was available in several of the greater Minneapolis area stores last week. I got it for 30% off but I don' think that the regular price of about $90 is too far off target for the quality and design details. I took an xsmall, which is what I take in the Tippi.
ReplyDeleteI tried that on in the store, I loved the densely knit lambswool. It is a good price-point.
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ReplyDeleteOut of sheer luck and great karma, I actually found a brand new J Crew sweater at a Goodwill. Not sure what the retail price is but it's one of those holiday wool sweaters that may cost upwards to $130? I've been searching for it online to research the actual price but what a bargain for $9.99!!! Heaven :-)
ReplyDeleteAwesome, great find!!!
DeleteGreat score! ilokana, the label inside the sweater should have an item #. You can google it to find out the name of it. Or post it here and someone most likely will find it out for you. :)
Deleteoh! and I bought the archive boot in English Saddle! Can't wait to break them in...love...
ReplyDeleteThe rugby stripe boatneck shirt in cabernet/pink - this was cute, but extremely itchy either due to the rayon or linen. and it's dry clean only (but looks like a t-shirt) - will be returning sadly :(
ReplyDeleteSending individual emails was a little unwieldy, so here is a link to the Wintress with the added buckle. Forgive the jammies under the puffer. http://www.flickr.com/photos/61339233@N08/sets/72157632336182663/
ReplyDeleteCan anyone comment on the fit of the Luxe silk blouse?
ReplyDeletekiwigem - If you're on the fence between 2 sizes, consider taking the smaller of your 2 sizes. I have often been taking 6 in JC as of late and took a 4 in this. Looooove this blouse.
DeleteThanks, gigi! Unfortunately I didn't get to them in time, but I'll hope for popbacks and be ready!
DeleteI bought the classic mini in felted wool, in the lovely heritage green color with teal undertones, on Sunday and proceeded to wear it to a pre-Christmas holiday party that night. The size 2 fits perfectly, sitting at my belly button (a little lower than my waist, as I'm short-waisted but long-torsoed) and hitting below mid-thigh on my 5'2" frame. That's one size up from my pencil skirt size, but I much prefer the extra thigh room and the lower waist seems to wrinkle less in the pelvis area when sitting.
ReplyDeleteAlso tried the perfect shirt in ivory tartan, size 0, with intention to purchase... however, it fit perfectly everywhere except the extremely tight upper arms. I've built some upper arm muscle recently from yoga, but I've never had this problem with any other shirts. The store was out of size 2, so I couldn't compare.
Update on the perfect shirt in ivory tartan: I stopped by my store again during after-Xmas shopping and they magically had a size 2 hanging on the sale rack! I loved and purchased it. The body is tailored and skimming, although the 0 also fits well (just a bit more closely with slightly shorter sleeves), and more importantly, the upper arms are no longer skin-tight.
DeleteI compared the perfect shirt in ivory tartan, size 2, to the perfect shirt in black watch, size 0. The upper arms fit the SAME on both, but otherwise the ivory tartan fits like a size 0. An SA commented that she had the exact same problem with her usual size in the arms.
Some reviews here.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Alexis and JCA's!
ReplyDeleteA few reviews and photos of J.Crew and Factory items here.
Merry Christmas to you and your family Alexis!
ReplyDeletekiwigem - I can do a quick review later tonight or tomorrow ...
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas everyone!
Will look for it- thanks! Merry Christmas!
DeleteReceived the Gilded Tweed Lady jacket from my husband and wondering how others are wearing it? Tried it with my jeans, Caramel Turtleneck and it looked quite cute. Any other suggestions would be great...
ReplyDeleteYou can style the gilded tweed jacket with a white shirt like on the jcrew site, or with a chambray shirt and black pants. The camel would look good paired with ivory and leopard print accessories.
DeleteYou could also wear it over a flawy dress with boots . HTH :)
Does anyone know what kind of sale Jcrew has going on tomorrow? I cannot seem to find information on Jcrew's day after Christmas sale and I want to know whether or not it is worth going out in the morning :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Alice - A SA told me the 30% off storewide was ending on 12/24 and no new promo that she knew of. I asked if there would be addtl 30% off sale and she said no. She also mentioned that they're rarely told in advance. I would imagine they will at least have addtl 30% off sale items. I'm sure East Coast reports will trickle in from JCAs on 12/26.
DeleteI just came back from JC today and they were indeed running 30% off final sale.
DeleteReview of the flower lattice necklace (crystal) in this post.
ReplyDeleteGood morning ladies! How I hate final sale! 2 questions: does the Jackie pullover fit like the Tippi? If I am a 2/26 in every pair of jc pants I own, will a 2 in the stovepipe trouser likely also fit? TIA!
ReplyDeleteThe Jackie pullover is smaller overall and has a more tailored fit through the torso. I find the Tippi XXS to be a bit baggy, but the Jackie XS is a perfect fit -- wearing the black today, actually, over the snowcat boyshirt. Good luck!
DeleteThank you. TFT gal and Flower Power! I tried up a size in the Jackie and my usual in the stovepipe. Fingers crossed!
DeleteI received the Pajama Set in Flannel Gingham as a gift and they are heavenly soft. Really really nice pajamas! The flannel is lightweight and drapey, and the fit is roomy-to-oversized (fyi: they have not been washed yet so I don't know if they shrink at all). I'm 5'8" and got a Medium; the pants hit at the floor and the shirt hits at low hip, so I could probably wear a Small if I wanted the pajamas to be more fitted and "fashion-y".
ReplyDeleteKIWIGEM: My browser does not allow replies.
ReplyDeleteKIWIGEM:does the Jackie pullover fit like the Tippi?
No. The Jackie pullover is very fitted. I wear an XXS generally in sweaters and the Jackie fit like a fitted T. So close-fitting that I cannot really wear it to my professional office unless it is under a jacket or something. On the other hand, the Tippi in XXS has way to much fabric in the body that I cannot wear it without looking super sloppy.
KIWIGEM: If I am a 2/26 in every pair of jc pants I own, will a 2 in the stovepipe trouser likely also fit? TIA!
It is TTS and a bit fitted. Definitely don't size down. I found the legs on my regular size to be a bit short so that they fell awkwardly when I wear heels and they were unflattering with flats or low heels.
I would not buy these final sale. I would ask the sales rep to mark them not final sale for you. I love J Crew pants generally but these had an odd fit for me. At the very least, measure pants that fit you well and call J.Crew with them and compare measurements.
Interestingly, the bag tehy came in was marked "cafe trouser" and they fit similarly to a pair of super 120s wool cafe trousers that I bought last season.
I am irrationally in love with the mint green hacking jacket that I got on a whim before final sale for around $99. It is absolutely gorgeous and crazily was not too long to overwhelm my 5-2 frame. Color is TDF. I have no idea how to style this and I don't love the buttons (which can be easily replaced) but I cannot bring myself to return this thing of beauty.
ReplyDeleteI am also loving the Edie bag in shallow sea that I got for around $111. Unbelievably pretty, supple leather, nice size without overwhelming my petite frame. Again have no idea when and how to where it but cannot bring myself to return it....
Same same for the ballet flats in spearment (also for $68). My normal size (6) fit perfectly. They are $125 now!
Bought leather Mona pumps in red currant. They are more dark pink/mauve than red but I can see why they call it "currant." My usual shoe size, 6, is way too tight. Not sure I want to deal with exchanging for a 6.5 as I hate whent here is a gap between shoe and heel. Going back.
I have a mess of returns that I want to shove in a box and mail back to J Crew (rather than return in store) but am gunshy. My last box sent back to the crew disappeared! Do any of you gals have a way to track boxes mailed back with J.Crew return labels. They were very nice about the box that disappeared but don't think they would be so nice if another box disappeared.
Flower Power - In my experience, the Monas tend to stretch out. I have three pairs and they've always felt snug for the first wear but then perfect after that. I too just received them in red currant and they're keepers for me. The color is beautiful, but definitely not accurately depicted online.
DeleteFlower Power: If I make returns to the warehouse, I always use the UPS return option, and write down the number before giving it to the UPS driver. That way I can track the package using the UPS website to make sure it arrives back at the J.Crew warehouse safely. Plus I have the tracking number to give to a J.Crew CSR if there are any problems with the return.
DeleteI got the Schoolboy blazer in camel and was super excited to try it on - only to find out it was too small! I got the navy one last year and ordered the same size in camel. Super disappointed that their sizing has apparently changed in one year - I had to order a size up and am now afraid to order any other blazers that are in final sale.
ReplyDeleteMeant to also add I got the fair isle ski sweater (the ivory one) and was not happy with the fit. I think the thick knit made it a little boxier and tighter around the neck. The sleeves were also slightly short. Too bad, because I loved the feel - not itchy at all! I also will be taking back the No. 2 pencil skirt in metallic floral - lovely color and shine but it pulled across my hips unlike the other No. 2s.
DeleteCan anyone comment on the fit of matchstick jeans? I normally wear a 0 in Minnie's and pixies and I ordered a 26 short and I can't even get them past my hips!
ReplyDeleteI normally wear a 25short in the matchstick jeans and thought that the 0 Minnie's were unflattering (as in too tight) on me. I'm surprised that you had trouble with the 26 short Matchsticks. Maybe there's a problem with that particular pair or maybe the sizing is different this year. My matchsticks are from a couple of years ago. I'm sorry I can't be of more help.
DeleteIt does rather sound as though they were mismarked. I wear a 0 in the Minnie and a 26 in the toothpick, which is theoretically more fitted than the matchstick. Why not call customer service and find out what the garment measurements should be?
DeleteI just measured my 26short matchsticks, no wonder they don't fit. Laying flat across the hip at the widest part they are 16 inches, for a total of 32in hip measurement :/
DeleteI'm not your size, but in my experience, I wear my normal size in matchsticks, but in Minnies, I wear one size down. So for me, I wear a 29 in matchsticks but a size 4 in Minnies.
DeleteJust talked to CS, and the high hip measurement is suppose to be 32.5, and it's 28, and the actual hip is suppose to be 35, and it's 32....big difference!!
DeleteI hope they are making that right for you!
Deletekiwigem - I will do a better review on the Collection luxe silk crepe blouse in the next day or so if I can get my blog photographer to cooperate ;) but here are some quick comments. First, I agree with Gigi I love this shirt too. The fabric fully qualifies for sumptuous in my book. And sorry you missed being able to size down, I see the 00 are gone for now. They do run roomy, must be for that "languid and loose ... cool-girl luxe" look. Speaking from the viewpoint of someone who wears size 00 or 00P in tops, the 00 fits me larger than how it looks on the model, loose in the body with no tightness in the shoulders or arms at all and rather long on my 5'2"-ish height, I thought it fits more like a tunic. I'm planning to wear it with skinny jeans.
ReplyDeleteOT - I know this section is for reviewing but I just had to share. I just went to my SF B&M on Market Street. The store is having an extra 30% sale merchandise.
ReplyDeleteI ended up re-buying the Cashmere Herringbone Sweater in Mint/Navy in size S. Sale price is $149.99, with the extra 30% and the student discount, it ended up being $89.24! I previously paid $139.99 online when they had the promo, which I will return now. I feel that size S is better than the previous XS i ordered. For some reason this type of sweater does not stretch as much. It must be the way it was knitted.
I also didn't expect to buy the Midnight Tweed Jacket. It's on sale for $129.99, and with the 30% plus the student discount, I ended up paying $77.34! Who wants to turn that price down? I figured I needed a tweed jacket, I don't own one. I took a size 2, and it fits like a glove. Since I am only 4"11, the sleeve length was perfect, hitting my wrist, and not 3/4 length as how it is worn by the model, online.
Almost all the sweaters are on sale. Especially the bright colored ones. Lots of deals. I wish I can stock up on cashmere sweaters but I'm broke already. Hahaha...
BTW, if anyone is interested in purchasing the Collection Capri in Black Tie Silk or Purple Tie Silk. It's on sale. I can't remember the exact amount, I think around $159 +/-...both fabrics are gorgeous to own. I would've bought the black if i had enough moolah. Its thin enough to wear during spring time.
DeleteSo if you are on a hunt for either Capris, call around the stores to get your size, because its still full price online. :)
Can anyone help me and comment on the fit of the Pintuck Padded Bandeau swim top? I've never gotten a swimsuit from JCrew before so I have no clue how they run. Would this be a good choice for small chested gal or would it be gappy/bumpy?? Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteWebsite is being updated with new January items!
ReplyDeleteThanks life as a cat. I was wondering if I had somehow missed out on the polka dot blouse that is paired with the No. 2 in Dot Brocade. I wanted to try the styling with my Jacquard dot pencil skirt.
DeleteAlso loving the Jules in Botanical print. I have taken to having my tailor let the hem down on those that I have purchased. Still a tad short even at 5'4". haha.
Wondering if anyone can comment on the merino turtleneck? I would like it to be more fitted than loose. Would you recommend sizing down, do you think?
ReplyDeleteI received some items from the past promos recently.
ReplyDeleteMatchstick cords in frosted lilac- def. a different color than on my monitor. The color IRL is much more saturated, it's hard to describe but it's a darker lilac/pink tone than I thought. It was also brighter than expected. I like it but its not what I was picturing.
Cashmere turtleneck - I ordered a couple of colors. I did notice that they feel scratchier than past years. The snow was fairly sheer but I expected that. I'm glad I sized up because they seemed tight in the arms and after washing I think they would've been too tight in my usual size. I'm happy with the price so I will keep them.
Pave link bracelet - a beautiful piece, substantial in weight. It hangs lower on my small wrist but I still love it. It's comfortable to wear although does clang around on me if I'm moving my arm a lot. My only concern is the clasp. When I close it the metal piece goes to the side instead of directly in the hole, so that I must gently push it over into the hole to close it properly. Has this happened to anyone else? I'm worried if this is a defect or not a big deal?.
Jan - It sounds like your bracelet clasp is a bit defective. I haven't had that happen. I'm inclined to say that you should try rubbing a little wax paper on it so it glides, but if it's pushed over too far to the side then wax probably won't solve the issue.
DeleteThank you, Gigi! When it's closed it looks normal but each time I go to close it, the piece goes slightly to the side of the opening so I'm not sure if wax paper will help but I'll try. I appreciate your input and helpful idea. :)
DeletePut up a few new sale reviews on my J. Crew pages, including the bling-button cardigan, collection cashmere herringbone sweater, collection cashmere tippi sweater, and stovepipe trouser in wool check. And just recently I put up reviews for the Patent Martina Wedge and Everly Suede Pumps. Everything is below:
ReplyDelete*Tee’s, Tops, Shirts, & Blouses
*Sweaters, Blazers & Jackets
*Pants & Skirts
*Outerwear
*Shoes
Great reviews, thanks Amber.
DeleteI just got my stadium cloth duffle and it seems a bit more "clothy" in comparison to one I saw on someone else, who had purchased hers a couple of years ago. Can anyone who has maybe purchased a stadium cloth coat this comment on how warm in is please?
ReplyDeletethanks
911 emergency! (okay, not really, but I'd LOVE some insight here) I just received a beautiful old style icon trench (10 buttons, 2 patches) from a very nice ebay seller. It fits great and is lovely. HOWEVER, I feel as though the belt loops are sewn too high. The belt is routed well above my natural waist- in fact the top edge touched the base of my ribcage. I'm only 5'4". Does anyone know if that is the intended fit? I don't want to keep one that is sewn wrong. TIA!
ReplyDeletekiwigem (at) att (dot) net
I just bought the Felix high heel boot (the ankle ones). I haven't received them yet, and I'm wondering about the sizing. I tend to wear a 6.5, but I bought the 6 because that was all that was available. I tend to size down, rather than up, if anything. Does anyone have any idea on how these fit? Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteOT. But thanks to you wonderful JCAs, I have been checking some items on Ebay and by doing a quick search on your reviews, I have saved myself some money on J Crew duds. Thanks so much.
ReplyDelete