Tuesday, May 6, 2014

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! :)

43 comments:

  1. Has anyone tried EQUESTRIAN SLINGBACK SANDALS a5163? I have to order online as they are not in store near me. Was thinking of the dark sand color. Wanted the Maltas but they look bad in my foot.

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    1. Hi Sunny - Love those sandals. The description doesn't mention online only. It's possible they're not out yet, or just released to the bigger stores. I was at a big store last week and didn't see them.

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    2. Thanks Gigi! Living in Canada, the store selection is just not what it is in the USA -so I have to guess if the item is new and on the way to stores or just not coming to Canada. Online shipping and returns are not so good to/from Canada too in terms of the charges.

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  2. Reviews here of the side-slit soft pencil skirt, oui mon cheri sweatshirt, crepe shorts in blush & silk panel sweater in cove floral.

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  3. Has anyone seen both the festival blue (2012) and baroque blue (2013) double serge wool skirts? Is there any difference in the color?

    Thanks!

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    1. I have the festival blue skirt and I think it is a little lighter.

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    2. I second Cousy. Festival blue is a smidgen lighter.

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  4. I bought both colors of the silk ruffled bib blouse and really love them. I know there were some complains about the buttons being hard to unfasten (and they are!), but I undid 4-5 of them once and haven't fastened them again. The top slips on easily and goes with everything. I have been wearing them tucked in with a-line and pencil skirts and out with skinny jeans. These are definitely my favourite purchases in a while.

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  5. Can anyone comment on the Factory Charley sweater in punk floral? I really like this pattern, but not loving the idea of spending $60+ on a cotton sweater. I wish it was merino. I have a cotton Charley sweater from Factory and it looks like crap. Cotton didn't hold its shape well and it pilled. Not that merino doesn't pill, but I have merino sweaters from Factory and they've held up much better.

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    1. Ahhhhh, Gigi, I knew I should have checked your blog first! :-)

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    2. Danielle - you can always enter gigisgoneshopping + j crew + style# and it should show up in Google if I've reviewed the item. I also had a cotton Charley sweater that pilled on the first wear. Totally irritating. I haven't worn my pear sweater yet, so I can't comment on wear. I don't know about the other printed Charleys.

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    3. Danielle: I got the Charley in punk floral during the Factory 50% off promo, and I am happy with it at that price. The cotton is thin, but very soft and silky-feeling. Also, the cotton yarn on this particular Charley is and feels different than on the other colorways. I have worn the sweater a few times since purchasing and so far I haven't noticed any pilling. The knit has retained its shape, except for the elbow area. Not sure I'd pay the full price for it, but I seldom pay retail for clothes. HTH!

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  6. Kinda off topic, but does anyone have a review of a nice chunky jcrew style necklace extender? I love my jcrew jewels but sometimes I would like a longer length especially when I am wearing over a layered shirt and sweater. All the ones I've seen are too thin, dainty and bright gold instead of the burnished antiqued golden jcrew style.

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    1. Shopping Celle - Desert Flower has a couple necklace extenders from Ebay. Not sure what hers look like. Hopefully she'll see this.

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    2. Maybe you could have one made from an old J. Crew necklace with the same finish/links?

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    3. Thanks Gigi. cate I've thought about that too as a DIY but I can't bear to tear apart anything from jcrew. I looked at michaels but didn't really see anything perfect. I may troll store clearance racks for the ugliest necklace on the rack and then start cutting!

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    5. I have extenders from Stella & Dot and from Nordstrom. Neither are as chunky as the JC necklaces, but they've been able to hold up. Stella & Dot's extenders are not shiny gold so you might like them, although they are short, only adding an inch or so. Here's the link.

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    6. Thanks AudreyS. I really would one with 1 to 3 inch options but I'll check this one out!

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    7. I was in a bind one day and used the Factory gold and crystal link bracelet and the Classic pavé link bracelet to make a necklace. I've now taken to using the former as a necklace extender.

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    8. I have also used the Factory gold and crystal link bracelet as an extender but I love the idea for a necklace. Thanks D*ska!!

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  7. Photo floral popover (yellow) reviewed here. Great print. Same old popover style.

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  8. I received the side slit skirt in salt (it looked so cool in the new catalog) and the pleated poplin skirt in navy. I had high hopes for both. I would have liked the side slit skirt better in bright white and in a more casual fabric. It just seemed too dressy for my style and had visible seams, which I didn't like. It was a good length for me (I'm 5'9") falling a little below the knee. My normal size is 6, but I like how the 8 looked on me. A little less clingy and when wearing white I prefer not to wear body hugging garments. There is an elastic waist band on the backside, but I don't think I would tuck in a top anyway....it would probably be visible through the light colored fabric. I love the idea of the pleated poplin skirt, but failed to think about the fabric used... until I removed it from the bag and saw the pleats crushed and wrinkled. All I could think was "ironing this skirt will be a pain in the neck and the minute I sit the pleats will get crushed and wrinkled again".....arg! I love the length (a little below my knee) and that it has pockets, but I don't like the wrinkled look. Sadly, these skirts go back.

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  9. Does anyone have an opinion of the Collection draped keyhole dress? I bought it in navy, love it, but my husband thinks it's frumpy, which it is, but in a way that I like. Any other takes on this dress?

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  10. Beware of the Vintage Cotton Tee in Weekdays
    item a3894 (I bought the ebony color), using a $25 rewards card, because I didn't want to pay full price ($39.50). I wore it twice, washed it once (following the instructions on the tag, in a delicates bag, and on delicates wash. I put it on yesterday and found three tiny holes underneath "vendredi." I was really bummed out! My husband thought I was nuts, but I emailed customer service and was immediately take care of. Thank goodness for good customer service. They are crediting my account and resending a $25 card. The shirt is soft, cute, and I loved it, but just know that it needs to be washed with EXTREME care. Disappointed in the quality of the garment.

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  11. I ordered the Factory ponte flare dress,
    item A0117, in navy in my regular size and it is pretty nice.

    It's a medium navy - not super-dark, and it's poly-cotton. It's true to size, knee-length on me (I am 5-2), got cute little sleeves, and the material is ribbed (you can tell if you zoom in). The little ribs surprised me but they add a bit of texture that's not unwelcome.

    I am a little hesitant to keep it is my chest is larger than normal because I am nursing and I don't know if I can fill it out when I deflate back to normal but I got it for $49 minus 25% (price adjustment) and it seems like too much of a pain to ship it back. I can see myself throwing it on for weekends and errands with abandon and it's still nice enough to wear to work.

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  12. Skinny twill sweatpant (a6970) - Okay, I love these. They are soft and for me, the fit is perfect and flattering (I tried the navy S - I'm usually a 4/6 in their pants). However, they are basically t-shirt pants (even though it's called "twill" I'd say it feels more like the pique of some of their polo shirts), they are thin and I don't think they're worth more than $20. I'm reluctantly returning them but I'm sure they'll be on sale with an additional % off, at which point I'll grab them.

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    1. Pique is what I thought too. They remind me of the fabric on the old school pique polo shirts J. Crew used to make. I love these pants, though. They are essentially sweatpants for summer (with pockets!). These might be my favorite thing from the last rollout.

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    2. Good morning, cate! We tend to like the same pieces. I'm glad to see these pants were added to the 25% promo that started this morning.

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  13. A review of the Emma Crackled Metallic Leather Ballet Flats here

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  14. Can anyone comment on any pilling issues for the Lightweight merino tunic sweater (#A1917)? This was a surprise love for me. It's a light and breezy, nicely draping sweater. I'd like to keep it if it doesn't pill.

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    1. Sad to report mine has not worn very well. Pills. But I have long walks daily with a tote (to and from work) and tend to be hard on my sweaters.

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    2. Sadly, I was so excited about this when they came out I bought two: the gray and blue. I paid full price. I've started wearing the gray and even a light coat caused pilling of the fabric. Disappointing.

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    3. same here.. mine has not worn well either. I have the modern red color and i love it but it's pilling badly after 3 wears.

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    4. Thanks, JCAs, for your thoughts. Wow, this is rather disappointing to hear. It is a pretty sweater on, but I did see the beginnings of fuzz just from trying it on and was hoping it was my imagination. @rcb.shops - I love my daily walks, too!

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  15. I got the Factory Isabelle pumps in nude patent today, and I have to say I am very happy with them! I know they aren't real leather but they still look expensive and well-made. I only wore them around my house, but I think I can say they are very comfortable especially when compared to the Retail equivalent, the Everly. The factory ones have a much roomier toebox and the cutout is not as deep (as in there is LESS toe cleavage) so my foot feels more secure in these. And the factory ones appear to have a padded, albeit thin, insole. The 2 pairs of Everlys I have have NO padding, which is strange since those are supposed to be the "nicer" shoe. I've always liked the Everly, but I think I'm a lot more open to trying Factory shoes now! So for anyone looking for pumps on a budget I'd suggest these! Now if only the bow stripe ones would arrive......

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  16. I received my orders from the 30% promo.

    For reference: Height 4'11, 34C, I usually wear XS, S for tops and bottoms 0R or 2P.

    1. Drapey drawstring pant in navy: $98, Size 2P, Petite sizing is TTS.
    The waist fits since its an elastic waistband. Good for me since I have a tummy ;-). The poly fabric is on the heavy side, and I wouldn't recommend anyone wearing it on warmer climate. It works for me here in SF because the temps is always mild.

    2. Collection crop stripe v neck sweater - $98, Size XS. The XS fits TTS.
    Wow! Like what the description say, CROP. I'm not the type to show a lot of skin, especially wearing a midriff top. I wore it with the skirt pulled up, so not to show my torso as much. The feel of the fabric reminds me of Ralph Lauren Polo collars-the stiff cotton feel. I didn't mind the stiffness, and I'm certain once you've washed it, it won't be stiff anymore. I like the stiffness, makes it look a little structured and its not too hugging like a bodycon.
    The cotton is on a thick side, and would not recommend wearing it on super hot climates.

    3. Collection stripe skirt. $98, Size XS. Fits TTS.
    On me, the skirt is a tad long since I'm 4'11. I paired it with the stripe v neck like how it was shown online. It's pretty cute. I asked my husband if it makes me look wide and short, because of the horizontal stripes, and he said no. He also said that it makes me look tall. It must be the placement of the stripes-narrow on the v neck, and the stripes get wider towards the bottom of the skirt. Together its a cute outfit. I plan on wearing it with my Maya metallic strappy flats.
    I'm going to buy it when there's a % promo attached to it, or when it goes on sale, but not at FP, so I'll pass on these for now.

    4. Rectangle necklace in sea mist. Pretty necklace. Understated and simple. I love it. Its a keeper. Planning on buying another one, so I can layer both.

    5. Side slit pencil skirt in orchid. $110. Size 2P. Fits TTS. Elastic waist on the back helps! I bought the orchid color because I fell in love with the way J.Crew styled it on the style guide w/ the cashmere pocket tee in dark green..but since I couldn't afford the the pocket tee, i settled on styling it my own with a navy merino tippi. The color together compliment each other. But i wasn't feeling the orchid color against my skin. Something about it. Maybe because I'm not sold on wearing pastel myself. I don't own any pastel colored clothing. I mean its nice when I tried it on, but its not super special that I'd keep it. I might consider the salt color instead.

    :-)

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  17. New arrivals reviews:
    _matelasse sheath dress
    -jaquard backzip sweatshirt
    -boyshirt in stripe gauze
    -palmtree tee
    -pull on matelasse short
    on my blog here.

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  18. Does anyone know the current in-store price of Madewell's back-zip sweatshirt? Thanks.

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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! :)