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! :)
Some reviews on sale items from the spring here.
ReplyDeleteSome Factory item reviews here including the Anchor Print Sanur Dress, Floral Embroidered Dress, Stripe Sleeveless Popover, Stone Fan Necklace, Textured Charley Sweater, Striped Pencil Skirt, and Red/Blue Stripe Knit Blazer :)
ReplyDeletePepper tweed jacket, skirt and dress reviewed here for anyone considering from the sale section.
ReplyDeleteThe jacket looks great on you, Tiffany Rose! I didn't have the same luck -- it fit well in the shoulders but flared out almost trapeze-style in back on me. That might be fine on someone taller, but it made 5'3" me look stumpy. The version I tried was the navy/ivory, which could pass for the black/ivory in your review as long as you're not wearing it with other pieces that're true black.
DeleteFeatherweight merino vneck here:
ReplyDeletehttp://onecantgetoverthehabit.blogspot.ca/2013/04/sunday-review-of-featherweight-merino.html
Summer new arrival reviews here including the Ratti Electric Kiwi print dress and tank top, the Stitchwork Stripe Top, and the Embroidered Wildflower Top.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, JCAs! I have a review of the No. 2 pencil skirt in neon-piped seersucker on my blog here. Thumbs up on this skirt!
ReplyDeleteNo. 2 pencil skirt in pinwheel eyelet
ReplyDeleteA few others have reviewed this and I just have to add to the love. It’s beautiful and looks/feels really high quality. I found it to fit a bit big. I am usually an 8 and while I wouldn’t go down a whole size, if you are between sizes you might want to size down.
Linen côte d'azur tee
Really pretty, fun t. It is a bit sheer but I found it OK on its own with a good fitting nude bra. I think I will mostly pair it under blazers/cardigans though. Something to spice up my office looks. You can sort of see from the picture from the back that the sleeves are cut at that sort of weird angle that if you have larger arms like myself can really be unflattering. I still am keeping it to layer with because I think the pattern is really fun. TTS
Linen v-neck pocket tee
A nice easy summer T. It’s really long which I love. I got the spice color which is much more dark orange/brown than the online picture (the pic in the catalog was much closer to the actual color). I think it’s meant to fit a bit big and I found my usual medium to be perfect.
Stretch woven wide belt
I’ve been looking for something like this forever! I love it! Perfect belt to cinch flowy summer dresses and instantly make them feel dressier. I will be wearing this all the time.
Cotton pajama pants. They are usually sold as a set, but I only wear the pants (prefer a knit top). The pants are my favorites, worth the price to me even wearing only half of the set (although I've only bought them on sale). I like both the full length and capri length, and my favorites are the Liberty print Ditzy Floral, the fabric is so nice. I just ordered the Factory pajama pants to try (nice that they sell just the bottoms, not in a set). I haven't tried the Thomas Mason ones, anyone know how they compare?
ReplyDeleteScalloped Shorts (I posted about these in another thread). These are higher waisted, making them tight in the waist on me in my regular chino size. They flare out a bit at the hem. Scalloping is hard to see and is mainly on the pockets. There are scallop-y vents at the hem. The leg opening is too wide on me. They look a lot like regular chino shorts, but the fit is different. These might fit best on someone with more of an hourglass figure. I'm thicker in the middle and eating would have been out of the question if I were wearing these shorts :) I needed a size bigger in the waist and a size smaller in the legs. Just not the right fit for my body type.
ReplyDeleteI have a general review on the Etta pump. I freaking love this shoe. I now have it in 5 versions (calf hair, snakeskin, maple, navy cap-toe and the newest bead-stich version). It has become my go-to work shoe - high enough for me and comfortable enough to wear all day. I love the thicker stacked heel and the structure it gives to the shoe. I get loads of compliments on any of the versions I wear.
ReplyDeleteThe only criticism I have is that the toe box is quite short so there is a lot of toe cleavage. Because of the "sturdiness" of the shoe, I don't feel that it makes it too "sexy" at all, but if toe cleavage bothers you, you may want to consider carefully.
Here is me wearing the bead-stich version yesterday: http://classicwatwist.blogspot.ca/2013/04/ootd-red-white-and-blue.html
Hi, all, some reviews here
ReplyDeleteReconsidering the Swoop Top in Punk Floral- the size 0 was a little tight in the shoulders, but baggy elsewhere. Definitely going to keep it -the cutout and the print are beautiful - but the sizing between the shoulders and looser part of shirt is odd.
ReplyDeleteTwo thumbs up on both the Silk Flutter Top in Geo Dot and the Vintage Short Pajama Set in Stripe. I bought the top in my usual size 8 and it fits TTS. Gorgeous color - I bought the brocade blue, and the little octagons are white and papaya. I'm wearing it to work today tucked into a navy pencil skirt, and it will also look adorable with white shorts. I bought the jammies in bright seaside (the shirt has blue piping on the placket and cuffs), size M, and they are definitely roomy, so you could probably size down from your usual (but I wouldn't b/c I like my pajamas on the large side). The shorts are *short* and low rise, but they have pockets and I LOVE that. This is the first pajama top that I would consider wearing with jeans or shorts as a regular shirt, it's that cute! Great buy :-)
ReplyDeleteOnly a few things have caught my eye recently. If you are curious:
ReplyDelete-Boucle jacket in colorblock: really liked this. It is flattering and comfy. The material is really fun. Classic colors. Fit pic here
-Box-Pleated Crepe Skirt: loved the look and fit of this skirt. I'm not the biggest fan of the color and if I found it in a different one I'd have to grab it! Fit pics here
-Collection Tuxedo Pencil Skirt: this would look great on taller people. It was just too long for me. The cut is beautiful, tho. Fit pics here
-Embroidered eyelet tank: really pretty, runs a little big. Gorgeous color. The arm holes are the only thing that bug me, see fit pics here (and see what I mean about the arm holes!)
Hopefully will be checking out some other items soon. Cutting purchases way down next month, tho.
Amber, thank you so much for this post. I love that you actually gave your mini review along with a link to your blog. This is helpful. I can't be the only one who doesn't have time to click on 15 or 20 different blogs to see reviews. Putting some narrative in your post along with the link is perfect, I can get your take on an item without having to click to another blog. I wish everyone would do this!
DeleteDesert Flower, I do not speak for everyone here of course, but putting together a blog review post is pretty time-consuming and something we do to help others with no compensation for ourselves. I hope you understand that as someone who does blog reviews, I also do not have the time to put together a post with pics & a detailed review and then write another version of that post elsewhere. It's great that Amber did that, but just know that it may not be feasible or realistic for some of us. No snarky tone here...just speaking up for myself! :)
DeleteAppGal, point taken. I really do appreciate all the reviews and I benefit from them. There are a few blogs I visit regularly that include reviews. I look to this one to be "review central" and I'd love to see it contain more information than "click here". But I understand your point as well and I thank you for giving me your perspective.
Deletethank you :) i love when people do that too (this is such a great central place to look). i figured i'll try to do it when i have time!
DeleteIf JCAs do post links to their blog, I don't mind as long as there is a short list of what they're reviewing. That way, I can know that I am looking for a specific item review when I click through.
DeleteI think all you JCA's that post reviews for us are FABULOUS... thanks to all of you . Carolyn from Vancouver
DeleteI got the Marina mini wedge espadrilles in chambray and I LOVE them!!! They fit TTS in a 8.5, maybe a little big but my feet always swell up in the heat and humidity.
ReplyDeleteMS,are you always a 8.5 in shoes?
DeleteI am normally a 8.5 in shoes...however, in jcrew I normally take a 8 or 8.5 in flats and normally a 9 in their heels. Hope this helps!
DeleteReview of the online only Tybee patent slides.
ReplyDeleteFor those of you interested in seeing the hawaiian print shorts (store only), I have IRL pics in my last post. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteJust received my shorts in ratti kiwi electric print and butterfly tippi. I think the ratti kiwi electric shorts are a bit tighter and shorter than my other 3inch chino shorts in the same size. Did anyone else have this problem? The butterfly tippi fits looser than my other tippis in the same size.
ReplyDeleteEven though I have way too many pencil skirts, and way too many striped tops, I could not resist the navy-white stripe pencil skirt. It was at a much more palatable price point than the raffia stripe pencil skirt, especially with the 25% off. I am really pleased with it - the linen-cotton open weave textured fabric is substantial and it will be perfect for this summer. Another big plus, the stripes have been matched all the way around the skirt! (Unusual for J. Crew these days, sad to say.) I found the fit to be the same as with pencil skirts from previous seasons, and took my usual size 4.
ReplyDeleteContinuing on my stripe sickness, I picked up the Nora black/white stripe ballet flats the other week - with the additional 40% in store, they came to about $50, not bad for a summer shoe. The sizing on these runs 1/2 size large, very strange for J. Crew shoes. I normally wear 7.5 but had to go with the size 7. The shoe is also quite wide, which may be problematic for those with narrow feet. The toe is quite rounded but I think it looks cute with the black cap toe.
I also bought the eyelet top in white as it was on sale and additional 40% off. I had previously dismissed it as it has the seam running across the top of the bust with gathers below it. I thought it would look like a baby doll top and poof out across the chest, but in real life, it does not do that and the eyelet is really pretty, especially over the shoulders, where there is no lining. I have worn it already and gotten quite a few compliments. I went with my regular size 4 in this one and it fits well.
Has anyone tried the Thistle-Print Popover? I haven't seen it in stores.
ReplyDeleteI ordered it and will let you know as soon as i have it.
DeleteFrom the measurements i felt it was running small,so i ordered one size up.
I will look for your review, thanks Ina! I decided to order it but wasn't sure what color. Only one color was available in my size, the other was available in a size up, so I ordered both just to see. They are both backordered until June 4th. This top is featured prominently in the catalog and on the web site so I thought it was odd that it is not in the stores (or maybe it is just not in the stores near me?). Also odd that it's backordered so soon. I wonder if J. Crew had a fulfillment issue with this one.
Deletei ordered it in my usual perfect shirt size. it's a little tight in the shoulders but everything else seems ok. the next size up is already sold out in my color so i'm hanging on to this one for now and i'll see if the store has a larger size to compare.
DeleteHi Miss JR, thanks! What color did you get and do you like it? Hope it shows up in stores eventually. It's scarce!
Deletei got the blue color. i actually really like it. i wasn't sure about the two different colors on the shirt and collar but i think it really works well together... and looks really summery with white jeans.
DeleteI ordered the Thistle print in blue, in my regular "button down/popover" size. I am 5'9" with a long torso, and I found it very short, especially with the rounded shirttail hem. Love the colors and the print, but it was a no go for me.
DeleteThese promos have motivated me to try quite a few things:
ReplyDelete-Cyrille studded T-strap sandals: Very odd fit - big disappointment. The toe strap is very far forward - it hit just behind my nail on my big toe, and my little toe barely made it to the strap. The toe strap is also VERY tight - I could hardly get my toes in, and I have rather small toes and narrow feet. Footbed was TTS/a smidge small in length - I'm a 6.5/7 in the 'real shoe' world, usually a J. Crew 7, and the 7 was *just* long enough. Overall look of the sandal is nice, pretty tan color, nice studs & hardware...but execution was poor.
-City mini in ripstop cotton: I had passed over this a couple times, but tried it on after Gigi's review - so glad I did! Cotton is nice and sturdy, giving it a cute shape. The stripes match up! Pockets! Machine washes great! Length is also great - I'm 5'4", and it comes just to the top of my knee.
-Navy & White striped maxi skirt: Haven't seen this one online. It's 95% rayon, and has a lovely weight to it - feels and moves a tad more *luxe* than your average knit maxi skirt. Has a wide 3 inch waistband with some ruching - will look cute if I ever tuck a top in. It is LONG - even at 5'4", I usually don't have a problem with maxi skirts being too long, as long as I pull them up to my natural waist. This one, even with the waist band doubled over and at my natural waist, drags about an inch. May have to hem it. Fits generous TTS. Also comes in navy w/ cranberry stripes.
Swim: Ordered 2 different colors and sizes of the underwire tulle tank, as well as the ruched french swing top and matching briefs. And goodness - they were all ENORMOUS! The last time I bought a J. Crew swimsuit was a decade ago (it still is in great shape, by the way!), so I followed the website's advice and ordered based on my usual J. Crew clothing size. Apparently not!
Floral stripe rash guard: So Pretty! Fit is TTS - I ordered my tippi size, if that helps, and it's fitting, but not skin tight. The next size up was too big in the bust/armpit/neck and looked frumpy. Material is substantial and not see-thru, despite being mostly white. Now, if only the matching one-piece wasn't final sale...
Has anyone seen the butterfly sweater in citrus sky ivory? I ordered the persimmon sky ivory but can't decide if I should get the other one instead! TIA!
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty. I bought both. I can see me really wearing the persimmon a lot with other pieces (I have an unhealthy addiction to orange), but the paler version is the one that really caught my eye in the store. I do think the lighter one also looks better with denim, but that has a lot to do with personal preference.
DeleteI'm waiting for mine to arrive and am curious - does the orange/persimmon color match with the "vibrant flame" color that JC has been doing? I've got the minnies and the wool pencil skirt in that color and I'm really hoping it's a good match. TIA
DeleteTo my eye the butterfly looks more orange than modern red. HTH
DeleteLuxette, the persimmon color is like the vibrant flame mini's. My VPS paired the two together. HTH
DeleteJust got my first box from last week's JC damage. I am happy to announce I love it all, lol!
ReplyDeleteBlue Frost Foulard (short sleeved, button up): very editorial in person, will wear with skinnies, or leather shorts. tapered fit, good execution on the piping around the shirt. My only wish is that they had finished the edges inside the shirt as they peek through when you have a button undone on top. DVF has issues with that as well. Not surprised as it seems to be one of the middle markets favorite ways to save a buck.
Piped Foulard long sleeve shirt: love this too. very much like the blue frost top in fit, quality, and the pattern is exactly the same except that the coloring is of course different. the backround of the top is a true blush color with rust and marigold colored emblem detail. The black piping adds a nice amount of interest. I plan to wear this with the usual skinnies, but also with my wool tangerine no. 2 from a few years ago, the match is gorge!
Punk Floral silk Skirt: Ok, I waffled on ordering this skirt. The print appeared too digital to me, and the 18 inch length seemed like an odd choice to me. I went ahead and took a shot at it since i was sure it would sell out quickly. I'm so glad I did! The silk wool mix is thick (like really substantial) and has a nice amount of matte luster to it. It holds it's shape well, and has an almost bell shape to it. I like the on seam pockets as well. I ordered a 0 and it fit tts for me, sitting above the waist. I ordered the Punk collection blouse to go with it, still waiting for that one!
Toulouse Collection Shorts: size 2. I ordered up a size as the look, IMO, calls for a looser fit. I'm glad I did, these shorts seem to run pretty small. The silk is jarring to the touch at first. It doesn't feel like silk. Very thick and coarse...which, I think in the end is the best idea for something like a pair of shorts, especially being white...thin white silk shorts would have been truly ballsy in the middle of a humid summer! I have to say the shorts are very stiff and feel as though they've been loaded with starch...weird description, but that was my first thought upon unwrapping them. The print is not quite as bright as it appeared to be on my monitor. There are so many ways to wear these, so I will definitely be keeping them. On seam pockets are a nice touch, but I don't intend to use them as I think using them would cause you to look bulky due to the construction of the shorts.
Thinking about ordering the silver mari sandals and the positano blue matchstick jeans, waiting to see if anyone reviews them before I order though. Will be putting up my new blog in a few days with pictures from all my new purchase adventures. :)
Has anyone tried the Melissa t-strap sandal? It could have potential to be super cute...or a disaster! TIA
ReplyDeleteNavy/pink pencil wrap skirt - hideous. It really does wrap - kindof. Getting it on took about 5 minutes. When I finally got it on, it poofed too much around the hips for my already hippy frame. It also fit a bit small. Size up on this one.
ReplyDeletePaley in stretch wool - love love love love love! Will be ordering more colors. Fits a bit tiny slimmer than the paley in super 120s.
joy, I have this skirt and absolutely adore it. But you're so right on the fit. It is probably best for straight or only slightly curvy figures. Takes a while to get into but I feel so much more secure with all the fastenings should one fail; not completely unheard of with J.Crew. I also didn't size up, my regular size fit fine. Maybe one of us got a one off?
DeleteI recieved the Silk maxi dress today and I am not sure whether I will keep it at this price (full price -30% off). It is a beautiful dress and looks and fits just like the stock photos albeit the blue leans a little more in the royal category than it seems online. Still a gorgeous color. The tent cut is very easy to wear and this dress drapes and flows gracefully. It just seems a little 'not-so-special' to me.
ReplyDeleteThe silk has that midweight crepe feel to it and the dress is unlined. I think that was a good choice for this dress even though I hate that little spot where the backing? is sewn at the neckline. It doesn't show in the online photos and it's not that apparent on the dress but it still irks me a little. It has pockets (yay!). No closures or fastenings; goes over the head. sigh. CFS was right about the length, exactly 62" from strap to hem. A great length for me since I love wearing maxi dresses with wedges to make me seem taller. At this length I can even wear my shorter 4" wedges as opposed to 5" (I'm 5'4"). You'd probably have to be at least 5'9" to wear this dress with flats. I stuck with my usually J.Crew dress size and it fit to a tee, even at the bust where I usually encounter trouble.
All in all a beautiful summer dress that would work well for dressier events too. Hmmm decisions, decisions.
Also recieved the Classic enamel link bracelet (#48295), Whistle necklace (#01210) and Golden knot ring (#01732).
DeleteI love the Whistle necklace and the golden knot ring. I'd seen both in my local B&M but they sold out long before the promotion came around. I'm glad I waited to get them now. While neither are stand out 'look-at-me' statement pieces, they work extremely well with other jewelry pieces that I already have. I am very into the more daintier looking jewelry out there.
One note though: JC weren't kidding when they said the whistle was functional. It is extremely loud so be careful where you blow it. I hurt my ears trying it out in a vehicle. Silly me, lol.
I'm not sure about keeping the Classic enamel link bracelet. I can never figure out how to wear white jewelry. The color should've been called Stark white or maybe Jon Snow. lol. If I keep it, I'd probably end up wearing it solo or with the Classic Pave link bracelet. We'll see.
Finally got box # 1 today:
ReplyDeleteBlue Frost Foulard: love. It does look a taaaad pajama-ey, but the fit is great, runs TTS, and I keep imagining it with white bottoms & gold sandals. The blue is a powder blue and is more saturated than the stock photo.
Punk Floral Scarf: lovely, vibrant, and I'll get tons of wears ths spring.
Stitchwork Stripe Top in neon azalea: I didn't expect to love this, but I really like the fabric weight (probably too heavy for summer though), the details on the bottom, & the layering possibilities. I found it a touch wide in my regular size but I actually like the slightly wide look.
Camp Popover in Bar Stripe: my favorite from this order. It definitely looks better on, and the lighter blue will pair with a lot of my bright summer bottoms.
I liked more from this promotion than I thought I would. I'm 5'1" usually wear 00 in J Crew.
ReplyDeleteLikes
BOUCLÉ JACKET IN COLORBLOCK
Looks great on, love the white/black colorblock; won't be able to wear it now so will return and wait for sale
PETITE NO. 2 PENCIL SKIRT IN NAVY-WHITE STRIPE
Got this in 0p and fits perfect. Usually J Crew pencil skirts in petite are too tight in hips for me but this has some extra room.
MARINA MINI-WEDGE ESPADRILLES IN CHAMBRAY
Love these. So comfy and cute. Got my usual J Crew size 5.
TORTOISE FLOWER NECKLACE
Love this too. I was afraid it would be too big on me but its the right size.
CRYSTAL AND NEON CHEVRON BRACELET
I saw this in store and loved it. The crystals and neon work well together.
Well I got the Skirt in PUNK floral. I like the print, the green is beautiful, the fabric touch and weight is beautiful, but the style just does not work on me. I am short with a little thicker waist (29" and 5'3") and this shape makes me look stumpy and wide. Am I the only one who can't wear this shape? It is just a little too poufy around the waist and rear. But it is a gorgeous skirt if you can wear it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried this on, but I do have trouble wearing this shape. It flairs out at the hips and thighs which are my non-problem areas and makes me look wider than I am. Add that to a thicker waist and broader shoulders, and it's not very flattering.
DeleteI ordered it too and vanity sizing strikes again! I am a true-blue size size and the four was wayyy too big on me! It's headed back and with no more in the company, I'm out of luck.
DeleteThe style tends to look better when I wear it higher than lower on my waist.
Could anyone share the difference between the Paley Pant in stretch wool and in super 120s? I'm wondering which is lighter? Also, how does the sizing compare to the cafe capris? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe stretch wool fit a bit smaller than the 120s. I ordered both and felt the 120s were more appropriate for work. I also have the cafe Capri in wool and prefer the paley in 120s because I think the extra length in the leg makes them better for work.
DeleteGreat, thanks!
DeleteCollection Greta dress in floral taffeta. I ordered this to try for a wedding. This is a ridiculous price for a 100% polyester dress, even with 30% off. I don't mind wearing polyester, I only mind the price. However. It's really pretty. The back is wide and low, which I thought would look bad on me, but there are bra strap keepers and that keeps the shoulders in place which makes the back look good. The print is really pretty and the best part is that it is a fabulous length. I'm 5'4" and it hits an inch or so above my knees. It may run a bit big.
ReplyDeleteCafe Capri in Herringbone Linen, Flax color. These are unlined but feel like a dream. I'm sure they'd wrinkle like crazy, but the linen feels so nice on these.
ReplyDeleteDarby Bead-Stitch Loafers. I absolutely love these! I thought I could only wear them with jeans, but they look really cute with chino shorts. They fit the same as the suede Darby loafers. The colors are very wearable and don't look too much like an American flag. I forget who it was who gave me the thumbs up on these, but thanks, I'm so glad I ordered these.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you ended up liking them! I swear I like them more every time I try them on.
DeleteCotton cafe capri in dot - I finally hit my cafe capri fatigue and in search of more ankle length pants decided to order these in talls - and I love them! I'm 5'8" with a 32in. inseam and the slightly longer rise on these makes these much more flattering than the regular length cafe capris on me. My only complaint on these pants is that they're stitched with white thread so you can see when you're sitting down that the thread is white and it looks sloppy.
ReplyDeleteBoy shirt in stripe - love this. Nice and lightweight. I have to order up a size in button downs to accommodate my chest but this still fits well and I'm looking forward to working it in to my spring/summer wardrobe.
Cap-toe Everly pump (black/ivory) - these were a complete impulse purchase but I LOVE them. I took my usual JCrew shoe size and for a heel as tall as it is I found them to be extremely comfortable after a full day at work and going out for drinks afterwards. I'm a little worried about getting the ivory cap toes dirty but what can you do. I wish this style weren't so pricy out of the gate but I'll definitely stalking sale on other colors.
Did a ton of J crew new arrival reviews here (mostly tops)
ReplyDeletewill do dresses, pants and skirt over the next few days!
In love with the men's textured slub cotton hoodie in the linen color: http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/sweaters/cotton/PRDOVR~91826/91826.jsp I initially saw it looking through the collection lookbook, which is being shown paired with the embellished floral cafe capris. I finally located on the website in the men's section and it just arrived yesterday. I love it! It's a slubby knit/linen hoodie that I have worn over a tank with shorts to the beach. I can see myself wearing it a lot.
ReplyDelete