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! :)
Thoughts on the new launch of Universal Standard and the designs?
ReplyDeleteStill some of the fabricthey chose is poly.
I don’t know how I feel about the designs...I guess I’d have to see it IRL, but it doesn’t feel like JCrew to me. 😕
I don't really like it. It looks like they're trying to be Everlane or something and it doesn't work.
DeleteI thought the same thing, Miss JR. That drop-waist dress is NOT a universally flattering silhouette. Plus, who is paying $100 for a cotton cardigan or a $50 jersey tee at JC in 2018?
DeleteThey've been falling into a hole and grabbing at branches on the way down and this is another example of that. After all this talk about being "more affordable" they're going to introduce another line of overpriced synthetic imports?
I rather like the skirt with the white racing stripe!
DeleteThe poplin top is cute, but those long ties would be impossible for me. They would work for someone who never ate, went to the bathroom , washed their hands, or actually never did anything at all involving hands. I'm sure I would dip them in my soup, light them on fire at the stove, or catch them in a greasy car hinge almost immediately.
It looks dowdy to me - dropped waists, “layering dress” - it’s not tailored fits, its lazy tailoring by not even trying to understand how a larger woman’s waist might look vs a smaller woman. No matter your size, no woman wants to look sloppy. None of the collection even looks fashionable.
DeleteThey’re better off spending $ on better bigger fit models and making XXXL versions of their regular line.
While I think it’s great that they’re trying to suit diff body types I can’t say I like any of the items. It doesn’t feel very Jcrew to me.
DeleteI was wearing my madras shorts from last summer (which I love) and was thinking that imo summer items like madras and fun or beautiful prints should be a staple at Jcrew. They want to turn things around but fail to offer what made them Jcrew in the first place. When they released the regatta midi it sold out quickly at full price, I know it reminded me of the old Jcrew. I happened to wear it to a b&m in south Florida on vacation and the SA said so many people have requested it and have made the comment about offering such items that people want - the fact that it sold out at full price shows that.
I love that J Crew is expanding its size options to be more inclusive. Before losing a bunch of weight, I was sized out of J Crew and felt like the odd girl out of the cool girls club. But I agree that these designs just don’t fit the aesthetic. When I look at what I’ve pinned on Pinterest of J acres looks it includes amazing prints in pencil skirts, oxford striped and khaki pairings, bright colors, and incredible shoes. Expand sizes in traditional J crew styles and you’ll have double the customers (and profits).
DeleteI don't like the new offerings at all, my first thought was 'goodbye, jcrew.' I completely agree the aesthetic looks dowdy and un-jcrew, and just like a lazy approach to styles for different body types. like, 'if we make things shapeless, they'll fit everyone!' I don't think it will sell.
DeleteWhile I'm all for a wider size selection, the collection is unimpressive. Being a size 18 doesn't mean you want to wear a sack. Expanding J.Crew's regular product offering to include a wider range of sizes makes a lot more sense to me. I feel like they are just throwing things at a wall to see what sticks at this point and it makes me sad.
DeleteJ crew is having an identity crisis. I agree more inclusive sizing is a good thing, but these designs are bad. And on the other spectrum are a few pages of teen underwear?
DeleteThe only thing I like are some of the floral prints on the swimwear. Why can't they make a silk tank top in these prints, or a pencil skirt?
The roll out was a big yawn IMO
I sincerely hope that this is not the rebrand that we have been promised. What women wants to wear a shapeless sack? I love the addition of extended sizes, but these clothes are horrendous. Especially dress J8444. Yuck.
DeleteI am glad they are expanding their offerings but I don't feel like they are flattering, especially as compared to Loft or Old Navy. I have been noticing the reduction in petite offerings so maybe this fits more into their demographic? I think they still can't decide what they are and keep randomly launching the best idea at the staff meeting without a cohesive plan.
DeleteI also have to say I am wowed by American Eagle's latest Aerie rollout, they have the most diverse models I have ever seen when it comes to body type/size. It's nice to have an idea of how things will look on someone with real breasts and a fuller figure.
DeleteUniversal Standard is it's own design house. They do have their own aesthetic ( https://www.universalstandard.com/ ) and the best return policy for Plus Sized clothes. But, what I want out of J-Crew is an understanding of the needs of bodies like mine in the same structured, tailored, clothes as the straight (sub 14 clothes).
Deleteinclusive size range: good. styling: bad. I have to be at the very outer edge of j crew's market age wise, and even I find the clothes in this collection frumpy. Go back to basics, J Crew.
Delete@Miss JR - exactly what I was thinking
DeletePosted these reviews yesterday, with some addl comments. :
ReplyDeleteMy reviews from sale orders:
White denim (slim boyfriend): I ordered my size and a size up in regular and tall lengths. My regular size is perfect. A little slouchy but not too much. I’m sure they’ll give a little.
Edit: These jeans seem to fit different on everyone. Some are saying to size down and some are saying they run tight. For me my regular size is a slim boyfriend fit.
high rise denim shortnin Brixton wash: not totally sure. They look good but maybe a little young. I had to size down in these. Edit: I like the fit. They do feel a touch short/young but I'm super critical of myself.
Parke blazer in seersucker. I’m usually a 2 or 4 but liked the slightly looser 4. I’ll probably wear this with my usual slouchy jeans and sandals.
edit: I didn't like this with the white jeans which I thought would work. I'll have to play around with it, the length is a little awkward on me, but it's nicely done and was a great price.
Everyday tote in stars: the red is much darker than it appears but I love all these totes so I bought multiples and can use them even to hold holiday gifts for my girls.
Double strap suede slide with pearls: I took the smaller of my two sizes and the fit is perfect but I feel like They’re dressier than I need with jeans and I don’t like how they look with shorts or short skirts. I have the snakeskin ones from last year so I knew this but figured I’d give them a shot. Returned. Might consider on super sale.
Leopard Cora sandals. I like these much more than the white ones. My larger size fits perfectly.
Point sur seaside pant in linen, loden green. I’ve really been into this color lately and wasn’t sure if this or the gray would be better but I do like this color better with black. These are perfect with a little tank and I’ll probably wear them like pajama pants. They looked cute with the leopard Coras. They'll get a lot of wear!
Some pics on IG @wearthislikethis
I also have some reviews of sale items, which may well pop up again:
ReplyDeleteI was sucked in by positive reviews on the Floral pull-on short. The description says these have a 4" inseam, but in reality it is just over 3". With the very wide leg I run the risk of exposing my cheeks. So back they go. The print is sweet, and if they had the extra inch I would have kept them. As is they would only work as pyjamas.
Speaking of pyjamas, I received the Pajama set in dots as a replacement for gingham pyjamas that were shipped with a top only. I haven't slept in these yet, but they are adorable and very well made. The waistband is lined with red ribbon (cute touch). I think you could wear the top as a fun shirt. The fabric is fairly dense, making these a modest choice.
Ashbury white jeans. I saw these again as a pop back this am. I wear a size 4 pant, and ordered these in a 27. They are a great fit, slightly snug on my thighs (as are most jeans and pants, the fault being my thighs!) and a perfect length for me with 2" heels - I am 5'7".
Today I am wearing the Utility pocket shirt in denim. Love this shirt, it fits very roomy but drapes well. You could size down, but I liked the cool loose fit. Plus it just barely covers my backside, which makes it a good option for work with tighter pants. I noticed the price was raised, but I thought the price I paid (under $10!) was crazy low.
First, the begin of a tragicomic epic:
ReplyDeleteI don’t have the strength to try to make this rhyme.
free verse will have to do.
tracked down and ordered a pair of white jeans
(they looked great on Tara)
package arrived
wrinkled shirt inside
not even my size
returned
ooh look today the white jeans are back
demented optimist
ordered them again
without even blushing
from the last promo’s cull, I ordered and returned the Love First tee in 2 colors, returned both because the fabric felt cheap; returned the windowpane silk dress because of really poor pattern matching at seams; returned leather/canvas tote because it failed the heavy-while-empty test. Kept the cashmere sweater with tie-neck. Kept the enormous “re-usable” canvas tote, which I have found useful already. I used it to tote an armful of returns to the store.
Awaiting the next Blue Light Special with interest.
Nice work wellfedfred.
Delete😂
DeleteI received the ruched bandeau one piece yesterday and it’s going back. Sizing up was the wrong choice but the design is a miss too - no support for the chest and the ruching looks too busy in the gingham design.
ReplyDeleteAlso received the leopard sandals and it’s absolute love. Perfect fit and so comfortable. Can’t wait to pair them with navy and khaki!
As someone who is currently at a 18 due to a difficult year of emotional eating - I have been THRILLED with the sizing up to 20 lately. Its given me more options and I still look like the Jcrew girl - just a bit bigger. I'm currently wearing my parke blazer size 18 in linen, jcrew sleavless top TXXL, NYDJ jeans size 18, and some killer boden leapord heels. Don't forget my Jcrew bling necklace.
ReplyDeleteBUT the universal rollout today is insulting. Women of a larger size want the same cloths as everyone else. The new offerings assume that we want shapeless sacks and will pay premium for a Jcrew tag. It looks like a mix of Old Navy and Lane Bryant but 3x the price. And as someone who sometimes likes Lane Bryant - this might be too kind to say that this new offering is in that realm. Its all waaaay to basic, no shape, and nothing that is "work wear". Just a bunch of "I'm hiding my stomach in shame and don't want to buy anything nice in case my kid drops his noodles on me."
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteCan you tell me about the fit of JCrew's extended sizing? For comparison's sake, I'm anywhere between a 16-20 +/- depending on vanity sizing, cut, and type (at Jcrew, knitwear for me is X-L and always has, Old Navy 16, Uniqlo 2X/36).
DeleteAs far as the collab with Universal Standard -- I love Universal Standard in general and always wanted to get styled when I go to NYC. So, seeing the collab ( https://www.popsugar.com/fashion/photo-gallery/45024476/image/45024532/Universal-Standard-x-JCrew-Cupro-Shirred-Midi-Skirt ) filled me with excitement. Until I saw the above gallery. With the exception of the v-neck linen and the tie-sleeve blouses, it's all a-bit off the mark.
I would look at the Universal Standard website - I like items there more than what is currently on J.Crew - def more fitted pieces available. And they also make petite sizes. I emailed them about the size range and received a reply that they are expanding on both ends. I hope that J.Crew will add more styles.
Delete
ReplyDeleteI bought leopard merino tippi, 7-inch chino shorts in honey brown, golden starts t-shirt and liberty melody dress and glad to report that I love all of it. I was not sure I can pull out the dress, it's too flowery for me but it turned out to be pretty nice. Pairing the dress with chambray shirt made it look very casual. The dress is made in such a way that I can go braless - bodice provides some support and that's enough for my not very droopy 30DD :) All items are true to size and seem to be well made.
I have the 7 inch chino shorts in white and navy and really like them too. The legs are roomy enough for my large thighs while the rest fits properly in my size 4.
DeleteI'm also size 4 but heavier on the top, with skinny thighs and scrawny ankles and those shorts look work for me too :) Don't wrinkle much either.
DeleteMost of my orders have been returns lately - the slim boyfriend jeans didn't not quite work for my figure - too large in the waist and too tight in the thigh. I'll stick with my white ankle length toothpicks. I did get the white button fly shorts and jeans and both are keepers - my usual size 29 in both. I of course proceeded to get kabob marinade on my shorts on the 4th of July but oxy clean to the rescue.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember if I posted this but tried the fuchsia tweed dress and was so disappointed in how thin it was. I'm usually a 6 in dresses but an 8 on bottom and this was a smidge too tight in the rear as well. I also returned the oversized denim jacket - my regular size small was the right size but I'm not sure I'll get enough wear out of it and I am also not sure I am trendy enough for it!
I did get the ruched high waist bikini bottoms and I looove them. I got a black pair to wear with some tops I already own and they're so cute. I've found high waist bottoms to read frumpy sometimes but these are really cute. I picked them up for a good price with the recent promos so glad to add them to my swim collection.
I did order some tees yesterday with the factory flash sale - trying the vintage tees and the s/s boatneck tees for some basics.
I know we've all said it lately but I'm really missing the staples and fun items at J.Crew. I used to be able to pop online if I needed an outfit/item for "x" event and find something no problem. Now I have trouble finding anything. Very sad.
This is what I started to notice too Anne. I had my daughters baptism last year and my sisters wedding - I found an outfit for the first event but not the latter which as a decades long “crewer” I found to be shocking.
DeleteI started thinking the other day if I could sum up the multitude of issues the brand is facing, it would be with the word “consistency.” They are inconsistent now in all aspects of the brand from clothing offerings, to pricing and sales, to shipping, to customer service, to sizing and the list goes on. It used to be my tried and true store but now feels more like a gamble when I order online or go in store.
universal standards..will/looks like an epic fail. just do what you were good at....
ReplyDeletenew promo...stayed the same. evreyone must be on summer hoildays.
the prices are higher in sale section ...what is JCrew doing? it looks like they want to fail.
Pull on linen skirt in stripe - meh. I’d have to size up to get the slouchy look the model has and by then the waist would be way too big. Very much a pencil skirt in the petite sizing, where I was hoping it was more straight. The regular size would be too long but probably fit in the other ways how I was hoping. This will be a return for me.
ReplyDeleteThose that follow @kristymayn on IG should pop over and look at the concept store new goodies. Looks like a prefall line with summer colors. Love the floral bow pants and the jeweled tweed flats.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the FYI!
DeleteJust looked. I love the print on that dress.
DeleteThese are so much more in line with J. Crew, I'm actually quite surprised and excited for the next rollout. Thanks for the heads up
DeleteVery encouraging! PRETTY PRINTS, FINALLY!!!!
DeleteI walked by Brookfield tonight en route to see a movie and did a double take of the windows. So many pretty prints and florals! Skirts! I didn’t go in but I’ll be in next week for an order pickup.
DeleteLoving the print on the dress and on both skirts. Fingers crossed it's all silk. Not impressed with shoes.
ReplyDeleteThose skirts are on the site already - and made of silk!
DeleteMmm the print.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone been able to try the sleeveless denim dress?
ReplyDeleteIt runs bog,size down for sure
DeleteThat is so helpful! I am a madwoman looking for a popback and reviews said it ran large. None have come through my store :(
DeleteForgot to say i was talking about the shirtdress,not the mini dress
DeleteThank you for clarifying.
DeleteThe Abigail Borg pieces are beautiful! Depending on the quality of silk, I might need the top and slip skirt in prairie dusk. The white tee scattered with whimsical sketches has a touch of the old school Crew.
ReplyDeleteThe Abigail Borg prints were what stopped in my tracks last night as I walked by the windows at Brookfield. They are so pretty and appear to be a jacquard/silk material. The skirt in particular was very eye catching.
DeleteOh dear, then I need both prints...in both the top and slip skirt!
DeleteSome reviews of items that I took on vacation a couple of weeks ago... I haven’t been impressed lately but I did realize that I still managed to find some items I really enjoy and I def packed lots of my older Jcrew which I long for.
ReplyDeleteStriped ruffle maxi dress- i finally managed to find one, I ordered my usual smaller sz 0 and it fit well although the bust was a bit big on me (I’m small chested). I love that it has pockets, the ruffle on the back adds a nice touch and the buttons on the shoulder straps are useful for adjusting. The colours look vibrant and it felt great wearing it. I’m 5’7” so was happy with the longer length.
Plunge bikini top in symphony floral - I love the print on this one and the cut of the top is flattering. My usual sz small fit perfectly. I wore it with a navy bottom because I couldn’t find the matching bottom on popback (although the bikini bottoms are usually too cheeky for my liking anyhow).
Wrap swim skirt- luckily I ordered both xs/s and m/l because the m/l worked well. I’m usually small in bottoms but the xs/s was so short and small it looked ridiculous. The m/l had a bit of length for covering up and worked great for walking to the washroom or to get a drink or such at the resort pool instead of throwing a coverup over my wet swimsuit.
Canvas tote in palm print - love this tote, it worked well for the beach and pool. Very cute and a great price. Better to buy in store because the part of the print that you’ll get varies on the bag.
Received more sale orders today; most orders were popbacks.
ReplyDeleteLinen button back dress - Ordered tall medium in navy. I have this dress in red in classic size & I'm a fan of this one too. Length will allow me to wear to work. This is a very nice summer dress & I love linen. So happy with this purchase.
Sean Hornbeak Indigo Patch Denim - TTS in 29. This is a fun twist on white denim with colored patches. Definitely a keeper.
White boyfriend denim - Ordered a size up because that's what was available. Fit is a little big, but not enough to size down. I like them, but not enough to keep. I'll get more wear out of the Sean Hornbeak denim I've bought over the last two weeks.
10% Cashmere tee in navy - I own black/white stripe version & sized up in this one too. Love the true deep navy color. A nice basic that will layer well.
Navy wrap around sandals - I sized up one. Navy sandals are hard to find, and I wanted these to work, but I don't like the quality of the leather even for $40. So, I'm returning. I have a couple of nice pairs of navy sandals, so I'll wear those instead.
Pink/white stripe linen shorts - Ordered my usual medium; the fit is relaxed & they're very flattering. Tie waist works well & the linen is a nice weight for warmer temps.
Linen tanks - Ordered mint, black, and mustard on popback. They're being given away at less than $7. Fit is tts. So, if you can find them, I highly recommend.
Aloha Straw Bag - Pay attention to the dimensions. I did not. This bag is HUGE. Too big for any of my needs, and I love a big bag. Will return.
I ordered the flutter hem eyelet dress today in white (both reg/tall). Has anyone tried this? Reviews are good and while white dress season is short in my area, I don't have a casual one in my closet.
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew, I am trying hard to give you love!
Does anyone have a review or comments about the long-sleeve belted knit dress? Material says it's poly, but many of the reviews on JCrew.com suggest it's much cuter IRL than on the model.
ReplyDeleteI have the belted knit dress. It is poly. It has a generous fit, I can be a S or M (6/8) in dresses depending on fit. This was huge on me in a M and I found the length to be a little awkward below the knee in the regular length (I'm 5'8"). I reordered in a petite small which brought the arms to more bracelet length and right above the knee on me. The belt is super long so I just tied it (not sure how you would get it to look belted like the stock photo because it is so long). I think I paid $30 when they were doing the crazy 50% several weeks ago and I was good with that price. That being said, I did also pick up the navy shirt dress that rolls at the sleeve and I think I prefer that dress just due to style and length. The former is a little more structured and I do like the V-neck of it - I probably didn't NEED both but I have been wearing both off and on. I have not seen the red or olive versions in person. HTH.
DeleteThanks for responding! I found it weird that the dress was labeled "knit" but is poly. I probably don't need another polyester dress in my life....
DeleteHi Anne, Kate (beltway_brunette on IG) just posted this dress the other day. It looks really cute on her! Let us know what you think!
ReplyDeletethanks, Lauren! I follow her and will check it out and will report back!
Delete