Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Product Review: Havona Tank

Havona Tank
Click here for product page
Item 12966
Regular: $128.00

I think this tank is such a gorgeous & fun piece to wear. :)

"Thanks!" to leogrl6787 who shared with us her great review (plus several real-life images) of this top.

When I saw this tank initially, I thought wow, I've got a new love. I had never pre-ordered anything, and I kind of balked at the price. But then I figured, what the hey, it looks awesome, I love color, and well color loves me.

As I patiently stalked my UPS tracking number at work today, I knew I was coming home to sweet little gift. I've ordered collection items before, and had mixed experiences with packaging on their arrival. Honestly, to my disappointment this arrived in one of the brown envelope type packages, and inside was suffocating in plastic with one lone piece of tissue between the folded layers. Not the best presentation there Mickey, oh well, at least pre-ordering got me free shipping, and on my green friendly note, much less wasted packaging. My biggest grumble about packaging is the plastic--it's not good for my pretty clothes and it gives a lingering plastic smell.


So, back to the shirt. Obvs, purchased full price, size 0. Now of late, I've noticed a lack of consistency in the sizing as well. I'm super little, kind of like a 12 year old boy going through puberty, honestly. (Please don't burn me at the stake, I'm 5'8'' and about 100lbs, a tall size 0 I know.) So, I was slightly nervous about this sizing and fit dilemma, sometimes billowing tops look chic, other times they look like I'm in maternity wear (nothing wrong with maternity wear, just not my personal look being that I just finished college).

To my liking the neck actually opens with three snaps hidden under that illustrious flower, that has plagued many other JCAs on other items. Yes, it was floppy as I rescued it from the plastic, but I had my bff, spray starch in hard. And let me tell you, it only took a few minor spritzes to come to life, in my opinion--and no weird staining on the fabric, major plus in my book.


So, as I hurriedly hopped out of the top half of my work attire, I realized the Havona is a kind of thin material, they do reference it as an "extra-light whisper organza" aka nothing a nude cami and bra can't handle. On it went, and twirling I went in front of the mirror. Seriously, love at first try.


I think it has a perfect length to be worn tucked in or out, possibly even belted. I love that it's not too flowly. Obvs, I'm still in some sweet work pants in the photos, but I can't wait for spring, some fab white pants, or even a nice pencil skirt. I think it would rock with skinnies or trouser style bottoms, and a fab pair of sky high heels.


End all, be all, totally a keeper. I hope my photos do the top justice, I'm not too good at the whole self portrait biz, but I gave it a shot to share my love with ya'll.


Also, Cass (in this post) shared with us a review of this tank too:

...just wanted to put in my review of the Havona tank for anyone considering it. I was hoping this would be my "special" piece for the spring. It looks beautiful on the model but unfortunately there are some execution issues.

The colors are a true aqua and the background color is very close to the golden cypress color that was available in some winter sweaters.


The silk is see-through with no lining. You will have to wear another cami underneath if you don't want your bra to show through. Most importantly, the flower on the neckline has a flatness problem. The petals look flat layered on top of one another so it just looks like a random flap of fabric hanging off the neck. It would require significant fluffling/pinning to get it to look like it does in the lookbook.


Fit wise, it is flowy over the body, kind of like the elizabeth halter, but slightly more fitted. No side zip. I wear a L in the Elizabeth and the 14 in the Havona fit well.


Unfortunately due to the see-through fabric and flat flower issue it is going back.


"Thanks!" again to leogrl6787 & Cass for their great reviews!

What are your thoughts on the Havona Tank? Are you considering or already have purchased this top? Have you seen this top in person? If so, please share with us your reviews too! :)

109 comments:

  1. Hello all,

    I tried on my this top with a nude bra and it was still see-through. Just something to keep in mind.

    OT, I stopped into the Rockefellar store this afternoon and they had some new items. They had the regular zebra tee, the gray zebra beaded tee (very nice in gray but I will wait for markdown), and they had 2 other tees with significant sequin/beading designs--a beetle and a shrimp (complete with tentacles and all!) I will pass on wearing insects and crusteaceans across my chest.

    There were also some new cardigans with silk flower detailing int the corner, some cotton/linen tunics with silk embellishments on the front opening, and slub cotton tees with organza around the neckline.

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  2. While its pretty, I feel that the flower looks really big IRL. I think this is going to be a pass for me.

    Thanks for the pictures!

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  3. leogrl, I think the top looks better on you than it looks on the J Crew model! Looks very cute, but longer in real life than in the model photo.

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  4. Very pretty, but the size of the flower makes it too self conscious and costume-y. For attention seekers only.

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  5. I agree, it seems best for attention seekers. If I were more bold I would lovvvveee to wear this top. Its real pretty on the model, but even better on the reviewer!

    My big red andie bag purse is loud enough for me right now.

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  6. The top looks fantastic on leogrl, but the fact that it's unlined/see through unfortunately makes it a pass for me. I just don't understand why J Crew does that- I'm not paying $100+ for a top that you can see my bra through!

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  7. thanks Cass for the update -- missed the "rewards card member" special 9am opening today. Sounds like there weren't many earth shattering new arrivals though.

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  8. Definitely a pass for me--see through no thanks! even on super sale I will save my money. Looks gaudy and tacky with that HUGE flower and overdone neckline.

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  9. It looks like you have a bird on your neck or something else. I hate the detailing on the neck.

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  10. The color combo is not attractive or very flattering to most skin tones. I did purchase this and returned it ASAP by post. It was awful and see through and only worth about $20 in my opinion. Big disappointment but then again, JC has been disappointing me lately.

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  11. The colors remind me a skirt the Banana Respublic featured few years ago. It was a very nice silk assymetrical skirt. I still own it and I'm going to rescue it for this summer.

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  12. I got this tank and LOVE it. It is thin, but with a nude bra it is fine. With a couple snips of thread I removed the flower and like the tank much better this way. I tried on the aqua Jackie with it and love the two pieces together.

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  13. Well, I love this top and can not wait for it. It is tropical and breezy and special to me. I am always so surprised by people's complaints about the see-through factor. This is done on purpose. J. Crew knows these clothes are see through. That is not a quality issue, it is a fashion choice. Adding a lining to something this weightless can change the drape of the fabric, that is what camis are for. VS has some great camis with true built in bras if you need the extra support.

    As far as the beaded zebra tee. There were only 2 left at the b&m I was in last night. The shrimp and beetle had not been yet been purchased.

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  14. Anony@7:06

    Having a sister in the garment industry I KNOW there are beautiful fabrics that drape that are not see through. I don't care what you say I am not spending that kind of $ on a see through top that I need a cami with. A top like this, as described by JCrew is light and breezy and a cami that is tight would be too hot!

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  15. I don't understand why someone would pay full price for top and cut the flower off to make it work? Must have lots of disposable income to waste...

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  16. Anon 7:19: I love the top but not the flower. It works great for me now and I'll get enough use to make it worth the money. Plus, I got it discounted to begin with - I was offered a % off when I placed the order because of quite a few mix ups I've experienced in the past.

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  17. I love it and plan on getting it (if it makes it to sale). I have no problem wearing a nude cami under. Its a special piece I can't wait to wear it this summer with white!

    Thanks for the review...it looks really great on you!

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  18. To pay that much money for a thin top that has to be layered with a nude bra or a cami that will fall apart after a couple of washings is a waste of money in this economy! J Crew is making too much of this flimsy material, and you keep on buying it.

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  19. I saw the plain zebra tee with the pink/coral zebra and was not impressed at all. I'm usually a fan of the graphic tees, but that one and the sequin critter tees (zebra, bug, shrimp) just don't do it for me. I just can't imagine wearing a glitter/sequin shrimp! This shirt looks nice, but I can't wear those colors or that big flower. However, on the right stylish person - this looks wonderful!

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  20. I think cutting the flower off sound like a good idea, especially it you later atache a pin to the flower so you can put it back on to your heart's desire. And mamybe if you have a cardi in the same color, you can put the flower on that. I'm surpised that JCrew didn't just pin the flower in the first place. Usually that's what they do, right (ala the astrid boucle)?

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  21. Argyle,
    I agree. I tried on the zebra and shrimp tees (didn't see the crab until I had already tried on the others and said no to them) and although it was cute, the beading seemed overwhelming. I also thought that unlike the chiffon rose tee of last year, these tees would not be used frenquently and I can see myself ebaying or donating it this or next year.

    On another note, what I did buy yesterday (well, actually I did an excahnge) was the new womens light chambray shirt, which is not yet online and hasn't been shown in the spring catalog. It's just as cute as the men's shirt that the female models wear all the time in the catalog, but of course, since it's a woman's shirt, this is a bit of a closer fit. It's not fitted like the Kelly button-ups, but it's not as long as boyfriend-style shirts. The color is fairly light (like the men's true indigo chambray shirt, item 89634, maybe even lighter). It's really cute and would go well with a skirt for a lok of menswear on the top and girly on the bottom. If you want a slouchier look, I'd go for your normal size. I sized down to a sz2 so I could wear it untucked and not look sloppy.

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  22. I think it's a very pretty and unique top. But it's a pass for me; it's just doesn't meet the need or want mark.

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  23. Seriously, chambray shirts. I have about three of these sitting in my closet from the early 90's. No thanks~

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  24. lexiloo, that chambray shirt sounds cute! How much was it?

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  25. Thanks for the lovely reviews ladies!

    I love the colors but I think it would be one of those items that I buy and it just sits in my closet forever.

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  26. Thank you for the reviews leogrl6787 and Cass! :)

    leogrl: I think the tank looks gorgeous on you! Congratulations on your purchase, and thanks for the pics!

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  27. leogrl6787 and Cass, thank you! This is really helpful! I actually had been drooling over this tank. The colors are amazing-looking, and it looks beautiful on you! But since I'm quite petite and have a slender top half, I think I'm going to drown in this top. Oh well... it's probably for the best as I began my shopping fast today!

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  28. I am really surprised that so many people have such strong (negative!) feelings about this shirt. I dont remeber any other item stirring up such emotions in many.

    Seriously, people, can you tone it down a bit? Simply because YOU dont like it, does not make it gaudy or tacky. Its your taste (and honestly comments like that make me question commenter's taste since they can't see beyond their own style limitations.) What does not work on some, can absolutely work on others.

    I personally can't wait to get this top. I love statement pieces and I would not be interested it this top didnt have the neck detailing or the flower. Call me attention seeker, or whatever, but I am asbolutly sure that I (and many others) will pull this top off.

    On a side note, I am glad many hate this top... this just means it actually may go on sale in my size! :)

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  29. I like the color and pattern, but not the style or fabric of the blouse. Way too sheer, and I'd probably be fussing with the flower constantly to make it look right.

    I would love this print in a cotton canvas mini or cotton sateen pencil skirt, or even just a belt.

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  30. The problem with wearing a cami underneath is that it ruins the look. It is a halter top with a cut-in neckline, which means if you wear a cami you will have the straps showing. Defeats the purpose of a "halter" top.

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  31. I don't like the color combination, personally. Yellows have always turned me off, in fact I don't own anything in any shade of yellow, not even in a print.

    That said... the pattern is beautiful, the turquoise color is fantastic, the braided neckline is exquisite, and the flower makes the shape visually interesting. The top looks amazing on leogrl6787 and reminds me of why I shop at J Crew. The new critter tees and 80s looks make me forget.

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  32. I like this top. However, I will wait to see if it goes on sale and then buy since I don't see myself wearing it very often.

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  33. It is ugly, and a waste of money. I guess I have bad taste according to anon 10:24 because I don't agree with her.

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  34. This tank reminds me of early-20th-century clown attire.

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  35. Great review, leogrl. I appreciate the irl pics. I think this is a really beautiful top and if it were in a different color combo I'd definitely try it.

    YOU ARE THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS
    cozy cute koala
    silk twill pleated halter dress

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  36. Anony@10:24
    This is fashion and people's opinions on fashion are very strong. Ever heard of Project Runway?

    Anyway, Glad you like it. I don't. It would be a one wear top at most and then done with it. Looks like something from the tropics and unless you live in Florida would be limited wear.

    I am also tired of fraying edges. This top has them once again in the braided trim. Also, as another poster pointed out a cami underneath has the high potential to show and ruin the look and line of the garment. $20 I might consider it.

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  37. I think it looks adorable tucked in! If I was going on a vacay I would so buy it. Very cute!

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  38. I agree with another anon, it's fine if you don't like the top but that's no reason to criticize someone else for buying it. I think leogrl looks really cute in it and I can totally understand why someone would want to wear it, but it's not right for me.

    I also find nothing odd about someone paying significant $$ for a garment and then making changes to it. I do that all of the time ! You know that bow cardigan that ended up in the final sale pages ? I took all of the bows off, now it's a very pretty basic cardigan. I routinely shorten tops, remove sleeves, remove embellishments, etc. One of my recent projects was to take Urban Outfitters' Parlor Top and move the elastic waist up from hip level to waist level. A few years ago I totally remade a Yoanna Baraschi dress I bought on Bluefly. So to you other alterers, power to you for making clothes just right for yourselves ! :-)

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  39. It reminds of those Pierotte clown dolls a bit. It's too much like costume for me. The transparency is not a problem though. I have a nude t-shirt bra and it works wonders for thin tops when its 100 degrees outside.

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  40. Pretty top but not for me. The flower is too big and costumey. I can imagine the sniggers I will get from my students.

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  41. Ugh. Is this going to be one of those days when people anonymously agree with themselves? I'll be posting at least 3 more anonymous posts backing myself up and agreeing with myself, 'cause I like people to do things my way.

    Look, if someone doesn't like the garment, and makes fun of it, calls it hideous...etc, that's how they feel. If lovers of the garment are so thin skinned and insecure that they can't read the critical comments, they are in the wrong place, because it's always going to be going on, regardless of any sanctimonious lectures.

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  42. WHO is being sanctimonious here?

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  43. Is everyone on this forum poor? What's so bad about paying full price for a top you love? I hate how everyone is criticizing her for paying full price. What's wrong with that?

    There are some things like in life that you can't use a free shipping code, teacher's discount and student discount on. What do you about that, huh?

    Beg at every place you might shop to get your way? Beg at the restaurant? Beg at the grocery store? Beg when you buying a new house?

    There are some cheapos here. Let those who want to pay full price pay.

    Look at the troubles you bitch and moan about when you buy from final sale. You can't return cause you already got a sale price for it.

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  44. Thanks for the reviews girls! I think this top is beautiful, but the colors are just not right for my skin tone. Would be beautiful over the summer with white denim...

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  45. Leogirl, I love the look of the top on you. Very Chic! Just curious, how will you be addressing the sheerness issue? You had mentioned wearing a cami but wouldn't the cami straps show with the cut-away halter style sleeves?

    I LOVE the color and style of the tank, but I think that I will have to pass. Reason being, Cami issue - Straps showing. I don't know what to wear under this top so that my bra does not show through.

    Does anyone have any ideas?

    Until I am able to find a solution, unfortunately, this is going to be a pass for me.

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  46. I think this Slimming Cami from Spanx could be a good option to wear under the tank: Slimming Cami .

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  47. anon 12:06: It has nothing to do with being poor it is called RECESSION!

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  48. Anon 12:19: Some people are still doing well in this recession and are not affected and can pay full price.

    Not everyone is hurting and cutting back. Let those who want/can full price do. What's wrong with that?

    It's their money, not your money.

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  49. anon 12:28: I guess you missed the Presidents speech last night? No one is immune from this. Saks has just reported dismal sales figures, yes even the rich are hurting.

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  50. Obama's speeches are commercials. They are advertising a way to think. Obviously some will 'buy the product'.

    My hubby is a Dr. with a private practice. As long as people still get sick, we'll be just fine.

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  51. Thanks for the reviews. I have a problem with most of the silk camis being laughably big on me, and seeing that I am also tall and really thin (5'8 < 100lb) I am glad that someone built similarly bought and reviewed this. I really like it - I know lots of people hate it:) It it looks like it doesn't fit as large as lots of the tops, so hopefully it will go on sale and I can get it...

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  52. FFM, thanks for the reminder about the Spanx cami. I have been wanting to buy one and for some reason keep forgetting to actually order it.

    Geez anons, lay off from the politics and money posts. I'm a political scientist and even I don't want to hear it on my *fun shopping blog of choice*, thank you very much.

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  53. Anon at 11:53 AM. There is nothing wrong with expressing your opinion. I would just like to see a little bit more mature comments. Calling something ugly, gaudy and tacky, make comparisons to clowns does not constitute "mature" or "lady-like" for that matter. I just sometimes read the comments and think to myslef: where the hell do you come from and why nobody taught you good manners?

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  54. Would you say the Havona tank is like the Victoria or Cherie, fit wise? I usually am an 8 on top, but take a 4 in those tops. Thanks!

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  55. Diversity is good. If we all dressed alike, life would be very boring! I might even be happy to see someone wearing that shiny bright melon cardigan. :-) The Havona tank is nothing compared to that cardigan. :-)

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  56. Soon to be PhD,
    Don't you sometimes wish JCA had the commenting option like Gawker used to have: where you had to be approved or "try out" before being a regular poster? I appreciate most Anons' posts, but then this happens. Oh well... *sigh*

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  57. Wow - one of those items that just really inspires intense feelings. I love the responses. This is when fashion becomes like art. Most of this is entirely subjective anyway, so why do people become so nasty about a piece of clothing?

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  58. Several times there have been comments about women who do not work buying full price items or living off their husbands. I am not defending myself, as there is nothing to defend. However, if I worked and my husband worked his traditional 60-70 hours per week, who would raise our children? Just curious if anon at 1:30 has a solution, because I would just love to go back to work.

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  59. I have a successful husband. Why does that make people mad? I worked full time to help with med school, and my children are being raised with a mother at home.

    It does seem that this board is dominated by very vocal, young student/teacher...etc...types, and I have noticed that older financial stable types have fled this blog.

    I'm over 40, and hubby and I have paid our dues. We were 25 once, and we saved, planned, and didn't drop 200-300 a month on 'bargain' J Crew clearance items, only to plead poverty when faced with people that had more than we did.
    12:52

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  60. Please go over to jezebel or feministing or one of those sites if you want a venue in which to discuss women's work in/outside the home, and the money they spend/earn.

    chocolate donuts: so evil yet so good,
    parisian polo in crisp celery,
    floofy bunny rabbit! :)

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  61. jen_brak, there are many families with both parents working. They use nannies/day care and have family/quality time on nights and weekends. My two siblings and I were raised by two working parents and turned out fine.

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  62. I want to like this piece but I think it's sheer-factor will be a deal breaker for me.

    Actually I'm really getting frustrated in general with the number of sheer tops: tees, shirts, even sweaters JCrew offers...Sorry but I don't want to have to wear a cami under every top...maybe it's worse for me because I have a bigger bust which makes me feel more vulnerable to the sheer factor, but I'm really getting tired of it.

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  63. Jenn_brak: Hi, I recall you posting about the Metallic Uptown Tote (Item 99000) sometime bag. I ordered one this morning and wonder if it's a nice bag. Would appreciate your comments! TIA! - Vivian

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  64. sorry, sometime BACK - guess I got "bag" clouding my mind. - Vivian

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  65. Anon @2:23 - Of course you turned out fine. I would not think both parents working would prohibit that from happening. My parents both worked too. I was joking on trying to get a solution from 1:30

    Back to the clothes. I am a fan of this top, would wear with a nude racer back bra or cami. There is a great new sleeveless top in stores. It has a scalloped detail around the neckline and is totally charming. Not see-through and a little more conservative for those who find this top too much. It comes in white, off-white and navy. It was my very favorite item at the store, priced at about $78. There was also a chambray shirt that was flying out of the store. I did not get to see the Havona.

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  66. anon calls me an idiot for nicely requesting that people stay on topic by suggesting sites where such issues are discussed?... mmmkay.

    Maybe you should try the positive phrase/jcrew/animal 3 line happy fun time exercise, it will make you feel better! :D

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  67. anon 2:34 - I agree, I'm getting tired of all the "light weight, sheer, thin, etc" tops J.Crew is peddling. Esp. their winter collection was full of high-gauge sweaters, and as someone who lives where there is still snow on the ground, that just doesn't work. But even now, no, I don't want sheer. I think this top is cute & I like the flower, but it's a turnoff to hear that it's sheer.

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  68. Vivian - I have the metallic uptown tote that came out in fall 2007. It was quite a different leather than the 2008 bag. First of all, I believe your bag is lined and a bit stiffer than the traditional uptown totes. Also, the leather has an unusual hand feel. Almost like a "foil" finish. It is quite lovely. Also, it has kind of a golden/silvery finish that I thought would go well with both metals. I would have loved to get the bag you purchased. However, my husband is already a little bewildered by my handbag collection, so did not even try to justify TWO metallic bags! Sure hope you are happy with yours.

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  69. Heather: No, you're not.
    :)

    Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows,
    Everything that's wonderful is what I feel when we're together!
    Baby Bengal tiger
    Cate pattern high heel slingbacks in pewter

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  70. man, it seems like it's been ages since stuff on sale has been marked down, like at least a month. If they want to get rid of these items, try lowering the price!

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  71. Jenn_brak: Tks! That helps a lot!I guess if I hate it enough I could load it on ebay.

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  72. What is this chambray shirt people are talking about? Is it a traditional button-down?

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  73. good one, lexiloo! :)

    anon@ 3:04,

    some people have reported seeing in store a women's version of the men's chambray workshirt. there's also a crewcuts version.

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  74. Anon @3:04 - It is a fitted shirt. I liked it because it looked like a shirt your boyfriend would wear materialwise, but had a close fit that was extremely flattering and kept it from looking like your boyfriend's shirt. It had all the details of a female shirt, darts and such.

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  75. Anon@3:04,

    Yeah... what they ^ said. :) I also mentioned the shirt earlier in this post. It looks like it's a new spring item. It might be in the next spring catalog. It is a buttoned-down, menswear inspired shirt. But it's fitted.

    silver_lining,
    YOu probably won't see this. Sorry I'm answering you so late. The shirt is $72 (less than the men's shirt), but since I'm a student and I got it as an exchange for something else, it cost me -$6. :)

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  76. Thanks for the irl pics of this beautiful shirt! I think it will be lovely for the summer!

    Lexieloo; where is this chambray shirt you speak of? I don't see it on the website...

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  77. I think the tank is stunning, but it may have a bit too much going on for my personal comfort level. I find that I love wow factor embellishments in principle, but feel self-conscious actually wearing them. Still, I think the tank is beautiful and would consider buying it on sale. Customizing it by snipping the flower is a fab idea!!!

    By the by, I strongly agree that how people spend their money and arrange their childcare and marital finances is their own business and not really up for comment here!

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  78. I remember someone saying earlier in the week that new arrivals would be online tomorrow. Can anyone confirm? Thanks =)

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  79. I don't know about all the rest of you, but items like this one (that I know just from the photos won't be as wearable IRL as I'd want) remind me *how much I want to learn to sew!* It can't be hard to make a flowy little top with some braided fabric at the neck opening (and skip the silly flower) - I only wish I knew where J Crew's fabric sources were! That print is freaking awesome. I have dark hair and olive skin, and it's color combos like this one that give me goosebumps. But I can't pay $128 for goosebumps that will show through a see-through cami with a weird floppy flower on one shoulder...

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  80. OMG, I can't wait to see this women's chambray shirt... I desperately need a new blue shirt. I had this incredible one from BR back in high school (circa 1992, back when they were a totally different world stylewise) that fell apart years ago, and haven't found anything close (cut for a woman) since. I bet it's super cute. When's the new reveal again?

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  81. Corey,

    I was told yeaterday by an SA that items would be online tomorrow and the new catalog would be available tomorrow.

    I was able to take a look at the catalog in-store yesterday.

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  82. Is there a March catalog out? TIA

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  83. Anony@12:52

    You are living in a dream world. People will stop going to the doctor b/c they cannot afford to and will have to pay for neccesities...IT WILL TAKE ITS TOLL ON ALL eventually depending on how long it lasts. Just b/c your hubby is a doctor does not mean you are immune by a LONG SHOT!

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  84. no one is immune, that is correct. Some people just don't realize how they're affected because it's not directly, via a layoff, etc. But this downturn brought on by greedy shits on wall street and greedy homeowners is impacting people all over the world.

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  85. Anon@4:36pm ... even if you know how to sew, a big problem is finding nice fabric. It's almost impossible to find yardage of fabrics as nice as what you find in ready-made clothing, believe me, I have been hunting for decades. When you find the best fabrics, they can be quite pricey. Many times I've bought garments just to scavange the fabrics! My latest scavange was the blue/white floral short-sleeved Gap top with the ruffles at the collar, I already own the top but I bought another in size XXL when it was marked down because I'm going to make a little halter top from the fabric.

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  86. Thats right, healthcare is the first thing people will cut back on.

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  87. I agree. It's arrogant to assume that doctors are immune, no pun intended, to the economic woes affecting everyone. Such a rude and silly remark from someone who purportedly has paid her dues and done her thing whatever.

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  88. back to lighter topics, thanks for the compliments, and "disses". obvi, i don't care, i've always worn what makes me happy, and i looooove colors and crazy prints. woop woop.

    as for cami, there are various ways from elastics, to even plastic disks they specifically make, to cinch the back of the cami into a temporary racer back. i wear camis under EVERYTHING, so i don't mind, like i said in the post.

    as for money, i'm gonna hop on my soap box for a sec, it's one of my biggest pet peeves when people pass judgement on others for spending habits. it is my money, i earned it, as long as i'm not going into debt and affecting you (you is a general term here) who the eff cares. i work, i'm young, i have very little "overhead", so i treat myself to pretty things and there is no reason anyone has to justify themselves for that. this is supposed to be a fun place people. i know misery loves company, but that's one boat i ain't gettin' on and i wish ya'll would just take a deep breath, and move on from that nasty little green topic.

    btw, who is pumped for new arrivals? me! me! me!

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  89. Marriages fall apart in the blink of an eye everyday, especially to those who take their relationships for granted. A grown woman in her 40s who claims she's 'protected' from the global economic downturn because her husband's a doctor?... honey, did you examine the words as you typed them?

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  90. leogrl6787: You did look very cute in the top...thank you for your latest response. Everything was well-said. I have way too much "overhead" for this cami, unless it is on sale. ;)

    SPRING ITEMS (to match the crocuses I saw today)--YAY. Cannot wait!

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  91. that's it - i'm going to sewing school! :)

    what are the three things?

    pink grapefruit and lychee yogurt (from rachel's!)
    my corgi
    the grey vachetta tote bag: will you be mine?

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  92. The jcrew photo looks more sheer than leo's. Might it look different outside in daylight or with a flash to illuminate right through the fabric? All these sheer and unlined garments are a pain when having to find something to go underneath them. I'd buy it if there was a lining or a cami in the same shape to go underneat it. the style/construction and print are rather unique

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  93. Wow! Lots of little green eyed monsters in here today. Or rather, one little green eyed monster who can't stop posting, lol.

    Anyhoo, I LOVE this cami. I would wear it on a hot day with a nude bra or cami-no biggie. It would look smokin' with white jeans or khakis and some strappy flats. It reminds me of sitting in an outdoor terrace drinking something pink and getting ready to dance with all you girlfriends.

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  94. I think the flower is too big for me. But, I love the print and the colours. Think I'll pass.

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  95. Thanks for your reviews, leogrl & Cass. This cami is the only thing I really covet from the S/S line. Oh, and the seaside silk cami with the wave pattern that's not yet online. Leogrl, you totally rock that top. I'm going to buy that top the first time it goes on sale or promo. That style coupled with the beautiful colors on the print makes it one of those special pieces that I think will look great even 5-10 year from now. So, I don't care if all the other posters diss it, that just means there'll be fewer of them grabbing for it when it gets marked down!

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  96. gah! i love this top (and thinks it looks great on you, leogrl!). it's definitely out of my price range right now, but i shall be keeping an eye on it and hoping it goes on sale!

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  97. Is there any way to get rid of the flower??

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  98. I'm going to pass on this top due to the color combination, the thinness of the material, and the unfinished edges of the fabric flower. The last two are especially egregious given the cost.

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  99. I just posted some pics of the March catalog on my blog, along with the Beetle tee. The Chambray shirt is on there, too. Lauren Hutton is wearing it under a cardigan.

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  100. Ladies - There is the scariest necklace ever in the new catalog! I wear a lot of J Crew jewelry, but WOW. It looks like the cloud necklace but is brown and some other color.

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  101. I'm so sure that shoulder flower could be altered to be smaller. I'm looking at the pic on the J Crew web site, I see two options. 1) remove some of the petals or 2) cut the petals down and apply Fray Check to the raw edges. I would do #2.

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  102. Marriage- as is any relationship- is built on honesty. There are a lot of marriages in trouble on this blog. Women think it is actually funny that they hide their packages and spending on JCrew clothes from their husbands. It made me sick just reading these posts a while back while everyone else thought it was SOOO FUNNY! That is not being honest and setting yourself up for BIG trouble in the long run; I couldn't live that way but I guess, for the most part, the world is a dishonest place. My hubby knows exactly what I spend and I wouldn't have it any other way. We have been married for 22 years and going strong.

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  103. Why is it that the person who spends money is always at fault ?

    I've known some people who are so frugal it's ridiculous. Maybe some of the people who hide purchases do so because the spouse is obsessed with scrimping and saving and anxiously demands to know the price of every single purchase.

    I just read a quote on an apartment therapy page ...

    "We're all going to die. Write that down, miss. We don't have the luxury of a thousand years on this earth. Only sixty, or maybe eighty little years if we're lucky. And these years pass in a flash. Why not offer flowers to your spouse every night? Why deprive yourself of the happiness of making your house a home? Why resist your impulse? Daily life is the most beautiful voyage..." - Louis Pauzé

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  104. I will wait for the Havona tank to go down in price before I purchase. It looks great on the reviewer here.
    I have always loved chambray as it is so comfy and gets better after each wash. I will simply wear my old 2003 gap fitted soft jean shirt for the cute catalog look. I am pairing mine with the taffeta skirt with the kick pleat & pearls. Spring is official March 20th. I am trying to get a load of wear out of my winter items before then. For some reason I'm tired of boots already.
    I think those beaded tees are cute and had seem kind of sturdy.
    I say its your money do what you want with it without regards to those that don't pay any of your bills etc. Live and let live.

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  105. Anony@2:28

    Yes, but being dishonest also robs you of living life to the fullest. No doubt about that...the energy it takes to deceive a spouse could be used elsewhere in a positive way on this earth. Write that down, missy.

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  106. It's amazing the things people will say and type when they can hide behind a wall of anonymity.

    I really can't take any sort of crap-talking anonymous poster seriously. If you feel so strongly in your beliefs, I think you'd put a name to your posts.

    *shrugs*

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  107. I love this top. Its in my shopping cart hoping it will go on sale.

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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.

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