Tuesday, April 25, 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! :)

61 comments:

  1. Hi! Looking forward to any reviews on item G5275 Cotton poplin tie-waist pant in bright hibiscus. I am 5ft2" and pants size 6/8 - very curious as to the fit of these pants.

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  2. Sharing the new plaid popover on my blog today. Sizing ran a bit small. I typically size up with button downs and popovers.

    Heather
    Partial to Pink

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  3. PSA - there are some lovely cotton (yes, cotton) pants on the Banana Republic site this morning. and there's also an interesting silk (!) knit top - the copy says it's a blend, but the details say it's 99% silk, 1% spandex, which I generally find acceptable.

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  4. This is a roll the dice question: I have two items to return at Factory. I will be two days over the 60 day return window. Should I ask for an exception because I live about 2.5 hours from a Factory store or should I just pretend the items were a gift and I have no receipt?

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    1. No receipt would mean you will get the last lowest price of item...which could be alot lower than you paid. I would go with being so far away.....could not get back in the window of time.

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  5. I stopped in to my store on Saturday and tried on quite a few things. Overall, I'm underwhelmed this go around but I think there are still some things to love and there are people who will like and look good in some of the things I didn't.

    I tried on the morning floral tie skirt and shift dress, Island time tee (runs small), Linen Rhodes pants, navy rickrack skirt (this was a surprise love), pink garment dyed jeans, Toucan Tippi, eyelet dress (meh), ruffle off the shoulder bodysuit, vintage crop jeans in patchwork (also loved these), and the seersucker ruffle shorts.

    You can see photos on my blog here

    I have an online order arriving this week too so would like to get another post done - I still need to post photos of the tall navy lace up dress, and I have the black tie waist shorts coming as well as the fuchsia tweed skirt, regular striped bodysuit and the striped tie waist top which is selling out quickly.

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    1. Great reviews, as per usual!! -lep33shops

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    2. Great reviews, Anne! The pencil with rickrack is on its way to me (I can't resist a good pencil.) Curious to hear what you think of the Striped Tie Waist top -- I liked it, but had some issues with it so I ended up returning it.

      PS, you look great! (Oh & the shorts look perfectly fine!!) Thanks for sharing all your try-ons!

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    3. Oh, I meant to add that you're absolutely right about JC choosing the wrong thing to make in Petite or Tall - I usually take Petite when I can, but the Regular in the Striped Tie-Waist, for example, felt too short. I'm surprised they chose to make that item in Petite.

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    4. Thanks for the reviews Anne! I agree not much of interest for me either. Would love to see photos of the lace up dress when you get a chance. Still holding out on ordering.

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    5. Thanks for the great reviews, Anne. I think your legs look great! You look very cute in those shorts.

      I ordered the Vintage cropped jeans in patchwork in petite and am still awaiting their arrival. Love how they look on you. The length looks great. I was debating between the regular and petite since I'm 5'3.5". I hope they work for me.
      What Madewell pair did you get?

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    6. Lauren - thank you!

      TM93 - I hope the skirt works out for you..thank you :)

      JessF - my order with the other items comes tomorrow so I will get some pics! I tried the striped lace up dress in store as well, it seemed longer than the solid one but had a hospital gown vibe to it.

      maryeb - thank you so much! I hope the jeans work for you. I bought the Madewell perfect vintage jeans in distressed Chet wash. They were on sale - not sure if they're still floating around. My first Madewell denim purchase and I was very pleased. They're 100% cotton too. zero stretch but a nice high rise. The J.Crew ones are very similar.

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  6. Review of the silk shoulder-tie peplum in this post. Links at the bottom to a few dress reviews, in case you missed them last week.

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  7. Hi, Did anyone tried on striped tank top with sequin palm leaves https://www.jcrew.com/ca/p/G4869 ? I'd like to place an order for it but the sideways/back picture looks really weird, like there is a bubble above the waist line. Also the tee seems to be very low cut.

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  8. OT but WSJ just had a story on JC. I don't have a login so can't post the text here but here's the top:

    J. Crew Plans to Cut 250 Jobs
    The company said the cuts would include 150 full-time and 100 open positions, most of them from its corporate headquarters
    By Khadeeja Safdar
    April 25, 2017 10:04 a.m. ET
    J. Crew Group Inc. said it would cut about 250 jobs, part of a cost-cutting effort as the retailer battles declining sales and shifting shopping patterns.

    The company said the cuts would include 150 full-time and 100 open positions, most of them from its corporate headquarters.

    https://www.wsj.com/articles/j-crew-plans-to-cut-250-jobs-1493129069?mod=e2tw

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  9. From Marketwatch:

    J. Crew Group Inc. said Tuesday that it will cut 250 jobs primarily from its corporate headquarters as part of a reorganization of the company. About 150 full-time jobs and 100 open positions will be axed. The company expects about $30 million in annualized pre-tax savings and will take a $10 million first-quarter charge related to the cuts. The company has also announced a number of executive changes. Chief Financial Officer Michael Nicholson will also be responsible for the planning, merchandising, marketing and design functions of the J.Crew brand. Lisa Greenwald has been named chief merchandising officer for the J. Crew brand. She was previously the senior vice president of the Madewell brand. And Libby Wadle has been named the president of the Madewell brand. She was previously the president of the J. Crew brand. Somsack Sikhounmuong was recently named chief design officer for J. Crew, effective April 5, succeeding Jenna Lyons. The SPDR S&P Retail ETF XRT, +0.20% is down 1.3% for the year so far while the S&P 500 index SPX, +0.58% is up 6.8% for the period.
    http://www.marketwatch.com/story/j-crew-to-cut-250-jobs-as-part-of-reorganization-2017-04-25

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    1. It sucks when people lose their job. I wish them all the best. They had a few layoffs when Mora was the designer...when was that, around June two years ago?

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    2. Thanks for the article info, eeps. Agree, it really sucks when people lose their jobs, JSR. I think the last big lay-off was 2 years ago, in 2015.

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  11. OT but some new markdowns today. I ordered the Elephant Tie Neck top and Tie waist dress in Italian tweed. Also got sucked back into the Pricing games and reordered the Liberty Campbell blazer with ruffle trim. I saw it was $13 less then I paid last week but didn't want to bother with return. It is now $26 cheaper so I reordered. Been doing a good job this year of not getting bogged down in returns and pricing games. Oh well.

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  12. Received online orders and picked up a few in store.

    Striped trench (Sale) - Ordered after seeing @sartorial choices. This is a nice weight cotton trench. Fit is tts unless you have broad shoulders. Lining is nicely done. Keeper

    Embellished glitter sandals in pink (Promo) - These shoes are so pretty. Ordered a size up from my usual; this is typical in J Crew slides so fit is tts. Wore them this weekend and they were comfy.

    Island time tee (Promo) - Fit is tts if you don't mind a slightly fitted tee. Tee works well with prints, denim, etc. Keeper

    Made in the shade tee (Promo) - I love linen & the letters are embroidered, similar to 👠 on 🔥. The maize is a nice, deep yellow quality is good. I've also ordered this one in khaki which is the color shown @ NYFW. I'm a fan of J Crew tees. Keeper

    Sailor chino pants (Sale) - i needed a pair of khaki cotton pants and since I love the striped ones I decided to try. I ordered the larger of my 2 sizes & that was the right decision. It's a lightweight cotton and I like the wide leg (it's not exaggerated). Paired with Michael De Feo striped tee (now $9.99). Keeper

    Embellished Jackie cardigan in heather sand (Sale) - This is a nicely made cardigan. Fit is tts and I really like the neutral color. You can see the embellishment, but it's more subtle. Keeper

    Salut tee (Promo) - Fun cotton tee that's similar in fit to Merci Beaucoup (this tee is now on sale for $15 w/40% off) so tts. It's versatile and will work with plaids, prints and gingham. Paired it with vintage plaid crop pants.

    Vintage Plaid tie waist crop pants (Promo) - They were on my list to try after seeing them in the May Style Guide. Run slightly big, so you can likely size down. Tie waist is tacked down in the back. You can easily snip if you want to adjust further. Tie waist is easy and you can make a nice bow. Cotton is lightweight and a nice weight. There are pleats in the front and pockets always work for me. Check stores if you can't find your size online because they're definitely available. With promo, coupon and spring bounce back card, I paid $6.

    Embellished crystal bib necklace (Sale) - Vibrant colors that work well for spring and summer. Not sure why this necklace was $138 @ FP. Quality isn't there to justify. My store had it and the price was $29. Still available @ Nordstrom & they price match. Will wear alone or layered with pearls. Keeper

    Tretorn sneaker (Promo) - Ordered blush and white. Love both. Fit is tts and they're so comfortable. These sneakers are a "no brainer." They will pack easily and can't wait to take them on my Paris trip next week.

    Fatigue jacket in lagoon blue (Sale) - Fit is tts in a medium. This is a lightweight jacket that will travel well and I like the hood. It's from a recent roll out and final sale, but a good buy if you need a lightweight jacket. I was able to try in store, so I'm sure of fit, etc. Keeper

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    1. Enjoyed reading your helpful reviews, some really great pieces in there! You're going to have such a great time in Paris!!

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    2. Wish I'd gotten a pair of the Tretorn sneakers when they were part of a promo. I've heard nothing but good things about them.
      Amazing haul. Thanks for the helpful reviews!
      I hope you have a great trip. You travel to the most wonderful places.

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    3. Not quite the same as the JC version, but DSW has what looks to be a very similar pair of beige Tretorns, $55 after promo.

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    4. TM93 and maryeb Happy to help! Thanks so much & I'm looking forward to the trip.

      Cobalt Thanks for sharing DSW's option.

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  13. Ordered the Ruffle linen pant in leopard, but strange how a P2 size was available but yet waitlisted. I do hope it ships...and not cancel.
    Also ordered the open back swimsuit tee in stripe. Love how it's on sale. And last the Camille flats in black to try. Does anyone own this and would like to comment on the fit and comfort?

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  14. I got the oversized marled cotton linen sweater. It is oversized. It's one of those skinny arm big body types which I love. I did not notice, however, the dropped shoulder that I typically run from. I tried it on a few times and it grew on me because it is very subtle in the tan color. I am a little worried about it stretching out, but probably nothing a hand washing and a spin in a hot dryer can't fix! I think some might want to size down depending how you want it to fit. I ordered my usual size small.

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    1. I forgot to mention that I bought this sweater too. I sized down to a small and was happy with the fit. I also like the fitted arms and looser body. I wore it on Sunday with skinny jeans and my superstar Adidas. The only thing I'm skeptical of is that it was showing signs of wear after one wear. Not pilling per se but the material was looking uneven.

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    2. Fuzzy. that's the word I was looking for. I was having a brain cramp. The sweater is looking a little fuzzy.

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  15. I just received the Liberty thorpe heels and am sending them back. The heel is comfortable enough, but the front of the shoe was one of the most uncomfortable pair of shoes I've ever tried on, which is too bad, as I really loved the look of them!

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    1. Yes! I ordered the same heels (the Elliot) in the navy leather and they were short and narrow on me. JC shoes usually run TTS for me. These were very narrow across the front of the toe box. Too bad because they looked very well made/good quality.

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  16. Sorry they didn't work out! I think they're cute but haven't seen them in person.

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  17. Just bought the linen Rhodes pants in white and mint - these are the most comfortable and flattering pants I have bought in a while from JC. The linen is high quality and they are lined too. The slender ankle and cuff at the bottom are great for shorter ladies (I'm 5'1)

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    1. Hi Ellen-I just ordered the pants in olive P2. I'm 4'11. I hope it works out for me. :)

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    2. I don't usually feel comfortable in white pants, but I got a white Rhodes linen blazer at the end of the season last year and I could see the two pieces looking really nice together.

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    3. J crew linen was always really good, then got a bit "stiff", now I think it is back to the former linen they used

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  18. Has anyone tried on the pink silk off shoulder top - saw it in store - it is a beautiful shade of pink - just not sure of the length....

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    1. I tried it. It is short. It also felt like I was wearing a silk brocade curtain when I put it on---the elastic off the shoulder and the fabric gave it that effect.

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    2. Also, the hat print top is very short and boxy. That was in my last order and got returned. It also felt a bit too vintage-y for JC--more of a Madewell or Anthropologie piece IMO.

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    3. I ordered the top; but will see how it looks on - might go back - just love the color

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    4. The hat print top reminds me of an Anthro or Madewell piece, too. A plus for me, as I love both of these stores. Haven't ordered it yet. I'm waiting for some reviews as to sizing. I like how it's shown on the model both tucked in and left untucked. The slightly swingy back looks cute.

      I'd love to hear what you think, Ellen!

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    5. I took my regular size in the hat print top. A different size would have been off in the shoulders/bust. I just didn't like the silhouette.

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  19. Received the eyelet shirtdress in warm clover- I ordered my usual dress size and it fit ok but was too high waisted for my liking (I'm 5'7" with longish torso). The length was good and I didn't find it too voluminous for me. The color is beautiful but it wasn't flattering on me so I'll have to return it.

    Gingham ruffle hem dress- I'm still deciding on this one as the top of the dress is a bit loose on me even in a size down. It is well made and lovely so I'm torn. The waist isn't short on me (this rarely happens in Jcrew dresses) and it falls a little below my knees. I don't think I can get it altered to make the top portion tighter (it doesn't seem like it would work for me) and while it's not super loose it kind of bugs me. I've noticed that on blogger pics it is loose on top for those with small chests like myself.

    Has anyone machine washed the gingham ruffle hem dress? It says dry clean which is def less appealing to me so I'm wondering if I can wash it instead?

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    1. Oh that's too bad about these dresses, Jan! I had the same issue with the Eyelet dress, but I was so glad to see that it worked for others, as it's a quality dress.

      The Gingham ruffle seems like it has more potential for you, however, if there is something that isn't totally squaring away with you, I think I might return it in your place. It feels like a tough decision sometimes, but when I'm in this position, I remind myself that something else will come along that I will REALLY love, without effort - one of those pieces that I'm excited to wear. (Especially if the piece isn't a MUST, or even just a basic.)

      I hope you get an answer about the dry-cleaning aspect either way! I looked at the reviews and none seemed to mention anything about this. I guess I would stick to dry cleaning with this piece, if only b/c I wonder if doing so helps preserve the 'crisp' aspect. I can also see what you mean about the top part being big -- i see it in the blogger photos (& one review also mentioned this.)

      Either way, good luck w/ whatever you decide!

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    2. Thank you for your input, TM93! I need a voice of reason, you're right if it's not perfect then it should be returned. I need willpower lol. I was a little relieved when the eyelet dress didn't work out because my 'more careful shopping' has done a backwards slide and I need to get back on track.

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    3. Well done, Jan. That gingham dress was cute. I tried it on, and the SA said a lot of people had fit issues in the bodice. All the dresses I've had with a fit issue just linger... Fortunately I have stopped buying those items!

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    4. Thank you, Sarah! I'm hoping next rollout has some nice dresses.

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  20. Popover shirt in Irish linen
    Item G0614
    Aqua
    Size 0

    I'm usually a 2 or 4 in shirts depending on if it's a popover or perfect shirt... I got this in a size 0... so definitely size down... I don't think I could get a 00 because of the shoulders. It is very boxy in the body. The aqua color is beautiful (was worried it might be too bright) and it is a nice thick substantial linen. My only gripe is the button placement... Unbutton one too many and I feel like I'm showing off the goods... One less unbuttoned and I feel too closed up. But it's not a deal breaker.

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  22. I won't get to a store by 4/29, so I spent my Rewards card on the Factory gingham blazer. It's $45 on Tuesday's FLAVORFAVE promo. See some pink gingham blazer inspo.

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    1. OMG FLAVORFAVE! I. Just. Can't. *ROFL*

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    2. I love that look with Jenna in the pink gingham blazer and painted pants. I'm going to try something similar with my paint splatter pants

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  23. Gemma cap-toe flats in coral sunset. Decided to keep, and after wearing them, I can say they are comfortable and lovely. The shape is sophisticated, the finishing is polished, and the pop of color is so fun with an otherwise neutral ensemble. I've noticed people looking at them. This color is on sale right now. Not made in Italy, but all leather and a good buy. I found it tts. I have a wide-ish foot, and these were accomodating.

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    1. I love the Gemmas. I also have a wider foot and these have been wonderful. Ordered the coral after reading your post.

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  24. Hi - just ordered the scallop beach cover in neon pink - has anyone tried it on? it looks very cute - in lots of blogs

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  25. I love the Lady Jacket with Rickrack Trim. It arrived yesterday and it is fabulous. Runs TTS. Cannot wait to wear it. Quality is very good.

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    1. Oh, that's awesome! I saw it on a fellow JCA on IG (@sartorialchoices) and it looked like such a classic, timeless piece.

      Is the jacket linen? Someone mentioned that JC seems to be returning to the linen that they used to use and that it's much better.

      I actually just received the matching Pencil Skirt with RickRack (in Petite) and it's a quality piece, as you mentioned, but the fit is off for me in my usual pencil skirt. I'm going to re-order to see if maybe this one was a fluke, but the hips are too big. (i can't size down.) Hoping the new one works, as I love the White with Navy detail - such a classic combo!

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    2. Yes,it's a linen that looks a bit like pique, it's a bigger weave if that makes any sense.

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  26. My order of the navy eyelet shirtdress (2), chambray ruffle trim pants (2) and the lemon print bandana arrived. The eyelet dress I did not even try on because I tried on the green in the stores last weekend and it was a bust. 0 and 2 both fit (weird) but the both had that weird gap thing right after the waist. Someone had suggested a belt. I actually had corrected a similar problem on a non JC dress by sewing a hidden clasp between the buttons. That non JC dress cost $10 at a sample sale and I was fine with that. I am not doing that for a dress that cost $78 on sale.
    The chambray pants were a disappointment. The quality was great, but the fit was weird. I had ordered the 0 and it fit too well - I wanted it a little loose, so I reordered one size up. I determined that the size wasn't the issue - it's the darn high rise. It is so high waisted that I looked like I had a short torso and a bubble butt in the back. The lemon print bandana is adorable but I should have paid more attention to the size - it is a 19 inch square and I thought for some reason it was 32 inches. It's a great item but I just need a larger square scarf. 19 inches around my neck makes me look like a 1950s flight attendant. So back everything goes, and I think I will just stay off this cycle of order/re-order that I've been stuck in for the past 1.5 months.

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    1. Sorry nothing worked out. :(
      Those chambray pants look so nice.
      Your 50s flight attendant comment made me laugh. I returned the ratti into the wild bandana for the same reason.i love the pattern but it was too stiff and the size didn't really work.
      Someone posted on IG that factory has Hawaiian print bandanas for $6. They look super cute. I bought one for me and one for my sister who just returned from Hawaii. They also have a men's short sleeve shirt in a similar pattern (very retro) I got for my husband for a great price.

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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! :)