Referencing {FAQ}

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

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! :)

72 comments:

  1. if you can get it on popbacks, I recommend the collection garden eyelet dress; I really love it! the quality is great and the fit is really nice. Am 6 feet and it reaches my knees about, just like the model online. The eyelet are nicely done, and i love the wine color. The lining is red not black (it looked black on the website). Overall, liking a lot!

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  2. Replies
    1. I love how you made a dress out of the cove floral shirt/skirt!

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    2. Thanks Cheri. The colors were pretty similar so it worked.

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  3. Review here of the sleeveless drapey cove top. The silk one.

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  4. i have a few more reviews:
    -scalopped lightweight merino sweater
    -embroidered tunic in white
    -Malta sandals in gold
    -eyelet front tee

    You can see it on my blog here.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Ina, I was hoping you'd post the embroidered cotton tunic review. Too bad it's so see through. :(

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  5. Some cove floral and other reviews here

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  6. Can anyone comment on swimwear fit? I got a rashguard recently and sized up to small from my usual XXS or XS. Wondering if I should do the same for a bikini top and bottom?

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    1. I tried the bandeau tops and went with S. But for the bottoms I went with XS. For the one-piece tanks I'm a size 2. For reference, I usually wear 0 in dresses, skirts and boy shirts, 2 in perfect shirts (34A bust).

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  7. I just got a swimsuit and immediately ordered 2 more! I got the photo floral one piece in 4 long. I am 5'8" 125# and wear 34A. The fit was a little long for me but overall great and even managed to have good support on the top for me. It would not be a good suit for a large chest. When I reordered I got a 4 Regular. Not all suits have adjustable straps so watch for that. I normally wear between a 2 and a 4 in tops and usually a 4 on bottoms. The swim board shorts stretch in water so I sized down from a 4 last year to a 2 this year. They feel snug but I know how they stretch when wet!

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    1. which suit did you buy??? I'm 32 A and have a heck of a time finding anything that works, but I am your height and weight and so would love to know more about this suit!!! TIA

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    2. Here's an update. The Photo Floral Underwire Tank One Piece in 4 Long worked great. I also tried the Underwire Tank in a 4 and it did not work for me as it was just too low in the front/too short. Same problem with the Multi Stripe V Neck suit in size 4 - zero support on the chest and too short. If you type in Long Torso in the search bar you can see the choices. If you need support I recommend the underwire tank - it's like a built in bra. The ruched tank also has zero support and is not adjustable.

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  9. Check the fabric on the board shorts, they are not all the same. The ratti floral is nylon only and although fit was the same for me, the material puckered from crotch to thigh fanning out - not a good look. Most of the others are a cotton/nylon mix which is much more stiff and holds things in better.

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  10. A JCA asked about Point Sur jeans. Link here to Ema's instapic of Point Sur denim cutoffs. She has on the Maltas, too.

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    1. Thank you for the link Gigi! These run TTS and I liked them quite a lot but they are much stiffer than the JCrew ones. I tried the white ones (that you are supposed to wear with the exagerated cuff) and they looked terrible on me. I think they are supposed to be a bit oversized and barely hung there but they looked really bad.

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  11. Don't know if this should couunt as a review - but a colleague of mine was wearing the puff sleeve super 120s suiting dress in the hydrangea color and it really brightened up a grey dreary day. The dress had a lovely sheen as well. But I noticed that the threads were already coming undone at the neck. It's a brand new dress, that should not be happening!

    I left the same dress in the store despite liking it because of the armhole sitch. My colleague had a jacket over it but the armholes were big on her too.

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  12. I just purchased the Classic Chambray Popover last weekend and found the fit across the shoulders to be very narrow. I do not have broad shoulders and normally wear a 00 but the shirt looked too small since the shoulder seams hit on top of my shoulders. I would have sized up but it fit me everywhere else. Other than that it's a beautiful shirt... super soft too!

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  13. I went to the outlet this morning amd tried a few things. They have the peony popover now and it is TTS(unlike the retail version which ran small).
    Also tried a seersucker pencilskirt,which was TTS too.It was very nice quality!
    I tried a beachdress/coverup in pink,which i liked a lot.
    Just wish they had it in navy and i would have bought it.It is TTS.
    The last thing i tried was a sleeveless striped shell in 0. It was TTS,but i didnt like the poly feel and it was very long.

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    Replies
    1. I loved the seersucker pencil skirt too at the Factory store.

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  14. I sacrificed a side slit tunic tee to the washer (warm) and dryer (not low) and it did well. I don't think it shrank at all.

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  16. I tried the Maltas. I may have already reviewed these, but I'll do it again! Originally, I planned on getting the gold ones, but ended up liking the silver better. The gold is very shiny. I'm not sure I'm keeping them b/c they are kinda big on my feet and I have a feeling they won't be comfortable. The sole is completely flat, which doesn't bother me as I'm a big flip flop person in the summer. I would've thought that maybe the sandals were just too big for me, personally, b/c I don't have wide feet at all, but I saw Ema mentioned in her instagram that the shoes ran a bit big on her as well. Sizing down wouldn't work b/c I think the back of my foot would then hang over. They do look cute on, though.

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    Replies
    1. They definitely run half a size longer but since they don't come in half sizes I went with my regular size (they aren't a whole size too big)

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    2. I actually sized down to a 7 (normally I'm a 7.5) and they fit, but no way could I size down to a 6 and have the length still work for me.

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    3. I took my normal 8.5 in the burnt sienna color (I think they're online only right now), and they fit perfectly.

      Seems like the metallic ones fit bigger, while the solid colors fit tts.

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  17. COTTON PIQUÉ LACE DRESS
    item a4090

    Fit is TTS. I normally wear a 2 and a 2 fit. I am 5'8" 125# 34A, and the top of the dress fit me well. It falls short of my knee about 2" just like it does on the model. No pockets. Nice thick material, fully lined. Detail of lace is great, as is the yellow, a nice bright color.
    I am in my early 40s and this dress felt too young on me with the length of the hem. Given the price and the lack of pockets and shortness, it is a return.

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  18. JCAs, I have four swim coupons to give, please drop me an email if you need one. 20% off your order.

    I just got a bunch of stuff. I'll share pics and reviews if the things that grabbed me on my blog, soon.

    In other items: love the denim jackets in ecru and pale blue denim. Keeping both, despite myself. Soft denim, cut snug, with incredible stretch.

    Cropped striped v-neck sweater (collection) - ugh. Very cropped indeed. Not 100% cotton? The tag says it is, but the feel was rough and plasticky. And cold. Is swear this is a nylon mix. Disliked and returning.

    Collection hooded toggle coat. Beautiful fabric, well made and finished. Oversized. I got my usual size 0 and it's just silly looking.

    Toothpick white jeans. No stretch, blah fit.

    Factory boy jeans, took my normal size. Actually quite like them. Soft as anything. A far cry from the denim I got at factory 3 or 4 years ago, which was stiff and horrible and washed up scratchy as hell.

    More in my blog soon. I've been trying to install the bloglovin widget on there, but it doesn't show up. I suspect it's the template I've chosen. I really like the template and don't want to change it. If you're having trouble with following me and would like to, please drop me am email or comment. Sorry about the tangent! Thx for your patience.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Maqsad - That's disappointing to hear about the Cropped striped v neck sweater did not work out for you. I actually ordered it along with the matching skirt.
      You said, "very cropped indeed", yikes!
      I have a short torso, hopefully it won't look too cropped on me. I really like how the v neck and skirt are paired together...I will have to see!
      I wasn't planning on ordering it, but I'm curious to see how it looks. If I like it, I will buy it on sale.

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    2. Hope it works out for you JSR!

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  19. Review of the Marina Mini Wedge Espadrilles here that is available again this year. In a nutshell, totally love them!

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    Replies
    1. That was supposed to be "that are available again this year" :)

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  20. The Collection Bonded Geo Dot Sweater was a disaster on me. My usual medium was too small, the fabric was very stiff and unflattering.

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    Replies
    1. Oh no! Say it isn't so. I have been debating whether or not to get it. Looks so amazing online.

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  21. Love the pull on matelasse shorts (a6063). Runs TTS, and although the description says 3", I will say it is 3" at best. I got all four colors as they are all cotton, easy to wash, and easy to wear, with pockets. White is totally not see through.

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  22. swim code up for grabs

    20% off & free shipping on women's, men's & crewcuts SWWPXUXXA

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  23. Has anybody tried the gathered pull-on pant in silk? I am looking for a lightweight pair of navy pants that can be dressed-up or down and I am intrigued by these. I am a bit turned off by the description of CFS because these don't read "beach pants" to me but I would like to give them a try before they go to fs. Any clue about sizing?

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  24. Some factory reviews:
    -seersucker pencil skirt
    -peony popover
    -sleeveless tankdress
    -striped shell

    See it on my blog here.

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  25. Collection Cleo Embroidered D'Orsay Loafers (item a5157) in Navy. These are so cute. They might be a bit long on me, the way the Lillian Wedges are, so I'm going to try them in a half size down. My feet aren't flipping out of the heel, but they feel like they are very close to doing it. The web site says to order one size down, but I didn't read that until after I bought them. I have a wide foot, so I think a half size down will be the way to go for me, but if your foot is narrow you might want to go a full size down.

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  26. Just received the mint Campbell Capris in the mail. First off, the color is GREAT. The mint is perfect. Saturated, not pale. Secondly, they have a weird smell. I can't explain it but none of my other pants have had this... odor. Kinda chemical-ly? It's strange. Third of all, I bought them in the same size as my Cafe Capris & they fit perfectly. They're a higher rise than the CCs which suits me fine but they definitely have a little "kick" at the hem which is more noticeable in real life than in any of the pictures I have seen. I think they'll be cute with wedges though. Happy with my purchase; we'll see how they launder!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Taylor, that's so weird! I just got the COllection cropped sweatshirt and it reeks as well. I thought it might be because of the neoprene like material they worked with. I wonder what it really is.

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    2. Now that is odd! It's been about two weeks since my last order & I have never noticed the smell before. I wonder what is going on...

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    3. I noticed the odd chemical smell as well w a featherweight cashmere sweater, and I returned it.

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  27. Anyone see the Linen swing tank in photo floral? I'd love to know how it looks IRL and how it fits. Thanks

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  28. I did a quick visit to the store just now. A lot of newer tops are on sale. Maybe you all know of them already? The pinwheel eyelet top, the lace sleeve tees, some flowery button downs, the arrow print stuff, eyelet sleeve dresses, surf varsity jacket (79.99) plus additional 40% off.

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  29. I also tried on the cropped Reid and toothpicks in white. I think the white denim doesn't have as much stretch or smth. They are cut looser and I sized down in both to 24 rather than my usual 25. The Reid were still a touch looser and gave a higher rise. They are nice but cropped and not for me. Is wear them rolled if I did. I also didn't size up for the drawstring pants in surf floral. They were nice but I'll wait for super sale. I tried on the surf dress too. Loved it but I don't wear dresses. It's a terrific fit. Great for this very cold spring we're having, I think. You could pair it with a cropped jacket or cardi. Also, FYI, is size down in the surf varsity jacket so it clings more and is less stiff. Again, great for spring and then to wear over your swimsuit when you are walking around the gym!

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  30. I just want to say how much I love my Hooded Basketweave raincoat. For $70, it's been a great spring coat and is so cute. Have gotten lots of compliments and wore it in the rain today and it did its job. Kept me dry and did not soak through. It's even cheaper now than when I bought it if you can find one out there still. I'd recommend it.

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    Replies
    1. OK you convinced me. Picked it up!

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    2. It's a love for me as well. It's been my go to coat since the weather has warmed up. I had my VPS order me one online as he said that all of the jackets in store had at least one broken button. Strange!

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  31. The triple eyelet dress is awfully pretty. I ordered it in my normal dress size and it fits perfectly, so TTS. And I sometimes have problems with JC sleeveless tops and dresses, with armholes fitting badly, either hanging too low, or in stiffer materials standing up above my shoulders. This one has no such problems. 100% cotton, including lining. I was sort of hoping I wouldn't love it, because it's pricey and I'm messy and don't always do well with white, but I do love it, and I'm keeping it...

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    1. lol....AudreyS...I thought your whole review was bad/poor beginning with "it's pretty awful," which I read incorrectly from there throughout. Then laughed when you said, "butI do love it and I'm keeping it..."

      I was thinking she did 3 shots of crewlade in a row. Then I re-read. lol Have your Shout wipes standing by when you wear it and you won't need them. Murphy's Law and all that.

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    2. LOL, I read 'awfully pretty' as 'pretty awful' too, so when I got to the end of the paragraph I thought 'huh'? and had to re-read the post.
      Definitely time to step away from the computer, (but not before I take another look at that dress).

      Thanks for the review, AudreyS.

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    3. You know, you two are right -- I use "awfully" fairly frequently in my speech but it literally only makes sense when describing a negative! And it lacks that cool vibe that makes it usable in that way -- e.g., "sick", the latest compliment of choice from my 8 y.o. daughter! I will definitely take note! (But Gigi, I have had my share of crewlade... mostly at 6 am...)

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    4. It's not your use of 'awfully', it's my lack of attention. For some reason I've been misreading a lot of things lately. I'm going to blame it on Spring fever. Yea, that's it.
      Happy May Day.

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    5. AudreyS- thanks for the review. I had my eye on that dress but then it disappeared from the site - did it sell out already?

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  32. Maya ankle strap sandals review here. Beige stone are $129.99 in-store + 40%.

    The Evie midheels in copper are also $129.99 in-store + 40%.

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  33. I received the matelassé dress ordered with the 25% off today. This is a fabulous dress, one of the first J. Crew garments I've liked in a very long time.The fabric is great and it's not see through because of the lining. It fits perfectly, really comes in at the waist. I would say true to size, my usual size 2 was spot on. The matelasse is just lovely. It has a tonal appearance.

    I love it but I'm not keeping it. It says 40 1/2" length on the website, and it's barely 37". That's too short for my comfort, especially for work. It will work well for ladies a little shorter than me, or younger than me with better legs :)

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    1. How tall are you? I really wish JCREW would offer their dresses in Tall sizes!

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    2. Cheri, I'm just over 5'7". The dress came to about an inch above the top of my knee cap. Definitely above knee.

      I have some Tall dresses from the suiting section and they run about 40" long, which is why I though the matelasse would be perfect. I wish the website description had been correct. It's really such a pretty dress and I can't say enough about how nice the fabric is.

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  34. I recently received my order of leggings in black and navy and they are great. I had actually originally thought J.Crew only had pixies as their leggings-equivalent product. I had been on a long hunt for decently priced navy leggings to wear under two very short Lilly Pulitzer dresses I have. I did not want 100% cotton ones and since I'll be wearing them to work on more "casual" Fridays I did not want tights-like semi-sheer ones or athletic ones. They have a really nice stretch that smooths and holds you in. I was impressed!

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    Replies
    1. I'm always on the look out for a good pair of leggings. What size did you get? I usually buy a 26 in denim and cords and 2P in chinos and wonder if I should get the xs or small.
      Thanks for the review!

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  36. Seamed Stretch Cotton Dress (a4837). I tried this in Navy and it fit really well and had a very nice amount of stretch in it, making it comfortable to wear. There is some angled seaming across the bodice but I thought it was subtle and flattering in Navy. The dress also comes in white and yellow but I didn't try those. The fit reminds me of the fit on the Gwen dress, but the stretch makes it a bit nicer and I guess it's more casual because it's got cotton in it. In Navy, it looks dressy, though.

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    Replies
    1. Hi! I'm curious how tall you are and where it fell - to the knee like it says?

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    2. Hi Cheri, I am 5'4" and I think it fell to just above my knee.

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  37. Back-zip Sandals (a4968). These are big! I couldn't wear these in my normal size, I think I'd have to go down one full size.

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  38. I don't know if anyone has noted but the Collection featherweight cashmere long-sleeve tee has bracelet sleeves not long sleeves as CFS stated. I wanted a long-sleeve featherweight version of my fav. cashmere tee and this is not it. I just feel awkward in bracelet sleeve tees and shirts. I can do jackets so much better.
    On the plus side the sunwashed blue color is beautiful.

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    Replies
    1. D*ska, thx for pointing out the sunwashed blue. J Crew did a similar color years ago and was gorgeous. Very bright & fresh. I'd probably love something in this shade.

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  39. Hi - I'm curious if anyone has experienced quality issues with their stretch Campbell Capri pants? I have purchased three pairs thus far and the two that I've worn have developed holes in the seam of the crotch. It looks like they were not sewn with the usual sturdy stitching that one would usually find in J.Crew pants. Otherwise the ft is pretty good and they are fitted, but not tight. J.Crew has been really nice about sending me a new pair. I just fear its a manufacturing issue and it will continue to happen regardless of having a new pair. Any similar experiences?

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)