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! :)
Some factory reviews here.
ReplyDeleteFactory has 30% off sitewide with code SCOREMORE through Nov. 20.
Gah, I'm so mad. I used my 25% off + free ship "top cardholder" code, and now Factory has the free shipping + 30% off.
ReplyDeleteI could've saved a few more dollars. Oh well.
Phoebe--I'm in the same situation! Ugh that order hasn't even shipped yet. Should I call and ask for an adjustment, or forget it? Hmmmm
DeleteYou could try, but they don't give you adjustments on % off promos, unfortunately.
DeleteThe customer service person might give you a "one time courtesy" though.
If you live near a factory store, though, you could return this first order and just purchase another order with the 30 off. I unfortunately don't live near a factory store, so, I'm just going to suck it up.
Not to mention, I don't save a ton ($4) and my package is already on the way, so I'm just saying screw it.
Review of the new giant bow sweater in this post. The tissue turtleneck is standard fare but you can see dusty pink & gallery green, plus the merino stripe scarf in this post.
ReplyDeleteReview of the tippi in garland and the boyshirt in neon lavender here.
ReplyDeleteTrue story, I am wearing those together right now! Ha!
DeleteCan anyone review factory straight and narrow jeans/cords. Thanks.
ReplyDeletePretty sure that if you go into the Factory store, these are labeled "Matchstick" cords (annoying that they label items one way in the Factory store and another on the Factory web site). If we're talking about the same thing, they're good. I see very little difference between the Factory Matchstick cords and the Retail Matchstick cords. The fit seems same to me.
DeleteYes, they are matchstick. I guess they don't say so on the website bc they don't want people to realize that they are selling identical jeans to the matchsticks for a lesser price on the factory site! But it is apparent when you go into the store.
DeleteThe matchstick CORDS seem to be SLIGHTLY more of a straight fit at the bottom (do not taper as much as the regular J.Crew matchstick cords), yet I can still easily wear them tucked into tall boots.
I highly recommend the current factory straight and narrow cords. Really cute colors. Fit TTS. I got the retro jade!
J.CrewJD, now that you mention it, I agree the Factory Matchstick cords don't taper quite as much. And now that you mention it, I'm sure you are right about why they aren't calling them "Matchstick" on the Factory website. But the Factory store has the big old "Matchstick" tag right on them.
DeleteAny reviews on the Factory Straight and Narrow jeans (not the cords)? Are they very similar to the non-factory Matchstick jeans? I desperately need a new pair of jeans but I'm trying to stay in budget before Christmas.
DeleteThey are very similar. No difference that I can discern.
DeleteThanks to these suggestions I just ordered both the Factory Matchstick cords and the Factory Matchstick jeans. They're both on promo so I was able to get the extra 30 percent off! Thanks everyone.
DeleteKelly, I just received an order for the Straight and Narrow jeans, and I think that though they are a nice material, the pant leg is wider than the retail matchsticks. On me, it's almost a bootcut fit.
DeleteSo my second ourtreat box arrived. A mixed box.
ReplyDeleteThe iced lilac cafe capri was a winner. I ordered it in a regular instead of petite and now am regretting my decision to not exhange the navy petite ones I got for $35 for the regular size. Very pretty pant, color is true to what you see in the catalog, not itchy, nice drape, skims ankle. Might need to do some slight tailoring for a perfect fit but not much! Unlined but the wool has a nice weight and drape. Going to see if I can find them cheaper at a store. I am 5-2 btw.
Stovepipe trouser in terracotta and boulevard green. The colors are nice but the wool is thin and itchy - not what you think of when you hear "flannel." I sized up one size and the fit is still off for me (my regular size looked like a capri) - the leg is slim and hits at the wrong place - keeps catching my heels. The fabric is so thin that it clings to my leg like static cling. The cafe capri - sized regular - is a much better pant than those. Maybe the cuff is what pulls everything together. I am beginning to suspect that 5-2 me needs regular sized J. Crew pants. All the full length pants end at the model's ankles - to showcase their shoes or is there something more sinister (i.e. cost-cutting) going on?
Finally, the dream crewneck in mint carbon. A disaster. The stock photo shows a very pretty light mint - reality looks like toothpaste - variegated yarn and much much darker than the photo. Plus there is this weird sweatshirt like V design in the front that makes casual rather than dressy as it looks on the model. It makes a big difference. I cannot believe it is the same sweater. I took my regular size and it was boxy, way too big on top, and so slouchy. Not a fan.
J. Crew - if you are reading (and we know you are), please show things in the catalog the way they look in real life! I wouldn't have to return so much! I was in the store yesterday and saw what I thought were lemon yellow skinnies - they were neon! And warm yellow cords were mustardy. Not what I wanted at all and I wish I could cancel my last order.
One pleasant surprise at the store was the stadium cloth boulevard trench in some pink color. So much more beautiful than it looks in the catalogue. I would almost order the neptune green ...but I am scared to see the color that ends up on my doorstep. Has anyone ordered this? If so, please post pics on your blog.
I ordered the Neptune Green funnel coat...I don't have a blog, but I'd be happy to snap a quick photo and email you if you are interested. In my opinion the color is beautiful...it looks very similar to how it is shown in the catalog and online. It may be just a touch darker. Overall, I absolutely love it!
DeleteI would love a picture of it! I am considering buying this coat vs. the stadium trench in neptune green. aquariuslaw (@) gmail.com
DeleteThanks!
a few notes and comments included in this post, might be helpful to those looking at sale items.
ReplyDeleteHi all, hope this is OK to post here. Has anyone had any luck having the pockets on the Oversize Merino Sweater sewn/tacked together? I love the sweater but I hate how the pockets poke out. Anyone have input?
ReplyDeleteI love the pockets. My sweater is over-sized and slouchy so I haven't noticed them sticking out. If you don't like yours, try pinning them closed and wear it around the house to see if you like the look. I think you might get a bit of awkward bulk along the seam, but you should be able to tell that by pinning it.
DeleteSome quick reviews:
ReplyDeleteLoomknit sweatshirts (32682): nice material and great colors but short and boxy; returns for me.
Jaspe scoopneck popover (11630): I know this has gotten mixed reviews, but I love it. Very soft and comfortable. Definitely size down one.
Liberty shirt in claire aude (25536): colors are much more vibrant than shown, and green is much more prominent. Still pretty, but not what I was expecting and not for me. See ajc's blog for a great review.
Flared ponte dress (15874): LOVE this. Material is a great weight: soft and stretchy but shows no bulges. If you are between sizes, size up for a more comfortable fit, unless you like your clothes to be very fitted.
Stretch denim jacket (94971): This jacket is amazing. It is much softer and more comfortable than the 100% cotton Nolita denim jackets. Thanks again to AJC for her very helpful review!
Lexington patent penny loafers (84832): So SO comfortable. They feel like driving shoes. TTS. AudreyBella did a great review of these some time back.
Pave heart earrings (48197): cute but very small: 1cm x 1cm.
Factory sequin pocket tee (36064): the dove color was fine, but the black colorway was super thin, like the tissue tees (which I really hate). Weird.
Jules dress in Italian paisley (96941): gorgeous, esp. at sale price, but short, as everyone has previously noted. I am 5'2" and it hits a couple inches above my knees.
Has anyone reviewed the Vintage Straight leg jeans in Old Faithful wash? I am looking for a pair of comfy boyfriend jeans that have a long inseam so they can be worn rolled with ankle boots. I have the AG Simona which I love but they are cropped (29 inseam). Of course I am waiting for a sale but was just wondering if these are worth the $$$ on sale.
ReplyDeleteI have not tried these jeans, but I'll put in a plug for Gap sexy boyfriend jeans. They are by far the best pair of boyfriend pants I've tried on (I have Paige and J. Brand boyfriend jeans -- both cropped) They are ankle length (I believe they come in tall, too) so can be rolled and worn with boots (I wore them like this all weekend!). Size down for a fitted boyfriend look. Everything at Gap is also currently 30% off (35% off with your BR or Gap card). I have the ones with the back flap pocket, but after living in them for the past week, I ordered the darker color without the back pocket flap.
DeleteReview of Liberty shirt in claire aude HERE, like mentioned by audreys above, I second what she says.
ReplyDeleteA few factory reviews:
ReplyDeleteFactory lace sheath - runs large, I ordered a 2 and it was just a bit too big all over, looked a little matronly. I never saw this in a 0 either in store or online, weird.
Factory skimmer in plaid - love! I ordered a 2 and the fit is great, they are lined which is wonderful. They are more pant like than skimmer on me as I am only 5'3", but with a heel or wedge I think they look fine.
Factory bow sweater - super cute, fits tts, love it with the skimmers.
Regular reviews:
Blackwatch slim trench topper - I just cannot justify the price on this one, even with 25% off. It is gorgeous, but the lack of lining is a dealbreaker. I have the navy matinee trench, which I love, so do not need this one. When I returned it and mentioned the lack of lining the SA told me that lots of wool coats these days aren't lined! Maybe in the crewniverse! Fits tts to small, I ordered 4, one size up from my shirt size and that was the right size for layering. The 2 fits also, but not as much room for layers.
Harley sweater - very thick, love the colors, navy, pink, green, my faves! I ordered a small, usually wear x-small, and think small may be a tad big, but room for layers and I always feel like wool sweaters shrink a bit after a trip to the dry cleaner. It is very itchy, just pulling it over my head made my face itch. Definitely requires a layer underneath. Not sure if this is a keeper.
I reviewed the cafe capri reverse tuxedo pants right at the end of last week's thread. In case anyone is interested in them, here's the cliff's notes version - they are fabulous except the pockets show through terribly. Great wool/silk fabric, the design is not nearly as crazy as I thought it would be, extremely wearable. Except for those danged pockets. I don't even think removing them would help, there's enough of the pocket structure that would still show through. If you check out the pants on the J. Crew website, you'll notice they've employed their trick of washing things out so thoroughly you can't even tell there are pockets.
ReplyDeleteThey were returned, sadly.
Totally off topic, but AJC's blog was mentioned on Corporette, in her post about style blogs for office wear!!!!
ReplyDeleteI was at my b&m yesterday. I tried on the new grey cowl neck sweatshirt-y top. It runs small. And it is very short and IMO boxy. Not good at all. Also, I was so disappointed at how cheap the sweater materials were/looked/felt. Yuck. I still love their merino and cashmere, though. But for instance the grey sweater w/the sequin bows, while cute, was incredibly thin and the material content was a bad cocktail of synthetics w/maybe a bit of wool thrown in the mix. I'm almost positive the first material listed was acrylic.
ReplyDeleteJules dress in wool: was eyeing the jade because the price is so low online but saw it in the store in black and was sold. Agree with everyone's assessment of it's length... at my desk right now, I keep pulling it down over my thighs! But it's very flattering and I've paired it's simplicity with a ton of chunky jewelry like the classic link bracelet and necklace.
ReplyDeleteCabochan fan bracelet: missed this a couple times on sale, and thought I was too late when it disappeared from sale, but it popped back for a second last week and I snapped it up in orange. It's gorgeous.
Also picked up the Liberty perfect shirt in the blue flowers on sale, the dream elbow patch in navy/green (which is much softer than typical dream, and although i'm anti-dream, i loved this sweater), the st. james galathee in white and blue stripe and the lady jacket in yellow.
Haven't had time to wear all of my new stuff yet, but reviews forthcoming! I need to stop shopping.
Jessy, if you still are interested in the Jules dress in jade, I know the Park Meadows, CO store had a bunch of them last Friday. $49.99 with 30% off.
DeleteOxford boy shirt in polka dot (94928) - Finally received this from a months-long backorder, and the buttons are super thin... thinner than I remember from when I tried it on in-store. Perhaps a cost-cutting measure on the extra ones they had to produce? They feel odd against the thicker fabric.
ReplyDeletePolka-dot ponte dress (26596) - Too short. At 5'5" it was several inches above my knee. There was probably about 1.5" that could be let out. It was also high-waisted and cut in at the shoulders so that brastraps would show. Pass.
Handknit popcorn sweater (30001) - Too short (and I have a short torso!). This did not pass the Gigi-dance-with-your-hands-in-the-air test. When I lifted my arms up, the sweater went up to my navel. Pass.
Factory Charley sweater in leopard (23052) - The print is not really for me but it's a nice flattering cut and a nice feeling merino. Like this in the polka dot pattern.
Factory skimmer pant in plaid (22234) - These are getting some love in the blogosphere and I can see why. They feel substantial, are fully lined, and seem like more of an old school eBay find than a Factory purchase. Lots of options to match colors in the plaid.
still waiting for my chambray polka dot perfect shirt from my AUGUST order. hmpf.
Deletealso ordered the polka dot ponte dress... i'm 5'4" and that description in not promising :(
Yeah, I had a bad feeling from the stock photo. It's an unflattering shape, IMO. I felt like I was wearing a little girl's dress. On a positive note, I liked the fabric and the dots. I'd give it a try in the top (27771) but that looks to be an identical cut to the loomknit sweatshirt which is also... wait for it...TOO SHORT.
DeleteI'm wondering if anyone has this year's Booker Midheel boots, and can help me with a question - I want to order them online, but cannot for the life of me find any info on the circumference of the bootshaft. I don't know if I should order the regular or extended calf (my calf is average I guess?) - can anyone provide the measurements for me (for both regular and extended, preferably)? I don't want to miss the sale (but also don't want to have to deal with trying to make a return!). Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou can e-mail customer service for the measurements if you don't get that info here. Sometimes it takes half a day or so to get an answer back.
DeleteJust received the Peplum and Origami dress from my 25% off order. Love them both, not sure which one to keep. The Peplum is not huge and adds a nice detail to an otherwise plain dress. The Origami is amazing as well and now I understand why all the blog praise. From a fit perspective I got Tall 4 in the Origami and a 4 in the Peplum (no tall available) and they are the identical length and fit.
ReplyDeleteReview of the cashmere snood available HERE. I'm still undecided, let me know what you think.
ReplyDeleteI hate fiddling with my clothes too. I would say pass on the snood; the fiddling will make you nuts. I think the darker cashmere tends to be less soft.
DeleteMy Ourtreat boxes arrived (yes, you read the correctly-boxes plural).
ReplyDeleteLiberty Perfect shirt in Leo Scarlett (it's called Scarlett, why, when it is blue?). I'm new to Liberty shirts so right now I love them all. This is no exception. Gorgeous print with the opposite colorway to the D'Anjou which went on sale earlier. My usual 2 fit fine.
Boy shirt with the Hen. Size 0. I wasn't wowed when I tried this on at FP. Now I love it==the sale price helped. I love how the shirt drapes and the color goes with everything.
Cashmere Cable in Neon Pink (or whatever it is) and Navy Blue. This sweater is a little short. I like it in the navy blue--great for layering. But I noticed a slight boxiness in the pink, I think because it is a lighter color. I wanted a longer, more figure flattering sweater. Sending back the pink and keeping the blue. I took a size small.
Polka Dot Cashmere sweater. I took an XS in this. Love the length. But dear god tell me that is not pilling on the waist?
I would love to review the Hacking jacket--but J Crew sent me the wrong color! Ditto for some Tshirts. These are all going back.
Fair Isle ski sweater--the red one. Weird fit in the shoulders. The Small poofed out around my chest. If I were to buy this, I would take the XS, but then it might feel a bit snug? Hard to tell. I think I would need this to be even cheaper to be worth it. It's an odd fit because of the way the yoke is knit--look at how the sleeves just sort of slide out of the pattern around the neck. It's not such a comfortable sweater and with such thick yarn, I would think it would pill in no time.
Heartbreaker sweater. I went back and forth on this. It's a Dream sweater and quite thin. I can't see layering it over button down shirts. I think I like the pattern, but am too old for a sweater this thin. So, back to the rack it goes--or perhaps it will be a gift to the twenty somethings in my life.
Square neck ribbed cashmere colllection sweater in that lavendar color--you know. This thing is tight in the hips. You can see in the photo how it sort of is tight at the bottom. It's like the sweater was knit top down, and cast off at the bottom, so there is no give at all. I don't want a draw string around my butt. I love the color of the sweater and the thickness, but it doesn't do much for hips.
The Double-cloth Slim Trench in camel came in the mail today and I love it. It has a nice slim silhouette, but still enough room for layers underneath without sizing up.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried on the Bow Coat? My B&M didn't have it in the store. I did try on the Cocoon Coat, which was a disaster on me. I'm hoping the Bow Coat is a little more fitted.
On a different note: Here's an IRL photo of the Colorblock Stripe Top in Neon Azalea, the Downtown Field Jacket, and the Factory version of the Viv bow flats.
DeleteUnbelievable....I tried the flame floral jacquard dress and it hit me at my mid-thigh. The pic shows it as knee length and states that it falls to the knee as well. I am the same height as the model too. I am so tired of this deception! It is a brightly colored dress that runs small. I wish they would have done a blouse in this pattern. Has anyone else tried this dress? Thanks.
ReplyDeletei wish they would just say "falls X inches from natural waist" instead of "knee length" or something... it might be knee length for one woman but horribly short for another. an actual measurement would help make for better informed purchasing decisions.
DeleteA shirt that does not appear in the catalogues or in reviews (unless I missed them) was the Perfect Shirt in Tartan - Black (35236). I got it with one of my 25% off orders and love it. Perfect for this time of year color wise and matches so many colors. It is a smooth cotton, which I like the other plaid shirts this year seem to be more flannel shirt looking to me. HTH someone.
ReplyDeleteHandknit Popcorn Sweater, in Hthr Pond: I love this but it is short. I'm not sure if I can make it work.
ReplyDeleteThree-quarter Sleeve Beaded Top, in Navy Antique White: This is essentially the silhouette of the Loomknit Sweatshirt, but this is a thinner fabric. It's probably the same length as the Loomknit, which is to say it's short-ish, but I'm not going to put it in the dryer because of the beading so not an issue for me. I'm surprised I like this one, it's nice. The beading is only on the body stripes, not on the sleeves.
Stadium-Cloth Mod Coat, in the tan color: Kind of love it, but I don't like the look when it is unbuttoned, it's too wide and there is too much coat. Cute buttoned, has almost an A-line silhouette. This is going back because I wear my coats unbuttoned a lot.
I received the Hothouse Floral dress through phone order with the Madison Street store (I forget which of the two stores I purchased it from).
ReplyDeleteLove the print, but i was not thrilled with the cut of the dress. I'm 4'11, and I usually wear a size 4 regular or petite because my chest is 36. Everything felt right, but it didn't wow me as much.
I also was not sold on the way the fabric feels. I like silk, but if anyone is comparing, it's the same material as the Hothouse blouse (chiffon and silk), and does not feel like a thick kind of silk, pretty thin for a fall/winter dress.
Much to my obsession and hype over it, i wasnt feeling it anymore. If anyone really wants the hothouse print, I suggest the blouse over the dress, you'll get more use from it. But like some JCA reviews, the cut of the body is short for some ladies...
Oh well, back it goes.
@JSR- I'm sorry to hear that it didn't work out as I recall you finding one. It's disappointing when an item that you look forward to doesn't work. The hothouse dress didn't work for me either.
Delete@jan - At least i saved $250.. :)on to my next OURTREAT package coming tomorrow. I'll have to see if the Grand Stone necklace is a keeper.
DeleteA few reviews and more to come here
ReplyDeleteJust posted a review of the pink Bow Coat! I also tried the Peacoat Popover again in my normal size 4 (my original review was of the size 2) and it was so much better. I added a pic of it to today's post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this!
DeleteSo my third OURTREAT box came and all of it is going back : (
ReplyDeleteThe matchstick cord and the ankle stretch skinnies are way brighter than the catalog. I was expecting lemon yellow and butter yellow and got French's mustard and highlighter yellow. Fit was fantastic so I am looking forward to other colors.
I snagged the Avery dress on popback. This is the dress because it is an oldie.
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/dresses/eveningdinner/PRDOVR~45086/45086.jsp
Very very pretty v-neck printed dress in silk shantung, delicate floral. Looks like something you would find at urban outfitters but with MUCH better execution. If it were the 90's, I slap on some Doc Martens and head to a concert, but unfortunately it is not and the V-neck was too low and the whole thing too big for this little petite. It was size 00 so look for it on popback.
Buttoned boatneck sweater in heather aqua and vivid yellow. I was excited about the mother of pearl buttons and turns out that was the only thing to get excited about. The blue was dull in real life and the yellow was again, neon highlighter yellow - I did not open the package it was so bright. The sweater was super long and the wool-angora blend looked cheap (like it was acrylic). The knit is a bit loose as well.
Featherweight cashmere cardi in vibrant flame size XXS - tried this out as it was only $60 - nice sweater but arms were super tight as was the front - this needs to go over a dress and can't be buttoned up. So, size up on this one.
Wished I had ordered a different color and one size up.
Cashmere boatneck sweater in cafe mint - instead a pale mint I got sensodyne toothpaste green. Not what I wanted! I feel like a broken record. The sweater was very very soft but super boxy and not at all fitted.
So there we have it - ordered $1500 worth of merchandise with Our Treat and everything is going back except the sterling skirt in sheer mint, merino tippi in navy/mint (and lavendar), and cafe capri in iced lilac (sized up).
I reviewed the chiffon dot top here: stethoscopes, style, & grace. Sorry for the pics, I'm still getting the hang of it :) The top is really pretty but sheer and big as others have said.
ReplyDeleteGot my 30 off order from last week yesterday. I am SO glad I did not gamble on anything that was FS. The keyhole blouse that I was so excited to finally grab looked HORRIBLE on me. It really is a pretty blouse, but for my body type, it was a nightmare. I'm broad shouldered and it made me look like a linebacker. It's wide across the shoulders and has a weird pouf at the shoulders. Awful on me. If you're narrow through the top, it's probably better for you.
ReplyDeleteI had the same problem with the silk pintuck blouse. The puff sleeves made me look like a linebacker. The new silk chiffon tops are much more flattering--no shoulder puffs!
DeleteHas anyone tried the photo floral skirt or capris? I've been searching for a review, but can't find anything. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteA lot of new promo-priced items, as well as some new and additional markdowns this morning. Updated promo-priced items list here.
ReplyDeleteI ordered the Everly T-Strap in vintage grey this AM. Curious about the color????!
ReplyDeleteI'm reposting this from the other page: has anyone compared the factory draped shift dress and the Jules dress? They look very similar though the factory one is described as falling 'above knee' whereas the Jules is mid-thigh. I had ordered the factory one a couple of weeks ago but am contemplating on returning it and ordering the Jules in heathered wool, only because I've never seen a review of the factory draped shift. Anyone??
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I have seen but not tried on the Factory "Jules" - only because in person, it looks IDENTICAL to the Jules, and the Jules is not a good look for me.
DeleteBonnie -- I have the factory draped shift and it's longer than the retail Jules. I didn't even bother trying the Jules in heathered wool after trying the heathered draped. I'm 5'2"
DeleteThe factory dress is a blend, not 100% wool but it felt fine and didn't bother me.
This is helpful. I'm 5'3" so I'll just stick to my factory one (waiting for husband to bring it back for me from the states!) thanks!
DeleteAny reviews on the draped silk georgette blouse?
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty but has styling issues. You can't really tuck it in due to the fasteners at the high waist, and untucked it looks a little sloppy. The green and pink colors are quite bright as well.
DeleteThanks for the georgette info, Cass. Uh oh. Sounds like a return. lol
DeleteReview of the heartbreaker sweater in this post.
ReplyDeleteFYI for those eyeing the tipped hacking jackets, although they're not showing up in the sale section they are on sale, bringing the price down to $166 after promo!
ReplyDeleteWas wondering if anyone can tell me about the fit of the liberty shirts? The Indian Red print is finally marked down and I'm not sure to order a 4 or 6. I wear a 4 in boy shirts and a 6 in perfect shirts. Please help! TIA!
ReplyDeletei'm going to say go with your perfect shirt size. that's what i did with the liberty shirt i just bought and it fits perfectly.
DeleteThanks Miss JR!
DeleteBought several of the wool blend crewneck cardis from Factory, every one of which pilled on the first wearing. Basically, anywhere these sweaters touch themselves (underside of sleeves where they may graze the body, etc...), these sweaters pill. I have Old Navy cardis that were 1/3 the price of these Factory sweaters that wear better. Very disappointed at the quality of these Factory items, even at the Factory prices.
ReplyDeleteAnyone try the merino vneck cardigans that are on sale? Are they TTS? I see only smalls left and I take XS.
ReplyDeleteSorry for another post, I just received my MacAlister High-Heel Boots in Nut today. I was wondering if anyone can compare them to wedge? I'm wondering if the wedge version will be more practical. I will be wearing them to class. Not too much walking. TIA!
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about this, too. Do any JCAs have any thoughts?
DeleteI just got the wedges in a size 6 and I am almost always a size 5.5 and have narrow feet. I went up a size based on everyone's past reviews. It feels a bit big - I can feel my heel slipping. So I wore thick socks and cinched up the laces. It feels better but still have a bit of heel slippage. If I went down to size 5, I'd think it would be too tight at the forefoot. As for comfort, it is extremely comfortable! Just for this reason alone, I am going to keep the size 6 and deal with the bit of heel slipping. Hope that helps!
DeleteA few reviews to share of some skirts I just received in the mail:
ReplyDelete-No.2 pencil in wool in festival blue: This is a lovely royal blue that will work with lots. It's more vibrant than it appears online.
- City Mini in Dublin Tartan: Love this more than I thought. It's a bold plaid but it's perfect for a mini because the pattern doesn't overwhelm. I purchased the same size as I wear in the No. 2 pencil and it fits perfectly. The elastic waist allows you to adjust it to your liking; thus I'm able to wear the skirt below my waist, making the length work just right for my 5'8" self.
- Postage Stamp Mini in felted wool (navy): Such a great, well-made skirt. The fabric is very substantial. Since it sits at the waist though, it was too short for me. I also think it runs a bit small. Perhaps if I went up in size it would sit lower on my waist, but then I think it would be loose in the hips. Oh Well, 2 out of 3 is good for me!
Anybody reviewed the Toothpicks in Polka Dot yet? I saw them in store and they are adorable, but I can't seem to find them online. They are a dark dark navy with white dots. I know there's a crewcuts version online but I know these were women's in store because my store doesn't carry crewcuts and there was a whole rack of them...
ReplyDeleteA few reviews: Cafe Capri in Red Tartan: I fell in love with these because my school uniform skirt was the same plaid (many years ago) and even at the price of $168.00, I was willing to make the purchase. Tried them on, as I'm curvy, the size 8 fit me perfectly. However, the bottom of the pants were wide and IMHO, there is a thin line between stylish and frumpy when it comes to the bottom hem area of pants---especially when they are cropped. Had these pants had a silouette of a cigarette pant, they would have been perfection. I passed and instead ended up purchasing....
ReplyDelete.
Navy Minnie Pants in Cotton stretch twill. These pants had the fit I wish the plaid ones had. The navy was a good choice because I'll get a lot of use out of them for both the office and casual outtings during the Christmas Season!
Dream Colorblock Elbow Patch Sweater: This is a great sweater. I ended up purchasing the camel/burgundy combination. The medium fit perfectly, had I made the decision to wear a shirt underneath, I may have gone up a size, but since I'll wear it on it's own--M was fine. The sleeves are a bit longer than 3/4 length--very nice, the fit isn't boxy and isn't snug either. Perfect for the office, but versatile for my factory camel plaid skirt and with tan courduroys as well.
J.Crew Factory Charley Sweater--Black with Tan Big Dots: The medium is an excellent fit. I do like this sweater a lot and will get a ton of wear out of it, but there is one little "thing" that bothers me--not enough for a return. It's just a tad short. If it were an inch longer in the body of the sweater's length it would be perfect.
Factory Wool-Blend (Merino) Turtleneck Sweater:
This sweater is very well-made, the bonding on the bottom and on the hem of the sleeves is well-constructed and will wear well without getting stretched out of shape. HORRAY! It isn't too short in the body!! The heather graphite is going to look nice with my navy schoolboy blazer. I also purchased the black--nice basics. Both fit nicely too. Well, that's it!
Ohhh, glad to read that the merino T-neck sweater is good. I just ordered it for like $35 from the website. Way cheaper than the retail one and I can't believe there's that much difference.
DeleteA cute outfit & a review of the new farmyard Fair Isle sweater in this post.
ReplyDeletei have the emmett boot and i bought a size 6 which is my size but because of the back zipper it rubs against my foot and causes blisters! does anyone else have this issue?
ReplyDeleteI'll be taking pictures and posting tomorrow in the afternoon, but a few thoughts here on some new items for those who don't look at my blog:
ReplyDeleteCollection bonded sweater jacket in navy: it is very structured and the navy lambswool is soft and plush. It doesn't fit me properly, much too big across the shoulders so it buckles in an unattractive way. I don't care much for the ribbing on the front placket, too casual for my taste but that's me I'm guessing.
The flannel bonded on the inside is indeed soft but it is POLY which was not stated in the copy. Thanks CFS!!
A-Line Dress in Heather Indigo: I haven't tried it on yet and I was initially pleased with the shape and length but POLY STRIKES AGAIN, it is a wool/poly mix, half and half! not the wool with a bit of spandex I was expecting. Probably a deal breaker for me.
Collection Luxe SIlk Blouse in Navy: looks gorgeous, like the luxe blouse from last year, a heavy weighted silk, looks a little short so the try-on will be interesting.
I have a couple of other items to try on, so tomorrow I'll have the first new-arrivals review post I've done in some time, I'll post a message here when it's up if anyone is interested.
A few recent UPS arrivals:
ReplyDelete(1) Jewel neck top (95649) -- sold out now, but pops back and just went on sale this week. This top is navy wool with very pretty embellishments, lined in poly. It runs slightly big -- I wear a 2 or 4 on top, and the 2 fits me better. It IS boxy, as life as a cat noted in her review:
http://feelingjcrewzy.blogspot.com/2012/10/j-crew-october-rollout-reviews-part-6.html
but I don't mind boxy. It's so pretty! The only issue for me is, all the sparkles make this a dressy top in my mind, but when I think dressy, I don't think wool, and I don't know how much wear it will get. I will have to think on whether this one is a keeper or not...
(2) Flower lattice necklace in crystal (95091): I ordered this one with the 25% off promo, but even then, it was a pricey $171. That's the only downside. I surprised myself by really really liking this one. I had seen the peach version on sale in store, and thought it was ick. I also saw Dani's review of the color-full one her blog long ago, and agreed with her decision to return. But in pure clearness, it's much prettier, less gaudy looking. Still big and still definitely a statement piece, but probably a keeper for me...
(3) Kid stuff: red riding hood pop up book (32073): I love the great pop ups over the last recent years (it literally took me about 3 minutes to find a way NOT to say "the great pop ups that have popped up"...). This one is a beauty too, and while it is true to the original story in that grandma and RRH get eaten, they end up not being dead, so still okay for little ones. Girls jeweled snowflake sweatshirt (32719) is cute cute cute; too bad JC did not make this one in adult sizes. Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass (22279) in hardcover with pink flamingos. A classic book in my daughter's all time favorite motif.
(4) Girls converse jack purcell glitter canvas sneakers (18334): unbelievably cute in pink glitter. And key, for me -- it's not the kind of glitter canvas that flakes off glitter. I bought these for my daughter AND for me. The largest size, kid size 5, is about equivalent to a JC 8.
(5) Stationary: delfonics ballpoint pens (16385) are great pens. knock knock pads love note (38494): perfect for lunch boxes. Crane JC sketch note cards (38282): cute but pricey -- there are only 6 cards per box, which is not noted on the website. Glitter notebooks (73003): love love these!
(6) Leather flask (58431): funny funny.
(7) Lilabeth dress in silk taffeta (61400): first see dani's great review:
http://danibp.blogspot.com/2012/11/lilabeth.html
This is a fabulous price now ($70 after discounts) and as Dani said, it is a gorgeous classic dress. The drawback for me is that I am only 5'2", and what may be "plunging but not overly revealing: on our lovely 5'9" (is that right?) Dani is definitely overly revealing on 5'2" me. So, unfortunately, a return. (I ordered the caspian blue and spiced wine, both are gorgeous.)
(8) Fatigue jacket: fun casual jacket, runs slightly large. I am XS / S and definitely needed the XS here. It seems to be made of a waxed fabric, so not soft like the shorter JC fatigue jacket of a few years' back, but I feel like it is thicker than, and not quite as stiff as, the field jacket fabric. Since I have both the original fatigue jacket and the field jacket, I will have to think about whether I can justify keeping this one.
(9) Sparkle row cami (97380): Much prettier than it looks on a hanger. I was able to get this in the mint color, online, and it's very pretty, but even at only $35, it's a return for me b/c it just seems so darn fragile, in silk with snag-prone little crystal things.
(10) Zigzag sequin dress (11459) -- this runs loose, but I think it's supposed to fit that way. In any case, I like it that way, not only b/c I think shift dresses look better skimming and not hugging the body but b/c it is not lined and therefore scritchy inside. However, with a full slip it is manageable, esp. since this is a dress that one is unlikely to wear for a full day, and more likely to be worn at an evening with drinks, which always makes me, at least, less stratchy... A keeper for me.
Delete(11) Tiered shift dress in raindrop lace (68679): oh so pretty. I got this in a size 6 and I am always a 2 or 4, but 6 was the only size available. It's fine. It's also a shift, so IMO, okay if a little loose. The raindrop lace is very lovely, as noted often before. Plus I do think this one runs a bit small. Very pretty if you can find it.
(12) Raindrop lace top (68394): I got this in neon azalea, the only color available in my size. I took the larger of my two sizes (4 rather than 2) and it fits well. I didn't think I'd like the pink, but surprise surprise, it's actually not neon and far prettier than I expected. Another keeper for me.
Yeeesh. Far more keepers than I was expecting or hoping. JC needs to help me out by taking a break from all these promos...
**I also posted this in the Factory thread, but wanted to share here in case anyone is thinking of shopping the Factory store or website this weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteI went to one of our local Factory stores yesterday and was pleasantly surprised by the majority of the merchandise. The Factory Puffer vest is very similar to the retail Excursion vest, and if my size had been available, I probably would have gotten one. The quality of the Factory schoolboy blazers are also very good, and a nice option if you do not want to pay the $$$ for the retail version. There is one in pearl grey sold in the store, and I actually prefer it to this year's retail version. That being said, I do prefer the retail version of the Navy one though, and would recommend that you splurge on it if you are considering one this year.
I ended up getting the Factory skimmer in plaid that many JCAs have recommended and agree that the quality is good on them. I sized up from my normal size 2 to a 4 because I want them to be less fitted due to the pattern of the plaid on the hip/thigh area (which is my 'trouble' spot). I also got a pair of the Bootcut cords in black for around $34. The entire store was 40% off and they allow the educator/student discount on top of that, or else you can use the coupon Alexis shared from an earlier post to get $25 off if you spend at least $125.
I did end up finding the tees for my 3 youngest boys that I was looking for, and they are not any different than the retail version that I saw in the Tampa retail store's Crewcuts section last year.
Oh, and I also want to mention that the Factory Vero clutch is very nice IRL. They only had the black one though, but the leather was soft and definitely worth the price with the extra % off.
I posted reviews today of the Collection bonded sweater-jacket, the A-Line dress, the Collection luxe silk blouse in the navy, the aphrodite wash Goldsign jeans and the Lulu Frost navette earrings.
ReplyDeleteI returned everything and you'll see why. I did regret sending back the Goldsign jeans as they are amazing but way too tight. But then! I found the Goldsign Jenny on shopbop for half price.
I just rec'd the collection fair isle sparkle sweater (13782), which was just marked down and has been popping back every morning. I ordered an xs, as I'm usually a 2. While no big fan of sparkles or sequins, I am drawn to this sweater. It's a substantial 100% merino wool knit with two tiny buttons at the back of the neck. The half sleeves are covered in matte gray rectangular sequins that make the sweater unusual without making it party wear only. The fit is great: not boxy nor like sausage casing. A good buy, I think, with the current promo.
ReplyDeleteI also ordered a jackie pullover. Yuck. That knit is funky. Soooooo synthetic feeling.
Review of the sequin stripe tee in this post.
ReplyDeleteI tried the Polka-dot ponte dress - love it. Bought the top in that material. Size down.
ReplyDelete