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! :)
Dress reviews here.
ReplyDeleteUpdated the blog with some factory reviews.
DeleteI've had three shipments since my last comment on January 8. Everything in greens and corals! I purchase through the J.Crew Canada online store.
ReplyDeleteI received the Biennial Hobo in chrome green and the Teddie Dress in seashore green, size 8. I'm 5'4" and ~140 lbs and the size 8 was perfect. I'm short waisted and curvy and the size 8 was very flattering, the length perfect. I'm not sure an 8P would have been better, as the dress seems to be a bit higher waisted anyways. The chrome green colour of the Biennial Hobo is very saturated. The leather is pebbled but with a soft, slightly coated finish, so it will gain a patina over time. Some might not like this effect but I do.
I thought for sure I had missed out on the Cashmere Tippi in Pine but I caught a pop back in the very early morning hours and snapped up a size small. I prefer the S over M when not layering. I love the colour!!!
Just today came the Cece Suede Ballet Flats in chrome green. The colour a slight shade lighter than the chrome green of the Biennial Hobo. I bought a size 7 and they fit perfect TTS. Also the Indian Voile Popover in neon rose in 8P. Size, arm length and colour are perfect. I have short arms though. Great staple for layering and I will likely buy more colours in the future. Lastly, the Petite Sterling Skirt in Double-Serge Wool in Autumn Coral, Size 10P. I have a problem with skirts and I generally do not purchase them. I decided to purchase this skirt as the cost was not prohibitively expensive to try out the J.Crew fit. I like my skirt fit to be a bit looser to camouflage not so perfect tummy and outer thighs. The 10P works well, the slight A-line shape very flattering. The colour is more orange IRL than in this picture/review. I love the fit of this skirt and will definitely be buying more if J.Crew offers more colours in the future.
I can post pictures if anyone requests.
Thanks for your reviews! I'd love to see pics!
Deleteoh, you're like my size twin, lol! Same ht, close in weight, same short-waisted-ness! For me, though, the Sterling skirt just didn't work out in either regular or petite. The regular was too big all the way around, and too long. Made me look dowdy. So, I tried the petite, and it just didn't hit me right or look good. Petite sizing rarely works for me.
DeleteSo I have added some reviews and pics here Sorry, I have no pics yet of me wearing anything.
DeleteJruby18 I find skirts only work for me if I wear longer tops over the skirt and knee length boots or flats. I never wear tops tucked in...just a disaster!
DeleteI've received three items so far, with two more to come from my orgy of sale shopping.
ReplyDeleteFirst up, the Jackie cardigan in Hudson Green in xs. I've bought xxs before, but find that they are a bit tight over the bust. I love the very vibrant green of this. It's a brighter shade than last season's Jade.
Next, the cashmere boyfriend sweater in pine, xxs. This seems to me to be a slightly thinner cashmere than my other boyfriend sweater (purchased last year).... Could just be me, though. Again, a beautiful colour and just oversized enough on my small frame (5'2" 100lbs ish).
Lastly, the pencil skirt in Clover tweed, which made a brief appearance on the website, then mysteriously disappeared. Got this in 00P, and it fits tts. I love the slightly longer length and the fact that it's lined. Shame the lining is poly.... But better than none. The tweed is beautiful, very light and vibrant.
Altogether I'm pretty pleased with my haul so far. Still waiting on the merino boyfriend in warm peacock and the double cloth slim trench in cobalt blue.
Also need to stop stalking the site for updates and Stop Spending.
So strange about the clover tweed skirt, in fact all of the new spring no. 2's. I have three of them sitting in my cart, and have since they appeared online. However, I can't find them online anymore! But they remain in my cart and it says they're in stock. Weird.
DeleteThanks ruth and KLLovestoshop. I thought I was losing my mind. I know I looked at the new No2's online after it was mentioned that they were lined last week. Since then I have not been able to find them.
DeleteI have just received and photographed the director dress in stretch wool. I think it is much the same as the bi stretch wool version to the point that I wonder if they just dropped the bi part for convenience. I love the dark grape colour. Most of my suiting dresses are a size 2 but this time I ordered a 2P because I wanted a shorter slimmer fit. I think it worked I and overall I am happy with the purchase.
ReplyDeleteJust commented on your blog - fab dress and you don't look remotely stocky!
DeleteCece leather ballet flats in boulevard green - though I'm sure these have been reviewed a ton, I found these TTS and the colour to be gorgeous. The green is nice and dark and strangely seems to pair well with both warm and cool greens, even though I would say the colour is more cool. Oh and I didn't realize these had a rubber sole instead of the leather on the classic ballet flats but am pleased as it will mean one less trip to the cobbler to have a sole put on.
ReplyDeleteVintage cotton drop-shoulder tee - The shape is quite boxy but this is how I like it (I also sized up 2 sizes for a relaxed fit). The fabric is quite thin (the lighter colours are a tad sheer) but nice. I hope they hold up well but at the sale price they were still worth it even if I only get a few wears out of them. Can anyone with vintage cotton tees comment on their durability?
Cashmere hat (Men's) - I have both the men's and women's version of this hat, and I prefer the men's. The knit is much more substantial (i.e. warmer) and just feels to be of higher quality, more similar to the women's "collection" cashmere hats of the past.
Just waiting on my Laundress Sweater Comb (backordered) which I'm in dire need of. Anyone have any tips for using this?
I've seen others comment about problems with the vintage cotton tees (holes etc), but I've never had any issues. I probably have a dozen of them in different colors and styles and they are my absolute favorite tees for layering.
DeleteMost of my vintage cotton tees have holes forming at the stitching on the backside of the neck. But I love the fit and feel of the vintage cotton tees so I buy them. I will say that I machine wash and dry them because I'm a busy mom and they might hold up better if I did not.
DeleteI just posted my reviews of the Bow Dress (black and white version) and the Factory Lobster Sweater today here.
ReplyDeleteReceived my shipment of Jules dress in wool in red. LOVE!! I am short so the length is perfect. I can see myself wearing this with flip flops on a summer day, or heels with statement necklace to a party. I am wearing it today, as a matter of fact, with hunter rain boots!!! So happy I found it at 5:30 in the morning as popbacks returned to the site.
ReplyDeleteAlso got JCrew collection slim trench topper in black watch tartan. Oh my goodness,,, It is a dream ! Fit is amazing and the cut is so slimming. I love that it is water resistant. Wearing it with my Jules dress today!!
Thanks for letting to share my purchases with you guys.
Would you mind sharing your height? I've been admiring the Jules dress and wonder how the length would be on my 5'3" frame. Thanks.
Deletemaryeb - I think at 5'3 the Jules would be an okay length on you, maybe a couple of inches above the knee. I'm 5'9 and it is indecent on me!
Deletemaryeb, I am 5'3 and it's not indecent on me and I can wear them to work! It is maybe 1.5 inches above my knees. I have the jules wool in both black and vibrant flame and I love the fit and it has a nice retro feel to them. I wear dark tights with them so it feels less revealing. I think it runs big. For reference, i wear size 2 in most jcrew dresses and 0 in no.2 pencil skirt and xs in most of the sweaters and i sized down to size 0 and the fit is perfect!
DeleteI'm 5'4" and I wear the Jules. I had the the silk one taken down but the two wool ones I kept as they were. I were them with tights, like ladybug007 to keep them more lady-like. They are about 2 to 2.5 inches above my knee. Not ideal length but completely do-able.
DeleteMaryeb
DeleteI am 5 ft 2 inches tall. The petite (which I normally wear) would have been short on me but the regular size length is great. It is a tiny bit wide for me (I am 95 pounds) so I hemmed the sides down half an inch and it is perfect now. The tailor charged me $8 for the job.
Has anyone reviewed the cafe capri in black tie silk? I already ordered them so there's no turning back, but... wondering if I made a horrible mistake!
ReplyDeleteI bought them and returned them, with regret. I wear a 6 in cafe capris and 6 was the right size in these too. They are beautiful, a bit shiny but that works in a formal-ish setting, which I am hardly ever in. That is why I returned them, but I keep thinking I made a horrible mistake by not keeping them! I think they are beautiful.
DeleteThanks cate! Well, I ordered a 6 too. If they don't work out, I'll let you know :)
DeleteI might take you up on that! but I think you are going to like them :)
DeleteDoes anyone have the pink/black? collection cafe capris in graphic tweed item #18224. I have had these in my cart about 10 times but I just can't pull the trigger until I have some idea about the fit. I searched the blogosphere for any reviews and came up empty. Any fit comparisons to other cafe capris would be most appreciated.
ReplyDeleteSome J. Crew Factory items here including the Professor Blazer, Charley Sweater, Tissue Turtleneck Tee, and Warmspun Sweater :)
ReplyDeleteI just 'discovered' your blog and I love it. I absolutely adore that world map skirt and all your projects really. Now I wish that I could use my mum's sewing machine. All I can do are buttons and hems.
DeleteTortoise and brass link bracelet- Length is 8", width is 1". I have a small wrist so it's a little big on me, but it's very lightweight and comfortable to wear. The clasp is tight, which makes it a little tricky to open. I really like it and plan to wear it often.
ReplyDeleteI just posted a review and photos of the Blythe Blouse in polka dot here.
ReplyDeleteHELP! I ordered a pair of the Vintage Straight Jeans in Ontario Wash, hoping to achieve the perfect 'boyfriend' jean look.
ReplyDeleteI wear a 4 in JC skirts and cafe capris, so according to the size chart I should get a size 28. They arrived yesterday & were HUGE! My husband actually thought they were for him & put them on- to my horror, they looked much better than on me!
Does anyone else wear this style from J. Crew?
Do you have any sizing advice? TIA!
I tried these and they were huge! I returned and tried one size down. These fit better, still slouchy. I didn't love them, though,so I returned those too.
DeleteI bought a pair and like them, however I too am a 4 in JC skirts so I bought a size 27 and I think a 26 probably would have been better. So it sounds like you may have to go down two sizes. I find they are roomy and comfy, I reach for them often on the weekend.
DeleteThanks, Cate & Liz! I appreciate your experiences. Can't decide if I should return altogether or exchange for a smaller size (or two).
DeleteWendy, I might be able to use your too-large 28's, please email me if you're looking to sell them!
Deletekriscrew5519 at gmail dot com
I am usually a 2/26 in JC and I tried on a 25 and they were still really big, even for a boyfriend fit (I know they shouldn't be tight, but they should flatter somewhat... and they will stretch!) So I would recommend sizing down two sizes.
DeleteI received my "beaded rose necklace" today - I LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteAs was noted when we saw the pictures that JCrew posted on its blog, the flowers are big; this is definitely a statement necklace. The color is more of a bright true red than a coral, in my opinion, but does tend to an orange-red rather than a blue-red.
The details of the flowers are lovely, and mine came carefully wrapped and packaged, which I think is important, since I bet the necklace could get damaged in shipping if not carefully packaged.
I cannot wait to wear it!
Thanks so much for the review. I will check out the JC blog.
DeleteI have to chime in on the bright coral necklace and bracelet I received today. When they say "bright" they really mean BRIGHT! From the pictures I expected a more coral color but I do love the pieces. They are substantial in weight and the bracelet is bulky(as I sit here typing with it on) and is comfortable on the wrist. The clasp on the bracelet makes it easy to put on without help which is always a plus for me. They look to be well made and are definite statement pieces.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I bought the bracelet, too. It should be here by Thursday or Friday. I'm happy to hear that the clasp is easy to use!
DeleteI received the Collection Herringbone Cashmere sweater and it is really as great as all the other JCAs describe. I got the XXS and it runs TTS (I wear XXS and 00 in all other JC tops). It is comfy and cozy and the knit is quite tight and heavy, so I know it won't pill. I originally ordered a different color but received the Cabernet Lilac in error. I managed to snag the color I wanted this morning, so despite toying with the idea of keeping both, I am going to be sending this one back (no final sale applies since it was their error) unless another JCA wants it (you can email me at bankygirl(at)gmail(dot)com if so). It is such a quality piece that reminds of of the J Crew of yore. I can't recommend it enough.
ReplyDeleteOh boy. Selvedge Chambray shirt, item 15008. I am a 2 in Perfect Shirts and a 0 in Boy Shirts--pretty predictably. In this I ordered an XS--and it's enormous. I will need an XXS, if I even do an exchange. It seems silly to me that I would need an XXS. It makes me wonder what a petite person like my mother is going to do. It's a lovely shirt--I got it with my rewards. Not sure it is truly worth $98. But, for what it's worth, it's big.
ReplyDeleteThe Toothpick jeans in stripe on Final Sale. I'm the one who kept asking for reviews, and then posted the results of a chat with a CSA. To summarize--I'm a 26 in the Geometric Print, but a 27 in the Bow Cords.
The CSA told me I would need a size 28. To quote: "Yes, I'm surprised too, given that you are either a 26 or 27." Foolishly, I bought the jeans in a size 27 . . . and they are too large. These jeans are the same composition as the Geometric Print; you'll need the same size. I wrote to CS to ask for help. I had even asked the CSA on the chat if the composition of the Stripe jeans was the same as the Geometric print (it is). Super, super, super cute jeans. But . . . wrong size. Never again FS for something that is only offered on the catalog!
Mint colored Collection mini cable sweater--I don't know what it is but this sweater as opposed to the full cable sweater, makes it clear I have no curves. That I am in fact "bony" as someone else once said of Miss. Jenna. So, it goes back. Gorgeous color. I wish it had worked out.
Unknown, just so you know. I am a size 6 in Perfect and Boy shirts, I like them quite loose. But the Selvedge in XS was huge on me too, so not sure the XXS would work for you. I did try the Keeper Chambray and liked the fit much better but it has button on the sleeves so you can roll up and button the sleeves and I did not like that.
DeleteLate to the game to reply--but thank you!
DeleteI received the Super 120s Emmaleigh dress in poppy grove last week. A total winner for my pear shaped body, and at $71.99...a steal. The color is a pretty berry red, and will look great with nude heels and pearls for Easter Sunday. I'm 5'6" and the dress hits right at the top of my knee.
ReplyDeleteOh, and one more. I just received the Blythe blouse in polka dot in 00 in the new colorway and I love it! I'm going to try to post some pics on my blog a little later today, but the short scoop on it is that it fits just like the other Blythe in dot (as the name pale graphite?) so just a little big but consistent with the other Blythes. The silk is somewhat thin, again consistent with other Blythes, but a perfect weight for Spring. I think it is doable without a cami and nude unmentionables, and I love the versatility of the colorway. Perhaps probably not worth full price, but since I'm a sucker for dots don't judge me! I actually ended up with 2 of these, one purchased with a small discount and one gifted, so email me if you're interested and I can pass along the savings along you rather than send it back to the Crew. If there are no takers, it may go back this weekend.
ReplyDeleteargh, sorry for the typos/grammatical errors. Clearly, not quite awake even this late in the day!
DeleteI just received the No. 2 pencil skirt in dot brocade today, and I love it...except that it's too small. I have a size 0 in the herringbone and porcelain paisley No. 2 pencils that fit perfectly, but the 0 in this one is too tight. Anybody have a size 2 they would want to trade?
ReplyDeleteI also got the No. 2 pencil in double serge wool Retro Jade, and the size 0 is too tight. So sad. That one is up for grabs if anyone wants it!
Pagoda Blue. What a truly delicious color. I ordered the cashmere shawl-collar sweater in the sweet hue and it didn't disappoint. I'm going to wear it tomorrow with my darkest jeans, pink Gap laofers, cashmere snood in heather dusk and double-cloth funnel coat in neptune green that I also just received.
ReplyDeleteBased on the online photos, I didn't think that that color or cut on a coat would work for me, even though I adore mint. But I saw it in-store and tried it on in the one size-too-small that was available and immediately loved it. Something about these minty green hues work so well with my complexion and the cut was slimming and sophisticated. I actively stalked this until I acquired my size.
Reiterating my love of the cashmere cable sweater. I ordered another in heather dusk and I'm in search on the ivory and mint versions.
OT:
I have bought a lot of items in ivory, heather dusk and mint hues over the past few months because these colors work so well with my skin tone. I love bright colors but I'm thankful that I found my neutrals. Heather Dusk is much more healthier-looking than heather gray, IMO. And though I love black (living in NYC for 9 years), I have now realized that it's a bit harsh on me and that I look way better in navy, which is now my new black.
Great minds....I'm with you on navy versus black (also in NYC) and the cashmere cable sweater!
DeleteOy. That should have been lived in NYC for 9 years but I miss it so much in the two years that I've been upstate. So thankful to be moving back sometime this year. I barely own black clothing now so I'll probably stand out like an oasis in the desert... or maybe not.
DeleteReceived the tuxedo pencil skirt yesterday and I'm so annoyed that it doesn't fit. I'm always a 10 regular or 12 petite in J Crew pencil skirts, so I purchased this one in a 12 petite. It's so small that I can't even zip it over my bum! Granted, I have a larger lower half, but this was ridiculous. Very disappointing since the material is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI had the same problem with that skirt. I bought it at full price to try on and my regular size 0 in bottoms had a huge quarrel with my behind. I'm waiting for the online price to match the B&M price of $59.99 or it's a no-go. I'm not willing to put in the effort to search for it in other stores.
DeleteYesterday I received a pair of heather grey wool Cafe Capri's from the recent sale in Tall, Size 2. Sadly, I forgot they were unlined, which was rather disappointing because they feel thin and itchy. Second, I guess I am in between the regular length and the tall. The regular are too short and the tall are too long and look silly. I also received a new Tippi sweater in Neon Azalea. They weren't lying! This baby is definitely neon! So, with all that being said, they are both going back. Oh well, guess more money in my bank account.
ReplyDeleteWhere do the longs fall on you?
DeleteToday I received the symphony coat in vibrant fuschia. This is the second symphony coat I have purchased (I also have the Dublin Green). I absolutely love the coat. I got the green one during the after Christmas 30% off sale and ordered the fuschia one on the first day of the 40% off sale. The pink is really bright and cheerful. It may not be for everyone but it really suits my blonde colouring. I wore it out of my office for a quick errand and received compliments on the colour from two strangers!
ReplyDeleteI also purchased the Fushia Symphony during 30% off. It truly is a beautiful and vibrant color. The style of the coat is timeless.
DeleteFitting room pics of the Jules dress in scroll print, size 00
ReplyDeletehttp://thepetitefittingroom.blogspot.com/2013/01/fitting-room-j-crew-jules-dress-in.html
Great minds...I just put up a review of the scroll print Jules in this post.
ReplyDeleteHi! I reviewed the Liberty shirt in the Tresco Floral print a little while back, but since it was after the last Review post here, I figured I would wait till today to link to it. :) http://mysuperfluities.blogspot.com/2013/01/ootdreview-tresco-floral.html
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, this was one of the shirts from the lookbook, paired (sadly imo) with the leather pink floral skirt. I didn't really like the two together, but I am probably just too old and fuddy duddy to appreciate the lookbook's pairing. LOL.
I wore the Tresco print silk scarf that is also (probably) going to debut sometime in the near future (when is the rollout gonna come already?) today with a Boden bright blue cashmere sweater. The two together looked delicious, very colorful and perfectly matching the glorious weather we had here in DC--70 degrees and sunny!
Don't have photos of the scarf up yet, but might be able to get them up tomorrow or Thursday.
I forgot about the Jackie sizing issue even though I'm sure I've read about it here before. I order Tippi sweaters in large and they fit loose. I ordered the Jackie in stripe (both sweater and cardigan) in large and they are a little too snug. Certainly too snug to wear a blouse under. The worst part is that I just ordered another Jackie set in fresh mint. Definitely size up on the Jackie.
ReplyDeleteKicking myself for not checking here first. I'm not buying anything more until I read JCA reviews first.
And yikes, neon persimmon is to be avoided at all costs. I have a lovely pair of Viv flats that are only going to be worn rarely, if at all.
Small site restock recently occurred tonite, Tue.
ReplyDeleteFREESHIP for free shipping no minimum is the new promo. However GET40 should work thru 11:59PST. The update included a lot of Collection. No excursion vests that I saw or some of the other coveted, non-collection pieces.
Good luck!
Canada Store has been updated with new items. The Colorblock Tartine satchel in blossom black is gorgeous. Loving the Collection cashmere two-tone sweatshirt in stripe - can't decide which is the best colour option although stone rose is very pretty. Major wow on the Collection jeweled gilded brocade dress and Gilded brocade top.
ReplyDeleteOn my list is the Chambray shirtdress, Vintage short-sleeve pajama set in minty green and Translucent stone necklace in bright seaside. So many new goodies...my poor wallet.
Those considering the Boyfriend Fatigue Jacket, check out the Talula Trooper Jacket. Its less expensive but just as nice - can find at Aritzia stores.
like that Talula Jacket! Does Aritzia ship to US? Never heard of that store.
DeleteJruby18 - There are some US stores and they might ship to your location if you purchase over the phone. See the "Aritzia Stores" link above. Most jackets I would take a medium but I sized down to a Small. I even tried the XS but it was a bit too snug.
DeleteOh no this is so dangerous.... Having had an orgy of retail therapy during the sale I am now lusting after the pixelated houndstooth skirt.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone seen this irl?
Review of the factory double serge cotton pencil skirt: I ordered it in mint in my usual pencil skirt size. The fit is fine, so TTS. But, they've added these groovy--or curvy--back seams on either side of the center back seam. And the curve traces one's derriere. I put the skirt on, turned to the side, and immediately thought, 'But-tock' (you have to emphasize the two syllables to really get the full effect of this seam detail). I didn't like the detail at all. Going back despite the lovely color.
ReplyDeleteThe circle-print chambray popover is amazing. It's a stunning top (I love the ways J. Crew has styled it on the website) and the fit is just perfect (loose enough to be comfy but still tailored). I styled it here: stethoscopes, style,and grace
ReplyDeleteI've worn it lots to work but also with leggings and boots on the weekend :)
I finally received my purl-stitch cashmere snood and I am filled with regret. Regret that I didn't purchase this sooner. Regret that I didn't get both colors. Regret that this didn't come in a dress. No, I think that should be JC's regret. This is a little piece of heaven, no? A cloud of softness around me. Thanks to all the JCAs who received this and put it on my radar.
ReplyDeleteAlso digging, (digging? seriously what year do I think this is?) the ruffle collar shirt in warm bisque though it is completely see-through. Completely. I need to have my photo taken in black and white now. Classy lady vibes all around.
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ReplyDelete