I can't believe how long it has been since the last "Questionable Item of the Week" post. But something has come up that is too good to ignore. "Thanks!" to Closet Crisis (in this post) who pointed out a quite interesting addition to J.Crew's Collection.
Leather TeeClick here for product page
Item 38542
Regular $795.00
J.Crew describes this top as the following:
This tee cleans up nicely—it's done in exquisitely supple lambskin and fit to flatter. But what makes it truly special are the crisscross seams, the hallmark of a beautifully engineered garment. Short sleeves. Part of J.Crew Collection. Import. Spot clean.Wow. I would not think of leather tees and J.Crew together. Leather jackets, leather shoes, leather bags... Yes. Leather Tee... Oh no!
Where would you wear this tee to? Honestly, I don't know how I would wear this. Plus, I would need to wear something underneath this like a cotton tee (for perspiration reasons). I couldn't imagine sweating in the leather top and having to spot clean it.
The two images above show a varying amount of shine for the same tee. Which makes me wonder, how shiny is this leather tee?
As for the price... yikes! I rather go with a leather jacket that has sleeves, and I can easily slip on and off.
Lastly, I give credit to J.Crew for not going crazy with the product name. It's just "Leather Tee", exactly what it is. I am also surprised that the product description is not lengthier, describing how it's someone's "pick of the season", etc.
Do you think I am being overly-critical? What are your thoughts on this Leather Tee? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this first hand, and if so, what are your impressions?
Quick Poll: Do you like the Leather Tee?
I think this is 2011's "Lucido coat", personally. Could you imagine how that would smell on a hot summer day? Eek!
ReplyDeleteSilver Lining: LOL! I thought of the Lucido Coat when I saw the Tee too! ;)
ReplyDeleteBesides the price, I love the tee, it is very minimalist a la Calvin Klein. I saw it in store and it isn't that shiny, more like in the bottom pics. I wish it came in a caramel color instead of this dark chocolate (not that I am thinking about buying it!)
ReplyDeleteAgreed with Ema - I like the minimalist aesthetics. I can see wearing it over a fitted long-sleeve tee underneath in the colder days.
ReplyDeleteI kind of like how it is styled in the top photos..... This would have to be on super-duper ultra final sale. My questionable item of the week are the denim shortalls. I can think of no earthly reason to wear a pair of overalls. At least a pair of $148 ones. No. even then, can't come up with a reason. I'm sure there is a reason. I'll think on it a while. Maybe Jenna will use this as one of her must haves, and help me out!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ema and Pansy on the minimalist aesthetics of the tee and do like it, just not the price.
ReplyDeleteEma: Did you get a chance to feel the leather?
I think it would work better as a shell. Seems like it would be difficult to move your arms around freely, especially foreward, with the sleeves on. Also, it would be nice in a lighter color, like the Collins shoe colors.
ReplyDeletebear grylls chic.
ReplyDeleteIck.
ReplyDeleteI think it is cool the J.Crew is continuing to experiment with different fabrics, cuts,and ideas. I think we would all be a bit bored if they only came out with the same thing every season.
ReplyDeleteI will admit, I wouldn't buy this but I appreciate the effort they put into being a different.
Just when I thought I've seen it all! Yes, I enjoy 'spot-cleaning' my garments... what can I say?
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of the denim overalls, I have a funny Polyvore set with it on the Polyvore group site.
ReplyDeleteI've built up a tolerance to JC's "off the deep end" items. There's always going to be at least one every season, whether because of design, price, questionable taste, utter uselessness…
ReplyDeleteThere are too many other issues I wish they'd work on. So I am not going to click the "like" button on this one (altho I will vote "meh" in Alexis' poll!). Rather, I will just chalk this one up as a grabbit for the "mickey can do what he likes because it's his company" crowd. Because now it is.
This is great! J.Crew has been listening to our complaints about the fabric on tee shirts being too thin and developing holes.
ReplyDeleteThey've finally given us what we wanted -- a durable tee!
I just hope the seams hold up.
I think its cute, but I would not buy it for the same reasons you mention (perspiration). Also, for that crazy price they are charging you can buy a lined leather JACKET. I say the price is crazy because as a former designer, this style of tee is very plain and simple with simple seams, so it does not warrant a price tag of over $700. Why pay that when you can get a jacket for the same price or less?
ReplyDeleteI think it's cuteness factor would be more if it were v-neck (and more flattering). I saw it in person and it looks quite boxy to me.
They're really late on this trend. I got a faux leather one from NY & Co last year in a pretty cognac color. H&M had a cognac leather one -- also last year -- for $80. I chose the faux for fit and price ($20). Oh, F21 had a faux one, too. As far as JC's version, I think it's very chic. I think it's fit more for fall, though, not spring. At least in black. I understand what goes into high quality goods, but the price is ridiculous. Even if it were budgetable (is that a word, lol), I would probably choose one for a lower price. I guess I'm supposed to buy this one w/my $100 tweezers.
ReplyDeleteLeather tee? Why stop there? Leather perforated dress is coming our way...sneak peek at net-a-porter UK. The leather dress was in the lookbook, though, although knew that it was perforated leather. LOL. http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/112613 (Remember to switch to the UK side to see it!)
ReplyDeleteI kinda like both, though. Very sleek, cool, and hip. However, I only rarely wear my leather jacket, I can't imagine I would pull out the leather dress or tee with any more frequency. :)
Grammar police are gonna come and get me...
ReplyDeleteThe leather dress was in the lookbook, though, although knew that it was perforated leather.
Should read:
The leather dress was in the lookbook, though, although NO ONE knew that it was perforated leather.
I like the leather tee, and the leather dress for that matter (thanks dina). Just wish I had the life to wear either of them in! Can't imagine where I would wear either of them to, that would justify the purchase. They are pretty to look at though!
ReplyDeleteNow, although I have the life, I do not want the denim shortalls. Rose, your polyvore was cute!
And I thought the denim jumpsuit was questionable...
ReplyDeleteWasn't the white leather perforated dress on the website new arrivals this morning? I kept clicking on it thinking that it was cotton.
ReplyDeleteFFM, the leather was buttery soft if I am not wrong. For that price it has to be! Calypso had a similar tee but in suede last year that was beautiful and retailed for $495.
I agree with Tamara that it would be cooool if it were a shell!
ReplyDeleteIf this were a long, swingy leather vest with an open front, I may consider it for under $300.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, no deal.
Oh Ema, if it was caramel I would die (of lust). I couldn't possibly afford this, but it's obviously going to 'fill a hole' in SOME people's wardrobes. I think they've produced it because leather tops (and dresses) as daywear has trickled down from the conceptual-avant-garde-design level (Margielaesque) to the very-fashion-forward-though-you-couldn't-say-mainstream level.
ReplyDeletenothing screams hot summer day better than a leather tee. this might be a better shirt to be releases in the fall.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking vest, too, Pansy! I just can't imagine wearing this tee - although the look is pretty cool (but hot, haha)!
ReplyDeleteI just stopped by the Collection atore to make a return. Someone gotta love it because there was only one on the floor. Definitively very soft (thin) leather. It looks black from afar but when you get very close you can see that it's a very dark chocolate. Very bad color choice IMO especially for spring.
ReplyDeleteIs it just me or does this top and the perforated leather dress make anyone else think of the movie Can't Buy Me Love?? Remember when the cool, popular girl borrows her Mom's suede outfit for a party and one of the jocks spills red wine all over it? Hence the reason she has to pretend to date Patrick Dempsy so she can replace the $1,000 outfit.
ReplyDeleteGranted that outfit was totally 80's, but I can see a similar situation occuring with that perforated leather dress in the cream color. What a nightmare to keep clean!!
Interesting about the color. Black would have actually been a better color for spring than dark chocolate. I'm waiting for the suede version. At $150 or less. :)
ReplyDeleteI actually think it is pretty chic.... but in S. Fl. - I don't think so.....
ReplyDeletenot my style and $$$, but the Crew has to have a few things that are out there....wasn't perforated leather in for summer a few years ago?
ReplyDeleteI LOL'ed at your post Alexis, but have to admit I love the tee. It very much reminds me of something Rag & Bone or Helmut Lang would make (two of my favorite shops). I think the styling is great too with the simple white blouse underneath.
ReplyDeleteI love chocolate and white denim for practically year round but don't care for short sleeves--tank or long are more flattering for me. I like the piece--caramel sounds yummy. I wonder why the new leather pants are so much less?! Having had a pair of leather pants for all my decades I know they stretch a lot so not sure I will try that again...
ReplyDeleteAt first I thought, "WTF", but I have to admit the styling over the white shirt looks quite chic.
ReplyDeleteHowever...in real life, how many people really have the occasion to wear such a piece, or spend $700 on it? How many times do you get to wear that puppy before people start thinking, "Oh, there she is in that leather t-shirt again..." To me, it's not something you could ever get value for money out of.
This tee is SO atrocious, I almost can't believe it. I also love how they say the crisscross seams are "the hallmark of a beautifully engineered garment". Ha! I'm pretty sure they are the hallmark of a cheap garment with smaller pieces of leather sewn together rather than one piece with, say, darts. Sorry J.Crew, not fooling me.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteyep...gotta agree with the majority!
ReplyDeletei saw it over the weekend at the soho, nyc shop--my PS was lusting about it and she convinced me to try it on. while i didn't find it too practical, it was lovely--buttery to the touch and sleek and elegant on.
should it ever make it to the sale section, i just might reconsider the practicality!
I freaking love questionable items. They make my life.
ReplyDeleteA little edgy for the likes of me. The picture in the Collection Look Book header looks soooo much worse to me than the product page does. In the product page I actually wouldn't have known it was leathahhh tee if not for the name.
I loved reading the comments from both sides. I have no doubt that some of you stylish JCAs could work in the Leather Tee with the rest of your outfit with flair.
ReplyDeleteJ.CrewJD made an interesting point about the crisscross seams with smaller pieces of leather versus a larger piece of leather. It does seem like a move by J.Crew to curb costs. Which seems a bit weird on J.Crew's part, considering how expensive it is.
The comments that made me laugh/ smile the most...
JCK's point about JC finally listening to us about tees being too thin! ;) Could you imagine if the Leather Tee developed a hole after one wear!?!
Fashion's point about wearing this on a hot day. ;) The leather seats in the car burn up my legs in the summer. I imagine some fashionista wearing the Leather Tee while walking around NYC on a hot day- having to hop from shade spot to shade spot. ;)
CCS's comment about "Can't Buy me Love". Oh how I love those 80's movies. :)
just saw something yesterday on one of the blogs ~ H&M, seude tank for $99 so the Tshirt is not that out there, I like the tank better.
ReplyDeleteAlexis, I agree with you, I enjoyed reading everyone's comment and even if I wouldn't have picked this tee as a questionable item this is one of the best post that I have read in a while. Thanks for coming up with it :-).
ReplyDeleteIt just screams "trying too hard" IMO. I did like the long sleeve button-up jean style leather shirt that sold out in minutes though.
ReplyDeleteUpon closer inspection of the white dress? What are those divine shoes that the model is wearing on the J Crew site. The dress I might not need, but those shoes...... They just might make it into my closet!! Can anyone tell what they are?
ReplyDeleteI'm with Ema, Pansy and FFM, I think this is a chic piece and I love the shape. I am actually looking at and seriously considering a similar piece by Vince, that is sleeveless. I think I would wear it a lot. It's like a shell so it could be worn alone, with something under it and with something over it. The Vince top is $495 though, and with a gift card I have to use, much less than that.
ReplyDeleteI have to say this is the first J. Crew item I've gotten excited about in a very long time. Just wish the price were lower.
My husband thinks this is the perfect murder weapon - what you do is you wear the shirt, and then walk up to someone who is eating and say "Guess how much I paid for this shirt?" The person will then choke and die!
ReplyDelete... Seriously though, it's an interesting "statement" piece and an edgier look than what one would expect from j. Crew, but $795 is kind of ridiculous. And you could only wear this in the dark - wearing this in the daytime, I'm sure it would be boiling hot.
Desert Flower I love that Vince Shell! I'm madly in love with a leather v-neck top from Akris, but it's out of my price range at full price.
ReplyDeleteActually am very intrigued with this piece! love the minimalist aesthetic. NOT liking the price, though. I have a black leather button-down from Banana Republic from about 10 years ago - very cool piece that I have not worn in ages (but love to see hanging in my closet) - may have to pull it out again soon!
ReplyDeleteCheck this leather tee out from Nordstrom: trinity tee. Close in look, but the price is wayyyy easier on the pocketbook!
ReplyDeleteOne more thing -Talbots does have an interesting suede tank available for spring in both "mink" and "marble". I have not seen IRL but it looks beautiful on the website. Has anyone seen it IRL?
ReplyDeleteIt's the perfect shirt for people who are prone to spilling things on themselves.
ReplyDeleteCount me in as one who likes the leather tee. Definitely as a layering piece and not for this price. I do like it layered over the button up silk henley tunic. Agree that the color is not right for spring but would be even better in caramel.
ReplyDeleteGreat conversation! I wonder if they will come up with a similar option with lower price point for fall - kind of like how they used to have only the $500 sequin camis, but then started doing less expensive versions.
ReplyDeletecheck this out:
ReplyDeletewww.upscalehype.com/2010/07/maison-martin-margiela-leather-t-shirt/
What's next, J Crew? Part of the bridal collection, this white leather thong made of the finest and softest lambskin will make it the night to remeber
ReplyDelete795 ???? no bueno...
ReplyDeleteHas anyone ever tried to return FS item? How did it turn out? I ordered a sequin boy tee and on the picture it was pure white color, but when it arrived it turned out to be kind of ugly yellowish, creamish color. Any advice?
ReplyDeletecheck out the nordies version in gunmetal
ReplyDeletepumpkin, just go straight to the top. if you pay good money for crap, you should be able your return the crap in exchange for your good money.
ReplyDeleteaka, ask for a manager.
ReplyDeleteroxy, those shoes with the Akris top look bizarre! I can't imagine walking in them.
ReplyDeleteChic Chauffeur, good find! And only $109 right now.
IL, not a wedding thong, a wedding dress! Yes, a leather wedding dress, I can see it now.
Why is the leather top $795 but the leather trousers are only $395? Trousers require more leather and more work.
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