Tuesday, December 1, 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! :)

69 comments:

  1. I recently purchased the J.Crew Icon Trench Coat in Wool Cashmere and I have to say this is the best purchase I made this season. It's a classic J.Crew item that comes back every year, but almost always sells out in this color even before the winter starts. So this year I ordered it during early fall when it just came out. A couple of the reviews on the site mentioned that the material is not very good. If you are trying to compare it with a Burberry wool trench coat, then I would agree that the material is just so-so. But for a fraction of what we would have to pay for a Burberry coat, this is definitely a winner.

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    1. It is a beautiful coat. I bought the cotton tench and returned it. I'm 4'11 and the style overwhelms me, with the buttons and lapel, even in petite sizing. I like the wool in burgundy color. Oh well...

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  2. Some reviews here including the new lace panel dress.

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  3. Good morning and happy December, JCAs!

    Shawl-collar long cable cardigan sweater (e5666) - YES. This actually looks just like the online and catalog pictures. I sized down from S to XS after looking at the item pic and that was the right call - it’s still very oversized and has a cocoon-like shape. Sadly, some of you are probably going to be sized out of this one. The knit is thick and cozy and reminds me of an oversized wool Aran-knit housecoat I had that belonged to my grandmother. It even has leather buttons - at least, that’s what I assume the “contains non-textile parts of animal origin” on the tag is referring to (if not, eek!)? I would definitely recommend trying it if you see it in store or can grab a popback.

    Brushed wool-blend plaid cardigan sweater (e5664) - I liked this one too (two in the same rollout?! I must be coming down with something!). It’s slouchy, but I didn’t find it so big that I should size down. I also didn’t find the blend to be itchy or eye-water inducing like some of the other sweaters this year. The only thing that it’s missing is pockets!

    Pixie pant in heather charcoal (31090) - I was tempted by the sale + % price (I have the Factory Gigi pants and like them). These were so stiff when I pulled them out of the package, I thought they would break. (Any Key & Peele fans here? They reminded me of MC Mom and “crispy socks”). I struggled to get into these in my usual 4 (because they felt like cardboard) and the zipper did not seem to want to stay up. Maybe these vary by color? Some of the reviews online place these in the "used to be better, but JC messed with a best-seller" camp.

    Cotton yeti pajama set (e4917) - Personally, I liked the top better than the bottoms in these, which don’t leave anything to the imagination. The bottoms have a drawstring that doesn’t appear to be secured in any way, so I could feel it twisting under the fabric. The cotton is thin, but the top feels more substantial than the leggings did. Too bad they didn’t work for me because the pattern is so cute.

    Dreamy cotton polka-dot nightshirt (e4285) - Looks just like the online pic, fits TTS, cotton is soft and smooth. The “Keep Away from Fire” tag in JC's PJ's always cracks me up. I've wishlisted the striped one and may try to grab it after Christmas.

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    1. I thought the SAME thing with the pixie's in heather charcoal. I have a navy pair from a few seasons ago that are my go to "soft" pants. :)


      The heather charcoal ones are as stiff as a board!


      I guess that is why they were on sale.

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    2. Chiming in re the heather charcoal pixies, I just got them in the mail yesterday and they are going right back. I can get into them in my usual size, but they are overall too tight and the back zipper is not easy to deal with at all. Too bad!

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    3. Ditto on the pixies! I thought it was just me, but I should have known better...

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    4. OMG I thought it was just me. I tried them on today in store and they literally do not feel like fabric you wear on your body. I wanted to come home and compare the fabric content to my old pixies, but the tag is cut out. I tried them on two sizes and the smaller size felt slightly better, but because it was so stiff it bunched awkwardly at the ankles...I'd have to get these in a petite instead of a regular. Not that I'd get them at all.

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    5. I ordered the pixie in my regular size and a size down because of the reviews. I pulled it out of the packaging and yes, the material is so thick and weird. And my regular size fit fine, but I felt like it smooshed my bum even flatter than it is. Not a good look. They went back.

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  4. Since I'm on the hunt for black pants—

    FULL-LENGTH PANT IN BI-STRETCH WOOL: if you are curvy proportion wise (10 inches more or less between waist and hip) this might be a great option. Not exciting or trendy, but when I put them on with the shrunken merino turtleneck in black, glitter Elsies, and a chunky necklace, I felt very chic and sophisticated. The design of the pants really holds the belly in, as opposed to a front zip adding bulk. In the larger of my two usual sizes, they fit perfectly, but a little snug if you're not comfortable showing off your shape. I ready they stretch out a bit so I'm sticking with this size. The length is perfect for me to wear heels. At the sale price, a great deal.

    COLLECTION WOOL FLANNEL TROUSER: these are also flattering in the larger of my two sizes. Less fitted on the upper thigh. Great, classic pant. I just prefer the style above.

    CROPPED wide leg PANT IN WOOL FLANNEL: this is the straighter of the two cropped styles. A beautiful pant but the pleats don't do my stomach any favors. The smaller of my two sizes fit better and was flattering from the back, but made me look very straight and rectangular. I ordered the wider ones as soon as they became available and hope they offer a more flattering shape.




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    1. Great reviews - thanks. I have been looking at the bi-stretch wool ones, and your comments are quite helpful.

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    2. Two more:

      CROPPED PANT IN WOOL FLANNEL (The one with the elastic in the back). I want to love these. I don't need every pair of pants I put on to make me look like a model. I have a long torso and the rise is a tiny bit short for me to wear at my natural waist (without looking like grandpa wearing suspenders). The back is flattering in my smaller of two sizes. The length looks great with heels. (I didn't try with flats). If they were flat front I think they'd work much better for me. The pleats just add weight. I love the concept though. I'm hoping the Rayner jean in black or the patio pant will give a similar effect without making me look like a have a big belly. In comparison, when I showed my 19 year old daughter these vs. the full length pant in bi stretch wool, she said "wow, those look great, can I borrow them." (I should add I am 5'6", about 120 with about a 26 inch waist and hips about 36 at the widest/biggest point with a round booty. Usually a size 25 in jeans and 00/0 in pants. I'm in my mid 40s and have three kids...so while my abs aren't perfect I can still wear a bikini. Pants shouldn't make me look pregnant!)

      TARTAN SCARF IN NAVY: I got this because a reviewer said its more like a blanket. Unlike the plaid blazer where some are complaining that the colors are too vibrant, this scarf is too drab. I have a factory plaid (acrylic but the colors are better) scarf from last season and the red white and navy plaid lightweight wool from fall, so this is going back.

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  5. Collection Fair Isle sweater in Italian yarn (E3515; I ordered it in chestnut canvas) - The good: The sweater is gorgeous in person. It wears like a thick-gauge cashmere, and does feel slightly bulky, but it is quite soft. It is also a bit fuzzy like a mohair sweater, which some may not be a fan of, but I found to be charming. The colors are amazing and rich in person, just as shown online and in the style guide.

    The bad: The sweater is so short. I ordered it in my normal sweater size and at 5'9, it barely hit below my naval. The slightest arm movements exposed a lot of my midsection, and I tried it on with a high-waisted pant. I'm going to try sizing up, but that makes me leery because with the thickness of the sweater, if it's too loose it may be way too bulky and look frumpy.

    Overall, it's a beautiful sweater in my opinion, but the fit issues are once again the problem.

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    1. At 5'3", I loved this sweater. I got the other color way and it's one of my favorite sweaters, ever. I feel like it's the sweater I'm always looking for. Cozy, great design, great colors. It's not too short on me at all. Also, over a button up, just the right amount peeks out. I'm really happy with this one!

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    2. Thanks for the reviews ladies. That sweater is on my wish list!

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    3. Blake - as I was trying it on I was thinking that shorter ladies will be perfect in this sweater. I just wish it came in a tall because it is such a gorgeous sweater (one of the most beautiful J.Crew has rolled out in ages)
      It's lovely enough that I reordered a size up and keeping my fingers crossed it gives me more length without adding too much bulk.

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  6. Collection wool cutout top (with no cutout): it's really nice. Seems well-made, and the fabric is nice. Fits tts, but I'm very busty, and the top was snug through the bust. I probably would have been willing to wear a minimizer bra to make it work, but honestly couldn't think of one place I would wear it. :( Also, the tightness through the chest made the neckline tight, which wasn't super comfortable. All in all, this one is a winner, just not for me. I'll be returning my size 10 sometime this week. If you'd like me to have it held in your name, just let me know. Thnx!

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    1. Wendy, I'm bummed to hear about the top - mine arrives today, I'm a size 12 which is the size I ordered and busty as well...we'll see how it is.

      No reviews for me yet - I have three orders arriving today (placed Wed-Fri of last week...) so I will report back when I go through everything.

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    2. I received mine in the 000 and found it runs tts. I think it's beautifully tailored and work appropriate. I'm wearing it to work today with skinny cropped black pants and the Elsie snake print dorsays.

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    3. That sounds great! Glad it worked for you. If you have a dressy work environment that can accommodate a sleeveless wool top, I'm sure you'll get lots of wear out of it. My office is business (very) casual, and I would freeze without sleeves in the winter. It is well-executed, for sure!

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  7. :: Petite Reviews ::

    PETITE REGENT TOPCOAT in dusty cedar (P4) (E1034) - I had initially preordered it when it was first released, and was on waitlist for a month till I received the dreaded message that said, “Sorry we are sold out”. So I stalked it like a mad woman, and finally was able to order it on popback. The pros - Fit of the P4 is perfect; sleeves, body length, and I can button the chest. The cons – Darts at the bust did not lie flat, and was pointy, Oy! I don’t know how to explain it. It was badly sewn that it looked pointy, as if it was made to give room for the nipples. Also, the sides of the coat curved. I wanted the coat to fall straight, almost shapeless... It was bizarre overall. I wanted to make the coat work so much, but it’s not worth keeping. The search for a camel topcoat continues…next fall season!

    COLLECTION CHUNKY CABLE SWEATER in pearl (XS) (E5384) – This does not fit TTS. Ordered it in XS, and I could’ve sized down to an XXS. I didn’t like it that it’s fuzzy. This is not a keeper.

    PETITE REGENT BLAZER in heather river (P6) (B0327) – I think owning one Regent blazer is enough for me (I own it in navy wool). I fell in love with the color online, and the way it was styled. In IRL, the baby blue is not really bright as how it appears online; it is more a muted baby blue color. I styled it the way I wanted to, and wasn’t feeling it. When I fall in love with another color Regent; the styling has to be impeccable, enough to convince me that it’s worth buying. This is not a keeper.

    PETITE WIDE-LEG PANT in wool grey (P4) (E5998) – So this sold out during J.Crew’s black Friday promo. I ordered it because I was curious on how it would look on me. I’m usually a P4 when it’s high-waisted. Unless you are 5’4 and up, these are your pants. But for a shorty like me, no bueno. Especially when it’s WIDE LEG. Hello, what were you thinking?? I thought I could get away with it. I guess not. The widest pant I can wear are the Patios.

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  8. I have a review of the bi-stretch wool full length pants (plus a few other pairs of pants) on my blog here. In short, at 5'10", I was just a bit too tall for them.

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    1. thanks! that was a super helpful review and photos! (I'm 5'10" too.)

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    2. They're really flattering on you! Too bad they don't come in tall.

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    3. At 5'4" my problems are different. Even alleged mid rise pants creep up to my navel and I prefer a low rise for comfort and fit. Companies generally don't cut pant small enough in the waist for them to fit properly without alterations if they are higher rise on me.

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    5. Thanks for the great review Amy. The pants look great on you. I'm 5'11" so it is very helpful to see the pants on someone tall!

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  9. Pencil skirt in Donegal wool:

    I managed to get a dark green one during the few moments that they were on sale but am reviewing it because there are pink ones left and maybe a green one will pop back. The cut is a little different that the regular #2 pencil skirts, of which I own six. The waistline is higher and the length is longer. Neither is bad, and the skirt still fits and flatters me, but I have a small preference for the regular cut. The waistline might roll down on some figures. At least the online description is accurate! The colors in the fabric work when worn with either blue or black, making it very versatile. This skirt is a keeper but not a love for me.

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    1. Agreed that the Donegal is cut differently, with a higher & narrower waist and a more tapered hem. A bit wider through the hips, too -- the Donegal was at least 1" wider than prior years' wool no.2s. I don't have the curves to fill that out, so the black/grey that I ordered went back. Better luck next time, I hope!

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  10. HARLEY OF SCOTLAND™ NOR'EASTERLY SWEATER (item e5179)
    I ordered this in the red color in an XS. I'm normally between an XS and S and since the description said "relaxed fit," I decided to size down. The XS was the right choice. The red color is gorgeous but that's about all the good I can say. It is super itchy. And the sleeves and width of the XS was spot on, but it was SHORT... like just past my belly button... hitting me at a weird spot, making me look wide. I couldn't get it off me and packed back in the box to return fast enough.

    TOOTHPICK CORD (item c9738) sea salt color in size 26. Now, for reference, I am almost always a size 26. The only exception being those skinny cargo pants (item b8708) that stretched out sooo much that I had to size down to a 25. I don't know what they did with these cords, but man, they are SMALL! I could barely zipper them. And when i laid them down to compare to my other toothpicks, they were noticeably smaller in the waist and legs. The color was also a little too sheer for my liking. Back they went.

    FACTORY STRAIGHT AND NARROW CORD (item 17397) Size 26 short in the snow color. AHHHHHH... these were perfect. fit super nice and the color was a little sheer but nothing too scary. I didn't have these and the retail toothpicks together at the same time so i don't know what the difference between "snow" and "sea salt" colors are, but they looked pretty similar to me. These are a keeper.

    COLLECTION CASHMERE-BLEND FAIR ISLE SWEATER (item e3242) Size XS. This seems to be sold out now, but I did get the sweater on pop back. I originally ordered a size S based on the description of it being "semi-fitted"... um... no... it was totally big. so the S went back. The XS is still a little big but not so big that it looks like i'm wearing the wrong size. roomy enough to wear a shirt under, but fits well enough to wear by itself. no problems with it being itchy. i'm often conflicted when they do the reverse float thing, but i think it works here. i just need to be careful of snagging it.

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  11. Pleated midi skirt in triple stripe:

    It's notable that I forgot to review this when I commented above. I'm keeping this skirt (out of laziness perhaps), but this is a forgettable skirt. One the one hand it is comfortable, forgiving and three season for my Boston life. But one touch tells you that this skirt is definitely poly. The overall effect is not exactly fashion forward, but I suspect I'll wear it on days when I don't feel like being tailored.

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  12. Fair Isle Tippi in gray colorway: ordered my usual Tippi size small. Fits TTS for me. Not short, not boxy, yay! BEAUTIFUL sweater - nice, thick merino and gorgeous color. Wish J Crew would make more sweaters like this instead of the nasty, pilly blends.

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  13. The "Jenna" earring -- item 9507, Midnight Crystal Chandelier Earrings -- these earrings went past making me sad to actually annoying me and making me angry. J. Crew had the opportunity to make a really, really awesome pair of earrings. The design is there. But, they used cheap, plastic CRAP. Seriously, these look like play jewelry I would buy for my daughter. What the heck? I look through the jewelry on the website and all I see is plastic, plastic, plastic. It would be one thing if it were inexpensive, but this stuff is all over $100. It all looks so cheap. I am really mad about those earring because as I said, the design is there. Had they used better materials, they would be so awesome. As is, they (and so much of the other jewelry) are junk, junk, junk. Anyone getting up close to any number of those necklaces would knew immediately that they are cheap plastic. Which is fine for toddlers, or stuff that costs $12 at Forever 21. But not for a pair of $110 earrings or a $128 necklace.

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    1. I havent seen them In person, but is it possible plastic or resin was used to keep them light? I have so many big earrings I can barely wear because they're too heavy. I think resin can be nice. Giving these earrings a second look on screen though, and without seeing them in context, they look oddly like a chicken to me!

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    2. Yeah I had to return a pair of earrings a month ago that felt plasticky cheap. It's hard for me to commit to buying J.Crew jewels...could be the quality, or cost per wear??

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  14. Blakemdjohns,

    Take a look at this alternate from Banana Republic. I wanted a less expensive alternate to the dark chandelier earrings Jenna wore on that program.

    I purchased these a week ago when BR had 60% off all their jewelry instore. I paid $19.20 plus tax and love them at that price point. For something that I wouldn't wear daily, I'm pleased with these.

    http://m.bananarepublic.gap.com/product.html?dn=bp1748960020000&pdn=search

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  15. Collection quilted leather motorcycle jacket in dark cypress (b0936)

    I have been eyeing this jacket in the beautiful green colorway for some time, but I knew it was time to check it out IRL a couple of weeks ago when it went on super sale.

    I took my usual size and although the jacket is fitted, it's still TTS. If left unzipped, the jacket could accommodate a sweater. Some reviews on the website have described the leather as "buttery soft." I guess it depends on your definition of the expression but personally I would not call it that as the overall feel of the garment is a bit stiff. It could be the thickness of the leather combined with the substantial lining that gives that impression, though. Hopefully, it will soften with wear. As I mentioned, I absolutely love the green color and prefer it to the black. There's the signature piping and two breast pockets on the inside. The quilting on the shoulders and on the sleeves is beautiful, but it does make the sleeve ends feel slightly heavy due to the padding. The snaps are easy to close & open, the zipper is smooth. Overall, a beautiful piece, and if you were lucky enough to grab it at the sale price, a super bargain.

    There's only one con for me, and it has to do with the seams on the arms. There are three seams at the elbows: one a couple of inches above, one couple inches below (to separate the quilted sleeve area) and one that goes directly around the elbow. Crisscrossing these three seams in the back of the arm is a long, vertical seam. As I said, the leather is already of substantial thickness which means that as the leather bunches up when the elbow is bent the seam in the crook of the elbow feels hard while in the back, where the elbow seam and the back seam meet, it's almost painful if that point is directly on the elbow. Now I ask you, why would anybody place the middle (around the elbow) seam on a jacket like this?? I has no function there. None of my other leather jackets have a seam in the elbow area. Is it to save money? On a COLLECTION piece? Really?? What a shame because otherwise this jacket would be nearly perfect.

    I'm truly on the fence about keeping the jacket because of the elbow seaming issue. On one hand, I got it at a great price point. On the other, will the seam bother me to the point that I will be reluctant to wear the jacket? Maybe I'm analyzing it too much? :)

    There are pictures on my IG account if anyone's interested.

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    1. Holy cow, do I love that IRO jacket you are wearing with the plaid shirt on your instagram! That J. Crew leather jacket does not compare in the slightest. Do you know the name of that jacket or where and when you purchased it? Or, maybe . . . you hate it and want to sell it to me? Ha Ha.

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    2. The jacket looks perfect on you, Ivanka. Will it cause friction in the long run if you wear it often?

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    3. Oh, you look sooo good in that green leather jacket! But comfort is important, if it will bother you, you won't wear it. Great color, though.

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    4. Love the color and how you've styled it. That olive is a wonderful choice & a nice change of pace. I agree with carmencatalina about the comfort factor; CPW is something I try to think about.

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    5. I hate seams on leather pieces, aside from pants cause it seem unavoidable, it really cheapens them Which is ridiculous, because let's face it, the price point isn't that good. There are plenty of nice leather jackets at Nordstrom in a similar price range without awkward seaming and that will go on sale after the holidays.

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    6. Thank you for your responses, ladies! To make a long story short, after weighing my own feelings and the very helpful feedback from everyone, I have decided to return the jacket. I just know the elbow issue would bother me and keeping the jacket would go against my new shopping rule, which is that I have to love the garment 100% before I keep it. I was just too torn on this one, so I knew it was time to let it go. Today, at my husband's urging to reconsider my decision, I've inspected the jacket very carefully and found that on one snap the bottom half has come off the leather and was still snapped on the opposing top half. My heart just sank. Needless to say, it is going back tomorrow.

      @blakemdjohns My IRO jacket was a gift from my hubby. It is called Glass and I believe he had purchased it a couple of months ago at Shopbop. HTH :)

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  16. Waffle tees are keepers. They aren't as thick as they were in the past, but they aren't as thin as the current Factory version. I wish they had solid color options, but the stripes are nice too. I'm glad they brought back the crewneck.

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  17. Checked the fabric content on the waffle tees in-store. Sadly 60 cotton 40% poly and very thin fabric feel, though perhaps good as an underlayer. Wish JCrew would be a bit more transparent in their web site descriptions and give actual % of different fibres in a garment. Otherwise I have to rely on Gigi's reviews (thank you!) or go to a store and read labels myself. I'm not interested in paying Cdn Jcrew prices for a waffle tee that is thinner and the same cotton/poly fabric composition as an previous seasons find from Old Navy which was about $5 on sale.
    Did find a Painter quality throwback tee (E2417). Remember when Painter tees used to have gold buttons on one shoulder? Before they cost cut on fabrication and just went to a plain hemmed wide neck. This garment has the buttons on a placket which opens - obviously a more expensive detail to construct, even though buttons will not be to everyone's taste. Indigo stripe a nice variation from navy and good colour combo with white jeans in summer or dark in other seasons. Had to buy it. Like Gigi - because stripes!.

    Wondering if the disappearing merchandise from shopping carts on special promo days relates to JCrew using data analysis algorithms to identify which style numbers are being cart held or wish listed. Conceivable that the system can then be set to pull those potentially popular items out of visible website inventory or into their list of promotion exclusions for events like free ship days or 30-40 off. Though this is the company which is still showing the 2015 date book for sale and seemingly didn't flag up the Tilly fail early through data analysis, so perhaps WFF mad math major is not scanning my wishlist to deprive me of a promo discount opportunity!

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    1. something funny I noticed today, I wanted to purchase the Elsie Leopard Dorsay pumps for black Friday/cyber Monday sales but unfortunately they were sold out, I even called CS and was told it did not appear that they would be restocking anytime soon, well coincidentally they are back today! After all the sales are done...shady biz

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    2. GoWest - Thanks for the mention!! ;)

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  18. OT but I went to the sample sale in NYC this morning and I thought I would post my impression in case there is someone who is thinking of going. First of all there is very little current stock, almost everything is from seasons past. Compared to previous sample sales I found that the shoes section was a bit disappointing, nothing really extraordinary and nothing. Flats are priced at $65 and heels are priced at $100 so not that much of a deal here. A few shoes were from the current season but I didn't see any of the most covered ones. The coats were the best deal (for this time of the season) at $150, cashmere was $90, regular sweaters $40. There was a lot of jewelry priced at $25, $35 or $60 (but mostly $60). Collection items were priced as marked and there were some very good deals BUT you couldn't try anything on which is a bit tricky (I had in my hands a pair of beautiful leather leggings in a forest green color that were priced at $180 and I am almost sure we're selling for at least $600 and they "looked" like they would fit me but it was too much of a gamble so I left them there). As always you need to know your prices to know if you are getting a good deal or not. HTH somebody

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    1. Thanks for the review! I couldn't make it down there today but planning on going tomorrow to check out the outerwear. My friend also said that she found that some items were more expensive than they went for online.

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    2. Thanks for this! I always end up going, but probably won't make it this time and now I don't feel like i'm missing out!!

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  19. COLORFUL METALLIC TWEED JACKET WITH FRONT POCKETS

    - i just got this today and it's a great piece. i was surprised as to why it is rated so low on the website. it might not be suitable for most conservative work environments, but it's so well made and the cut is very flattering and the purple and rose gold threads are weaved so beautifully. it definitely has a metallic sheen to it, but not in a tacky way at all. it pairs well with a plain tee with jeans or a darker skirt to balance out the gold. i got my regular jcrew jacket size, and it fits well. i'd definitely consider it a steal at 50% off!

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  20. Collection Sequin Buffalo Check Pant: I tried these in both a 4 and a 6 as I wasn't sure about sizing. (FYI: I take a 4 in the Campbell and 6 in the Martie, 5'5, 125) These pants have sold out but I bet they will pop back. They came very carefully packed - bubble wrap.
    The size 4 worked best but still did not fit me well. These pants were too long in the crotch for me. They fit best if I pulled them all the way up to my belly button but the description says they should fit lower on the hips. I'm not sure if they would work if I sized down or not. I didn't feel like I had a lot of extra room anywhere other than the waist. I think they would work well for someone who carried their weight in their stomach. They have an elastic waist, which is very comfortable. The pants are lined and soft. Sequins look great and I really wish the pants would have worked for me.

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    1. I just received mine in size 00 and they were long in the crotch, too, so sizing down might now help fix that problem. The entire fit was off; baggy on top and tight from the knees down. They make me look frumpy, not chic.

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  21. Pull-on Pant in Floral Lace (#e4818). The store didn't have my size, but did have a size down and I think that was the right size for me. Reviews mention the back of the waistband moving down a bit and I thought that too. But I think if I went up a size, there would be too much fabric in the crotch. Aside from that, they fit really well, especially for a pull-on, elastic waist. The length was just right on me at 5'4" and will look nice with either a heel or a pointy flat. These were a surprise like for me.

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  22. Regent topcoat in Black Watch flannel
    item E5064
    I know others have reviewed this but I love this coat. I ordered a 00 (my normal coat size) but maybe could have done a 000. But if I put a very heavy sweater on the 00 will fit better. This coat is well made, a nice lining, nice buttons and I love the look. I bought it 30% off and a few sizes have now popped back. If you were thinking of this, I would pull the trigger. I love J Crew coats and this one won't disappoint.

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  23. Brushed wool crewneck sweater in plaid: I ordered one size up based on the reviews that said it was running small in the shoulders and I should probably have stuck with my size as it is a bit big, especially in the sleeves. It is very soft (I was expecting it to be on the itchy side) but the plaid is darker than I thought based on the picture on the catalog, not festive at all (I ordered the cardinal/navy). All in all I don't like it enough to order another size, not to mention that I don't need it. Maybe I will try the other colorway once it goes on sale. I will take a picture and post on IG before returning it.

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    Replies
    1. Pic is up on IG. I also posted a pic of the collarless leopard silk blouse (a winner).

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  24. Has anyone worn the wide legged Rayner jeans in black or white? I am only 5'3' but I thought the cropped length struck me at a weird spot. I ordered my size in a tall and I think I like these better. They hit right above the ankle but the flare is fairly wide and only seems to look good with sandals or flats that show alot of the foot. Any suggestions of how to wear them? They seem to be something that will still be popular this Spring and I remember the white ones were sold out last year so I don;t want to let them go. What is the right length? Maybe I need to hem them a bit and split the difference? Any suggestions?

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  25. Hmm... Do you have a pic? I ordered them but they haven't shipped yet. I loved the length of the cropped pant in wool flannel and it's the same inseam. I'm 5'6" and it hit me about 2 inches above the ankle. I don't like any shorter than that.

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  26. This is part review, part vent, part love. I went to my store today to return (I'm embarrassed) $1300 worth of pants, mostly, the SAs try to be so helpful, but the store isn't carrying any of the items I'm interested in, and anything in store is about 10% higher.
    I tried on a pair of poppy wool patio pants. After sitting on (and finally returning) the Turner pant in red because I just don't feel comfortable wearing such bright pants, I had to think long and hard about this purchase. Oh a positive note, although I'm unsure of the color, the fit, with heels, was beautiful in the larger of my two sizes. But, even with 30 of 40% off, I don't see myself wearing them more than once or twice a year in red. (I've limited my clothing palette to black, gray, white, red and denim, but red bottoms are tricky!)
    I'm considering buying the red in the cotton, but online reviews say they fit differently.

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    Replies
    1. Greetings Suz . . . I got over my wariness of red pants around the same time I accepted that large, blingy jewelry would be part of my wardrobe. I have the Eaton Boy Trouser (Fall 2013) and Maddie Pant in B-Stretch Wool (Fall 2014) in red. A fave Eaton Boy-based outfit pairs them with the black and white J.Crew Tossed Hearts blouse and a black Schoolboy Blazer. Denim looks great with red, and so does leopard print. I avoid yellow since I don't want to look like a McDonald's. Google "J.Crew red pants" and "What to wear with red pants" for more ideas. Also look up "jsodders" on Polyvore - she puts together lots of great color and pattern combos. Good luck!

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    2. OH, I have a million outfits that work with red pants, leopard shoes, the glitter Elsies, etc. My concern is I don't have much of an occasion to wear them. I'm trying to rationalize if I'd ever wear them or if I'd always grab the black pair instead. Historically, I grab the black pants, the black sweater. I love with with chambray too, which makes me think maybe the cotton would be a better choice for me because then I could wear them in the spring with a striped tee or button down, as opposed to the wool in winter when I'm more likely to favor black. I'm just not sure if that neon flame is obnoxiously bright.

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    3. Suz, I would echo Jennifer's recommendation to check out Polyvore for styiling. But I hear you - while I have a lot of printed bottoms, I always have trouble with vibrant flame/red...I have the cotton poppy patio pants and they went unworn all summer/fall. I have a pair of the wool café capris from a few years ago that I maybe wear once a year.

      I say go with your gut...if you're not going to wear them, don't feel comfortable in them, etc. then you won't wear them. good luck!

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    4. I decided to try the cotton ones first and ordered the neon flame, then yesterday the California poppy popped back, so I ordered those too, thinking I'm better off with a slightly more muted red than a bright orangey red. For the $30 sale price it's a good time to experiment. Oddly I have no problem wearing white or bright shorts and skirts, but for some reason less comfortable in bright pants. More material maybe?

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  27. IRL pics of the Factory Tailored Tweed jacket in Charcoal Navy on my Instagram.

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  28. Collection chunky marled cardigan sweater (Item E2321)--mine arrived today. It's fuzzy and pilled already. I love the length and weight though (5'5" and got the size XS) but i'm not sure I can handle the pilling.

    Any other reviewers?

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  29. I finally got to try on the perfect cable sweater. Review on Gigi's Gone Shopping. Thumbsup.

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  30. I tried the Collection Italian wool cutout (renamed in mockneck) top. Pic and review on my IG (not superflattering on me but I understand the love)

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  31. On a whim I ordered the vintage cropped jeans in rinse wash (c0982) when they were 30% off sale price and no final sale. I love them. The rise is a bit higher, and very flattering. I got the regular. I think they also come in tall. Regular is right above my ankle and makes my legs look great. There's a bit of flare at the end of the leg. The dark wash makes them easier to dress up. Fit is a bit large. I sized down one based on reviews on the site, and that was the right call.

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