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: Code expiring today for factory or mercantile. $25 off and free shipping with $100 purchase. Code: HBILWCUAX
ReplyDeleteMore a gripe than a review - but JC really needs to step up its dress offerings. They've been producing lowest-common-denominator work dresses for a long time. The spring Edie dress is awful IMO.
ReplyDeleteI thought the Madewell guy was supposed to refresh the brand? It seems to me that the JC design folks have been as derivative as possible this past year - lots of new Tippi variations for example. Time for something fresh and a return to color and prints.
I think most of the edie styles are really unflattering. Not a fan. And yes the work dress options have been pretty meh. I haven't bought a new one in a while.
DeleteI think all of the Edie items are awful.
DeleteI have to agree with the Edie disdain. I was a little surprised when they kept rolling out more Edie styles.
DeleteThe Edie styles make even the size 0 models look like linebackers.
DeleteAgreed, cousy. I have never been one for ruffles in my wardrobe.
DeleteAgree with taking in Somsack. I had high expectations 😕.
DeleteAgreed! All I want is a work dress with short sleeves. Not a cap sleeve, but an actual sleeve that is mid way between my shoulder and elbow. Are short sleeved dresses out of style? And they should put all of the ruffle styles on final sale and be done with it.
DeleteFrench colors sweatshirt - I'm really on the fence about this one, but ultimately think I will be sending it back. Based on online reviews of it running small, I ordered the larger of my two sizes but the fit is just so awkward. The waist seems smaller than the chest/torso which kind of reminds me of bad sweatshirts from the 80's, and the sleeves are wide and not full-length, as some of the reviewers mention. I think if I sized down, it would be too small in the waist for my liking. However, it is super soft and the colors are very vibrant and I love the concept. When the sleeves are scrunched up it looks pretty cute, but when they are down it looks downright dreadful without a shirt underneath.
ReplyDeleteLike a lot of JCAs I'm trying to cut back this year and part of that is only keeping items I love 100% - fit, style, everything. J.Crew and other retailers are going to have to step up their game in terms of fit/quality!
Don't keep it. There will be something more fabulous coming down the road, something you really love and not something you have to work with like crazy to make work. This is what I am trying to do.
DeleteThanks for the encouragement DD! I packed it up and am going to drop it off at UPS tomorrow. :)
DeleteAgree with @DD, it was a return for me too.
DeleteI got the stadium wool cocoon coat for Christmas. I really like it, but find the zipper hard to work? It's so low on the coat and I find it hard to align. Anyone else have this problem? Any tricks to make it easier?
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly the problem I'm having with the chateau parka that I got for Christmas. I fiddled around with it for awhile and I think when I pulled the coat away from my body it zipped easier. I'd love to hear if anyone has tips as well.
DeleteI know what you mean, it drives me crazy. I bought my cocoon coat last year and absolutely love it minus the zipper. For some reason it always works well when I'm first leaving the house but if im out somewhere I often can't get it zipped. I think when I have my handbag or shopping bags or anything else on my arms it makes it harder. I would love any tips also as I often end up with it open when I'm out because I give up when I'm in a hurry. It is beautiful though and I get compliments on it.
DeleteTry rubbing a candlestick along the toothy side of the zipper.
DeleteUpdate: my zipping method totally works for my coat...I've been 4 for 4 zipping it on the first try the past few days. I pull the coat away from my body, insert zipper, and then zip it up at an angle towards my body (I'm not sure if that makes sense!). Apparently it just doesn't work zipping straight up. I knew it wasn't a faulty zipper because I can zip it easily when the coat isn't on my body- it seems to be an angle issue. Crazy how complicated it can be to zip a coat!
DeleteSome quick reviews before I race off to the store for returns:
ReplyDeleteCollection lace up leopard calf-hair flats: fit is TTS. Very nice, seem to be comfortable but I didn't wear them yet. I really wanted the Sophia but already have two pairs of leopard heels and sold my other leopard flats that fell off my feet.
Margot top in silk: black. I read reviews that said it ran large, so I go the smaller of my two sizes, the 0. Unfortunately I should have tried the 2. This type of top is kind of hard for me to take on and off and I have a broad upper back from working out, so it's possible even the 2 would feel a little tight. It JUST fit across my upper back/shoulders and the silk is thin so I feel like I'd rip it. I think in tops like this I need them to be a little more flowy (or stick with a more fitted shell, like the Jackie or the cotton shell) so this has to go back. Too bad because it's pretty.
TIssue turtleneck tshirt in stripe. I got this to try and work with a specific pair of pants (THE MARCHING BAND PANTS!) in the deep burgundy/navy color way but it's not right with the pants and not colors I typically wear, so it's going back. That said, the size small is a little loose but so, so comfortable. I love the long length. I'd buy this in solid black at some point. Great with jeans.
Sophia pumps in patent leather: I was lucky enough to snag my (smaller of my usual) size 8.5. I LOVE these and love the sequin ones too, which I wore on NYE on my feet all night. (Pic on IG @wearthislikethis.) IMO this is the perfect heel height without being matronly with skirts and fine with jeans and pants too.
Merino wool v-neck sweater in black. Stuck with my usual XS Because it has a relaxed fit. It's thin and lightweight but seriously effortless to wear. It's a little long on my long torso but not crazy long. I was lacking non turtleneck sweaters so this is perfect. The v is not so long on my that I can't go without a shirt underneath and even my ever-present black tank didn't show. This is the kind of shirt I should buy in multiples.
Tuxedo shirt with ruffles: I read some reviews that said to size up and that it's short, so I ordered both the 4 and 4 tall. The 4 feels a little skimpy. The arms are short. I steamed all my white shirts yesterday and noticed some are thin, this one is definitely thin. I think the 4 tall will be better but it may go back. I got the other ruffle shirt (the one from last spring, with the ruffle on the collar and down the placket) and it's a slightly thicker weight material (at least at first glance). I like the club collar and the style of the shirt.
A few more from store try ons:
DeleteLace peplum top: I really loved this but peplums are tricky for my long torso. I might see if a tall is available, but it's not a necessity, beautiful as it is. It's a great price on sale too.
The pajama top with the red piping. I ordered this in a 4 I think and tried on a 6 in store. It wasn't too big so I think it runs fairly small. I'm not sure the fit is for me, but I have a red skirt it might look fabulous with.
The double serge mini in red. Tried on 0 which is a size up because that was there and I had to stop myself from buying it. The black is more versatile and I have the Oxford check too, but the red is a pretty color. This was big in the waist but did bring the length down a bit, so sizing up is definitely an option if you prefer a longer mini.
The lady jacket in metallic tweed: I tried a 0 which is smaller than my usual blazer size of 2-4 but seems what fits me in this type of jacket. I have a love hate relationship with this type of jacket because it's really too cropped and boxy for me. I didn't get it because I know it would be tricky for me to wear but it's cute. I know people might have an issue with the chunky zipper. I'd wear it open with black and I think in that case it works to wear it more casually. If it was a dark gray as opposed to the lighter color I'd have a hard time putting it back.
Caught a glimpse at some of the tees, the London tee and thezebra tee were really cute. Also noticed, related to my comment above about thethinner material in the ruffle tuxedo top, that all the shirts are shown kind of wrinkly but in a way I'm not sure I could replicate at home.
Great reviews, Suz Has! The only item I have from your list is the Tuxedo shirt with ruffles (item F8450) and one thing I did like about it is that it didn't seem to be transparent. I wouldn't wear a black bra with it or anything, but I was pleased that in comparison to some of my other JC white shirts, this one didn't have the same issue. (I have the Onyx dot shirt, for instance, and that one is transparent in comparison.) I like that it's not sheer so I'm keeping mine, even though I'm having a hard time getting the proper fit (Size 2, too small in the armpit area, while fitting well everywhere else, while the 4 is a bit too big, but allows for crucial arm movement, haha!)
DeleteI tried it on over a black tank and it was definitely a bit sheer, but most likely I'd wear a nude bra or white tank. Hopefully the tall works. The sleeves were two inches too short.
DeleteAh, OK, that's helpful to know! Agree about the sleeves -- one was too long, the other too short (but those are my usual JC personal fit issues.) The Petite ended up better for me in terms of the sleeves, but the body still had the tight armpit or too wide fit in the different sizes.
DeleteDamn, I just realized I ordered the pajama shirt with red piping in a 2 and I think it might be too small. Maybe I should have bought the 6 in store. :(
Delete@ Suz Has, I tried the Pajama shirt in a sz 2 (I think we're similar in sizing) and it fit but the sleeves felt noticeably short on me. Agree that it seems to run a little on the small size.
DeleteIt's cute, but not a need and after seeing my bill...gulp...it might be going back no matter what.
DeleteThe ruffle tuxedo top in size 4tall came and that is the right move. Sleeves are perfect. It's not at all loose.
DeleteThe pajama top with Tipping in size 2 came, and the sleeves are very short but the fit is fine, not loose but not too constricting. Since it's so lightweight I'd wear this all year and love it with the outfit posted on. IG @wearthislikethis. (Also with red Sophia. Pumps.)
I'm trying to cut back on my shopping (a common theme at this time of year) but the bargains keep showing up. I've managed to pick up 3 different pairs of printed Gemmas in the last month (the two different Drake colorways and the abstract floral). I will probably keep them all as I find it hard to say no to cheap beautiful shoes that fit but I've never bought fabric flats before. Should I spray them or will that change the look of the fabric? Should I use something different from the spray I use on on my leather shoes - for example some sort of upholstery scotch guard type spray? How much less durable are they than leather shoes? I have no previous experience with the Gemma flats having stuck with the Cece flats in the past. Do people find the Gemmas more or less comfortable - or perhaps it depends on the particular shape of the feet? I have duck feet (narrow heels, wide in the toes) - the Gemma flats seem surprisingly comfortable but I have only tried them on in the house and have not actually worn them so I'm wondering how my feet would feel after a day at work... Thanks
ReplyDelete@Toronto Modern, earlier this year I purchased the Leopard Gemma and the Blue-White striped version from summer so I can't compare their longevity in relation to leather shoes just yet. I find this flat to be incredibly comfortable, despite a bone issue in my foot (big toe joint). I thought the thin sole would lack support and prove to be taxing on my feet, but I've worn them all day. (Though I must note that I have a desk job so my walking is fairly limited, all told.) They are not tight anywhere, and I should note that I take a smaller size in these than I do in the Cece, for example.
DeleteI spray both of my fabric shoes w/ Scotchguard and didn't have any staining issues (spray the back first for color-fast issues, of course.)
One curious issue that I think others have reported -- the width seems different among the different patterns. My blue/white ones feel a bit like boats, too wide and I actually had to buy a heel-catcher for them. The Leopards fit perfectly, none of the width issues. I actually recently returned the cute Suede Contrast-Trim Gemmas for this reason -- they felt wider than usual and made a squeaking noise when I walked. HTH!
I have lots of fabric shoes from J.Crew and I have never sprayed them. I don't wear them when it rains or I think they may get dirty. So basically just from my car to my office not in the grass or dirt any where and I am careful. Hope that makes sense.
DeleteI find the Gemmas to run wide. At first I tried sizing down but they don't run small, so I went with my usual size. I wasn't sure they'd work b/c I have narrow-ish feet and high arches, but now I'm a total convert. It did take some getting used to, though (not in a painful way, just had to adjust the way I walked every so slightly!) -lep33shops
DeleteThanks TM93! Good tip about scotch guarding the back first. It seems obvious now but I am sure I would have started with the front had you not written, so thank you :-) I also bought (and returned) the suede contrast Gemma in the same size and I had the same experience. The suede definitely ran bigger than the fabric ones.
ReplyDeleteCollection midi skirt in Ratti Acid Rose- I finally received it today (Canada shipping is long, not JCrews fault though). It is beautiful, more vibrant than online and a lovely shade of yellow. Gorgeous print, the pleats are flattering the way they are stitched down. I'm usually a sz 2 in skirts but a 0 popped back so I took a chance. Surprisingly it fits great not tight at all, I think a 2 would be too loose. Not sure if that's a fluke or the way this skirt runs but I'm so glad. The silk feels quite delicate so that's my only concern with my little ones' grabby hands as I'll have to be really careful. I still think I'll keep it as its a special piece. I wanted it since it came out but at $420 cdn it wasn't happening. The sale price of around $200 makes more sense to me even though it's delicate. Wish the lining wasn't poly as I find it staticky. Overall a beautiful well done print, hope Jcrew returns to more timeless prints.
ReplyDeleteYeah! It's always nice to buy something that's special. This skirt looks so cute. Happy you were able to score it!
Delete@Mygoddy, thank you!
DeleteOh JCAs, I'm glad none of you could see the pathetic figure I cut today as I struggled with my J.Crew umbrella in the heavy rain! I've had it since mid-summer, when they went on crazy sale for like, $12 or some such, and haven't had any complaints or issues. Until today. Ah, yes, today the umbrella TOTALLY betrayed me by flipping inside out & then dramatically breaking two of its inner spikes. So there I was, buffeted by heavy rains and a strong wind, as my umbrella turned into a pair of sails and nearly dragged me across 7th Avenue. Because it was raining so heavily, I had to remain holding what was left of it to combat some of the downpour but towards the end, I succumbed and just submitted to the soggy cat look. Holding up the umbrella required more energy than it warranted at that point!
ReplyDeleteTo be fair, this item served me well on other rainy days and I think my mistake was employing it to do battle against the really strong winds. (OK, this is in NYC and we didn't have gale force winds, but I checked and they were gusts at 29 MPH, so perhaps the takeaway is most definitely not to use this cute umbrella in driving rain!) I'm bummed b/c it's a cute umbrella, but mostly I hate the idea of trashing it when the rest of it works well (in milder rain.) Landfill waste like that is bothersome so I'm currently trying to see if I can somehow repairing its broken arms.
Luckily I keep a Totes back-up here in the office so I don't have to suffer the commute of shame all the way home! :-)
@TM93, I can vividly picture the scenario and I feel for you, that would be so frustrating! Smart thinking having a back up. :) I still have my library print umbrella from years ago but I don't use it too often sadly as I'm scared to break it. But it has stood up pretty well.
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Delete@jan, thanks for the sympathy, it definitely wasn't a Mary Poppins moment, hahaha! :-D Don't blame you for caring for your treasured umbrella so. PS, your new skirt sounds like such a treat! Love that feeling! Also, that fiery shirt is on its way to me so glad to know you liked it so!
Delete@TM93, I think you'll be happy with the boy shirt, all the reviews were good and the color really is great! Let us know after you receive it! :)
DeleteA couple more reviews... Boy shirt in fiery sunset Buffalo check- love this shirt! I usually take a 0 or 2 in shirts and took a 0 in this one as I wanted it to be a bit more fitted. The colours are beautiful and the shirt is very cozy and soft. It drapes nicely.
ReplyDeleteMerino cotton Vneck sweater- I thought I'd need to size down to my smaller size an xs in this since it says relaxed fit but I took a small. The Xs was too short on me at 5'7" but the small was good and draped nicely. I bought the blue which is lovely IRL. I tried the other colours which were also very nice but noticed the Vneck fit me lower in some colours. The Vneck in the blue wasn't too low and didn't need a cami underneath. It is soft and fairly thin so I think it will work well in spring also. I'm just hoping it doesn't pill and I'm hoping I can handwash instead of dry clean. If anyone has this sweater and has washed it can you please let me know! Thx :)
I washed my sweater on cold-gentle cycle and air dried it. Worked fine! I did the same last year with my Holly sweaters, and over time they slowly got smaller. I'm going to keep an eye on these. But I think the cotton-wool combo and the not-as-thick knit will avoid problems.
Delete@bee, thank you so much! I'm so happy to hear that!
DeleteReceived some of my holiday orders today from sale shopping. Still have a few en route.
ReplyDeleteCollection lace up back suede top in pink. This top is a love. This shirt showed up during an early morning popback for $39.99 plus 40% off. I couldn't check out fast enough! It's really lovely; I already have the suede dress in navy and happy to add this to my wardrobe. I wanted a pink top to wear with the Collection cashmere blend fair isle pencil skirt I picked up last year. This top will work great.
Sadie pom pom tartan flats - fits is tts for me in a 10; I wouldn't size down 1/2 size as recommended. These are really cute & color is versatile. I hadn't noticed the cabernet velvet bow under the pom pom, but it's a nice touch. Had an SA do a company search and the first store I called had them and free shipping.
Sadie ankle strap flats in gold - Ordered the 9.5 based upon website recommendation and it fit, but I decided to reorder in my usual size 10. These are very comfortable, cute & will work well beyond holiday. I'm worried about them scuffing based upon IG feedback, so I'm going to check with my shoe cobbler to see about how to care/protect them before deciding on whether to keep.
Sailor stripe boatneck top in green/pink. Ordered this after seeing it styled by Leandra in the pink challenge on the J Crew blog. Wanted to layer it with Drake pink Bengal and green bengal shirts. Really cute top that fits tts. Cotton feels good and it will layer well.
I have the Sadie ankle strap flats in gold - I agree that they are TTS and I wouldn't have sized down - my usual 9.5 was perfect. I wore them on Christmas Eve and several times over the holiday but was very sad to find that the gold on the toes completely rubbed off. I hadn't looked closely but someone on IG mentioned the toe issue and then I saw that mine had done the same. I hope you're able to have them do something with it. It isn't terribly noticeable when they're on but a little disappointing after a few wears.
DeleteYes, I saw your comment about them & I think em_karol too. I would be disappointed too, so I'll see what the cobbler says. I'm wondering if a shoe tap would help with a clear protectant.
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ReplyDeleteA few reviews here.