Tuesday, April 26, 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! :)

53 comments:

  1. Was really disappointed in the Fringy Tweed Jacket that arrived yesterday. It came all folded up in a small bag (very bad packing and packaging, so JC is cutting corners here I see). It came out looking like it had been rolled up in a suitcase for days. The quality is poor. Maybe the jacket is supposed to have that grunge look but it's not my style. I was supremely disappointed as I wanted to love this. The fit is terrible. I am thin, not large busted. The arms are short and tight and I have fit, thin arms. The neck drops down too far as someone had pointed out. I don't know how anything will look good under this due to the neck. But the body is big and the arms are small so it won't work on most people. I ordered a 0 which is what I normally wear in these coats. I needed a 00 but that won't solve the grunge problem, the fit in the arms and body or the neck.

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    1. Sorry to hear the jacket didn't work out for you. I ordered size 0, too, because all of petite is completely sold out. Unlike you, I'm busty (36B), also I asked CS for the measurements, so that I ordered the right size. I expected the jacket to be very casual and not as structured because it's a summer item. I'll be receiving the jacket in the mail today, and will post my review later.

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    2. I was really disappointed because I wanted to love this jacket. The 000 which is what I would need is sold out. I am tempted to try and find it but am not sure it will work even then. It just came in such disarray. It should have been shipped much better.

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    3. My review of the Fringy Tweed Jacket
      Ordered a size 0, since P4 was sold out.

      Sleeves: The length is suppose to be 3/4, so the length was fine one me, it ended on my wrist. It does feel a tad snug in the upper arms. I agree with Sega61.

      Body: For reference I am 36B, and since there are no darts, I couldn't close the jacket-who would though; jacket looks better unbuttoned. And its understandable that a size 0 wouldn't fit, definitely a 2 or P4 would.
      The low scoop-neck style of the jacket didn't bother me. I would prefer to style it with a scoop neck T, than how its styled in the catalog-with a button up shirt.

      Overall, it didn't wow me that much, even if I had the right size and with the 30% off. I wasn't that fond of the weave of the jacket (duh, its a tweed jacket, haha), it looks like it can potentially snag or pill easily. So back it goes...

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    4. Thank you guys for your honest reviews. It's nice to hear feedback about the true quality and fit of an item, rather than meaningless superlatives. I thought the design of this jacket could be promising (fresh colors, classic with a twist), but it sounds like it's a bit of a miss in terms of fabric and cut.

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  2. I posted this outfit the other day, but also wanted to share more about the Ava ballet flats. I wore them walking around Boston for hours yesterday and considering how flat they are, they were really comfortable and the elastic helps. I like the shape better than The Cece.


    For a family dinner I wore the faux leather pleated mini skirt in black with the black and white striped tee shirt with back zipper. This one has a faux leather stripe down the sleeves. Underneath I wore the ruffled button up shirt in true blue (which is almost a periwinkle). I wore the crystal and pearl studded swing necklace and lots of bracelets. On my feet were Ava ballet flats in black with the white bow. Super cute and comfy.

    The tee is a great deal. I took my usual size but considered sizing up when I saw a mannequin with a button down shirt layered underneath, however, the shirt is not fitted and I am able to layer without sizing up. Limited sizes are still available. I also love the skirt and think it was a great purchase. It's not scandalously short--as a matter of fact because I was wearing shirts out I actually rolled the waist twice (but I like my skirts short) and with flats I like showing extra leg. I think the shape of this skirt works better with flats or maybe a chunky, low heel and not a higher heel. I got the smaller of my two sizes in the skirt because I wanted it to sit at my high waist line.

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  3. I purchased the No.2 Paisley pencil skirt and the off-the-shoulder top in stripe last week with the new rollout. I am 5'8" and a size 12 and both of these items I found to be TTS in the regular length and both were a win for me. The pencil skirt is one of the best fitting pencil skirts I've tried from J.Crew in a while and I appreciated the slightly longer length. You can see reviews of both items on my blog here

    Also, this is a repost from the "will you visit J.Crew thread" this past weekend, but if you missed it, I also posted several try-ons from a store visit - the Cotton shirt dress in white, Silk Smocked Dress in Paisley, Short Sleeve Dress in Multi Tweed, Diamond Jacquard A-Line Dress, Mixed Paisley Top and Patchwork Stripe Tee. You can see those photos on my blog here

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    1. Both paisley skirt and the off-the shoulder too looks cute on you, Anne!

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    2. Agree with JSR, both look great on you!

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  4. after about two months of no jcrew purchases, i finally bit and bought a ton of stuff... unfortunately, most of it is going back.

    ballet cap t shirt (item f1659) i'm usually either an XS in the vintage tees or S in the perfect tees so i went with the S in the ballet cap shirts... the fit is just weird. the body was a little loose but ok, but the sleeves made it look like a muscle tee on me. i'm willing to try an XS if they have them in the store when i make returns later, but i doubt the smaller size will work. otherwise, the material is sturdy and the colors are beautiful.

    Ashbury flare jeans in white (item f1940) i could not get these off fast enough. i guess i missed the higher rise memo, but they came up above my belly button... and they were way too long and too flared. at 5'4" maybe i should i have tried the petite size instead, but i have no desire to even bother with it. i'll stick with the white matchstick jeans i have from a few years ago.

    gingham sundress (item f0897) i was on the fence initially. liked the shape, but wasn't sure about the gingham. i bit and bought my usual fit and flare dress size 4. too big and i have my VPS sending me a size 2, but it turned out to be one of those items where i put it on and instantly wanted to twirl around in the mirror. it came just past my knees but won't need to be hemmed. hoping the size 2 fits the bust issues... but i love this one.

    classic gauze popover (item f0873) in red stripe: another keeper for me. very summery. light and breezy. i'm usually a 4 in perfect shirts but a 2 in the popovers and boyfriend shirts, and i went with a 2 in this one. i'm actually wearing it now.

    i also have the button front denim dress (item f3517) coming today. i can review later if anyone's interested.

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    1. Really helpful reviews! I'd love to hear what you think of the denim dress -- I'm always curious to hear others like/dislike about an item. Incidentally, I felt the same way about the ballet cap tees (i.e, muscle tee). Disappointing, b/c the fabric is substantial and the colors are so pretty.

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    2. the denim dress was a bust. :/

      regular length was too long. petite length was fine but the top proportions were off on me. it's a nice heavy denim and the only way to get into the dress is by unbuttoning the front. the design is cute and i had high hopes to wear it with my swedish hasbeens for a 70s feel, but the dress just made me look even more like a column than i already am. i'd say it's meant for someone with more curves to fill it out properly.

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    3. Hi Miss JR - I ordered the Denim Button Down Dress in blue (arriving Friday) and white (just ordered today). That's too bad it didn't work out for you.

      I asked CS for measurements, and hopefully the petite size works. My main concern is always the bust area. I always have to size up, even though i'm only 4'11, so proportions are off on some clothes, especially in a one-piece.

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    4. I have to say that design-wise, I loved everything I ordered and would have kept them all had they fit. Might just be a run of bad luck because I don't usually have this many problems. Sometimes I need a size exchange but never so many flat out No's.

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  5. Thumbs up for its latest iteration of the paisley skirt. Fits TTS, I took my usual petite sizing for skirts. Compared with my favorite paisley skirt in dark pumpkin bought many years ago, this year’s colors are less vibrant but has enough variety of colors that makes it easy to pair with an assortment of tops (more formal button-downs, tippis or even vintage t-shirts). The fabric is not as textured but is smoother and I love that this is lined! Appreciate that the price point is lower at $98 ($68 with the 30% off) compared to the $128 of previous paisley skirts. Having said that, why is the petite with less fabric more expensive at $98 versus $88 for the regular? But that’s nitpicking, I’ll take this beautiful skirt at $68.

    Also took advantage of the rare discounts for the Thomas Mason shirts which I love. These shirts really hold up very well over time despite repeated washings and makes me look pulled together and not crumpled after a day’s work (fabric is the right weight and not see through). Sizing however is all over the place so let me put in my cents’ worth. The tuxedo and stretch shirts are more true to size; I took my usual 4/6. The collarless shirts in peri and striped are humongous and I sized down two sizes to 0. Hope this helps.

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  6. I received my oof-the shoulder top yesterday. The material was a surprise for me,as it is not as knit but a woven. Kind of like a mens shirt in a feminine shape. It has a shirt tail hem. I ordered my usual 0 and it fits TTS (even though it looked small at first). The smocking keeps it staying off the shoulder.
    IRL pics on my IG @inawonderland5

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    1. Also i forgot to say,love the triple tassel necklace!
      Will post an IRl pic today.

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    2. @Ina, love the off the shoulder top on you! I regret not trying it as it seems to be sold out.

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    3. @jan The yellow off shoulder top just came to stores yesterday.

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    4. Thanks Ina! I'll have to see if my closest store has it!

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  7. If this has already been posted, I apologize, but just read this little article and about 6 photos relating to J Crew, and a special made outfit for the red carpet recently: http://www.vogue.com/13423228/lupita-nyongo-the-jungle-book-premiere-j-crew-celebrity-red-carpet-style/

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    1. Lupita looks cute! She's such a talented, and smart woman.

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  8. Does anyone know if the Factory Canvas Espadrille wedges fit the same as the Retail version?

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    1. I reviewed the factory gingham espadrille wedges on my IG.
      The fit was the same for me than the retail wedges,i had to size 1/2 size down.

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  9. My reviews:

    Thomas Mason Gingham Dress - I love it, and it fits TTS. I'm a little on the short side, so I'll shorten this one a bit - but want to keep it long - its really pretty on. Husband really liked this dress.

    Sunday Slim Short Vintage Patchwork Plaid - really cute. The colors are a bit muted (rather than vivid), and it fits TTS to slightly big. Spouse approval on this one as well.

    Striped Linen T Shirt - boxy and I didn't like the feel of the material. Sent this one back.

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    1. update on TM Gingham Dress: fits TTS to maybe slightly small in the bodice.

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  10. I don't have reviews yet as I'm waiting for my orders from last week (Canada is so slow, not JCrews fault but borderfree seems slow). I'm glad I ordered the Wrap Dress as its sold out in many sizes in blue. Does anyone know if it's in store? Last week no stores had the dress but CS thought it wasn't online only.

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  11. (short attention span) Has anyone tried or own the Crinkle Gingham shirt? That can comment on the fit?

    I am mildly interested in the eggplant color after seeing it on Jenna. https://hello.jcrew.com/2016-05-may/the-challenge-gingham
    Some of her pairings, unexpected, but oh so cute!

    The eggplant color is sold out in both regular and petite sizes (boo). I love how she paired it with the sequin jacket.

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    1. oops nevermind..regular sizes are still in stock. :)

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    2. I reviewed the aggplant color when i came out. You just have to scroll down a bit to find it. HTH

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    3. JSR, I just bought this one in stores a few weeks ago. I am 4'11, 36B, broad-shouldered & medium framed; I usually take a 0 Regular in Boy Shirts, not sure what my Petite size would be for this style, possibly a 2P (I would have preferred the Petite to cut down on some length/extra fabric).

      My store only had the Eggplant left in Size 2, but b/c the fabric is so light, I knew it wouldn't bunch up too stiffly or anything if I tucked the shirt in so I'm happy with this size. (Tho I WOULD have preferred the smaller size, only b/c I also don't like to button the top 2 buttons and when I do that with the size 2, it is too revealing.) Apart from that, the color is really pretty, the sleeves aren't tight and I didn't find that it wrinkled obscenely, contrary to reviews and especially its casual, easy vibe.

      I think Poetodesign (i hope I got her IG name right!) also wore it recently under a maroonish sweater and it looked very cute! Wish I'd seen Ina's IG sooner b/c I would've ordered the Petite when it was still in stock. HTH

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    4. Hi TM93! Since it doesn't have darts, I think I will order a size 2. Wow, we are the same height and bust size, (I wish i had broad shoulders though :-).
      I'll check out that IG you mentioned. Thanks!

      @Ina - Thanks! I'll check your IG.

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    5. Yes, that was me on IG - @poettodesign - wore it earlier this week under a burgundy sweater! Works really well, very pleased with that shirt. Great colour in the eggplant. Took the smaller of my usual sizes in this.

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  12. Ballet cap-sleeve tee: Bought my usual tee size and it fits nicely, looser than the perfect fit tees, but still slim. The fabric is soft, lighter than the perfect fit, but more substantial than the current iteration of the Painter tee(which is a holey disaster). I got three colors. Shadow is a greyed navy. Cobalt is a pretty, bright blue. Rich Moss is a nice dark olive green. Love! and hope they wash and wear well as I'd like to have them for more than one or two wears.

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  13. Received the gingham sloan and they are huge. At least a half size too big. So weird because I wore the black ones I got on major sale for the first time today in my normal size and they fit perfectly. Too cute to not try another size. Shoe sizing has been hit or miss for me this spring. I finally gave up on the striped gemmas - couldn't find a pair that fit!

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    1. I got my gingham sloans today too and I agree they're running a half-size big. Unfortunately I was already in a size 5, so I'm sized out :(

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  14. Pointy toe ankle tie espadrilles- I just received these in the lemon yellow colorway. I took my usual size and they're a tad loose but a size down would be too tight I think. The yellow is lovely it is def bright but is a nice pop of colour. The quality seems good although the bottom only has a real sole around the border and not across the whole bottom. Last year my espadrilles like that absorbed any moisture from the ground quickly which I didn't like. (I never wore them in rain just any moisture or dirt absorbs into the jute sole). They were packaged really nicely. I'm very happy with them!

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  15. Received the tipped cable sweater in bisque black. Sized up to a small because I was concerned about the length. I really like the knit and the weight. It's actually a bit big but very cool and comfortable. If you like a chunky, but not heavy sweater for the summer I think it's a good buy. Very happy that it's all cotton.

    Also got the point Sur shoreditch straight jeans in Orran wash. I ordered my usual 25, 26 and 27 to compare. I'm looking for a slouchy but not baggy jean that doesn't look sloppy. In my regular size 25 they are too loose to be worn high but too fitted to be slouchy. The 27 is too big. I like the look of the 26 as a slouchy jean but I'd welcome opinions. Please see pics on my IG @wearthislikethis. I'll also post on my blog, wearthislikethis.blogspot.com

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    1. http://wearthislikethis.blogspot.com/2016/04/denim-obsession.html

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    2. @SuzHas, I think they look cute slouchy on you! I don't think they look sloppy. I think they also look flattering in the pic of your normal size so I'm not much help. :)

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    3. Thanks Jan! Yes, I like both fits but the slouchier look is what I was going for. Ironically the PointSur shoreditch selvedge jeans which are on clearance popped back in the 26 so I ordered them today. They are more distressed and I liked them since I saw them but wasn't sure how the fit would be. I just confirmed the measurements between the two styles are almost identical so hopefully they will fit the same. The wash of the Orran is just a little plain and dark. (Not as pictured.)

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    4. Great score @SuzHas, the distressed ones sound like they'll be a great match for the look you are after!

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  16. The May Style Guide shows the red stripe gauze popover with the fringy tweed jacket. I added a irl pic of the combo at the bottom of my fringy tweed jacket review. Doesn't work, imo.

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    1. Thanks for updating your post. Definitely looks different IRL

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    2. Agree, I can't see those two pieces together.

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    3. Wow, it does look different IRL. I was obsessed with recreating that look. Now I know. Thanks Gigi for posting that.

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  17. Just received the mixed gingham ankle wrap sandals today and they're a love! When I saw these during NYFW, these sandals went on my wishlist. They are lovely. Had to order up a half size to 10.5. My right foot measures between 40 and 40.5, so the cut of the shoe affects sizing for me. They were comfortable out of the box. The stacked heel makes them easy to walk in. Can't wait to wear these for spring and summer. The sandals can be dressed up or down. My first outfit choice is likely to be an interpretation of what Jenna wore in the Gingham Challenge: denim jacket, stripe midweight boatneck stripe tee in navy and green stripe, and laser circle cut midi skirt in navy. Will also wear with linen as well for a cool and comfortable look.

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    1. Ooh...I can't wait to see your outfit on IG. :)

      I wonder when they'll debut the Dr. Scholls-like shoes??

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    2. I'm not sure when the Dr. Scholl's will show up. Ina posted something on her IG; not sure if she answered that specific question or not. It has to be soon though, right?

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  18. I received my order today, all plaid and gingham. Happily keeping one thing!

    Classic popover shirt in vintage plaid, seafoam multi - runs TTS for popovers, I think. I can fit the 00 but decided to keep the 0 for more shoulder room and freedom to put it in the dryer. I haven't tried a popover in ages but I took 00 in the Liberty popovers from a few years ago, and I'm a consistent 0/2P in perfect & boy shirts. I'm flat-chested but there's room for a regular-size bust at least. Drape and fabric is great, perfect for a summer plaid.

    Sloan gingham flats - unfortunately running 1/2 size big compared to previous Sloans. I already needed a size 5, so I'm sized out.

    Mixed plaid flats - the ankle strap hits right on top of my ankle bone, painfully. They're otherwise cute but impossible to wear. Good thing I have the popover in the same print.

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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! :)