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 at Madewell!
ReplyDeleteUh, Velvet Wrap bodysuit. So sexy.
DeleteVelvet bell sleeve dress is cute. But it reminds me of my early 20's circa 1995 = grunge/gothic times. 😂
DeleteI bit on a few things, thanks for the heads up! I'm trying the pink flannel Sunday shirt, the Adidas Iniki runner sneaker, and the coral beanie.
Delete@cate, The pink flannel shirt caught my eye, too. Somehow I missed seeing the sneaker and coral beanie. Love all these pretty pink items. Do you already have outfit plans for these?
Deletemaryeb, no specific plans. I wear a lot of denim, so with that for sure. I should branch out so if you have any ideas I'd love to hear them! I'm loving all the pale pink things that have been out lately. The velvet tank in the light pink color didn't work out for me, but there are many other pink things to choose from :) Did Madewell have a gray flannel shirt like this last year? I want to say it was called the Saturday shirt. Something was off in the sizing for me in that one so I didn't buy it but IIRC it had side pockets and was so soft. I hope the pink one works out.
DeleteI remember that shirt from last year, @cate. I loved the pockets, but, overall, it just didn't look right on me, too over-sized. I am wondering if the Pink Flannel will have the same issue. The Flannel Westword in Stripe looks like a better shape, but it's not pink :(
DeleteI love to wear light pink with grey, black, white, cream and cabernet/burgundy type shades. I think it's a great color. I hope the shirt works out for you. Please keep me posted!
Madewell Insider shipping will have it here by Thursday and I will report back on it! Thanks for the coordinating color ideas.
Deleteyou know, they'd move the 2000+ sale items quicker if they'd give us another 30% off...
ReplyDeleteI think I have gone a month without placing an order. That is a long time for me! I can continue to shop my closet for the time being but a decent % off sale might get me to bite.
DeleteExactly! I can't believe there's still no % off.
DeleteNot only the lack of % off sale, but the rotating promos. Last week 30% off (almost) everything, weekend 50% off shoes, next day 40% off limited items. They might get more orders but regular shoppers will also be getting price adjustments left and right.
DeleteSadly I feel the new regime under ex-West Elm CEO is attempting to retrain us and shift our reference price framework by withdrawing broad promos and the expectations of constant % off sale. Meanwhile the online sale section builds to over 2000 items and there is nothing that tempts me as my reference price framework is firmly stuck with expectations of sale items having a further discount percentage of at least 30%. These days not even getting a 20% offer. It seems so out of step with other retailers who continue to send daily offers including extra % off sale sections. However, on the bright side it is driving me to conscious efforts to shop my closet as we transition to the cooler wetter season in the Pacific Northwest. Happy today to find that a long forgotten green lattice medallion popover with pink in the design perfectly complements the tones on the green/pink stripe boat neck. Like JessF I will continue to shop the closet, look for buried treasure and new combos for older items. Absence of blanket promo % is assisting me in exercising restraint in "wants" vs "needs", and reducing temptations to buy jc sale promo items for an aspirational life rather than my real life. Seeking the positives in my lack of a recent jcrew store visit fix or sale section find!
DeleteI like a promo, but I don't care that much because I'd say 95% of what I buy at J. Crew gets returned anyway. I don't spend a lot of money there any more so it's not as critical that I get 30% off of my $59 item or two. I want it to be discounted, but I'll still order it if it's not because chances are it's not going to work out anyway. Then when I do keep something, I'll wish I'd paid less, but it's not that big a deal because it wasn't a big ticket item. I'm a very long-time customer and J. Crew has succeeded in retraining me, but not in the way they wanted. It's true I'll purchase without a discount, but I'm hardly buying anything now because they've changed direction style-wise (plus I'm well stocked in any staples I need/want). I think they were better off before when I was buying a lot of volume at a discount, but I don't know how the numbers shake out in the end.
Deletethis is why I never shop factory..prices are higher on many items than last week....not buying!
ReplyDeleteWhy do I have to love velvet so much? I wore a dress just like the velvet bell-sleeve dress (#g8345) from Madewell when I was a little girl and now I want the grown-up version. Or the bow-back tee dress. I also like the tunic sweater dress from Madewell's new arrivals.
ReplyDeleteI'm still amused at how much I'm enjoying the 90s fashion comeback even though it was kind of a disaster the first time around.
I'm with you! I bought the navy maxi dress at jcrew and styled it with a red flannel shirt tied at the bottom. 90's but with a slimmer silluoette and better shoes.
DeleteThere's also a "promo" from JCrew, but it's not much at "up to" 40% off fall favorites (prices as marked).
ReplyDeleteHi JCAs,
ReplyDeleteA few quick reviews:
Petite velvet pull-on skirt (Item H0419): After consulting with Customer Service for measurements and size equivalents, I ordered this in the Petite Small. (For reference, I usually take a 2P or 0 Regular in pencil skirts.) I was told that the PS had a 27.5 waist (unstretched) and the PXS has a 25.5 waist. A problem that I have with some pencil skirts is that they'll fit at the waist, but are too roomy in the hips. That's the issue with this one for me -- waist fits comfortably, but it's not tapered enough from the hips down so it ends up baggy and unflattering, giving me a wider side profile. I would try a size down, but it's sold out and frankly, i don't love it enough. The gold color is good for fall and winter, perhaps a touch darker than I'd envision. Will pair nicely with navy/black/white colors.
Petite camouflage utility shirt-jacket (Item H0807) Size XXS Regular was too snug at the chest, while the XS Regular proved to be too roomy -- not slouchy or relaxed, but slovenly. I knew I'd fare better in a Petite version, and I have, but I agree with some of the comments that the fit/style of this item is strange in places. The body fits pretty well, with the slightest tug at the armpits (not enough to be uncomfortable.) The sleeve length, however, is really strange -- I wish they were longer b/c they end at an odd bracelet length which is strange for something that can function as a jacket. When I showed my husband, he politely observed that it looked 'like something i'd outgrown as a kid.' (!!) I cuffed the wrists and pushed them up to get rid of that impression. The fit does tend to be rather boxy, so this item wouldn't work in a size up. The overall look is quite cute, worn with chinos and jeans. I tried it over a button-down, as well as a Tippi, and the fit was fine through the shoulders. I have to think about this one.
Star drop earrings (Item H0804) Very cute, basic and simple. (Wearing them today, weee!)
Ruffle top in star print (Item G9286): This was my favorite purchase. Ordered Regular 0, which fits my 36B, broad-shoulders frame comfortable. Not transparent (with a light-colored bra, at least) and the silk feels nice and substantial. Like many of you, I'm sick to death of the Ruffle Overkill, but this one seemed decorative and just enough. The slight opening in the back is a pretty touch. I really liked this top and tried it with the faux leather skirt from last season, as well as a pair of chinos. Both worked well.
That's it for now! Looking forward to others' thoughts on any recent finds.
Ooh..no more velvet skirt. I might have the same result as you. And I don't wear skirts often, so I'm not sure if I'll be keeping mine.
DeleteI ordered the camo jacket too in pxs and need to exchange it for a ps. Again it was snug around the chest and upper back. I like the different shades of olive..it's s nice jacket.
Great reviews, @TM93! I like your styling ideas for the Ruffle Star Print Top. It sounds like a very versatile top.
Delete@JSR -- i thought of you when I posted this review! I have a feeling that you'll have the same issues. I enjoy wearing skirts, but this one just didn't work on me. (Also, the pockets seemed to be placed too close together, though that may be a result of this being the wrong size for me.)
Delete@maryeb, thanks! The Star Top is the kind of item that many will pass over as its fairly basic and low-key, but it was a surprise love for me! The quality and details are nice. :-)
I agree with TM93
DeleteThe star top is so much better on than on the hanger. It fits really nice. I found it slightly sheer though.
Will post a review of it!
DeleteI'm pretty curvy with a large waist-hip difference and I had a similar issue. It fit in the waist and the hip, but it doesn't taper after that, so even with larger hips, it makes me look really wide and it's just not that flattering. It's like they designed this skirt without putting it on an actual person.
DeleteI'm not having a lot of luck with the new Fall items. They look cute, but there is something off about them all...at least for me.
@Ina, I saw your posts on Insta, but the Ruffle Top that I'm talking is actually the silk, white one with Black stars -- I think the one you reviewed is the popover one with Gold/Metallic stars! I wish they had made a regular button-down with that print instead of a popover -- I always find it hard to get a good fit with popovers.
Delete@Jessica, yes, that's exactly the issue! No tapering below the hips. (I had the same issue w/ the Rose-Gold sequin skirt.) It's a pencil skirt...without being an actual pencil. :-(
Oops @TM93
DeleteYou also remind me to post a review of the one you were talking about:)
Anyone know if there are any in-store promotions going on today (Tuesday)?
ReplyDeleteNo promos in store.
DeleteThank you, Ina. I'll skip the visit today.
DeleteI received the everyday cashmere boyfriend vneck in the olive green and i was surprised how nice it felt and fit.
ReplyDeleteThe material is not thin at all and the fit is perfectly slouchy.
Hopefully it will not pill,i will report back on that.
Pic on my insta together with the slim boyfriend in siverwood wash,which is a love for me.
Sorry, have to rant. I received the latest catalog today - all full of things I don't like. plastic earrings, plaid skirt and stripe shirt outfits, denim on denim jacket with blouse, men's shirts on women (I mean, this model is so slim....would a women's blouse not fit her), and the silly #shinyponies comment (yeah I can't dance in 4 inch heels even if they are chunky) all in 20 pages. My personal favorite is the last page that tells how to tie a scarf and one is called "the bandit". Um LOL. Come on JCrew - I want structured work dresses, quality cashmere, and some pretty classic prints.
ReplyDeleteI took it out of recycling to take a look. My personal favorite was the flannel Seavees sneakers with the silver sequinned skirt and a gray cotton muscle tank (it says t-shirt, maybe the sleeves are rolled). Regardless, where would I wear this outfit? Or maybe my life is too boring for J. Crew's latest style reinvention. It's back in the recycling now.
DeleteI'm confused- which is the latest catalog? One, which I picked up at the store because it was never sent to me, is for September 2017. It's more or less a regular catalog. Then, I got one yesterday that is significantly smaller and thinner, with no date or season on it at all (it also has some weird drawings at the back of how to wear a scarf). They both show different things. Is that the October catalog? I don't get it.
DeleteHi TAO - this is an "accessories catalog", I think - Ina would probably be able to confirm. Funny, I still have one from 2010 that looked like a newspaper, but they were producing that long with regular catalogs.
DeleteGetting around to trying on items and posting reviews today. My insta handle is sartorialchoices. About 5 new reviews up so far and more forthcoming. Also, after this, I am quitting jcrew or going on a long break! I can't do all the pricing olympics, trying on sessions, and intermittently holding my wardrobe back from collapsing and smothering me under it! But right now, the show is on!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have a 15% or 20 off code I can use? I used mine yesterday and now realize I MUST have the boiled wool wrap coat. I was given one with a return but it's for in store use only.
ReplyDeleteThe insert one given in stores expires this week, which is why I ask!
DeleteYou can email Wearthislikethis AT gmail . Com or DM me on IG @wearthislikethis.
DeleteThank you
I do like the look of that boiled wool coat. Could you call the store use the in store one to order from the store if they don't have it in stock?
DeleteAnother poster sent me a code, thanks so much! I ordered. @shoppingcelle, that's exactly what I was going to try if I didn't have any luck finding a code. (Still hoping for a promo for a PA so it's more the price I want to pay!) sadly It didn't dawn on me how useful the coat could be (I was saying I need something warm and cozy for indoors in the winter, I am always cold!).
DeleteLately, I got: Sequin skirt in rose-gold, which is a definite keeper, Collette sued d'Orsay pumps (SO comfortable!), the collection velvet wrap dress, which I have not yet tried out but is sold out so I hope it works, and the fatigue boyfriend shirt, which I also have not yet tried on. I keep swearing off J.Crew but sometimes they still have what I need, so I take a chance. What's really weird is that my JC credit card limit just got bumped up. I didn't ask for that and the limit they gave me is way too high. I don't know what to expect next.
ReplyDeleteMore denim reviews and others..
ReplyDeleteLast week I picked up the NEW FALL 17 dark denim toothpicks, called the Classic WASH. I had also ordered the Classic RINSE from Summer 17 and the Quincy wash skinny skinny from Madewell.
I assumed I'd prefer the Madewell but I was wrong.
All the jeans look almost identical. The newer classic WASH runs slightly larger, I sized down to a 24. Both other pairs the 25 would be the right choice I think.
There is a subtle difference in the fabric content of the newer Classic WASH and although they have a lot of stretch, they look more like regular denim.
Kind of funny. I have the 24 in the Classic RINSE coming also and although I got it for a great price I might just stick with the one Classic WASH.
Also got the ribbed snap sleeve sweater and although reviews are not great I love it. Ordered black in my usual XS. Fit is perfect, a lighter weight cotton sweater. Reminds me of what we wore in the 90s.
Also got the crackle gold ballet flats in a 1/2 size up from my Gemma size and they're perfect.
Agree about the Ribbed Sweater with Snap Sleeves. I love it too. It's tts, soft and a perfect light/mid weight for Fall and Spring or layered for Winter. I got the navy/white and think it will be a versatile color for me.
DeleteItalian Cashmere side slit tunic - fit is tts and cashmere is a nice weight and feels soft. Cashmere seems to be comparable to Vince pieces I own, so I'm optimistic on the quality. I ordered the black and it will be a great basic; can be layered or worn alone. Will pair with leather, jeans and wool pants for fall/winter. I like that it can be dressed up or down. I don't typically buy multiples but also decided to order grey since I think this tunic will be a workhorse.
ReplyDeleteCollection pleated skirt in natural denim with leather trim. Fit is tts. The paper bag waist is flattering and leather piping is also on belt buckle. There are pleats in the back, but they don't add unnecessary volume. Nice midweight denim that will work well as a transition piece. Will be able to wear through winter due to milder climate. Have a few more orders en route so will share reviews once I receive.
Featherweight tie neck cashmere sweater This is an oldie from spring that popped back in multiple sizes during % off sale. Fit is tts and this lightweight cashmere works well in mild climates. Red in the tie is a nice accent; looks like red in Lena suede ankle wrap 👠.
Jackie cardigan in swimmer print - Sale popback and fit is tts. Pattern looks graphical and is fun; it pairs well with featherweight tie neck cashmere sweater.
Cashmere long sleeve t shirt in camel - This is an oldie from Holiday 2016; not sure where it's been hiding but was happy to see it popback in a medium. Csshmere is midweight and soft. Quality seems good but time will tell. It's a great basic and will pair well with wool double serge pencil skirt and cashmere open cardigan in same color. Also looks nice with tiger print silk pj pants and Collection wide leg plaid cashmere pants.
Thank you for the review of the Collection Pleated Natural Denim Skirt. I grabbed a pop-back in a size 2 I am normally size 0. So, hoping it fits.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteIs the Jackie cardi black? What color are the swimmers? Red and yellow? I thought this was adorable and was tempted to get the pop back even though I don't usually wear cardigans
Delete@Tiffany Happy to help. It's a lovely skirt, so hope it works for you.
Delete@Suz Has Background color is navy and the swimmers are white/ivory (hard to tell) with red and yellow swimwear. I'm a fan of J Crew's cardigans; they've worked well for me.
Tara, that's so weird. I had the cardi in my cart and swore it said black. I don't do navy! (One of my eccentricities.)
DeleteI have the Jackie swimmer print cardIgan too and it says it is black, and it looks black to me. Am I wrong?
DeleteIt does say black. Glad to hear it looks black too. Hoping to find a popback!
DeleteOops...it is black! Looked like a really dark navy until I looked at it in natural light.
DeleteOoh, curious about the cashmere tunic, Tara! Thx for the reviews!
ReplyDeleteHappy to help! I'm really happy with this one.
DeleteDitto. The cashmere tunic sounds dreamy. I also want to try the leather trimmed skirt at some point. I've been stalking it!
Delete@shoppingcelle I've seen popbacks online, but I found it by having a store do a company wide search. You might try that option too.
DeleteWas in store at Pentagon City DC just now, in store promo if you try on a pair of their new pants you get $20 off a purchase. Good deal. Tried on the new ruffle neck long sleeved blouse w buttons on back collar. Cute but wrinkly plus cheap synthetic fabric and threads already pulling, gave me Zara vibes. Sad.
ReplyDeleteThe boiled wool coat came and I ordered it in navy, and it fits true to size. Definitely a keeper. Love the styling, great early season wear and into spring. Would love to own it in red too but my size is sold out.
ReplyDeleteGot two more items from my big fall-try-on order. The tie-waist topcoat in double-serge wool in bright plum. It is lovely. The color is beautiful, maybe a little more purple-y than I expected, but beautiful, saturated, and flattering color. I loved the fit, which fit me in my usual size. This is not an oversized coat. It's tailored, but I definitely have room for a sweater underneath. My husband appreciated it--especially the color--but thought it looked "a little like a bathrobe." It was an unexpected comment, but I guess I can see his point, with the open front and gathered tie belt. But I have to disagree with him, though it might put some off. Thumbs up and can't wait for it to get a little colder! I am 5'4" and it hit me a few inches below the knee but above mid-calf.
ReplyDeleteWrap coat in boiled wool: I'm a sucker for this deep, mossy green color. And the construction is very nice. I think I would love it if there wasn't a notched collar. I think I want it to be less jacket and more cardigan looking? On the fence. Fits tts--the shoulders slouch bc the seam falls to the upper arm, but the the armholes are fitted. Really liked the fit on this because it was casual but not at all sloppy.
Still waiting for foundry pants to try.
@B Shells, thanks for the helpful reviews. These are two beautiful coats. Did you get them in regular or petite? I'm close to the same height, 5'3.5", and sometimes petite fits better (usually P2) and sometimes it's the regular size 0. Although, in coats, I occasionally size up to have room to layer.
DeleteI'm 5'4" and I wore a regular size 0 in the tie-waist coat. The boiled wool was an xs for me (tho xxs might work too, tho much more fitted). I never order petite in JC, though I might start in some longer dresses since I've lately been having a bit of trouble with the bust darts fitting and hitting me properly. No trouble with these two items, though.
DeleteI've always loved the look of the JC topcoats (I still regret not getting the Liberty print one a few years ago) but never pulled the trigger because I didn't trust them to keep me warm in NYC winters. I'm usually more cold than I am warm, and bundle up in giant scarves once the temp gets to 50.
ReplyDeleteAnyone try the Sadie Cross-Strap flats in Plaid? I'm curious about how they fit, thoughts on quality. I don't see any reviews yet on JCrew's site. TIA
ReplyDeleteI have them on the way so I will
DeleteLet you know.
Any reviews on the cashmere bodysuit with velvet bow that is $228 and not included in any promos??? I am interested but scared to pull the trigger. Thx
ReplyDeleteI got the bathrobe, aka the boiled wool wrap coat in black today.
ReplyDeleteI ordered Tall XS.
Fit: drop shoulders. Waist line is too high. I'm only 5'6" but the belt sits a bit high. I'd size up but the shoulders would be really droopy. It's not flattering.
Feel: feels like a heavy cardigan. Not a coat. Very comfortable.
Bottom line: I'd buy this at the right price, and $142 is not it. I love it for lounging around the house in cold weather. I'd probably wear it every single day. It feels great. At a lower price point and knowing how I would wear it, basically like a "house coat" I wouldn't care that it's not the most flattering on me, it would just be practical, like the layers of ugly fleece I wear when I'm cold.
Since it's going to be close to 90 today I tried it on over shorts and a tank. I'll try it on again over jeans. I was really hoping it would be a little longer.