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! :)
OT - Madewell boosted their sale to 40% off, but unfortunately the items are now final sale. I had a couple of things in my cart but with no B&M nearby I haven't tried them and don't want to chance it.
ReplyDeleteDo you know when the madewell sale went to 40% off? I think the corgi sweatshirt is very cute so I put two sizes on hold and will go try it on later...I never really liked Madewell but lately the choices have been much better and more interesting..
DeleteToday is the first day it is 40%. I was there yesterday and it was still 30%.
DeleteThanks TXgirl14...Glad I am going for the Corgi sweatshirt today...I bet it will sell out fast now that percent went up.
Deletethe corgi sweatshirt is super cute!
DeleteCopying this here in the right place, and adding some sizing information:
ReplyDeleteI'm finally a convert to the new(ish) Matchstick jeans. I've tried a few washes and Ive liked the Matchstick Cone Denim jean in Preston wash and the Matchstick jean in racerbrook wash. The rise is at least a mid-rise but not very high rise. Any jean that works for me post-holidy food binge is my friend!
I didn't care for the Matchstick Japanese selvedge jean in Emerson wash because there was no stretch at all (some may like that about them, though).
I tried the same size in all 3 washes and they were a bit snug in the Japanese selvedge but generously sized in the two washes with the stretch.
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ReplyDeleteOT - I am hoping for JCrew to do a % off promo on full price items on New Year's Eve or day. Does anyone have info on it?
ReplyDeletenew promo online goes to Jan 6th. Maybe they might add free shipping. Looks like next roll out is third week of Jan.
DeleteIs everyone as bored with the Crew as I am right now ? C
JSR I was also hoping for a New Year's promo... % off full price would be great. Current promo says it runs Dec 26 to Jan 6 which seems crazy long after JC has us all conditioned to ever-changing promos :D
DeleteAlso the volume in the sale section is lighter than I would expect (<2000 these days). There's a big blowout coming - just a matter of when.
DeleteBored by J. Crew sale section...nothing worth buying and prices aren't that great still for boring or ok stuff. I think a lot of the stuff is ok or decent but nothing I need or am dying to have.
DeleteThe skirt I wanted I wanted finally popped back in my size, but I refuse to buy it with no promo. I will probably be on sale shortly, but I don't want to risk it being outside of the adjustment window. I will just wait to see if it comes back. It most likely will.
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DeleteHope your size pops up again, Jessica!
DeleteA few mini reviews on my blog. For reference, I'm 5'4" 115 lbs and usually wear 00/XXS for J.Crew tops/skirts and 0/25 for pants.
ReplyDeleteReceived the black watch tuxedo pant (e5705), size 2, for a gift, they are beautiful, fully lined pant, but unfortunately they run small, I would need a 4 to be comfortable. I will be sadly returning sometime this week (snow storm in the Midwest). If anyone is interested before then you can e-mail me at arhgmyers@charter.net.
ReplyDeleteJust emailed you regarding the black watch pants!
DeleteI love my chateau parka but the zipper drives me crazy. It is a double zipper and it's super hard to align everything so it zips properly. Argh.
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem with my 2014 Cocoon coat. It drives me crazy too, and I paid full price! I wish I could think of a fix.
DeleteTry wax paper on the zipper. It won't help you set up the alignment part of the task, but it will help the zipper glide. I find that to be a big help.
DeleteI can’t even remember the last time I posted, sorry! But I’ve been on a Madewell spree lately. Here are some reviews:
ReplyDeleteStriped Sleep Leggings-I agree with the reviews on their website about these…they stretch out. I only tried these on for less than a minute and once I took them off, they were out of shape, especially the waist band. So just beware.
Flannel Ex-Boyfriend Shirt in Rutherford Plaid- not too thick or thin…a perfect weight flannel for me. It was almost TTS, just a tad smaller than I anticipated it being. More on the slim fit, which is nice. Oh, and it is just long enough to make it appropriate for leggings…which is what I wanted. I’ve been looking for longer shirts to wear over leggings on those days I just want to be super comfortable but still somewhat put together.
Oversized Boyshirt in Andover Plaid-bought this since the reviews were so positive. This is a light weight flannel…but so so soft. It fits TTS and does looks like the picture online…baggy and wide. I felt sloppy wearing this due to the cut, but may keep it because it is so comfortable.
Also, yesterday I bought a red plaid flannel shirt. I can’t find it online, unless it is the Flannel Cargo Workshirt in Altamira Plaid. I believe the one I bought may have some yellow stripes in it (I’ll have to check). If so, TTS and a nice thick flannel shirt. Shorter than the other flannel shirts…just hits below my waist. Definitely a nice holiday shirt that I bought too late to wear.
I have a few things in my cart right now, but I hate final sale! Ugh.
I stopped in to my store yesterday and tried on several items - mostly sale but a few full price items. Mini-reviews and photos of the sequin fair isle sweater (both colors), holiday party sequin top, Holly sweater in grey/ivory stripe and the floral lace pull-on pants in black on my blog here
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of things in my online cart too, but they're final sale. I was thinking of calling customer service to see if they'd make an exception, but then I was like nah not worth it. I really don't understand Final Sale. What I was going to buy has only been around for 3 months or so, it's not like they have to get rid of it immediately (this season winter coats). I saw the red and black/blue striped Derby dress pop up in the sale section this morning (it's still there, if anyone needs a size 12). If they're still accepting a return from 2-3 years ago, then why can't they accept a return on recently released merchandise? It makes no sense. So they lost my sale. The stores used to be able to be a bit lenient with final sale returns, but it seems like corporate has cracked down hard on the sales associates to not allow exceptions, so I can't chance it any more. Final Sale might get lifted in a few months, but I won't be interested in buying a winter coat any more then.
ReplyDeleteI hate final sale too. With sizing being so hit or miss, it is so frustrating to order anything that is final sale. I just tried to contact Madewell to get final sale removed and it didn't work. Ugh. Final sale never makes sense to me.
DeleteMaybe call Madewell again? I bought a dress in store, then called to order another size that the store didn't have, asking if they could waive final sale because I definitely had to return one of the dresses, and they very nicely did it (without laying a one-time guilt trip like the J. Crew customer service people sometimes do).
DeleteTo me, final sale means "last chance on past season merch at rock bottom prices", like Loft's light wash boyfriend jeans from the summer at $14.88. Not the plaid-lined sweater coat from Madewell at $134.99 that rolled out less than a month ago. I thought the whole point of the final sale risk was that the prices were so low you'd think it was worth it to try even if the item ended up not working out. If Madewell insists on keeping final sale around, I wish they'd put it in its own section and offer some of the sale selection non-final, at least while it's still in season.
DeleteThanks Cate! I'll try later today if I don't make it to the store to try on anything. And I totally agree, silver_lining. It makes no sense to me. I've bought items from Banana Republic and Loft in the past year that have been final sale...that were under $10. :)That I can live with.
DeleteI have some Madewell Reviews here, and some J Crew Reviews here and here
ReplyDeleteOT jca's. Everyone please check all your before and after Xmas J Crew statements. I just called CS regarding a credit (online return ...done instore) seems SA's forgot to submit it..even though I have the receits. Its like over $400. If I had not checked this could have gone amiss. C
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for letting us know!
DeleteA few quick reviews:
ReplyDelete-Lady day coat in bright cerise, or whatever the red is called this season (not neon flame). It's been sold out but I snagged a pop back. I sized up to a 4 as I usually do for coats and over a heavy sweater/turtleneck it feels a little snug. I will have to try it with something else under. I often layer a blazer and I doubt this would work. (I'm usually a 0-2 in Blazers and I'm 5'6" but seem to have long arms.)
I've been wanting a red coat and don't love the fit of the chateau parka. The color is pretty. A tiny bit lighter/brighter than the wool/cashmere turtleneck in dark poppy (the true red). I'm hoping it fits nicely with a lighter sweater.
The wool/cashmere turtleneck. I ordered the red and black. It's very boxy on me. The XS feels a bit snug and short, and the S seems too loose in the back. I got on sale for $53.99 and I don't think it's great. Soft and nice enough material.
Ava ballet flats. I ordered the black, final sale, for about $30. Also ordered the pale pink with the black bow. Fit is TTS for me, whereas many other shoes this season ran very loose. At first glance, I love the black. Haven't opened the pink yet.
Metallic midi skirt. I ordered two sizes. I would need to go with my larger of two sizes. It's not midi on me at all, but just hits the bottom of me knee. I want to love it but I know right off the bat my husband and two of my three daughters hate it. I wish it was either an inch shorter or a bit longer. The waist line is also a little weird on me. I'm going to try it on again with a few different tops before I make my final decision. I'm not a fan of the really baggy sweater over (as shown in the model pic). For my lifestyle and wardrobe I'd Probably be better off with the similar skirt in the faux leather style in black. The gold is fun though and I love it on everyone else.
Merino turtleneck with ribbed sleeves. I got the charcoal, size XS. It's definitely fitted. Tried it on with the skirt. Will have to see howit looks with jeans. It's ok. Long and lean fit.
Rhodes blazer in donegal wool. (With satin trim). Runs large. The 2 is very loose over the shrunken merino turtleneck, and I noticed a pull when o took it out of the wrapping. Based on reviews I ordered the 0 also. I'll have to give the fabric a better look.
Adding on: Ava ballet flats in desert pink, tumbled leather. The pink is a little different than I expected. I figured it was sort of a nude/blush pink from pics, it may not work with my skin tone.
DeleteThe classic turtleneck in cashmere wool blend--red and black. Although it's boxy, if I size up to a Small (which I've mostly had to do with JC sweaters this year) sleeve and body length work over pants--I tried with Rayner Jean, the wide leg pant in wool, and the patio pant with leather tuxedo stripe. The wool is soft and a nice weight, not too thick and chunky, but not as sleek as the shrunken merino turtleneck which to find to be a little dressier. I haven't been able to wear turtlenecks in awhile (sensitive skin on my neck!) and these don't irritate my skin.
PS my husband STILL hates the gold midi skirt. Granted I pretty much only wear above the knee skirts. He said it made me look too skinny and he didn't like the gold tone against my skin. Valid points and he usually would not be so specific.
For NYE I am planning on wearing the classic wool turtleneck in black over the wide leg pants in wool with the glitter Elsies. With gold chandelier earrings. We are hosting some friends.
A last review: the striped turtleneck. Not the oversized one, the one that has a solid color at the top and stripes from shoulder down. I ordered in black and undies white. Of course I ordered both XS and S, but I'm keeping the S because I figure it may shrink a bit and I like the longer length. I love it. Wore it to my Iyengar yoga class (today was restorative, so not crazy movement). It's thicker than a typical knit but not as heavy/bulky as a sweatshirt. I think the turtleneck in the solid combined with the stripes looks so chic. I can definitely see myself wanting to buy several of these (in black) since I will wear it to death. It's really a great piece.
DeleteNew reviews on Gigi's Gone Shopping. The metallic tweed blazer w/pockets (Chanel style) and floral lace shoulder top (2 colors are marked down).
ReplyDeleteI re-bought the metallic Elsie pumps in a smaller size reviewed here) and holly sweater (S) in that ridiculously bright yellow. That yellow was marked down today and I can't believe it sold out. There was a stack in my store. I just tried on the color the other day and am convinced I can 'make it work' with red lipstick. It's a yellow-yellow, not greenish tennis ball yellow as many of the past neon yellow shades have been.
I have a few reviews..
ReplyDelete1) mini skirt with grosgrain ribbon (E4080) - this is BEATIFUL! I'm planning on wearing it for new years eve with a navy j.crew vneck sweater (its an one) and navy pumps. The skirt is navy with some gold shimmer to it. It's not too sparkly or gaudy at all. Plus it fits well. I am a curvy size 6 (I have big hips and a flabby stomach - trying to hit the gym hard to get back in shape) - and as such, skirts never fit me well. However with the grosgrain trim around the waist, it hides my stomach and the flowy shape skims right over my hips. Very pleased with the fit. It was true to size. The 6 still has a little bit of room so I could comfortably wear tights or spanx underneath and tuck in a shirt.
2) washed lame pull on pant (C9517) - I was SOO disappointed in these! The metallic gold is so unflattering on my thighs, and I consider myself to have average sized legs with decent muscle tone. It made my legs look like tree trunks. Something about the way the light hit the pants on the widest part of my leg. These pants would only look good if you had the legs of a victoria's secret model. They did fit true to size.
3) Sloan plaid d'orsay flat - COULDN"T BELIEVE I FOUND THESE!! I have been hunting for these since they came out..checking for popbacks everyday. Found a popback and ordered, but a week later I got an email saying my order was cancelled. I was so bummed. But lo and behold, I came a cross a solitary pair in my local J.crew IN MY SIZE..it was like fate. They are adorable and I'm obsessed. They basically fit TTS but they were a little loose in the heel. I have very narrow feet and I've found that many of my d'orsay shoes are loose in the heel. It's nothing that a heel pad couldn't fix.
4) sloan black and gold striped d'orsay flat - initially wasn't interested in these when I saw them online, but they are SO much cuter in person. The gold is really sparkly and it adds a nice touch to the shoe without being gaudy. Again took my regular size 8.5 but it was loose in the heel. Will have to get heel pads for these guys too.
@ drg, congrats on the shoe finds! Both are really cute and I like how JCAs have styled them.
DeleteI was on an eternal hunt for the dress version of your skirt -- was sold out or backordered til end of January for a long time, but I really wanted it for Xmas Eve since I was hosting. Tried 2 JC stores to no avail but then, like your sloan plaid shoe miracle, I came upon my dress in my size, at a JC I don't visit as often here in NYC. Love the fabric! Thought about buying the skirt and/or shirt as well, but as per the reviews, it's true that the metallic threads will come off a bit (not too much, IMO, at least so far) so I decided to wait on the skirt. I'm so glad that you love yours!
DeleteAlso, congrats on the shoe scores -- I saw those obi black & gold flats on Anne from a Fab Life and bought them right away, so cute!
Thanks mygoddy!
DeleteGlad you found the dress TM93. I was about to hit reply and tell you that my local store had the dress in stock but it looks like you had luck in NYC! I used to live in NYC so it was nice that I had access to multiple stores! Right now I only have one J.Crew near me so I depend a lot on online ordering!
Finally wore the wool mock neck top (formally the cutout) & fit was tts in an 8; sizing down would mean a fitted look for me. As noted by other JCAs, JC got this one right in terms of the fabric and construction. I'm planning to pair with Campbell capri leather tuxedo stripe pant and/or merino wool skirt; while the fabric is slightly different, the greys match. Could also see pairing this with Vince leather leggings that I wear a lot. While different, JC's version reminds me of a top Helmut Lang did in Fall 2014 (Sonar Wool Asymmetric Drape Top); I have a couple I purchased on sale and this top is collection worthy. With 30% off and $20 coupon it was a good price.
ReplyDeleteMy summer steals are: navy drawstring linen shorts for $10 (already own a pair in the neon seamist & they're a nice summer short; Gigi reviewed them this summer), ikat halter beach dress for $13 (not sure WHY this dress was $128 to start; the material is not the greatest in terms of quality given the original price point. But @ this price, it's a great coverup for summer vacations), graphic embroidered tee for $15 (will be really cute with denim shorts) and Sloan Mermaid Glitter D'Orsays for $38. All items fit tts for me; I'm usually a medium & a size 10 in shoes.
I bought this necklace last weekend in store during a 50% off final sale promo. Anyone know what it's called? Sparkly clear stones set in a circular round, which makes the necklace look like bows from afar. It was on sale for $34.99 before promo, so a great deal.
ReplyDeleteFor those shopping the Madewell extra 40% off promo, I was finally able to get the Madewell Promo-Priced Items & Markdowns list updated with the latest additions and cuts. Check it out here on All Things Simplified. :)
ReplyDeleteAnyone have a review for the Fair Isle classic Turtleneck? The reviews on JC are mixed, one says size up two sizes, one says tts. Would love to order one, but am unsure about the sizing. What do you think of the pattern? TIA!
ReplyDeleteI went up one size from my usual and it is still just a bit on the short side but I am 5'7" tall. I plan to wear a shirt underneath so I think I will be fine. I don't think I would go up two sizes but I do think the sweater runs a bit small. I would advise one size up. I really like the sweater and I think it is actually a great neutral for pattern mixing with plaid. I thought it would be cute with my red wool pants and a plaid shirt for the holidays.
Delete@maryeb I just got the fair isle turtleneck today - I'm a 10/12 on top or M/L depending on the shirt and went with the L in this. I agree with Doodle that it's on the shorter side (I'm also 5'7") It is a bit looser through the body but the neck is tighter. I'm not sure two sizes up is the right call but the bigger of your two sizes is probably right.
Deletemaryeb: I love this turtleneck/pattern and I am typically not a turtleneck person. I took my normal size Large. HTH!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the help, @doodleDachshund & @ rynettaPhD!!!
ReplyDeleteOk ladies, you can add my name to the list of those that love the Chateau Parka. I finally received the one that I ordered the Sunday before Christmas, and couldn't be more pleased...definitely worth the wait. I ended up getting the grey one, and really like the color IRL. I debated on whether to go with my normal size 2 that I take in blazers and coats, or sizing up to the 4 since I have such broad shoulders, but in the end decided on the 2. It was the right choice for me, because I do not tend to layer very much under my coats. The shoulder area fits comfortably, and the body has the nice a-line shape without being too large or roomy. I am definitely pleased with the purchase, and will be looking to add another color to my wardrobe in the future.
ReplyDeleteI loved the gray in the store too! I think because I sized up and have a very narrow torso I don't love it as much as I would like. (The red is a very pretty color!)
DeleteHi Suz! Is the red super bright? I had contemplated getting that one, since the majority of my coats are darker colors, but was afraid it would be too 'electric or neon' red in person.
DeleteIt is bright. Not quite neon, but a little lighter/brighter than the classic turtleneck in poppy. Less orangey than this year's Regent blazer in red (I think it's belvedere red.)
DeleteThanks Suz! I tend to wear neutral and/or darker colors in general, but perhaps I'll be brave enough to give it a try if I can catch it on supersale. I definitely wouldn't mind having a Chateau in black though. ;)
DeleteMelissa, I saw the red in my store and echo Suz's description. A customer was wearing one and I saw it on the rack - it was bright but not as orangey red as some of J.Crew's previous reds. It's a bold coat but I was surprised how much I liked the color (the woman I saw wearing it was blonde and looked fantastic in it). I have a grey one myself and it's barely been cold enough to wear it this year in the northeast.
DeleteMelissa, is it warm enough for those Montana winters?
DeleteThanks Anne! :)
DeleteHi fidele! The coat feels pretty warm from just trying it on, so I think it will work well for where I'm located in Montana. We live on the west side of the continental divide, so our winters are a bit milder than those who live in eastern Montana. Our temps here average in the teens & 20's during the majority of the winter, so I think the coat will work for normal use of running errands in and out of stores, to church, etc. When I know I'm going to be outside for extended periods of time, I always opt for wearing my Canada Goose Trillium parka, which keeps me nice and toasty warm. :)
DeleteHi fidele, I live in Upstate New York and have worn my chateau parka to walk the dog in heavy snow/20 degree days (I usually layer it with a cotton turtleneck/cashmere sweater) and it has kept me warm. It's my favorite coat, I own it in grey, ginger and red. The red is beautiful, not neon, not Christmas-sy, I think it has just a tinge of orange so the color works well with neutrals. But definitely get the grey or other neutrals before the red :-)
DeleteNow for the not-so-good...the Nordic Parka is going back. I ordered the XSmall, and feel as if I am swimming in it a bit, plus the faux-fur on the hood is massive. The quality on the coat seems to be quite good, although I do not like that it has buttons instead of snaps. They are quite cumbersome and do not make for getting it on and off easily. I don't think I would use them very often, just opting for the zipper instead. I own the Canada Goose Trillium in black, but wanted a navy parka, so decided to try out the J.Crew version, since it was half the price. It does feel as if it would be quite warm, even without layering underneath, but this also makes it feel extra bulky, which the Trillium is not. For those of you looking for a less spendy alternative to the Trillium, it is a viable option though...one of the best I've seen around actually, and even better if you can get it on promo or extra % off.
ReplyDelete