"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who let us know about J.Crew's most recent email. They are featuring their Vintage Slim Jeans (Item 16426; $98.00).Although I love the look in the image, I do not think this style is universally appealing. Also, I have a hard time paying more than $20 for jeans with holes (or as they nicely put it, a "distressed look and had-it-forever feel") already in them. ;)
What are your thoughts on the Vintage Slim Jean? Are you a fan or not of the design & style? How would you rock this look? Have you tried these particular pair on? If so, please share with us your review! :)
I'm sure to get ridiculed for this but I LOVE the look of these jeans and the fit. I know it seems silly to spend nearly $98 on torn jeans -- but these are super comfy -- not really "low-rise" which for me, is preferred -- and just great-wear-every-day jeans.
ReplyDeletei think they kind of contradict what jcrew is all about - clean, crisp and well tailor-made...but it does look nice on the model!
ReplyDeleteI would be interested to try them on. I remember trying selvedge jeans ( which were whooping $125 or more) and they were huuuge in my regular 28. Felt I had to try them in 26 or so, crazy sizing. At $98 it seems like a steal, lol!
ReplyDeleteI tried them on and loved them. They were comfy and not low rise, which is nice. Didn't buy them, as there were so many other things to tempt me!
ReplyDeleteI tried these and the rise was too high for me. I don't get the whole thing about ripped up jeans either. Pass.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Sharon, looks great on the model. I don't think it's the type of thing I could pull off - lighter wash jeans with holes in them just makes me feel like the only thing people are looking at when i walk into a room are the jeans (because they're so, um, pronounced). Plus the skinny/slim/matchstick/toothpick thing prevents me from even so much as trying them on (wouldn't make it past my - apparently oversized - calves. So it's a no go for me.
ReplyDeleteI bought the earlier version ($148) and had to size down, as Slastena suggested. It's also mid-rise, which is better for me.
ReplyDeleteA bit pricey but it's the most comfy jeans in my wardrobe*.
*Disclaimer: never owned a pair of Seven.
I have 2 pairs - the vintage slim cowgirl and the distressed vintage slim in antique destroyed wash - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the fit although they run big - you need to size down at least 1 size, if not 2. They are not low rise, which I like and they are loose in the leg which I like. I'm 41 and sometimes feel a bit foolish in distressed jeans but I try to have an "I don't care what others think" attitude! LOL! I live in the conservative midwest and I'm sure other moms my age must sometimes think "what the heck is she wearing?!" I do wish J.Crew would come out with a vintage slim jean that isn't distressed. Wow - sorry for the rambling on and on.
ReplyDeleteRatsOnParade (& others!)- You may want to atleast try them! I have "oversized-calves" as well and I can NOT wear a "skinny/ slim/ matchstick/ toothpick..." fit either but I did NOT find them to fit like "those" at all! I REALLY like these! I had to size down though, so they do run BIG!!! $98 is more than I usually spend on jeans too but I did use my 25% off red card so $73.50 was a little better!!!
ReplyDeleteFor me, when it comes to jeans, it's all about how the butt looks! And the rear-view of these looks awful on the model. Maybe I'm old (42) and I just don't "get it", but I don't think I've ever seen a more UNflattering pair of pants on a JCrew model, ever!
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely a "look" that may not be timeless, but could be pulled off this season. Perhaps the sizing is off because it is meant to be worn baggy, as on the model? I could see it looking cute on someone of a certain age and body type, but it doesn't work for my lifestyle. Good thing we don't all have to agree on what we like or don't like! Yay for individuality!
ReplyDeleteI was excited by these jeans for a reasonable 75$, (w/ red card) but I'm not thrilled by the severe knee slash on the left knee. It looks like someone cut it cleanly with a pair of scissors, not like distressing or natural wear.
ReplyDeleteI think if you size down, you can get a comfy,classic, non-baggy look that will work for more people.
I bought a very similar version from Ann Taylor Loft - the girls there told me that they are flying off the shelf! They are a lot less money, around $60 and then I had a 20% off coupon. They fit great!
ReplyDeletei bought these online when they first came out and they totally looked like "mom jeans" on me.
ReplyDeletei still wanted distressed jeans and just did them myself.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2304771_distress-jeans.html
I want to try these. They look really cute. I'm not sure I can pull it off but me likey!
ReplyDeleteIs anyone else having grunge-era flashbacks? Next thing you know, JCrew will start marketing the flannel shirt as the next hot trend...
ReplyDeleteLOVE these but yes size down a size or two. I have the 27's and I may put them on the looking to sell page if I can find a 26 or 25 this week on the website when it updates. I will ask what I paid - $99. Soft, cute and comfy -- just what spring is about.
ReplyDeleteGap has a very cute pair with a little more whiskering but at $70 a little less expensive. Hard to find b/c they're only in stores and are selling out. Gap also has a straight leg version that are my next purchase - $70 as well. Waiting for a coupon code.
ReplyDeleteRise is about 8 to 8.5" so it's better for a 30-something!
Apropos of the grunge comment and JCrew bringing things back--I was just thinking this morning how much the Fall 2009 collection looks like things my parents had in their closets from the late 60s and early 70s. My dad had the same furry gold/camel cardigans, the same worn leather belts; my mom had the same questionable black raised wool fuzzy skirts, the plastic link jewelry. It will be hard for me to buy this stuff, knowing I wore it during my rebellious, "alternative" teenage-hood.
ReplyDeleteGo to the Gap if you like this look, they have a similar jean which is just as cute if not cuter (I like the slightly darker look myself). And it's only $69.50. Better deal IMO, plus for the smaller ladies, you'll have more of a chance to find your size since Gap actually is pretty TTS on pants I think.
ReplyDeleteUsually I wouldn't point anyone in another direction other than JCew but I think in this instance it's better.
all i have to say about these jeans is: i agree with jenna
ReplyDelete"Ripped-up jeans that cost a fortune
Lyons: I love them, and I hate them. I love the look and understand that not everyone has the time or the creativity to make them look that way. But I hate that the store-bought ones cost a fortune."
I LOVE the vintage slims too! I was a little hesitant at first, but I think they look adorable with a feminine top and a high heel, or even a cute ballet flat. They are so much comfier to wear than skinny jeans - it's nice to have a different look in my wardrobe. I have an earlier pair in dark indigo wash, but I am considering these as well.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone been to the store yet? Are there new arrivals as promised?
nomoneyfun: My thoughts exactly!
ReplyDeleteIf they didn't have the holes, I would buy two pairs. I love the style, but I don't buy new jeans that have holes in them. I can do that well myself, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI think the look is cute and trendy but not for me. I would wear distressed and med-wash jeans like this but not with the whole peg-leg thing. BUT I have seen women who look super cute and can totally do this look.
ReplyDeleteI like the jeans-distressing tutorial that FFM had on her blog a while back.
i totally agree with you haus_frau.
ReplyDeleteas a college student i live in jeans and even though i don't mind paying a little bit more for a good pair that i'll have for a few years, it makes no sense to pay for jeans that look like they've already been worn out before i got into them.
The peg-roll works only on the long and leggy! On everyone else it looks fashion-victimy and silly, not to mention unflattering, IMHO (me included, at 5'3").
ReplyDeleteI so wanted to love these. They looked great from rear, but the long-rise did not work for me. If I pulled the pants up, the rise was too high and if I pulled the waist down to a mid-rise level, the crotch was too low. Maybe just not proportioned for a short person.
ReplyDeleteLast week I found these in a darker wash at the J Crew outlet and they were an additional 30% off. I think I paid about $42.00, and that if fine for comfy jeans that may not be in style for too long. I did size down and they are a little short to wear not cuffed (I'm 5' 9"). I like them cuffed (not peg rolled) and with a cute flat or sandal.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the rule-- if you have worn a trend once you shouldn't wear it when it comes back a second time? So yes to these, but no to acid washed skinny jeans with zippers on the ankle (In Style this month!!).
Stephanie f: I second that rule!
ReplyDeleteI'm 5'10, and would only wear these as regular jeans, maybe cuffed, but not pegged. i wish there had been a tall version, but I guess they're meant to be worn rolled up. I have a long torso, so the rise would be mid on me which is great.
ReplyDeleteHave any 5'10" or above ladies tried these on, unrolled? Was it hopeless?
I love the idea but the rise was way too high on me...I looked ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteWhy do they always style these type of jeans with the pant leg rolled? I would love to see what the legs actually look like without the trendy styling, especially if I'm going to pay $100+....
ReplyDeleteI fear the return of high-rise pants is well on it's way. :(
ReplyDeleteI have an old sweater that I really love. I put it away when the low-rise pants came into vogue. I tried it with the saturday pants today and there was almost 6" from the top of my pants to the bottom of the sweater. I tried it with a high-waisted pencil skirt and it was OK, although looked slightly cropped. It made me realize how truly high-waisted pants used to be and how much I prefer the lower-rise.
I tried these in store and they looked ridiculous on me. Definitely in the mom jean category for me. Waaayyy too much crotch fabric going on.
OT - I just got a bikini in the mail from the final sale, and there is totally no padding in the top! For a size AA girl like me, this isn't good! Does anyone have any experience having put padding in their swimsuits? Is this something I can do myself or should I take it to a tailor/seamstress?
ReplyDeletePS. I don't the ripped jean look, regardless of how much or how little they cost! But I think that's just because I tend to dress on the more formal side of things (the only sneakers I wear are for running!).
I think it looks great on SOME people...but I'm too young looking to pull it off in a JCrew way...it would look very abercrombie :(
ReplyDelete3:20-Where do you live? I would love to dress a bit more formally on a regular basis. Maybe I'll move there. In my area, dressing formally would get lots of stares.
ReplyDeleteWhat a waste of money to buy jeans that are going to fall apart in a couple of washes. I saw this look in a young teens store, it is best to leave this look to the teens.
ReplyDeleteJust can't legitimate paying that much money for ripped jeans when there are so many people out of a job in this country. It's just not cool. In fact, I'm kind of insulted. 'If you want torn jeans so bad, keep wearing the ones you've got' is what my (still cooler than me) older sister would say...
ReplyDeleteAnon 2:33pm -
ReplyDeleteI'm 5'8" and sized down to a 28R (which is still too big in waist and a belt is needed to tie up).
Unrolled, the jeans run over your ankles (bootcut length?). It's definitely longer than the short version of jeans that I tried on before.
The rise is mid-rise, which fits me anyway.
To those Anons who are 'insulted' by the look: to each his/her own.
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying this post a lot, I found myself agreeing with all the comments, even if they contradict each other lol!
ReplyDeleteI'm short (5'3") and I've tried the first version (the ones without the cut on the knee, but the "hole" instead, I think it's the antique distroyed wash). I loved, loved, loved, the fit and I felt kind of elegant wearing them (I have two pics from the fitting room on my blog here if you're interested). But I can't get past the fake distressed look, it's soooo dated. So, I think I will pass and wait to see if they come out with a non-distressed version in the same fit and wash.
I'm 5'9" in socks with longer legs and shorter torso. These jeans are just too high rise for me. Uncomfortable and unflattering. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteAnon @3:31 - I think that anon@3:20 meant more professional when she said formal. I doubt she's running around in ball gowns (though I'd like to see that if she were!). But if she's referring to more professional and more adult, or just more dressy, I'm with her. The distressed jeans are just casual and too young for anything I wear. (And I live in NYC if you're going to make some other snarky comment!)
ReplyDeleteWe'll see how long before this one goes on sale. It's a gauge of the demand, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteHeard that in B&Ms, they sell fast (unless the stores purposely hold their inventory to create pent-up demand).
I like the look, except for the outright holes. The model looks lovely for sure; but I would wear a turtleneck or plain old t-shirt with these- I wouldn't 'dress' it up like this.
ReplyDeleteYep--been there, done that, with my pinch-rolled 501s in the 1980s. Don't think I'll be revisiting this trend!
ReplyDeleteI tried this on for my ps and while I love the fit, I don't like the distressed look. I put my foot through the hole in the knee! I wish they would make this fit in another wash that's not distressed.
ReplyDeleteOT. Anyone in atlanta lenox store recently. What kind of sale items are there?
ReplyDeleteit looks bad on the model. even the model needs some heels in these jeans.
ReplyDeletecourtney_joy:
ReplyDeleteI went to the store today. They do have new stuff out, but I didn't have time to REALLY look. I've looked through the new catalog twice, and I've marked several things I'd like to investigate further;-)
Peanut--
ReplyDeleteWow, who put salt in your coffee this morning?
My post was entirely serious. I'm completely clear on what the original poster meant by formal--no need to put words in her mouth or mine.
I live in California, in an area where everyone runs around in Lululemon all day. I grew up in a more formal, (no-not professional) town, and miss it.
I hope your day, (life?) gets better Peanut. Maybe you need a vacation.
3:31
Yikes! I might be totally alone this season, but I am really NOT a fan of this look. Long ago I promised myself that I would always wear clothes that flatter my figure, and I really don't see how baggy jeans (pegged no less!) flatter anyone's figure. I'll always stick with a fitted pair, esp in the rear dept and I'm sure my husband will be grateful!
ReplyDeleteSorry to be OT, but this is re: the controversial corsage tee-
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is wondering how the flowers hold up after washing, I hand washed mine today and line dried. The tee came out good as new, the flowers did not fray, but did dry fluffier and prettier than when why I bought it! I am a huge fan of this tee, I bought it in beechwood and navy. I might have to pick up more.
These remind me of the real boyfriend jeans trend when you could actually borrow your guy's slightly larger jeans and belt them, let them hang a bit and be totally comfortable. I'm not trying to be snotty by saying the real boyfriend jeans. I mean that back in the day when my boyfriends were still skinny and not much bigger than the girls. You know, those sorta scrawny teenage years. Like some of the emo gals could borrow the emo guys jeans today. Some of my friends without BF would go to the Sally Ann and buy a pair of used men's jeans to wear the trend.
ReplyDeleteThis offering from J.Crew just seems a bit too contrived to me. Like you're trying to hard to look casual. Maybe it's my age and the past experience, but when we did the trend they were not purposely cut, which I find tacky. Or maybe it is just because I dress in a more formal fashion now. And yes, I also mean formal, or conventional, not professional.
Formal is a completely different thing than professional. But anyway...
ReplyDeleteI like these, but only if worn closer to the body, and not too loose. I don't mind some distressing, but the big holes are deal breaker. I do like that they have no logos or labels, so I may check out the less distressed ones, which are, of course, more expensive, lol.
i have these in a different wash/color and they're not slim at all (seems like a misnomer) and they run large. for anyone who hasn't bought these because they think they're like the matchstick or toothpick jeans, they're not. to me they seem wider in the calf/thigh than the bootcut jeans.
ReplyDeletei wear 29 in matchstick and 27 (or probably even 26 would fit me better) in vintage "slims" -- i like the vintage slims because they're baggy and comfortable and they feel like they're hanging off my hips. i wear these jeans a lot and launder them a lot and they haven't degraded or fallen apart at all.
If I'm not mistaken, the "Vintage Slim" was a men's cut to begin with. They had non-distressed versions for women two falls ago (October 2007, maybe?) - around the time of the Paris catalog.
ReplyDeleteI have a pair of the Cowboy jeans (early '07) that are probably cut very similar to the VS's - they're just more tapered at the ankle, which is fine by me. I like them with an ivory cami and navy cardigan. The Gap distressed in-store distressed jeans from this year are pretty nice too - I got a pair during the friends & family sale and like them a lot. The distressing is a little more subtle than a slashed knee, and the overall color is darker.
On a JC-related note, I received 3 cardigans today (basically, 3 ride-alongs for my puff-sleeve tee that I thought I might have luck with) and they are all CRAP! The pinwheel cardigan has fraying pinwheels (yeah, we all knew that but I had to check it out for myself!), the retro silk v-neck cardigan is paper-thin and looks like it'll stretch downward within a wearing, and the cotton scroll cardigan is also very thin, and the snaps were hard to separate in order to try it on. The thing I've noticed about the cotton cardigans this year is how delicate they look at the shoulder seams - like the threads are already hanging on for dear life. It's too bad, they were for a long time my #1 thing to purchase from JC. They're all going back, and I'm adding cardigans to my "do not purchase from JC" list.
Does anyone know when spring rewards come out?
ReplyDeleteOT - do the flowers on the rosette tee fluff up a bit after washing? I've worn my tee twice and I'm a little leery of washing but it will have to be done soon. Just wondering how the flowers hold up. Appreciate your feedback!
ReplyDelete7:17 Formal is a completely different thing than professional.
ReplyDeleteExactly my point. I meant formal as in conventional. I did not mean professional. Not that it matters...
6:46
Anon 7:32 - I imagine it's pretty soon, on the main page for the JC credit card when you sign in it says something to the effect of "Use your spring rewards by June 12, 2009".
ReplyDeleteAnyone know when the next release comes out? Current JCrew offerings are a snooze to me....
ReplyDelete-Teresa
Good grief, the rosette tees are selling on ebay for $100 and up in the shell color. Wonder if the "looking to sell" poster is aware of that. I guess she's not trying to gouge.
ReplyDeleteOh 6:46, That wasn't directed to you,sorry. I was just generalizing, mainly based on Peanuts comments, which just didn't make sense to me, sorry! 7:17
ReplyDeleteHi. This is Anon@3:20 again. I was really just looking for help on how to pad my bikini top, but apparently my formal comment is more interesting.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what Peanut is talking about, but Anon@5:51 I actually live in CA too, in South Los Angeles County. I'm not too concerned about what other people wear, be it Lululemon, sweat pants, pleather, ball gowns, bikinis, whatever, but my personal style is more formal. I don't wear sneakers, t-shirts with writing on them, shorts, and very few tank tops. Distressed jeans don't fit into my repertoire of clothing, that's all I was implying. Yes, sometimes I am "over-dressed" here, but I'm happy with my style (and I get tons of compliments on my JC clothes too)!
Now can anyone give me advice on the bikini?? Thanks!!! :)
No too 80's for me. I like the dark wash toothpick jeans though!
ReplyDeleteAnon 3:20 - try these links
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ehow.com/how_2318701_pad-line-custom-bikini-top.html
http://www.expertvillage.com/video/77148_bathingsuit-design-lining-padding.htm
No likey. not for that price. can get this look for way cheaper.
ReplyDeleteO/T - Does anyone know when the website will update with the new arrivals in stores today (some the past few days?) I bought several new thin gs and want to polyvore them! Is there a website I can post photos to that will let polyvore pick them up? Thanks.
ReplyDeletesilver_lining I hear you on the sweaters. I wore one of my new Jackie cardigans for the second time today. I came home from work and it was pilling so badly my boobs looked like a pair of muppets! Un-frickin-believeable.
ReplyDeleteLOL Anony @ 9:22. I almost spit wine all over my laptop when I read your muppet comment. hehehe
ReplyDeleteI gave up on the Jackies after last summer. I bought two and they both became rags after a few washings and wearings. Way below my expectations for a cotton/nylon blend sweater.
this seems like a trend for the abercrombie age group not jcrew
ReplyDeleteI love the look of these jeans and love all the styling I have seen everyone do with them. But I just can't imagine actually getting them myself - maybe because I feel like I'm too old. I don't know... I will admire them from afar for now...
ReplyDeleteI've put them in my online shopping cart, only to hear that little voice tell me I'm 20 years too late. (I'm 41.)
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm just too conservative, but I think the older you get, it's best to keep the jeans dark and unadorned. Otherwise you look like you're shopping your daughter's (or granddaughter's) closet. I remember an InStyle article on "How not to Look Old," and it talked about staying away from the teen trends.
I'm sure I'll see someone my age looking fabulous in these, but I'd argue that they are the exception, not the rule.
I agree, too, with the person who said that this is a look best saved for the tall, leggy lady.
Being 5'3" and 41 to boot, I think the ship has sailed on these. But I can keep on putting them in the shopping cart and pretending.
I really just don't get the fun of these jeans. For me, the rules are no fading, no whiskering, no tinting, no extra pockets. Just jeans, the darker the better. Any aging comes organically, and that includes holes! This pair reminds me of the "outfits" New Kids on the Block wore back in the day. Are boys wearing hats with the tops cut off coming back next? Shall I stock up on aerosol White Rain hairspray so I can rock my mall hair? Yipes.
ReplyDelete3:44- Thank you for the info! Anon@ 2:33
ReplyDeleteI got a pair of American Eagle jeans like this for $19.95 (sale) to check out this trend. I think they are the same as Chloe of Chloe Conspiracy had in one picture. At that price, my 50 year old self can try to pull off for weekend wear. I live in SF so no one is going to look twice, it is just a matter of personal comfort level with a style. I am sure the JCrew ones are better quality denim and softer but I am happy with AE at a fraction of the price for such a trendy look.
ReplyDeleteAnybody think there will be a 20 or 30% off code this week? Or will they keep us hanging until the red card promo is over?
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping for a promo! : )
these jeans look goofy and the model looks goofy wearing them. especially with that goofy pose. is she supposed to be falling over, skipping along or what?
ReplyDeleteI agree, the pose is stupid. As are the ones of her on the front page of the website. She's a beautiful woman, but she just looks silly in those jump shots.
ReplyDeleteTo 2nd anon @12:07's post: there is some seriously bad mojo going on with the rear of these jeans. I tried to hate them for a while, and then when I saw them for $39.99 in the store I tried to convince myself that french-cuffing (rolling up) my jeans and putting on a pair of heels would not at all be like pegging my jeans and putting on a pair of Sebagos or penny loafers, a la 1987. As others have mentioned, I had to size down 2 sizes in these. This is really rare for me in J Crew b/c I have, um, generous thighs and a round butt. I usually have to size up in JCrew city fit pants and pencil skirts just to not look borderline obscene or like Jessica Rabbitt. After hearing me complain about how tired I am of yanking my pants up and wearing longer tanks to avoid overexposure from everything being cut low-rise these days, a friend suggested these jeans and said they were cut higher. I had high hopes. These jeans gave me saggy butt. And if there was that much room in a pair of jeans on me, who has never had any trouble filling the pockets out of any pair of pants, I just don't understand what they look like on others. Don't get me wrong - for all of you who've said you love them, I'm sure they look fab (given your keen fashion sense from being on this blog:), but yeah, they were somethin' terrible on me. Shame too, because I actually really liked the casual fit. And I'd found a pair that only had 2 small rips and weren't that distressed which was better for my style. But I would have needed a belt and a long tank to cover the unfortunateness in back which would have then defeated the point of getting them at all.
ReplyDeleteI think these jeans are tacky and tasteless. I would never wear a pair of torn jeans--ever...when I see people with them on I just laugh to myself and think...people will fall for anything if they paid a lot for it and someone else says it is high fashion.
ReplyDeleteAnony@7:25
ReplyDeleteYes, this years JCrew cotton sweaters...fresco, deco dot, etc. are super think compared to last years. The cotton is not just thin but cheap looking.
Speaking of the shoulder seams...mine came with 2 holes right at the shoulder seam! Completely cheaply made. No quality control.
Loose buttons on Jackie cardis:
ReplyDeleteWore one of my jackie cardis twice and several buttons have gone loose.
Same problems with bouquet cardi - had to return it because the buttons were loose after a few try-ons!
They fit me well- really well- so I bought them- but I got the $148 version.
ReplyDeleteGot the red card in the mail that day upon my returm home....
ugh
i'm a little old for ripped jeans, but the fit is the best for me and I love them.