Tuesday, November 30, 2010

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

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! :)

64 comments:

  1. My turkey factory order is here already! As soon as I have a chance to try on, I'll post anything noteworthy

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  2. I did purchase the Ever Peacoat, and it'll be delivered layer on today. I'll be back with the stats later!

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  3. The Tweed Tatum jacket is probably my favorite jacket this year. It is like a blue/green version of the Lollipop jacket of yore. The blue and green tweed also has subtle plum flecks in it and the trim is black. The fit is TTS and it's not boxy! I saw this in the SF store but didn't try it on. Just as well, got it on the TURKEY promo.

    I liked the way it was styled in the Nov catalog so I ordered the grey cashmere turtleneck (don't do Dream). I haven't ordered the cashmere turtlenecks in years and either my waist got shorter or the turtlenecks got longer because this is pretty long. I will likely keep it but I don't know if I'll wear it with the Tatum like the catalog. Other than the length, the cashmere turtleneck fits well, no sleeve tightness.

    The Noelle booties run large. I would have ordered a half size down if I'd known. I can wear them comfortably with socks but bare might be too lose.

    Still waiting for the Bandelier boots and the Winslow booties.

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  4. has somebody tried any of the sweaters in the xxs?
    i usually buy sweaters in the xs,but the tees fit me better in the xxs.i would like to know if i should order the sweaters in the xxs or xs?
    hope my question makes sense.
    i am not near a store and returning is very difficult for me(i live in europe),so i would like a few opinions before i order.
    TIA

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  5. The Trouper pant in shadow is one of my fall favorites. The body-skimming fit looks really lean and the pockets are very flattering on my stick-figure shape. The 31" inseam is a bit short as I'm on the tall side but I wear these pants with boots and booties and the look is really cute. Very comfortable with lots of stretch that doesn't bag out during the day. The shadow color is a versatile faded black that goes with almost anything. Love these pants.

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  6. Has anyone tried the Fireside plaid town mini or the Wooltown skirt and can provide a review or opinion?

    TIA!

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  7. Studded tweed invitation clutch. Of all things! And me of all people! (hangs head) I love it. It's got brassy studs and zippers and gold chain, and heaven help me, I love it. Green tweed with blue and purple highlights, gold satin lining, secret pockets, no feathers, no sequins, really nicely made, will be a great evening/party/restaurant purse. It's on sale, I ordered it on the 30% promo, freeship plus ebates, was prepared to laugh ruefully and return it, but it's a keeper. Did I mention I love it? No, it will not go to the office and it will not go skiing or out on a boat, or even on a visit to (ahem) people who might think that one spends too much on clothes, but for what it is, it's just lovely.

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  8. I purchased some Pixie pants in black last week, and as I always do with pants that might stretch out, I wore them around the house for a while before I made a final decision on them. They stretched out in the waist so much that they would not stay up, though I almost purchased a size up in the store as they were so snug. If they had beltloops, I would keep them as the thighs are fine, just the waist is a problem. Going back!

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  9. Hi xoxo - I tried on the fireside plaid mini and found the length to be almost obscene on me, and I'm barely 5'5". It's really a shame because I love the plaid, and even if it were 19-20" in the same shape I may have given it a go, but 16" is too short for me and my lifestyle.

    Thanks for your review on the trouper pant - mine are coming today and I'm so curious to see how they fit! :)

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  10. I am still waiting for an order to arrive from the 30% off sale. It seems to be on the back of a slow moving tortoise who is stiff from the cold. I hope to be able to review it later today!

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  11. silver_lining, thanks for the info on the fireside mini. I was hoping it would magically be longer than it looks - ha! I should know better the way J.Crew has been cutting costs, I mean hemlines, lately.

    I'm interested to know how you find the Trouper pants so please report back. Which color did you get? I'm thinking of getting another in Titanium, although I'm trying to stop buying multiples except for pencil skirts, perfect shirts and Jackie twinsets. Resistance on those is futile for me.

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  12. xoxo could you advise how the Trouper pants fit in the calf? I tried the Linley chinos and those would not work for me. I am average in the calf area (lol) but I'm finding some of these skinny and slim fit pant just need a little extra allowance for them to work for me. Thanks!

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  13. Lauren, I wear a size 4 in the Trouper pant and laying flat the calf width is 6 1/8 inches wide just below the knee. I have skinny calves and the calf area on the Trouper doesn't really have "extra" room but the pants are pretty stretchy. They are supposed to fit really close to the body, as it appears in the model shot online. If you don't mind them fitting close and stretching you should be OK. Perhaps someone here, or a store associate could measure the calf on a pair in your size, if you're not a size 4.

    HTH

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  14. Lauren, like xoxo, I love my trouper pants. It does fit a bit snug in the calf, but not enough to be uncomfortable. Not sure what an average calve is, but mine measures 13 inches at the widest point, if that helps. There's a bit of stretch to the material and I think after a few hours of wearing the pants, there was enough "give" in the fabric that it didn't bother me.

    I have the pants in titanium and loved them so much I bought the shadow color too. However, it seems to run a smidge tighter than the titanium (grey/olive color), especially in the calf area. I've heard it said before that the same fabric in darker colors (particularly black) runs a bit tighter than the lighter colors -- something to do with the dyeing process. I don't know how true that is, but I have experienced that with black denim; I usually have to size up from my normal size. Anyhow, all this rambling is to say that you may find the fit slightly different between the two trouper pant colors.

    BTW, the Linley chino was too baggy in the thigh for me, but I tried on the toothpick cords (with the ankle zips) and they fit almost as well as the trouper pant (trouper pants fit my flat bum better).

    Hope that helps!

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  15. Lauren, forgot to mention I have the size 0 in the trouper & that fits my 13" calf. (TMI? haha).

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  16. xoxo & Connor, thank you so much for the detailed info. I had the Trouper pant in my cart w/ the 30% and then did not take them because of the calf issue. I think I'll give them a try, they sound lovely! Enjoy :)

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  17. Dream V-Neck Cardigan in Heathered Nordic Blue: Have it and have worn it a handful of times over this vacation and it does pill. Pretty badly, esp. under the arms, eek. It doesn't bother me too much, but it will deter a lot of you ladies. I will just do my ole wash it, dry it by laying it flat, and then shave it with my trusty sweater shaver. I will say that I think it is pilling less than a sweater I had in this fabric from 2007, so I guess that is good.

    I have been away so I haven't had time to post on my blog or here, but when I get home and get some of my new items tried on and put away, I will post the reviews.

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  18. Not sure if anyone has reviewed this item yet, since I've been reading the blog pretty sporadically for the last few weeks.

    Cashmere femme cardigan (I own it in XXS Navy): Super comfortable, super-flattering. Quite low-cut, unfortunately, but the sleeves fit will. I am a 32D and the bust is still a little bit big on me, but not absurdly so. True to size, I think. Definitely good for the current selling price ($99), although I paid FP and bought it the day it came out!

    Best part? No pilling.

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  19. I tried on the glen plaid 1035 trousers at my local B&M last weekend and they are lovely. Since they're dark charcoal, the plaid is very subtle. They are fully lined, unlike some of the other JC dress pants I tried on. The fabric is very thick - they'll be perfect for when I have to look professional in the dead of winter. However, they would probably be too warm for those of you in milder climates. I usually wear a 6 in JC pants, but I needed an 8 in these (of course, there's the possibility that the holidays have started to take their toll on my pants size). Oh, and they're on sale in stores for $100 (instead of $135 online). But I'm going to wait until the price goes down a bit more before I pull the trigger.

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  20. Oh, I ordered the cashmere femme cardigan on the turkey promo. Haven't gotten it yet, but good to hear a positive review.

    I got the Novo stripe silk cami. It hangs a little low in the front and has a stitch sewn on the front to keep it from gaping. I'm not sure I'd keep it except for the fact that is ridiculously slimming on me! I'm so vain, I know! Love it! Also, got the Dream Zip Henley sweater and absolutely love that too. Have worn it several times already and so far, no noticeable pilling. It looks really great w/all the skinny pants. I'm waiting on some things to be delivered, so I'll report back when they arrive.

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  21. Has anyone tried the starry night cardigan (32935) or merino lace zip cardigan(31375)?

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  22. WFF, thank you for the Studded Tweed cluth review. That tweed is the same as the Tweed Tatum jacket and I believe the Moss Pencil skirt. I love that tweed and wouldn't have known because I never buy JC bags. The studs seem prominent but I could see how you're wearing it, definitely food for thought and it's such a pretty tweed.

    I tried on the Trouper pant in the store and the waist was too big; now I'm wondering if I should have tried a size down?

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  23. Elizabeth, I don't do clutches generally -- I hold hands, kids, papers, briefcases, drinks, enough already without a clutch -- but this one has a nice-looking short shoulder chain, which will work for me!

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  25. I really want to try the Trouper pants in-store when I'm in NY this weekend. I tried the Linley chinos and they were ok, didn't love them and felt there was too much room in the front/rise area. Thanks everyone for the reviews!

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  26. JRuby 18, I've eyed the Novo stripe top for months but never tried it on! Does it run TTS or a bit big? I usually wear a 0 or 2 in their cami's.

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  27. I've noticed other posts asking about the XXS fit in sweaters. I have been wondering as well, and just took the XXS plunge. I have in the past been sized out of certain items (notably pencil skirts in size 0), and the OO in pencil skirts this fall fits me perfectly (last year's petite 0 in the perfect pencil also fit well). In terms of tops, I have always bought the XS/0 and not really noticed they were too big, although I have noticed that some bloggers whose measurements are bigger than mine also wear an XS/0 comfortably.

    Anywhoo, I just received the cashmere cowlneck dress in XXS (this season's splurge) and can barely get my hands through the wrist (I'm 5'4" on a good day, about 105, if this helps someone). I'm hoping to exchange for an XS. This is a great, soft, chunky knit, but I'm not sure if the cowl is too overwhelming for me. It is also a bit short and I probably couldn't wear it to work/work functions. I know others have critiqued the collection cashmere in the past, but I would compare it to the great collection cashmere sweaters I scored post September 2008 market crash. I did giggle when I saw a couple pills, but I think--hope--it won't be an issue.

    The printed cashmere scarf is a bit of a disappointment. Where are the cashmere wraps of years past? It is thin and the color choices weren't great for me--I got the mossy oak and it may be that it is very dark here today, so perhaps in the sun it will be more inspiring, but it is pretty blah IMO. Also, it is EXTREMELY thin. I haven't yet decided if it is elegantly thin or cheaply thin yet. But this is likely a return.

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  28. On a recent fashion segment on the radio, the "expert" said placing sweaters in a ziploc bag and putting them in the freezer for 24 hours should eliminate pilling. I have not tried this, but thought I would pass the info along. Maybe worth a try.

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  29. re JeanZ, freezing tights or stockings is supposed to eliminate runs too! I've never tried it, but I heard it works.

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  30. I just got my Dixon tall boots in black yesterday along with a few factory knits. I really like the look of the boots, but they are quite loose in the ankle. I wouldn't expect that from a boot with a zipper that goes from foot to calf. I decided to wear them today, and I am happy enough with them to keep them. It helps that I noticed on Sunday night before the turkey promo ended that they were on sale in my size, so I was able to call and get a price adjustment. I got them for $165, and for that price they are totally worth it.

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  31. the ombre horizon factory coat arrived today and it's amazing! Def runs a little big (not sure how jackets fit as this one was my first one from jcrew), but I usually wear between a 6 and 8 in blouses and the 6 fits w/ enough room for a sweater. I really love it. All this talk about factory items being of low quality scared me, but I think this jacket's an exception. It's really nice (though only time will tell if it turns out to be of good quality).

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  32. Elizabeth, I am between sizes in J.Crew pants and skirts. I went with my smaller size in the Trouper pant after trying my larger size first and finding it huge in the waist. The smaller size fits like a glove and the waist seems to be more than one size smaller. Someone mentioned the Titanium color fits larger than the Shadow so it may be one of those items that is inconsistently cut.

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  33. Wool Bell Skirt:

    Just received this today. Very cute skirt. I got it in English Saddle in my usual size 4. Wish it was a little longer, but these days 17 1/2" is not so short at J Crew! Hits a few inches above my knees. (I wouldn't have ordered it if it was any shorter). The ruched waist is cute, and you can pull it down a bit to gain some length. Was surprised to see it was almost 100% wool, which is nice. I think I'll wear it mainly when I travel or go around the town. I just can't wear something quite so short to work. But I do love this skirt! Not a mini, not a pencil, something different.

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  34. OT: For those of you who have trouble with pants that fit in the hip/thigh area but are too big in the waist (like me), I came across a product back in August that has been the answer to the problem for me. It's called the Instant Button® for Jeans and allows you to customize the waist size of your jeans/pants for a perfect fit. It also works the opposite and will help expand your pants, as well...definitely great for expectant mothers who want to get more life out of their non-maternity pants. I've heard that they sell the *as seen on TV* version at Walgreen's and even the dollar store. I ordered the original ones and have been extremely pleased with them. :)

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  35. Guess I should have said I was commenting about it since a couple JCAs mentioned having the same fit issues. I know the frustration and this has been a lifesaver for me. :)

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  36. Ali, thanks for the review of the Femme cardi! I've had it sitting in my cart for ages but haven't pulled the trigger. Question about sizing: all of my sweaters are XS and fit well, but I haven't bought one that was offered in XXS yet - would you say that the XXS in the Femme is comparable to an XS jackie or cashmere crewneck from previous seasons, or is it smaller? Just wondering if I should size down to the XXS or stick to my usual XS. Thanks!

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  37. Just received the Sutton boots in Fossil Grey, which is more of a taupe IMO. I like them but...the heels have a veneer that seems like it might chip easily. I'm pretty rough on heels, so I need something that's durable. They're pretty true to size to a little large. I got the 71/2M and with a thin sock my heel was somewhat loose in the boot. I'm usually a 71/2-8 and 7 in flats and flat boots. A plus though, was that they fit my skinny 13" calves just right with a little room. I got them with the Turkey code but I think they're going back for now...may be a better buy at a lower price point, ya know? If anyone else has tried these I'd love to hear your thoughts. Also got the navy schoolboy blazer which I love. I usually wear between a 4 and 6 in blazers. I bought the 6 and it felt good with a thin sweater. Also got the cashmere cowlneck in heather blue. The color is fleck with black which I wasn't expecting, but I like it. I got a size small but I'm wondering if I should get the xs. I got the xs in the sequin stripe tees and can wear a 0 in the button down shirts, and anywhere from a 2 - 6 in the camis depending on the cut. I'm pretty broad shouldered but 32C.

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  38. Connor, I'd say it runs TTS, but it also will depend on your body type. If you have a small waist, the top part of the shirt may be too big and I'd size down. Sadly, that's not an issue for me! It's almost roomy on the top half, but I couldn't size down b/c the bottom part would've been snug on me. Hope that makes sense.

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  39. Tissue v-neck t-shirt... I bought three of these. I didn't realize they had stretch. They're very, very stretchy and don't feel tissue-y to me at all. It's cut rather generously through the bust and waist area and then is a little tight around the hips. Just makes for a strange look on me. I ordered the XS.

    Chalet turtleneck in gray (ordered BEFORE I realized it was made with mulesed wool so I wouldn't be keeping it anyway!)... pretty sheer. If this were in a lighter color it would be see-through! The cowl neck seemed too large to me and I couldn't get it to sit right. Also hits slightly higher than other sweaters from J.Crew. I ordered XXS.

    Cashmere sparks cardigan. This actually has a waffle-knit texture which I didn't see on my computer screen. I'm returning not because of the fit (XXS fit very well, hits higher than the traditional cardigan) but because the color was a lot darker in person than on my computer screen.

    Drapey sequin tank in that greenish moss color. I ordered the XS and it fit well but just didn't look that great.

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  40. ina, I LOVE the XXS sweaters!!! The XS were always a little loose for my taste and the XXS fits perfectly. I have the XXS cowl neck cashmere sweater and the XXS cashmere turtlenecks. Fits wonderfully. I just wish my store carried XXS.

    For reference, I'm 5'1", 100 lbs.

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  41. Irl pics & links to other bloggers pics of the Sunnie pencil skirt.

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  42. Caitlin:
    Hmm, a tough call. I am 5', 100lb, and most J.Crew XS sweaters were large on me in past seasons, even the Jackies (which run small). I would say the XXS femme is comparable to an XS jackie but is a smidge smaller overall. I do find J.Crew's cashmere to run inconsistently in sizing, so if possible, maybe order an XS and an XXS to compare. Hope that helps! My measurements are very unusual (5', 32D, 23-24" waist) so it's tough for me to tell you what'd fit you since often, even XXS is too large on me (i.e. the Cash v-neck henley). Whooh, sorry for the ramble.

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  43. Gigi, I find it curious that there seemed to be a lot of the gold Sunnie in stock online and then suddenly - sold out. Same for the Tuxedo plaid pants, lots in stock recently and now - sold out. Maybe they reduced them on net a porter. Is net a porter now the new T.J.Maxx where J.Crew discounts and dumps items that are not selling well at regular retail and online?

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  44. Bright Young Thing I'm curious, how do you *know* the sweater is made with mulesed wool, did J.Crew confirm it or is that just an assumption? Not trying to be catty, I would like to know if that is specific to certain garments or because they don't say they don't, it's safe to assume that they do use it in everything merino.

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  45. Finally got my order from the 30% off sale. The muse tank is great. I love the silk draping and the pretty sash belt. I'm keeping this. I ordered XS and the fit is nice. I ordered the renton stripe body suit, the only size left was a 0 and I have to return because I need a 2. Sold out. If it pops up again I will grab it. It's very pretty, I could wear it with shorts, capris and skirts in the summer, and in cooler weather I think it would be pretty under fitted jackets or cardigans.

    The swish tank is going back. The v-neck is low, although I could throw on a cami and deal with that. The way it bloused out was not great though and it created a tummy. Not a good look.

    The multi buckle belt in size small is going back too. This belt is SMALL. I would need a large in this. Very cool belt concept, just not wearable for me unless I lose 25 lbs. :)

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  46. Received my extra 30% off sale order today.

    I am happy with the twist knot tee in heather grey. It was only $13.99 so I am happy. The fabric is a little heavier than the tissue weight but I like it....

    Unfortunately, another cami blouse looked great online and in the catalog but doesn't look right IRL...at least the one I received. I ordered the Ruffle Up Cami in mossy oak...the ruffles don't lay down and instead just keep folding inward to lay the opposite of how they're supposed to...looks insanely bizarre. I noticed they had tacked down the ruffles in two spots near the neck and I thought maybe that was the problem. It sort of kept the ruffles attached to the collar... so I cut those two pieces of thread and it's better but still flops inward instead of out. Anyone else order this top and have the same issue? Also seems a bit big...Ordered a 6 but should have gotten a 4. I do like the mossy oak color though. Still, going back...

    Also received the 1035 trousers in steel gray. I like them...they're a bit long and perhaps even a bit big. I suppose I could have them hemmed up a bit (don't cardholders get free hemming?) Haven't decided on these pants yet. How excited can one be about grey work pants?

    The best part of my purchase were the two pairs of men's camp socks I ordered. My husband and I agreed to share them...I love these socks...they're so cozy and i love the brown with contrasting orange stripe at the top. I am currently wearing them over my matchstick jeans tucked into my new short Miller moto boots. The little orange stripe looks super cute poking out the top.

    So, socks are the winner! And men's socks, no less. Who knew?

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  47. I got the coat in Camel and it fits like a dream. I can't wait to wear it!

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  48. Does anyone have any thoughts on the Beverly Lace-up Peep Toes (31974)? I'm thinking about buying tomorrow (payday!) but I'm not sure about where those laces are supposed to go. Around the ankle? In addition to the straps?

    Thanks!

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  49. FFM thanks for the tip on that product for gaping waists. I'll check that out.
    I reviewed the Gillian dress on my blog today. I like the idea of it, however what it did to my butt was just frightening. Giant bustle butt. The dress could be great on a tinier bottom than mine! LOL
    Still on the lookout for a great dress for Christmas.

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  50. Can anyone let us know how the Chalet sweater fits? It looks kind of thin and my local B&M did receive any...

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  51. Has anyone seen the Squall coat or the Harriet tweed blazer in real life? I want to use the new cardmember 30% off promo to get some real money off the more expensive items, but haven't been able to try on either of these in the NY stores...

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  52. My Coddington suede platform heels arrived today and the fit is off. What is with their shoe sizing? So hit or miss, but mostly miss. Too tight in the toe box, but the heel is practically flipping off when I walk. If I go up in size, they'll fit in the toe box but fly off my feet. I'll try walking around my apt. more tonight before I decide. They're sooo pretty and seem very well made otherwise!

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  53. I received my jaspe sequin slouchy sweatshirt today I purchased last week at $99 price.... Super excited however I got the wrong color!!! I received the metallic. Does anyone out there white they white sequins they would like to swap? I may be willing to sell this it I cannot find a swap if interested!

    Sorry OT

    Jcrewlove@gmail

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  54. New to this site, first time commenting! I'm an aspiring JCA but have often found their prices to be totally outrageous.. However, I recently discovered they have a J. Crew Factory store in Atlantic City. They were having a great sale, so I picked up a few things and so far everything seems to be good quality, I can't really speak on it in comparison to the retail quality, though. However, I fell in LOVE with the Factory Wool Schoolboy Blazer in the store was reluctant to spend anymore money since I had already dropped a sh*tload that weekend..

    But then i went back for the Black Friday factory sale online and purchased a few other items for my dad and boyfriend for x-mas, so I was able to get the blazer for an additional 25% off. Just got it the other day, it's really nice! Material is really nice and the fit is perfect, I'm between a 4 and 6 but I got it in a 6 to leave room for layering. I got it for like $63 or something, I was so happy! Nothing like the feeling of getting a great deal.

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  55. Does anyone own the Tweed Harriet Blazer? Do you love it? Hate it?

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  56. Any reviews of the Merino chiffon placket cardi?

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  57. Has anyone tried the double cloth bonbon coat? Is it a winter coat?

    I got the Factory cashmere cardigans in black and grey and they feel wonderful and the fit seems good (I got them in XL so they'd be a bit roomy) I also got the Factory gypsy necklace and it's much nicer than I thought it would be! The beads are quite heavy and have a nice feel to them!

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