Tuesday, October 13, 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! :)

27 comments:

  1. I picked up a really cute wool mini at Factory this weekend with the 50% off promo, I think it's the wool pleated mini - comes in several colors, I got the camel. It has a nice and comfy elastic waistband, fit TTS, just short enough to be a mini but long enough to still feel polished. Also it's a nice weight for cooler temps. I don't see myself wearing the other colors much or I would be getting multiples.

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  2. Good morning, JCA's!

    I can't recall if this was posted here in the past but I've been reading this great series on how to assess the quality of garments. Very interesting stuff (and timely!).

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    1. Thanks for posting, silver lining. I love this blogger. I've been following her for and her philosophy is quality over quantity which resonates with me.

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  3. I ordered the Excursion vest in flannel for 30% off couple weeks ago during the magic midnight promo crossover window, and after waiting over 2 weeks to get it, I was somewhat disappointed when it actually arrived. I believe it's been mentioned before, but the 100% poly means it has this weird, not soft, fake wool texture. For $130 full price, there is no reason they couldn't have done a real flannel fabric, which was the whole reason I'd wanted the vest.

    It runs large, and the collar comes up a little high (though this is my first Excursion vest purchase so those may be standard features), but the color is very versatile. I'm keeping it because of the discount, but I'm just frustrated that it could have been better executed.

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    1. Thanks for the review. I was sort of interested but knowing now that it's poly and not cotton flannel...makes me think twice about purchasing it.

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  4. I know this is old news, but - I am wearing a pair of the "new" Ceces today & I can confirm what everyone else has said: they're weird. I have three pairs of the old Ceces as well as five pairs of the Factory suede Anyas and the Factory flats feel like better quality than these new Ceces. I don't know if it's because they're the metallic leather or what but the leather definitely feels... I dunno, thinner? than my other pairs. I scored these for like $20 at the clearance store so I'm not out a significant amount of money or anything but I don't think I'd pay any more than that for them! Such a bummer because they're my all-time favorite flat.

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    1. Haha, I saw your IG this morning and was going to comment because I love the color you got. But, yeah, I have a pair of new ceces and they're definitely off. I think they stretch a little more, too.

      -lep33shops

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    2. I mean... they're still pretty comfy - better than the silver Harpers I bought (& subsequently sold!) but I would NEVER pay retail for them! :)

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  6. I received the FACTORY GIRLS' MIXED PLAID COAT last night. Overall I like it - paid less than $100. I'm typically a size 2 in the schoolboy and a 4 in the Lady Day coats and the girls' 16 works fine. I thought the sleeves might be bracelet length but they are not - they are regular full length. I'm 5'6 and the coat comes down just a couple inches past by bottom. This style of coat is not as flattering as fitted coats like the Lady Day (which I just love) but I think it has a cute, casual look. The fabric is a bit itchy and I'd want a turtleneck on underneath. For me, it's a good buy that is completely different than anything I own.

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  7. Has anyone seen (or have a review of) the factory calf hair chelsea boots?

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  8. I finally got around to trying the donegal wool pencils skirts in both pink and green. I'm 5-2, and tried on the 000 and P00. I paid $82 each.

    I like the cut of these skirts. The waist band is more flattering and more comfortable than my iother No. 2 pencils skirts. The P00 hits at my knees and otherwise is similar to my other pencils. The 000 hits just past my knees, but the hips are a tad large for my taste.

    I'm debating to keep the 000 for the longer length and 40s vibe, but there's a fine line between 40s chic and dowdy, and I'm not sure which side I'm on when it comes to this skirt.

    I wish I had snagged some of the dresses when my size was available, but I would have had to try on three sizes to find one that fits.

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  9. Madewell Venice Blazer Coat - My usual size fit well in the body, but the length was too long for my 5' 3" self. I thought I looked a little silly in it, kinda Matrix-like, but not in a Keanu Reeves-cool way. The top of the sleeves at the shoulder also bunched and stuck out in an odd way. I really wanted this to work, but sadly, returned it.
    Bladedrop Necklace - I love this. It has a spring ring closure and is adjustable to three different lengths. Light, worn gold is a good description. It is matte, not shiny at all. Appears IRL as it does on my monitor. A keeper!

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  10. I'm well aware that the reviews of the current matchsticks are mixed at best, but I tried on a pair last night and they fit me perfectly. Not too much stretch, the right midrise/highrise tradeoff, and the right calf circumference (slim but not clingy). The black ones were too stretchy (different fabric formula) but the classic rinse was just right. I have been on a long quest to find a pair of flattering jeans, so I'm hopeful that these are the ones. I know that folks who have owned the previous iterations of the matchsticks liked the old ones better.

    Have JCA's found that the current matchsticks get baggy or do they bounce back?

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  11. I recently bought the Sloan suede d'Orsay flats in black, item E0033. They are very very black, which I like since most of my black flats are a softer grayer black. They're very striking and dramatic looking and will actually be a go-to evening flat when it's party season. I do find them more uncomfortable than the Madewell D'Orsay flat from earlier this year. I can wear those all over town and not have a problem. These pinched the tops of my feet towards the end of the day. I do recommend getting your normal size, which is what I did. I just think the tip is extra pointy and might hurt your toes at the end of the day. Nothing major and I still love these.

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  12. Toothpick in flint wash- I became a toothpick lover last year because I find them so comfortable now compared to the older toothpicks that never worked for me. I took the same size in the flint wash as I did in the Hannah and Parker washes. I like this wash better than the Parker wash because the flint has less contrast in the whiskering and thigh area. One reviewer mentioned the fabric felt itchy and I noticed that a little bit when I tried them but am hoping that after I wash them I won't notice that.
    Tissue turtleneck in vibrant red- I usually buy one tissue tneck each fall because I like them for layering or on their own when I want a light tneck. I took my usual small and it fits slim but not tight. The vibrant red color is a lovely true red, not orangey-red like so many jcrew reds so I was very happy to find that color.
    Shrunken boy shirt buffalo check- I took my usual boy shirt sz 2 and could've taken a sz 0 also (I'm small chested though). It feels soft and comfortable and I like the pattern so keeping it although I have probably too many jcrew plaid shirts. The only thing is that the shirt gapes at the buttons near my chest even though it's not tight and I could go down a size. It seems like the way it was sown is causing it.
    Dulci kitten heels - I love the neon orchid color and the low heel. I took my usual jcrew size although it's a tad long because 1/2 sz down was def too tight across my toes. My only concern is whether there's too much toe cleavage. Because the shoe is cut low across the toe box and sides I see a lot of my toes and I don't know if it looks weird or if this is normal on this shoe?

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    1. Hi jan - I noticed the same thing about the gaping at the chest on the buffalo check shirt (I'm also small chested and could've gone down a size in it). In the pics in both the catalog and online, that button isn't buttoned on the model and suspect that if it were fastened, it would've gaped too.

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    2. Good eye, silver_lining I didn't notice that about the pics. If I keep it I'll likely have to wear a cami under it.

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  13. My most recent order of blouses were all wins - the cap-sleeve floral lace top in navy/black(c9865), cap-sleeve silk crepe de chine top (e2366) in misty orchid and the printed v-neck band-sleeve shell (c3517) in navy (it's sort of a foulard print). I am a size L/12 on top/38D chest and ordered a size 12 in all of these which were perfect. The lace shell has a nice shape/structure without being stiff - I only wish it were lined, you definitely need to wear a tank underneath it - it's so odd to me that the model is wearing this top without anything underneath - you can see right through it. The silk crepe de chine blouse lays beautifully - it is not sheer and the cap sleeves lay perfectly on my shoulders. The band sleeve shell I was a little nervous about the "bands" on the sleeves looking like wings but the reviews were all positive and they were spot on. The sleeves lay perfectly and the blouse will be a perfect addition to a grey or navy suit - and the v-neck is at a conservative point of the chest. I've had my eye on that lace shell since it came out - didn't take long to wait for it to hit sale + 50% off...I think I'm learning to be a bit more patient.

    Also - I am loving the tweed jeweled Gemma flats. I took my usual J.Crew shoe size - they are a little wider than some of their other flats but SO comfortable. I wore them several days while traveling for work a few weeks ago and walked a ton and they didn't bother me at all. I personally don't love the little tie on the solid color ones but I would buy another printed pair or a plain pair, compared to some of their other pointed toe shoes (ahem Harper flats) they are very comfortable.

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  14. :: Madewell Review ::

    Moderne Sweater in Heather Pebble (E1582) - Sweater does not run TTS. Models online wore it slouchy. I'm 36B, and XXS it still fits slouchy on me, and being petite, I didn't want the sweater to overwhelm me. It's thick, 100% wool. A tad itchy to the touch, but it doesn't bother me. It might for those who are sensitive.

    Moderne Sweater Skirt in Heather Pebble (E1539) - Ordered this in XS. I was a bit worried that it wont fit me, but it does. I even stalked for an XXS in case the XS didn't fit. It runs TTS, maybe on the small side. Description online says A-line skirt. There's nothing a-line about this. It falls straight on me. And I don't have hips. The fit is so perfect that it hugs my shapeless bum. I'm 4'11, and the length falls just below my knees. What is cool is the skirt has the high-low hem. If you are interested in the skirt, better be patient and stalk relentlessly because its sold out in all sizes.

    I will be pairing the sweater and skirt together. Hoping to wear it with the Chelsea boot that's coming out from Everlane...

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    1. adding to this. I received today...

      Wool Boatneck Sweater (E1383) in Deep Jade - Ordered an XS. I am 36B, so I would say it fits TTS. The deep jade color is more emerald IRL, than how dark it is from the stock photo. Merino wool is soft and not itchy at all. It looks like it has the potential to pill, just my guess. It is a pretty sweater. Still unsure if I want to keep it.

      Colorful Crystal Chandelier Earrings (E3525) in Heather Moss - Ordered this just to get the free shipping. The colors are pretty and is light in weight, but i can't get past of the plasticky look. It looks cheap and trendy that I know I'll only wear it once. Even if I bought it on sale. It's still not worth keeping.

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    2. The boatneck sweater and earrings are from J.Crew, BTW.

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    3. I've been stalking that Moderne Sweater Skirt for a week. I saw your review last night, and sure enough, an XS popped back this morning.

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    4. Right on, Blakemdjohns! We have similar taste in clothes. I hope the XS fits you.
      I was surprised the XS fits me. It's good that its a little tight since it may stretch out due to it being knitted.

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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! :)