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! :)
Some reviews here.
ReplyDeleteAlso enter my giveaway here.
Review of the lattice medallion popover.
ReplyDeleteFactory stripe bateau top (A0140) - feels just like the retail version from a few years back. The stitching at the neckline is a little better so hopefully it won't roll after wearing/washing (and if it does, I'll be back to let you know!). Shape is exactly as pictured, and I was happy to find that the arms aren't too tight like they have been on a lot of tees lately. I know I do a lot of heavy lifting...but it's not that much! Thumbs up.
ReplyDeleteFactory boy jean (A1013) - the resemblance to Madewell's boy jean in bluefin is uncanny (except for the holes). The denim feels exactly the same - soft and kind of pajama-y. It even has the same pocket-in-a-pocket on the back that MW has. Do not size down - the 28's these fit exactly the same as the MW boy jeans in 27 and if I went down to 27 in the Factory jeans they would not have fit. These were too distressed for me so they went back, but they did feel nice.
"Collection" Japanese indigo denim jacket (09067) - please do not purchase this on final sale. I tried it before it went to FS and am glad I did. The color was dingy compared to the online image (IMO, they just can't seem to accurately show their denim colors) and it was more distressed than I was expecting, with the random "cat scratches" on the arms and front. It was the back collar, though - the web image shows distressing and the description said it's "hand whiskered", but the one I received was just slashed with some scissors. It looked awful (pics on my Insta.
I had the same feeling about the Factory boy jeans. I thought I was going to accidentally rip them, with them being thin and soft with the rips at the knees. They did feel wonderfully soft, though.
DeleteFactory vs. Retail comparison of the Emmaleigh dress in black. Both were on sale/promo at about the same time so I had both at home at once to compare them, both in the same size and same color. Both are 100% wool. Factory has a 100% acetate lining, retail has a 100% polyester lining. Retail felt a lot better on, though. The wool was more substantial. The lining should have felt worse on retail since it was polyester, but the acetate lining felt cheaper on. The fit was similar. Factory was more snug. The pockets are stitched closed on both dresses, but that was coming open on the Factory version and it was causing some puckering. I would not unstitch the pockets on either dress because I think it would change the line of the dress and I'm not sure if it would be for the better. If anyone here has unstitched them and it worked out, though, I'd love to hear! I love pockets but I don't want to ruin the dress. The retail version was a bit big at the shoulder and might need an alteration on me. The prices were very different. Retail cost me $158 and Factory cost me $45. I decided to return the Factory dress, but I'm not sure if the retail dress is a keeper. I need to compare the retail Emmaleigh to the black Gwen dress and decide which is better on me. I think they are similar enough that I wouldn't keep both.
ReplyDeleteI've been on a buying spree in the last few months, so I figured I'd leave a few reviews. We will start with a few months ago:
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew Tall midrise toothpick jean in carbon - I think these run VERY SMALL. I am usually a size 12 at Jcrew and I even ordered a size 33 in these and they were too small. I kept them because I got them on deep discount and they are still wearable, but not comfortable.
J.Crew Tall Pixie jodhpur pant: I am around 5'11" with about a 35" inseam, so I order talls in most pants. I ordered these a size up from normal, because I was worried about the thighs. While I like them, they are a bit big in the waist and I constantly have to pull them up. I love that the either adds a bit of interest to normal black skinny pants.
J.Crew Panama hat: Bought this hat for vacation in Hawaii and I LOVED it. It goes really well with a lot of things and is very cute. I have a fairly large head, so the larger of the size fit me (if not just a wee bit big).
J.Crew tall split-neck dress in windowpane: I got this dress from my mom for Christmas. I got it in my normal 12 Tall. It is form fitting, but I love it. The neckline is interesting and it also has pockets. I love to pair it with red shoes and a red purse.
J.Crew Cece pyramid-studded ballet flats: I got these in the nude color and they are pretty comfortable. I know that they SHOULD go with a lot of things, but for some reason they continue to gather dust in my closet. I need to think of more ways to style them.
J.Crew tall paneled stretch dress in colorblock: I got this dress right around Christmas time in my normal 12T (or is it Large Tall - I cannot recall). I do not find it particularly flattering on me, but it is SO COMFORTABLE. It is like wearing a sweatshirt dress.
J.Crew Boyfriend fatigue jacket in camo: I got this when they were running one of their 40% off sales. I think it will be great for spring, but I have not worn it yet (still too cold in Chicago). I need to get some styling ideas because I really have no clue how to wear it.
To be continued (because I have too many characters).
Continued reviews:
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew Tall Majesty peacoat: Another 40% sale purchase. I got it in navy and I LOVE this coat. It goes with so many things and is actually pretty warm. The tall has long enough sleeves for me, which is rarity. One of my favorite sale purchases.
J.Crew Falsetto printed pumps: I got these in the same windowpane pattern as the dress. I saw them styled together and I loved it. Luckily, during the last 40% off sale, these were on sale and only left in a size 5 and a size 11. As you can probably guess by my earlier comment about my height, I am an 11. They are a pretty high heel for me and they shoe a bit of toe cleavage (usually not a fan), but I like them. I am currently wearing them today with my pixie pants, a teal/black/white blouse and the next item on my list.
Tall Puff-sleeve blazer in stretchy cotton: I ordered this in white and I am a little disappointed with the sleeve length. The tall is still significantly shorter than I would prefer. However, I think it is supposed to have that "shrunken look" so I will let it go. The puff sleeve adds a nice detail above my normal "school boy" blazers. I think it will be a staple over dresses as well in the summer.
Cleo fabric loafers: I got these in the in the turquoise orange color, which is the rainbow color. I've yet to wear them, but I LOVE the look and the fabric is very nice. I think that the jcrew shoes are starting to run just a little big on me (both this one and the falsetto pumps could probably have been a 10.5 and fit). I cannot wait to style these in the spring summer. They go with nothing and everything at the same time.
Jeweled Baseball Tee: I got this in the vanilla haven blue in my regular size (large). This is going to be great for spring and the jewels on it match PERFECTLY with my Janey patent flats in the bright yellow pattern I bought last summer.
I have a few more reviews when I get my next shipment (I ordered a black school boy blazer, the J.Crew Military parka (navy) and a bunch of tights (FYI - if you are a tall girl, the tights at Jcrew are AMAZING. The legs are very long and I never get the "penguin effect."
I am relatively new to this blog and I just recently decided to start writing reviews. I do make a lot of purchases from Jcrew and until they put reviews on the ACTUAL site, I feel obligated to tell my fellow "afficionadas" my thoughts.
Welcome and thanks for the reviews!
DeleteWelcome Fishbv24, and thanks for all your reviews - I laughed out loud at the "penguin effect"! This thread is extremely helpful to JCA's so the more reviews, the merrier! : )
DeleteI'm just under 6 feet tall and wear size 10.5 shoes. It is HUGELY helpful to see reviews for tall items and size 10/10.5/11 shoes. Thank you!! I have had a few disappointments with tall blazers and pants still coming up a little bit short.
DeleteI will also second your endorsement of jcrew tights for the tall crowd. They are the only kind of buy these days.
DeleteDitto on the welcome. Thanks for all the reviews. They are really helpful!
DeleteI'm also 5'11". Thanks for the reviews. Please keep posting.
Deleteoh thank you for the great reviews! i couldn't commit to the cleos at FS but will be on the look out for them in the future
DeleteFactory Sylvia Patent Wedge (patent polyurethane upper) vs. Factory Sylvia Patent Leather Wedge (Italian patent leather upper). Maybe this distinction was on the web site before, but I didn't notice it. I recently bought the Factory Sylvia Patent Wedges in Black and they were really comfortable so when I saw a good price on the Cabernet color I ordered them. Like other JCAs have reported, I got them in a box that said they are the retail Martina Wedges. I thought they were a lot less comfortable at the widest part of my foot. I guess the cheaper polyurethane had more give and felt better on my wide feet. The price was great ($34) so I think I'll keep them and hope they feel better after a few wears. The color is really deep and pretty.
ReplyDeletei like the sylvias more because they're more comfy and show less toe cleavage, but i also got the martinas in cabarnet and i love the color. for that price it's worth it, i'm hoping they'll break in too
DeleteSide-stripe Skinny Sweatpants (#08301). I have these in both colors and took the risk of washing them and putting them in the dryer (regular, not low, heat). They came out fine. Maybe a bit smaller, but they stretched back out to the same size. That was a nice surprise. I'll see how it goes after multiple washes/dries, maybe they'll shrink up more, but so far so good.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear this. I bought the black ones and they fit perfect, but if they shrunk, they'd be a bit too tight. I tried the size up and they were too baggy, so fingers crossed they hold their shape. I have a pair of the old Saturday pant (I think that's the name) that have similar type fabric, and if anything, those stretched a little.
DeleteGreetings JCAs - Any thoughts on sizing for the Collection Icon Trench? I'm a consistent Size 6 in Blazers (plenty of room, not a tight fit) and take a Size 2 or 4 (Small) in tops. Size 6 in the trench fits well with just a sweater or blouse underneath. Size 8 is a little too big through the shoulders and body with just a sweater or blouse, but I need the Size 8 if I'm wearing a suit jacket or blazer. I probably don't need _two_ of the same item in different sizes. My instinct is to take the Size 8, but maybe I'm missing some key trench fit guidelines?
ReplyDeleteI would say to buy the trench in whatever size accommodates what you plan to wear under it most. If you will mostly wear it over suit jackets or blazers, get the 8, otherwise you will feel constrained (the worst feeling ever, ugh!). If you think the blazers/suit jackets will be a rarity, get the 6 (and carry your suit jacket or blazer instead of wearing it!).
Delete@Fishvb24 - thanks for the reviews! Just wanted to say we're dressed similar today, I'm wearing the falsetto windowpane pumps as well today with a teal tippi sweater and the factory windowpane blouse :) I'd agree on the toe cleavage on these shoes - more cleavage in these than the Everlys and they're taller, but a gorgeous shoe!!
ReplyDeleteAnother recent purchase/love for me are the vintage straight jeans in Abbott Wash. I have last year's vintage straight jeans which fit me ok...but they've definitely improved their fit this year. I size down from my Matchstick size in these and I like the lighter wash in these. The rips are pretty sturdy, I just have to be careful when I put the on that I'm not going to put my foot in them. I definitely see these being a spring staple for me. I styled them on my blog here
Also recently picked up the Factory Olive cap toe pumps in the navy satin (for $20!) at my outlet store. These were a surprise love for me - took my usual J.Crew shoe size and they are very comfortable. I've worn them multiple times since I've bought them.
I've placed several orders in the last few days so I'm sure I'll have more reviews soon!!
Curious to hear what everyone makes of the drapey pant trend. I know the curators have been around for quite a few seasons, and we're seeing iterations of joggers or elastic waist pants with every roll-out. My concern: hammer time, thanks to the pegged leg on some of these styles. Madewell announces that their versions of these pants have a 'dropped crotch,' which makes it sound as though you should make an appt with your ob/gyn. Is anyone an enthusiast? And, if so, can you recommend a style, preferably made from natural fibers?
ReplyDeleteHaha!your comment about making an appt with your ob/gyn gave me a good laugh.
DeleteDropped crotch sounds very hammer pants to me. Been there, done that, won't be going back.
I actually like the slouchy pant look, no the drop-crotch. I ended up buying the curator pants in navy in my normal JC size and they look great. No drop crotch. Just loose enough to be cool, but not baggy. On my body type, baggy would just look dumpy. I had to try on 4 pairs to find the ones where the pockets don't stick out and the fit was just right though.
DeleteI also ended up buying the rivington pants in camo (all cotton) at Madewell and went 2 sizes down so they just look like slouchy pants. I love them. They are super comfy and look super cool rolled up. They have that "tomboy" look and feel. I also bought the wool Rivington pants in my regular pant size. Also had to try on 2 different ones to find the right fit. I rolled them and wore brogues. It looks great.
I've noticed with JC and Madewell that you should try on a few of your size to find the right fit as they all are not cut the same. It's totally frutrating.
Sorry the long review and hope this helps someone!
I tried on the retail navy printed ones and couldn't return them fast enough. They looked awful on me. This is another trend I'm going to have to sit out!
DeleteSo I must admit, I hated this thread for the fact every pair of pants I seemed to try on looked awful. Most have been the poly-blends, but I figured it was because I was petite these type of pants just weren’t going to fly on me. Until I scored a pair of Joie Edana Tencel Linen Pants on major sale.
DeleteI have worn these to work with heels and out casually running errands. They are so great. Maybe try a cotton or linen blend; straight linen may wrinkle too much. And maybe avoid a lot of pleating…anything with pleating was awful on me.
I'll second the Madewell Wool Rivington Pants suggestion... seems like they could be worn high or low waisted, but when worn high they have a perfect slouchiness with tapered legs and no drop-crotchiness. Very nice stretchy wool as well.
DeleteThanks for the Rivington info. I ordered a couple days ago in solid black and am waiting for them to arrive. Sounds like they might work for me.
DeleteI purchased the botanical print pencil skirt from Factory but am on the fence about keeping it. I love the print and colors but the fit was a bit off compared to other Factory pencil skirts I own. I went up a size but now think it may too big and that it's an issue with the cut and not sizing.
ReplyDeleteI returned mine. I ordered my usual JC size and the fit was still off. It did a weird thing that accentuated my stomach and hugged my butt and then just hung over my thighs. Really unflattering. I think it might be the fabric and the cut.
DeleteYes! Same fit issues I had. Good description.
Delete312JCgirl - I didn't get the botanical print skirt. I just didn't feel 100% comfortable and didn't think I'd wear it. Pants were a miss, too. Absolutely love the shoes. They're very comfortable, esp for a synthetic sole.
DeleteMickey Drexler in Boston today FYI. Probably Copley Place pretty soon if you want to meet him.
ReplyDeleteI ran into him once outside the downtown SF store, and said hello and shook his hand. It was quite a thrill, to be honest. He's very down to earth and quite friendly.
DeleteI bought the crewcuts girls' shimmer glitter mcalister boot in size 5 (women's 6.5- blessed with tiny feet ;)). They were half off from 49.99 + free shipping. An excellent buy. The glitter is getting everywhere, though. Any ideas on how to seal it?
ReplyDeleteI'd read that you can seal glitter onto surfaces with hair spray - the cheaper the better. I used aqanet to seal glitter onto the heels of a pair of suede Lillian wedges for my wedding. It worked pretty well - 8 hours of running around, dancing, etc and the glitter held! Good luck!
DeleteMy college roommate used a spray sealant designed for glitter on a craft about a year and a half ago. Check Hobby Lobby, Michael's, or Jo Ann's!
DeleteAny JCA reccs for JC suiting styles? I'm switching jobs soon, going from a casual office to a more professional setting that requires me to be potentially "camera-ready." I haven't had to wear a suit in 10 years, and I only realized 6 months ago that those suits no longer fit in any way possible (pants too tight everywhere, waist of blazer too tight, sleeves too tight - gahh) so I have no choice but to buy a new one. I'm petite - 5'1 and rarely in a heel higher than 2 inches, and I'm usually 00P in JC blazers, pants and skirts, so I pretty much will have to order online even though I need to try stuff on. Any suggestions what should I order? Just looking for style names and maybe some fabric reccs (I'll get something lightweight/spring-summer appropriate first). Specifically want JC. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new job, eeps! JC's super 120s and stretch wool suiting pieces are both lightweight and can be worn pretty much year-round. The super 120s fabric is softer and slightly more comfortable, but the stretch wool holds its shape a little better. The sizing in the super 120s pencil skirt has been a bit iffy in the past year or two -- the last couple I ordered were noticeably wider, especially in the hips. Sizing in the stretch wool seems more consistent (25"waist for size 00P). The suiting pants don't work for me - I'm 5'3" and fall right between petite and regular sizes. In general, though, I size up to 0P in JC pants. I prefer size 00 regular in the jackets (broad shoulders), and really liked the shorter aubrey (?) blazer from a year or two ago. The 1035 blazer is nice and slimming, but the length was a bit much on me. If petite blazers work for you, maybe you'll have better luck. HTH!
DeleteI purchased the Aubrey blazer in Super 120's to try and it is very nice. It is my favorite blazer so far from J. Crew. Keep in mind it does have a shorter sleeve length.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteIs there any feedback on the swing trench? It looks like you could size down but would it just swallow me whole? I'm a size 6 with a narrow torso but bigger cup size. I'm hoping it would be 60's gamine but am a little afraid it might just make me look huge.
ReplyDeleteI purchased the trench in my usual size, and it was pretty large. I could have sized down two for a better fit.
DeleteI tried it yesterday and it did not flatter me. On a gamine figure, I think it would work. But on my curvy size 8 frame, way too much volume. Too bad....adorable on the hanger!
DeleteBought the botanical print capri pants from Factory - I often take a 4 in the Cafe Capri and the new Campbell. The 4 was a little tight but the 6 was a little lose - so I kept the 6 and ran them through the dryer - worked great. Fabric is beautiful and I'm very happy with the purchase.
ReplyDeleteI just tried the silk crepe dress as it looked like a maxi that I could pull off as a petite (5'2"). In general I go with the smallest size in maxi dresses and skirts but I tried both a XS and XXS since my store thad both. Good news: I can wear both with flats without hemming it (there isn't much of a difference in terms of lenght maybe half an inch). So tge XS looked more like on the stock picture, it was more flowy (without being too big) and looked more "evening" if it makes sense; the XXS wax more closer to the body (without being clingy) and it just fit in the chest (I am a 34C). It looked more like a silk version of the tank dress. All in all I think I prefer how the XS looks even if problably the XXS is more comfortable to wear (less fabric to carry around). The silk felt like washed silk to me and not crepe. The blue color is really beautiful (I had the black in my cart but now I would go with the navy). It is unlined and more of a beach/vacation dress than a city dress (it wasn't sheer in the fitting room but I am sure it is in natural light). HTH someone!
ReplyDeleteI meant the brilliant blue (there is no navy)
DeleteI reviewed this dress on my blog on february 18th,in case someone wants to see pics of it.
DeleteI am wearing the xxs and it was a perfect fit.
HTH
Review of the Grecian dress,that is online only on my blog
ReplyDeletehere.
oh it looks so great on you ina! afraid i'm too short for it, wish it came in a petite size!
DeleteI am a shortie too:)
Delete2 inches is a big difference in the world of petite :P
DeleteThumbs up on the Grecian dress, I LOVE it. Finally a summer dress w/o a deep v neck. I ordered it in black and in blue. It's a good staple and on sale!!
ReplyDeleteI love the Collection cashmere getaway hoodie which I got on sale recently for $112.80. It fits perfectly, i.e. it's not oversized. I got my usual size medium. This is perfect for an airplane ride. You can put the hood up over your headphones and get cozy. I also love J Crew's cashmere because I don't get hot and steamy when I walk long distances, and yet I'm warm in chilly weather. Washing in the Laundress cashmere wash keeps it clean and looking good!
ReplyDeleteGot the Lattice Medallion and Antique Floral Pencil Skirt. I took my normal No. 2 Pencil Skirt size although I do think that these run a little bit smaller and probably could have sized up 1.
ReplyDeletedid you get these in store? If so, do you remember who much the antique floral was?
DeleteAnthro Blogger - the lattice medallion pencil skirt is $79.99 & the antique floral pencil skirt is $139.99 in-store. Both prices as of 3/5. I reviewed the in this post and the antique floral in this one.
DeleteI received the Collection pencil wrap skirt in photo lace, took my normal size 4, which was probably the right size. It was more loose in the waist than normal, so I may need a size smaller. However, I won't be trying the smaller size because there is a big silver zipper beneath the 'wrap' that laid directly against my skin, waist to thigh. I had a hard time figuring out how this skirt is constructed from the online pictures, but yep, huge zipper and then really sturdy snaps to keep the edge of the skirt secure. I just don't understand the zipper--it's cold, uncomfortable, and would snag any tughts I tried to wear under it. Not cool, J. Crew. The fabric is nice--like the green and the pattern. But no thanks overall.
ReplyDeletePicked up the stationery clutch in Henna. Anyone have any experience / opinions? I'm not 100% yet as it feels a bit pricy for what I'm getting, even with the 25% off. I'm not sure how well the leather will hold up. Would love to hear thoughts.
ReplyDeletesunny - I don't own the stationery clutch. I thought it looked a little simple for the price. I really like the invitation clutch and thought the stationery was a cheaper version of it. It's possible they're phasing out the invitation for the stationery as they've done w/some of the shoes. This is a guess.
DeleteStationery is 6 5/8"H x 11 5/8"W.
Invitation is 7"H x 10 3/4"W.
My invitation clutches feel heavy-ish and sturdy. the stationery felt a little thin, more like an envelope than clutch. $0.02
I can't keep it to myself any longer, I love, love, love my majesty peacoat! It's well cut, collar and under-collar paraphernalia are perfect, the navy is a real navy, the fabric is great. But just so you know - I changed the gold buttons for real peajacket buttons. Couldn't help myself. Just got upgraded to TSA precheck, the subclass where you don't have to take your coat off, and I didn't want metal buttons setting off bells.
ReplyDeleteI think winter coats are one thing that JCrew does well. Thanks to my lack of constraint, I own a ridiculous number of them which were purchased during their end of seasons sales. Storage is my problem but I am frequently stopped and complimented on the street by people who admire their lovely colors and styles. It can really make your day! I hope you enjoy your peacoat!
Deleteoooh that's so good to hear! i like jcrew's outerwear. i absolutely cannot wait to get my peacoat! navy sold out in my size long ago but i ordered the dark bone, really hope it looks as lovely as it does in the style guide
DeleteSweater in Cubist Print: Merino is thin, which will be nice for spring, the pattern is great, fits TTS, there is a picture on my instagram .....@sarajeanne4
ReplyDeleteWrap skirt in cubist print: Nice, slightly longer than the normal pencil, there is no give so get the larger of your two sizes. I love it but I wonder if they will put it on sale soon so I am wavering.
Striped Linen Tee with the Parrot on the pocket - so adorable, fits TTS as other linen tees.
Silk Pocket blouse - Fits TTS, I love it. It is silk + spandex which all I am buying anymore when it comes to silk blouses because I am wide through the back. I love this blouse, I will buy another color.
Garbardine A Line Skirt - Love although on the shorter side and only work appropriate on Friday. I am surprised this skirt didn't get more attention, it is awesome. Like a shorter version of the sterling skirt in gabardine.
Let me know if you want IRL pics of any of these and I'll put them on my insta.
I'd love to see IRL pics of the cubist skirt and the gabardine a-line, please. Thank you.
Deletecmg - they are on instagram....@sarajeanne4. They quality is not the greatest, I'm too cheap to upgrade my phone! I spend all my money at Jcrew! :)
DeleteCmg - One thing I should add about the gabardine a-line is it does have an exposed zipper....
DeleteI just received the cubist print bikini(s). I ordered both styles available even if I didn't have high hopes for the bandeau and hipster set. The bandeau fits well in my regular size (maybe a touch snug but it is going to loosen up with wear). It is padded and has full coverage. It seems to stay up without the string attached. Colors are like in the cubist print merino sweater and it looks classy. The bottom was horrendous because it really cuts your legs and gave me an almost pregnant look. I don't recommend it unless you are very very thin (think Jane Birkin).
ReplyDeleteThe string bikini is your regular string bikini (TTS). The top is padded but I think it runs a bit small or doesn't have a lot of coverage (like on the model in the catalog). It's ok but I feel I don't need another string bikini. I am tempted to keep at least the bandeau and pair it with the string bottom even if it isn't a complete match and try to catch the string top on sale.
Forgot one... The New Pencil skirt!!
ReplyDeleteThere have been mixed reviews, but throw me on the positive side. The green is pretty. The seeming and stretch do make for a sleeker fit than the old so take the larger of your pencil skirt size (or smaller if you want to show more curves) because it skims your figure more than the old. It says 100% cotton but I swear I feel a little stretch in it. The fabric is not as stiff as the cotton double serge from the past few years. I can put a comparison of last years and this years on instagram if you want. Let me know.
I wanted to give you all a heads up. The new puff-sleeve blazer in stretchy cotton (A2107) is slightly different than the picture. The lower part of the lapel does not point "upward" as pictured. Nevertheless, it is lovely, and a great addition to my schoolboy collection!
ReplyDeleteOrdered the Claremont perforated tote (A3536) in Warm Cobblestone and have been using it for about a week (first J.Crew purse). Was a bit hesitant because I couldn't find any reviews and the web site info was sparse, but on sale with the last 40% off code put it down to a decent price for a leather tote, and I ordered both colors to compare. I'm the type to use the same purse most of the time and only change it seasonally, so the Warm Cobblestone is an excellent neutral color and the perforation gives it a little something special. The navy is really nice too - it's a true navy, and sets off the gold hardware nicely, while the gold looks a little brassy on the Cobblestone color. The size is good for everyday use for normal purse contents, and the handle drop of 9" is enough to hang from the arm or fit over the shoulder. The leather is almost like a saffiano leather--it's not quite as stiff as some I've seen at dept. stores, but it's not pebbled, either. Seems like the leather will wear well and won't be prone to scratching, although I already have scratches on the gold closure from basic use. I do like the structure and the fact that it doesn't flop over and spill all my stuff out, but I am hoping it will soften up and mold to my body a bit more with use just for comfort's sake. There are leather feet on the bottom to keep the base off the floor. There are snaps on the sides to expand it if needed. When the purse arrived, one side was already unsnapped, and I have continued to have trouble keeping that side snapped during use. I thought this was a one-off, but the navy one arrived the same way, so maybe it's something to do with design. Inside there are 2 slip pockets and one zipper pocket on the other side. The zipper slides smoothly and feels like a quality one. A strap to attach keys would have been welcome since they tend to get lost on the bottom, or you have to use one of the pockets for them. The lining is a plain brown that matches the outside. I was drawn to the magnetized closure (my personal preference), but the magnet is not very strong and the closure also has these little pins that fit in some holes, so you have to use both hands to latch the closure and it still pops open all the time. Overall, this purse has many good features and it is working okay, but it's not a total "love" for me due to some of the pesky little annoyances mentioned.
ReplyDeleteNew promo - SUNNY gets 25% off swim, shorts & tees for women, men, girls and boys. Good in-store. Ends on Sun, 3/17.
ReplyDeleteSherpa-lined Parka (#07541). I risked it final sale during the 40% off sale. The price was down to $200 at the time. I really, really love this coat, though. I'm an 8 in J. Crew coats and I ordered this in a Medium and it fits. A Small probably would have fit too, but I like to have some room for sweaters. The coat is slouchy and unstructured. It has some weight to it and it's a bit thick, which is exactly what I wanted. No way this will be any good in the rain, though, rain would soak right in. This is basically the winter version of the Boyfriend Fatigue Jacket. Shout out to ShopWithM for her review of this jacket, it helped a lot!
ReplyDeleteActually it was 50% off in the 40% off sale, for some reason.
DeleteSo glad it worked for you cate! I think that was a great price for this jacket.
DeleteGotta get myself a shopping blog! A picture is worth a thousand words. Having said that, I tried a few things yesterday in-store:
ReplyDeleteSwing Trench: fell in love with it on the hanger and tried it in both the classic khaki and the vibrant orange/red. Unfortunately, it did not flatter me. I am 5'7" and a size 8 and it just added way too much extra volume. And even aside from my figure concerns...it's just a LOT of fabric, and not especially sumptuous fabric. No girl dreams of being draped in yards of complicated, stiff khaki twill ; ) However-- I do think this jacket could work beautifully on someone tall and very slender. Shocking, I know, haha.
What I came to the store for was the Merino Silk Panel Sweater in Cubist Print. I was surprised upon trying it on that I wasn't actually all that crazy about it. I had come to the store in my own solid Tippi, and it looked miles better than this printed number. Fit was fine-- the print just didn't work for me. It might work better on one of the many other pieces in Cubist Print in-store now.
Speaking of, I fell in love with the Cubist Print minaudiere in the store. Sooo lovely. However I couldn't justify buying it for more than 30 percent off, since I would not likely use it all that often.
Tried and bought the Campbell Capri in navy in size 8. Major improvement over the Cafe Capri in my opinion. Much more polished looking and sharp.
Received the Cleo Eyelet Loafers I was finally able to score on final sale. This was the floral lace. Soooooo gorgeous. Love them!! They seem to run TTS to a tad large.
I reviewed the Quorra Ballet Flats in Dark Cedar on my blog here
ReplyDeleteThumbs up but I'm still working through that they're more "transparent" than I thought. yes, they have holes, not sure what I expected! Very pretty flats though, great for summer.
I had no idea the back of the quorra's looked like that! they are SO cute, the perfect summer shoe!
DeleteI just received the Basket Weave hooded jacket. I like it a lot. It really looks very cute on. As for size, I got a S, my usual JC size and it fits perfect, but some JC smalls are too big on me, so I'll say it's TTS, but if you're between sizes, definitely size up. It zips and has buttons. It's a substantial cotton with no lining. I think it'll be good on chillier days in springtime. Buuuttt, I'm wondering if this is truly waterproof and am hoping someone who already has the jacket and lives in a climate where they have actually been able to wear it can comment on that!! I'm in the Midwest and probably weeks away from being able to wear it. But if it doesn't work in rainy weather, I'm questioning it's usefulness.
ReplyDeleteI have that jacket too and love it so much! I wore it an entire week while it rained and it completely protected me (wearing the hood protects me better than if I'm wearing a hoodless jacket with an umbrella). However, I live in San Francisco so what I consider rain others may consider to be hardly sprinkling...
DeleteThank you!! I had seen your comment before and it swayed me to give it a try. I thought SF could get some pretty heavy rain. I've been there many times and during one trip there, sadly every day was pretty darn rainy. If it's like that, I think it will protect me in OH rain, lol!!
DeleteJCAs, I have started a new reviews blog and my first review is up (swing trench). The URL is maqsadshops.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI'd love comments! Thanks!
your review was super helpful, i had been interested in the swing trench but yeah, looks like it's better for super tall ladies...
DeleteThanks, Dmitri!
DeleteThanks so much for sharing. I love JCA blogs!
DeleteThank you, clotted creame!
DeleteMajority of my recent JC shopping spree arrived today! Wahoo!
ReplyDeleteReviews of Audrey ballet flats, Lightweight Chambray Shorts, and Majesty Peacoat HERE!
I purchased the Ikat dress and I love it. For fit reference, I am 103 lb, 5'1", slightly pear shaped, and purchased the 0P. The top of the dress is very fitted, and the bottom blouses out slightly due to the pleats in front. It hits above the knee, but is not too short for me. I was worried the pattern might make me appear wider through the mid-section but I guess the zig-zags kind of distract the eye so it's ok.It's a good fit for my shape, which admittedly it's very rare for me to find something that works this well for me at J. Crew. I don't know if anyone remembers summer 2013 there was a blue dress with silver polka dots? This Ikat dress is the same exact cut. The fabric is nice, too, thick and substantial, almost like a cotton jacquard. My only quibble is they left out the bra stays on this dress.
ReplyDeleteI bought the heather gray schoolboy blazer in 4P and it fit perfect! Then I bought the caramel version, same size, and OMG the shoulder pads extended out past my shoulders and the sleeves were so wide and baggy that I wanted to say it looked like I visited 1985. If I wore it out and someone were to look at it, they would think it's not my size. Why such a huge discrepancy? Maybe it was a bad batch. CS was kind enough to just refund me even though it was Final Sale. There's no way I could wear it. I was really disappointed
ReplyDeleteBought the tuxedo dot (I think that's what its called) in black from clearance section of my B&M. I really like the style and details but I had to size way up in this. I would normally go for a 6 in shirt that I want fitted, an 8 if I'd like it to hang loose. I have perfect shirts in 8s mostly (the 6 is too snug in the arms/shoulders, but they fit), and some flowy sleeveless shirts in 2 and 4. I had to get this in a 12!!! No 8, picked the 10, it was nice in the body but the shoulder seams were way up on my shoulders and I couldn't cross my arms. So, yeah, 2 sizes bigger.
ReplyDeleteAlso have picked up a tipped side panel sweater, size large, love the swingy looseness of the big size, and its thin so it drapes nicely over my loose jeans and is comfy.
I'm sure that the leather trim pixie either works for you or doesn't, but these did not work at all. Not in my norma 6-8 for pants, not in a 10. The puckering across my legs was there even up 2 sizes and then the waist was so big that they were silly. Hate the pixies...
Vintage Denim Jacket - Patina Wash
ReplyDeleteThis was a return for me. I normally wear a 2 or 4 and got the M. It fit snug, not loose. Problem was the wash for me - it was an acid wash look, 80's. I'm over 40 so that was a little too edgy for me. Overall great for someone else, but definitely size up.