Tuesday, January 15, 2013

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! :)

72 comments:

  1. I really adore my J.Crew Factory Long Merino Wool Sweater I picked up about a month ago. I wear it several times a week to work or just hanging out on the weekends. The sweater is not itchy at all, the buttons are not too flashy or look cheap, and I love the length. Definitely recommend! <3 Check out a pic of me wearing it here: http://www.harpersshadow.com/2013/01/work-outfit-style.html

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  2. I hope it's ok to mention my reviews even if I am not on the JCA roll. If not please advise or delete.
    I just received the garment dyed camp pant which fitted tighter on me than I expected and the mirrored floral tee which fitted as I expected but the graphic design placement was off for me. See photos if interested.

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    1. I'm glad you reviewed the mirrored floral tee. You saved me from ordering it. How disappointing to have the design be so off center.

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    2. It maybe just be a one off defect. J Crew closed their Japan stores a few years ago so I can't never pop in and check these things. The top does look ever so cute on the model though. Gigi also has a point about the thin fabric had I decided to keep it I would be hoping in shrinks and thickens up a bit in the dryer.

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  3. I'm looking at both the merino boyfriend sweater (36031) and the oversize merino pocket sweater (95622). Has anyone compared the two? I want a slouchy fit but i do not want to look like I was swallowed by a sack. I'm 5'4" so I have to be very careful with what I wear so I don't look frumpy. Any reviews are appreciated.

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    1. D*ska: Ina has a review of the merino boyfriend sweater on her blog (ina-wonderland.blogspot.com). I tried on the oversize merino pocket sweater in store. I am 5'4" and wear size XS/S/2/4 in JC tops. I found the merino pocket sweater to be really oversized, one of the rare occasions I would probably need to wear an XXS, and it was very long on me. If I were to wear it, I'd wear with leggings or skinny jeans, as otherwise it would risk looking frumpy. So I ended up passing on it. I am also considering the merino boyfriend sweater based on Ina's review.

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    2. I've tried them both on, they fit very differently You'll get the sack look with the pocket sweater which hugs the body at the hem, but not with the boyfriend sweater which hangs straight. I needed to size down in both, which I am always reluctant to do so they both run a bit big. That's the only thing they have in common. Pocket sweater is much thicker and warmer, too, whereas the boyfriend sweater is lightweight/spring weight.

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    3. cate, I'm happy to hear that the boyfriend sweater is lightweight since I want to wear it during the spring. I am definitely going with it instead of the pocket sweater. I can't have anything hugging my post-holiday body quite yet.

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    4. Like louise said i reviewed it on my bloghere.
      It is the second and third post down.
      I am tiny(5 f 2") and it doesnt swallow me.
      HTH

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    5. I also reviewed the Merino Pocket Sweater. I didn't really mind the oversize-ness (I'm 5'4" and usually wear size 2/XS) but I did mind the shape. Clings a bit at hips and the pockets bulge out. You can see my review here

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    6. Ina: I checked out your review earlier and love the way it looks on you. I ordered both colors that you tried on but they are backordered.

      OperaRach: that is a very unfortunate shade of teal on an equally unfortunate shaped sweater. It remind me of one of my dad'd old sweaters that I used to wear around the house. Eek.

      Thanks for everyone's reviews. I do not know what I'd do without you JCAs.

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  4. Thanks so much Louise. I just put myself on the waitlist for the heather silver and navy in XXS. That seems to be the size that I would need. Fingers crossed that I get them. I love the way it looks on Ina. That's exactly the look that I'm going for. I'm going to steer clear of teh oversize merino pocket sweater based on your review. I don't want the oversized mumu look.

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  5. Real quick:

    Collection embellished raglan sweatshirt, # 34457, still ugly in a smaller size. Too boxy and weird sleeve length.

    Embroidered critter shorts, # 48787, cute... But not actually embroidered.

    Nightshirt in end on end cotton, # 33271, really big and darker than pics, thin cotton. Normally a 4 in dresses, bought XS and it's pretty big.

    Overall. Not impressed with this order. Most likely, all is going back.

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  6. I recently tried the Icon Trench, and returned it. The armholes were too high and tight. It was uncomfortable, and I never would have been able to wear a sweater or jacket under it.

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  7. The Stadium Cloth Duffle coat arrived and I found it does not have buttons. Are they saving money on button hole making and not adding buttons? Too bad. I'm not a zipper upper 100% of the time. I hope J Crew gets smart next year and modifies that. It also had neon piping. Did not know that. Another mark against the coat. My fault for buying w/o seeing IRL.

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    1. What color did you get? do you like the color ? and how was the sizing ...thank you

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    2. I got the artichoke color as I wanted something with an "army green" vibe. The color is nice and looks good with black jeans, charcoal, grey, and dark jeans. While my Elements coat from last year was a size 2 (and a little big...really wanted a petite last year but the color Navy sold out) I ordered this year a size 0 based on measurements from CS. I think this is the right size for me. I can only wear a t-shirt under it, no sweaters as the arms are really fitted, and the shoulders narrow, but this I like. I wanted it snug. Overall I think this style runs big and most people have taken their smaller coat size if not sized down entirely. Last year I ordered size 0, 2 and petite 4, 2, and 0 to just see what coat fit best and I found different colors fit differently in different sizes (which really didn't help things.) So my advice is to get measurements from CS and if you can, order 2-3 different sizes to see what fits bests. :)

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    3. I have the navy. I agree that the shoulders and arms are snug. For that reason, I actually sized up from my usual 2 to a 4. when I'm wearing a t shirt, I regret it a little, but I'm glad when I'm wearing a layered outfit. It definitely changes the vibe, though. Doesn't look "too big," but it's more A-line. It makes me think of a French school uniform coat, like in Madeline. : ) I think it just depends on the function you want the coat to serve. HTH

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  8. Tabby Sweater and Collection Silk Georgette Blouse here and Madewell reviews here
    And I'm sorry I can't remember if I posted this but sale stuff reviews here and Jules Dress in Scroll Print here Plus more if you look around!

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  9. Mini-cable cashmere cardigan $99.99 + 30% with STYLEFIND. Review in this post.

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  10. I received the ivory clover tweed pencil skirt this morning. I would say the description "a spring weight tweed" is accurate. It may be too heavy to wear in mid-summer, but would be appropriate for temps in 70's and 80's, I think. The green was a bit brighter than I expected, but I I liked it on. I think it fits on the small side. I ordered my usual 4, and it fits, but just. Definitely don't size down. I think this is a win for me, but some may be turned off by the green, which is definitely a clover, not minty.

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    1. I have been waiting for mine with baited breath. It is due to arrive today. I though that the tweed looked like a blend of the mint and clover colors from the online photo. I hope I like it. :)

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    2. I took the plunge and ordered one today - hope I like it as the prices we get charged in Australia are ridiculous!
      It's summer here at the moment so I'm also hoping it won't be too hot....

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  11. I'd be interested to know what you think - it is more of a clover and white blend. Maybe I just love it because it looks so springy on a 10 degree day!

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    1. Oh no Kris! I don't like it. I'm so finicky abot my tweed and I'm just not feeling this one. I think that I would have definitely loved it if it were a blend of clover and mint instead of clover and white.The fibers are woven well. Neither too loose or tight. The green color is beautiful and it does scream spring as you said. It's just not for me.

      I also found that it runs a little small, but I took my regular, pre-holiday weight size. I took the measurements of my size 0 with the skirt laying on my bed and this is what I got. Waist -14", Hip -17.5" and length -23". I am loving the length of this skirt and I am also sure that many of our taller JCAs will love it. I'm a little sad now.

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  12. I received the No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Cotton in Spearmint earlier today. The fabric is really sturdy AND the skirt is fully lined!!!!

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    1. Wow, that is excellent news. Apparently they really are listening!

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    2. Oooh, and just saw that it is 23 1/2" in length. Glad they are reserving the 21" pencil skirt lengths for petite sizes now.

      I had sworn off J.Crew cotton pencil skirts but the lining and work appropriate length may persuade me to change my tune.

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    3. J. CrewJD: I think that J. Crew really is listening! The length is really great too!

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    4. Thank you for the update. I love the No. 2 skirts and the improvements are great news. I will be stalking that skirt as soon as it goes on sale.

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    5. Kelly L-G: You're very welcome!

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    6. Lined, wow! I have sworn off pencil skirts but I am drawn to that Melon colored one. Tempting!

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    7. Thanks for your update. I'm really intrigued by the colour in real life.
      rynetta, will you be posting pics of the skirt? Would you say it is a pastel shade or more vibrant?
      I am really not a pastel lover at all, but would love a skirt that is a bit lighter than my usual dark colours.

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    8. cate: That melon color is gorgeous!

      ruth: sure thing, you're very welcome! I think that the skirt is more of a pastel, but it borders on vibrant if that makes sense. And, yes, I will post a review of the skirt with pictures on my blog later tonight!

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    9. Thanks so much, rynetta - will check out your blog. I'm hoping it's a similar colour to the enamel wide bangle I have!

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  13. @ rynettaPhD: The double-serge cotton is *lined*??? Oh wow, that's a game-changer for me, I might buy one now.

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    Replies
    1. Yep! The skirt is fully lined!!!!

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    2. I am so excited to hear that! I might buy one too now!

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  14. Bathing suit reviews, and a question!

    I got 2 popback bathing suits for $27.99 each and I love them both. One is the Antique Paisley Ruched Bandeau Tank (Coastline Blue), the other is the D-cup Caspian Paisley Bandeau Tank (Gatha Green). I must have overlooked the D-cup part in my early morning un-caffeinated stupor. It is definitely a roomier fit in the bust than on the non-D-cup suit, but it will work.

    Next is a review and the question. I also received the Liberty Tank in Lord Paisley (Emerald Navy). There is nothing green in this suit, so I am not sure why the color is called Emerald Navy. It has a creamy white background with predominantly blues but also some lavender and purple. I have always been reluctant to own a swimsuit that has any white in it. Does anyone here have a J. Crew swimsuit with white and is it at all see-through? Hate to ask, but of course it would be a deal-breaker for me if it is. I really like this suit, it's my favorite of the three, so I hope J. Crew does their white swimsuits right. Thanks!

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  15. Review of the Pleated Sweater Skirt and Lace Printed Sweatshirt here at this blog post.

    I loved both, and they are both worth the sale price minus 30% off. I don't know that I would have paid full price for either, but of the two, the sweatshirt is probably the best deal of the two if you can get it at the super sale price.

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  16. D*ska, I'm sorry! I hear you on the color, the online photo is definitely off, at least on my monitor.

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  17. The sequin stripe tee that's currently on final sale: kind of short. I am consistently the same size in J.Crew tops and felt confident buying it online without trying it on, but I feel like I shouldn't lift my arms too high.
    Also, it's a little itchy since it's not lined

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    Replies
    1. I wish I had bought it when I tried it in the store. I am really short-waisted so it looked right on me, but you are right that it probably is on the short side.

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  18. Hi lovely JCAs. I'm very new to this blog and am so happy to have found it!
    I live in Australia, so rely upon the online site for my J Crew fix. I have a question about the Merino boyfriend sweater in warm peacock: If anyone has seen it in real life, could you tell me if it's more blue or green?

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    1. @Ruth It is definitely more green than blue. I was hoping for a color close to the peacock color from 2008 but it's much lighter w/more green in it. Hth

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    2. Thanks JustVisiting. It sounds interesting.... would love to see pics if anyone has taken any.

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  19. Wondering if anyone has tried the unisex St James Meridian Tee? I bought the regular St James last year and had to return it because it was so short in the body...wondering if the Unisex is longer?

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  20. @LizT It is a lot longer. Size small, from top of back collar to bottom hem is 26". (Item 26211, just to ensure we're referring to the same top.)

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  21. Forever 21 just released their version of the silk shirt in heart throb. I review it and compare it with j. Crew's on my blog.
    http://pigtailsnpearls.blogspot.com

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  22. I got the stovepipe trousers in wool flannel and the Collection Nightshadow blouse. The trousers are well made, in a soft, non-itchy wool. They are generously cut. My usual 2 is a little bit large. The web models wear theirs tighter. . . mine need a belt, so I'd say they run a little bit.

    The Nightshadow blouse runs tts to small. They say a "tailored" cut. In the past, I have gone as small as a 0 in JCrew blouses and as large as a 4. This 4 has no extra room, fitting just to the shoulder and just closing without gap at the bust. The fabric color is different than online . . . much more golden/yellowish than shown. But pretty, and well made!!!

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  23. I just reviewed a sale popback of the Mackintosh Rousay Tattersall in Wool (the red one) here.

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  24. Has anyone tried the black and white two-toned waffle cardigan? I am intrigued by this but have no idea how it would look on a real person. TIA!

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  25. Just reviewed some sale items in this post:

    - Giant Bow Sweater in Mist Black
    - No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Dot Brocade
    - Merino Turtleneck Sweater in Abstract Diamond
    - Collection Cashmere Herringbone Sweater in Dusk Pink
    - Sequin Stripe Tee in Vintage Champagne, Burgundy

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  26. Hi! has anyone tried on the Collection cashmere ribbed sweater? I'm not sure if I should get XS or S. I typically wear XS in tippi. Would love any info! tx!

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  27. Seeking review for the striped green toothpick jeans. Do they fit tight like to bow print cords? Or like the softer black and white geometric print toothpicks?

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  28. Review of the dotted silk shell that went on sale today for $79.99 + STYLEFIND for 30% off.

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  29. Has anyone reviewed the collection fair isle sweaters? Either the turtleneck in pink or green colorways item #21905 or the crazy expensive handknit # 21907. My store never carries cashmere or coercion items and it would be great to know in case they ever go on mega markdown!

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    1. Darn autocorrect. I meant collection items. I feel like my store always has items I feel coerced to buy :)

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  30. The hand knit fair isles? I bought the one in green and love it. I'm either an S or XS-I took an XS in this. It's not tight-the inside out fair isle was too stiff for me and we've all noted the tight shoulders in the red fair isle. I would warn that the threads inside the Collection Cashmere fair isle can get caught.

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    1. Thanks! I just hate final sale when you've never laid eyes on an item!

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  31. Did anyone review the Lace-Trim blouse? I received it yesterday in my smaller size 0 and it was so tiny. I would probably have to go up to a size 4. I know that I have put on a few pounds but I have not gone up a whole size. My other size 0 tops fit fine.

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    1. I received this blouse and I found it TTS to slightly large. I chalk it up to JC sizing mysteries. I am really on the fence about keeping it... it is beautiful!! But I feel it will be a bear to keep clean and in-tact it is so delicate! Also, a few months down the line - are we all going to be so over the lace look? It is still pretty spendy even on sale... it is in my return pile.

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    2. Mack: Your reasons for not keeping it are the same as mine but my mind still stubbornly cannot let it go. I don't think that I will ever get over straight black and white pieces though. They read classic to me. I tried it with the reverse tuxedo and jacquard dot cafe capris so that may have helped its case. It's a moot point in any case if I cannot get it in a larger size. I think that I may have just received one that's not labeled or sized correctly. Oh well, at least it wasn't final sale.

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  32. i received the grand stone bracelet. It is definitely a statement piece or grand. I like it but I have a small wrist so it does not fit right. I would have to wear it over a sleeve. It is very light though which I did not expect. I am still on the fence since it fits big on me. Otherwise, I like the colors.

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  33. In the event that anyone else is curious about the Striped Toothpick Jeans . . . I just did an online chat with a CSA. I told her that I'm either a 26 or 27 in JCrew Toothpicks, depending on the fabric.

    For anyone else interested--I was a 26 in the Geometric Print jeans, but sized up for the bow cords and the garment dyed twill.

    According to the CSA, the size 27 Garment dyed twill toothpicks match a size 28 for the striped toothpicks.

    I'm holding off buying anything for now--too confusing. I may call and ask for them to make an exception and send me several pairs so I can figure out what will fit (unless someone else has a review). Or maybe one day these won't be on final sale?

    I like the colors of these jeans . . . but the discrepancy in sizing is hard to deal with. Also, I sort of think Final Sale for an item that is only available in the catalogue isn't really fair . . .

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  34. After lusting over all the velvet from fw, I bit the bullet on the velvet schoolboy in festive blue. I read from ema that navy was a dull hue and opted for festive blue for a more jeweled tone. I hope it isnt too bright...tho it doesnt say final sale so hopefully its returnable. Did anyone review it at all?

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  35. Does anyone own the pave heart pendant that sold out online? item #47850 $68 I saw it in my store the other day and I love it, just worried that the pave crystals will pop out.
    TIA

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  36. Review of the circle lace top in this post, $39.99 + STYLEFIND.

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  37. Review of the Nolita jacket in indigo wash in this post. It's a net $66 with GET40.

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  38. Did anyone notice that the clover tweed and cotton pencil skirts disappeared from the site? I had them in my shopping bag and it looks like I can still order them as it says "in stock" and they are there at checkout. Will they come back? I'd really like to wait until February to order but if I have to be afraid that they'll disappear I'd order now... Any insights into what's going on?

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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! :)