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! :)
A few Factory reviews here.
ReplyDeleteTried on the Regent Blazer this weekend, when visiting Bellevue Sq. with Rose. The fabric is the same as the Schoolboy's. Took my usual JC blazer size, shoulders and bodice fit VERY nicely, a little longer than the Schoolboy, and that is my preference. The construction is on par with the Schoolboy. Contrary to the review on the site, do not size up, unless you plan on layering a shirt and a sweater and a silk scarf... ;)
ReplyDeleteAs for the pop up collar, it didn't want to stay down. The store had the camel color hung with the collars folded down, while the charcol had the collars popped up. While I love the look/style of the popped up collar (it's the "classic with a twist" no?), I'm not sure how practical it'll be. The collar on the jacket will no doubt sponge up any moisturizer and makeup I happen to be wearing (and I am a religious moisturizer-wearing kinda girl), unless I wear a turtleneck, which I'm not a huge fan of.
Overall, I think it'll be a personal preference thing, whether the collar works for you or not. The jacket is well-constructed and detailed, worth trying out, especially with the 25% promo on right now.
Also tried on the Merino Wool Glen Plaid-Panel Sweater. It looked like a big ol' nothing on the website, but as soon as I saw it, I made grabby hands for it. I tried it on in my usual Tippi size, M, and found this sweater to be a bit roomier/straighter in fit, so can layer over a shirt with no problem (maybe even a boxier shirt like a Boy Shirt). The front panel fabric is 70% Wool/30% Poly. Sleeves and back is same gauge as the Tippi. I have way too many sweaters, otherwise I'd order it up right now, with the current promo. As it is, I'd love to pick it up come sale time.
Tried on some shoes also: Georgie suede tassel loafers and Georgie suede tassel loafers. Both very nicely made, running about half size large. SA noted same, that many of this fall's flats are running large.
Special mention must go to the Perforated monk strap loafers (which I tried on a couple weeks back). Most JC shoes have glued on rubber soles. The monks are full leather construction, soles are finished with blake stitching (google it). A real upgrade from the usual fare. Wish JC would show pics of the soles of the shoes, like they did before. Running half size to full size large (depending on what type of socks you plan on wearing with them). Again, if my shoe wardrobe wasn't already bulging, I'd snag these babies with the current promo.
Meant to say ``Georgie suede tassle loafers and Collection Sophie Calf hair loafers``. A bit too quick with the Ctrl + V.
DeleteCloset Crisis - lol at bulging shoe wardrobe. I agree with you that the regent love or no love will be based on personal preference. If you don't wear foundation/powder and/or have a long neck then the collar won't be as much of a peeve. I reviewed the regent in this post.
DeleteReviews of the merino plaid front sweater by Audreybella and by Rynetta.
DeleteGigi, I saw your review of the Regent jacket and left a comment, though now I see my iPad ate it. Argh. I was looking for a camel jacket and this one really appealed until I realized you were right about the popped collar getting make up rub off. Pass for me.
DeleteYay, glad to see you back on the board, Closet Crisis!!! I've missed your reviews!
DeleteMy top 2 picks for fall so far are the endless shirt in white and the stripes, and the regent blazer. both of these are gorgeous basics, but feel modern, sleek and updated. I took my true size in both. Those of you looking for the perfect top to wear with leggings will adore the endless shirt. It's just a blouse, but it's so chic and so versatile. I love every sweater over it too. The blazer's stand-up collar makes this blazer feel so modern and sleek. It's such a perfect, subtle statement. It's slightly longer then the schoolboy and i think slightly more tailored looking. I bought the black and camel colors.
ReplyDeleteOther things I love, are the faded shirt jacket in quarry green- i took my true size. It's a nice thick material so you can wear it over a tee as a casual jacket, or i love it buttoned as a very structured top with a very feminine skirt.
Drapey wool sweatpants in both colors- went 1 size up so i could have a very loose fit. I love these for casual with sneakers, but i also love them with heels and blazer for the office. they look fantastic on, are on trend and are casually chic. LOVE THEM and they will be my go to pants this fall!
The covered button crepe blouse is just beautiful. I took my true size- it is roomy, but that's the intended style.
The utility vest is a really pretty green. I took my true size. It runs oversized as it was intended to and i love the oversized collar- it adds interest to a utility vest.
I ordered more, but it hasn't arrived yet.
Ruched knit dress (b0365)
ReplyDeleteYes: Light grey color is great, knit is fairly thick. Length is decent (top of the knee, I'm 5'5").
No: Despite the item picture, the sleeves on this came rolled/tacked. They can't really be unrolled because they're secured with multiple stitches and I worried that if I tried to cut them it would leave a hole. I wanted to wear it with the sleeves unrolled, so this one's a return.
Oversize sweatshirt (b3505)
Yes: Love the color. Like that it doesn't have the triangle at the neck that almost every other sweatshirt seems to have lately.
No: Dropped shoulders. This is a "rectangle with sleeves" cut that I just cannot make work for me. I think you could easily size down and it would still look the same. One could probably acheive this look with a $10 Hanes men's sweatshirt (and I think they have raglan sleeves - yes!).
Thank you for the review of the ruched knit dress, I was wondering about that one!
DeleteWow--I'm looking at these first reviews this morning and all I have to say is, "thank you, ladies!" Very thorough and thoughtful! LOVE fall....
ReplyDeleteA review of the adorable Military Shirtdress HERE
ReplyDeleteI want to echo Gigi's favorable review of the ribbed stitch open cardigan. I ordered the marled version in my usual size (xs). Wonderful, weighty cotton knit. I'm surprised to find such a quality sweater at j crew and for this reasonable price (I got it with 25% off). The sleeves are narrow, which helps balance out the fold over collar.
ReplyDeleteI also ordered the collection luxe silk crepe top in both the ivory and sandstone colors. I ordered a 2, my usual size, but am exchanging them for a 0 (the bust on the 0 is just a skosh over 35"). Lovely silk--not transparent even in the ivory. Easy, classy, not fussy.
Thanks for the mention, cc!
DeleteReview of the rib-stitch cardihere.
I bought the rib stitch cardigan and it is really nice. I love how thick it is and made with 100% natural fibers. I sized up since I wanted to be to layer during the fall season. I highly recommend getting this if you're undecided.
DeleteDowning tote in metallic leather: this is a great color. It's called "pale gold sandstone" but it is really sort of an indeterminate muted gold/silver/platinum mix, which some might hate, but which I love b/c it won't clash with anything. As others have said about the downing tote, the primary drawback is the lack of pockets and the very small size of the attached wristlet, which is completely flat and really only usable for storing cards.
ReplyDeleteThe girls' shiny puffer jacket a9168 is very cute. Sometimes my daughter gets too hot when she's out running around at recess in her heavier JC puffers; this one should be perfect for non-frigid days. I also tried this in a size 16 to see if it would fit me, and it does -- it feels almost exactly like the JC women's puffers in XS except a little tighter around the bust, as would be expected. The neon azalea is darling, and the flannel and navy are great basic colors. Navy is her school color, so she'll keep that one, but personally I like the pink contrast on the flannel better.
The girls' shiny puffer vest b0742 is also very cute and lined in sherpa, making it less streamlined but very cozy. Again, size 16 fits very similarly to a women's XS.
AudreyS, second your love for the Downing tote in metallic leather, it is so beautiful. The leather is so soft and even though it is the same size as the other colors it seems smaller. I did get the perforated Downing in brown but did not love it nearly as much.
DeleteAlso, got the full length Minnies in Bittersweet Chocolate (makes me hungry typing it). I got them in petite since the regular seemed too long for me and ordered in 2 sizes my regular Minnie size (2) and 4. I think I will keep the smaller size, my experience has been that these stretch out after wearing and that is a strange look with a baggy seat. The color is wonderful, deep brown so if you have been craving a brown pair of pants for fall and love Minnies it is a good choice.
A few recent Factory loves:
ReplyDeleteAddie loafers in calf hair - tried these in my regular J.Crew shoe size and they're perfect - very comfortable, was at the mall/running errands all day in these and no rubbing. The calf hair isn't as "lush" as the retail calf hair shoes but I like them for casual wear.
Factory slim stretch wool pant - the skimmers have never worked for me at Factory, not sure what the retail equivalent of these pants is but I love them. I'm 5'8" and they are ankle length on me - I sized up to accommodate my hips but most people could probably do their regular size. These pants are so flattering - I bought the black and will be trying the charcoal grey as well.
Retail:
Shiny puffer vest in cranberry - this was a surprise love for me. I took my excursion vest size in this but I do think it runs a smidge smaller than the excursion vest. Definitely a more casual look than the excursion vests but I anticipate getting a lot of wear out of this over the winter.
Harper flats in houndstooth - I loved the dual pattern on these shoes and having reccently tried the patent Harpers and really liked them, I gave these a shot. The product description says that the shoes are polyester - I received them yesterday and while I love the pattern, but...they're sort of plastic-y in my opinion. Like woven lawn chair of the 80's plastic-y. You can see the texture of them if you zoom in on the product photo on the website - in my head, they were wool and the plastic look of them just isn't living up to my expectations...I think they're in the return pile. They also seem to run a smidge wider than the patent Harpers.
Anne, I'm glad the Factory pants worked for you. I tried them on in my normal Skimmer size & they were tight & too low-rise for my liking. I'm still curious to hear about the Maddie. I haven't seen anyone review them yet.
DeleteA review of the Harper Printed Flats that fabulous Anne mentioned/reviewed above here. And, I've seen several people ask about the Regent Blazer, particularly the Vintage Red color. I reviewed the blazer in the Vintage Red color here. The red is definitely a true red and not an orange-y red. HTH!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rynetta. I'm going to give it a try.
DeleteHexicon: absolutely! I'd love to know what you think when you get it!
DeleteI posted about this before (in the wrong thread)--I'd be curious to hear what JCAs thought of the fragrances.
ReplyDeleteHi Hexicon -- I shared my Arquiste fragrance thoughts in this post. I have the No. 31 rollerball.
DeleteGreetings Hexicon - I sniffed both while in a B&M this weekend, but didn't do a spray and wear test. I gravitated toward #31, which is lighter and flowerier and more like the fragrances I tend to wear, while #57 was definitely darker and spicier. Loved the bottles! The J.Crew blog has the story of why they are "31" and "57". At $78 for the 1.75 oz. and $25 for the rollerball - the "I am wary of commitment option" - the prices are comparable to other designer fragrances (e.g., Ralph Lauren, Coach, etc.). I'm holding off for now, but hope to see one of these in my holiday stocking :-) Jennifer
DeleteThanks all. I was curious because a perfume-savvy reviewer at Fragantica trashed them both. Unfortunately, my sense of smell has really diminished and I can't pick out individual notes the way I used to, so I rely a lot on others. I wonder if my VPS would send me samples--I dread the idea of driving an hour to the mall to deal with all the kids getting their back-to-school stuff.
DeleteGreetings Hexicon - Why not ask your VPS for samples? That's what they are for! SAs were not handing out samples, so I don't know if they hadn't received them yet, or if samples even exist, but the worst answer you could get from your VPS is "no". If you at the store with a friend or significant other, you might want to give each wrist a spray of each fragrance and ask their opinion. Then ask it again after an hour . . . Gigi said the scent changed on her. Good luck! Jennifer
DeleteHi Hexicon. Late reply but I did get a chance to sample the new fragrances over the weekend. For reference not too much smells good on me, many change and not in a good way. That being said, I am a devoted Classic by BR fan and have been for many, many years. I did not like the #31, too floral for me but I did like the #57. It was clean and fresh smelling, definately in the woodsy category. But to be honest nothing that made it stand out from other fragrances and make me want to buy. I did spray some on a piece of paper with the #57 on it that was part of the display and it stayed the same throughout the day. Did not want to spray on myself in case it changed and then I would be stuck with it until I got home. HTH
DeleteMy VPS said there were no samples of the perfume.
DeleteMiss opportunity, probably in the interest of cost.
Hexicon, Gigi has a post on the fragrances here.
ReplyDeleteLast Thursday night, my local store had a special where if you spent $150 you got 20% off in addition to the 25% off select fall items special they were running last week. I took home the following:
ReplyDelete-MIXED MEDIA SWEATER in cabernet-really like this as an early fall option. It has a loose fit but it will still work with normal slim cut pants.
-MERINO WOOL ASYMMETRICAL ZIP SWEATER: absolutely love this sweater. It will look great with a shirt peeking out from the top and bottom
-CAMPBELL CAPRI IN BI-STRETCH WOOL WITH LEATHER TUXEDO STRIPE-these fit true to size as my usual J.Crew pant size worked. Since the tuxedo stripe is leather I feel these pants can be dressed down a bit for a business casual look as well as dressed up for a night out look.
I also tried on the MERINO WOOL SWING SWEATER. I liked it, but did not love it. This is one I would get once it's on the clearance rack. The honey glaze color is more of a mustard. I really liked the color as it's different and it looked fabulous with the gray tuxedo stripe capris. You definitely have to size down on this sweater though unless you plan to wear it only with a really tight pant like a pixie. I bought the two sweaters above in xs but had to size down to xxs on the swing sweater.
AJL, I really like the asymmetrical zip sweater too. Do you think it's TTS? Also, how's the length? Thanks!
DeleteHi Lili316: I do think the asymmetrical zip sweater runs fairly true to size. If it's a helpful comparison I wear an XS in tippis and got an XS in this sweater--that size will work for me to wear the sweater on its own or with a buttondown underneath. As to length, I think the model view on the website is fairly accurate, the sweater falls below the waist such that you couldn't wear it with a belt showing (like you could, for example, with a tippi sweater). I'm 5'8" and found the proportions fine, but perhaps petite people might have to size down for a more fitted look.
DeleteReview of the lambswool shirttail sweater. I didn't mention this in my review, but I did *not* find it itchy. 100% wool.
ReplyDeleteThanks, maryeb!
A Shoes-day post of the Factory Addie Gallop Loafer. They are so cute and by far my favorite of the Horsing Around theme.
ReplyDeleteNot a review really but I just asked CS why the Tall Andie Chino has an inseam of 30 inches whereas the Tall Andie Cord has an inseam of 28 inches. I was told the website description is correct, and they cannot explain the 2" difference. Hmmm. . . Curiouser and Curiouser.
ReplyDeleteLooks like they updated/revised the description. Now the Tall Andie Cord has an inseam of 30 inches. That's a relief. I wondered how they expected us to get through the autumn and winter with a shorter inseam.
DeleteThanks for sharing st! I love the Andies - I am 5'7" & like how the regular length looks on me but was thinking about ordering a tall length for colder weather. I wonder how they'd look cuffed - I like how the Frankie (Factory) looks cuffed but haven't tried my Andies.
DeleteI posted a photo of the Harper scalloped suede flats(item B1794)on my Instagram account, @ingredientsbylouise. I got them with the 25% off promo and my student discount stacked on top, so the price was reasonable. The Harper shoes are made in Morocco, and they have a synthetic sole. However, I thought the angle of the pointed toe is not as severe as the Vivs, so I was able to walk in them all day without problems. I found them more comfortable than the Vivs. Sizing is similar to the Vivs: I went up a half size from what I normally wear in J. Crew ballet flats. The scallop detail is a nice touch.
ReplyDeleteI also picked up the sateen ankle-length toothpick pants (item A9583) in black, which are on promo with 25% off. When I saw them on the website, I initially thought of getting the slate roof colour, but in person, I thought slate roof look kind of dusty, and the black looked better. Normally, I shy away from J. Crew pants because they have never fit well (usually too big in the hip/thigh and too tapered), but I put these on and they were excellent!! The mid-rise really holds everything in and the leg is not so tapered as their other pants. Once the weather cools off, I'll be wearing them with the Harper flats.
Thanks, Louise. I am particularly interested in the sateen pants. Did you have to size up because they are toothpicks? I usually wear a 25/26 in matchstick cords and jeans and have never tried anything toothpick. thanks again!
DeleteHi maryeb, I thought the sateen pants were true to size - I normally wear 4/6 in J. Crew skirts/pants, and size 28 in J. Crew jeans. I took a size 28 in the sateen pants. The fabric has a tiny bit of stretch in it, but not enough to size down. HTH!
DeleteThanks, Louise!
DeleteThe shirt tail hem sweater didn't seem to be very friendly for a 4'10" size, it looks like I am wearing my husband's button down as a dress with one of my sweaters on top. Not a look for me this year :-(
ReplyDeleteI have a review of two Collection items today: Wide Leg Trouser in Bi-Stretch Wool and the Draped Silk Popover, in this post.
ReplyDeleteThe pants look amazing on you!!
Delete:: Reviewing ::
ReplyDelete*Collection Bonded Geo Sweater in black: Ordered a size S. Okay I instantly fell in love with this the moment it came out online. Waited patiently for it to go on sale all spring and summer long, and when it did, I immediately ordered.
What a HUGE disappointment. I own a white crew neck t-shirt to wear underneath it. It wasn't the right match of t-shirt for the top. The fabric is stiff, I didn't mind the stiffness because I figured it would probably soften up after a few wears. Between the armpit and the sleeve didn't look good when i had my arms down. It was bulging at my pits. Ugly. I am so glad I am able to return this top. It wasn't final sale when I ordered it. I feel bad for some of the people who purchased it final sale...there was no glimmer of hope in making this top 'work'.
*Collection Cashmere V-Neck Sweater in black: Ordered size S. It was skin tight on me. I am usually an XS or S depending on the cut of the sweater. And the description even said 'relaxed fit', there is nothing relaxing about this. For reference I am 36B. Would have to order a size S to get that relaxed look, like how the model wears it.
*Voile Popover in polka dot: Ordered a size 0. It's a boy shirt, so it ran small and not TTS. Would probably order a 2. It's a thin fabric. Almost sheer, and see through, if it wasn't black. I didn't like the feel of the fabric. I guess it would work as a layering piece when you plan on wearing a sweater over it.
*Drapey Wool sweatpant in heather charcoal: Ordered a P2. Fits TTS. For reference I am 4"11. The length looks good on me. It had a slouchy fit to it. Nice casual but polished pair of pants. For the price, I would only but it on sale, or with % off, but not full price, only because of the cuff. Why did they have to use cotton as the cuff??? That's only reason why I wouldn't buy it at full price.
*Polka Dot Flannel shirt: Tried this on at the store in a size 0, and it fits me TTS. For reference I am a 36B. So its roomy. I am surprised by how much I liked this shirt. I thought I wouldn't because of the heavyness of 'flannel'...but it wasn't the case for me.
Correction - Cashmere Sweater I ordered is an XS, and will exchange it for a S, instead.
DeleteI love that polka dot flannel shirt too. It's pretty thin for flannel, but I like that for this shirt.
DeleteThis is old news, but new to me. All 3 pairs of board shorts that I ordered shipped and I love them all. Worth the sale stalking! Got the blue and white grid dot, the blue and white stripe, and the spearmint stripe. They are TTS.
ReplyDeleteRib-stitch Dolman Sweater - petite xs in vintage burgundy. I'm not sure if this would be my usual size or not, since JC rarely offers sweaters in petite and this is my first one. It definitely has a relaxed fit, but not over-sized. I'm 5'3.5" and the sleeves stop at my wrist bone. It's a nice midweight, should be cozy for cool Fall days. I tried layering a button down under it and it worked just fine. Feels soft, not sure about the itch factor. It's 40% wool.
ReplyDeleteNot new, but new to me. Full-length Minnie in bi-stretch wool. I decided to give these a go after reading the favorable reviews. I am surprised by how much I like these, given that I didn't like the stretch twill on me at all. I went with my usual pant size, P2. I'm hoping they won't stretch out because I think the P0 would be too tight. I would really love a bittersweet chocolate pair, but wasn't sure what I would wear with this color, so I played it safe and ordered the black. I'd love suggestions on what colors would pair well with this shade of brown.
Hinged choker - Really like this. It's a nice weight, feels substantial but not too heavy. Hits right at my collarbone. Easy on/off. I think it will add a nice bit of polish when I don't want too much bling.
Hi maryeb - I love the full-length bi-stretch Minnies. I ordered the dark grey last year & bought the chocolate already this year. I'm looking forward to pairing the chocolate pair with camel, burgundy, turquoise, teal, cream, burnt orange, raspberry pink, mustard, plum, & coral. I think that dark brown is such an underrated & under-represented neutral! BTW I don't know what kind of washer you have but we have a front-loader with a specific wool setting & I have washed my wool Minnies & dried flat & they come out beautifully. (Same with my Tippis!)
DeleteThanks Taylor for the pairing color options with the chocolate Minnies.
DeleteNo prob JRSConifer! I spend a disturbing amount of time Pinning color combos I like to my Pinterest board (specifically created for this purpose). :)
DeleteThanks, Taylor! Your suggestions are fabulous. I would never have thought that all of these colors would look good with brown.
DeleteI am so glad you mentioned that Minnies can be washed. I was wondering if I should chance it, now I know! Thanks again.
Sure, maryeb! I feel so stupid because I didn't even notice the "wool" setting on the washer until we'd had it for over 2 years. Now that I know what it can do I use it all the time!
DeleteTaylor, what's your Pinterest name? I will follow you!!
DeleteHi Elizabeth! I am tayloradaly on Pinterest. :)
Delete