Thursday, June 26, 2008

Love it or Leave it? The Optical-Print Jacket

Optical-print jacket
Click here for product page
Item 94136
Regular: $170.00

The Optical-print jacket is one of J.Crew's latest arrivals. At first, I thought this jacket was a definite "leave it". But after looking at it some more, I see some things I like about it (like the rolled collar). Ultimately I am just not sure about it.

Since I have not seen this jacket in person, I have no clue whether the fabric or shape is nice. I have a feeling this jacket is one of those jackets that looks really awful on the majority of J.Crew shoppers (e.g. me), but über-fabulous on the select few who can pull this look off (e.g. the model in the picture).

I also do not think it is worth the $170 price tag. Especially since it is a three-quarter sleeve jacket. (I find for three-quarter sleeve jackets, that I am more limited in terms of when, season-wise, I can wear it).

Do you own the Optical-Print Jacket? Have you seen this jacket in your local J.Crew store? Do you love it or would you leave it? Do you think it is worth the price tag? Let us know what you think! :)

18 comments:

  1. my comment got eaten! let me try again...

    I flat out do not like this jacket, and I love me a crazy print every now and then. I do not like the color combo and size of the print, which I think detracts from the more subtle but interesting details, such as the the collar and sleeves. This pattern could possibly work on a scarf, though.

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  2. I am not a big fan of this pattern for me, but as Alexis mentioned the model does look fabulous!

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  3. Heather: I laughed at the part you wrote "I love me a crazy print"- I know exactly what you mean too! I also totally agree with you- this print would make a great scarf. :)

    Nicole R: I know what you mean. That pattern has "something" about it that the model can "pull off" but can the rest of us? :)

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  4. When I first saw this jacket, I thought it had Christmas tree bulbs on it. I don't like this jacket, the pattern is hard on the eyes.

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  5. First time I saw the catalog, I fell in love with the print. Although I am generally conservative, I love loud prints and the colors are stunning. BUT... I absolutely without a doubt, HATE those sleeves! If this jacket had regular sleeves - regardless of the length - I would have purchased it in a heartbeat. But those sleeves! Oh My Gosh, they look like Mutton legs! Hope I haven't offended anyone who owns this jacket.

    Karen

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  6. This jacket makes me feel like I'm going to have a seizure. I actually like the shape, although it's not practical for most times of the year I want to wear a jacket b/c of the 3/4 sleeves. The print is definitely too much for my eyes to digest.

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  7. I usually reserve my J.Crew jacket purchasing for items I can wear to work. Therefore, this one will not be coming home with me as it doesn't fit the bill. Recently some of their jackets which have great shapes, lose me on either the pattern being too crazy (print or color) for a conservative DC office, or the material/texture not being refined enough.

    One example of a great jaket the produced this season was the Python Print Lucia jacket. It is bold, but a refined material, totally versitile (skirt, pants, jeans, etc.) Office to weekenend - no problem.

    Final Verdict:
    This Optical Print Jacket is a def. Leave on the rack!!

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  8. Anonymous at 5:31PM: LOL! It is a bit hard on the eyes. :o)

    Karen: Personally, not a big fan of the tullip sleeves either. (They never look right on me).

    Candid Engineer: I know what you mean about the 3/4 sleeve aspect. I feel like there are only certain days in the year, that you can really wear them.

    Shannon: I agree that this jacket wouldn't work for a conservative DC office. :)

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  9. Hello everyone:)

    I ordered this jacket and it came in two days ago. I'm normally a size 2 but I ordered a size 0 instead and it fits well. This jacket is lightweight, and it has one self covered button in the front. The sleeves are gathered at the end. I don't love it nor do I hate it. It's something to wear for a evening social function, like over a slim black dress or black tank and black pants. It's definately eye catching. I'm not going to keep it because I don't think I'll be getting much use out of it, but I ordered it just to try it on in person.

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  10. Webbysuzy: Thanks for letting us know your first hand experience with the jacket. And I agree with you: It is definitely eye catching! :)

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  11. Very smart comments, it's an unflattering pattern on most, except for the extremely underweight. I'm not wild about the colors, size of pattern, cut of jacket.....what am I saying??? I hate it!

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  12. As I was "reading" my July Catalog in the Pediatrician's Office this afternoon...I came across this jacket and my first reaction was that I do NOT like the print, but upon further inspection I must say that the black and "flame"(bright orange) colors are "spot on" for what the "colors of Fall 2008" are supposed to be: Fiery Crimson, Orange, Eggplant, and Grey (Black, too, of course). J.Crew has even made a pair of Ballet Flats in Flame/Black that are shown on the next page...this being said...orange and black together always reminds me of Halloween, so I personally would not put the two colors together in an outfit...let alone a jacket. IF it weren't for the colors and print...I really like the jacket...I like the collar and sleeves, but not the pockets at the waist...I thought the whole idea of a jacket like this is to create the appearance of a smaller waist, and I feel the pockets would add width instead.

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  13. Kirbydog: Too funny! ;)

    FabulousFloridaMommy: I think that the shade of orange will popular for fall too. I also agree with you that orange and black remind me of Halloween. :)

    Too bad the print wasn't a bit less "optical." :)

    Incidentally, I actually showed my husband the jacket and he said, "'Leave it!' It makes me dizzy."

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  14. This jacket is definitely a "leave it" for me, and I suspect, based on the comments here already, we'll soon be seeing this in the sale section, drastically reduces. To echo an earlier post: Only a select few will look good in this jacket. It's just too much money for something that can't be worn very often. I'm quite adventurous - I adore bright colors, and like many patterns - but this is a no-go on every level.

    On another note, I'm quite a fan of 3/4 sleeves - I love to wear such jackets and pair them with long gloves.

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  15. "leave it" thanks for pointing out the rolled collar. you just saved me!

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  16. heehee. I like the style of the jacket, but not the pattern as most everyone has said. Too bad it doesn't come in different patterns/colors. I might consider it for purchase then...when it goes on sale :o)

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  17. Looks like I am the only one, but I LOVE this jacket! I can see me wearing it in the fall with a white tank under it and my sevens. I love a bright jacket with jeans- I have both the Python and the Chessy and can't wait to wear them in the fall. It's too hot here now where I am, and can't wear them yet. Maybe that'smhow I justify all my purchases- that I buying for future seasons????? Ha ha ha
    I will not pay that much for it,though and am def. waiting for it to go on sale!!!!

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  18. I was rethinking the whole "Halloween" aspect of putting black and orange together...I have actually decided that I think it can work IF paired with white in the right way. Take for instance the Tangier Print Phoebe Blouse in Bright Flame...could look really cute with black capris or black pants. Perhaps a Black Tank with White Pants and the Solid Kelly Jacket in Bright Flame. I think the key is to just not wear ONLY black and orange...

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