Thursday, January 29, 2009

Product Review: Hayworth Giraffe Cami {pretty!}

Hayworth Giraffe Cami
Click here for product page
Item 99916
Regular: $120.00
Now: $79.99

I think this cami is so pretty. I just love that bow in the back. However, since I have not seen this cami in person, I was curious about it.

Luckily for us, Nicole R shared with us her review of this cami...
When I saw it in the catalog [January 2009 Catalog Pg. 14/15] I immediately fell in LOVE! :) I loved the tie on the side and how it was worn. Looking online, it shows it tied in the back- so I figured you had the option of doing either.

Attending the sample sale in NYC last week, I was hoping to find it, given they were advertising Spring items-- but no such luck! So when I walked away empty handed from the sample sale-- I called a couple of NY and NJ stores hoping they had it in stock-- but was sold out everywhere! I ordered it online.


I got it last nite-- and I must say it is beautiful! It is a jersey silk material. The colored is noted as a "faded yellow", but I would almost say it is a faded muted mustard/gold. The print is this and an off white--- very striking..... When I put it on--- my thoughts began to change.....

First of all-- there is a zipper on the left side that runs from about one inch from the armhole to one inch from the bottom. I am not really understanding the purpose, given I thought it was to be a slightly a
-line shirt on the flowy side. The zipper does nothing but take away from how it is to drape on one's body.

Secondly, the tie at the neck is sewn into the top of the neck line. I at first thought it would be a situation as when you buy a suit and the pockets are lightly sewn but easily can be opened-- this is not the case. I immediately called CS and asked about the tie and how it did not allow me to have it on the side unless I cut it from the stitching at the neck..... The CSR was excellent and went back into the mock store and asked-- and advised me that I could take the cami to a b&m and have them send it to the tailor they use-- but I am not into the idea of having to alter it to make it look like the catalog. Given that it is FS-- he did note on the file that I can return it, given it did not come as pictured.

Overall, while it is beautiful, my expectations fell short and I am going to say it is a pass for me.... Curious if anyone else got it ......
"Thanks!" again to Nicole R for her great review! :)

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's new Hayworth Giraffe Cami? Have you seen this cami in person at stores already? If so, what are your thoughts? :)

41 comments:

  1. The hammered silk cami from fall has the zipper down the side too; I was trying it on tonight tucked into a high pencil skirt and the zipper definitely alters the way it drapes. I got my hammered silk cami for about $17 though after a bunch of discounts, but I don't think I'd pay full price for it. It's a shame though, I just love the giraffe print.

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  2. I'm glad you posted this review. I was bemoaning the fact that I couldn't afford to get it after all of my Holiday purchases. But this review curbed the disappointedness. Although, I'm sorry to hear that the piece is not as great as it looks in the catalogue.

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  3. I tried this on at my B&M -- I had to go 1 size up because they didn't have my size in stock, so that probably affected my opinion, but I felt like even in the correct size it wouldn't be a hit. The color wasn't great on me and I thought the fit was too A-line (especially on a small-busted figure.) Its a pass for me. I also think that the giraffe print might feel dated in a year, whereas the solid color camis will be classics for many seasons to come.

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  4. I love this top. I would totally buy it again!

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  5. Alexis, thank you for this post and thank you Nicole for the great review.

    I was so tempted to purchase the Hayworth Giraffe Cami and came this close to calling the WWFIFY desk to day to do a product locate but after reading the review, I'm glad that I didn't purchase it.

    I was so hoping to wear the tie on the side as well. If I can only tie it in the back, then I'm truly not interested in it. I already own a few J Crew tops that tie in the back - ie. Lana Blouse. They're pretty but I was looking for something different.

    Oh well. You both helped me save $79.99! Thank you.

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  6. I too was disappointed to hear you can't tie the bow on the side. Thanks for the great review!

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  7. try a seam ripper--

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  8. Hmm..I never paid attention to this top until I saw an SA wore it with Lili ruffle-chiffon cardigan at my B&M today. She tied the bow on the side of her neck! At the time, I had no idea it couldn't be worn that way. But she looked good. The colour was mustard-y but her dark blond hair and fair complexion made it work.

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  9. I adore the print and the bow! They are just so much fun. It actually works for me with no tie on the side. Thought it might be a little busy with all the prints going on plus a bow in the face. I ordered this, the Elizabeth and the Quinn Cami together. After trying on the gigantic Eliz and Quinn, I remember thinking to myself finally something more fitted! So the A-line is not an issue. And I honestly kind of expected JC tops are never meant to be totally fitted (except for the perfect fit tanks).

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  10. I think this top is way overrated. Thanks for the review!!

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  11. I would NEVER consider wearing giraffe print anything. I think it is an awful print...just plain weird. That is truly how I feel. Not trying to make others feel bad if they wear it--fine. That is fashion but not for me!

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  12. Thank you for the review Nicole R.!

    So J.Crew is still designing tops with that side zip? I really don't care for it all, since it makes tucking the top in nearly impossible, and less versatile, as well.

    I like the bow on the Giraffe Cami. I'd like to see the same style of cami (minus the side zip) but in solid colors. :)

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  13. The other thing I thought was interesting about this top is it is unlined. When I ordered it, I didn't pay attention to whether it was lined or not. As long as you have a good strapless bra, it shouldn't be an issue.

    I am liking the fact it is more fitted than some of the other A-line tops they have come out with lately.

    I have mixed feelings on it right now.

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  14. I have it and absolutely love it! I had to go one size up ( 6) and it fits perfectly. The print is fun, fit is beautiful on my full chested frame. I paired it with s/s cotton cardi in Putty and white pants- it looked uber-elegant.
    Have not checked the bow- the one I tried in store was slding around easily, but I did not try the one I have at home. Have to look closely tonight.
    Overall, it was the only "must have" for me from a January release and I was ready to pay a full price for it, but luckily it went on sale right on time.

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  15. I received mine yesterday and just love it.
    The fit is TTS on me and does fit well over a fuller chest. I just snipped the threads and it moves easily to either tie in the back or on the side.
    Color and print are great and so was the price $79.99 with 30% off!

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  17. I just got mine yesterday! Thank you to Slastena for her review on her blog, and for the ladies here who let us know it went on sale. I took some IRL pictures here. Nicole R, thank you for the thorough review. I agree that I did not expect the zipper on the side, and it is frustrating that we cannot tie it on the side. Perhaps I will try snipping the threads ... but I don't want to ruin it.

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  18. I received my giraffe cami yesterday and ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!! Can you believe that I didn't even realize there was a side zipper until I read this review. I just went and checked mine, and what do you know?? a side zipper! I did notice that there were several small stitches holding the bow in place, but it is easily remedied with a seam ripper or small scissors without ruining the top. It's not a jersey material, but more of a silk moire...it has a slight texture to it. The print is gorgeous and the color works with my skin tone very well. At the original price, it really should be lined, but I got mine on sale, so I'm not complaining. After reading Slastena's review on her blog, I ordered my regular size and it fits fine. If you have a larger chest, you may want to size up. Congrats to those who have this and love it! I'm headed to Palm Springs next week and it's already in my suitcase!!!

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  19. I don't think it flatters fair skin tones. Also, if you don't move the bow to the side, how does it look under a cardigan? Ridiculous? Just curious...

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  20. So this top is an example of how not all JC clothing is "vanity sized" and sometimes runs small.

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  21. Place the bow outside of the cardigan!

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  22. Wow, I'm really surprised that you didn't like this top! I got it and I absolutely love it...it's so different and the silk is just the right amount of shine that I can wear it without being too dressed up. I found that it fit wonderfully, and the zipper did not affect the drape on me whatsoever. Perhaps this is because I am tall and the top fits straight down to my hips without any bunching up as some blouses tend to do. I love that it is more fitted in the back than many other Jcrew camis that I have.

    As for moving the bow, there are just a few stitches holding the strip of fabric that creates the halter in place, and you could snip those to move it to the side! I personally like the bow in the back the best.

    I love the color, it will look great with a tan, and I have dark brown hair so it works with my coloring. The giraffe print may be a bit out there for some, but animal prints always cycle in and out of style and I know this will be a top that I can wear for seasons to come :)

    I'm so glad that I got it, but if you don't like yours, I'm sure you will be able to sell it on ebay as it sold out pretty quickly in stores and online...

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  23. Julia :) glad that you like the top too!

    Sorry for the OT, does anybody see the grenada cami on the website at all? It has the same style like this giraffe cami but is tan color with fuchsia floral print. I figured this style complements my body type the best and I may grab that grenada too.

    TIA!

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  24. I LOVE mine! I received it yesterday and immediatly put it on and was very impressed! FYI, I ordered my usual size & I noticed that it is a bit tight in the chest area (and I am small chested)so I maybe should have sized-up 1 size. I still really like mine and am so excited to start wearing it! Do not hesitate to purchase this! A BIG thanks to Slastena for introducing it to me on her blog! Also, thanks to everyone else for their reviews.

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  25. Mine came in the mail. I love it. It is cute as a button. And everyone who sees me in it loves it too!

    I wore my cami under a brown Jackie cardigan, with the bow hanging outside the cardigan. Cute.

    Highly recommended!♥

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  26. They always wreck the good ones with a useless zipper!

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  27. the zipper would have been useful if it goes all the way down to the hem. they could have make it a more fitted top that way.

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  28. aww i really wanted this cami and thought it would make it to the b&m so i could try it on instead of ordering it i 2 sizes...

    did anyone see it in their b&ms?

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  29. I doubt that top will flatter me, but I can appreciate the bow in the back. Hidden/unexpected things like that really make an item special.

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  30. May be, but she did it in a very sophisticated manner, LOL!
    Can't say the same about you.

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  31. You won't ruin this shirt by snipping the threads that tack the tie in place. I really think they are to avoid having ties slip out and lost.

    Others comments about sizing are interesting. I am in between sizes and ordered down and am very happy with the fit. And I did not have any problems with the zipper laying flat.

    The grenada palm is equally fabulous. My PS mentioned that she had been searching for one today for a client and it has just disappeared!

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  32. I have this top and I also wanted to wear it on the side...the stitches were really easy to pull out so now I can wear it either way...I didn't find it to be a huge problem...

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  33. Thanks for all the comments about taking the stitches out. I will dig out my seam ripper from when I attempted to sew my own curtains. I really love this top, and it will be great to have more than one way to wear it (tied in back and tied on side). I wore a cardigan over it today and just stuck the bow on the outside. I don't find the zipper to be a problem at all.

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  34. I just received the giraffe cami and I really love it. I have a number of tanks and camis with the side zipper and they don't bother me. I love that I can tie the giraffe cami bow in the back or on the side. The fabric is very nice and I think animal print is classic. I've been wearing it for years, I don't think it goes out of style.

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  35. I have a giraffe cami size 0 for sale. I paid full price for it. Asking for $88 plus shipping. Thanks! ms.happypea@gmail.com

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  36. I have a giraffe cami size 0 for sale. I paid full price for it. Asking for $88 plus shipping. Thanks! ms.happypea@gmail.com

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  37. I have a giraffe cami size 0 for sale. I paid full price for it. Asking for $88 plus shipping. Thanks! ms.happypea@gmail.com

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  38. Can somebody please inform me of the model's name?

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