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! :)
Did anybody notice that the cashmere is now "hand wash" instead of "dry clean"? They also recommend "folding (never hanging) and storing in tissue paper". The vintage cotton tees now say to take "extra care when washing" and mentions how featherweight they are. Sounds like they're trying to preempt common complaints of these pieces - "Oh, your cashmere is pilling and you've had it a week? Well, did you store it in tissue paper?"
ReplyDeleteMy cashmere seems to be doing fine hanging without tissue paper. I realize I have probably voided my warranty, however!
DeleteI never hang sweaters. I always fold them. The only ones I keep in tissue though are my vintage ones:)
DeleteI received the Stadium Cloth Boulevard Trench I ordered in Deep Violet. This is the blue coat I've been waiting for, such a deep pretty blue color (more blue than purple IMO). It reads as a royal blue to me. This is a good length for me with pants and the belt is just long enough to tie.
ReplyDeleteI also ordered a few things in the Heather Mineral color to try. The cashmere rib-trim scarf is great, both in the size/volume of the scarf and the color. Not sure what I'll keep but definitely the scarf.
The fair isle leggings in navy/hydrangea/green are great too. They might run a bit big. I wear a size 8 in pants and a size small in these leggings.
Wanted to add that I am the same size in the fair isle leggings this year as last year (although I didn't keep last year's) so the sizing probably hasn't changed.
DeleteAlso maybe royal blue isn't quite the right description for the coat color... close but maybe too much violet to call it royal blue. It is a very saturated color.
A little OT but has anyone seen the Penfield Lavic Fleece Jacket at Madewell in person? I have been on the lookout for a good fleece in a more retro style and neutral colours for some time now so I would love to hear about the quality and fit of this one.
ReplyDeleteI finally got around to doing some reviews last night. There are a bunch of sweaters and tops.
ReplyDeleteSweaters are all HERE:
Tuxedo Bib Sweatshirt (08197)
Handknit tile sweater (02696)
Floral Sweatshirt (04966)
Collection Cashmere Pointelle Dot Sweater (02625)
Collection Cashmere V-neck Sweater (29660)
And the tops are all HERE
Embroidered-front tee
Silk Sweatshirt (04012)
Popover in navy foulard (07098)
Mixed prints tee (07591)
Cate cami in iced lilac paisley (07094)
Cate cami in gilded paisley lame (07030)
More on the way, hopefully!!
Your Cate cami made it to sale!
DeleteHi Amber - thanks for the pics. Where are your grey pants from in the pics of the most recent items? They're adorable!
Deletelove your reviews, Amber! I second silver_lining - where are your gray sweatpants from? they look very comfy
DeleteI want to know too about those gray pants! :) Super cute!
Deleteyay! excited for the cami! thanks for the FYI! still expensive, but at least not final sale. can hang on to it for later...
DeleteThe sweat pants are from victorias secret a looooong time ago. They were initially 4" too long but I've washed and dried them so much that they fit, ha! they're so crazy comfy.
I know not everyone is a fan of the tweed tee layered with button down--but it's actually very flattering! I bought the cream/black version and paired it with the crinkle boy shirt in black gingham. I also plan to style it with garnet flame plaid shirt!
ReplyDeleteI was interested in this too. How is the sizing?
DeleteIevbacon, I took a small in the tweed tee--ususally take a medium in most tees and tippi sweaters. HTH!
DeleteHas anyone tried the wrap pencil skirt? I'm still wondering about it but concerned about the poly with poly lining, both for comfort and because that combination tends to sound funny when you walk!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried on the Merino Embroidered Lace Sweater? I have it in my cart in Apricot but can't decide. I think it would look great with Minni pants if it is long enough.
ReplyDeleteI tried it on quickly in the blue/black color. I was surprised that it did not fit like a Tippi. It was loose and not especially long. Hope someone else can give an opinion, since I was in a hurry when I tried it.
DeleteI ran huge and shorter than the typical tippi. I really liked it in the blue/black color but it was thinner merino wool- delicate. I was going to get it then I saw the zipper sweater and got that instead. I may get it if it goes on further reduction. All my tippies are XS and xxs fit best on this sweater. HTH.
DeleteThanks...shorter is not good for me. I think I will see if it is in my store.
Deletei have a review of it here and you can see it compared to the merino scarf sweater. it runs shorter, bigger, and boxier, from what i can tell. i didn't see apricot mist at my store though, but would love to see what you think if you find it. that's the color i'm most interested in as well!
DeleteTried the blue colorway of this sweater over the weekend. Total fail. It is NOT a Tippi. I looked like the blueberry girl from the Willy Wonka movie. Big blue bubble. So disappointed because the color was gorgeous.
DeleteReview of the Funny Birds Tee here.
ReplyDeleteI posted a few Factory reviews on my blog - scalloped lace top in black (LOVE) and the optic lace top (not so much love). Link here
ReplyDeleteReview of the optical lace top in this post. Glad to see I'm not the only one not in love, shopmurphy.
ReplyDeleteOpen cardigan item 08379 in heather graphite... definitely big and boxy. i went with my smaller size XS and it's still pretty boxy. i wish i could go even smaller but then the sleeves would be too short. it's very "grampa-ish" which i kinda like even if it makes me look wider. (come to think of it, i think my grandfather did own a sweater just like this)
ReplyDeleteMedallion tie-silk skirt item 07477: beautiful print... i really like it. it's 17.5" long in the size 4. i think it's a tad big in the waist tho... i need to exchange it for a size 2. it's a little more a-line-ish than the regular minis so i think it's more flattering for me personally.
Open cardigan is also very scratchy which I don't usually mind. It also seemed like it would loose its shape easily. I wanted to love it, but it went back :(
DeleteI think the open cardigan has kind of a cocoon shape and is supposed to fit like that.
DeleteI sized down to a xxs and like it on me,but it took me a few try ons to figure that the shape is kind of rounded(if that makes sense).
It didnt feel scratchy to me at all.
reviews of the cate cami in gilded paisley lame, funny birds tee, embroidered lace sweater HERE.
ReplyDeleteI got a box yesterday with the open cardigan in grey and the crinkle stripe shirt.
ReplyDeleteI ordered the crinkle stripe shirt in my usual size 0 and the fit is TTS. It is not a keeper for me,because i didnt like the color( i ordered navy,but the stripes are a washed our grey) and i didnt like the ruching over the bust.Plus it was gaping and i have a really small bust.
The open cardigan is very soft and i sized down to a xxs and it was the right call.
At my first try on i didnt liked it,bit as soon as i figured its more of a cocoon shape,i liked it.
It is very soft and not scratchy.
I also found one lonely Bien Fait sweatshirt at my Madewell and it came home with me:)
Review on my blog later.
Review of the Bien Fait seatshirt from Madewell and the open cardigan here.
DeleteMy Collection Topcoat in Tweed arrived and I'm so glad I got it right away since it's almost sold out. It's a beautiful color combination of brown, burgundy and forest green check, all wool and lined, a perfect grampa style jacket I can wear all season. The only thing I would add would be some tailoring at the waist and I may still but it's a small detail. This reminds me of the cute preppy/Brit sort of style J. Crew used to do so well - love!
ReplyDeleteWool utility pant (07603) - Despite what the description says, these are not a sweatpant. They have a zipper and a hook/bar closure at the top and no stretchy waist like the wool track pant (06068) - for that reason I would not size down. The wool feels thinner than the track pant (it's a wool/nylon blend) and has stretch ankle cuffs. I may try them in my regular size (I sized down on these based on the track pants) on sale - but at $100? No way.
ReplyDeleteCrinkle stripe shirt (06915) - This was okay in my regular size, would be good for layering, but on its own I'm undecided. The material is very thin and I have no idea how it would wash - would it shrink, or would it just disintegrate? $60 is too much to not be able to also wear it on its own, I think.
Military pocket shirt (067222) - This one surprised me. It's nice and thick, and I'd say TTS, but size up if you want to wear it like a shirt-jacket. Compare to...
Madewell tomboy workshirt in spruce (47515) - I wanted to see this and the JC one side-by-side. The MW is a longer cut, but oddly the sleeves are shorter (more bracelet length, but I have long arms). The material is thinner than JC's, and the color is not uniform. It's faded in places, and didn't seem to work as well - probably doesn't help that it came totally wrinkled. JC wins this one for me.
Madwell gamine sweater (07870) - Cute. Thick-ish, soft knit (even antique cream was not totally see through). Has a longer/leaner shape than we're used to seeing at JC. I like the boatneck shape and it works for me. The description says it's raw-edged, but it's not - the neck, sleeves and hem have a rib-knit. Keeper for me.
Thanks for the great, detailed reviews. I've been eying the Gamine sweater, so appreciate this one in particular. Also considering the Military pocket shirt, did it feel stiff?
DeleteHi maryeb - glad to help. I didn't think the military pocket shirt was stiff (definitely thick, plus I had just tried on that super thin crinkle shirt) but I don't think that it's something you would layer over for the most part. I tried it on in-store and though, "Oh, runs small", but then when I got the same size in my order I thought it was okay. If you can return to a B&M, I'd recommend trying it in two sizes. I may try a size up out of curiosity.
DeleteI thought the MW one would've been a better bet because it's alpha sized and I could just do an S, but it just seemed a little too "used" for me (especially at $20 more than JC).
thanks so much!
DeleteI'm back - I tried on a size up at the B&M and decided to go with that. The differences were almost negligible but the 6 had a teensy bit more give than the 4, and I wouldn't worry about it shrinking. Overall, I'm pleased with it.
DeleteI bought the tweed-sleeve top in cream/black on Monday while I was visiting the US - I have to say, I was skeptical at first.
ReplyDeleteAfter trying it on, I was won over - aside from the fact that the sleeves are a bit itchy at first (I'm hoping after a wash or two, the itchiness is minimized!), the fit is flattering. I love the material - it's a thick cotton and not sheer at all (I was wearing a black bra when I tried it on, and you couldn't even tell, which is a plus!).
The metallic in the contrasting sleeves is always a nice touch and adds a bit of flare, and I am a sucker for zippers, so the zipper detailing in the back sold it for me. Plus, with the 25% off, the price wasn't too bad ($56 vs $66 here in Canada, and no sales tax!).
I know I'll be pairing this top with everything - skirts, trousers, jeans, and my Pixie pants :)
P.S. New(ish) to the blog - I have to say, I love this community!!
I was suprised by how much I like the houndstooth tweed schoolboy jacket. I expected it to be slightly itchy but it's soft and thick and gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThe Madewell Skinny Skinny Cords feel like soft velvet and fit just as well as the (more expensive) AG Stevie cords from Anthropologie. The colors are rich and beautiful (and match well with the houndstooth tweed blazer).
Has anyone purchased a J.crew men's leather wallet like this one? Looking to see how they hold up. I'd like to get my father a new wallet for his birthday. He has only had cheap wallets that fall apart in 6 mos.
ReplyDeleteReviews of items from my order last week:
ReplyDeleteSwiss-dot tuxedo shirt: thought I would love this, but fabric is a little too coarse (and definitely very sheer, but I expected that). The combo of tuxedo front and swiss dot is a bit too much, so it is definitely going back. However, does fit true-to-size (maybe a tiny bit long in the arms for me).
Collection cashmere tunic in heather cabernet: love this, but unsure about sizing. Bought size small, even knowing it would be oversized, and I love it everywhere except under arms, where there is way too much sweater. May hold onto it and buy a size down for comparison.
Knit sweatshirt dress: totally love this, but am sending it back because I probably won't wear it much. It has 44% wool, and you can definitely feel it - I wouldn't call it fully scratchy, but just enough of a kind of coarseness to it that I probably wouldn't reach for it very often. If it gets super markdown (unlikely, I know), I would probably purchase for an occasional change of pace. Also, I would have the sweatshirt cuffs at the end of the sleeves removed - I folded them under while trying it on, and that's when I saw how great and classy it would be. Exposed zipper up the back, but that works for me (especially since it is silver!).
Double-zip sweater in colorblock in graphite: also thought I would love this, and it is a nice idea, but it feels like the zippers at the hem are going to do a strange bunching-up kind of thing, so I am sending it back. Also, though it is more or less true to size, because I am used to slouchier fit of so many tops out there right now, it felt a little tight to me.
Collection topcoat in tweed: beautiful fabric, but a little on the scratchy side. Also more blazer-y than I want for a coat this length (it comes down at least to mid-thigh). I can see this being a great item for many JCAs, but I like my blazers to be blazers and my coats to be coats, and this is, for me, definitely a hybrid of the two. True to size, though could be more fitted (as another JCA notes in a review above). Also, no vent at the back, which might have helped it avoid a slightly boxy look from behind (just my take).
Hope these help!!
Just to tag along about the Swiss-dot tuxedo shirt, if you get it wet, you'll notice a white residue appears. If you throw it in the wash once, it's like that crunchy coating washes off completely and the shirt will be super soft. I bought the navy one about two weeks ago and this happened to me. It was so weird!
DeleteI got the Maison Labiche ohh lala tee today. I had such high hopes for this tee! What a disappointment. It's literally a Hanes style tee (very stiff, not appealing fabric). The embroidery is very cute but totally not worth it.
ReplyDeleteI had to update you all on my order from popbackapalooza last week. I'm sure we all expected disaster with items from up to 5 years old. Instead, they all were pressed, looked brand-spankin' new, tagged/safety-pinned and everything. Amazed! Thrilled to have the items I scored without feeling like I got some dusty dregs in a basement somewhere. So odd, but I'll take it. :)
ReplyDeleteSo bummed I missed out!! What did you get?! I want to live vicariously.
DeleteSo sorry you missed out Jruby! I only went for it b/c it wasn't final sale. The Lana polka dot top in pink, printed slub-silk shell (marigold color) and mosaic cafe capri. All worked out, miracle!
DeleteHope you enjoy your popbacks! I still have my lana tops. I can't part with them and love how retro they looks. I also still have my sleeveless tuxedo silk blouses. I think they are timeless :)
DeleteI reviewed jeweled everly pump (keeper but may fabric may pill off), the murberry everly (gorgeous but needed exchange) and the glitter nora (nice but runs large). Pictures on my blog if interested.
ReplyDeleteReview of the double-zip sweater. Eh on the zippers. Like the garnet color.
ReplyDeleteThe Collection wool flannel tuxedo dress (#06254); beautiful but I do not feel like it's worth full price even with the 25% off. This piece didn't warrant the Collection label or the price tag that accompanies it. It's well made and feels like one of their older wool flannel dresses. The wool is light and not nearly as itchy as I worried it would be since I have sensitive skin. The sleeves are not lined. I'm not sure how I feel about that since lining the sleeves would have added visual weight to the arms but would have toned down the itchiness I feel there. The black jewel buttons are a gorgeous finish. I appreciate them over the probable plain black buttons that the designers could have gone with. I took the larger of my two sizes, 2, since it looked like the bust ran small. I'm glad I did. It fit a little loose around the waist but perfect in the bust and thigh area. The size 2 was 37" long and hit me right above my knee. I'm 5'4". It's currently sold out from the website right now but it's quite possible that it may pop-back there.
ReplyDeleteAny feedback on those that own the downtown field jacket? I am between an XS and Snd just cannot decide which one! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhoops... Should say XS and S
DeleteAlthough I do not own that jacket, I tried both sizes on in stores and found the xs to be too tight in the shoulder area. I prefer the s, because the length is not too short and there is a little room under the jacket. I'm 5'2" if that helps...Hope this helps!
DeleteI agree with tev14 about the sizing.
DeleteI am a true xs and find the fit of the xs in the Down Town Fieldjacket to be on the smaller side.
Thank you tcv14 and Ina Mack!
Deleteoff topic: does anyone know when the j crew Ebates 6% cash back expires? thanks!
ReplyDeleteAny thoughts on the Cashmere Getaway Hoodie and Cashmere Zip Hoodie? I ordered both to try and found them TTS and really cute. Do these hold up pretty well? I don't want to spend $200 on a sweater that won't be around next winter. Are they serious about folding in tissue paper?
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the Factory plaid shirts? Do they fit more like perfect shirts or boy shirts? Is the quality good?
Reviews:
Merino V-neck sweater (gray, grape): Fit is TTS and the V is not too deep. The thickness feels similar to a Tippi. I love both colors. I like that they are long sleeves since I have a ton of 3/4 sleeve sweaters. The overall length of the sweater is a little too long for me (I'm 5'5") so I don't think I will keep them.
Military Pocket Shirt: Really thick material, so you can layer under but not over it. I wear a 0 in boy shirts and a 2 in perfect shirts. I ordered both sizes in this shirt and the 0 fit well. I think I'll re-order it if my rewards card ever comes.
Merino Zippered Sweater Jacket (navy): I really wanted to love this sweater. The wool is heavy and feels like it will hold up very well for a long time. Very smooth and not itchy at all. The sleeves in my usual XS were too short (it says they are bracelet sleeves so I guess that is the intended fit). The bottom of the sweater is narrower, so the middle of poofs out when I zip it up. I tried a size small also. It was too big overall, but the bottom was still very narrow and had the same problem. This sweater looks adorable on other people, so it might just be me.
Merino Scarf Sweater (gray): I tried an XS in this one (usual Tippi size). This sweater is really thick and soft. My only complaint is that it is a little too tight in the arms.
I love the cashmere zip hoodie and have a couple of them. So far so good, my gray one gets the most wear and it is still in good shape. I haven't had it that long, though, so can't say whether it will last long term. I have been hanging them up on suit-hangar type hangers, the kind that won't poke out the shoulders, no tissue paper.
DeleteI ordered the cashmere getaway hoodie in heather mineral to try from this last rollout. I am not sure if I like it on me, though. In fact I am pretty sure I don't. It's kind of a long and lean silhouette (I am not particularly long or lean). Also, with the buttons unbuttoned at the top, I feel like it emphasizes my broad shoulders. The quality seems nice and I like the color, but I think this style is not for me. It's fine, I'd wear it happily if someone gave it to me, but I don't like it enough to spend the money on it.
Thanks Cate! I think I like the zip up one better too :)
Delete