Referencing {FAQ}

Tuesday, October 11, 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! :)

76 comments:

  1. Probably for the vent thread rather than the review thread, but the rear seam on my jazzy purple pencil skirt split today--the FIRST time I wore it. And it is not my butt's fault--the skirt fits perfectly. Gah.

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  2. I was in my store and they said there were new mark downs tonight instore.... Maybe something new will show up in the Sale section tomorrow online too? Either way I always love a 30% off sale.

    After a vote of confidence from shekster and others I went into the store and asked for them to apply the 30% off discount to my week old purchase with tags on and receipt. It would have equated to $120.00 off but they only honored the discount on one shirt totaling a refund of $20.00. I guess that is progress! They said they would break the rules on this one shirt because I was such a loyal customer. Sigh, I wish I was as lucky as others but I'll take what I can. it was a sort of positive experience!

    I do have a review of the aviator chinos. I ordered the larger end of my size range since they were final sale and online only. I say they fit tts and they are cute! I'm happy with the purchase and wish I would have purchased my normal size but a size larger is fine. They have a lot of room in the thigh (great for me) and have a relaxed fit overall.

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  3. Does anyone have pics of the Academy coat on? I can't stop thinking about those sleeves!

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  4. Gigofca- agreed. Totally ridiculous! I can read between your lines. I'm trying not to complain but my store is terrible!

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  5. Does anyone have a review of the wool Cafe Trouser (not capri!)? Couldn't find one after doing a search, and I'm in love with the caramel color but worried it may be scratchy....

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  6. I recently bought the Kirtley satchel in the redwood color. It is great - lots of compartments on the inside, well organized, gorgeous shiny zippers and adjustable strap. The leather is nice but not the ultra smooth and soft (and thus prone to terrible scratches) leather of the Ashbury bag, so that's good. The cobblestone color was 30% off too online!

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  7. Booker tall midheel boots (48300)

    Likes: Manageable heel height (2.5"), pull-on styling

    Dislikes: Bagging at the ankles, tight-ish in the foot in my regular size (sizing up would've made the ankles even baggier), paper-thin leather, plastic sole

    The leather on the Bookers was like, "1-ply", compared to my 2007 Tenleys or 2009 Bronwyns that had 2 layers of leather which makes them much more durable. The quality of the leather and construction on the Bookers was definitely not in line with the asking price of $350. I think for the money you could do much better elsewhere.

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  8. Thank you silver lining for the review of the Booker boots. I have been considering them but will not get them in the end. I'll look at other brands selling better quality.

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  9. Thanks silver lining, I was looking at those boots too. Its the exact style I want, so too bad the quality sucks.

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  10. Yeah, it's a bummer because the style is just what I was looking for (pull-on, mid-heel, no embellishments) but truthfully, I have a 8 year old pair of boots from Payless that look better than the new Bookers would probably look in 6 months. I accidentally scratched the Bookers with my (short) thumbnail putting them back in the box - I just knew I wouldn't be happy with how they'd wear over time. They'd really need to be babied, which wouldn't work in an upstate NY winter (read: slush and salt)!

    If you're really interested in JC boots, I'd check out eBay for the 2007 (Tenley), 2008 (Glenbrae), or 2009 (Bronwyn) versions - they're still pretty sleek but have much better construction. Just be sure to check shaft and circumference measurements beforehand. Other JCA's can probably recommend better brands altogether - for $350 I'd probably try a pair of Frye boots.

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  11. Hexicon,

    Sorry to hear about your skirt. That is just cheap thread and poor workmanship! Hopefully, it wasn't too bad a split or you were somewhere "safe" when it happened. If that happened while I was at work, I would be in trouble!

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  12. Has anyone seen the Super 120s pencil skirt in warm sienna? Does it look like a great neutral camel tone, as it does online? Any comments on fit?

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  13. Desert Flower: I ordered the Super 120s pencil skirt in warm sienna a month ago. The colour is a warm camel, with a slight reddish undertone (i.e. the description "sienna" is correct). I ended sending it back as I preferred the colour of the double serge skirt in heather acorn, which is a more neutral camel to my eyes. The fit is TTS, I would not size down (I ordered my usual size 6). HTH!

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  14. Silver Lining thanks for the review of those boots.
    I can recommend a brand called La Canadienne, made in Montreal and the price is comparable to JCrew but the quality is a million times better. Waterproof too, designed for slush.

    Can anyone comment on the corduroy pencil skirts? Love the autumn bluegrass color and in theory a more casual pencil skirt might suit my lifestyle.
    TIA for any thoughts!

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  15. Hexicon will you return your skirt? On the first wear that's ridiculous!

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  16. There is a cute pencil skirt on net-a-porter UK. It is heather acorn and has pockets. Did I just miss this, or is it new?

    http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/186541

    There are a few other items I don't remember seeing, but that have been discussed, but the pencil is the only thing that interests me so far.

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  17. How does the sizing on the black matchsticks run? Same as the regular wash? I am so sick of buying and returning.

    The berry color hacking jacket has some orange undertones to it imo. It looked horrible on my pale skin. It also runs a bit smaller than the other hacking jackets this season.

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  18. I went to my B&M this weekend (shout out to Leslie - you're awesome!) and purchased the striped boy shirt in navy. I was totally on the fence because it was final sale and I own SEVEN other navy striped shirts. I went with it because it is versatile and a good deal. I'm wearing it today and love it. I paired it with wide leg, cream colored pants from Banana Republic.

    I also tried on the cashmere lined leather gloves (I'm obsessed with the holiday punch color). The sizing was weird - the small felt loose and roomy when compared with the medium. I'm not sure if this was a labeling error or what. I waited on the purchase since it was 75 degrees in Minneapolis this weekend. It just felt wrong to purchase them!

    To see more of my favorite pink online finds, visit my blog!

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  19. Desert Flower, I agree with Louise, warm sienna is a beautiful warm shade of camel. I tried on the Emmaleigh dress in this shade and I loved it. If it ever goes on sale it will be mine...
    Many shades of camel/beige wash me out or look muddy but warm sienna was perfect. I agree that heather acorn in more neutral, so it may be more versatile in a skirt.

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  20. Regarding the cashmere lined leather gloves, I see a lot of JCAs like them and I like them too but imo they are not worth the money. Last year I bought 5 pairs of cashmere lined leather gloves in beautiful shades all under $20, 3 pairs in Century 21, two at Marshalls. Colorful gloves are everywhere now, for less, with the same or better quality (if not the discount store try Lord and Taylor or Macy's), it is nothing J crew specific. Jmho.

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  21. Silver Lining, how do the Bronwyns fit? I see them on ebay all but I never tried them on, so I am wary. I have medium wide feet and relatively high instep, I remember I could not put flat Tenleys on but i think it is easier with heeled boots.

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  22. Isn't that striped shirt wonderful? I can see a bit of what appears to be a sky blue version peeking out of one of the spring looks. I would defitely buy a very summery color in this (though I will be wearing my cider one then too).

    I agree with ajc on the gloves. I have purchased some wonderful ones at Ann Taylor and even TJ Maxx over the years that were better made at lower prices.

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  23. AJC - I totally agree. I think it would be something that I get as a gift or something from a husband or family member when the holidays get closer. I love the color, but I don't think they're worth $100.

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  24. Thanks Louise and AJC. It sounds like the color would work. I am on the fence though because the length is 22.5", shorter than the 23"-24" pencil skirts I favor since I'm tall. I guess I could order and see what it's like. I wish they wouldn't make all their skirts and dresses so short. I haven't bought a J. Crew dress in years because of this.

    Thanks again for the input, maybe I will try it. I have been looking on every website I can think of for a camel pencil skirt and either they are too short or too expensive.

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  25. Kitsmommy and InboxImpulse - How is the sizing on the Striped Boy shirt?

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  26. Hi ajc - I'd say that the Bronwyns fit similar to the Bookers (the style is very similar, IMO) but have less bagginess in the ankle and a better fit in the foot overall (I have a medium-wide foot, too). They also have some loops on the interior to help pull on, and the leather is definitely thicker - I have a grey pair which have the camel colored leather grey interior, and a nice smoky grey exterior.

    I took a gamble on them from eBay (a lot of those bigger eBay stores have a 14-day return policy for credit, which helped lower some of the risk) and found them to work out nicely. The calves could always be skinnier (I have the dreaded "skinny calf syndrome" that no boot seems to really fit) but overall, I'm happy with them.

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  27. Desert Flower - I took a 4. I'm typically between a 4 and 6 for shirts at J.Crew. I think that even the 4 fits a little baggy, but that is the look of the shirt. I would go your smallest TTS.

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  28. ajc, you're so right about the gloves. They have racks and racks of gorgeous cashmere lined, colorful super soft leather gloves at Marshalls and TJ Maxx, too. Usually $30 or less.

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  29. Kitsmommy, I remember that skirt from the lookbook. It's really cute! Looks like it might fit sort of like the Francie skirts from 2008. I have a similar camel skirt from Holiday 2004 so I don't need a new one, but this one does look lovely!

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  30. I also took a 4 which is my usual perfect shirt size. I am only a 32A but the 2 gaped a bit at the bust. It is boxy, but as inbox said, that is the look of the shirt. It isn't meant to be fitted.

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  31. JCrewJD, you are right! However, the length looks shorter on Net a Porter, so I am wondering if they adjusted the length from the lookbook.

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  32. Silver Lining thanks, I may buy the Bronwyns off ebay after all...

    Kitsmommy, I don't see that skirt on Net-a-porter, did they pull it out? The link just goes to main page...

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  33. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  34. No, its still there. Sorry the link didn't work. Look on J Crew's pages for the Wool Pencil Skirt on the UK site.

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  35. Meredith, I have reviewed the Booker boots as well. Pics on my blogs, if interested.

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  36. oh, I see it now, love it! With the new azalea skirt, new paisley skirt, bright blue skirt and now this, I am in trouble...

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  37. Shann, I am with you, would love to hear from someone who has seen or bought this coat. I love that coat but those knit sleeves??? The quality of the knit from JC this year. I am imagining these pilling nasty rags on the sleeves of a great coat.

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  38. The knit sleeves on the Academy coat are very heavy. I don't see them pilling right away - but I am concerned that the "splits" for the thumbholes may unravel over time. It's a nice coat, and I love the 3/4 sleeves, but think that maybe they just should've sold them with a coordinating pair of glovelettes instead of attaching them to the sleeves - they're sewn in such a way that would not make removal easy. Maybe get it on sale and have a tailor remove them - I have a feeling this one may go to a low markdown.

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  39. Has anyone tried on the Farrow trouser? Preferably in petite... I'm sure they look great on tall people :)

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  40. Vintage Tweed Jacket -- can anyone comment on the fit? TIA. I have broad shoulders and usually need to size up.

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  41. I know this is sold out but everything pops back eventually. I am wearing my Gallerista skirt today (with cobalt perfect v-neck and black valentina pumps) and I keep getting compliments from random people. I bought it with 20% off and it seemed like a lot, so I only wanted to try it on and return, but I could not part with it. It is one of my best purchases this year. I sized up to 6 from my pencil size 4 and it is perfect.
    This skirt is insanely comfortable and it just feels so good against my legs. Love it!!!

    Another rave will be about the Valentina pumps, I already got them in leopard, pink and black (one pair bought from fellow JCA and 2 off ebay). They are my favorite shoes, soft leather and perfect height. I love the low vamp and low cut, so when you look from the front the sides are not visible. Also, for me, the angle of the point is perfect and it does not hurt my toes. I said previously that they run small and I sized up half size in my pink pair but with stockings/tights my regular size is fine.

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  42. Has anyone seen the Snowbound Sweater in person (item 55810)?

    I was in J. Crew over the weekend. I tried on the fisherman cable sweater in the cream color. It was a cute sweater and a great color, but I could already see that the knit was loosening and looking sloppy. When it looks that way in the store, you know its not going to last. I purchased the boat blouse in the wreath color (last one left in the store was a 00, which actually worked - vanity sizing OUT of control - I have narrow shoulders and a small back/waist, but 00 is ridiculous)

    They had a cafe capri in a glenwatch plaid that were gorgeous and very tempting, but I am still on the fence about the lenghth and what to do when it gets cold? Brown ankle boots seem too retro.

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  43. I recently purchased the perfect shirt with bronze buttons in red plaid online for a great deal. It was an extra 30% off $59.50 and not final sale. Yeah! It's still fp in stores. It fits TTS and I love it. It looks great alone or under a sweater.

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  44. Placed an order last week with the tee promo, before the 30% off sale. Received all items correctly within a week (yay for shipping to cross-border mail depot!) Have laundered items, held up fine, will post pics later this week on my blog (when I have had time to iron).

    Medium gingham perfect shirts (glad I pounced on these before the extra % off, the Artillery Fatigue colour is sold out, I snagged all 3 super sale colours), fit is as expected in my usual perfect shirt size, love the petite # sizing, the fabric is sturdy, much better than the diaphanous suckered gingham shirts from last year.

    Camp popover in sunwashed apple. Took my usual popover size, dark buttons are a nice touch, fits well, lovely soft fabric and colour, but a tad sheer, will have to be aware of bra colour. May layer with tank top.

    Long sleeve perfect fit tee. Not all that thick/cushy out of the bag, but washed/dried and "fluffed" up so nice and soft now. Dark Grape is a true purple. Getting my purple fix, since the Tippi is still not on sale (sobs).

    Finespun puff sleeve tee in Maraschino. Took my usual perfect fit tee size, shoulders fit well, could have sized down, OK with the extra room. Super soft fabric, washed/dried nicely, no shrinkage. Beautiful colour! Will look great this fall under jackets, and come spring with chinos and shorts.

    Happy with my purchases, let's hope the next order is just as good!

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  45. Very slightly off topic, today I received the dress I ordered during Madewell's 25% off dresses promo. I ordered the silk safari dress in black. It is amazing. The silk is lighter than the silk canyon skirt that I also own. It is unlined. Those are the cons and they are not huge in my book. The silk is very soft but with enough body for a dress. The pockets are wonderful, I really like a dress with pockets. The waist nips in nicely, makes me look very hour-glassy and believe me, I'm not :) The length of the dress is shorter than the silk canyon skirt, it hits me just at the bottom of my knee. It looks wonderful with a belt and heels, it looks cute with flats and some fun jewelry. In the winter, such as it is in Arizona, I can throw a jean jacket over it and put on boots and go. This dress is year round wear for me.

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  46. Hi Rose,I tried the vintage tweed jacket and took the larger of my two JC blazer/jacket sizes. Is it just me or are all their jackets running smaller this year? Anyway, I returned it, in the blue, because the sleeves were scratchy. I would be wearing a shell or tank under it where I live and could not tolerate it. However it may have just been that particular jacket, who knows.

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  47. Hexicon, OMG..I am going upstairs to pull on my jazzy purple pencil skirt....how horrible!!!!!

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  48. Over the weekend, I saw a Belinda Dress or two hanging out in the sale section of my J.Crew. Just thought i'd share some photos in case anyone else spots it during the extra 30% off sale. $35 is a pretty good deal for this dress.

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  49. JCAs, how much is the polka-dot tee in-store, $49.99 or $59.99?

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  50. A quick plug for the lula ballet flats. I just received a pair yesterday, and every time I get one of these is such a treat! I have a pair in patent, canvas, snakeskin, tweed, jacquard, and love all of them. They are very accommodating for foot shapes -- I have a very wide toe box and a very narrow ankle -- think unfortunate chicken feet -- and have given up on most jcrew shoes, which to me seem narrow in the toe box and average and sometimes wide in the heel/ankle.

    But, the lulas are great. They have a stretchy elastic topline that is not tight but holds your feet in perfectly and comfortably. I always size up half a size for elastic flats in any brand, and I do that with these as well. The padding in Jcrew flats has improved tremendously, and although I know others like leather soles, I SO prefer the rubber as I found the leather to be so slippery.

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  51. Has anyone tried the *Marcella* pump? I have narrow feet and love that it has the mary-jane-like strap! Wondering if anyone had fit/comfort thoughts? Thanks!

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  52. gigiofca - mine was $59.99, came out to about $45 with tax. Almost didn't catch it because the Dallas Galleria has it featured at the front of the store with the regular price items, glad I took a rare glance around the entire store instead of my usual trek of sale - fitting room - register - door.

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  54. Did anyone try the Matinee trench in regular or petite?
    thanks

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  55. Sunny - You can see the matinee on sequins and stripes. She may not describe fit, but there are irl pics.

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  56. and a couple matinee measurements:

    P4 - chest = 39.5", waist = 38.5"
    P6 - chest = 40.5", waist = 39.5"

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  57. silver_lining, thanks for the fb on the Academy Coat. I think I will wait until it goes on sale and then see. I am not sure about the 3/4 length sleeves without the knit part.

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  58. did anyone else notice that they changed the wreath blouse name to Talia Top? weird.

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  59. Some sale and a few new arrivals (not online yet) reviewed here

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  60. I just got the crushed velvet shirt in the blush color and it is beautiful. The fabric and buttons are gorgeous. The fit is boxy but not baggy if that makes sence. A beautiful shirt. Runs TTS if not slightly large.

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  61. Sara - I want this shirt so bad, but I can't find the pink in my size. Did you get it at a B & M or online?

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  62. Inbox- I panicked too when it ran out in pink! I caught it on a pop back one morning. I see the pink on pop back a couple times a week so just watch it in the morning.

    Is it me or are a lot of things selling out faster than usual? I waited too long on the mixed media skirt, it sold out, I caught it on a popback but it runs so small that it doesn't fit! The mixed media skirt is too die for though if you can get it in your size.

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  63. Sara - does the top run TTS?

    Thanks for your help!

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  64. Yes I would say the velvet shirt runs TTS, but it is a little bit boxy, not fitted through the body. If you want it a little tighter you could size down.

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  65. Has anyone tried the Classic mini in felted wool? I'm wondering if it fits TTS or similar to the double serge wool pencil skirts?

    Thanks:D
    Tasia

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  66. Silver lining and ladies, thanks for the discussion on the Bronwyn boots. Do you happen to have pictures of the boots on and/or feedback of how they fit? I would like to see what they look like on an actual person as this style is old and I cant find anyone that has them in the stores so I can try on. I want to see others wearing it before I take the leap to purchase from ebay. Any help would be super appreciated!

    thanks!! <3

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  67. I am reviewing the Foundry pants on my blog here. I give them two thumbs up!!!

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  68. Anybody have a review about the plumage mini, item 33317?

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)