Tuesday, November 14, 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! :)

54 comments:

  1. I ordered the Perfect Shirt with Velvet Bows. I missed out on the Thomas Mason version last year and when I did find one - it was too small. This year's version is very thin and you can see through it. It runs TTS, slightly on the small side. I am on the fence about keeping it. I'll see how I feel in a few days;however, it will probably go back.

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    1. Thanks for the review. I'm kicking myself for not getting last year's. I saw this one over the weekend and didn't even bother to try it on. It looked very thin as you described.
      I am however stalking the roll neck merino sweater- which was sold out yesterday when on promotion but now popping back up in limited sizes.

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    2. Yep, saw the shirt in stores and didn't look substantial at all. Thin, wrinkle prone, I changed my mind and didn't even try it on. Instead I'm tempted to use a Thomas Mason shirt I have and buy some velvet ribbons and DIY!!

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    3. I tried it on in store and thought it was a pass as well (particularly at full price). The shirt material definitely felt thin, and the velvet bows felt cheap and stiff. Shirt was cut narrow in the shoulders.

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  2. Dear J. Crew,
    I received your Holiday Gift Guide email. In it is an ivory sweater called the Heritage 1988 Cableknit Sweater. I go there thinking, old school? Yes please. Except this sweater is filled with gaping holes where I keep my bra encased breasts, and it's made of acrylic/alpaca/wool. Note the first "ingredient" in this likely scratchy brew is acrylic. That is not how J. Crew rolled in 1988.
    Signed,
    Sad J. Crew Customer

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  3. https://www.ebay.com/itm/JCrew-Collection-Silk-Popover-in-Photo-Floral-S-Small-4-6-695-98224-Sample/322848755888?hash=item4b2b4910b0:g:-uwAAOSwUM5Z8fgV

    Saw this amazing pop over on Ebay....looks like it was a sample that never got produced. While costly, this top is beautiful and unique. Why isn't there more items like this for sale?

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    1. Hi Barbara - they actually did produce this top, as well as a pencil skirt and a pair of capri pants. This was probably 5-6 years ago... unfortunately, those days are gone. They don't mesh with the fast fashion crowd that JC is chasing now.

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    2. If they removed the neckline to make it OTS and added a huge ruffle I think it could be a big seller!
      Seriously though, I remember this print well and was fascinated by it and ended up getting a t-shirt with a similar motif as that’s the only thing that really made sense for my wardrobe at the time. Such beautiful pieces, thanks to both of you for the links!

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    3. Thanks for the info....how did I miss this? It looks so luxe!

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    4. I wanted that top or pants so bad. Couldn’t afford it at the time I was in school.

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    5. Had the capris. It was a beautiful print, classic with a modern twist. Remember that, J Crew?

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    6. I've stalked items in this print on ebay for a while now; they rarely pop up (especially rare that they are priced reasonably). I remember a JCA saying the top was prohibitively warm. I saw a lady on Michigan Ave in Chicago in the pants one time-so chic!

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  4. I stopped in last week to try on the first wave of Holiday new arrivals. As others have commiserated, not a ton to love, but I did find a few items to bring home and I'm looking forward to the next wave of releases based on what I saw in the style guide. I tried on the lady jacket in sequin tweed, velvet bow perfect shirt, easy pants in velvet and lace, drapey wrap top, long sleeve sheath dress (both versions with and without the tulle), lace top with built in cami, lace ruffle neck top, tiered ruffle top with scallop trim, vintage straight jeans in Coastline wash, marled turtleneck sweater and the velvet ruffle hem dress. Some hits, some misses, and looking forward to some plaid!

    You can see the post on my blog here

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    1. Thanks, Anne! Your reviews are so helpful!

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    2. Thanks, Anne! I also love ponte dresses so thanks for going to the trouble of trying on both styles. I wish J.Crew had done something clever like make detachable tulle cuffs, as I agree, they're a bit much for everyday, but not really enough of an embellishment to make me consider buying the dress just for that. I'd probably just wear the plain ponte with some bling bracelets to dress it up (or, in my sewing fantasy dreams, make my own detachable cuffs).

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    4. Hello Anne, thanks for your reviews. I tried the ladyjacket too. I liked it a lot, but was very thin (almost felt unlined) and all poly. Not worth the price even with 25% discount. Zara has almost similar one for $50 which I hope to try this weekend.
      I have wishlisted the lame skirt which I will purchase on decent sale. Love the green top on you.

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    5. Your reviews are always so helpful--thank you! Now why can't the easy pants just be regular pants? I really dislike elastic waists!

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    6. Carmencatalina - thank you :)

      shopgrrrl - Thank you! I totally agree about the sleeves. I ended up selling my striped tee with the tulle for this reason too - I never reached for it even though I wear stripes often.

      CR DSa - Thank you! I'll have to peek at Zara. We finally have a store opening next month and I can't wait, I don't look as much online because the sizing can be all over the place.

      Muffin - I have a love/hate with the elastic waist, I fear they're going to make me lazy. I ordered some suiting last week and forgot how nice it is have to have well tailored pieces too!

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    7. I think that the bow top looks great on you. I'll wait to see how they look with the black floral pants from factory before I give them the boot!

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  5. Hi everyone. My dream item has popped up on eBay - the chandelier sweatshirt in gray. I’ve been stalking this one for years! I’ve read as many reviews as I could find online but thought I’d ask here if they have any sizing reviews for this item. Since it’s ebay I need to be certain on size (last year I bought the bow sweatshirt and found that the tiniest bit snug so I’m worried). Thank you :)

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    1. Hi Liz - you know our girl Gigi reviewed it!

      I haven't tried this one, but keep in mind that some of these embellished items tend to have very little "give" in the fabric. I'd err on the side of asking the seller for measurements, and not counting on much stretching. Just my $0.02, other JCAs may have some real-life details. : )

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    2. Liz, how exciting! I bought mine when I was a 12 on top (38D) and I remember purchasing both a M and L and deliberating between both before ultimately keeping the medium. I wanted something a little more fitted but I was still able to layer a button down under it. I recall the large was a little more relaxed than I wanted for the look of the piece but it wouldn't have been a deal breaker. Not sure if this helps but I agree I would ask for measurements if you can get them.

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    3. Gigi also had a link to Maya Rudolph wearing this in a holiday Best Buy commercial . . . https://www.ispot.tv/ad/718O/best-buy-holiday-shopping-judy-featuring-maya-rudolph

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    4. Chandelier sweatshirt...2014! I love this. Thanks for linking to my review, silver_lining. I didn't get it as I felt it was too pretty to go around in with an at-the-time 3 yr old. lol Hope it works out, Liz.

      Signing...
      Essentially Hip...always still Gigi ;)

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  6. I snagged the Indigo Gauze Popover during a 25% off sale and it's one of the rare J.Crew items these days that's worth keeping, especially at that price. Beautiful color and a nice cotton fabric, probably more suited to early fall, spring, and summer than winter. I did have to size up as it runs a bit boxy.

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  7. Silver_lining - thanks so much :). Yes, I always go to gigi first because her reviews are awesome! I do have the measurements but it just occurred to me to compare to a previous piece that fits well and compare. Wish I had done that with the bow sweatshirt. It really fits ok just not enough room to layer which is how I wanted to wear it.

    Anne - thanks so much for your input, it helps a ton! Seeing how you styled it on IG makes me love it even more. I’m so excited!

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  8. OT, but does anyone know if there will be a NYC sample sale after Thanksgiving?

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    1. I saw this on FB

      https://www.facebook.com/events/404940943254730/?ti=cl

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    2. Awesome - thanks! Will be sure to go and report back!

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  9. It looks like most of the holiday style guide is on @jcrewmycrew IG. It’s nice to see lots of tartan. The tartan blazer pic and price is shown too. :)

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    1. For those of you who have copies of the style guide - do you know if this clutch is in it? https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2017-ready-to-wear/j-crew/slideshow/collection#16

      thank you

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    2. I don't think it is in the holiday one. It may be in the November one.

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    3. Some of the fabulous shoes modeled on nyfw...sad to say might have not made it through production. You can try leather goods designer Claire Vivier. I think she makes something similar you are looking for in leopard.

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    4. Thank you JSR. A CS rep on IG said it was going to be released. Fingers crossed she is correct and it will be produced.

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  10. Well, I'm really enjoying Madewell right now. Free shipping for Icon status, and also, a lot of really cute stuff. I just got the flannel oversized ex-boyfriend shirt in windowpane and it's GREAT! So soft and comfy and stylish. Also am eyeing one of their coats. I don't think they had cute coats last year or am I nuts? I did buy a couple items from J.Crew last week but of course, their $5 delivery takes forever, so who knows when it will arrive??

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    1. I spent all my clothing money on Madewell this month but I really like everything I bought. Madewell is doing such a nice job in designing some great classic pieces!

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    2. I'm glad you are finding things to love there, but can we talk about the styling of the new arrivals? I feel like the vibe is "we got really high and pretended to do a Victoria's Secret catalog in the country". I'm taking off my chunky turtleneck to show you my velvet bralette in a field! I'm eating an apple with my abdomen showing! I'm wearing a heavy parka with a fur hood over my eyes but I'm still sexy because I'm wearing no pants! It's TERRIBLE.

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    3. @Wendy, I would love to hear what you think about the Madewell items. I've got too many items on my wish list.

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    4. @maryeb--I feel that Madewell items are nice quality. I bought the Camden sweater coat and it's lovely. The Elinor loafers in cognac came yesterday and it's a quality shoe. Soles are substantial. I also have their Frankie boot from last year and that's a closet staple. I have one more order coming today; the Making Faces sweater. Overall, Madewell items are nice quality and much better than their sister store. I feel that they make quality, timeless items. HTH!

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    5. Very helpful. Thanks @Wendy. The Camden Sweater Coat and Elinor loafers have been at the top of my list. Both sold out in my size. I'm hoping the loafers will show up again in brown or cognac and the Glenhill Sweater Coat is tempting.
      The new arrivals have quite a lot to love. Slope Cable Knit pullover is a lovely color. I've really been in the mood for a cozy pink sweater. Debating about JCrew's Marled Wool Turtleneck, but then also saw what looks like a new pink turtleneck on jcrewmycrew's instagram. Gah! so many choices.

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    6. @maryeb--I called around stores and found the Elinor loafers even when they were sold out online. The SA said there's 2 different inventories, so best to call. Yes, there's lots to love with the new arrivals at Madewell. So tempting but I need to stop until next month!!!

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  11. I know— I tell myself I really don’t need another Madewell (fill in the blank) for this season but they always churn out at least something during the season that catches my eye!

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  12. Did anyone else receive a $50 off card in the mail? I’m a cardholder but it didn’t mention anything about being a special perk. My spending this year has fallen off a cliff...so maybe that has something to do with it? Hoping I can find something in the next rollout!

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    1. Got one in the mail yesterday. I agree it must have something to do with spending. I'm a cardholder but there has been so little that has appealed to me this year I've hardly bought a thing. I would like to use the $50 off but am hard pressed to think of what I'd buy.

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  13. Has anyone tried the glitter Mary Janes? There are no reviews and my store didn't have them to try. TIA!

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  14. My order for the Donegal wool mockneck cardigan sweater item F8238 arrived today. I think someone at the website made an error as the tag reads holiday 2017 and I scored it on sale for $89 CDN down from the retail price of $259 CDN.

    It is a beauty; cut in a Scottish donegal heavy weight wool from Knolls Yarns. I did size down after reading reviews and I'm happy I did. The small fits like a slim medium and is perfect. Great colour in what they call fatigue donegal but the rest of us would call an olive color.

    She's a beauty, grab one on sale if you can.

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    1. Wow, looks like a real steal for $89!

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    2. Thanks for the review. Sounds like a wonderful sweater and what a great deal.

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  15. I like the Mercantile Midrise skinny jean in velvet (item B4104) on the retail web site. They're a good price too. I bought my toothpick size.

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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! :)