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! :)
25% off selected "Winter Favorites". Most of the non-collection (non-3rd party) winter coats are on promotion, including the Buffalo Check Pea Coat! There's also an assortment of accessories, sweaters & blazers, tops, etc.
ReplyDeleteAlso Madewell has a bunch of New Arrivals!
ReplyDeleteThe double-faced wool crepe dress was a disappointment.on me The baroque blue is a lovely, rich shade of cobalt, and the material is nice and thick but stiff. This dress is cut for someone curvy on bottom and not so much on top. Measurements of the size 00 that I tried were 31.5” chest, 30” waist, and 36” hip. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI received my Cable Knit Pocket Sweater yesterday in the heather sky color. The color was very pretty and the button detail at the neck was as I had hoped. I thought the fit was a bit short and boxy which is not a problem for me but it made the pockets gape too much for my taste. I tried it on against my skin and it didn't feel overly itchy. If you have a longer torso maybe the pockets would sit better, on me it just looked weird.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of getting that sweater. Normally when I hear "boxy" I have to worry about going down a size (S to XS). Is that what you think I should do? And how short is it? Belly button baring?
DeleteMiss JR, I tried on a L (probably needed a M) and the length was not a problem. I think the length would have been fine in a size M too. I'm not sure how much shorter it gets in a S/XS, though.
DeleteI'm 4'10" and tried on the XS, it came to my hip, shorter than the Cambridge Cable sweaters, but not too short. You may want to e-mail them and ask for the length measurement of the sweater, I do that all of the time.
DeleteEven though I didn't love a lot from this rollout, I wanted to try a bunch of things. Here are my thoughts:
ReplyDeleteBuffalo check peacoat (07089) - I had to see this one IRL because I know my store would never get it. It was not soft at all like my older ('05-'10) wool JC coats. I found this one to be a lot more lightweight than I expected, a bit short and boxy, and the pocket 'flaps' kind of jutted out when it was buttoned. I may need to size up but that wouldn't solve the problem of the thinner, itchier wool they used. I think an inch or two in length and better fabric and it could've been a home run.
Side-button sweater in colorblock (08645) - cute idea and shape but the rabbit hair made my eyes itch as soon as I took it out of the plastic. Also, because of the rabbit hair the heather natural front had already started to shed on the black back and cuffs. They should've done this in all wool. Not even on sale.
Embroidered peasant top in green plaid (075990 - I ordered this one out of curiosity. It was thin (see through if you hold it up) and boxier than I expected based on the online and catalog pics. You could probably size down. I thought it was pretty cute for the holidays but not for $110 - maybe half that.
Sperry shearwater boots (07511) - I could not get these on with socks in my normal size 9. They were very warm, not bulky, but I'd have to size up if I wanted to wear anything more than thin socks. I guess you don't have to with this boot. The modern red color is pretty true to the website image - it was more red than I was expecting, but still not a true red. The leather laces are kind of a pain because I had to undo them a lot to get the boot on, and then they were no easier to tighten. If I were to keep these, I would probably replace the laces.
Midrise toothpick in Charlevoix wash (04757) - I love the midrise toothpick shape and the carbon ones are some of my favorite jeans so I wanted to try these even though I wasn't sure about the level of distressing. Fit was the same as the other ones I own, and I didn't even mind the holes so much, but the front of the thighs had these strange looking "cat scratches". If they did a similar wash in non-distressed midrise toothpicks, I'd buy them.
Overall, there are some cute ideas but they cheaped out on the execution while charging ridiculous, borderline insulting prices. No must-haves in that group for me.
silver lining, my Buffalo Check Peacoat is going back today, too. The quality of the fabric and the tailoring are embarrassing, the worst I've seen on a J. Crew coat. Walmart level. It's a shame because I love J. Crew coats ... how can you screw up a classic pea coat in a classic buffalo check???
DeleteI was concerned about how short the Buffalo Check Peacoat looked and now that you've confirmed it, you've saved me from ordering it (not to mention how cheap it sounds)
DeleteHi ruffles - glad it's not just me. I saw a buffalo check coat at Sears for $20 and the fabric didn't feel much different. Sometimes I think I'm being overly picky but it's mainly because I own some great JC items - if that precedent wasn't already set, I may have different thoughts on some of the stuff they've put out recently.
DeleteReview of the buffalo peacoat on my blog.
DeleteI agree with silver lining,it was not soft and short\boxy.
It would be perfect at Target,lol.
This is a bit OT but I have never ordered from the Factory before and it seems like they have some nice items. Is there a Factory version of the Tippi Cardigan? I see there is one of the crewneck but not necessarily the cardigan.
ReplyDeleteHi TeriLynn - there's not a Tippi cardigan version that I'm aware of (anybody?). I think they would call it the Charley cardigan - their version of the Jackie is the Clare and it comes in a cardigan and pullover.
DeleteThanks! Good to know. There isn't a Factory near me so I can't see them in person.
DeleteThe Aran turtleneck sweater arrived today and is going back. I ordered both M & L and they are both pretty big on me. The turtleneck is the deal breaker, it looks like a neck brace on me. I can't carry it off. The thick 100% merino wool is amazing and wonderful though! Not itchy, thick but not crazy hot, just really nice. I also ordered the cable pocket sweater in a size L. This is probably also going back, although I may wait until I see the Boden version before I decide. It is 100% wool, the pockets are cute, the back buttons are unnecessary but harmless. The deal breaker here is the bracelet sleeves. The size L would have been okay in an oversized way but looked wrong with bracelet sleeves. If I kept it, I'd re-order a size M.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, cate! I was wondering about the neck on the Aran sweater. And it makes me crazy that they put bracelet sleeves on winter sweaters! I can't stand for any skin to be exposed when it's cold. There are quite a few sweaters in this rollout with bracelet sleeves. Thanks again for the reviews!
DeleteThe bracelet sleeves make me crazy too. It's a thick wool sweater, needs long sleeves! I've ordered one from Boden to try. LL Bean Signature has a cotton version that I am interested in too.
DeleteLadies, don't give up on Aran Knits. The turtles are not very comfortable but if you find a crew, mock, or cardi style (the real ones have full-length sleeves for Irish winters), you'll wear and love it for many years. That's not something I'm saying about many J. Crew garments lately.
DeleteChest size on the Aran turtleneck sw in S is 41". CS didn't have measurements fot the XS. Maybe 39" ?
DeleteITA with ruffles - I have an Aran long collared cardigan that belonged to my grandmother (tag says "Knitted in Ireland for B.Altman" - remember them?) and it is in great shape. 100% wool, almost no pilling, very thick and warm. I wear it all winter instead of a robe. Let us know if you find better Aran sweater options!
DeleteLike many of you, I, too, fell in love with the Aran sweater, but knew the turtleneck wouldn't fly around here. Just for kicks, I decided to search out some Aran sweaters on the internet. I ended up purchasing three of the traditional crew neck sweaters from Aran Sweater Market and couldn't be happier. They were $85 each. Shipping was a bit steep at $35, but I ordered them on 11/13 and they arrived 5 days later! I did, howe.ver, receive a 10% off coupon code when I signed up for their email, which nearly offset the shipping. I also found some great prices at Wool Overs in the UK and ordered one of their Nordic Fair Isle sweaters to try ($40 each or two for $76 and FREE shipping). Blarney Woolen Mills also seemed to have some good prices (and free shipping) but were sold out in my sizes.
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DeleteI've posted this elsewhere, but I thought I'd repost, since it's been a recent markdown. I am in the market for a new blazer and I would love to get the schoolboy blazer. But every time I go in to try one on, I am disappointed in the fit. I fall between a 00 and a 0. The 00 definitely looks fitted (which is what I am looking for), but it is tight in the shoulders and the sleeves are a bit short. Perhaps this is normal? The 0 is probably more comfortable, but it is boxy. Any one have input on sizing for the schoolboy? I want something comfortable but fitted. Any one with a schoolboy out there? Do you size up or down?
ReplyDeleteI've had similar problems with the schoolboy. I'm between a 00 and a P00. The 00 is too boxy and long on me, but the sleeves of the P00 are much too short. I've mainly avoided schoolboys because of this, with the exception of a couple lightweight summer ones that I can wear with the sleeves rolled up.
DeleteI'd love to see them bring back a style like the suiting aubrey jacket for an everyday jacket--I loved the longer sleeves and fitted look of that one.
I also have this problem with schoolboy blazers. In the lightweight ones I take the larger size and have it tailored to fit. (Only cost-effective if purchased at deep discount.) I ordered a wool beaded schoolboy, and it was just too big. Seems like it would be too bulky/expensive to bother tailoring.
DeleteRegarding schoolboy sizing. When I try on regular, I feel in-between a 6 & 8. I'm certain that 6 is the better size because of the fit under the arm and across the bust. The tighter fit in the lower area is my problem; not the blazers.
DeleteI've purchased 8P in the 'new' black and grey schoolboys, which is up one size over the classic. After trying on both 6P & 8P multiple times, I ended up with 6P in the classic schoolboy. That one is cut different imo because it fits the same as my 8P in the 'new' schoolboy.
I'm not sure how helpful this will be, but I compared the retail to factory schoolboy in this post.
even though im 5'3, im a big fan of the hacking because it gives you a longer silhouette through the body and the arms and a bit more room in the shoulders while tighter in the waist. i usually take 00 in the hacking while 00 in the schoolboy feels boxier in the waist while the arms are shorter, so i never went for a 00P. the newer schoolboys are a bit longer and fitted i find - I have the jeweled collar from last year and the beaded collar from this year, both in 00 and the beaded is definitely a bit more cinched in the waist and longer.
Deleteone caveat - my proportions are a little unfortunate - I have a long torso!
DeleteI have the same issue with the schoolboy -- arms/shoulders are almost too tight but the torso is too big in the next size up. The new version is actually worse on me than the classic cut. I had better luck recently with the military jacket (pops back in the sale section on occasion) -- seems a little more relaxed in the shoulders and not too boxy in the torso. Sleeves could be just a hair longer, but they're not bad as is.
DeleteI hereby rescind my earlier enthusiastic review of the Collection Wool Flannel Tuxedo Dress, 03942. I went to wear it a second time and as I was buttoning it noticed that the placket - the little applied strip of fabric where the buttonholes are - had come off the main body of the dress. There was no way to fix this, because the edge of the placket had shredded and was just threads. The SA to whom I returned my sad package was as horrified as I.
ReplyDeleteI still love the idea of the dress, but the production let me down badly. It's sold out in the gray now, but has been popping back.
WFF, I was getting ready to bite on that dress. Luckily I saw this post. You are right, there's no way to fix that short of having a tailor put on an entirely new, and larger, placket. Since you'd never find the same fabric, that's not even possible. Seems like J. Crew is having a lot of good idea with bad execution lately.
Deletewhew.
DeleteI tried the Eaton pants in the last promo. But they weren't lined and something about having on capris in the winter just doesn't sit well with me. So back they go!
ReplyDeleteUmm...the sale section. Can anyone tell me why I would purchase something today when yesterday it was 40% less. Why not just keep it going...
ReplyDeleteThe current promo does nothing for me as the prices are still over inflated . Sorry if I sound so grumpy but they had better hit it out of the park for black Friday or I believe the fall?winter season will not be kind to J Crew.
A review of some new arrivals here
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if they're continuing the extra percentage off sale items in stores?! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI just called my local store because I was curious as well and they said they were still offering 40% off sale items.
DeleteI'm not pregnant, but I tried the maternity Minnie pants. Being a big fan of the Minnie pants (have 3 pairs in cotton and 3 pairs in wool), I absolutely love the maternity version. There's no zipper, they are stretching. I can totally wear them even when I'm not pregnant lol
ReplyDeleteLol, Elaine, I did the same thing - love them!!!
DeleteSo, how does a non-pregnant person size for wearing the Maternity Minnies? Regular size, or do you go down? I'm intrigued!!
DeleteThis is a bit off topic but Ily Couture is having a sale on their version of the J Crew tortoise flower necklace and bracelet. I don't have these particular items from Ily but have purchased other J Crew like items and find their quality to be quite good.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been ordering too much lately. I have a couple of recommendations (I can't even remember if I reviewed them on here before). The Cashmere Infinity Scarf (item 07028) is pricey, but fantastic. I got it with the most recent 25% off promo + my rewards card, so it was a reasonable price. Its extremely warm and comfortable and I know I will wear it all winter. The Minni Pant in Bi-Stretch Wool with Zippers (item 04721) (currently on sale for $99.99, ordered with the most recent 40% off sale). I like the fit of these better than other Minnies -- They are a little longer and slimmer through the leg. I don't like the Minnies in the stretch twill because they stretch and lose so much shape. But, I have older versions of Minnies in (non-stretch) twill and black stretch denim that I adore and wear often. I like the bi-stretch wool fabric. It doesn't feel like it will lose shape. The zippers are a nice design detail.
ReplyDeleteLastly, the Nike Waffle Racer. I mistakenly ordered these in my regular size and didn't notice they were "unisex" (aka men's sizing). They actually are not too bad with thick socks, but I'm currently stalking a popback in a half-size or a size smaller (a full size and a half, as recommended on the website will be way too small; I even think a full size smaller would be a smidge too tight). They are adorable, though. I love them.
@Unknown - ITA. Who would buy from the sale section now? Even with popbacks, why would I order something knowing it was nearly half the price a few days ago, and will be again?
I'm with you on the Minnie pants. I have two pair of Minnie in wool, but I'm loving the zipper version simply because of the longer length. I'm 5' 6" and the longer length makes it more work appropriate. For Minnie cotton, I need to go for Tall version. But agree with you that the wool version is better than the stretch twill version!
DeleteUnfortunately, I had an opposite reaction to the Minnie pants with zippers. I wanted to love them since I love the wool ones I have from last year but the longer length was not good for me at 5' 1". Last year the inseam was 26" this year it is 28".
DeleteReviews of...
ReplyDelete* Collection shoulder-lace blouse
* crystal and metal neckklace
* scarves on sale in-store
Does anyone have a review of the Sabrina coat? I've seen pics floating around the internet, but no actual review. I'm wondering about the lack of collar. Cool feature, or stupid? PS: I live in CA where it doesn't get freezing, so it might work.
ReplyDeleteSabrina coat here.
DeleteI think no collar would work just fine, esp. in CA. All you need is some great scarves.
discussion of Tuxedo dress, stretch wool pocket dress, cambridge sweaters, Collection black tweed dress here
ReplyDeleteTweed-sleeve tee- I sized down from my usual small (sometimes XS) to a XXS which I never do. The body was quite boxy on me and even in the XXS it was a bit boxier than I wanted. It was a little shorter due to sizing down but not too bad. Sizing down made the sleeves look better (although a little snug now) because I found it looked matronly on me in the XS. I disagree with the website description that its tailored, I found it boxy. I really wanted to love it, I wish it was more tailored.
ReplyDeleteGarnet flame boy shirt- at first I passed it over in store but later tried it on. The cotton is soft, I took my usual boy shirt size and found it a little boxy in the normal way boy shirts are. I liked the colors on and ended up buying it since I will get enough wear out of it.
Crinkle boy shirt in red/navy check- I took my usual boy shirt size. This one was def more fitted than my other boy shirts which I liked. It is very thin, if you hold it up you can see through it and feels fairly delicate. I bought it because I really liked the color/pattern and I was feeling festive although I do have some concerns about how it will hold up.
Aggie ankle boots (chester brown leather)- I took my usual jcrew boot/ shoe size but probably coud size down half a size. I wanted to be able to wear thick socks though so I'm fine with them being a little loose. I like the heel height, comfortable and not high. The only thing is to be careful if ordering online as I received some with scratches, dings and had to exchange them.
Hi Jan,
DeleteDid you find the Tweed-sleeve tee itchy at all, as other reviewers remarked? I wanted to order it, but this put me off (and not living in the US I try to avoid returning items)
Hi Fleur de lys- I found the sleeves a little itchy but not a deal breaker for me. I wanted to have the option of layering a button down under it (which would also help) but sizing down makes the sleeves too tight for that on me. HTH
Deletereview of the excursion vest in stripe and majesty peacoat HERE for those who may be interested in these items for the new promo
ReplyDeleteReview of the buffalo check peacoat,fair isle sweater,side button sweater,Blah tee,starburst sweater and lots of new shirts on my blog here.
ReplyDeleteHi Ina - thank you for these reviews! I really wanted to try the deep ivy boy shirt but the material sounds disappointing.
DeleteYoure welcome jan:)
Delete@ Shopping Celle and Dimitri.
ReplyDeleteI looked in the collection store for the popcorn sweater and the skirt,but the SA told me that they only have a small collection selection and never got it.
Sorry to be of no help!
Thanks anyway Ina. Maybe someone else has tried these cute, but very pricey, collection pieces The glo-stripe jacquard pencil skirt & cashmere double diamond sweater. Anyone????
DeleteShopping Celle I just took a few photos of the double diamond sweater and will be posting them today on my blog Bichonluvrscloset. :D
DeleteI tried the glo-stripe jacquard pencil skirt. It was fine in my normal size and I liked the fabric, but the pleating near the waist added volume--not enough volume to look like a design feature, just enough to make me look bigger than I was. Also, for some reason I was hoping the skirt was not just another pencil, and I was wrong. It was an easy no for me, and I won't be looking for it on sale.
DeleteThanks so much for your help professor Brady and Suzy. As always JCAs are fabulous!
DeleteShopping Celle - I finally got the photos/review up on my blog here:
Deletehttp://bichonluvrscloset.blogspot.com
Sorry it took me so long, I had to go to the Apple store tonight, as my charger stopped working, and laptop battery was dead!
Thanks So much Suzy. popping over there to look at it.
DeleteJust created an Instagram account under rcbshops. Reviewed the leather front merino cardigan. Overall, meh b pockets pouch out in my usual large. May try XL just to make sure sizing up won't help.
ReplyDeleteI did a review a few days ago for the military parka. Its ok, but as the pics show its kinda bulky. Review Here
ReplyDeleteClick here for reviews of the stretch wool motorcycle jacket & double-cloth motorcycle jacket.
ReplyDeleteJust got the zip-pocket dress on sale over the weekend at a new J.Crew that just opened near me. It was marked down to about $110 and then an additional 40% off. The wool fabric is substantial and I bought the same size I usually get in J.Crew dresses. It was a bit short on my 5'8" self, but with tights it will still be work-appropriate. I'm planning to wear it with a button-down or turtleneck underneath.
ReplyDeleteI also got a very pretty necklace that was super-marked down and I think is in-store only, you can see a pic on my Instagram: @AJLinBoston.
Anyone have any thoughts on the Boys Emerald Fair Isle sweater fit in a size 14? Wondering if this could translate into a size small/loose fit medium sweater for me! I normally take a small or medium in women's sizes and hoping that this would work somehow!
ReplyDeleteI don't know about that sweater but in the spring I bought a boys 14 heavy cotton sweater with a white anchor on a navy background. I usually take a 4 in schoolboy S in tippi and it fit fine. I did pull on it to stretch it out to suit me. I would be afraid a wool sweater wouldn't stretch especially if you are busty. It is cute though ! HTH
DeleteThanks! I think I am going to have to pass on it then. I am a size 6 in most tops, so don't think it will work with a wool sweater.
DeleteMy Aran Crafts turtleneck finally arrived today, and I love it. Like others have already said, the sweater is beautiful and the quality is excellent.
ReplyDeleteI know that the neckline has been a deal breaker for some, but I personally do not have an issue with the neck being too high or tight, nor do I feel as if I have brace neck when it's on. It feels comfortable as is, but I will also wear it rolled down once at times, depending on what I am wearing it with.
I purchased the XS and it fits well...roomy, but not overly so. I do not find it to be too boxy, either. I am planning to order a crewneck from the aran sweater market, so unless they seem too similar, the turtleneck will be a keeper. :)
Just wanted to report on some new in store sale items--colorblock hat in green colorway and burgundy embroidered hat $29.99. Handknit tile sweater 119.99, woven panel sweater 89.99, lace button blouses 89.99 vs 99.99 online! HTH!
ReplyDeleteReviews of the Deep Ivy and Garnet Flame plaid shirts here.
ReplyDeleteCouple of reviews from the last 40% off. Minnie with zippers review above. Great price $60 so I wanted to love them. BTW, these came from a store and were in perfect condition and arrived in 2 days. Toothpick jeans in ecru, I love toothpicks but these made me look like I had bandages around my legs. Now I know why they were cheap and available in all sizes. End on End cotton robe ( 03682), I got an XXS/XS and it is huge. I measured 21" from armpit to armpit I did not even bother to try it on. I have the PJs in the same material and color and love them. Got a Jackie in Neon Coral, not sure about the color but for $29 may just keep it for the spring/summer.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have a review on the J Crew strappy mirror metallic gold pumps? I usually wear an 8.5 in sandals/heels but I have the leopard calf hair Etta pumps from J.Crew and definitely needed a 9. Can anyone share their size experience/recommendations for these?
ReplyDeleteHello.... I'm looking to purchase the Falsetto pump with ankle tie.... Has anyone purchased? Any thoughts on quality, sizing, etc?
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Has anyone bought this year's Duffle coat? I recently became obsessed with the style (something a little different than my boulevard trench and lady day) and I bought one on EBay and one from the sale. Maybe I should have paid attention but I had no idea this year's was wool cashmere, not stadium cloth! It's super soft and cute, but also crazy thin. What do other people think? I might keep the eBay one, though I don't love the light nectar color...
ReplyDelete