Tuesday, September 17, 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! :)

84 comments:

  1. Review of the pixie jodhpur pant with the in-set letaher panels.

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  2. Redeemed my gift cards on the tipped gamine dress in both colors. I normally wear petites but got a regular for extra length. Even the regular was a bit too short for my taste (hits at an unflattering place for me above the knee) and I found the neckline not very kind to my broad shoulders. Nice thick material, great colors, pretty dress... But a bit too girlish for me to wear to the office and I don't have a need for it otherwise. Sad because I got them for a song and they are really pretty. But you have got to have the correct proportions for it to flatter...shame that it is final sale.

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  4. Madewell one time use $25 gift card (with $100 purchase), valid through 9.29. Hope someone can use it!

    Online: FXQLTT7K3

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  5. I tried on a short dress a couple of weeks ago - above knee, longer short sleeves but not quite elbow length - was in black but came in other colors too. Had good zippers and was like a thick wool knit material. I didn't buy it because I figured it would be online but I can't find it. Anyone know what it is called? Is it a new fall item?

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    1. I bought it in store!! It should be online Wednesday when the new stuff goes up online

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  6. Review of the drapey stripe tee on my blog
    http://ina-wonderland.blogspot.com/

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  7. has anyone reviewed the goodwinn hobo? i googled around and didn't see anything. i am interested in the stone/pinot noir option but am hesitant to pull the trigger without the guidance of the ever-helpful JCA community!!

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  8. I reviewed the Tommy Hilfiger Library Dress lookalike here. Gigi also has a great review that I linked on mine.

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    1. OT - but check out Garnet Hill. A full skirt with a similar print! http://www.garnethill.com/smocked-waist-detail-skirt/womens-fashion/skirts/310252?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=5

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    2. 25% off Garnet Hill today (Tuesday) (some exclusions)!

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  9. I saw the mini-rollout yesterday in the store. I love the look of the brocade sweatshirt (the navy/rust combination is very striking), but ultimately left it in the store because I think the front will snag very easily. Just wanted to put it out there for people who will order online assuming it's in the new arrivals tomorrow. There also were more sweaters with leather details (along the bottom half of a sleeve, for instance) that looked great but I think were dream fabric. Sorry - didn't take any pictures of tags so I don't have style numbers.

    I did LOVE the new sweatshirt with embroidery on the front. (I only saw an ivory color.) The fit is a little leaner and longer, which looked great. I think this will be a workhorse for me, but waiting for it to hit online tomorrow.

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    1. I tried on the gray/green brocade sweatshirt. Heads up that it's super itchy on the back side of the brocade. Most people will want to wear something under it. I think it's TTS, a bit on the shorter side but the usual for J. Crew's recent sweatshirts.

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  10. The latest Factory reviews here.

    Some JC reviews here.

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  11. Grrr....I know this is off topic but my herringbone vest order from the factory just got cancelled. Apparently when you order a wait list item you can't use PayPal because jcrew won't authorize it. So, the order is cancelled in all wait list cases where you use Paypal. And how was I supposed to know this? And, of course the item is completely sold out. But, it's available on eBay for $150!!! It's all I wanted this fall :(

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    1. Now I now why they cancelled my order.
      They should have told me:

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    2. Yes, this has been an issue for over a year and I really wish they'd either fix it or flag it at check out.

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    3. That's not good. I got one sent to me from a Factory store not near me. Hopefully a JCA can tell you if they've seen one in your size. Or try calling a Factory store and seeing if they'll search for one in your size. I hope you can find one, I'm sorry your orders got canceled :(

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    4. Not sure what size you're looking for, but Jersey Shore Premium Outlets had a few Smalls and Mediums as of the weekend. Good luck finding one!

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    5. They had a few at the wrentham ma factory store. They were behind the counter, I am not sure what they were doing with them as there were none on the floor

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    6. liztriden, I would call a store and ask them to look up inventory of all stores.

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    7. Liztriden I saw several at my Factory store this weekend. Fashion Outlets of Chicago. Not sure of the sizes but I returned a small to that store. HTH!

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    8. Also saw a few at the Woodburn, OR Factory store this Sunday.

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    9. The same thing happened to me when I tried to use Paypal to pay for some items on the last Kate Spade surprise sale. No explanation was given, they just cancelled my order. Only after multiple phone calls did I find out that the problem was related to my Paypal payment.

      I also saw some herringbone vests on the shelf at Houston Premium Outlets in Cypress, TX. SA's are always super friendly at this store...give them a call!

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  12. I tried the Collection Double Faced Wool Dress and was disappointed. In the pictures it looks like a work-appropriate dress but the fabric feels and looks like plush pajamas or a teddy bear. In my opinion, that makes it more casual, not office wear, and it's too expensive for casual.

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    1. That is so disappointing. The dress looks gorgeous online and so cozy-but wow-it is pricey. Could it be a good piece for a work at home person (me) who doesn't need suiting but could use a few really great looking and versatile pieces for client meetings and infrequent presentation? TIA LTee

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    2. I wouldn't wear it for work/clients/meetings. It has too much of a fleece-y feel and look to it. More winter cabin comfy. I thought it looked so streamlined and perfect, with the monk strap shoes, on the web site, but it's more soft/sweater-y than streamlined and classic.

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  13. Replies
    1. Whoah....record time by silver_lining. One bug pin w/zippers coming right up!

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  14. just added reviews/pics of the collection cafe capri and salon (WHY DO I KEEP TYPING "SALMON") mini in quartz jacquard HERE.

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  15. I got the Mirror Metallic Oxfords, and I love them. I had to size down to an 8 1/2, and I usually wear a 9 1/2 in Cece's and Martina's. If you have a wider foot, you may not need to size down as much. They are well made, all leather shoe (lining and sole). And they look just as good as in the photos. I also tried the Goldsign Jeane jean in fountain wash. They seem to be a true boyfriend with a high rise (the fly length really looks like a man's jean). The wash is nice and the denim is very soft. It doesn't seem like it will stretch much. I tried the 27, which is my size in toothpicks and matchsticks, and they were roomy, but in the good way for a boyfriend fit. I liked the straighter leg that can be rolled without having too much fabric. In the end, I didn't keep them (but tried them 4 times before deciding to return), because I realized I had a very old pair of Lucky Jeans Easy Riders that had a very similar fit (without the nice straight leg or the perfect wash). Still with a slight alteration to the leg of the Lucky's, I'll have something that is far less expensive and already sitting in my closet. I also bought the leather front cardigan during the last release. I think it will be my leather trend item this fall. I tried the merino leather pocket sweater at the same time, but I'm slightly pear shape, and it just didn't look right. I liked the way the bottom look, but the drop shoulders made my shoulders look huge and flattened my chest - not flattering. But it looked so adorable on so many others. I had planned to check out the new release today, but probably won't make it until later this week. Hopefully, there is nothing good, because I'm already over my clothing budget this month!

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  16. OT-just received the "style guide" in the mail. LOVE this one. Old crew is back!! I love pretty much everything and if I was still working and traveling 70% of the time...my work wardrobe would be set from this rollout. Since I'm a stay at home mom with an infant now, a lot of it just isn't realistic for me...and I wouldn't wear it. I'm ordering the two swiss dot shirts...the silk ivory and black and the cotton tuxedo, almost all of the scarves, a few of the coats and the merino sweater jacket. I'm very curious about the silk sweatshirt and can't wait for the JCAs to start posting reviews and pics from this one!

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  17. I received the Schoolboy blazer in beaded tweed last night and it's going back. I'm not wool sensitive but man, it bugged me. Because the collar is worn up, there is no getting away from it unless you were wearing a turtleneck. Ah well, my back account will be happy. Overall, it's a very beautiful blazer and it fit great.
    I am on the fence about the houndstooth pencil skirt for the same reason. The wool feels really rough to me. Not an immediate, get this off of me deal breaker but it is in the maybe pile for now.

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  18. Big love for the elbow patch sweater! I believe it says 100% wool, but I don't know what kind. It is a thicker sweater that doesn't seem like merino but also doesn't seem like dream either. It's a roomy fit, slightly longer in back, a bit cropped in front.

    I also really like the wool ballcap from Madewell in burgundy wool. Not much to say about a ballcap, just that it's a rich, pretty color. The bill came in flat but just took a second to curve it a bit.

    I tried on Merino Scarf Sweater. It's really stretchy. I love it but not that much on me, not sure why. I'm going to wait it out and think about it in a few months.

    My store didn't have a lot of things in the catalog. They had the Sweater-Jacket in heather ballet merino and navy merino. It's a nice thick wool and a pretty color (tried on the heather ballet color - that is light pink outside of the crewniverse). It pulls in a bit at the bottom, kind of like a bomber jacket would but not that extreme. I liked it but didn't buy it.

    My store never gets the shoes, either. The owl blouse wasn't there to try. There was no cashmere to try, per usual.

    I tried on the woven panel sweater. It's roomy. I liked it but didn't buy it.

    I tried on the green/gray floral brocade sweatshirt. It's really cute in person but needs something under it because the back side of the brocade is very itchy. I didn't buy this either because I have a track record for buying and not wearing J. Crew's sweatshirts. They are usually a bit shorter than I like, this one is no exception, but it's not extremely short, just the same as the other J. Crew sweatshirts with regards to length and fit. The brocade seemed a bit stiff and doesn't bend/drape very well, if that matters, but it probably doesn't matter because it's so pretty.

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  19. I bought the Factory warmspun herringbone jeweled collar sweater and reviewed it here.

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  20. I just posted most of the oktober catalog on my blog!

    See it here!

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    1. Sorry the link doesnt work.
      Ina-wonderland.blogspot.com

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  21. Oh my beejesus, if you are on Madewell's email list, you get a $25 off your next order coupon. It's good until the 23rd. No minimum either. Hallelujah!

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    1. Where do you see that? My email from Madewell today didn't appear to have it. Thanks!

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    2. It's a separate email that I got today. It was $25 off my order, no min.

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  22. Madewell code 25 off 125...xttwkhx87

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    1. THANKS SO MUCH!!!!! I grabbed this and used it in record speed :)

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  23. Review of a retail only crystal bracelet, on sale for $49.99. Long sku inluded. Also, irl pics of a Groopdealz crystal compilation-style bracelet they're currently selling for $10.99. The vendor from my purchase in Aug different, but it looks identical to the one available now.

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  24. Review of Andie chinos in Fatigue here. I got them in my usual size and they fit me like a dream! I think they may well be my favourite (non jean) pants ever! My only small gripe would be that the leg is a little short - I'd prefer a couple of inches longer. I guess a regular leg length would be better, but then the hips would probably be too big.

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  25. Reviews of the drapey raglan sweatshirt, camo scarf & cubist houndstooth scarf here.

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  26. Last post for awhile, I think...but wanted to share the J Crew-like crystal cluster necklace from Brina Box, $16.99. I haven't ordered from the company, but it's hot on Instagram.

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  27. I tried on a long sleeved peplum top. It's a substantial knit with a half zipper in back. I tried it in ivory but it was kind of plain. I feel like J. Crew is creating certain garments for the sole purpose of showcasing their necklaces (such as the nun dress Gigi reviewed, but there have been a few others I've noticed too). It was displayed with the Bouquet-Dot Wool Scarf and that looked great together. So maybe they're meaning it for scarves too. On its own, it is nothing to write home about, but accessorized, I think it would be great.

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    1. I tried it on too and had the same thought. I do want to note that for me it was TTS unlike the sleeveless version. I thought it might be a cool sweatshirt alternative on the weekends while still good for work but ultimately passed because the fit was not impeccable in the arms (too loose). I am thicker at the waste though, so take this all with a grain of salt if that's not your body type!

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    2. That's exactly my body type! My regular size was the right one in this, but it was a little bit boxy or roomy or something. IIRC, the sleeveless version seemed more fitted. The fit on the long sleeved one wasn't quite right on me - not terrible but not terrific.

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    3. of course all this being said, i am still considering the black version of this top (so many colors online!). for some reason i can't get it out of my head even given the fit issues we both have noted! i am trying to buy only black and camel this season, and i like the different cut.

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  28. OT, but does anyone have a Madewell code they won't be using? jackieta89@gmail.com. TIA! :)

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  29. Has anyone reviewed the factory houndstooth suit?

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  30. I have the houndstooth blazer and love it. It fits TTS and the same as the retail schoolboys. I quite like factory schoolboy blazers. The fabric content is a blend and not 100% wool but that doesn't bother me. I tried the pants and the pattern was too busy for me on a pant as it almost has an almost horizontal line look to the print and wasn't flattering on me personally so I passed but they felt true to size. The skirt looked cute but I didn't try it on. HTH!

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    1. Sorry that was meant to be a reply to Tish!

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    2. Thank you I ordered the blazer today so hopefully it will be great!!

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  31. Can anyone comment on whether or not the Andie chinos stretch out over the course of a day? I'm between sizes, with the 4 being a tad too tight in the waist.

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    1. hi otherwhitney, I just posted about this on my blog. I wore mine all day yesterday and they didn't stretch out at all! I was very pleased as I have issues with sagging and bagging in other pants.
      The fabric is very firm and didn't give much at all - perhaps a tiny bit.

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    2. i have the tuxedo pair and i ditto ruth's no stretch (or very minimal) experience. i can hardly wear pants more than once these days without having to wash them because they stretch out so badly, but not the andies! (same true for the skinny utility chinos, btw, not much stretch after wear.)

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  32. Has anybody seen the Tippi in trompe l'oleil in navy in xxs (or perhaps even in XS)? TIA!

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    1. i saw a ton at the westfield mall in san francisco...i didn't check the sizes, though, but there were so many, would be surprised if XS wasn't among them

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  33. It looks like a camel intarsia sweater?? And a cute jeweled sweater on the site right now. Anyone have any details? Info isn't showing yet.

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    1. It's under new arrivals. I thought you were referring to the color but realized there is actually a camel on the sweater! And it is a camel color.

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  34. Off topic J crew has added free shipping! good for Sept 18 only.

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  35. New arrivals! Hello, elbow patch sweater. You'll be coming home with me.

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  36. i'm LOVING the new arrivals! i can see why there is free shipping today because it would be too easy to meet the original minimum set to get it.

    why does the super baby alpaca sweater have to be excluded from the promo :(

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  37. Yay new arrivals! I'm loving this set, too!

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  38. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  39. My review of the Minnie pant and the perfect long-sleeve tee can be found here:
    http://seeemilywrite.com/2013/09/18/tuesday-workday-outfit/

    (I'm petite, but I've got a few more curves than some of those petite bloggers out there!)

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  40. ...aaaand here's a little review of the linen engineered-stripe tee. On sale! I love it! Get it while it's still available!

    http://seeemilywrite.com/2013/09/18/outfit-lazy-wednesday/

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  41. A few recent J.Crew Factory reviews on my blog here including colorblock stripe Charley, sequin dot tee, beaded sweatshirt and herringbone jewel collar sweater.

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  42. Can anyone comment on the Martha necklace ( Item 28402)? I need a statement necklace that's classy and doesn't stand out too much and this fits my style completely. I know the 25% off promo is going on which only brings it down to about $126. Is it worth the splurge, quality-wise? Thanks in advance!

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    1. Nicole - I bought the Martha necklace for 25 or 30% off on one of these types of global promos. I don't think I've ever seen it go on sale. I wear it solo or mixed w/another necklace. It's not over the top, imo. I've worn it in the daytime. Actually only the daytime because I have no nightlife.

      I also got the bracelet on a global promo. No regrets on that either. I have reviewed that one, though, and you can see it here. The 4th pic in this post shows the Martha bracelet w/another crystal bracelet. I'm sharing so you can see how the stones look next to another piece of jewelry. Hope this helps.

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  43. Oh thank you Gigi! It really is beautiful and it seems to be made well. I think I may go for it. I don't mind wearing the same jewelry over and over if I really like it (like a trademark ;) and I can see getting a lot of use out of it. I appreciate the reply. The bracelet looks amazing on you!

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  44. New Factory promos. THIRTY gets 30% off thru 9/24. Save 40-50% off storewide thru Sun, 9/22 in-store.

    Review of the funnelneck sweatshirt.

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  45. Received the tipped double serge wool skirt in carbon gray. It fits larger than last years double serge skirt.

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  46. I reviewed an in-store Lace skirt on my blog today.

    http://audreybella.blogspot.com/2013/09/j-crew-lace-skirt.html

    Also, just received the Silk Boy Blouse in Owl Print and I don't think I'm a fan of it. It fits TTS but looks like something F21 will do. And probably the Factory Store next year - think I'll wait on that version. I know some of you will love it but I was expecting it to feel as lux as the Heart Throb blouse.

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    1. Audreybella, thanks for your review of the owl shirt. Is it as soft as the tossed hearts blouse? I'm actually hoping it looks more "casual" in real life, as I normally don't wear silk blouses as it doesn't fit my work or lifestyle...

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  47. Okay, here's my little review of the Pixie pants and a striped tee I can't come up with the name of.

    http://seeemilywrite.com/2013/09/20/fall-air/

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  48. The long colorblock field jacket is cuter than I expected. Review here.

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  49. I love the Biennial medium satchel in stripe that I received today. It wasn't heavy when I put my usual stuff in it. I decided on the side I was going to wear against my body since I think there might be a chance of color transfer at some point. Soft supple leather, pockets for my wallet and phone...love!

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  50. Slightly incoherent review of the perfect-fit short sleeve v-neck tee and the classic schoolboy blazer in navy (just got it and I loooove it).

    http://seeemilywrite.com/2013/09/23/monday-monday/

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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! :)