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! :)
New arrivals are up, no promo on new items though. It's 5:15 am EST so maybe they are still tweaking everything. I hope so since right now the price for the regular Cap Sleeve Dress in Glen Plaid is $148 versus a $198 price tag for the same version in petite, huh?!
ReplyDeleteBanana is doing the same thing. I refuse to pay more for the same item with less fabric. I think it's discriminatory against Asians, who tend to be smaller.
DeleteWhile it's really frustrating and I'm not a fan of companies that price extended sized items differently, I think it has more to do with supply & demand. Not everything is discriminatory.
DeleteNo, not everything is discriminatory, but a lot of Asians overseas buy j.crew and are perhaps willing to pay more. But maybe it's smart business sense. But they've lost the business of this short person.
DeleteI might have a bit more understanding if there was something special in the production value in the petite version, but a $50 difference seems extreme to me especially when most of the time petite means shorter length and that's about it. I'm 4'10" and almost always exclusively buy petite dresses as many of the hem designs prevent reasonable alterations to shorten which is sometimes all I need. It just seems rather extreme.
DeleteAs someone who has worked in corporate retail, price difference has more to do with managing different SKU numbers and specialty sizes supply and demand. No one is in a conference room rubbing their hands together saying they are going to make any group pay more (insert sinister laugh). It doesn't work like that.
DeleteThe dress shows as sold out in both petite and regular now but J Crew seems to think it was an error in pricing and not meant to be different. I hope so, I wanted to buy it but not for that much more.
DeleteI noticed that this happened with last month's rollout as well. Within a few days the prices had been corrected and were the same (at least on the items I was looking at).
DeleteOf the new arrivals, I'll try the navy ankle wrap sandals. Cherry print is okay buy not a wow for me. Overall it feels like a rather bland rollout. I still miss the color palette and prints of yore. As always, I'm willing to spend on great jackets and dresses but not seeing much.
ReplyDeleteI'm underwhelmed, I'm just not a fan of the cherry print or the overall color palette in general. Where are the beautiful prints? While I like the ankle wrap shoes, feel like they should have come out earlier. Living in the NE, I feel like the window is narrow for these since I can't see them with tights, so they likely will be a pass for me. I was considering a couple of older things but they are excluded from promo (of course). They better start offering some cardholder promos or I'm going to cancel my card.
ReplyDeleteRe: ankle wrap / lace up shoes... I held out for as long as I could before succumbing to this trend. (A black suede pair of flats purchased for $17 after promo codes & gift cards @ DSW did me in!) I'm confused as to how to wear these when it gets cold. Or even if I CAN wear them when it gets cold. They're adorable with ankle pants but I don't even want my ankles exposed when it's 15 degrees outside & as you mentioned I can't see them working with tights. It is very strange that they'd be released now, instead of earlier in the Spring / Summer, for sure.
DeleteOnce again, the only bright spot seems to be shoes.
DeleteI ordered, and will be returning the long downtown field jacket. It's just not different enough from the regular one, and it's a tad too big / long on me. It overwhelmed me without adding any style.
I'm also returning the ruffle top in French blue with the navy piping. The ruffles were too far up on my shoulders and made me feel clown-like. It was not a good or stylish look.
I completely agree, the ankle wraps are very cute, but not a fall purchase for me.
DeleteI could see the ankle strapped shoes working with dark or colored sheers and ankle pants.
DeleteBeverly Burden: I am undecided about the long Downtown Field Jacket myself. I purchased that and the Field Mechanic Jacket and cannot decide which to keep. I really don't need both of them at all.
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ReplyDeleteYay for today's' free shipping! And no FS on the Collection Embroidered top, which I finally snagged in both colours after daily stalking for the past month. Since there is no FS, I bought both, and will keep both if the sizing is good.
ReplyDeleteAgree with you on the free shipping & no FS. Plus, there was a decent sale update this morning. I really like that top. Hope it works for you too! With the update and free shipping, I ordered the into the wild boy shirt (love the pant in this print) and the collection chunky cable sweater (reviews are so so, but I need a sweater in this style/color for winter). As always, there are some gems in the new roll out, but full price has no appeal & it's still in the 90s.
DeleteTalk to me about the Maddie. I'm 5 foot 2, long waisted, about 100 pounds, with a booty. Most j.crew pants bunch weirdly in the crotch, are too tight in the hips and thighs but loose in the waist for me. Will these make me look shorter and ten pounds heavier, like the Minnie and the Campbell?
ReplyDeleteI don't like the fit of the Maddie and I am thin and short too. I strongly prefer the Campbell and the Teddy pants. The one time I ordered Maddie I sent them back. I carry my weight in my upper thighs and but. They made me look bigger.
DeleteI don't have this year's Maddie, but if the fit is like the 2014 version they fit my hourglass/pear really well. I am small in the waist but carry my weight in thighs, and I usually find that JC pants are too narrow in thighs and crotch/butt and too big in waist. Maddies skim over my curves, whereas Minnies grabbed my thighs and made my butt look low and flat. When I saw lots of reviews complaining that Maddies were too high-waisted and too small in the waist I knew they would be perfect for me.
DeleteTotally off-topic but the Jcrew spring summer 2017 show has landed on Vogue.com. The looks are numbered which will allow for easier commentary and discussion. Vogue's comments were complimentary pointing out that the models were friends of the brand.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. The commentary was interesting and this point stuck out to me.
Delete"What jumped out at the presentation today was the emphasis on eveningwear-like flourishes."
For me, this view captures some of the sentiment expressed on this blog (mine included) regarding the wearability of the items and who JC is appealing to/targeting with its product. Eveningwear is a special occasion category, and while I get the idea of including a few special pieces, this seemed to be the focus of the NYFW presentation.
I just did a quick run-through of the Spring 2017 pieces and man, everything looked messy and dowdy. The way the pieces were presented looked sloppy and I found very little that I would be excited to wear. I hope when this collection moves to production, there are some changes made.
DeleteFunny, I thought the same thing! My understanding is that they used non models. These looks certainly did not translate to wearable merchandise on everyday people in an everyday environment. Unless changes are made this stuff will end up at Nordstrom Rack not even on Nordstrom.com.
DeleteThe models ruin it for me. They've taken the dirty "she" male in women's clothes too far. I've jumped over to Boden. Much closer to the 2007
DeleteJ. Crew I fell in love with.
I ordered the cherry print top and don't like it a bit in person. I thought the silk felt stiff and unsubstantial and the same time and the colors and pattern did nothing for me.
ReplyDeleteI also bought the ruffled polka dot top on sale and love it. Very pretty and versatile for me.
The double serge skirts in both colors are a love. I am 65 and 120 and the size 6 just fit. They sit high on the waist and are cut small through the waist. Compared to a size 6 flair skirt from a few years ago, they are at least an inch smaller in the waist. These will work well for me with tights and oxfords and looked good with a variety of striped tees and silk blouses.
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks the skirts (& pants) are cut smaller in the waist recently. Perhaps it's the fact that garments are higher waisted than in previous seasons but sizes are all other the place now.
DeleteI have a 25-26 inch waist depending on the day and have very little extra room to tuck in a chambray shirt or merino sweater. The flair got a lot of comments about being cut small, so I look forward to hearing the reviews on this one. Still, it is the best skirt I have seen this fall and I adore it.
DeleteThat may not be good news for the average figure, but it's good news for me, because I usually have to spend $35 to take in skirt waists. Maybe for once I won't have to spend $$ on alterations. Great to know, thanks.
DeleteAnother off topic item: The JCrew Breton stripe capsule collection for NET-A-PORTER has landed on the website. Dog lovers will want the stripe top with a cheeky sequin French Bulldog.
ReplyDeleteI also see the striped shirt with the tulle hem from NYFW.
DeleteYes I'm a bit underwhelmed with this roll-out. And I think they've scaled back on production. In the past fall roll-outs they produced a lot I items, now not much. I know that's what got the company in trouble before, having so much merchandise that end up going on sale, profits are lost.
ReplyDeletethe colors this season I'm not jumping for joy. The coats which I usually get excited over, is not appealing this time. The double breasted coat I like that they're promoting - "the tomboy" look, they didn't make in petite! Gah!
And I only wishlisted two-three items, that's not a lot.
Again, off topic. I mentioned this yesterday, but am still pondering. I received an e-mail from NOrdstrom yesterday that they now had their J Crew merchandise available. I just don't see this as a positive step.
ReplyDeleteThis to me is a very "bad" sign.
DeleteI have been keeping my eyes peeled for the Rhodes Pink Blazer in a 2P. The JC website has some sizes but not that one. Nordstrom has it listed with a ship date of 9/16. Of course no discount and returns are made to Nordstroms. This is all very strange
DeleteI don't see how this collaboration helps either brand, but I am not a Merchant Prince.
DeleteMy store had the new rollout on the floor yesterday. The only thing I liked is the sweatshirt with the metallic ruffle but it was a bit too sweatshirt-y in the grey. I like the silk Georgetown ruffled shirt but it wasn't in store.
ReplyDeleteI too really like that sweatshirt! It was the only thing I did like. That to me is old school JC take a classic item and get a little creative.
DeleteI am not a fan of the cherry print and how many Majesty pea coats or cocoon coats do I need? I also have not been impressed with their necklaces. It all looks recycled from former collections. Well maybe next rollout will be better.
Agree...alot of repetition of the previous stuff. Are ruffles,stripes and plaid never going away???
DeleteI had been looking at the enamel locket necklace (item f6508), then strangely ran across what looks like the *exact* same necklace (in the same 3 colors) on eBay from a seller in china...
ReplyDeleteI'm probably not going to buy the necklace since it's too long for my tastes, but it looks like the factory that's making them for JC is selling them on eBay? For half of the JC price as well.
yup....I remeber all the bubble necklaces being available for less $$ from China. This was "back in the day" when they were a hot item.
DeleteI still have and wear all my bubbles necklaces from retail and factory...Can those come back again????
DeleteGreetings Julie - I've been burned a few times on eBay purchases of "J.Crew" jewelry from China. NOT, NOT, NOT the same thing. If you want these, I would insist the eBay seller display the price tags with Item # and price. I do this for any eBay or Poshmark purchase.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience Jennifer. I wasn't planning to purchase, thought that it was weird, if you looked at them, beyond the usual knock off experience. :o
DeleteSome J Crew reviews can be found here and some Madewell Reviews here and here
ReplyDeleteI've purchased two items from the fall roll-outs, the tiered shirtdress in the khaki colour (bought in store) and the corduroy mini skirt (ordered online) in the masala chai colour. I've worn the dress loads, to every sort of occasion including canoeing. Such a versatile dress and the cotton twill is so nice.
ReplyDeleteI'm wearing the corduroy mini skirt today (bought the 2Tall for extra length, fits very well, and though the waist runs slightly large it's not a terrible gap) with the art deco silk shell, Collection 2007, in the yellow and brown pattern. This is such a favourite fall item, I also own the dress and still wear it year after year. I'm wearing the long yellow sweater coat, also 2007 Collection over the art deco shell and mini skirt and the three pieces are made for each other.
I had a look at the latest FW Collection for next spring and while I do like that combination of pink and khaki I agree with the comments from fellow JCA's, I won't be wearing tulle ball skirts and satin shoes anytime ever- and my life and work allows me to dress creatively. When I look at some of my beloved Collection pieces from years past I so appreciate them, love wearing them, I hope when the season actually rolls out there will be more wearable pieces.
Of course my picks this fall were neutral items, not Collection, and I was fortunate to be in Chicago the morning of the big roll-out so I saw everything in store. Which was pretty cool- but I ended up walking away with a khaki dress and a hair clip. Of course it might just be a case of already owning enough special prints from JCrew from years past.
Also checked out the net-a-porter collab this morning, very nice, pretty stripes and nice trench, nothing I'll be buying but I thought it was a good capsule.
I bought the art deco shell on ebay a few years ago and I love it. I thought about the tall corduroy mini because I'm almost 6 feet tall, but I still think it might be too short. I've been begging JCrew for years to make tall mini skirts so I was actually excited when I saw it on the website, but then I noticed the length of the skirt.
Delete@st I'm 5'7" with longer legs and a curvy derriere, mini skirts pretty much never work on me but this one in the tall is very comfy and the a-line makes it easy to walk, and it doesn't ride up when I sit down. I would try it maybe? I think they do the sammie corduroy pant in the same colour, I tried this pant in the pink but it had that huge waist gap thing going on for me. Honestly the masala chai colour is so perfect for the art deco shell. That shell, what a great item, high five that you scored it on eBay too. :)
Delete@DaniBP, glad to hear that about the tiered fatigue shirt dress. I tried it in store in the khaki color but I knew that color wouldn't work with my complexion. I'd like to try the fiery sunset but am worried it will read orange (like the cord skirt in that color). Did your dress shrink at all after washing? Thx:)
Delete@jan I have the same thought about the fiery sunset, I didn't see it in store in the dress though I did see the skirt and it was not quite the right shade for me, if it was a red I would have ordered it. I've probably washed the fatigue shirt dress 8 times, cold water and line dry, quick iron, perfect. Love a washable dress.
DeleteThank you! I love a washable dress too, especially with little ones always putting dirty hands on me. :) if I order the fiery sunset sometime I will post how the color turns out (I hesitate since returns in Canada are a pain if you don't live that close to a store.)
Delete@jan I hear you on the returns! I live in Guelph and while I am often in Toronto the last thing on my mind when I'm in the city is getting myself to a store. The DHL eReturn service is efficient but pretty expensive and then of course we have to print off the paperwork, wait around for the courier pick up... you're right it's a pain!
DeleteBut please post on the colour if you do order it, I'm still tempted so I'll let you know if I do as well. :)
I'm in Canada too but fortunately live close to Eaton Centre and Bloor Street stores.
DeleteI know the DHL return is very costly. Would you be allowed to send your parcel back to one of the stores in Toronto using Canada Post with tracking, and have the store process your return. Just include your invoice that came with the parcel and send it off. I would think it would be less expensive than DHL. You might call one of the stores and touch base with a manager and ask them. Just a thought!
Ladies, def agree that DHL is costly. I only used it once last year for $25 for a return which is more than if I mailed it to the US with a tracking # myself. What really irks me is that you cannot put items from different orders in one box. I've had three items from three different orders to return and no way would I want to pay $75. Luckily I live about 1.5 hrs from a store so I try to do any returns in one trip since we have 60 days to return. Still a pain and costly to drive out of town.
DeleteUnknown that's a good idea, hadn't thought of it. Truth is I should go into store more often because there's nothing like trying on things and seeing everything in person to cut down on online returns.
DeleteI guess it depends on the amount of items and whether or not they're from multiple orders, as Jan pointed out the orders can't be combined, my last returns were from two different orders which I had picked up by the courier on the same day but I paid the two different return fees. If it's a big amount of heavy items being returned from one order DHL is actually a good deal at $25.
Good point too Jan we do have 60 days which is a long time.
I love the new "freak out price" stamp they put on some of the new rollout pieces. You're right J. Crew- I am going to freak out when an $80 sweater pills and looks donation pile ready after one wear.
ReplyDeleteHaha!
DeleteOMG, I also noticed this today while browsing. Was going to save mention of it for the 'Vent' column, but your comment is way funnier! I think that blinking Freak Out graphic is so lame and most importantly, tacky. It's as if they're trying to brainwash us into paying higher prices for an already overpriced item (like some of these popovers). Lame.
DeleteAny thoughts on size/fit of the culotte jeans item #F7317? I love the color and the picture in the catalog and online but just wondering about the fit? Thanks!
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DeleteSuz HasSeptember 14, 2016 at 12:18 AM
ReplyDeleteMadewell Reviews: my order from. 9/2 arrived today.
cruiser straight jeans in roger wash:
The cruiser straight jeans in Preston wash are among my favorite jeans. I admired the Preston wash and decided to try two sizes, since the other wash runs slightly large. Perhaps it's due to the elastayne but these jeans don't fit at all like the other ones. Both sizes fit but the legs are tight on top and slightly wider at the hem. Very odd fit, especially in comparison to the all cotton Preston wash. Neither of these fit anything like they look online. (Ironically, the Preston wash looks more like the pics of the Rogers wash, minus the rips. The Preston wash is a darker wash than the Roger.)
rivet & thread high rise crop flare jeans: at first try on these are stiff and look similar to the pic online, with a little less "wear" to the denim. Since they're 100% cotton I didn't want to size up. After a few minutes the denim does conform more to one's shape and soften up a bit. I wish the creases were more prominent, as in the online pic, but the wash is very vintage inspired and looks like a great pair of old jeans. The negative to me is the back pockets. I'm not sure if they're so flattering. The denim is heavy and sturdy. It's not an exaggerated crop flare, more like a straight leg that's a little wider at the bottom. (I love them with the Jcrew slingbacks in snakeskin printed leather with the cap toe)
courier drape-front shirt in check: since this runs "oversized" I sized down. It's comical. The shirt is so cropped and the sleeves are tight on my biceps. Too bad because I do love the fabric and drape. I'd size up but it's final sale and not worth worrying about fit.
I would be interested in what everyone's thoughts are on the Stadium Cloth Chateau Parka and the Cocoon Coat? I am in need of a new wool coat this year (sold my old Stadium Cloth Elements Coat last year) and am contemplating these two. I would be really be interested in hearing which one everyone really can't live without. TIA!
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