Tuesday, April 2, 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! :)

61 comments:

  1. I am wondering if anyone has tried the Sidney jacket in Super 120s? I ordered it in black during the promo last week and really like it as an option to wear with dresses to work since it's cropped a bit and I am really short, but I am wondering if the 3/4 sleeve look is going to be "dated" soon?

    I recently started working in a dressier office (though still business casual) and so this is still new to me. I do have a regular black suiting jacket that goes best with pants, as well as the Schoolboy blazer in pearl grey from this year. I'm wondering if the Sidney jacket is "timeless" enough to be worth keeping. Can any JCAs share their opinions? Thank you!

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  2. I did not try on the jacket but if you go for the timeless look I would purchase something with long sleeve. J crew suiting always has nice lining so you can roll it up and do 3/4 while this is in fashion.

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  3. Review of the citrus print shirt and the striped boyshirt here.

    Even though the citrus shirt is nearly sold out online,there are still plenty in stores(thats what my VPS told me).
    HTH

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  4. Did anyone see FLOTUS on the Today Show/White House Easter egg roll? She was wearing that floral over striped pattern t-shirt under a blazer and it looked so cute. So as to not be completely OT, I have that t-shirt as well and I really like it. I took it in a sz. S (I'm sz. S or M in JC tops). It was roomy through the body, but fitted through the sleeves. Not tight, per se, but definitely not loose and the sleeves are longer than a standard short sleeve t-shirt, but not 3/4 sleeve. They go almost to the elbow. I think a Med. would've been too big - especially in the body. It doesn't seem to be too short in the length on me, like I've felt some of the other graphic T's have lately. But I'm only 5'4", so length might still be an issue for the taller ladies.

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    1. just want to clarify that it doesn't go all the way to the elbow, but lower than a short sleeve t-shirt. I like it, but others may feel it hits an odd spot on the arm.

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  5. Ok, sorry! Don't want to be a thread hog, but one more. I got the Factory Strapless Cocktail Dress, see link below, and I love it!!

    http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/dresses/Special_Occasion/PRDOVR~41644/41644.jsp

    I have a wedding next month and was looking for a cocktail dress (invite says cocktails, dinner and dancing). This dress is PERFECT for it. I ordered the black. And I got it w/one of those 25 or 30 off deals last week, so it was like $66. What a steal. I think it is extremely well made. It's stretch cotton, so I hope it doesn't stretch and lose it's shape, but it feels very sturdy. Has a double zip lining/corset, with boning. I think the material will help it be dressy or could be slightly dressed down. I mean, I'm not wearing it out to the mall, but if there's a slightly less dressy event than the wedding I'm going to, it'll still be perfect. The peplum styling is very subtle, so I don't think it will be dated quickly, but it is extremely flattering. Especially for someone w/my body type that isn't that curvy. I got it in a sz. 6. For reference, I am wearing a sz. 4 in those Jules style dresses, and of course it's pretty fitted, so I don't think you could size down, unless maybe you're very small on top. Anyway, it's fab and I feel like it's a major score at the $66 price I got it for. Wanted to point it out, b/c honestly, you might just glance right over it on their website.

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  6. I posted a photo of the outfit I wore to the inlaws for Easter dinner on my blog here - everything was J. Crew, kind of funny! I wore my daisy lace 3/4 sleeve tee with Tippi cardigan in sour lemon (love this colour), and some older items including the abstract flower wool scarf from last year, the No. 2 wool pencil skirt in viridian green and the Bonbon coat in nightfall blue, and Mona patent pumps in cinnamon.

    I received some of my orders from the 25% off promo from the previous week. I ordered the Collection silk panel peony sweatshirt - it fits TTS and I should not have sized down (I ordered XS, based on previous experience with JC sweatshirts). I have had to send it back in exchange for a Small. I also got the merino inky floral sweater, and for this one, the XS was the right call so I would say it fits larger than true. Both are beautiful but wondering if I really need 2 floral raglan sleeve tops?!

    I also ordered the No. 2 cotton pencil skirt in iced lilac - what a gorgeous colour, a really pretty icy pale orchid pink. I am glad I got this while it was on promo with the extra % off as it is now back to regular price Fits the same as in previous years. I can't wait to wear it once the weather warms up a little bit.

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    1. I loved your Easter outfit so much that I started stalking the No. 2 pencil skirt in jade so I could put it together myself. Happily I snagged it on popback this morning!

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    2. Thanks so much, kitchy7! The jade colour is gorgeous, glad to hear you managed to snag a popback!

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  7. Okay, maybe I've gotten out of hand. I have just ordered two more Tippi's. I'll confess that I LOVE them. I love that they are merino (not cashmere) and wear like iron. I love that they go with everything. I love that they are on the long side. And, in this most recent sale, I love that they have become a huge bargain!

    Maybe I've become brainwashed by the copywriter from space and really have become "obsessed"!

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    1. Agreed! I keep thinking that I have enough, and then I can't resist getting them on sale :) Also, I've found the Factory ones to be of an almost identical quality and cut as the retail ones.

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    2. Unfortunately, with my petite frame, the tippis look pretty sloppy and awful on me. It's saving me a lot of money.

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    3. How is the sizing on the Tippi? I'm tempted to try one but don't know if I need to size up or down. Thanks

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    4. I size down. I'm an M in most perfect tees and the Jackie cardigan, but I get the Tippi in small. I wear a 6 on top and an 8/10 on bottom and am 5'8''.

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    5. cousy, I know exactly how you feel. I keep telling myself that getting them at great prices justifies the quantity that I own.

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    6. I'm between sizes in J.Crew tops and I take the larger size in solid Tippis but the smaller size in printed Tippis. (XS vs. XXS, 32A bust and classic rectangle figure.) The XS solid Tippi runs very slim in the arms--I'd say that I have average-sized shoulders and arms.

      The Tippi has been a great investment for my current mild climate, but next fall/winter I'll be back in the mid-Atlantic area and I tend to run cold, so a 3/4-sleeve wool sweater has short wearability. I wish it came in a full-length sleeved version!

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    7. Can't wait for the summer linen Tippis to reappear! I own way too many of those, but... they do fit and drape so beautifully.

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  8. OT - I have a 20% off $125 factory coupon I'm not going to use. Expires 4/4. The code is "FZRXHASP5". Enjoy!

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  9. Two reviews from the last rollout / catalogue:

    The Rope Stripe Sailor Shorts ($75, $52.50 with promo). I love these shorts. They are a heavy cotton, flat front shorts. The opening is the sailor buttons on the side. I have to open two on one side to get the shorts on. The buttons are a little flimsy and will probably need to be reinforced. The shorts are 3 inches, but because of the flat front, they sit lower and feel a bit longer. I'm keeping them, but only because I got 30% off. Otherwise, I'd wait for sale.

    Embroidered Voile Top ($128, $89 with promo). This top is cotton and silk, which I like-- no polyester or rayon. It fits TTS, but is not really tailored like the description says. It fits big. I think it looks better tucked it. The length is good, the pattern is sweet. It's a little sheer. It would be okay with a nude bra, but I'd probably wear a camisole. The banded arms and neck are a nice design detail and the color is a nice off-white (not beige at all). I love the shirt, but not for that price. Wait for sale + 30% with this one, I think.

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  10. Reviews of Dual Tweed Lady Jacket and latest cashmere twinsets here

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  11. Pop-Art Dot Tank (swimsuit). I bought it in both colors to try (Dark Cove and Modern Red) and I liked them both, but am keeping the Dark Cove. It fits like my bandeau tank suit, in my usual size. It has removable pads and strap.

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    1. Cate how do you determine your size.
      I never bought a swin suit from jcrew before,but want to soon.
      I am a 0/2 in perfect shirts and a 0 on the bottom,xs in sweaters and tess.
      TIA

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    2. i'd love some tips on sizing for one piece bathing suits too. bought XS in two piece suits last year even tho i tend to take a size 4 in dresses.

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    3. Ina, mostly trial and error. When the tank suits run in numeric sizes, I went with my size in other brands (8). When I tried the tankini style, I was an XS or S on top and a S on bottom, which was why the trial and error since I'm usually a larger size in J. Crew. I tried on a bikini top and seemed to be a size M in that. J. Crew's swimsuits are cute but not that consistent in their sizing.

      Miss JR, in their tank suits, I am consistently a size 8. I tried the 6 and it was a bit too short. The 10 was too big overall. I tried the D-cup (I'm a 34D I think) but I'm better off with the regular suits. D-cup bagged in the bust, I'm not that well-endowed, though. I have tried and returned various swimsuits, including the bandeau styles (my favorite, on me), the ruched halter (not bad, looked good but didn't feel secure), the Femme tank (fit really well but not my favorite look in back b/c of wide straps), and the underwire cup (these fit me terribly in any size). My size was consistent across the board in these, even if I didn't like the style on me.

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    4. ina: I own a lot of J.Crew swimsuits, and usually get them in size Small for the tops and XSmall for the bottoms. (I wear a 0/2 in perfect shirts, 0/2 in J.Crew skirts, and 2/4 in J.Crew pants.) Numeric sizes (like the scroll print bandeau tank I recently purchased) I go with a size 2, which is the larger of my two dress sizes. When the tops are sized by bra size, I usually go with my normal bra size, although this time instead of a 32C I tried the 32D and actually prefer the extra coverage that it gives.

      With the bandeau top styles that tie in the back, I can sometimes go with a medium if the small is not available, and they still work.

      It sounds like you will be a small in the tops and an xxsmall in the swim bottoms. Probably a size 2 for the one pieces. Like Cate said, it is a lot of trial and error to find the right size. I have been ordering J.Crew swimwear for more than 6 years now, and sometimes I do not even choose the correct size due to the differences in fit between the different styles. I would suggest that you order a couple of suits/sizes to try if you can, so that you can get a better idea of which styles/sizes work for you.

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    5. Ina, I'm a similar size to you, I think, and have had no real luck with J Crew swimwear. I'm quite big busted, but have very slim hips. The bikinis don't work on me at all - tops too big around but too small in the cups, and bottoms too big.
      I do have a femme tank in a size 2 D cup, but it's a bit too baggy and unsupportive to look chic. I love the Yule, but think I'd need a 0 or 00 D.
      Anyway, you might have better luck than me if your chest is less cumbersome.
      I take a 28 DD bra, for reference. Annoyingly tricky size. Grrrr.

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    6. ruth,i have a small bust(34B).
      It seems like i just have to try it out:)
      Thanks!

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    7. ina, I am usually a S in bikinis and a 4 in one-pieces with a few exceptions. Last year string bikini was perfect in a XS and I had to exchange a jersey lomellina one that I bought in a S for a XS as well (for the top, the bottom could have worked in a S as it as little coverage).
      However, I ordered the new Italian matte jersey one in a xs with the promo and it was teeny, like barely covered my nipples. I didn't exchange it for a S because I don't really need it right now but I am not even sure that a S would have worked.
      The tank size is more consistent through the board IMO.

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  12. Reviews of Biennial Cutout Hobo (disappeared), waverly chinos, chambray shirt, and linen cotes d'azure tee on my blog.

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  13. Just got the Everly pumps in the silver and I LOVE them. I sized up 1/2 a size and they fit perfectly.

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  14. I took advantage of the lovejcrew promo to try two featherweight cashmere cardis. There's no B&M anywhere nearby, so picking colors sight-unseen is always a gamble.

    Turns out that "vivid aqua" is neither vivid nor aqua -- "sublime seafoam" might be a better description. Not a bad color for those who like more muted pastels, but not the intense icy blue of the LS cashmere tee that I have from a year or two ago (which I'd thought was also called "vivid aqua", but clearly not).

    My other try was "neon lime" and, wow, there's a lotta neon and not much lime in that colorway. It's more a highlighter yellow with just a tinge of green. I do like brights, but I'm not sure I can make this shade work for me.

    The stock photos and copy suggest that these cardis should be TTS or even fitted (but really, shouldn't I know better by now?). They're definitely not as fitted as Jackies or as the cashmere tees, so consider sizing down if you prefer a sleeker fit.

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  15. My Love J.crew box....

    THE GOOD

    Linen school boy in mint - color is true to what you see on online - dreamy. Fit is classic schoolboy - a tad long and boxy. This will work wonderfully for work and casually with jeans. The linen is nice and thick but not heavy. I got this for about $90 when you account for cashback. At this price, it is definitely a keeper but I am wondering if I might do better when final sale rolls around. I got the wool hacking jacket for around $60 around Christmas so I don't really need two mint jackets.


    The MEH

    Mint eyelet cafe capris in my normal size- much darker mint than the stock photo. I wish I lived in J.Crew lighting - the light colors in the catalog and online make it so hard to shop. The eyelet is a little scary-looking in person - instead of being soft, it is somewhat garish-looking. Much better fit however than past season's cafe capris - unlike the fall 2012 wool cafe capris these do not look like hideous high water pants that Amanda Jone might have rocked in Some Kind of Wonderful - these had a nice modern fit - comfy medium rise, slim leg. If not for the pattern and color, they might be a keeper - they are substantial weight (no panty lines). A really nice pant but I ended up getting some mint khakis from the GAP for $25 that serve my purposes better than this one. Back it goes.

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  16. just put up a comparison review of the Miri midheel mirror metallic pump vs the old patent mona pumps (here)

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    1. Nice review. Sadly, I agree w/you about lowered quality in the shoes. JC's shoes used to be favorites of mine, but the last year or so, I've thought they looked a little cheaper and the styles just aren't as nice as in years past.

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    2. yeah, its a bummer. i really loved the quality of my older pairs.

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    3. I agree I am extremely disappointed with the current poor quality of their shoes. I ordered the miri in black when they first came out, not once, but 3 times and each time the leather on one side of the shoes was all wrinkled and looked awful. The suede ones are far less lush and seem very thin. I guess I am lucky I bought so many pairs back in the Marissa Webb years.

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  17. Hi everyone! I have two Factory reviews: The Nautical sequin tank and Exploded eyelet pencil skirt. I'd love for you to check them out! Thanks!
    http://colorfulcorporate.blogspot.com/2013/04/2-jcrew-factory-reviews-nautical-sequin.html

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  18. I tried on the pleated short in nautical stripe today and it is darling! The fabric is a cotton/spandex blend so it moves nicely with your body. It is running true to size. I'll be posting pictures of me wearing them soon on my blog at http://www.sincerelysammie.com/

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  19. Has anyone tried the Factory Pleated Shift Dress?

    http://factory.jcrew.com/browse/single_product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441831503&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302077943&nav_type=FACTORY&bmUID=jSX1rvs

    Any thoughts on quality and fit?

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    1. I saw it in stores but didn't try on. It looked just like the Allie dress, but since it's 100% cotton, they were all pretty wrinkly. I really like the sturdy wool blend of the retail version.

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    1. I haven't got any this year but those that I got last year were not very resilient. Actually they were downright delicate and I'm not rough on my clothing. They did stretch easily especially at the ribbing on the sleeves. They also had to be washed carefully. I didn't trust myself washing them by hand so they went into the hand wash or delicate cycle.
      That said, IMO they were perfect for summer because of their light weight. I'd always have one at hand for the sake of out of control AC systems.

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    2. That's helpful, thank you! I suspected they would stretch. I'm a new teacher starting this summer and I think I might need one for work, so I'm still conflicted. :)

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    3. newinnewyork - I have one Old Navy featherweight cardigan and one by J Crew. The JC is definitely better quality, but both have the issues D*ska stated. You will enjoy the featherweight once the weather is hot and you're in a freezing A/C environment. If I were deciding, I would go for J Crew if I could afford it. If there were budget considerations, I'd be happy w/the Old Navy. Hopefully they will offer it again this year at ON for people to have the option. I don't see it at the moment. You can see 3 colors of the J Crew from 2010 reviewed in this post. That one had sparkly buttons on it.

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    4. Thanks Gigi! I wish they still had that sea mist color you tried on, very pretty. And I'll have to take a look at Old Navy cardigans!

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  21. Hi everyone, I just posted a review of the Military Popover here.

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  22. Does anyone have a review of the Collection Contessa Snakeskin bow pumps? Do they fit TTS? I normally wear a 5.5 and 6 depending on the shoe. I have the suede Monas and they were a little snug at size 6 but when I went up to a 6.5 there was extra room in the heel. Has anyone used toe inserts and do you recommend that if you have a little space in the heel? ( I am new to wearing pumps--lived in flats and liek 2" wedges most of the time but trying to branch out --for better or worse :)!thanks!

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    1. It fit true to size for me. I normally wear a size 7.5 and that's what fit me best despite the narrow toe box. If I sized up I'd need an insole but it might have been more comfortable especially in the toes. I had to size up for the recent iterations of the Martina if that's any help.

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    2. I tried them and returned them because the snakeskin on the bow was peeling up and I was just really annoyed about it. The first pair I tried was 1/2 size larger because of their copy about wider feet, but they were too big. The next pair in my usual shoe size fit but aside from the snakeskin issue the heel height was just too much and uncomfy for me.

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  23. Ok, can I ask for opinions on the indigo floral popover? I've read a few reviews and I knew that the sizing was off so I ordered two sizes smaller than my normal J. Crew shirt size and the fit is good. However, I had no idea that the fabric would be so weird (it's thick and rough when I thought it would be thin and flowy)...and I can't decide if the print is too granny/prarie-ish. BUT in spite of this, I still like it on, haha. The design is really flattering and the color is nice. Any thoughts?

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    1. Erika - I reviewed the indigo floral popover in this post. I sized down to a 4 and felt it was still a little too big. Receiving the size 2 today. I like the thicker fabric and expect to be able to wear it thru summer. It would be cute in the evening with shorts. I got it for 30% off regular and am certain I can bring the cost/wear down very quickly. I notice it doesn't seem to be selling out online, so we may see it marked down. Maybe if you are on the fence you'll up finding it for cheaper later.

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    2. Thanks Gigi! That was helpful. You're right that it doesn't seem to be selling out, so that's probably a good idea to try to find it later for cheaper...

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    3. Erika- I just received mine today and ordered it in my usual J Crew shirt size (6). I am tall 5'8" and thin with a long torso & arms. I absolutely love this top! I tried it on part tucked in, sleeves rolled with a pair of distressed skinny jeans rolled up and the beaded rose necklace with a vintage rhinestone necklace and long gold chain. Very boho and fun. It can also be worn simply with white capris or shorts. I like it part tucked because of the extra fabric.

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    4. Oh I love your styling ideas!! Thanks! I don't think I'll be sending it back now lol.

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  24. Got so many compliments on my citrus pri t perfect shirt. If you have been on the fence, pick one up before they are gone!

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  25. Got a package today! A Jackie cardigan in red currant which is perfect, a featherweight cotton cardigan in dark cove (still on the fence), and the Thomas Mason blk/white check boyshirt, which was too boxy and pricy so I returned it. While I was in store returning it (NYC 5th ave) I noticed that the Jackie cardigan in Fresh Mint was on the sale rack. I love the Jackies but I couldn't see myself wearing that light blue color.

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  26. just did some serious blog renovation. finally got around to putting up my last batch of reviews.
    Collection Cashmere Boxy Sweater in stripe (37482) & Micro Tweed Jacket in Navy (17174) here.
    Amie Maxidress in Stripe (28527) & Dree Dress in Stripe (96298) can be found here

    everything, new and old, can be found here.

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  27. going out of town, so i also put up the review for the everly patent wedge here!

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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! :)