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! :)
LOVE the Islet paisley hidden underwire ruched bandeau! Great print, goes with all my bottoms. I wanted to try a bra-type style, but had to return the Cassis underwire top b/c my little ones swam in the 34A and the shape of the cups resembled tennis balls. The hidden underwire style is great though, fits TTS, and I can see it being quite supportive for those of you who may need it:) Also got the solid one in cerise. Love that color!
ReplyDeleteSo I caved and ordered the charcoal Hacking Jacket on Net-A-Porter - will review it when it arrives!
ReplyDeleteJust a few items reviewed here.
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lunarary - Now I am super excited to get my swimsuit shipment on Wednesday! I ordered the Islet bandeau as well and was worried my little boobs might not look good in the top. I have hope now :)
ReplyDeleteI get the Veranda pants and 3 different suits on Wednesday, so I will review then. I also finally got my Mara Wedges...finally. Haven't opened up the box yet because I had to hurry off to work.
Can anyone comment on the Summerstock Maxi Dress?
ReplyDeleteSubscribing. :)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't wait and opened the shoe box at work. The Mara Wedges are amazing. I got the cobblestone color and it is a perfect neutral. they fit TTS and are super comfortable. LOVE!
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ReplyDeletebathing suit: ordered the ruched lido tank top (#21554) and the belted bow bikini (#27678) in brilliant navy... totally love it! it's a two piece but covers me like a one-piece and still somehow makes me feel very pretty with my shoulders and chest. oh and it gives me just enough support for the "girls". the blue is a little darker than i was expecting though. as for fit, i normally wear a size 4 dress and size 2 pants (in chinos at least) and i bought both the top and bottom in XS based on the JCAs advice and it's perfect. i'm not one to parade around in my bathing suit, but i like this one so much, that i'm tempted to buy another one (full price-- gasp!) and just wear them for the majority of my vacation :)
ReplyDeleteMy ghastly impulse purchases are still in "label printed" land, so I'll review, in joy or sorrow, on arrival. Meanwhile, my closet's wishlist for fall/winter is here .
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ReplyDelete@MissJR: Glad to see your review re: ruched lido tank top. Does the lido tank swing out, kind of like the twist front swing tank (item 10271) or ruched Betty? I like the idea of a swim tank not fitting too tightly in the muffin top area, but don't want it to swing out so much that the fabric floats up when in the water.
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ReplyDelete@Stene - I'm glad you finally got the Mara wedges! I know you have been hunting them for a long time.
ReplyDeleteHere are some reviews from my recent orders:
-the Camille wedges: These really great wedge sandals! There is a nice amount of padding in the footbed and the wood heel is not too heavy. I definitely recommend them!
-the short freshwater pearl necklace: The original price was a ridiculous $150, but I got them for $35 at the promo price. The pearls are a bit small and the clasp feels rather flimsy, but for $35, I'm not complaining. It's very pretty otherwise.
-the Nolita white denim jacket: Readers of my blog know that I am on a white denim kick right now. This jacket is really nice. I ordered the small and it's a bit roomier than I was expecting, so if you want a skinny fitting jacket, I would recommend sizing down. Otherwise, the fabric is really nice - good opacity and density.
- the Perfect fit stripe snap tee in faded black: The colour of this tee is actually a darker ivory than I was expecting from the online picture. I sized up to a medium as I don't like wearing tees that cling too much to my body. It's a nice tee shirt, but I'm not sure if the colour does anything for my complexion. The tee is very long in the body - on me, it goes well past my hip.
- the vintage boat-neck tee (pictured in this post on my blog): I should have realized from the online description that the cotton on this one is actually very thin and delicate. I would have to put this one in a mesh bag if I were putting it in the washing machine. For the price, not too bad, but the neckline is already rolling after a few wears.
Also, just wanted to remind everyone that my J. Crew-themed giveaway is ending this Friday! Please click here for the details on entering and how to earn extra entries!
Jardin skirts in many sizes are available in Paramus NJ store (grey and purple). I tried it on it was meh for me, but I usually am not a fun of a-line skirts. Fit TTS, with waist measurement about the same as in most pencil skirts. There was a lot of volume in the hips, the folds would not lay flat on men and the hem seemed uneven which may be fixed with ironing. The fabric is airy and soft but will definitely wrinkle easily. The fit on me was very similar to the model picture.
ReplyDeleteLast night I also saw Paradisa dress in size 0 in Hackensack NJ store if anybody is interested.
@connor:
ReplyDeletei wouldn't consider it a swing top... it's fitted but not tight... i'd say it skims the belly... i'm very self conscious about my belly because that's the only place i gain weight and i don't like showing it off... obviously i haven't worn it in the water yet, but i don't think it will float up like the swing top looks like it would...
sub :)
ReplyDeleteI meant to say 'the folds would not lay flat on me'. I think I need more coffee.. Or less :)
ReplyDeleteThe Jardin skirt was a success for me. I posted the link to my review last week, but for those who missed it you can find it here.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to sound so cheesy, but I love those grosgrain (thin) watch straps that are on final sale in stores and online (#39298) - totally worth the $3.50 I paid in store. I bought what looks like the modern red color in store and then went back for two more.
ReplyDeleteI have a Timex Easy Reader Expansion Watch in silver (like the old "twist-o-flex") I bought from Target years ago but the band was getting kind of gnarly so I switched it out with the JCrew band and it's a perfect fit! So much so that the SA who was helping me yesterday asked how I like my watch and it didn't dawn on me until later that she thought I had one of the catalog watches! Anyway, sharp looking upgrade for a $25 watch...
Also purchased a slubby scarf (44671) in the linen color for $17 in-store and it goes great with navy, green, pink, white. Nice and soft, although I have to agree with another JCA who complained about the wrinkles...I get that those "scarf knots" are attractive for displays, but getting the wrinkles out is a pain...
Finally, I got the modern red 3"(!) chino shorts in-store because we are going to the beach this weekend and I didn't want to wait for shipping for the 5". The store had the 3" in one size up from what I normally wear and it actually works out well because they hang lower on the hips and reveal just about as much as the "right size" 5" on me (maybe stubby legs can be rewarded after all). So JCAs may want to try the 3" chinos in a larger size and play around with fit...$20 and no shipping, so I'm not complaining :)
I just received the paisley bermuda shorts in my usual pant size 6 (except for cafe capris, which I buy in a 4) and am pleased with them. I was a little worried that the "slim" legs might be tight on my muscular thighs, but they fit well.
ReplyDeleteThe colors are brighter than I was expecting -- I was thinking they'd be more earth-tones, but the paisley has a good mix of earthy colors and jewel-tones. I feel like I have a ton of tops that will go with them, and they can be dressed up or down.
I definitely recommend them.
Can anyone comment on the Collins Suede platform peep toe shoes? If you're a half size, would you recommend sizing up to a whole size? Their description doesn't mention anything about it like they usually do, so wondering if anyone has them and their review.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm looking at the mossy oak color and wondering if that's a closer shade to green or yellow....any comment would be much appreciated!
cuckoo4crew
Thanks a lot....
The Jardin skirt in purple is a keeper! As others have noted, it sits higher up on your waist since it is a midi. I purchaed my normal size and it fits well. Mainly, I'm just not used to things sitting up so high on my waist. So if I would have tried it on in person, I probably would have sized up one just for comfort. However, it still fits great and I probably wouldn't tuck something into it anyway . . not normally how I wear things.
ReplyDeleteIf it is still around, I think it is worth checking out! The purple color is beautiful and will transition nicely into fall.
Maddie pants in natural linen:
ReplyDeleteI like them but it does take a change of mindset to switch to high waist (or actually, natural waist). They fit TTS, as far as J Crew pants, but initially they feel smaller, just because they are more constricting with the high rise. They are fitted in waist and hips and then loose all the way down.
Be prepared to have them hemmed, unless you are very tall. I am 5'6" and even with 4" heels they were too long. I got them hemmed for free at J Crew.
They should be perfect summer pants, breezy and light, but they feel more dressy that your average linen pants (because of the front seam along and nice weight of the fabric).
Definitely worth the sale price.
Very happy with the following purchases which worked for me:
ReplyDeleteCount me in to the growing fanbase of the islet paisley skirt. BIG LOVE! It is lined, fits TTS and the cotton is substantial. Unlike the ink dot skirt (where I sized up to 8 from 6), the lovely pattern hides my figure flaws. The pattern also matches a variety of colored tops - white, navy, chambray, beige, olive, brown, rust, etc. Definitely worth full price. I think sizes are limited online but I was able to buy from the 5th Ave store last week. (BTW, heads up: the Rockefeller store is closed for renovations for 3 weeks.)
Another love is their Sawyer purse if you can manage to nab one on popbacks. It's the perfect size, not too big or too small & fits my wallet, makeup & sunglass cases, keys, Kindle, phone & a few Jcrew returns. I have this now in 3 colors & is a perfect crossbody bag year-round. The leather is soft & the straps are sturdy.
The following cotton shirts are also serving me well during this hot summer:
1) Love the ink-dip popover in blue. A bit thin but the blue is not as see through as the yellow. I am normally a 4 in perfect shirts but ordered a petite 6 which was a perfect length & size for me.
2) The poet popover is another great buy. Fits a bit small so the 6 in African Violet worked for me.
3) The bib front top is lovely on its own or under a navy blazer. I had to size down to 0 from 4.
4) Same with the lace-over tank, I had to size down from small to XXsmall. I have this now in all colors except the pink.
Would appreciate any views on the back-zip ballet flats. Is it TTS or should I size-up? TIA!
Did anyone purchase the canvas espadrille sandals (item 37725)? I want them but am wary of purchasing a final sale shoe without trying them on or knowing how they fit. I have a wide-ish foot across the top. Any comments are greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have the link for the petite version of the Paisley pencil skirt? In the petite section online they incorrectly have the regular sized version.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have a review of the linen sundown cardigan, or has seen it in real life? I am eyeing the bright kiwi colour but it is really hard to tell if it's the bright yellow with greenish undertone that shows up on my computer screen. Also, does it run TTS? TIA!
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ReplyDeleteFirefighter Wife - Summerilla tried on the summerstock maxi in this post. Her blog was private at one point and may still be that way. As far as the dress she found it to be really low cut. Like loooooow.
ReplyDeletecukoo - Pics of the leather Collins on Dani BP. She's on vacay right now, fyi. I assume unavailable for fit questions.
JenLyn - Not sure if you're looking for the new paisley skirt, but the link is here in P. It's sold out.
Metallic henley - Recvd it today. Although it sizes down to XXS, I say go for your regular size. Otherwise it may get too tight in the arms and upper back. the metallic is very pretty and subtle. I paired it w/last year's metallic beach cardi but the 2 different types of buttons didn't work. The henley is sheer. Looked cool w/a white tank under it. I'm not sure if it would work w/just a nude bra. It's thin. Thumb sideways, but up on this one.
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ReplyDeleteLove is in the air for my new Marlow Hobo :) ordered via red phone free ship w/ educated discount. I was worried it would be too large as per prior reviews and seeing in store loaded w/ too much stuffing. It is perfecto; nice leather, fits all my essentials and then some. Favorite perks are outside cell phone pocket, nice gold hardware, two way top zip and gold feet on bottom especially a nice detail :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love a review on the Salina sandals (or just J Crew flat leather sandals in general??). I'm consistently a size 7.5m in shoes. 8s are almost always too big, and I can quite often get away with a size 7m (I have a pair of Nine West and BCBG that are 7 that fit well).
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ReplyDeleteJust posted a review of the Maddie Pant in Linen and the Oversize Boy shirt. Enjoy!
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@MissJR, thanks for the review! I'll give that swim tank a try.
ReplyDeleteHello, ladies! I'm wondering if anyone here has tried on the lined cafe trouser in linen, in the ivory color. I've been searching for the perfect white or ivory summer pants for years and am wondering if I've finally found them! In particular, am wondering how these run size-wise and how you think they'd work on someone with not insignificant thighs. :) TIA!
ReplyDeleteOlder, but hopefully still helpful:
ReplyDelete(revamped) Everyday Chino: I loved the old version since they fit my "athletic" legs while still fitting well in the hips and waist, but I actually prefer the slimmer version this year. I did size up to keep them relaxed.
Beatrice Blouse: I was hoping for the best, but unfortunately this didn't do me any favors. Not drapey enough to give some definition between bust and waist, even with the tie at the waist.
Paley pants in super 120s: These have been out for a while, but I just thought I would add my two cents to the collective wisdom of JCA - consider ordering in petite, even if you usually take regular sizes. The zippers make them a pain to get hemmed, and even at 5'6" they were too long on me. I didn't like the fit enough to bother with an expensive alteration, but they have potential as a great work staple for many of you, I'm sure.
Pencil skirt in superfine cotton vs. No 2 pencil skirt: The superfine cotton skirts have a slightly tighter fit, so if you are between sizes and want to keep it office-appropriate, choose your larger size. I don't think it's enough to size up, though. Definitely go with your smaller size in the No 2 skirt. Both are great and will see a lot of wear this summer and into the fall. If I had to choose, I think I prefer the heft of the No 2 fabric, which also seems to wrinkle a bit less. The sheen of the superfine cotton does make it a bit dressier, which might be a factor if you are in a more formal workplace.
altagracia, I reviewed the lined linen cafe trousers on review thread I think two weeks ago. I love them but I have rather straight figure with no hips and bum to speak of. i sized down from 4 to 2 and they fit me perfect. They are fitted in thighs so you may go with your regular size but if you have a small waist there will be a gap. They are pretty long, I am 5'6" and I need at least 3 inch heels to wear they without hemming. hth
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ReplyDeleteyay!
does anyone have the Merkato wedges?
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ReplyDeletealtagracia:
ReplyDeleteI fell in LOVE with the linen cafe trousers in the store, like you say, "finally found the perfect Summer linen pant!" I got the size I have always gotten in khakis and they fit perfectly up top, but definitely way too long! I hemmed them myself, about 1.5". And they give a great butt!
cockoo - The Collin peep toes are amazing. I have them in black and the mossy oak. The mossy oak is a beautiful neutral. I would say it is a dark mustard color and I can wear them with just about anything. My co worker loved my shoes so much she went and bought the black ones. Also they are super comfortable for being so high. If you need any more info on these Tamara is a good source. In fact the mossy oak collins are her profile picture :)
ReplyDelete@ Louise - Thank you so much. I was so ecstatic that the Mara Wedges fit perfectly. I am slightly afraid I might over wear them and everyone may think they are the only pair of shoes I have :)
I get my massive swim package tomorrow! Can't wait to review :)
@ lunarary - Thank you soo much :) This may be terrible, but I still kinda want them in the Rose Dusk. Just so I at least have 2 pairs of shoes I wear continuously :)
ReplyDeleteJust got the Ruched Swing Tank Top (45224) and the Pleated Boy Shorts (45273) in Plum Orchard, both in XL. The sizes are definitely different this year. When I wear a 14 in clothes I usually need a XL for both bottom and top but this XL top was gigantic in the bust and I have a pretty generous bust (36D). I am exchanging it for a L and I hope it will still fit correctly everywhere else.
ReplyDeleteThe bottoms seemed more on target but I wonder if I could wear a L. Wish I had a J. Crew with swim stuff in town!
sub :)
ReplyDeleteGot the charcoal Hacking Jacket from Net-A-Porter today (fastest shipping EVER) and I loooooove it. The fit is fantastic and TTS, perhaps a tiny bit on the smaller side for a blazer (I can usually do a 0 or a 2 depending on the style and the fit I'm looking for, but I don't think I could possibly do a 0 in this one - it would pull at the bust).
ReplyDeleteThe wool is nice and I love the leather buttons, especially the small ones at the cuff. It is longer than the schoolboy blazers but a bit shorter than the Summer Jacket in Crisp Linen - it hit at low hip on me and I'm 5'9 (but most of my height is in my legs, my torso is not very long). It is beautifully finished and quite heavy - definitely a jacket for later fall/winter.
Let me know if you have any questions I didn't answer!
@ajc & @lunarary: THX! As usual, JCAs come thru w/all the pertinent info. Thanks, ladies! :)
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