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! :)
Pleasantly surprised by the more preppy spin on new arrivals. Definitely a few things I liked and can appreciate.
ReplyDeleteStill in no shop February but with rewards I checked but I'm still holding on.
What I wishlisted and/or liked: wide leg pants in silk (not new) and crepe
DeleteLinen cotton blazer with shawl collar (similar to Parke, might be called Parke)
Striped silk top and pants with twist or wrap front
Like the loafers and sneakers, though I tend not to wear them.
Some cute tshirts
Too bad the VIP 30% off code doesn't work on new arrivals, (not that I would buy, but I was checking!).
DeleteThere's a vip code?!
DeleteI will definitely buy the dark liberty silk sleeveless top when it goes on sale. That's what I've been asking for for years! It's not my favorite print, but these tops are so easy to throw on and look polished. Going strong on No Shop Feb. I made a shortlist of things I could actually use (blush cardigan, new toothpick jeans), and am having fun organizing my closet and making a huge give away bag! -lep33shops
Deleteupdate: it's cotton not silk :(
Delete@Lauren the sleeveless liberty top is the only item I put on my wishlist. I agree it is easy to throw a cardigan or blazer over and go. I am also still cleaning out the closet so don't feel the need to add more. Even if I did there is nothing else that got my attention.
DeleteVIP code doesn’t work on sale items either. No shop February has been pretty easy so far. Once the additional rewards card is valid starting tomorrow, I might have to break the fast and spend it before the 28th. Can’t pass up free money right?
DeleteHow did you get the VIP code?
DeleteHi SC - check your e-mail, I think it expires on February 28th of next year (just in case you need a reason to stay strong for NSF). ; )
DeleteI wish they'd roll everything out at once rather than stagger it like this. I like a lot more from this mini rollout than the one from a few weeks ago. I like the two new jumpsuits (although the black one looks a little short). I'm intrigued by the tie front houndstooth dress as well. But nothing I need to have now.
DeleteI also noticed this morning that a few shirts are going up to 2x/3x and XXL and noticed that more items are going up to size 18/20.
I had gotten a code but it was good only for this weekend. I also got another rewards card and that expires next year.
DeleteIs there another code out there? I can't keep track!
Oh good eye silver lining! I was thinking 2018. I like that even better that it is good til 2019! Rewards burn a hole through my pocket so it won’t last nearly that long
Delete@Suz - I like the cut of the linen blazer. Wish the salmon color was a baby pink...
DeleteIt looks like a red and white Oxford type blend.
DeleteSE MOM, THE VIP code was emailed but it's only for three days and then everyone will get the 30% off. It's like a sneak peek with a discount, I'm not rushing to use it.
Thanks for code info. I did get an email at 1:30 pm with the code and discount. Not sure why it takes so much longer for me to get emails from them (west coast).
DeleteLove the Factory Washed Black Denim Jacket. It’s a washed finish but not distressed, and will be add a nice texture as a third layer w all the black bottoms I wear that’s casual but not blue denim. I like the style - functional pockets and classic stitching (some of the recent offerings have skimped here and been a little cheap/plain looking). The best part is the fabric - cotton/spandex and not that icky poly/cotton/elastene blend Factory often uses for denim pieces. Fits well and looks expensive ... a keeper for me.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been interested in this jacket. Did it fit tts for you?
DeleteHi Sara, yes I would say definitely TTS.
DeleteI love the Belgian shoes. Good knock off. The mules are coming home with me for sure!
ReplyDeleteThey are very pretty and $148.00 on Nordstrom’s website
DeleteI agree. I love the two tone pointy loafers. Black would be classic, but I love the periwinkle and peach versions. The periwinkle might be hard to match and do I really need another pair of pink shoes with the peach version? I need to see the colors in person before I deside.
DeleteWhat has your experience been with price adjustments? The website says that they will give price adjustments on full price adjustments. Are items on sale eligible? Is it discretionary (depends on who you are speaking to)?
ReplyDeleteCan't hurt to ask! I find within a 7 day window they are pretty helpful. Not after that.
DeleteThat's within ship date.
DeleteToronto Modern, I ask for price adjustments for sale items all the time. In my experience, they are pretty generous about it but it does sometimes depend on who you speak with. I asked for one 10 days after the other day and they granted it (although I got the “one time only” speech). I usually send an email.
DeleteI've never had a price adjustment request denied (within 7 days) on a sale item. Good luck!
DeleteDoes anyone know the style number of the pink sweater blazer on the front page? Way to prominently advertise an item not for sale on the website, J. Crew.
ReplyDeleteFront page? Is there a new Style Guide?
Delete@maryeb - I thought the style guide/catalog was recently discontinued. I hope I’m wrong, but I’m sure someone posted that it was eliminated as a cost cutting measure.
DeleteFront page of the website. The SAs at my local store thought next style guide might be March, but maybe later.
DeleteThere is no styleguide right now and i havent heard of one coming.
DeleteThe blazer on the front page appears to be the French Girl jacket in 365 crepe (it has buttons)--item H6285
Delete. The pink sweater blazer on someone's IG is different and appears to be the traditional open merino blazer they have put out before but in pink.
It is j0244 :))
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yup, no product page that I can find.
DeleteHi Alyssa, I have not seen it yet but just ordered it Saturday from the Brookfield Place store.
DeleteWas told it comes in pink and powder blue
It must be coming in the next release since it is at the Brookfield Place concept store that gets the rollouts ahead of time. You can see it on the Instagram account of @kristymayn
DeleteThat's what made me want it!
DeleteI called to place an order this morning (I'm on a shopping ban, but rewards, so...). Anyway, the customer service rep told me the rollout is actually tomorrow and that only part of the rollout was today. She had no idea why and basically told me that customer service is told nothing about new product anymore. I find customer service to be helpful, but hit and miss on if they actually know what they're talking about, but I guess we'll find out tomorrow? Hopefully your blazer is released then...
DeleteThis is such a strange strategy and I agree with Anne above, I'd prefer they just roll everything out at once. If I went to any other retailer's website on new arrivals day and didn't see anything I liked, I'd just move on - not check back the next day to see if they put out 2-3 more items. JC seems to be doing all sorts of stuff to capture the occasional JC shopper, so why not just put everything out at the same time?
DeleteI like the bucket bag in saddle. I’d have to see IRL. Also like the piped pointy flats in black.
ReplyDeleteNew arrivals, not awful but is the perfect shirt a different fit now or just a new name? They are calling it the slim perfect shirt? I sure hope it's not a slimmer fit because I can't even wear the regular perfect shirt they do not fit over my chest.
ReplyDelete@RN - I have the same question. Those who have tried the new version: is it even smaller than previous perfect shirts? If so, I can’t imagine why. So many reviews already complained about tight shoulders and chests and needing to size up.
DeleteI found it tighter through the bust, about the same fit everywhere else. My regular size definitely didn't work, didn't try sizing up though.
Delete(My regular size in the perfect shirt, I should say, which is one size up from my regular shirt size already)
Delete@Alyssa - A lot of people do that, but I always buy the same size in all J.Crew shirts. The perfect shirts fit a little closer, but they're still fine. I'm guessing I might need to size up in the new ones. I guess I'll need to try both sizes in-store rather than order online.
DeleteAt first glance, the only pieces I'm interested in are the Liberty shell and skirt. I'm not paying FP if others are getting a VIP code, though - will just wait for sale. I wonder if some of these "Style Rewards" are a way to offset the price without using a code - and if they're experimenting to see which method entices people to buy.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I'd look closer if there were catalog images to go off of. In the past, I've often taken a second look at things that looked cute in the catalog that I missed the first time around.
Also, nice neckline on this $36.50 tee shirt. : |
My VIP code expired feb 11th...
Delete@silver_lining and Lauren, I purchased the liberty Floral top recently at 30% off and with a $25.00 rewards card and wore it. TTS. Beautiful colors only complaint I are that had wished it were in silk.
DeleteI'm confused. Madewell's new arrivals include JC's playa swimsuits. JC's sale section includes Madewell items. Different promos, shipping costs, return policies, ugh. Gives me a headache, but does help me stick to no-shop Feb.
ReplyDelete@cobalt - I replied earlier, but it appears that blogger ate my post. Anyway, I wouldn’t be surprised if the two companies announced a merger in the near future. They seem to be headed in that direction.
Deletequick question: are stores still doing 50% off sale? TIA!
ReplyDeletenothing off sale as of saturday
DeleteThanks!
DeleteI can see they're trying - but the new shoes are visibly lower quality; the fabrics are mixed (as at all other US brands). The styling is "same old". The web page layouts are sparse and the silent gaps speak louder than any copywriting can. The webpage today looks like Lands End, with only marginally better lighting. It is so archaic, staid, and unimaginative. Sadly, Maqsad.
ReplyDeleteAgree, maqsad - you said it very well. The 2018 rollouts have seemed rather joyless. Also, people that watch the brand have known for years that quality decreased while prices increased - now that the starting prices are noticeably lower, the lack of quality is even more apparent.
DeleteSilver_Lining - yes, that last thing you said. It's such a conundrum for them, it seems! Maybe they should do fewer trips to Japan and Italy for prints now, and make some forays into small european boutiques to understand their (more reasonable) pricing models, with better fabrics. Just do smth to recharge and rethink the whole concept, and retrain their staff (before retraining their customers). The current direction seems to be purposely setting fire to things.
DeleteComplete aside, but just the other day I did a store pickup and tried to open the mailer at the cash register to check on the contents. As usual, whenever the mailer has been sent from a store to me, I found that both the sticky strips had been stuck down, rendering its re-use feature completely useless. I explained this to the SA watching over me. She was dumbstruck. Literally no one has enlightened the staff about this. I can't understand. Don't their SAs shop online? Have they never seen reusable mailers before? And how much waste do they routinely engage in as a corporation, whilst ringing their hands over cost-cutting in production?
ugh, "wringing" not "ringing"! Sorry!
Delete@unknown I made the same complaint to my husband in regards to the resealable mailers. When I received my January sale items so many of the mailers were sealed incorrectly. It is not that hard to understand!!
DeleteAgree with you all about the resealable mailers. Clearly the company does not care about waste as is evident by the number of single items shipped separately to me. That cannot possibly be cost effective. In J Crew's defense, they are certainly not the only company doing this as Gap/BR also have sent me every single thing in my order in a separate mailer. I once received a single pair of undies in a big blue Gap mailer bag!
DeleteWishlisted:
ReplyDeletethe classic fit boy shirt
embroidered chambray top (happy there is a Tall option)
Tiger print silk twill blouse
disappointed the tie-sleeve top with pintucks is polyester.
disappointed so many jeans have distressing and cut hems, which deem them not work appropriate for me.
disappointed drapey wrap-back jumpsuit is not a full length leg.
I like the side tie sweater and cardigan a lot but have no need for them in my wardrobe. I'd like to own them though!
Cheri - I'd like to see that jumpsuit in person, I'm wondering if I could swing a tall version and possibly have it let down in the hem. It's so cute and I love that it has sleeves. Wishlisted for sure.
Delete@Cheritheberry - I didn't see a single thing that I want in the new releases. :( That may very well change when I see the items IRL though. I have a hard time accurately evaluating clothes from the pictures online.
DeleteAnne, that would be ideal but why can't they just make pants that are longer than cropped? Why why why?
DeleteJeanne, I would not pay full price nor promo, but I would enjoy them at discount. That being said, there is not one need, or anything that will upset me if missed.
I like the unstructured shawl collar blazer. I also like the new silk tiger shirt, but the colors are a bit old-fashioned. Would have liked a more jewel toned background color or just something brighter for spring (but at the same time, grateful it’s not bright orange/coral or neon yellow).
ReplyDeleteI hate the Playa swim so much. It insults me just to see it. Looks so tween (whose adult female body is fitting those cups? Half of my butt would be hanging out too).
Some of the new swim looks like lazy design. Literally slapping a bow on a strap or three. No new fabrics or designs.
I am giving up JC for Lent. It started as #NSF but at this rate I can definitely go until Easter.
I like the Liberty print tank and skirt (together is cute and I can see the separates being workable too). I liked the double sided earrings (silver and gold) until I saw them on the girl. Too large and in charge for my ears.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate them trying to show different body types in the swim, but it wasn’t as diverse as I would like to see. Agree with @eeps the Playa is so wrong. It’s clearly skewed to teens, but I can’t see teens buying their swim at J. Crew. More like Target...
Saw the IG account from Brookfield Place. Now with the underwear rollout, in addition to the random beauty items, the drab clothing colors and overrun of high-rise denim, the transformation of J.Crew into Madewell is complete.
ReplyDeleteExcept Madewell does it better, so I really don't see the point. JCrew is out here trying to copy other brands when they could just do what they do better. Madewell's success is not just in the style.
DeleteIf you feel like some bright colored clothes I would suggest checking Anthropologie. Very colorful and cheerful. Pants of all colors of the rainbow. Dresses too and even outwear: https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/polka-dot-peacoat?category=new-clothes&color=010 or https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/embellished-anorak?category=SEARCHRESULTS&color=031
Deletehttps://www.anthropologie.com/shop/ag-mya-denim-jacket2?category=SEARCHRESULTS&color=060
Oh and they're now selling the minimal boob coverage JC Playa line on the Madewell website. It looks like it belongs there anyway, not at JC. But it's all part of the Madewell-ification of JC.
ReplyDeleteTBF JCrew has always carried smaller cut bikini tops, they just used to call them "French". I have had them for almost a decade.
DeleteThe Unstructured shawl collar blazer in cotton-linen seems cool. I'm not sure about liberty print shirt. It's a slim fit that is suspiciously unbuttoned on the model. JCrew, did you mess up the fit?
ReplyDelete@Jessica - Good catch on the Liberty print shirt styling. Only a couple buttons are buttoned on both views, so I think you're correct that the shirt sizing is off. Too bad because I've always liked the Liberty print shirts.
DeleteI bought both new liberty print shirts (Sarah floral and swirling flowers). I went with my usual liberty shirt size. I just figured they were trying to be all fashiony with the model shots.
DeleteSorry... That should be swirling petals... But I think you know what I mean
Delete@Miss JR - That's good to hear. I'd hate for them to mess up the Liberty print shirts.
DeleteThe two-tone pointy toe loafers seem to be missing the description. Are they leather? Plastic? Is the discrepancy deliberate? It would be really sad if they have moved to plastic shoes.
ReplyDeleteMy no shop February isn't going as well as I'd hoped. I was looking forward to a tiny Amex bill, like previous years when I didn't shop for several months. My clothing returns have exceeded my few small purchases and I haven't bought any makeup, skincare, bath products, books, hobby items, electronics, etc. so that's good, but I did buy several pieces of furniture.
ReplyDeleteDid you buy storage pieces as you were hoping?
Delete@Suz Has - Yes, I ordered 4 three drawer reclaimed wood chests (industrial/rustic/hand made style) that can be used separately or bolted together side by side or stacked one on top of another to make tall chests. I received the first one today, but the others are still in transit. I like it. It’s very heavy, solid and roomy. I’ll definitely need help if I decide to stack them though.
DeleteOh! Sounds so nice! Where did you find them?
Delete30% off with code and free shipping came in at 4:30. New arrivals
ReplyDeleteWell my no spend February is now complete! Nothing at JC makes me excited or want to purchase anything. I havent bought anything from JC since August!
ReplyDeleteDo any JCAs have the lady jacket with sequin tweed (H2293 regular version, H2792 petite version)? I bought it as an exception to my less shop February because it was $80 Canadian. I'm wearing my most frequent jacket size 4P. There's a little less room under the arms than in some of the other jackets, but certainly wearable and I would not want to size up or down. None of the other reviews mention the braiding at the neckline, but I am finding it a little scratchy. I guess I could just wear it with collared shirts to deal with this. Wondering if I am just being very "princess and the pea-like" about the whole thing. Did any have a similar experience? On the plus side, unlike some of the lady jackets last year which had a deep "U" neckline which made the jacket challenging to pair with tops, the neckline on this jacket is higher and much more workable. I can't decide whether to return or keep.
ReplyDeleteAny personal experiences with this jacket? Thank you!
I may be wrong here but it sounds like you are compromising because you got a great deal. The caveats above make me think it won’t become a favorite. If I have to ask myself whether to keep or return, I automatically know the answer. Think of how you feel when you purchase something you love, are there any doubts or do things grow on youupon wear? Does this jacket make you feel that way?
DeleteHi, Anthro Blogger. Thanks. That is wise advise. The dilemma I am having is that I've been looking for a collarless jacket I can wear with collared shirts and this jacket seems to actually work for that unlike some of the past collarless jackets J Crew put out. But I know that from a cost per wear basis, it's hard to imagine getting a lot of wear out of a sequined jacket with statement sleeves! I'm going to think a bit more about this one.
DeleteHi ladies - I agree with Anthro Blogger. If you search "jcrew tweed jacket" on eBay/Poshmark, you'll find hundreds of options - lots from days when the cuts were simpler/no U-collar, and at prices less than what you paid for the sequin tweed jacket. It may be a bit of hunt, but you could end up with something that doesn't feel like a compromise.
DeleteHi, silver_lining. I am intrigued by the eBay/Poshmark possibilities. I was surprised that some of the people posting J Crew on eBay want more than what I have seen the item selling for on the J Crew website! I guess that many of these sellers are professional sellers who are not targeting dedicated bargain hunters like me :-) I will set up a search with price parameters and see what comes up. I have heard before about Poshmark but I have never looked at it until today. Wow. What a resource. I have a few more complications because of the Canadian shipping address but I will definitely delve into it. Thanks for the suggestions!
DeleteYou may notice that I am dodging the issue of the lady jacket with sequin tweed. If I am in doubt, I agree that should get it out of my life, but the hoarding impulse is hard to resist...
Oh no! I looked at the terms and conditions for Poshmark to see what they do for Canadians. It is only available in the US!
DeleteTM, you inspired me to pull this jacket out and wear it today. I bought it during the crazy sale in January for $36 but every time I go to wear it, it doesn't make the final cut for the day's outfit. The light blue thread in the jacket limits some of the styling options I think and the sleeves are a bold statement. I'm wearing it with a silk blouse today so I can't comment on the collar but touching it I can feel that it is a bit scratchy and would bother me if I didn't have anything under it.
DeleteI personally don't see myself wearing this a lot. I'm ok with what I paid but I probably could live without it - the bell sleeve is a lot and while I liked it when I originally tried it on, it feels a little much now. I'm wearing today with the silk ivory pindot ruffle tuxedo blouse from last year and charcoal grey Sloan pants and silver flats today (after changing out of a charcoal pencil skirt and pink heels).
If it's an affordable option to Canada, I would definitely check out eBay and I think you could find a more classic option.
Hi TM - there is definitely a variety of sellers on eBay. One of the best way to find things is to keep your wording as simple as possible. There are a lot of sellers out there who aren't aware of what they have, and that's where the bargains can be found. Also, just doing a Google image search for "jcrew tweed jacket womens" will give you a good idea of all the ones they've done through the years.
DeleteYou can also sort your search results by price which is helpful. The other tip I have when looking for a jacket is to look in results under "Coats & Jackets" AND "Suits & Blazers" - a lot of sellers classify them in both categories.
Good luck! It can be fun if you like to hunt for a bargain. Some of my favorite closet finds are old school 'Crew via eBay.
At first glance, I haven't added anything to my wishlist. I did just receive the perfect fit tee in deep Berry that I had preordered in Nov. so I'm not counting it as a Feb. purchase. :) I only looked at it quickly, the color is a deep purple/pink tone, when I ordered it there wasn't any color swatch.
ReplyDeletePost arrival, happy I caved to the pin dot pajama popback for $25. Having sized up, they are awesome and really cute- they actually make me smile. Holding out on other items like the chino ruffle jacket and new Liberty shirts.
ReplyDeleteThe trickling roll-out doesn't make sense to me. And I've seen so much poly I am really put off. For the longest time, I've in part been a loyal J.Crew shopper because it was easy. All the items would be stylish and quality and I wouldn't have to search the globe to make a great find. On the whole, I really only like shopping in moderation. I don't want to spend my time sourcing things. For some that's a joy, but I tire of it quickly. J.Crew has been making it harder and harder to shop. I have to thoroughly read reviews for more than sizing info. I have to carefully check product info for poly, viscose, acrylic and whatever (and hope it's accurate). I don't know how much longer it will be worth it to me. I know high-quality stuff is out there- and eventually I may be forced to hunt it down. I like J.Crew for reasons other than my own laziness, but I lament how it's become so much less exciting and so much more of a chore.
Should clarify, these particular new arrivals have a majority of natural fibers and I appreciate that.
Deletejust ordered the Going Out Blazer with my 30%, free ship, and 5% ebates.
ReplyDeletei got dove grey.
has anyone here tried this blazer? i did a google search and cant find any real life pics or reviews cept those on the site.
I have this in the black velvet and love it! It's been great over dresses, and in general super flattering, especially for "going out," just as the name implies, indeed! I've worn it a number of times since getting it and have been really pleased.
DeleteI have (hangs head in shame) the velvet and the vicose/nylon/elastane version. I've worn the velvet and love it. I haven't worn the other kind yet. I am thinking of returning the other one. I thought it would be more versatile, but so far every time I've tried both on, I've gone with the velvet one. In theory the other one should be more versatile - I'm hanging on to it for now since I think I would reach for it in warmer weather.
DeleteI've been looking for something cropped to work over my sheath dresses for a while. The Jackie cardigans are a bit too long over these dresses for me since I'm short. The featherweight cashmere sweaters seem a bit shorter and they are better but the going out blazer seems really good proportion-wise over dresses.
Is the US website 30% off right now? Nothing off right now in Canada.
DeleteOnly promo I’m seeing in the US is free shipping & free returns on swim. Was hoping for something for Valentines Day. ❤️
Deleteshopalot and toronto: i got emailed a one time use code that was only valid for yesterday.
DeleteI received my recent 30% off order and I am very happy with the items, nothing is going back. These are mostly the liberty items which I pounced on fearing they might stop this collaboration (hopefully not):
ReplyDelete- Liberty popover in swirling petals, perfect shirt in Sarah floral and sleeveless tank in symphony floral (all TTS). I did not notice any deterioration in quality, all lovely designs in smooth cotton fabric.
The grey merino ruffle sleeves with white piping was a surprise love although I did size up from my Tippi size. The fabric is not thin and the design is current but not overly trendy.
So far I am liking the move towards more classic and preppy designs but not happy with the “crepe” polyester bottoms.
It’s nice to see new arrivals but agree w all comments above on timing - just release them all at once. Parsing them out slowly is going to frustrate rather than excite ... dumb strategy.
ReplyDeleteI’m usually drawn to Liberty prints but for whatever reason, they look kind of blah and dated to me this time. None I have to have. The Bucket Bag looks interesting and I like the design and colors. Who remembers all the gorgeous full-size leather bags from years ago? I wanted every one.
I just don’t understand why J Crew doesn’t hit the archives and re-release some of their all-star prints. Wouldnt that be a fabulous way to delight longtime customers, create uniqueness in the fast fashion space, distract away from declining quality, and practically guarantee sales from assets that they already own and have proven
appeal?
I love the bucket bag, and totally remember when they introduced so many beautiful bags and shoes in lush leather designs. Yet another set of items I regret not purchasing!
DeleteI'm not totally sure how I would feel about prints being re released. I love many of those items but remember being really annoyed when they would be released just a year later in Factory designs, after having spent so much time and money tracking them down when they were "hot" - of course this was all part of their (then well thought out) balance between of the moment fashion and accessibility. Perhaps now a vintage element to the prints would be welcome. Maybe in new color ways as with the re release of the tiger shirt from fall. Of course, the awful quality of re released pieces now would be glaringly obvious next to the old ones!
I wish I would have ordered last night when ebates was at 10% cashback but oh well. I placed an order for the Pindot Jumpsuit with lapel in a size 16. It looks like its cropped at the ankles which I love and like it will be perfect for spring. I got it for such a steal with the sale and my reward card (love that those are on the site now) It's been a minute since I've placed an order so hopefully this won't dissapoint. I will update anyone who is interested when it arrives :)
ReplyDelete