This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.
Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.
In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)
I purchased the Factory Kelsey cami in the pumpkin paisley print--NOT from online, where it was selling for $52.50. Instead, I called an outlet store directly, and it was $19.99 minus 30%--even with shipping it barely cracked $20. Also, the SA was super-nice on the phone!
ReplyDeleteThe top compares favorably with my other JC silk camis--french seams on the side, same type of overcast stitching to finish the ruffles as the Frances. The silk might be slightly stiffer and duller than the retail silk, but for the price difference I'm perfectly happy with it.
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ReplyDeletecan somebody comment on the black arrow sweater?
ReplyDeletethe black is the only color on sale,the other are still FP.
i put it in my cart and it did not show FS!
Subscribing. :)
ReplyDeleteSub :)
ReplyDeleteNoticed a new top at the B&M: sleeveless black shell, cotton/silk I think, with lace at the top portion (from shoulder seam down about two inches or so), back exposed zip. $98. Looks like it would be cute with a jacket, but I worry about a fishing-line hem that would fall out. It'll probably be online in this week's rollout.
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ReplyDeletesub :)
ReplyDeletePLEASE advise me on the fit of the Cashmere v-neck cardi & Cashmere v-neck henley! :) anyone!?
ReplyDeleteIna, the Arrow sweater in black is nice if you are interested in this color. It fits the same as the other colors, and actually, is less itchy than the charcoal color.
ReplyDeleteWas there something particular you wanted to know?
@ cleo
ReplyDeletei was just wondering whyn the
black arrow sweater is reduced and the heathered colors are still FP?
is the quality the same as the other ones?are the arms tight?
is it worth the 79.99?
TIA
Sub!
ReplyDeleteI recently purchased the wool bell skirt in the red color and absolutely love it! Also the button down chambray shirt. Warning it runs large so size down or keep your normal size for the "boyfriend" look!
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ReplyDeleteIna, the sizing and quality are the same. I recall it most similar in feel to the green one. (I haven't seen the caramel one.) Right now I have the black and charcoal colors and am trying to decide which, if either, I'm going to keep. (I'm not too crazy about the collar.) I didn't find the arms too tight in the black one.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that the black is on sale because the color is less popular, and it hasn't been moving like the others. (I often notice pure black, white, etc. are the colors less selected whether in sweaters or skirts.)
Has anyone received the wool cashmere icon trench yet? Or tried it on? What are your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteI ordered mine last night with my Mickey card, a $53 J Crew gift card, and a $75 Visa gift card to bring the price way down. Couldn't decide between black and camel, so I went with the dried parsley. I hope it's interesting enough to be special, but subdued enough to pass a as a neutral. Anticipation....
Monica, I got the wool Icon Trench w/the 25% off. I received it in the mail last week and I love it. What I like best is the style and fit. It fits me perfectly and is just so classic IMO. My only complaint would be w/the fabric. Not quite as nice as I had hoped but not bad enough to dissuade me from keeping the coat b/c I don't feel it diminishes the style, etc... that much. HTH.
ReplyDeleteI ordered a few items during the Mickey card promotion...
ReplyDelete* Moss Blossom Calista Cami (28865) - I love the more subdued ruffles on this top and the pattern is gorgeous. The top is cut straight so if you're larger around the hips you'll want to size up. My normal size 6 fit nicely.
* Swish Tank (29580) - I ordered this in the two sale colors in my usual 6. It's lined!! The top is low cut -- enough that I needed to wear a cami underneath for work. I also found the band at the bottom of the tank to be tight around my hips. Unfortunately I think an 8 would have been too loose up top, so I'm going to take the top to my tailor and have him put two vents on the bottom. Overall though I love the way the top drapes and it will be great for work.
* Cashmere Shawl Popover (18190) - I've only worn this once so I can't speak to the long-term durability, but this year's cashmere already feels better than last year's. I got the bronzed olive (which looks great with the moss blossom calista underneath!). The color is true to the catalogue shot (I think the web shot looks too brown), a nice subdued green with brown undertones. I took a small in this, which is my usual cashmere size at J.Crew but one smaller than I normally wear.
* Dream V-Neck Cardigan (28764) - I got this in seaweed. To be honest if it were not on promo I would have returned it. The fabric is soft but feels like it might fall apart at any moment. I love the color -- I think J.Crew does colors so well! -- and the shape is just what I wanted. But I fear that this will probably fall apart soon. I got my usual size medium.
Hope that helps someone!! I also just wanted to say THANK YOU to Alexis and the community. I would not have known about the 30% off sweater promo without you, and I appreciate the extra $ in my wallet. :)
Went to B&M on Sunday. I tried on lots of stuff-hope this is helpful!
ReplyDeleteVintage matchstick cords 26R- cute and flattering from the back, usually not the case for cords. They had colors that are not online.
Dot flouncette and bayberry flouncette blouses sz 0-These are semi-sheer. Silk feels high-quality, well-done prints, totally adorable.
Justine blazer sz 0-so well-done, love this. It was 50% off too for some reason.
Marled shawl collar sweater-bulky and itchy-pass.
Vintage beaded cami XS is great-nice amount of slouch, a high neckline, fits well under the arms.
Jackie cardigan XS-fabric too thin, sleeves too short and baggy in arms and middle? This cut confuses me-since when does a defensive tackle need a little cardigan? I tried to layer under it but the too thin fabric made this impossible. Don't think they do sweaters very well.
Skirts are running big-tried on size 0 and 2 in the wool pencils and they were both too big in the waist and hips.
Tomboy shirt-nice soft fabric, beautiful colors, but the name is fitting. Print and cut way too boyish for me.
Long sleeve stretch perfect shirts- really cute patterns (not online) but cut did not work for a small bust. Tried in XS, they have darts but were STILL way too wide.
About me: 33-25-35, size 2ish at JCrew
Monica, i reviewed the wool-cashmere icon trench here. Classic lines, fabric could have been a bit heavier IMO.
ReplyDeleteAnyone have and can comment on the the sherpa zip hoodie? I tried one on, but it seems a little snug in my "regular" size. :) Does it shrink after washed?
ReplyDeleteAli--my $.02: cashmere v neck runs large to me--I always buy mediums in cashmere so there is a little extra room as I like to hand launder but the v this year seems extra roomy.
ReplyDeleteCleo,
ReplyDeleteI can't comment on this year's sherpa zip hoodie, but mine from 2 years ago noticably shrank after washing it.
Gem twin: Thank you! Good to know. You meant the cashmere v-neck cardigan, not the actual cashmere v-neck sweater, right? (I know the latter is designed to be roomier)
ReplyDeleteJackie, thanks so much! That's what i suspected. Think i'll stick with the larger size.
ReplyDeleteI posted a few pics of some of the items I tried on last week on my blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews, ladies! I'm a little nervous it won't stand up to a Wisconsin winter since it sounds like it's not super heavy, but I'm eager to give it a shot. Oh, and I'll report back on the dried parsley color when it arrives... :-)
ReplyDeleteGot the factory bistro double serge wool mini.
ReplyDeleteAs I suspected, it's not the same double serge wool as my perfect pencil (100% wool). It's 70% wool 30% viscose, kind of scratchy and way thinner. But...I love the olive color...and it drapes better maybe because it's thin. I bought and returned last year's bistro mini because it was stiff AND short(felted wool if I remember correctly)
It came without a tag.
Also got a pipi silk top when it became $19.99. The shoulder decoration is so puffy and stiff like a football player...but love the peach sorbet color...best orange shade IMO. I like it better than melon Annalise(?) cami and pumpkin Kelsey from 09. After an hour of trying to make it work and steaming, I'm wearing it like a off shoulder (not exactly but you get the idea) vest with a tee.
I'm tall, broad-shouldered, long-limbed and rather lacking in curves. If you share this body type I recommend you try the Long Benny blazer (29214). Best piece of clothing I acquired in months. Sleeves are long enough - which means they are going to be too long on most women - and it's the perfect combination of chic and comfortable. Warm, too, perfect for these sunny fall days. It is not lined, which probably contributes to its nice, non-stiff fit.
ReplyDeleteHowever, do not order the Benny online! where it is listed for $168! It's been $99, then $68 in the stores for a while, and I wouldn't be surprised if it got further reduced given those extralong sleeves...
Also, consider sizing down. I take a size 12 (tall) very consistently in JC's perfect shirts, blazers and coats, but the Benny fit better in size 10.
By contrast, the Double-studded belt (30890) was a disappointment. The gunmetal-colored studs corroded visibly within two days out of the air-conditioned store. (The gold-toned studs seemed resistant.) Returned it.
Ali--sorry I did mean v-neck--I took my usual medium in this years v-cardigan because i always wear long sleeves under it and I like them roomy.
ReplyDeletesorry for confusion
I guess this is sort of on topic: Does anyone else feel that J.Crew's quality has gone down relative to the prices? I just shelled out close to $200 for the Donegal Tweed Schoolboy Blazer in petite, and I am so sorely disappointed. The material seems cheap and flimsy and the cut is just so matronly. Even in a petite 0, the blazer looks on me like I'm wearing a lab coat.
ReplyDeleteAli, I have two V-neck cashmere cardis (my Mickey card got a workout!) and imo, they run the same as last year's which means they're fitted in the arms so I had to size up from an XS to Small. Someone with thinner arms and less broad shoulders will likely want to stick with their regular cardigan size.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite J Crew pieces ever (I buy at least one a year) and this year's did not disappoint. I have one in the heathered plum and one in the dusty rose--gorgeous, flattering colors. I also tried on the nordic blue one at the store and the color is deep and rich, but I thought I'd get more wear out of the purple.
Hope that helps!
Lauren
Question about the Dot Flouncette blouse, which I covet and hope will make it to sale:
ReplyDeleteare you sticking to your normal cami/top size in this one? I tend to wear a 0 in J Crew camis now, although I used to find the 2 fit best. But with the long sleeves, I'm wondering if I need a 2 in the dot flouncette.
TIA!
Has anyone bought any of the Mara wedges? I'm wondering how they fit tts?
ReplyDeleteLauren- I took my normal size 0 in the dot flouncette blouse and found it was tts. It's very pretty!
ReplyDeleteSplurged this past Fri and finally put down the $195 for the Timex 1600 Watch. I do feel much better than i did after putting down the $150 almost 2 years ago for the Timex Military watch. The leather straps and face really are outstanding. At $195 it still is a bit steep for the Timex, but luckily I was able to use the educator discount.
ReplyDeleteThat no educator discount on 3rd party items is really enforced ambivalently. I also noticed that J.Crew increased the limit on My card w/ out notifying me. Just in time for the fast approaching holiday season.....
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Quality has gone down while prices have gone up. Lots of posts have discussed this exact issue over the past year or so.
Can anyone comment about the bell skirts? I am 5'11...would the skirt be too short on me? I would probably size up 1 size to get more length, but I worry that it would still be too short. How long is the hem that could be let out? I am looking for a skirt in that style as an alternative to a pencil skirt. Thanks for your help!
ReplyDeletePennylane-I'd size up for sure one size! I have a few bell skirts I sized up and still think it's a little short and I love the minis!! I think you could take it out a little (an inch or a little more) I'm 5'3" if that helps? I'd check the length one size or two size up and maybe it would work?
ReplyDeleteHth
pretty boy, those credit limit increases were the straw that broke the camel's back for me and my silver card. They were CONSTANTLY increasing my limit and each time they do so, they run a credit check. The monthy checks were lowering my credit score. There were no real benefits to having the card anyway but once I figured out what it was doing to my score, I cancelled. DEFINITELY not worth it.
ReplyDeletepennylane83, FWIW, I am only 5'6" and I felt the bell skirt was too short for me - even three sizes bigger than normal. (The hem was just at my fingertips when on my natural waist. When I tried pulling it down lower on my hips, it just created a big square shape on me.) Even with tights, unless I was standing up straight (not bending, not sitting) it was just too short. But it looks great on some JCAs...
The J. Crew quality has certainly gone down. I've returned more items in the last three months for seams that are open. Honestly I'm kind of miffed at J. Crew...I've spent over $12,000 there in the last twelve months and I didn't get a "red card"(probably because I returned over $1000.00 worth of crap, yes crap, in the last month...poorly constructed and not as pictured in the catalog.). I think I can say, I'm about done buying their junk.
ReplyDeleteThe quality has taken a hit. I think that a lot of retailers are still in the outdated mindset thinking people want disposable clothing. They don't. People are watching their spending and buying only what has real value for their hard-earned dollars. Wake up JCrew! Maybe they have already with all the super fast discounting and promotions. Nobody is buying stuff at their ridic prices anymore.
ReplyDeleteMommydearest -- I'm a CFP and CPA and had to respond to your credit score posting. Only credit limit increases YOU request should count against your credit score. If 100 creditors run a credit check on you on their own initiative (to increase your limit or offer a new card), the rules are that these cannot affect your score. However, if a card issuer raises someone's credit limit unasked (which is not supposed to affect the score), and the cardholder then charges right up to the new limit, that will decrease the credit score. High credit limit but not using it all = increase in credit score. Using all credit limit = decrease in credit score. Just FYI -- hope this helps. Maybe you need to contact your credit agency.
ReplyDeletesub :-)
ReplyDeleteI have a question for those who have or have ordered the Chalet shearling boots. Is it normal that the sole looks like it has been "cooked" all around (it also sort of smells like creme brulee)? I thought I had received a defective (if not worn) pair but looking (and zooming) at the pictures on the website I see that they have the same characteristic variation in color. I was about to return mine and reorder a new pair (if CS honors the 25% off) but if it's just to receive the same thing I a going to hold on these and avoid the hassle. TIA!
ReplyDeleteAli, I have the cashmere henley from last year and it's TTS. I can wear it with a shirt underneath so I wouldn't size up unless you want to wear it with something really chunky. I tried one size up and it was loose-fitting (it's nice if it's a little bit fitted in the body IMO). It's one of my favorite pieces, I highly reccomend it!
ReplyDeleteFashionAncient, thank you!! That actually explains a lot. It was a few years ago that I dealt with this and my JCrew account, but I wish I had understood the whole situation better. Anyway, at least my score is right back where I want it :)
ReplyDeleteOn the subject, can you shed some light on this? At ATL the manager was trying to talk me into opening an account with them and told me that their card does not affect one's credit score (I think he was trying to say it's not a hard inquiry?) He said only an AT Mastercard-branded card would affect one's credit score. I didn't think this could possibly be true - could it?
Ema, how tall are you?
ReplyDelete@Julie: wow, I'm very surprised they didn't give you a card. I know it was "random," but I would think that corporate has some list of Crew's top spenders (and I assume you'd be on that list) and would give them a discount. Did you complain? (I would have. $12,000/year is a crazy amount of money to spend with no thanks in return!)
First time posting a review. Hope it's helpful.
ReplyDeleteI typically wear a size xs,s or 0,2
Arrow Sweater Jacket:
Fits TTS. Tried on the Elm color. I really liked it. It's definitley more "jacket" like than sweater. It feels heavier but not uncomfortably heavy. I tried it on with a men's small plaid shirt underneath and didn't feel like the arms were particularly tight.
I decided to order it in the Heather Caramel. I just hope I love the color IRL. I love the way it is styled in the September catalog, with the men's plaid shirt. I used my "mickey" card and took advantage of the 30% off all sweaters promo that ended yesterday. I thought $80 was a steal.
Dot Flouncette Blouse:
I love this blouse and have received many compliments whenever I wear it. The zero seemed to fit me fine until I stretched my arms out in front of me. It felt like I was going to bust out the back (maybe I just have an abnormally wide back??) I ended up going with a size 2 and it looks fine. It's very sheer so I wear it with a black tank underneath. It looks really cute with a camel/tan cardigan :)
mommydearest - I didn't know they run a credit check when they increase the limit. They tripled mine and it really annoyed me. My understanding is as FashionAncient stated -- if they run an inquiry, it doesn't count against you. It shows up on your point, but doesn't go against your score. However, having an increased amount of credit can affect your score. The best way to mitigate this, again from my understanding, is to have a low balance or none. But still -- when you're being considered for a big loan, such as a mortgage, they don't like to see the opportunity you have to run up a bill. I talked about the JC card a bit in in this post on my blog today. In that post I mention how the credit geeks in the fico forum boards are so good w/this topic as some are obsessed with hitting the perfect number.
ReplyDeleteoh -- and the ATL mgr doesn't know what he's talking about. An open line of credit is an open line of credit.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to post a review of the Perfect-fit mixed tape cardigan as some of the colors are now on sale. I'm all about the basics with J.Crew and these are some of my favorite casual pieces.
ReplyDeleteI bought a couple of the perfect-fit cardis from the spring rollout and the fall ones are the same except for a couple of small differences. Still just as comfortable and soft but IMO they are more flattering due to a slightly deeper V that is very slimming on my larger chested frame. I also like the pockets, which the spring version did not have. I prefer the ribbon over the knit placket, which allowed buttons to pop open when they stretched out if there was any strain, like at the bustline. The ribbon placket keeps those buttons closed!
I really liked these light layers over my bikinis or a tank in the summer and the new ones will transition into fall quite nicely. Great to pack one in your bag because even if it gets a bit wrinkled it will smooth out when you put it on, thanks to the snug fit. And it's pretty much a T-shirt layer anyway.
TTS. Bright seaport is a bit darker and leans toward teal IRL. I also got the navy, which is nice and crisp with a white tee. Some very pretty colors available, I will have to pick up at least one more.
PennyLane,
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't go near the bell skirt. At 5"10" it looked hilarious on me. I am tall and thin and most skirts look great on me but this one was very unflattering.
Has anyone purchased or tried on the Origami dress? I got an e-mail about it on October 4th, but I'm less tempted by it on the model than I am by it by itself, so was wondering if anyone had tried this one. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJenny, if you go back to the blog the day the email came, there is a post on the origami dress where people commented on the fit.
ReplyDeleteNot really sure where to post this, but dropped in the crewlet - what a day! They had lots of favorites from last year and almost everything was on some kind of promotion (promos may change tomorrow) AND lots of what is FP online is discounted in store (no price adjustments online to retail though)
ReplyDeleteShimmy dress is back! Maybe even fewer ruffle rows than last year's crewlet copy, but sold out right away last year $128
Sequin scarf cardigan - good retail copy - $118 (black & pink)
Chevalier cardigan - $89.50
All cotton Jackies, including prints (beautiful scroll/floral grey, ikat and watercolor leopard) 30% off
Cords 30%
Denim 40%
Schoolboy blazers 40%
Forever cardis 30%
Skirts $10
Sripe long-sleeve tissue tees 40%
Several (not all were marked) wool coats 40%
Long down puffer and short jackets 25%
accessories (scarves, hats, mittens) 25%
Belts 30%
Tiered brique skirt (good retail copy) $98, rang up $80
Stardust sequin pencil (not such a good copy - looked cheap) $108
Perfect shirts (including ikat animal print, paisley and gingham and lightweight denim) 30%
Professor blazers 40%
Tees 50% - several with retail labels (marked about $5 off retail price) Paris, feather, spice
Vests - toggle & knit armholes $10 off
l/s perfect-fit tees 40%
Annalise camis (VERY cheap-looking copy - ruffles are much less full, they are stitched down on top of the ruffle, not always in the same color thread, and finished poorly) Two good prints, though: ikat dots and a beautiful black background with roses 25%
Cashmere cardis 30% $128
Wool ribbon ravine dresses (grey, eggplant) 20% $118
Pixies 50% $78 (medium grey & black)
Tori cardigan $10 off $89.50 (grey and black)
Jewelry 30%
CLEARANCE (all additional 30% off):
Tango tanks $26.97
Triompe jacket $69.97
Knit blazers $32.97
San remo cardi $39.97
Celosia cardi $39.97
Dogs & rooster tees $16.97
Rose tee $19.97
Tiered silk camis $34.97
Stripe crewneck sweater (with the buttons) $39.97
Kelseys $19.97
Dressy jersey ruffle-neck dress $39.97
Random retail items (ie, retail tag, no double diamonds): aforementioned tess, charcoal Arrow sweater ticketed $98, Natalia ballet flats and plain ballet flats ticketed $79.50 - 20%, lumiere cardis ticketed $49.99, dream crossover V-neck sweaters ticketed $49.99, microspun cowlneck tees $30(?)
WHEW! :)
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ReplyDeleteOMgosh, so sorry for mutiple posts! Blogger kept giving me an error message!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gigi. As I remember, JCrew may have apologized that hard inquiries were run (which do affect scores) instead of soft (which should not affect scores), but whatever, it's done.
ReplyDeleteWhat was the mgr thinking?!
Has anyone tried on the embossed playa dress? Would love to hear any thoughts on it--especially because it's now $19.99
ReplyDeleteI know this is late but has anyone tried the Ever Pea coat. I have broad shoulders so I want to know if it runs true to size or a little snug so I can size up.
ReplyDelete