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! :)
Good morning, JCA's - Madewell has new arrivals, and a new loyalty program. Best part that I can tell is they now have free returns for those with a madewell.com account. Hooray!
ReplyDeleteThat's great! I think their clogs are cute and I like the shearling motorcycle jacket (way out of reach at $798 though). The Bryant Wide Leg Pants are cute too. I like the Rivington Sweater Coat (wonder if that would hold its shape though?). The Nealy Boot in print velvet is wacky looking, but I can tell the right person could make that look great. The Drapey Sweater Vest looks interesting.
DeleteI like the Teatro Swing Coat in old rose. Don't know how it will fit in my 4'11 self. If I wear pink this is the shade I prefer than J.Crew's bright pinks.
DeleteYes! That Shearling moto jacket is cool. Sold out already. Love everything about the design.
Two items from my Madewell purchase: the Rivet & Thread cropped turtleneck in stripe and solid. I thought these would be a great layering piece. I sized up to a Small in the stripe. I like the material, it's a heavy knit, with dropped shoulders, but the shape doesn't work for me and my long torso, I'd need to size up more to be able to layer a button down shirt underneath Also, hard to tell from online pics but the stripes on the ivory color (or undyed?) is a really dark navy, not black. The solid black is a different knit, just a basic smooth cotton and reminds me of a layering turtleneck from LandsEnd or similar, but with dropped shoulders and a too short length. These are going back.
ReplyDeleteFrom J.crew I got the slingback flat in navy satin since I LOVE my snakeskin print ones. I already knew I liked the shape, but I'm not thrilled with the fabric or the color. They're stiff and the difference between the navy body and the black toe is so slight. I'd keep them if they were on mega sale but they're also going back.
Suz Has, sorry you didn't have any luck with your purchases. I also ordered the rivet&thread black turtleneck (and I have a long torso) so that may be a return for me as well. I'm supposed to receive it tomorrow I think. On the positive side, at least they weren't final sale ;)
DeleteI got the rest of my items tonight so. Hopefully something works!
Delete@lauren, the rest of my items arrived and I'm pretty happy. Details are posted below!
DeleteI haven't seen any reviews of this year's Majesty Peacoat. I know last year's was not popular and remember Gigi's very thorough review, but the product image looks like JC may have gone back to the older (better) design. There are pretty colors this year; I managed to catch my size in peony and am waiting to receive. Will review when I get it, but any input in the meantime?
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried this years either as I didn't see any in store but that peony color looks gorgeous! Looking forward to your review. :)
DeleteI'm styling the corduroy excursion vest, straightaway jeans, and Factory plaid shirt on the blog today. I size up in the vest for layering, jeans run one size small, and plaid shirt is TTS.
ReplyDeleteHeather
Partial to Pink
first of all, there are a few new arrivals on the website today! specifically sleepwear. I love that jcrew makes pj pants in tall. Time for a new flannel pair I think! Reviews:
ReplyDeleteTALL DISTRESSED LOOKOUT HIGH-RISE JEAN IN TRUE BLACK in tall. These look great on the model in the latest catalog, on me not so much. The denim felt a bit thin but not stretchy. They were not comfortable. The length was great, they hit just below my ankle and the rips were right at my knees. The major issue was how the midsection fit, waistband to hips. It seemed like instead of just holding me in, the cut was creating unflattering ... rolls. You know how some jeans you put on and go 'wow, these make me look great'? these it was like 'wow, I really do not look good in these.' Returned. I've had the same issue with other jcrew jeans in the past, but not with their shorts. Maybe it's their 'high rise' jeans. Also, these jeans don't look high rise in the image on the website, but they were really high waisted on me. I think they'd look better in a mid rise.
PLUSH FLEECE EXCURSION VEST: this was so luxe, and warm, in person, way nicer quality than I'd anticipated, but in my normal jc vest size, it pulled strangely under the arms/across the back, just in one spot. and fit big everywhere else. I think I'd have to size up, which would make the rest of the vest too big. EXCURSION QUILTED DOWN VEST: in black, during the pricing glitch! and it's great. Great fit, perfect for layering, usual size. I love the handwarmer pockets, my old excursion vest doesn't have these.
BOY SHIRT IN FIERY SUNSET BUFFALO CHECK: this shirt is gorgeous. The color really pops, and it's got a super loose, long lean fit (in a tall). The flannel is extremely thin, would have been nice/warmer in a thicker flannel, but this is good for layering. It's really the cut that got me, with the long arms and body length, it's almost like a tunic.
I think its all the polyester in the jeans of late. too stetchy...I long for thr good old days of 99% cotton and 1% elastane.
DeleteIf you missed my post over the weekend, I stopped in and tried a few things on Friday. My store said that holiday would be out November 7. The Crewcuts holiday stuff was out and was super cute, I'm hopeful ours will be as well!
ReplyDeleteI tried on the Oxford Check coat, Gayle Sweater, Star Tippi, Cape Scarf and Multistripe sweater. Mostly neutrals. The cape scarf was a love and came home with me. You can see the pictures on my blog here
I also posted photos of the geo print dress and blouse, French logo stripe tee, navy sleeve ruffle top, ditsy floral top and the Checkered flutter dress, which you can see here
As I said in my post, not much from this rollout aside from the coats feels very November-ish! I did order the bracelet sleeve suiting dress in azalea though which I'm excited about and the Avery suede colorblock heels - they come tomorrow and I am planning on reviewing the dress.
Lastly, today I'm wearing the red foulard sheath dress from a few rollouts ago and I absolutely love it. Some of the non-stretchy sheaths don't always work for me and this one seems to be cut a little more generous in the hip area and the regular length hits right above my knees which is nice. I grabbed this on sale and took my regular Crew dress/skirt size and am very happy with it. Link to my Instagram where you can see me wearing it today
here
I second a thumbs up on the red foulard sheath. It popped back last week and when it arrived I loved the pattern even more in person. Took my regular dress size and although it feels constricting due to no stretch it does fit and since I love the pattern I will be keeping it.
DeleteHi Anne, thank you for the great reviews and for the heads up about the holiday rollout!
DeleteSome outerwear reviews, courtesy of GCG16 (Great Coat Glitch of 2016)!
ReplyDeleteStadium-cloth cocoon coat (b2770) in heather sapphire pink - First of all, the color is fantastic. Not neon, only slightly heathered. Bright pink is my “power color”. Fit seems to be TTS, prior years reviews recommended sizing down. All that said, I just do not love the cocoon shape. I’m used to coats with a more defined collar and buttons, and this really does make me feel like I’m in a cocoon… which I know is the point, but I don’t know how flattering it is for me. The color is so great, I may hang on to it for a while to decide. 79% wool, 21% nylon.
Icon trench coat in plaid Italian wool (f6027) - I reviewed this on my Insta. Fits just like the Icon (small in the shoulders, TTS everywhere else), houndstooth pattern is so cute, but the coat is as thin as a blazer and I wouldn’t have much of an opportunity to wear it, even at the glitch price. If I could get this ~$100 at the end of season, I’d make room in my coat closet. 40% polyester, 30% wool, 30% viscose.
Toggle cape in wool cashmere (f4303) - I think that JC finally figured out how to do armholes on a cape with this shape. It’s hard to describe, but they sewed the front panels back instead of just cutting a hole in a triangle-shaped cape. It does have those funny inward-facing buttons behind the toggles. Sizing may be tricky on this one - some reviews say it’s huge, some say it’s TTS. I’m a solid 4/S in JC tops and found the S/M in the cape to be too big, particularly in the shoulders. The shoulder seam came past my shoulders, which made the cape kind of slide around and not lay flat. I think sizing down would fit my shoulders and feel better overall. If you like this cape, you may need to try two sizes to get the best fit - I wouldn’t be surprised if there were variation within the same size, as this tends to be the case at JC.
75% wool, 21% nylon, 4% cashmere.
Silver_lining, re) the Cocoon coat, I have the same thoughts as you -- something about it just doesn't work for my figure. Can you turn the neck down at all and wearing it with a scarf instead? I've tried doing that when I try it on and it seems like it would stay. I don't like things blocking my face/mouth so I've always been concerned about that aspect with the collar.
DeleteAlso, THANK YOU for saying that about that Icon Trench!! I was astonished at this coat's thinness when I first saw it in store, but I was even more surprised to see that the bulk of it is polyester. (At that price?!) With all the recent complaints about the diminishing amount of wool in coats, I wonder if JCrew should have just left out that bit about 'wool' in the name.
@silver_lining thanks for the reviews on the coats. I am a cocoon coat fan - this pink one might have to join my closet (with a good promotion of course!) I have a pink pea coat circa 2004 that I still like but it's not as bright of a pink - I would love a non-neon bright pink coat for my collection!
DeleteHi Anne - love your blog and Insta. We have similar coloring - I think you'd like the pink cocoon coat.
DeleteHi TM93 - I may try to play with turning the neck down, scarves and such. The coat definitely looks better on me when it's open, so that may be an option. If it's super cold/windy, I'd probably go with a puffer or Thinsulate coat anyway.
So true about the Cocoon Coat for me, too, silver_lining. I love how comfy it is and my older version is still in wonderful condition, but it looks like a sack on me and I feel kind of frumpy in it. I'm short waisted 5'4" w a short neck and the style just isn't as flattering as my other JC coats. I wear my Wintress Puffer and Chateau far more.
DeleteSilk pajama top in cabernet with lt blue piping - got it for my pale blue a-line skirt from last winter (or the one before, it's all a blur). The skirt and top are great together. The shirt has a slight case of Floppy Collar, but nothing serious,
ReplyDeleteThis is part review/part vent:
ReplyDeleteReceived the double breasted coat in oxford check. Several reviews indicated it runs larger – I found it true to size. I wear a 4 in blouses but a 6 in blazers and coats due to muscular arms/shoulders and the 6 was the right size for me. I am 5’2” and thought the regular length was fine, though the sleeves are a tad long.
The coat looks stunning on. But this just doesn’t FEEL like a nice coat. I touch the wool, touch the buttons, touch the inside, and honestly, I’m at a loss. The flimsy thin poly interior lining made me clench my teeth……..c’mon J Crew! This is a freakin $400 coat!
I get that coats use poly for lining, but at least use one of the nicer silkier varieties like the cocoon coats or majesty peacoats. The lining is pinstriped and there is a thin contrast piping in golden yellow. I found the wool itchy around the neck area which is probably why I won’t keep it. I live in San Francisco and don’t wear lots of layers under a coat – so itchy on the skin is not going to work for me.
I compared the construction of this coat to one of my all-time favorites – my Wool Carrie Coat (Holiday 2008) – and there is just no comparison. That coat has double stitching on the seams, a nice soft feel to the wool (albeit it is 10% cashmere), a cute striped ribbon contrast piping that measures ¼” wide along the interior acetate lining. This makes me sad. And then angry.
I felt like this was one of those pieces I’d be kicking myself for later if I missed out on. It is featured prominently in the catalog and on the website – as if to say “See! We can still do great coats!” I don’t know J Crew. This is not a $400 coat.
I contrast, I also received the cocoon coat (ordered during last week’s coat glitch) and LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. The deep violet color is gorgeous. At least they had the sense to give that coat a nice silky lining.
the oxford check coat is a thin fall coat...not a winter coat . I agree....I really think we will see it with pop backs on sale down the road.
DeleteThanks for the detailed review of the Oxford Check Coat.
DeleteI haven't seen it in person but I love the check coat and skirt. The fact that the jacket is lighter weight makes it more like a suit to me, not that I have a need for it, but I love the style. If it gets reduced enough for my SAHM budget and lifestyle I would get it.
DeleteArgyle Jackie cardigan in navy/muslin arrived today (shell arriving later in week). The argyle is well done - the pattern matches perfectly at the placket. The navy is almost black and the muslin is almost a gold. I think it will look great for holiday with a red skirt. While I don't love the gold buttons on the wool jackies, it looks right with these colors. Seems reasonably well constructed and at the glitch price of $40 - very pleased. Hoping the shell is perfect with it!
ReplyDeleteMore Madewell Reviews:
ReplyDeleteeyelet-edge shirred top in white, XS: this runs large. I thought it would be a cute layering piece. I like the idea of it peeking out from under a blazer, or with a black shirt underneath. The eyelet is more of an embroidered floral in an exaggerated scale. Way more Boho than my usual style but I knew that, and I like it.
cinematheque mockneck sweater true black: I bought this in XS and S. I love the texture. It's not itchy. It's soft and lightweight but cozy. It's a little boxy for me and the sleeves are a little short, but I think it will work well for layering. Not sure which size will work better. I can imagine this shape is similar to the newish J.Crew striped mock neck.
the perfect vintage jean, size 25. This denim is lighter or softer denim than the cruiser straight in Preston wash. It's a very high rise, but may loosen up a bit with wear and sit lower. I'm not madly in love but I'll have to try on with various shoes and tops. (The last thing I need is another pair of jeans, but I'm always searching for "the one.")
J.Crew reviews:
Shoes: Cap toe Kiki and Lena pumps with patent leather cap toe: I ordered 8.5 in both. My old Kikis are a 9 and have stretched a bit. The 8.5 is the right size now, although I feel the heel slipping a bit when I take a few steps, I might need a heel pad as I often lately do. The stitching seems a little off on the black trim, otherwise they're beautiful.
The Lenas are lovely, but high. The 8.5 in these is slightly tight, but that may be due to the heel height. I wish they were 1/2 inch lower. The "faded blush" is a soft pale pink, definitely more pink than nude, but it works ok with my skin tone. I love them but not sure they're practical at this height. I've seen both of these for less than I paid with the recent promo, so I'm not sure if I feel the price is worth it.
Blazers: I ordered the Rhodes in black in 2 and 4, and the Rhodes in Bright Cerise in 0. I think I tried the bright cerise in a 2 last winter and it felt big, but the 0 is a little snug, and I don't like this orangey red. (I didn't remember if it was the same from last winter but I think it is). Oddly enough I have a lightweight wool Rhodes in Houndtooth from early spring I think and I got the 4. I have a specific outfit need for the black and I'll have to try both sizes on to see which works best, or if the Ludlow blazer in wool gabardine or 1035 two-button jacket in Italian stretch wool works better with the pants I'm wearing.
Posted a pic on IG @wearthislikethis
Delete:: Madewell Review ::
ReplyDeleteReceived the Lace-Up Sweater dress today in heather carbon. (I'm 4'11, 36B) Size xs fits TTS. The length ended just a little above my knees. I might want to try an s though because I want it to fit a tad loose, not to say that an xs was tight. Pleased with the fit and quality..the wool is a tad rough, but I didn't mind it.
Will pair it with Everlane chelsea boots, and the J.Crew Collection sleeveless coat in camel from Fall 2015.
Received my items from the Great Coat Glitch (thanks @silver_lining!).
ReplyDeleteMetallic Stars tee - this was a part of the glitch too. This is a fun tee; cotton is soft and it's a good weight. Fit is tts & the background is really more of a heathered gray. Plan to layer this with Current Elliott Lawrence leather shirt from last year or J Crew Collection leather zip front top.
Chateau Parka in heathered emerald - This is my first chateau. I really like this coat; color is gorgeous (green is one of my favorite colors) and wool is really nice. I bought my normal size 8; sizing down would not work for me because of my arms and height. Great price and look forward to wearing this winter.
Long Downtown Field Jacket - This is a very good jacket. Fabric feels just like the shorter version. The dark forest is a lovely deep shade of green and the fit is tts. The corduroy detail is a nice accent & the hood is functional. The length hits me similar to the model and it's a good weight for fall and spring weather in Texas. The jacket is very versatile and I'm able to wear a long sleeve t shirt or sweater. Can throw this on to go to the gym or when running errands.
Diamond Tweed Coat in pink - I loved everything about this coat (color, fit, style) except the semi wool fabric (44% wool content) when I first tried it in Chicago. With the price glitch, I decided to give it another look. This is a fun "coat" for casual wear; it's not intended for really cold weather IMO;my climate is more mild, so it can will work well. For less than $120, the fabric doesn't bother me as much, so it's a keeper.
Excursion flannel vest in cabernet - I wore this vest on Sunday for a family dinner. I paired it with the Collection silk tie dye shirt, Le Frame high lo jeans (highly recommend these jeans; can be found @ Nordstrom & similar retailers) & New Balance sneakers. The flannel is soft and a nice weight; the cabernet is a beautiful burgundy color & the gold accents work well. Fit is tts & it's a versatile fall/winter choice when the weather is mild and you don't want to wear a jacket.
Pink coat reviews:
ReplyDeleteAfter years of trying to avoid colors and opting for black, I am back to colors and truly, pink is my favorite. It tends to be flattering to most coloring, and as long as not pepto bismo, tends to be a cheering color.
For sizing purposes, I am 5'2", 110 lbs, swimmer shoulders and 34B+ chest. Normal JC coat size is 2 or P4, but a 4/P6 in lady day and icon trench coats.
1. Diamond tweed coat: item f5430. This coat comes only in regular sizes, and runs on the larger side. I ordered the 2 and the 4, and the 2 fit with room to spare. I do not like tight fitting coats, and the 2 is exactly how I would want it to fit. As mygoddy said, this is not a true winter coat, more of a fall coat, but it is easy (not stiff) and gorgeous, truly a gorgeous pink. Bright (fuchsia- ish) without being neon. Definitely a keeper at the sale price (for me it was a bit over $150) but not for the JC regular price $325 and certainly not for the Net-a-Porter price of $400.
2. Majesty peacoat in heather peony, item no. f4923/f6615 in petite: I have a couple of majesty peacoat from 2 or 3 years ago and love them. They were tts, I took my normal P4 to better fit the sleeve length. Last year's version was a mess; numerous reviews will attest to that. This year they went back to the original design, but at least with the heather peony, it is cut smaller, particularly in the sleeves. I bought both the P4 and P6, and the P6 fits MUCH better. Nothing worse than tight arms on a coat, especially when you want the option to layer. As for the body, both were fine. The P4 a bit more fitted, but like I said, I don't like fitted coats. The P6 is perfect, in fact. And the color is also a gorgeous pink, but a heathered bright pink. I love it. For some reason, maybe because such limited sizes are left, the pink is on sale, so if you can catch it in your size, I highly recommend. Just remember to size up.