Tuesday, April 17, 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! :)

81 comments:

  1. Visited a B&M this weekend and have review for Linen Perfect Shirts in Stripe and Modern Red, Back Zip Long Sleeve Pullover, Tippi in Linen Stripe, Featherweight Cotton Cardi and Valentinas in Roof Top Red on my BLOG tonight.

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  2. The clearance iPad cases (item 70940) do fit the newest iPad. Ordered 2 hoping that they would fit, and they fit fine. Not sure if every case will, given manufacturing differences, but it seems like a good bet, esp with 30% off.

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    1. I have the iPad case in Bright Dahlia that I bought on a whim as a tag-along to get free shipping. It was only $7 [after 30% off] and I love it. I always get compliments on it!

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  3. Hi JCA!

    Shipment came! Review of Schoolboy Blazer in Marachino Cherry, Natasha Top, Sasha Maxi Dress and more here:

    www.aprettythought.com

    Hope it's helpful to you!

    Kim

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  4. i have a review of the cotton cable sweater on my blog here

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  5. I know the quality of some of J. Crew's items is inconsistent. I have had really good experiences with some items, and others have fallen apart.
    But I bought a pair of Broken in Chinos, probably a year ago, and they have lasted through everything I have thrown at them, and I really mean EVERYTHING.
    I have used worn those pants to work, to school, and I have even worn them rock climbing in the desert in Moab.
    I have worn them in scorching heat, and in a snowstorm, which was probably not the best idea, but they survived.
    Anyway, I take those pants to school, and whenever I go camping or climbing, not because I think they are performance pants, but because I really, really, like the way they look, and the pants have definitively proven to be well built.
    If any of your husbands, or boyfriends are looking for a stylish, well built pair of trousers, then I would highly recommend you check out the broken in chinos.

    Cheers.

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    1. I have pair (women's) from 2-3 years ago and love them. I wish they made them still for women as I'm looking for a replacement. Maybe I'll try boys/men's for a pair! They changed the pant tailoring for women and no longer offer this more traditional men's cut for women. Too bad.

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  6. has somebody tried the nolita denim jacket in the great lakes wash?
    how is the fit? TTS? worth full price?
    TIA

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    1. I have this and it is probably one of the best purchases I have ever made from J.Crew. I've been able to wear it so much after purchasing it a few months ago, so it is definitely worth full price to me. Plus, it is much softer than any denim jacket I've tried on.

      TTS for me. I took a small so I could still have some room to layer tops and tees underneath. I'm a small in shirts for reference.

      Hope J.Crew comes out with another wash soon..maybe white? :)

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  7. Irl pics of the whisper gauze siesta dress in this post. It's regular price online & $39.99 in-store.

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  8. Ina, I have the Nolita jacket in Great Lakes Wash, you have probably seen it on me. It looks great over casual dresses as an alternative to a cardigan and it is very soft (unlike other denim jackets that I tried). It fits tts but I could have gone down a size (I got a xs, if you want a more fitted look I would probably go with a xxs). It is totally worth fp IMO, one of the best purchases of the season for me.

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    1. Thanks Ina for asking that question was wondering the same thing myself and thanks Ema for the reply,I tried the jacket on and I loved how it felt, so soft but could not justify the price tag, but now I will reconsider :)!! Thanks Ladies

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    2. thanks Ema,is it very loose in xs?
      i am afraid the xxs is to small for layering

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    3. MB,what size did you try on?TIA

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    4. I agree with the others -- it is a classic piece and worth FP. I have the Nolita jacket from about 18 months ago (a more faded wash) in size S, but wanted a more fitted look so for the Great Lakes wash I went down to XS, and find that it's still fine to wear a light sweater under.

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  9. I have to agree with Alan about the men's broken in chino's. My husband has worn them for many years, and although he has several pairs to cycle through, they have held up very, very well. The officer's chino's are really nice too except the button fly is a hassle.

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  10. Has anybody reviewed the Downtown Field Jacket?

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    1. I got this last year at the Factory somehow... I really have no idea how, it was the only one I'd seen and it was on clearance. Anyways, I bought it on a whim with another jacket, and let me tell you... I love that thing to pieces. I cannot wear it enough. It is the perfect lightweight jacket for spring all the way to fall. The material is very wind-resistant. Highly suggest it!

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    2. I have and love this jacket--have been wearing it nonstop since March (except when we get random bursts of freezing cold weather). I wear a size 2 in blazers and coats (though a size 4 in the Stadium Cloth Boulevard Trench) and got this in a size XS. The fit is perfect through the shoulders and more roomy through the body. I can layer a medium-weight sweater underneath comfortably. It looks great and goes with everything. HTH!

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    3. I have the factory version too and it's a great lightweight jacket. Has good pockets!

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    4. Adrianne - Irl pics of the downtown field & links to other bloggers pics in this post.

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  11. I posted pics and reviews of the canvas Tillary Tote and the Lilah Dress today here.
    Both are lovely! The Lilah dress has a similar shape to the Madelene dress.

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  12. Yesterday I received an order I placed on Thursday. I am pleasantly surprised with the J.Crew Factory Bronwyn Canvas Hobo. Very cute, very spacious. It has two awesome pockets in front big enough for keys, any model cell phone, whatever. The back has another huge slip pocket secured closed with a magnetic closure. The opening of the bag is secured by magnetic closure and the leather buckle strap is what the magnet is attached to. No need to use the buckle! Anyway, for $33, it was a total steal!

    I also received the Factory Striped T-shirt in gray/white. Got a size S and it fits great. I am a size 0/2, 5'6" and 116 lbs, for reference. This Factory shirt was great quality!

    I received the Factory 5" chino shorts in white-major disappointment! These are definitely going back, which is a bummer because I have to ship them (no factory stores around here. They are totally sheer. I wore nude undergarments and you could still see them and the entire outline of the pockets. Horrible fabric.

    I also received the J.Crew Leather Cece Ballet Flats in both Tawny Sand and Burnt Sienna. Both are cute but the Tawny Sand were almost a nude color which I didn't want. I am keeping the Burnt Sienna in my normal size 8.5. Love these flats! Leather is so soft, very well constructed and so comfortable! No blisters!!!

    So, you win some, you lose some :)

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    1. I got a call today saying that my order for the Bronwyn canvas hobo was cancelled because they were out of stock (even though it said it was in stock when I placed the order) - waah!! Lucky you!!

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    2. Aww, that is no good! I am sorry you weren't able to get it. I am loving it right now. Definitely one of my best J.Crew purchases ever. Check back, it may pop up again!

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  13. Has anybody tried the lace necklace tee? I wanted to try during secret sale but could not find any reviews.

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    1. I have the lace necklace tee and I love it. I find it very pretty, with the lace around the neck and the elbow-length sleeves. The cotton is thin but not see through or too flimsy. I did size down to an XS from my usual S (but this seems to happen more lately). I have the tee in white and have ordered it in black as well because at the current price it's a great bargain! HTH.

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    2. I have the blue and purple ones and I love them both. Like Greta stated, the cotton is thin, but it's perfect for spring and summer. I took my normal size and did not size down.

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    3. I have three, two of which I bought during the recent sales. I recommend the dark colors, since the white is see-through. I sized down from my usual size.

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  14. The Baby Brompton bag is a great size and shape if, like me, you use your purse to carry only the essentials. It fits my wallet, change purse, phone, keys, and a bit of makeup. I originally ordered sand dune, which is a beautiful color, but heed the warning on the tag about color transfer. I wore it with a black jacket and afterwards I could see a very faint dark cast where the purse was in contact with the jacket. So it's going back. I ordered vibrant coral and henna colors as candidates for its replacement. Vibrant coral was a big disappointment; the color is a cheap-looking pinky orange. Henna is a beautiful golden brown and the one I'll keep, although it's not as summery as I would have hoped.

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  15. OT but I didn't want you all to miss out on the great Friends and Family sales happening now! Check out my blog post for details on 20% off at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Shopbop.com and Piperlime. Happy shopping!

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  16. Reviews of Long No. 2 pencil skirt, Cafe capri in Pop Art, floral scarf, Gondola stripe skirt and Keeper chambray shirt HERE

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  17. Anyone try the Malta flat sandals?

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  18. I took a risk and ordered the Clea dress (final sale $49 with 30% discount) in mountain pine. It fits TTS and I am quite pleased with it. It is definitely a heavier fabric than most J Crew dresses, so I won't be wearing it until fall. I am a D on top, and J Crew dresses are often iffy for me in the chest, but this one is do-able.

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  19. Just got some factory goodies from the sale + promo, and am really happy with everything. A couple notes: the Ruffle Gamine Coat is really cute, and if you're a 4, you can size up to a 6 no problem. (There's still a 6 left.) The Multibead Bib Necklace is actually much nicer than I expected and prettier than in the pictures. I think they were a little over $8, and well worth that. :)

    I also received the spearmint cashmere cable sweater and it's gorgeous. The color is lovely and it's verrrrry soft. Hopefully it holds up. To pair with it, I ordered the turquoise hacking jacket. I missed out on the size 4, but knowing it was quite fitted, I ordered the 6. Works just perfectly actually, especially for layering. Appgal -- you might be able to make that size work too? I'll take some pics for tomorrow.

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  20. Just wondering if anyone has tried on the Jean Jacket in Vintage Sea Wash and how it compares to the Nolita jacket?

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  21. I have a few Madewell reviews up on my blog here, including the striped bookplate dress that seems to be getting some love.

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    1. Thanks for the reviews. If anyone is interested in this dress, it's also available at Shopbop now for 20% off with code INTHEFAMILY20.

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  22. I bought the Thomas Mason perfect shirt in purple check and it's an unexpected love for me. I don't know if it's worth $150, but the fabric is really high quality and it pairs well with the abstract leopard pencil skirt. I'll try it on again before deciding whether or not to keep it - it was almost 90 degrees here yesterday and hard to contemplate any long sleeved shirt at the time.

    Also got the navy superfine cotton pencil skirt. It's a very nice skirt - also undecided about this one too though, since I have two other navy pencil skirts.

    Awaiting a couple sale orders. Feel lucky to have ordered last week - the selection is looking very picked over by comparison now.

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  23. There are supposed to be new in-store markdowns as of today. Hoping reports will trickle in. I won't be able to stop by until tomorrow or Thur.

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  24. Thanks Autumn for the ShopBob tip!

    I just scored the Madewell rouge dot skirt on sale through ShopBob in XS for $66.00 (free ship and no tax!)

    I used the INTHEFAMILY20 for 20% off & got 7% cash back through Shopathome.com

    I LOVE good deals!!!!

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    1. Thanks for the code! I just put a psir of sandals in my cart last night so I bought them today!

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  25. gigiofca- I posted this in yesterday's thread but so you can add it to your very helpful list/ for everyone here, the crinkle chiffon skirt is in $39.99 instore....

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  26. Emerald spindrift sweatshirt marked down to $39.99. Bright dahlia, jade, blue cafe capris to $69.99. Cafe trousers (cotton) in black, navy, natural color reduced to either $24.99 or $29.99. Waverly chinos down to $29.99 (all colors). Bandana tees (all colors) $24.99. Didn't get a chance to look around a lot because I was in a hurry but I hope that helps someone.

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  27. I received some Factory hipslung jeans recently, and they seem to be made for someone with a shorter torso than me. I'm 5'5" and wear a 28 short (for flats) in the retail bootcut, but where the 29R hipslungs nipped in at the top hit me at the top of the hip and were too tight. I guess they're supposed to nip in at the waist, but that's just not where the hit me.

    (OT, but I have to enable third party cookies in order to post since the new blog changes took place.)

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    1. I know. I have to use my iPhone to post as it won't let me on my laptop.

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  28. Has anyone bought the linen tippi (either solid or stripe)? I've seen fitting room reviews but I'm curious how it holds up to washing. I know it says to dry clean, but I like to avoid dry cleaning and machine wash all my sweaters in cold water on the gentle cycle, in a bag.

    Has anyone tried this with the tippi or other linen J Crew sweaters? I usually size up in merino sweaters because washing them shrinks them a little and am wondering if I should do the same with the linen sweater.

    Thanks!

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    1. I just grabbed the Tippi in Linen Stripe earlier today, so I can't speak to it holding up to washing. I really like the quality of the sweater. I'll post a review of it on my blog shortly. Closet Crisis did a great review of the sweater HERE

      About the linen solid versions of the Tippi: my retail personal shopper is concerned that they won't hold their shape. I should note, however, that I tend to tug at my sweaters, so that may be a concern specific to me. HTH!

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  29. Received yesterday two items:

    DOLORES DRESS IN PEACOCK PAISLEY. Love it! I took a chance on it with last weekend's hidden 30% promo. The peacock paisley is absolutely beautiful (online it looks very washed out). I was a little worried if the shape would suit me, but when I tried it on I absolutely loved it. It's a simple and classic silhouette, with the shirred scoop neck, cap sleeves and nipped-in waist. The dress feels just a little sweet but not too much. A nice change from my favorite shift silhouette. I'm 5'4" and it hits me at the knee. Ordered my usual size 4. Fits TTS.

    Factory sailor sweater. It has a slouchy fit in my usual S. Maybe an XS would have worked better. I love the blue and white stripes. The cotton seems to be of high quality but it's very light weight (feels like wearing a thin sweatshirt). I'm keeping it because it's a great casual sweater for the warm seasons.

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  30. I loved LOVED the Long No. 2 pencil skirt in sovereign paisley but it's $99 + 30% off...is that a good deal? The skirt is bright and I don't know if it's a bit much for work but sooo cute. Is it a must have?

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    1. Lisa, I personally think it is a great deal. I have the skirt and adore it. The colors are beautiful, and the long length makes it totally work appropriate.

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  31. I love the Hutton Trench trousers in the Festival Green color. I squeal with delight at the high waist. I wish I had bought the beige color too.

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    1. Hi Meredith, I love the African Violet and Festival Green colors. I was thinking of buying it, but the one review I found about it said the pleats aren't flattering. What is your take on it? Thanks!

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  32. I saw the following markdowns:feather paisley skirt to $69.99, the garden shade floral skirt to $59.99,the sovereign paisley cafe capri to $79.99 and the cafe capri in foulard to$85.99.
    Cafe trousers were $29.99 for navy, black and khaki (cobblestone?)

    I scored a price match on the boatneck popover and found a layered lace tank that had been returned.

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  33. Anyone try the Embroidered dolman-sleeve tee, #72727? I'm wondering about sizing. Thanks.

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  34. I just posted reviews of the Bauble Cascade, Crystal Cupcake, and Carnation Necklaces on my blog HERE HTH!

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  35. has anyone tried the biella loafers and can you comment on the fit? they are only online.

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    1. penny - You can see the Biella loafers on Tweed & Toile. I don't see an email for her, but you can drop a note on that post or a current one to ask questions. HTH

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    2. thanks so much for the suggestion and post.

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  36. I bought some of the linen tees last week they are super cheap. The linen is different than the ones they had last year. They feel rough. No idea if they will disintegrate in wash. Anyway I got the cowl neck tee and the pocket vee neck. Cowl neck took my Normal xs in tees and the vee neck I sized down to an xxs. They work for me under cardigans.

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  37. I got around to doing a IRL review of the Fabiola dress in abstract leopard (I had written a review last week). It is here for any of you interested. :)

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  38. preview of May rollout HERE, more reviews to come soon.

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  39. Does anyone have the jackie in fresh mango?? Or have you seen it?? I've been debating on ordering it FS but I'm afraid it's not a "bright" orange??

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    1. OWS - It's very bright. It reminded me quite a bit of the Jackie in cerise. HTH

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  40. Just posted some reviews of the Kira sandal in apple print (I sized up from normal size), Olympia Leather Sandals, and green patent Viv flats here. I sized up 1/2 a size from my normal size in all of them, and that worked for me. They're all cute, although the Olympias weren't a love for me.

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  41. Bought the Vintage Cotton Tank in Neon Rose as a ride-along last week and I like it so much that I'm going to order more. J.Crew's Favorite Tank used to be *my* favorite tank until they started making them longer and too sheer to wear on their own, and I've been looking for a replacement ever since. The Vintage Cotton tank is the same weight as their other Vintage Cotton tees, not sheer (at least not in the color I purchased), and it looks exactly the same irl as it does on the online model. Fits TTS. It does have a slight racerback, so a racerback bra is necessary if you don't like your straps to show.

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  42. So disappointed by the Polka-dot popover. The dots are not white or even close. They're beige! And they just throw off the entire effect of polka dots on a black background. The fabric is just meh, sort of flimsy feeling. I ordered a my usual size 2 and a size 0 for comparison. The 2 fit just how I like it - enough room for movement and no pulling across my bust (I'm a little busty for my size). I could have size down to a 0. Thank goodness they were promo priced because they are going right back.

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  43. Desert Flower,

    I just received the malta sandals because they were only $79.99 in my J Crew store. They are TIGHT! I have semi-wide feet, but seriously these were the narrowest shoes I have ever put on. On the up side, the leather stretches nicely and even the second time I wrestled them on they felt a lot better. I'm going to be doing some serious breaking in around the house with these shoes because they are beautiful and I don't want to return them.

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  44. Bri, thank you! Can you tell me your store? I only have one in my city and it doesn't carry shoes. I could do a charge send and save $70 rather than ordering off the website.

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  45. Review/pics of the Rococco Shell here.

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  46. I took a chance last week and bought the complete set of Prairie Stripe pajamas on final sale! They arrived today: the top, cami, boxer and pant. Love, love, love.

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  47. Looking for a review of the bureau skirt... Is it TTS?

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  50. I just got some vintage cotton tanks, fits fine & TTS at first, but then the arm hole began to stretch out too much the more I wear it. Has anyone ever tried to dry these tanks on high? I'm hoping for shrinkage (since I cut the tags off already) so the arm hole can go back to normal. I'm usually S/M, I bought an XS. I thought an XXS would be too tight after shrinkage.

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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! :)