"Thanks!" to Marietta, who shared the latest email J.Crew sent today.The email features the Merino-Linen Camp Cardigan (Item 21831; $98.00) which is described as:
A utilitarian take on the classic V-neck cardigan, with a slightly slouchier silhouette and sleeves that can be worn long or rolled up and fastened (our designers were inspired by a traditional men's camp shirt). The yarn is a beautiful blend of Italian merino and linen, so it's super soft with a fabulous slub texture—and sure to be a favorite for seasons to come.J.Crew is all about promoting their cardigans as of late (refer to the last week's "J.Crew Email: A lovely layer (plus, FREE SHIPPING)"post).
As for this cardigan, I love the concept of the rolling-sleeves-to-fasten like a camp shirt. I also really like the {rather large} size of the buttons along the front of cardigan. However, I would have to try this top in-person to see how "light" (code for "see-through") this cardigan is. Another concern I have is that it is a linen blend, so I am not sure how well it will drape / wrinkle.
What are your thoughts on the Merino-Linen Camp Cardigan? Do you like or dislike the style of the cardigan sleeves being rolled & fastened?
I like the part about usage for "seasons to come". There have been lots of posts about how JCrew sweaters are not lasting like they used to. I wonder about this one as well with the thinness. I like the styling but wonder about durability.
ReplyDeleteSaw this yesterday at the B&M. It is superthin, and seems like the buttonholes would stretch out maybe. Love the concept, but it really needs a heavier fabric.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little tired of the "whisper thin," "light," "featherweight," etc for all of their sweaters/cardigans this year. Come on JC! People don't want things that are so see through that they're practically mesh. Of course you have to "layer" when the clothes practically resemble mesh. Sometimes I think JC makes things so thin just so you buy more things to make it wearable. I'm starting to lose some love for JC right now.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte I agree with you, I am tired of the thin sweaters too, they are not very durable.
ReplyDeleteLove this cardi, and in the store where I work almost everyone who tries it on buys it! I haven't tried it on yet, because at $98 I don't want to like it for my wallet's sake.
ReplyDeleteThe fabric isn't really sheer, but I think it will snag VERY easily, and also wonder about how it will retain it's "shape" over time.
I tried this on when I was in the store for the rollout on Wednesday. Not a fan of the thin fabric and the material felt chintzy - looked like it would snag at a sneeze and I could tell it would stretch into a shapeless mess over time. My PS took one look at it on and shook her head.
ReplyDeleteCute styling...but the thing about J.Crew's whisper cardigans are that they start piling after a handful of wearings. I would never pay FP for this...do they think people like to pay $98 +tax for disposable clothing?
ReplyDeletesaw this sweater at the B&M, as it was honestly the only item in this rollout was interested in. It looks cheap, a nightmare for snagging, and like something I might see my little sister wearing (she's a teen). J crew is making it really easy to save my money. This spring rollout is underwhelming to say the least.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the concept of the sleeves and the style of the cardigan itself, but I agree with the rest of you...it really needs a heavier fabric.Somehow I'm coveting it anyway...
ReplyDeleteGreat video! What I enjoy most about them (as well as the JC catalogue) is the creativity and artistry of the fashion presented in them - which is so much fun. As some other JCAs have commented, I think that the idea is not to necessarily replicate these looks detail for detail but rather to look to them for inspiration. That is, take away from them the styling ideas that you can make your own.
ReplyDeleteI like Jenna's styling ideas about pairing sparkly, sequin tops with more casual wear. We often read on other fashion blogs that you should be able to create at least 3 looks with a piece in order to justify adding it your closet. Apply this philosophy to sequin items and they become more practical to buy. There is nothing sadder than buying an expensive,sequin skirt and only wearing it once per year at New Year's!
Lastly, Jenna's idea of wearing multiples of jewelry whether it be bracelets or necklaces is another look I really like. Thanks for sharing the video, Alexis!
stella,
ReplyDeleteI know the 3 look thing is big right now but personally I think it is a big bunch of $#@#%. If I really like an item and am love with it I buy it and wear it. Sorry but this new saying just doesn't cut it for me. Nothing personal to you as I have been reading this on many blogs/posts and just had to get my 2 cents in:)
I saw this and agree with all of the negative comments. Honestly, this felt like Loft quality (not knocking ALL of Loft but find their sweaters look and feel cheap) or maybe even something along the lines of Target. An adorable style..made as cheaply as possible and SO disappointing for $100! I think people are either getting used to spending $100 on disposable clothing or there's actual crewlade being pumped into air you breathe in that store. They certainly are pumping out the business for a lot of declining quality. Will this eventually catch up to them?
ReplyDeleteI have a few silk/linen and cotton/linen sweaters but I've never tried merino with linen. I wonder how it will wear and hold up over time. It's looks OK to me, but nothing I would rush out to buy. There are plenty of other items in the new rollout that I have on my list right now, this would be near the bottom of the list.
ReplyDeleteOT, but I just got the Always cardigan in Navy, size small and have decided to take it back (love it, but just don't NEED it). I bought it before the price went from $29.50 to $39.50 so I figured I'd offer it on here before taking it back.
ReplyDeleteI'll sell it for $35 (inc. shipping and paypal fees). Email me at musingsonmtn(at)gmail.com if interested :)
I was thinking of getting this sweater, but after reading the comments, I don't think I will, not without seeing it person in the store,anyway.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of linen and wool, though. I would think the texture would be pretty.
Slightly related, any comments on the Heathered silk-alpaca long cardigan (Item 23173)? Another interesting blend fibers, but it looks even thinner than the Camp Cardigan.
Genny:
ReplyDeleteNot to worry - I won't take your comment personally; however, I certainly can see how others might.
What I've always enjoyed about this blog is the friendly, comradeship of JCAs - let us all keep this in mind when responding to others posts.
I tried this on in the store. I don't have a single long cardigan and have decided that maybe I want one, just one to try the look out.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this in the catalog because of the cute buttons and neutral color (with only one long cardigan I figured I should make sure I could wear it with lots of stuff).
The fabric is very light, in fact, the buttons are too heavy for the fabric and it looks like they are ready to fall off. The SA looked at me in the cardigan and said "that sure is long huh." I took that as "dont buy this". The sleeves were also too baggy unless they were rolled up.
I fit a M comfortably. I wear a 12 in perfect shirts.
It was long enough to cover my butt and then some. I'm between 5'2" and 5'3".
It's a no go for me, I"ll try some of the other long cardigans in the mean time.
I didn't get the chance to see this in the store, but don't really care for it from the online pics. I find myself avoiding most J.Crew cardigans these days (expect for the Jackies and sometimes the printed Merinos), due to the ultra thin aka *see through* fabrics. I really do not like to see my tee, tank, or shirt showing through my cardigan when I wear it...what's the point of wearing the cardigan then? I have found really nice cardigans that aren't see through lately at Talbots, LE Canvas, and even Kohl's. J.Crew still makes plenty of pieces I like and spend money on, but their cardigans aren't really one of them anymore.
ReplyDeleteIt looks pretty thin but I decided to order it anyway. I may want to pick it up when it goes on sale. I will need a lighter, long cardigan for spring, or until it gets too hot to wear it.
ReplyDeleteSorry to be OT, but I am looking for information regarding the pre-ordering of the Camden Brogue in Blush Pink. Several people have commented on their ability to do this, and their being available in Feb, but no one at CS has any knowledge of them coming in any colors other than what is currently available. Help? Really like this color from the lookbook, really dislike the current "Light Ginger" being offered. Also dislike being treated like a moron by CS. TIA for any assistance!
ReplyDeleteI saw this in the store. The fabric as a bit schlubby which is really cute but it made me worry about durability. I'm not sure about the sleeves, but maybe.
ReplyDeleteHere's the thing about the thin cardigans - I do like to layer and I do like to wear crisp white shirts under cardigans and with the 12 gauge sweaters, you cannot do that in late spring, summer or early fall. Too hot. So I do buy a lot of Featherweight cashmere. I've already ordered two of the new colors from the catalog. But I don't like how delicate they are and the Merino is actually more durable.
ReplyDeleteI guess I get the cashmere over the merino because the styles are consistent and they seem to do more in the way of colors on the cashmere.
I saw the zipper cardigan in the B&M today, it's very cute! I haven't looked it up yet this evening but the store has sold out of all but two so they are clearly selling out.
Opheliasmom, I promise you you can preorder the Camden Leather Brogues in Blush Pink: Here is an email from the CS:
ReplyDeleteOur Camden Leather Brogues, item
23936 in blush pink, will be available in February 2010.
Do you call or email them today? I'm inclined to think the CS in the office during the week may be more helpful.
Opheliasmom, simply contact Erica, JCrew's personal shopper, and i'm sure you'll be able to pre-order. The email address is erica@jcrew.com.
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth, yours was one of the posts I was thinking of when I phoned CS today (twice). The second person "guaranteed" me that the color I am looking for is the aforementioned Light Ginger. I will try calling during the week, as per your suggestion. Is the item number still 23936?
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh after the first call. When I asked if the ginger was "camel-colored" as it looked online, the nice but clueless man wanted to know how I would describe "camel." Really?
Also, thank you Cleo26, I will certainly give that a try as well!
ReplyDeleteOpheliasmom that would have made me crazy. I'm not sure the guys are always as helpful. I've had CS' that were amazing, took the time to go to their "store" and check colors for me and everything. I've had others that were like that and gave completely incorrect information. When I ordered the Light Ginger, I had a complete discussion on the Blush Pink. I may still get them but I wanted to see the Ginger first because the Camel color is what I'm going for. The cool thing about the blush pink is it looks like the kind of shoe you wear for years and always think of as special because they are such a feminine color.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, please let me know what you think of the gingers when you receive them. I may still order that color, but just can't get over the vision of the pale ones from the lookbook. Thanks for all your input!
ReplyDeletebrenda(at)foliophotoanddesign(dot)com
Opheliasmom will do, but it will probably be a week before I get them and several sizes are already backordered or sold out in the light ginger color. That's what put pressure on me. I wish there were more camel/nude colored shoed, including midheels, for spring and summer.
ReplyDeleteFFM,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what you said about the JCrew cardigans. I feel the same way too about the other brands you mentioned. I too prefer not to wear sweaters that can be seen through. Thanks for your comments.
Stella,
ReplyDeleteJust saying in general that I buy what I like and don't follow anyone else's "new" rules. Eveyone has to do what works for them and this 3 rule to me is just a trend that will pass in time...Glad you find it works for you:)
opheliasmom,
ReplyDeletesteve madden has pink oxfords, for less. I have both the tuxxeo and melin styles (though one of those styles is from a past season, but bascially identical), and I really like them.
Re. customer service this weekend, DH called last night to ask a question about a pair of Aldens and the rep on the VIP line said that staff was scarce due to the storms/snow back east. Not sure which call center he was put through to, but they suggested he call during the week as well...
ReplyDeleteHey all!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/shoes/heelsandplatforms/PRDOVR~17197/99101817586/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17+4294966975~90~~~~~~~/17197.jsp
forgot to mention, snagged these babies (Spencer patent-trimmed MJs) at Rockefeller Center for 49 with the 30% off, so don't go for the online if you can find it in store. Obviously the price is much more friendly at a B&M!
always glad to read the blogs before plunking down my hard earned $$$... i have been working at jobsites for years so haven't purchased any "proper" or good quality clothes. my entire wardrobe consisted of AE, Gap, Esprit. So moved back to the head office this last year and have been desperately tracking jcrew sales for office wear... and now this! $98 for a seasonal cardigan? c'mon... i got a thin cardi from AE last year and love them... $19.99 each, so i got one in cream and one in black. can't wait for the weather to warm up again so i can put them to good use... $98... seriously...
ReplyDeleteWell, in spite all of the generally negative reviews on this sweater, I went to the store, tried it and bought it. I'm going to return it however. When I tried it on at home I have to say the fabric did look a bit flimsy in a cheap sort of way, and the "Fawn" color was a drab shade of clay. Not what I want for $100.
ReplyDeleteI wanted so much to like this sweater!