J.Crew Email: This week's discovery

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, who shared the following email J.Crew sent this morning.

The email not only features the The Perfect shirt in Liberty Art Fabrics Margaret Annie Floral (item 62528; $150.00) top, but also shares its back story with customers:

Our idea of inalienable style rights: life, Liberty and the pursuit of florals. These artful, eye-popping blooms from London's Liberty Art Fabrics, the British house famous for its fabric collection since 1875 (even Oscar Wilde was a fan), are our current obsession. Our design team revived this drawn-from-life floral of garden perennials like wild grasses, oxeye daisies, and forget-me-nots from the archinves of Liberty's Regent Street, London, emporium. So celebrate Spring a little sooner, and button up to brighten up.

Very cute email! I am already on board with this top! I love the bright colors and the beautiful floral design.

What are your thoughts on the Liberty print top from J.Crew? Have you seen it in person? If so, please share! :)

J.Crew Email: Pretty as a picture - art tees

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Desert Flower & Marietta, who shared the following email from J.Crew this morning.

The email features "Art Tees" from the Women's Tees & Knits line (click here to shop online). In particular, it showcases the Tissue Ruffle Tank (Item 26519; $39.50) which J.Crew describes as:

Our much-loved ruffle tank updated with manicured rows of cotton lawn ruffles cascading across the front. (We love turning an everyday summer staple into something special.) Fitted. Tissue cotton—a lightweight, bias-cut fabric with a very soft wash.

For some reviews & real life images of the Tissue Ruffle Tank, check out:

• "J.Crew New Arrivals" post over at Trousseau Adventures
• "She's Alive...and in a Silk Cargo Dress, Too!" post over at My Superfluities...
• "J. Crew Tissue Ruffle Tank and Tissue Brushed Bouq..." post over at Confessions of a Shopaholic Med Student
• "OOTD: Catching up (and Floral Week!)" post over at Effortless Anthropologie

Is it just me, or does it feel like J.Crew has done almost every variation of ruffles on tees? And somehow, they still manage to find new ways to ruffle tees up! Seriously, every time I feel ruffle-fatigue, J.Crew comes out with a new ruffle art tee that I have to have! ;) (Yikes! I just re-read my paragraph and I used the term "ruffles" way too much.)

What are your thoughts on the J.Crew's tees? Do you think you will pick up the Tissue Ruffle Tank at your local J.Crew store? From the current offerings of tees (both new arrivals & sale), would you recommend any to buy (& any to avoid)?

Cardmember Email: Just for Cardmembers: a chic peek for summer

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Desert Flower, Marietta, Cass, & Irina, who shared with us the latest email from J.Crew to its card members.

The email above features the not-yet-officially-released-online Embroidered Flower Patch Shell (Item 27285; $148.00). J.Crew describes this silk top as:

We love a rich mix of textures , as seen in this dressier silk top all done up with a front panel of embroidered flowers and bedazzling sequins. For a modern touch, our designers finished it off with an exposed back zipper, bracketed by strips of the same embroidered flowers. Part of the J.Crew Collection.

From what I am seeing so far, not a fan of the design for the price tag. It's cute but does n0t necessarily stand out as a "must-have". But that is just me. :)

On a better note, this email means that new arrivals and a new June catalog are just around the corner! :)

What are your thoughts on the Embroidered Flower Patch Shell? Do you like the style- from the sequins to the style with its flowers?

Product Review: Impressionist Floral Cami

Impressionist Floral Cami
Click here for product page
Item 26996
Regular: $88.00

J.Crew describes this colorful top as the following:

We love this sumptuous silk cami for its enchanting waterfloral print (it comes straight from a vintage swatch that our designers re-colored) and the sweet-but-sassy front overlay that ties at the neckline. We're wearing ours with ladylike skirts or over our most broken-in jeans (and shorts) for a cool contrast.

This description is full of pop, like the "sweet-but-sassy" line. It reminded me of the lively J. Peterman catalog descriptions from the show Seinfeld. ;)

A big "thanks!" to Desert Flower who shared the following review:

I received the impressionist cami today. I wasn't quite sure when I ordered it if it would be a keeper. I loved it before I took it out of the bag! The print is truly gorgeous, much prettier in real life than in the catalogue/online picture. The base color is a light peach, which you can't really see online, and there are some areas of green that are also not visible online.

The fabric is a gorgeous light silk twill, very similar to the fabric of the Giverny print bateau top. It has a beautiful drape. The top goes over the head, no zipper or fastener. It has bra strap holders, something I always appreciate. The wrap front is attached at the side seam. The bow can be undone and the wrap front falls away. There is a band across the bottom which makes the cami more tailored. The cami is not fitted, however, the draping really enhances the fit and it is not baggy or boxy at all. I tried my usual top size, which is 0, and I felt the drape was nicer with a bit more bust room so I sized up to a 2.

I think I will wear this a lot. It will dress up jeans for evening. It would be cute for lunching or Sunday brunch with more casual pants like the skimmer pants. I can wear it to work with my polished slub pencil skirt in natural, and a longer cardigan belted at the waist. In my opinion, it is worth the $88 price tag.

"Thanks!" again to Desert Flower for her great review of this top!

What are your thoughts on the Impressionist Floral Cami? Have you seen or own this top? If so, what is your review of the fabric & cut ? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

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: Girls' Heathered Shawl-Collar Cardigan

Girls' Heathered Shawl-Collar Cardigan
Click here for product page
Item 24992
Regular: $49.50

J.Crew describes this {fabulous} Crewcut top as the following:

This über-cozy cotton cardigan has the versatility of her favorite sweatshirt, with chic, sweetly feminine styling and details. Gathered silk ruffles peek out from the two front pockets and bottom trim, and the shawl collar is covered in silk. Sure to be a staple for everything from school days to playdates.

When I was looking through the Crewcuts section of J.Crew's website, I ran across this amazing little shawl cardigan. At first I thought, "why-oh-why is this Crewcuts-only!" Then it dawned on me... "yes, I will raid the kids closet today!" And so with the offer of free shipping on any Crewcuts item (& 15% off with my educator discount), I took the plunge and purchased it.

Let me start off by saying... I love it!!! For the price, it is a well-crafted piece. It looks absolutely amazing with its silk shawl collar and subtle ruffles around the pockets & hem. The fabric and shade of the Marled Grey is perfect for the breezy days of Spring.

I normally take a size xs (or a size 0, sometimes a size 2) in the adult sizes. Since there is no conversion from Women to Crewcuts, I took a chance and went with a size 12 in this top. (Incidentally, Crewcuts Girls goes all the way up to size 14.) The size 12 worked out great! It fits me perfectly.

Since I am 5'8, the full-length sleeves are not exactly full-length. Instead, they are bracelet sleeves on me... and it works! I am also surprised that the length of the cardigan works very well on me too! The cardigan is quite long and hits at my hip (not quite low-hip, but not high-hip either, just somewhere in between).

So ladies, I would highly recommend getting this cardigan! I know it's on back-order until 8/09/2010, which is a bummer. However, it was back-ordered (to that date too) when I purchased it and somehow I got it shipped to me one-week later. (Go figure?!)

What are your thoughts on the Girls' Heathered Shawl-Collar Cardigan? Have you seen or own this top? If so, what is your review of the cardigan? Have you tried on or own other Crewcuts items (for yourself)? If so, please share your review too! :)

20% Off & Free Shipping on Knits & Tees {for women}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including GigiOfCA & Heidi (in this post), as well as Heather & Genny (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 knits & tees (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 12, 2010, 11:59pm EST on Internet orders shipped via regular shipping (4 to 7 business days). Free shipping applies only to women's tees & knits online orders. Free ground shipping on women's tees & knits is applied automatically at checkout. Offer not valid on phone orders.

Much like the last time (for pants), 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! :)

Product Review: Adriana Silk Rows Tank

Adriana Silk Rows Tank
Click here for product page
Item 23399
Regular: $79.50
Now: $69.50

J.Crew describes this ready-for-warm-weather-top as the following:

Our office is buzzing over this update to the classic tank. Our designers hand draped rows of raw-cut silk on the bodice to create a beautiful back-and-forth detail. The silhouette is slouchy but slim, with a slight empire cut. Silk

A big "thanks!" to Phyllis who shared the following review:

I purchased the Adriana silk rows tank in navy with the intention of sprucing up my wardrobe with a few dressier tops that would work in a variety of outfits. In theory this tank should have done the trick but it ends up in the return pile because it just wasn't quite right for me.

I usually wear XS/0 and so I chose the top in 0. I considered buying it in P0 but think I read somewhere that the top is a bit short and I didn't want to sacrifice length. Right off the bat it definitely did NOT look like the model's top -- I think the top in the photo was manipulated to look more textured/ruffled, etc. Real product is very smooth and flat. I personally liked the navy color but I can see this being more of a statement in a lighter color.

Fit on me is a bit too loose though it can be hidden under a cute cardi. But without something to cover up the looseness, you would tell that the armholes are much larger and looser on my frame. Other than that, the rest of the tank fit nicely down the sides with a bit of flare at the bottom with the hem hitting just below my hip, which I thought was a perfect length.

The rows of silk look little underwhelming in person, very flat and kind of blah (again, not as cute as ruffled as the picture). Detailing on the flaps are a nice touch. Definitely easy to dress up or down.

I suppose someone more familiar with J.Crew's silk tops and a bit more daring could have played around with this top to get the desired look/texture. But even so, without the proper fit, I can't really justify paying what I did, even if it was on sale. All in all, a pretty top with potential but not just didn't make the cut for me!

"Thanks!" again to Phyllis for her great review of this top!

What are your thoughts on the Adriana Silk Rows Tank? Have you seen or own this top? If so, what is your review of the fabric & cut ? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

Product Review: Pima Cotton Agadir Top

Pima Cotton Agadir Top
Click here for product page
Item 24643
Regular $49.50
Now $39.99

J.Crew describes this ready-for-warm-weather-top as the following:

We love this simple cap-sleeve top in thinly striped, light-as-air cotton (especially the neon thread detail on the button placket). It's the perfect throw-on-and-go spring top. Scoopneck. Cap sleeves with elastic ruching.

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

Not much to say about this one.

I purchased this one for a casual summer shirt that wasn't a tee. The sizing was a concern as I am broad in the shoulders and have problems with broadcloths which don't have any give. I did however order a small because it seemed boxy. I take a small or medium in tees - small in the tissue, and mediums in the jerseys.

The small fits well, but not perfectly. There is some volume around my waist and hips, but the shoulders are right. It's a little long, but nothing that I can't live with; and it could easily be hemmed were you so inclined (may consider that yet, it's just straight).

It will look best tucked in. The fabric is a good weight, not paperthin or see-through yet light enough to offer protection from the sun when you want something other that a tee.

It's definitely casual not work attire; but someone with better styling ideas than me could probably figure out how to wear it. I can see that it will work well layered, as pictured. Don't plan on unbuttoning more that one button without something on underneath! The collar and the sleeves look as though they're elasticized, however it's painstaking gathering.

"Thanks!" again to Belle de Jour for her great review of this top!

What are your thoughts on the Pima Cotton Agadir Top? Have you seen or own this top? If so, what is your review of the fabric & cut ? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

J.Crew Email: Bye-bye, basic

"Thanks!" to many of you who shared the following email from J.Crew this morning.

The email features the Alice Ruffled Tank (Item 26725; $79.50) which J.Crew describes as:

We love a rich mix of textures, as seen in this ruffled tank bedecked with rhinestones, pallettes and strips of grosgrain ribbon and silk habotai along the placket. Cotton/silk. Side zip. Fully lined.

This top reminds me of the Teagan Ruffle Swiss-Dot Top (Item 99679; was $98.00) from a few winters ago with the ruffles down the front. I do like the jewels on the Alice Tank, although the ruffles look a bit messy. It might look better in real-life.

Lastly, I love that J.Crew used the phrase "bedecked with rhinestones". It made me laugh out loud, because it is a much classier way to say "bedazzled with rhinestones". ;)

What are your thoughts on the Alice top? Have you purchased or tried on this top? If so, please share! Do you think you will pick one up at your local J.Crew store? :)

20% Off Knits & Tees {for women}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including CrewCricket, Heidi, & MommyDearest (in this post), as well as Marietta, who let us know the following promotion.

J.Crew is offering 20% off select styles of Women's Knits and Tees (click here to shop online). This offer is expires 2/25/10 and is available online only.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Are there any knits & tees from the new arrivals that you are interested in?

J.Crew Email: Our latest layers

"Thanks!" to Desert Flower & Marietta who shared the latest email J.Crew sent today.

The email touts their Spring Layers as the follwing: "when it comes to our supersoft knits, two are definitely better than one". To shop the Women's Knits & Tees collection, click here.

The email features the Tissue Garland Tank (Item 23337; $42.50) under the Ruffled Henley Tank (Item 24334; $36.50), which is topped off with the Black Blossom Brenna Shorts (Item 22614; $54.50).

I can't decide if I like how the tops are styled together. Part of me thinks it might be too much flowers & ruffles goin' on, while the other part of me screams in joy like the total girly-girl that I am. ;)

What are your thoughts on the latest offerings for J.Crew's Knits & Tees? Are there any pieces you currently recommend to buy (or even to avoid)?

Product Review: Scalloped Petal Top

Scalloped Petal Top
Click here for product page
Item 21495
Regular: $69.50

J.Crew describes this top as the following:

Crafted in crisp cotton broadcloth with pretty scalloped petals at the neckline and a removable self-belt to cinch the waist. Sleeveless. Boatneck.

A big "thanks!" to DinDin (in this post), who not only shared her review of this top, but also provided real-life images as well. Just click on any of her images (or here & here), to view them larger.

Has anyone tried item 21495, the Scalloped petal top? I just received it. And I am disappointed!

It's true to size. I ordered the same size I wear in all perfect shirts and button down shirts and dresses.

However, the neckline didn't look at all like it does on the website! Hopefully this makes sense, on the website it looks like all the scalloped "bits" are nice and laying flat and point down. The one that I got in the mail, some of them were sticking up towards my neck and this isn't just a poor packing creasing problem.

When I tried to flatten down the scallops, I realized that they are joined together, stitched together, that way! Looking at myself in the mirror, I kept thinking to myself that I should fix the poorly creased and smushed scallops, but alas, they are sewn on that way.

Also- there is a tie waist, which i appreciate, however, the "waist" on this shirt was not the "waist" that I like to accentuate. I like to go a little higher, but since the ties are attached by those little strings, the shirt wants to be tied lower. I'm short, 5'2" so that's probably why.

I guess I could remove the strings and just make sure to never lose that darn little belt but it's not worth it considering that the scallops are so strange.

"Thanks!" again to DinDin for her great review of this top. The catalog image makes the top look lovely with its perfectly scalloped neckline. However, the neckline looks completely different in the real-life photos. Too bad!

What are your thoughts on the Scalloped Petal Top? Have you tried on or own this top? If so, what is your review of the top & neckline? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

Product Review: Fleur-de-Lis Cardigan

Fleur-de-Lis Cardigan
Click here for product page
Item 18187
Regular: $158.00
Now: $99.00

J.Crew describes this top as:

Faceted stones hand appliquéd in a fleur-de-lis pattern give this cardigan a Parisian flair. The yarn is très chic too—a sumptuous blend of Italian cashmere, nylon and extrafine merino wool in a 12-gauge knit.

When J.Crew first introduced this top, I wondered how long it would be until I got it. Once it went on sale a few weeks ago, this cardigan started selling out. Then the pop-back game began... ;)

The fit of the cardigan is true-to-size (TTS). I was able to try on both the small and extra-small version and found that my normal extra-small size looked best (more fitted, especially from the side view). However, I could have easily gone up a size for a slightly looser fit (only slightly noticeable from the side) and look perfectly fine.

The color (which the image above accurately represents) is a soft neutral caramel. In my opinion, I see it working very well on all skin-tones.

The fabric of this v-neck cardigan feels quite soft, thanks to the blend containing cashmere. Although it is not pure cashmere which makes me wonder why it costs as much as 100% cashmere. Oh well!

As for the faceted stones, the design is really quite lovely. The stones themselves, have a somewhat rustic feel as some of the top layer is chipped off. I know this last part sounds weird and makes it sound cheap, but quite the opposite. It actually makes the cardigan have this really vintage chic feel to it. I should also add that J.Crew graciously gives a full button-bag of replacement stones in all sizes.

Overall, this three-quarter sleeve cardigan is lovely, but pricey. (Which might make it a perfect birthday or anniversary gift for us JCAs!) It's an item that will be used for many seasons to come.

What are your thoughts on the Fleur-de-Lis Cardigan? Have you tried on or own this top? If so, what is your review of the top? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

Product Review: Cotton Check Shirt

Cotton Check Shirt
Click here for product page
Item 23050
Regular: $64.00

J.Crew describes this top as the following:

Wear it year-round—our classic check print (borrowed from our men's collection) in crisp cotton and tailored just for you. For a looser boyfriend fit, we recommend ordering one size up. Long sleeves. Import. Machine wash.

When I first saw this top online, I knew it would be a matter of time before it would be mine. However, I wanted to try it on in-person first. Imagine my surprise to see this top selling-out fast in J.Crew's stores and now wait-listed online (until mid-April) in most sizes and colors. After some searching, I finally was able to track down the Vintage Navy version in size 0.

As far as sizing goes, I find it true to size. But here's the thing... it's true to size in the shoulders and arms, but it is a bit boxy around the body. That is because the shirt is cut as a "looser boyfriend fit". That means it is not fitted like the Perfect Shirts (refer to the "Product Review: Tiny-Buds Perfect Shirt" post as an example). I honestly do not know why J.Crew recommends ordering a size up. I would ignore that suggestion.

Although the shirt is ever-so-slightly boxy, it still looks quite nice on. Especially when the sleeves are rolled up or under a white cardigan.

Another thing about this shirt is the sleeves, which I find to be a little short. Maybe a half-an-inch longer would have made the sleeves the right size. (I should add that my arms are normal length. I never had an issue with sleeve-length with J.Crew's items before.)

As for the fabric... it is standard cotton. Nothing extraordinary about it. It also explains why the starting price point is a bit lower than some of their other button down shirts. The print is a standard cotton check that makes it a timeless piece— usable for seasons to come.

Overall: I like the shirt and I would recommend getting it. Especially if it goes on sale.

Lastly, there are some other reviews & real-life images of this shirt that you should check out if you are considering this shirt:

• GigiOfCa's "J Crew - cotton check shirt" post
  
• GingerSnap's "Blogger Inspiration- J.Crew Cotton Check Shirt" post
• Patina's "Jcrew's Cotton Check Shirt and Olive Jackie OOTD" post
• RatsOnParade's "OOTD: Field Jacket & Cotton Check Shirt" post
  

What are your thoughts on the Cotton Check Shirt? Have you tried on or own this top? If so, what is your review of the top? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

Product Review: Sequin Tiered Ruffle Tissue Tank

Sequin Tiered Ruffle Tissue Tank
Click here for product page
Item 20448
Regular $49.50; now $34.99

J.Crew describes this top as the following:

Our ruffle fixation lives on with this flouncy silk-ribbon-trimmed tank. Rows of horizontal ruffles (some bedecked with sequins) cover the front with a few wrapping around the back bottom hem for added interest. Lightweight, bias-cut cotton with a very soft wash.

I really did not pay any serious attention to this top when I first saw it on the hanger in a local brick & mortar (B&M) store. However, I couldn't help but fall in love when I noticed the "soft graphite" version under a simple black cardigan on a mannequin.

I ended up going with the Black version, as I thought it would be more versatile. (I can easily see the black version working from day to night easily, as it doesn't come off as a tee necessarily. The soft graphite and ivory on the other hand, do appear like a tee with sequins. Not a bad thing as they are both very pretty tops. But something to consider.)

The scoopneck tank is super light but not to the point where it becomes see-through. It is also very comfortable to wear. I would also recommend going with your normal size (as it's true-to-size).

The sequins on the tee are just the right amount— they are not everywhere so it doesn't overwhelm you & they have just the right amount of sparkle.

As for the ruffles, they are a delightful touch on the front & sides. Although there is some bulk from the ruffles, they are easily brought back to shape with a simple cardigan. I should add that there are only one or two minimal ruffle rows wrapping the bottom of the back. It's actually great that the back has minimal ruffles— it doesn't add any more bulk.

I would definitely recommend this top for those JCAs who are considering it. It's a great piece I can't wait to use with my cardigans! :)

What are your thoughts on the Sequin Tiered Ruffle Tissue Tank? Have you tried on or own this top? If so, what is your review of the top? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

J.Crew Email: ENDS TODAY. 30% off knits & tees. Plus, FREE SHIPPING.

"Thanks!" to many of you who shared the following.

J.Crew is reminding us about their latest promotion: 30% off select Knits & Tees for Women (click here to shop online). This offer expires today, 12/15/09. Today is also the last day J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $150+ with promo code JINGLE.

From the sound of it, not too many JCAs have taken advantage of this promotion. Here's to hoping the next promotion will be awesome! :)

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Are there any Knits & Tees you are interested in getting? If so, please share! :)

30% Off J.Crew's Knits & Tees (2 days only)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Heidi & Green_Dino (in this post), as well as Casual-Crew (in this post) & Marietta, who let us know the following.

J.Crew is offering 30% off select Knits & Tees for Women (click here to shop online). This offer expires, Tuesday, 12/15/09. Some items on sale include:

• Victoria Ruffle Tissue Cami
  (Item 20437; Regular $39.50, now $27.65)
• Gathered Tie-Front Top
  (Item 21106; Regular $45.00, now $31.50)
• Slub Cotton Snow-Gem Tee
  (Item 20486; Regular $48.00, now $33.60)
  

Although items from the Men section are *not* included in this latest promotion, there are a few of their items on sale as well (click here to shop online).

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Are there any Knits & Tees you are interested in getting? If so, please share! :)

Love It or Leave It: Madewell Chunky Cowl Collar

As many of us have noticed and commented before, Madewell items are now being sold on J.Crew's website (click here to shop Madewell online). One item in the recent roll-out caught my attention...

Madewell Chunky Cowl Collar
Click here for product page
Item 21488
Regular: $45.00

According to the item page:

Our creative director, Jenna, stopped by our sister store, Madewell, to bring you a few of her favorites for the season. Here's their newest take on the scarf: a supersoft knit collar with the look and feel of a favorite sweater. It's so cozy and warm, you'll want to wear it all season long. Wool/ acrylic/ poly with Lurex® metallic threads. Dry clean. 30"L x 15"W.

Okay, so it's not quite a scarf, not quite a sweater... but oh, man! Let's call it a circular collar scarf (CCF)? Whatever the name is, I am not a fan of Madewell's version. It's not to say I don't like the concept of the CCF. In fact, I have seen the CCF in fashion magazines the past few months and some of the versions look really cute (basically laying around the neck like a scarf, without the ends).

My main issue with Madewell's version is how it lays on the model from the back side. It looks like a sloppy sweater draping over her shoulders, instead of a cute scarf wrapped around her neck.

Madewell's version seems cumbersome to wear (maybe it's the dimensions?) I just know I would keep playing with Madewell's Chunky Cowl Collar to make it look "right". This item is a "leave it" for me.

What are your thoughts on the Madewell's Chunky Cowl Collar? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Have you seen this accessory in-person? If so, please share with us your review. :)

Quick Poll: Do you like Madewell's Chunky Cowl Collar?

J.Crew Email: Our giftable, collectible art tees...plus FREE SHIPIPNG

"Thanks!" to Marietta who shared with us the following. J.Crew is showcasing their tees (click here to shop online) with the phrase "tees with all the trimmings... an artful gift ...in supersoft cotton". The email features the Beaded Marrakesh Tissue Tee (Item 20488; $39.50).

There has been a lot of discussion about whether the quality of J.Crew's tees are worth the retail price. Several JCAs have mentioned receiving defective tees or tees that develop holes after minimal wear. What's up quality control? On a bright note, J.Crew should take back any item that is defective (even if it's from "final sale").

As for my personal experience with J.Crew's tees (and this is just my opinion)... (1) they have some of the best designs & fit and (2) definitely not worth the full price tag. Often times, I do find that the tees are super thin making them vulnerable to damage. However, usually I buy them at a low price which makes it worth it for me. :)

J.Crew is also offering free shipping on orders of $150+ with promo code FS150. This offer expires 11/24/09.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's tees? Are there any new tee arrivals that you are interested in? Do you think the quality and designs are worth it? :)