J.Crew's Martie Pant {love or leave them?}

"Thanks!" to many of you who let us know about J.Crew's latest email.

The email sent this morning features the newest style pant from J.Crew: the Martie Pant (item B8521; $89.50). Like the Minnie, the Martie Pant comes in several different shades. J.Crew describes it as:

If you liked the Minnie you're going to love the Martie. Higher waist + cropped length = legs for miles. Even better? It goes with just about everything.

We discussed J.Crew's Pixie and Minnie Pants awhile back (refer to the "J.Crew Showdown: Pixie Versus Minnie" post). I am a big fan (alright, fanatic!) of the Pixie. Less of a fan for the Minnie (since I never thought it fit me well). However, I am intrigued by these pants. Especially since they come in so many colors (seven!) besides black and navy.

What are your thoughts on the Martie Pant by J.Crew? Have you tried them on? Already purchased a pair? If so, please share! :)

Quick Poll:  Which pant style is your favorite?

J.Crew Spotted in InStyle Magazine

A big "thanks!" to DrDrama (check out her {lovely} drbabymamadrama blog), who not only let us know about several J.Crew items being spotted in the May 2010 issue of InStyle Magazine, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the images to see them larger.)

The article on the left features a pair of chinos. Not sure which exact pair they are, but they are similar to the Broken-in Boyfriend Chino (Item 12953; was $69.50 select colors $59.50) in Light Khaki. The article mentions putting together a look with a tailored jacket & pants that are cropped. They suggest rolling the legs about 3 inches above the ankle. When the rolling-up-pants look made its comeback a few months ago, I scoffed at it. All these horrible visions of pegging my acid-wash jeans in the 80's came rushing back. However, the look has grown on me. I now think it is quite cute to wear!

The article on the right features the Suckered Gingham Shirt (Item 26238; $69.50) in Golden Mustard & Abyss Blue. I love the classic look of these shirts! Apparently the gingham style is making a comeback too because I have been seeing versions of this shirt everywhere this Spring. For example, Land's End Canvas has the Women's Gingham Poplin Shirt (Item #39093-6X42; $44.50) and the Gap has the Gingham Western Shirt (Item 735443; $54.50).

What are your thoughts on the rolled-leg look for chinos? What are your thoughts on the items featured in the magazine? Have you tried on or purchase any of the items listed here? If so, please share! :)

Product Review: Ripstop Cargo Pant

Ripstop Cargo Pant
Click here for product page
Item 19952
Regular: $79.50
Now: $39.99

J.Crew describes these back-to-basics pants as the following:

One of our designers' favorite pants of the season, a new supersoft cargo in authentic cotton ripstop fabric that's been garment-dyed and washed for over 300 minutes to get the most broken-in shades (we love how the color changes in the puckered seams). The ultra-flattering fit is amped up with boyish details—we're pairing ours with a feminine blouse and heels for a fabulous look. Drawstring waist with zip fly. Slant pockets, back patch pockets with flaps, patch cargo pockets with flaps.

Did you catch all of J.Crew's favorite catch phrases in the description like the "designer's favorite ... of the season", "boyish details", and "pairing with feminine ... and heels". LOL! But I digress...

A big "thanks!" to Belle de Jour who shared the following review:

I purchased these in the safari colour featured on Molly in the March Catalogue. I ordered my usual size 6. I am looking for something to replace my chinos which seem dated (chinos are what J Crew was built on, lol) and don't fit very well.

The pants appear to be slightly baggy on Molly. Well, I must say I could pull them on without even undoing the top button. The fabric is lighter than my old chinos but I can't compare it to any of the new fabrics. It certainly is a great weight for cooler summer evenings, though not as breathable as linen.

The pockets on the thighs add volume and don't compact. You may want to keep this in mind if you are concerned about your thighs.

When I called to make an exchange, I asked for detailed measurements. The size 4 didn't take enough off to make up for how big they are. In the end, I went with a size 2! Yes, 2 whole sizes smaller. I was anxious that I'd made the wrong choice, but no problem. They are a better fit in the leg, and won't fall down. In fact, they fit perfectly. My only hesitation is they are too casual (mind you they can't compare to the un-sweatpant). My comment is a reflection of the number pockets and the drawstring.

I am interested in the Delancey's (Item 22735; $85.00, now $49.99), but I'm not a camo girl. I like the clean legs. Overall, I'd say the Ripstop's are going back, and I'll replace my chinos with Minnie's.

"Thanks!" again to Belle de Jour for her great review of these pants!

What are your thoughts on the Ripstop Cargo Pant? Have you seen or own these pants? If so, what is your review of the fabric & cut? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

20% Off Women's Pants {& free shipping too!}

"Thanks!" to Desert Flower (in this post) & GigiOfCa (in this post) who let us know the following promotion.

J.Crew is offering 20% off *and* free shipping on select full-priced Women's pants (click here to shop online). The fine print of the offer includes:

*Prices as marked. Offer valid on jcrew.com only. Offer does not apply to previous purchases. Free shipping offer is valid through April 4, 2010, 11:59pm EST on Internet orders shipped via regular shipping (4 to 7 business days). Free shipping applies only to women's pants online orders. Free ground shipping on women's pants is applied automatically at checkout. Offer not valid on phone orders.

I am loving that this offer is automatically applied (no need to input a code) and that they are throwing free shipping with this offer. Way to go J.Crew! :)

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, what items are you planning to get. Please share! :)

Madewell Email: This just in...

"Thanks!" to Marietta who shared the latest email Madewell (click here) sent yesterday.

The email features the City Slouch Trouser Jeans ($110.00) which are described as the following: "they're our latest stroke of denim genius: tailored pleats meet a modern, boyishly slouchy silhouette".

Is it just me or do these pants look weird around the crotch? Instead of these pants, Madewell should have featured the Mayfair Dress ($98) which is too cute for words!

What are your thoughts on the City Slouch Trouser Jeans? Do you like or dislike the style? Are you a fan of the pleats and/or length? :)

J.Crew Email: Marvelous Minnie

"Thanks!" to Marietta, who shared the latest email J.Crew sent today.

The email features the Stretch Twill Minnie Pant (Item 18850; $89.50) which is described as:

If you buy one pant this season, make it Minnie. She's chic and slim-fitting (thanks to a flattering two-way stretch fabric) with a vintage-inspired cropped leg that we love.

Want to know something shocking... J.Crew jacked up the price by $10! Yup, these same exact pants use to cost $79.50 just a few months ago (refer to the September 15th "J.Crew Email: Must-have minnie pant + FREE SHIPPING" post).

Unfortunately, this is not the first time that J.Crew has increased the price of an item in a period of a couple of months. They did the same thing with the Schoolboy Blazer. Sneaky, very very sneaky.

What are your thoughts on the Stretch Twill Minnie Pant? Do you like or dislike the style of the cropped leg pants? Thoughts on the price increase? :)

J.Crew Email: The chino, reinvented

"Thanks!" to Marietta, who shared the latest email J.Crew sent today.

The email features the Destroyed Scout Chino (Item 19955; $75.00) which is described as:

To achieve the timeworn charm of those pants you simply can't part with, we garment-dyed and destroyed these chinos for 400 minutes, then carefully repatched and washed them to look like you've worn them for years (and lovingly doctored yourself).

It looks like the khaki version shown in the image above has sold out, because the only shades left are "pale surplus" (aka: grey) & "soft sandalwood" (aka: peach). As for the "repatched"-patches... not a fan of the style. They make the pants look cheap and at $75 they are anything but! Honestly, the pants would look cuter without them.

Lastly, do you think J.Crew will be offering another promotion soon (like tomorrow)? It feels like it's about the time they would offer one. ;)

What are your thoughts on the Destroyed Scout Chino? Do you like or dislike the style of the repatched chinos? :)

J.Crew Email: Here's the skinny...

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who shared the following email with us.

The email promotes J.Crew denim (click here to shop online) with a feature on the Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in Twilight Wash (Item 16719; $125.00). The email states:

You can do skinny. (Trust us) Our super skinny toothpick jean in a chic new ankle length.

Oh, how I want to trust you J.Crew. {sigh} Unfortunately, the skinny jeans look just does not work for my pear shape frame.

The outfit above also includes Silk Ruffle Cascade Jacket (Item 20942; $188.00). I have seen this jacket in my local brick & mortar (B&M) stores and don't know if I like it or not. I can't decide if I like the ruffles or its ruffle overload.

What are your thoughts on the Ankle Toothpick Jeans? Do you like the skinny jean look? Thoughts on the Ruffle Cascade Jacket? Are the ruffles a lovely or over-the-top feature?

J.Crew Email: $10 off women's corduroys. In stores and online.

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Suzy (in this post), as well as HeidiG & Marietta, who shared the following latest email from J.Crew.

J.Crew is offering $10 off all Women's corduroy pants. This offer is available for a limited time both online (click here) and in brick & mortar (B&M) stores.

Will you be taking advantage of this offer? If so, which pants are you planning to get. :)

Off-topic: Many JCAs are starting to get the hard copy of J.Crew's latest catalog by mail. Double check inside to see if you received a special one-time coupon. :)

J.Crew Email: Must-have minnie pant + FREE SHIPPING

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who shared the following email J.Crew sent today.

They are featuring the Stretch Twill Minnie Pant (Item 18850; $79.50). The email states: "It's our much-loved little black pant. Meet Minnie. With a chic, ankle-length crop and superslim fit, she's one of our absolute favorites at just $75.50." To shop J.Crew's pants for Women, click here.

They are also reminding us about free shipping on orders of $100+ with promo code FALL, and $150+ with promo code AUTUMN. Both offers expire tomorrow, 9/16/09.

I won't lie, I was hoping to see the website updated today with new arrivals (especially since there's a code for free shipping with a $100 minimum). Maybe tomorrow. :)

What are your thoughts on the Minnie Pant? Do you like the style & fit? Have you seen them or tried them on? If so, please share! :) Also, do you think you will take advantage of the free shipping offer?

Madewell Email: Our latest Ex

A big "thanks!" to Marietta & HeidiG, who shared the following email/ promotion from Madewell (click here).

The email features their Ex-Boyfriend Shorts. The shorts are described as "just like the pair of his that you coveted- but without the heartache" and retails for $95.

Moreover, they are offering 15% off purchases for students at their stores. To redeem the promotion, just show your student ID.

What are your thoughts on the Ex-Boyfriend Jeans? Do you like or dislike the style? Would you pay $95 for them?

J.Crew Email:This just in: the jean of the season

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who let us know about J.Crew's most recent email. They are featuring their Vintage Slim Jeans (Item 16426; $98.00).

Although I love the look in the image, I do not think this style is universally appealing. Also, I have a hard time paying more than $20 for jeans with holes (or as they nicely put it, a "distressed look and had-it-forever feel") already in them. ;)

What are your thoughts on the Vintage Slim Jean? Are you a fan or not of the design & style? How would you rock this look? Have you tried these particular pair on? If so, please share with us your review! :)

J.Crew Email: New cargo has arrived.

A big "thanks!" to Danielle who shared with us J.Crew's latest email.

J.Crew is letting us know about one of their new arrivals, the Ripstop Utility Pant (Item 14784; $69.50). Although Liya (the model in the image above) wears those cargo pants beautifully, I know I could never pull them off. Also, I am not sure if I like the whole "rolled-up" pant leg look. I remember sporting the look back in the late 80's and early 90's, and it did me no favors. ;)

Lastly, I didn't get this email. (So I really appreciate Danielle sharing it with us.) Oh J.Crew, why won't you send me emails anymore? ;)

What are your thoughts on the Ripstop Utility Pants? Have you tried them on? If so, please share with us your review. Also, what are your thoughts on the "rolling up the pant leg" look? Are you a fan of this style, or do you think it is a fashion faux pas?

Quick Poll: Do you like the "rolled up pant leg" look?

J.Crew Email: Up to 30% off select pants (find the perfect pair)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including tld51371 & 30% off pants (in this post), as well as Rhea and Marietta, who let us know about J.Crew's most recent promotion.

Right now, J.Crew is offering up to 30% off select pants for men (click here), women (click here), and kids (click here for boys & here for girls). It is unclear how long the offer will last.

I believe the image above showcases the Café Capri (Item 10492; was $79.50, select colors $39.99) in Seaside Green. I love capris, and the pair on the model looks amazing on her. Unfortunately I do not think this particular pair would work for me and my pear figure. :(

Will you be taking advantage of this offer? Have you already purchased pants using the additional savings? If so, please share! :) What are your thoughts on the Capris in the image (do you like or dislike; does it work for your figure)?

Product Review: Madewell's Rail Straight Jeans

Rail Straight Garment-Dyed Jeans
in White Wash
Click here to view denim
Regular: $115

"Thank you!" to Posey (check out her great blog here) who shared with us her review of these jeans plus several real-life images (how fantastic does she look in them!?!)

After reading your posting on the Madewell "Rail Straight" white jeans, I went to my Madewell store to check out some of their spring goodies. (My measurements for reference: 5'8'' tall, 24 in. waist and 31 in. hips.)

I tried on the white version of the "Rail Straight" jeans in a size 25 waist, which is my usual J.Crew jean size. They were too big in the hips and butt area. I was surprised to find that their smallest size was 24, but they were still too big in the hip area but snug in the butt area.

In both sizes the thigh area was kinda tight, but the denim was structured enough not to reveal any of my nooks and crannies. They were really low-rise. When I sat down in them, I had a sudden "crack-attack."

I talked with one of their associates and she said the best thing to do would be to size down because after a few minutes of wear they stretch out a lot.

They were OK jeans with a teenie-bopper feel, but I'm sure there are some skinny white jeans that are better suited for grown-ups. Hope this was helpful!

"Thanks!" again to Posey for her fabulous review! (Incidentally, I am loving her ballet flats in the images! Are they the J.Crew Salina flats?)

What are your thoughts on the Madewell Rail Straight Jeans (do you like/dislike the fit)? Are you considering or already have purchased this jean? Have you seen this jean in person? What are your thoughts on Madewell denim in general? :)

Product Review: High Heel Flares

High-Heel Flare Jean In Faded Blue Wash
Click here for product page
Item 97032
Regular: $108.00
Now: $29.99

"Thanks!" to Hillary (in this post) who shared with us her great review of this jean!

Hello all. Just wanted to give a quick product review on the high heel flare jean. I don't know why the website hasn't completely sold out. You should all be logging on and ordering multiple pairs right now- especially now with the faded blue wash marked down to 29.99 with the additional 20% off. I ordered my first pair just before the holidays and love them so much I ordered another yesterday for back up.

I found them to be true to size although a little snug at first. Do not be alarmed; they stretch nicely after your initial wearing. I normally am a 32 in JCrew jeans and cords and was as well in these. JCrew is the only place I feel confident ordering things from without ever having tried on that particular item- the final sale never really worries me!

The jeans are soft, the blue is vivid and unique, the pocket placement is divine and the waistline high and slimming. These literally are the jeans of my dreams and I think are vital to every woman's closet. I personally am over seeing every single person in the free world wearing skinnies skinnies skinnies. Viva la high heel flare!

"Thanks!" again to Hillary (in this post) for her review! :)

High-Heel Flare Jean In Indigo Wash
Click here for product page
Item 96949
Regular: $120.00
Now: $59.99

I tried on the jeans in the Faded Blue Wash in the store a couple of times, because I really wanted them to work out. Especially since they (1) look great on the hanger and (2) are priced at just $19.99 (which is before the additional 30% off). However, I found the length of the jeans way too long (and it looked weird when I tried to see what it would look like hemmed).

Although the Faded Blue Wash didn't work out for me, the High-Heel Flare Jean in Indigo Wash looked great on. (Weird, I know! It's the same jean, with the same length, just different shade. Yet one pair worked for me, while the other did not.) I found the Indigo Wash pair true to size. The jeans are not stiff, but not as soft as the faded blue wash.

While I found the Faded Blue Wash version looking very "flared" on me, the Ultra-Dark Indigo pair did not come across as "flared" but more like a trouser leg. (This might be because of the shade itself). Moreover, I found these jeans a bit more versatile, in that it can be dressed up or down because of the indigo wash shade itself. As a result of the shade and trouser-ish leg, the pair of jeans had a wonderful slimming effect (as I did appear longer and leaner). Overall, I highly recommend these jeans. :)

What are your thoughts on the high heel flares (do you like/dislike the style, design, fabric, shade/wash, length)? Are you considering or already have purchased either pair of jeans? Have you seen these jeans in person? If so, please share with us your reviews too! :)

Product Review: Matchstick Jeans {thoughts?}

Linda suggested a fabulous post topic on J.Crew's matchstick jeans. So many of us (including me) have entertained the thought of buying a pair, but unsure about the colors, fit or sizing (e.g. is sizing the same as with other J.Crew denim styles?)

Linda also raised some great questions (along with her experiences that I thought was super insightful to share):

For sizing, Linda found the following: I bought three pairs about a year and a half ago in Deep Indigo Wash (which looks like a very dark rinse) and I've kept them meticulously. This fall I decided to buy some new pairs, but I've been somewhat disappointed. I usually wear a 29 but the overall cut was too loose, almost like relaxed bootcut. I tried to size down to a 28 but they were too small. Did J. Crew change their sizing slightly? My older Matchsticks are literally perfect matchsticks, slim and straight in the hips, thighs, and legs.

When it comes to color, Linda raised some interesting points: The new "Deep Indigo Wash" is closer to an authentic rinse than a dark rinse. The "Ultra Dark" looks dark on the model but grayish blue in the pictures. Are there any other Aficionadas who have experienced the same issues this year with the denim collection? Do J. Crew jeans tend to vary by each pair? (Some are cut exactly right while others may be too snug or loose or long or short) In the past I've had issues where some of my 33" inseams were 35" or 32", but this is the first time I've complained about the overall fit. Is the "Ultra Dark" really dark in person?

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's matchstick jeans? How would you describe the fit and colors? Do you have a particular pair (e.g. item number) that you highly recommend? What are some of the reasons behind your choice? :)

Product Review: J.Crew Corduroys

"Thanks!" to Anonymous at 5:51 PM (in this post), who came up with a great post topic: "In the spirit of the collapsing economy, could we review an inexpensive basic, like cords or all the different styles of chinos? A lot more people could participate, and it might be helpful for sizing purposes." I think this is a wonderful idea since J.Crew is known for their basics, and many of us can share our knowledge with those who are a little less familiar.

The first (of many) "product reviews of basics" will focus on corduroys. Corduroys, with its durable fabric, are a great pick for many of us Aficionadas (click here) and Aficionados (click here) during this time of year (where it is starting to get a bit chilly, weather-wise).

I own the City-fit pinwale-cord trouser (Item 86975; regular $89.50 now $39.99) in black and love to wear them during the fall and winter! As with most J.Crew pants, I find these pair were true to size and a bit long length-wise. (I am 5'8" in height, and I find most of J.Crew's pants, including these pair, too long to wear with flats but perfect for heels.)

If you own *any* J.Crew corduroys, please let us know what you think? Please include anything that you believe might be useful for another aficionada (or aficionado)- like color (are the colors different than shown in images), sizing (do you need to size up or down), fitting (do you find its loose around the waist, not loose enough around other areas), etc. Thanks! :)

J.Crew Mini-Blooper: Chalk-Stripe University Pant

Every once in awhile, J.Crew will have a minor glitch with the images used in their promotions or on the website that makes me smile. It might be the missing hand (click here), the trimming of extra pant fabric (click here), or the words Yawah superimposed (click here). (We all make mistakes, it's no big deal- but it is a bit funny!) ;)
"Thanks!" to Claudia who shared with us that J.Crew has an upside-down image of the Favorite-fit chalk-stripe university pant (Item 97014; $148.00) on their website. I thought it was pretty funny to see the model upside-down. What is even funnier is that I did not even notice this until Claudia pointed it out! :)

Did you notice that the image was upside down on the website (prior to the post)? Did you notice any of the other image bloopers (e.g. the missing hand)? :)

J.Crew Matchstick Cords: Maybe On Sale?

Stretch vintage matchstick cord
Click here for product page
Item 95824
Regular $79.50

"Thanks!" to an anonymous member of the blog who let us know about a tip on fashionism.org that "the matchstick cords are ringing up in store for 14.99" and is being sold at this price for a very limited time. So you may be able to purchase these pants on drastic sale. :)