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! :)
Recent reviews:
ReplyDelete* in-store jewelry on sale
* sparkle crewneck sweater
* Tilda rhinestone top
New in-store promo of 25% off $150+ started yesterday, 8/19.
@gigiofca, how did you manage to discover that these jewelry pieces were on sale? Just this morning I stopped at a B&M store and saw the pieces you mentioned, but tags didn't indicate they were on sale nor did the sales girl say anything... even though I was gravitating around all their jewelry pieces..
Deleteand a little OT but still... Is it just me or sales girls are behaving more and more like they are of a superior class, looking down on what else.. us customers that are browsing and undecided or waiting for another rollout before pulling a cc?! IMO they are behaving like flight attendants catering to economy class passengers..that immediately change their demeanors when catering to their first class passengers..
Nan - There is one store I visit that meticulously marks down merch w/the correct price and in a timely manner. They mark in-case jewelry on sale as such, in it's own little section w/a sign in the case. I still have to ask to see the price, but at least I know the items are on sale.
DeleteAnd yes, I got the whispering of the 25% off $150+, which is odd. If you don't want blaring signs like other retailers, just be sure to tell everyone verbally. It shouldn't be a whispered secret. I was in the Factory store yesterday and heard a saleswoman whispering. I eavesdropped until I realized it was the 25% student discount. Why such a secret?
Review and IRL of the shirt in the header -- the boy shirt in beaded chambray -- with crazy pants and metallic shoes HERE.
ReplyDeletetiffany rose - Beads, crazy pants and metallic shoes? I'm there!
DeleteFactory retro ponte dress (02605) - I really can't tell any difference between this and last year's flared ponte dress. I tried the retail version last year but was still feeling a bit too postpartum to make it work, ha. I'm glad this got a second life at Factory so that I could try it again. It's a cute, simple shape that is not too short (hits me right at the top of the knee at 5'5") I took my usual size 4 - it is snug but not uncomfortable at the top - I wouldn't size up. The ponte fabric is thick and not clingy, and best of all...no exposed zipper! My only minor quibble is that they sewed the JC tag on with white thread, so you can see two white stitches at the top back of the dress (really?). As usual, prices are all over the place at Factory - I ordered this on the pre-order 30% day with CARDPERK so it came to about $52. I think this will be a good transition piece with flats now, boots later.
ReplyDeleteI posted some reviews recently:
ReplyDeleteGingham and stripe popover (cute, TTS, on promo online) and the Kiss/Bisous tee (TTS, thin) HERE
Quilted Tack Jacket (short, boxy), Stripe Necklace Tee (love!), amber Crystal Stretch Bracelet HERE
Collection Pave Chainlink Sandals (gorgeous) HERE
I also just commented in an earlier post a few notes about new Factory items. I'll get some reviews/pics up soon. The hen tee is cute, the blue hen sweater is pretty/itchy, wool/ruffle collar dress in green is lovely, charlie sweaterdress is a nice surprise (slight itch). All are running pretty TTS I'd say. Dresses were above knee, but not too short.
Reviews of Trench Dress, this year's silk blouse, and the Mixed Stitch Merino Tippi posted here.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your reviews, WFF! I also wanted to chime in on the silk blouse. The cabernet and blue were winners for me--really beautiful, rich colors. I wear petite sizing, and the sleeve and torso length were very nice. The white was a bit see through for me, such that I could see the color of my flesh contrasting with the waistband of my navy Minnies. That also made it look a little cheaper than the cabernet and blue, which weren't see through at all.
DeleteAny reviews for the Kiki cap toe flats from someone with slightly wide feet, comfort, fit, etc. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteA - Dani has them - though I don't know if her feet are wide... I have them and they are narrower than the Noras for sure but they are still a wee wide on me. They are super comfortable. I have been eying the sand navy, but tortured myself trying to figure out how to wear them with hosiery in the fall!
DeleteI have wide feet and I bought these, however I haven't worn them yet (which is lucky because I'm returning and re-buying at a much better price). It's hard to say since I haven't worn them yet, but they felt wonderful on my feet when I tried them on, better than the Janeys and I love the Janeys. I bought my regular size 8 in the Kikis. The width didn't seem like an issue for me at all with the Kikis.
DeleteAnyone see the navy tipped gamine dress in size 00 in stores? Would it fit nicely on a 5-2 , small chested, ruler shaped person?
ReplyDeleteWant to use my rewards card on it but would rather pay the store price than the online price.
If you do, please email me at florapower9@gmail.com
Thanks
Review of Andie pants and how the compares to cafe capris HERE .
ReplyDeletethe beanstalk top is very pretty and can be dressed up or down. However, I had to size up so that it would be flowy around my shoulders. You can atke a look at www.eblandi.com
ReplyDeleteReview of the Milo Mary Janes HERE. At the time I did the post I was planning to keep them but in the end I returned them.
ReplyDeleteA quick plug for the collection cashmere boxy boy sweater in the sale section. Yes it is boxy, but in a slouchy, boyfriend-y way that works well with skinny pants/jeans or a pencil skirt. Not too heavy or warm, so it should be a good transition piece for fall. The vivid turquoise colorway is very similar to last year's "pagoda blue".
ReplyDeleteI love this sweater too. Much better for me than the cashmere long sleeve tee because this is easier to layer under and the slouchier look is more me. It's a bit oversized but not drop-sleeved so it still looks structured.
DeleteDid you size down or keep your normal size?
DeleteI bought my normal size. I probably could have sized down in it but I liked it a bit roomy.
DeleteI also took my usual size. The fit through the shoulders and arms is similar to that of more fitted sweaters -- it's really just the body that's slouchy.
DeleteI justed wanted to say that I posted quick update to my post on Andies (see above), I have tried on smaller size and they look much better I think. Picture included.
ReplyDeleteTotal love for the Merino Pocket Sweater. It is a thick substantial fabric, tunic length.
ReplyDeletePaneled Stretch Dress in colorblock. I really loved this dress but not sure where I'd wear it. It's comfortable and flattering and I didn't have issues with the waist placement or length.
Black quilted clutch w/strap. This had quilting on just the flap, I believe. It was really nice.
Tweed-Front Merino Sweater. Very cute but short on me. The tweed is on the front only and it made me look wide, however the tweed itself is beautiful and I liked the color combination a lot.
Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic in navy. I see it's made of viscose. It's a nice thick fabric that drapes nicely. The shirt-tail hem looks nice untucked. It comes in other colors but I only saw the navy.
Excursion Vest in Camo. I thought I'd love this, but I didn't. The collar seemed high on me, but I never noticed this with my other Excursion vests and it is probably the exact same style. I'm sure this is just a personal problem, it's going to look great on everyone else :)
Eaton Boy trousers. These are slim through the thighs and a straight cut overall. I can see why they are called Boy trousers. The length was similar to cafe capri but they didn't taper as much as the cafe capris.
Darby Glitter Loafer in navy. These are adorable. The glitter seemed like it was on very solidly.
Merino Tippi Baseball sweater in Parsley Breeze color. I thought I'd love this too but I didn't. The sleeves are a spinachy-y/olive drab color and the body is a light blue color. I liked the colors well enough but maybe didn't like choice of light blue for the body of the sweater. I tried it in my normal size and it seemed a little bit small. It wasn't flattering on me, but I know I'm going to like it when I see it on others.
Are the eaton boy trousers low rise or slightly mid/ or higher rise? I can't wear the capri pants...too low rise.
DeleteThanks for all of the reviews. I'm 5'3.5"; do you think the Paneled Stretch Colorblock dress would work on someone who is a little short?
DeleteUnknown, I don't remember the rise so they were probably a mid rise.
Deletemaryeb, I am 5'4" and the length was just above the knee on me. You could probably hem it a smidge if you needed to, but not a lot, I think, because of the color blocking. I didn't buy it, but personally I wouldn't have hemmed it.
Great reviews, thanks! Did you feel like the excursion vest was TTS?
DeleteCate, I am with you on the Camo Excursion Vest. Didn't love it. I have 2 solid ones plus the retail herringbone, and the collar did seem to fit differently on this one.
DeletePlus, despite my wanting to embrace the camo trend this season, I just looked like a Duck Dynasty fashion victim. Oh well.
shopwithm, it seemed big on me. I just tried on last years' vests for comparison. They were the same size as the camo vest. Maybe the collar bothered me on the camo vest because the trim is contrast or maybe it stood up straighter than my solid colored vests. I didn't try zipping the camo vest, but my first impression was that I probably should have tried a size down too. I hope someone else will give an opinion on the sizing too, though, since I took it off pretty quickly.
Deleteruffles, lol! Duck Dynasty is in right now, you could pull it off :-) I bought the camo belt and I'm trying the Madewell camo ballcap. I liked the looks of the camo pants and camo jacket from Anthropologie, the jacket in particular looks like a nice fit, but in the end I know I'm not going to wear big swaths of camo, I just can't carry off a lot of pattern. The belt is a keeper, that one I'm sure of.
DeleteCate, I think the belt is adorable! It's on my list to pick up at the style sessions in store on thursday!
DeleteThanks cate and ruffles! Very helpful!
Deletecate, thanks for all your reviews! I just ordered the merino pocket tunic and I am giddy for it to arrive. Can you tell more about it...how long is it? Sizing? Is it the same heavy merino as the oversized merino vneck sweater from last year? Are the pockets super noticeable or tricky? What color did you get? :)
DeleteLizPoms, it is a similar knit to the oversized merino v-neck sweater from last year, but a bit thicker, I think. I hope it doesn't pill like the oversized merino v-neck though! The pockets blend in except for on the black one with leather pockets, those stand out more. I think it falls at the hips. It's not super long, but it's a tunic length on me (I'm 5'4"). I got my regular size in gray. All the colors were nice, navy was probably the most boring of the bunch but I liked that too.
DeleteCate, Thank you very much for your reviews .I had high hopes for the merino Tweed sweater but you said it runs short.I am going to go in my store and try it on but I bet it will be to short on me also I am 5'8.Did you try on the grey color one? I saw from the catalog it comes in black also.
DeleteMary G, the fit reminds me of the Merino Sweater in Inky Floral Print (item #85477). It's not cropped, but just not as long as I'd like. I tried on the gray one, didn't see the black one. The tweed is really pretty though. Not sure what I think about the front pockets.
DeleteGreat reviews! I drank the Crewlade today, and the camo vest and gray tweed front sweater came home with me...
DeleteI think the excursion vests fit same as last year. I'm in between sizes-the small is a bit snug zipped, but the medium isn't super flattering when worn open. I purchased the medium just to give more styling options, since my others are smalls.
The tweed front sweater seemed short to me too (I'm just shy of 6'), but I sized up and got a bit more length. Definitely a boyfriend/boxy cut, but I'm OK with that, esp since it has sweatshirt styling. I compared it to the horse sweatshirt and lace front sweatshirt-they are longer/slimmer cut, but I loved this too much to pass it up. Love that the sleeves are full length, for a change. No itch from the tweed. Don't care for the black color way at all.
Also saw but didn't try; super cute gray ss tee w/leather sleeves, gray/navy houndstooth Tippi (love!), lots of silk tops that felt like polyester (thicker silk, I guess)? Pink flourescent excursion vest(too bright for me-highlighter pink), and one in sand. geat rollout, to me.
@cate and @ruffles - I didn't like the camo vest either and I am a huge fan of camo. The pattern seemed muted and the collar bothered me.
DeleteI LOVED, however, the Boyfriend fatigue jacket in camo (item 06180). The print was more vibrant and the drawstring waist allows you to cinch it and make it less Texas hunter. At only $40 more, it was the better buy.
I have the army green version of the Boyfriend Fatigue Jacket so I didn't consider the camo version (and I didn't see it in person), but I like the look of it. The long colorblock field jacket looks interesting too but I definitely don't need it.
DeleteWendy, I want to see that stuff! I'm going to have to go to a store this weekend because mine didn't have it all out yet the day I was there. The tee with leather sleeves sounds so cute and I want to see the houndstooth Tippi even though I don't need another Tippi.
DeleteA few reviews here.
ReplyDeleteUnknown, I can't reply for some reason. I received the Eaton boy trousers and love them. They are a mid-rise. I can't wear the cafe capris either, too low rise for me. These are a better style. I agree with Cate they are slim through the thighs, then go straight down. The cropped length hits me at the bottom of the ankle bone, perfect length. There is a big hem if anyone wanted a bit more length. The fabric is slightly heavier than super 120s, the pockets don't show through at all. I got the grey, it's a great neutral. They are a big yay from me.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they worked for you! Thanks for confirming the rise, I was hoping I didn't give the wrong information. I didn't try on the gray ones but they are the color I really loved from the style guide. They aren't going to work on me unless I lose some weight, though. If I size up for the thighs, the rest is too big. They were pulling through the hips/thighs, which the cafe capris don't do on me.
DeleteSo exciting! Thank you for the review. I can't wait to try them!
DeleteAre the Kiki ballet flats sized the same as the Classic leather ballet flats? Many have said that the Kikis do not run small but I still don't know what size to order. I need an 11 in all J.Crew heels, and in the Viv flats, but a 10 is practically roomy in the classic leather flats. Are the Kikis like that too - sized normally, for a change? :) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI found the Kikis to be TTS. I have to size up in all other shoes (and even then they're too narrow).
DeleteAm I correct new arrivals will be online tomorrow ? and the 30% off final sale ends. there has been very little added to sale and it looks like very little is moving.
ReplyDeleteYes and yes. I think if they really wanted to move the sale, they'd offer 50% off and free (on 100+ and $5) shipping.
DeleteI'm going to have to look for the houndstooth tippi tomorrow online because I can't find a picture of it. As far as I can tell, it's not in the catalog.
DeleteI don't think J. Crew cares about moving merchandise in online sales. I'm sure they want to sell stuff, but they never seem desperate to do it. They seem content to let it linger in the Sale section for literally years. I think they want to move it out of the stores, but not that badly because they will just ship it back for online selling at some point. They must have some big warehouses somewhere, that's all I can figure.
OT but saw this today on J. Crew's Facebook page. I bet many of JCAs would make a great model in a style guide: https://www.facebook.com/events/574882249224783/
ReplyDeleteHello JCAs! Here's my review of the boy shirt in embroidered polka dot on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the boy shirt in embroidered polka dot, too! The fabric is really soft & comfy. I also felt it ran a tad big, but it has been a while since I tried it on. My initial thought was it was loose in the body, but not too out of whack for a boy shirt.
DeleteLove it! It looks great on you!
Delete@JustVisiting, it IS a tad big. After washing it kinda shrunk to where I wanted it, but I guess I should be wary of putting it on heat. I agree it's cut a little bigger than the other boy shirts (maybe it's the cloth?)
Deleteand thank you Cate!
Hi, Shutterbug K! Thanks for sharing your blog. I really love it! Probably because you pick a lot of JC stuff that I'm also interested in. :)
DeleteThanks clotted creame! Your username makes me want to eat scones. I'm glad you stopped by the blog :)
DeleteI just got an order I placed last week and low and behold tucked into the crewcuts booklet that for whatever reason was included in my order was a hot pink 20% off my next purchase promo card. Check your orders well because I almost threw this little surprise away!
ReplyDeleteI got one in my package today too!
DeleteThis makes me wish my pre-order would come soon! Or I may have to order something just to get it. I'm clearly desperate for a coupon.
DeleteI'm not sure it comes in all packages. I received two packages from J Crew today and one contained the promo card, while the other didn't.
DeleteDidn't see it in mine.
DeleteI didn't get one today either.
DeleteI didn't get one in either package I received this week! I did pull the crew cuts promo out of the trash to double check though:)
DeleteThe Factory has upped their teacher/student discount until Sunday (8/26) for email subscribers. The offer is in-store only.
ReplyDeleteWith the recent promos, I was able to order and try on five different Crew iterations of leggings. The winners were the retail women's signature leggings and Crewcut girls heavyweight leggings. I liked the elasticity of both, since the material both stretched nicely and held me in at the right places. I'm excited about the girls heavyweight leggings for the cooler months--a thicker knit but still sleek. The Factory womens and girls both seemed to be made of thinner fabric than the retail versions.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought of trying the girls heavy weight leggings. What a great idea. What sizes do you get in the girls and the women's signature leggings?
DeleteHi, Maryeb! I'm 5'1", ~105 lbs, and I take the women's XXS and girls 12 in the leggings. There's more than enough length on both for me since I'm short.
DeleteWith new arrivals coming out tomorrow and all...do you think on-line promo will be as it is in stores ? SPEND $150 AND GET 25% OFF
ReplyDeleteJust came back for my local B&M. Thought the new things were in today and caught them unloading the boxes! The SA's are so fantastic they actually went in the back and looked through the boxes for the items I was interested in! Now that's great customer service! I bought the navy horsey sweatshirt....too cute! I wear a small in the Tippi but got a medium in the horsey top so it fit more casual. Also bought the camo vest in my normal excursion size small and bought the two-tone zip cardigan (item 04031U) in the navy gray combo. This cardigan is incredible! I love the shape, it feels so soft and cozy and the slash pockets are perfectly placed and deep too. I adore it! It maybe be one of my favorite J Crew purchases ever! And got it all 25% off! I'm going back in a few days to check out everything when it's all out on the floor. After months of the J Crew blahs I'm happy to see some things I love!
ReplyDeleteReceived the Goodwinn Hobo in black navy today that I ordered with my rewards card. Its beautiful and I love the size. I wasn't sure how I felt about the black and navy combo but I think it works. Only disappointment is that it does not have the designated cell phone and keys pocket inside like many of my other JC handbags have.
ReplyDeleteI checked my oversized pocket sweater from last year and it is 100% merino wool, same as the new merino pocket sweater. My old one is a pilly mess. Does not bode well, I'm afraid, but I hope for the best.
ReplyDeleteAlso saw a camo short sleeve tee in the store that I loved. It is blue and gray (3 or so different shades of gray). I thought it ran a bit small. There is a cute camo scarf in store too, in greens with a touch of peach in it.
thank you everyone who suggested looking at the JCrew packaging more closely--lo and behold I have a bounceback card inside. I almost threw it away.
ReplyDeleteI do wonder how useful these will be--will there be a cardholder promo, for example, that is 25% off? And for how long?
I suppose it's always nice to have a discount that doesn't rely on a minimum.
I thought I heard from an employee that the 25% off $150 would end a good bit before the 20% off bounceback cards expire.
DeleteBeware- the prongs that all the jewels/ crystals are set in on all the bedazzled tops-- snag anything that comes close to it! Quite an annoyance!!
ReplyDeleteSome Factory reviews:
ReplyDelete*Excursion vest in herringbone: Love! I tried the retail version last year and this one looks and feels identical. I sized down one size.
*Boucle peplum jacket in heather graphite: I have the navy retail version that I love. Sadly the factory version didn't measure up. The peplum was lower and shorter, the fit was too loose, and the zipper was not two a two way zipper like the retail version. You may want to size down.
*French hen sweater in navy: Love this. I sized down (but I like my sweaters more streamlined and fitted) and still have room for a button down underneath. A little itchy but not crazy itchy, but I recall that the retail version was itchy as well.
*Merino pleated skirt in black: I have the retail version in camel that I love. The factory one looks very similar but is not lined. It's a bit itchy, and I will probably wear it with a slip (which I don't mind). It fit a little loose and I am going to try a smaller size before I decide which to keep.
*French hen scarf: super cute, good quality. A keeper
*Warmspun herringbone peter pan collar sweater: Very itchy and too big. I sized down and it was still too loose for me. A pass for me. I love the herringbone print though.
*Resin droplet necklace in vintage pewter: Factory's version of the bubble necklace. Super cute and a good alternative to the retail version if you want a smaller necklace. I love this color. It will be perfect neutral for Fall.
Thanks so much for the review of the Factory Boucle Peplum - I was wondering how it would compare to the retail version. Sounds like a pass for now... :)
DeleteI know, it's a bummer. I'm going to try the smaller size if they have it when I make my returns. I'll do an ETA if the smaller size makes the difference with the fit issues.
DeleteReview of the embroidered tunic. Still on promo for $69.50.
ReplyDeleteI received the factory Excursion vest in herringbone after calling a store for a send-sale. They advised to take my usual side, which I did, though one size smaller would have been better. It's not worth the hassle to mail it back and try for the XXS, and it's still cute, so I'll keep it
ReplyDeleteAnyone have experience with the Factory wool cocoon coat? CS said it's 100% wool with a polyester lining. I'm wondering about the quality and if it's as warm as stadium cloth.
ReplyDeleteI reviewed the quilted tack jacket here + links to a couple other blogger reviews.
ReplyDeleteJust wondering if anyone has tried on the strappy mirror metallic pumps (in any of the 3 colors)? At $278, even with the 25% off, that is a mistake I cannot afford to make nor wish to be uncomfortable. Unless I missed it, I have not seen any reviews or comments.
ReplyDeleteMore items reviewed:
ReplyDelete* crepe racer tank & two-tone cardigan here
* merino pocket tunic, merino leather pocket sw & leather tuxedo stripe pixies here
* silk tonal paisley dress here