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! :)
Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, check out the style hack video of how to tuck in a shirt and roll up sleeves. I agree with others, I don't think I am the demographic that J.Crew is courting. I am in my 50's as most of you have probably figured out by now. I want to dress age appropriate and have been able to do that with J.Crew no problems but I think they're marketing is going for a younger demographic and some customers not as familiar with the brand may not think it is for them. Hope this makes sense. Also, someone had asked me to post a review of the club collar boy shirt in gingham when it arrived. However, I think it is available at stores now. The shirt runs small to me. The colors are nice, the fabric is marginal and I do like the different collar. I do like the cheaper price on the shirts but I do think the quality is suffering. The buttons look sort of cheap as well. I did buy the harlow cardigan in neon wildflower and I love the color, not really neon. I also like that the trim is a little off color from the cardigan, I think it adds interest. I did go up one size, I like things a little on the bigger size. Would love to get more colors in this sweater down the road.
ReplyDeleteOh doodle - that video made me sad. I'm 43 and yeah J.Crew doesn't care about me. I miss when I could count on J.Crew for quality and classy items....suits that could be broke up and worn with other items but lasted forever. Classic pencil skirts and ballet flats. These were my go to items and I invested heavily in J.Crew! I think the downhill for me was the neon socks with heels and sandals, its never picked up for me since then. I'll continue to look and dream of JC nostalgia, but I dont see this getting any better.
DeleteI saw the “Style Hacks” video this morning as well. I feel like women’s and men’s aren’t even the same company anymore. The men’s side is classic, handsome (Clement, of course), flattering, they even have a Made in the USA section! The women’s side has JC-speak, “freak-out prices” (which I see they’ve removed from the main new arrivals page), and just more general silliness. I really don’t think I’d mind the quirkiness if it didn't feel like it was just being used to mask more declining quality. It just makes me feel stupid to pay high prices for what has become essentially disposable clothing. I thought they seemed to be heading in the right direction with the pre-fall and fall rollouts, but after seeing things IRL in store or reading reviews I’ve been holding off on purchasing.
DeleteSometimes I wonder if the online reviews have been the nail in JC’s coffin. We’ve been lucky to have this thread in JCA for a very long time (thanks, Alexis!) and I think they really had to go the way of online reviews because every retailer has them. But reading some of them - especially on the item styles that have been around for a long time and are getting quality cuts - is kind of painful. And yet, despite all of this information/criticism JC has available, they put all their energy into yet another ill-conceived marketing campaign that rubs people the wrong way.
But I guess, ya know, we could all just go to Talbots. ; )
Then again they could just be getting ready for Hallowe'en. Grim memories of Walk of Shame Office-Wear, Robin Hood Tending Bar, Edie Beale at Girl Scout Camp, Majorettes on a Break.....
Delete@DD that was me asking for a review. As the nearest J Crew store is a couple of hundred miles away I'm so glad there is the JCA blog!
DeleteCheap buttons:-(( I do feel the material of their shirts is quite often thin or should I say light weight. But actually for me that is a plus, as I like to layer;-). Price seems okay though esp with the % off
Ah, Fall 2010!
Delete"Those were the daaaaaays!" - another Edi(th), Bunker
Oops I forgot my favorite Hallowe'en outfit the one with the miniskirt made of flamingo feathers. 😏
DeleteI actually thought the video was cute, and I'm 46. I definitely dress pretty casual though and see women 10 years younger and feel like I'm closer to that style, or even younger. I wear miniskirts and short shorts.
DeleteOne thing I cannot do, however, is the half tuck where one hip is exposed and the other end of the shirt is out—but the front back half tuck can work.
@Suz Has, soon to be 46 and agree with you on the cute factor. I actually found the video to be helpful. I liked the tips on how to roll sleeves, etc.
Delete@Silver_lining - I agree about the online reviews. Interesting to note, however, is that I wrote a negative review about the sequin t-shirt this summer. All the stitching on the reverse for every single sequin was incredibly itchy and irritating. It may have been the tread composition as well. My review was up most of the summer, but now that it is in the sale section, my review is GONE! lol.
DeleteI must admit, I have been doing the Jenna sleeve roll for quite some time. I think it was revealed back in 2013 so I guess this is a refresher for anyone that missed it.
Deletefleur de lys...I am keeping the shirt, I do think it is really cute.
I think the video was ok, and the refresher for the Jenna sleeve roll was nice. I started doing the half-tuck about 30 years ago, and still do it occasionally to this day, depending on the outfit. I will say though, that the workwear crop jean Emily is wearing in the video is really ill-fitting, and completely unattractive, IMO. So very bad that it's hard to look away...even when you really want to! LOL
DeleteKind of funny Melissa, at first I wasn't sure but I think that's the look and they actually happen to fit her shape perfectly. I think they're both adorable. (And brave, since they're really putting themselves out there!)
DeleteOh yes, I agree that both of them are absolutely adorable, Suz. The jeans do fit, and I know that's the style, but I really do think they are unattractive on all body shapes...even skinny models. Emily has a great figure, but the jeans do not flatter, imo. I'm sure many will disagree, but I personally do not find the style to be flattering at all.
DeleteI should clarify that I don't think the high rise is flattering...love wide-leg crops though!
DeleteOT . new promo. the 25% off $150 with free shipping today. the discount promo ends friday night? J Crew is definitely testing me ....I am looking at other stores. it was 30% off online (sale) yesterday. instore (Vancouver) 40% and now 25% online...with having to spend $150 ...even on sale....this makes no sense and it just ticks me off. I also agree with others on the thin fabric and buttons (shirts) and declining quality....
ReplyDeleteGIVE ME 40% OFF sale and I will look ...otherwise I will not even open the page online to look now until Sat....J Crew get it together... these up and down promos anger your core customers.
Deletepardon me....I should have waited for the vent post. I just dislike J Crew's giving the on;line shopper the poor deal this week ( I can shop instore) when I know alot cannot.
DeleteFor those interested, the Chateau Parka is not excluded from this promo.
ReplyDeleteHappened to be in store and saw the Sammie pants in corduroy. Tried on and fell Brantley in love. Easy fit on the waist (I took 00) and great cropped length, even for shorter women. I bought them in the quartzy pink colour
ReplyDelete*promptly.
Delete(I detest autocorrect)
Completely agree, maqsad! I love these pants in Corduroy in the Masala Chai, can't wait to wear them. Had fit issues with the Regular size in the Chino version, (usual size too baggy/high, while the size down was too tight) but the cord. version fit so wonderfully, that I ordered a second pair in Navy. I'm also petite and stuck to the Regular size in these pants. (Also, I sized down like you, more flattering fit without being tight.)
DeleteOoh, thx for the scoop on the chinos. I was wondering about sizing on those! Also, compared to the chinos sold (in seasons past) for fall seasons, I thought these were thinner (more like summer). Would you agree? My store has a new manager who just about ruins every visit I make there. I was trying to gauge this fabric question myself yesterday and she's like, "what, are you going to shovel snow in these?" And there she is, supposedly trying to help me buy. Every checkout literally takes 5 attempts bc they screw smth up and then have to start all over, spell my email out again, etc, etc. I'm so miserable and missing all the amazing JCrew managers and staff from years past!
DeleteMaqsad -- to be completely fair, you could probably stick to your most common chino size for these pants (ones that go by waist size: 24, 25, etc.) My regular size fit me comfortably, but I hated how they looked in the back. (The slightly high waist flattened me out the back and it looked so unflattering on me. They were comfortable everywhere else though, including the seat, length, etc.) The slight kick to the hem of the pants is really cute and the colors are great as you can see.
DeleteAs for the fabric -- what a snippy comment by your SA! I wouldn't say they were that lightweight, maybe because I can imagine an even lighter fabric for summer in comparison. These seemed to be of a medium weight. I think these were roughly the same as the Stretch Cargo chinos, the Sunday Slims, etc., from last season. (I hope other helpful JCAs who bought and kept the pants weigh in.)
I hope future B&M are more polite! PS, i really enjoy your outfits on Insta! :-)
I'm wondering if a management mass exodus is happening as I have heard more than one long time manager has left the company.
DeleteShoppingCelle, I really hope not. Thus far, one continuing strength has been JCrew's customer service.
DeleteTM93, thank you! For the info and the love! I loved reading your comments on the blog and I'm glad you have also found me on Insta!
stripe-blocked boatneck shirt- I am a sucker for navy and white stripes so when I saw two different navy/white stripe patterns on this one I knew I was in trouble. It's a bit cropped on me at 5'7" which I normally don't wear but I just couldn't pass it up. It fits like the web photo in XS (I usually take s or XS in sweatshirts) where it's a bit slouchy/oversized. The Xxs was less slouchy in the body which I kind of preferred but I couldn't do the slightly shorter length so bought the XS. It's a comfy knit, not as thick as a sweatshirt but thicker than their usual boatneck tees. Overall I'm really happy with this one. the shorter length is different for me, I'll need to wear a tank underneath to be safe esp since I usually wear toothpicks which are lower rise. I tried it on wearing lookout jeans but I still couldn't tuck it in like the model shot.
ReplyDeleteField jacket- I can't believe that I never bought one until now. I needed a fall jacket and was lucky to find the black which was on sale. Very happy with the sale price. I took XS which is the smaller of my sizes as it looked better throughout the body. I probably can't wear a thick sweater under it but that's ok. I'm small chested otherwise I would've gone with a small. The quality looks good and I know it will work for years. I can see why it's been so popular as it's casual but can work a bit dressy too.
Margot top in airy cotton- I usually take a 0 in such tops but lately I'm having a hard time with sizing. I tried a 00 but still find it big in the waist with a little gapping at arm holes so I'm going to try 000 to see if arm holes are better. Crazy, I'm not a 000 I don't get this sizing, I am small chested though. The white was a tad sheer but a nude bra is ok. The ruffles are pretty and feminine and the length is long enough for tucking easily.
Thanks for the reviews, Jan. Re) Margot top, agree with you about the sizing. I tend to take a 0 or 00 at times, depending on how lose the fit is. (Most recently I purchased that leopard cuff sleeve top in 00. I'm a 36B with broad shoulders, 4'11".) My store didn't have the smallest size but both the 0 and 00 felt baggy on me.
DeleteOT: Not J.Crew, but oh my goodness are these Crop Flare Jeans ever cute. I ordered them from Nordstrom last week, and received them today. They look so much better IRL than the online pic, and the color is a darker blue...very flattering. They are excellent quality, and the price is so much better than a lot of the others I've seen out there in retail land. I ordered the size 26 and the fit is perfect. There is no gaping at the waist, and the thigh/leg area is full enough to flatter my 'athletic' thighs. Nordstrom has so many great pieces right now, and I've been really pleased with the majority of the items I've ordered lately...including these jeans. :)
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ReplyDeleteGot a delivery today:
ReplyDeleteFRINGY TWEED JACKET item f1586: I long admired this and when it popped back on sale I decided to order two sizes. Sadly the cut doesn't work for me and my long narrow torso. The neck is too wide, the sleeves are too short and it's too boxy. Bummer.
BOY SHIRT IN RATTI® INTO THE WILD PRINT F1680: I ordered this in the larger of my usual shirt sizes and it's a little tight across the upper back. Sizing could work since I'd most likely wear it open, and I do enjoy the print, but the fabric is really thin. Yes, I'd wear it in warmer weather, but even at about half retail price, it's not a love for me.
SHORT-SLEEVE RUGBY-STRIPE T-SHIRT item f1667: I ordered my usual tshirt size (XS) and it's definitely more fitted than the model shot, but it's a nice weight substantial knit, long, and has a great fit, plus i love the wide stripes. I just won't put it in the dryer!
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ReplyDeleteHappy Mail Day from J Crew.
ReplyDeleteReceived Ratti Into the Wild boy shirt. Ordered this in a size 10; was worried about shoulders & arms. This was the right call. Really like this print; it's vibrant & fun. It's cotton & the weight is right for a summer top, especially for the south. Can pair it with the pants for a hook up or the linen gazebo pants in persimmon.
Thomas Mason Collection Gingham dress. I ordered up a size for extra room in the chest based upon a try on of the cotton poplin dress in a similar style. This was the right decision. I have enough room & there's no cleavage showing. The gingham is pretty and it's a nice flowy cotton fabric. It's flattering to the waist because of how the dress wraps.
St. Barth pareo. I had to order this again because I never received the original delivery. It was sold out but finally popped back. It's a nice cotton with a pretty, well defined print that matches perfectly with the tee. The cotton has a nice weight to it, so it provides coverage & isn't see through thin. I can see wearing this as a summer staple and a vacation workhorse.
Wool flannel crop pants in blue from Spring 2016. It's a wool/poly blend (60% wool) & the pant is lined. This isn't a dark navy blue; the color is closest to the indigo Elsie pump & will work well as a neutral. I like the weight of the pant and the flare of the leg. I sized down to a 6 with the elastic waist band. I could also take my normal size too, but it wasn't available. I wanted to buy this style since it's on trend again for Fall 2016. Pants will work well with grey, black, brown, camel & prints.
Monogrammed luggage tag. I had a coupon for free monogramming & so I decided to order one of the luggage tags in roasted chestnut to place on a small tan Chloe Marcie bag that I use for travel. The leather is a good quality for the price & the gold monogramming is well done & pretty. The tag matches nicely with the Marcie. I placed the tag on the shoulder strap & I'm happy with the look.
In case you don't follow me on IG, I tried several items from the net'a-porter collection (available at the 5th Avenue flagship store in NYC). The Collection is quite classic and quality is good, especially the sweaters. More info on specific items on my IG (@crazyaboutjcrew)
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