Tuesday, April 28, 2015

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! :)

43 comments:

  1. Can anyone comment on the Factory Frankie chino? I wanted to buy a pair of olive/fatigue colored pants, and while I've had my eye on the retail Ryder pants in deep fatigue, I'm annoyed by the fact they are excluded from the current promo. Even though the Frankie chinos aren't the same, I thought I'd give them a try. I ordered the vintage surplus color.

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    1. I have two pairs and I love them. I liked the Andie but I prefer the Frankie. They're TTS, and a very soft sort of brushed twill. The slim leg is very flattering. They look good cuffed or un-cuffed. The rise is a mid-rise. I don't know how tall you are but I am 5'7" with a 32" inseam and the regular length (size 6 or 8) is perfect on me. HTH!

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  2. some things from a recent order:
    the italian wool keyhole dress (B8522) - loved the color (hthr dusk) - a very nice griege, and a perfect neutral. Material felt good, not itchy to me, but did seem pretty wrinkle prone. Fit wasn't good for me, I am 5'10" 137# and usually a 6 in JC dresses. I went with an 8 based on reviews - the bottom half fit perfect, top half way too loose. Not very flattering. I didn't think the V on the keyhole was too low so that was good. I also ordered 2 Jackies (one cardigan, one shell) from the recent roll out as I hadn't bought any Jackie sweaters in years. The cardigan fit same as usual, in my usual size (M) the shell was mostly good but weird cut at the armholes, a little too much skin showing there. Saddest of all was the fabric of both, much thinner and not as nice of a feel of my old Jackie sweaters. One of my favorite things about Jackies was the substantial knit and the virtually pill-proof blend they used. Curious how these will fare!

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  3. Has anyone seen the Stretch Cotton Ladder Stitch Dress IRL yet? I would love to know what you think!

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    1. @TeriLynn13 I purchased the sea spray colorway (mint) of the ladder stitch dress in a tall 12 (12 is my usual dress size). The color is a beautiful shade of mint, the length was great (right at the knee - I'm 5'8"), it nips in nicely at the waist and the straight skirt fit my fuller bottom figure nicely but the ladder stitch seam down the front greatly detracted from the look of the dress. It may read better on the darker color dresses, but it chopped the dress up, made it look like it was pulling where it wasn't, and just generally not attractive. If they'd just done the seams at the shoulders and maybe horizontally at the waist (or on the slanted pockets) it might have been a better design, but I personally didn't like it. I loved the stretch cotton material, and was very sad that this dress isn't going to work out for me as it would have been a great summer work staple.

      You can see a picture on my Instagram page here

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    2. Thanks! I see what you mean about the differences between the light and dark colors and the ladder stitch.

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  4. Reviewed the collection silk blouse in pinstripe: substantial silk, very good feel on skin, love the blue mixed with some fuschia pink with promo, pretty good deal.

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  5. A review of the perforated drapey crepe dress here and some sale reviews here. Also Madewell reviews here

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  6. i'd love to hear what you guys think of the PLEATED COTTON SLEEVELESS TOP
    item b9889.... and what you would wear under it with those lace/mesh stripes across the chest.

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  7. Contrast Panel Shell, white charcoal (leaf pattern) - Bought this in my usual knit size. I agree with the description; it's a slightly loose fit. The contrast panel is a woven cotton, so not stretchy. I'm a 32A so this is not a problem for me, but if you prefer a looser fit, you may want to size up. Armholes are fine. I especially love how versatile the color is, light blueish grey, brown, inky blue with a shiny gold outline on a white background. Looks nice with my dark denim jeans & skirt, light denim, grey shorts, khaki shorts, olive green Andies.... I'm not a fan of the shiny gold but it does look nice with the gold exposed zipper.

    Burnout Floral paneled shirt - An ivory top that's not too sheer! The burnout detail on the one I received is a bit sparser than what's pictured on the website, but still adds nice visual interest. The front panel appears to be knit, silk/cotton? as per the description. The back panel is a slightly shiny polyester. Gold exposed zipper looks like a nice design element, imo. Fit is similar to the Contrast Panel Shell, slightly loose.

    Gold Leaf Pencil Skirt - Echoing Rynetta, it's a beauty. Colors are the same as the Contrast Paneled shell except the gold is matte and the background is off-white. Happened to try it on with my stretch rib sweater in pale pinky/lavender and love the pattern with this color, too.
    Fits similar to my No. 2 pencil skirts, maybe just a tad looser and a tad longer. I got the petite 2 and on my 5'3" self, the skirt hits about mid knee. No. 2 hits right at the top of my knee.
    Another big plus is that the skirt is machine washable. The basket weave fabric appears sturdy, but I will be careful what I wash it with, nothing with hooks that could maybe get caught in the tiny holes. I will probably wash it inside out on my front load washer's ultra hand wash cycle and maybe dry flat.


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    1. I ordered the gold leaf pencil skirt as well! I returned it though, because I didn't like that wide fabric panel near the waist. The fabric is nice, but the loose weave would be a problem around here with cats jumping up on my lap. I could envision one claw wrecking the fabric. So, sadly...........back it went. I did like the colors and the pattern. If it had been on a tighter weave fabric, and not with that additional seaming I would have gladly kept the skirt.

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  8. Perfect shirt in Linen (item#42841)
    []Surprisingly good fit. Very flatering (has darts on the chest and also in the back, which slims the shirt. Perfect .
    []Linen is very thin. It looks better in a darker color (navy) than white. Maybe the dye gives the fabric an extra body/structure.
    []Size up if you are between sizes.

    Stripped boatneck tee (item# C7396)
    []Good fit. True to size. Welcome change away from boxy/cropped everything that fits both women and propane tanks.
    []Fabric is nice **but** unless you do not mind the fact that stripes are not really woven into it, you will be disappointed. Unfortunately this cheapens the look of an otherwise nice staple.

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  9. My recent purchases. I was really happy last week when I realized that for the first time after a long, long time I would be actually keeping something and not returning it.

    1. Awning-stripe tunic (c4193)
    I'm a real sucker for tunics, so I just had to try a couple from the new roll-out. This one caught my eye right away with the wide awning stripes. The top is TTS. The fabric is a smooth, crisp, shirting-type cotton that feels great against the skin and is not too thin. (My black bra hardly showed through.) This will feel nice and cool in summer. There are no bust darts (my pet peeve), but they compensate for them by adding a fold on each side of the neckline up by the shoulder seam. It worked for me *this time*, although I just may have a slight bias due to my aforementioned tunic love. The slit neck opening is not ridiculously deep, but depending on where I wear the top I may add a necklace to keep the neckline from opening too much. This is a keeper for me.

    2. Floral block-print tunic with silver tape (c5523)
    Another keeper. Again, there are no bust darts, but somehow this also worked for me. It is cut closer to the body, but I'd say still TTS. The fabric is on the thin side, but not see-through - I'll just have to make sure to wear a nude bra. The cotton is really soft, the block print is as cute as can be and the metallic "tape" makes for a fun detail. I really wanted to take advantage of the free shipping last week and order the other two colors (hydrangea and petunia/with gold tape), but oddly those were excluded from the promo. Other than having to cut off a bunch of long threads that were not trimmed during production (seriously??) I loved this top and am planning on getting at least one of the other colors.

    3. Triangle stone necklace (c3079)
    This delicate necklace has been lingering in the sale section for ever, and I don't understand why. There were a couple of bad reviews, but mostly because the buyers didn't realize that the necklace is on the delicate side and not a statement necklace or they didn't like the color of the stone. Well, I love it. I'm not big on statement necklaces and prefer daintier jewelry. I also like the natural color of the stone that will allow me to pair it with anything. The price with an additional 50% off just can't be beat.

    4. Chateau parka (b3901)
    Of course this item doesn't need any introductions or even a review, but I surprised myself by purchasing it when it popped up in my size in not one, but three colors! I heard so many good things about the coat on this blog that by the end of the season I was regretting not purchasing it in the fall. Last week, with the promo, the coat came down to half of the original price plus free shipping so without blinking an eye I purchased it in both the heather dusk and the heather acorn. It almost makes me sad that winter is officially over. ;)

    I hope these reviews help someone. Have a great day, everyone!

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  10. Couple of reviews of new arrivals in Petite.
    1. Contrast Panel Shell. I did try this on n store and found the armholes too large. Did order in Petite and the armholes are perfect. However, I had ordered an XS and XXS and need a Petite Small.
    2. Floral block-print tunic with silver tape. Ordered in my usual popover size and it is a good fit in petite. Sleeves, length all work but the slit in the front is too low and I refuse to wear something underneath to compensate. I know I will not reach for it. So all returns for me. My cargo skirt is due to arrive tomorrow, so hopefully that is a keeper.

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    1. I want to piggyback on the contrast panel shell. I decided to go with petite since I am short in my torso, and that was the right move. I ended up with the petite small, which is one size up from my usual extra small. I think this does run small, so bear that in mind. It fits fine, but it isn't super loose or anything. I don't think I want to get the medium as I would prefer something more fitted than more loose.

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    2. please let us now what the cargo linen skirt is like......thank you for taking the time .

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    3. I saw the cargo linen skirt and it looks beautiful!
      Havent tried it though:)

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  11. I quickie reviewed the Merino wool metallic striped sweater at this blog post. It is part of an ootd post, so it really is a quickie review (the outfit I wore it with is the second one down). The Turner pants are in all three outfits. I love those pants.

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  12. I tried and bought the textured beach sweater in the pale petal. It is TTS and soft.

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  13. The Harper mules just popped back and I ordered them in black. The 30% off helped make up my mind. Has anyone tried these? I ordered my usual J. Crew size. I hope that was the right choice.

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  14. Hi JCAs! A couple of Factory reviews:

    - Factory V-Neck Ponte Shell (b8282): Ordered in a medium, my true size but one size up from what I usually get at J.Crew/Factory. This top runs a little smaller than most J.Crew/Factory tops, it really skims the body nicely! The bottom is flared out a bit from a waist-hugging middle to create a very nice body shape. It is, however, loose on me in the shoulders and I wish I'd ordered a small instead, which is what I take in most J.Crew/Factory tops. I plan to wear this with the Factory Flared Skirt (b0314) in black. I ordered that skirt in neon papaya also, which is a lovely but VERY BRIGHT orangey-pink. Took an 8 in the skirt, my usual size.

    - Factory Lace Front Top (c5889): Ordered in a small, which is what I usually wear in regular J.Crew and Factory, but it's still a little too big! Will probably keep it anyway because I'm not near a Factory store and exchanges are such a hassle. I bought the white, which comes down to just below my hips. I'm 5'8" and this is the perfect spot on me, nice and slimming. I'll wear this top with dark wash jeans and cute flats for a nice weekend look.



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  15. Summer striped scarf (c8640) - super light, looks just like the online pic. A bit too fragile for me…mine shipped from a store (I hate that they’re fulfilling orders like this) and it had a huge snag from one side running all the way to the other.

    Slim utility pant (c4181) - I love JC’s utility pants, and this is no exception. Fit was good in my usual 4, very soft, almost pajama-like, which has me a little concerned about how long they’ll last. They have a button fly, which I don’t love, but it’s not a deal breaker. I liked the higher rise and patch pockets in the back as opposed to the flap pockets which don’t do much for my behind. The barley color was a little darker IRL.

    Striped boatneck tee (c7396) - This a dupe in both fabric and cut from years past (both retail and factory). They seem to have addressed the problem of the “rolling neckline” from past years by having two rows of stitches around the neck. The fit was slightly large in my usual S but I wouldn’t size down. As mentioned before, the stripes are painted on and not woven in. The “ivory chatham bay” color is nice for something different - looks just like the online pic.

    Saint James for JC short-sleeve slouchy tee (c7597) - I got this as a ride-along ‘cause I just had to see an SJ tee IRL. The tag says it’s 100% cotton, but it really felt like a poly blend to me… very soft, but felt like it had potential to pill? Hard to describe. The S fit fine, but you all know I don’t love dropped shoulders and it felt really not special for $90. The cut of the body was slouchy but not sloppy and the neck felt a little high for my liking.

    Embroidered linen lace tee (c3832) - These linen tees always confuse me - are they going to stretch out or not? The pink wash one was cute, and the S fit well, although slouchy. The scoop neck seemed a bit too low, but maybe I needed to size down. I didn’t love the attention that the lace detail brought to my upper arms….again, it looks and feels like a dropped sleeve. I put this one back on my wishlist and try to grab it on sale at some point.

    Linen cross stripe tee (c5073) - One of the more flattering tees I’ve tried from JC lately. XS and S almost felt the same in the shoulders, with the S more roomy through the body. The “ivory darkest charcoal” just looks like black and white to me.

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    1. I hear ya - related to items shipped from a store. I always cringe when I see a package from a store. I haven't had the best luck with the condition of these items.

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    2. Linen cross stripe tee..............I just received that as well and really like it! It does look black and white to me, too.

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  16. I tried the jumpsuit today in black and loved it.
    it is TTS and i took my regular 0. Pics on my IG @inawonderland5

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    1. Looks great on you, Ina. How was the length? I'm wondering if I need to order a petite or if the regular length will work.
      In your pic one pant leg looks a bit shorter than the other. Did you try rolling one side up?

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    2. It does look really cute on you Ina! Audreybella also reviewed this recently on her blog (life is short, buy the shoes). HTH!

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    3. @maryeb. Surprisingly the length was ok and i am 5 2" like you.
      You saw correct that i rolled up one leg,but i dont think i would need to hem it if i wear it with heels. It is great and i could have just worn it out of the store,lol.HTH
      @lauren i saw Audreys review and like her i love it. I havent bought it yet,but probably will do it tomorrow:). It is so tempting to go shopping after work,lol

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    4. I just ordered it in black yesterday because size P2 was selling out fast. My frugal self was hoping for a % off, but it looks like its not happening. :)
      I hope it works for me.

      Looks cute on you, Ina!

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    5. Thanks JSR! Hopefully the jumpsuit in petite works for you.

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    6. Ladies, is it just me who wonders about the practicality of a jumpsuit? I had one once years ago and it totally bugged me to be so exposed in a public restroom...

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    7. Feel that way with rompers!

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  17. Replies
    1. I really like that print and am considering the popover.

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  18. So my review of....

    Rayner wide-leg jean in white (C4597) - I ordered online both size 26 and 27 to try. I didn't even have to open size 27, because 26 fits. I usually wear 25 in jeans, but since this is high-rise, I needed to go up a size. I am 4'11, the length (without any shoes on) was less than an inch to the floor, it is ankle length on the model online. The pants are stretchy, and didn't feel stiff. It will look good with heels (like the pic online) or even espadrilles. I'm probably going to return it because I don't have the courage to wear white jeans, especially it being wide-leg! I am always afraid I'd get it ruined by staining it...and also I don't know where to wear it to.
    Darn, it looks so cute, too, how its styled online, with the Saint James tee, knot necklace and neckscarf. Very 50's French Riviera...

    Saint James for J.Crew short sleeve slouchy tee in ecru gitane cafe (c7597) - Ordered online size xs and s. The xs fits me (for reference I'm 36B). Still has the slouch look. Boxy cut. Drop shoulders. I love the stripe colors of navy and rich brown color. Not sure if I am keeping this only because I ordered the Saint James slouchy tee that is waitlisted. I'd have to decide between the two...

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  19. Received my petite linen cargo pencil skirt today. It is well made and I love the attention to detail. Large belt loops with buttons, large cargo pockets in the front. I ordered it in Navy and it is lovely dark navy which I adore. The linen is heavy and something that I could not see online is there almost a herringbone pattern on the material which gives it even more character. Now the downside, I found it tight across the bum in fact, too tight. I ordered my usual pencil skirt size and even tried on other skirts I have and it is definitely tighter. I did go ahead and order it in one size up so that I can try it and hopefully it is not too big in the waist. I think that will work out because of the belt loops I might want to wear something tucked in and this size that would not be a go. Hope that helps.

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  20. I got the petite linen cargo pencil skirt in olive and agree with JRS, except I think it runs a bit large. The fabric is gorgeous, like JRS said, a heavier herringbone pattern, and it has a subtle glow. Since it was a petite, I ordered one size up from my regular size and found it fit fine, even a bit loose in the waist and hips, but it works great with a tucked-in shirt and a belt. My waist is at least 1" larger than the size chart indicates for the petite size I bought.

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  21. I received the MacKenzie crackled foil sandals and wowza! I am blown away by how beautiful and unique they are. I haven seen a pair of sandals like these anywhere yet. The leather is much more crackled than it looks in the pics which at first was a bit surprising but it adds to the look. The footbed is a bit padded and the sole thicker than this kind of sandals usually is (like, the fringed ones). My regular size is perfect and while some reviews say that the straps are tight I didn't have this problem at all (I have skinny feet but my bone is a bit protruding). I wouldn't recommend going up because of the back strap. I am so happy I decided to order these. They appear to be sold out right now but I wanted to put this review out for the West-Coaster that still have time to call stores... I posted a pic on Insta but it doesn't even do them complete justice....

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  22. Slouchy boardwalk pants & ribbed shimmer cardigan both reviewed in this post.

    Fringe clutch & huarache Marlow mules reviewed on 1060 Pairs.

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  23. Thanks for Jcrew reviews straight skirt, please check http://kurta.co.in/embroidered-straight-skirt/ as well.

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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! :)