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! :)
Puzzling over the silk tee with leather flowers - has anyone worn it? Drycleaned it?
ReplyDeleteI purchased a Cambridge turtleneck a while ago--in black. I really like it. I think it's a good deal, and is much less scratchy than the sweaters from last year. And it is certainly thick and warm.
ReplyDeleteHow is it doing with regard to pilling? That was my issue with the Cambridge, but on mine it was immediate, huge tufts coming off down the sides and under the armpits where my arms would brush against it. Sounds like you have had better luck, I'm glad! It's such a cute sweater.
DeleteI should have said mine was from probably 2 winters ago, so they may have improved it since then.
DeleteSame question re: pilling. I LOVE my Cambridge Cable sweaters from a few years ago - so warm and I love the long slim fit of the turtlenecks. They are such a great "basic" but they do tend to pill really badly, especially the last couple years' versions.
DeleteI find that they do pill quite a but but they also respond well to my sweater shaver :-)
DeleteI don't know why I don't have more of a pilling issue. Perhaps I just have so many sweaters, that they all get a turn and don't pill so much. I'm hesitant to say anything, because I guess in general, pilling isn't a huge problem for me . . . except for this BR sweater I got 2 years ago. That thing pilled like a toddler with chicken pox.
DeleteDoes anyone have a recommendation for a pill shaver for sweaters? A little nervous to buy one!
DeleteHi JCREWGAL - I have an Oreck and am pretty happy with it. Some people swear by a sweater stone or sweater comb - I have the stone and the Oreck and between those two my de-pilling needs are pretty much covered.
DeleteUnknown, that is great, do not question why! lol! :) I still have my black one (returned another color or two a long time ago). I kept the black one because I think maybe the pilling won't be as visible on the dark color.
DeleteThank you Silver Lining! I am going to look into the Oreck version. I have a sweater stone and it is hit or miss with some of my sweaters.
DeleteEnd-on-end short-sleeve pajama set in mini-botanical print. These are totally out of season for me, but they're fun and cheerful. They remind me of the citrus shirt print. These seem like the same quality as the other cotton pajamas I've gotten from J. Crew.
ReplyDeleteI just ordered one with the new promo. I just love my short-sleeve pajama sets so much and was thinking of buying a backup of the white one, as white things tend to yellow over time. But this one is a fun alternative and the print reminds me of Italy (my country)
DeleteHow is the sizing on the End-on-end pajamas? Run small?
DeleteI bought a mod coat last year made from stadium cloth and less than 12 months later it's pilling like crazy. Not impressed! Just thought I would put that out there as folks are getting coats.
ReplyDeleteReally? Both my stadium cloth coats (although they're not the mod coat style) are barely pilling, if at all.
DeleteIt might be worth contacting CS?
I bought the cable knit pocket sweater during the black friday promo so I paid $68. I bought the ivory in M and it's a really lovely sweater, all wool but soft. Length is a tiny bit short on me but I am 5'10". It's really thick WARM so I love that (since I live in Michigan) but the 3/4 sleeves are kind of annoying, but I wore a long sleeve pale pink perfect tee under it and it looked cute. At the end of the day there were some pills on the sides but it's such a looser kind of knit I wasn't too surprised. They were easy to pull off and there weren't too many. I wouldn't pay more than what I did (I think it's $118 on site now). Best thing is how warm it is!
ReplyDeleteIs M your usual size? Thanks for the styling tip. I was concerned about the shorter sleeves.
DeleteI am usually a M in JC sweaters (usually a 6 in JC blazer or blouse). This sweater is definitely more of a relaxed, roomier fit. Also I just remembered the sleeves are "bracelet length" which is a bit longer than 3/4 so that's a good thing for a heavy sweater.
DeleteI bought the sweater as well and it was so short on me! I bought it in a S because I wanted a roomier fit (I occasionally wear an XS in JCrew), and it looked like I put on my little sisters clothes or something. I am only 5'8". This is the second thing I have tried on recently from JCrew that was short - has anyone else noticed this trend?
DeleteSarah Knight- I'm only 5'2" and I've been having trouble with things being too short for me lately at JCrew!
Deleteare new arrivals hitting the online site tomorrow ? I had thought the last one was it for 2013....
ReplyDeleteThis should probably be in the "other retailers" post, but since the Banana Republic 40% off everything promo ends today, I thought I'd post this:
ReplyDeleteI rarely buy at BR anymore -- I think most of their recent offerings have been very basic -- good if that's what you want/need, but really boring if it isn't. But for those of you who like the Minnies -- and I am one, I have literally every color -- the BR Sloan fit slim ankle pant is a great alternative. For me, it's even better because I like the regular front zip/closure better than the side zip. The fabric feels very similar -- stretchy but thick, so nothing shows through. Also, I generally can't wear BR pants because the upper thighs are bizarrely wide on me and bag, but b/c of the stretch quality of this material, these fit perfectly. LOVE them, and they are a great price at $89.50 less 40%.
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=86865&vid=1&pid=904793022
I should add, in Minnies I size down from my normal 2 to a 0, but in these, my normal 2 or 4P fits perfectly.
DeleteThanks for the info, Audreys. I've been wanting to try the Sloan.
DeleteIt is a little confusing that they come in short and petite, along with regular.
DeleteWhat about bagging? Love the Minnies but have to clean after each wear as they just grow and grow....are you having that issue with the Sloans? thanks!
DeleteHave not had that with the Sloans yet, but I've only worn each once. I didn't notice any stretching while I was wearing….
Deletemaryeb -- short/regular/tall are all the same cut, just different leg length. Petite is cut smaller all around, like JC petite sizes are.
I have both Minnies and Sloans. I like both but Minnies are my go to. I like the side zip on the Minnies better than the fly on the Sloan. The Minnies are also tighter on my calves, which works better to tuck into boots. I haven't any bagging issues with the Sloans and I think the fabric is wears well. They are worth a try with the 40% off and BR does free shipping (over $50) and free returns.
DeleteI'm a new fan of the Sloan pants - I don't love the side zip of the minnie...everyone is different :) The only complaint is that they have to be dry cleaned...or at least that's what was recommended to me. I machine wash my Minnies with no issues. The I don't find that the sloans stretch much with wear - if I need to fluff them up they go in the dryer for 10 mins with a dryer sheet.
DeleteMirror Metallic Penny Loafers (02966): I got these in my normal 8 and they fit perfectly. I love the way these look but the leather is very stiff and I have skinny bony ankles and the tops of the back hit right under them -- OUCH! But like I said, they're beautiful shoes. I am debating whether to try to break them in or not...
ReplyDeleteNot a review, but I finally bit on some purchases: Crewlet pear sweater and color blocked shirt; retail strawberry thief pop over and triple tipped sweater. Has anyone seen these IRL?
ReplyDeleteI have the strawberry thief popover. Love the print and the colors pretty much match what you see online. The fit is definitely on the loose side, like the majority of the J. Crew popovers. If you like a tighter fit, I would size down.
DeleteGold Stripe Dress (07192): This could have been a fabulous dress. It runs TTS but the skirt is so dang poofy. It hits high -- I am short-waisted and it hit right under my rib cage -- and then it POOFS in a way that made me look like I had no waist at all and a huge tummy pooch. It just looks like bad pleating. It's a shame b/c this could have been a very classic dress.
ReplyDeleteWhen I returned it, the SA asked "too poofy?" so clearly, I'm not the only one.
this isn't a review but I am looking for a Houndstooth Chiffon Shirtdress item 06815 in size 00 especially with the newest price cute.
ReplyDeletereviewed the jacquard collection pencil skirt I got as a sample sale. Overall, very pretty print, material is wool and poly but really looks and feels like some cotton...unless sample is cotton (it did not have the material description on it). It runs a little large but I did get my regular size and like it.
ReplyDeleteI have (and love) the Factory version of the Pixie pant, and ordered the retail version while on promo last week. Here’s how the two compare:
ReplyDelete• Factory runs shorter. Size 00 in Factory and size 00S in retail are both 27” long (the website lists them at 30” and 28”, respectively). I also ordered a retail 00R to compare, but received a pair of very large men’s pants instead. Ah well . . .
• Factory is narrower through the hips. I think this is partly due to zipper placement (on the side in Factory, on the back in retail).
• Factory has a lower rise (by approx.. 1”).
• Waist is the same. (25” for size 00).
• Factory has some shaping at the calf; retail tapers from thigh to ankle without any curves. I think the extra ½” or so at the calves in Factory helps them fit more like skinny pants rather than leggings.
Fabric content, construction, and apparent quality are identical.
Last week I purchased the paneled stripe dress and the stripe ponte dress - $35 each after the 30% off applied. Both are keepers. Can't figure out why they are called different names since they are identical. Great fabric and design - these will be go-to dresses for my daughters next summer. Will work best for petites - these dresses are short. Also best for those of us in northern climes - the fabric is thick.
ReplyDeleteOT: anyone buy 2 different colors of the same wool coat? I don't know if I'm subconsciously looking for an enabler but I'm considering buying a 2nd of the same coat I already own, but in a different color!?!?! HELP!
ReplyDeleteYes! If you love it, buy a second one. You won't be sorry.
DeleteIf you wear the coat all the time (and it's not just because of the color, but the fit/cut/shape), then go for it!
DeleteI bought 2 of the same coat last year. If you love the style go for it. The coat was not repeated this year, so even happier I did.
DeleteYes, the Stadium Cloth Boulevard Trench. When the price dropped a lot, I couldn't resist. Also that toggle coat from last year. I have one from retail then I saw a camel colored one at Factory and bought it too. I'm not sorry!
DeleteDitto for me. I have the double cloth thinsulate Lady Day in three or four colors and I love all of them. And like Cate, I also got two of the Stadium Cloth Boulevard Trenches when the price dropped at the end of the year. The JC colors change every year and they also come out with new silhouettes every year, so if you see one you love, definitely grab it, esp. if it's a good price.
DeleteI bought a second majesty peacoat this year, in a different color. Love it and am wearing it constantly. If you think you will get wear out of it, do it.
DeleteThank you everyone! I went ahead and ordered it :) I hope I love it!!!
DeleteI Just received the asymmetrical bracelet in the beautiful coloured stones. Rynetta has it up on her blog, but want to reiterate that it is beautiful and will match with everything in your wardrobe!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteReview of the Hughes satchel.
ReplyDeleteSome recent Factory reviews in this post.
Very helpful Gigi - thanks. I have been pondering the blue version of this bag since I think it is beautiful, but after your review I am still on the fence. Maybe with a second markdown?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThank you so much! I have wanted to see that bag IRL forever! The short strap drop is likely a deal breaker for me. What is going on with that zipper that runs across the bottom? Just ornamental, right?
DeleteI just received it today and I'm disappointed. The leather is a copy of Prada's Saffiano leather, and a poor one at that. I'd rather save my pennies and get the real deal. Plus the bag is very boxy and large. It feels awkward even held in the hand, like I'm lugging a bowling ball. I tried taking all the stuffing out to see if that would help but it didn't. Oh well! Back it goes. PS Julie Taylor - the zip along the bottom is purely ornamental.
DeleteMine is going back for the tote...the shape is just too odd. I don't have a problem with the quality of the leather or the strap length...
DeleteHas anyone seen a Collection Gilded Skirt floating around lately in a 6 or an 8? Any tips would be appreciated. My email is sallen07@gmail.com. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSome review of mostly new arrivals here and here
ReplyDeleteFactory Fringed Fan Necklace - I was looking for a JC fan necklace that is a little less "blingy" so I took a chance on this one. Factory jewelry is often hit or miss quality-wise, but this is a hit. The Sea Mist/Navy color combo is versatile, and the style is just the right amount of "statement sparkle" for me. A keeper!
ReplyDeleteHello JCAs! There was an extremely large amount of promo-priced items & sale markdowns added to the website today. I've updated the list with the new additions:
ReplyDeleteSee the List Here. :)
Any thoughts on the durability of J.Crew bags?
ReplyDeleteI just received the biennial hobo in warm burgundy today and LOVE it (got it for $155.99 during the last promo). It's pretty big but not so structured that it looks huge. Slouchy but roomy I guess. The handle is the perfect size to wear on my shoulder and I love the long cross-body strap. The color is really pretty. It seems like the perfect work bag, but I'm just worried that it won't hold up to being thrown around my car on a daily basis. Has anyone had this bag long enough to comment?
I got this bag a couple months ago in the cognac color...don't remember the specific name. I love this bag...and so far it has held up very well..especially for jcrew. I have used it in rain, put it on the floor in restaurants..had it in my car and it doesn't look any more worn. Even when there is an obvious scratch it doesn't look bad if that makes sense. I also carry a lot of baby stuff in it and he has his sticky fingers all over it and still no issues. Great price...I hope you enjoy it!
Deletei will second reaganflowers. i have two of these bags and love them. i am definitely rough on my handbags and they are both still in great condition!
DeleteIt probably depends on the bag. I have the Marceau cross-body purse from a few years ago. It has that pebbled finish. It has been amazingly durable. Not a thing has gone wrong with this purse and I use it quite a lot. It's gotten rained on but not been stained, the lining still looks good, etc. I think the Biennial Hobo is probably one that is equally sturdy (I don't have this particular one but have seen it in the store).
DeleteThanks for the feedback ladies!
DeleteMini Bow sweatshirt is so cute, its just a little big so size down on it. Also, it has a lot of grey-black in the material, but the bows are adorable and attached well. Glad to finally have a keeper in about the last 20 packages which have all been returns.
ReplyDeleteSo ....are there new arrivals tomorrow ?
ReplyDeleteJust popped into do some returns tonight and the retail B&m was doing lots of markdowns. I'm planning on going back tomorrow since I didn't have time to look!
ReplyDeleteSC,have you seen the review of the skirt you were asking me about on the ebelandi blog?
DeleteIts reviewed there!
Interview attire aka 1035jacket in Super 120s and the matching pencil skirt here.
ReplyDeleteMedallion sweatshirt
ReplyDeleteitem 08828
I picked this up for $36 on the recent 40% off sale. Fit is tts, got my normal S, and it's a little fitted, not boxy. Collar is standard crewneck, not the wider neckline that JCrew seems to favor. Print is nice, seems like will wash well. Color is more of a beige/gray than a straight gray. Print is slightly off white.
http://whatthemom.com/category/mom/fashion-mom/
I just wanted to add a comment--I am the one who hasn't had much of a pilling problem with JCrew. I feel strange writing this because I know that pilling is a constant complaint. I promise you I am not a shill for JCrew. But I do actually fold my sweaters. I don't know if that makes a difference or not. I used to hang my sweaters--and I seem to remember I had many more pilling issues when I did that. Once I started folding sweaters, I did notice the pilling stopped. Do with that information what you will--and I will just repeat that I folded the BR sweater I referenced above and it still pilled like crazy. So, folding isn't a solution to all problems.
ReplyDeleteJust got my 12days factory order...and it's all going back, the same day it arrived. Here's why...
ReplyDeleteStraight and narrow jean. I fell in love with the matchsticks I bought from retail and thought I would try to save some coin and try the factory version. The denim is not as soft, not as stretchy, not as flattering, and to boot, the color is weird. It's dark wash but it's more like medium dark wash. Unlike the retail version, the leg looks more like a skinny bootcut than straight and narrow.
Second items was the factory matchstick cord in navy. More like blackberry...not a true navy. Legs looked more like skinny bootcut than straight. Going back for those reasons.
Third was a mint tee with some snowflakes. Cute and nice fitting but nothing special. I would have kept it but I have to pay 8 dollars turn shipping for the other two items and it's kind of thin so is , not confident that it will still look nice after a few washes. I am on the fence...
Hi Flower Power - I agree with you on the straight and narrow jeans. At $35 a piece, I still wasn't impressed enough to keep them. The "ultra dark wash" wasn't really that dark, they smelled a little funny too. ITA with your assessment that they're more of a skinny bootcut. They didn't look as good as my other matchsticks. Plus, I found the sizing weird - in the ultra darks I wore a 28 and could probably even go down (which I NEVER do), but I also tried the cherish wash in 28 and could barely get them over my hips. I liked the cherish wash but not enough to keep them with the more bootcut shape. Plus, I didn't like the folded-down waist that the cherish wash had - it looked like it had been pushed down by a muffin top (and I recognized that from experience, ha!). It's just so hard to find good jeans!
DeleteI posted a review of the sale Jeweled Sateen Shell in the ivory colorway today here. It runs TTS and I think is really pretty, and at a nice price for a dressy top.
ReplyDeleteIt's been sold out for a while now, so I know someone out there has it...
ReplyDeleteAny reviews on the Marled Fair Isle sweater? Hoping for a popback soon.
any reviews on the collection midi scalloped skirt? wondering if it's something that could conceivably work on a shortie like myself :P
ReplyDeleteNot a review for clothing, but I received the travel ceramic mug in chevron yesterday. I love how it looks, but it's hard to hold when there's piping hot coffee in it. Plus it leaks. Sigh... I'm a bit of a collector when it comes to coffee mugs and was hoping to find the black and ivory striped one, but I'm not sure if the leaking is an across-the-board issue or just a problem with mine. Anyone else have one?
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