Tuesday, March 22, 2016

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! :)

58 comments:

  1. I've bought(and returned) quite a few pieces but here the ones that found a way into my closet:
    [] washed cotton skirt e9584 both in honey brown & marine salt
    A-line mid skirt that hits at the right place(I'm 5'8" for reference) and looks great both front and back. Slit isn't too high,just perfect. Love. Bought the larger of my two sizes in JC skirts (*note* I still fit in all my old JC pencil skirts but have been sizing up one size in all JC skirts recently )
    [] Merino-linen V-neck sweater e9434 - Isn't overly oversized and looks good with pants or slightly tucked in with skirts. Love. Bought the larger of my two sweater sizes for a looser fit.
    [] Stripped T-shirt with pom-poms f0088 - Better than I expected it to be. Stripes are white on a deep navy background.Got the larger of my two sizes.
    [] Stripped shirt e7786 - Lovely shirt in a nice cotton. Fits well and tts. My only ill coment on this item is on how it was packaged. It arrived folded in a "origami" of multiple folds.. totally weird and unecessary. Actually it probably took a lot of time and effort to achieve that pillow form of about 4" x 4" inches... and the creases!?!.. Vent aside, great shirt.
    [] Merino sweater e9575 - Overall a very nice light sweater. Got two of those in the smaller size of my two sweater sizes.
    Other finds came from popbacks here and there at the sale section like the collection pencil skirt e6029 color ACR ( monitor shows a vibrant red w/ blues ) but in reality it is a deep burgundy. Gorgeous just as well. And the botton detail in blue is awesome as it isn't an add on/stiched on but part of the weave of the fabric. Really pretty.
    Hope this helps!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nan, thanks for all of those reviews! Happy to hear your review of the washed skirt. I just ordered it but in my smaller skirt size so I'm wondering if I'll need to exchange it. I was worried about the slit as the reviews say it's too high. I'm 5'7" so hoping length will be good.

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    3. @Jan,I'm sure you will love this skirt. Fabric,fit,length..everything is just perfection. Let us hear when you get it:)

      Delete
    4. Thanks Nan, I'm looking forward to it now! Canada post is slow so it will take a while. :)

      Delete
    5. @nan~so you did NOT find the striped shirt with pom poms to run large? After reading the online reviews I wasn't sure if I should order the larger of my two sizes or not.

      Delete
    6. Hi Nan. I think I caught that same skirt on popback - collection pencil skirt in vibrant wildflower. Just posted pics on my Instagram (@shoperarach). Did you size up in this one as well? I've found pencil skirts to run a bit small this year as well and was wondering if it was just my post-baby bod

      Delete
    7. @Jeannie, no, I did not. I ordered the larger of my two sizes and before receiving it I started reading the first online reviews, which made me appreensive about a possible mistake. Got to try the smaller size in store (a day or two before receiving my order) and that felt a little snug on the arms. Pls keep in mind that this t-shirt has a boxy fit but still, I'm happy with the larger of my two sizes.

      @OperaRach, Yes! Just visited your instagram (brand new follower:) and it is exactly it . Pretty, isn't it? So happy for you too..That was a great catch ..
      I couldn't size up as only my usual size was available so I snatched it. Now I have to loose a pound:)

      Delete
    8. @Nan & OperaRach, I really like the vibrant wildflower skirt. Really cute skirt that has lots of potential. Caught it on popback too. Was surprised by the burgundy color, but it works well. I took my normal pencil skirt size; I've sized up in the past on collection skirts and have found the waist is too big, so need to have altered. Skirt is more fitted in the hips & buttocks in my normal size, but I'm ok with it because I can still move freely.

      Delete
    9. @Mygoddy .. Third lucky lady! I still find mine a little snug on hips (fabric has no "give") and because I want to be able to move freely (and sit) I'm aiming for a little bit of a weight loss ..Keeping the skirt, for sure:)

      Delete
  2. I tried a few Factory dresses which ended up being wins - the Short Sleeve Basketweave Dress and the Boucle Dress. The basketweave dress is similar to last year's version but I found it to run larger. I'm a 12 in most dresses and took a 12 in both of these but the basketweave is still a little loose. Both went to my knee which differs from the online description. The basketweave is 100% cotton (acetate lining) and the boucle dress mostly cotton. I reviewed both on my blog here.


    Also, if you didn't see it, a repost from Saturday - I bought the Billie Demi-Boot crop jeans in white and I am a fan. I tried both the tall and the regular length (I'm 5'8") and the regular length is a perfect crop for me and I liked that they aren't overly flared. The denim is lightweight and they are a bit high waisted but I found them to be comfortable and flattering. You can see photos and a brief review on my blog here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great picks, Anne! Really like the fit on both of those dresses. Must check out -- I haven't checked out/purchased anything from Factory in a long time either.

      Delete
    2. LOVE that boucle dress! Thrilled to hear it comes to your knees - I am so hesitant about buying dresses from Factory as they're all so short. They both look great on you & I am loving that shade of green!

      Delete
    3. @TM93 thank you! I was pleasantly surprised with both dresses...the Gilt coupon pushed me to buy.

      @Taylor thank you! I think that shade of green would look great on you. Even if they don't show the dresses on models I would love to see length, etc. like they do on retail. Usually "above the knee" means mid thigh on me!

      Delete
  3. I am bored to tears with J Crew lately. 20% off sale for Canadians.
    Maybe I will shop at the end of summer.... C

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello Crew ladies! Any thoughts on the Cropped pant in textured herringbone and the matching jacket? TTS?

    ReplyDelete
  5. A review of the ruffle sleeve top in INA (ivory/navy) on my IG.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love this top and you look so cute in it!!

      Delete
    2. @ina and @Mygoddy, looks great on both of you (saw both on IG)! I think it will be too short on me but it looks like a fun piece.

      Delete
    3. @jan, thank you for the compliment!

      Delete
  6. Love the striped strappy sandals that Gigi reviewed. But they're going back because they ran small for me. Need to size up a half size & they're currently sold out. Maybe that's because Reese Witherspoon was photographed in them. Hoping they popback in my size.

    I purchased the convertible zip anorak rain jacket for an upcoming trip to India and Sri Lanka. I looked at the chateau trench, but decided that would be too bulky & this would be more practical for travel purposes. My issue is this jacket is only $40 less than the chateau, so it seems to be overpriced IMO given the fabric, the details and the style of the jacket. Fit is tts; I'm normally a medium or size 8 in jackets. I can layer with a long sleeve mid weight tee and have plenty of room. I also like the fiery sunset.color; it's a nice pop of color and versatile. The leather accents on the hood ties are a nice touch. I was on the fence because of the pricing, but it's something I really need so I'm going to keep it. Was able to snag on promo and with double points on my JC card, so that helps too.

    Collection leather zip front top. Had my eye on this every since it was released. So, when it went on sale, I "stalked" it until a size 8 popped back. Again, I was able to get 50% off final sale plus educator discount, so pricing was great. Fit is tts and the leather is very supple; guess it should be at the original price point. This "top" wears like a light jacket, so it's very versatile. I can wear it for 3 seasons since the winters are typically mild in my "neck of the woods." Can definitely dress this up or down, so glad that I can wear it to work or casually. Wore it this weekend for a girl's night out (photo on IG peterst1) and on Sunday to church.

    Finally, the ruffle sleeve stripe top in black vintage champagne that was shown in NYFW. This was a surprise love. I sized down to a small at the VPS's recommendation and that was the right call. This made the top more fitted in the waist & less boxy. Review on JC website references difficulty of taking on and off; I didn't have an issue. Styled the top similar to how it was worn @ NYFW. I wore an AT oatmeal pencil skirt that I picked up for $12 during final sale. Accessorized with wide black leather belt, Target pearls and black Loubie slingbacks. I posted a picture of this too on my IG (peterst1).

    ReplyDelete
  7. OT: Just saw a WWD article re: J Crew collab with Dr. Scholl's in May. Gingham, glitter, plaid slides. Really cute if you can wear them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, those are very cute!! Thanks for the tip, will be on the lookout.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for sharing. I love Dr. Scholl's.

      Delete
    3. They look cute! Never tried Dr scholls are sandals like these comfortable?

      Delete
  8. A couple of shirt reviews...
    Eyelet collar top- this one sold out online in white and peri quickly. I'm normally a 0 or 2 in sleeveless shirts but I could only snag a 00 white on popback so I tried it. It actually fit but I'm small chested and I still found it boxy in the 00. Pros: It is a beautiful top, good quality and the pattern is lovely. Nice crisp white color although the back is somewhat sheer. Cons: the collar looked a bit too cutesy on me IMO. The fit was somewhat boxy which is fine but I wanted to tuck it into skirts and it wasn't working for me well. If you have a chest I think it will look better shape wise.

    Short sleeve popover in white- I love it, I took my smaller size 0 in this shirt. I found getting the right size was key as a size up looked sloppy on me. It is simple but different and I love the style. It looks good untucked with skinny jeans, tucked into skirts or shorts. The sleeves do show my bra from the sides but I wear a cami underneath. The white is a true white and a bit sheer. It does seem to wrinkle easily as it was very wrinkled from me trying it on with a few skirts/pants. Last year I tried the Oxford blue which was a beautiful color but it kept making me think of a men's work shirt on me and I didn't like it. I tried the white now and am so glad as I really love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jan, is the eyelet collar shirt the Thomas Mason one?

      Delete
    2. Hi maqsad, no sorry it's the eyelet top with collar #e9394. I should've been more clear in the name. :)

      Delete
    3. Ah, got it! No worries - I know it's hard to keep track of them all these days. The names have started to blend together more and more...thank you for the quick reply!

      Delete
    4. Last I checked the eyelet short with collar was only available in poppy, (if it's the same shirt, although they may have listed the other colors separately!). I really like the style but it sounds like it might be too boxy for me too. I also really like the short sleeve popover.
      I'll be stalking for 0s!

      Delete
    5. Hi Suz Has, yes only the poppy has been left but there's usually some popbacks of the white and peri. Cs told me the size 00 measured 34" chest and 34" waist for the eyelet top.

      Delete
  9. I received a pretty large factory order today. Sadly I think all but one thing is going back.

    Mint floral "tee" - website calls this a few but it's poly. I found it tight across the shoulders and upper arm but I have bigger arms. I like the print but it's going back due to fit.

    Sleeveless drapey top in indigo floral - the print just didn't wow me so it goes back. For was fine.

    Embroidered tank top in black and white - super cute top but there is a lot of space between buttons. The hint of cleavage can be seen so this is a no go for me.

    Stripe midi skirt - I really wanted the retail version in navy stripe but it sold out before I could buy. I was worried about the factory version because the length said 22". I thought this was for sure a typo. It's not a midi on my 5'10 frame. It's knee length which usually means 25-26" for me. This could be midi for shorter ladies. I like it so I'll play around with some tips to see if the knee length makes sense. Verdict: maybe

    ReplyDelete
  10. Just got the Gingham Tippi in Canary--Nope going to return-super thin, and I wanted CANARY YELLOW....instead its that chartreuse impersonating yellow. Did I mention super THIN?! no way its the same from Tippis from two years ago (and full length sleeve, I missed that memo... hahaha) I had such great plans for that sweater, but I just can't do chartreuse....pick a side yellow or green!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's too bad about the tippi. That's like the micropleated midi skirt in lemon sorbet, I was crossing my fingers for a true yellow but it has a green tone which looks horrible on me so back it went.

      Delete
  11. Received the following two items:

    PETITE BELTED CHINO SHIRTDRESS (item f1698) I honestly don't know my true size anymore in J Crew and because this item was quickly selling out, I ordered it without getting a chance to ask for measurements first. I am 4'11", 36B, medium frame, broad shouldered. The P2 technically fits, but it's snug at the armpits and chest area. Length was also above knee level on me, another sign that is not fitting right. (As if that weren't already obvious! Also, waist was rather high up, at last on me.) Just reordered in a size up - for those of you who have bought Perfect Shirts, perhaps ordering in that size is the war to go? Apart from that, the chino fabric is on the heavy side - this is no soft fabric, but rather structured and will work well transitioning from winter to early spring. I love it!

    Garment-dyed muscle tee (F1431) in Brilliant Peony. I like everything about this top, except for this color. It's a very (very!) highlighted pink and perhaps a little too bright and vivid for my coloring, though it may make more sense come summer. (Also ordered it in Peri and I'm keeping that one.) Fabric is thin and light, perfect for our sweltering humid summers here in NYC. Fit is comfortable in the XS, same as the size I take Tippis in.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TM93, thanks for all the fun comments you left on my blog... Haven't gotten round to replying there.... But had to chime in here to say that I'm 100% with you on not knowing my size at JCrew these days. It is very very disconcerting and results in a lot of bad orders for me. Vanity sizing or not, I wish they'd do garment measurements for each piece, like Boden does.

      Delete
    2. Masqad, yessss, that would be SO helpful, especially since so much of their items are online only. I hate ordering two of an item or constantly returning, feels so wasteful, but what other choice is there? (Without calling CS, I mean?) Gigi recently posted some items from Land's End, I believe, and they, too, do the individual sizing charts per garment thing - so helpful!

      Delete
    3. TM93 - I toootally wish J. Crew would post the garment measurements. Even after receiving an item, I sometimes want to know what the measurements are. In some cases, it helps me gauge whether a different size would work or the design is off for me.

      Delete
    4. Sometime ago I emailed customer service with a suggestion for them pls, at least list models height and size of garment she is wearing .. something like model is 5'10" and is wearing a size S, regular ..that would be helpful to help us gauge if the piece is too loose , too long , too short, etc.

      Delete
  12. Has anyone seen or tried on the cargo dress?

    ReplyDelete
  13. One more item review (which probably doesn't need further review, given the amount of reviews it has already received but...) the Chateau Trench in Petite in the Barley color.

    Initially tried the Regular 00 in stores -- fit was OK, but wanted to try the Petite to cut down on some of the excess length and volume in the body.

    As others have mentioned, the details on this coat are really sweet -- the lining is so pretty, the hood is practical (the double zipper, not so much) and the barley is a nice neutral to pair with jeans. Love all that.

    The fit, however, has been a project. I would say the majority of reviews on the JC w/s are accurate on this one. Ordered the 00P and it fit everywhere, except the armholes, which are cut SO high, i felt like i was wrangling myself onto a hanger. Reordered one size up since that is all that was available and that too isn't working in the armholes -- they manage to push up the sleeves on whatever top I'm wearing (I tried several.) It's just too snug in the chest and underarm area -- perhaps the 2P would work, but at this point it's no longer available and frankly, I worry a bigger size would add volume and length, when neither is wanted. Really disappointed because the coat itself is so, so cute.

    Melissa also ordered it and she confirmed that the measurements for both the Parka and the Trench are the same in the same sizes, yet the fit is so wildly off for the Trench. :-(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, I did finally get my Chateau trench coat, and have the same issue as TM93 did with the armholes. I ordered the same size as my Chateau parka, and it fits well everywhere, except at the armholes and upper arm area, where it feels a tad snug. Not sure if sizing up will be the answer or not, because as TM93 mentioned, I do not want the other proportions to be off or too large. I also wish they had used the same fabric for the lining of the arms as they did on the winter version, as it makes a shirt or tee slide through it more easily. The measurements on this version are the same as the winter version, and that's why I went with the same size. I'm just not sure if sizing up is the answer. The barley color is super cute, and the perfect neutral, but I am anxiously awaiting the fiery sunset to see which color I like best, and if it might fit a little differently, too. I remember that AudreyS said she did size up, and I believe she did not have an issue with the overall fit feeling too large. For right now I'm going to wait for the fiery sunset to arrive, decide which color I prefer the best, and figure out sizing from there.

      One thing I did not appreciate it is my coat being shipped from the store, and stuffed in to one of the small brown bags, instead of packaged up nicely in a box. I really, really, really hate that they ship from the stores.

      Delete
    2. I also want to mention that several of the online reviews note the armhole issue, but since the measurements were the same as the winter version I went with the same size in the trench. The snugness definitely doesn't have to do with the shoulders or bust. It is just the armhole area that is wacky.

      Delete
    3. I think I'm one of the few that the trench worked better for me than the parka - the size 12 in the parka is a little big on me (10 was too small) and the 12 in the trench is perfect. I need the bust room that the 12 offers and I often have the issue of having the arms being too loose in things...I guess my arms must be smaller compared to my bust! Sorry this has been a challenge for you ladies :(

      Delete
    4. I sized up I the chateau trench -- my normal jc coat size is a 2 or 4P and I took a 4 in this coat, which probably fits slightly larger than a 6P. I sized up because for my height (5'2") I have muscular shoulders and arms, and a slightly larger than average bust, all of which take up space inside the coat and can pull the armholes higher. I definitely needed the 4, and for me, because the coat is A line, that the rest of the coat is a smidge bigger is totally fine...

      Delete
    5. @Audrey S -- I think it was your fabulous review that made me curious to try this coat on in the first place! So glad I did b/c it really is cute! It's been hard trying to figure out my size for this coat -- I tried Regular 2 (way too big), OP (too snug), 00P (way too snug!), Regular 00 (too snug in shoulder/chest) so I've just re-ordered it a third time in a Regular 0 (no Petites available or I would have tried P2 and P4.) Maybe third time's the charm! Fingers crossed.

      Delete
    6. I finally received the fiery sunset chateau trench and really like the color a lot. It's more than likely the one I will keep if I can get the sizing to work. I'm thinking I will watch for the size 4 to popback and give it a try. The size 2 works with a short sleeve or thin shirt underneath it, but I definitely cannot wear anything thicker with it. Not that I would do much layering with it anyways, but I want to be sure I don't end up feeling claustrophobic in it.

      Delete
  14. One more shirt review- I received the painter long sleeve tee in limoncello which is a beautiful pale yellow and great for spring/summer. I sized up to a medium (I wear small in the painter short sleeve tees) and that was the right call as I think the arms would've been too tight in a small. I have a long torso so I really like the longer length. It's a tad sheer as I can see the tag through the side but a nude bra looks fine. I know the quality has been debated on these but I bought it for the beautiful color. :) wish they'd do ss tees in this yellow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cool, thanks for the review, I've been looking for a light yellow so threw this in to my order above.

      Delete
  15. Heads up ... just noticed update @ sale section this afternoon.. .. a few items added (pants in poppy print for one) and others prices have dropped (boy shirt bold stripes = very nice shirt, necklace in cut glass stones 2 color options)
    HTH

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That does help, thanks, Nan! I remember looking up that shirt when you reviewed it up top (I miss a lot of items b/c I don't always check out all the categories when there are new arrivals) so I added it to a recent order just now. Looking forward to it! (Tho hopefully mine isn't origami folded :-O

      PS, as I haven't seen the shirt in person, I'm not sure of the colors but I wanted to mention that I think Banana has something similar to this color in a Shirtdress and a skirt -- might be worth checking out (if you haven't already) and you like this color scheme. Here's a link if you're curious:

      http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=183942002&vid=1&cid=1052785

      Again -- not the same shade most likely, on the lighter blue side, but pattern is similar. I love this dress, can't wait to wear it!

      Delete
    2. @TM93, you will love the shirt. Under a caramel blazer it looks so pretty ... Mine will be going back as I ordered another since it went on sale (out of the price adjustment window of time ).
      On the BR one.. Theirs is nice, lighter blue and slightly different stripe pattern ( ashamedly I have to confess that I got theirs too )
      fingers crossed that my new shirt arrived just folded ( once :)

      Delete
    3. Oh Nan, I'm glad to hear that comparison re) BR and JC patterns on both of these items (that way perhaps my stripe love isn't *that* obvious, hehe!) Looking forward to this item, thanks again for the tip. (I also really like blue shades, they work well with my coloring so this sounds perfect. I'd wanted the ruffle shirt, but didn't like the collarless look so I'm glad to have this option.) Thanks again!

      Delete
    4. @TM93, I need to correct myself on the comparison of stripes BR X JC ...Mine from BR is slightly lighter (Riley 185284-00-1)than the link
      My mistake :(

      Delete
  16. Get ready for some bargains! JCrew is now liquidating 100,000 pieces of merchandise every 4-6 months to TJ Maxx. These are all premium items, new with tags, directly from the distribution center. Many are still in the catalog. Jcrew must be really hurting for money to move this route- currently being sent this month are thousands of new shoes and coats for the Fall season at TJ Maxx.

    ReplyDelete

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! :)