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! :)
I posted several photos and two posts of reviews from my try-ons at the store last week. If you missed the first post on Friday with the pink paisley skirt/blouse, Rhodes pants in flamingo, pink ruffle Tippi, Edie and ruffle tops in shirting stripe and the Monday dress, the link is here
ReplyDeleteIn my second post I reviewed the color block striped dress (cute, substantial cotton fabric but runs big in the body and bigger in the arms), the Rhodes blazer in wild flamingo, Margot blouse in foulard (beautiful print and TTS), black argyle Tippi (thinner fabric imo), Houndstooth Campbell blazer and the leopard shift dress. You can see photos and reviews on my blog here
Thanks for your reviews, Anne! I need that b&w argyle Tippi - I feel like the print mixing opportunities are endless in that colorway even though I prefer the burgundy/pink one. I haven't owned anything argyle (other than socks) in years but I might bite on this!
DeleteEnjoyed both of your posts, Anne, and found myself agreeing with a lot (such as your verdict on the leopard items. What were they thinking with that fabric?)
DeleteThanks for the reviews! I am warming up to the Margot top. It looks nice on you. Did you try on the cuffed sleeve leopard top? I like the neckline on that, very flattering. I saw the leopard dress and skirt in the store and had the same opinion about the fabric. It is rather heavy/thick, but slippery and shiny too. I didn't know what to make of it. I liked that argyle Tippi too.
Delete@Taylor thank you and I think that argyle Tippi is perfect for you! I think the black will be easier to pair - I have a pink/burgundy sweater from a few years ago and barely wear it because I never know how to pair it!
Delete@TM93 thank you!
@cate thank you. I didn't try the leopard top and now I'm wishing I had! Next time I stop at the store I'll try it - I was trying to cram too much in to a short try on session. If you follow Ina on Instagram, she tried it on last week and said it was TTS. Looks like one reviewer on the site said to size down so I'll be curious to see what works. I thought it was prettier in person than on the website.
Thank you for your reviews. I especially appreciate the review regarding the fabric on the leopard dress and the skirt. It sounds like it's pretty universally regarded as awful (minus one review of the skirt that doesn't give an honest assessment of the fabric).
DeleteI like the leopard fabric! It's far more season-less than wool. The dress is 25% off now!
DeleteGood reviews, Anne. Regarding the leopard dress and tie-on skirt; the second I read in the catalog that it was made of poly, right away I knew it would be a fail. Poly attracts so much static, to me at least. Especially when worn during the cold season. I agree, I wish they would have made it in wool, like what I've been wishing for them to do for the past 4-5 fall seasons.
DeleteI like the Foulard top, too when I saw it at the store.
Great reviews! Love the foulard top.
DeleteThanks for the reviews Anne. I know you weren't a fan of the fabric but the leopard dress looks fabulous on you. Love the paisley pieces too!
DeleteOT, but looking at a silver lining with the lackluster promo that premiered today-my money is safe for another five days :)
ReplyDeleteWendy, I've had the same thoughts! I do miss J Crew's bigger promo days (I don't think they're coming back, personally, just a hunch -- at least not for a while), but this full-price/smaller percentage off certain items deal they've got going on is actually forcing me to be more thoughtful and selective about what I really want/need/must have. Well, maybe this is just a trial period and JC is trying to mess around with the promos and see what sticks/what makes customers shop or not. I think we all want them to succeed as a retailer, of course, but at the same time, I do feel that a few of their items are still a tad overpriced. The Sammies are part of today's promo, for example, and these seem to make more sense at the current promo price. Anywho, we'll just have to wait and see!
DeleteI am wearing the blue cotton Margot top today and highly recommend it. It is nice cotton and I like the texture of the ruffles. My usual size fit, so I think it is TTS.
ReplyDeleteI do wish they had released it back in May or June as I could have really used a solid cotton sleeveless top earlier in the year.
I agree. The fabric on the foulard Margot top is fabulous!
DeleteI got a big box of try-on items. I live far from a store, so have to test things out this way. Here are my reviews!
ReplyDeleteLong Downtown Field Jacket - What a great, versatile coat! I love the deep green color. Very well made with thoughtful details. I like a longer coat for everyday errands. I found it a relaxed true-to-size. I could probably do fine with the XXS (I didn't have one to compare), but I liked the XS having plenty of room for even my bulkiest sweaters. [I am usually a 0 in most JCrew tops]
Drake Perfect Shirt in Bird of Paradise - I can't believe I am seriously contemplating paying full price ($200!!) for this shirt. But it's totally worth it. I'd pay a bit more than that if the silk twill were even more luxurious (think Hermes scarf!), but I don't think this is an outrageous price. I am soooo in love with the print!! The fit is TTS, and like many reviewers, it doesn't have any stretch. So, I'm opting for a 2 instead of my usual 0 because I like the shoulder room. It's boxier on my body, but I'll be wearing it more casually, and that's fine.
Tie Waist Skirt in Leopard - I like the print and the weight and sheen of the fabric. The fit is way off for me. It's closer to a pencil skirt fit through the hips and upper thigh, which doesn't work for me in JCrew. I am a 00 in skirts, usually, and in that size, the waist is still too big and it's very snug through the hips. Sizing up will make the waist even harder to alter, so not for me. It'll look great on someone out there!!
Utility Dress in Moss - Found this TTS. Great everyday dress. Hit me just barely above the knee (5'4"). Took my usual size.
Tiered Fatigue Dress in Red - This was very flattering on me and TTS. The red was a beautiful, warm red. I don't need another sleeveless dress right now, but I'd snap it up for the right price on sale.
Jackie Sweater Shell with Lace - Loved this in the grey/navy combo, and I know I'd love the pink too. It's TTS. I liked the fit of the XS on me. If I wanted to wear in a dressier way, I would get a XXS. But plan to wear with blouses underneath and with casual pants. It'll be in heavy rotation throughout fall and winter.
Edie Top with Shirting Stripe - Everyone looks so cute in this!! I really liked it too! It was TTS for me.
Ruffled Popover in Polka Dot - Darling shirt, but it is thinner than I expected. That's not a bad thing, but I think I'm just thinking more fall and wanting a bit more body to the fabric. It's TTS.
Sweater Shell in Abstract Diamond Jacquard - I ordered both colorways, each in a different size. Don't know how anyone could choose a color! I like both for different reasons. I am suddenly very into sweater vests…hmmmm…. The XS was a relaxed TTS, and I also got the Small thinking I might want a really loose, boyfriend fit. Not the way to go.
Sleeveless Tunic Sweater - See? Another sleeveless sweater!! Another love, too. Soooooo soft!! And the off white was lovely---not too yellow and not blindingly white. The XS fit just like the model photo online, even where it hit at the hip. This will be a wardrobe workhorse.
Belted A-Line Denim Skirt - I really liked the fit of this in my regular skirt size (00). Longer length was great for fall. I liked the hidden zipper and knowing I wasn't going to flash anyone getting out of the car at the store!
Great reviews! I found the description and observations helpful (I'd been eyeing the Ruffled Popover, but not sure I need it, based on your description. I'm thinking ahead to fall as well.)
DeleteThanks for all the reviews. I really appreciate the helpful details. The Sleeveless Tunic is at the top of my wishlist.
DeleteThanks for all the reviews!
DeleteThank you for the detailed reviews! I'm interested in the tiered fatigue dress but will wait for sale since I won't get much wear at this point. Would you say the red shade is orangey at all or a true red (orange tone reds don't work on me). Thank you!
Delete@jan - The red is a warm red, so edging to that orangey side but not stepping over the line. Does that make sense? I really loved the style, but it felt slightly out of place with all the fall items, more summer-y. That being said, the fabric was not super thin, so no slip needed and would work great with a cardigan as it gets cooler outside.
Delete@B Sheils, thank you so much! I'm hoping to try it in store someday but I believe the red is only online so I really appreciate it. :)
DeleteCollection red plaid trench coat in nylon - This coat was raked over the coals in a couple of the online reviews, and I have to agree with the negative reviews. I ordered this immediately knowing and naively ignoring that it is nylon, as it was one of the few items I was really interested in from the last two rollouts.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw it in the plastic package, I thought it looked amazing - very vibrant, saturated color that resembles the online photo showing the jacket only, not the slightly washed out color shown in the photos with the model. When I opened the plastic wrap, my infatuation immediately ended. It is extremely thin, and it feels like one of those awful cheap windbreakers from the early 90's. I found it to run at least a size too large and every body movement while wearing it results in a swishy-crinkle noise.
I have no idea how this jacket is a considered a collection piece or worth nearly $300. I might be able to ignore the obnoxious sound it makes and the fact that it is almost entirely non-functional for cool-weather climates, but only at an extremely deep discount (80-90%).
Between this, the Striping Shirt Trench from this past spring and maybe even the Military Trench from last fall, I'm not sure what JC is thinking when it comes to these pretty, but impractical pieces. Disappointing.
DeleteTM93, agreed! I actually have the military trench but I paid < $100 for it. I think it was originally priced at $325 (which is ridiculous!). That's too bad about this trench because it is a pretty plaid.
DeleteI love my military trench, but I also got it seriously marked down.
Delete@Lauren and Suz Has, you ladies are right, I probably shouldn't lump the Military Trench into the Troublesome coat category, as at least that coat had some structure. (I, too, bought it on deep discount, b/c I didn't think it was worth the original price tag!)
DeleteI received today:
ReplyDeleteMargot top in cotton pique blue - P2: material is nice. The design...don't care much for the ruffles. The fit of the P2 felt snug. I tried it on without a bra, and I think if I had put on a bra, it would be a little tighter. (For reference I'm 36B). Will return it.
Collection Drake's Bird of Paradise pant - size 0: LOVE the print. Quality of silk is nice. The length is short on the model online, but since I'm 4"11, it's full length on me, and I'm fine with that. I'm on the fence about keeping it as I really would love the pajama top in bird of paradise, which I think would be more versatile to wear with many bottoms than having silk pants, which I imagine is cold to wear during winter. Since jcrew made it in a button up shirt, not even sure if they'll release it in the pajama top as shown at NYFW. Not sure if I'll keep this one...
Billie boot cut with the frayed hem - P26: fit is perfect. Length is perfect. Might keep this one.
@JSR, thanks for the review on BOP print! It's on my wishlist.
DeleteYou're welcome mygoddy! I can't wait to see which piece you decide to buy.
Delete@JSR today I noticed the Billie in black in the sale section, what are your thoughts on the fit/rise/leg of the Billie? I tried the Teddie in black but didn't love the material. Black denim would be more versatile for me.
DeleteHi Suz - when the Billie first came out, when was that, early spring? I wasn't impressed with the fit. Maybe because I tried on a regular size and not petite?? Overall, I am pleased with everything wi this Billie. The high waist cut didn't bother me. I don't have much hips, and these fit perfectly. I chose a P26 because of my pooch tummy, hehe..if my stomach was ripped, I would've chosen P25.
DeleteI like the length on me (im 4'11), it ended right at my ankles.
I haven't tried the Teddies, so I can't compare between the two.
Thanks for the info. I should see if my store has any. I don't need anything but do have my rewards so may as well buy something. ;)
DeleteThank you everyone for posting about new arrivals! It is appreciated. So bored with the summer leftovers in the sale section. You guys are helping me decide what to spend my rewards on. Right now I am holding out for a better sale/promo.
ReplyDeleteI mostly copied this from my Instagram @shoppingcelle since I know not everyone is on there. Sorry for the repeat. I ordered several things to try since final sale was gone. Collection off the shoulder dress in plaid F2210 size 4: I want so bad to love this. I quickly tried it on but I'm not sure it's the right size. Full in the body a little bit tight in the shoulders unless it's worn off the shoulder and I'd hoped to have the option to do both. Sizing up would probably look even more like a matternity dress. The ruffle hem silk top in gingham F2960 Caravan blue. I ordered a tall size 6 in this because there were no other ones available. Waist was way too long on me. So much so that the ruffle flipped up really funky. Total fail. I think I just need the regular 6 since no stretch. Ruffle sleeve top in Ratti into the wild print:F2279 I ordered both the 6 and the 4 tall because when I tried it in store it seemed really short. I sure love the print but I don't know maybe I just need to buy the pants and have a foot cut off the bottoms. The long oval link necklace in navy F4918 looks great with the gingham top once I get the size figured out. I'm blaming this one on Michelle @poettodesign because after I saw her wear the top, striped Gemmas and necklace I wanted to copy. The bow shoulder top in oversize gingham F2930 size 6 fits perfect. I got the blue striped one with the black bow in a 4 so I think that one ran a little bigger with the more floaty fabric. This one is a little stiffer. I've been trying to get the ivory knit top with the fun fringe E6249 color marine salt forever & size m is perfect just like the gray one I had already. Also keepers are the teddie pant in chocolate brown E8381. (Finally chocolate brown pants Taylor! Someone must be listening!) I got the tall in size 6 and on me they are full length pants. Very stretchy and comfortable. Before I decide, and cut the tags off, I might even need to try the 4 tall if they stretch out a lot. Lastly I got the pedal Brulé necklace with flowers. in lemon: F3147. I already had the bracelet and probably don't need it but I love the look of the gold Tippi gingham sweater with it. I just need to follow through with my order that I keep waiting on until it goes out of stock. Please excuse the run-on sentences all my teacher friends! I dictated most of this!
ReplyDeleteLol-ing here that I am your IG enabler - that gingham top is an absolute favourite of mine! You must get the sizing sorted, it is one of the few Crew things from the summer that I absolutely adore, especially with that navy link necklace. I am 5'7" and have not found the regular size too short, so if you can find your size I think it will be amazing on you! Wishing I had gotten one of the bow-shoulder tops too!
DeleteMichelle @poettodesign
Hi SC! Yes, the elusive chocolate brown - I ended up getting the Ryder pant in brown a few seasons ago & had them hemmed to ankle length so I can wear them year-round. :) Glad you liked the Teddie!
DeleteI visited a Vancouver store today. Sale section still 40% off, though no price revisions so same surplus of garment dyed and bright painter s/s tee shirts which have been lingering for weeks. Don't think they will move at this stage in August unless slashed to a giveaway price.
ReplyDeleteLooked at the leopard cuff-sleeve shell. I am suspicious of the fabric. Labelled as 100% silk in garment and online. I did the scrunch test and the fabric sprung back with no visible sign of creasing as other crepe de chines do. It felt remarkably like polyester to me so wonder if, like the dress and skirt in that pattern, a decision was made to use poly fabric but somehow the labelling does not reflect that. The print seems quite harsh leopardy colours to me IRL, but skin tone is everything in making it work. Too much of a yellow/brown undertone to work with my pale Celtic colouring.
Lucite heel pumps in burgundy colour looked lovely. Perfect chunky heel and height. Sadly, no time to try. Rounded toe and fairly low vamp so toe cleavage may be an issue for some.
Oh, that's a really interesting observation about that leopard cuffed sleeve top. JC's silk seems to vary a lot. I liked it in that polka dot strap dress, but not in the Secretary neck tie top. Curious how it compares to the Margot top. If they mislabeled this item, that would be really sloppy! (Not to mention deceptive)
DeleteI tried on the leopard cuff-sleeve top and the blue version of the same top. I specifically checked the labels and the blue one was not silk (poly, I think) and the leopard one was silk. They definitely felt different to me. The leopard isn't an expensive silk, but it's comparable to another J. Crew silk top I have (the maroon and blue leopard-like print) and a couple of silk tops I have from Madewell. The silk is on the thinner side, but I think it is silk.
Delete@cate, thanks for weighing in and offering the comparison, it's good to know. I actually just tried this leopard top on during a quick store visit and ended up buying it. I like the cut (seemed to be on the roomy side so maybe size one down from your drapey size tops, ladies) and I thought the silk was soft, not the rougher kind that they seemed to use with the recent Secretary Neck-tie top. Very pleased!
DeleteTM93 - glad the leopard top worked for you. You have probably compared the silk Margot in store by now. I thought it was a thinnish silk twill fabric. But not as definite a twill weave showing as the secretary top from an earlier roll out. Both solid coloured and foulard had a flat smooth appearance, unlike the slight surface "crinkle" of the cuffed Leopard top fabric. The leopard cuff fabric gives soft drape whereas the Margot silk hangs in a more structured way.
DeleteThank you everyone for the great reviews, they are so helpful and appreciated! They make ordering online so much easier.
ReplyDeleteThe only newish arrival I have so far is the Ruffle Top in French blue (with navy tipping). I became obsessed with this top lol (after seeing it in the style guide) but it's been sold out. I was very lucky to snag a pop back that I just received but I'm on the fence about it. I'm usually a 0 or 2 in such tops but I tried the white ruffle top in store in 00 and it was still a bit loose under the arms and in the back (you could see some bra) so when I saw only 000 pop back I ordered it. Crazy it fits and I'm def not a 000 but am small chested. It's better through the body as the 00 was still more boxy than I wanted. Overall very cute top for summer not fall and I'm not sure how the ruffles look on me - too cutesy maybe? I can't see a cardi fitting over the ruffles so it will be limited to summer weather for me. I'll have to try with more time tomorrow. The fabric seems pretty nice (better than the white imo which was a bit sheer). I love it but not sure I love it on me.
I ordered the Margot top in cotton and will review when I finally get it.
@Jan, so funny you mention that French blue ruffled top because I, too, had been fervently stalking it, after buying it in store in the white (which I didn't find see-through, personally.) Was so happy to find a popback and it even shipped from Lynchburg. I bought it in Petite, thinking the fit would be better than the same size in the Regular that I have. Well, I received it yesterday, but it was a no go for me - this fit me like the Regular one size down, ie tight in the chest. I wonder if a Petite size might help you with the boxy issue - I noticed it was more fitted and more like the model wears it in the stock photo.
DeleteIn any event if you or any JCA is looking for this particular top in a 0P, I'll be returning it tomorrow around 1 @ the 5th Ave store in NYC.
(PS, I bet this top doesn't look too cutesy on you! I really like it as well, but agree that is mostly a summer, late spring item. Love the back on it.)
I'm surprised they didn't release the Ruffle Top at the beginning of summer............strange marketing.
Delete@TM93, thank you for your input and idea about the petite! I think it would be better in the body but the length would be too short on me. I hope you find a popback in your size especially since you know you like the style! I was surprised it was in the sept. style guide, I thought that meant they would get more in stock but Cs says they don't have any back orders.
ReplyDelete@jan and Vava - totally agree about being surprised that the Ruffle top wasn't released earlier in the summer AND that the blue version appeared in the Sept. style guide, when it had long sold out by then. (I, too, thought that perhaps they were bringing back more, but nope.)
DeleteJC's release of certain items has seemed poorly timed for a few rollouts. Both the ruffle top and the spaghetti strap dress would have been wonderful to see in early july, even June. Another JCA above wished that the Margot top had been released sooner (even if only the cotton version.) Maybe there is miscommunication or bad delivery estimates between them and their factories -- that garment-dyed button-front skirt was rolled out during mid-July, but wasn't available for pre-order until Aug. 31st. (!)
@TM93 there's a 0 online right now. :)
Delete@jan, you're so thoughtful to mention it, thank you very much, I appreciate it!! I'm at work, visited JC on my lunch break just now (to return this same Ruffled top that didn't work on me), and ended up picking up a few other items. Now I'm finally back at my desk (after a work meeting) and boo, the top is no longer there. That's alright though, I ordered it in the green color instead since I need more of that color in my wardrobe.
DeleteThank you again for the heads-up!
@TM93, I wish it had still been there but I'm glad to hear that you picked up the green one, it's a lovely colour! They must be randomly updating the site throughout the day.
DeleteCan anyone comment on the Italian Cashmere short-sleeve T-shirt? It is item F5917. I have been unhappy with J. Crew cashmere for a while now. I'm hoping that this is better.
DeleteDarn. Did not mean to reply. Sorry.
DeletePopped in for a return and noticed the new arrivals looked great. Try ons:
ReplyDeletePink paisley blouse with ruffles: I knew it was chiffon going in, but was surprised how flimsy and polyester-ish the silk felt. It was as unflattering as I had feared to my large chest. The body ran wide and large in my normal size, but I couldn't have sized down in the shoulders. Surprised to see a seam down the middle of the back and a tie instead of button at the back of the neck-cost cutting?
Pink paisley skirt-sat above my waist , so I would size up for a more comfortable fit. Beautiful, with pleats that were nice and flat. Delicate fabric. If you wear skirts a lot, this might be a winner for you.
Pink houndstooth mini-really nice shape. Short. The wool felt rougher than usual (prob a blend), and the large brass button and exposed zipper in back took it into fast fashion/'juniors' territory for me. Pass.
Saw but didn't try the sweater blazer. Longer than I'd imagined, and the sweet SA said it was running large. Really nice 100% merino fabric-looked and felt great-don't see it pilling. Not sure it's a fit for my lifestyle or climate, but I'd like to try it next time.