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! :)
Several reviews here (several posts).
ReplyDeleteReviews from the new fall rollout that hit stores last Thursday here, here, here, and here; 18 different items total.
ReplyDeleteReviews of Tippi in Polka Dot and Port of Call Sweatshirt HERE.
ReplyDeleteBought my first No. 2 Pencil (ever)in Golden Burgundy, love! Don't know what took me so long ;)
The Everly pumos in black and ivory are lovely, I'm getting rid of all of my really expensive designer heels which I wear but once every few years for shoes I won't keep 'for good.'
ReplyDeleteHow do you find the fit on the Everly pumps? TTS or did you need to go up half a size? Thanks!
DeleteTabs, are they ireally vory or more of a beige-tan? The store haven't received them yet and I can't figure out from the website. These could be must-have for me, I am having a black-white moment. TIA!
DeleteCould anyone comment on the quality of the sequined items, particularly the skirts? I don't understand how J. Crew can have six different brightly colored, completely sequined skirts ranging from $600-$850. I'm assuming (hoping) that means they're higher quality than J. Crew's other offerings.
ReplyDeleteI got the No. 2 pencil skirt in sequins (item 52186) during the crazy sales last week, and I can say that the quality is very, very good. The skirt is made of two layers of 100% silk crepe, with the sequins sewn on the outer layer. All of the skirts were in excellent condition despite having been touched and handled for months in the store - no signs of loose sequins or dangling threads. It really is comparable to the quality you would expect in a designer label at the same price point.
DeleteLousie...do you mind telling us what $$ you paid. I love hearing about good deals esp. on collection pieces. Enjoy the skirt. Carolyn form Vancouver
DeleteCarolyn, you may have to sit down when you hear this - I got it for $75 (it was 50% off the last ticketed price).
DeleteA review of the Tippi in retro jade, bow tie blouse, blythe blouse and minnies in the boulevard green, as well as the the janeys in the retro green:
ReplyDeletehttp://onecantgetoverthehabit.blogspot.ca/2012/07/my-jc-dressing-room-pictures-and-my.html
My Downtown Field jacket in the navy arrived-- love it! I got a medium as an 8/10 and fits great.
ReplyDeleteAlso got the Tippi cardigan in crushed grape-- a very bright purple, again in medium. This one has mother of pearl buttons, a nice classic. It looks good with the modern red vintage V-neck T.
I bought the Collection Tee in all 3 colors and for me they are keepers. The linen/silk is sheer but sturdy and light, these are good layering pieces for me. The red pepper is a saturated berry pink, lovely. They are slightly slouchy but true to size through the shoulders and arms.
ReplyDeleteI washed one in my machine on hand wash and hung it up to dry on a hangar and it came out fine.
Also bought the elephant bracelet in the pink: love it, I find it charming. I'm a sucker for those animal bracelets.
I am excited about those Collection tees, thanks for the review! I think they will be lovely under a blazer.
DeleteI was thinking of ordering these as well! Are they too sheer to wear alone or do they provide enough coverage?
DeleteCheck out my review of the multi-colored cabochon earrings.
ReplyDeleteThey are not available online yet but only available in the store.
http://blog.priview.co
-Priview
I have put a styling idea and few real life pics of Tippi sweater in Heart Me here .I know everyone has reviewed it already, it's a lovely sweater, I can see why the hype. More window and styling inspirations Link text here- for new and old items alike.
ReplyDeleteI posted a review of the Liberty Print Shirt in Indian Red HERE and another Liberty Print Shirt and the Schoolboy Blazer in Festival Blue HERE I LOVE the Liberty Print Shirts; the prints are vibrant and striking, and they're quality shirts. I also love the Festival Blue Schoolboy Blazer. HTH!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone received the organza sheath dress yet? I see some of the colours are selling out and I do not want to miss it but would love to hear if anyone has it and what it is like!
ReplyDeleteOpinions on the collection cashmere sweaters? Worth full price, wait till promo or just final sale it?
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance. :)
Wait for promo/sale. Yes the colors and styles are unique, but not enough so to justify paying FP, IMO. Quality is ok, pilling can be an issue.
DeleteI bought a "sweater stone" off amazon and it has helped a lot. Basically a pumice stone that gently removes pills. Highly recommend for wool and cashmere sweaters.
I agree. I would wait for a sale. I reviewed the green/navy dot on my blog.
DeleteLove love love review day!! Thanks to everyone who takes the time to post!
ReplyDeleteMaybe I have been subliminally influenced by the Duchess of Cambridge, but I have been lusting after a knife pleat dress this entire year so I was delighted to see that the Factory Pleated Shift Dress" last week http://www.jcrew.com/womens_factory_category/allnew/PRDOVR~91722/99102744468/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~205+17+4294966534~15~~~~~~~/91722.jsp
ReplyDeleteI am 5-2, 32A chest, and a bit of a ruler shape and I ordered the 00 as the dress was not available in petites. I am trying to stay away from black so I ordered the blue. With the promo, I got it for $98.
I was pleasantly surprised by both the fit and quality of this Factory item. It is polyester (ugh) but looks and feels like silk georgette with a fabulous drape. The top is a bit loose on me but hangs nicely anyway and the looseness can be solved with a belt. It hits right at the knee, which is the length I like. It hits above the knee on the model.
$98 is a lot for a polyester dress so I am hoping this gets marked down but since I don't live near a Factory it will cost $ to return. It may be a keeper!
Also ordered a Factory calf hair belt - at $29 it was kind of pricy and on one wear the calf hair started going in all directions so I am not thrilled with it. I am goign to wear it a few more times but I might have to return it. $29 is a lot for a belt where the hairs don't stay flat.
Thanks for the reviews. I was wondering about the quality of the items vs regular JC.
DeleteI also ordered a Factory belt a while back and it started to fall apart on the first wear. It looks like it was made from two pieces of leather, a thin strip of dyed leather glued over a cheaper section of rough leather. The upper layer of dyed leather started to separate as soon as I put the belt on. Very disappointed but I didn't try it out until after the 60 day return period was over, so I am stuck with it (and it's going in the donate pile). I won't be buying any more leather goods from the Factory section.
DeleteI have reviews of several of the new arrivals on my blog here, here, here, and here.
ReplyDeleteOt- For allyou animal print loving JCA's,
ReplyDeleteI squeezed a 2 second run into J Crew in between some errands yesterday and saw a blouse I hadn't seen before. It was the most gorgeous brown and tan Zebra print, bordered at the cuff and hem in a very deep navy. It was silk, thin but not too thin and was cut almost like a long sleeve tee shirt. It was $128.00. Stunning. Sorry I did not have time to take a picture...Def worth a call to your store if you are so inclined!
I think this is the top I reviewed HERE.
DeleteI received several items over the last two weeks...1) Brompton regular sized hobo in Henna. Love it so much! I paid full price and do not regret it at all. The bag that I received had beautiful smooth leather, much nicer than the same Henna Bromtpons I have seen in the stores, very orange and pebbled. Mine is very smooth and much richer in brown color than I have been seeing. The only disappointment is that the clasp that keeps the bag closed is loose and will not stay closed. I have ordered an exchange and am hoping the leather is just as nice...if not, I may consider just keeping the one I have and dealing with the loose clasp just because the leather is so gorgeous!
ReplyDelete2) Edie wallet in black leather...this went back. I got it on sale but it seems rather cheaply made and did not have enough slip pockets for cards for me.
3) Downtown Field Jacket in the mossy brown color. Love it and cannot wait til the weather cools off so I can start wearing it!
4) Pixie pants in black. So cute! Although they are a bit longer this year, which I wasn't expecting since they appear ankle length on all the reviews I have seen. Either way, they are great and I love them.
Wanted to let everyone know, I popped into Old Navy last night to return an item I purchased for my daughter and saw that they have a women's chambray button up shirt with white polka dots for $24.95. It looks almost identical to the J.Crew version and is really cute! I grabbed an XS and am really happy with it! I cannot find it online to link it for you, but it is in the stores, selling quick, I was told.
I posted a photo of the ON polka-dot Chambray shirt on my blog last Tuesday in this post. The style number is included for anyone who may want to try calling stores to look for ti.
DeleteThe photo is towards the bottom of the post. :)
DeleteRegarding the ON chambray dot shirt, I've seen one at GAP and other stores too and this is disappointing as far as JCrew is concerned. Their styles used to be unique and lately they have the same as everyone else, just slightly different but not different enough to get me to buy. So glad I didn't bite on that style in particular, everyone is wearing it. There are polka dots at every store for fall too. Where has the uniqueness gone?
DeleteITA CaptainCrew. While I love j crew and have for many years, it is disappointing to see items so similar at other retailers (usually for significantly less). I am in my late 20's and think I have finally settled into my style. I love classics with a twist--j crew used to be the best place to find these types of items. But as of late much has been to trendy and fast fashion to me. It's like j crew is having an identity crisis!
Deletejcrew is definitely run-of-the-mill these days. Did you see Gigi's post on the Old Navy sweaters that look like jcrew but for a fraction (in one case about 10%) of the jcrew price? Polka dots and a heart slapped here or there is nothing special IMO. Now I hear the wool skirts are thinner than last year when they were already thin and cheaper quality workmanship. Well I'm just not buying. On the day of the rollout I had 13 items in my cart. Now I have two and I am waiting for a markdown and I don't care if they sell out, they are only "maybe" anyway. I'm not rushing to the gap or anything either, I'm passing on the whole lot of it. I have nicer clothes in my closet already.
Deleteposted this yesterday, but here it is again. hope it helps...
ReplyDeleteI tried on the new shrunken anorak (#95062) in blue. First the good: lightweight, side pockets for hands plus functional zippers and pockets in front, adjustable around waistband, really pretty color. The bad: it's HUGE! I usually buy coats, blazers and dresses in a 4 so I tried the small to start with. It was so big, I could fit a friend in there with me. So I tried XS and that, too, was pretty big even with a sweatshirt under it. So my PS ordered me an XXS. Hoping that fits. A little worried about the arm length but everything else will definitely fit. I just wanted to warn anyone who might be interested in it. Don't let the "shrunken" name fool you. (and i'll let you know how the XXS fits when it finally gets delivered)
This is OT, but Talbots marked down sale stuff further today, and I found a great looking pair of patent heels in a color very similar to the green of the valentinas. They are the Ama patent leather pump in peacock green. They look just like the patent monas! They are still available in all sizes and are only $28. They are final sale but I find Talbots' heels pretty comfy, and usually get the same size I'd get at J.Crew in a heel. I was thrilled to find a fall color for such a low price and thought I'd pass it on :)
ReplyDeleteJust did a little post about it on my blog!
DeleteA few dress reviews.....
ReplyDeleteTried the Collection Italian Wool dress in tropical lime and it is so beautiful I am keeping full price! Although it looks like a mint color on the website it is acutally pretty bright almost bordering on neon. Despite that the fabric is gorgeous and the length is right above the knee (5'9") Took the smaller of my two JCrew sizes.
Also tried the shirtdress in wool gaberdine with the straigh skirt. Loved this too and will keep. I took the larger of my two sizes as the sleeves and shoulder seemed a touch narrow. Length is perfect and fabric is the perfect mid-weight. I don't think the photo in the catalog does this dress justice.
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who takes time to review items, it's wonderful to be able to do a search when you find an older item and get some idea of quality and fit. I scored two fall pop backs this morning, well, I checked out with them but we'll see if the JCrew gods are smiling on me and I actually get them since they were apparently the only ones available and gone from the site after my purchase. I was able to do some quick research and find some reviews so thank you! I'm just hoping that's what shows up on my porch now!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone else found the polka dot Blythe to run huge? I took the smaller of my JC sizes and probably could have gone down another. It also seems longer than my other Blythes. Weird!
ReplyDeleteI just purchased (and am wearing) the Cafe trouser in linen. I'm 5'11 size 6 (150 lbs, build slightly boyish) and they fit as if they were made for me. I bought them from the store, so they are a 6 regular and the length is okay. I normally like a longer length in my pants (almost covering my shoe but not touching the ground, I'm considering having them taken down about 1/2 an inch. They are currently on final sale online for $79.99 (down from $118.00). Happy shopping!
ReplyDeletewanted to add to my comment, I'm expecting 2 shipments this week and will post my reviews here :)
DeleteReviews of Bennet cropped chinos in snowcat, Nicky top in herringbone and Jules dress in stripe posted HERE. Many more reviews of Fall 2012 posted last week, including several items not yest online/in stores, see my previous posts if you are interested.
ReplyDeleteI fell in love with the Cece ballet flats in byzantine blue online, but I did not love them in person because of the fit. I purchased the Sam Edelman 'Felicia' Flat in mazarine blue instead. More details are commented HERE on my blog coffee shop and funny faces.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone else notice that the double serge wool pencil skirts this year are thinner/cheaper-looking fabric than years past? I noticed this on the retro jade skirt in store. Major bummer.
ReplyDeleteYes! They are definitely thinner and look cheaper. I so glad that I have my old skirts and will not be buying the new ones. Upsetting for sure:(
DeleteAnd they also jacked up the price from past years. C'mon J.Crew, your consumers are smarter than you think.
DeleteYes, I noticed this also and was disappointed because it caused the skirt to fit a little different, not as nice.
DeleteI think they just added the Collection Cashmere Bateau Sweater in Stripe (the one from AJC's preview post) to the website--I haven't seen it before, anyway.
ReplyDeleteI love the black flax and the caramel ivory, but there is a cabernet fuschia stripe version that I think many of you will like.
Link here: http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/sweaters/PRDOVR~96677/99102841917/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~96677/96677.jsp
I can't "reply" from my work computer, but this is a reply to Bailey Cheyenne's post regarding the fit of the linen cafe trousers. I agree that they fit best on a straighter figure. All of my cafe capris/trousers had a HUGE gap at the back waist and had to be altered to fit my, uh, "generous" back side and smaller waist, which is the case with most of my J.Crew pants. I should just accept that J.Crew pants don't fit me properly and stop buying them...
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanne,
DeleteI love the cafe capris! They fit me well. I have to say that the Matchstick jeans are were I have the gap at the back waist but other than that they too fit as though they were made for me being that I have a tough time with length. I keep meaning to get them taken in because I hate wearing belts with my jeans... so far I haven't made it to the tailor, but the personal shopper at my local store just gave me the name and number of the tailor they use so I'm going to just find the time and go over there, I'll let you know how they turn out, since I shudder to think about not buying J. Crew items :) maybe that could be an option for you.
Okay JCA's, I have two OT questions for you:
ReplyDelete1. What the heck is a "regenerated leather sole"? This term is part of the on-line description of the kids ballet flats this season. Weird.
2. Will we ever get a % off FP promotion? It has been so long since we've had one. Does anyone have institutional memory about when they have occured in the past?
Many thanks.
cousy, I think "regenerated leather" means "ground up leather scraps made into a paste with some sort of binder and then pressed so it looks like leather". Or something like that.
DeleteHi Cousy, I remember J.Crew did a couple full price promos where if you spend $175+ worth of items, you can get a % off. I don't remember if it was 25%...please JCA's correct me on this if I'm wrong. It happened around October??
DeleteThat sounds about right. There was also the 30pct off in stores around the holidays.
DeletePosted this yesterday, but here it is again:
ReplyDeleteI swung by my local b&m yesterday afternoon. Absolutely nothing left on sale. Was generally disappointed by how little of the new fall merchandise was available. I did try on a bunch of stuff and bought a few "must haves," though.
They only had the No. 2 Pencil Skirt in manor tweed and snakeskin. I tried on the manor tweed, and liked it a lot. I will hope that there are still some left in my size once it hits the sale rack because I don't "need" another pencil skirt at all, let alone enough to pay full price. I was surprised -- I didn't like the snakeskin as much in person. It's got a bit of a pink hue to it. I would prefer a black/white/grey version. Didn't even try it on.
I tried the silk tie neck shirt in polka dot print. Loved it. Fit TTS as other JCAs have reported. This one came home with me because I think there's a good chance that this won't make it to the sale rack.
I didn't expect to love the blue/maroon Tippi in polka dot, but as soon as I tried it on, I knew I had to buy it. Very flattering and the large dots don't read as juvenile in that colorway as in some of the others due to the lower contrast, imho. This came home with me too.
I also bought the white bow/dot sweater. It fits similar to Tippi, although I don't think it's technically a Tippi because it has buttons on the back. One thing I didn't see any other JCA mention -- the bows on the back of the sweater are less frequent than on the front -- they only appear every other row instead of every row as on the front. I like the look of it all around.
I also tried on a sleeveless blouse in a mint green color that I do not see on the website (I believe that it was the Naomi, which I see is already on sale online). I didn't love it. It had buttons halfway down the front that gave the appearance of pulling even though the shirt wasn't remotely tight. I even went up a size, and then 2 sizes up and it did the same thing. Weird.
I passed on the optic dot boatneck. The fabric was really firm and rough. Might soften up in the wash, but I'd like to hear some reviews on that before I consider it. Flattering, but just didn't like the feel of it.
I also passed on the rugby stripe top. It had absolutely no shape to it. I tried on a medium (my usual size) and it was very generously sized. I might have tried on a small to compare except that I hated the fabric so much. The linen blend was so crazy rough and itchy -- hated it. Too bad because the colors were really nice.
Last, I tried on the painter boatneck in mint. Fit was nice, TTS. I may look to pick one or two of these up on sale.
I was sad that my store didn't have any of the liberty print shirts to try on. I fell pretty hard for the Indian Red one. (Thanks to the ladies yesterday who helped me find it on the website when I was convinced it disappeared -- search function just wasn't working properly -- this is on its way to me now!)
Agree with the previous posts on the double-serge skirts. This year's versions seem thinner. I checked my last year's heather acorn when I went home and this seems to hold me in better, if that makes sense? So I crossed off the double-serge from my list, leaving just the Liberty shirt to buy from this roll-out. Why pay more for something that is inferior? Like some of the commenters, I found many of the new items just expensive versions of what is already out there in other stores. I went over my 2007 & 2008 Fall catalogs last night and sighed over many items which were understated but simply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have a long-term review on the Blythe blouse? I've tried on sizes 0, 2P, 2, and 4... all of them seem to fit! I do need petites for the sleeve length, but my question is about the shoulders. Since this is a silk blouse meant to drape, how fitted should the shoulders be?
ReplyDeleteI can wear the 0/2P comfortably with my arms down but there's some snugness if I hug myself straitjacket-style. Will I accidentally tear a seam if I go with the smallest size that fits in the fitting room? I need to go two sizes up to the 4 before I can fully wrap my arms without pulling on the shoulders, and then the body seems a little big. I'm very small-busted and thick-waisted so there's not much in the way of curves to show off, in any size... the size 0 obviously has less drape, but the size 4 doesn't look obviously too big.
I don't know if it is of any help at all but I have two Blythes, one in a size 00 and one in a 2. My "real" size is a 0 but like you I felt that I needed a 00 for the sleeves length. The 00 pulls a little bit in the shoulders but fits very nicely. The 2 as you said is not overly big because of the style but while it didn't bother me when I tried it on and decided to buy it, in the end I don't reach for it. The seams in my 00 didn't split even if they are under stress and in real life you are never going to stretch your arms like that. So, I would go with the one that fits you better in the body even if it pulls a little if it makes sense.
DeleteI made the mistake of sizing down in the first Blythe I bought and it ripped at the shoulder seam over time. I'm small chested but have broad shoulders.
DeleteThanks ladies for your feedback! I have proportional shoulders for a rectangle and wear a true size 2 in clothes cut for my shape--but I consistently go down a size in everything at J.Crew. Sounds like I would be safest with the size 2 or 4P, but if the blouse goes on super sale, I can afford to consider alternative sizes.
DeleteReceived my Etta cap in champagne and was disappointed to find that the leather was scuffed and now the shoe is sold out, expecting to ship 10.16. They are trying store locate them for me... sigh
ReplyDeleteJust something about the Gap chambray polka dot shirt. I liked the fit on this so much better than the JC version, but the first day I tried it on I noticed the large spacing between the buttons. I was distracted by the gaping, that I wore a different shirt that day. I decided to keep the shirt and I sewed snaps in between the buttons to secure the placket. Just an idea if this is bugging you about this shirt.
ReplyDeletei usually just use a little piece of double sided dress tape for in between gaping buttons... you can find it in places like target. (i'm afraid i'm a bit sewing-challenged and it's easier for me)
DeleteElizabeth,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review of the lime collection dress.
I had indeed hoped it was closer to mint. I'm hoping that they'll release more colors. It's so nice to see a dress with long sleeves after so few choices over the last five or ten years. I'm too cold-blooded for short sleeve and sleeveless dresses and think jackets and cardis often ruin the lines of a really pretty dress.
Mary,
DeleteThe Collection store on Madison and 66th has the dress in navy. They said it was made "just for them." I was very disappointed with the "lime" color. It looked absolutely nothing like it does online, and instead reminded me more of the Kelly green color of the Madelene dress. Also, at 5'2" the waist hit me at a very unflattering place making this dress an all-around fail for me. Sad as it was one of the few fall items that excited me and was somewhat in my price range! That being said, it may be lovely on someone taller. It was a nice thick fabric and seemed well-constructed. I should also add that the sleeves are more three quarter than full long sleeves. Hope this helps!
I also tried on the Collection lace-trim shift dress. It is beautiful, but even the 0 was huge on me! I'm a petite person, but I'm not THAT small!
Many JCAs have reviewed the anchor-aweigh silk blouse, but add me to the love-list! I got it only recently and am very happy with it. It has clean lines and a flattering shape. The anchors are small and the blouse is versatile. I tried it on with my wool flair skirt in acorn and wool mini in camel , and it looked very nice. Fits TTS in my usual size 4.
ReplyDeleteJust wish silk wasn't so high-maintainance. Has anyone tried to hand-wash silk without it shrinking?
BTW - since there are several comments today about the seemingly lower quality of JC's double-serge wool this year -- Boden makes very nice wool or wool-blend skirts. I own several from the last 2 seasons and can vouch for their softness, durability, beautiful hues and classical British design.
Greta- thanks for the Boden tip. I need to check out more of their clothes, they seem to get rave reviews on these threads!
DeleteRe: hand-washing silk. I was all of my silk shirts. It is actually preferable to dry-cleaning because the solvents are harsh and damaging to delicate natural fibers. Although hand washing takes more effort, I think it is worthwhile to prolong the life of a garment.
I use Johnson's baby shampoo for my hand wash in cold water. I gently swish the fabric around and may let it sit for a few minutes. I then drain the sink and fill with more cold water and add a bit of vinegar. The vinegar helps maintain softness and the sheen of the silk. Swish around and then drain again and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Finally I lay the shirt out flat on a clean towel and roll up to absorb most of the water. Lay flat to dry and steam or iron (preferably under a towel to not burn the silk). It honestly sounds more complicated than it is!!
thisnewhouse: Thank you so much for the tip on washing silk! I'll have to try the baby shampoo + vinegar method. Never knew that vinegar had this function. Will be nice to keep my silk soft and radiant. I wash most of my sweaters by hand and lay it out to dry so this doesn't sound too intimidating to me! Thanks again!!
DeleteNo problem! I use the baby shampoo for cashmere as well. I previously used woolite, until I read on multiple sites that it is not as gentle as it claims. Good luck!
Deletethisnewhouse, do you use vinegar on your cashmere too? Also, how much vinegar do you use? Thanks!
DeleteThanks so much for the tips on how to wash silk. I just purchased two Blythe blouses.
DeleteSavvy shopper - I only use the vinegar with the silk shirts. Just a splash, maybe 1/4 cup? In a bathroom sink full of water.
DeleteMaryeb - you are welcome!!
I've also used regular shampoo to hand wash silk (not the creamy ones with fancy extras). Silk was invented when only hand washing existed, so I really don't understand the dry clean labels! I noted this elsewhere, but the silk bow cami bled a lot when I hand washed it, the brilliant purple shade. It made a huge mess in my bathroom and even dyed my fingertips and nails a blueish hue. Never had such extreme bleeding with hand washing silk items, including Jcrew. The shirt is fine (no fading). But next time I will wash it in the kitchen sink.
DeleteModern silk pieces can be dry-clean only if they're printed or dyed in a non-color-fast way. A certain Anthro dress last summer, in a beautiful floral print, would bleed color badly if even just splashed with water. It's a pity because properly treated silk should always be hand-washable. Boden even makes some machine-washable silk pieces.
DeleteSavvy shopper: I actually soak my wool and cashmere in vinegar before hand washing. It removes any odor in the garment. :)
DeleteKelly: do you dilute the vinegar with water, and if so, what is the proportion?
DeleteI turn the garment inside out and pour vinegar directly on (concentrating on underarm area, cuffs and collar) until soaked through. I let it sit about 15-20 min and then I hand wash as usual. Hope this helps!
DeleteI purchased the optic dot boatneck in both colors, and took the larger of my tee sizes to have a slightly looser fit. I've worn one of them already and while the fabric seems thin, it is not too see through and perfect for the end of summer. Very happy with it!
ReplyDeleteCan't seem to reply above but I agree on the Pencil Skirt price hike and quality dip this year (though I do love the jade color!).
ReplyDeleteIt seems an odd strategy to me for JC to cut corners on this item ... it is a staple, a core product, something that loyal customers "add" in new colors and fabrications to their "collections" every season. It's awfully easy to compare.
I just got the no. 2 pencil skirt in snake print - it is very, very nice, a bit more lightweight than I had anticipated, but I think that will make it a very good "transitional" piece (and means I can wear it sooner, since this summer is so darn hot!).
ReplyDeleteThe background color is off-white, and the print is really very beautiful. The fit seems to be the same as other no. 2 skirts that I own - I took my usual size.
I have a review of the Janey flats. They are lovely, comfortable, with a small gold heel. It felt true-to-size (I wear 7.5 in J.Crew's flats and patent shoes and that fit perfect). And the toe styling strongly resembles the Juliets from a few years ago. The only problem is that I had ordered the Apricot Mist (a nude similiar to Bronzed Clay) and the leather had a discolouration. So back it has gone for an exchange. I like it so much that I think I may need another pair in black too!
ReplyDeletePetit-jour....so sorry to hear your shoes have a boo-boo! They sound so lovely. They are on my list too. Guess I should order them now and not hope they will go on sale. It's tough, cause I want the nude, teal, orange and the cheetah ones!
ReplyDeleteYes, I just (insert nervous laugh, wondering how the J.Crew bill can be hid from my husband) ordered them in black also. But, you know, the Janey's are a no-brainer for me because they are elegant and will work well with my many pencil skirts, yet comfortable enough so that I can stand in them all day (I work in retail). Well, that's my justification, anyways!
DeleteI just posted a review of the Mila Dot-Print Ballet Flats in Deep Navy on my blog HERE HTH!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteLove reading everyone's reviews. It's so helpful.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear that the double-serge pencils have declined in quality yet again. These used to be my go-to purchase from J.Crew each fall. Wondering what's left for me there, if anything.
ReplyDeleteYeah, this is a real disappointment about the pencil skirts. I was considering getting a spicy gold one as a backup to my bronzed ochre one from 2008, but not if the quality has gone down yet again while the price continues to rise. Booo!
ReplyDeleteOT but there are a bunch of new markdowns online this morning, including several things I've been waiting for sale on for a long time. The markdowns aren't huge though and I'm waiting before another % off sale before I'm even tempted.
ReplyDeleteMe too! I need a 30-40% off.
Deleteall of my new reviews HERE have quite a few!!
ReplyDeleteThere are also a lot of new promo-priced items this morning, including some of the new arrivals. Like Cate O said, there are a bunch of new markdowns, as well. I have updated both the women's and men's list today.
ReplyDelete*Women's list here.
*Men's list here.
I ordered a Large V-neck Collection Cashmere sweater and it was HUGE. I wear a 12/14 in JCrew tops and am 5'11, so the large should have fit appropriately. I am definitely returning to try the Medium. We'll see...
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm disappointed about the quality issues with the double serge pencil skirts, it makes it much easier to resist ordering more colors that I really don't need.
ReplyDeletei just wonder how so many NEW items made it to the sale section so, so, so soon?? I can only guess that someone in the "big chair" and/or quality-control-room is reading the blogs and taking the comments to heart.
ReplyDeleteTO WHOEVER IS LISTENING (reading), I could use an additional % off and free shipping. While that may be asking too much, I am sure that it could benefit both the company and me by helping to clear out your inventory for new incoming fall merchandise...i know there is more to come with so many existing pieces already on sale!
For those of you wondering about the Old Navy Tippi heart sweater lookalike, I ordered it in XS Petite (now sold out) in gray and fuchsia. The fit is great. I am not petite but I am usually sized out and really shortwaisted, and this was the right length in torso and arms for me, and I am guessing it would fit a petite just fine. It is soft, comfortable, and looks like it is going to hold up well if handwashed. With that said, I may be returning mine because though adorable, it doesn't seem to fit with my style (the heart calls too much attention to my 28FF breasts). If you'd like it, before it gets lost in the sea of Old Navy merchandise at my local store, email me at bankygirl (at) gmail (dot) com.
ReplyDeleteOT kinda. Thanks to Original Genny, I ordered a liberty like shirt from Jack Willis and it arrived yesterday. LOVE IT..I got the Winstall and sized up from my usual J Crew size 6 to 8. It is fitted and shorter than J Crew shirts which is perfect for me. The buttons are substantial, color is great, only downside for me is it has one breast pocket which I am not crazy about. When I ordered the shirt it was $49 but price dropped to $39, I called CS and they cheerfully refunded me $10. Plus it was free shipping, so a great deal. I will definitely be buying more of my shirts from Jack Willis, sorry J Crew.
ReplyDeleteThere are a number of new items in-store that aren't online yet. I reviewed some here, along with some other New Arrival items.
ReplyDelete