Tuesday, October 1, 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! :)

35 comments:

  1. Zip pocket dress:
    Nice material and feel, fits TTS. The lower zippers however were not well placed for my physique and I think made me look wider, which is not a good thing. My other issue is the exposed zipper in back - no placket underneath the zipper and the metal was uncomfortable on my skin. I think it would be a very nice dress if the zipper details on front were smaller or not bright gold and if there was a lining under the back zipper.

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  2. Factory classic button-down shirt in jeweled oxford, factory skinny cord in polka dot, factory skinny ankle jean in classic rinse, factory skinny jean in black and factory two-pocket chambray shirt reviewed here.

    And OT but ho hum on the 25% off selected sweaters promo ...

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  3. Can anybody comment on how their merino pocket tunic (03444) is holding up? I'm wondering about the pill factor on this one.

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    1. Still have not worn the navy one I purchased....definitely will not order it in the cabernet until I test the one I have out properly.

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  4. Some assorted fall reviews here. Some Factory reviews here.

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  5. OT, but does anyone know when Madewell is releasing their new shoe line? I heard its in October, but I don't have an exact date. There's an amazing pair of blue suede heels that I need!

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  6. Has anyone reviewed the factory big dot charley sweater in carbon sandstone? I missed out on the retail tippi version and wondered how it compares. Any help on sizing and the feel/weight of the knit would be helpful. Thanks!

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  7. I ordered the double breasted schoolboy blazer in navy during the recent 25% + FS promo. This is one beautiful jacket. I loved the weight and feel of the wool (light enough to wear in the office in summer and very soft). The contrasting piping on the inside was very pretty. Wool felt under the collar. The buttons are hollow though, just like the Factory boy blazers. I take size 4 in J. Crew blazers, and this one fit just right except it hit me at the widest part of my hip area and emphasized it too much for my liking so it will be going back. (Interestingly, the shrunken nature of my regular schoolboy blazers doesn't pose the same issue for me.) It would look very cute on someone with narrower hips, dressed down with a t-shirt and jeans.

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  8. Cap Sleeve Crepe Dress (item # 02812). I love it, but it snagged almost immediately when I put on a necklace with it. The necklace was a pendant type, from J. Crew, one of their tassle ones from last year with a circle of small clear stones around the thingy the tassle hangs from. I just wanted to warn anyone who has this dress to be careful with the jewelry because it may snag. Love this dress otherwise, though. I wore it to a wedding and it was really comfortable.

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  9. In the last sale/free shipping on all orders frenzy, I got the heathered fleece zip up hoodie (cotton with a teeny bit of wool). I remember someone asked about it way back when, so I hope she sees this and that it helps. Here goes: it's a nice enough hoodie. The grey is more grey and less grey-blue than it appeared on my monitor but it still a blueish-greenish grey, darker than what I think of as basic sweatshirt grey. The fabric is actually pretty nice. Lighter weight but not lightweight. It's got no poly at all, which should mean that it doesn't pill. I can't really discern the presence of wool. The fit is not unlike the old Sherpa hoodie but looser because there's no sherpa lining. (I think they are the same size but the Sherpa fits more snuggly thanks to the fleecey inside.) The seams are ok, though I've got my eye on one already. The zipper totally blows. It's rough to the touch (I could cut myself on it so chapped or delicate hands beware!) and sounds like it will break. At this price (79 bucks in Canada, that's after 30% off) it shouldn't. I'm going to chance the zipper because I want a non poly midweight hoodie. But still, JCrew, don't scrimp on zippers! My Sherpa of five years is still going strong. Go back to *that* zipper, ok?!

    HTH!

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  10. I reviewed the French Knot Tippi and Jeweled Shoulder Sweater (few purchases from the last 25% off promo) on my blog here

    I also recently purchased the Factory straight and narrow cords in the Cabernet colorway - I took my matchstick denim size in these and while I'm more of a jeans than cords person - I think I'll be keeping them. They're a nice deep red (not really purple) and will go well with camel, navy, grey, ivory...they have a straight leg similar to the matchsticks, not skinny leg at all. I might have been able to size up for a little extra room but I was worried about them looking sloppy. They're currently $54.50 online plus the various coupons that are floating around. thanks!

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  11. Diamond Plaid Scarf - I originally ordered this in the cabernet/cobalt colorway because I love cobalt blue. It did not disappoint. The colors are rich and saturated, more so than they appear on my monitor. It has a lovely, soft feel and looks well made. I love it so much that I got the black/ivory as well. I think it will be a cozy and warm accessory.

    French Knot Tippi - I see it is sold out on-line, but just in case it comes back, I love this sweater. It is thicker than the solid color Tippis but just as soft, if not more so. I got the ivory and, while I can see the shadow of the dark dots a bit, this does not detract from the overall look. I got several compliments when I wore it.

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  12. One more review today - I just picked up the box at home. During last week's promo I also ordered the collection bow pumps in ratti regatta print. These were final sale, but at 65% off the regular price I took a chance and ordered the one size that popped back up - my regular size 7. The shoes fit like a glove, and are simply gorgeous. The lining and sole are leather, as one would expect with a "collection" shoe. (What's sad to me is that it hasn't been that long ago that all jcrew shoes were lined in leather. I really dislike the manmade lining they use in the "regular" line nowadays.) The ratti regatta print is really pretty up close; from afar the little sail boats aren't easily recognizable, which is actually a plus as it won't be necessary to limit these pumps to a nautical style. I expect that the fun print will liven up some of my solid color outfits. The shoe box felt slightly narrow to me at first, but I can tell that the shoes will give a little in time. Given the heel height of 3 1/2 inches , the shoes are surprisingly comfortable. If there's one thing I would change it's the sole - it is very thin so forget walking outside. These puppies were apparently made for carpet-lined rooms. A thicker sole or a hidden platform could help that. Even so, I am happy with my purchase and would recommend these to anyone who is on the fence about them.

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  13. Anyone have the Scallop-trim mini in pinot noir and can comment on the color in real life? Or has anyone found a similar skirt? I need a burgundy skirt.

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  14. A couple Madewell reviews:

    Silk scallop peplum top was a complete disaster. The material is perhaps the finest silk I have ever observed in a J.Crew or Madewell item. I cannot convey how soft and luxurious it is! Perhaps that is why I was especially disappointed when I tried the top on. The fit is terrible. The small should have been perfection, and it was - from the chest down. The chest was oddly tight, and there was extra material at the armholes, causing major gape-age. I have never had such a problem. A medium was just as tight in the chest, with ever bigger armhole flapping. I am not sure who this will fit, but I hope it does fit someone, because it is smashing.

    Skinny skinny cords - I tried and loved these in a size down from my usual size. I ended up with a 28. I am a 29 in JC toothpicks. They are stretchy and soft, the colors are very rich, and they don't stretch out during the day.

    Silk swing cami - just lovely. Don't bother if you are D or larger. Even a large C. Runs small in the bust, but extremely flattering. I can make a small work with a 34D bust but it just barely works! Very nice silk.

    Has anyone tried the Winston boot? I am really interested in those in the rich plum color.

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  15. New arrivals at Madewell. It looks to be another great roll-out, especially in the sweater and shoe department (for me, anyways). They have their own version of the elbow-patch sweater as well (and a striped version).

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    1. The v neck varsity striped sweater is really cute. I saw it in store last week. I heart Madewell quite a bit these days! I have also really enjoyed their free shipping on all orders promotion. It is reasonable, given how few stores there are. The nearest one to me is about 300 miles away!

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    2. I thought about getting that one. I'm looking at the Merino stripe sweaters.

      I hope one day I'll have a Madewell in my state. Otherwise I am like you, but and have one 3 hours away. I am going to be in a place that has two close by this weekend, though, and hope to stop by.

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  16. One more request. Has anyone tried on the silk Sorrento top item #02010? I would love to know about sizing.

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  17. Wool racing-stripe track pant (06068) - these are strange with a capital S. The wool is soft and feels like felt (One spill would probably ruin them - although the tag says "dry clean" and not "dry clean only", could they be hand washed, maybe?). Some of you may find it itchy, but I didn't so much. The calves are tight but the waist is generous and has a drawstring - I tried a 6 but could probably do a 4. They have a faux fly (why, I have no clue) and the racing stripe is like one pane of grosgrain ribbon. I think they are way overpriced but if they make it down to the $40 range I will probably grab a pair because I really kind of liked them. Like I said, strange!

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  18. Some new arrival blouses here and some sweaters here

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  19. Has anyone tried on the schoolboy blazer in Houndstooth tweed?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Wendy, I reviewed it on my blog I hope this helps!

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    2. Yes, I just saw your post. Thank you, Rynetta!

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  20. I love the Ponte Peplum Shirt (04342). It is soft, and thick enough to be like a light sweater. The ivory is opaque. The only tricky thing is that it unzips completely down the back. I would have a hard time zipping it back together by myself, so I will need to take care to leave it partially zipped before putting it on.

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  21. Hi ...Can anyone tell me if the brompton hobo henna color is the same as the bi annual hobo color henna. On the web site they look different. I love the brompton henna color IRL but have not seen the other IRL. Can anyone comment on the color \? Thanks

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  22. Has anyone been able to try the Collection bonded merino sweater-jacket? I don't recall seeing a review on it yet, and would love to know what it's like IRL.

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    Replies
    1. I think Rose of One More Shopping Blog reviewed the Collection bonded merino sweater not too long ago.

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  23. The leather panel v-neck sweater & long sleeve ponte peplum shirt reviewed here.

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  24. Review here of the leather Darby studded loafers. They were marked $119.99 in-store on 10/4.

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  25. A few Factory necklaces reviewed here.

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  26. Factory review of the colorblock sequin tee, printed Peter Pan collar top, waffle henley (love) & stripe zip neck top here.

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

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