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! :)
Thank you, everyone for the previous advice on the brightly coloured suede Ceces. Today, thanks to your support, I am wearing the dark peony ones with my Lady jacket with liberty ruffle trim, navy Maddies and nautical striped Tippi.
ReplyDeleteI have a question about the Drake giraffe pieces. I bought the skirt. It's probably too long for a shortie like me, but I love the print so much I am keeping it. But the label says "dry clean"! It's entirely cotton (even the lining) according to the label so the cheapie in me really doesn't want to dry clean it. But it was expensive (even on promo) so I am apprehensive about washing it. Does anyone have advice with pieces made from this Drake print (or previous other cotton Drake prints?) Thank you!
Your Cece outfit sounds great! I love bright shoes with an otherwise monochromatic outfit.
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DeleteGlad you broke out those shoes. Bet you look fab!
DeleteI would wash that skirt with abandon. Cotton does not need dry cleaning, no matter how
Deletemuch Drakes or JCrew want to pose! Furthermore, the print is woven, not dyed on, so you have nothing to worry about in terms of colour running. if you're worried about pleats falling out or anything, a caref ironing or steaming will do the trick
*careful, not caref!
DeleteI'm allergic to drycleaning, so I was everything, even my silks and woolens. I don't think you'll encounter a problem but if you want to test for colorfastness, an old seamstress trick I use on my printed silks is to wet a paper towel and run it through the inside hem (the part that is not visible). If the towel doesn't have any color transfer, then wash away!
DeleteThank you for the nice feedback on the use of the Ceces. I really enjoyed wearing them today - the pop of color really cheered me up - and I can't believe I was on the verge of returning them! Thank you for saving me from myself.
DeleteThanks also for the thoughts on the skirt. I'm not ready to wash the skirt yet (I will sheepishly admit that I haven't worn it yet and given the amount of stuff I own and love I may only get a handful of wears this summer) but I think I should be able to chin myself up to it...
I ordered the Distressed boyfriend chino pant item G2580. I sized up for a slouchier fit which worked well (aside from color) in the version released around late fall/holiday but these are cut differently. I think the rise is shorter and the length doesn't work for me. I ordered the non distressed ones in the moss and also ordered the high waisted canvas pant that Birdie on IG tried, but they won't be delivered until later in the week. (I don't think any of them will work.)
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the Denim Apron dress (G3138)? I have my eye on this one. It appears to be versatile and will go into the fall easily with a turtleneck/mock turtleneck and boots. TIA!
ReplyDeletei tried last year's version of the denim dress... my only thought once i tried it on was "Boy is this heavy"... from the online pics, it seems like it would be a similar material which is why i'm actually staying away from it
DeleteAnyone have the red bandana print t shirt? Wondering if people like or not.
ReplyDeleteI just tried it yesterday. I thought it was cute, but it didn't wow me. The pattern looks a bit generic, it doesn't necessarily strike me as "bandana" like some of last year's Factory pieces in navy. As I have lots of t-shirts I have to really love one to buy it, and this one just didn't do it for me.
DeleteThat's one I keep wanting to like.
DeleteGreen eyelet dress: I know a few think it's too matronly, but I couldn't disagree more. I am small busted and narrow hipped, though; so this shape works for me (definitely unbutton a bit lower than normal!). The color is phenomenal, and the quality is on point. I will wear for everyday this summer with flat sandals or tennis shoes, and I can dress it up for a dinner out.
ReplyDeleteThe yellow-off-the-shoulder sundress: This fits me tts. And I love the color, cut, and fit. I had hoped I could pull the shoulders up a bit, but the top portion is cut too short for that, although perfect as in the online image. I want to keep this, I want to love this, but the fabric is too thin. The prude in me wants to wear a half slip with it, but the side slits wouldn't allow---and face it, it's a sundress!, why should I have to?! Just a little higher end fabric or a built-in, thin cotton halfslip would have sold me on this one.
The ruffle wrap skirt: I bought this with every intention of trying it on, returning, and waiting for a bigger sale. I got the light blue, which is lovely. Well, I love it so much, I wish the khaki weren't sold out or I'd get that too!! And I wouldn't return for fear of losing out on even this color. This fits tts, and my biggest fear--of the wrap not overlapping enough for modesty--is not a problem. Homerun.
Ballet scoop neck tee: I sized up in this, which I usually do on the slim cut tees. That was the right call, and I might even be able to go up two sizes.
Vine jacquard dress: Fabric is beautiful and fit is one smaller than my usual tts---I've found this style has lately changed for me, and I'm a 00 instead of 0. However, it's too short! I'm only 5'4", and it's well above my knee. For the places I'd want to wear this, that's too short. I can't sit comfortably without it riding up too high, mid thigh. Unfortunately, going back.
Bold strip aline dress: This is a great deal. I get the criticisms of the fabric, it is polyester, but I liked the sheen and thickness. The size down, as with the style above, seems to be my new go-to size for this dress style---00 not 0. I'm tempted, but am sending back because I have two other dresses with similar color ways. Not so bananas over it to keep.
Tailored chino pants: What a deal!! I've found these to fit similar to the Rayner chinos but at a full length. If you like Rayners, get these!
Tried the cotton poplin tie-waist pants (G5272) in burnished moss. Loved the fabric--lightweight and great for spring/summer, with that crisp feeling I associate with poplin (so nice to find a pant that doesn't have the plastic-y feeling of the synthetic blends). However, the fit was all wrong for me. First, they run large; I found my regular size 8 to be at least a full size too big. Second, the leg made me look enormous. I have a lot of wide leg pants, but in this case, the leg is cut in such a way that the wideness ran all the way up to my hips (unlike the wide leg in the tailored chino pant, G0639, which I love, or in the wide-leg chino pant, F4675, which I have arriving next week). There is thus a LOT of fabric in the hips/waist/thigh area--it was as if I was swimming in fabric. Also, the waist has a folded-over pleat-like element at each of the belt loops, which would have been fine for someone who wanted the full paper-bag waist effect, but I was looking for something very different, so I sent them back.
ReplyDeleteRuffle boatneck sweater: the sweater runs large!!! I'm usually a Medium but based on the measurements Customer Service provided I knew I needed to size down to a Small but in the end I bought the Xsmall. I really don't get why the sweater has such an oversize fit as the ruffles also add extra volume. If you want a slouchy fit size down one size.
ReplyDeleteJust reviewed this on my IG!
DeleteIts very cute!!!
Tie-waist top in white: TTS. Nice weight fabric. For a white top, it is not too sheer. Cropped, but works for me with JC high waist pants and pencil skirts, so no tummy showing.
ReplyDeleteNot visible in the on-line pic, but it has belt loops at the back. A little fussy to get the tie to look right. Overall, I love it!
Wrap T-shirt in Navy: TTS. Easy to wrap lower on the waist so I can wear it with lower rise pants. Very soft and feels great on. Easier to get a nicer wrap than the shirt, but that's because it's a knit.
Petite Vintage Crop Jean in patchwork: TTS. Soft with a bit of stretch. My first pair of 'destroyed' denim. Love the patch. It seems nicely done. Not sure about the 'worn' area, but will probably keep because they seem like a great pair of denim to wear in the Spring and Summer.
The Crew sure knows how to knock a girl down to size...or would that be knock a girl up as size or 2! Here I was all elated with my weight loss and probably deluded by vanity sizing with other lines so I get up the courage to try J. Crew jeans. I've always been put off by jeans called matchstick and toothpick. Even though I wear a size 6 in JCrew pants and a 4 or 6 in their skirts I've always shied away from trying their jeans. I read all the glowing reviews on the 9" lookout and the 8" toothpick and thinking that I'm thinner now, I'll go to the store and try them. Well....apparently according to the Crew I'm some kind of Amazonian woman! Not only did they make me feel big because I couldn't get my legs into them, but since I could barely get my foot through the leg opening, I apparently have big feet too. I wear a size 9 1/2 shoe...in JCrew sizing that's a 10 and a lot of the time a 10 is too small. By JCrew's sizing and naming of their jeans, I MIGHT fit into their slim boyfriend jean. I tried on a pair (not my size....couldn't button them) and it looks like a skinny jean on me. The associate and I guessed on what size I need and ordered them. Ok...I get it....it's just a name. Fortunately I understand how all this fashion stuff works and it only bothers me because it's so much work and time to find well fitting garments....especially jeans! I've chalked this up to a learning experience. I'm hoping the larger ones fit me. I'm going to the Factory this week to see if they have something that works. I think their straight and narrow jean might work for me. We'll see!
ReplyDeleteStray Cat I have found J Crew jeans impossible. I am a 0 in pants, and 26 in other brand jeans. Even the 27 at J Crew was like stuffing a sausage into a cocktail weenie casing. Please forgive the crassness. I tried inc at Retail and once at Factory. And the rise...obscene on me. I just cannot do their jeans. They are like super low cut leggings to me that run terribly small. So far I like Paige jeans the most. They are the most substantial denim I've found. Joe's jeans and Level 99 seem okay, too. Point Sur Hightower skinny jeans at the Crew were not bad, but aren't offered right now. It's so hard to find good jeans... they're either too stretchy, too thin, too long, too low rise... A JCA mentioned that Madewell has a 100% cotton jean. I haven't found it on their site but I'm interested, if it's a high rise.
DeleteIt's not you! I do have (or had) plenty of J.Crew jeans and similar to Sarah above I am a 00/0 in most pants and usually a 25 in jeans. I think I tried the black high rise lookout and couldn't zip them, and yes, they were so tight on my legs. The star toothpicks fit ok but I decided it was too specific a look for me. Jeans are tricky no matter what. I think in order to find one good pair you need to try on about a dozen. Meanwhile, I got the Billie boot crop flare in black and did like them, but tried the denim ones in a few washes and absolutely hated them. It's really not you!
DeleteThank you so much, Sarah and Suz! Ok, by comparison to you ladies I am an Amazonian! Hee! But I suspected JCrews jeans were just tiny. I held them up before I tried to squeeze myself into them and said "you're kidding! These look like children's jeans!" You nailed it Sarah....they are too stretchy, too sheer (I'm looking for white jeans and oh boy...I swear some I've tried you can see the mole on my butt cheek through them!), obscenely low, which is even more obscene if you're long waisted, most are too big in the waist to accommodate my hips and legs. I REALLY dislike all the stretch/poly/rayon icky fabric that make up jeans now. Those aren't "jeans" in my book...but I'm old and jeans are denim...like Levis...but even Levis are putting stretch in their jeans. It excites me to hear that Madewell may have a 100% cotton jean! I'm going call my stores and ask. I'd be thrilled if they were high rise, straight (but not too wide) and just normal. Nothing fancy. That's all I'm asking for. I'll check out Paige too. Thanks so much for all the suggestions....I really appreciate it! Looks like I've got more jeans to try until I find "THE" ones!
DeleteCalled my Madewell store and they do have a 100% cotton jean. It's the Perfect Summer Jean. The associate says it's not a skinny cut. It's high waisted too. Going in tomorrow to try them. They come in a blue wash and in white. Yah.
Delete@StrayCat. I'd be interested to know what you think. I've been debating about trying these. They look promising.
DeleteI recently purchased a pair of Madewell jeans that are 100% cotton - the perfect vintage jean (the chet distressed wash). They're currently on sale so may not be in all stores. Looks like online available in a 31 or 32 right now.
DeleteBummed to hear the high rise at Crew didn't work for you. I have thicker legs but a thinner waist, and the lookout high rise are my current favorite jeans. I have yet to get their boyfriend jeans to look "boyfriend" on me - the vintage straight from a few years ago was as close as I got.
I really like the Madewell jeans so I hope they work out for you! I was pleasantly surprised to see they were all cotton since it seems to be the norm to have stretch/poly in jeans. We don't have a Madewell locally so I just don't order from them as much.
Hi Stray Cat - have you tried Banana Republic jeans? I have a boyfriend pair and a girlfriend pair that I love. It sounds like you are looking for 100% cotton. They do have a little bit of elastane but I haven't noticed stretching out/bagging. Unfortunately, they apply the words "girlfriend" and "boyfriend" to more than one style, so you can't assume that the "girlfriend" jeans you are holding in your hands are the same as the ones you are wearing so you do have to be a bit careful and avoid final sales.
DeleteI do agree that, unfortunately, in order to find one pair of jeans, you need to try on a lot of pairs. Could I suggest you go to a nice department store and try on various "premium" brands (Citizens, Paige, J Brand, AG etc.) They are ridiculous expensive at regular retail price, but if you find a brand and style you like and are not in a hurry, you can always buy these jeans NWT (new with tag) on eBAY for substantially less. These companies tend to keep their most of their styles across seasons (years) so you get a lot of predictability/consistency across a brand's style. This consistency also makes them a good thing to buy on eBAY. Other than these two Banana Republic jeans, I've bought all my denim on eBAY over the last 5 years or so with a lot of success (probably too much success - but that's a topic for another day). You can easily set up a search on eBAY with price parameters.
I also prefer 100% cotton and have bought a bunch of Levis this year. Both men's and women's 501, online at Levis . Com. I've spent at most 60 and as low as $20 ish.
DeleteI also love the Madewell Cruiser Straight in 100 percent cotton. Last spring I got the Preston wash I think (definitely posted here and on IG).
Gap Real Straight jeans - some are 99%cotton/1% elastane. I have too many pairs to count. Can't say enough about how much I love the fit and quality of these jeans. Ann Taylor and Loft sometimes have very high cotton content denim.
Deletejeans...ha ha...don't get me started. i am not a small-legged woman and never have been. as a long-time marathon runner, I'm very fit and have huge muscular legs. skinny? toothpick? um, not me. i also have very little difference between my waist and hips. jeans are nearly impossible. however, i recently bought a pair of white jeans from banana republic in some sort of "girlfriend" cut. love them!
DeleteMy go to brands are LeFrame and J Brand. They fit well and accommodate hips & buttocks. I've been able to purchase on sale @ NM & Nordstrom.
DeleteI just tried Loft jeans for the first time after giving up on J Crew when my last pair of Toothpicks split at the seams. I loved them and they fit like a glove. They did have some stretch though. I am in the minority with my hatred of high rise jeans but I'm super short and short waisted so they always feel like they come up to my chest when I wear them, even in petite. I found the Loft jeans were true mid rise and covered my belly without being too high.
DeleteI'm a 29/30 in jeans and have found some at J. Crew that are flattering and comfortable. There is one darker wash in the Matchsticks, in particular, that really worked. Toothpicks are fine but not my favorites. But the Lookouts, forget it, they are like a sausage casing, tight in all the wrong places. I made the mistake of trying them on in white last year, it was depressing. Have you tried the Vintage Crop jeans at J. Crew? They are so easy to wear, give them a try if you haven't! I've tried Madewell's perfect summer jeans. They were not my favorites, but I like a bit of stretch and I felt fat in them. I did like the wash on the jeans and the idea of them. Jeans are so tricky.
DeleteMadewell has started doing this thing with the front pockets on their jeans. They've stitched them down or something. I don't recall what the name of the jeans are, but they're a skinny style with a high-ish rise with this pocket feature and they're amazing.
+1 for Paige jeans if you have a curvy bottom. I like the skyline ankle fit.They're not 100% denim but I love that they have stretch but you can wear them multiple times without stretching out. I usually find them at Nordstrom Rack for under $100.
DeleteThe new patchwork vintage crop jeans at J.Crew are 98% cotton 2% elastane - tried them on last week and they didn't feel super stretchy but enough to have a little bit of give.
Oh everybody....how kind of you for all your thoughtful suggestions! I've never tried Banana Republic or Loft for jeans. I did buy a pair at Talbots and would have bought a white pair, but they white ones in the same style were from an almost all stretch fabric, so it was a no go. I have done the Nordstrom jeans thing....I think it was just a bad day. The male sales associate was wearing Levis and I asked him to show me the women's Levis only to be told they don't carry Levis. Misleading??? So he brings me a bunch of jeans by my waist size...sure, they might of fit my waist, if I could have gotten the jeans up to my waist. They were all tiny legged, holey, ripped, distressed, super cropped. I do LOVE the suggestion of really do my homework, trying on a lot of brands and buying them off ebay! That's brilliant! I'll start today with Madewell, Banana and Loft since they are all in the same mall and go from there. This has been an eye opener for me. I've never really thought about how individual we all are. I've just always thought I was "normal" size...not big, not small, not really short but not really tall. I've really gotten more familiar with my body shape through this process. I find the naming of jeans to be a little helpful...but still pretty obscure. I"ll let you all know what I find today!
DeleteAgree with @Anne-TheFabLife, new vintage patchwork (review above) were comfortable and TTS, not too stretchy. I'm hoping to see something similar in other washes, full length and without distressing.
DeleteHa, guess I'm not asking for much.
those look perfect in all ways...except one (for me). That patch. It's just too forced or affected for my tastes. The cut looks great though. Maybe they'll do the same cut without the patches and holes someday. If they were in my store I'd certainly try them on for reference for JCrew sizing and fit.
DeleteTrying jeans is a lot like trying swimsuits to me! I carry all my weight in my legs so it is tricky. Currently, my white jeans are from Loft and the Kut brand. My absolute favorites are Citizens of Humanity Emerson style. There is a bit of stretch and I size down 2 sizes so they are more of a skinny/straight versus the boyfriend. I've tried lots of others but these always work and I am planning to keep adding different washes (they are $$$ so it will be slow). Good luck on your search and look forward to your reviews!
DeleteOT: JCrew spotting! Everybody who has this jacket raise their hands!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/fullfrontalsamb/posts/2018462341714735
Got the midi sundress in magnificent floral. It was online-only and sold out now, but I have seen popbacks. Agree with reviews it runs a little large. I'm a pretty solid 12 and the 12 was a bit too big in the bust, also ordered 10 which fit better but was borderline snug on me as a 36D. I liked the style of the dress but did not care for the print in person--too retro. So both got sent back. I also ordered the full-length collection version in vertical stripes so maybe I will like that one better. It's supposed to ship next week.
ReplyDeleteOT did you all see Jenna's look for the Met Gala? Fishing vest with patches on it and voluminous orange tulle skirt? Not sure what to make of that other than it's sort of pure Jenna.
ReplyDeleteAttention getting but very childish looking.
DeleteI agree, Pansy. I have to say it's really the first time her signature "tomboy glam" high-low style looked a little cliche to me. It was an aspirational style for the J Crew at the local mall, but I wonder how it will translate as she moves up the fashion food chain.
DeleteSomehow couldn't find images with a google search.
DeleteSarah - Ema at crazyaboutjcrew has a picture on her instagram
DeleteNYT has photos on the website.
DeleteIs she wearing the Adrianna Satin Buckle Pumps from a few years ago. Mine got ruined in a freak NYC rainstorm.
DeleteAppreciate the details on the Madewell jeans & Stray Cat's followup.
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ReplyDeleteThomas Mason Button Up Bodysuit is interesting. Found in a Preorder search. ALS mew Ratti heels in a dot print. Couldn't justify those...but I hope the print is used in other pieces.
ReplyDeleteI think that's the bodysuit shown under the khaki ruffle skirt with all the tulle at NYFW
DeleteAnyone like the new rollout this morning? I don't see anything I want or need. Lots of vacation looks and some that make me think of pajamas! Pretty colors, though.
ReplyDeleteI might be in the minority but I like the seaside print, not sure if I need another tie waist skirt though. :) hoping the big rollout for May will be good!
DeleteI'm interested to try the new eyelet midi sundress in black. Looks more versatile than the double strap one. Also interested to try the tie neck top in the blue cotton. The halter style is usually one that works for me as I focus on my arms at the gym!
DeleteCass, I like the blue tie neck top too - love that color! I wear my hair down always so I'm not sure it would work with that top. Interested to hear reviews of it. The eyelet dress looks very pretty!
DeleteYeah, if you have the option to tie it in the front as well as the back it will be more versatile. If I get to try it on I will review. Have some returns to make in-store soon.
DeleteI really like the yellow. It may be too fussy and hot for for my summer style (I rarely even do necklaces in the summer). But of course none of that will stop me from trying it on :-).
DeleteI just looked at the yellow and the color looks lovely. I'm hoping to get to a store after the next rollout. @Ina reviewed the top in blue today on her IG.
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