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 recently purchased the small Shelby satchel. My medium Biennial satchel is beginning to look so worn although not in a bad way---that bag actually looks pretty good with some wear. Anyway, with the additional 40% off it was a great deal. However I decided to return it because it's not as roomy as the Biennial--it only has one zipper compartment. And once unzipped, it's hard to fit your hand in there to find what's at the bottom. In the end, it just did have as much charm as the Biennial. So, I'll keep waiting. I wish they'd put out a new bag besides just those same tote bags. I like the one I got from madewell and love that I got it monogrammed; I'd like J Crew to put out the more ladylike bags I've grown used to seeing....
ReplyDeleteI am also a huge fan of the biennial. You can fit a ton in it but it never looks overstuffed.
DeleteI loved the shelby satchel this year, but found the smaller size to be a bit too small and and the large size to be a bit too big! I did wind up keeping my large one though, I love it, but it's just a tad too roomy (NEVER a problem for me usually, I carry a ton of stuff) and I wind up digging more than I'd like. As Lisa said, I miss some of the older style JC bags. I've started scouting eBay for vintage Gucci and Celine handbags...
DeleteLisa, I saw that J.Crew is bringing back an updated version of the Uptown tote. I still have the metallic Uptown from '09. It's a more refined tote, but still a tote.
DeleteEndless Shirt in black stripe: A nice thick woven fabric; very good quality, imo. I like how the collar is small, doesn't overwhelm my neck. Ordered size P2 and I couldn't button the shirt, because it didn't have darts (I'm 36B). Returned the shirt and will reorder P4 or P6, but it's sold out online. Hoping for a pop-back.
ReplyDeleteRibbed Cardigan Sweater in heather dove: Initially ordered an XS and it was still big on me (description online says 'oversized fit'). Reordered an XXS and the fit was much better. Quality is very good. Thick wool. Very warm. I didn't find it itchy at all.
Regent blazer in navy: surprisingly happy with this blazer. Ordered P4, as that's usually my size in schoolboys. I think the cut is a tad slim on the sleeves and the body so I might have to order P6 to compare. I like the one button style, because of my chest; more buttons make my chest look bulky. I didn't mind the standing collar, because I think it frames my neck. I also prefer the cut of the body being square unlike the schoolboy's round cut.
Tilly Cardigan - the shorter length makes this work on me and is flattering in a cardi. High hip length. I didn't like the pullover style at all but my VPS insisted I try the cardi and I'm glad she did. The length makes it feel a bit dressier. I did size down. HTH.
ReplyDeletethe pullover style was a mess on me but i am looking forward to giving the cardigan a try as the shorter lenght might be perfect for wearing with a dress.
DeleteMaybe this will be a good replacement for the discontinued Jenna cardigan of a few years back.
Delete@ruffles-would you say that the Tilly Cardigan is a crop cardigan?
DeleteI saw the Tilly cardy today. To my eye, it is cropped. I'm sure it would look great over a dress or on the right figure. However, I didn't try it on as it will not work on my long torso. Colors are pretty; it is the standard Tippi-weight merino.
DeleteIt is slighly cropped(similiar to the former Jenna cardi) and the weight feels thinmer to me than the Tippi.More like a summer weight cardi.
DeleteHTH
Thank you @inamack and @shopalot!
Delete@Wendy, yes I agree w inamack and shopalot Slightly cropped and reminiscent of the Jenna. The Jenna was more fitted though.
Delete@Wendy, yes I agree w inamack and shopalot Slightly cropped and reminiscent of the Jenna. The Jenna was more fitted though.
DeleteThanks @ruffles!
DeleteDetailed reviews of the Regent blazer and Japanese crepe blazer here. I reviewed the petite versions of both.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great review! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.
DeleteReally awesome review, thanks! I liked how you folded the collar down for the Regent. I'm interested now in giving it a try.
DeleteI wasn't a fan of the Japanese crepe blazer because of the shoulder pads and the cheap-feeling poly material. I already have a similar poly blazer from AT so it was a no-brained for me to return but you look so sharp! I can definitely see it being a staple for those who only own schoolboys.
I ordered and returned the ankle-zip cargo pants. I basically wanted to try them on before they went to final sale. They are a heavier material and they are slightly darker in person than on the website. Not a true olive, but a faded olive. The pockets are pretty large in front and are the same exact pockets as the skinny utility chino (which I already own). I felt like they were too similar in look to the skinny utility chino to justify owning both, and I thought they elastic waistband in the back made them look a little too . . . I don't know . . . dumpy. They just didn't flatter my backside at all. You can even see what I'm talking about on the model shot of the back of the pants on the website. I liked the cuffs and the zipper, so its too bad the top part wasn't fantastic. Basically, I would not order, even on deep discount. Which is a great reminder not to order anything on final sale, no matter how cheap unless I am *sure* that it fits and looks good on me.
ReplyDeleteQuick comparison of the retail “signature leggings” and factory “everyday leggings”: The retail version is a nice, thick 92% cotton/8% spandex blend that holds up well (no bagging, pilling, etc) over time. Factory is a noticeably thinner but still opaque fabric, 95% cotton/5% spandex. I haven’t put the Factory version through its paces yet, but I’m not optimistic that they’ll wear as well. Color is deeper on the retail version; Factory looks a bit faded right out of the bag. Measurements are nearly identical, but the retail version has more tapered/fitted calves. Bottom line, both are fine, but to me the better fit/quality of the retail version is worth the higher price.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the new McCarren tote from Madewell? I love the idea of an adjustable strap!
ReplyDeleteFor those who own New Balance sneakers from J.Crew, how is the fit? Is it true to size or should I order a 1/2 down or up? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI think they run TTS. I went a full size up in New Balance from J. Crew last year and it was a mistake, should have gone with my regular size or maybe half a size up, but definitely not a full size up. They are too long and make my feet look longer than they are. I can wear them (they are not flopping off my feet), but I don't like how they look. I'll probably sell them at some point, they're not my favorites.
DeleteThanks Cate! I know what you mean...I've experienced that with other sneakers.
DeleteI find that the New Balance from J Crew at a touch big, but still order your regular size. It just won't be just right...a bit longer and a bit wider.
DeleteI found my NB to fit tts for size 8.5. I wouldn't be comfortable up/down even 1/2 size. Love them.
DeleteThanks Wendy and Cheri! I appreciate the advice.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHere is a code for the 20% off! ends tonight.
ReplyDeleteTPBRDW66Y
Please acknowledge if used - happy shopping!
Lookout high-rise jean in kirk wash (b0735) - I got these in November and have worn them a few times. Love the cut and the fit, but they appear to be…pilling? Is that even possible? The other day I noticed a white fuzz on them (there’s nothing white in my home - I have a toddler) that did not go away after I washed them by themselves. The fuzz appears to be coming from within the fabric when it stretches, probably from the poly in the blend. I’ve never seen anything like it before.
ReplyDeleteThe little poly molecules are multiplying and preparing to set forth on an evil mission. Warn your good silk blouses.
DeleteAnd be afraid. Be very afraid.
wellfedfred - so true! Saw the Metallic side slit sweater in the store. It comes in Navy and Sparkle lavender - which is the strangest disco 1980 color I have ever seen. It is poly and nylon and it is the WORST feeling itchy, rough knit to date! It's worse than twine!
DeleteThat's why I don't buy jeans with poly in them. It's only going to get worse, I'm afraid. =(
DeleteI saw that blue metallic sweater in the sale section over the weekend (I mentioned it in Monday's post). I didn't look at the sale price because it was such an awful looking material, I couldn't bear to touch it. It was total gold lame flashback.
DeleteBlakemdjohns - I saw the price - it was a totally ridiculous $128.00!!!!!
DeleteTried on the sequin side shirt in light blue with brown sequins. Liked it better than expected, with the extra sale, totally worth it. May post a review next week on my blog. The shirt fits true to size to slightly baggy on the waist area but nothing alarming. The sequin design is cute.
ReplyDeleteI looked at the new arrivals today and wasnt really to wowed. The firework floral was too dark for me.I was hoping it was like a dark red in it,but it is more a cognac color.
ReplyDeleteI didnt try it though.
I liked the look of the Tilly cardi and i looked TTS to me. My regular xs looked ok,even maybe a little fitted.
I bought a shell(made from poly,but it disnt bother me) in light blue and i sized down to a 00. Also got the Harlow pants in navy and sized down to a 00. They are a drapey wool pant(feels like a mens suit ) and have a drawstring waist.
There was a lot of darker color like a dark green shell.navy and dark cognac(warm brown).
you can see the pants and top on me on my IG account @inawonderland5
Deleteare the Harlow pants sitting at your waist or on the hips ( high or low waist..I guess is the question ?)
Delete@unknown. The Harlow pants sit at the waist,so that means they are high waisted.
Deletehi Ina,
DeleteDo you have the name or style number for the sleeveless blue top? Everything looks great on you!
Thanks!
Sunny,it is b6358 cap sleeve shirttail blouse in blue orchid. HTH
DeleteDid a blog post about the possible explanation of a later roll out (just my humble opinion from what I've heard) and review/photos of the D'Orsay flats rolling out online tomorrow here:
ReplyDeletehttp://bichonluvrscloset.blogspot.com/2015/01/possible-explanation-for-late-new.html
(someone teach me how to do a link here in these comment boxes??)
Hi Suzy, I can't write what you would type in the comments because the comment script interprets the html and just shows the link. Here is a quick explanation of how to do it. You just type the html as part of your comment.
DeleteThank you so much lolcatgirl! I've added this link to my fav bookmark bar and will try it next comment with link! I appreciate it so much!!!
DeleteI bought the Madewell Adi boots (b6114) and I absolutely love them. I got my usual shoe size 7, so they're TTS but only with thin socks. I would recommend going up 1/2 size if the intention is to wear them with thicker socks. The lining is leather, which is wonderful. The shoes are comfortable to walk in thanks to the chunky heel, and there were no issues with stiffness. The fringe and the tassels are super cute, even my husband commented on the detail.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the site is being updated right now. Looks We Love is new but clicking on New Arrivals doesn't load anything new there. Looking forward to seeing some new arrivals! Feels like it's been eternity this month...
ReplyDeleteHi JCAs - is addtl 50% off final sale still going in-store?
ReplyDeleteHi Gigi! As of yesterday the extra 50% off sale was still going on.
DeleteIt was only 40% off in my store today.
DeleteThe new arrivals show up on my phone but not laptop. Prices overall generally seem more reasonable than recent rollouts but not much appeals to me except older pieces in updated colors.
ReplyDeleteI like:
Collection eyelet floral top
Elsies in crackled leather
Perforated monk-strap loafers in white
Collection cashmere hoodie (but not for 1.5k sigh)
Collection standing-collar leather jacket in navy
Rib-trim Regent blazer
And that's it. There's a lot more I wish listed at Madewell's new arrivals this morning but the prices are too steep for me and I'll have to wait for a sale.
I'm styling the Metallic Side Slit Sweater in lilac on my blog today. Other colors will be up later this week. It fits TTS, and clearly I love it because I bought it in all 3 colors!
ReplyDeleteHeather
Partial to Pink
Purchased the New Balance 696 in champagne/lime color and fits TTS. They look beautiful in person and the colors look just like the picture in the Feb style guide. There's no arch support, but I still love them!
ReplyDelete