Tuesday, August 5, 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! :)

50 comments:

  1. Metallic wave jacquard sweater & matelassé drop-waist skirt reviews in this post. And last week I reviewed the double-strap sandals.

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  2. OT, but a few questions: Are the sale items gone from stores? Also, has anyone seen the t-shirt with the heart-shaped beach scene in sz. S anywhere? I realize it's a long shot, but if anyone has seen one at their store, pls lmk. Thanks!!

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    1. One of our stores was packing up the summer stock yesterday to send back to the warehouse. That means the website will probably be re-stocked soon, so you may have a chance to find it still. Good luck!

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  3. Military shirtdress: sized down to a 0, although I'm usually a 2. Good fabric and length, but, as some of the reviews state, the execution is bad bad bad. Too much fabric in the back; it hunches and bunches. Quasimodo chic: a whole new take on Parisian style. Returned.

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  4. A review of the Harper Patent Flats in Garnet Flame here, the Harper Scalloped Suede Flats here, and the Collection Double-Tweed Skirt here HTH!

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    1. That skirt looks better on you than it does on the model!

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    2. Jruby18: OMG, thank you SO much!!!!!

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  5. Reviews of the J.Crew Factory novelty quilted puffer vest, warmspun french knot sweater, patterned oxford button-down shirt, and flared skirt from Saturday's post here.

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  6. I reviewed the Harper Patent flats as well in Garnet Flame here
    and the Collection Inky Floral Top here

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  7. Major, massive love to Ina Mack and everyone else who clued me in on getting black Martina wedges for $29.99 plus shipping ($35 total). I followed Ina's instructions by calling the general VPS phone number. The VPS said that the black ones weren't on sale but I said that I had seen them in store for $49.99. She cheerfully confirmed that in-store price and then removed the 40%. I had to pay $5 shipping but who cares?

    I love the JCA community...

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    1. Somebody else metioned them originally,but i am glad you got your pair too Cousy.
      Mine is supposed to arrive tomorrow and will be a back up for the one i have,lol.

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    2. I just got mine today, and thank you thank you to all that mentioned the insane price. These are my first and I love them!!

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  8. I just purchased the Gilded Paisley pencil skirt and the collection luxe silk crepe top. I found the skirt fit a little snug in my regular petite6 size- beautiful skirt! Silk top very drapey but arm holes are small. wearing with my metalic valentinas. Pic is up on my IG @pixseestyle.

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    1. @pix*see style that skirt is absolutely gorgeous - thanks for posting a photo! I have it on order but it's backordered another week...really hoping it fits, I ordered up a size so hoping that was right!

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  9. Not a review, but I was told in store the other day that basics like pencil skirts, jackie cardigans, matchstick jeans, etc will no longer be stocked in the stores. These will be online items only. They gave me more examples of the items but I just can't remember. They say it is to make room for more merchandise in the stores. They think since everyone is familiar with their basics, they will just be able to order them and they will no longer stock them. I think that is sad. Sometimes you need a basic item and don't have time to wait for it to be shipped. I was also told that the stores do still have some sale items but they are now 25% off. Doesn't matter to me because right now, they have nothing I want.

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. That is one of the dumbest ideas ever. Why would we want to buy online if they change it up and have to pay shipping for basics?

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    3. I agree that this is a bad idea. If you read the reviews of some of the basic items (matchsticks in classic rinse, Minnies in stretch twill) a lot of them are complaining that the items have changed and not for the better. Also, until the item color can be more accurately depicted online, this could lead to a lot of returns. What a pain! Just one poor idea after another lately...

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    4. Agree with everyone. What a bad idea. I like my tried-and-true items & even though the closest store is 2 hours from me, I always like to go check things out IRL when I am close to a B&M. So they're going to make room in store for more weird "fashuny" items that sit & rot in FInal Sale. And FriendlyFemme is right - if they make basics online only they should lower or eliminate the free shipping requirements entirely!

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    5. Sounds like this would go along with what they were saying re: Cece flats, that they would be an online only item. And sure, a lot of people know the items but based on their track record of accurately depicting colors on the website, I can see that being difficult. I wonder if they will still show them in the catalogs? And I would really hope they'd at least offer free shipping AND returns on those items like they do for bathing suits. It's still a bummer...and not really a way to win new customers. I'm really not big on mail order if I don't have a local store I can go to and actually see things in person. le sigh...

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    6. No, this doesn't work - if I come across an interesting jacket, I like to try it on with, say, a simple sweater, with a pencil skirt... So now what? Bring the jacket home, place a hopeful order (no student discount), return whatever doesn't fit or blend - no. We're talking about shopping, not work. Try again, J.Crew.

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    7. That really can't be right since it makes so little sense. What about potential new shoppers who want and need to see items in the store, especially the basics? If I'm not familiar with a brand, I generally want to try on a lot of items in store to help make decisions before making the investment. I really don't want to have to order (and potentially return) a dozen pairs of jeans in different styles and sizes to find out what fits me. Ugh.

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    8. I agree it is very weird but the SA had a little book that she read it from. I think it was training material for the staff, not anything we would see. They were shocked as well.

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    9. I wanted to use my teacher discount on the Navy Downtown Field jacket that was on sale on line (it was still at full price in store) but the Manager wouldn't honor the price because that item is considered a basic item; one that is sold all year long. That's another new policy. So why would I pay full price for an item when I can get it at 40% off online...? So lame!

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    10. I think it is already happening. I haven't noticed Matchsticks, Jackies or pencil skirts in my stores in a long time. If they're there, there can't be many.

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    11. anyone care to comment on the endless white shirt ?

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    12. Scratching my head on this since I can't wear it to work and it's not meant to be tucked in either, so not sure what J crew is going for with this item. The shirt looks too casual and almost verging on sloppy for my tastes.

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    13. I reviewed the stripe one on my blog yesterday.

      It's definitely too long to tuck in, so I would wear over pants or skirt (a belt would look good, I think).

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  10. I ordered the wishbone cuff last week, it should arrive any day. I'll give a review once I get it. The other reviewers say it fits small, which is ideal for me since I have a small wrist. It's unique and understated, a refreshing change from the major statement jewelry trend.

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    1. I actually received the wishbone cuff today. UPS dropped it off while I was at work. Short review: love. It fits my small wrist well. I shook my arm all around and it didn't budge. It is more substantial than I thought it would be. It has a bit of weight to it. Nicely finished and smooth, it slides on easily. I can see myself wearing it very frequently. I love cuffs and bracelets especially those that don't make noise or move around too much. I recommend this. It's edgy and cool enough to jazz up a weekend outfit, and inobtrusive enough to be worn in a professional office.

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  11. Madewell review - Silk Pencil Skirt in Irisvine - item a5310

    This is a beautiful skirt with a blue/black print made of not too thin silk. I chose a medium since I wear an 8 in J.Crew's pencil skirts, and the medium is perfect. The skirt is lined, has a front slit and a drawstring waist. I'm almost six feet tall and the length of the skirt reaches my knees. The skirt can be dressed up or down. I bought it during the 40% off sale, but please don't ask me why the color is described as eyelet white.

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    1. I also got this skirt and cant wait to wear it!

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  12. I posted two reviews on my blog: the cotton pique dress (sorry I took so long to do this) - it's cute but nothing exceptional, great quality though; and the collection silk floral dress: a nice maxi imo, loving the feel and lightness of the silk and the longer length

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  13. I fell in love with the photo stripe tank at full price, but held off 'cause (ouch) on $45 for something super simple. But at $21 (sale price minus 40%), it is a reasonable purchase.

    Anyhow, I wore it today, and have a brief review of the tank on the blog for those of you considering it.

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  14. A tale of two stores. Phoned San Fran Westfield on Friday afternoon to see if they could locate black suede Martinas for me at the amazing $49.99 price - disinterested SA told me that item sold out nationwide in store and online! Then I phoned Dallas Galleria in Texas to double check, awesome manager located them online, matched the store price and store promotional discount and was willing to do all the work for a Canadian customer to purchase and have the items shipped to a different address in the USA in time for my trip across the border next week. So helpful, even though my call was within 30 minutes of closing time in Dallas. Learning - don't take "sold out nationwide" for an answer?

    Thanks to all the JCA's who noted this sale - and to Ina who mentioned the Online VPS number and asking for match with store sale. Such a limited selection of shoes in the Canadian JC stores that I will go that route next time a staple shoe goes on sale.

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  15. Collection Iridescent Rose Top

    I received this top today. Well....I was a bit disappointed. One, the fabric is scratchy. Especially when the cap sleeves rubbed underneath my arm. Two, it is really iridescent! The photo online doesn't capture the iridescent. J.Crew should've disclosed that on the shirt's description. Even Jenna wore this top to J.Crew's spring runway back in October 2013, the shirt was photographed flat in color, not capturing the iridescent. I feel like keeping it because at $150.06 (w tax) is a steal considering its a 'collection' piece. It's a unique fabric, but just can't get pass the iridescent color. and I can't believe regular price was $325!!

    My husband said it looks like a goldfish, and where would I wear it to? Exactly! That's what I asked myself. hahaha! I'd probably dress it down with a pair of boyfriend jeans.

    At least its not final sale. In the meantime, I will hold on to it, it might grow on me.

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    1. To be fair to J. Crew, the name of the top contains the word 'iridescent.'

      I think it looks like a pretty cool top, although the sleeves could be tricky.

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  16. some notes from store visits: the fabric of the Gold Star Ecru Shirt was as heavy as that of a jean jacket, otherwise this was a really cute shirt. The ecru color is a very pale cream. I'd consider it a "shirt jacket," I guess.

    The white Endless Shirt fit like a boy shirt IMO, and I had high hopes for it, but no - of all things, I found it too too long. Just 2 inches shorter and I would have forgiven it for the oversized cuffs. The back of the cuffs is that stiff piqué fabric that was the bib of last fall's tuxedo sweatshirt, so if you like to do dramatic things with cuffs, you'll like these. I brought this one home to mull over, I'm conflicted because I love the idea of a longer shirt with side vents.

    Uptown, at the Collection Store, yawn. I came home and ordered the Collection Italian wool dress in navy, it looks like something for a grown-up and should be good with scarves. It arrived, may be going back. The sleeves hit at a funny point, not quite a "bracelet length," and belled slightly. Fabric is heavier than I expected, and the blue is a beautiful "light navy." So I'm conflicted.

    And the Boys' Fatigue Jacket arrived today - seems to be a touch less shapeless than the women's, sizes up to Boys' 16. And it's already marked down to $98 from $110 plus 40% off. I'd definitely try this. I love mine, but the zipper doesn't have the extra pull at the bottom, which is makes me wonder if it's a keeper.

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  17. I have never had a J Crew dress fit me...always something off in fit...

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  18. Review of the embellished chambray scarf.

    And the beach cargo pant & stripe linen pull-on pants reviewed here.

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  19. Can anyone give a little more insight to the Eastwood Jean? I am slightly on the curvy side and usually a size 27 in the matchstick jean. I generally have had bad luck with boyfriend jeans. Will these be a good fit?

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    1. The Eastwood was really loose on me in my regular size. I sized one down and it's ok. It's loose through the thigh and butt, rather than fitted.

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    2. Thanks so much maqsad! Did you think sizing 2 or 3 sizes down would still be alright? I read in some other comments about that. I would prefer if the jeans weren't too baggy (of course not fitted because of the style). It's actually not that baggy on the model on the website too. Thanks again :)

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    3. Hi TR, I think you'd be ok going down 2 sizes- albeit risking a bit of muffin top. It will likely help on the thigh area. But TBH, I think if you're looking for a flattering BF fit, you have lots of options coming in at ALL price points. The pockets on the Eastwood, in front, are very distinctive and the twisty seam thing are really all that makes up it's claim to fame. I noticed with both Madewell and JC boyfriend jeans, that they do a straight leg, that stands out in flatteringly away from the ankle. Even in the sLIM BF fit. I think piperlime is offering a much wider selection and is doing coupon codes too. Net net, if you're a person of slim build, scrawny legs, is recommend getting slim BF jeans and not necessarily from JCrew. If you have average to above average thighs and general physique, you'll probably be happy with the Eastwood and more recent BF styles (and shouldn't need to size down more than one size). Hope this makes sense. I'll try to do a blog post on the denim tmrw, I've got the Eastwood and point sur denim sitting around. My life just took a turn for chaos, so not finding too much procrastination time! ;) HTH

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    4. Sorry about two key typos: JC and madewell BF jeans stand UNflatteringly away from the ankle; I'D recommend getting slim fit BF jeans, that are slimmer in the thighs, but have a longer rise, a touch of looseness in the hips/seat.

      However, if you're still really curious about the Eastwood, go for it and order multiple sizes with the 40% off, since it's not final sale yet.

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    5. Thank you so much maqsad!!!! Really appreciate all the time u took to type all the info out for me. Think I might give this a try!

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  20. A quick review of the Factory Puffer Vest in Navy and Red Currant.

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  21. Can anyone comment on the fit of the Factory clare cardigan? It looks like it might run small. Thanks!

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    1. To me, the Clare and Jackie fit almost the same. I have 2 Clare cardigans in my usual Jcrew size. Fits the same and way less expensive!

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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! :)