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! :)
I have reviews of spring items on my new blog, maqsadshops at blogspot dot com. Would love to see you there! Please drop in and leave a comment if you can...
ReplyDeletereview of aviator ray-bans with mirror lenses, nike majestic courts, collection silk ensemble dress, and cotton twill swing trench HERE.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking to my review, Dmitri! I loved the pink ray bans on you! Wondering if I should try the trench in petite...
Deletei know, i love the ray-bans too :( but they're really pricey, even with the discount. oh well.
Deletei'd be interested in seeing the trench on you in 00p! the color is really lovely
I know the Emmas have not been popular, and I also like the look of the Ceces better, but I do like the bow Emmas and I've gotten them in all four colors. Because I have narrow ankles, I do so much better in flats that have ruching, and for me, the Emmas do as good a job staying on my feet as the Ceces do, and for me are just as comfortable, right out of the box. (I emphasize "for me", as I know other JCAs found them not to be very comfortable.)
ReplyDeleteWith ruched flats, I always go up 1/2 a size, and I did with these as well.
Great price online right now, $125 less 40% (item a0595) and not FS.
I just purchased a pair of black leather Emma's to replace my black leather Cece's that I wore to death. I don't love the Emma's while I adored the Cece's. I think the Cece's were so flattering on the foot, very delicate and Audrey Hepburnish. The Emma's dug into the back of my ankle after wearing a full day. I attempted to size up a 1/2 size upon purchasing but they were too big, but I know everyone is different. I really hope JC considers bringing the Cece back.
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DeleteNicole, I was wondering what the problems were with the Emma -- I saw comments that they dug in, but I wasn't sure where. Maybe that's why they feel fine on my foot -- my ankles are super super narrow -- in pumps I can mostly only wear sling backs -- so that's probably why they don't dig in. And my forefoot is wide, so sizing up with extra room in the front worked out fine. Where the Cece fit almost all feet, looks like the Emmas are going to be more particular, and admittedly, not as cute. Yes, agree that it would be great if the Cece comes back...
DeleteMadewell Cargo Shorts in Camo (a0169). These are 3" inseam, which I don't normally do, but these are generously sized and there is enough slouch that I think I can live with the 3" inseam. They arrived cuffed, but I wouldn't wear them that way and neither is the product model online. They looked really strange cuffed, not sure why they did that, but they were easily unrolled. These are full button fly, and the back pocket flaps are kept closed with a hidden button. They're definitely overpriced for what they are ($79.50), and I could buy cheap camo pants elsewhere and cut them off, but I think I'm going to keep them because I like the fit and they felt great on. Plus my DIY projects usually fail :D
ReplyDeleteHope it was okay to put a Madewell review here.
Thanks for the review, Cate! I've been eying Madewell's site more and more.
DeleteThanks for breaking the ice on the Madewell reviews, cate! I ordered a bunch with the free overnight shipping promo this week - I am finding their spring line a lot more appealing and relevant to my lifestyle than JC's.
DeletePocket-front tee in stripe (a4022) - cute shape and thick fabric, TTS, but as I stated in the online review the stripes are not white/ivory, but kind of a light beige, similar to the JC sailor tee from this spring. That color is a deal-breaker for me. Liked the kangaroo pocket, though.
Cableknit cardigan (a3313) - Chunky and thick cotton, but the shape did not work for me. Too boxy in my usual S and skinny sleeves made me feel like a bit of a linebacker. I think an inch or so in length would've helped a lot. I didn't love the shawl cardigan either but I think some ladies will love and rock this one.
Penfield vassan jacket (a4028) - I really liked this one as a spring raincoat option, but thought my usual S was a teeny bit too small (as in, I would be uncomfortable with a thin sweater underneath but was fine with a tee). I've got a M coming to see if that's any better. Stiff fabric but not nearly as stiff as JC's peacoat trench. The royal blue color was true to the website image and different from anything in my closet. I'm liking all the pockets.
Simple pouch in surf stripe (a4070) - Bigger than it looks. In the "Looks We Love" section there's a pic of the model holding it and it's more of a clutch size. That being said, it's totally ordinary and not worth $40 but on sale it would be a good option to keep all the things that tend to sink to the bottom of my bag. Also, the white is more off-white (it does say "antique cream stripe").
Crisscross sightseer sandal (a5864) - Every year I hem and haw over finding a pair of summer sandals until it's practically August. These are just what I need in the warm sand color. They fit in my usual 9, feel comfortable, and are just simple. Can't wait to wear them.
Cropped rivington trousers (a0641) - These are great. Higher rise, slouchy, very soft fabric. My usual 28 were too big and feel like they would fall down over the course of the day. I have a 27 coming to compare. The dark midnight color is true to the website image.
Cutoff tee (a2356) - I like this shape, slightly boxy slightly slouchy in my usual S, but in no way is it worth $35 (or even the now promo price of $25). It's just a plain T and even a little see-through in the white. Pass.
I do agree that Madewell has been offering some pretty great pieces!
DeleteI reviewed the winter stripe skirt with pleats. It's very nicely made, a combination of linen and silk. The color is a deep brown with blackish grey. There are tiny straps at the waist for a thin belt which I love. The skirt is an A-line reminiscent of the wool-silk A-line from J.Crew but with more puffiness (maybe due to the small pleats). The pleats are very subtle, and the length hits right above the knees if you are 6 feet.
Overall, very nice.
The Merino Sweaterdress (07837) keeps popping back. I have it in the heather oyster color and just ordered it in the heather blacktop color which I just noticed finally popped back. I have been wearing the heather oyster one over skinny jeans, it's cute and warm and easy to wear.
Deletethank you for the madewell reviews, ladies! been loving their stuff the past few seasons
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DeleteOoh, glad to read you like the Penfield Vassan, Silver_lining! I was researching rain jackets this past wknd, & was going to order the Vassan in Royal Blue too, but read on Penfield's website that the jacket is made from Penfield Hudson Wax (cotton/poly/wax), and may need to be periodically 'waxed'. The thought of maintenance/'waxing' turned me off, but after looking into it online, it seems easy enough to apply in a washing machine (using NIKWAX - recommended on Penfield's site for this jacket). Thanks for the review! (I'm ordering a medium too because some of the reviewers on MW warned about the fit around hips/bottom being snug.)
DeleteHas anyone bought and worn their Nike Internationalist sneakers yet? Did you think they were comfortable?
ReplyDeleteI bought these sneakers in the glacier ice colorway and the shades of blue are gorgeous IRL and look like they did on my computer screen. I took my usual sneaker size. So far I've only worn them around the house, but they have been comfortable while being broken in. I have no reason to believe they won't be as comfy out and about, or while exercising. HTH!
DeleteI got three new items last week:
ReplyDeleteMilitary Parka in Navy: I could not resist this on sale with the 40% off. It has been a particularly brutal winter in Chicago and I wanted a super warm, hooded coat. This is it. I ordered it in a Large Tall, and it is actually a bit too big. It has a cinch in the waist that helps a bit, but I was still a bit disappointed. I probably could have gone with a Medium Tall, which means this runs VERY BIG (I am a 12-14 Tall normally). However, I was very happy with the sleeve length. I've decided to keep the coat because it will be great over bulky sweaters on the really cold days next winter.
Schoolboy Blazer in Black - I have the classic schoolboy in navy, and I thought it was high-time I tried the new schoolboy. I actually like it a lot more than the classic. I ordered it in my normal 12T for blazers and I think the extra length (even if it is not a lot) really helped the fit for me. I also think that the sleeve length was a bit longer, which is great for me. I really liked the grey woolish fabric under the collar as well. I needed a classic black blazer and because I need talls I am relegated to getting them at a place that offers talls (honestly, I am very jealous of all you girls that can get cute, cheap blazers from H&M or the like).
Super/Solid Opaque Tights - I have sung their praises before, but Jcrew tights are the BEST for tall girls. I ordered three pair (two navy in super opaque and a black in solid opaque). I like the super opaque a bit better because they are less see-through. I ordered them in my regular size large and I love the length (especially in the super opaque ones). I do not know how they expect girls that are normal height to wear them though; they would come up to about their nipples.
I am putting myself on a bit of a shopping hiatus and going to try a bit of shopping in my closet. I may review some old things soon.
Thank you for the review! I will look into that tall blazer, yes agreed, it's hard to get long sleeved blazers for tall girls :(
DeleteI have never tried the J.Crew tights but will do after your feedback!
Hi all - are the popovers consistently TTS? I am eyeing both the medallion and the navy floral in the 50% off section. Advice?
ReplyDeletecousy: I think that the popovers are consistently TTS. I reviewed the Medallion one earlier this week. HTH!
DeleteI got the navy floral- it's TTS but a bit long- I still like it!
DeleteCousy,i reviewed them bothbon my blog.
DeleteI found the navy flower popover TTS,the medallion popover was tight in the shoulders in my size.
HTH
Agree with Ina; might be due to the silk blend having no give, but the lattice popover was a bit snug in the shoulders on me, too.
DeleteThanks so much!
DeleteThe merino zippered sweater-jacket got good reviews when it came out last fall. Any updates on how well it's held up? Pilling, stretching, shrinking, etc? The last thing I need is another navy sweater, but it's calling to me from the sale section.
ReplyDeleteI havent experienced pilling yet and ive worn it half a dozen times
DeleteOT - kate Spade surprise sale launched today. Good thru tomorrow. My picks & access link.
ReplyDeletekate spade's designs are so cute i can't handle it! sooo many pretties i want, sigh!
DeleteDmitri - This sale is wedding focused, so it was easier for me to really look at things that I might actually wear/use. Love KS, though :)
Deleteyes, very true! thank goodness i'm already married or else i'd probably buy those magnificent white pumps with the tiffany blue bow! :P
DeleteTried on the new puff-sleeve schoolboy blazer (a2107). TERRRRRIBLE. I'm between 00/0, usually take a 0 in the regular schoolboy. The 00 in the puff-sleeve felt a bit bigger than the regular. The puffs looked ridiculous on me because of my small frame, not to mention they were unnecessarily puffy. I looked like someone stuffed muffins under my shoulders. I mentioned how ridiculous I looked to a salesgirl who responded with an eye roll and a "yeah I really don't know what's going on there."
ReplyDeleteyeah i tried on the puff-sleeve in white and thought I looked ridiculous. the first time I tried it on, it was too tight in the arms (I usually take a 00 in the regular schoolboy but it's a tight fit, I wouldn't be able to wear a sweater underneath). the second time I tried the same size and it was better...but the puffing still looked awkward! i still want a puffy blazer though, usually anthro has some good options...
DeleteI like Madewell's short sleeve "structured sweater" (item A3318) and I got both colors. The garnet color is more purple than burgundy. It's a bit boxy so I sized down from my usuall Small to X-Small and I like the fit and feel. It's a soft slightly thicker fabric. It's machine washable (says hand wash, so I was it on gentle and lay it out to dry). It looks great with J Crew Minnie pants. And it feels sharp enough for me to wear to the office with just a necklace and no jacket. Win Win Win.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your review. I saw this sweater today in store and I just checked online and it is on sale! Definetely buying it!
DeleteA few things I ordered during the 25% PROMO.
ReplyDeleteCollection pencil wrap skirt in photo lace - Size P2
A pretty material and print. It runs small, not surprising the bigger sizes are sold out online. I ordered a P2 thinking it would fit because I am always a size P2 in No.2 Serge wool pencil skirts. Not TTS at all. If you are planning on buying these, I suggest to order two sizes so you can get a feel for it. Back it goes.
Collection track pant in nightgarden floral - Size 0
I fell in love with the print when I first saw it online. You can't go wrong with an elastic waistband! IRL, the print of the pants look rather dull, and did not look as vibrant as it did online, maybe all that flash photography gave it that 'bright' look.
I love the added piping on the sides, its sporty and elongates the legs, IMO. Pretty roomy pants for a size 0, I guess I could've have ordered size 00, so that it wouldn't look too baggy on me. It's described as being relaxed through hip and thighs with an easy straight leg -- which is true. Being 4'11, I think if this pant was made in petite, it would've draped well on me. I think anyone with a height of 5'3 and above can benefit from this. The material is thick, and lined?! It would not be appropriate for those living in humid, warmer climates. Back it goes.
Reversible Lightweight Merino Sweater - Size XXS. Dusk Ivory.
Nothing special about this sweater. It says lightweight, it is a light sweater in terms of weight, but its thick. Not the same 'merino' you are used to with the tippis! The cut is boxy (accurate photo online), its better to wear with leggings, pixies, slim pants; to balance the boxy-ness of the sweater. Since its roomy, you can probably layer a long sleeve stripe tee inside.
I returned it. I'll probably reconsider the sweater when it goes on sale.
Long Sleeve sailor stripe tee - Size xs. Salt Navy
It's a fitted shirt. Not boxy. XS felt like its hugging my body. I usually take xs or s. If you want it loose on you, go a size higher. The body and sleeves are long. I don't think the tee is accurately depicted online, 'slightly loose fit'. I kept it.
Emma Ballet Flats - Size 6.
Since everyone was reviewing these, I thought I'd try it out at the store for myself. I am usually a 5.5, and size 6 fits me! They run small. I felt comfortable wearing it. Although it was only at a store, i can't predict how the elastic ruching would affect my feet after a long day of wear.
thanks for the great reviews! i think we're the same size so this was very helpful. I'm waiting for the reversible lightweight merino sweater to go on sale as well, and I have no doubt it will :P
DeleteDmitri - I enjoy reading your blog. :)
DeleteIsn't it frustrating shopping for ourselves, especially if its an item we want not offered in petite? hehe..
I had the same problem with the reversible sweatshirt.Even the xxs was huge on me and it will def only be a sale purchase!
DeleteI have pics of it on my blog too:)
aww thanks JSR!
Deleteand ina your blog is awesome and i envy your height (you're what i consider on the taller end of petite ;))! thought the sweatshirt albeit big made you look effortlessly chic. but yes, it's definitely something i believe will go on sale, so we should all be patient :)
Just came back from the B&M and tried lots of new arrivals. Will try to get the reviews up on my blog soon.
ReplyDeleteAlso got the new styleguide and it didnt wow me.
oooh looking fwd to it! and yeah based on the pinterest images, i'm not wow-ed by the april styleguide either...
DeleteJust FYI - for those that have or are thinking about getting the Basket Weave jacket (now on sale for $119.99 + 40% off) I heard that at least one of my stores sent them back due to the buttons breaking? I'm not sure if this is a corporate wide recall or not but apparently a manufacturing defect... I still got one anyway but just a heads up!
ReplyDeleteoh that's too bad. i've had mine for awhile now (wore it a dozen times) and had no issues. it was difficult for me to button the jacket at first because the material is so stiff, but it softens after use. wonder if that's why the jacket is so heavily discounted and/or why it wasn't available on the website for awhile...
Deletehi Dmitri, good to know it softens up after use and also that so far you haven't encountered any issues! I hope mine will be ok too :) It looks like such a great and versatile jacket!!
DeleteOne of the items I ordered a few weeks ago on a 40% off promo was the Collarless popover in indigo oxford. Normally, I don't mind the popover style, and I liked the idea of a solid color one since my closet is full of J.Crew prints. I also liked the indigo trim for more casual styling.(02850). I usually take size 4 in JC tops. I wish I had read Gigi's review before ordering - the shirt was so tight my husband had to help me pull it over my head! I sent it back, exchanging it for a size 6. The oxford cotton felt very soft against my skin, which is why I even bothered trying the exchange.
ReplyDeleteThe 6 was the right size for me, BUT the fit was definitely off -- tight in the shoulders, slight pulling across the chest, and wide, almost A-shape on the bottom. The sleeve length was fine. It just looked very odd and nothing like in the picture on the website. (Not that I'm comparing myself to the tall, lanky models, lol!) Sadly, this one will be going back, too.
I hope this helps someone.
Ivanka, I'm ready to start the say no to popovers club. I am so over them. They run tight in the shoulders and/or hips on me and baggy in the middle. So not a good look. Plus it seems like all the cute shirt prints are popovers only. I'm over it! Any members can sign up here:)
DeleteSign me up, Shopping Celle! I am not a fan of the popovers at all! I really wish J.Crew would go back to putting the cute prints onto the perfect shirts or boy shirts. I have actually passed on all of the prints ever since they started putting them on popovers. So sad, as there are some that I really would have liked to have.
DeleteShopping Celle - Even Madewell now offers a bunch!
DeleteFFM - Yeah, I miss all the perfect shirts, too.
Add me to the list. I am not a fan of popovers, love perfect and boy shirts. As FFM said, I have passed on so many of the latest prints since they are only available on popovers.
DeleteI can not wear the popovers...one size is too tight the other too big....yes tight in shoulders and across the chest...just strange fit and I am tires of all of them in every print and no button ups..
DeleteThey don't fit me well either. I have one I love from last year, but it would have to be true love for me to buy another.
DeleteAdd another to the list. Several cute prints I would have purchased in a button up but not a popover. Popovers be gone! :)
DeleteAdd me to the list of people just aching for them to bring back perfect shirts in fun prints. At least they are offering colored and crosshatched linen for spring.
DeleteLots of reviews of new april arrivals on my blog:drapey skirt in geo print,lace crochet tank,lace sleeve sweatshirt,italian linen sweater,drapey tank,eyelet dress,blue floral popover and more on my blog here.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see reviews of the new things, thanks Ina!
Deletethanks for the reviews, ina! but yeah, i'm not really impressed with any of the april items...i think i'll be spending time on madewell instead this next month
DeleteA review of the new Crocheted Lace Tank here
ReplyDeleteThe tank is really adorable in my opinion!
JCAs, do any of you own a verison of the silk maxidress? Last years? Either the collection or regular one from this year? I'm wondering how the silk wears thru the day. If you're paranoid about getting stains on it or feel fairly comfortable in it. TIA
ReplyDeleteHi Gigi,i just tried it again today.
DeleteI really liked it,but didnt get it because of how it would show sweat or stains.
I think if i would sit in the car and sweat and all the creases on my lap would show it.
HTH
Ina - that's a concernof mine. I guess you're just supposed to wear it from your hotel room to dinner or walking on the beach, away from the water. Not driving around or sitting in traffic. lol
DeleteI have the blue non-collection silk maxi. I wore it last week in Orlando. To dinner. It packed well, no wrinkles. Wore well, no wrinkles. I did drop some soft cheese on it - so it's off at the cleaners right now. I was tempted to wash it, but was afraid about steaming/ironing it. To be continued...but I loved wearing it. Wore it casual, with a scarf and jean jacket. It actually fit me very well - which for a JC dress was a miracle, so I had to get it, lol.
DeleteSuzy - Thanks for the review. I like the jean jacket idea. Was it tts for you & did you miss the lack of pockets?
DeleteYes, it was perfectly TTS. Of course it helps me that it was S-M-L-XL instead of numbers! The chest area is where I always don't fit. This just skimmed everything perfectly. It's def better (at least at my age( with some spanx! lol. Didn't miss pockets at all, didn't even think about it til you mentioned it hahaha.
DeleteThanks again, Suzy. I love the blue!
DeleteI think the silk wears fairly well with black. My kids used me as their napkin a time or two and I took it to the dry cleaners. I didn't have any problem with sweat stains so far with the dark color. The silk seems a little nicer than say the blythe blouse silk. Its kind of a pebbled silk. HTH!
DeleteSara - Human napkin. lol Thanks for chiming here and on my blog about the fit. Very interesting about the fabric. I hope to try it on later this week.
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ReplyDeleteAbsolutly agree on this one!
DeleteOne more review from me!
DeleteThe boy shirt in end-on-end in French blue (04681). I have been looking for that perfect, crisp, not too frumpy looking professional shirt for awhile now, and I think I finally found it! The color on this shirt is divine, almost periwinkle. The cotton is thin, but in a good way - I can tuck this baby in without being worried about adding too much bulk. At the same time, my black bra does not show through the fabric at all! The cotton feels cool and silky. But I think it's the fit that I love the most - it's right on the money in my usual size (4), perfectly fitted, no gaping, no tugging. Can't wait to wear it with my blazers and or alone once it gets warmer in IL. JC hit it out of the ballpark on this one!
Sorry for the delete/repost, had to get the idiom right! :)
DeleteThree J. Crew jackets here.
ReplyDeleteA few reviews...
ReplyDeleteRetail v Factory Scalloped Shift Dress
Rhinestone Bow Blouse & Silky Chambray Tunic
Lillian Mirror Metallic Low Wedges