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! :)
Copying my comments about the Wrap Pencil Skirt here...
ReplyDeleteThis version is less form-fitting and more forgiving than the regular pencil skirt. I feel less self-conscious in this. To me, it feels more like the Sterling skirt silhouette than the pencil skirt silhouette, other than it's open/wrap in front. I thought it draped nicely on me.
ShOperaRach reviewed this and mentioned the tab sticking out at the waistband, and I noticed that too, but it wasn't a dealbreaker for me. If it ever bothers me, it seems like it would be pretty easy to fix (add a hook and eye or move the clasp). I don't tuck in a lot so I don't think I'd ever care. It's pretty minor anyway.
I think it fits TTS. I bought an 8 and it's just right on me, maybe even a bit of extra room at the waist. It is a bit on the longer side, just below the knees on me at 5'4". From the waist down, it is super forgiving. The trick will be getting the waist size right.
Can anyone comment on the fit/size for the collection calf hair hair martinas? I thought i red somewhere that the martinas are running bigger than previous. Should I take my normal shoes size rather than sizing up like everyone recommends? thx
ReplyDeleteI tried them yesterday and I was surprised that the 7H was half an inch too big (in the back). My other (patent) Martinas are a 7H and they are snug (I am usually a 7). There wasn't a 7 to try so I couldn't compare.
DeleteShopLV - I have the collection calf hair Martinas in my J Crew pump/wedge size of 8. I am 7.5 in most brands. Usually J Crew in the heels/wedges. I haven't done a full review yet, but you can see them on me on this instagram.
DeleteI can't comment on the Collection Calf Hair Martinas, but I found the ones in suede and patent to be too small in my regular size. I'm a Size 10 in every adult shoe I've ever purchased (yeah, big feet). Via website availability (and many phone calls to track down Black Suede), I was able to re-order pairs in Size 10.5. This is not the case for other J.Crew shoes - I'm a 10 in Darbys, Kikis, and the leather oxford. Was surprisingly a 10 in the Everly Studded Pumps.
DeleteI have the calf hair Martinas and several other pairs (patent leather and brushed gold). It won't say how many, let's just say a lot:) I always go up 1/2 size in Martinas from my non J Crew size and I did in the calf hair as well. My foot is a bit on the wider size. If you have a narrow foot you may be able to stick with your normal size but most JCAs tend to size up.
DeleteI haven't tried the calf hair Martina's, but my patent Martina's from last year are comfortably snug, while this year the same size, also patent, are a half size too big. Unfortunately, I didn't realize until I had worn them. I considered the calf hair, but without trying them, I'm hesitant.
DeleteThanks- I did not order yet since they are final sale. I am tempted but still have no idea what size to go with. They seem to vary with material and last vs this year version form your input.
DeleteI just ordered the calf hair martinas and got them today. I usually take 1/2 size up from my normal size and I did with these too. They fit perfectly. I'm usually a 7 1/2 and always take an 8 in JC. Love them! They are so gorgeous.
Deletei just emailed a VPS to see the sizing but I am leaning on going 1/2 size up. Thanks everyone!
DeleteI have two factory reviews (I hardly buy from factory but have been very happy with them this year)-
ReplyDeleteScroll Print pencil skirt- I really like it and am def keeping it. The color is mustard-ish as the name implies, not a bright yellow. There is no lining but I'm ok with that. The seams don't line up exactly of course (as we've been seeing) but the one I received looks pretty good. I passed on retail because it was a long pencil skirt which doesn't work on me. Overall I think they did a really good job on this and I'm happy with the price (bought during a promo) compared to what I normally pay for retail.
Factory skinny jean in Grey- the retail toothpicks in dolphin grey were a disaster on me (so tight in calves could barely get them on) even though I have other toothpicks that fit well. I ordered two size 28s because I find they never fit the same and am glad I did. One pair fits well but the other same size I could barely zip up. (Size 28 is my usual retail toothpick size). I like these and am keeping them although they are lighter in color than I thought. Does anyone know/remember if they are lighter than the retail grey toothpicks?
I think the Factory ones are lighter in color than the Dolphin Gray retail ones. The other difference I think I remember is that the Factory ones have whiskering and I don't remember that on the retail ones. The Factory ones fit me much better than the retail ones, but I was looking for a darker gray (which I found at the GAP outlet, of all places).
DeleteI just ordered the Rosalind (final sale) bridesmaid dress as well as Pret a Surf zip rash guard. It should come in about a week. If anyone is interested in a review, let me know. For the Pret a Surf, the measurements seem really skin tight unless the garments are very stretchy. (I compared them to the rash guard which is supposed to be a skin tight fit, but the pret a surf stuff is even smaller for a size S.)
ReplyDeleteAdvice please! Do pixie pants bag out? Do people take their usual jcrew size? I wear a 4 in skirts but 2 in pants and shorts... I tried the 2 in the pixie pant but it seemed almost impossible to zip up!?!?! help!
ReplyDeleteI don't find that they bag or lose their shape at all. In fact, they are a stark contrast to the Minnie's (which I hate because they lose their shape and get so baggy that they need to be cleaned every time I wear them -- I'll never order another pair). The fabric for the pixies is far superior, IMO. I think I take my usual pant size in these, but if you wanted to size up, I can tell you that they will not get bigger as the day goes on.
DeleteI love the quality of the pixies and i agree,that they are way better than the minnies.Mine havent bagged out and i have worn them multiple times.
DeleteSizewise i am mostly a 0 and i am a 0 in the pixies also.
Those of you with Minnies that bag, are they the wool ones or the cotton twill ones?
DeleteCate, I have the cotton twill ones and they bag. I don't own any wool ones so can't comment on them.
DeleteThank you Ruth!
DeleteAbsolutely agree that the pixies do not stretch much...I sized down on mine but I'm sure everyone might be different.
DeleteAs for the Minnies...I have both the wool and the twill and I think the wool ones are slightly worse but not by much. I find the wool ones to be on the itchy side too. I can get a little of the shape back tossing them in the dryer for a bit but they definitely stretch. I wash all of mine at home on cold/delicate with no issues though.
I have the factory version. I went down a size. If I recall when I tried on pixies I also had to go down a size. The factory version (called gigi I believe) has a side zip instead of back zip on pixies. I leave mine zipped and pull on! SA taught me that trick. So far so good!
DeleteMine barely, if at all, lose their shape... after 10x wearings. I also don't dry clean mine... I put them on cold on the delicate cycle and hang to dry. Seem to be fine.
DeleteI haven't found the Pixies to bag at all, the twill Minnies however do and I take the smaller of my sizes in those to compensate. I ordered the 4 in Pixies, and the 2 in the Minnies. But I will say that I bought some ponte knit pants over at Madewell that I much prefer to either of these J Crew models....
DeleteWhich Madewell pant did you like, Vava? I see several possibilities.
DeleteJust wanted to mention about Vava comment on the ponte knit pants. I tried on the Skinny Skinny Ponte Pants
Deleteitem 03661 this afternoon at Madewell. I could have taken a 4 usually a 2 in Minnies but they were too long (I am only 5'1") and have zippers, so a no-go for me. But I really liked them, I think they were more like Pixies but nicer, pockets in the back and zipper in front. But they were marked down to $59.99 + 50%off. This was Park Meadows, CO store and they had quite a few sizes in Black.
Greetings All - Any comments on the fit of the Lucie Slingback Flats? "Life in Short . . . Buy the Shoes" indicated they fit TTS, but an online SA advised me to size up. They are pricey, so I'm trying to wait for the next promotion since the Mirror Metallic wasn't included in the last one (boo!). Many thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe wool cashmere turtleneck is currently on promo for $189.99 before the discount, and it looks like it's been restocked in many colors / sizes. I found it to be a slouchy TTS, I wouldn't size down, as I think it would be too short (I'm 5'6"). I purchased the toffee color and it is beautiful. I'm considering going back for the pine color.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone on the small end of the shoe spectrum chime in on JC vs regular sizing? I wear a size 5 or 5.5 women's, but am always without exception a size 35 European shoe, which can even run a bit large and is more comfortable for my wider forefoot/narrow heel foot shape. I'm wondering if JC sizing is more like Euro sizes where the upper end of the spectrum runs small but the lower end runs large compared to US medium sizes.
ReplyDeleteI am a 38.5 in EU sizes and wear a size 8M in most shoes. I take size 8 in JC ballet fats and boots/booties, but for the pumps, Janey flats and wedges I sized up half a size. HTH
DeleteI usually wear 5.5 in most shoes but 5 in most JC shoes except Darby's which I wear a 5.5. I hope that helps.
DeleteThank you!
DeleteI just wanted to throw in my two cents, if it matters, but the varsity dress in grey was a big pass for me. I swear I thought this was going to be a like/love, but it looked pretty blah on me, at least in the grey. Good news, it is not too short. I felt like I needed an inch off, to be honest, to make it look right on me (I’m only 5’3 though). I felt like I needed something…a belt, some stripes in the mid-section, something to break-up all that space, if that makes any sense. I looked like a grey rectangle. Maybe the black is a better option for me. But TTS, maybe a tad big, but a size down probably would have been to clingy in that material, at least that is what happened with the maritime dress.
ReplyDeleteI reviewed the varsity dress in grey in this post. I have the same sentiments as you, TXgirl14. The material had a nice flow, so it might not be too clingy to size down. I couldn't get past the nightgown look/feel. The upside is it's on the longer side as you stated, so good for taller ladies unlike many of the dresses.
DeleteThanks for posting your review....I feel much better knowing it wasn't just me. :) Maybe I'll try a size down in the black if it hits sale. I do like that it is comfortable...so that's a plus.
DeleteQuestion re: crinkle boy shirt in blackwatch plaid. How do you launder this one? It says "do not iron" on the care tag. I iron just about everything so I'm perplexed what do about this shirt.
ReplyDeleteIf you like and want to keep the 'crinkle' don't iron...I have been machine washing mine and then hanging dry....
DeleteI missed the part on the care tag not to iron, so I have ironed this shirt, but with a light hand (just steam, no starch). It comes out fine. The material is thin, so for me, by about an hour of wear, it is already crinkled...:)
DeleteI too missed the not to iron. Just washed mine and did a quick iron and it is still a little crinkled/wrinkled. But without a little ironing it looked awful IMHO.
DeleteThank you so much for the tips. I did wash & hang the shirt to dry but I just couldn't see NOT ironing it. I'm going to start looking at the care tag on everything before purchasing. I had no idea that this shirt contained modal; just assumed it was mostly cotton & maybe a bit of spandex. Final sale got me on this one.
DeleteI have three crinkle boy shirts - blackwatch plaid, red check, and black/white check. Ironed them all, then literally watched them "re-crinkle". Maybe that's a selling point . . . "retains crinkly / wrinkly texture despite washing, drying, ironing, stretching, bending, cajoling, persuading, bribing, strong arguments, kind words, and general wishing."
DeleteReview of the mini-bows sweatshirt and link to Audreybella's review.
ReplyDeleteReview of the tipped boyshirt,the moonglow and twisted stripe shorts,the back zip striped shirt,the emboidered peasant top and a new pant on my blog here.
ReplyDeleteHi Ina, thanks for the reviews! Was the tipped boyshirt on sale by any chance?
DeleteHi snowbrdgrl,it was not.
DeleteIt is beautiful!
Has anyone tried the V-Neck Cardigan, item 09160? I am searching endlessly for the perfect cardigan--I tend to like merino wool over cashmere and really like a v-neck, long but not too long... I am generally a small in tippis & shirts but curious if a small is the right size or if there is a big difference with a medium (for layering purposes)? Open to any other suggestions
ReplyDeleteAlso really looking for black or navy--TIA!
DeleteMuffin, ShOperarach did a review of this sweater recently. I also tried the v-neck cardigan and found that the buttons start really high on this one. Very nice sweater, thick merino blend. Not a full-price purchase for me but if it gets marked down a lot, I'll probably bite.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your input! I also found ShOperarach's review- also helpful and think I need to stay with a small. For some reason I thought it was online only, I need to call the store and see what they've got that I can try on.
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DeleteThe Quinn heels with the ankle cuff in black - Fits TTS. I normally size up a half to whole size in JCrew heels but these were spot on for normal size. The ankle cuff was a little loose so I had to practice walking in them a little while but worth it for a beautiful shoe. I put a picture on Instagram, my username is SaraJeanne4.
ReplyDeleteI got the navy collared pepulm for $8.51 at the outlet in Orlando on Friday! AWESOME find!
ReplyDeleteI've been busy swiping deals from the sale rack.
ReplyDeleteFirst up a wool silk tie in brass; #04301 for less than half price at $43 (I used the THANKYOU code since it gave me free shipping and 25% off. Great tie, and the colour is exactly that like brass. Looks killer with powder blue shirt and navy jacket/pants.
Next up merino half zip #99132 in heathered flannel, aka banker's grey. Bullet proof sweater, looks so good with basically anything. Fits slim without being tight and the merino goes a long time without loosing it's shape or piling. And for nearly 60% off the regular price with the 40% off code it was a steal.
Finally a couple of pair of Ludlow pants in cotton. Far too early to wear them, but come spring they will work well. Slim cut, one in navy oxford cloth the other in a fine stripe. The regular price was north of $150 and mine were under $50.
Time to let the credit card cool off. While these are only half of what I've ordered it feels like I should add the UPS guy as a friend on FB since I see him so often.
Review of the statement stone fringe necklace. $89.99 online vs $69.99 in-store.
ReplyDeleteSub
ReplyDeleteReceived the calf hair leopard print Valentina pumps today (ordered during the 40% off TAKENOTE promo) - LOVE these shoes! The d'Orsay styling makes it so elegant looking, and really makes the foot look slim. The leopard print is perfect, not too muddy looking, nice contrast between the tans, browns and blacks. I had these shoes on my wishlist for several months now, glad I finally got them, and with such a good discount! I took size 8, which is the size I always take for JC pointed toe pumps (this is a half size larger than I normally wear for other brands and for JC flats/sandals).
ReplyDeleteWondering if anyone knows how the bridesmaid dress sizing is (specifically the mirabelle or heidi). I measure at a 6, but the last two regular items I bought were 4s. Any thoughts on this would be very helpful. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI found the Heidi to be too big in the top, (chest was too big and straps too long both regular and petite), even with going down a size, but then I'm a AA. The Matilda dress fit wonderfully in my usual size. It's liquid jersey which has a bit of stretch and is very comfortable and quite forgiving. HTH
Deletemartha, if you call jcrew, they can give you garment specific sizing for each of the dresses you are interested in. or if you prefer to order in person, if you stop by store, they can pull up the specific measurements of each dress on their ipads and show you the comparison table of 4,6, 8 etc. This is true of all J.Crew clothing, not just the bridesmaid dresses. I do that for almost everything now, because I find there is enough variation that I need to know the measurements to get the best fit.
DeleteThanks maryeb, I'm quite small on top too and it can be quite tricky finding the right size sometimes!
DeleteAnd that is a very handy trick to know gracefully, thanks!
Gracefully is correct. It's usually really helpful to get the measurements. For some reason that didn't work with the Heidi dress. The measurements sounded fine, but when I got it the fit was way off. Luckily JC had a free return promo at that time, so I ordered two dress styles in different sizes and found one dress that fit well.
DeleteIf you have a JC store near you, you could also order a few different dresses and then return what doesn't fit to the store. At least I think you can return on-line purchases to a store. Can someone confirm this? Thanks!
Stopped in store tonight to do some returns. There was a really cute sleeveless tee with a jeweled collar--almost like a knit version of the tilda. It comes in navy and white. Very cute! There was also a new tassel necklace! I wonder if either item will be part of tomorrow's rollout?
ReplyDeleteAny thoughts on the Cabled Sweatshirt? I had my eye on it before but was wary. I am usually a small at JCrew but sometimes I find their sweatshirts a bit off - the small will be a little snug and the medium sloppy. Should this one be more relaxed fit than some of the jewelled sweatshirts that I found fitted like above? I also am 5'8 and sometimes find things short in the torso length...though not as much of a prob at JCrew vs other retailers. Any thoughts - it is on the dreaded final sale...
ReplyDeletesunny - I reviewed the cabled sweatshirt in this post. It's the 4th item down. I'm 5'2".
DeleteSunny, 'Shopping With M' also reviewed this sweatshirt yesterday...
DeleteThanks both of you. I like it, but I think my long torso build will make it too short on me :(
DeleteAppreciate the reviews!
Review on 1060 Pairs of the moroccan stone necklace.
ReplyDeleteI received the forever-waitlisted Madewell Paris tee yesterday night. I had completely forgot that it is linen, so that was kind of a surprise when I opened the package, I was expecting it to have the same texture than the Cheers tee. However it is a heavier and heftier linen than your regular JCrew tee that makes it more appropriate to wear year-round. The fit is also more "classic" than a JCrew tee and by that I mean longer and with a higher neckline. I got my regular XS and it fits perfectly. The Paris lettering is deceptively simple (and my daughter's comment when I put it on was "Why does your tee say Paris? You are not even from there". Ah, the wiseness of the 6-year-olds!) I am going to keep it because I only paid $20 for it and I am sure I am going to wear it but I am not sure I would keep it at full price. HTH someone.
ReplyDeleteFYI - Black tweed jacket (A0028) still reg price online @ $268USD. I grabbed it at the Yorkdale location at lunch today for $75.00 ($149.99 plus add'l 50% off)! Not sure what the US store price is.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip snowbrdgrl! In case you read this can you comment on how it fits?
DeleteOT, but not sure where to post this one. I need some help or tips. First, I’m going to NYC this weekend and not sure what to wear or bring. I’m from Texas, so am a bit lost for dressing for NE winter weather. I’m planning on just bringing one heavy coat, my icon trench in wool/cashmere, some jeans, boots, and sweaters. But am I missing something? How many layers do I need to be wearing? Do I need to wear a lighter jacket under my heavy coat? I feel like I’m preparing for a trip to the Arctic Circle for some reason…haha. I mean, it has been in the 60-70s here, so it will be a bit of a shock.
ReplyDeleteSecond question, what J.Crew store do I need to go to? Any right now? I’m staying in midtown, but I’m open to exploring, if need be. I hope my friends want to shop when we are there.
The weather has been a bit crazy as of late. We went from 50s to 3 degrees and back to 50s in less than a week. Today it feels like spring but I think we are supposed to get some snow on Saturday. So in addition to the pieces that you mention I would vring a pair of shoes that can stand snow (rainboots will do). No need for a lighter jacket IMO.
DeleteAs far as JCrew stores go it is a matter of what you are looking for. I have been to Fifth Avenue yesterday and they had a big sale section (upstairs). It is also the biggest and nicest store in the city. However the Time Warner one has often some hard to find sale items long gone for some reason. The Midtown stores are the obes that are most likely picked over, Rockfeller in particular but you never know. Hope it helps!
Thank you so much! Such a big help. I totally forgot about my boots needing to be water/snow proof. I will pack some boots that will work. I will try to make it to the Fifth Ave store first. I’m just excited about going any store, let alone the nicest in the city. I’m afraid I’ll be spoiled now and not want to go back to regular my store. Thanks again for the help.
DeleteTXgirl14 - Also see this thread for past discussion on JC shopping in NY.
DeleteThanks! I believe I’m going to be in some trouble…the good kind though. ;) I better pack my suitcase light to fit some of my shopping finds (I hope).
DeleteIf it's going to be cold, you might want a scarf and gloves, maybe even a hat if you're going to be spending a lot of time outdoors.
DeleteThanks cate! I just picked up a warm hat during my lunch break.
DeleteStopped in B&M at lunchtime to do returns. Star necklace rang up $39.99; star earrings $19.99. This is before the 50% discount. Score!
ReplyDeleteI saw a sign for 25% off out-of-case jewelry. $49.50 for Jackie cardis. I didn't see any new markdowns today.
ReplyDeleteFor the latest online cuts & some in-store pricing info visit the Sale Irl Pic Guide.
I just got the floral jacquard dress in glitter black. I LOVE it. It is so flattering and sexy without being over the top. I saw it in a store while I was traveling over the holidays and could tell by looking at it on the hanger that it was a great dress, but resisted trying it on because I really don't need, but when I saw Gigi's review
ReplyDelete(here: http://www.gigisgoneshopping.com/2014/01/j-crew-floral-jacquard-dress-in-glitter.html) I had pangs of regret. Of course, I couldn't find it in any of my local stores so I bit the bullet and bought it on final sale (I think it came to around $65 after the 40% off). I decided to go with the larger of my two dress sizes and I am glad I did. I will need to have the straps shortened and will probably have the hips taken in a bit, but my smaller dress size would have been too tight around my rib cage and torso. I have a straight figure so if you are smaller on top you may be able to go with your true dress size or smaller dress size if you fluctuate between two sizes (I consistently vary between two sizes in J Crew dresses depending on the cut and style). Thanks, again, for the review Gigi! I will say that this dress may be difficult to wear with a strapless bra unless the bra has a deep plunge. Once I get the straps shortened I think the dress on its own will give me the coverage and support I need, but if you larger on top, you may need a specialized bra or those stick on bra cups for support.
312JCgirl - So glad the jacquard dress worked out for you. It's one they definitely got right. There are some super plunge bras that might work, but I think the strategy to shorten the straps is the first best option. Thanks for sharing my link! :)
DeleteAlthough I wore this dress without a bra - I'm very small on top ... a blessing and a curse - I saw this amazing idea on Pinterest that might help! Since you're heading to the tailor anyway, you can buy a discount bra and have just the cups sewn into the dress. Enjoy, this is one of my favorite pieces this season!
DeleteMalvina - Thanks for sharing the cups tip. A bridal shop did that to my wedding dress without me asking and I looked ridiculously busty. The boning of this dress gives excellent shape in the chest area. Alterations to fit it to the body might be enough. I'd definitely test it with the cups before having them sewn in.
DeleteThis is more general for anyone reading about the dress. Not trying to disagree with your tip, Malvina ;)
Stopped by Cherry Creek, CO store. Sale section was pretty lame but I did pick up the Eaton Boy Trouser in Tan color for $20. As a shortie they are almost full length and will work well with ballet flats. They had lots of red ones for $39.99 minus 50% off. Did also see one lone Twisted Pearl Necklace, which was interesting but a little big for me, $99.99 minus 50%.
ReplyDeleteAlso, did see the Jeweled Tuxedo Tank 08409 from the new arrivals. I really liked it, the jewels are very small and subtle, compared to the last round of over the top embellishments. It is thick cotton and the tuxedo section is silk according to a SA that looked at the fabric content. I did not see that listed on the website description but maybe why it says 'hand wash'.
DeleteThanks so much for posting the price and colors for the Eaton Boy Trouser, JRSConifer. Was going to buy them online this a.m. at a higher price. I'll call the store.
DeleteYou are welcome. I know they had another size 4 of the Tan color and about 10 pairs of the Red.
DeleteI received the Factory Sylvia wedges in cabernet today and as others noted, these are indeed retail Martinas - patent leather upper and a man made sole. I love them - they are a beautiful dark brownish red and for $33 during the recent sale I'm pleased. I took my usual Martina size which is a 1/2 size larger than my regular shoe size. These are still on the factory site for $55 in the sale section.
ReplyDeleteGuest reviewer & JCA Injanuity reviews the double-cloth Sabrina coat in this post.
ReplyDeleteLooks fab and shout out to Injanuity who hooked me up w/her fab VPS who tracked down the Sabrina for me in black at that fantastic $75 price!! Will post my review next week. I should have it by then.
DeleteThere is a new polka dotted tee in the B&M stores.
ReplyDeleteColors are white/red white/blue and grey with silver polkadots.
I have a pic of the tee on my instagram inawonderland5.
Pics of the dotted tee and new plaid pumps from the spring on my blog here.
DeleteAlso, I received the split-neck dress in the wild orchid colour - gorgeous colour in a fabulous wool/silk fabric. Such a good buy (I got it during the 50% off /free ship 1 day promo). I had to take the larger of my two dress sizes as the waist is very fitted.
ReplyDeleteI also had a VPS hunt down the Everly shoes in metallic silver for me. (Big thanks to that VPS for the heroic search!) It is a really pretty shoe and surprisingly comfortable. Again, I took a size 8, which is half size up from my usual size.