Tuesday, February 21, 2012

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! :)

57 comments:

  1. i reviewed the sunflower bracelet on my blog:
    ina-wonderland.blogspot.com

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  2. Does anyone have a review on the lila platform wedges?

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  3. Reviews of the (not yet online) piped linen blazer, Schoolboy in Herringbone, Blythe (solid and pebble dot) and the Cotton Waffle Pullover HERE.

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  4. ksdumpster, Lila wedges on my blog.

    OT - Madewell has free shipping on $100+ orders code GOSPRING.

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  5. Bay Area JCAs - A J Crew Factory store will be in the new Paragon Outlet in Livermore. It opens by the end of this year.

    Once phase I is completed, the 543,000-square-foot Livermore Valley outlet mall will feature premier merchants such as Barney’s New York Outlet, Cole Haan Company Store, J.Crew, Michael Kors, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nike Factory Store, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, and Tommy Hilfiger.

    They need a Kate Spade!!!

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  6. Rose, I just received my own order that included the gardenshade floral skirt as well - I love it! I ordered the matching natasha top which, when put together, make it appear more like a dress when under my blazer. I think the grape looks awesome with it. I also purchased the neon azalea jackie to work with it and it is lovely. WHat colour is the Tippi you bought?

    I also ordered the cafe cparis in neutral that are the perfect match for the cotton blazer on the factor site and which look lovely together.

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  7. In case anyone is considering the stripe sweater dress, IRL pic and review of it here.

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  8. Subbing.

    Tiffany Rose, I love that dress on you. Genius to pair it with that blouse, and the booties and tights are perfect with it.

    I haven't received anything new since the Tillary tote, although I'm waiting on the Polly popover and the high waisted denim skirt. Neither has shipped yet so I'm not expecting them until next week.

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  9. I went to my B&M yesterday and my OS honored the 20% off entire order for me. I finally bit on the linen schoolboy tipped blazer. I love the fit of that blazer out of all of my schoolboy blazers and I know I will get much use out of it. I also purchased the vibrant paisley scarf in cerise coral, I love this scarf and a new striped maxi skirt. The skirt is not something I would normally go for but this skirt felt amazing on and it was not too long for me, I am 5'3". The blues in this skirt were very flattering. Come on Spring!!!
    Thank you all for your pic reviews they are always so very helpful.

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  10. WMM,

    Do you find the fabric of the skirt heavy or stiff? Someone had posted about it being stiff and so I had not looked at it since.

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  11. I have recently posted reviews of quite a few new or upcoming items HERE
    On the right side, check the 'popular posts' for more recent reviews.

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  12. IRose and Closet Crisis
    What store is better U Village or Bellevue? I tried to do both and got lost trying to find Bellevue.I thought the U villge store could use a makeover...rather dull and uninspiring...mind you I thought Madewell looked like a small urban outfitters. Ladies I am just hanging on until that darn store opens on Robson St....just hope its soon , Thanks Carolyn from Vanvouver ps thanks for the reviews!

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  13. Off topic, as this is not really a review, but I had to put together and photograph a look from a different era for my fashion course. I chose the 1920s, and of course, the key item of the look was a cloche hat. I used the Albertus Swanepoel cloche from last season. It is a beautifully made piece - the degrade colouration really adds visual interest. It does pop back occasionally in the sale section. I also used some other J. Crew accessories to complete the look: the long pearl necklace from last summer, and the Lulu Frost "modern deco blizzard" bracelet. Both pieces photographed beautifully. You can check out my post here.

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  14. I just received the Trompe L'oeil necklace yesterday and I looooooooove it! Love the concept, love the length, love the execution.

    But it's so incredibly delicate, though. I don't think I can ever bring it on a trip for fear of it tangling while in transit, and I feel like I have to be super careful of letting it get caught on anything. It sure is pretty though!

    I also got the boy shirt in Quincy tartan and love the colors. The fabric seems stiffer than I expected, though. I thought the same thing when my Carrick tartan boy shirt arrived the other day. (I might sell that once since the Quincy is a size bigger and feels better on than the Carrick).

    But either way, I think I'm going to tumble them in the dryer or something to break them down a bit. I swear my other boy shirts aren't stiff like these!

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  15. Also, can anyone tell me anything about the Lucienne special occasion dress? I had never even seen it or heard of it when a bunch of them flooded onto eBay, so I'm guessing something must be off with the fit or something. It looks like such a beautiful dress. Anyone? TIA

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  16. thanks everyone for their reviews. AJC, I love that we get "real life" sneak peeks. Thank you! I've been taking a bit of a shopping break, so nothing for me to review of any interest.

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  17. Has anyone seen or tried on the Dolores dress?

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  18. WMM, I didn't buy any of those Tippi sweaters. I got the pink Thandie from the Factory store that looks a lot like that pink Tippi I have in the photos. I intend to wear this skirt in the summer, so wool would be a bit too warm.

    Carolyn, I like both stores for different reasons, but UVillage seems to have a better stock. The Bellevue Square usually has a better sale section. E-mail me and I will give you directions -- you won't get lost, I promise. BS also has Macy's and Nordstrom, so it's a better mall.

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  19. Hey Carolyn from Vancouver~
    I'm from Vancouver too and I make the trek down to Seattle to visit the Jcrews down there. I've been to the Bellevue one last month and maybe it was because of the time that i went there, but there was nothing there (in terms of stock). Plus, I found the mall to be a bit lacklustre - like, an Oakridge mall in terms of dullness? lol. With regards to getting there, you just go down the I-5, past downtown until you hit Bellevue - takes about 15 minutes post downtown. I love University Village - the feel, the stores there ... definitely my favorite one I've been to~ Hope that helps.

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  20. Just asked my PS about the linen polka dot pullover that AJC posted about in this post--it's actually going to be $85, not $75 like it shows on the tag. That seems kind of mean, not to mention ridiculous for a top that is completely sheer. AJC...do items at your concept store usually stay around the same price once they are released?

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  21. Yes they do sometimes it is different but usually it is about store versus online discrepancy. I cannot believe they Wouk raise the price on this. This is he store where they test customer response but I cannot believe this would be flying off the shelves with all that sheerness

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  22. sorry for the spelling, fat fingers on the iphone, bad combination, lol.

    Tracey G, I tried what I think is paisley version of Dolores dress
    HERE

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  23. Received my order from last week's online promo today:

    Scalloped Lace Tank: I'm late to this, but like everyone else I love it! I got it in black small (my usual size) and the fit is perfect. The lace is so pretty! This will be a great versatile top when the weather warms up. Wish they still had ivory in my size.

    Factory Skimmer Pants: Love this too. I used to be a 4 in JC pants, but lately 2 has fitted better. So got size 2, and it's the right size. It's sleek and streamlined. It's 98% cotton and 2% spandex so there is a little stretch. I got in navy, and think it will be lovely with those poppy or vibrant flame tops and shoes of course.

    Factory Deco-Dot Shift dress: This one is going back. Even though it's called a shift dress, it's very form-fitting on the top and too full at the bottom -- it looks more like a bridesmaid dress. My usual size 4 feels a bit tight on the top. The fabric is kind of cool, it reminds me of the "embossed cotton seersucker" that JC used to use to make those "Beach Dresses" many years ago. But I really don't like the dress enough to keep it.

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  24. Has anyone seen the bright papaya colored matchsticks in store? Are they anything like the online pic? Orange at all? Also has anyone seen the Ann Taylor colored capris in the campfire color? How does it appear in real life?

    Thanks!

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  25. ajc: Yeah, I was willing to try it out for $75 minus my teacher discount but I'm not sure about $85, knowing that I'd have to layer it. JCrew cray!

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  26. Genny - I thought I wrote earlier - but maybe there are gremlins! I love the skirt and found the weight similar to the double serge cotton. I found it truly lovely and am anxious for March, which is when I try to bring out some spring treats....

    Rose - many thanks for the info on the Tippe/Thandie!

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  27. WMM, blogger has been eating my comments lately, here and on other blogs. It's nice to have some company anyway. ;^)

    I just received my first suiting order, it arrived before the second "knits and tees" order that was placed first but decided to take a tour of the U.S. before heading to Canada.

    The Super120's pencil skirt doesn't have the "coin pocket" listed in the copy and present on previous versions. This is a disappointment since I love to use that feature to stash a bit of cash when out for a quick bite or coffee. It saves me from bringing a wallet, wristlet or purse. And did I mention that it is listed in the copy. Hm. Will post full reviews of the skirt and others tomorrow, it's too late to get good photos now.

    Really, my first verify word is continued and the second is Totially, no kidding! Maybe I'll include a screen shot in my review tomorrow.

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  28. To clarify, it's not my first-ever suiting order from J.Crew, just the first of this season. I wanted to add some color and so far I am loving the results. Till tomorrow...

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  29. Just reviewed Lillian Dress and No. 2 pencil skirt, both in Gardenshade here.

    :) Jen

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  30. Hi Louise @ cosmetic bee, I enjoyed your post. Oh, I wish I had lived in the '20s. Everyone dressed so elegantly and modestly, and those hats look so fun!

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  31. I went to J.Crew today 2/21 and spring collection had arrived in stores. I tried on the Ella dress in medallion paisley. It was very cute, however I am 5'9 and the waist was to high on me. If they offered this style in tall it would be absolutely gorgeous. I also tried on the waverly chino which was so cute rolled up a couple times. I ordered a tall 6 from store, so I am excited to get them in mail. Love J. Crew!

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  32. I went to J.Crew today 2/21 and spring collection had arrived in stores. I tried on the Ella dress in medallion paisley. It was very cute, however I am 5'9 and the waist was too high on me. If they offered this style in tall it would be absolutely gorgeous. I also tried on the waverly chino which was so cute rolled up a couple times. I ordered a tall 6 from store, so I am excited to get them in mail. Love J. Crew!

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  33. Thanks Shekster! It would be fantastic if J.Crew decided to do some "reissues" of the Jean Patou designs. Patou was a brilliant designer!

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  34. I really like the Morse Code blazer and pants. I got the tall size in the pants so they actually fit me like capris hitting top of my ankle (instead of hitting the middle of my calf like other capris - which don't seem to do that on the models). I like the print because it seems like it won't wrinkle, it's interesting and different, it looks streamlined (to me) and it goes with a bunch of different colors.

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  35. LTee - a quick question - is the pattern navy and white or navy and ivory? I can never tell on my monitor... ALso - any problem with the material snagging? I think someone suggested that it might be prone to that on another post. I really admire this suit and have contemplated nabbing it if it ever goes on sale.

    As for capri length, this has been an ongoing issue for me. If I want them to hit at my ankle, I go regular size - despite the fact that I am short - 5'2" - but have long legs and the regular hit right at the ankle. I recently ordered a pair of cafe capris in natural to go with a factory cotton blazer I have and I ordered them in petite, as I thought that they might look cute a little higher for spring and summer. Any preferences folks?

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  36. Trudy peacoat in lemon twist in this post.

    WMM - I am 5'2" and have average to longer legs for my height. My favorite inseam is 30". In the capris I prefer regular, after having tried both regular & petite. Something about the way the petite hits just cuts my leg into sections. I get what you mean about wanting the lighter color in the cropped length for spring. I just know that mid-calf thing does nothing for me.

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  37. Just posted reviews of the Drawstring Mini and the Amie Skinny Stripe Maxi dress here.

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  38. I reviewed Valentina pumps HERE
    in case anybody wants to order them with the code.

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  39. I just received the No 2 Double-Serge Pencil Skirt in Light Rose with the Polly Popover in Black. I have been dreaming about that combination since it appeared online. I thought the color of the skirt was such a gorgeous, delicate shade for spring. However, when I pulled the skirt out of the package it was a bright, almost neon shade, definitely not what I expected so very disappointing. The color of the skirt just made it look very casual. Perhaps others will love it, but not for me as I had my heart set on the soft color of the skirt as it appeared on my computer screen. :-)

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  40. Xoxo I am anxiously awaiting your suiting reviews. I want to order a few things but I can't find reviews on any of them. Your reviews are always so great and very helpful.

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  41. OMG. I just received my first No. 2 Skirt in Souble Serge wool and I am in love! They are always sold out of the at my local stores so I have never tried one on. I took a gamble on final sale and ordered the same size I have in the cotton version. The skirt (and a few other goodies) arrived today. I immediately tried the skirt on and wow! Love! Some of my JCrew items arrive such a wrinkled mess, but this skirt is good to go! So excited!

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  42. Just got my Fratelli Rossetti loafers in the vintage burgundy - laughable at $680, but worth it at $300 and some change on final sale with the recent 30% off and free shipping over $150 promo. Gotta say, these are really lovely shoes. They are going to take some breaking in, but the leather is a lovely, lovely shade of dull cherry/burgundy, with a burnished look and I can see having these around for a very long time. They look like expensive shoes (and they are), but they don't have any of those silly J. Crew add-ons (read: glitter, straps, cheapie heels, etc...) that would give me pause on the long-lasting nature of them. If these were not by Fratelli Rossetti, I would question the tassels. But they're on there pretty damn good - and they're sewn, not glued. Only question now is do I splurge and get them in the Hickory too...

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  43. Has anyone gotten or tried the Fanfare cardigan? I got mine today and was hoping for a nice, dark navy but instead mine looks faded. *Sigh

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  44. I was in the B&M today and I am loving the new arrivals. There's a new eyelet pencil skirt in the Chili colorway. Ladies, IMO, this is the true red we have been waiting for. No orange tone in it. I should have IRL pics up in the morning.

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  45. @ nicky921: I just packed up the Fanfare Cardigan to return it for the same reason. It's not like the print itself is faded in uniform places due to the block printing process or something, all of the *seams* on the sweater are faded as if they were exposed to the sun. Very odd, and disappointing.

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  46. @Whitney: You're right, it does look like it's been out in the sun. I am really disappointed. I just KNEW I would get a lot of wear out if it this spring.

    Did you get yours on FS? Wonder if they'll give me grief about returning it....

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  47. I loooooveee the boy shirts. Picked up two this weekend - mint camp flannel and indian voile in the turquoisey shade. Gorgeous and just a bit chicly boxy - my favorite cut.

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  48. @ nicky921: I bought my Fanfare Cardigan w/ my Spring rewards card (along with the Chambray Schoolboy blazer, which I love). I stated on the return form that I was returning it b/c of the fading - I considered it to be "defective", but I decided not to push for free return shipping. If you call CS and give them the same argument, they might just let you return it.

    @ taite: I got the indian voile camp popover in the apple red color on FS and am very pleased with it. The weight will be perfect for summer in GA...I'll wear it with white shorts on weekends and to work with my superfine cotton suiting.

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  49. WMM - the morse code print looks more navy with white to me, when I put it next to a crisp white shirt. When I put it next to an off-white/cream shirt, it still looks white. I haven't noticed any problem with snagging. I could see how the raised white print could snag if it catches just right. For me, I like the capri length of just-above-the-ankle-bone instead of mid-calf for work. I like mid-calf length capri for more casual wear.

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  50. I have some reviews here. I am a new commenter (and blogger) but I have been reading JCA for a long time! :)
    http://shopmycloset-amy.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-jcrew-and-old-navy-reviews.html

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  51. 1) Merino sweat dress: well made, flattering, love the camel color, a little short for work (I'm 5'4'')
    2) Patent pointy toe flats: camel color, comfy and looks great with both pants and dresses
    3) minnie pant- navy color is very dark, fits tighter than suiting pants- more like leggings
    4) linen scarf- coral color (maybe in-store only) is gorgeous.
    5) striped suckered gingham oxford shirt in red- great fit, very casual

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  52. 1) Schoolboy Blazer in Tipped Linen: LOVE. Wore it with a white vintage cotton v-neck tee, trouser jeans, and brown snakeskin Tory Burch flats. Tons of compliments. Get it while you can!

    2) Elinor Dress in Cerise: It took me a minute to figure out how to tie the sash right, but the dress is darling! Reasonably priced, magically flattering empire waist, great color...it will be my go to dress for summer. Tried it on with my navy schoolboy blazer and it looked great!

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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! :)