Tuesday, May 27, 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! :)

51 comments:

  1. I'm looking for a review of the Fatigue jacket-$188.00 item 47864 I am worried it might be too long. I'm 5'5" and wear a size 0-2 in Jcrew jackets. thanks in advance!

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    1. Hi pathos! You can see the review of this jacket here. I am 5'6", for reference. It would hit you above the knee, I am guessing.

      I got it because it is a bit longer, but it depends what you are looking for. It is really soft, and quite warm because of the lining - perfect for spring or summer early morning walks at the beach. HTH




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    2. Hi pathos - I'm about 5'5" and it hits me a little above the knee. I was looking for a longer jacket and got this one last year when it was called the "Charlie" (same item #). I'm surprised at how often I end up wearing it. Rose is right - the lining makes it a bit warmer for cooler mornings. I sized down to an XS from my usual S because I didn't want it to be too baggy. HTH!

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    3. Thank you for the feedback :) I've been wanting a longer fishtail jacket and this one sold out fast.

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    4. Pathos, the wonder dot blouse is back in sale hopefully your size has popped back.

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  2. Review of the Gemstone Silk Floral Tee here and a review of the Embroidered Windowpane Top, Popover in Leaf, and Popover in Arrow Print here

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  3. I know I posted here before but in case anyone missed it: does anyone have a review for an extender for Jcrew necklaces. I need something heavyweight, antiqued gold preferably with multi length adjusters. Maybe 1-3 inches. Everything I see is too dainty to handle the big Jcrew necklaces.

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    1. How about this at Dillard's? It's a bit shiny. Stella and Dot has one that looks more antique gold.


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    2. Shopping Celle - On the advice of D*ska and other JCAs, I purchased 2 of the Factory bracelets for said purpose. The gold link bracelet felt too big as an extender, linkwise. Also, the gold is very bright and most of the necklaces have brass metal.

      I love and kept the gold and crystal link bracelet as an extender. It's pretty, the links aren't too big and it's subtle enough to work as an extender. I don't particularly care that it doesn't match whatever necklace is in the front because the extender will likely be covered by a shirt or sweater. What's great about the bracelet is I can also layer it as a regular bracelet with others.

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    3. Gigi, I love the bracelet idea!

      Shopping Celle, if you're feeling crafty, necklace extenders aren't hard to make. If you have a jewelry supplies shop in your area, I would check it out. Most stores have bulk chains that they sell by the inch or foot, so they can cut the chain to length for you. From there it's just a jumpring on each end and a clasp if you need one - all you need is a pair of pliers!

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    4. Thanks Gigi and innisfree for your thoughts. I have used a bracelet before:) The DIY idea sounds intriguing so a trip to the craft store may be on the agenda.

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    5. Rose. Thanks for your ideas. I will check Dillard's and Stella & dot. I'm sure I would wear certain necklaces more if they were more adjustable:)

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  4. I everyone! Over the long weekend I wore my new Crystal Shade earrings twice. Once with the Boy Shirt in Tropical Neon pink (big love too) and once with a Liberty shirt with a paisley print with purple, red, blue. I LOVE these earrings! I love how they look paired with a casual outfit. Casually and glamorous! I stopped into my local B&M store wearing them and everyone thought they looked fabu! Can't wait to get the Tassel Trim earrings too!

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    1. That sounds cute Stray Cat. I am liking the big earring look this summer. Sometimes when it's hot the last thing I want is a big heavy necklace around my neck. I am also loving the look of the tropical neon boy shirt especially since it is not a popover. I am planning on trying it soon!

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  5. I bunch of new arrival reviews (including gemstone print) HERE and some Factory reviews HERE

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  6. Pintuck sundress (a7542) - Just...no. This was a baggy, unflattering sack that made me look about 20 pounds heavier. There are no pockets and no zipper - basically, nothing tailoring it in any way so I don't understand why it's numerically sized. I tried my usual 4. The length was dowdy but it may also be because of the overall big-ness of the dress. If I were going to try it again I would maybe try a P4 or P2. The fabric had kind of a windowpane texture to it.

    Linen high-low hem sweater (a8089) - Every year I try these linen sweaters but they don't really work for me. I'm not going to wear a sweater between now and probably September, linen or not. I liked the shape and the high-low hem but the white was completely see through (like, see a nude-colored bra through it). I'd say it was TTS (took my usual S).

    Girls' crossback pom-pom tank (a7289) - I saw this in the catalog and wanted to try it for myself. I ordered a 16 (I'm short-waisted and 34B). It was super cute - the fabric was nice and it was lined. The neckline is a little higher even than it looks in the online picture which didn't really work for me... so I put it on backwards and it actually looked super cute. The "flap goes all the way up so it would have to be tacked down but it looked better backwards than forwards on me. The only thing stopping me from keeping it is the color - the pale citrus is a little more green IMO, kind of like a tennis ball - and it just didn't work for me at all. Yellow is really not for me except in like, belts and shoes.

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  7. Can anyone comment on the quality of prima jersey tees? I'm considering ordering a few for the summer, but since all of my vintage cotton and linen tees from JC are nasty holey messes after a wash or two, I'm hesitant...

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    1. Kelley - I reviewed the drop shoulder prima tee in this post. I've washed them a few times and no holes, no issues.

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    2. I purchased the both the prima jersey pocket tee and the prima jersey drop shoulder tee. The pesto and blossom pocket tees are a beautiful rich color. The pocket primes are a bit boxy and have a drapey fit. I select a size small in both the pocket tee and drop shoulder tee. I am a 5'10", 140lbs for reference. I usually tuck the prima pocket tee and it looks great with high waisted pants/ jeans. Prima drop shoulder tee are great with Andies. HTH

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    3. Just realized I said nothing about the quality. No holes so far. I let then air dry laying flat and wash on delicate. Wouldn't advise hanging to dry as hanger can cause the shirt to have hanger dumps.

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    4. Thanks a lot, Gigi and Birdie!!

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  8. Has anyone tried the tuxedo dress in either color?

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  9. A few reviews :)
    For reference: 5'5", 110 lbs, 34 A, broad shoulders. Typically Size 0-2 or XS.

    Knit Sleeveless Dress (a4162): I was surprised to love the fit of this dress. I was worried about the flare at the bottom (not my usual style), but it actually works. I am normally a size 0 in sleeveless dresses, and the 0 fit with a little extra wiggle room. The length was maybe an inch above my knees. The dress is a pretty substantial knit, so I wouldn't want to wear it in the heat of summer. I think you could wear it alone in Spring and early Fall. It looks cute with a cardigan for the winter. Got it for $72 in store.

    Hooded Basket-weave Jacket (09619): This jacket has been around for a while, but I wanted to revise my earlier review. I tried it on a while back in my normal jacket size. I am always XS or 2 in J.Crew and Madewell jackets. The overall fit in XS was way too big, so I was not a fan of this one. Sizing down in jackets never works out because of my shoulders. There was an XXS in the sale section this weekend, so I tried it on for fun. So cute! Plenty of room in the shoulders and arms. Got it for $72.

    Linen Tank in stripe (a7363): I tried this one on in navy stripe at the store and thought it fit well. Racerback is always flattering and feels cool in the summer. The linen is not transparent like some of the J.Crew linen tees I've tried. I got this in my usual XS for $21. Do I really need to hand wash this?

    Seersucker Pencil Skirt (a5845): Tried this one in my usual pencil skirt size (0), and it was really big all over. It seemed way too long, but that might be because the waist was loose and sat low. I will continue to wear my trusty 2012 seersucker pencil skirt for now.

    Lace Sleeve Top (a2179): I tried this in all three colors, and the sizing is interesting. In order of smallest to largest: navy, ivory, sky blue. J.Crew sizing is fun, right? I got the navy and ivory. The sky blue is pretty, but having 3 of these shirts seemed ridiculous. I got them for $13 during that pricing mistake. Comfortable, pretty, and machine washable. Win.

    My other recent purchases were swim suits. I got the ratti fish underwire top (34 A) and bikini bottom (XS). I also got the seersucker banded string top (small) and bikini (XS). LOVE both of them.

    I ordered a few things from Madewell and will post reviews when that stuff gets here.

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  10. OT, I need to return a bathing suit-- it's always free returns on swimwear, right? Do I just print out a return label and send it back and they just won't take off the shipping cost from my refund like they normally do?

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  11. I received last week the pocket dress in the catskill green that was backordered. I really wanted this color but size xxs was sold out so I went with the xs. Pros: it is a very easy dress and quite flattering on. The xs seemed the right size as it would have been to clingy in the xxs (it was a just a little bit generous in the armholes but not too big). The color is beautiful if you like this kind of muted colors. Cons: the only real con was how thin of a cotton it is made of, I felt a bit exposed (not because of sheernes, it isn't sheer, but because it doesn't hold anything in. And I am fairly slender) and I just couldn't get over how overpriced it is (I had paid fp and I didn't feel it was worth $60 as it is pretty basic). I don't really need anything like this so I would only consider re-buying it on deep sale.

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    1. It is the pocket tank dress, not the pocket dress

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    2. Jcrew factory has a version of this pocket tank dress and it is nice quality.
      I paid $27 for it and thats a fair price for it.
      Just in case somebody wants this dress,this an option!

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  12. Review of the chambray shift dress. Same cut as the arrow-print shift.

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  13. Scallop crepe dress ($168 + 30% off with current promo) - Bought this in navy for work. Fits TTS. I love the draping of this dress -- extremely flattering. Two issues with it, however: 1) the neck is low and there is nothing keeping the v-neck from splitting when you move, thus exposing your bra. Probably not a great dress for work if you have cleavage (unlike me) unless you want to wear a lace cami or swear under it.
    2) there is also nothing keeping the scallop part of the skirt fastened. When you sit down you risk showing a lot of thigh to the rest of the room.

    I'm going to try to get those two parts of the dress altered. If it can be done I'd consider buying the dress in another color.

    Tiered dress in blurred floral ($79.99 + 30% off): Another work purchase. The print on this dress is surprisingly neutral so it works great with a range of cardigans (navy, peach, light blue) as well as blazers. It fits TTS - I took my normal 4. My only issues with this dress is that depending on your height, the waist may hit you in an odd place. It is a higher waist (not quite empire waist) and I would have preferred it to come down another inch or two to be more flattering. The hem hits near the top of my knees. I'm 5'7" so YMMV. I would probably buy it again just because I love a versatile, comfy dress. I do wish JCrew made more dresses in tall as it would solve a lot of my problems.

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  14. Another review: Tiki print hipster. I had already raved about the French top (went up a size from my regular S to a M and it fits great. I am a 34C for reference) but I hadn't tried the bottom yet. It is on sale now and with the current 30% off it comes down to $25 so I decided it was the right time to order it before final sale kicks in. I went with my regular S in the bottom and it fits GREAT. It is very low rise (which I consider a plus: finally a bikini that doesn't come up high in the back) which can be a problem if you want more coverage.
    Bottom line: this bikini really looks designer IMO, they really nailed the cut and the print. I wish the cubist one came in such a flattering botfom instead of the uber-unflattering hipster (which has a cut completely different ffrom this one)

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  15. Wow, I really loved my latest JCrew package.

    The Chevron Dress in linen. Fits loose, TTS, great loose summer dress.

    The Juan Obando Silk shirt with the long neck tie. Wow, a stunner. I love silk shirts with a little give and this has it. The silk has a beautiful sheen and fits perfectly. I love the long tie around the neck which can be tied many different ways. A beautiful blouse.

    The feather paisley top. Just gorgeous. The fabric is silk/cotton. Really pretty pattern.

    The gemstone floral silk tee is beautiful but has no give so not for me. I am really wide through the chest for my size.

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    1. Sara-on the Obado blouse, did you take your Perfect shirt size?

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    2. Yes, sane size as the perfect shirt.

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  16. SKINNY ZIPPER PANT item a4075

    has anyone tried these out yet? i bought them in my usual size and i guess i'm not used to skinny pants, but i can't tell if i want to keep them or get one size up. i feel like they might stretch during the day. I also bought the sea pearl color and might want to exchange it for the light amethyst color. opinions on that?

    thanks! :)

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  17. I tried on the LACE SHIFT DRESS in both poppy and citrus. It fit beautifully and the citrus color is stunning in real life, certainly bright, but I liked it. I think both would work well for summer weddings. I ended up buying the paneled eyelet dress. It's described as being made with the pixie pants fabric, it makes for a very smooth and flattering fit and balances out the delicate eyelet. I was looking for a dress for an evening charity cocktail party and this will fit the bill perfectly! My normal J.Crew dress size fit in all of these dresses perfectly. Also, I'm 5'8" and all were a good length--neither too short nor too long.

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  18. This isn't a review really but I recently bought the emma flats. Does anyone know how long these take to break in or are they always so uncomfortable? Usually the backs on shoes rub for me but this time it's the top edge that presses on my feet hurting like crazy :(

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  19. I just got the flat jeweled sandals and the Leila metallic flat ankle wrap sandals in the mail. I was sure I'd love the jeweled sandals and was trying the metallic ones just to see how they were. I love the metallic ones!! The leather is buttery soft and the metallic is slightly burnished or muted - so much nicer than the brassy looking gold on the Malta sandals. I ordered my normal shoe size 7.5 and one size down, sz. 7 since for me, JC shoes have been running big on me. I'm actually torn about what to do here. The sz. 7's fit more snugly over the toe area in a good way as I think this leather might give since it's so soft. But my heel is to the absolute edge in the back. The 7.5's fit perfect everywhere except the strap over the toes. They fit, but feel loose and I'm worried they'll stretch out too much. I'm leaning towards keeping the 7's, but am debating. As for the jeweled sandals, I had hoped they'd be a nice sub for the fabulous glitter sandals from a few years back. For me, they're not. The jeweled part feels a little garish, as the stones are on the big side. But the deal killer for me is the leather. It's really cheap and I know from experience, that cheap leather on sandals means blisters. They're an absolute no go for me. I'd say they fit TTS.

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  20. Urgh. Jean shopping is the worst. Right after shopping for swimwear. I wish I had a fairy godmother for the exact purpose of custom fitting my jeans. Every time I'm trying on jeans I think back to my first splurge pair - a medium blue, 100% cotton, 7 for all Mankind bootcut that fit like a dream. I wore it out and have never found anything that fits so perfectly, more than a decade later.
    Anyway, today I received the Toothpick jean in pitch black wash (#10480) and the Midrise toothpick jean in carbon (#12453). Both currently show up as sold out but they were constantly popping up last week so I don't see why that shouldn't be the case this week. Both are the standard toothpick cut but the waist on the midrise is cut too large, I think. It hits me almost at my waist (26") and gapes. I took my usual size 26. Sizing down wouldn't be an option since I really can't see a size 25 fitting around these 36" hips. Already returned.
    The pitch black wash is great. Well, just good really, since I can't seem to find better fitting skinny jeans around this price point. (Gap, get your act together!). The dark wash is really beautiful, a true jet black, which probably explains the dark residue left on my hands from just handling them. Eek! I know the fashionistas jean wearing commandments but I'm considering washing them before wearing since I have super-sensitive skin and just the thought of all this dye just irks me. Does anyone have this particular and washed them? Does the color fade or the excess dye just run off? Anyone know where I can find really ah-mazing fitting, dark blue rinse, skinny jeans under $200?

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    1. The Loft super-skinny fit exactly as the the Citizen of Humanity Avedon (which are more jeggings than jeans). I have three pairs and the black in particular are amazing. Not sure about the dark rinse though as they have light rinses in the summer. They fit slightly big (I am a 26 too and I usually fit in the 25). HTH!

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    2. D*ska - You probably already know I love Loft jeans. In addition to the ones Ema recommends, try the curvy skinny. Click here for current choices.

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    3. I snagged a pair of Paige denim jeans from Anthropologiie on sale a couple of weeks ago and am in love. I don't know the exact name offhand but they are skinny and a mid rise (I think "peg" is in the name).

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    4. D*ska, I have a pair of AG Stilt jeans I bought last fall on sale (from piperlime) and love them, very soft, nice quality of denim, skinny fit with some stretch, made in the US. There are a lot of washes and fabrics in the stilt. They hit at the ankle. The ones I have don't gape at the waist whereas some 7FAMK jeans do gape on me. HTH

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    5. My favorite denim, by far, are Current Elliott, Genetic, and Mother. Current Elliott has very consistent sizing, just stretchy enough but still looking very denim, not legging.

      Genetic is super super comfy, because it's super stretchy. But super stretchy means it fits snug, but at a 26, I'm sure you're fine.

      Mother is also consistent, and it's a stretchy denim but less stretchy and much more traditional than Genetic. Mother also has very cute patterned denim, if you ever wear that.

      All can be found at Nordstrom, sometimes on sale, and often on sale at Barney's Warehouse and the various flash sale sites (gilt, haute look, ideeli).

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    6. Thank you all so much for your input. Ema & Gigi, I've never really given Loft a second thought when it comes to denim but I'll give them a shot this weekend when I head to the mall this weekend to make some JC returns.
      For now, I'm going to head over to Piperlime and see if I can find some of those brands that rcb, jan, AudreyS & Jruby18 mentioned. I'm really not up on my denim labels since I mostly stuck with JC for the past few years but I am so tired of having to change my jeans after one season of wear. I'm hpoing to find something with as little stretch as possible. I find those fit me best. Thanks again y'all!

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    7. I love my Paige jeans, the "peg" ones as well as Joe's Jeans. But two weeks ago I was in Loft and decided to give their jeans a chance due to Gigi's good words. Ended up with a pair I found on clearance. I think I'm in love! They are amazing jeans. Need more pairs asap.

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  21. I am obsessed w/my Dittos jeans. They're super flattering, comfortable and reasonably priced (around $70ish when not on sale) and I get compliments every time I wear a pair (I have 2). You can find them on the internet, but I got mine at a local boutique that carries them.

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    1. That was meant as a reply to D*ska above!!

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  22. A few new reviews on my blog:
    -gauze popover in red plaid
    -chambray dress
    -arrow ikat pants
    -striped side slit tunic

    see it here.

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  23. Reviews of the Embroidered Floral Racerback Dress and the Photo Floral Dress here

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)