Tuesday, July 15, 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! :)

71 comments:

  1. Recently purchased the vintage track short, LOVE!!! I pair them with my Jcrew Malta sandals in gold, will be purchasing in silver soon.

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    1. I like the look of them, but are they pretty short? Do you know what the inseam is? Thanks!

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    2. Cate, the inseam is pretty short -- closer to 2" than 3, I'd say. The rise seemed rather low to me, too, while the hips in my usual JC size seemed wide. I'd suggest calling CS to get actual measurements to see if the proportions will work for you.

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    3. Thanks cobalt! I wish they just had it in the store. I have the Madewell track shorts, which have a 3.5" inseam, linen/cotton. I like them, but they behave like linen and are a wrinkled mess almost immediately.

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    4. And thank you, Cate, for the info on the Madewell shorts -- I was wondering if those might work better for me. Last thing I need is more ironing, though!

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    5. I love-hate those Madewell shorts :) They fit great and I love the style. I have the blue color and still want the black color, in spite of the wrinkling. I have not tried putting them in the dryer, though. I've machine-washed and hung them to dry. Maybe I should have tossed them in the dryer but I was worried they'd shrink and I don't want that.

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  2. Greetings JCAs . . . Any thoughts on the Pearl Starburst Necklace (a8644)? It's an FS item, but no reviews on the website to guide me. Many thanks! Jennifer

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    1. i got this necklace when it was 84.99 minus 50% off. The price is much better now. I LOVE this necklace. It has a nice weight- little on the heavier side and the pearls are expensive looking. I get lots of compliments on this. it looks especially good with black sweaters/dresses. I hope you will like it!!!

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  3. I'm very curious about the hibiscus Maxidress. Is it fine for ladies with, ahem, C-cups?

    Too Mrs. Roper?

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    1. I wear a 12 in almost all J Crew and I am a D cup. I ordered this dress in a 10 per the website reviews. The dress fit fine around the top of my chest, good thing. The rest of the dress was a disaster. I am 5' 8" and it was too long and made me look 9 months pregnant. Too much fabric. I took it back, it looked awful on me. Maybe if you are thinner or have a smaller bust it would look better. I did love the print in the cotton fabric, very pretty but sadly I would not recommend the dress.

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    2. Thanks! Rats. I'll have to reluctantly pass, then. I'm 5'9" and the same size with an hourglass figure so it's hit or miss for me if something is better suited for a straight or apple figure. I wish the mini skirt had been longer or in tall. Le sigh.

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  4. Has anyone tried the collection racer tank in photo floral item #A6181? Jcrew's reviews are conflicting. Does it fit similar to the silk racer tanks (desert floral, antique floral)? I love the cut of those tops and would value anyone's input!

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    1. I just received the tank. I have the racer tanks in size 4 in both the antique floral and the windowpane floral. The fit around the chest/neck/armpit area is very similar, but the difference is the fit around the middle. I think it has to do with the fabric not being as the silk tanks. However, I don't think I'd size down on this one as I really like the cut on the top half. It accommodates my shoulders and chest nicely. I have the racer tank in embroidered floral (both colors) and the fit is very similar. Just my opinion. I stuck with my usual 4. The drapey crepe tank is another story, the size 2 is HUGE……..Hope that helps.

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    2. Thanks so much Tiffany q. You have been a huge help because we wear the same size!

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  5. I reviewed some of the my favorite items that are on sale right now in this blog post. I linked to the posts where I wore the items and for size reference, I'm wearing the jackets in a medium, linen tank in a medium (runs on the looser side), linen baseball tee in a large (stretches out, I should have gotten a medium) and skinny zipper pants in a 31 (I'm usually an 8/10 but I'm 6 weeks postpartum...I did not find these pants to run small like some of the reviews say).

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  6. Review of the Emmaline printed mini-wedge sandals, which recently got a 2nd cut to $99.99.

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  7. Can anyone give any insight on the fit of the Hibiscus Floral shorts. One review says they run large and the other says they run small! Thanks!

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    1. Hi Amber, I found them TTS in my normal JCrew 00 size. Maybe a tad tight. The material is nice and substantial. I would suggest trying your normal size and also one size up to determine your best fit.

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  8. Can anyone give comments on the Factory belted icon trench in petite? I'm deciding between that and the collection icon in 00, but that maybe too overwhelming for my frame (I'm 4'11", 34-25-33.)

    Thanks!

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    1. I'm 5'1", 32A bust, and the Factory trench in P00 fit perfectly, but with no room for layering. It is of substantial fabric, so I think I'll be fine with just a thin merino cardigan if I want extra warmth. Sleeves are also the perfect length. I would have wanted to try the P0 to compare but all sizes had sold out pretty quickly on the first release. Looks like it's been completely restocked. I tried the Collection trench in 00 last year, and it was too big throughout--sleeves too long and too much fabric in the body.

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  9. Review of
    sunglasses print popover
    tunic sweater
    stripe back linen tank
    chiffon back tank
    the factory excursion vest in camo
    On my bloghere

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  10. Lots of JCrew, Tory Burch and Madewell reviews up on my blog - back from my vacay! More coming! I got the WANT Les Essentials bag on sale, and the printed lizard envelope clutch. Love both. Hate the expense. :)

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    1. Maqsad -- just wanted to say that I love your blog even though I never comment! I had once written out a long response only to find out commenting from my iPad doesn't work. Anyway, love your commentary and your pics (and seeing your son in crewcuts). Thanks!!

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    2. Hi rcb.shops, thank you so much! It's so wonderful to hear from you! I have just acquired an iPad so I will investigate the commenting issue - but thanks so much for reading, in the meantime. Made some layout changes today that allow the website to show bloglovin and other links more clearly too. Any feedback is most welcome!

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  11. ooh, one more entry, which probably won't end up being a separate post on my blog, for lack of organization: the New Balance 420 sneakers for JCrew, in blue and red. I got my regular size 6 in these and they are very snug, without socks. I've been wearing them around, but I do wish I'd got a 6.5 in them. This is ironic, bc I got a 6.5 in the lime and navy ones in the first spring collection and those are on the loose side. Sigh. Very cute and versatile and light, as you'd expect, though.

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  12. Hi there- has anyone tried the Carrie cami? I am usually a size 2 with no issues- trying to decide if I should get a size 4? The reviews are confusing -- thank you!!

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    1. Momma Wags - I reviewed the Carrie cami in stripe at the bottom of this post. I measure 37.5" around the fullest part of my bust and tried the 4. It fit, but no room and there's no stretch. I would get the 6, which is the size I take most often in J Crew tops. HTH

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    2. I just tried the striped Carrie cami on the weekend.I am usually a 0 in tops and i tried the 0. It is TTS to a little small,as there was not a lot of extra room.
      If you need pics,they are on my blog: ina-wonderland.blogspot.com
      HTH

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  13. Hi! I was wondering if anyone has tried the Seersucker Pencil Skirt (a5845)? It looks really cute and gets rave reviews! I'm wondering about sizing...

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    1. Lauren - I haven't tried this year's. I saw a number of them on the rack last week. There could be fit issues. Remember you can always call cs for exact measurements.

      From this thread

      Jenny said
      For reference: 5'5", 110 lbs, 34 A, broad shoulders. Typically Size 0-2 or XS.

      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.

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    2. i have this skirt and I love it. i am 5'3'' 115 pounds and i usually wear size 0 for most of pencil skirts. I can sometimes where 00 but this one due to the lining in the skirt 0 was much better fit. I did not have any fit issues. and the side slits really makes the skirt comfortable when walking. for reference I also got the no.2 pencil skirt in color block stripe and 00 fit better so I think this skirt runs tts. hope this helps. i paid $35 and i think it's worth it.

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    3. Thanks so much for your replies! I did contact cs about some measurements and that helps. I'm still trying to decide. Here are the measurements for size 4 and 6 in case anyone else needs help:
      Waist 31.25 32.25
      Hip 38.25 39.25
      Thigh 38.25 39.25
      Sweep 35.5 36.5
      Length 23.5 23.75

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  14. Looking for opinions, please :)

    Classic MacAlister boots in suede-got these, not FS-they are OK, but wondering how they'll wear since they aren't lined? Also waffling about whether they are 'too masculine.' Any opinions or experience out there?

    Lillian Lattice in Mirror Metallic-ordered these in my non-J Crew size, and my toes are much closer to the end of the shoe than I would prefer. Does anyone know if they stretch?

    Thanks much!
    Wendy

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    1. Wendy - I reviewed the non-lattice mirror metallic Lillians on 1060 Pairs. I haven't found them to stretch *out* and they weren't quite as comfortable as I thought they'd be the first time I wore them. However, I am 100% sure that going tts (retail shoe size, not my j crew pump/wedge size) was the right fit for me and taking an 8 would be too big. They are leather, so maybe a little stretch spray on the inside of the strap that crosses the toes will make them a little more comfortable.

      Regarding the MacAlisters, go with 'the feeling.' If you want to feel feminine/pretty/whatever that means to you and they don't give you that or whatever vibe you see, return them. I have shearling and unlined, but in the wedge and like them both. I do find the shearling to be a little more comfortable, but can't wear them as often because they're so toasty for my climate. $0.02

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    2. Wendy, I got the Kids' version because I am sized out of the adult version. I kept them because I thought they were cute, but didn't like them after actually using them. Many other JCAs seem to love theirs, but after using them, I found them to be too flat, so I put in heel inserts, which solved that problem. Still, the suede seemed to keep pulling my socks down when I would walk up hills, bunching them at the bottom of my feet, and it also permanently stained a few of my lighter colored socks.

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    3. I wear my McAlister with no socks- lol! I wear mine with shorts in the summer.

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    4. I have the wedge McAlisters and love them. Mine are at least 3 years old and still in great shape. But I think the wedge makes them cuter and less boyish. I don't think I'd like the flat ones, but I know there are plenty of people out there that can rock that look and make it work. Just isn't for me. It's clearly a personal choice.

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    5. Thanks SO much, ladies! Think I may have been wearing sales goggles on the MacAlisters (not to take anything away from anyone who loves them). I have the wedge ones in black, but these are SO flat.

      Gigi, I was shocked to see these lattice lillians are not lined in leather-totally didn't catch that on the description. Wondering if the fit is a bit different since they have a back zip instead of strap closure.

      Thanks again-y'all are the best shopping buddies a girl could ask for!

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    6. Wendy, I have the classic Macalisters (flat ones) that are in my sell pile. I just never wear them, and I'm not sure why. I like pathos' idea to wear them with shorts, though... might have to give them another try like that before I get rid of them.

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  15. Can anyone comment on the Andie chino? I did order a pair -- wasted them last night and wore today. Found they stretched out. Kinda feel like I'm in between sizes in these pants. I'm 115 and ordered petite size 4, as I am a size 2 in regular pants and usually need to size up in petites. I think these would have been too snug in a P2, but the P4 seems to be baggy after a day of wear. Can't return since I've worn them and were a final sale item, plus this color is sold out. Maybe I can shrink them a bit in the wash? Anyone else find them baggy after wearing?

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    Replies
    1. Washed, not wasted. Stupid phone!

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    2. Dannielle,i have the Andie chinos.
      I am usually a 0 and got the 0 in these. They fit snug,but widen with wear.
      I havent put them into the dryer,so i dont know if they shrink.
      HTH

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    3. Danielle, I feel like I am in between sizes in these pants, too. Too snug in the P00 and too big in the P0 even after washing and high setting in the dryer. I lucked out on my first purchase of the P00 because I think that particular pair was cut just the teeniest bit big, so they are snug after a cold wash but loosen up just enough to the perfect size after wearing for a bit. Haven't been so lucky after that. Would have definitely wanted more because the first pair I got are so beautiful on. I'm thinking my P0s might work on my more bloated days, but I will keep trying to shrink once or twice more in the dryer on high setting.

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    4. I got a 6 but I should've gotten a 4. I'm afraid to put them in the dryer because I don't want to lose the length. Mine were final sale $14.99 so I probably will just visit the tailor.

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  16. A review of the Patio Skirt in Photo Floral here I hope this helps someone!

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    1. Rynetta in a non-pencil skirt. Going over right now.

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    2. LOL, Gigi!!!!! And, I love it!

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  17. Lol! Pencil or not- rynetta always rocks in her outfits! Thanks for ur reviews!

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    1. peis: Awwww, thank you SO much! I genuinely appreciate that.

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  18. I am not sure where to ask this question, so I apologize if it's inappropriate in this post. I LOVE my Tippi sweaters and have several. I am wondering: Can they be hand washed (or washed on cold/delicate) and hung to dry without shrinking, or do I really need to dry clean them? I hate dry-cleaning chemicals, but I can't give up my Tippis! Thanks for any advice/wisdom you might have.

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    1. I use The Laundress Cashmere Wash for my tippis and other woolens. It works great! Just squeeze a few drops in cold water, immerse sweater, leave over night or 30 minutes (minimum), rinse in cold while squeezing the soap out, roll in a towel, and dry flat on sweater mesh rack. The tippis should dry in less than 2 days given the gauge. DO NOT HANG DRY or it will stretch out. HTH. Also, a bottle of The Laundress is pricey, about $20 w/o shipping but just think how much you save from not having to dry clean your sweaters. One bottle lasts a long time. I've had mine for over 6 months and I'm only 1/4 of the way through.

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    2. PS- If you go on YouTube, there are videos made by The Laundress on how to hand wash your sweaters. Amazon has good prices usually. It costs $12 to ship a bottle if you order it from The Laundress website.

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    3. I always use Woolite for wool or delicates, like silk. And wash on wool or delicate cycle in my frontloader. There is usually a bit if shrinkage, not too much. To be on the safe side I size one up.
      Woolite works out much cheaper than the Laundress, not syre however if it is available in the US? I love not having to go to the drycleaner!

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    4. I wash mine by themselves on the wool cycle in my front-load machine with regular detergent & lay flat to dry - they come out beautifully, no pills or shrinkage.

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    5. Thanks, all! I appreciate your feedback. I do have some of the Laundress Cashmere Wash, but I don't have a sweater-drying rack. Maybe I need to invest in that. These are good tips. :) Perhaps I'll risk it with one of the Tippis that's not my go-to favorite and do a test run.

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    6. Leah,

      I have a 3 tier sweater drying rack that folds into a disk when you want to put it away. I bought mine on Amazon for less that $10; well worth the investment. It folds out and just hangs on a rod; usually I put it in my bathroom shower.

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  19. I've had mixed experience on this front. I've washed (delicate cycle) and rack dried some of my Tippi's and they came out with holes. Others have been just fine with that method Once I just put my Tippi's in the soak cycle (not a full wash) and it worked well. I'm going to try that again.

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    1. That's awful, sorry to hear. It might make a difference using a frontloader or not?

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    2. My front loader on delicate wasn't good for the Tippi I washed. It wasn't the right shape any more, maybe shrunk a bit, and came out very wrinkled. I couldn't iron the wrinkles out, but in the end I just tossed it because of the size and shape (dried it flat). I hope others' experiences with it are better.

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  20. During my lunch hour, I went to the local store this afternoon and picked up Evie metallic midheel sandals for $35 ($69.99+50%). Just FYI if you were looking for those, especially knowing that they are still $158 online (item #A1073)

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  21. My box from the 50% arrived and everything works (yay!). Wanted to recommend the Patch Pocket Cashmere Hoodie. I got it in gray and it is so SOFT! Wearing it with baggy linen lounge pants :)

    Also the Sleeveless Beach Tunic- this is great! I got it in an XXS (I sized down one size and am 5'5") and it fits like the tunic dress or I can twist-knot it at the bottom and tuck it into bikini bottoms to make it like a flouncy top. Recommend!

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    1. pathos, I've been curious about the shape of the Patch Pocket Cashmere Hoodie. Can you comment on that? It looks very wide and boxy in the photos. Is it just right or do you feel like there is too much material? I sized up in the Cashmere Getaway Hoodie to get a bit more slouch. How do the shapes compare? Thank you for any help!

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    2. I sized up for the Getaway Hoodie as well (got the Mdm, usually I am a S in sweaters) but I think the Mdm is too big on me. Too wide in the body and chest, but the length and arms (albeit a tad long) I could live with. I am going to call CS tomorrow to see if I can swap it for the S.

      The Patch Pocket fits just as pictured-it has a swing shape/slouchy and I bought it for that effect. (It's comfortable for lounging). On the size S the shoulders are 27", the chest is 24.5 and waist is 24.5. Basically the body is a rectangle. The bottom ribbing which splits into a "v" on each side (vents?) is more narrow-22.5". The Getaway Hoodie lying ontop of it is def. more narrow; shoulders in the Mdm are 15-16", chest is 18.25, waist is17.5, and bottom hem 17. Both are equal length in the body 23.5. Crazy that the Patch Pocket fits but the Getaway feels baggy!.

      One more thumbs up for the Patch Pocket the cashmere is thickish! and soft. HTH!

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    3. I sized up in the getaway cashmere hoodie in the gray and feel its too big in the shoulders, I'm going to return it (I had called trying to swap it but CS told me they couldn't at that point but allowed a return). I got my usual size in two of the other getaway hoodies I ordered afterwards and they fit much better, a little snug but I like that fitted look and I think they are supposed to fit that way actually.

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    4. pathos thank you so much for all the help and especially for the measurements, that was so nice of you! I wonder if it's the side vents that make the roomier sweater fit nicer. I always like those in sweaters so I think when the time is right I'll order the Patch Pocket one to try. Sounds like my normal size is the way to go in this one. Thanks again!

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  22. Any JCAs have the embellished chambray scarf? I tried it once and it seemed thick, heavy and difficult to wrap. My first thought was it would make a good table runner. Does it soften up? Is it as XL as I remember? Looking for reviews for those wearing it around the neck. I wouldn't want it as a swim wrap or other repurposed fit. TIA

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  23. Can anyone recommend their fave black pants? I'm 6' tall and thin and would like an every day pair of black pants as well as white denim...

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    1. non-Jcrew would work too if they are fabulous.

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  24. Has anyone seen the Hibiscus Print Crossbody Bag IRL? How is the quality? I love the print but the other pieces haven't really worked for me (and I don't really like the ends of the scarf - which it was just the print itself without the medallion piece)

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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! :)