Tuesday, June 28, 2011

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! :)

75 comments:

  1. Here are two reviews from the recent 30% off promo:

    Foxtrot Jacket in aged driftwood - I gave this one a rave review :)

    Lulu Frost for J.Crew Heirloom Charm Bracelet - LOVE the design, the quality, not so much. Sigh :(

    Have a great week guys!

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  2. I have a review of the Boho embroidered top and some other things here.

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  3. II got another pair of Daytripper pants on final sale today in store for - get this - $13.99!!!!! Yay!

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  4. comments on some of this season's colors here

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  5. Unfortunately, I had more misses than hits from J. Crew in the past few weeks. I'm sending back a big box of stuff including:

    - the classic straw fedora (#38831) - The brim is ridiculously short, only about 1", and the colourway "beechwood" is a dull beigey grey IRL, very unflattering.

    -the straw crusher hat (#44015) - Not very good quality. The raffia straw sticks out all over the hat and scratches at my forehead. Disappointing because the colour of the straw is quite nice.

    - the wrap front tank (#10237), purchased in black and peacock feather - The torso is very long (I bought the regular size not the long torso size) so there's an extra couple inches of fabric in the torso. Other than the bust issue, it runs TTS (I ordered my usual dress size). Plus, the underwires tend to shift out of place. On the peacock feather colourway (which is a really nice deep teal green), that means the beige lining sometimes shows, very annoying. I also don't like that there is no thin foam lining in the cup area.

    - the cape stripe tankini (#37295, #37298)- Unfortunately, without nice perky boobs, this one is horribly unflattering as the straps are a little too stretchy and there's not enough support. This is too bad, because the colour is great - true white with red stripes.

    Fingers crossed that the stuff I picked out from the last promo event works out.

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  6. Does anyone remember te name of the spring skirt with the leaves/ivy on it? Greyish color? Kind of went over the lined fabric like lace?

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  7. I was lucky enough to find my size in the eyelet pencil skirts during the 30% off promotion.

    I purchased both the14865 (petite is 39595) and 42824 (petite is 44915) versions and they are quite different. The first skirt is a much thicker material, nicely lined, and comes in shadow, which in this skirt is more of a charcoal than a blue, and ivory, a true ivory. The eyelet is definitely "exaggerated", as described on the website -- unusual and pretty.

    The second skirt is much lighter, but also lined, and seems to me to be more embroidered than eyelet. The colors: caspian night is a beautiful navy, and muslin is a much darker cream than the ivory eyelet skirt.

    These skirts definitely run small. I have always been a 0/P2 in jcrew pencil skirts, and these, I took in a P4. Both are a little different from the typical eyelet, which I like, and both are beautiful skirts. Keeping all four!

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  8. One more quick review -- I also purchased the long pearl necklace -- 44846 -- originally (and ridiculously!) priced at $175, on sale for $49.99, then 30% off, making it $35. I purchased two. These are VERY skimpy little necklaces!! Tiny pearls -- not much larger than the knots separating them!! (Exaggerating a little, but not much...) At first I was appalled, but then I thought, well, $35 -- and when wrapped as a bracelet (like Chan Luu wrap bracelets, which I love), they actually look nice. Also, a pretty little clasp.

    Anyone else get one of these? Would like to hear what others think of it...

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  9. @StaciStaci - do you mean the Mirabel pencil skirt?

    Lake Grove NY B&M has a few of these on sale (forgot how much) plus 30% off (final sale though).

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  10. As usual, I'm late to the review ballgame, but I thought I'd contribute a couple of reviews of sale items.

    Souk top: Got this in green. Fits tts. Soft, silky fabric. Very low cut, but hidden hook-and-eye closures enable you to show as little or as much as you want. All in all, a great top.

    Bootcut jeans in dance off wash: I bought a pair of JC bootcut jeans a few years ago and those were a true bootcut. They seem to have changed their cut, though, because these are a true straight leg. That said, I LOVE them. The fit is great and I actually went down one size, which made me feel pretty good. And I really like the wash - I'm not sure anyone will know what I mean, but it looks very Western to me. Like what I'd wear on my imaginary ranch in Montana.

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  11. Bought the rope cloud ikat dress. Good news: it's not THAT short. I'm 5'10", bought an L (normal J. Crew size, also usually a 12), and it was 3" past my fingertips. On the model it just looks so short because they have the waist hiked up. And, here, the bad news-- the stylists had to do that, and insert probably a dozen pins, because it's basically a flour sack with a dropwaist and a drawstring. The fabric is ok, softer due to the cotton, but the drawstring is hard to draw when you have the dress on your body due to the linen content. (Ruche it, then put it on.) The armholes were cut big, I couldn't really play around with hiking up the waist because of the all-over bagginess.

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  12. I ordered the Forever cardigan online with the 30% off promo and when it arrived I thought that it seemed VERY thin and delicate...it was hard to fold neatly due to the flimsiness of the fabric! I also don't like that the sweater curls over along the front edge when I button it up. I really like the color (Smoldering Brick) however, so for the price I'll hope it survives washing/wearing. :)

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  13. Quick update re: floral swing skirt issue from last week (I don't remember which post I vented all my frustration at)...

    My PS was more than apologetic. She immediately refunded the money, and seemed truly upset over my anger.

    I was reminded that the price adjustment window is 7 days (whoops!), but even with that info, she seemed very understanding over why a 50% drop and then a 30% additional drop would make someone who paid near full price very very FRUSTRATED. She promised to pass my concerns to the "powers that be," so to speak. It seems that any price drop, that dramatic, over that quick of a time period (less than a month!!!) is sympathy inducing.

    I feel relieved. But I also feel fortunate to have such a great woman working on my side. I am sure that there are many who wouldn't be as forgiving or understanding. I hope that if J. Crew does read this blog that they see that customer service is paramount, and provided the customer isn't constantly unreasonable, concessions should be made when J. Crew is clearly in the wrong (sorry, J. Crew, you all were wrong dropping that doozy!).

    Maybe you should have priced the darn skirt better in the first place, huh??? It took me months to save up for it! (Which, btw, I will not be doing again UNLESS my PS says something is super-limited, like 10 or less being made.)

    Thanks again for all the sweet people who wrote in to make me feel a bit better about my frustration last week...it definitely helped!!! :)

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  14. I have a lot to review, but I will try to make it short. Received 2 J crew shipments over the last week and here are some of the highlights:
    *Veranda pant- Amazing pant, but I ordered the tall, which was way way too tall. The do fit tight so I went up a size.
    *Crystal sun necklace- This is a very beautiful necklace. It does not look cheap, it just feels cheap. I am keeping it though because I am the only one that will be touching it :)
    *Tissue ikat tank- Love and love. It is sheer in the front, so you can turn this tank any color with something underneath. I wore it with a pink tank the other day and it was stunning. Fits TTS.
    *Beaumont blazer- Very disappointed. It was boxy and very scratch on the skin. It does fit TTS.
    *Pilar printed platform heels- Amazing! Love these, super comfortable with the platform (wore them shopping and then to dinner and no foot pain). I wore it with my Cecilia dress in Casablanca Blue. I don't believe I have received so many compliments.
    *Finespun stripe racerback tank- I am wearing this right now and have already received compliments. Very soft and long...my favorite when it comes to tanks. Fits TTS and not super boxy.
    *Leslie lace shell- Love! Very soft, TTS, and has a nice A line shape.
    *Langford leather high-heel oxfords- Slightly disappointed. I ordered these in the black and they looks very faded. I am going to keep them, but the picture online is very misleading.
    *Verona jacket- This jacket has skinny arm syndrome. I ordered it in my normal size and it was uncomfortable on the arms, so it went back.
    *Casbah dress- Love this. The pattern is so beautiful in person. I plan on wearing this with the Mossy Oak Collins. Fits TTS.
    *New café capri- Picked these up at my B&M yesterday for an amazing price ($20.99 and $27.99)! I purchased both the dried rose and dark seaweed. I sized up on these so I could wear them to work without the tightness on the leg. The 4's fit fine, but for work went with the 6's.
    *Oxford scout chino- Also from the B&M. Pick up the navy and Khaki. Fits TTS. Only problem I have with these is they seem tight near the calf.

    OK...The End :)

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  15. Agree with Stene on the new cafe capri. I got them in size 2 and while they fit otherwise but are very tight in the calf. I am getting size 4 today so I will report if this is still an issue.
    Otherwise they are quite unremarkable, at least in black that I got.

    I received Navy Suit blazer in crisp linen and I really like the fit. It is leaner and longer than a schoolboy which never looks right on me.
    The sleeves are long which is a slight problem for me, since I have relatively short arms, but I know a lot of you would like it.
    It has interior pockets on each side plus a pen pocket, like mens blazers do. Not sure if I would use it but love it nevertheless.
    The linen feels comfortable and yes, crisp.
    I wish the striped lining of the sleeves would be finished better, but I was able to roll up the sleeves to above elbow length,
    which I cannot easily do in some blazers.
    I got it as a popback in one size larger than my usual size and I am not sure if it is too big, I sort of like it a little more slouchy, since it does have that lean silhuette anyway.

    I also received striped blouson dress that I already tried in store before and I loved it, but it was size smaller that my regular size and a little tight in the chest.
    Well, I received it in my regular size and it looks like a sad sack, back it goes.

    I am also due to receive Souvenir dress, navy linen blazer in my regular size, hutton trousers in crisp linen and short sleeved white shirt tomorrow.
    I will post an update here if anybody is interested.

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  16. Free shipping on $100+ orders code C4KSK2 exp. July 15.

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  17. ajc - I would love to see your review of the souvenir dress and short sleeve white shirt!

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  18. ajc: I also would love a review of the Souvenir dress, particularly the length and fit at the waist! Can't wait!
    I agree with the tight leg issue of the cafe capri pants. I thought it was just me.
    The Verona jacket is very fitted across the back and in the arms but I love the fabric. I have extremely thin arms so I don't have the arm issues. I am still waiting for my replacement one.
    I also loved the longer linen blazer and found it to run a little smaller in the shoulders than the Schoolboy. I think sizing up for me would not work in the chest.
    Thanks for the code Rose! I was going through withdrawal from not ordering anything without free shipping!

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  19. My extra 30% off order arrived last night, so here goes:

    Elsa jacket: I got this in the Modern Red color. It is a beautiful redish-orange . . .one of the colors that I look best in. At first pass, the jacket appears to be well made, hoping that stays true. I always wear a size 0 in JCrew jackets and blazers and ordered such. I will say that it is a tad tight in the shoulders. If I would have had the opportunity to try on a store, I might have gotten the 2. However, it isn't too tight to wear and it is a boxy cut so you'd want it to be fitted. I really love it and can't wait to wear it on vacation this weekend. Definitely recommend!! Oh, and also the hardware on the front was pretty different and cool.

    Knit du jour pant: Got these in petite in the heather flannel. Not much else to say than they are flattering sweat pants. You can give them a french name, but they are still sweat pants. I'm happy with them for the price I paid. Definitely not worth the $60 full price though.

    Also got two vintage cotton v-necks in the order, but those are pretty self explanatory.

    Hope that helps someone!

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  20. I was lucky with the recent 30% off promo!

    Lace Blouson Dress in black: beautiful and perfect for a summer evening. Not a heavy weight, but the lace is pretty and the blush slip is a great compliment. I tried on both a petite and regular (I'm 5'2") but the regular seemed to fit better and certainly felt more comfortable on me - roomier in the chest area without looking sloppy. I was worried about the tiny, thin straps - certainly not going to get much support from them - but they stay up, which was key. Thanks to Audreybella for her beautiful pictures which helped push me over the edge to order!

    Lace Cottage Skirt (#44367) in lilac dust: Love this color and the lace is nice and substantial. Took my regular skirt size (6) so the skirt looks balanced. Sizing up looked sloppy. Looks great with a long-sleeve perfect shirt on top/ballet flats or styled as the model has it with a simple white button down. I plan on wearing mine with my oxfords too :)

    Lady Lace Popover (#38409) in heather soft gray: Now I get it! All you ladies who spoke about how flattering this sweater was...the fit is just spot on. Took a M (my usual size) and it was a good casual fit for me. It's so pretty and relaxed at the same time. The black, unfortunately, kind of looked like a sweatshirt - you could barely see any of the lace detail. I also think I could create more outfits with the grey.

    Didn't do an "all-lace" order...picked up the back zip tank (#42427) in asphalt. It has since gone down $5. Great tank! A little dressier than a regular slub tank and the contrast trim makes it an easy match with black capris and ballet flats. I took my usual M (I have very broad shoulders) and it fits just a smidge looser than on the model. Very comfortable tank with a little urban sophistication :)

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  21. Has anyone tried or purchased the Jardin skirt? It is now on backorder in both regular and petite sizes.

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  22. I ordered the smooth and thick looking slubby scarf. When it arrived it was twisted and knotted into one of those stupid scarf braids. The thing was so wrinkled, and guess what - you're not supposed to iron it. I had to wash it to get the wrinkles out - annoying. It's puny too. Nice colour but I should have sent it back.

    And the merino linen cardigan is ridiculoulsy oversized. It fits like maternity wear! Another one I should send back but I think I'll just wear it to sleep.

    Link:
    http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/catalogjcrewcomexclusives/sweaters/PRDOVR~37609/99102247491/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17+4294967133~90~~~~~~~/37609.jsp

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  23. I feel like after all my negatives ^ I should say soemthing positive. I have just discovered the jackie cardigans and am in love. I'm a little late to the party but they are the nicest fitting cardis I've seen in a while.

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  24. gumdrops- Welcome to the Jackie club :) I own 6 of them and they have held up very well.

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  25. Cecelia dress - Purchased at a store during 30% Final Sale over the phone with a personal shopper last week. Picked up the dress at the store (because I had to go in and make returns) and it was wrapped up in the paper and bagged up. Got it home and put it on to wear to work and there was a tear in the v-neck of the dress AND the security tag was still on!
    I called the store and begged to return, though it was sold Final Sale, and happily the manager ensured that I could return it. Was very sad about this because I tried on the Cecelia in another store and it fit wonderfully.

    Mirabel dress - LOVE this dress. I was in the store and originally dying to get the white version, but they only had a dark charcoal in my size. So I tried it on originally just for the sizing but fell in love. I love cap sleeves, the fit is awesome as well - not too tight in the hips (it has an a-line drape) and hits me right above my kneecap (i'm 5'4). Well made too! I feel better knowing I had better success with this dress vs. the Cecelia.

    Camille wedges - great wedges! I like the wood platform and cork lining around the shoe as well. I was accidentally shipped a 7 in an 8 box and an 8 on my packing slip. However, the shoe size works for me (I'm usually a 7 1/2). I definitely couldn't go any smaller though!

    Also snagged a skinny snakeskin belt from Spring season for $5.75 from the 30% off in stores! Woohoo!

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  26. Ruched Betty French top, size medium: stay away unless you are a 36 band size or larger. I am a 34D. It fits, but it is not tight enough for me to feel comfortable actually swimming in it. And the cups are borderline too big, which is ridiculous to me. It is a regular size medium. For someone with a D cup it shouldn't be borderline way too big. I am keeping it because a small would most certainly be too small in the cups but... beware.

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  27. @Pansy - no, it had tiny leaves and it was a light greyish color. Kind of like lace - It looked like it was a print online but its more lace in person.

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  28. Certainly not a new item, but I recently ordered the white hipslung jeans from the outlet, and I LOVE them! They are a little bit thicker weight than any of the retail white jeans, and they actually fit nicely! I have a couple pairs of the hipslung jeans from years past, and I always liked the way they fit. I have been searching for white jeans for a long time -- I'm so happy! :)

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  29. StaciStaci, is it Vineyard pencil skirt?

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  30. Pics of the stripe swingtime sweater in this post.

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  31. StaciStaci - the vineyard skirt maybe?

    My reviews:

    I was disappointed to find that the summerweight chino shorts ran large for me. Ordered in my usual size 4 and they are quite loose in the waist and hips, which is not usually a problem for me. I love the plum orchard color, so I will probably try to exchange them. I thought I'd read they were TTS. I don't think I've lost any weight lately. :)

    Lady Lace Popover - I agree with everyone this is a lovely piece, but I was surprised to find the grey was quite sheer - I could see my bra through it quite clearly. Still undecided on this one. TTS.

    I ordered the Herringbone Schoolboy because I just had to prove to myself about the scratchy lining. Yup. Pins and needles. Really so sad as this is otherwise a gorgeous jacket in the aged driftwood color. TTS, which isn't always the case for me in schoolboys. Don't think its worth even the great sale price if I have to be constantly pricked though.

    Finespun draped tank in cinnamon spice - very cute, nice color. Definitely glad I sized down for this one - the copy actually suggested you size down for a more fitted look. Ha. If I hadn't sized down, I would be indecently exposing my chest. Still very drapey one size down, not at all fitted. It's lined too, which is interesting and helps it lay nicely.

    And a few necklaces I've been waiting for sale on since they came out. The mesh sparkle necklace in antique gold is very cute, certainly not worth fp, but worth what I paid. A nice amount of sparkle. Also the knotted mesh necklace, agree with others that it looks cheap up close - particularly from the back side, you can see the solder lines very clearly where the seams come together. Can't believe they were charging $75 at fp. I really like the style of it, but I'm kind of hoping it gets another cut.

    The B&M I visited for the 30% off (Georgetown in DC - was on a business trip) had a very full sale section, but nothing of interest to me. Mostly loads of tees. And mostly only large sizes left in everything. Did pick up a cute pair of leopard print flip flops. None of the new arrivals really caught my eye other than the cinnamon ikat dress.

    I still have the Bronwyn satchel and the Maryann suede wedges on their way to me. Shipping is SO SLOW for me. Nearly always a full week, sometimes more. :(

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  32. @audreys - I also got the long pearl necklace - item 44846 - but when I got it, it was $99 less 30% so $69.99. When I saw it I was shocked and totally agree - it's tiny! What moron would have paid $175 for that? Also, what were they thinking with the pricing???? Crazy. At first, I was going to return it, but then I decided to keep it... now I'm annoyed that it turns out they sold it for much less. C'est la vie I suppose. Oh, and thanks for the bracelet tip!

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  33. ajr, I received my third pair of summerweight chino shorts last week and they all fit TTS for me. They do have a slightly roomier waist than the regular chino shorts but not enough to be a size larger. You can see the plum orchard on me here. There are IRL photos of the 5" chino shorts and madras bermudas as well. All the same size and fitting pretty much the same on me.

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  34. Mirabel Skirt - LOVE. Fits TTS, beautiful, one of the iconic items that make me a JCA

    Sequin-Placket Perfect Shirt - an odd impulse buy for me in Tuscan Olive but a really pleasant surprise! The sequins are SUBTLE and the same color as the fabric, so you get just a bit of sparkle peeking out. Well worth the sale price.

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  35. xoxo - that's interesting, thanks for your input. I know you have a more or less opposite body type from me also, so that's good to hear. Maybe I should double check and make sure they sent me the correct size. My main concern was that the fabric felt stretchy so I was worried that by the end of the day they'd be falling off me. Have you noticed that to be a problem? I don't have any other shorts from this year to compare, only from last year.

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  36. Floral long swing skirt review: Nice fabric. Not worth the original $400 dollars by a long shot! Fabric is nice but not "luxurious" by any means; probably why it got marked down so fast. Skirt is very POOFY but I like it enough at the $140 price to consider keeping it for fall/winter paired with a dark plum cashmere sweater...hides the poof and looks great with a pair of textured J.Crew gold ballet flats with gray bows that I already own.

    I don't think this will be summer wear for me. Too hot where I live and fabric seems "heavy" with the design.

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  37. I posted recently that the seacomb sweater runs very large and stretched out the first time I wore it. Put it on again last week and it had a hole at the shoulder seam! Ugh. As I'd already left home, I had to wear it all day. By the end of the day it was HUGE. I honestly think I could have gone down TWO sizes to have the fit shown on the model. I hate when the stylists totally change the look and fit of a garment -- defeats the purpose of showing it on a model!

    Happy ending to the seacomb saga --B&M took it back without question and I picked up some great deals from the extra 30 section!

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  38. In the photo montage that is at the top of this post, you include the CUTEST pair of green mary jane heels...I am a green (and a shoe) freak--are those J.Crew? Please tell me they're current!!

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  39. Ann, unfortunately they're not current, they're from several years ago, maybe 2008?

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  40. ajr, good point, it could be just that different figures account for the discrepancy in sizing. They did stretch out slightly more than the regular chino shorts but certainly not enough to fall off. ;^)

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  41. Patent leather peep toe mary janes, they're in the February 2008 catalog in the archives.

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  42. I posted pics of various shoes (Collins, Iris suede, Merkado, Sevigne capri), the toggle cardigan and cashmere cardigan
    here.

    I got another box today, and unfortunately, most didn't work out, but I'll post pics tomorrow if I can. The winners were the Maureen cashmere sweater (soft & flattering) and the tortoise Iris sandals.

    I made lots of returns today, and came home with the blue Summer Hours linen dress -- so pretty and flattering. Fit was TTS for their dresses I thought. I was super bloated and it was still cute -- the ribbon waist hits at a great spot.

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  43. Kris - I ordered the Jardin skirt when it first came out. Even at that time it was waitlisted. I'm still waiting for my order to ship. . .I think it does next week??? Once I get it, I'll post a review. I have a feeling others are in the same boat unless it is in stores.

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  44. I just received my second box from the 30% off sale and I'm one happy gal :) Here's a review of the stripe silk tee in azalea.

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  45. can someone tell me if I would wear my usual pant size in the cafe capri (this year's version)? I usually wear a 0 or 2 in the utility type pant and a 2 in a wool slack.

    thank you

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  46. Has anyone tried the Heather Popover Hoodie and can offer a comment on the fit and quality?

    TIA

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  47. Gem Twin- I wore my usual Jcrew size in the new cafe capri's, which I love and have in two colors. I highly recommend.

    Tippi Sweater in Bright Dahlia - Fits TTS and has a really nice fit. I will buy more when it goes on sale. It is thin enough to wear in the office during the summer if you have air conditioning. You can wear it outside if it is not too hot of a day and of course the most beautiful color - bright dahlia.

    Accordian dress - finally after 3 orders, got the sizing right and thank god because it is a beautiful dress but runs big. I sized down 2 sizes from normal.

    Workday dress- This dress just didn't work for me. It may be the sizing, if have a little spare tire and it really shows with this dress because of the band around the waist. It is going back.

    Mona Heels- Beautiful, I bought the clay color which I love but, for the price, a man made sole and lining are not going to work so I am sending them back. They run a half size small. I am normally a 7 and 7 in the Mona's was very snug in the toe box. I would not categorize them as comfy but definitely beautiful.

    Jardin skirt ordered, but on backorder now.

    Alyssa top is in the mail so I will report back tomorrow on it!

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  48. Fisherman Cardigan, Sequin-Stripe Tank, Navy Maritime Dress and Daytripper Pants pics and reviews:
    http://handbagaficionado.blogspot.com/2011/06/summer-lovin.html

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  49. BeyondtheBlue - The forever cardi is good featherweight material when you need a thin layer in hot weather. I.e. air conditioned restaurants. It probably seemed ultra thin if you were expecting a regular weighted cardigan.

    Dina G - Glad to hear that worked out!

    Toga dress in orange - Loves it! I could actually fit into the 2, so I'm inclined to say you might size down 2 sizes. I mean, I could get it all the way on and I have a 41" belly right now. It seemed a little loose under the arms, but I'm going to stick w/the 2. I don't want to risk a size 0 interrupting the cut/flow of the dress. Fabric is nice, as is the beautiful orange.

    Shortcut sweater - I was wrong about. It's not cropped. Dry clean only is a drawback and the silk blend gets those teeny little balls that look like little snags. Makes me cautious about resting necklaces on it. Bracelets might be the best way to go for accessories. The muslin was a snooze on me, so it's going back. The mineral green is beautiful.

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  50. The white short-sleeve shirt was cancelled from my recent order (boo!) I had ordered the XXS (based on the selvedge chambray one that I have and runs huge) but would like some feedback because it will probably be FS before it popsback and I can reorder it. Does anyone have this and can comment on sizing?

    I received the Annick-stripe bikini (ordered my usual bikini size S) and it fits TTS but has little coverage on the top (less than the regular string bikini IMO). I am going to keep it though because the color is really beautiful and I got it for a great price.

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  51. Just had an item cancelled in a recent order...bummer esp. now that every time I order I seem to wait and see if this will happen or not.

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  52. Ema,I should be receiving the white short sleeved shirt today. I will review it here once I try it on.

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  53. I just reviewed the veranda pant again, Factory cotton-silk camp shirt, madewell Zip-Pocket Tee, Silk peplum blouse , Eyelet pencil skirt, Doria dress, Chevron tie belt, and Marissa crystal cuff on my blog Here

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  54. gigiofca - You are right, I think my "mental picture" of the Forever Cardigan was different than what it really is. I don't live near a B&M and hadn't seen the sweater IRL before ordering. As long as I don't button it (due to the egde rolling) and it lasts me a while I'll be a happy camper. :)

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  55. Just got my 30 off package! I got the Natalie studded sweater and I must say it's really nice! Unfortunately by the time I pulled the trigger, the mustard stripe one was sold out, so I got the navy stripe. It's a very nice substantial feeling sweater. I like the way it fits through my shoulders. It's a little heavy though b/c of all the studs. Not a peak of the summer sweater. And I got the gold poofy skirt that's been discussed a lot here. It's going back. I was able to have them send me the size larger as some people recommended and haven't gotten it yet, but I don't expect it to be much better. It's just SO poofy. And I really don't know how I'd style it. Also, I'm not a small waited person, and I keep thinking that an A-line type of skirt would be good on me, but it's not. Especially in such an exaggerated style. I do think the fabric is absolutely gorgeous, though.

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  56. Received a box today that I ordered before the current 20% off promo.

    First item is the Shawl-collar poncho sweatshirt: Runs huge. I ordered my regular size, small and even though it is supposed to be over-sized, I was swimming in it. Made me look 30 lbs heavier! It would look great on someone very tall and thin. Short sleeve for summer, but quite thick cotton.

    Second item is the Sun-drenched sweatshirt: Runs TTS. It is pretty long, so I won't be keeping it but I like the style with the straight fit and 3/4 length sleeves. I ordered it in the color wave crest which is a rather pale bluish-green.

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  57. I received my MUSTHAVE order the other day. I ordered the Eyelet pencil skirt in Caspian night and the Ruched Femme bathing suit in olive green. This particular Eyelet pencil skirt, in case anyone is wondering, is NOT the same one that was released originally this spring. This one is significantly cheaper looking. It isn't even "real" eyelet. MegCrew stated it perfectly on her blog when she said she wouldn't even buy it at Target. Very disappointing. (however, if you get a chance to snag the ORIGINAL Eyelet skirt, do it...that one is beautiful).

    The Ruched Femme bathing suit is beautiful and very flattering. I'm really pleased with it. I ordered it in a 6, which is a size up from my normal jcrew size. It fits great so hopefully it won't stretch once I wear it or get it wet. Really wish it had some padding in the chest, because I was on display, if you know what I mean. Hopefully I won't get cold at the beach :)

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  58. As promised Short-sleeve white shirt:
    Definitely size down on this. I got a small and I 5'6", 34D, usually size 6 in perfect shirts. The small is still loose fitting. It has a boxy fit where the waist is same size as chest. That said, it somehow manages to look good on me, really similar fit to the model picture. The fabric is sheer but the loose fit and pockets on chest help. The shoulder fit is definitely wider than in perfect shirts.
    The collar is button down but it buttons to the underside of the collar with no button holes visible. The buttons are reinforced, which is good but when you open up your colar you can see the little fabric pieces sticking out. I woudl probably remove the buttons (and the reinforcement) as I don't think I would want to button the collar. I like the little 'v' cutout on the sleeves and the overall workmanship seems ok.
    Overall, I would say this is very basic, unremarkable cotton shirt, but for what it is it fits nicely. I know that the review sounds unethusiastic but I think it is worth the current sale price minus 30%.

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  59. Souvenir Dress in chili pepper:

    Love, love the color and fabric but the fit is off on me. Got my regular size 6 and it is OK in in chest but it is short waisted, a bit too short and way too wide in the hips. However, this is a common problem for me. I am 34D and 36" hips, so it will probably work nice if you have opposite proportions. Go by your chest size on this one, the hips shoudld fit. The waist was just right, mine is 29". The length is shorter but not indecent imo (between mid tight and knee), I am 5'6'. There is at least extra inch or two in the hem, to let out. The back zipper is exposed and silver. I liked it, but may be a turn-off for some. I had more trouble than usually unzipping it myself, not sure why. I liked the bra friendly shape.

    Hutton trousers in crisp linen:

    They fit TTS and maybe even size up if your waist is not small. Size 4 fits nicely on me and my waist is about 29" and hips 36". I like the high waisted fit and the back view was (surprisingly) husband approved. It is tighter fit than cafe trousers. I take 27 in matchsticks. The inseam is lond and if you are shorter you will need to have it hemmed. I am 5'6" with relatively long legs but I need 3" heels to wear them. They are still pricey but I am keeping them. Part of my decision is because I am also keeping the blazer and I like to have a suit option.

    Crisp Linen Blazer:
    I reviewed before on this thread but I got my regular size and I love the fit. Lean, long and tailored, love it!!! One note, I think it has narrower shoulders and wider chest than Schoolboy and that's why I like it much better but if the schoolboy fits you perfectly this may be off.

    Summer hours Dress in muslin:
    Again, this is a little bit high waisted and too wide in the hips on my figure. The fit is better than on Souvenir (and longer) but overall, the dress is just meh to me. I tried it in store in blue and I thought I liked it, but it is a return after all.

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  60. AppGal-

    I'm glad you posted that review of the eyelet skirt. When I tried it on in store I was shocked by how cheap it felt yet I knew that people had previously reviewed it favorably. It also fit pretty snugly in my normal size and I wasn't sure if that was just some summer poundage rearing its ugly head or if it actually fit small (because of cheap fabric)

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  61. OperaRach: Yep, it's a totally different skirt. I was so disappointed that I didn't even try it on, but it did look smaller than the other one too. So sad, because the color is really nice!

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  62. Got my things today and think I have two good items.

    Metallic slouch sweater in Sparkle Beachwood: Love this. One of my favorite things I've bought in a long time at J.Crew. I would have never bought it just looking at it online, but it caught my eye in the store. The color is a metallic gold, but not harsh. Love it with my skin tone and brown hair. The picture online does not do the color justice.

    Meant to have a slouchy look, but I took a small, so it is pretty TTS. I will get a lot of use out of this since I can probably wear it year around here. Also, it was on sale online(full price in stores), so always a plus.

    About town T-shirt dress: Nice dress and good for the sale price. I was mainly worried about the material being too thin. A lot of t-shirt dresses on me are too thin or clingy in wrong places, this one lays pretty nicely for a lightweight material. A bit clingy on the backside…ha, so this may just be a running around dress. But it is really cute and comfortable. Great for Texas summers and the upcoming 4th of July weekend. :)

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  63. I've posted pics and review of the collection Pastille Tweed Pencil Skirt here.

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  64. I recently purchased the Renegade purse, during the 30 percent off and before final sale. I was totally expecting to take it back. When I pulled it out of the bag it looked so weird, I thought for sure it was going right back. But, I took the strap out and put in on in a cross body messenger style and....I love it!!! It's fun and a little sassy. A purse that looks high fashion and has a sense of humor about it. Yea! It's part of J.Crew Collection and the quality is so much better.

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  65. ajc thanks so much for the reviews. I was going to try the souvenir dress in the 6 but can tell from your review that it will likely be way too short on me. I am on the fence with the white short sleeve shirt because it is final sale. I might bite it we EVER get an additional % off online.

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  66. shopwithm: I knew you would look great in the Pastille tweed skirt. I tried the 8 in my usual pencil skirt size (except No.2, I can do a 6 in those) and it was not working with my "curves" aka butt and thighs...but I might take your suggestion and try it in a 10 if it goes to sale! Thanks for the review!

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