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! :)
My J.Crew purchases this fall have shared a common theme: lovely but dangerous! First was the beaded collar tweed school boy, which yanks out hanks of hair unless I wear my locks up in the tightest of ballerina buns. This week's review: the studded heel Kiki ballet flat. I was walking through the parking lot when I whacked the inside of my ankle with the heel of my other foot, as clumsy girls like me have been known to do from time to time. I thought "wow, that hurt," but didn't notice until after the movie that the little spikes on the heel had torn my stocking, gouged a 1/2" cut on my ankle bone, and left a trail of blood down my leg . . . on the plus side, the red suede is a luscious deep tone, the better to hide the gore.
ReplyDeleteYikes! You should write product descriptions for their style guides. Preferably the October one, since 10/31 is Halloween.
Deleteoh no! lol! Blood 'n gore ballet flats! You should take over for the Copywriter From Space :)
Delete...when J Crew clothes attack!
DeleteSorry to read this, Hexicon. Ouch!
Deleteall the jeweled collar tops pull my hair too! Style hurts sometimes, right? :)
DeleteHa, slow me just discovered another browser that will let me reply properly as opposed to below.
DeleteOuch Hexicon! I've always wondered about dangerous looking studded footwear, and why I haven't purchased any, since I've whacked my ankle with the other foot more than once. And agree on beaded collar things, I always put my hair up in a high pony tail when I wear them.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, JCAs! Some Factory reviews:
ReplyDeleteFactory long belted puffer jacket (19471) - I bought this to replace my 10 year old LE puffer coat which has served me well, but has seen better days and has no hood. This one has a pretty flattering cut, liked the belt, hood, and stretchy wrists with thumb cuffs to keep the snow out. It was pretty lightweight and there was no lining (fleece or whatever) on the inside. The outside pockets are a nice touch but a little awkward because you'd have to unsnap them to put your hands in, and then if your hands aren't in they're just flapping around. I think a zip pocket may be better in this case. It seemed to be fairly warm, I wore it for a walk around the neighborhood in 30 degree weather and wasn't cold, but wasn't warm either. The deal breaker is this - on the walk it started to snow, and as soon as the snow hit the coat it started to smell like wet dog. Totally gross. I did some online research and the consensus seems to be that the smell is a symptom of cheap down filling and some think the smell eventually goes away, some don't. Maybe I got a dud (and a stinky one at that!) but I'd say buyer beware on this one. I have not tried the Wintress puffer to compare.
Factory midrise skinny jean (02643) in huron - liked the fit, I'd say you could SD in this wash compared to retail midrise toothpicks. I didn't love the wash personally but the jeans were fine otherwise.
Factory midrise skinny jean in distressed indigo (08410) - you could probably SD in these as well. My retail midrise toothpicks are 29 but I fit in a 28 in the Factory ones. Contrary to the picture of the back of the jeans, there's a big "distressed" hole on the back left pocket. Not exactly an area I want to accentuate. The jeans were okay otherwise - a few more "cat scratches" on the front than in the item picture.
Factory long open cardigan (02107) - this one is sold out but keeps popping back. I got both the navy and the grey and like them a lot. They're a blend so I don't expect much longevity but they will be good for layering this winter. TTS and you could probably SD as well since it's an open shape. This one worked better for me than the retail open cardigan. It's $34.99 - I got mine for about $28 after the EARLYBIRD discount.
Thanks for the reviews silver_lining! I was looking at those distressed jeans, but didn't want to order without hearing from a JCA. I definitely don't want a hole on the back pocket.
DeleteAnd a huge ew to the puffer coat. I was thinking about getting it as a cheaper alternative to my old Tahari puffer. You saved me from returns! Thank you!
Hexicon, I kick my heels by mistake all the time (my Dorothy complex!) so this is good to know! Yay!
ReplyDeleteWell, after a lot of sizing misfires, I found Darby studded loafers that stay on my feet. The studs are benign. The leather is so thin, however, that they can't be worn out of doors. The soles and sides would never survive a 10-minute walk in NYC. So I have a rather expensive pair of glamorous house slippers. I'm afraid to cook in them also..
ReplyDeleteThat's sad, I love the looks of these. Have you seen the Madewell Teddy loafer in studded suede? I bought these last year and they aren't too shabby (although they are suede, so by definition I guess we'd need to carry them in our bag to our destination in any kind of weather).
DeleteAny reviews on the factory jeans?
ReplyDeleteThe best I can do for you is the factory version of the match sticks. In fact, the factory versions I have actually say match stick on them. I go with my usual size in pants (cords and jeans). I actually like them more than retail if not for anything else but that I can get them for a really great price. They also fit me much better than any other brand. I have no butt and hips so it's hard for me to find straight fit jeans that actually fit me.
DeleteI reviewed some factory jeans HERE. I like the factory fit better than retail as well but the interesting thing is I do have butt and hips and find the retail jeans cut too straight from waist through hips.
DeleteReviewed J.Crew all time classic and my favorite office wardrobe item, Minnie Pants here.
ReplyDeletewww.thefamilyoflove.com
Love your charts comparing the different fabrics and lengths -- very helpful!
DeleteGreat information! I love the minnies too.
DeleteThanks for posting this. I'll be sure to check out the wool blend Minnies. I'm always on the lookout for good work pants!
DeleteThe new boyshirt in bird print would be an absolute love -- if it were summer right now. Here in the upper Midwest, though, a cotton/silk shirt that's that tissue-thin is simply out of the question. Well, okay, it could be layered under a sweater or blazer, but then the quirky, retro print is largely hidden. Runs small for a boyshirt, IMO -- I'd suggest sizing up.
ReplyDeleteI was a little disappointed. I usually like thin button-ups for layering, but I think I just don`t love silk/cotton mixes. I wish the bird print was slightly larger and the navy blue less dull. I would love this for about $50 but it is too $$$ for me right now.
DeleteI may rebuy it on sale later, and will definitely go up a size next time. The sleeves are quite snug.
Me, me me Hugo Guiness tee & the wool-shawl collar blazer reviewed.
ReplyDeleteFor those interested, Loft has 40 percent off everything today! Love a good sale! :)
ReplyDeleteJust purchased the Kiki Suede Studded Ballet Flats in Warm Fig - the ones with the large bow and studded toe, not the dangerous ones mentioned above! This is my first pair of Kikis and they fit tts for me like any other J. Crew flat. I vary between 8 and 8.5 in shoes and every J. Crew flat I own is an 8. Although, you do have to take care of it in the winter weather, I've always thought suede feels like such a fall/wintry fabric so IMO these are the perfect neutral, go with anything, classic flat with a twist for the season. The bow accent is quite large but I like the different look from the thin bows. I like that there's no toe cleavage and I think the warm fig is a good color to disguise any small signs of wear/dirt. And the studs are rounded so no danger there.
ReplyDeleteI also recently purchased the Factory Skirted Dress Coat in Black. I wear a size 8 in tops and usually size up in coats but wanted this coat to be fitted so I tried the 8 and it fit well everywhere except in the shoulders and chest where it was just a little too tight if I was wearing anything thicker than t-shirt material underneath. I exchanged for a size 10 and, although I lost the fitted look in the waist, it feels much better through the shoulders when wearing any kind of sweater with it. I am small chested (34A) and wouldn't consider my shoulders very broad so I guess I would suggest sizing up from your usual shirt size to fit those areas. This is my first coat purchase from the Factory website and I wasn't sure what the quality would be like but it's really a very nice, heavy, well-lined coat, especially for the price.
Curator pant and Sidebutton Sweater review here
ReplyDeleteKiki Ballet Flats, Vacationland Dress and Shirttail Mini review here
Other Newish Arrivals here
Did you size up in mini? Last year I sized up in the felted wool mini from my usual pencil skirt size and was wondering if I should do the same for the shirttail mini. TIA
DeleteHi Luxette, I have sized up in the past as well but with this one I did not. I found it true to size. It does fit slightly higher perhaps than the felted wool mini but the proportions are off if you tug it too far down in the hips. So TTS.
DeleteI can say that I ordered it in my normal mini size of 2 (which fits perfectly in the felted mini from last year and the bistro mini from a few years back), and it was HUGE on me. I don't wear pencil skirts, but I compared the shirttail mini to one of my felted minis (both in size 2) and the shirttail mini was quite a bit bigger. I definitely could have taken a 0.
DeleteWent to B&M yesterday and they had so many cute new sweaters! Example- Skier Sweater, Raindeer sweater(not Lamas) and more!
ReplyDeleteJ Crew Factory has a gorgeous windowpane merino Charley (Tippi) that I have not seen online yet. Bought it Sunday and wearing it today. It's navy with the fuschia windowpane grid pattern. Already received two compliments, too! The Factory store I visited on Sunday had 50% off markdowns and there were a lot of good things on the sale rack. Even found a few retail items for super inexpensive prices when I stacked the 20% three or more items coupon. Loving J Crew Factory lately!
ReplyDeleteTotally off topic, but I don't know where to mention this. So are people totally over the classic Bella jacket? I remember lengthy discussions about them among JCAs in the past. All of a sudden there are a bunch of them on EBay for $50 or less. I'm not selling any of them, but I just snagged one for $38 and I'm shocked. Just curious about what's going on and FYI, in case anyone has been wanting one.
ReplyDeleteI think the velvet ones are not nearly as popular/coveted as the wool, and the vast majority on eBay are velvet. Also, the wool ones tend to be way more expensive on eBay. I am also surprised though at how cheap some of them are selling for on eBay. And it's not just the Bella... I have gotten alot of other classics lately for much less than they would have sold for a couple years ago. I would also like to know why! Not that I'm complaining.
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ReplyDeleteAny idea what the sales will be like on jcrew.com on Black Friday and cyber Monday?
ReplyDeleteIf a JCA is looking for a little bling for the holidays. I tried on the Double-row crystal necklace $98 in store on Saturday. It is now on sale for $78 with 25/30% off, so I purchased it on Monday online. It is relatively subtle for J Crew and the crystals go all the way around, if you like that look.
ReplyDeleteI stopped in on Friday and tried on several items which I posted on my blog - Merino Embroidered Lace Sweater in apricot mist and byzantine blue, Merino Scarf Sweater, Gold-Stripe Dress and Crepe Short-Sleeve Dress in Antique Red. Link here
ReplyDeleteOf course I didn't take pics of what came home with me - colorblock houndstooth pencil skirt (LOVE), Zippered Minnies and Ceces in Poppy. My only complaint about the zipper minnies after wearing them on Sunday is that they're a tad itchy.
Oh! I also recently purchased the patent bow cap toe Everlys in the black/gold colorway - hoping to get pics up soon on my blog. I love these shoes - they're beautiful and comfortable, I took my usual Everly/J.Crew size which is a 1/2 size up from my regular size. I will say the gold is on the dull side, not what I'd describe as patent leather (not like the other metallic gold items J.Crew has put out in footwear) and the bows are barely glued on. I caught the bow on one shoe with the heel of my other shoe while walking the other day and the bow popped right off. I couldn't bring myself to return them so I gorilla glued it back on and during my second wearing of them noticed the other bow was half attached as well so did the same with the other shoe. UGH. I purchased them for 40% off of the promo price but still, for shoes costing $100+ I shouldn't be arts and crafting them back together.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone seen the Majesty Peacoat in Vintage Berry or Heather Twilight? Just wondering if both of them are true colors or do they have a hint of purple in them. I just can't do purple with my skin tone. Also, has anyone tried this year's Cambridge Cable sweaters? Wondering how they are holding up or are they a pilly mess. TIA.
ReplyDeleteI have the vintage berry, and it's quite pink. I haven't noticed any purple to it.
DeleteBTW, my SA told me yesterday that Black Friday will be 25%; 30% for card holders. She couldn't recall if there would be free shipping or not.
ReplyDeleteThat is it !!!! I was expecting more. Black Friday seems now to be atrumped up retail myth to get us all to spend. Better sales later
DeleteLooks like it's 30% off with HOLIDAY through Dec. 1. Not necessarily just card holders unless I'm misreading something.
DeleteOT: Has anyone received their J.Crew Holiday Gift Guide catalog in the mail, yet? Lots of pretty things..
ReplyDeleteOf course some of it is old stuff, but seeing these items from a different perspective, makes it look fresh and covetable.
I like the way the clothes are styled on this catalog.
I am totally crushing on the Collection Snow Tweed Dress.
Also...The
-Handkerchief Fair Isle Sweater
-Embroidered Bib Peasant Top
-(old) Double Cloth Sabrina - I love how its styled-camel!
I like the moto pants in that catalog! Real pants not capris!
DeleteI just pulled the new gift guide from my cold and snowy mailbox and there is lots to like. Now this is like the old school jcrew catalog before they started calling it a style guide.
DeleteMy picks: the navy/emerald houndstooth scarf
Marled colorblock shoulder sweater
Snow tweed dress
Skier sweater
Hankerchief fairisle sweater
Vintage metallic triangle sweatshirt
Foulard perfect shirt
Mixed stones necklace ( totally over the top though)
Bella loafers
And the cubebot is going in the kid's stockings for sure!
Can't wait to see everyone's picks!
I just bought the No. 2 pencil skirt in the colorblock houndstooth at my local J.Crew today (it was on sale + 40% off + my student discount) for $45. Totally worth the money!
ReplyDeleteWool's a little itchy, but it's lined, so that's not a problem. Very pretty in person. Great texture. I'm 5'7", and the regular (not petite) skirt falls right at the top of my knee. I purchased the same size that I wear in all the other No. 2 pencil skirts.
Oh you guys. The THE ELDER STATESMAN® FOR J.CREW CASHMERE BELL SWEATER is pure heaven. The knit, in a word, awesome. It is a boxy shape. But I think it looks great with a pencil skirt or a pair of jeans. I am in love. I hope it doesn't pill too bad.
ReplyDeleteNew arrivals are up with a new 30% off code, HOLIDAY. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteReview of the berry bouquet top and a lil Let's Talk.
ReplyDeleteI'd really appreciate some reviews of the Barbour Winter Durham Jacket, which I seem to recall a few people having. Importantly, is it listed in US or UK sizes? Because the Barbour website states that it has a generous fit (and indeed the measurements do seem very generous) but I remember someone mentioning that is runs small so that makes me thing it could be listed in UK sizes. The copy doesn't mention UK sizing but I don't trust it. Besides that, are the flap pockets comfortable to put your hands in? How warm is it? TIA!
ReplyDeleteSara, can you tell me how the sizing was for THE ELDER STATESMAN® FOR J.CREW CASHMERE BELL SWEATER ? Beautiful sweater.
ReplyDelete