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! :)
If you've ever wondered about superfine cotton suiting, see my review here.
ReplyDeleteI like the way it looks but my superfine cotton suit stretches so much, mostly in the pants, that I can't get more than one or two wears out of it before they need drycleaning. For someone who has to wear suits basically daily, this is infuriating and I will not be buying a cotton suit again.
DeleteWent to the Seattle store - new stuff comes out Wednesday. Some sale items, but not a lot.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Guess where I will be this Saturday?
Deletedid you go to the downtown or the U Village? (or both :-)
DeleteFactory/J'Crewlet reviews here and here.
ReplyDeleteWhat are your opinions on the tippi sweater in heart me - the light blue with pink? I bought one for around $22, but I'm not sure if it's on sale because it's too childish (even though I'm young, I don't know if this is like sixth-grader-on-Valentine's-Day young or not).
ReplyDeleteFor some reason that colour didn't sell well in our store until it reached the sale section. The grey/blue heart all sold out before.
DeleteI have the red/peach heart from last year and have worn it on casual Fridays mostly, but also with the pencil skirt in Harvest tweed.
I have the grey\blue one and love it.
DeleteIt doesnt look childish at all.
I bought that color at that price. I am not young and I think it depends on how you style it: I loved the blue color and plan to make it the primary colorful element of an outfit for work/non-casual. I wouldn't say I would wear it in an "ironic" way but with a pencil skirt, etc, it would not be juvenile. For casual wear, I think it will be great with jeans or a weekend skirt.... I love the colors of this sweater!
DeleteSorry, no pictures. I tried on the PeterPan tee (no longer on website) and really tried to like it but...although the material was quite substantial and the idea and colors were quite cute, it just was off. Didn't hang well and looked askew. Also, tried on my first pair of Minnie's. Sorry fans, to me they are just glorified leggings. Also tried on the Blythe Blouse but too much gaping. Did take home the Matchstick Cords in Rust. I am not a skinny jean person but I do suggest everyone at least try them on. Most will be pleasantly surprised...I was. And they have so many pretty colors.
ReplyDeleteBlue Booby, would you take the same size in matchsticks that you take in the toothpicks? How do they differ on? The colours are lovely.
DeleteI have the heart Tippi in grey/blue & I love it as well. I also have the Peter pan tee in grey/ivory & love it too. What I was disappointed in was the zigzag sweater in chestnut/fuschia combo. I usually take xs/s & the xs sat up really high on the back of my neck & when I picked up my arms it stood up even higher. I'm in love with the color/style/material so I asked for an exchange in the small & JC refunded my cc instead? Has anyone had luck with this sweater or seen in store on sale? Mine doesn't carry it & I would love to try on in the small. Thanks!
DeleteI go one size down from toothpick to matchstick. Matchsticks are a little wider in the leg and not fitted at the ankle. I love the matchstick cords too - I have them in navy and wore them this weekend.
DeleteJcrew girl: the zig zag sweater? I believe short hills mall in NJ still has them but I have no idea what sizes are left or if it's on sale there. I had no luck with it on my end tho. Too stiff for my liking.
DeleteThanks Cate.
DeleteI agree, matchsticks & bootcuts (in which I take 27) fit larger than toothpicks (size up to 28).
DeleteI didn't have to size up for Toothpicks, but I was told by the sales people that the toothpicks (at least just the normal jeans, not the cords) end up stretching significantly...
DeleteHi Ladies I can use your opinion with the wool pencil skirt from Crewlet. I am thinking of getting the vibrant flame No.2 pencil skirt, do you think the color is similar to the retail version from last year? Also is sizing the same? Thanks so much
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion colour is identical and sizing is similar but the factory skirts are always shorter - main reason I won't buy a factory skirt any more. It's also not pure wool, but a mix. HTH
DeleteThanks Rose, the length is not an issue because I am 5'2" but I was unaware that they were not 100% wool!
DeleteI recently bought a ton of Tippi sweaters, but I found they were very inconsistent as far as size. Some smalls fit and some xs fit. I bought the xs in crushed grape and neon fuschia, and the arms are the neon fuschia are much tighter. It's nothing I can't live with (the small in this color was huge!), but I wanted to know if any of you have had the same issue. Do the arms stretch out after wearing? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSorry to have been MIA for a while, technical difficulties on my part:) Glad to be back!
ReplyDeletePepper tweed skirt post here
Aqua Floral Allie Dress post here
Does anyone have a review of the Barbour Beadnell Liberty jacket?? I tried on the Barbour Beadnell (non-Liberty) that my B&M had in store but it was sage and it looked too man-ish on me. Plus the smallest size available was a 6 and it was huge. (I am a 2 in JC outerwear.) But, I am such a sucker for Liberty and ridiculously bought three of the $150 shirts, so $400 for a well made jacket seems relatively (and this is a big RELATIVELY) reasonable.
ReplyDeleteI posted pictures of the holiday rollout pieces, available at the concept store in Paramus NJ HERE. It also includes review of long sleeve tweed dress. In short, beautiful dress made of awful blend.
ReplyDeleteDoes the concept store ship these items out? I called customer service yesterday regarding the green/aqua floral print dress (Hothouse dress - it looks like your pics have a top in the same print) and they said it won't be available until October 15th and is not available for pre-sale.
DeleteI'm just wondering if I can get a start on things by calling the Paramus store and having them ship those items to me.
They will ship the items that are available for purchase in store. But some of the clothes on mannequins are samples, not yet available in retail. Those, you will not be able to order. They are also not available for purchase or even trying on in store, they don't have retail tags, or even prices. But I think they are testing what kind of response do they get from customer, I guess that's the idea of concept store, they test to make decision on inventory etc.
DeleteThanks for sharing, AJC. I like the sequin polka dot T and the green coat..wonder what other colors it will come in.
DeleteI can't wait to read your reviews of the clothes you took in the dressing room...
Does anyone watch the show Suits, or anything on USA for that matter? I could swear I caught a commercial for this week's episode in which Rachel is wearing the long sleeve tweed dress. I love seeing JC on TV!
DeleteHas anyone washed/drycleaned the color blocked/rugby striped boatneck top yet? I found it yesterday in the navy/teal combo for $19.99. I live the way it fits but it feels a bit scratchy. I noticed it is dryclean only so I'm not sure if that feel will go away. I think it is cute but is it a waste even at $20? Has anyine tried it yet or worn it for nay length of time?
ReplyDeleteI haven't even washed my Minnies in Boulevard Green yet but I swear the color is not fast. It's fading just from being exposed to the air I think.
ReplyDeleteI have gray twill ones that are outright brown now.
DeleteSome reviews of new arrivals here
ReplyDeleteReview of the Biennial Medium Satchel in Calf Hair here.
ReplyDeleteI received my boxes yesterday in teh mail - here are a few reviews: Stovepipe pants in Navy - beautiful - great fabric and cut. But, they run really big. I was swimming in my usual 4. Definitely size down. Cashmere bateau strip sweater in black stripe. Gorgeous and TTS. Vintage straight leg jean - run HUGE! The crotch of the 28 was halfway to my knees. Good cut though, so I'll try again. Neon persimmon Etta's - run TTS. Holy Neon! Bob's barricades is missing some shoes. Back they will go and I'll wait until a promo to get the Crimson Maple!!
ReplyDeleteKatie, I ordered the stovepipe trousers in black in my usual size 2 and they fit perfectly. Not even a smidge too big. Maybe it's some of those sizing issues we've seen when several pairs in the same size fit differently because of the way they are cutting stacks in the factory, and you ended up with a larger pair. There's no way I could have sized down.
ReplyDeleteDitto. My stovepipes fit TTS
DeleteThanks Desert Flower and teeny - bad me -. I loved the pants so much, I called CS right away and reordered in a 2 - which will most likely be too tight! Rats. Curses on quality control issues! Thanks to you,though for giving me the 411 - at least I'm prepared now.
DeleteEeeek! Just sat down at my desk and hung my herringbone Hacking jacket (2011 version) over the back of the chair - something I've done a million times - and today the lining inside both sleeve seams ripped open with a loud tearing sound. Fixable but not that cool. That said, I can't really blame JC because I've had the lining rips in many jackets and not just theirs, but I guess the lesson here is to exercise caution putting your arms in the sleeves! My guess is that I did so with a ring or a bracelet on one too many occasions.
ReplyDeleteOn a happy note, I just went to my B&M to make an exchange and found the Cece tortoise ballet flats marked at $49.99! They are currently $99.99 online and rang up $79.99 in store but since the box was marked $49.99 they honored the ticketed price. I have a pair of tortoise flats from last year that I've practically worn to death, so this was a nice find.
Ordered 3 pieces of outerwear last night to try out: the Wintress puffer (to replace one I have from '08 or '09), the Snowcap quilted jacket and the Excursion quilted vest in herringbone. I'm always, always cold so I'm on a mission to find the perfect winter layering system this year. Will review the items once they arrive. Thanks again to Tang for the discount code which gave me the incentive to try all of these pieces!
Hi, I reviewed the black-and-white tweed dress (no wool) here
ReplyDeleteLove your review! Hate that JC misses again.
DeleteHow can there be no wool???? Ugh.
I'm so disappointed about the black-and-white tweed dress - I LOVE the look of it, why couldn't it be made of a nice fabric?
Deletecarmencatalina, my blog is just coming down with comments from people who feel the same!
DeleteThanx, Stylishly Spoken!
ReplyDeleteReview of the snowcap quilted jacket in this post.
ReplyDeleteGot around to writing up a review of the double cloth slim trench in Carribean pink. :)
ReplyDeleteHere is the link to the review!
OT--I got an email from my VPS telling me that tomorrow--at least at the Columbus Circle store--they are running a 25% off special if you spend $150 or more. I assume this applies to new items too.
ReplyDeleteI just bought some things on Monday--including a Navy Schoolboy which I was tired of waiting to see on sale. I wonder, has anyone been in this position and gotten a PA?
Unknown - I just got that email as well. The 25% off $150 or more is good thru 9/30. I would ask for a price adjustment. Why not. You paid regular price and are within the 7 days.
DeleteIs this an in store only promo or online as well? Is it in Pa stores as well?
DeleteJcrew girl! - The in-store promos rarely coincide with online promos. As of today, 9/25, there are no promos online. HTH
DeleteIs this promotion at all stores?
DeleteAD MD - Promo should apply to all stores :), US Stateside, anyway
DeleteJCAs in Canada will likely be reporting their experience.
OT ladies, I saw a white Bubble necklace at the Reston Virginia store this afternoon. I think it was marked $100. Hope that helps someone.
ReplyDeleteI'm weak. I caved and ran into my b&m Sunday to grab a sweater w/the 25 off promo. I picked up the Grey 100% Merino boyfriend sweater. The one w/the side pockets. I really love this sweater. It looks great w/skinny jeans or Pixies. I am sure I will live in this all winter w/boots and skinnies. Looked great w/one of my larger long JC necklaces w/a pendant, but I'm planning to wear it w/scarves in the winter. It runs HUGE. I'm probably mostly a medium, or maybe L if the top runs small. I picked up the Small and it's great. I pretty much can NEVER wear a sz. Small top or sweater. The M felt huge and made me look boxy.
ReplyDeleteI usually take S and the XXS was just right. I was told it is supposed to be worn huge, but I think sizing down one or even 2 sizes looks better. I will have a review later this week.
DeleteJRuby18 - we sound to be about the same size in tops. I too am usually M/L and sized down to S in this sweater - I got both the gray and the blue shade. I've seen a few negative reviews on this sweater, but I love the slouchy look with a slim bottom - especially on my "fat" days and just when I want to feel super-comfy. I'm in the LOVE camp on this one - and I feel J.Crew still does a nice job with merino.
DeleteBecause of you wonderful women I had to buy the sterling skirt on sale. Of course after reading all the wonderful reviews I couldn't wait for it to arrive - TODAY! I LOVE IT! Now I need some styling suggestions but I just had to say - THANK YOU for all the wonderful reviews. I spend a lot of time reading them and determining what I NEED! :) Thank you!
ReplyDeleteNew Promo online! 25% off and free shipping on orders of $150 or more with code STYLE25!It looks like this promo applies to full-priced items as well as sale.
ReplyDeleteHello, helpful JCA readers! Does anyone here have the MacAlister wedge boots? If so, how might they compare to the Factory version of these shoes? And do they really look good with skinnies and Minnies? TIA for any insights you might have!
ReplyDeleteI have wanted these boots since last year but the price -- and fear that the trend wouldn't last -- kept me from buying them. I was still thinking about them this fall when I popped into a Crewlet in the US and saw the factory version. They were already 20% off, plus I had an outlet coupon for another 25% off, so I think I paid about $80 for them. As far as I can tell, the only difference is the factory version doesn't have the stitching around the sole that the regular JC version has. Otherwise (to my eye) they're virtually identical. I'm wearing them for the first time today (with skinny jeans) and they are VERY comfy and look great. Highly recommended!
DeleteThe MacAlister boots are very comfortable, I have two pair. I don't have the factory version but I definitely recommend the regular ones.
ReplyDeleteI have the Macalisters in the grey from 2 seasons ago, LOVE LOVE LOVE! They are so comfy. I walked around shopping & dining in Philly 2 Saturdays ago & my feet were very happy. They still look brand new. Def worth the $$$. Never tried the factory. I'm not one to spare any expense when it comes to my tootsies;) if I could ever get them in the Dark Elm in a 9 I would jump on a second pair!
ReplyDeleteI still wear my grey Macalisters from 2 seasons ago too. Love them. They're comfortable and I continually get compliments on them. Also, @ Leah, I wear mine w/skinny jeans often and I think it looks cute.
DeleteReviewed a number of newer items, including the Collection Beaded Colorblock Sweater, Diagonal Long-Sleeve Sailor Top, Jeweled Sweatshirt, No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Graphic Print, Stovepipe Trouser in Wool Check, and Jules Dress in Italian Paisley in this post.
ReplyDeleteI tried on the Jules in paisley and I have to say, I liked it more than I thought I would. I have repeatedly complained about the length (I am 5'10" so, mid thigh dresses are borderline indecent on me) and I stand by that complaint, but for some reason this one doesn't seem quite as short as others I've tried. I also thought that it runs a little bit large. If I had more time, I would have tried a size 4. I tried a 6 (my usual size these days) and it did fit ok, but I don't know, it was just kind of blah. It definitely needs some accessories. A plain colored scarf perhaps... or a jacket.... or a shirt underneath. I did like it, and will buy on super sale because I love the print.
ReplyDeleteJ.CrewJD, I agree about the Paisley Jules. I tried it on in-store when it first came out and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. The print is beautiful and it looks great layered over a white button-up shirt (that I was too lazy to remove when trying on the dress). I'm definitely waiting for a major sale, though, because the length really restricts its versatility. It's too short for work, but the print doesn't really say 'casual dress' either...
Deletehere is what has come in from last week's 30% sale shopping spree-
ReplyDeletecolorblock cafe capri:
I expected a dramatic color block but it is merely the hem that is orange. not enough of a statement to keep, though I see they are on sale now & 25% off so may be worth the money. fit was great, standard sizing.
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/pants/PRDOVR~11008/99102798688/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17+4294966837+74~15~~~~~~~/11008.jsp
factory printed scoopneck blouse (navy/tan):
my friend owns what must be the non-factory version and its a heavier, more crisp material. however, the shape is still great & the price is good for a staple shirt. runs slightly large so I actually ran by the factory store to exchange it for a smaller size:
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_factory_category/allnew/PRDOVR~91566/99102744231/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~205+17+4294966176~15~~~~~~~/91566.jsp
factory pencil skirt in wool (color carbon).
love the shape, fits true to size, but at 5'4 its two inches above my knee and not as appropriate for work. still debating.
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_factory_category/bestfall/PRDOVR~46575/99102749386/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~205+17+4294966173~15~~~~~~~/46575.jsp
collection sequin bow pants:
I died when I got these - they are BEAUTIFUL.
They unfortunately run a little big and I would need to size down. if they pop up in the sale again, I would absolutely recommend them.
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/jcrewcollection/bottoms/PRDOVR~16982/99102828192/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~collection%20bow/16982.jsp
I can't seem to get the "reply" feature to work from my office computer, but thanks very much, JRuby18, Jcrew girl, and Elizabeth! I just might have to try the MacAlisters, now that JC is running this promo. Do you find that they run TTS? I am a 6 in JC boots and a 6.5 in flats and Monas.
ReplyDeletehelp! Can anyone tell me the measurements of their double serge pencil skirt from this season in a size 2? I measure mine at almost the same as last years 0 (just barely 37" when stretched to the limit), but something about the cut I can barely do it up. It also fits strangely- there's a weird swoop inwards just before the waistband and then it swerves back out. I would just say mine is defective but this is the replacement for one I already sent back!! For reference, my other size 2 from 2010 is a 38 hip and is loose... huh.
ReplyDeleteI have the petite size 2 from this year, whereas I had petite 0s on the double serge last year and 2010 that I can still wear just fine. For some reason in this years, I could not zip up the 0p over my backside and area at all, yet the waist was too large....I am still fitting int the 0ps from 2010 and 2011, though so clearly the measurements Re different. I exchanged for the 2p and that I could zip up but the waist is just mongo, I still managed to make it work and will prob get it tailored in. Interestingly in the herringbone, the 2012 0p was fine and the 2p was huge. And I got in 2 colors this year, both had the same fit, so they cut the herringbone ones differently than the double serges. But yeah, essentially, I had the same issue you are having.
DeleteI love typing on my I pad....meant to write backside and hip area above. Anyway seems to me this years double serge pencil is far more straight than previous years double serge wool pencils were.
Deletethanks...I guess my last 3 years of a pencil skirt collection will have to be enough. They were so perfect before, and this just doesn't fit me at all! And I so wanted the lovely maroon colour, darn it. I wonder if I can get them to take this one back too...
DeleteOk, just reviewed more items from the first October rollout, including the Jacquard Dot Popover, Tipped Merino Cardigan, Snowcap Quilted Jacket, Majesty Peacoat, and Jaspe Scoopneck Popover in this post.
ReplyDelete