Tuesday, February 28, 2017

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! :)

48 comments:

  1. Sharing my style post on the blog today featuring the striped off the shoulder blouse in yellow. I love the heavier weight of the fabric, but definitely recommend sizing up especially if you're bustier like myself.

    I also scored those adorable Sardinia leather eyelet espadrille wedges tucked away in a sale section in the store recently. I'm obsessed!!

    Heather
    Partial to Pink

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  2. Nordstrom has a bunch of new arrivals not on the web site, I think someone mentioned this over the weekend on another thread. There are some cute things but I am not a huge fan of the bell sleeves. Even in petite my arms are so short that I look like I'm wearing a surgical cone borrowed from my cat. There is a cute eyelet dress that has me wondering if a tailor can crop the sleeves to remove them.

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    1. @TeriLynn13, haha on the surgical cone from kitty comment! I, too, have T-rex arms so I was surprised to feel OK with the Drake's giraffe top which also has those bell sleeves. I worried that the sleeves would get stuck when putting on a jacket, but it wasn't an issue. I'm also someone who likes to push up my sleeves and I thought this would drive me crazy, but it didn't. All that said, I think this bell-sleeve top will be the lone one for me, as I don't want too many tops with a similar look.

      I like that linen Leopard Perfect Shirt -- like how it's on a white/ivory background.

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    2. Love both of those pieces! Does anyone know if these items will eventually make it to the J.Crew site? Or are these Nordstrom-specific pieces? I'm trying to plan my spending for spring/summer and I don't want to miss out on these. Thanks!

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    3. @Dianne, I don't know for sure, but I do think that the linen shirt at least will make it to the JC site. (An IGer, avillasb, saw this particular shirt in a special JCrew store - this store gets all releases before other stores, so I think this one should make it.) You probably saw that the Nordstrom site says the shirt will be available after March 15th. Since there is a mini-rollout on JC site this week and in stores, I'm wondering whether some of these items will be included, including this shirt and the dress. Stay tuned!

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    4. i thought the eyelet dress was cute too... except for those bell sleeves...

      if someone does get the sleeves tailored, i'd love to know how it comes out!

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    5. I ordered the dress from Nordstrom but I think it's backordered. J. Crew will probably end up offering it sooner. I wonder if it will be part of the mini rollout. I'll report back on the sleeves, if it comes soon, otherwise you all will have probably seen it or tried it already.

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    6. I cut the sleeves off everything...I have my J.Crew send it out to their tailor. I had the bell portion of the Drake's giraffe shirt cut off so the sleeve hits right above my elbow. I also took the sleeve in on the Collection beaded striped button back top (with the ruffle sleeve like last summer) so it no looks like Carmen Miranda. I completely chop the sleeves off most dresses. I've never regretted it! :)

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  3. I ordered the Collextion A-line Austrian tulle skirt as a popback during % off sale. Fit is tts and the skirt is very well done. The flowers have a beautiful gold embroidery and the tulle gives just enough lift without being overdone. When seeing this skirt during the fall, I mistakenly thought it was only spring/summer. The skirt, however, is actuallly a deep nude (darker IRL than even the flat lay pic of the skirt), so it's more versatile in terms of going into the fall than I originally thought. Paired with the Michael DeFeo painted tulip tee; cotton is soft and fit is tts. I've worn his tees (also have daisy vase) a lot already. Work well alone or layered.

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    1. Saw your outfit with this skirt on Instagram - gorgeous!

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    2. In more shopping news, the VPS program isn't gone, @ least if you're using an online/CS VPS. I've worked with Kenneth and he's still around. Called him today to place an order since he sent me a card for 20% off and free overnight shipping. Was able to combine with educator discount, so cheaper than 30% off sale J Crew had while I was in India & decided to pass. I've wanted to try the collection leather sheath dress with ruffles, so hoping the length works. @jcrewmycrew wore it and she looked super cute.

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    3. wow.. free over night shipping. ed discount... lucky gal!

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  4. Today I received the AMO jeans, both the crop flare and skinnies. The crop flare are a size 26, one size up from my usual 25 in jeans, and the skinnies (with the twist ankle zip) are a 25. I love both. They are a total splurge so I'm not sure I can keep both but the denim is heavy and doesn't feel too stretchy, but they're comfortable. They're nicely fitted. I think the fits are perfect. (I could do a 25 in the crop flare but they only had a 26 or 24).

    I also got two other pants I was hoping to paint splatter, the Cropped wide-leg pant in linen-cotton in a 00 and the Sammie chino in 26. (I ordered a 0 and 25 in Botha's well). Neither of these work for me, the cropped wide leg run small and the Sammie chinos are too big. I love a slouchy chino but these don't work oversized at all. The crotch gets all funny. I'm hoping the wide leg crop in ecru works in the 0. I don't usually wear white pants but love them with the paint splatter.

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    1. Will post pics on IG later, @wearthislikethis

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    2. A few more: got the zebra popover in blue and the collection colorblock tie neck top, which I've covered from the Beginning. The zebra top is beautiful, but the popover just doesn't work for me. I got a 2 tall and would need the 4 to actually be able to take it off without struggling. The color is too far out of my comfort zone too. The tieneck top is a LOVE. I ordered the 6 which is a little loose, but have the 4 on order to compare. I posted pics on IG OF THE colorblock tie neck top and the jeans.

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    3. I've coveted the collection colorblock tieneck, not covered it.

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    4. Those both look great. I especially like the Jane jeans. Is the crop flare very pronounced? It doesn't look like it on you. Would you recommend buying one's Toothpick size or Matchstick size? I may keep an eye on these, they're nice! Thanks for the review.

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    5. Cate, I don't have matchsticks so I'm not sure. Do you size up or down in them? I'm the same in my old toothpicks as I am in most jeans, 25. I tried the new lookout high rise and didn't like the material so I can't compare the fit of those to regular toothpicks.

      I bought Billie boot crop in black and it's not that the crop flare is more or less pronounced on these, I just like that the flare is visible from the front more as opposed to the side on the Billies. (I sized down in the Billie but could have gone with my usual 25).

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    6. I also like the proportion of the jeans better, the fit and flare, plus the rise, I feel look better on me than some of the other ones. Maybe it's where the flare starts, not sure.

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    7. Suz, I buy my Matchsticks a size smaller than my Toothpicks. Thanks for the extra details!

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  5. So I can't figure out if it is just me getting older or what but I find I am just not into all these trends. Paint splatters, bell sleeves, off the shoulder tops just don't interest me. I understand trends come and go but I have zero interest in purchasing them. I am now 41 and I am thinking it is the age thing. Trying to build a flexible not boring wardrobe for the long haul is hard!!! I feel like I need to start shopping at old lady stores. Have I outgrown J crew or are they trying to be too trendy? I just feel like a few of one trend is fine but I feel like everything they are pushing is bell sleeve, ruffle or off the shoulder.

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    1. I don't really think of the bell sleeve as so trendy. It's definitely a trend now, but I have a bell sleeve short sleeve top from the Gap for about 8 years and every time I've worn it. It feels fresh, I'm not really into the off the shoulder or cold shoulder thing, but it's definitely flattering on many women. I find there are still so many classic pieces.i don't like all the new trends, I just like to buy what I like. I think if you look at it that way, just do what works for you. I'm 47 and I see trendy stuff everywhere. My mom is in her early 70s and I. Think she and. My. 65 year old Aunt. Dress trendier than I. Do.

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    2. I"m older than you, but I feel that way too. J. Crew is trying to push trends on its customers, which is fine, but I wish they'd listen to what customers want too. It needs to be a mix of those two things and it seems very imbalanced.

      J. Crew does still have classic pieces, but they're not very special lately. I wish they'd put more effort into making their basics feel special.

      It's clear J. Crew is courting a different kind of customer than me. I'm not that different than I was 5-6 years ago when I really loved everything J. Crew made. They could do no wrong. I wanted everything in the catalog every month. I think J. Crew has changed more than I have.

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    3. I am "only" 36 & I feel the same. (I still find plenty to buy though, just ask my husband! :) ) But I have complained about the same "in" styles in prior comments. I don't care for the bell sleeves, the off-the-shoulder looks, or the paint splatter. It's not practical for my life - office worker, wife, mom of two boys. I guess the older I get the more in-tune I become with what specifically works for me & know almost immediately whether or not a "new" style will do me any favors.

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    4. If I had the occaision to wear an off the shoulder top (and the patience to endure a strapless bra), I'd get one. Maybe even an OTS dress too, goodness knows I loved a few of the patterns from last season. But it would be an occasion top/dress for me, meaning I'd need one. I can't wear them to work, and I don't have that many social outings where it would work (now picturing my friends staring open-mouthed and perhaps dropping their lattes as I swan into Starbucks in an OTS blouse). They're very pretty and I think they look great on those that wear them (and I do envy those of you in climates that allow for frequent wearing of such styles), but they're not even a little bit tempting for me. Not even a tiny bit, and that's saying something! Ditto for the paint splatters. I go for trends that suit me (I've gone way overboard on the kick flare crops), and don't worry about those that don't. I remember the days off wanting everything in the JCrew catalog as well, sigh.

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    5. I'm basically just a toddler with a mortgage at a mere 28 years old, but I feel the same way. The trendier things I've picked up in recent years either don't seem to hold up well, or I get bored with them/feel like I'm outdated. Oh, and watching documentaries about minimalism and the fast fashion industry's humanitarian impact has helped me be more focused on the long term.

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  6. Just got the new Vintage Tee in black. It was so thin you could almost see my pink bra and it was a black tee. My Old Navy tees are better and half the price. It was very soft but also seemed very fragile, hole city. I also received the Scalloped Mini in the green color and it was very pretty. I actually ordered it in the tall but it seems like it would look better a little shorter because of the weight of the fabric so I am going to try the regular, and maybe the Chambray version after all.

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  7. I tried the gathered popover in vintage plaid (G2452) in the juniper green. I love the green plaid so much, but it ran large (I'd have to go down a size or two from my regular) and the gathers at the shoulders and cuffs weren't flattering. The fabric was super thin and lightweight - practically cotton voile.

    Tried a few of the new perfect fit tees - love them. The slightly shorter length is not a problem for me and I'm 5'10". Great fit in my regular tee size. Super flattering neckline and sleeves. Nice weight fabric. Will have to see how they do after a few washes..

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    1. not a fan. liked the old one. darn. presently buying up old
      style.

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    2. Julie, I love the new perfect fit tees, too. I want one in every color and every stripe. Wish they were an inch or two longer, but definitely not too short for me.

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  8. Chambray Swing Top (G0824). TTS. It's a bit stiff and doesn't hang great right out of the bag but it might soften up. The sides are curved vents. It's long enough but I wouldn't want to shrink it. Not sure if this is a keeper.

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    1. hmm. i was hoping... it fabulous.

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    2. It might be.. I haven't decided :) It reminds me of an Eileen Fisher top, pretty roomy, except for the curved split hems doesn't remind me of Eileen Fisher.

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  9. I received the penny top in strawberry thief. I like it a lot - I find it flattering, swingy, and not too short. But, I wear a lot of high waisted pencil skirts and that's what I tried this top on with. I Iike it a lot and I'll be stalking the gingham top to add to my closet.

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  10. The only item I bought in February is the Paperbag waist skirt in shirting stripe. I'm usually a 2 in skirts although lately I've bought some in 0. I ordered a 0 in this one and I'm still undecided on the size. My first try on was super quick, rushing with the kids waiting and I thought it seemed too big plus the ties for the waist are very very long. I tried it on again with a little more time and this time I really liked it. The waist fits pretty well but the hips are a bit big on me. When I look at the online pic it seems a bit loose in the rear on the model so maybe it's supposed to be looser than a pencil skirt. If I had more curves I would've filled it out better. The tie belt def takes some time to make it look good and not messy. But when tied nicely in a bow it does look really pretty. The lining is cotton which is great. The skirt is thin but not see through. I'm trying the 00 just in case but I think I will be keeping one of the sizes either way. I'm a sucker for stripes and tie belts so I really want it to work. :) I've never bought a 00 in a skirt so I'd say this one runs a bit big although if you're curvy it's probably more tts. Overall, I think it will be nice for dressing up or going casual in spring/summer.

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    1. Thanks for the review Jan! I just ordered this in a 2, not my usual size, because size 4 was sold out. I have hope now that the 2 will fit. I am seriously mad at myself for not purchasing it with the 30% off the other week though, I thought it would absolutely make it to sale :(

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    2. Hi Percheno, please post your thoughts when you receive it! I ordered mine during that 30% off sale to try it, was also surprised to see it sold out now. I forgot to mention that it is pretty long, the website says 30" I believe which I knew meant it would be longer - I'm 5'7" and it's below my knees.

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    3. @jan, thanks for the review on this one! I really like stripes but I talked myself out of this one before. I hope the new size fits perfect for you (that is one thing about many JC items for me - I'm more often than not between sizes in button-downs, pants, etc. ) anywho, enjoy!

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    4. Uhoh- I'm 5'2, and while I love a midi skirt, I will likely need to get it tailored and in that case I'm not sure I will keep it since I didn't get it with a promo. I will let you know what I think once I receive it!

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    5. @TM93, thank you! I know what you mean about being between sizes sometimes. :)
      @Percheno, can you get a price adjustment for today's 20% off? I hope the skirt works out for you!

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    6. I tried to reorder it in a 2 and a 4 but they got dumped from my cart and are sold out now. Will they price adjust if the item is no longer available?

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    7. Percheno, yes they will still adjust the item for you. I'm sure it will come back into stock again as well. I like to send an email for these requests. They usually respond pretty quickly.

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  11. Lauren, thank you! They did give me the adjustment. I really appreciate you for letting me know :)

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  12. Peacoat in heavyweight cotton twill (G2009) - “Heavyweight” is the operative word here, at first I felt like I was putting on one of those lead blankets you get when you take X-rays at the dentist’s office. I got used to it quickly, but was just initially surprised at the heft. The buttons are probably enamel-coated metal? They clinked together. Only partially lined (the sleeves and upper back). My usual 4 fit exactly in the shoulders, and flowed out a little - the body felt just slightly A-line. The sleeves felt bracelet length on me, but I have long arms. I didn’t love the buttons, but I don’t know why - they are so WHITE that they look like plastic. Maybe it was just the fact that there was a piece of thread sticking out of each button that would need to be trimmed. Anyway, we tend to get "instant summer" here so my lightweight jackets don't get a lot of use - I opted for a dirt cheap indigo pea jacket (39331) from eBay instead.

    Cropped trench coat with detachable striped cuffs (G0943)- I had to see this one IRL even though I do not like epaulets. The fabric was thick but smooth, like the Icon trench, and the barley color is just like last year’s Chateau trench (works better with my skin tone than the khaki colored Icon). Like the peacoat, this fit exactly in the shoulders and was boxy - I couldn’t decide if sizing would help with the fit. The striped cuffs are a cute idea but were bracelet length on my long arms (again, #longarmproblems). The buttons were cheap, plastic, and out of place on such an otherwise nice feeling jacket. It’s like they forgot to finish it.

    Heathered wrap top (G5762) - After I tried to put this on, I realized I had no idea how to wear it (the fact that there’s no model pic of this item doesn’t help!). I was looking for a hole/slit to thread the wrap part through, but there was none. It’s like an open cardigan with very long ties, but the tying happens at the bottom, as opposed to other belted cardigans they’ve done where you cinch at the waist. Hard to explain, but it felt fussy to put on. It’s also a poly/linen blend that reminded me of cheap kids’ jammies. Out of curiosity, I’d love to see this on a person. : )

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    1. Thanks for the reviews. I like the look of the heathered wrap top; when I saw it online, I was reminded of something from lululemon @ a lower price point. So, I thought of it as a top to wear to and from a workout. Haven't ordered it, but that's likely how I'd use it. Full size run, so no need to rush. Polylinen blend could be an issue after workout🤔.

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    2. Hi Mygoddy - I love anything heather grey so I had to try it. I like the idea of wearing to a workout...I mainly do hot yoga, so would not likely be wearing it afterward! ;)

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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! :)