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! :)
A few reviews here.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI made an error. Somehow I was on the jcrew.com for China. Here's a promo that looks like it's for China only:
ReplyDeleteLOVEJCREW for 25% off your order, plus free shipping both ways on all orders. Good 10/21 - 10/30.
The legalese also states free shipping both ways good 10/21 - 12/16/2013.
Gigi, LOVEJCREW is showing up on Ebates this morning, too. States 25% off any order. Haven't tested it yet; will try when I get to my desk.
Deleteshopalto - I didn't even think to test it last nite. lol. LOVEJCREW did *not* work for me on a mockcheck just now.
DeleteLOVEJCREW definitely NOT working. Still listed on Ebates. Maybe this code was supposed to be for tomorrow's new arrivals?
Deleteshopalot -It's for China.
DeleteLooking around, it's worked for those in Eastern Europe, Asia, The Middle East, Africa, and South America, but not western Europe, which only has free shipping.
Deletespeaking of ebates, have you noticed that jcrew and madewell are coupons only now? total bummer - those two sites made up the majority of my revenue!
DeleteYea me too onesies. I also use the Shell gas website to accrue money off gas purchases and Jcrew has been removed from that site as well.
DeleteBank of America has a cash back deal with J. Crew right now for 5%. You just have to login to BoA online, click on "cash back deals" and select J. Crew.
DeleteMany have wondered, some have asked and I said I'd try it ... washing the minnie pant in bi-stretch wool. And would you believe I also put the icon trench in the wash? The review and IRL HERE.
ReplyDeleteYou put your trench coat in the wash? I need to hear about this!
DeleteHas anyone seen the Factory Patch Pocket Popover IRL? Is it similar in style to the retail one? Also, what is the material like? TIA!
ReplyDeleteAsking for help on a few items:
ReplyDelete1. Has anyone tried the factory wool skimmer pants in either houndstooth or solids? Are they lined and how do they compare in size to last year's version or retail's cafe capri? I am not loving the retail pant offerings this year and am looking for some thicker wool lined pants.
2. How about the factory Charlie in the big dot carbon/sandstone. How does it compare with last years retail Tippi version in size and fabric weight?
3. Lastly retail requests. Has anyone tried the silk sorrento top or the Collection cafe capri in frost foulard? Would love to hear anyone's thoughts!
I can help with 1. The retail wool cafe capris don't fit me very well, but the Factory wool skimmer pants do. Factory wool skimmers (solids) were lined last year and again this year. I think the fit is the same as last year. I did not check the houndstooth ones, though.
DeleteI want to add that the Factory wool Skimmers are not thick. They seem the same as last year, which could be slightly thinner than retail. They are a nice weight, IMO. It's great to have the lining.
DeleteEven if they aren't thick wool, the lining is always appreciated. Thanks cate as always for your input.
DeleteI can speak to the frost foulard cafe capris -- I love them but had to go up one size from the Hummingbird Floral cafe capris. They fit tighter in the thigh than the Hummingbird edition as well. In terms of colour, the green in these really dominates the print. I typically wear them with a white or black tee.
DeleteThe houndstooth Skimmers are fully lined as well.
DeleteApologies for a repeat post, but I wanted to put in the proper blog post my review of the Peter Pan Collar Dress (03346), which is in-store only at this point and comes in the color heather pewter. I think the price is somewhere around $135.
ReplyDeleteThe verdict: it is lovely! The cut isn't juvenile as I had feared it would be but it still has that gamine, Alexa Chung vibe to it. The fabric is a wool blend ponte with a bit of stretch. The fabric is slightly scratchy and the dress is unlined, so I would wear it with a thin silk slip underneath. It has a defined waist with a couple small pleats that make it forgiving to the wide-hipped ladies like me. I took the bigger of my two usual dress sizes.
I contacted CS and they said there are no plans to offer it in petite sizing. I'm petite, but the regular was not bad on me. I'lll probably buy it with the 25% promo once my rewards arrive.
Photos here: https://s7d9.scene7.com/is/image/jcrew/03346_GY7270?$pdp_fs418$
https://s7d9.scene7.com/is/image/jcrew/03346_GY7270_m?$pdp_fs418$
https://s7d9.scene7.com/is/image/jcrew/03346_GY7270_s?$pdp_fs418$
https://s7d9.scene7.com/is/image/jcrew/03346_GY7270_b?$pdp_fs418$
And the detail I always check -- dry clean. Yeah, sad face.
DeleteI got the Factory WARMSPUN INTARSIA STRIPE-DOT SWEATER IN NAVY recently and wore it for the first time on Sunday. Love the fit and the substantial weight of the wool. I have a partial pic of how I styled it on my Instagram: http://instagram.com/ajlinboston
ReplyDeleteOT, but does anyone ever get crewcuts shoes? How does the sizing work?
ReplyDeleteThat is, buy them for yourself, not for a child
DeleteHi Adina -
DeleteFor women with sizes 6-7.5 (and occasionally up to 8) Crewcuts shoes are great - the prices for the Mila, Macalister and other styles are terrific. I use the European sizes as a guide (click on the size chart in the righthand corner of the size portion of each shoe page). The K5 is comparable to a 7.5 adult. K4, depending on the style of the shoe, is 6.5 to 7. They have started carrying K5 and up more regularly, so there is a good selection depending on your size. Crewcuts shipping is always free, so it isn't a big deal to order shoes by mail to try. Selection is lousy in-store, especially in the K4 and up range. HTH.
I'm wearing a pair of Crewcuts Macalisters right now -- mine are a K4, and I'm usually a 6-6.5.
DeleteThanks so much! I think I am going to try the crewcuts macalisters as well
DeleteI just checked and Crewcuts now has suede Macalisters up to size K7 (Euro 39) which is equivalent to a women's 8.5! I'm partial to the blue ones. After the 25% the price is $66. Pretty good deal considering that you can't tell them apart from the adult ones.
DeleteI wear kids MacAlisters. I usually wear a 6.5 in shoes. I own K5 MacAlisters, though I think I could have, should have gotten a K4. I wore mine all last winter, and they were my go-to shoe for a trip to Europe that involved lots of walking sightseeing.
DeleteFor me, the kids version is BETTER than the adult version, hands down. They're not only cheaper but they're also lined with smooth leather (the unlined suede in the adult version made it difficult to get my feet inside) and slightly wider.
Are these TTS? I wear a 7.5 and typically an 8 in crew shoes, so would I get the corresponding size 7.5 or 8?
DeleteFriendly Femme -
DeleteI'm not sure whether you'd be a K5 or K6 - it depends on the width of your feet and the weight of your socks. My daughter, who wears women's size 7 most of the time (but 7.5 in Cece's), is still wearing K4 Macalisters but she has narrow feet and prefers thin socks.
loving the Tuxedo Shirtdress. ������
ReplyDeleteit's a lightweight grey wool fabric, waist at the waistline, nice detailing with. band collar, tiny sewn-in pleats to either side of the shirt placket, skirt is lined! Lined! I tried on a few sizes, came home with. the largest of my JC sizes because I liked it best when it was not skin-tight or skimpy - I have a problem with things that fit perfectly and are comfortable and don't pull but somehow the mirror tells me the thing looks skimpy. OK, so the length is at the knee or midknee on me. In the size I bought, I'll be comfortable wearing turtleneck and tights, maybe in wine, under it on chilly business days, and disposing of those before setting out for dinner. What else? Nice inobtrusive buttons, full-length sleeves, no embellishments! You can wear your own jewelry!
The picture on the website does not do this dress justice, and yet discerning shoppers caused it to sell out almost instantly. What do we learn from this?
I found mine through store searches and early a.m. stalking. Worth it.
oops, it is called the wool flannel Tuxedo dress, and it is item 03942. You can see that I am unaccustomed to giving unconditional love. So double props to the kind and patient SA who figured out what I was talking about!
DeleteHi Fred, I noticed this dress on the site for the first time yesterday and can't believe I never noticed it before. Then I remembered I stopped looking at the dresses category about 2 years ago! Thanks for your review.
DeleteThis is somewhat OT but I seemed to get a snag in my new pair of matchstick cords (or I didn't see it in the bag) and I was wondering if anyone had advice on removing it? It's not a hole or really a fray but an extra fuzzy piece. I was thinking maybe a razor or my sweater shaver, any thoughts???
ReplyDeleteTeriLynn, if possible you may try pushing it back into the inside of the cords and don't cut it. I do this with sweaters if they get a snag. I usually do it with a needle or pin, so I don't make more of a hole. HTH
DeleteThanks! I'll see if that works.
DeleteHas anyone tried the Technicolor Floral Top (04513)? What about the Factory Hothouse Floral Dress (07326)?
ReplyDeleteI tried the factory hothouse floral dress in my regular size. It was too tight in the hips/thighs for me as well as too short for my liking. I did not like it enough to try the next size up. I think it may be 100% cotton which could explain the tightness. Returned and ordered the top in the same print. Hoping for better luck with that.
DeleteI just reviewed the Technicolor Top today. Find my review here
DeleteThanks for the reviews!
DeleteHere's a review - I received my new handknit tile sweater in the beige/blue colorway and it's really pretty, feels nice on, and I like the hem. The pattern placement was central but it seemed like the stitches connecting the blue pattern to the white were inconsistently placed, or just a different type, and really stuck out to me. Maybe it's just this one but it's going back.
ReplyDeleteMy Convertible Toggle Coat in Heather Graphite arrived today. GORGEOUS. That perfect "classic with a twist." Good length, fabric, and tailoring. Roomy fit; you could go down a size if you don't wear a lot of bulky sweaters in the winter. It can be dressed up or down and I will wear it for years.
ReplyDeleteOne thing hasn't changed about J. Crew over time, at least to me ... no one does coats better.
A few reviews including the Technicolor top and Collection mini in quartz jacquard here
ReplyDeleteDrapey swing tee (08698) - in a word, no. I wouldn't say it's so much "swingy" as just too long overall. My usual S felt like some kind of maternity nightie, but with slim-ish arms and a scoop that dipped down past my sternum. I didn't notice it had dropped shoulder seams in the item pic and wouldn't have tried it if I did. The fabric is see-through, but also managed to cling even with the huge shape.
ReplyDeleteIf you want a similar look but better fit, Loft's Space Dye Scoop Tee is a good alternative with thicker fabric. I'd say size up if you want it to look like the JC model.
Factory optical lace top. This is pretty cute, but I don't think I'm going to keep it. It just isn't enough my style. The sleeves are not particularly long, but they're not bracelet either. They were a perfect length on me, just about the same length as the top when my arms are straight at my side. The fabric is pretty nice. I might have considered keeping it if not for the...
ReplyDeletePleated Chiffon Bouse in Gingham (Pinor Noir), which arrived the same day. I really, really love this top. The keyhole is a little bit low for me, but I could try to stitch it closed an inch or so if it bothers me. It drapes nicely. This one is long and looks nice untucked. The sleeves are quite long. The body is lined. I bought my regular size but could probably have sized down. It runs a bit big.
Does anyone have problems with their painter tees ending up with holes in the arm pit area? I sized up this time, thinking maybe it was a fit issue and yet again...hole right on the seam. This is getting old!!!!!! Sigh. Frustrated.
ReplyDeleteMy Factory painter tee has a nice big hole in it right in the front of the shirt. I got exactly ONE wear out of it. No more painter tees for me.
DeleteYeah, this my third hole in a third painter tee this year. I am done with this. I am going to see if my dry cleaner can fix this one, since it seems to be right exactly on the seam. Wish me luck. I wish J. Crew would get their act together on holes in painter tees, and the seams of their tees falling apart. This is why I tend to buy basics from other retailers or Factory. There is not point in buying them from the regular retail store when they keep falling apart.
DeleteOT, but I'm wondering if anyone agrees with me. I want JC to offer a simple leather or suede #2 pencil skirt. I'd likely pay full price unless it was over $700. They might have offered a yellow one in the couple of years ago - I should have bought it. With all the leather offerings of this season, I thought this kind of skirt would be part of it. Maybe for holiday?
ReplyDeleteCousy, Talbots has a leather pencil skirt on their website..
DeleteI found a gorgeous chocolate brown one at Banana Republic a few months ago. The SA said they were a staple, so it might be worth a check in store?
DeleteThanks to both of you!
DeleteWearing my fluted crepe skirt(black) today for the first time with tights and boots-LOVE.I can tell it will be a fav. No wrinkling, nice weight fabric, looks great with all my sweaters.Bought in 0 (normally I'm 0 petite) and it fits just fine.
ReplyDeleteWhat time does the new rollout go online? Wednesday/tomorrow, but does it happen at midnight or is it later in the morning? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like the J.Crew Collection café capri in tile jacquard sold out but in case it pops back or is still available in stores: Fit is TTS, fabric is beautiful - 100% silk with a nice weight. I love the pattern. It has a pretty light blue and a copper color in it. I think these will work well for dressy winter occasions and also for work.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. I have them too and I love them. FWIW, also agree they're TTS. Any styling ideas?
DeleteI'm thinking the light sky colored tippi and also for something outside the box - the factory reindeer t-shirt and the navy schoolboy blazer. I also think a bright orange sweater would work well. There is new BR ninah pump in shine bronze that I think would be really fabulous but they are part of "BR picks" right now so they are excluded from the promos so I'm going to try and wait until I can get them on sale.
DeleteA few from the new rollout. My store doesn't get as much high-end merchandise as some stores, but this is what I noticed:
ReplyDeleteGarnet Flame Plaid Shirt. I thought I'd want this, but the colors didn't suit me at all. They are very pretty, but my coloring wasn't a good match with it.
Cate Cami in Iced Lilac Paisley. I loved this. It is cut low in front and in back (scoop). I went down a size. It's long. The colors in it are really beautiful, burgundy, light pink, blue and a bit of tan and maybe red/flame. It comes in Gilded Paisley Lame (insert your own accent mark) too, which I also liked.
Chevron Infinity Scarf. It's thick without much drape. It goes twice around your neck, but it's a close fit (not uncomfortable, though).
Tweed Sleeve Top. I wasn't a fan. There isn't anything wrong with it, but there were other things I liked a lot more. I remember it being more ivory than white (didn't see the other colorway). Fwiw, ivory doesn't look good on me so that's probably why I didn't like it.
I just received the silk shantung dress in the citron green color that was recently in the extra 50% off section, bringing it down to $50 (originally $400 I think?). It's really gorgeous, a nice thick shantung, and very cute on. I sized up from my normal size 4 to a 6 and am happy with that, as there's no give in this kind of silk. I think the color is really striking and pretty. Just in case it pops back at that price, thought I'd share my opinion!
ReplyDeleteWould LOVE to see a photo of it on you M! Any plans to review it on your blog?
DeleteHas anyone tried NILI LOTAN® CABLE SWEATER IN SUPER BABY ALPACA
ReplyDeleteitem 06061
Promo update - SHOPNOW code still has the 25% off of $150+ & on Wed gets free shipping only.
ReplyDeleteOT: New arrivals have been posted! Enjoy! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't check out. Is anyone else having a problem?
DeleteI can't check out since 5am, it's still not working, I don't know if it's just a glitch with using the phone/ipad, haven't tried checking out using a desktop, anyone else has issues?
DeleteA lot of items restocked also!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone purchased the wool wide leg trousers. I am exchanging. Gorgeous pants, but needed to go up a size. Anyone else?
ReplyDeleteI liked the look of the slip-on oxfords so I tried them on. They looked frumpy and I couldn't figure out how I'd wear them without feeling amish.
ReplyDeleteFinally getting around to reviewing some of the purchases I made during the 30% off sale.
ReplyDeleteMerino Tippi sweater in trompe l'oeil--I love this sweater. The collar pattern is fun, and the contrast band at the tip of the sleeves is a nice touch. I usually size down for tippis, but I didn't need to for this one; it runs a bit smaller than other tippi styles. I went with the navy breeze; it's a true navy with light minty-blue for the collar. The wool feels more delicate than it does with most other tippis, so it'll probably require more care when washing.
Merino Tippi baseball sweater with removable collar--There's something about baseball tees. I can't say no to them. This has led to several bad sartorial decisions, but this sweater isn't one of them. The collar is easily removed and re-attached, and the jewels look great with the heathered colors of the sweater.
The minaudière in neon persimmon is fun, but I wasn't prepared for just how bright it is in person. It's a very day-glo orange. I purchased it because I missed out on the bucket bag and I really wanted an orange purse, but I think I'll go back to hoping for a popback on the bucket bag. I'm planning to return the minaudière on Saturday morning, but if someone wants it, I'll be happy to send it along for what I paid for it ($59).
The bootcut cord is very similar to the ones offered in previous seasons. It runs true to size (slightly larger than the toothpick; about the same as the matchstick), and the corduroy is sturdy without being too thick. The brilliant coral is a lovely and very close to a true coral color.
forgot to mention--email is innisfree3791@gmail.com, in case anyone's interested in the minaudière
DeleteI just received the "A-Line Skirt" (style no. 07428) today; the plastic bag listed it as the "Brynn Skirt Cozy Wool". It has slant pockets (similar to the Sterling Skirt) coupled with trapunto stitching across the waistband and the hem (I ordered it quickly and missed this part in the description; it is difficult to see in the online pictures). The flare is more pronounced than the Sterling Skirt. The length is good on my 5'4" frame. The website lists it as 22" long, but I compared it to the 23.5" No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double Serge Wool (style no. 02676) that I'm wearing today and they're the exact same length. It is not as substantial as I expected; the website describes it as "wool with a hint of stretch" and I found it more lightweight than my No. 2 skirts and significantly more lightweight than the Felted Wool Cascade Skirt from a few years ago. Still, when paired with tights, it will be a good skirt for fall and into winter.
ReplyDeletehi! i just bought the factory warmspun waffle colorblock sweater (item 01205) and it's a little itchy. was wondering if anyone else has it and if it gets softer after washing? thanks!
ReplyDeleteI just reviewed the Cheers Sweatshirt, Medallion Tie-Silk Skirt, Bonded Varsity Sweater Jacket and a few scarves.
ReplyDeletehttp://audreybella.blogspot.com/2013/10/j-crew-october-2013-arrivals.html
Hi ladies,
ReplyDelete2 questions, I'm contemplating ordering a pair of pixie pants, I usually wear a size 2 in J Crew pants, suiting, cafe capris etc., should I purchase a size 2 in these as well? And can you get away with wearing with blazers? Or is this pant like a legging where you should make sure your bum is covered?
Second, has anyone tried the wool utility pant? I'm attracted to those pants! Such a casual, but tailored look. BUT I'm worried they'll be super itchy and uncomfortable, I can't do the wool minnie's the fabric is too uncomfortable. I'd love your input! Thanks ladies.
You can probably size down to a 0 in the pixies. I prefer a size down or my smaller size. I think you can wear them with blazers. Others have strong opinions that they are like leggings and your bum should be covered. It depends on how comfortable you are and how you think they look. My bum is usually partly covered, and I think that's the best.. partly or totally covered. They are very tight and legging like. Basically, thick leggings.
DeleteToothpick Jean in Ecru, Item # 31763, $49.99 and still available in all sizes.
ReplyDeleteMy order with them arrived today. Love them! Very comfortable. TTS. They look white on the website but they're definitely not; more ivory or cream. They are on the thin side and ankle length so definitely a purchase for next spring/summer for those in colder climes.