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! :)
Got to try on the Tilly and am in love! The Tippi has never fit me so this was a pleasant surprise. However, I am only 5'1'' so I'm not sure how those of normal height tolerate the sweater (the regular size fits me perfect in the body--I can't imagine how much shorter it must be in petite)! I actually liked the fit best when I sized up and thought it looked great with high-waisted jeans and skirts. Hoping it goes on promo soon so I can nab it in some fun colors!
ReplyDeleteThere will be a Tilly cardi in the next rollout.
DeleteI shared a styling idea for a recently bought Factory top here (fit is true to size).
ReplyDeleteFree shipping today and extra 30% off at the Factory, use code GOODLUCK.
...Extra 35% off clearance prices with above code.
DeleteI picked one up after seeing it on your blog. Great price and I will pair it with the same necklace you did which I already have.
DeleteI recently received the Factory Button-down Jeweled Oxford Shirt, and it is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe jewels are sewn on and appear to be of good quality.
The care instructions state to Professionally dry-clean on short cycle.
Has anyone tried to hand wash this shirt or other embellished shirts?
I would prefer to wash it myself than trust it to a dry cleaner and potentially have damaged jewels.
@dianespainting I have this blouse and I wash it inside out on delicate in one of those mesh washing bags and it turned out fine. No issues with the crystals. These seem to be a little more secure than other tops. I wash my Tilda blouses the same way and haven't had an issue.
DeleteGlad I saw this, Anne! I haven't even worn mine yet but I was already worrying about dry-cleaning it. :)
DeleteThank you so much for the advice, Anne. I will, definitely be washing this shirt as well as the Tilda, and skip the dry cleaner.
Deletereview of the collection calf hair loafers at ebelandi.com Overall, very nice, but oyu may need to size down as they run large.
ReplyDeleteI just got these yesterday as well. I took my normal size 8. I had read some of the reviews that they ran large, but I did not find that to be the case. I really like mine as well and the price was a steal.
Deletei bought these too... and i got a half size smaller than my usual size. actually i bought both smaller and usual sizes but then i got the "we ran out" email for my usual size 8 so i lucked out with the 7.5 fitting.
DeleteI only tried them on...did not buy. I found my normal size 9 fit perfectly.
DeleteI tried these on yesterday at the clearance store in Lynchburg & half a size down from my normal size fit great! (They were $70 after store promo but I managed to walk away... slowly.)
DeleteI returned a four items on Saturday: I don't recommend these, mostly due to fit. The midnight tweed pencil not only has a weird fit but also the black trim feels plasticky. The silver cuff bracelet made my wrists look fat. The metallic dot tee was indeed very "drapey" - runs huge. And the Crewcuts girls utility pants run huge in the waist and are very short.
ReplyDeleteOn the positive side, I liked the socks (!) and the tan cashmere hat ($15) that I purchased, as well as the girls pixie pants and some girls shorts.
I found it odd that I got an email from J Crew asking me to review sold-out items, including the Nike pre-Montreals. What's the point? Also, I'm disinclined to review something if I can't say how much I paid for it. I love and depend on the reviews on this blog - thanks ladies for being so helpful.
I just returned a Majesty Peacoat in Golden Sun (size 4) to the Friendly store in Greensboro, NC if anyone is interested. I actually saw them put it on the rack before I left. I also returned several other things. The store was completely empty and they were still offering 50% off sale items.
ReplyDeleteI received the Harper Glitter Mermaid flats today. I really did not like these in person. The quality is nice and they run TTS but I will be returning these. I know the name says glitter but I could not tell from the website that they are actually covered in glitter with the gold threads sort of on top. Now that I know, I can see it. The shoe styles on the JCrew website are really lacking right now. They need to introduce some new styles quick.
ReplyDeleteA few reviews of sale and newish arrivals HERE. Also a review of the layering vest with primaloft HERE
ReplyDeleteOT - I know January is a low month for retailers, but I don't remember things being quite so bleak for J Crew last year at this time. Alexis or another JCA with a terrific memory can set me straight on this, but it seems like the merchandise is more shopworn and J Crew fans are crabbier than at this point in the 2014 retail cycle.
ReplyDeleteI've always eagerly anticipated new rollouts, but at this point I don't know whether to look forward to the next week's offerings or not.
Hi cousy - the January is the worst I've seen on JCA, and I think the lack of a catalog has something to do with it. We don't even have Pinterest images to discuss. There also aren't many coats on deep discount, which usually gets people excited until a February destination catalog/rollout.
DeleteBased on what we've seen from the Spring preview pics from last fall, I that there will be more of the same for a while. If they did decide to change up designs/designers/increase quality, we probably wouldn't see that until Fall '15 at the earliest. Just my $0.02.
No Style Guide has definitely depressed my interest this month. In prior years I remember stalking items I'd been eyeing throughout fall and winter for the sale-plus-extra 50% off jackpot! but there were so few things I really wanted this year that I haven't had much interest in the promos.
DeleteAnd now there's a Pinterest page set up for the February style guide, although there are no images yet. The page says new items will be rolled out on Wednesday, January 28.
DeleteQuestion, and probably off topic, but does anyone have any reviews (or can refer me to) of Madewell's Ollie, Patti or Lonny boot(s). I am in the market for a really cute bootie and I have heard good things about Madewell's shoes (leather). Hoping to get some real opinions b/c they are final sale (killing me!!) Thanks in advance for any help...
ReplyDeleteMany thanks to everyone who responded to my question last week about Factory jeans! I ended up getting the skinnies in dolphin grey (I'd call them silver) for $18, which is certainly a fair price. I'm used to Madewell skinnies, which have a slightly longer inseam and tighter leg. These have a more relaxed fit, similar to slim-straights at other retailers. The fabric is a bit stiff, as some noted, but not uncomfortably so and the relaxed fit certainly helps with that. I took my usual size for skinnies at Madewell, Gap, etc, and the fit was fine.
ReplyDeleteHere's a review of my latest purchase.
ReplyDelete1. Nylon hooded bomber jacket (b2382)
This jacket was a surprise love for me. It keeps popping back up in various sizes so keep checking the website if you think you might like it. I ordered my usual size S in navy. Most of the online reviewers suggested sizing down, but I wanted this jacket to fit exactly as intended -- oversized -- and I love it! I really appreciate that it fits low enough to cover my behind and stay there without riding up to my waist. The coat is warm, but I would probably switch to one of my warmer (and longer) coats if the temperature fell way below the freezing point. The navy color is perfect. (The camo green was really tempting, but I have a sizable collection of military green jackets already so I couldn't come up with a justification for adding another one.) The nylon twill is really thick but not stiff which I appreciate, and has a nice sheen to it. There is a swishy sound when I move my arms, but it doesn't really bother me -- I guess I kind of expected that a nylon jacket would be a bit noisy. The sherpa-lined hood is a nice touch, and is something that those who wear the hood up might appreciate. The faux fur on the hood is removable and I'm planning to wear mine sans the fur. When the fur is removed there is a double row of snaps visible on the outer edge of the hood. This worried me a bit before ordering, but once I saw it IRL it didn't bother me. The ribbing at the cuffs and hem is thick and looks like it won't stretch out easily. The flap pockets have a side entry as well; I only wish they were lined to help warm cold hands, but I guess that would also add bulk. There is a breast pocket on the inside of the jacket which is always nice. All in all, this is a quality garment that was a nice surprise for me.
Review here of the metallic linen shorts I mentioned yesterday.
ReplyDeleteSharing some Jan images here that a JCA shared with me. There are 12 or so of them.
Thanks for sharing the pics, Gigi! So this will be a February Style Guide?
DeleteI am loving that marsala color. It might pair well with grey or navy. Yum.
I love the photo of the model wearing the Regent blazer. I ordered the navy in petite, just to try on.
I also like that mini Downing bag, but not in blue...wonder what other colors it will be offered.
Gigi - you're awesome. Thanks for sharing. I might like the fireworks dress, would need to see it IRL. Agreed that these offerings could come from any store - not identifiable as J Crew.
DeleteYay Gigi. Something to look forward too. Love the patterned pants and the pink beaded necklace in the first pic!
DeleteHey, all. Long time since I have had any J. Crew reviews to share, but late Dec/early Jan was crazy since there was so much on offer for so little money. I definitely had to return some items, usually because of a mistake on J. Crew's part (hello, Aran sweater in ivory in a size small instead of the oatmeal color--thankfully was able to grab the oatmeal in the x-small which worked out better).
ReplyDeleteThe Turner pants are amazing, I love the fit, the length, and shockingly (as they are all poly) the material. I know that some taller reviewers didn't like the length, but it is possible that because these fit a bit looser on my hip, they ride a bit lower, so the length is fine (hits right at the top of my ankle). I have a few more colors in my wardrobe now. I really should prefer pants with proper buttons and closures, but, man, those Turner pants and their lovely elastic waist are very difficult to say no to most days. ;-)
I showed those off here at this blog post.
The Nike pre-Montreal racers are exactly like my waffle racers from last year, barring a few style changes, so I am stoked. Love them in the new (and funky) colors, glad I received them for the super low price. I also tried the stretch toothpick in arcade wash in a size 30T, and it fits exactly as I would like it to, fitted, but nice and stretchy from the spandex content of the denim, and long enough, but not so long I have to roll them up.
I have more on those two at this blog post.
I just posted a mini review on my Instagram @shoppingcelle ( I'm no good at linking sorry) of the COLLECTION SHINY PUFFER JACKET Item B2379 Size: SMALL Color: DARK CRANBERRY. I think it fits true to size or even generous in my usual small. Thicker puff than a puffer vest but not supper heavyweight.
ReplyDeleteI also paired it with the item B1466. DUTCH FLORAL PANT. Size down in these. I needed an unheard of size 2. I normally wear a size 4 in most everything and sized up to a 6 in last summers cove floral pant. They run small in the calf so beware if your calves are on the larger side. Both are great prices now and I have wanted this look since I saw it on the runway. Very pleased with this puchase.
ReplyDeleteA few reviews here.
Off tangent. This is an older article I came across that discusses the departure of many of JC's great talent.
ReplyDeletehttp://mobile.businessweek.com/articles/2014-04-03/j-dot-crew-launchpad-for-fashion-designers-turned-entrepreneurs
Was it Lele S. who designed those wonderful jewelry pieces from a few years ago?
Part 2 of the newest rollout at GSP today. Several nice jewelry pieces (necklaces, bracelets AND earrings) in pretty pale green/pink combos. Some were very delicate with little pink flowers, and another was the very definition of CHUNKY, with a few metal flowers that reminded me of those pins that women used to wear in the 60's (love that!). Looks like J Crew may be getting their jewelry mojo back. I wrote about the new Ryder pant last week, and I still think it's great, although it's cut 1-2 sizes small. The other new pant is the Martie, which is the same shape as the Minnie (cropped, side-zip) but it has small pleats sewn in to the front. Two friends (completely different body types) tried them on and the pants looked horrible on both of them. Too much fabric at the back of the knee, if that's possible?
ReplyDeleteLots of new skirts, shorts and tees and a very cute lightweight navy button-down with white polka dots. Many other things too, and it looks like the accent color (besides the dark red) is pale green (not so sure about that one). There's also a very peculiar long, pleated skirt in sparkly blue. The color doesn't really scream "spring" to me and seems a bit more holiday-like. Perhaps they misplaced them before the holidays and just found the boxes. ;)
Going back tomorrow, and I'll try to take better notes.
Thank you.....for letting us in on the concept/store scoop ! I love JCA's
DeleteSome new reviews of sale items are up on my blog. Happy new year, everyone. Got the same preview images that Gigi shared. Sad to hear that the Martie isn't as wonderful as I was dreaming it would be.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the CASHMERE INFINITY SCARF
ReplyDeleteitem b5140? I was waiting for a big sale on the item, but, even for cashmere, the current sale price still feels pretty steep. No reviews on the jcrew site. Let me know your thoughts.
I have it from last year and it's wonderful. It has held up incredibly well. No pilling. It's thick and comfortable and soft.
DeleteThe price right now is a promo price (doesn't end in .99), so I don't think its final sale.
It's definitely expensive for a scarf, but the quality is there and it's awful cozy on a cold winter day!
I have 3 cashmere infinity scarves. In the past seasons it always sold out the minute it was marked down. It is a favorite of mine. Very thick and warm. For me it can substitute for a sweater or light jacket. No pilling for me. I think the sale price is fair.
DeleteThanks everyone. I missed the color I wanted :-( , but, I'm glad to hear that it sounds like it is an annual returning item. Or, maybe there is hope for a pop-back?
DeleteSo confused about J Crew petite sizing. I am 5'0/ 120 lbs, and a 0R in bottoms and 2R in tops. Therefore, I ordered a couple of suiting dresses in 4P. However, after trying them on I am seeing that the torsos are a couple of inches too long... am considering reordering them in 2P, but would love to hear some advice from all you ladies out there...!!
ReplyDeleteLibra - Petite sizing is usually one up from regular. So if you are a 0, then the 2P might fit better. 0 = 2P, 2 = 4P and so on. The difference between 2P & 4P will be about 1/2" - 1" in different places. If the torso doesn't fit in the 2P, then you might have a shorter torso and need to have the shoulders taken up. HTH :)
DeleteThanks Gigi! :)
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