Tuesday, November 20, 2012

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

67 comments:

  1. OT, I have 2 JC factory codes I will not be using:
    20% off $125 or more: FPCF746KY
    30% off $200 or more: FPDFXR7SP

    Good through Weds 11/21.

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  2. I reviewed some sale items here including the Tortoise Shell Button Sweatshirt, City Mini, Rugby Stripe Boatneck Top, Diagonal Long Sleeve Sailor Top, and Stripe Hoodie

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  3. The sweater promo ends tonite. Visit this post for a roundup of reviews.

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  4. A few reviews:

    1) factory plaid skimmers and silver snowflake tee here:
    http://onecantgetoverthehabit.blogspot.ca/2012/11/plaid-tidings-of-great-factory-joy.html?showComment=1353405329707
    2) Popcorn Sweater in heather pond, collection bow blouse in frosted plum, purple tie silk pants and matching ballet flats, burgundy thermal waffle henley, collection leopard blouse, fair isle leggings and navy dream cardigan:
    http://onecantgetoverthehabit.blogspot.ca/2012/11/in-which-wmm-tries-on-some-things-sends.html
    3) longer analysis of the same purple tie silk pants with close up on patterns IRL: http://onecantgetoverthehabit.blogspot.ca/2012/11/purple-fancy-pants-day.html

    Hope these are helpful!

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  5. Review of midrise toothpicks HERE. They fit differently than last year's toothpick and different from low rise toothpicks, for me they are much better, I love them.

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    Replies
    1. I forgot to mention that this review is about cords (in sea salt) , not jeans.

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  6. The grey and camel sperry boots have come my way, they are fab, I can't wait for snow this year. Furry toasty lining, I sized up a half size as they suggested and they are perfect.

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    1. Mine have shipped and are on the way. A little worried about size, though... I'm an 8 but wasn't sure I should go up to a 9 in these.

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    2. Toes crossed for you Kate. A full size would be a lot for most people's heels I think.

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    3. Daft and too fast auto-correct, mean Cate.

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    4. thanks GetFresh. I have never tried on a pair of Sperry boots so I have no idea how they will fit. I tried on the Sperry Topsiders in J. Crew last spring/summer and they ran small (the 7.5 was the right size). Where is Mr. Brown Shorts??? lol

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  7. Has anyone tried the wool bow strapless dress?

    This one:
    http://m.jcrew.com/mt/www.jcrew.com/wedding/Reception_Dresses/PRDOVR~29026/99102871347/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~Wool%20bow%20dress/29026.jsp

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  8. Need help with sizing advice on the Tippi Swiss Dot sweater. I'm torn between getting a XS and S. Before I pay a ridic price on ebay for it wanted to make sure I get the right size. I didn't get a chance to try on when they were avlb. Does it run small/large compared to other tippis? TIA!!!

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    Replies
    1. PeasAndCarrots - It runs TTS, compared to the fall, solid colored Tippis that I've had to size up one in. I take M in the solid Tippis and definitely took a S in the swiss dot. S is my most common JC top/sweater size. HTH

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  9. I have a review of the snake print tippi on my blog and it is really worth it to check for popbacks,it is beautiful!

    Read it here.

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  10. Bought my second pair of matchstick jeans this weekend. In year's past J. Crew jeans/pants have not worked out for me, but these jeans are AWESOME. I am a shortie (5'2'). The sales associate, also a shortie, said this was the first year that J. Crew denim worked for her, too.

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    1. Are you finding that the new matchstick jeans stretch out ? The ones I bought last year would be practically falling off me by the end of the day (after having to squeeze into them in the morning). I love the look of the new matchsticks and would love to buy some! Thanks

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    2. No, I don't think they stretch out or feel too tight. They literally are perfect for me.

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    3. Great news! Thanks for replying :) Putting them in my cart now...

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  11. Hi...I bought my first ( and last tippi sweater) it stretched out the first wear...and after one wash (delicately) it looked old and wornout? I am not a fan...I also know now I dislike three quarter sleeves on sweaters...it just bugs me. I only paid about $35 can. for this lesson so at least it was not a expensive error. I know alot of JCA's live by the tippi but it is not for everyone. HTH . Carolyn from Vancouver P.S so now the tippis are added on to the list with the capris as no goes for me...hope they come up with some new styles soon....

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  12. No reviews on my part but I have questions for JCAs

    1) Anyone own the Little Edie? How does it hold up? I know the leather is prone to scratches but just how bad is it? I'm looking at the black one... Also, anyone have the EXACT width measurements? I just got a tablet and would like to know if it could fit in it, but based on the website measurements the Little Edie is just a tiny bit too small. :(

    2) I know it's sort of an old item, but I've been watching one on eBay: polka-dit tie-neck dress? I surprisingly couldn't find that many reviews of it. Anyone who owns it can give me their opinion on it? Especially how it looks on a fuller bust (I'm a 34C). I typically can't wear high neck stuff but the model pictures have the bow tied lower, I wanna know if that's really a possibility and not just some posing/stylist trick :P

    Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Christine - I haven't tried on the tie-neck dress. Alexis reviewed it here in this post.

      I would protect the Little Edie before using it. I used a creme and then protective spray on my Factory Vero clutch. The leather is the same as the Edie. Don't have a tablet, but I have seen the little Edie in person and my guess is it won't fit.

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    2. The polka dot tie-neck dress is really cute. I'm about the same size as you (at least in bust) and when I tried it on I was able to tie it lower. You can also leave the top button undone and have the tie fall a little lower. Hope that makes sense.

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    4. gigiofca - Thanks for the link! I had seen this review before but I guess I was absent-minded and didn't notice that all the information I needed was there... hah! Silly me. :)

      AppGal - Thank you! The previously mentioned review says that the dress seemed to be larger than usual, did you have to size down as well?

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    5. Gigi-
      What brand of cream and spray do you use on your Edie? I have an Edie Grand that I love but am sort of scared to use. TIA!

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    6. Christine, I didn't try a size down, just my usual (4) and it fit fine. I don't think I would want it any smaller. Hope this helps!

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    7. Christine, I have the Little Edie in pecan. It does not scratch too badly IMO. A tablet will not fit; iphone, wallet,glasses. I like it for travel when I don;t want to carry a lot. The strap is not too adjustable either-- OK on me (5'8"). HTH

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    8. @Emily - I use Kiwi leather lotion & Kiwi leather protect-all similar to this one. Mine isn't "Super," just regular. I would try, but cannot find my Leather Honey, reviewed in this post. For any you use, try on the underside or any other hidden area of the bag before going at the whole thing. Sometimes the protectors can change the color a bit. HTH

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  13. I bit on another Liberty print perfect shirt (Leo Scarlet) when the price dropped and there was an additional 30% off. Because I am utterly predictable, I love it.

    I recently wore it in two separate outfits, which I blogged about here (it also includes a review).

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  14. Collection handknit cable sweater: Sized down. Loved the weight and feel of the wool, soft and not at all itchy. Disliked the abundance of beading and the shoulders made me feel like a quarterback. Returned.

    Collection golden paisley blouse: Managed to get this on 30% off sale. Agree with the other reviews that this is one beautiful blouse. Sized up. Gorgeous pattern and nice medium-weight silk. A keeper.

    Collection silk scarf foulard blazer: Another beautiful pattern. Was not willing to pay full price but snagged it in the 30% off sale promo. It's lightly lined but shorter and more cropped than expected. Will still keep and layer with a longer camisole/t-shirt underneath.

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  15. For those of you interested in the Factory Straight and Narrow jeans in indigo wash....I just got mine last week and love them. The denim is thicker than the fabric used in the past. The fit is TTS and compares to my Matchsticks in every way. They are definitely a steal at the 30% off plus free shipping although I noticed they raised their price since starting the 30% promotion. Not cool but still better than paying $100 plus.

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  16. Okay this is OT and I'm sorry, but I was just looking at the Madewell new arrivals...take a look at the side view of the Velvet Stripe Tee (http://www.madewell.com/newarrivals/shirtstops/PRDOVR~36882/36882.jsp)!

    The front view is bad too. YEESH. Who thought that was a good idea?!

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    1. Eewww, yuk. And remind me whose favorite tee is cropped and boxy?

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    2. @wellfedfred: and gives you serious side boob?

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    3. And flashes passers-by if you so much as wave.

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  17. A few of my recent spoils:

    Ribbon bow dress: gorgeous! I ordered my usual size and it fits perfectly. I am 5'2" and it hits me about an inch above the knee. The silk is beautiful. I don't think the online images do the details of the peter pan collar justice. There is also a keyhole slit in the front that closes at the neck with a covered button (I zoomed on the image and still don't see this detail!).

    No. 2 pencil skirt in geometric print: I ordered this in my usual petite size. It fits like and is made of the same fabric as the snakeskin pencil skirt and the other silk/wool geometric pencil skirt that was navy, white, and black (can't remember the name). It's cute, but I'm a bit lost as to what to wear with it besides boring navy.

    I also received the much maligned Lulu Frost for J.Crew tangerine resin petal necklace. Please don't boot me from this blog...but I love it! It's definitely a statement piece, but I don't think it's as overwhelming as it looks online (and I am a petite person). They really should put an image of this necklace on a person or at least on a mannequin.

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    Replies
    1. Yeesh, I've been in love with that Ribbon Print dress but I'm 5'7 and if it's above the knee on you it's going to be scandalous on me. So sad, because I was in love with it....

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  18. Shoes:
    McAlisters in navy: great color, cute and comfy. I am 8.5, I ordered 9 & 8 since they only come in whole sizes (why???). Went with 8, 9 was way too big.

    Booker midheels - TTS but I have a high instep and it was very hard to put them on. Once I managed they felt TTS and comfortable. Aside from difficulty of putting them on, I was underwhelmed with leather quality and overall look. Nothing wrong with them but I don;t don;t think I would ever give them a second look have I spotted them in some department store. Back they go.

    Everly cap toe pumps in black. Fit TTS, look fabulous. They are all leather but no padding, still they are quite comfortable for a 3.5" narrow heel. I love them.
    I want to return since they are still $$$, (even with 25% off), but it will be hard. Sniff, sniff.

    I will have reviews with many pictures on my blog soon.

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  19. The prints on the Liberty shirts don't translate well from screen to real life. I received the Flame Red one that I bought with the additional 30% off and it is so different from the photo. i had to go back online to check that I got the right one! On the screen it reads red but in real life there's a lot more brown in it. Each individual flower is outlined, which is hard to see online, so they look kind of cartoony. Nothing wrong with it, just doesn't look the way it does on-screen.

    Also tried a Perfect Shirt in Thomas Mason fabric, and it is tighter through the shoulders than the Perfect Shirt in gingham or the Perfect Shirt in Liberty Print.

    I also tried (and am sending back) the Sterling Skirt. I agree with those who said it's not really a pencil and not really an A-line. And for me, the front pockets brought unneeded attention to my belly. Not an area i want to highlight!

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  20. Any thoughts on sizing for the 100% cotton matchsticks? I wear a 28 in the matchsticks with stretch since I don't like skin tight. Does the all cotton version run the same, tighter, or looser? TIA.

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    1. I have both cords and cotton and I would say the cords have a little more stretch but the sizing is the same. Both have an amazing fit but I feel more comfortable in the cords.

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  21. Anyone seen the lambswool diamond sweater in store? It is calling my name and it is a good price, but would love a review from someone!

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    Replies
    1. It's in my cart too but I've never tried it on would love to see a review!

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  22. Question: Does anyone have any insite between the factory long belted puffer coat vs. the Wintress puffer coat? Any notable differences?

    Review McAlister heels, Navy. I too wear a 6.5, I tried the 6 and my toes felt cramped when I walked. Tried the 7 and way to big even with insoles. Really diapointing. I"m tempted to reorder the 6 and try to stretch out the leather in the toe box, even though I know that's probably a lost cause.

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    1. I have wondered the same. I bought last year's Factory puffer. Upon inspection of this year's Wintress puffer in the store, it seems to have extra detailing. I don't know tailoring terminology, but it's sort of like the seams are finished differently? I think they are probably the same weight and warmth, which is what I was inspecting it for. I think the Factory puffer is plenty warm but it's not a squall type of coat and neither is the Wintress puffer, IMO. They are really comparable, and I don't know why the Wintress costs so much more.

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    2. I bought this year's Wintress Puffer w/one of those 25 off dealios. Love it. Haven't worn it yet. I absolutely loved my one from last year (sold it b/c I lost weight). I can't comment on it compared next to the Factory version. I will say that as far as the wool type coats go, the retail versions are always nicer. I just sort of assumed it would be the same w/the Wintress Puffer, but I'll be curious to see what the responses are.

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  23. A review of the No.2 Pencil in Geometric Print on my blog today as well as some IRL color comparisons of a couple of tissue turtlenecks. Click HERE for details.

    In summary, the skirt is a lovely combination of colors and the fabric is nice but it's not perfect. I'm on the fence.

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  24. Review of Cap Toe Everly pumps HERE.

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  25. Has anyone tried the Factory Blazer in Blackwatch Plaid? Thanks in advance!

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  26. I have to chime in with some love for this year's much maligned sterling skirt. Didn't try last year's so I can't compare, but this year's is great for my pear shape. I have to size up in the regular no. 2 pencil to allow for hips, but this skims over my hips/thighs nicely in the smaller of my sizes. The length hits just at the top of my knee (5'10") and looks great with pumps or boots. I loved it so much I ordered three colors and think they're a solid basic for my closet that have already had a lot of wear. The one vent to accompany this is that all three were purchased at different prices and required constant site stalking and the buy/return game, which is quite a pain for all involved.

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    1. I love it too and it's really really A line on me.

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  27. On a review note -- I want to thank the many who recommended buying Factory Matchsticks instead of retail. I got my pairs of jeans (in the indigo wash) and cords (in the dark gray) today and they're great. With the cords especially I can tell absolutely no difference and I certainly won't be buying retail again, not with that price differential. The jeans sit a little higher on the waist but that's great for me.

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  28. very few new reviews from me. just returned the 1035 suit jacket and trouser pants in super 120's. i can post a review if anyone's interested. also loving the viv flats and the minnie pants (wear them both all the time). Post will be up tomorrow for the crinkle city mini. I also have the city mini if anyone needs a comparison. Otherwise not too much recently for me. All old reviews here.

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  29. I finally got my 25% order. Shipping takes over a week+. I haven't seen any reviews but I bought the tuxedo skirt. It is silk/wool. You can't tell in the pics but it has a little sheen to it. I think would be more versatile without the sheen. I ordered a petite (my usual in pencil skirts) but it runs shorter. I need a regular. Still deciding to exchange or just return. Thoughts for those who bought this?
    I also bought a boy lambswool sweater in lilac.- very nice color! Also got a tippi cashmere which is nice

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  30. The 25% promo is up. COLOR25 gets 25% off. No mention of 30% for cardholders that a JCA mentioned in another thread. Maybe they're saving that for Thu or Fri...?

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  31. Is anyone still stalking the Collection sequin colorblock tank? IRL and a review of it here.

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  32. Posted a review of the Double-cloth Metro Coat in the vintage berry color today HERE.

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  33. Review of the thermal stripe henley in this post. It's $45, currently on promo for $29.50.

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  34. Review of the red tartan capris & keeper chambray in this post.

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  35. Can anyone comment on the sizing of the Jcrew commes des garçons cardigans? I know the tshirt ran very small.

    Thank you!

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  36. Has anyone tried the Lightweight fleece pant or zip up hoodie? I am looking for a great lounge outfit post baby. Any insight is appreciated.
    Thank you

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  37. Does anyone have pictures or reviews if the sequin biw sweater or the silk short sleeve blouse with a bow? I've been dying to see the new arrivals!

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)