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 reviews here.
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DeleteI ordered the wave print campbell capris. I chose 8P over 6 so they fit higher on the leg like the model. I think that can risk chopping up my leg, but they're not fs. You can see them on Ema. I
ReplyDeleteIf you've been looking at the Gwen dress in colorblock, awhile back I reviewed it here. Thumbsup. It nets $119 w/BIG40 & not final sale.
Has anyone tried on the Natashas?
ReplyDeleteGood morning! Has anyone tried the denim shorts in ecru? I tried on some regular denim shorts a few weeks ago, and they seemed to run much bigger than my usual jean size. I would like to get these shorts now that they are on promo, but I am not sure if I should size down. Thanks for any info!
ReplyDeleteHere are my opinions on some of the newer denim from J. Crew and Madewell:
ReplyDeleteFactory Boy Jean. The material was on the thin side and the rips near the knees didn't seem like they were going to hold up for long. One run through the washer, if they caught on a button, and I think they'd be torn too much. They're the kind you'd have to be very careful putting on so your toe didn't accidentally rip the rips open too much. The fit was off for me so I'm sending them back (tried two sizes). I took the larger of the two sizes I tried. I went down a size in retail Vintage Straight, Boyfriend and Eastwood jeans (I don't own any of those, but from trying them on), but not in these.
Out of the newer retail styles, the Eastwood was my favorite, but the higher rise didn't look good on me. They call these low-slung and say they sit at the hip, but if I let them sit at the hip, I got bunching in the crotch area. I still kind of like them, they felt great on, but looked kind of questionable on me.
I liked the new Toothpicks in the Miller wash, the stretch made them doable and I might keep them. I don't own any Toothpicks, these would be my first.
The new Matchsticks are too long on me and don't seem to come in a short. I could have them hemmed but too much trouble so not buying them. Their old dark rinse Matchsticks came in short and those are the only J. Crew jeans that fit me really well (wish those had stretch, though).
I appreciate that J. Crew is trying to improve the denim, but mostly I reach for my Madewell Rail Straight jeans. These are offered in a variety of lengths, plus Madewell has hemmed them for me (it's free! and they mailed them right to my house for free too) when the length I needed was not in stock. The Oceanside wash is my favorite but I think they may be sold out of that.
Thanks for the helpful comparison of all the denim options. I loved the old JC Matchsticks in short. They were the only jeans that fit well, especially in the length. Bummer that they aren't offering the short length any more.
DeleteI've been tempted to try the Rail Straight jeans. It's great to know that I can get them hemmed for free! And, based on your experience, I'm going to give the Toothpicks another go. Thanks again!
cate - Thanks for the factory boy jean review. I was wondering about the distressing on those. Good descriptions. :)
DeleteGigi, the fabric on the boy jean was super soft and comfortable, but I already have Paige boyfriend jeans that are soft like that (minus the holes) that fit me a lot better so it was easy to pass on these.
Deletemaryeb, definitely try the Toothpicks in the Miller wash. The wash was very flattering. And although I love my Madewell Rail Straight jeans in Oceanside wash and in Dusty Blue wash (even older), I can't speak to the other washes. They might be different.
DeleteThanks for the tip, Cate, I didn't even think that the different washes might fit differently.
DeleteHow was the sizing in the Toothpicks? Did you get the same size as the Matchstick or a size up?
I took the same size in these Toothpicks as I do in Matchsticks. It says on them "30 Ankle". I'm not sure if they come in different lengths, but this length was perfect for me.
DeleteI ordered the factory triangle bikini top and bikini bottom in neon rose paisley with a promo a couple weeks ago (summer will come at some point, right?). I don't have much to compare it to--I bought a pair of retail bikini bottoms on final sale last summer in size s, and they were huge, so I went with an XS in both top and bottom on these. (I'm a 34B on a good day and wear a 25 in matchstick jeans), and they both fit well--maybe a tiny bit on the snug side, but I haven't been running lately b-c it's been so cold. The quality seems fine--the colors are nice and bright. One really nice thing is that the top has removable pads (although they aren't really "pads" like a padded bra, more just a liner) which is great for modesty. I think it's definitely worth the money, especially with a promo.
ReplyDeleteUsed my reward card to purchase the Teddie Convertible Hobo in Henna and I love it!! I'm 5'9" and I wear it as a crossbody. It fits me perfectly. I was also happy to find out that it has a pocket inside for keys and a phone (a must for my purses!). The purse is made out of beautiful leather and the strap is adjustable. LOVE!
ReplyDeleteJust in case anybody hasnt seen the reviews of the march new arrivals(camo sweatshirt,cubist sweater,ikat dress,these are the days tees and more),you can check it out on my blog here. It is the second post down!
ReplyDeleteis the Ikat dress the same basic shape and fit as the Lucille dress? i think that's the only thing i'm really interested in in this rollout.
DeleteMsJR,i have never tried the lucille dress,so i can not comment on how they compare.
DeleteHopefully somebody else can help you!
Miss JR, based on pictures of the Lucille dress, the ikat dress is not the same. The ikat dress has a few flat pleats in the front (and side seam pockets). There is not any shirring at the waist, in front or in back. The back of the ikat dress is smooth/darts. The ikat dress seems more stiff and structured. The Lucille dress also looks like it has almost a cap sleeve; the ikat dress does not.
DeleteI am still in love with the collection cashmere sweatshirts. Mine have worn very well (I think the oldest one is from two years ago) -- I have worn at least two per week over this very cold winter and they still look great. There was a large restock in the sale section this morning. They run large, as sweatshirts should. You could size down, but I prefer them loose so I go with my normal size.
ReplyDeleteAnother love for me is the Katie Ann Liberty print. It's a gorgeous mix of vibrant pinks -- I have the bib peasant top and the pjs, and just picked up the swimsuits for both me and my daughter -- they are currently on promo + 40% off; I don't think the price will ever be better than that.
What swimsuit did you get for yourself? I love the Katie Ann print too and have the pajamas and I've got the ruched one-piece swimsuit in my Wishlist. If you've tried it, can you tell me anything about it? Thanks!
DeleteAlso, how do you wear your cashmere sweatshirts? Do you layer something under them? The wide neck opening showed my bra straps so I returned it. I don't want to layer a button down under it (I think that looks nice but I don't usually wear button downs layered), but is there another kind of top to layer under it that would work? I'd really like to make this work, but I couldn't figure out how to wear it without my bra straps showing.
Hi Cate! I got the ruched one-piece but did not receive it yet. Since it's not FS and I have lots of B&Ms nearby, it'll be easy to return for me, so I figured I had nothing to lose by ordering. It looks super cute; my problem area is my tummy and ruching always helps. The only drawback is that I do prefer halters and normal straps versus the removable ones that this suit has -- I have had some issues with JC suits with the removable straps coming off, so now I just sew them on.
DeleteAs for the sweatshirts, yes, I know what you mean by the wide neckline. Like you, I also don't like to wear button downs layered, altho probably not like you, my reason is just laziness -- it just creates unnecessary laundry annoyance since I hang dry my button downs. But, in general, I DO like to wear a layer under cashmere since I don't wash my cashmere after each wear, so I just wear a cami or tank top under the sweatshirts. Most of the time, the straps don't show, but when they do, I don't care as long as they aren't bra straps...
Thank you audreys! I know what you mean about the bathing suit straps coming undone, but I still prefer them to the halter tops because the halters hurt my neck. I think I'll give the suit a try. Sewing them down was a good idea.
DeleteI am just like you with the laziness, I hate dealing with the button downs because I hang them dry too. And I just prefer the feel of a knit top. And my button downs bunch underneath other layers because they are too big in the body to fit my shoulders. I like them but not so much layered under things. If I see a good sale, I might try the cashmere sweatshirt again. Thanks for the help!
I tried the silk cat-print blouse (item A0449), but returned it. It looked so good on the model, but not so good on me. From a distance, I thought the pattern looked like a blouse from the 70s I would find in a thrift shop, and the drape was too stiff for me. I wanted more of a poet's blouse-type look.
ReplyDeleteOne more: A bunch of the Emma flats were added to the sale this morning so I thought I'd input here. They are actually fairly comfortable; I tried them on in my store. My normal size is 8, in Ceces I can go with either 8 or 8.5, although I prefer the 8.5. From the short time that I had them on, I felt like the Emmas fit similarly. I seem to recall other JCAs voicing preference for the Cece design and on the whole, I would agree -- the Emmas have more toe coverage and somehow, I don't love it. I do like the bow ballet flats, however; that loose bow is somehow very cute (still FP), and I also sort of like the crackled metallic finish (which just went on sale this morning) although I know this finish does not wear especially well.
ReplyDeleteI got the Barbour Shore Jacket last week. Sizing has been tricky for me lately as I've lost weight and am still losing weight, so instead of my normal 12 in outerwear, I got the 10 - hoping it wouldn't be too tight. Well when I got it, it was swimming on me. Like massive!!! I went back to the product page and noticed that there was some special sizing noted, so just wanted to note it here as well if you're thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteI did get the 8 this week and it fits really well and is a lovely, well made jacket!
Moonglow paisley shorts and amore tee is on sale now!
ReplyDeleteThumbs up for Factory tonal tweed dress. Fabric and pockets are cute. About an inch above knee so I'll prob have hem let out (5'7"). Wish Factory had matching jacket. No slit in front of dress (heard complaints about this in retail version).
ReplyDeleteJust a quick review of two collection pants that I ordered to try on for size before they hit final sale. Sorry no pics. The misty fog floral pants $298 # 09646 seemed to run a bit small in my normal cafe capri, pixie, minnie size 4. The waist fit a little tight and that is not usual my problem spot. Usually pants are loose in the waist and tighter in the thighs on me if there is an issue. The fabric is so gorgeous in a substantial silk/ linen blend with a pretty sheen. I worry about the super thin silk pants pulling at the seams in the thighs and bum but this fabric would not have that problem. I have ordered a size 6 to try and see if it works. If i can find the right fit and the price goes down to my comfort level, I would definitely purchase.
ReplyDeleteThe navy abstract coral print silk pants #A1468 $198 are now on promo for $148 plus extra 40% off. They are big and baggy with pleats in a 4. I have reordered in a 2 which I never wear. They are the super thin floaty silk I worry about. The print is pretty but they looked like clown pants on me. Both these pants had pleats. I might could live with them on the misty fog but pleats on the coral pants made it a no go for me in this size. The Campbell capri in wave print and they collection cubist print are enroute but I am not optimistic after the other pant tryons. I may be in pants trouble (or off to ebay) if I can't find anything to replace my beloved cafe capri.
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DeleteLove the Misty Fog Floral Pants. Some JCAs didn't like the print, but it agreed with me! Found them TTS (size 6) for me. I'm on the fence about the coral print silk pants, which I had to size down to a 4 as the 6 was huge. However, this probably has to do with the fact that they are very light and definitely for summer, and it's snowing _again_ where I live!
DeleteThanks Jennifer for your input. Maybe that particular pair of misty fog pants was cut funny. After I try the 6 I'll know. Maybe I just need to try another pair of 4s. Sometimes I take multiple items of the same size in the fitting rooms and buy which one fits the best. At least we agree about the need to size down on the coral print pant.
DeleteAnother review: the swarovski crystal necklaces. One necklace that I did not have until recently is the swarovski clear crystal necklace (item 28402), which I think was previously called the Martha necklace. Purchased with the 25% off "LOVE" code, I received it yesterday and just opened -- gorgeous crystals, but two had fallen out. Upon closer inspection and in comparing to the swarovski crystal dot necklaces and bracelets (I have several), I can see why: the prongs are significantly shorter on the Martha necklace and cannot properly fold over the crystal. I tried to fix the necklace, but just could not do it, so it will be a return. So unfortunate, because it's a much more stunning piece than the dot necklace, as the crystals are significantly larger. :(
ReplyDeleteI have several of the Swarovski (have to look up the spelling every time) dot necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, and just love them. They are a nice alternative to the big statement necklaces, but still bring the bling. I like the option of the smaller earrings too. BTW, the most recent one in Blue Grotto is a light sky blue. Dark Grape is super-purple! I returned the Swarovski crystal (a.k.a. Martha) necklace and bracelet - something about the dark silver oxidized plating threw me off - but I may try it again sometime. Too bad about the crystals falling out - I did not have that experience. However, this piece seems to be one of the J.Crew classics that has stuck around, so you should be able to get a replacement.
DeleteReviews here of the staggered scrollwork & crystal nouveau necklaces. Thumbsup on both. The nouveau is on promo for $108 + BIG40.
ReplyDeleteI ordered the crystal nouveau necklace this morning. It's been on my wishlist since it was released and the promo brings it down to $64.80. It's not final sale and I fear it may eventually sell out before it hits clearance. I love anything with shells and I can't wait to style it.
DeleteShopping Celle - Yay! I love the necklace. You're right about the design looking like shells. No wonder why I like it more than the sculpted fans that were similar.
DeleteI need sizing help on the Aggie boots. I've never tried them and it's final sale. Are they narrow?
ReplyDeleteI took my regular size in the Aggie boots. I have a wide foot, so I would say they are not narrow.
DeleteThanks!
DeleteI actually went up a half size.
DeleteCan anyone comment on the drapey drawstring pant? I tried on two sizes- the larger was definitely "drapey" borderline sloppy, the smaller (my regular J Crew 4 size) I think had more possibilities to be dressed up or down. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMuffin - I think these are the same crepe drawstring pants that were released last year. I'm not finding a review of it on my blog. Anyway, I took the smaller of my J Crew sizes in those. I didn't buy them, but I would've gotten a 4 over 6. Notice the online description of the drapey drawstring says relaxed, yadda...(baby is trying to turn off the computer, lol)
DeleteI have these pants in a size 10 which is my regular J Crew pant size. However, I probably could have taken the 8. I would agree with Gigi that is probably best to size down. I really like these pants, very comfortable.
DeleteThank you both- I'm going to have to give them another try and maybe wait for a promo.
DeleteI tried the 00p and 0p in these and actually liked the larger size better. They had the drapery look; the 0p looked too tight. For reference, I'm 5'1" and normally wear a 00 in J Crew.
Deletei think it depends on your body type but for me, i found the pants TTS. but they also made me look hideous and i'm too vain to post the pictures with the review :P LOFT has similar pants and i liked their drape and cost better.
DeleteNew cuts this morning! Check them out at the top of the Sale Irl Pic Guide.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have my 5th giveaway of the series, including a $50 J Crew card. So go ahead and recline!
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ReplyDeleteMore reviews since Mr. Brown Shorts just left my last extra 50% package on front porch. This package was ordered at 6 am on Monday 2-17. Crazy long ship time!
ReplyDeleteFinally scored the embroidered emblem baseball cap in burgandy for $9.99 after promo. I bought it for $30 originally and took it back because I was on the fence and thought it was too pricey. Of course after seeing it on everyone, I wanted it and this was a price I could live with. Now I want the navy one.
I also got the Campbell capris in the wave print for $44 after the promo. These fit great in my usual 4 and are stretchy and comfy. They seem a little longer in length than some of the cafe capris I have. They will be work appropriate by dressing them up and fun for casual wear. The only thing I wonder is if they will stretch out a lot since they almost seem a little loose in the hip/crotch area. I kinda miss the belt loops but I think these are keepers.
Lastly a ride along to try for size, the collection cropped pant in the Cubist print item # A2452 $268. Gorgeous substantial fabric in silk/cotton. Unlined and heavy enough to prevent show through. These looked good standing up, but they were very tight in the thighs. I was afraid to sit down as there is no stretch. These are going back and I may try the next size. Usually pricey pants are cut bigger than smaller but not these. Thank goodness all these pants weren't final sale.
That's it for now. Can you tell that today is my day off! I am getting absolutely nothing accomplished around the house!
So glad to hear the campell capris work for you SC!
DeleteOT but two questions about orders:
ReplyDelete1) I ordered the varsity dress in black using the 50% off over a week ago and at the time it was backordered until April. I see it now online and in stock and I'm considering ordering it again? I called CS and they claimed that if they truly had it in stock, they would fill my order. But it's been listed online and in stock since at least last Friday. Anyone have any experience like this?
2) I placed an order this weekend and it's status on my account page is "Released"--does that mean it's going to be cancelled? For reference, my above order of the varsity dress is labeled as "Releasable" Does anyone have any idea what all this means?
Thanks all!
I think released just means the payment was pre-authorized with no problems...and order is ready to be fulfilled.
DeleteHas anyone tried on the collection sculpted sheath in geometric stripe (item a2050)? My usual trouble spot in dress fit is the bust--something that fits me in the waist and hips is often tight in the bustline, and J Crew dresses can be some of the worst that way. Can anyone comment on the fit?
ReplyDeleteHas anyone seen or purchased the Biella tassel loafers in the sheer pink color? Is this a soft pastel pink or more of a nude?
ReplyDeleteI see that the midheel ankle strap pumps that were in the last rollout are now on sale.
ReplyDeleteI love me some midheel pumps, but these look like they were designed with hope that Queen Elizabeth would try out the ankle strap trend. Very weird.
I got my last 50% box in the mail with four items, three of which were fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThe short suede Parker boots, not so much. There's nothing bad about them, but nor is there anything great. I found myself stuck between the 8.5 and 9 (my usual JC size). I have the 8.5 now, which will be okay with thin socks, especially after they give a little. Maybe I'll grow to love them but I think I purchased them in a moment of irrational exuberance.
lol
DeleteDone that too ie, buying too much from JC and realizing it too late (on final sale). Since mid-2013 I've been more rational and curated about my purchases.
Completely OT, and please delete if you need to Alexis, but I need some advice. I am going on an interview after being home with the kids for eons. The place I'm interviewing is business casual, but I would prefer to wear a suit for the interview. Any recommendations for a decent affordable suit, knowing it would only be this one time I would probably wear it? Thank you for your help!
ReplyDeleteCould you wear a dress with a blazer instead of a suit? You probably already have both of those things in your closet...
DeleteI like BR suiting but it would still cost you $180 with their current 40% discount. I used to get suiting at The Limited but now they only use synthetics. It still may be worth looking at, though. You may be able to find something nice in cotton.
savvy shopper - Congratulations on your interview! I like to hit up Macy's for suits. I've had excellent luck there and petite sizes are available so I've almost never had to do alterations. If you have a Macy's card, you probably get Star Rewards for a 20% off coupon or $20 off a $50 purchase. The Star Rewards don't work on Everyday Values. Check out the Calvin Klein suit separate. No coupons on those, but the prices are good, $90 jacket, $60 pants, $55 skirt. You can wear them as separates when you're working.
DeleteBar III separates - a Macy's brand that would be comparable to the Savvy Dept or whatever they're calling it at Nordstrom these days. There are no buttons on the jacket, which helps keep the cost low. It's currently on sale & you can use a store locator on the website, which is nice. I'm assuming you need your outfit sooner than they will deliver.
If you don't have a Macy's card and end up finding something in-store, just ask if they have any promos. Sometimes they have a % off for the week's promo, no matter the card type.
Good luck!
I buy absolutely ALL of my suits from Express. They have sales constantly, and I receive coupons in the mail and my email ALL the time (usually something like 30 dollars off of 75 dollars, 50 off of 150 dollars, etc.). I've come out before with pants and a jacket for 40 bucks. And they all fit VERY well.
DeleteI love BR but their suiting never works for me.
I would strongly recommend Express! I'm sure I even have some coupons lying around...so let me know if I can pass the codes your way!
Dear Savvy Shopper - Having worked in business casual environments (for years!), here are a few thoughts that you are free to take or leave. First, your potential employer will likely consider it a requirement for you to wear a suit to an interview, regardless of the dress environment. Full suit, dress with a jacket, or coordinating separates are just required for interviews (at this place, and any others you may interview at). Second, once you get the job, don't assume this is the only time you will wear the suit. Clients coming into the office, going to visit clients, presentations, big meetings, other events, etc. all require employees to step it up in professional attire. Even if the full suit is a rare occurrence, you can get a lot of mileage out of dress + cardigan, suit pants + sweater, suit jacket + jeans or khakis. Third, there is something to be said for consistently looking professional, even if everyone else doesn't. You may not think it will matter, but it will to your supervisors, office co-workers, and other colleagues. Fourth, looking pulled together does not equal tons of money. Purchase the best you can afford (JC is the best, but BR is okay. I agree that Limited has deteriorated in quality), and wear it to death. You don't need to be the most expensively dressed, but you need to look like you belong. Think of dressing well like cosmetics. Well-applied powder and mascara enhances what natural beauty a woman has, while poorly applied makeup makes people notice the makeup. A professional wardrobe is a helpful tool to get people to pay attention to your stellar knowledge, skills and abilities. Okay, off the soapbox for now. Good luck!
DeleteThank you all. The advice is invaluable, and thanks for all the encouragement. I'm a little jittery since it's been awhile, but looking forward to being back in the workforce. Any thoughts on the J Crew navy schoolboy with a crisp white shirt and black pants? A JC SA suggested it, but not sure whether that would be too casual. Thoughts anyone? I'm going to the mall this weekend in any case because I need to upgrade my shoes.
DeleteHi Savvy Shopper - Those are good options, but honestly, still a little too casual. I think you need the suit, or separates that are sold to create suits. I'm not sure of your climate, but the JC Bristol Trouser and Thompson Blazer look like good options for warmer temperatures. I'm less thrilled with The Limited these days, but like Express, they are always running sales and I find a smaller store with jackets, pants, skirts and tops _all right there_ to be very helpful, especially if you have finite time to make decisions. The Limited has dresses if you go the dress and jacket route, but make sure the dress is long enough, especially when you sit down. And no flats, go for a heel. I recommend 9 West for good quality, but not overly expensive ones. Caress is a good high heel with round toe. Martina is your classic stiletto. Andriana is a mid-heel pump which may be more comfortable for walking a lot. Izabella is even lower. Darcy is a high heel, but with super-cute bows on the toes. These are all current styles that are available in store and online in various leather, patent, and fabric finishes. Macy's carries 9 West, but not as much variety. Wear tights, trouser socks, or shoe liners to avoid friction on your feet and blisters. Oh, you probably know all this already :-) Good luck!
Deletesavvy shopper - I love my navy schoolboy and always feel sturdily polished in it. The navy white and black might work just fine, if the pants are a rich black and not a brown-black. Some of them have a brown tint. You don't want that. It sounds a little plain, so if you're going to go with that, add some personal flair like a scarf *IF* you wear those. If it's not your personal style, don't bother or it'll be a subconscious distraction for you. The main thing is that you are professional, but show that you're a human as well. I'm a fan of pins on the lapel. That's an alt to the scarf. It sounds like you want to have a backup in case you don't find something when you go shopping. Regarding suits, FWIW, my lawyer friend just shared Is The Power Suit Dead?" with me yesterday. I've definitely seen a shift in the dress code in companies I've worked for and with. I've definitely gone looser with my attire in the past year, moving away from suits. You know what's best based on the compnay and job you're going for.
DeleteJenniferD gave excellent, detailed advice. Go w/a heel for sure.
Hi savvy shopper, I think you would look like a million dollars with a schoolboy or similar blazer, a white shirt, and nice pants/skirt in grey, navy, or black. Blazer and pants/skirt do not need to be in the same exact color either, as far as they look good together. Good luck!
DeleteI would also echo the schoolboy. I love them and agree they look and feel very polished...! good luck!
DeleteHi Savvy Shopper, I agree with JenniferD. I work for a corporate banking environment where business casual is allowed, but when my colleagues and I interview candidates for jobs, we prefer that interviewees wear professional attire regardless of the position for which they apply. The message you want to get across is that you are a detail-oriented, pulled-together individual. Good luck!
DeleteI'd definitely recommend considering a sheath dress and matching blazer. My current job is business casual while my past positions were dressier so I have a lot of suits and I've made good use wearing a suiting dress with a cardigan or with a blouse under it, and a suiting blazer with more casual pants.
DeleteHi Savvy Shopper . . . Just in case you are still reading this thread (and maybe you're wondering why you asked us all this in the first place!?!), I also recommend 9 West's Austin, a mid-heel, and Flax, hands-down the most comfortable stiletto I've ever worn. I've seen the satin finish Flax in stores and online, but your best luck with these is Zappos (YAY for overnight shipping!) and Amazon. Some of the finishes are not to my taste (I'm looking at YOU hot pink patent and zebra prints), yet I've still managed to amass quite a collection. P.S. No idea how 9 West makes any of these sales-centric decisions.
DeleteI strongly second the suit recommendation. Unless the business is such that they encourage creativity, you can never go wrong with a matched suit, skirt or pants, or a shift-type dress with matching jacket. If skirt or dress, do a conservative length. And wear classic pumps. You don't want to take the chance of offending someone who is interviewing you. Oh what I have seen coming in for interviews at my workplace! We are business casual but expect interviewees to wear suits, and those who don't come across looking like they don't care even if they do. I got suit separates at Eddie Bauer and had them tailored to fit perfectly. They are stretch wool so very comfy to sit in and hardly wrinkle at all, and are a weight to wear year round. Basic charcoal color, I would have bought navy but they didn't have it at the time I was shopping.
DeleteI just received the cashmere zip hoody in black and like it a lot. It is lean but not too lean. I was able to snag it when it was on promo and then the additional 40% off so it came to about $118. I will say I would not pay much more for it. While I will get use out of it, the cashmere is not anywhere close to the quality it should be to pay full price.
ReplyDeletePeacoat trench (02769) - this has been on my "must see IRL" list since it rolled out, and I caught it on a popback last week. It's a very heavy waxed cotton - my husband has a waxed cotton JC messenger bag from years ago that feels exactly the same. It is completely inflexible, and was even stiff from being on the cold UPS truck. I found the fit to be incredibly unflattering. It looked like I was wearing a khaki tent (and felt like I was wearing one of those heavy x-ray blankets). I think there's a reason the model shot is with the jacket open and the closed coat you can only see from the side. Also, the color was not really true to the website... I found it to be darker and not good for my skin tone. Truth be told, I'm relieved because it's also way too expensive for what it is.
ReplyDeleteStripe-sleeve tee (08408) - Why can't ALL JC knits be this thick? Seriously. I love the 'double-knit' feel but don't necessarily love the stripey arms. I took my normal S but feel like I could size down. I'm almost tempted to hack off the sleeves and have a really nice tank for summer.
OT Help please... is the "schoolboy in Italian wool flannel" the same material as the "Schoolboy in black or navy" (wool with a hint of stretch is the description for both?)?
ReplyDeletesnowbrdgrl - The schoolboy in Italian wool flannel (02469) was called the 'new' schoolboy when it was first released in FA13. The schoolboy in navy and black are the same fit.
DeleteThe classic schoolboy in navy (28233) should be the only 'old' schoolboy.
My review of the 'new' is in this post with some measurements for both the new & classic.
Quck recap. I took 6P, my usual petite size in the classic. I've had to size up to 8P in the 'new' schoolboy.
In short. I feel the classic schoolboy runs tts and the 'new'/schoolboy in Italian wool runs a size small. HTH
I have a bit of a public service announcement about my experience successfully hand-wash wool items.
ReplyDeleteAfter a dry cleaning accident, I took a gamble and hand washed a double-serge wool pencil skirt and a pair of wool café capris with great success. I used cold water and Eucalan (a no rinse delicate wash). The café capris had very little, if any, shrinking. And the skirt actually feels like it fits better with a tiny bit of shrinking in the length (1/4 of inch maybe).
Wanted to share my story in case someone else was thinking about hand washing their wool items.
Can you give more details? Did you soak? For how long? How'd you dry?
DeleteReally interested as I have 8 DSWP skirts and hate taking them to the cleaners...
OT but 40% changes to 30% off in stores tomorrow. Several items added to sale, antique floral racer tank, antique floral panel front sweater and perfect shirt in floral foulard just to name a few.
ReplyDeleteMy brown shorted friend brought me a present today, and I am in love (with the present, not with the mailman!) For all you ladies considering the Majesty peacoat in Navy (or any color really!) before the 40% switches over, I can only say that it's about 76F in my house and I don't want to take it off. The navy is rich, though the buttons look a little cheapie. I am usually a 00 in J. Crew, but sized up in this to layer and it was the right decision. It is soft and warm, and based on what I've read, I may have to reinforce the buttons before I wear it. The lining is burgundy and silky and I would prefer if it were lined in acetate or silk, but that's delusional. Nice piping inside. Not sure if it's going to pill or not, but can give an update on that, or those of you who have it can chime in. I hate the cold but I'm hoping for lower temps!
ReplyDeleteNew promo: Cardmembers, in stores & online: 20% off your purchase. Use code CARDSONLY with your J.Crew Card until March 4th.
ReplyDeleteNew promo - Another component includes free shipping on all orders 'for a limited time.'
ReplyDeleteBIG40 is still working and should until 11:59PST. the fs no min has kicked in, so if there's one lil thing you want on promo or sale, get it before then.
Shop w/the Irl Pic Guide. Just noticed the french-print popover on promo & the matte crepe tee (2 colors). Don't know if those price changes are as of tonite or if I missed this morning.
Has anyone tried the Collection Audrey suede pumps? I just purchased the Deep Chartreuse color and took a half size larger than my regular size, a la the Everly. Now I am deeply pondering whether or not that was the right decision.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know how the Lucie Slingbacks run? I'll sometimes size down half a size in a sandal, but my feet are a bit wide so I'm worried about the toe box pinching.
ReplyDeleteI found they run TTS. I did not have to size up like with the Vivs. AudreyBella from Life is Short . . . Buy the Shoes reviewed a pair herehttp://audreybella.blogspot.com/2014/01/j-crew-lucie-printed-fabric-slingback.html
DeleteJenniferD, thanks so much!
DeleteHas anyone seen a review of the Collection Toscana shearling coat? TIA!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone here have this season's field boots (riding boots)? I managed to track a pair on final sale, and I'm hoping that they work for me. I want a slim-fitting, chic, low-heeled riding boot that isn't too tall for a petite person (I am 5'2"). Does anyone have these? If so, what do you think?
ReplyDeleteI got the Madewell Mod Coat, I had bought it during the latest promo so it was only $167.99. Unfortunately it's going back. The sleeves are advertised as being leather but they feel like pleather. If real leather it's very thin, too thin for the thick coat fabric. The coat is cut small too, I should fit an L but all they had was XL so I got it, and even it's a little more snug than I would prefer. I love this coat in the web site photos but not so much in real life.
ReplyDeleteI also got the Silk Texturepleat Top in pearl ivory. This is a keeper, a good thing because it was final sale. True to size and even prettier than the web site photos. I noticed that it has a back vent unlike what is shown on the web site.
I got a couple of Factory Lightweight Merino Cardigans too. This is my first time buying anything Factory, I think. These cardigans are so soft they feel like cotton. I don't like the ivory color (just a preference issue, nothing actually wrong with the color) but the black is a keeper. These are true to size. Very thin, the ivory one is quite sheer.
Crum, I added the back vent comment last and I misplaced it. It refers to the coat, not to the silk top.
DeleteNow I know why the Factory Lightweight Merino Cardigans feel like cotton. Because they are 80% cotton! This is not disclosed on the web site. Now I'm sending both back and will call J Crew and ask that my shipping be refunded. Very misleading, I would not have bought them if I'd known they were 80% cotton. I don't like cotton sweaters because they bag and wrinkle so badly.
DeleteCan we talk jeans, please? I tried on the Reid in white...I bought them but now I am unsure..They are straight leg but not toothpick. They are sort of like matchsticks but with stretch. I am not sure how I feel about this new cut. Others? I am 5'2" and a 24 in most JCrew jeans...
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