Referencing {FAQ}

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

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! :)

71 comments:

  1. Purchased a mixed stone cuffed tassel bracelet C 7551 from 2015. I have no idea what it will be like but it was cheap and I am pining so much for Old Jcrew items I couldn’t resist for sentimental reasons.:)

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  2. I bought the snakeskin captors on pop back today. The only though in my mind was HURRY. I do have the miles but have wanted these since they first came out, and instead bought the practical and more needed black. They’re great for my work wardrobe, even more so in this cold NJ weather we’ve been experiencing.

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    1. Oh yay. I saw the snakeskin ones at short hills yesterday in 7.5. So which did you get, I'm confused if you got the snakeskin or black? I like them so much I'd grab the red too if I caught them.

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    2. You know, I bet the 7.5 was the display because that was what I tried on that just fit in store.

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    3. Oh my, that was full of typos, my apologies JCAs!
      I bought the captoes and have the mules.
      Today I picked up the snakeskin! I tried them both on in a 7 the day they came in, which is so rare for me - to try on anything, let alone the day it is released, but the quality was apparent and I knew they'd be popular. I picked up my regular size 7 today, and yes, I'd get the red too if available.

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    4. Ok, now I understand. Very cool! Let's hope for the red!

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    5. Fingers crossed!
      What do you think about the matching snake belt? I think I'd use it for work to break up my all black and turn it into something more outfit, but the one bad review gives me pause.

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    6. I have the snake pattern belt in pink in a wider width, and for the price I paid (like $7) it is good. I've worn it a few times with no issues. I wouldn't have done full price. I looked at the b/w belt in Chester but passed on it (and on the black patent as well) because they are too skinny for me at 1/4" I would not wear than width with pants, only as a belt on a dress.

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    7. Thank you p! You are right, I never reach for that width. Removing sale goggles.

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    8. I got one recently, I thought it said 1/2 inch. For the price, about $10, I have a few snakeskin shoes to wear with it.

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    9. Maybe, but it is very skinny for me. I prefer at least an inch.

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    10. i agree, but for the price I couldn't resist. I know I'll wear it enough.

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    11. I prefer at least an inch as well, but I literally just remembered I have those double strap snake sandals with the gold heel from summer. That's three pairs of this snake. I guess it's a no-brainer now. Hope they still have my size!

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    12. Oh yes, I have those two from the first year they came out, plus the slingbacks with the black toe, and now the boots.

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  3. There's a newish "flash" sale with different items reduced in price every few days at the top of the sale section called "instant sale deals." Today it's the pom pom cable knit sweater. This seems to be pretty popular. It's cute and comes in lots of colors.

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    1. I was eyeballing it! The fabric content scares me. I have the ivory sweater with the town hem and the ivory with the red and blue fair isle at the collar, both from last season and I LOVE them. I'd like to get the red...

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    2. I have the same fair islefrom last year and I might have worn it a handful,of times and it doesn't look great. It's stretched out and pilled in a few areas, so I'm reluctant!
      I'm not sure what "town" hem is, I'm sure it's an autocorrect error. 😂
      I'd consider the ivory to replace last year's. I might wear it to yoga today then wash it and see how it goes.

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    3. So,tempting but I'm not going to take a chance. 70 percent nylon and 30 lambswool.

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    4. TORN! Man. I will be on typo alert for the rest of the day!

      I have successfully used the gleener on that one. You're right. I'm holding strong.

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    5. I looked at those in Chester, but they did not have my size in a color I liked. I'm not crazy about the pop-pom rivets running down the front, or the nylon. Maybe I'm not preppy enough for this one.

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    6. I tried the pom pom sweater when it was released (I don't think photos made it to the blog). I was between a small and a medium - I liked the slightly relaxed fit of the medium better. I really considered it this morning! I did grab a popback of the mesh polka dot Dulci heels though.

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    7. Those heels are so cute. I didn't see them this morning.

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  4. I am not sure if I missed this conversation at some point but has anyone tried the Factory Zoe flats? I've read the reviews but I had to ask the JCA experts... Of course they were not a part of the store's 60% off promo but they were cute and my size was in store, so here I am!

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    1. I had the grey Zoe’s and loved them, until my pregnant colleague wore them and never gave them back....lol... I been searching for the grey forever. They fit me better then the retail version. Grey was very beautiful color, if I would see the grey I would re-buy.

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  5. Has anyone tried men's button downs for yourself in either the classic or the slim, and if so what are your thoughts? I like a boyfriend look so I'm fine getting an XS, but I'm not sure which fit would be best.

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    1. Don't know about on women, but my hubs wears the slim fit. They are tapered through the torso and fuller in the shoulders and chest. So sounds to me like that would work better on a female shape, since our waistlines are small. The cuffs on the mens button downs are always weirdly large, I always have to move buttons.
      I just got the Mr. a pink button down today (7.50) in a subtle ditsy print. It reads pink, not floral. Just want to point out that I have trained my man to wear actual colors. He looks best in any shade of red or pink. Also saturated blues.

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    2. I'm usually a size 00 in the women's boy shirts and 0 in the perfect/slim shirts, and I've tried on the men's XS in the slim untucked fit. I found it fit for the most part, with the shoulders being a little wide and the sleeves a bit big, but not a dealbreaker; where I had the most trouble was in the hips -- it was tight to the point where leaving the last button undone and tucking the shirt in would be the most comfortable/visually appealing, and I don't have wide hips or curves.

      The other option that worked for me, albeit still being a bit wide in the shoulders, was getting crewcuts shirts in 14 (might be better to size down to a 12 in some cases, the shoulders were wide) if I liked a men's shirt print, but it was also available in crewcuts.

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    3. Thank you both. A few women I worked with did buy from both the men's and crewcuts departments on the regular. It sounds as though I should schedule a reconnaissance mission before pulling the trigger.
      That is funny p, red and pink are the man's worst colors and the only two I actively avoid. Glad you were able to scoop up a bargain!

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    4. I tried and did like the material l, had trouble with the hips when I bought the slim men’s XS and I am size 0-2 in women’s. Have not retried since I I figured I have big hips... lol

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  6. I noticed in my sale perusing that the navy/pink/green cashmere fair isle sweater was marked down to $64.99 (white is still $155). Reviews said it ran large so I hesitated ordering - there was a medium available but it's gone now. Not sure if anyone's purchased this in the last week and wants to try for a price adjustment...(I know they've been tricky lately with in stock/out of stock) but that's a great deal.

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    1. I purchased the white color in store for about $42 after % off, birthday coupon and rewards. I definitely could have sized down but went with my normal size as it was the only size available. That being said it is still super soft and comfy just a bit oversized but still wearable. I already wore it three times and no pilling. It is one of the few purchases I made this year as far as winter clothing items. I will definitely be stalking the navy color. Thanks Anne!

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    2. JessF, not sure what size you are but there's a navy in medium back in stock online. Price is $66.99 - I was a few dollars off.

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  7. Email from J. Crew today says there are new arrivals but there are not. I found it misleading.

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    1. There are I think..ugly ones though!

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    2. Under new arrivals I still see the same point sur stuff that came out a couple weeks ago. Maybe there are a few small new items that I'm not noticing? Big rollout is next week I hear.

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    3. I hate when they do that. There were a few new things but mainly they grouped old stuff in the New Arrivals section. If it's really new, separate it from the old stuff so we don't waste our time.

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    4. I stand corrected. There are a couple, but they are very hard to find. You need to go to the product category then sort by newest.

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  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  9. Just got my Reeds sweater, the black and ivory geometric with the red trim. It's really nice! I ordered XS and S. I almost wish I got a medium. Both fit, the XS is too fitted across the chest and I was afraid I'd tear the shoulders as I took it off (I didn't, thank goodness). The small is fine. It's a little short but will work with my higher waisted bottoms. I love the deep red on the trim. Very festive without being too "holiday."

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    1. YAY! I have been debating this one since it debuted but wasn't able to see it in person. Of course, I trust you implicitly. :)

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    2. I like mine too, I have the small and it fits closely but not tight.

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    3. It's nice and different, but not over the top, I'm going to see if my 16'year old wants the XS. otherwise I'll return that size. If you're interested Cher.

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    4. Two yay votes, impressive.
      Thanks Suz, I think I'd need a small though :)

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  10. OT - has anyone had luck stacking their birthday coupon? I tried online last week with no success - wondering if people have done it in store or after the fact with CS? thanks in advance :)

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    1. I’ve had the stores & CS apply it for me.

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    2. In store they can stack, but online the codes don't work together, which is frustrating. I almost forfeited mine since I couldn't find anything in the store, but I called CS and they applied it to an online order. I'd call CS.

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    3. thanks, ladies! I am hoping to swing by the store this weekend and my store staff is great so if I can find something I'll go that route or if not, I'll call CS. :)

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  11. Does anyone have the over the knee suede boots? I bought both colors and can't decide if I will get my wear out of them. Are they in style? Any great styling ideas?

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    1. I bought them in black. Nothing fancy planned for them- I love the simplicity of a black and white look (though I wear color, too). With these, an A-line skirt or fit-and-flare dress. Not sure if it's in, but I'm attracted to that silhouette. Over skinny jeans or leggings will be a more practical way to wear them in an everyday way. What did you think of the quality, Katherine? I think they feel pretty luxurious. I would want to make sure I'd get enough wear to justify keeping something like this, too.

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    2. Thanks, Sarah! I very much agree these feel like quality. I got both pairs on popback, so tempted to keep them, but not sure if they are practical. Of the two, I see myself wearing the black the most.

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    3. I don't have the J.Crew OTK boots but I have a pair of Tory Burch suede OTK boots and I wear them often. They're not work boots for me but they are my go to on the weekend with jeans and a sweater or blouse - they add an extra layer in the cold temps! I love them with skinny jeans, a chunky sweater/turtleneck and my camel or black cocoon coat. I rarely wear them with skirts but that's just me.

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  12. I received a number of the crazy men's sale items, plus my 60% off orders:

    1. Corduroy Jacket K1147 This matches the wide leg wide wale cord pants. I ordered the pants in the caramel color and liked them so well I ordered the jacket. I think it is a keeper, but will let my husband decide. The fit is great - I am a 4 or 6 and have the 6 here. The sleeves could be longer, but I often have that problem. The construction is good, and I like the fabric a lot. At $48 I think it is a keeper.

    Velvet Mock Neck in Wine J7852 I hate the color, thought it would be a burgundy red, but it is closer to a brown shade. Only $8, but return. I have a black one on the way. The size S fits me well. I am a 4 or 6 in tops.

    Popback of pull-on short with floral embroidery G5115. I ordered XS (I am a 2 or 4 in pants). I almost wish they were S, but they actually fit well. These are fully lined and are cute. A little short for me, but I will wear them around the house at least. For the $6 I paid a keeper.


    Mens Slim American Pima cotton oxford shirt with mechanical stretch in stable plaid K1984 This is mislabeled as ivory/black but a nice saturated blue and black. Very heavy weight oxford cloth, good as a winter shirt and a little nicer looking than flannel. Keeper. Fit is TTS for Slim (which is never terribly slim) fit, cuff buttons need moving as always.

    Slim brushed midweight flannel shirt in buffalo plaid
    item: K4008 Crazy nice for the sale price of $4.80. This is a great flannel shirt. Nicer than the Banana one it is replacing.

    Ludlow Slim-fit unstructured suit pant in English wool-cotton twill J4155 in Dark Acorn. These are a nice heavy trouser in a fairly bright brown - just a little darker than my caramel cord blazer. Have to like them as they are final sale. But this style always fits the Mr. and they were crazy price of $16. Nice change up with the color from his usual.

    We also have to like the ($6.40 final sale) 484 Slim-fit pant in corduroy G7128 PACIFIC NAVY. The color is described well, it is dark navy with a hint of green in the blue. This style also fits the hubs, so I am not concerned.

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    1. The Mr. loved the jacket! So now I have a cord suit...the jacket also works great with my black denim flares. All I have to do is let down the hem on the pants a bit, fortunately there is plenty to work with. I bought a tall, since I wanted them to be full length.
      I totally recommend both these pieces.

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    2. Those are great scores! I have similar shorts, the lavender floral ones, and I was pleasantly surprised with them. I'd love to see a picture of the corduroy suit when the pants are back from the tailor.

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    3. Tailor? I am the tailor! Hemming pants is easy, I do it by hand.

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  13. still here every once in awhile...reading everyones comments. have no desire to order. last order black Friday /cyber Monday. as I have said before I was so tired of returning. i will check out new arrivals next week online..but i know i do not need anything. so I will check it out "just for fun
    or maybe old times sake. I am not holding my breathe like i used to for new arrivals....nothing has been great for a long time.
    It pains me to see how much I have ordered over the years. just wasteful...and least for me.

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    1. Well, I would have to agree that new arrivals don't​ provide the same old thrill- and there is no gorgeous on-location catalog to lust over. The irony for me is that J.Crew had a large role in teaching me about fabrics and fashion and trained me to expect more- higher quality and better style. And now that I've been trained to look for Irish linen and Italian shoes and Japanese denim and English Tweed... they want me to buy a nylon sweater and a polyester dress.

      @Unknown, I sympathize with you on feeling the ordering and returning is wasteful. I really dislike returning things. On the other side of it, J.Crew has made me pickier about so many things, and combined with a lifestyle change over to less is more, I think I've done better overall shopping at J.Crew. The time and resources spent returning things, though- I do get you.

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    2. I'm glad I have a closet full of J Crew staples bought through the years - wool pants, cotton chinos, cashmere sweaters and Italian wool coats. It's so sad to see this brand literally destroyed. The few pieces I kept this season were mere shadows of the old J Crew self. I don't see this brand coming back. Not sure where I'll shop when I finally need new basics.

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    3. Sarah and Sega61, agree J Crew is unfortunately not “coming back” and the industry press is really pessimistic about its future. The majority of the JCAs who have the wardrobes and had the experience you describe are are gone, too. I find Boden to be a good replacement for high-quality basics with nice fabrics and tailoring.

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    4. I agree with all of the above. Not much has been inspiring or desirable in the past year. JC just does't fit my style and quality needs anymore. If it hadn't been for some great menswear deals (and the fact that my son and husband need clothes - not me) I would not have been excited by the sales. It is funny that I keep checking the sale page in the morning, but then remember there isn't anything I really like in womens.

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  14. Crewcuts I've received recently have been excellent quality and amazing value. Thankful for that since they get grown out of ;)

    Received the poppy flats in jungle cat and plaid. They look well made, not cheap at all. Comfy on, but how durable they'll be I can't say.

    Also received the stalked strappy heels with raffia bow. Previously sized way down based on reviews, which wasn't accurate in my case. Oh gosh, I'm so grateful to have these. I would get a back-up pair. I do have a new 6.5 if anyone is interested. TTS I think.

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  15. Got a pair of the Dulci kitten heels in black polka dot mesh early this morning, have been stalking these for a while. $60, no final sale! We'll see what the mesh is like but I wear my tan Dulcis all the time so I think I'll get good wear out of these. A few other pieces on my wishlist, but still too much, even with 50% off.

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    1. I was able to do chat and get adjusted to store sale of 60 off.

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    2. Oooh, I will try that today, thank you for letting me know!

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  16. I picked up the AB shirtdress that I previously ordered and received a sweater instead; another pair of NB leggings; Reeds X J.Crew featherweight mockneck sweater popback; and the lemon skirt popback. The skirt sold out of my size as I was checking out and I have a feeling it will be too big, since I had to order 2 sizes up. As I recall from trying on when it first came out, it ran pretty small?

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  17. It’s the worst I have one order coming and 3 pending.... mostly cashmere sweaters, velour pants for me and my 16yrs old, cashmere scarf and hat, some T-shirt’s. Also got a liberty coat on a pop back for 45 witn 60 off and 25 coupon sent over The Weekend. Can t wait to get them and take a look.

    Also tried the every day cashmere crew neck sweater, it’s not soft, worse then the merino, perhaps it’s the color...(pink)
    I got it on sale for $30, since it was price matched for a wrong sweater I received.... but I will return as I have so many options now!!!
    The waffle cashmere is very soft, runs big, I reordered xxs this morning. Waiting on 2 grey sweater Relaxed mockneck sweater in cashmere
    53.38Item K4563 and Mockneck pullover sweater in cashmereitem: K456, they were very reasonable pricing....it wa only $57
    Will update you as I get them....

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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! :)