Tuesday, June 4, 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! :)

86 comments:

  1. I posted this in another thread, but for anyone who's interested, I posted some blurry pics and a review of the Collection silk/linen skirt in Monarch here. It's a beautiful skirt, which I found tts.
    Also posted some pics of the Punk Floral scarf and Crystal Compilation necklace here

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    1. I too think the monarch skirt is beautiful but took a size bigger than my regular pencil skirt size. The measurements for a size 8 are close to a size 6 in wool or cotton pencil skirt. The material doesn't have much stretch. The colours are amazing and the longer length with slit is very flattering (I am 5'8")

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    2. Hi kitkat-cda - it may well run small. I usually buy petite 00 in J Crew bottoms, as the regular are a bit roomy on me, plus I'm only 5'2".
      I found the 00 to be fine - a touch loose on the hips and waist, but as you say, there's no give, so it's fine.
      It's hard to know what's tts or big these days....

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    3. Well J Crew is known for some inconsistent sizing! Generally tho I have found that I size up one with petites to fit the same as a regular, so maybe that is why the regular worked for you even tho the number size is the same. Great skirt, glad it is working for you!

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  2. Hi JCAs...

    * embroidered gauze tunic - reg price online vs $79.99 in-store

    * perfect shirt in crosshatch - reg price online vs $69.99 in-store, also reviewed the short-sleeve summerweight (not) boyfriend sweatshirt in the same post

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  3. I have some J. Crew Factory reviews here if anyone is interested. Items include the Floral Embroidered Sundress, Cora Dress, and Girl's Poet Blouse in neon persimmon. Also have some items from Banana Republic Factory and Tommy Hilfiger outlet.

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  4. I reviewed some Factory items here: Factory pencil skirt in nautical stripe (in tangier orange), Factory printed sun shift (in coastline blue), and Factory printed Cora dress (in bold orange).

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  5. Has anyone reviewed the Gabby Suede sandal? The bigger of my two shoes sizes keeps popping up and not sure how these fit?

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    1. I did try these on a while back and they fit TTS for me.

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    2. Likewise, my usual sandal size fit well/tts. I take an 8 in sandals, 8.5 in ceces and 9 in martina wedges if that helps.

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  6. I reviewed the Factory Stripe Linen-Cotton Sundress here and the Everly Mirror Metallic Pumps in silver
    here

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  7. No photos, but thanks to the advice of several JCAs, I picked up:
    Factory Stripe Boatneck - fits tts, chalkboard colorway is a nice alternative to jarring black/white traditional stripe shirts
    Factory Sun Shift in Coastline Blue - amazing. Fits true to measurements on site (I was between 2 sizes and sized down due to the elastic waistband). The stripes line up perfectly at seams, the blue stripe is a nice color that works with either navy or black accessories. Lined. Would totally buy this in other prints or colors if they made them.

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  8. Does anyone have the Kira sandals? Are they comfortable? If you have the orange color, how bright is it/what shade? Thanks!

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  9. Suede Bow Moccasins. No. That is all.

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    1. Hi cate. Love them! I received mine yesterday in honey brown and they are really cute. Nice quality, TTS for me and comfy. I will say one shoe was a tad bit smaller and lighter in color than the other. Not a deal breaker for me, but I've ordered a second pair to see if the Right and Left shoe match better. With the promo, I think they're a great buy. HTH

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    2. I have wide feet and maybe that's why I disliked them so much? They were tight at the widest part of my foot in my normal size. I am glad they worked out for you though!

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  10. I just posted review of Allie sandals in metallic silver and Collection silk crepe de chine skirt in shoe sketch. You can check it out HERE. Skirt is nice, shoes are just average imo.

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  11. Does anyone have the Carmela Dress? I am interested to see how it fits. Many thanks!

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  12. From this weekend:

    -Stripe Silk Tunic Dress - It was really pretty, actually. It was too snug in the bust in a 00, so I would need my bigger of the two sizes, which they didn't have. The print is really nice, the neckline is lovely and the sleeves aren't too tight. The length might be too short for tall ladies, but is fine for us shorties. here are my fit pics

    And I was late to add these to last week's reviews, so if anyone missed them and is wondering about these items, here are the reviews:

    Graphic Eyelet Tee – Not crazy about this one. Its a tad too short and boxy, but nothing crazy. What I didn’t like is that the arms are pretty tight. Not horribly so. If you have smaller arms you should be ok. Fit Pics Here

    Lightweight Terry Tee in Floral Anchor – I’m not crazy about anchors or anything, but this is pretty cute. The fabric is a lighter weight terry and is super comfy. Finally, something you can’t see through! This would be great for summer and you could layer under it come fall. Fit Pics Here

    Ikat Popover (45377) – I had high hopes for this top because the colors are adorable and the fabric is so soft and cozy. I had to try it on in the 2 because that was the smallest they had. Well, it fit “off.” It was oddly tight across my shoulders. Maybe I just got a bad one, but just be aware. Fit Pics Here

    Eyelet Dot Tank (76808) – This top is adorable. I’m wearing an xxs here and it fits wonderfully. Its just long enough and snug enough. The only thing that bugs me is that you can see my pink bra through it. It might be ok with a nude bra. I'll definitely be getting this in one of the other colors. Fit Pics Here

    Also grabbed the Janey metallic flats and the tartine bag and will hopefully get around to those reviews soon.

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  13. Morning all. I have a question about the Emmaleigh dress. I am 5-2, small chested, but sometimes take a regular size in suiting to get a little more length and because petite sizes often have absurdly high waists.

    I got an Emmaleigh a regular size, one size down from my petite size, but I cannot try it on because I am 7 months pregnant! I compared it to some of my other dresses and it seems to be very slim cut.

    Does anyone have the Emmaleigh? Did/could you size down or up?

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    1. Flower Power - Congratulations! I tried on the Emmaleigh in this post. I loved the fit. I've mostly been taking 6 in J Crew dresses and the 6 fit exactly. Regular 6, not petite. HTH

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    2. Flower Power - add my congrats as well. I have two Emmaleigh dresses in two different sizes (I gained a little weight). I would describe them as on the slim side of TTS. My larger Emmaleigh was too big in the armhole area, so I had it altered. Length is great (I'm 5 6") and the dress is very versatile.

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    3. Hi! I'm 5'3" and the JCrew suiting dresses do NOT fit me in petites, even though I usually wear petite sizes. The Emmaleigh fits me best in regular, one size down.

      My PS is even shorter and thinner than I am, and she says she also prefers the regular size in the Emmaleigh. She thought the shorter torso of the petite size dress was not flattering.

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  15. OT but has anyone seen the Origami dress dark hydrangea size 0 or 2 in store? Noticeda post yesterday that said Lone Tree Park Meadows but they just had the pink. Any leads appreciated!

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    Replies
    1. That was me, sorry I posted the wrong color, it was definately Brilliant Berry they had.

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    2. Thanks! I called & they said dark hydrangea was online only but if there are any store returns I'd love to know. Amazing price but I thought the Brilliant Berry was a little too Barbie Doll for me :-(

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  16. A few months ago I really liked the lightweight vneck merino sweaters but lately I noticed they've started to pill on the sides (near wher e my bag or backpack sits when I walk). It makes sense since it's a lightweight sweater but I wish they wouldn't pill so easily creating such a short lifespan.

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    1. Hello, I see that witha lot of my sweaters and have found a simple fuzz buster will keep them beautiful for ages. I don't know if you have already tried it but that works for me.

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  17. Sorry Off topic but do any JCAs hand wash their silk j crew tops rather than dry clean as suggested on their tags? For example their silk camis? If yes was it ok? Thanks!

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    1. I hand wash all of my silk J. Crew blouses with no problem whatsoever.

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    2. I just hand washed for the first time my hearthrob silk blouse in Woolite and air dried it flat; it came out great--even better than I expected as it just needed a very light ironing.

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    3. cuckoo, I take it a step further and machine wash all of my silk blouses. I have a hand wash cycle on my washing machine, although I am sure the delicate cycle would also be fine. I put the blouses in mesh bags and toss them in. I have never had a problem. Sometimes, I even put them in the dryer on low for a minute or so, which greatly reduces the wrinkles. Dry cleaning be damned! I have washed all types of JC silks using this method, the super thin, the thick "collection" kind, blythes, and they have all come out great.

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    4. Has anyone hand or machine washed any of the ruffle camis, like the silk chiffon Naomi?

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    5. gigi, I've done the polka dotted silk chiffon natasha, which just has a little ruffle. The ruffle along the front is slowly getting more "raw edged" but I mean SLOWLY. I make sure to turn it inside out before washing.

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    6. I've also machine washed my silk chiffon Natashas. They will shrink slightly but since the chiffon already has a crinkled texture, no ironing needed!

      I've also hand washed some of the silk habotai camis, which do need a quick ironing afterward. It's also helpful to run the pleat creases between your fingers while the fabric is still damp.

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    7. Thank you for the washing tips!

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  18. I reviewed the Factory tipped sleeveless popover on my blog yesterday, I give it a thumbs up, http://www.ajlinboston.blogspot.com/2013/06/season-to-season-compare.html
    I also did a size comparison with the striped sleeveless popover I purchased at the outlet last fall and it is exactly the same.

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  19. I just received the Ratti Regatta short last night. I was pleasantly surprised. They fit tts and the color is vibrant. I love this print but I need it in a small dose so I went with the short.


    P.S. I just set up my new blog--- (it's not the old VIVA LA BEAGLE but a new one), seaquinedseagull.blogspot. I hope to have some images of the shorts up this week.

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  20. Replies
    1. Horribly sad outcome. Thank you for keeping us all informed.

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    3. So sorry for this outcome. Thank you for your updates...continued prayers.

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    4. This is so incredibly sad. Thanks for keeping us posted and for setting up the donation fund.

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    5. Louise & all JCAS - I have been amazed by the comments, emails, fb messages, etc.. that I've seen & recvd. So far we've raised $800 in about 8 hours. You are all awesome. So awesome!

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  21. Hi all, I posted some reviews late last week... I might repost them here (navy tuxedo line Capri pants, Swiss dot tuxedo shirt, Ratti print Capri pants, white Nolita jacket).

    I just tried on the pinwheel eyelet collection top. I loved the longer sleeves in the photo. On me, they were nothing to write home about...not so elegant. The colour and texture if the blouse is great. The deal breaker is that it is horribly sheer in the back, which is a panel of unlined creme silk. It is so sheer, that I could see my nude underpants through it (mommy underpants these days...). I could make it work with a cami, but for an eyelet top for summer, that makes little sense.


    The second review is of the shrunken st James tee: great fit, nice light but not flimsy material, longer length short sleeves. Boxy cut, but I like that. Great wide crew neck. Love.

    I picked up the white beaded rose necklace in store to try on. So beautiful! Definitely a reiteration of the beauty of the red one... And since I didn't get the white bubble necklace, I'm seriously considering it.

    Oh, the Darby loafers in seed stitch are well made, vibrant colours . But my normal size 6 was loose on me. I am always a 6 in JC shoes and have a medium width foot. Coach has a shoe sale on and I got some fabulous bargains during their Memorial Day offer of 25% off, so I'll be passing on the loafers.

    If you'd like me to repost the other reviews, pls reply to this post. Thanks!

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  22. Does anyone know how the Collection bow pumps in stripe fit? TTS or small toe box like the Everly? CS says they are TTS but I cannot help but feel like they may be tight!

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    Replies
    1. Hello PerfectFit...I recently purchased the Collection stripe bow pumps...they do run small, just as the Everly do...Love this shoe! :)

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  23. Has anyone tried the ratti regatta shorts? I have them in the kiwi electric print and had to size up and am not sure which size to order! TIA!

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    1. I am wearing mine today and I LOVE them! I wasn't sure about the cuff and I was worried about the size because I feel like j.crew shorts have been off for me this year. But these are fabulous! Fit true to size, i ordered my normal size 2, and the length is great, the four inch inseam is perfect. They are comfortable and I like the slight texture to the material. I could go on and on. One of my favorite j.crew purchases in awhile.

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    2. Thanks Classicprep! Did you order the same size you wear in chino shorts? TIA!

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    3. You're welcome! I did order my same chino short size. I have found the chino shorts to fit really poorly this year. I don't know what it is. It was a very pleasant surprise to have the regatta shorts fit so well!

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    4. Classicprep, what did you wear your ratti regatta shorts with? I'm not sure how to wear them and I'm debating returning because of that. I think I'm having trouble with the yellow in them, I don't usually wear yellow and it's throwing me off.

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    5. I wore a red tank top, but I think they would look cute with a white top, green or even that bright blue color that is under the boats. I made a couple sets on polyvore with the shorts. My polyvore name is classicprep as well. I hope that helps!

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    6. Thanks so much Classicprep--I'll take my normal size then! My chino shorts fit very oddly this year--some fit well and others were a tad too tight--even though they were the same style!

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    7. You are very welcome AD MD! I am glad I am not the only one who thought the chino shorts were off this year!

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    8. Classicprep, thanks for the ideas & polyvore name! I always forget I love green with navy blue.

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    9. Cate, you are so welcome!! I think green with the navy will be super cute!

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    10. Hmmm..maybe I got a defective pair? I am between a 0 and a 2 at JC, usually a 2 in shorts. The 2's I received were enormous! I didn't even have to unbutton them to take them on and off. Of course, then the 0's I tried to order hopped out of my cart. Grrrr...... They are adorable, though.

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  24. Any thoughts on how the silver metallic leather will wear compared to the patent leather option. I debating between these two options in Lillian Wedge or the Ballet flats. TIA.

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  25. Has anyone tried machine washing the linen tees?

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    1. I always machine wash my linen tees. I put them in a laundry bag and they are fine!
      I can't imagine hand washing tees!
      I always dry them flat, though.

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    2. Yes, I wash them in the hand wash cycle of my front loader and air dry, and they come out fine -- no shrinkage.

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    3. I have washed them inside out and on the gentle cycle. I hung them dry but they did shrink a bit.

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    4. I machine wash on regular cycle and air dry and they come out fine. My wife has accidentally put them in the dryer and they easily stretch back. I love these tees for summer - they're good for work under a blazer and they're not too sheer.

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  26. ruth - Thanks for the tip! I like the linen tees but really don't have time to hand wash.

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  27. Anyone have a review of the tartine satchel? I am concerned about durability and scratching of the leather. TIA!

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    1. Classicprep - Rynetta reviewed the tartine satchel in this post. If you ask a question on her blog, I'm certain she will answer.

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    2. Thank you Gigi! I will check it out!

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  28. FYI -- the SUMMER 25% - 30% promo has been extended in-stores & online thru this Sun, 6/9. So there may not be a need to kvetch about whether to get an order in tonite.

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  29. Thanks to everyone who advised me about the Emmaleigh! Cannot do "reply" on my computer.

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  30. I wear a size 00p in J.Crew Pencil Skirts, I have never purchased a pencil skirt from factory because they only carry straight sizes and I rarely see a 00. Can someone tell me about the fit of the factory pencil skirt.

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    1. ashton - I compared the retail vs wool pencil skirts in this post. Many of us took a size higher in Factory.

      The hemline was a petite length last year, which I liked but was a problem for those that need the usual length. They lowered the hemline a little this year in the cotton pencil skirt,, but it's still not as long as the retail version, imo. I reviewed that in this post.

      HTH

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    2. Thank you so much for your help gigiofca I really appreciate it.

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    3. Hi Ashton, sounds as if we're a similar size. I take a 00P in J Crew bottoms too.
      I have a couple of factory pencil skirts and the 00 is a much bigger cut. I've had to have both tailored in the waist and hips.
      As Gigi says, the length is fine on me. I'm 5'2".
      If you're slim through the hips and waist the Factory 00 may be a touch too big. It's a shame, as the cost of alterations negates the benefits of buying factory bottoms for me.

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  31. I recently posted a product review of the Large Bucket Bag and the Everly Mirror Heels (http://thestylegospel.com/fashion/jcrew-bucket-bag-and-everly-mirror-pumps/). The heels fit TTS, and I love them! :) The bucket bag was too big for me. :(

    I also posted pics in the Roller Girl dress on my blog (http://thestylegospel.com/my-style-file/ootd-blue-and-white-aztec-print/). It fits TTS. I'm 5'2" and it ends above my knees. I'm guessing it may be too short for taller gals.

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  32. The Boardwalk Linen Skirt in white was quite nice IRL and fit TTS. The length was just above the knee (i'm 5'4"). There is a lining so its not see through at all. Only 8" at the back of the waistband is elasticized. Simple, cute and super versatile for summer. Also pleased with the two-tone skinny rope belt.

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  33. Reminder to Canadian JCA's of the GMCAN15 code, expiring June 30. I picked up the Linen Cote D'Azur and Soleil tees today. Did mock check outs with both the SUMMER30 and GMCAN15 codes, because of the freeship, the GMCAN15 code actually saved me $7 over the other one. If you have a small order, try that one out. HTH someone!

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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! :)