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 reviewed a few more items in this post.
ReplyDeleteThat lace shift looks phenomenal on you! I agree re: the exclamation point sweater. I noticed how fast that went to the sale section!
DeleteThanks, Taylor! Now my resolve to wait for the dress to go on deeper sale is wavering...
DeleteI like that cami dress. I originally thought it looked like a potato sack w/strings, but a friend of mine wore the coral one w/a Jackie cardi and I have to say it looked adorable. I think it needs a little fitted sweater to make the dress look really good or finished. I'd consider it on deep deep discount, but really have no need.
DeleteThoughts on the Factory Gigi pant? I've never tried the Pixie either so I don't know how to compare. I am digging the flocked dot Gigi pant that's new on the Factory site.
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DeleteThis is the review I posted on JCA last week (or the week before?) of the Factory Gigi pants:
DeleteThe Gigi pant and the Leather-Stripe Gigi pant were both nice. I have not ever bought the Pixie pants because the high/tight/scratchy waistband was uncomfortable on me. I would wear either of these Gigi pants, though. The Leather-Stripe ones were more comfortable because they don't have a waistband. I wish the regular Gigi pants had that waist style. The regular Gigi pants had an inset waistband that was wide and comfortable. The Leather-Stripe Gigi pants stopped right above my ankle; the regular Gigi pants were longer. I sized down in the regular Gigi pants but not in the Leather-Stripe Gigi pants. Maybe I could have also sized down in those, but the leather panels were not my style so I didn't try another size for fit purposes. Overall both of these ran larger than I expected. I bought the regular ones. They can be a bit bunchy at the bottom if you are shorter like me. Nothing that couldn't be fixed with a hem, although the length was better when I went down a size.
Thanks for the detailed review, cate! I am 5'7" so I hope the length will be ok. I will be going to a Factory store this week so maybe they'll have some for me to try. I have my birthday discount to use this month & I want to take advantage!
DeleteUgh, they're final sale! I hate it when they do that with new merchandise.
DeleteUgh, that is ridiculous isn't it? Hope they have some in the store for you to try. Or you could call J. Crew and ask them if they would put a note on your account that you could return or exchange them if they don't fit? Sometimes they'll do that.
DeleteI think the "new but final sale" issue is a bug that has never gotten fixed - it seems to happen quite a bit on the Factory side. I agree with cate - give CS a call/e-mail and there should be no problem.
DeleteOT: Online shopping now available in the US at Joe Fresh. Spend $100, get $20 off August 18-22, online only using code TURNCOLORON. I know JC Penney carries Joe Fresh but the quality does not appear to be the same. I've never seen cashmere or merino sweaters at JCP but the Joe Fresh online site has them. Maybe Canadian or New York JCAs can chime in as to Joe Fresh quality/sizing. :)
ReplyDeleteCanadian JCA here! Joe Fresh cashmere is definitely a bit thinner than that of j.crew but for the price I have had no complaints. Sizing is basically the same as j.crew (I'm an xsmall or 2 in both).
DeleteThanks, Teeny! I want to place an order but not quite sure what size to go with. This helps a lot!
Delete@shopalot -I've bought quite a bit of Joe Fresh via JC Penny's. I've found sizing to be about the same. I take a XS or sz. 2 in J Crew and that's what I usually take in Joe Fresh. Sometimes I do size up to a sz.4 in Joe Fresh pants if they're on the skinny side (but then I do that with J Crew too.)
DeleteI can't compare quality as I've only seen the JCP version of Joe Fresh, but I'd say the quality is similar to J Crew Factory--not terrible, but not top notch either. I wouldn't pay full price for most pieces, and usually wait until there is a sale or discount offered at JCP (same as I would at J Crew Factory).
I just read a Fortune article (August 14) that states "Penney also ditched brands such as Joe Fresh and Michael Graves that failed to catch on with shoppers . . ." I wonder if that is why Joe Fresh is now able to sell online in the US. JCP probably had an exclusivity clause or something.
DeleteEgyptomaniac, I've purchased a few Joe Fresh tops and tees from JCP. They are as you described, sort of factory-ish in quality. I did get a really nice silk dot blouse that is very similar to the JC Blythe. I love the cotton tees. Guess I'd better make a run to the mall and stock up on the basic colors before it's all gone.
@shopalot Oh, that's interesting news! The only reason I ever went into JCP was for the collaborations like Joe Fresh or Michael Graves stuff. I really loved the Joe Fresh line for kids as they perfectly fit my tall skinny kid. Bummed to hear they won't be carrying those lines anymore because it was so convenient to just pop in to the local JCP.
DeleteCan anyone comment on the Regent blazer and how the collar works? Can the collar and lapels be flipped down, or must we be stuck with the collar popped for eternity? I have an itch for a red blazer but I'm not sure about that collar.
ReplyDeleteRynetta @jcrewismyfavorite has a review. I asked the same question regarding the collar and she said it's made to stand up.
Delete* jcrewismyfavoritestore
DeleteI tried it on. I think the collar is meant to be popped for eternity. I tried folding it over, out of curiosity. I was able to do it, but the folded part looked too thin but seemed to stay put. But when I did that, the lapels didn't fold over with it, they kind of stuck out funny. It's a nice blazer with the collar up the way it's meant to be (slightly longer length, I thought, which I liked), but folding the collar down probably won't work very well.
DeleteWendy: Thank you SO much!!!! Hexicon, I reviewed the blazer here if you're interested. I totally agree with Cate that folding the collar will probably not work. HTH!
DeleteWhat is the fabric like? The website just says "wool with stretch". Is it thicker/warmer like the navy schoolboy, or thinner like some of the wool suiting? TIA!
DeleteThere's an image in the September style guide with the collar folded down. It's shown on one of the guest models, Lucy, in the camel.
DeleteGigi has the guide on her blog.
cobalt, I think the fabric is more like the Schoolboy.
Deletethanks for the info everyone!
DeleteI'm always skeptical of the vague "wool with a hint of stretch" description. IIRC someone here in the JCA community ordered a dress with this description and found that it was something like 55% polyester/45% wool. Rynetta or someone who owns this, could you please let us know what the label says? TIA!
DeleteHexicon, I didn't notice any stretch in the blazer. I'd guess there is a lot more than 45% wool, but hopefully Rynetta or someone can confirm.
DeleteIt's 98% Wool, 2% Stretch! I hope that helps! And, Cate is right, the fabric is like the Schoolboy Blazer.
DeleteThe Shiny Puffer Vest is pretty cool in a Jetsons kind of way. It seems puffier than the Excursion vests, but I don't know what it's filled with. Seemed TTS. I'd wear it, but I won't buy it because no more vests for me! :)
ReplyDeleteI checked the shiny puffer vest out today and i have to say i really,really like it.
DeleteIt reminds me of the "shinyness" my Montcler puffer jacket has and that was way more expensive.I think i will def get the navy.
It is more puffy than the pinstripe vest.I actually thought the pinstripe vest looked pretty "empty" of filling.
I didn't see the pinstripe vest, but I expect it's more like the excursion vest. I liked the silvery green color in the shiny puffer vest and the navy looked nice too.
DeleteI went to the store this morning and actually liked a lot,esp the color combination of the distressed quarz with the vintage burgundy. I bought a new sweatshirt,that i cant find in the catalog. This is the first sweatshirt since the "horsing around" that i really,really like. I got it in the burgundy color.It is soft and has a cozy feeling.It runs large,i sized down to the xxs and the fit is perfect ( like a tunic-style,if that makes sense).
ReplyDeleteDoes it have side zippers at the bottom/vents?
DeleteYes,but they were not bothering me at all.
DeleteShoe Reviews!
ReplyDelete-Collection Harper Calf Hair Flats in hazelnut leopard: Took my regular size 5.5. Fits TTS. I have wide feet, and these fit fine. It's an improvement to the Vivs, IMO.
-Harper Scalloped suede flats in black: Took my regular size 5.5. Fits TTS. These are cute, inexpensive flats. I've only tried it on at home, on carpet. I am hoping it doesn't stretch out too much, because its a tad roomy.
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DeleteRemi Double-zip Ankle Boots in black: While I am 5.5 in all shoes, I can get away with wearing 6 when it comes to boots. I don't know why I didn't order a 6 in these, but I am reviewing the 5.5 in the Remi.
DeleteWith my wide feet I thought these boots would be tight in 5.5, but it fits TTS, with some wiggle room for my toes to move. If you plan to wear these with tights during winter, then it would be best to size up.
It looks so cute with the tulip cream mini skirt or the sunburst in navy/cream. :)
Will most likely get these when a % off is offered or if it goes on sale.
JSR, both of those flats are on my wishlist - love the look of the calf hair Harper flats!
DeleteThanks for those shoe reviews, JSR! I like the Remi Double-zip Ankle Boots (and also the double-zip loafers).
DeleteThanks for the info! I've been eye-ing the harper leopard one for forever!
Delete@Anne - The Fab Life: I hope your size doesn't sell out, as mine does. It's not fair being 5.5/6 sometimes, I end up having to pay full price. :-P
Delete@Cate: See my post below. I was asking why the Remi double zip 'Import' made, and the Double-zip loafers 'Made in Italy'? Remi looks well made. I just love it when shoes are 'made in Italy', It feels exclusive, IMO.
JSR, thanks for the shoe reviews. I'm wearing more flats these days and found Vivs a bit narrow. If Harpers are a little wider, I'll be quite happy.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Desert Flower.
DeleteI ordered Viv flats long a long time ago, took my usual size of 5.5, and of course it didn't fit. The Viv in 6 would have not work and would just slip off my feet. The Harper flats is promising, I think a lot of women will be satisfied with these....
Now trying to decide which to keep since both flats in my size is selling out fast! :-D
Desert Flower, I reviewed the patent Harper flats here if you're interested - I think the new design is definitely attempting to look slimmer but in the process not sacrifice the fit. I haven't gone a whole day in them but I'm hopeful! I find the Vivs to be painful after a full day of wear.
DeleteGreat review, Anne! I appreciate all the pictures. I agree with you, I would love to see the Harpers in kid leather in addition to patent leather. I'm not a big patent wearer. The fit looks good though, I will have to try these the next time I travel somewhere that has a J. Crew with shoes.
DeleteWas at Factory over the weekend; couple of reviews:
ReplyDelete-Cotton V-Neck Sweater in Varsity Stripe - TTS, loved both the white and heather colourways, but ended up with the white one.
-Draped Boyfriend Tee - these are incredibly sheer (even the black one I bought), and are reallllyyyy drapey, so size down in this one.
-Addie Calf Hair Loafer and Beaded Loafer - I sized up to an 8 in these because I find Factory shoes in my usual JC size of 7.5 way too snug. The quality is pretty good for the price.
My sisters bought a bunch of the horse items, including the sweatshirt, the printed oxford (my sis said TTS; she really liked the fact that the cotton was a bit thicker than usual), the socks (both crew and knee high).
Has anyone tried the pinstripe excursion vest? Ina said this one was very popular so I was wondering about the fit!?
ReplyDeleteOT: Wonder why some J.Crew shoes are not made in Italy; even on some of their shoes labeled 'collection'. Like the Collection Harper in leopard that I ordered.
ReplyDeleteThat was part of the allure why I love buying J.Crew shoes is because its made in Italy. :-(
I'm curious. Where are the shoes now made?
DeleteAs a lover of J Crew's Italian made shoes, this is disappointing to me.
DeleteWhen I checked out some of the new flats in store last week, I noticed they were made in Morocco. I didn't find them as comfortable and the leather didn't feel quite as soft as my previous "Made in Italy" Crew shoes.
I received the factory gallop sweatshirt (one L, one M-each colorway) today; pleasantly surprised by the quality. I think they fit TTS to a smidge small for factory, fairly TTS to what I would expect from retail. The black horses (on gray) look like they could fade fairly easily, but you never know. 100% cotton, and substantial but not heavy feeling-love that they are longer than the retail version was. Will keep the larger of the two. HTH someone (though they are back to full price online, at least for today).
ReplyDeleteI stopped in to the store last week and tried on a few items including the Turner pants (black and hidden floral), Marled rib stitch sweater, Reid jeans, Merino v-neck cardigan, Endless shirt in stripe (big thumbs up!) . You can see them and some brief reviews which you can see on my blog here. I also have a pic of the gilded paisley pencil skirt in the post as well (another thumbs up)
ReplyDeleteI picked up the Endless shirt in white and absolutely love, love, love it. Could not understand the negative reviews on the J. Crew website. The shirt is beautiful and looks fantastic. I plan on getting the striped one as well.
DeleteCatherine Urbanski - Have you tried wearing the shirt while driving to a destination? How does it look afterwards? It seems like it would wrinkle a lot.
DeleteHaven't yet, but I am one of those people obsessed with ironing. I'll use spray starch. However, wearing the shirt to work, it is tucked in to a skirt..so the wrinkle factor is not applicable. For a more casual look, I have not worn it yet..but with pixies or skinny jeans, I would wear it untucked..I didn't take the wrinkling into consideration but if the back wrinkles, I'm cool with it on a casual basis. I just love that shirt so much though--I've been waiting for a shirt with a longer length and ..oh..this is just so perfect!
DeleteJ Crew Factory try-ons on my Instagram.
ReplyDeleteAny reviews on the quilted pencil skirt that's online only? I'm curious about the fit, as well as the overall look of the skirt. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteTisha - I haven't seen any reviews of the quilted pencil skirt, but it gets 25% off w/SHOPNOW. I ordered 29, which is the pant size I take in j crew and the size that usually fits in numerically sized skirts. HTH :)
DeleteThanks for ordering Gigi, I will be interested to see your review since the skirt does look interesting.
DeleteThanks for the reply! Gigi, I followed your lead and ordered my pant size. Hope it fits!
DeleteThe Pajama set with pocket crest is showing available in several sizes again now. As I've mentioned previously, this set is so comfortable and very flattering. The cotton is incredibly soft, and it washes really well. I got mine with an extra 40% off, but think it is well worth the price with the 25% off shopnow promo going on right now.
ReplyDelete