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! :)
Hi JCAs :) Review of the beaded chevron popover in white. Nets $52.80 with NEWSTYLE.
ReplyDeletelove it on you! I am eagerly awaiting mine in the blush color.
DeleteThanks, Jruby18. I have a couple of surplus green tops and that one didn't speak to me in-store as much as the white. Ordered one size down since I didn't try it in-store. Nice for holiday.
DeleteI ordered it in my regular size. I hope that works. I rarely can wear size 2 JC tops, even oversized, so I'm hoping my regular 4 works.
DeleteJruby18 - The shoulders seemed normal in the beaded chevron top. It's the body that's wider. Depending on your figure, the regular size might work. But don't doubt yourself if you think you need to size down, after trying it.
DeleteBoiled wool zip sweater (b2130) - Based on the reviews, I tried a size up (M). The body was too boxy/loose and looked strange with the zippers closed - it seemed kind of puckered and didn't lay right. The zippers go all the way into the armpit. The color and feel of the wool were nice, and the sleeves fit well in the M... I think they'd be too small if I wore my usual size. File this under "interesting idea, poor execution". Obviously the point is to layer under the sweater, but the tightness of the sleeves make it impossible to do so.
ReplyDeleteBib popover (b1825) - I tried this in my usual 4. The shape is nice but the fabric is incredibly thin and wrinkly. Didn't pass the Target test. If it goes to $19.99-40% I'll get it to wear as a summer cover-up.
Cashmere stitch sweater (b1646) - This is the same silhouette as the merino swing sweater, which I personally love. I think that most could easily size down but I stayed with my usual S because I wanted that extra "swing". The espresso color is rich and pretty and unlike anything else in my sweater collection. Overall, their cashmere has been getting not-great reviews (nothing we didn't already know), but I've had better luck with those that have a lower gauge. I think this one may get another cut but with no FS, I'd recommend trying it if you're looking for something comfy.
Shiny puffer down vest (b1160) - TTS for me although some reviews said it had a more snug fit. I wouldn't size down like some do for the Excursion vests. The alhambra green color is gorgeous and one of my favorite shades. It pains me to return this, but the vest smells terrible. There are reviews complaining of the smell (and the long down puffer too) so at least I don't feel like I was having some kind of olfactory hallucination. Maybe you should just switch to PrimaLoft next year, JC. Instead, I will return to the B&M and stick my nose in every other vest and hope I find a suitable replacement.
Reid jean in Brewster wash (B0747) - Stretchy and felt like my beloved midrise toothpick jeans from last year. I sized down to accomodate for the stretch and really liked them, except a) the inseam is way long (I'm 5'5") and b) the dye was turning my hands blue just from trying them on. The SA's said you can supposedly wash them with white vinegar to stop the crocking but at that price I wasn't going to take that chance, and have to hem them as well.
Reid in Macaye wash (b5464) - YES. I could not do the destructed Miller toothpicks that were getting so much love. These worked for me where the toothpicks did not - a slightly higher rise and slightly longer leg. I like that the distressed areas are reinforced so I don't have to worry about sticking a foot through them when putting them on. I sized down one to accomodate for the stretch. If you look at the item pic, they do have a slightly folded waist (like, folded down because of a muffin top) but that's how they came. I think they're fun.
Silver Lining - Great reviews, thank you!
DeleteI wonder if you could compare/contrast Reid Jeans with the old Matchsticks. I have only matchsticks at this point and wonder how the Reid would fit.
As for the bleeding - I've had a lot of trouble with J Crew's bleeding jeans.
Hi LilyBart - sure! Compared to the old matchsticks (I have several, 28R), the Reids come up a little higher and are less "square" through the hips. Length-wise, they're both pretty long (I think matchsticks tended to be 32", Reids seem to be 31-32") so for me they still needed to be cuffed or would bunch at the ankles. I do think they're different enough that the Reid wouldn't be an exact matchstick replacement - maybe more of a "midrise matchstick" - the legs aren't as skinny as the toothpicks. Material-wise, the Reids have quite a bit of stretch in them so sizing down to 27R worked for me, where I would never size down in the Matchsticks because the non-stretchy fabric plus lower rise would result in a muffin top. HTH!
DeleteThank you Silver Lining!
DeleteGreat reviews, silver_lining. I really appreciate the matchstick comparison, very helpful. I was quite disappointed to see that the matchsticks were discontinued.
DeleteI'm guessing that, if I take a 26short in the matchstick, I should order the Reid in a 25petite.
Thanks for the great reviews! You've really got me interested in the Reid Jeans in Macaye wash. My father in law has worked at Cone Mills for over 40 years and I was showing him some of the Cone denim jeans that crew is offering. He was surprised that the ones from the White Oak Mill were so cheap (?)! He said those are top notch and usually cost much more.
DeleteCan anyone please comment on the factory wool skimmers? Are they lined? Do they fit like the cotton ones or do I size up/down? Also, anyone try the factory Thompson pants for quality and fit? Do they fit like the skimmers? Any help would be appreciated. TIA.
ReplyDeleteI have several pairs of the wool Skimmers - but none from this year. All of mine are lined & in my experience the fit is the same as the cotton ones. Gigi had a few try-ons from this season with the Skimmers & I am pretty sure she mentioned that they're lined. HTH! I haven't tried the Thompson but I am intrigued by those as well!
DeleteMy Factory Skimmers are a couple of years old too, lined, and I think I might have sized down. I agree they fit like the cotton ones.
Deletesavvy shopper - The factory wool skimmers are lined. I take the same size in cotton as I do wool, in both retail & factory, so tts for me. I reviewed the vintage aqua and heather evergreen in this post. They're lined and feel nice. Note that they're online only.
DeleteThanks for the mention, Taylor :)
Thank you ladies for your advice. I now have winter work pants :)
DeleteHas anyone tried the Collection Silk Pant in Peacock Paisley (item a7386)? I've been watching/stalking it in the sale section for a while now and am hesitant to pull the trigger without a review. Thought I'd throw it out to the JCAs!
ReplyDeleteI have them and I love them, got so many compliments in the summer. They are tts and a bit on the short/cropped side. The silk is lightweight, they are summer pants. I have several pics on my Insta (crazyaboutjcrew) but you have to scroll down to the summer months. HTH!
DeleteI have them and love them, too, though I bought them in late summer and have only worn them a couple of times so far. Styling them was a bit tricky for me, with the colors and drawstring waist. Ended up with a white tunic length structured cotton top, and thought it was a good luck. They shouldnt be final saw anymore-I would recommend giving them a shot.
DeleteI have them too and reviewed them back in the summer on my instagram (shoppingcelle) I tried them on in 2 sizes to compare and have a couple out outfits with them if you scroll back to the late summer:) I took the larger of my two sizes to make the thighs (my problem area) work. HTH
DeletePeacock paisley pants
Delete* on Ema
* on Shopping Celle here & here
Thanks so much for the replies! They look gorgeous on you, Ema and Shopping Celle. Thanks for the styling ideas, Wendy... and the links, Gigi! It may be time to pull the trigger!
DeleteI ordered the Cashmere Tee Dress this morning as it had been sold out for quite a while in my size/color and it popped back. Can anyone comment on the quality? I paid FP, which I rarely do but this will never hit sale. I'm curious to hear if it's worth it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI had it in poppy (red) about three years ago. I am not sure if it is still the same. I got mine on deep discount in Jan. (after xmas obviously) so I was okay with it. did not wear it much...it is lounge wear now over pj's. As I said though I got it for a song.
DeleteOh no! It's way too expensive to end up wearing as lounge wear. I ordered it in black, so I don't think that color will ever get marked down as opposed to red. I had one years back (2008?) and wore it a ton. However, I was working then and now I'm not. I'll see how it goes. If it's fabulous, I'll keep. If it's meh, back it goes!
DeleteJCA's.....just wondering where all the former posters have gone that had those wonderful blog (pics of new arrivals...and super reviews)
ReplyDeleteIf you are out there....I really miss all the info (esp. pics)
While there are still a few (we all know who they are and love them) I miss that so many are now gone.....has J Crew lost its magic for the former bloggers?
I think that some bloggers are moving to Instagram - there are definitely pics still out there, just not as much in blog form.
DeleteI agree, it seems many bloggers are moving to Instagram. Some do both. Instagram is a huge time suck in my eyes. I don't care for it but I can see how the uber fast nature appeals to posters.
DeleteI have moved mostly to Instagram,as it is easier to post. My blog took a lot of time to write and since starting a new job i just havent had too much extra time to do blog posts.
DeleteI tried a lot of stuff today and here are my impressions.
Metallic front top: TTS, looked cheap to me.
Fringe tank: TTS, i kind of liked it,just not sure where to wear it.
Blahblah mug: must have for me
Boyfriend flannel in red plaid: TTS,generous fit,very cozy,
Excursion vest in buffalo check:TTS, it is very nice and will be very popular,but was a little too much plaid for me.
OT i ordered the Madewell buffalo plaid cargo shirt in red /black and like it better than the JC ones.I think the difference for me is the combo of red with black/charcoal is more appealing to me than red/navy as in JC's vest and shirt.
HTH someone!
Unknown, I am on Instagram as well, it makes more sense for me and it is actually more fun because you can comment and reply immediately. I tried a ton of stuff today, liked almost nothing except for the fringe top ina mentioned. Pics are on my Insta (crazyaboutjcrew). HTH!
DeleteI miss reading the blogs too, and the variety of items reviewed on them. Instagram doesn't do it for me when it comes to clothing reviews.
Delete....especially with the blogs, there would be more than one angle posted of an item being tried. No one does that time of thing on instagram. Usually just tight selfie shots.
DeleteSome sale reviews for those thinking of shopping the 40% off can be found here
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried thesup shoulder 120s dress? How is the fit? How does the bottom half compare to the 120s pencil skirt?
ReplyDeleteSorry - meant zip shoulder!
DeleteOT- Is Final Sale done? I'm tempted to try the Reid jeans, but some of the review for the petite say the sizing is off, and I don't want to be stuck with a pair that doesn't fit.
ReplyDeletePulled the trigger and ordered the Madewell Ultimate Leather Motorcycle Jacket that I've been eyeing.
ReplyDeletePros: Very classic silhouette; Thick and heavy jacket that will be good for colder seasons; Rich black leather; Looks expensive.
Cons: Tight! I usually wear a small or medium, and the medium in this jacket pulls across the chest and is tight in the shoulders. I don't think I'd have full range of motion to cross my arms without pulling the jacket. (Maybe it stretches?)
I also tried the large and it looked to oversized and shapeless. I fear this one is going back because I'm clearly between sizes, but I'm happy to answer any questions about this otherwise beautiful jacket. I'd also love to hear about anyone else's experience with the jacket.
-Amanda
https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/JACKETSANDOUTERWEAR/Jackets/PRD~B0648/B0648.jsp?Nbrd=M&Nloc=en_US&Nrpp=48&Npge=1&Ntrm=leather+jacket&isSaleItem=false&color_name=TRUE%20BLACK&isFromSearch=true&isNewSearch=true&hash=row0
Amanda - When you wear the jacket, it should loosen up a little thru your body heat. Think expansion. The arms are too tight as in to hug yourself? Or just to cross your arms in a regular fold, .e.g kid starting a tantrum? I don't think they need to be so loose that you can hug yourself, but you should be able to perform regular movements. If you're near a store, I would ask them to see you in it and discuss fit. Either someone on staff owns it, or they've gotten feedback from someone who has purchased it and can share information on wear. Sometimes the cs reps can be helpful with fit as well. I've never owned a leather motorcycle jacket, but it's one that I would want the option to zip up, so the tight chest doesn't sound so good. Ive seen the jacket irl and it is truly beautiful, so I understand wanting it to work.
Delete.
I am obsessed wit this jacket. I really regret not purchasing it when Madewell had their spend $200 and get 30% promo...still waiting for a promo like that to happen.
DeleteI'm always a 0 or an XS with jackets/coats from J.Crew, so I tried an XS at the store, and I couldn't zip the body up. The jacket definitely runs small. I am 36B. Hopefully an S will fit me, and not have to go up to a M, which will look weird on me, because I don't have long arms.
I wonder if this jacket will sell all through Spring '15, or will it go on sale after Christmas?
Gigi and JSR: Thank you for your comments!
DeleteGigi: That's a good point that the leather should stretch. I'm unable to hug myself without feeling a lot of tightness, but guess shouldn't be a common thing to do ; ) It's bothersome because there's plenty of room elsewhere in the jacket-- ie the back and stomach area. I'm not sure how often I will want to close the jacket, but it seems like a good option to have. Maybe I will bring it to a store to discuss. I have researched so many leather jackets and really did want this one to work : / Thank you for the suggestions!
JSR: I am wondering the same thing about the pricing and availability. I was upset to miss the 30% as well, but used one of the 20% off email codes that's been floating around, as well as the AmEx $20 cash back. Are those options for you? Also, Madewell had some good Black Friday deals in past years, so maybe that will be a good opportunity.
I tried this last year in two sizes and couldn't get a good fit either. Didn't keep it.
DeleteOT a little. Just a comment on the % off at Madewell. I know I read it here from a much wiser JCA, I certainly am not that smart. But if you have a store locally, go in and ask them to put you on their mailing list for in-store events. I did that at both of my local stores and have been invited to two events, one for new arrivals and another for a jewelry show with a local vendor and they both included a 20% off $125 purchase. The times were off for me, I work full-time but if there was something I was really looking for I would have made it work. HTH
DeleteAlso, I got a notice from AmEx that I had taken advantage of their Madewell offer. Now I made purchases at different stores at different times during the offer period which together totalled the $125 but maybe it is cumulative, anyone else have that experience?
A review of the High-Low Crewneck Sweater and Lulu Frost for Tropicale Necklace here and a review of the Factory Addie Loafers in Herringbone, as well as the Factory Addie Loafers in Plaid here
ReplyDeleteAlso, a very unfavorable review of the J. Crew Woven Front Cardigan here
hi I loved the following
ReplyDelete- the silk tie scarf in burgundy
-long end on end shirt in shell pink (size down)
I didn't like therefore returned
-the regent blazer in pinstripe (there is a burgundy and white stripe combo) would have liked just white... didn't notice this on line
-navy pique collar shirt (didn't like the gold buttons on a tiny collar) but liked the fabric of shirt and the pique on collar.
-lambswool sweater(those zippers do go to the underarm....dumb .returned in both ivory and camel do-size down
+++hope this helps someone.
By the way the burgundy scarf goes really well with the blush colored wool cardigan !
DeleteIts so rare that I do a review post now-a-days, but I absolutely love the Elsie Suede Pumps. I can wear these things for 8+ hours on my feet and feel fine!
ReplyDeleteReview here: J. Crew Elsie Suede Pumps Review
I'm happy to answer any extra questions on these!
ReplyDeleteA few reviews here.
When I went to do returns today, I tried on the sweater in this picture. The color was true to the Pinterest image, but it was absolutely ENORMOUS in a size XS/S. I liked the color and the shawl collar, but it had dropped shoulders (whyyyy) and was a blend of wool/nylon/viscose that based on experience I'm sure will not hold up very well. It was $148. Bummer because it was the only thing that I was interested in from the December catalog. Still interested to see what rolls else out tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this review silver lining, it's so helpful! This was the one thing from the December Pintrest I was looking forward to as well. Disappointing that they did a wool blend, especially at that price. Alas, my search for the "perfect" shawl collar cardigan goes on...
DeleteFringe top review. It's a fun top. Thumbsup.
ReplyDeleteNew reviews in this post.
ReplyDelete*blurred ikat top (surprise, but 100% poly)
*jeweled dolman top (thumbsup)
*hevron gilded shell (side-thumb)