Tuesday, December 6, 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! :)

66 comments:

  1. 30% off and free shipping on all women's, men's and kids' outerwear. Prices as marked (but everything doesn't seem to be marked down yet - either that or they are excluding some styles, which seems odd considering their use of the word "all" in the promo copy).

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  2. Received the Perennial Peacoat in Jalapeno. Really liked the coat: great color, nice style and quality. Unfortunately, it fit rather snug in the shoulders and I could not fit anything other than a thin shirt underneath. Ordered a petite 8 (usual size) and petite 10, which was still not roomy enough across the back and shoulders. Darn! Nice coat at a great price with the markdown and extra percent off.

    Ordered the Envelope Coat this evening which looks like a less fitted cut. Keeping my fingers crossed it will have enough shape to be flattering.

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  3. Caitlin - The prices take a bit of time to update. They usually throw up the promo info and then prices switch after a few hours.

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  4. SE Mom, I have reviewed the Envelope Coat here before. It is definitely not fitted. HTH

    I am glad I already got 30% off on my reordered Flared Perfect coat which has shipped today. It's about time... it's beginning to get cold here.

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  6. A few reviews on my blog

    HERE

    plus a couple more later this week.

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  7. Crystal dot bracelet, vintage champagne Lady lace popover pictures/review IRL here.

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  8. stadium cloth boulevard trench review here

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  9. Can I just ask... what is up with the neckline not laying flat on JC sweaters lately? abc's review of the lady lace popover just reminded me of this (see how the neckline sticks up at the sides?), but I have noticed it with the dream crewneck, saturday stripe sweater, and merino boyfriend sweatshirts as well. I don't like my sweaters tight/fitted, but perhaps that would fix the issue as it would pull the neckline tight? Does anyone else have this issue or am I crazy?

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  10. Alpine boots (68432)- I really liked these, but don't know how practical they'd be for our slushy winters. The sticker on the bottom of the sole indicated that they had some real fur, and some faux fur. Warm and toasty, but some of the stitching was crooked and I just don't know if they'd last more than a year.

    Kendor cardigan (54540) - No. Too much acrylic made it itchy and kind of raggedy looking right out of the bag. Also, the sleeves are definitely not "long" like the description says, but probably even shorter than bracelet length. I felt like I was wearing a kimono!

    Lodge moccasins (54748) - ding ding ding! If you like JC slippers, you'll like these. I've been wearing the scuffs from a couple of years back and wanted something with a little more traction on the sole for when I go out to get the mail. These are perfect for that.

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  11. Has anyone else noticed a steep decline in the Super 120s material this year? I loved this fabric and got all of my business pants in it. But I got a new pair in the mail just recently and they are not at all the same thing. The wool is much thinner and itchier. The weight of the wool makes a huge difference because they aren't lined and it didn't matter when the wool was good. But now...I'm very disappointed.

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  12. I received the Nordic blue cashmere Isabel sweatshirt yesterday and I'm not impressed. The color is more muted and muddy than I expected and is not flattering with my coloring. I also don't care for the fit. I knew it was loose fitting, but the shape makes me look much heavier than I am. Sadly, this is probably going back.

    Off topic: Lands' End Canvas has heritage cardis, all colors, for $15 today only. This is the lowest price I've seen for this item. In spite of having quite a few already, I ordered three more colors.

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  13. Hi I am new here... I totally missed the great coupon 25% off and free shipping! I see that the pants I have been eyeing on is out of stock now ;( It is catalog/online only. Is there any chance they will restock the item by large quantity? Or once it is gone, it is gone forever?!

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  14. Thanks silver lining!! Placed my first order in forever last night for the slippers and boots :). I always waterproof my leather/suede - think the Alpine would be more durable then?

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  15. @Rebekah

    I tried the Lady Lace Popover and I really loved the look but I couldn't deal with the fit. The neckline didn't lay flat. It was too boxy and short and I'm only 5' 1". Also because of the raglan sleeve, when you raise your arms, it gets even shorter.

    I found a similar long-sleeve tee with a lace panel at Abercrombie - the Elise.

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  16. Totally agree on neckline being all wonky on the lady lace popover, at 90 something dollars I expect better fit. It's not even symmetrical! Not worth the price.

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  17. My review of J.Crew this morning is not POSITIVE. I have some major issues with the schoolboy blazer I bought early fall and have literally worn 3 times. This morning, I noticed the seams on the left arm are completely undone ---- like someone took a knife and slash slash down the seam. I have a call into my PS to see what I can do since I no longer have the receipt. I have pictures on my blog (vivalabeagle.blogspot)...I could just cry! But, I am at work so I will wait until lunch and I will cry in my soup. I spend a lot of money at J.Crew the past few years and this is BS!

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  18. Shariyu, it looks like the sleeve seam just needs to be resewn. If so, that's an easy repair. Hopefully J.Crew will pay for it.

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  19. Silk Blythe Blouse - I ordered this with the first 25% off, free ship, no minimum offer. I just arrived yesterday and I have to say . . meh. I got the purple color, which is beautiful, but it just didn't seem that special on me. Definitely did not get that feeling of "I look great!" So I will be returning it today.

    Also ordered some matchstick jeans in the starlight wash but those got moved out to a March shipment date. . .really?? I canceled and picked up some Joe's Jeans and Citizen of Hum. jeans at Macy's Friends and Family sale this weekend instead. So hopefully no one is looking for those jeans anytime soon.

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  20. This is OT but I was wondering if anyone had washed their Crochet Front Lace Tee yet? It says dry clean only but I was thinking about going the Woolite route since the idea of dry cleaning a tee seems annoying but wanted to see if anyone else had some thoughts. Maybe we need to have a weekly laundry/clothing care post, I swear I spend more time taking care of my clothes than actually wearing them :-)

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  21. Well, I was bummed to discover 2 boo-boos in my latest order ... the lady lace popover in Soft Dune was in fact not Soft Dune but ivory. Someone had just mis-labeled it. Thankfully it's the right size and I was planning to buy it anyway, so I'll keep it. But I'm still sad it wasn't what I really wanted.

    I myself have not had any issues with the neckline misbehaving on the LLP. What I wonder is whether all my extra fat/fluff somehow makes it lay right...? Because the neckline on mine lays totally flat. Hmmmm.

    Also, I was thrilled to see a Casbah swimsuit top pop back in my size ... but alas, it was a return that was incorrectly labeled when it was repackaged. It was a 32C. Argh. :(

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  22. From the last promo, received and loved:

    dream alexie sweaters in yello and red - LOVE - not too long despite not being petite-sized, rich saturated color, not too scratchy, button details, and the wallet friendly price of $35 each!

    super 120s inbox skirt in navy birdseye tweed for $55 - beautiful, fits perfectly (despite not a petite size), lovely drape, not itchy. Am considering selling the super 120s telegraph skirt in navy I picked up this fall...this one is more substantial in weight...great for new england winters...

    liquid silk skirt in bright dahlia for $48 - love. What a gorgeous drape. Now I just have to try and not spill anything on it!

    Silk peplum blouses in muslin and mustard - both the 0 and the 2 fit fine (the 2 is a wee bit loose).

    Now I need your help...need to convince myself to send back the betsy sweater in heather buttercup - I just cannot bring myself to do it because I love the color so but the neck doesn't lie flat (it's too big or something) and it clings in all the wrong places ...but it is sooo soft and I cannot get over the color. At $60, with those flaws, it has to go back but I am having so much trouble.

    Same with the valentina pumps in spicy gold. Not versatile enough for the $110 I paid...they have to go back but I keep dragging my feet....

    Help?

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  23. TeryLynm13, that'd a great idea about the weekly laundry post: washing this stuff is getting more and more complicated (my husband doesn't understand why it takes so long for me to do my laundry. Well, when you have to read the laundry tag on each one of your clothes before putting them in the machine it gets pretty time-consuming. I mean, I can't even throw my white jeans with the white because they are cold water gentle cycle, which I would never have suspected).
    Since you brought this topic up I wanted to share that I washed my Seine stripe top in the machine in gentle cycle, then hung to dry and it came out fine. I am relieved because it was an investment already (considered that it is 100% rayon) and when I saw that the tag said dry cleaning I almost regretted it. I followed the instructions on the Laundress website and didn't panic when I took it out of the machine and it was all hard, it regained its natural softness once dry (as they said, even if they also said that rayon can have an impredictable behavior, so I can only speak for this top in particular and probably the wildcat one).
    Sorry for the long post!

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  24. TeriLynn - I don't own that top, but my PS was trying to talk me into trying it on a few weeks ago and she said that she ruined hers in the wash. She said if I bought it to dry clean it.

    I received the cashmere long sleeve ts in fiesta purple and heather indigo. They are both beautiful.
    The cashmere shawl collar sweater runs big imo. I would size down on this one.
    Now I don't know if I should keep the majestic purple long sleeve t or the shawl collar sweater.

    OT- saw a woman wearing the lady day coat in the vibrant flame color on the subway yesterday and the entire back hem was crooked. The left side was way lower than the right side. It looked awful. Terrible workmanship. I felt awful for her.

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  25. speaking of laundry, I washed my Minnie pants on delicate and hung to dry ... they are fine!

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  26. Thanks for the advice, I can see how the wash could possibly ruin it with the way the lace is connected to the cotton, think it's going in the dry cleaning pile...

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  27. Also, re: the washing topic, I launder almost everything except jackets and structured dresses and pants, but I only use the handwash cycle and then lay flat to dry. Have yet to have any problems. HTHs.

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  28. I have some IRL reviews of the Cashmere Isabel Sweatshirt in heather Nordic blue, a crewcuts Lambswool Sweater in heather Mediterranean, and a crewcuts Cashmere Cable Crewneck sweater in heather citrus.

    I heart them all, but I can see where the color on the Isabel would put some of you ladies off, the mid-range blue has some warmth and brightness that suits my complexion, but it definitely looks brighter on-line.

    The fit is also a bit big, lol. I could have worn the xxs and remember, I am 6 months pregnant. It definitely can be read as a bit mid-80s styled inspired.

    Here you all go:
    http://mysuperfluities.blogspot.com/2011/12/j-crew-reviews-isabel-and-pair-of.html

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  29. Can anyone comment on the Siren dress (item# 49732) in real life? It looks so pretty online. Thanks!
    Also received a package of sweaters this wk. Kendor cardi, like someone else said, soo itchy. going back. honeycomb sweater, fits nice but and is ok but heathered mint color is meh. nothing special. cashmere cable sweaters, man i wish these were long sleeve not 3/4! keepers!

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  30. I received my Darby calf hair loafers in grey leopard. They fit a half size small, which I was aware of before I bought them. These shoes are really quite amazing and really flattering. Super confortable! I don't know if I can justify these shoes even with my 25% off and my 10% ebates cash back. Can anyone help me decide?

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  31. Stene - if you love them, keep them.


    Question for JCAs - has anyone found a non-thong panty that doesn't give panty lines under the double-serge wool pencils? Granted, I've got some posterior but you'd think the fabric would be thick enough not to show panty lines.

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  32. Lawyerette - I recommend Skinny Brtiches. No line under anything. -

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  33. Annapurna, I bought two Betsy sweaters and both pilled terribly within hours of wearing. One of them also developed a hole in the neckline when I was putting it on and I wasn't being rough w it. It's too bad because they came in lovely colors but even on sale they cost me a lot and now I will probably only wear them around the house.

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  34. TerriLynn13 and all, RE: Laundry/Dry CLeaning

    I did wash my lace front tee. I was most of my J Crew items this way: (embellished tees, etc.) I use those mesh laundry bags. They come in various sizes. This protects the lace from catching on anything else in the laundry (buttons, etc.) It came out great - and I ironed it. It looks brand new. I have a front load washing machine, which is gentle to begin with, but also use the delicate/knit cycle.

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  35. TerriLynn13 and all, RE: Laundry/Dry CLeaning

    I did wash my lace front tee. I was most of my J Crew items this way: (embellished tees, etc.) I use those mesh laundry bags. They come in various sizes. This protects the lace from catching on anything else in the laundry (buttons, etc.) It came out great - and I ironed it. It looks brand new. I have a front load washing machine, which is gentle to begin with, but also use the delicate/knit cycle.

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  36. Lawyerette: I always wear the spanx that look like the top part of a pair of pantyhose under my pencil skirts, or now in the cooler temperatures, I wear Spanx tights or hose.

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  37. Lawyerette - I recommend GapBody 100% cotton ( or 95 cotton 5 stretch, I forget) hipsters or bikinis. Comfortable, breath also. V. flat elastic which doesn't show thru, I wear the "nude" color under white slacks try 1 pair, they're cheap.

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  38. Does anyone have a review of the Wool Sweater-Dress? I'm interested in the fit, the fabric and the itch factor (the description doesn't mention a lining). I'm also concerned about how fitted it is on the bottom - looks fairly snug in the model shot. TIA!

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  39. The laundry topic distracted me and I forgot to mention that I got to try the scalloped lace shell. It is very pretty and substantial for the price, I would have probably gotten it with the 25% off if it came in another color than black and ivory (I tried both and the black was more slimming but I have too many black tops). It fits tts (I sometimes have to size down to a xxs in shells like this one but my regular size was perfect and not too low-cut on me).

    What I bought instead is the nightshirt in end-on-end stripe: very flattering and the XXS was perfect on me (sleeves and general length). I was craving for new pajama but I must admit that my husband might like this one more than my plaid flannel pajamas ...

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  40. A, I purchased the l/s cashmere tee in fiesta purple and heather indigo, too. The colors are absolutely beautiful and I've received numerous compliments on both. I also purchased the heather jungle and dark poppy during the recent promotions. I haven't had a chance to wear them yet, but the colors are just as beautiful. I was literally ooohing and aaahing when I opened the box and saw the heather jungle. It's such a pretty shade of green. I have a ridiculous number of cashmere tees. The colors are nice and the shape is so flattering.

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  41. Lawyerette- I second GapBody for underwear. Inexpensive, super comfortable and does the job. Gap seems to have some sort of promo every weekend so you never have to pay full price, I can usually grab a few pairs at 50% off.

    Petite Bennett chinos in vintage elm came in the mail yesterday. I find that these run a little smaller compared to other J. Crew pants. My JC matchstick cords are a 24 and I take a 00 in their elastic band skirts (city mini, elsie nightfall). The chinos seemed to stretch out throughout the day though and I think the next size up would be too big. I don't mind this too much but the color of the pant seems to change depending on the lighting. At times, the pants look are the color in photo online, in other lighting, the pants are much more of an army green. B&M has red Bennett chinos in two weekends ago, I can't wait for these to finally make it online so I can order it in petite!

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  42. silver_lining-crack me up! I got the Lodge slippers for running out the driveway to fetch the newspaper :>

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  43. Lawyerette-- Another option are the Hanro lace boyshorts. These come in lots of colors, don't make a dent in the top of the hip, wear very well ( I don't use the dryer). They are expensive though. Garnet Hill carries these.

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  44. @ Lawyerette: I'm so glad that you asked this question b/c I have the same issues w/ the pencil skirts, and the thought of putting on a thong makes me shudder. Most of the time I just troll the bins at Target for thin lace boy-shorts since they disappear pretty well under skirts and dresses (and they are cheap), but I hear that Calvin Klein makes a great pair of micro-fiber seamless undies.

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  45. OT- Garnet Hill has 20% off and free shipping (Continental US) thru Dec. 13th. No limit. No code. There are a few exclusions though.

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  46. Petite Bennett Chinos in Warm Redwood: I'll second that they run a little small. I usually wear a 4 or 6P. I got the 6P and I reordered them in an 8P to compare. Great color!

    Cashmere Zip-front hoodie: Love it! Fits TTS. Nice shaped fit not boxy.

    Crystal button cardigan: Horrible sweater. Very thin. Very loose knit. Color doesn't match website. It's more of a crayola red. Going back.

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  47. Got some rejects. I got the wool sweater dress. It was HORRIBLE. I'm a 10/12/L in JC sizing. I got the Large. It fit fine on top, but stuck to every lump and bump on the bottom half. It has a waist definition, so I was expecting it to flare out a little bit. It just was awkward that it was sooooo tight on the bottom half. I don't even have big hips. Yuck. Return for sure. Also, got the cafe capris in warm jade. They are cute and fit well, but I think I'm taking them back, b/c (and this is just personal preference) I truly prefer or the "orginal" cafe capris. I wish they'd make them in more colors.

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  48. Has anyone tried the Blouson Dress in Polka Dot? I like the way it looks on the model, but I'm a little busty... I'm also new to this site, so if this is not the place to ask this question, apologies in advance. Thanks!

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  49. -> I posted this in another post but I thought I would put it here too, not sure where is most appropriate or if anyone would see it!

    "Since we're venting, can someone comment on the dream open cardigan or the hadley sweaters? I'm new to this blog (and to JCrew overall! I'm boycotting Banana Republic because I am FED UP with how annoyingly bad their quality is). I love the conversations going on!

    I think I saw someone say the dream sweaters are supposed to be itchy? I hope not, I just ordered the dream cardigan using the HOLIDAY promo on Monday and I'll be so annoyed if they're itchy and crappy. And again, what about the Hadleys? And hey, maybe someone can recommend their favorite cardigan if not the dream? So much appreciated!

    Thanks a lot girls!! :)"

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  50. Meghan, I actually just received my Hadley Sweater in the mail. I really like the overall look and fit but noticed the neck doesn't lie completely flat against my body. It sort of sticks up on the sides. I've noticed some other readers post similar comments. It's not a really huge problem, but I'm still debating sending it back. Too bad because I like the sweater...

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  51. Silver Lining, Could you please comment on the fit of the Alpine boots? Thank you! Christina

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  52. I just got a second Cashmere Cable today in white. I love these sweaters, they are so soft, versatile, and simply beautiful. Now I want another color. My most favorite sweater maybe ever.

    I also received the super 120's pinstripe suit for the cheapest I have ever bought a JCrew suit and it is also a great suit (although JCrew if you are listening, lined suit pants would make is a superb suit for the money!). I found the Super 120's to be of similar quality as last year. I bought the hutton cut, I need to size up on this cut because of the high waist.

    The Biella loafers, low heal, in warm sienna. Another love for me. Fit TTS. I wore them around the house all night and I love them.

    Suzette blouse in a mint color - Gals who are in a office this is a great blouse at a great price. Love. Beautiful silk and a matching cami under.

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  53. Christina, I'd say they're TTS - IF you don't wear heavy socks underneath. I am a 9 in JC shoes and the Alpines fit snugly with thin socks, which is probably fine for my purposes. If I were going to wear thick socks with them, I'd probably size up. HTH!

    Hi mommydearest - I think they'd probably be fine with some waterproofing. I've never done that before (granted, I've never had suede winter boots!) - what product do you use?

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  54. Does anyone have any color advice on the heart me sweater (cutest, boldest, what the colors actually look like in person)? Thanks


    sydneyroark09@yahoo.com

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  55. I received the wool tie tuxedo pant and I'm sorry to say they are going back.

    The good points are the higher waist - love that. The fabric is soft and light. They are unlined but not itchy. The tuxedo stripe is satin, nicely done. The tie belt is removeable if you want to use another belt. I wanted these to work so badly. Unfortunately there is just too much volume in the hip area, not flattering on me at all. I have many pairs of pleated pants that are flattering because they fit well through the hip. These have simply too much fabric in that area. The waist fit perfectly so sizing down would not help.

    On the upside, the quality is good and if they suit your body type they would be a great addition to the wardrobe.

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  56. Thanks silver lining! I waterproof everything leather and suede. I just use whatever brand I find. I don't like the Cole Haan-branded kind. It was really hard to make it go on evenly. Usually I just get whatever Target has. Now that I think about it though, I don't htink I've worn suede out in the rain...Did you see that they are now on sale? I reordered last night with the 25% before final sale kicks in.

    Further to silver lining's review, I got the Alpine boots as well. Found them TTS. I thought the adobe color would be a pretty camel but it's more orange IRL than I'd prefer. And the tabs are neon orange (thought they were pink). The faux fur appears to be in the foot area while the real shearling is in the shaft.

    Found the Lodge mocs TTS and as silver lining said, perfect for a run out to the mailbox :)

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  57. I just bought the Flared Perfect Coat and was so excited to get it, but its too small, where can I sell this beautiful coat, it was a final sale!!!
    Any help would be appreciated.
    Chris

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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! :)