This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent"
posts), where we can share our finds from other
retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew
(like Anthropologie, LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann
Taylor, and the like.)If you have recently encountered items that are similar to J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.
Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including experiences with certain merchandise pieces, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.
Kate Spade - review of the oh-so-cute spotlight bow top on Gigi's Gone Shopping
ReplyDeleteLoft Modern Moto Cords. I tried these because of Gigi's review (thanks Gigi!). They looked great on, but I wish they had more stretch. They are 99% cotton, 1% spandex, but they don't feel like they have any spandex. I bought them (great sale) on probation. I need to wear them in the house for about 30 minutes and see if they relax a bit. It's just in the knees that they feel tight, when I bend my legs, no place else. I sized up in them. The leg opening is pretty small and could have used a zipper (or more spandex). If these shrink, I may have to cut my own vents at the ankle lol. I'm making them sound very tight, but they aren't overall in the larger of my two sizes. The fit is very nice everywhere else. The price was great - I think I bought two pairs of the moto cords and two shirts for about $50+ (don't have receipt handy).
ReplyDeleteThe full name of them is the Modern Moto Skinny Ankle Corduroy Pants (#373022). There is also a Curvy version of these pants, but there weren't any of these in the store to try. I think it inventory was a bit wiped out over the weekend.
DeleteHi cate. Don't size up. The Loft moto pants loosen up during the day. I find it to be in the thigh area to the calf, and not in the waist which is nice. I have to point my toe and push my leg down into the pants, but once they're on everything is fine. So I kwym about the ankle opening. The knee area feels a little like that on me and I think it's because of moto seaming right there. They loosen up during the day. I've been wearing mine non-stop and they're washing well, too.
DeleteHi Gigi, Did they soften up after washing? I tried those on and really didn't like the way the corduroy felt.
Deletelolcatgirl - The texture has gotten a little softer, imo. I think that because I've been worried that I'm going to wear them out because I keep wearing & washing them so much. I don't use dryer sheets, btw. So far everything is going well.
DeleteSuper cute top, Gigi--you look lovely in it. I'd be tempted to get it but I'm 11" taller than you and I think I'll heed your warning that it's likely to be too short :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Megin. Yes, the ks dot top is on the cropped side. Don't risk it ;)
DeleteAlso, I wanted to mention the Athleta moto pants are great. I have the ponte moto and the twill version, both are really cute and I've gotten a lot of wear out of them, even to the office on more casual days. I know not everyone's a fan of athleisure but I really like these.
ReplyDeleteIf you love loungewear like I do, I recommend Gap's printed cotton leggings. They're extremely soft, thick but not too thick, and come in a ton of patterns. Plus, they're almost always eligible for a 40% off promo.
ReplyDeleteBR Factory black trench coat (item 904101): Nice but runs small. I'm usually a petite 00 or XXS at JC & BR. I tried this coat in XS regular, and could only fit a lightweight tee underneath. Sizing aside, the fabric is a sturdy cotton (seems water-resistant) fully lined in poly with a Boden-esque print. Hardware is plastic but looks like metal. Has many of the usual trench details: epaulets, buckles at cuffs, etc. The $60-something sale price that was in effect over Thanksgiving was fair IMO, and I would've kept the coat if the fit were better on me.
ReplyDeleteBlarney Woolen Mills (www.blarney.com)
ReplyDeletei've purchased 3 different types of sweaters from them: rosarie shawl aran sweater, caitlin cape and just recently the fisherman ladies aran cardigan. all beautiful pieces. all well made. all are warm and cozy.
* the size charts are accurate (although, the sizing does vary between sweaters)
* free shipping and returns
* fast shipping... the longest it took for me to get something was 1 week and that was only because USPS shipped it to Massachusetts first (i live in NJ)
* great customer service
* no weird pricing games. they do have sales but there's never the constant game that jcrew plays.
Wanted to put a quick review of Boden's Ledbury Pea Coat. I have a couple of JC's older version of the majesty peacoat (from last year and the year before) and love them, but do wish they were a bit longer. I had been hoping the JC long peacoat would be restocked at some point, but have given up. Over TG weekend, Boden was 30% off everything (currently 25% off everything, still not bad) so I tried their peacoat. At around 32", it is longer than the Majesty (just over 28" long) but shorter than the long peacoat, at almost 37". With me being only 5'2", 32" will do. This coat is super cute. It seems to have more shape than JC's peacoats, the pockets are perfect, and the option to flip the collar up (with contrasting color underneath) is adorable. I have the majesty in navy, so bought this in both charcoal and mint (now completely sold out) thinking I would return one, but I love them so much I am definitely keeping both. Usually mint looks sickly on me (I am asian, and usually fairly tan) but somehow, this mint is beautiful. I think it's warmer and less pastel than JC's mint. For sizing, I wear a 2 or 4P in JC coats, but in Boden I take a 6 because I feel like Boden is cut smaller in the shoulders -- I have broad shoulders (swimming did it) and a 34B+ bust.
ReplyDeleteHighly recommend!
Thanks for the review, AudreyS! I love Boden shoes---soooo well made!---but hadn't tried a coat in awhile. You have me interested. I don't like a lot of their prints (has improved recently), but quality is truly excellent and I love all the color they do.
Delete