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 J. Crew Factory reviews here if anyone is interested. Items include the Herringbone Jewel Collar Sweater (runs big), Jeweled Necklace Top (TTS), Beaded Sweatshirt (TTS, less tight than the retail version as Gigi noted), V-neck Sweater in Colorblock Stripe (TTS), and Silk 2-pocket Blouse (TTS)
ReplyDeleteI have a few recent reviews here:
ReplyDelete1) http://www.fitfabfunmom.com/one-j-crew-two-looks/
2) http://www.fitfabfunmom.com/on-the-go-j-crew-for-work/
3) http://www.fitfabfunmom.com/mini-in-wool-j-crew-outfit-for-fall/
4) http://www.fitfabfunmom.com/shades-of-gray-dress-for-work/
5) http://www.fitfabfunmom.com/memory-in-colors/
Thank you~!!!
Pearl-stitch cashmere snood. If you have this, how has it held up? It's been popping back in the sale section and I am tempted but the knit seems very loose and I wonder if it is prone to snagging/pulling. Also, is it too voluminous? A couple of reviews I read (thanks M & Dina!) said that it is very big. Thanks for any extra info!
ReplyDeleteI know you saw my review cate (thanks!), but just as an update, I just pulled mine out again and it looks still in perfect condition. It's definitely big, but I love the cozy look, and end up just wearing it into the house and around all the time. I wish they'd come out with this in a bunch of colors.
DeleteThanks M, I'm glad it still looks good! I like hearing feedback on things after they have been owned and worn for a while. I think I will take a chance on it.
DeleteI love mine, though I did snag it on a bracelet so you need to just think about what you are wearing it with. Other than user error, it's great and definitely held up well. I did not find it too big but I like a big scarf.
DeleteThanks MommysShoppingAgain, I'm sorry yours snagged. I will remember that, especially since I just ruined a J. Crew dress wearing a J. Crew pendant style necklace.
DeleteCollection Emerald Tweed Dress, in Hammock Green. This was a bit of a surprise. I guess I didn't zoom in closely enough to see the details on this dress. There is a placket (?) on the chest of the dress with 6 big fabric-covered non-functioning buttons. I'm not that big busted, but big enough that this didn't look very good on me. The fabric of the dress is thick and substantial. It is a blend of polyester, acrylic, wool, viscose, etc. It has silver thread running through it, which I also didn't notice from the online photo. The dominant colors are navy blue, green and silver. The silver is not subtle. The dress is fully lined in polyester. It is going back. I might have kept it if the chest placket were a simple scoop neck instead. It's too busy for me with that plus the silver.
ReplyDeleteGray t-shirt with birds on it, from new mini-release. AJC reviewed this so it was on my radar when I went by the store. I can't resist a good gray t-shirt, so even though I don't love birds on my clothes (returned the Liberty Strawberry Thief Popover because the birds were too prominent for me), I loved the bird tee (I know, makes no sense). I tried my usual size M and a size up L. I could have done either, but I went with the L because it gave me a little more length.
ReplyDeleteIf you are interested in the bird shirt that cate mentioned you can see my review HERE.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you posted, I just realized I didn't link to your review (sorry!). I'm not sure I even know how to do that.
DeleteHas anyone seen the Collection capri silk shantung pants in the green/avocado color? They are getting reasonable with the 40% off sale.
ReplyDeleteI haven't posted a review in ages and ages - there hasn't been much in either the summer or fall collections that I have really loved, and on top of that, my shopping budget is next to nothing so I have to be very careful on what I am buying (no final sale items, that's for sure!). After much debate, I bought two items during the 25% off full price promo. One was the Aiden ankle boot in black - really excellent boot and better than last year's Felix high heel ankle boot (which I ended up selling on Ebay). It is made of tumbled leather, so more substantial and less scuff prone. The 2.5" heel is extremely walkable too. Fit is TTS, I usually wear US 7.5 in other brands and the 7.5 fit well. The buckle is a lot easier to manage than the Felix boot as well. Next, I bought the Collection wool-silk cropped pants (04377) in warm buttercup. For some reason, I really wanted a pair of dark yellow pants to wear this fall. I am on the fence with these - the quality is certainly there, as the fabric is a very substantial with a beautiful sheen from the silk content, and the pants are fully lined (!!). However, the pintucks down the front make the pant bell out a little, when viewed from the side. Debating whether to try steaming out the pants to see if that will help. I have to decide soon as they were not cheap and I don't want to be stuck with them. Did anybody else buy these pants and have something to say about them?
ReplyDeleteOff Topic: Is anyone going to the Boden Warehouse sale this weekend?
ReplyDeleteOh man, I wish I could go to the Boden sale. Any Central NY JCAs wanna take a road trip? Haha! Anyone who is going, I'd love to hear what it's like.
DeleteAnother OT: has anybody gotten a Factory New Arrivals early access e-mail? I think it's been about a month since the last one.
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ReplyDeleteCan anyone comment on the Jeweled Chandelier Sweatshirt? I am really loving this and I would wear it a lot but I am trying to determine if it's worth purchasing since I am sure it will be a total pain to wash. Can someone talk me out of it....or into it? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI bought the earlier short sleeve version and it never got to the wash stage-after one wear all the jewels from the arms pulled the terry of the sweatshirt on both sides, I could feeling it catching when I was wearing it. By the end of the day it was a mess-so sad-LOVED that item.
DeleteWearing mine today. One of the jewels is falling off. I may try to exchange it but it may just be a straight return.
DeleteIn terms of the snagging, it does snag so you have to wear something over it or you are going to ruin it.
Aside from that(ahem), it's a really cute top. I really wanted it to work for me.
Good morning all -
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried the new version of the Macalister wedge boots? I have the old version, the style of which I love, but they aren't very comfortable. My feet ache when I wear them as though I am wearing a much higher heel. The style works well for me, so I am willing to try out the new version, and I like the fact that the stitching is in a different spot. Comments welcome. Thanks.
it's been on the site for a little while, but has anyone tried the factory retro ponte dress item 02605?
ReplyDeletei should add that i'm looking for a black dress that i can wear to nice dinners but also dress down a little for work. also looking at the factory ponte dress in velvet dot item 02604. i tend to be a little more on the casual side of the fashion scale.
DeleteMiss JR, I have not tried it on but I can tell you that while it is supposed to be black, it looks like a dark navy in real life. Maybe it is just certain lots of the fabric... but last time I was in the store I commented that it looked navy and the SAs all agreed! I saw a girl trying it on and it looked absolutely fabulous on her. She was curvy and petite. I really want it, but I can't justify it for the price. (I think it is worth the price w/ a percent off, I just have too many dresses.) Will wait patiently for clearance!
DeleteGigi reviewed the velvet dot ponte dress. I think the consensus on that is that t's cute but the waist is a little bulky/weird and would be best covered with a belt.
DeleteThanks, JCrewJD :)
DeleteMissJr - Review of the dot velvet ponte in this post. I really liked it, but also waiting for sale on it. Dye lots can vary in fashion, as J CrewJD said. The one I tried definitely looked black.
The burgundy dot velvet ponte is on clearance now, btw. In stores.
DeleteHi MissJr - I missed out on the retail version of this dress last year so I was excited to see it get resurrected for Factory and ordered it as soon as it popped up on the site. I'm still a little undecided, though... I love the neckline and half-sleeves, and the length is great on me at 5'5" (not too short, not too long). The middle piece is where I'm still undecided. I feel like that detail is a little unnecessary, especially if I want to wear a belt with it - plus, my hips are my postpartum trouble area and I feel like that detail may draw attention to it a little bit. It's a great "blank slate", though, and I'm going to try some other styling ideas before I decide.
DeleteIn the meantime, I'm giving this one from LE a try. It looks incredibly similar, and without that midsection detail.
Oh yeah, the retro dress I got is without-a-doubt black. I'm not surprised about varying dye lots, though.. especially from Factory.
IMO, the factory version if the retro dress is not nearly as nice. I was so excited to try it as I really regretted not buying the retail one last fall. It is black- when you hold it up to navy you can tell, but when I saw it in the store I thought it was navy at first. It's not super black, if that makes sense. The SA even told me it was navy before she looked at the tag!
DeleteI have that dress and love it! I did have to ask the SA if it was black or navy - she had to check the tag. I am a performer and wore it on stage and felt very chic. Fits tts, but I wore spanx underneath, just as a matter of course!
DeleteHas anyone tried the factory midrise skinny cords? The cabernet finally popped back in my size...
ReplyDeleteI have them! They run true to size and I love the midrise fit. If it helps, I have an hour glass figure and the waist to hip ratio is spot on.The cabernet color is also very beautiful. I think they are definitely worth picking up.
DeleteThank you JCREWGAL, I appreciate your insight! I love the factory and regular midrise toothpicks, so I was hoping the cords would be just as good!
DeleteHi ladies,
ReplyDeleteRandom question-- I love the long field jacket and am considering purchasing in with the INSTYLE25 code.
But I'm worried that I should wait for it to go on sale instead. What do you all think? What's your experience with things like this? I'm nervous that when it goes on sale my size will be gone. However, I'd love to save some money.
Christine
Hi Christine - if I had to guess, it'll either go to "promo" of $178-188 or first cut for something like $169.99 (which would be more than if you used INSTYLE25). It's really a guessing game with the sales - but I think that the downtown field jacket has rarely gone to promo so maybe the longer version would be the same. I would guess the colorblock would get marked down before the long field because it's a little trendier. I'd go for it now - you can always hang onto it to see what happens in the next two months before the return period is up.
DeleteI hope that made sense - I was kinda thinking out loud. ; )
I bought it with the Instyle25 promo. I needed it, so couldn't wait for a deeper discount. I wore it all weekend and loved it. When I purchased it in store size options were very limited.
DeleteChristine I am not sure if you tried the jacket on but I think it runs quite large. My normal aize was huge and the size down fit well with enough room for layering. I know that wasn't your question but thought I would chime in just in case:)
DeleteThank you ladies!! Your advice is appreciated.
DeleteSilver, you were right-- the colorblock went down to 179. With the 40, that's tempting, but I much prefer the regular one.
Decisions!!
a few sale reviews HERE including swiss dot tuxedo, ruffled rhinestone top and an unknown cozy terry tee.
ReplyDeleteIt's the Drapey Raglan Sweatshirt (item 04811) currently full price online. I got two, one in the darker grey and one in the oatmeal heather color. I'm a basic, cozy sweatshirt fiend so I couldn't say no -- and the longer/slightly leaner silhouette they are employing is really working for me.
DeleteLisa, was it true to size?
DeleteTTS for me! Such a great price with the additional 40% off sale price.
DeleteAlso TTS for me and really cute for a sweatshirt!
Deletei tried lots of new arrivals today,like flower tees and the bird tee and will post reviews later on my blog.
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ReplyDeleteA repeat request from last week. Has anyone tried on the silk sorrento top item 02010? It has been popping back. What about the factory charley dot in carbon sandstone? How does it compare to last year's Tippi? Any thoughts are appreciated!
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ReplyDeleteReview of some new arrivals to be released tomorrow like two new flower tees,bird tee,Merce tee,red and navy plaid shirt,plaid scarf and tweed pants here.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ina for your reviews! I love the flower tees but not a fan of linen :(
DeleteYoure very welcome and i am not a fan of the linen also:)
DeleteHas anyone purchased the Goodwin Tote? If so, what do you think? Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteHorsing around sweatshirt featured in 9/25th issue of people magazine.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone with any of the crepe (heavy vicose) blouses know if they really need to be dry cleaned? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Shellye - check out the Laundress' fabric glossary - there's a link under Viscose to washing instructions that show it can be hand washed but you have to be really careful. It is apparently a very unpredictable fabric when it comes to laundering.
DeleteI used to read Talbot's FB page a lot and people complained nonstop about how most of their tops were viscose and looked totally different after being washed. JC's may be a different blend... just proceed with caution, and let us know how it goes!
Shellye - I've been reading about viscose here and there and I believe it's a natural fiber to begin with. Something about bamboo (also talking out loud, here). Basically I keep reading that it's prone to shrinking or the fabric puckering and will not be corrected thru ironing. Apparently water weakens it. ? If you do even a basic search for viscose shrinking, you'll find lots of info. I will be dry cleaning mine.
DeleteI carefully hand washed one of mine and it shrunk! I would not recommend it unless you want to shrink it. I am in between sizes and luckily I bought the larger size so it didn't matter and I can still wear it.
DeleteOT (sorry) can anyone comment on the quality of Pure cashmere? I got a catalog today with a 20% offer and free shipping, and I am tempted. This being because several of my JC cashmere sweaters from last year and the year before have bit the dust (cue broken record) and I am seeking an alternative that doesn't break the bank. I figure it can't be worse than JC but would very much appreciate any reviews from fellow JCAs. TIA!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried Pure before, but I highly recommend the cashmere from Uniqlo. Very, very reasonably priced and they have a nice range of colors. Decent quality, not a lot of pilling. Very good for what you're paying.
DeleteLands End makes about the best cashmere I own though. Not as nearly pricey as J Crew, but worlds better in quality. Colors aren't as unique, but I tend to stick to classic colors when it comes to cashmere. HTH!
Did you mean Pure Collection, they are company out of the UK? If so, I was not impressed, even though other JCAs have given good reviews. The first order never arrived, they did reship but the item was a pilling mess in a couple of wears.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much, ladies! This is very helpful. :)
DeleteWith regards to the drycleaning question, Woolite makes a great product. It used to be called " Drycleaners Secret" It comes in a box with 6 packets of what looks like dryer sheets. Toss it in the dryer with 4-6 pieces of dryclean items- silk blouses, Minnie pants, cashmere, any wool sweater- set it on 20 on Med heat and voila- they look, feel and smell better. I use these for a few cleanings before I use the JCrew wash for cashmere ( by the LAundress) for my sweaters. Saves on the dry cleaning bill and works like a charm. THE JCrew wash is good b/c it has lavender in it and this is a natural moth repellant.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great tip - thanks!
DeleteI ordered the double crepe fluted skirt in crepe and the merino v neck sweater in the grey and camel color. I sized up for both, but I'm 5 months pregnant so sizes are all over the place.
ReplyDeleteThe skirt is beautiful. I'm glad I sized up. It's still too small now, but the length is good and it will (hopefully) fit great this spring. It's a classic shape in a nice fabric.
The sweaters are also nice. They are a great basic. Nice deep v neck, nice fabric, nice colors (the camel (heather oak) and the heather grey). I sized up, as I said, but I think I would anyway so I could get a nice, slouchy fit.
OT but I got an email from a VPS at one of my stores that there were some new arrivals today and that the next big collection arrival is Oct 21. Also heard the factory store has new arrivals that should be on floors over the next few days.Sorry if someone already commented on this!
ReplyDeleteDo the Minnies in wool stretch with wear? Any experience laundering on your own or is dry cleaning best? Thanks!
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ReplyDeleteAny reviews on the collection Sullivan pants? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOT: Camo Pants now on sale in the stores! Was $69.99 here in Canada (guessing $59.99 in USA). Additional 40% off applies :)
ReplyDeleteThe jeweled sweatshirt that is sold out online but still in store...very ill fitting. Glad I got to try it on in person. Don't know the name but the plain gray one I tried on in store (French terry) inside I believe fit great but was too boring for my taste......bummer....the styling couldn't have been reversed:)
ReplyDeleteAny reviews on the Bienniel Hobo? I love it but can't decide if it's too big. Is the long shoulder strap pretty sturdy? It seems like the leather will hold up well. Also can't decide between black and henna. They both seem pretty versatile.
ReplyDeleteI'm also considering the Cashmere getaway hoodie. Any thoughts on that one?
Jenny - Rynetta reviewed the Biennial hobo here. And Posh to Ganache reviewed it here.
DeleteThanks Gigi!
DeleteHas anyone tried the Silk Crepe Maxidress and could comment on fit and quality? http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/swim/beachcoverups/PRDOVR~18088/18088.jsp?isSaleItem=true&color_name=Black&TCode=GGBS00006_99103044029&sisearchengine=197&siproduct=18088&noPopUp=true&utm_source=GooglePLA&utm_medium=18088
ReplyDeleteClick here for the updated In-Store Price Guide. Note the Oct dates in red.
ReplyDeleteReview of the new Wool A-Line Skirt on my blog.
ReplyDeletehttp://audreybella.blogspot.com/2013/10/j-crew-wool-line-skirt.html