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! :)
I reviewed the Maritime Anchor Dress and Ultra Eyelet Shell here: http://sewpetitegal.blogspot.com/2012/05/j-crew-ultra-eyelet-shell-maritime.html
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletei reviewed the striped dolman-sleeve tee on my blog here
ReplyDeleteNew Review here:
ReplyDeletehttp://handbagaficionado.blogspot.com/2012/05/stripes-leopardsunshine-and-flowers.html
Reviews of the Lucille Dress in Eyelet, Linen Tippi and End on End Shirt HERE.
ReplyDeleteReview and a fun or crazy look at the Café Capri in Ultra Eyelet here.
ReplyDeleteI just received the Naomi top in the aqua colourway - I could not tell online, but in real life it is more greeny undertones than blue IMO. I really like the fit however!
ReplyDeleteFit tts? Or slightly big like the Natasha top? Tia!
DeleteToday on my blog I reviewed the Brompton straw clutch, the azalea necklace and the neon pink tweed pencil skirt, see http://danibp.blogspot.ca/2012/05/vibrant-flame-neon-pink-cerise.html
ReplyDeleteReal quick sum-up: the skirt was too small in my normal size, I didn't love the leather on the clutch and the necklace I found finicky on me, it wouldn't lay quite flat. I sent it all back.
wearing the altuzarra gingham dress and white linen schoolboy blazer tonight. love both and they are TTS.
ReplyDeleteanyone buy the bubble necklace? Is it good quality?
Just received it as a gift and worried about the quality of the gold chain..
I have the bubble necklace in a few different coloured and love ea h one of them. I've never had any parts breaking down & depending on what I'm wearing will clasp it so it's much shorter. It also doesn't feel heavy & I'm not aware of the weight when it's on. Every time I wear one I get so many compli
DeleteEnte. Hope it works for you :)
Thanks so much! Wore the bubble necklace to work today and got compliments :-)
DeleteI'm so glad you liked it. I think it's a piece you could wear to a wedding, or just with a tee & jeans. What colour did you get? I have the navy one on the way to add to my "collection".
DeleteI just received the Altuzara jean skirt "Manon" in blue. It is awesome. I have never had a jean skirt that looked this nice and construction is really superb. The seaming is perfect and lends for a perfect shape in conjunction with the slightly stretchy fabric. The french seam (I think that is what is called) is gorgeous. This one is up there with the mixed media skirt as for construction.
ReplyDeleteAlso received the Silk Square scarf. Awesome and very thick silk.
Thanks for the reviews - I've heard several people rave about this skirt - how do you find the Manon sizing compared to, say, a no. 2 pencil skirt or other JC skirts? Also is the blue a natural looking denim color or is it overdyed? It's hard to tell from the photo online. Thanks!
DeleteIt is somewhat form fitting but has a little stretch. It is more form fitting than the number 2. I don't know that I would size up but it is a slimmer fit. It is hard for me to compare exactly because I am 5 months pregnant so I have more mass in my lower half right now. I bought a size 29 and I usually take a 4 in the pencil or a 6 if I want a looser fit. The blue is more saturated, not a dark denim but a very saturated indigo and pretty stiff. It looks slightly darker than the picture on the web.
DeleteReview of the gondola stripe tee on my fledgeling blog here:
ReplyDeletehttp://apackageaday.blogspot.com/2012/05/j-crew-gondola-stripe-tee-review.html
A Package A Day.
DeleteHilarious!!! Congratulations on your new blog -- off to a good start, I see!
The Weatherby rainboots look nothing like the online images. Literally every single pair (maybe twenty in all) in the store looked like it had weathered a tornado already with white-ish marks all over them.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100%.
DeleteJust FYI regarding the white marks on the Weatherby rubber boots, I had noticed the same on my darker purple Hunter Wellies and here is what Hunter says on the topic, from hunter-boot.com
DeleteOccasionally, you may notice a white powdery "bloom" on your Hunter rubber wellington boots. This is because rubber is a natural product and in certain conditions, insoluble particles may rise to the surface. This is a common process, characteristic of high quality, natural rubber and nothing to worry about.
This process does not affect the performance or durability of your boots. A pristine finish and shine is easily restored with regular use of Hunter Boot Buffer, or Instant Boot Shine, available from good Hunter retailers, as well as from our online store.
I used the Boot Buffer and it worked like a charm.
You can also easily -- and cheaply -- restore Hunter Wellies to their original luster using Armor-All, the same product you might use to clean the interior of your car. I use my Wellies to work in the garden, then spray them clean and wear them out.
DeleteI posted with the Big Shot Dress on my blog yesterday. I don't go in depth on size or quality there, but I will here. The dress is a size zero and is probably the best fitting dress I own. I also bought a similar dress in navy chiffon (not sure of the name as it's no longer on the website) because the fit was the same. I have a tough time with fit because I have small shoulders and waist and a big bootie, so to get a dress off the rack that doesn't have to be tailored is a miracle. The fabric is gorgeous, as well. It doesn't wrinkle and doesn't make that swishing noise that a circle skirt can make if the fabric is cheap. All in all I give it 10 of 10. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteHere's my take on the rainy day flats
ReplyDeleteA word of warning regarding two tops that I have recently washed (b/c they claimed to be "machine wash cold", gentle cycle) and been unhappy with the outcome....
ReplyDeleteThe Polka-Dot Popover: For anyone who might have purchased it in the last few months, that delicate silk/cotton lawn blend does not play well with others in the washing machine. Mine got an inch-long tear in the middle of the lower back area, and I am so bummed because I loved to wear it. I would recommend hand-washing in the sink, washing it inside one of those lingerie bags, or dry-cleaning.
Crochet Lace-Front Tee: If you bought it in a dark color, watch the loose threads across the scalloped hem in front because they fade in the wash, even on cold. The threads on the bottom of my navy tee fuzzed and faded to dingy blue and it looks cheap. It also shrunk just enough that it's too short on my torso, so I tossed it.
Last week, I wrote about my Trudy peacoat and how much I loved it. Well, I have to temper my enthusiasm for the coat as within 2 days of wearing it, 3 of the buttons literally popped right off!! I had to run to the dressmaker's near my office twice, so she could sew them back on (the third time around, I just stuffed it in my work tote bag and took it home to sew it on myself). It was embarrassing to say the least, so now I am on the hunt for replacement buttons. The big gold metal buttons are too heavy or else they used cheap thread to sew them on. Either way, it has put a damper on my liking for the coat.
ReplyDeleteI really love my striped linen Tippi sweater. It's not often I will buy full price but the fit and drape of this sweater is so flattering - fits TTS, I took the size Small and I can still layer a blouse underneath.
I also received the two pairs of Mona pumps that I ordered during the in-store additional 30% promos. For both, I ordered size 8, a half size larger than the size I normally wear in JC flat shoes. The suede Monas fit fine, while I noticed that the patent Monas were a little tight. I may have to use a bit of leather stretch solution on the patent pumps. Otherwise they are quite decent.
Louise, I've had the same problem with metal buttons on a Mexx coat. Apparently using wool thread works. I did that last winter and the buttons never fell off.
DeleteLouise, funny, I found the patent monas to be TTS and I only size up a half size in leather. My patent monas only took one day to break in..they stretch out very fast. Put some talc on your feet and you'll see.
DeleteRose, thanks for the tip on the wool thread - I will try it out!
DeleteDagmara, my feet are a little wider than average, which probably accounts for the difference, but I'm happy to hear that the patent Monas will stretch out with wear.
My feet are wide too and I was worried at first because my feet felt pinched but by day 2 I could walk in them ok.
DeleteI bit the bullet and ordered two full price items, which surely means they will be marked down right after the adjustment period is past.
ReplyDeleteI got the cafe capris in the grass green Caribbean tweed. I took my usual size 2 and they fit fine. They are a very bright green with navy and taupe. At least I think it's navy and not black. Despite the bright color I really like them. They go with a lot of neutrals I have and I expect to be able to wear them in NC into early winter with sweaters. Two corrections to the website photo/copy. They are NOT lined and they are cuffed, which the photo doesn't show. Neither is a deal breaker for me.
I also got the front pleat skirt in navy. I've been looking for a navy skirt that isn't a pencil silhouette for awhile. I don't usually get excited about basics, but I found the fit on this one beautiful. I wore my usual size 2. There was no bulk at the waist as some of the non-pencil Crew skirts have had. The material is a substantial inky navy with a nice rough texture. I can see wearing it up to the start of really cold weather.
Mary - the pleated skirt did get marked down a little online this morning - it's $89.99 now, so you should call for a price adjustment.
DeleteReview of new Java tunic dress and some other new dress HERE.
ReplyDeleteBlouson, Puffection, Bowback and some unreleased dress HERE.
Superfine cotton suiting and SP12 Icon trench HERE
Porcelain Paisley skirt review HERE
For Mother's Day I rec'd the new elephant pendant and the Bellflower earrings. Sadly both are going back. The earrings hang very strange on my ears, really weighs them down and the pendant is gorgeous except mine has something wrong with the part that the chain runs thru. It is off center on the elephant so the pendant keeps twisting. Of course none left in my B & M wahh.
ReplyDeleteI ordered the Sardinia Wedge espadrilles in size 8. I'm sad for two reasons:
ReplyDelete1) The 8 is obviously too big. There is an inch or more of space between my toes and the tip of the shoe. I'm going to try a 7, but the toe box feels so small on the 8 that I'm worried I won't be able to get the 7 on. Anyone else have this problem?
2) The leather tippet on one of the laces came off *immediately* - they are only threaded on through holes, not sewn or glued into place. If the 7s fit I will take these shoes immediately to a shop to have the tippets secured. But at the price (even though I used my rewards card) I feel like this is just shoddy.
I'm sad. I wanted to love these shoes. I'm on the verge of simply returning them and holding on to my rewards card for the new items coming out soon, and just looking for espadrille wedges elsewhere. Boooooo.
I feel your pain except in my case, the Sardinia Wedges (tie around ankles) fit me, and the Seville Wedges (no ankle tie) ran big. In my regular size 9, my foot came completely out of the back of the shoe, and in one size down they were too tight. Second the booo hiss booo's!
DeleteBo Sanborn-- had the same problem with the sardinia wedges. size 8 was too big, size 7 was just a hair too small in the toe box. 7.5 would have been perfect but since they don't make them in half sizes, i'm afraid i have to look elsewhere for a cute esparille.
ReplyDeleteReviews of the Altuzarra Manon skirt and Valentina Snakeskin pumps in Casablanca blue are HERE.
ReplyDeleteIn summary, the Manon skirt is gorgeous and my new favorite denim skirt. It's so flattering and stylish. Although the pumps had a few minor construction flaws, I love the color and style so I'll keep them.
Tried on the jardin maxiskirt in morning aqua, gondola skirt, and an unidentified navy polka dot spaghetti strap cami. Not normally a spaghetti strap person but it was really cute with both skirts...now I just need a FP promo! I would almost pay $118 for the jardin but $68 for a cotton camisole is beyond absurd.
ReplyDeleteThe Mona Dreamweaver pumps that I picked up for $98 during a promo are turning out to be very comfortable. I sized down to a 6H. The Evie striped bow pumps in a 7 are still a bit snug but OK. The stripes on one of the shoes do not match up in the back. I thought it was a defect but every pair that I checked at the B&Ms had the same issue. My matching pump is the anomaly! They were worth the $63 that I paid but I would never pay FP.
ReplyDeleteIMO Castaner espadrilles are a viable alternative to the Sardinia wedges. They are more expensive at FP but I've never had an issue finding them on sale.
Thank you Muffy! Looking at Castaners now.
DeleteJust wanted folks to know that within two hours of e-mailing customer service about the lack of fit/tippet falling off, I got a reply with a full refund and a request to "return them at my convenience" -- they offered to send me a prepaid label, but I'm taking the shoes to my local store So the problems folks have had with J. Crew quality control/returns of late seem not to apply today... very pleased with their service right now.
DeleteI received the Altuzarra Patricia dress early (it was waitlisted until June). I wasn't expecting to be wowed by it, but I really like it. The weight is nice - substantial enough but not heavy like the Maritime dress. It's about the same weight as the Spindrift Sweatshirt. It is very flattering on an apple shaped figure. The stripes are very dark navy, almost black. It fits TTS and I will be careful not to shrink it, as it seems like it might shrink if I weren't careful.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving my striped linen Tippi sweater...has anyone washed or dry cleaned theirs yet? It hits me right at the hip, I'm concerned it might shrink and then be too short...
ReplyDeleteI received the Palazzo dress in Blue Grotto. The color is gorgeous, the size seems TTS to a little big - I bought an XS and typically take a size 2 in dresses. The drape is nice. IMO you definitely need the belt because it is large and shapeless without it. The only thing is the website says cotton but it is actually rayon which was disappointing but I am still going to keep it.
ReplyDeleteAny bathing suit reviews? I'm a size 10 or 12 when it comes to bathing suits and I really want to know how the underwire tops fit along with all the cute bottoms. I'm pear shaped and I worry that I would have to order a ton before I found any that fit me well. Any reviews?
ReplyDeleteI purchased two J.Crew suits last year and was so disappointed in the quality- very sheer (have to shave every inch), and the bottoms (I have two different styles, both smalls) are not consistent in sizing, and the whole thing hangs strangely saggy when wet. It might be best to order a couple of styles/sizes you like, and with free returns on swim, you can do what's necessary. Overall, I don't think they're the best for the money.
DeleteI caved and ordered the metallic linen slicker when the price dropped, and I have to say that I totally love it. I missed the size 4, and got the 6, and it fits just fine. So it might fit a touch on the smaller side. It's super lightweight and just really cute. I love that it has a hood, and is water-repellent, making it actually quite practical. The gold clasps are fun, but not like heavy gold jewelry. Hopefully they hold up.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the cutler and gross round sunglasses? I have been thinking about them for months and I want to go ahead and pull the trigger. How do they fit / feel? Are they cool or ridiculous? (or ridiculously cool?) Anyone? thanks!
ReplyDeleteMargie, I have a review here. They are very nicely made, but must be tried on. I thought they looked better in editorials, but again that might be just me.:)
ReplyDeleteSlastena, I was going to link to your review so glad you commented. It's so very memorable with your take on the glasses. LOL
DeleteThank you, Xoxo.:).
DeleteTh linkk is here .
Does anyone know anything about the "striped stretch cotton swimsuit" currently on net-a-porter? (link below) I can't find it on the JC website, do we know if it's new and possibly going to show up on JC soon?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.net-a-porter.com/product/195603?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-Custom-_-Link-_-Builder&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-6FhQ9n6IQNm_0noYevBGwg
Hey everyone, I have a short review on the Stripe Back Zip long sleeve pullover (item 70115). It is also on sale right now for $39.99, only a few sizes left. B&M will honor the online price even though it is not on sale in store.
ReplyDeletewww.theminniemaven.com
OT: There are some new sale items online this morning: chambray top, cafe capri in foulard (still not as good as retail sale price), a line pleat front skirt, anchor blouse, and others...
ReplyDeleteReceived the Puffection dress last week and while I'm excited to wear it on the next beautiful day, I'm not entirely sure it flatters my body type. I agree with ajc that it runs large - and by the way, even if it's not your style with the puffy sleeves, I think it looked great on you! I do wish it gave me more definition. The bow at the waist does help to cinch it in, but overall it's quite a straight dress and straight dresses in general tend to look like they're hanging off me. I do quite like the fabric of the Puffection dress, and the straight neckline is unlike anything else I own.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of white and navy dresses, I seem to have issues this season... the Puffection was only one of three I've purchased over the past two weeks. I also got the Elinor dress in polka dot which, from the online photo, I immediately dismissed as matronly, but when I saw it in my B&M it was love at first sight. This dress fits so nicely, and I had to size down due to my small bust so I have a feeling it would work well on larger chested gals. What surprised me most about the Elinor dress is that it hits just below my knee, and I'm short (5'3"), yet it is an extremely flattering length on me whereas below-the-knee skirts and dresses usually make me look like a tree stump. I've already worn it two weekends in a row - we've been lucky in NYC with some beautiful weekend weather - paired with Jenna's v-neck cardi in ivory and some ivory peep toe slingbacks from the Gucci outlet (one of my best purchases EVER - so comfy and stlish and I've been wearing them for 3 straight summers). The whole ensemble made me feel so feminine and lovely! I am in love with this dress and my only issue with it, which is pretty trivial, is that the fabric is only printed on one side which is annoying only because, when you're tying the bow at the waist, you have to be a little careful so you're not exposing the underside of the fabric too much. That little detail feels a bit cheap to me, and JC does it a lot with their prints. I have a few printed cardis that I don't wear open for that very reason.
Lastly in the white and navy dress category, I picked up the Ella dress in rambling rose. Again, the online photo didn't peak my interest (I blame the denim vest in part as I'm just not a big fan of denim, a few pairs of great jeans aside) but in person I found the fabric and the print to be very nice and not overly busy. I want to say it runs a tad large since I went with my smaller size, but that could be because of my small chest and the fact that my weight tends to vary by a range of 4-5 lbs and I'm at the low end right now. Anyway, the fabric looks like a very thick linen, not too heavy for a hot summer day but just thick enough so you won't end up with a bunch of wrinkles whenever you sit down (I hope!) I just noticed online that the fabric contents say Cotton/Modal... I get the cotton part, but have I been wrong in thinking all along that modal is that soft, slightly stretchy, jersey-like cotton fabric? That is NOT what this dress is at all - it's more of a thick, rigid cotton. Maybe it's a copy error? Anyway, lovely dress :)
In contrast to that purchase, I've decided that I'm kind of over strapless dresses at the moment, though I buy them from JC every summer, so I've just today received an order of 5/8" grosgrain ribbon in various colors, selected to match each of the dresses, and I'm going to attempt to sew in my own straps! One particular JC dress from summer '10, which I find a little boring, is getting a matching sash too. Then I plan to take a pointer from JC and add snaps to keep my bra straps hidden :) Very excited about this experiment and hope it goes well!
Thanks Slastena and Xoxo! I thought they looked good on you, but I also did see the Three Blind Mice thing once you pointed it out! I will try them I think and I can always return if I look silly. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteHi! Has anyone seen both the Banana Republic and J Crew seersucker blazers in person? I'm wondering how they compare IRL. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI have the Frances dress in lifesaver print, the navy pocket pants and the navy jacquard dot pencil skirt all reviewed on my blog today.
ReplyDeleteI love all three items, I bought them when they hit the sale. I took a size 0 in the frances dress, the smaller of my dress sizes. It is a lovely silk and unlined, which I prefer as I wear a full slip. The navy pocket pants are a lovely thick cotton and silk shantung fabric, very fitted and structured, they seem sturdy fingers crossed. The jacquard dot pencil won me over for its front vent which makes walking easy, I also like the texture of the fabric. I took my regular size 2 in pants and skirt.
I went to Fifth Ave store on Monday and basically tried on all the new collection lol.
ReplyDeletePics of the dresses, including Ella in porcelain paisley here.
I will try to post the pics of the other stuff before the new rollout tomorrow but as a heads-up I tried the plaid boucle tweed jacket (the one that was on Net-a-Porte) and really liked it (fits TTS, take your regular blazer size) but the trim is very neon-y. All in all very nice rollout, if a bit overpriced!
There were more items marked to promo-price today, so I've updated the list here. :)
ReplyDeleteI also posted review on Frances in lifesaver today (second DaniBP above) (here ). Love this dress, very pretty!
ReplyDeleteTried on a few of the newer items today.
ReplyDeletePorcelain Paisley Pencil Skirt: This is a really beautiful skirt and I absolutely love the texture of the fabric. Fit is TTS and very flattering, it seems a bit longer than the cotton No. 2 pencils. I haven't bought much for the last little while, but I had to have this one even at the insane Canadian price.
Lucille Dress: I tried on the yellow lace version and the green cotton-silk. The cotton-silk version has a poly lining, which is unfortunate. The colours on both dresses were beautiful and vibrant, but the fit wasn't great on me--it was cut just a bit too high-waisted, which is a frequent problem for me and makes me look wider. I go back and forth between a 0 and a 2 in dresses and needed the 2 here because of where the waist sits (I have a wide-ish ribcage).
Cha Cha Dress: This dress is really beautiful on. The waist hit me at the right spot and it came to a couple of inches above my knees (I am 5'9). Very striking silhouette. I needed the 2 in this one as well, the 0 was too tight around the bust. The dress is *very* heavy and quite difficult to get in and out of. The only thing I didn't love was the linen fabric...it seemed almost too casual for this dress, making me unsure about wearing it for evening events (wedding receptions, etc.). The fabric also had the usual minor flaws that linen is prone to (snags, etc.), which bothered me on a fairly fancy dress. I'm a bit torn on this one, I do love it, but the fabric gives me pause. Does anyone else have any thoughts on this one?
I posted some dressing room pics on my blog here:
ReplyDeletehttp://modestlystyled.blogspot.com/2012/05/sooo.html
Insludes the Jardin Maxi skirt, the porcelin paisley skirt and dress, the No. 2 tweed skirts, silk bow tie tanks, etc
I just spied the cork clutch from factory- has anyone seen it IRL or does anyone own it? Any opinions?
ReplyDeletemargie - I have the cork clutch from retail - I think it is adorable. It is similar or the same as the 'invitation clutch' as far as size - not much room, but enough for phone, wallet, keys, pen and lipstick. The cork is a fun material for the summer. I'll have to go take a look at the factory version online!
ReplyDeletemargie, I reviewed the factory cork clutch on my blog today. Also, the striped maxi and a cute anchor tee that is not online. Here is the link.
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzy and JCJD!
ReplyDelete