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! :)
ReplyDeleteA few reviews here.
I ordered the red dress with the zippers and the pull on wool pants also in red. The red dress is not comfortable and the zippers make it very heavy. The fabric is just okay and the neckline hit me all wrong. It just looks a lot better in the catalog. The red wool pull on pants make me look very fat (and I am thin). The pleats hit me around the hips and really add about 20 pounds to my frame. Maybe if I was 6 feet tall and 105 pounds they might look good on me. Both are sadly going back.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I got the zipper dress in the black and love it to pieces. It's very rock and roll and I'm wearing it (again) today. But that's the beauty of individual style - not everything works for everyone and that's a good thing - otherwise, we'd all look the same and how boring would that be? :-)
DeleteI'm very very interested in the zipper dress, but the image on the site doesn't really look as good as the image in the guide. Can either of you describe the fit a bit more?
DeleteI was so bummed that the dress with zippers was not comfortable on me either. I made a special trip to the b&m just to try it on. I have broad shoulders and slim hips, but I felt constricted in the dress - it was hard moving around like the fabric didn't want to move with me. It probably looks great with other body types - I think my shoulders are just too big. Also the darts fit my bust where it looked like I was permanently cold.
DeleteTexture-stitch sweater (b6058) - Tried the heather moss in my usual S. It was like a trapezoid made out of a dark green Brillo pad. The sleeves were shorter than bracelet, probably 3/4, and rather bell-shaped. The body was A-line, but the neck hole was small, tight, and itchy. I think if I sized down to XS, I wouldn't be able to get it over my head. I liked the thickness of the knit, but it was so scratchy I couldn't get it off fast enough. Also, the color was a lot less brown than the website image. JC, you are just bumming me out.
ReplyDeleteOK, these reviews are totally making my morning. Chuckling loudly and getting the stink eye from fellow commuters as I am on the Quiet Car if the train!
ReplyDeleteDon't anger the quiet car riders! Lol.
DeleteThis is kind of late but it might help someone. I bought the Pointelle Merino Sweater in the last roll out and have worn it once. I bought it in ivory in my regular size and it's cute as a layered piece, I really like the pointelle knit. I wore it for the second time this morning and when I lifted up my arms I noticed all of the crazy pilling that had happened there after one wear, one single wear everybody. I'm very irritated since overall I really love the sweater but I don't love the fact that I have to shave it each time I wear it. I probably should have waited for super sale, lesson learned.
ReplyDeleteI have returned sweaters to J.Crew under similar circumstances: Recently purchased, worn only once or twice, too much pilling. No problem with the return to a store. I don't think we should pay for something that does not hold up - should be J.Crew's lesson as well as ours!
DeleteI'm so confused about merino-- it used to be my pick for smooth pill free sweaters!! Now JC, BR and others have made it just another questionable choice. How does their merino pill? Shorter yarns? Anyone out there have tips for buying low-pill sweaters? I really liked the old Jackie material for it's inability to pill..
Delete@JulieTaylor: I was cleaning out my sweaters last night and came across 5 or 6 Brooks Brothers merino wool sweaters from circa 2000. No pills, no sign I ever have worn them (which I have!). I am willing to bet brooks brothers quality is not the same now, but also willing to venture its merino is still better than jcrew, banana, etc. Now, the styles, that's a different matter...
DeleteI have J Crew Merino Turtlenecks from 10 years ago with no pilling {although a moth hole has sprung up in one of the sleeves} and it looks like the yarn is more tightly woven and just less fuzzy? Maybe I will have to take some photos of my J Crew sweaters to compare, I have wool from the 1990's to the present in both skirts and sweaters.
DeleteI had an old nordstrom merino cardigan I recieved for Christmas in 1997, and just very recently got rid of it BUT the merino still looked perfect and it was worn a LOT. As TeriLynn said it was more densely and tightly woven. Maybe they are trying to make the merino softer now, so it is more fuzz-prone. Too bad! I guess I'm going to ask for a sweater shaver this Christmas.
DeleteOpen shawl-collar cardigan (#b6509). Hthr Ash color. I sized down and it's still oversized and roomy but in a good way. It's a really cozy sweater for lounging around the house. It's not too casual to wear out of the house, though.
ReplyDeleteSkinny trouser sweatpant (#b3609), Black. I'm not sure what about these earns the "trouser" description. They have a button fly, maybe that's it. Online reviews indicate that people are using the buttons, but in my regular size, I can pull on and off without dealing with the buttons (as long as I untie them first). I washed them and put them in the dryer and they did not shrink at all. They're a nice winter weight, heavy enough but not fleece inside, just the same heavy cotton that's on the outside.
Cocoon coat in Hthr Twilight (medium blue color). I guess color isn't online any more, or not today, anyway. After being wishy-washy about this for a month or so, I've decided it's a keeper. I sized down in it. This is the newer style Cocoon coat.. not the patch pocket, not the tipped, but the one with the faux cuff/stitching and the slash pockets. This is not my only Cocoon coat and I've tried on some I didn't keep, which I'm mentioning to say that I am very much in between sizes in this coat. You might need to try a few sizes to find your best fit.
Chateau Parka (#B3901) went back. I really loved the fit of this coat and the slight A-line style, and the fit of the hood, but the fur trim was too much fur for me and the exposed snaps (when I took the fur off) bothered me. It was really pretty on, with the fur on too, but I wanted a coat without fur trim. I have had other coats with fur trim and the fur didn't come down as low as on this one. It makes it look cozy and made me feel like a lion :D
Sequin side stripe shirt in blue. I like, but can't figure out what to do with it so it's not a keeper for me.
Broken-in Boyfriend jeans. I've tried these in several washes and none of them have any stretch. What gives, J. Crew? 2% spandex would make these winners for me.
Factory velvet skinny jeans in black. I think I'm over skinny jeans. I went up a size in these (tried 2 sizes) and the fit was fine but they still felt like sausage casings. I tried on my old retail velvet Matchsticks for comparison, and they are so much more flattering on me. These will be a return. They are nice quality, but I didn't love the fit on me.
Thanks for the reviews. I have to say I am over skinny jeans finally as well. I won't abandon them completely, but its time to bring back more denim options than these and boyfriends. There is just no variety. And I hate to say it, but the skinny jean look just does not flatter everyone.
DeleteThank you for the reviews, cate.
DeleteI have to agree about the chateau parka - the fur trim was a deal breaker for me, too. I'm also tired of seeing mostly skinny or boyfriend jeans. I've been wearing my old boot cut and straight cut jeans a lot lately and a few people have asked about me losing weight. I haven't lost an ounce, it's just that those styles are more flattering on me.
sunny, I'm one of those people the skinny jean isn't great on. Objectively, straight leg or boyfriend look much better on me.
DeleteIvanka, I haven't pulled out the old bootcuts but they are also flattering on me. Skinny jeans make me look heavier than I am. I'll keep a few pair I like, but my straight legs are my go-to.
A few reviews of things i love on my blog.
ReplyDeleteMade buffalo flannel shirt,JC fringe tank,wooden tray and PJ pants and the glacier bracelet.
See it here.
I meant Madewell buffalo plaid flannel shirt:)
DeleteToothpick jeans in blacksmith wash - I thought I was over the toothpick jeans but the new fit is working on me. I took my matchstick size and they are great. My only complaint is they are a tad shorter than I want them to be (28" inseam on the regulars) and I think going to a tall (31") would be too tall (I'm 5'8"). That being said, I am trying out the Miller wash toothpicks now that I see that the style is working on me again...but I am trying the talls in these since those say they are 30".
ReplyDeleteReid jeans in Macaye wash - took my matchstick size in these...they are way too long. I thought I was liking this fit but I want a pair of the reconstructed jeans that hit at my ankle, not ones I have to roll. I am also not a fan at the overstressed whiskering at the fly area.
End on end long shirt in blue - as a taller, curvy girl, I'm a huge fan of the longer shirts this year - this one is no exception. I sized down from my usual 12 to a 10 which is still fine with my D chest. The collar/cuffs on this shirt are stiff like a men's dress shirt which I love and it is a perfect oxford blue - it isn't as long as the endless shirt but it's still got a nice length - I look forward to layering this under sweaters.
Roxie glossy leather pumps in autumn crimson - these immediately caught my eye on the website and with a gift card/rewards these netted about $100 for me which is about what I think they're worth. They're exactly as described - glossy leather, not patent. I love the heel on these and for 4.25 inches they're fairly comfortable - a little bit of toe cleavage but not crazy. I don't know that I'm totally sold on the material though, I think I expected them to look a little more patent than they do. I don't have a pair of red pumps in my wardrobe though but I'm wondering how often I'll wear them. I posted a picture on my Instagram page here
here. I took my usual J.Crew shoe size in these.
Same issue here with the Reids. They were not a good fit on me at all, much too long. The rest of the fit wasn't good enough to justify having them tailored. I'll wait until a better fitting pair comes along.
DeleteI have been eyeing that end on end shirt in blue. My instinct was to go up a size actually -- does it run really big? I want some slouch and not to worry about buttoning it over my midsection.
DeleteI may be crazy, but I get the tall toothpicks, and I am only 5'4 inches tall. One wash, and I am ready to go.
Delete@rcb.shops I would have been swimming in it if I sized up, I think you could do your usual size - it has a split hem which can help with the midsection - my hips are the issue and the split hem is fine with it. I'll take a pic when I get home tonight and inbox you on IG. I think if I had done my usual size it would have been nicely loose - the stiff cuffs would have been weird if it was much bigger though. I did have to pin the bust but that's nothing new, I do that in any size shirt since they always gap.
ReplyDeleteSuede Cleo loafers - LOVE these. My normal flats size worked perfectly so thanks to Gigi for the input on that! (The Sophies ran half a size big.) I bought the Bright Plum (which are on super-sale right now) & the color is a very vibrant purple. I'm wearing them today with Bright Dahlia Skimmers & the color is just slightly darker. They're extremely comfortable as well. Might pick up a pair in another color!
ReplyDeletejust got new lilly pulitzer hera dress. it's gorgeous and i love it. they knocked it out of the park this year, unlike j crew. i did pick up the elephant skirt though. it's cute.
ReplyDeleteA review of the J. Crew Excursion Quilted Puffer Vest in Buffalo Check in this post
ReplyDeleteLike many, I ordered the Factory Addies, black suede. I was able to order a 9 (my regular shoe size) and not size up and I really like them. They are suede leather uppers, but the inside is synthetic. I'd prefer leather but I'm not sold on loafers as a long term shoe for me, so this works for this season and probably next fall. I'll have to get some no-show socks to counteract the synthetic stick, but no complaints about fit at all. Also, they have a slight hidden wedge, like the Ceces have, that I wasn't expecting but appreciate.
ReplyDeleteGigi's Gear - I posted details from yesterday's Instagram outfit. And please chime in about the retail cocoon coat vs. factory city coat. A couple of readers want to know which is preferred. I think the retail is beautiful, but I really love my factory.
ReplyDeleteRetail FTW! I like the fabric better.
DeleteI agree that Retail is way better than Factory cocoon coat. I bought a bunch of colors last year on deep discount. There's really no comparison in terms of quality.
DeleteHeather
Partial to Pink
FYI, my B&M sstore was still running 40 % off of a large sale section.
ReplyDeletei went to my local factory store today and tried the factory versionof last years rock salt plaid shirt. It fits TTS,but the colorsdidnt wow me. The orange is bright.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that came home with me is the version of last years buffalo plaid scarf.
Can any JAC comment on the Retail Pearl Twisted Hammock Necklace vs. Factory Multistrand Pearl Necklace? How do the quality differ? Both have acrylic pearls ... but retail also has glass pearls?
ReplyDeleteThanks! -- Elaine
I have both the factory and the retail version from a few years ago, so I'm not sure if it would be ok to comment. The factory is a little lighter, but does not look/feel cheap. There's a slight color difference; the retail is more white and the factory is a bit more yellow. The factory gold clasp is more orangy yellow, makes it look a little cheap, but you can't see the clasp when you have it on. You need to see the pearl color in person to decide because everyone has a pearl color preference. IMO, they are both lovely and well made.
DeleteElaine - Excellent description from UpstateNYCrew. Here's a review of the factory multistrand pearl. I agree it's more yellow. I have a similar, retail version with whiter pearls (not as yellow) and am very happy with it. You can see the retail twisted hammock on J Crew Is My Fav Store. Personally, I prefer the whiter pearls because I find they match/contrast better with my wardrobe.
DeleteThank you so much -- UpstateNYCrew and Gigi! Very thorough comparison. I'm leaning toward the retail version. What is the reasonable price range to purchase the retail necklace? ($98 is a bit steep) I have not seen it on sale (as least in the past three months).
DeleteLast December I paid $74 for my retail one (on Canadian website). My mom and SILs paid about $17 after Christmas for the Crewlet version.
Deletei paid $63 in May 2014. I probably wear it once a week.
DeleteGigi: thanks SO much for linking to me!
DeleteElaine H: I highly recommend the retail version of the pearls. I've worn mine so much that I've exceeded the cost per wear.
Elaine - I looked up promo pricing info (i.e. on promo + promo code) for the retail pearl necklace and I'm not seeing any. I think if you get 30% off on a global promo, go for it. I agree w/the other ladies that the cost/wear will be low very quickly.
DeleteI just received the belted merino cardigan with Lurex and was more than a little shocked to discover that the only part containing Lurex is the thin, detachable belt. Could this possibly be right? I thought there was Lurex throughout the entire sweater?! The online description certainly doesn't mention that only the belt contains Lurex. I have looked at it in all kinds of light and there are no metallic fibers in the body of the sweater at all. I feel duped!
ReplyDeleteI didn't receive my dress today. Anyone here erroneously receive the black, embroidered scalloped cotton dress in sz 6?!?
ReplyDeletegigiofca@gmail
I bought the Rock Salt plaid shirt from Factory this week & the red/beige/green plaid scarf. I also bought the buffalo check scarf & styled it on my blog yesterday. I think the scarves are very soft and good quality.
ReplyDeleteHeather
Partial to Pink
I loved the slouchy wool pants with the elastic waist. I had to go down 2 sizes in order to get rid of the puff around the torso area and it fits beautifully. Super comfortable and it has pockets. I bought the black and want the red one too!
ReplyDeleteThe new white toothpicks with the Cone denim is amazing. The fabric is a lot stiffer so it doesn't cling to the legs like the old ones did and the new fit is way more flattering.
I just got the new pairs of the leather Elsie pumps and the new fabric ones! Love them.
ReplyDeleteMore about the Leather and Fabric Elsie Pumps here.
A review of the Patent Wing-Tip Oxfords in Garnet Flame in this post
ReplyDeleteI reviewed two items on my blog today: the Silk Fringe Scarf which I love (and is well-priced) and the Girls' Elephant Parade Dress (the size 16 fits like a women's size 2). The elephant fabric is absolutely gorgeous and has a beautiful weight.
ReplyDeletehttp://danibp.blogspot.ca/2014/11/golden-elephant-party.html
I bought a pair of the 3x1 jeans (item B2083) after reading rave reviews. I put them on for the first time this morning and when I was bending down BOTH KNEES RIPPED out. Ok, I know distressed denim is in, but it's not my thing. Since I'm home today, I'll continue to wear them to see if the butt rips! It's crazy.
ReplyDeleteOther than the ripping, the jeans do have an amazing fit.
That's crazy!
DeleteThis is a Madewell item (and maybe should have gone in the other thread) but I picked up a REALLY great plaid buttondown yesterday. I don't see it online yet, but the number is B5864 and is an ex-boyfriend shirt in shaw plaid. B&W plaid, fully lined in B&W gingham. The gingham also runs down the button placket so it shows when it's not fully buttoned. Hidden side pockets (pockets!!!) and a slight side slit. Super cute.
ReplyDeleteShrunken boy shirt in navy plaid (b5305) - I didn’t find there to be anything “shrunken” about this fit, which is okay with me but if you’re looking for a smaller fit you may be disappointed.. Took my usual 4. Sleeves hit about 2-2.5” above my wrists but I have long arms. Fabric is soft, not flannel but not poplin. Love the navy plaid.
ReplyDeleteWhisper jersey leggings in stripe (b0788) - These fit fine in S. Very thin fabric that will not keep me warm this winter, so they’re going back. There are striped leggings at a lot of other retailers, and they probably don’t say “KEEP AWAY FROM FIRE” in the tag. Yup.
And the extreme popback that I ordered arrived (yay for no final sale!) - a navy cashmere shrunken shawl cardigan, with tags, looks like it was never tried on. The interior tag reads…. SPRING 2008. Where in the world were they keeping this one? It fits great, but I’m tempted to return it just to put it back through the system and hope another JCA gets it.
OT: Stopped in store at lunch today to pick up a few things and received a receipt sleeve coupon. One side says "Here's a gift you don't have to wrap." Other side is coupon: "Take $20 off your next purchase of $100 or more. In stores only. Valid through January 4, 2015." Fine print reads " . . . on purchases of $100 or more after other discounts and before taxes are added. One-time use only." It appears this will be stackable with other in store promotions. Nice!
ReplyDeleteOh my, just got my Lowell suede buckle boots in Navy from J Crew. Love them!! I was concerned about getting them on without zippers which can be a problem for me, but not an issue at all. I tried them on with my Madewell Skinny Skinny Crop jeans and not a problem getting the boot over them without being really tight. This was not the extended calf either. The color is beautiful, a really dark navy and the suede is high quality. Website did say 'imported' so was curious where they were made which is Romaina. I am short 5'1" and they were a good length, not too high as some boots can be on me. Really happy since they were on promo and I used my rewards, so the price was good.
ReplyDeleteStretch Ribbed Merino Sweater - I bought my usual xs. It's fitted, but not tight. The overall length is long on my 5'3" self, almost covering my butt. Not a problem, although the sleeve length is also long, almost covering my hand so I'll need to roll or scrunch the sleeves. Feels soft and definitely warmer than a tee for layering. A little itchy, but not enough to deter me from buying another color. Although I'll probably try it in a petite xs. The lilac ash color is slightly darker than it appears on my monitor and not as dull as the catalogue photo. It's a lovely pinky lavender, imo.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone seen the warm iris color? I'd love to know if it's as blue as it appears on the website or if it's more like it appears in the catalog, with a slight purple tone.
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ReplyDeleteJ Crew retail event. Shop their "pre-Black Friday," 8am - 10am in all stores. The email subject line is, "A special shopping event for our best customers."
ReplyDeleteIf you didn't get the email or just want to see the snapshot straight away, I posted on my Facebook page.
The email doesn't mention it, but a birdie told me the store will be 30% off.
DeleteThanks for posting this, Gigi. I wonder if this is all stores or just a select few.
DeleteOnly 30%?, they should make it 40% full price for cardholders...
Deletemaryeb - There were no stores listed as excluded in the email.
DeleteJSR - That would be something to see!
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DeleteG, I was told the same.
DeleteDon't quote me on the 30% this Friday. I've been given incorrect information before. In fact, after posting this I randomly mentioned the event to someone and was told it will be $20 off of $100. So we'll see. The way these designs look, they need to have both the 30% & the coupon!
ReplyDeleteI received a couple of items from the new roll-out, along with a couple of sale items, today.
ReplyDeleteLudlow pant with sequin tuxedo stripe: agree with other reviews, the combination of both a ribbon and a sequin tuxedo stripe is too much, more or less goes for the drum majorette aesthetic more than anything else. Also, I found the pants to be on the large side; I am often in between sizes 8 and 10 and ordered a 10 in these, and they were almost falling off.
Open shawl-collar cardigan: Massive. The pictures make it look (to me) like a slightly longer version of the 100% cotton rib-stitch open cardigan, but the sizing on this turned it into something like a sweater-style bathrobe. Ordered the XS/S size in both black and burgundy, both are nice, but fit like a tent (for reference, I am typically in between size S and M for J.Crew sweaters). Burgundy color is a deep red (much more red than in the purple territory of burgundy colors). Fabric content is 40% wool, 35% nylon, 25% viscose - feels very much like wool, but not scratchy. However, the nylon/viscose content also makes me suspect it could pill up like the infamous dream sweaters from a couple of years ago.
Funnel sweatshirt: A keeper. Totally plain (maybe even verging into boring territory, but I sometimes have a fondness for boring), but I love the funnel neck and the silver zipper against the black sweatshirt. I like the length - hits right at the hip. Fits TTS. And a great price from sale section with additional percentage off.
Girls' textured glitter wristlet: Cute, with great multi-color glitter, but too small for what I wanted.
Hope these help!
You are correct about the pilling on the Open Shawl Collar sweater. Mine pilled under the arms on the inside of the sleeves, but I still love the sweater.
DeletePolka-dot flannel shirt, Dannie pants (reg & leather-trim) & Campbell capris in navy reviewed here. Also discussing tomorrow's in-store, pre-Black Friday promo.
ReplyDelete