Tuesday, March 12, 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! :)

67 comments:

  1. A quick review of the vintage short sleeve tee:
    Got this in navy, size xs, and it fits me well. I wanted it to be a little slouchy, as I'm planning to wear it with the pixilated houndstooth skirt and other pencil skirts to dress them down a bit.
    The tee is quite long on me, almost covers my bum if I pull it down, but I'm a shortie (5'2" ish).
    I've posted reviews and pics of the Pixilated Houndstooth skirt, Pop Art tee, Fringed neon necklace and Purple Wool Boyfriend Blazer here

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  2. Mirror Metallic Everly Pumps:
    I LOVE these! I bought them in silver and they are stunning, but are definitely very shiny ("mirror" is pretty accurate). I found them to fit a bit bigger than the leather and suede Everly pumps - I take my usual size in all three, but the leather/suede versions were too tight at first and had to stretch out, while the metallic ones fit well right out of the box. I think these will be a perfect occasion/night out shoe (definitely not for the office, even my casual one).

    Midnight Paisley Underwire Top and Bikini:
    The pattern on this is very pretty with great colours. I liked the Bikini bottoms but was disappointed with the Underwire Top - the straps are detachable (it comes with two sets - one set that attaches on both ends for bra-style straps and one set that can be worn halter-style) and they are not secure at all. The little metal hooks are smooth and slide in and out of the fabric loops very easily - one of the straps came undone while I was just trying it on, so I can't imagine they would stay on during actual swimming. I had never tried a J. Crew swimsuit before and I felt the sizing was TTS - I took a 34B in the top (my usual) and an XS in the bottoms (usually a 0 or 2 in skirts and pants). HTH someone!

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    1. Oooh, nice swim choice!
      I know what you mean about the annoying removable bra straps. I have an anchor print J. Crew bikini from last year and I picked one set of straps to sew in place.

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  4. OT - J.Crew's website currently features a video - 'Shiny Ponies' with Jenna talking about her love for J.Crew shoes. From Sketches, to production in Italy, to final product.

    I'm crushing on Jenna's shoe collection. There are a couple shoes shown on the video that I haven't seen yet.

    Here's the link from Youtube:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8EKTx5on6U8

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    1. Thanks for posting this. I find J.Crew shoes pretty, but unbearably uncomfortable, so I just admire. I lol'ed at "shiny ponies" comment - sounds like something my pre-teen niece would say.

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    2. haha "shoes are like fairies".. okay jenna.

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  5. Review--and a question:
    I ordered the Ponte Swing Dress in dark papaya. The dress was cute, but basically it is a glorified tee shirt--not a lot of structure or tailoring to it. The plus side of this dress is that it may be dressed up or down. With pumps and a scarf or necklace and serious hairdo, it would just baaaaarely be work appropriate for me, but it would also look cute with bare legs and sandals in the summer. The color is a definite orange with a lot of red, not a pink-ish tone as in some of the shades called "papaya." It works perfectly with the 2011 driving scarf.

    Now for the question: has anyone had a problem with getting a return credited? Usually I return items via UPS and never had a problem, but I dropped a light package with USPS over two weeks ago. The CSA I spoke with today said I needed to find the tracking number from my packing slip, but I didn't realize until I got home that the tracking # is on the peel-off portion of the slip, which I tossed. Has anyone every had the mail or JC lose a return?

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    1. Hi Hexicon, re. your question, I would give it another couple of days. I had some returns really lag in February (plus shipping from Canada) and my online VPS advised they were switching some inventory systems etc. so processing was slow.

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    2. I find the USPS does take a bit longer but have never had any problems. I write down the long string of numbers for the USPS part of the label before I hand it over. Just now I was able to go to the USPS site and track my return. Hope this helps for future. It is just easier to use the USPS and I want to give them the business!

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    3. P.S. While I have never had the USPS or UPS lose a JCrew return I have had them only PARTIALLY return the items in the box 3 times and only give me partial credit. It got fixed eventually but man, they are the ONLY online company I ever had problems with this issue.

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  6. Love the shoe-sketch scarf! IRL and review HERE.

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  8. Twisted Stitch Sweater -- I was disappointed by the Champagne color, which has peachy tones in it when I wanted more off an encru or flax color. The neckline was too high and tight for my taste as well. I was expecting a more loose, slouchy fit. I returned it.

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  9. A small review of a blue silk windowpane scarf in blue that I bought in store in NYC and the bold stone bracelet here:

    http://onecantgetoverthehabit.blogspot.ca/2013/03/tuesday-with-wee-jcrew-review-ode-to-oz.html

    I also talk about the scallop dress in my blog today, which was a real disappointment, as the arm hole was huge!

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  10. a few reviews from this weekend here:
    -cropped matchstick jean (i just bought the white)
    -tipped boy shirt
    -liberty peasant top in june's meadow floral
    -dotted tee
    -merino sweater in inky floral print
    -peony tee
    -liberty schoolboy blazer in june's meadow floral
    -jeweled sweatshirt
    -sera top in traced medallion

    and i just posted fit pics of the collection cashmere plaited sweatshirt in stripe this morning (here)
    i also have a few more shirts yet to post, but i'll probably get there later this week

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  11. In case you havent seen my reviews(peony tee,micro tweed jacket,elbow sleeve tee),its on my blog here.
    HTH

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    Replies
    1. Loved the tee and just received it in the mail.

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  12. I checked out the peony tee when I was in the store last week. It was the one thing that caught my eye from the recent rollout and I was quite curious about it. In a word, dislike. The linen was not very good quality. I have other linen tees that look much better. As some reviewers have noted, there is a chest pocket which is both useless and interferes with the print. The one I tried had a gappy pocket that hung open interrupting the print that was stamped over it. The peony was pretty, although pretty darn big. Overall not something I would pay so much for, it's a $15 tee at best.

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    1. I found the peony tee disappointing as well. For me the key was looking at myself in the three-way mirror - that's when I saw the tee isn't sheer, it's transparent. Like I said elsewhere, I'd never wear it by itself, and its boxiness makes it less than ideal for layering. Pretty print, but wouldn't pay more than $10 for it.

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    2. I, too, was disappointed in this shirt. It wasn't as sheer as I was expecting, but probably due to it being baggy on me in my normal size small. What killed the shirt for me was the material. All three shirts left looked so worn..like they were pilling almost. I still have my beautiful rose shirt hanging in my closet reminding me of the good 'ole J.Crew tee days, though. I'll have to stick to that one for my flower fix. :)

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  13. I didn't try it on, but I saw a sleeveless blouse in the store that I think is new. It is an almost sheer cotton, buttons on front at top, and smocking on the front top. I noticed it in black and also green. It was a flowy cut through the torso,, so maybe the sheer wouldn't be that noticeable. It looked cute, has anyone tried it on?

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  14. Has anyone used the Baggu bags for carrying groceries? (disco george thanks for the reply on the older thread!) I want to make sure they're not going to rip at the seams and break my groceries if I try it. Could you carry a gallon of milk or two in one safely? Bottles of spaghetti sauce? I assume you can wash them, but can you put them in the dryer without them melting? Thanks!

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    1. cate, yes, I have used them for groceries, with no problem. I also used one when I bought two sets of hand weights at kmart - they held 16 pounds with no problem.

      As far as washing, they are made of the type of fabric that comes out of the washer practically dry so they don't really need to go in the drier. I don't think they would melt, though, if you did put them in there.

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    2. cate i use them for heavy groceries all the time. they are made of a strong but light ripstop nylon and i have filled them with as much as i can carry with no worries. the only downside that i have found is that if you try to carry the bag on your shoulder (as i prefer to do) it tends to slide off because the bag is designed so that the widest part of the bag runs from side to side with your body instead of from front to back like a normal tote. i'm sure i'm not explaining this very well but just imagine the handles on a tote bag were at opposite ends of the bag instead of across from eachother in the middle. awkward. obviously this is not an issue if you carry the bag normally, just thought you should know!

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    3. cate, I schlep my groceries several blocks in the city using JC's or standard Baggu bags (where I live has a charged-for-bags bylaw). I would say you can easily tote 20 lbs. in each They are study and durable and as JCJD says come out of washer nearly dry (ripstop nylon). I don't dry them, but on low heat would probably be just fine. Get what Rebekah means about handles but they don't slide on me personally. I'd also take a look at envirosax.com which are a bit stronger IMO. Chicos bags similar too.

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    4. I totally agree with Rebekah - a good bag overall but I would never buy more of them because of the handle issue. Makes it very awkward to carry sometimes, even "normally". I can't figure out why they designed them that way.

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    6. I LOVE my baggu bags and use them everyday. I never have problems with them sliding off my shoulder--I actually prefer them to other reusable bags like envirosax because I think they work better on my shoulder. I think it is completely a personal preference. in terms of how much they can carry--this weekend I made a sam's club run and had 3 half gallons of milk in one without a problem. they wash really easily and I hang them up to dry (it doesn't usually take them long to dry because of the material).

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    7. Thank you all so much for the great Baggu reviews, they are really helpful! I think I'm going to go ahead and buy a couple and give them a try.

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  15. Some more new arrivals here
    Will have some sale reviews up tomorrow....

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  16. Hexicon, Did you request a drop off receipt for the package when you gave it to USPS? If you did, is the tracking number on the receipt? I haven't returned to JCrew via USPS, but have for Anthro and it seemed to take forever.

    JCrew has always been helpful when my returns were not processed timely, but I also had the tracking #, and the ability to show proof of delivery via the UPS website.

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  17. Needed to get out of the house so I popped in to my comfort zone.

    Eyelet Top-size 6: It pulled a bit across the top, above the chest so I would personally size to an 8 in this. Loved the color; didn't care for the a-line shape of it.

    Liberty Shirt in Fresco Floral-size 8: Love the print and thought I wanted it in the skirt but my size wasn't in stores and I thought the texture would be more like the dot mini. Fits well in my normal size 8 perfect shirts.

    Cropped Matchstick Jeans-size 29: LOVE! I wore these 3 days in a row, washed and wore for 2 more days. For me the length is perfect, ankle not cropped at all. Fit is like the other matchstick jeans. Though I have a pair of white jeans I am seriously considering these in white too.

    Ponte Peplum Top-size Medium: Tis size was big on me. The armholes were too wide open, showing my bra. Never tried on the Small but I'd go with that size.

    Scattered Dot Shift Dress-size 6: Adorable dress. Nice that it is not a straight cut like the Jules. The 6 was a little snug in some areas-arms, chest-so I would size to an 8 in this. Length was good for me in the 6.

    Scalloped Dress-size 6: Very cute on the hanger. The scallops around the arms make mine look like sausages. The navy was very pretty as was the Bright Poppy. pass for me. The scallops would have been nice just at the hem.

    Ponte Swing Dress-size 6: I love this dress. The arms and upper are a little snug at the moment but I expect that will change once the Winter weight is gone. Sizing to an 8 would have been a baggy mess, IMO. I bought the Navy but loved the Dark Papaya as well.

    Enjoy your day! Off to put on my matchstick's! ;-)

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    Replies
    1. What color did you get in the cropped matchsticks? I've been hoping JC would offer these in color, like the toothpicks.

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    2. I bought it in the actual denim blue called the Marquette Wash. I have tried the Garment-Dyed denim. HTH!

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    3. What did you think of the fit? the colors in the Garment-dyed? Thanks!

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    4. Sorry, that should have said 'I have not tried'. I have tried it in the toothpick, garment-dyed that is, and find them to be thinner than the blue denim. I guess to help the color saturate more on the cotton. The regular denim in Matchstick cropped is a nice fit, I took my normal size 29. They are not as tight as the Toothpick, where my size is 30.

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    5. Thanks, audreybella. I feel a little too self conscious in the toothpicks, but may give them another try.

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  19. OT - but I would LOVE a Madewell code if anyone has an extra or is aware of any promos :)

    Thank you!

    mackenzie_0007 at yahoo dot com

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    1. Received one in the mail today that I don't plan to use, just emailed you the code a minute ago. Happy Shopping!

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    2. hi luxette-- I received a postcard foldout yesterday from madewell -- but i did not see a code. I thought it was strange there wasnt one-- why else would they send the card out? Did you have it on the card itself or was a card included inside? thanks!!

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  20. OT: There is a photo of Jenna Lyons at New York Fashion week on the Vanessa Jackman blog today. You can see it here.

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  21. Another thumbs-up for the silk-collar tee. I got one in navy and though I thought the collar would be white (ahem, website) it's actually a blush pink that looks really nice. Colorblocking for dummies. Good fabric and hits right at the hip. (I'm 5'7.) The collar is a little small in proportion so it might look a little strange if you want to wear the tee with a cardigan.

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  22. OT: all the tops (including silk shirts, cotton button downs ans knits) and sweaters are 20% off in store.

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  23. sz 0 green velvet Bella jacket for just $28. Not my auction: http://www.ebay.com/itm/J-Crew-Velvet-Womens-Jacket-Size-0-/261184199009

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  24. Hi there, OT, but if anyone wants a 25% coach code, good until Sunday, please email at florapower9@gmail.com

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  25. Bandeau tank in scroll print: I caught this one on a popback last week figuring I would give it a try since it wasn't final sale and shipping/returns are free on swimsuits right now. I do not normally wear one-piece swimsuits, but I really love the color and scroll print on this one, and I'm really glad I took the chance, because the suit is beautiful IRL (even though the white/cream portion of the suit is darker than it appears online). The band of what appears to be hearts around the waistline is incredibly flattering, even making your waist appear a bit smaller than it actually is. I initially ordered the size 4 since I had previously read reviews saying to size up one on the one-piece suits. However, I was able to catch the size 2 a day or so later (I normally wear a size 0 or 2 at J.Crew), and it is the one I will keep, since the size 4 turned out to be a bit baggy on me in places. I have seen the suit popping back regularly in the mornings for anyone who might be interested in it, and with the extra 30% off it is only $48.99 right now.

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    1. Thanks for the review! I was wondering about this one. I'm glad you liked it.

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    2. Thanks for the review, I have been trying to catch it

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  26. I received the Miri Midheel Pumps in black and they are beautiful. The almond toe and the well-proportioned sleek shape were exactly what I was looking for. It's difficult to find mid-heels that don't look frumpy, and the Miri does the trick. The leather is glossy and the shoes are high quality.

    Now the bad news.... for anyone with wide feet like me, even going up a size doesn't fix the problem of the toe box being too tight. I can't squeeze my feet into JCrew shoes, and unfortunately the Miri were no exception.

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  27. Question about denim shorts -

    Has anyone tried on the denim short in patina wash? It says 4-inch inseam, and they show it rolled up on the website. I was wondering if they are true to size, how long they actually are, and if there is any stretch to the denim. I hate it when the legs of shorts are tight around my thighs, so I was thinking of going up a size. Any thoughts?

    Thank you! :)

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    1. Yes, I tried them on. I was really disappointed with the denim. I was thinking it's soft one, but they have no stretch. Run TTS. They were not tight around my tights. Well overpriced keeping in mind the quality of denim. I had high hopes for them but returned right away.

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  28. Recieved Gabi suede sandals- they are beautifully made and have comfy heel but I am returning them. I didn't like how the criss-cross detail in front looked on my foot. If you have a rather think ankle like me they may not look flattering.
    Slingback ballet flats - nicely made as well but the toe box is cut not deep enough. I also think they run small.
    Lillian wedges - I am keeping them, elegant, understated sandal, nice fit as well.
    Carrie cami - what a disappointment. I loved it online but it happened to look like polyester, not silk. Runs TTS, I got 6 and should have gone with 8, my blouse size. The cut and details/tailoring are fine, but the material is a deal-breaker. Maybe in dark color it looks better. Not worth FP, might try it on a deep sale in a different color.
    School boy blazer in bronze color - yes, it looks greenish IRL, also it is cut very tight. If you are bigger than B cup, it would be impossible to button it.
    Elbow-sleeve tee in stripe - away too boxy, not like online where they display it somewhat fitted. Also tailoring/stitches look rathwer cheap.
    Stripe jersey maxiskirt - nice summer basic that JCrew does so well. I quite liked it even than I avoid this kind of pattern on by buttoms. The color combo is very nice and true to the website image. Yet I am sure it will be discounted and I will not keep it for the current price. Wishlisted for sale.

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    Replies
    1. Totally agree about the elbow sleeve tee,its awfully short and boxy and the quality wasnt great either.

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  29. Review of the fleece nautical colorblock popover & crystal & resin tile necklace in this post.

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  30. If anyone else received a madewell code I would really appreciate one as well! I've been holding back on pulling the trigger for weeks now, waiting for a promo or price cut.

    verticallyimbalancedmuffin AT hotmail DOT com

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  31. Some sale reviews here for those wishing to avoid final sale mistakes :)

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  32. Has anyone tried the Factory Dotted Chambray top? I am torn on if I will like the dots or if I should stay with a solid color. Thanks!

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    1. The dots are not as bright (white) as the retail, if you get my meaning. It kind of blends in with the shirt from far away. Fits exactly the same as the retail one though. I had both retail and factory and ended up returning the factory one even though I got it for $40 cheaper.

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  33. I tried on the eyelet sweatshirt (available for pre-order and viewbale under "looks we love") in grey. The sweatshirt is an adorable design. Its a regular grey sweatshirt with an overlay of thick, large eyelet. Under the eyelet "holes" is a layer of grey-cream chiffon. The sweatshirt itself is a little boxy. I only tried on my usual size XS and it looked a little too much like a regular sweatshirt. I wish it were a little slimmer. I would consider it on sale (I don't remember the price - I think it was $78 - the 20% off promo that the store was running on all tops).

    I also tried on (and purchased) the micro tweed jacket in navy. This was a surprise love for me. Very flattering, comfortable and versatile. Great piece for work and with denim. The pink (which was not on sale) was not as flattering. I think the pink color highlighted the pocket placement on the bust and the navy color camouflaged it.

    I also tried on the cropped matchstick jeans in indigo floral and they were adorable. Unfortunately the store did not have my correct size. I love the cropped matchstick, though and I'm thinking about ordering them with the 30% off promo. My store also had them in the turquoise and purple colors. They are brighter than as shown on my monitor, and I did not try them on.

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  34. Can anyone comment on sizing for the Perfect shirt in suckered gingham? Is it the same as the solid perfect shirts?

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  35. I have a review of Madewell's baseball cap in sungarden here!

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  36. Can anyone comment on the espadrille flats? They come in the hummingbird floral print that I would love to have. I normally wear a size 7 but I am never sure with J Crew shoes.
    Thanks!

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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! :)