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 here.
ReplyDeleteOT- Also called the local store and now the new stock will be in stores on Thursday.
DeleteReview/IRL of 12 items from the Instant Gratification Sale, including the ponte peplum top and oxford boy shirt in polka dot HERE.
ReplyDeleteWith any luck, I'll add a few more items to the post by the time most of you get to it. :)
OT - The Madewell 40% off sale itmes with COOL40 promo is extended thru 7/29.
ReplyDeleteloving he Madewell linen tank in "jungle" -- I took my regular Madewell size S which fits perfectly. The colors go with so many things, the linen is smooth but not slick, and it's not clingy. I wish they'd done a few more things in this print/fabric. Theres a wholly inappropriate (for me at 5'4-1/2") crotch dress and a teeny bikini, too. All are on sale, and with 40% off I'm seriously considering getting a back-up tank. You know, just in case.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that they extended the extra 40% off & free shipping at Madewell! I ordered the small trades simpleboat striped cap-sleeve tee in orange (now on promo for $50.50 & not final sale), and plan to order the navy if they restock my size before the 29th.
DeleteThere are really great deals to be found with the extra 40% off. Plus there are a lot of promo-priced items, too. You can see the Madewell Promo-Priced items list here on my blog.
Some reviews here including Pinwheel Eyelet Top and Liberty Peter-Pan Top plus lots of sale stuff.
ReplyDeletei haven't had much luck recently. the jeweled medallion sweater and linen beaded sweater pretty much look like crap on me (see pics here). the ponte peplum tank isnt much better (pics here)
ReplyDeleteI might stop in store tonight if clinic ends early enough. We'll see!
Has anyone been to a B&M yet to see the new arrivals IRL? And is the extra 40% off sale over today?
ReplyDeleteSaw them at my local bm today- see my post below!
DeleteThanks to FFM, I was able to get the Madewell black holepunch sandals at the promo price + 40 off at the store even though they are still FP in the stores! These shoes are super cute and incredibly comfy. I took my normal 7.5 and they fit perfectly. Highly recommend. I love Madewell's shoes & boots.
ReplyDeleteJruby18: I'm glad you were able to get such a great deal on the sandals. I love it when Madewell offers 40% off! :)
DeleteDrat! I was procrastinating on ordering all day and of course they sold out nationwide both online and retail when I get ready to check out!!!! Ugh! oh well-maybe pop backs or next year?
DeleteOT: I know the weekly J.Crew-like retailers post does not run until tomorrow, but since this is the last day for 30% off at Gap/BR/ON, I thought I would share that there are many 'J.Crew-like items' at those stores right now. I've featured many of them in my 'You Look Very Familiar...' post here on my blog today.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the women's merino boyfriend sweater fits? If so, can you tell me how it fits? I want unstructured but not boxy and unflattering. TIA!
ReplyDeleteLeah, My opinion on the merino boyfriend sweater is not the common one, but this is very unflattering on me. The shoulders are kind of dropped, it is unstructured and boxy. I also felt like the V-neck was too deep on me. I went down a size from my normal and probably could have gone down another without it being any more flattering on me. The shape of it just doesn't work on me, and normally I like boxy. But I think most people here really love this sweater.
DeleteLeah - merino boyfriend sweater on A Bigger Closet, Marionberry Style & ShOperaRach. I haven't tried it myself, but would definitely size down one. As cate said, those drop shoulders can be unflattering.
DeleteI reviewed it on my blog here.
DeleteHTH
Hi I liked the merino version much better than the cashmere boyfriend. I think the longer back helps make it look better. But, I also sized down one and I am on the taller side too.
DeleteI think it is a matter of proportion on this sweater. I needed an XXS and I still didn't love the look and I like slouchy . I think it needs a taller body than my 5'3" in order for if to look great. for reference I wear a S in a Tippi, XS-S, size 4 in shirts, capris and dresses). HTH
DeleteI'd love to hear about the rollout, if anyone has seen it today in stores!
ReplyDeleteMe, too! Anyone been to the store?
DeleteWent to two stores - both were nearly empty and clearly ready for new stuff to arrive but very new items were actually out. As others have reported 40% continues. Saw a bunch of flame minnies for $19.99 and the bright pink for $29.99 before the extra % off - I would have grabbed a spare pair for that price but none were left in my size.
DeleteJCAs, the additional 40% off final sale continues in store.
ReplyDeleteOT - The Groopdealz rosette necklace is back. $7.99 this time around.
Thanks for the store info, Gigi. Probably won't get to the store until tomorrow, so hopefully the 40% off sale will run a few more days. Can't wait to see the new arrivals in person. The August catalog has quite a few things in it that I love. Haven't had this many things on my wish list in long, long time.
Deleteshopalot - How did you like your jeweled collar top w/the pinwheel eyelet capris?
DeleteHey, Gigi! It was just OK. I ended up wearing the jeweled top with white jeans. My pinwheel eyelets stretch out like crazy; hate that droopy bottom look.
Deleteshopalot - Ew, that's bad news about the pinwheel eyelets. It's been too hot here for how heavy they are, so mine are unworn. Jeans work with everything!
DeleteExactly, they are extremely heavy pants. I'll probably end up saving them for spring. Warning that the eyelet stitching on these is polyester. I was attempting to steam press the crease on the pants and the iron started to stick. Just assumed they were all cotton eyelet. Not! Decided I'd better start reading every label before hitting with the super hot iron.
DeleteGigi, Thank you so much for posting the link to the rosette necklace on Groopdealz.
DeleteIs anyone able to comment on how shiny vs. matte the Groopdealz necklace is, or how their coral color compares to the J.Crew version?
I have been eyeing the J.Crew necklace for so long and really like its matte look. However... it simply won't drop in price! If the Groopdealz necklace is similar enough, I may finally just go for that and move one with my life ; )
Thanks for your opinion!
Never mind-- Searched and found many great reviews from bloggers across the web : ) It seems that you need to be very patient with the site right now-- the servers keep failing.
DeleteThanks for the tip!
Amanda - Glad you found the reviews. They're definitely out there. I was worried about it being shiny, too and it's not. I would call it a sheen. Imo it's created by the fact that the pieces that make up the rose are put together in a faceted way. So the light is bouncing around the various, faceted planes. I hope this ridiculousness makes sense. lol
DeleteAmanda, I should add that it more or less comes across as matte with just a little sheen when inspected up close.
DeleteI love my Pin Wheel eyelet pants-but I live in SF-nice and cool. I got the navy and have worn them many times, get tons of compliments...only bag at the knee from sitting at work-they dry clean beautifully, bagging goes away.
DeleteI posted some pictures from the new style guide on my blog today here: http://erikamarieh.blogspot.com/2013/07/j-crew-for-fall.html.
ReplyDeleteI also shared a few reviews on items that are part of the current sale...
Review of the keeper chambray in dark rinse(from the last rollout) here.
ReplyDeleteReceived the Charley Sweater in Pom-Pom Dot today--it is the Factory version of the Tippi Sweater in Swiss Dot, and was so disappointed to see that the dots are only on the front (and not the back). I had even specifically asked the chat agent prior to purchase and he confirmed it that they were on both sides. Grrrr. I got the XS and it's also slightly baggy, so I'm debating whether to return it.
ReplyDeleteSomeone mentioned on another post about Factory's quality and cut corners. It was really fine if I had known what to expect and was not given the wrong information. I'm happy they "re-released" the sweater because I've been eyeing it forever, but someone on the design and fact-checking team really has to get the act together.
Anonymous, I agree on the Pom Pom Dot sweater--also didn't like the feel of the sweater blend.
DeleteOn the other hand--the excursion/puffer vests I ordered were great--couldn't tell much difference from last years retail version, and I love these for fall and winter layering. Hard to pick one color.
Also, the Merino Charley sweater (aka Tippi) also felt very similar to the retail version. I feel like when they have to stick to the 100% fabrics, they don't miss. I would definitely consider the Factory all-merino sweaters.
Lastly (I feel like I always talk about Factory), I feel like the Factory Toothpicks are great jeans for the price. I have never been able to get into the Retail Toothpicks, but the Factory ones (I think called Skinny online) work well. Just received the new Midrise Toothpick in Huron wash and they are really nice! Thumbs up on those.
A few Banana reviews, incl the bow tie front shorts which net $20 after EVERYONE is applied.
ReplyDeleteJust got back from my store. 40% sale is still going but very picked over.
ReplyDeleteNew rollout items are all on the floor, albeit a bit wrinkly! A lot does look very familiar vs. last fall, but I wasn't disappointed. I was interested in two items in particular - I'll leave the detailed reviews and IRL pics to the "experts," but here's my take on...
New Schoolboy in Black - tried my regular size 4 and fit TTS. I really need a black jacket, and I liked a lot but didn't love. It is definitely longer and has a third "watch" pocket, making it look more "traditional" and business-like than the old Schoolboy. It will be great for the office, and if you are tall, but I'm short-waisted and it's a little conservative-looking on me. I also don't think the length will work for me personally with a skirt - too long, hits at the W-I-D-E part of my hips.
Beaded Chambray Boy Shirt - absolutely as adorable as I thought it would be. It's one of the few current versions of old styles that is different enough for me to really want. My hesitation is a practical one ... how do you care for it? How do you IRON it - do you literally have to go between all the beads? I have the Tilda and beaded-collar sweater and it's fine when it's just the collar.
Thanks ruffles!
DeleteHi ruffles,
DeleteYou wd iron it thus: turn shirt inside our and insert a pillow or towel inside the shirt. Iron on the inside-out surface.
While this will achieve your purpose it will not be the way it was when it first arrived. The only way to achieve total wrinkle freedom is to steam it.
HTH.
Maqsad, very helpful and makes perfect sense, thank you!
DeleteYou're most welcome!
DeleteAnyone been to Kenwood in Cincy that could comment on size of sale section?
ReplyDeleteOops forgot - I'm not going to use this one-time free shipping code if any JCA wants to give it a try, expires today:
ReplyDeleteEAB96JBBX
I have one too. EAB69W73W
DeleteDoes anyone have the perfect fit ballet button tee? If so, can you review? Is it sheer? Is it low cut? What's the fit?
ReplyDeleteI made the mistake of purchasing the collection long sleeve tee and it is ridiculously sheer. The fit is fine but I think that when wearing a cami underneath, the fit would change. Returning immediately!!
Megan, I'm a fan of perfect fit tees in general b/c they're thicker & more substantial than the other JC tees. They also seem to hold up well to regular wear & machine washing. No sheerness with the colors I have, but in all fairness I've never tried the white. Perfect tees do run tighter than most other JC tees, so if you're considering white or another light color, think about sizing up. The scoop neck on the back of the ballet button tee isn't low at all. The front scoop is lower but not inappropriately so. HTH!
DeleteI have a few of the perfect fit ballet button tee. The fit is a bit slim; I usually take an xs or an xxs in J.Crew tops, and the xs works best for me in the perfect fit tees. The fit of the ballet button tee tends to be somewhat slimmer than the fit of perfect fit short sleeve tees.
DeleteI also made the mistake of buying the collection long sleeve tee. If we're talking about the same tee (the raspberry-colored one in silk and linen), I agree, it's much too sheer! I also found that the fit of the collection long sleeve tee was almost a full size larger and has a boxier fit than the perfect fit ballet button tee.
The neckline is a scoopneck, so it does dip down a bit, but it's not so low as to be indecent. The photo on J.Crew's website gives a pretty accurate indication of where the neckline is.
The ballet button tee fabric isn't particularly heavy, but it's substantial enough that you wouldn't need a cami underneath, even with the white color. It's not as light or as loose a weave as the painter tees, if that helps as a reference. It's a great style for fall through spring, but I find that the perfect fit tees are a bit too heavy for the summer.
I love the perfect fit ballet button tee -- it's my favorite! The neckline is nice and open without being low cut; I find it much more flattering on my somewhat broad shoulders than the regular perfect fit tees. I can wear it to work without any issues. Sleeves are elbow length. The fabric is sturdy, not sheer, even in the white. They have washed well without fading and no holes (so far). They fit close to the body so I agree that sizing up is a good idea.
DeleteI have the ballet button tee in white and agree that sizing up helps. I usually wear small in other jcrew tees but size up to medium in perfect fit ones. The white isn't sheer, I can wear without cami no problem. I also agree that it isn't too low in the front. I really like mine, it still has a slim fit even in the larger size. HTH
DeleteMegan Morris - I also sized up one to the M in the ballet tee. It just makes a less clingy, more comfortable fit. Irl pics in the middle of this post.
DeleteOK, so my store has the new collection and I stopped by to browse but couldn't try anything on because I was my daughter and I promised her it would be quick.
ReplyDeleteThese are my impressions: a lot of recycled styles but the fabrics seems more substantial. For example the jade foulard collection is a very substantial silk (almost brocade-y) that gives the pieces a structured look (personally not a fan of the print). The shirtdress looked very short on the mannequin but didn't look that short on the rack.
The floral brocade is a VERY heavy fabric suited for winter (yay) and it is beautiful.
I like the jeweled tee sweater even if I am a bit over the jewels around the neckline (also some will find it itchy).
The Collection gingham pieces look black IMO and I didn't care much for them.
The Liberty popover is darling if a bit springy in colors; the boy shirt in mixed Liberty prints is more striking IRL than in the catalog (the colors are really beautiful but again a bit springy).The heather pine pencil is exactly the same color depicted in the catalog (not very dark) and many of you are going to love it.
I didn't care at all for the jeweled sweatshirt. The flare mini looked cheap.
That's all I remember now. I will try to go back to try on a few things. I can't comment from my phone so if you have questions not sure if I can reply timely.
Thanks Ema!
DeleteHi JCA's,
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have the item number or the name of the short sleeve argyle sweater with the jewels?
Thanks
Hi sooswan - it's the "Collection Beaded Diamond Sweater" in blueberry/lilac. Item #03096R, $248.
DeleteThank you silver_lining!
DeleteI stopped by my store tonight and saw the new arrivals. I was not impressed at all...I don't think there was anything I would even think about buying. Oh well, I guess I'll save some money...
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know when they typically bring out the warmer sweaters? I usually love their sweaters.
I posted IRL pictures and a review of the No. 2 Pencil in Double-Serge Wool in Heather Pine and the No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Tipped Double-Serge Wool on my blog moments ago. HTH!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting those pix, Rynetta! Can you tell how the heather pine color compares to the dark green No. 2 from last year -- I think that one was called "warm jade"?
DeleteTFTgal: You're very welcome! The heather pine color is much darker than the "warm jade" color from last year in my opinion. I hope that helps!
DeleteWent to do a return. Saw new items ruffle collar short sleeve silk top in ivory and magenta. Lots of short sleeve jeweled collar and jeweled sleeves on a sweater and sweatshirt. Dotted sweater. Lace sweatshirt in off white and navy. Tweed front tees in a thicker weave than this past spring. Scallop dress in black and blue. Silk pleated navy skirt in horizontal leaf print. Honestly nothing I would get at full price at the moment.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the scalloped linen jacket? It just got marked down to $118, which would make it a deal if they do an extra % off sale.
ReplyDeleteRosie - Emily did a text review of the scalloped linen in this post.
DeleteThank you gigi and Emily!
DeleteThe jacket is on backorder still but my matching skirt arrived today. It is short!! I know the site says 18.5" long, but it looks to be just above the knee on that model. I sized up, and it still looks more mini than office on petite me.
DeleteI'm a bit disappointed because I wanted a unique suit to wear to business events, and the skirt is shorter than I'd prefer. But for $40? I think it's a keeper.
If you hurry you can double dip with new style40 sale maybe
ReplyDeleteYep...STYLE40 for 40% off sale & free shipping no minimum.
DeleteThank you so much shopping celle! I was up at midnight with my toddler and able to take advantage of the double dip. Crazy crazy pricing games...but this time I could take advantage!
DeleteInsomnia worked to my advantage last night.
DeleteDoes anyone know the in store price of the Double Tassel Necklace?
ReplyDelete$68 - I bought it a month ago and I wear it all the time! Great piece, and looks a lot pricier than it is.
DeleteHas anyone seen the dree dress in deck stripe in size 0 or 2? thank you! - masha
ReplyDeleteAnyone tried the drapey elbow-sleeve tee? I'm between this and the perfect ballet tee.
ReplyDeleteWe love new cuts! Today's are listed along with lots of links in the Irl Pic Guide - Sale. Remember that free shipping no minimum is good today only.
ReplyDeleteBarbour® flyweight Cavalry quilted jacket - this jacket is absolutely beautiful. I purchased it last week at 40% off in the Chili Red colorway. The red is a lovely true red and the quality is excellent. It does run small - I normally wear a size 0 or 2 in jackets at J.Crew and other stores, but went with a size 4 on this one. It fits well, and I will be able to wear a thin sweater underneath, but could have also gone with a size 6 if I needed thicker layers. I would definitely recommend this one, and say it is well worth the price, especially with the extra 40% off going on right now. It has been popping back in various sizes over the past week, too. I would actually love to snatch up the blue one for myself. :)
ReplyDeleteOn another note, there are a lot of new promo-priced items, as well as numerous markdowns today, all of which I shared earlier this morning in this post.
ReplyDeletesmall trades simpleboat striped cap-sleeve tee at Madewell: I love this tee!!! I decided to give it a try after Wendy inquired about sizing on it this past weekend, plus it is currently on promo with an extra 40% off & free shipping. The only color left in my size (1) was the orange, and after checking it out on the small trades online shop here (which gives a better idea of what it actually looks like), I decided I would give it a try. It arrived today, and I am extremely pleased. The cotton is soft, yet substantial, and oh so comfy on. The tee is nicely fitted without being too snug, and best of all...it is not see through. You can easily wear this one without a cami underneath. I am looking forward to wearing it, and plan to order one in navy if it pops back in my size before the 40% off at Madewell ends. If I don't catch one at Madewell, then I will more than likely order one from small trades, even if it isn't on sale. Yes, I love it that much! :)
There are lots of other great promo-priced items at Madewell that are also eligible for the extra 40% off & free shipping for those interested. That deal lasts until 7.29.13, and the Madewell promo-priced items list is here.
Megan - I love the drapey elbow tee. It is very lightweight (like a tissue tee) but fitted and runs TTS. They are slightly shorter than the longer tees j crew offers, but longer than most of the tees from this season that appear almost cropped and boxy. I own them in black, white, bright blue and the light blue stripe. HTH!
ReplyDeleteWould I need to wear a tank underneath? Thanks so much for all your help!
DeleteMore new markdowns this morning, ladies! Desert floral racer tank - $99.99, Liberty popover in floral eve - $99.99, and Nolita jacket in white - $89.99 to name a few. You can see the entire list HERE. Enjoy your day everyone! :)
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know how the sizing on the pajamas run? The factory anchor sleep shirt is on sale but is only available in an XXS or a Medium. I am 5'2 and ~110 lbs. I don't want to drown in the top so I think the medium would be too large, but I am worried the XXS might be too teeny. Any ideas? I'm asking because unfortunately the top is final sale.
ReplyDelete