Tuesday, December 24, 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! :)

48 comments:

  1. In case someone is wondering about the $15 pear bracelet, I received it today and the stones are huge. I am saying this in a good way because I was expecting something flimsy but it is very substantial. Unfortunately not really my style/colors but for that price I am contemplating to keep it in case I have an unexpected gift to give. It definitely looks much more expensive than $15 (which it was to start with).

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    1. Hi Ema and Merry Christmas to you (and all JCAs). I agree with the size being larger than expected since I had never seen it in store. It is gorgeous and would make a great gift. I wish I ordered more because I'm keeping this one for myself!

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    2. Merry Xmas to you, can't believe it's Xmas already!
      I hadn't seen it in store and I wasn't expecting it to be this size, it is definitely a beautiful bracelet. I might keep it as well for myself.

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    3. Ema, Merry Xmas and I agree 100%! I ordered 3 Pear Bracelets to give as gifts and I am definitely keeping one for myself. The stones are large, but the bracelet looks much more expensive than it is and I think the color combo of blue/brown stones is actually pretty versatile. I gave one of them to a friend yesterday and she loved it!

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    4. Thanks for the reviews! I'd been debating on this bracelet, and after reading this ordered 3! Keeping one and gifting two.
      OT: for those looking at the gilt paisley cami, it runs big. Size down, especially if you're between sizes. Found the same true with the matching skirt. I do have a small waist, though. The 00 usually is good for me, but I could take this one in an inch or two. Got a great deal, and love them both, so to me it's worth altering.

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    5. I agree on the bracelet, I got mine today and like the rest of you was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful it is. It's a large dramatic piece which I love. It will easily dress up a casual outfit. It is nice and heavy, not flimsy or cheap feeling and looks expensive.

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    6. Ditto on the size comments but mine ended up being only $10 so hard not to keep. I wore mine with the Foulard popover and I thought it looked good.

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  2. Some J. Crew Factory reviews here including the jeweled Charley Sweater (fits TTS) and the Lace Print Sweatshirt (snug in the sleeves but torso is TTS to a tad loose).

    Happy Holidays to everyone!!

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  3. Slightly OT, but does anyone know how the sales run at Madewell? I want to get something at the 30% off, but I can't get to the store to try it on until after Christmas. And I can't order it b/c I don't know where it'll end up (I'm traveling).

    Do you think the sale will be comparable after the 25th?

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    1. Phoebe,

      IMHO, there is always a better deal in Madewell stores. I've never seen Madewell online run as many promos as it did this Christmas. I would have died for a promo last year sometimes, and while they might have done a couple, it wasn't weeks with everything 30% off.

      I would call and check the inventory of the item you want. If the inventory is high, I would consider taking the risk and waiting to purchase it until after Christmas. The stores seems to have 30% or 40% off sale often so I would say your chances are pretty good that you'll be able to get it at that price or cheaper. Just keep watching the inventory.

      I hope that helps!

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    2. Awesome...thank you! I don't make it to the store too often, so thanks for the tip!

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    3. I checked Gigi's Gone Shopping and she had a post last year that announced Madewell's after-christmas sale of an additional 30% off the sale section.

      If the item is a new arrival, you might be better off getting in now with the 30% off everything.

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    4. Madewell usually has better sales in stores, but occasionally I found items were on sale on the website before going on sale in store. In that case, ask the store to match the website deal. They are usually quite good about that.

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    5. Also, at least on two occasions (velvet dot dress & courtyard skirt) the stores (in NYC) had items in stock that were sold out online in my size. As HollDoll advised, call the store to check for inventory before trekking over. They will hold it for you for upto 48 hours.

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  4. I got some boxes laaaate last night. The burgundy velvet Biellas are so pretty, as is the Claremont Clutch in the burgundy calf hair. Just a note that the leather part of the clutch is similar to the Edie, so a bit more delicate. (Which is fine, since it's more a "night out" purse than every day). Very happy with both pieces, and that I got them just in time to wear for Christmas! :)

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  5. I've lucky with pop backs this past week; managed to score a couple of items I wanted but waited too long (hoping for a sale or promo and they sold out a t full pop).

    The Wallace and Barnes wool contrast cardigan #03533 was regularly $160 but ended up at my front door for $107 (all prices listed in Canadian funds). The wool has a slight waffle texture and is quite soft. Slimmed and fitted but not tight. Looks great with just a tee underneath or done up with a shirt and tie.

    The second winner in the pop back lottery is a wool cashmere waffle sweater in colour black. First up the name is too long and it's wool/viscose/nylon/cashmere/rabbit hair. I realize being honest about the true make up of the contents would make the name even longer, but okay listing cashmere in the title when it's after the viscose and nylon is unfair and slightly off side. The sweater looks great in the two tone grey. The crew neck and baseball colour blocking work well with jeans or done up with a collared shirt and tie. Regularly $114 but only $55 for me.

    Both are great items are good finds and work well with my closet, now time to push away from the table for a while.

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  6. Valentina's in grey = very nice
    Quilted purse crossbody/small in butter + very nice too
    Packaging was superbly done , with Valentinas all wrapped and protected in tissue in a shoebox with a plastic band around it. Quilted bag all protected in soft packaging material then a plastic bag and all in a cotton JC bag. A pleasure to receive something wrapped with such care.

    On another note, my sincerest thanks to all reviews that made me decide either way. I really appreciate.
    My best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas and a great 2014 to all of you! May it bring many sucesses, accomplishments but most of all, perfect health to fully enjoy it all.
    Best,

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  7. Toothpicks in ecru (the ankle-length ones not the midrise): Ok, so I ordered these three times already and 3 is a charm. I am usually a 26 but these run VERY small, I recommend sizing up. The first 27 that I received was defective as in the crotch wasn't in the center!!! Very bummed but I had to return them. I got this pair on a popback and the crotch this time is OK but they fit even smaller (unless it is too much Panettone already lol). I really love these because the color goes with a lot of JCrew tops. I am wearing them today with the jeweled stripe top that I also just received and completely disliked until I put it on (took my usual XS and the fit is slim and not boxy at all, very flattering). I have a pic on Instagram (look for crazyaboutjcrew). Merry Xmas everybody!

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  8. Went to the store this morning to do returns : ) I saw the Sabrina coat in Navy was on sale $149.99 before 30% off. Highly recommend this coat! I sized down. I hope everyone has a wonderful xmas and a safe and happy new year!!!

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  9. Jeweled Sateen Shell - this is one of those items that makes me think that reviews a month or two out, after actual wear and washing, would really help me make decisions.

    This is a beautiful top and I saw it on other JCAs and they were rocking it. In the dressing room, fabulous and pretty. I wore it to a party last week and by the end of the evening it looked like a wrinkled rag. Every time I sat down or moved I created a new wrinkle or crease. It had a "seat belt" imprint that lasted all evening.

    So into the dry cleaner pile it went after the party and I picked it up yesterday. Not good. Even the dry cleaner had a hard time steaming out the wrinkles in between all the jewels, apologizing that it was the best they could do. He was also concerned that the dry cleaning and steaming process loosed the stones themselves and in fact two are missing.

    J. Crew is too expensive these days to be a one-wear purchase for me. Dressing room reviews are awesome for fit but I need to be more discerning about actual wear and garment care when I am buying stuff.

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  10. A little ot: after the holidays are over will you continue to wear faux fur and jeweled tops? I have a beautiful faux fur collar cardigan from BR and jeweled collar button downs and sweaters but I'm wondering if they will seem out of place in January/February? What do you think?

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    1. I definitely would (and am)! I live in the Midwest where the darkest days of winter have yet to come upon us and fabulous jeweled and faux fur collar sweaters will cheer up those gloomy days.

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  11. Well, I would wear them as I like to wear what I like to wear, and January and February can drag, and it's important to make those months more cheery.

    As for reviews--my Selima glasses arrived and I love them.

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  12. The Marlie purse in suede has been great. It's small, but I can always find what I'm looking for and it fits everything I need it to fit. I haven't gotten caught in any heavy rain yet, just a light rain so far, but I haven't noticed any impact to the bag or the blue color transferring onto my clothing/coat.

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  13. slightly OT, but need to vent - placed an order on 12/22 for some last minute Christmas gifts and took advantage of the one-day shipping order and now I check UPS and it won't be delivered until 12/26 :( however, another item that I ordered yesterday for me (and chose regular shipping) showed up today. WTH?! Not happy right now, working on an email to at least get my shipping costs back...

    the item for me was the leather front cardigan - was a total impulse purchase but it is a really nice sweater and I can see it working well in my wardrobe.

    I also picked up the jeweled chandelier sweatshirt on popback last week - LOVE. it's completely impractical but I absolutely love it and am looking forward to wearing it tomorrow. Merry Christmas everyone!

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    1. Same thing.... UPS says it was left in a facility and will be delivered next business day :(

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    2. bummer :( I posted this on Instagram too and apparently am not alone...several others in the same boat.

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    3. The issue is with UPS on this one. There is/was a problem with their Louisville, KY facility (through which most of the overnight and 2-day packages are routed). So if your package is headed through there, it is likely affected. Check your tracking detail. J Crew is aware of the issue and, when I called, promptly credited the overnight shipping costs and issued me a $20 gift card for my inconvenience.

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    4. Hi Mel, may I ask what number you called? I have the same issue, but when I dial the 1-800 number I get the "we are closed..." message. Thank you for any help you can provide.

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    5. I had an order delayed from another retailer due to UPS issues so this does not seem to be a J Crew issue.

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    6. @opheliasmom - I called the main customer service line (800 562 0258) earlier this morning. The guy mentioned that they (and the VPS folks) were shutting down at 6pm and the lines wouldn't reopen until December 26th. I believe the stores close at 6pm too. Definitely give them a ring on Thursday.

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    7. Just an update that I contacted customer service on Tuesday and received a quick reply via email that they would credit me the shipping charge. As Mel pointed out, the issue was on the UPS end, not J.Crew. They were very quick to resolve, so that was appreciated.

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  14. Thumbs up on the swiss dot cami. Review of all three colors in this post.

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  15. To petite JCAs:
    Yesterday I received the Sabrina coat in navy.
    I love the coat! Minimal, simple, with pockets that are placed perfectly. Wish I had ordered the camel color, too.
    Ordered a P0, base on reviews from other JCAs that the coat runs big.
    It was the opposite for me.
    I can button the coat, but it felt a little snug on the chest area, and was pulling a little.
    Why on earth did I not consider that the review was based on a regular size, and not petite. (d'oh)

    So I set my alarm to 4am (PST) this AM, and reordered the Sabrina but in petite 4, luckily one popped up online. I took two sizes larger than P0 in case I wanted to layer. I don't think P0 to P4 would be a huge difference. I also got it $29 cheaper than the previous order!

    For reference my bust is 36 and my pant size is P2 or regular 0.

    Also came yesterday, the mirror metallic oxfords. Still thinking if I want to keep or return it. At $130 with 40% and tax is a good deal, that I shouldn't pass up.
    And when I tried it on with the houndstooth Tippi, wool No.2 pencil skirt in cream, and the navy Sabrina coat = Love it!

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  17. My cerise metro coat arrived yesterday - it was suppose to be back ordered until Feb. 1 so I was happy it shipped and arrived early. The color is nice -- I was hoping it would be very much like the vibrant flame color but it is closer to a bright red. I'm happy with it. Other items will arrive later today...
    Happy Holidays!

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  18. I put some IRL close ups of the Collection Dress in Shimmer Tweed, The Peterpan Collar Dress and the Secretary Blouse in Tapestry on my Instagram, @sarajeanne4. All were "Loves".

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  19. Just got my order today…reordered the Merci tee in a small, thinking it would solve the wide collar problem, but it didn't. The collar sticks up and it really bothers me. Going back. I also ordered the Nora calf hair leopard flats. LOVE. I have been looking to replace my leopard flats, and these are great. Got them for $107 & original price is $258 - almost 60% off! I'm not sure why these are not selling out. I've been watching them for a few months now, and the price has steadily gone down. I may reorder if they price drops again after Christmas. Now that I know I love them, bring it on final sale!!! Last but not least, I ordered the Kiki studded flats. Another LOVE. I don't like the heel on the regular Kikis, but the studs make it look less frumpy. Looks great peeking out from some dress pants. I'm on the fence about the Kiki's - don't really need them, but they are really nice shoes. I have just recently started shopping JCrew. Sweaters, knits, and tees are hit or miss, but I am impressed with their shoes, especially at these prices. Sorry this was so long! Going to start getting ready for church tonight. Merry Christmas Everyone!

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    1. Thanks for the thumbs up on the Nora calf hair flats. I too was watching the price drop and I believe for a while they were final sale. I am still waiting for mine to arrive.

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  21. Visited a Factory store to make a return before the return lines kick in. The promo in-store promo is 50% off everything + 20% off your purchase or 25% off w/your J Crew card. I realize many stores are closed or will be closing at 6pm. Just sharing in case someone wants to do a charge/send in the next couple of hours. There weren't a lot of retail items at my store like other JCAs have reported. I saw exactly 2 striped excursion vests. It had a regular price tag on it $128, bringing it to $55 (50% + 20%) before tax.

    New arrivals include the striped Darby loafers. And the scroll print has arrived. I saw at least 2 pieces in the print, but didn't even get a chance to touch them to see what they were. I think a repeat of the Jules dress. You can see the retail version here.

    I recvd a coupon for 20% off $100+, good 12/26 - 1/12. I guess that's the after-Christmas promo. Not sure if the store will still be 50% off or if they will have tiered %s off various items.

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  22. Tried on the Factory Herringbone Jewel-Collar Sweater (currently sold-out online), pics posted here:

    http://sparrownightingale.blogspot.com/

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  23. So I ordered the tipped sweatshirt in all three colors. I figured they would be an easy thing to toss in the washer. Now I see they are dry clean?! Dry clean a sweatshirt? If that's the case, I'm returning all three, that's ridiculous!

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  24. Anybody got to review the J.Crew black tweed skirt? I'm hesitating if to bite or not....

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    1. Replied to your question as a separate comment below by accident.

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  25. I like the skirt and it fits tts. I usually buy the no.2 pencil skirts and this style was a nice change - the a-line shape is flattering and the material is pretty with the shimmery threads. The slit in the front could seem a little high, but is fine when wearing tights underneath. HTH.

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  26. I just posted a few reviews: Biella velvet tassel loafers, Jeweled flannel Viv flats, and Pear bracelet 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.

And now back to J.Crew! :)