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! :)
Failing miserably because I'm finding popback of lots of things I wanted to try and no final sale. Today I ordered the Reeds black and white mockneck sweater. Reviews are on each end of the spectrum. I'm thinking it's a knot but not a typical sweater. I love the geometric pattern and ordered two sizes to try.
ReplyDeleteA knit, not a knot.
DeleteAlso, hoping for no shop February. At least my dry January has been successful.
I'm curious to see this one as well, I am drawn to it and appreciate that it's an unusual print and sweater. From what I recall, many of the reviewers weren't aware it's a thin knit, so perhaps *fingers crossed* that was the problem.
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DeleteI love the pattern on this top as well! I think the photos clearly show that it is NOT a thick sweater, but a lighter pullover. Black, white and red - easy to like the colors. ps...I ordered one too, as I liked it when it came out.
DeleteYup. My favorite colors. Basically the only colors I wear.
DeleteBook recommendation for those who are decluttering: Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White. I’m listening to the Hoopla audio version for the 2nd time, courtesy of my wonderful local library. The author is inspirational and very funny.
ReplyDeletesame re: failing esp with a full sale section. With no final sale I tried the cap-sleeve sheath dress in tweed in regular and a tall size to go with my blazer - was back and forth between the dress and skirt but as I've thought about it, I've been wearing more dresses and less pencil skirts so this will be a good suiting option. I need to be dressed in business formal at least a few days per month so I've been trying to mix it up a bit.
ReplyDeleteMy 2018 closet audit continues. I purchased two Fair Isle sweaters this season. The J Crew embellished fair isle, reg $120 that I got for 50% off, mostly nylon w some wool fiber content. The other, LL Bean, $79.95 minus 25% off so similar price, 100% lambswool, higher-quality knitted-in sleeves. Loved them both but you know where this is going ... the J Crew sweater looks worn, has pilled, and required major blocking to regain its shape after delicate hand washing in Laundress. Donation pile. The LL Bean sweater looks brand new after equal wear and hand washing.
ReplyDeleteI think that disposable, one-wear or even one-season garments waste everyone’s resources, especially when “donated” items after use are more likely to go in a landfill than be used again, no matter where they are donated. I have quite a few J Crew items in the donate pile that didn’t hold up after laundering or NWT that I didn’t wear. Hoping to be better about that going forward. And I will be buying more LL Bean sweaters.
LLBean got a lot of my money this past holiday season, not for women's but for for men's flannel. I bought men's pants from J. Crew Factory and Lands End this past year. This is the first try with Factory men's pants, we'll see how they hold up.
DeleteI am so glad I've restrained from buying any J. Crew sweaters this year, minus the cashmere collection cable turtleneck which I would buy a thousand times over. Not many want a pilled, donated sweater...
DeleteLL Bean has some lovely sweaters. To be honest, the cost stopped me from buying them, but for that I am thankful, because I do not have the need for more. Proves the point with me at least of what we always say here at JCA, we will pay more for quality - when needed. The rest is just a cheap thrill, which so many of us are trying to be mindful about.
Oh man, I'm so glad I didn't buy that embellished fair isle. I said I'd get it if it went low enough but now I'll just forget it.
DeleteI also ruined a few wool blend sweaters by washing on delicate. I've done that in the past in my old house but this machine is different.
My yes no sweater oddly enough has been worn several times but I always wear a shirt under it and haven't washed it. I like that the fit is sort of like a sweatshirt so it's easy to throw on casually, I'll make sure to only hand wash.
I did well on the sweater front this fall - I just looked back at my purchase history from the past few months and only bought the 100% cotton point sur pointelle sweater and the point sur alpaca blend crewneck. I haven't worn the pointelle sweater yet (bought the pink) as it reads more spring but I've worn the alpaca several times - it's fuzzy, sheds, and doesn't look great, but it's super cozy and I'm ok with the $ I spent on it. I feel good that I restrained from many purchases and have so far gotten a lot of wear out of my Tippi sweaters and cashmere tees this winter.
DeleteGood points, ruffles. Yes, JCAs, so many of my J.Crew sweaters were disappointments. I have resisted buying any the past two years except for the thin Merino type, like Tippi and the tie-back. I returned the Donegal cashmere, which was pretty it thin and didn't look good on me. The Merino pieces have a reasonable shelf:life for me. I'm happy with my older cashmere, and some other lambswool, except that, while it has softened, it has also slowly shrunk over time... I love the cashmere tees, and wish they were still available. They pill a bit, but not so much as to not be worth the upkeep.
DeleteWow, I can't believe how quickly the Fair Isle sweater deteriorated. I mean, you expect them to given the blends, but just not that fast. I returned every JC I ordered this year that was a blend, plus the everyday cashmere striped sweater despite the $40.xx price. Only two I've kept are 100% cotton sweaters, and even now I'm regretting keeping one because the cotton is much softer than I expected, in a bad way. I got a cotton fisherman sweater from LLBean in the fall and have reached for it many times and the cotton is so thick and sturdy.
DeleteMy wool rollneck sweater looks equally as bad after two wears.
Deletei bought a few things on Poshmark... one was too big and one i'm not quite sure of:
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew Misty Floral Dress (item 07484) Size 2 in excellent used condition (this one i'm iffy on keeping)
J.Crew Postage Stamp mini in navy tweed (Item 95565) Size 4. NWT.
Oooh, I like the Misty Fog dress...How much was it if you don't mind me asking?
DeleteI paid $35 plus shipping for the dress (on poshmark).
DeleteWell this is annoying. I ordered three candles from Madewell. They came in two sizes and the larger ones were really large and chunky, in cute reusable tins. The smaller ones are less than half the size. They charged me for the larger ones I wanted and sent the smaller ones. :( I guess J.crew isn't alone in sending wrong items.
ReplyDeleteReceived my $67.00 EBay purchase G2603 Collection Lady Jacket in English Tweed. It is gorgeous. The original tags were on it and extra buttons were attached. The colors are stunning. The fabric is substantial, but I was a little surprised that it is short. (I was so obsessed with the color I never paid any attention to the length) I am high waisted, tall and thin so the fit is perfect. I will wear it this evening and see if “heads turn.” I must say the company got this one right on all fronts. My wish is they will produce quality items once again going forward because most of what’s out there now is utter crap.
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear you love it IRL!
DeleteI love that style but the length is too boxy for me, I have the long version in black from a few years ago and was tempted to get the current years metallic version. It's the perfect neckline to wear with a silk scarf.
DeleteThank you to both of you. Yes, I will wear it with a scarf.
DeleteI had to look it up, and I agree, the colours are amazing! Combined with the texture of the tweed it’s a really beautiful piece.
DeleteItem G2603 for the jacket
ReplyDeleteVPS previews just arrived. Launch is the 22nd of this month
ReplyDeleteHere’s what I received. Yes there are photos but can’t post here.
ReplyDeleteWhat better time than February (while we're still deep into winter, but longing for spring) to switch up silhouettes, add some new trends to your wardrobe, and refresh your basics. Women's is all about proportion play - wide leg pants with statement sleeves, midi skirts with lower block heels and turtlenecks, or even the high-low of a dress with sneakers and a sporty jacket.
Just below is a sneak peek into our next rollout, which will launch online on Tuesday, January 22nd! If you have any questions about any of the pieces or would like to pre-order anything, I'm here to help!
Thank you for sharing a little preview. Hopefully wide leg pants are not cropped. I'm tired of cropped pants/jeans.
DeleteI got the same email from my VPS. The photos show one trench coat, one vertical striped dress (or possibly top/skirt hookup), a stack of anoraks? in different colors, a navy long sweater wrap type cardigan. Not very interesting, although I'm asking for more info on that vertical striped piece.
Delete@eeps, thanks for posting details. I was feeling lazy:) Agree the vertical striped piece is interesting and thought the photo of the couple is quite cute. Maybe a new Ratti print?? I love my Red Vespa, I toodle all over Monaco on it. Very practical.
DeleteI love, love, love hearing more midi skirts are on the way!!
DeleteThanks for the update. Unfortunately, none of those things look well on me. Wide legs, midi skirts, turtlenecks, even sneakers lol!
DeleteOh well. Hope there's at least a pretty, imaginative print thrown in.
Same here, none of that is super flattering on me. I want fitted clothes with a neckline that shows collarbones to balance chest.
DeleteI’m not enthused about more cropped pants as I have enough already, but I’m happy to hear about more block heels (I bought the Penny Suede sandals in 2 colors and would *love* to score the tortoise pair if they make it to sale). I’m also interested in the dress with sneakers look as it’s some I started experimenting with at the end of the summer and am planning to wear again this spring/summer. However, I already have a formidable sneaker collection and some great dresses from BR, so J.Crew will have to work hard to get any $$$ from me in those departments.
Delete@Sarah +1 for a pretty, imaginative print! That’s one sure way for J.Crew to get me to loosen up my purse strings. I have too many sweaters, but I just had to have them the Golden Floral Tippi anyway this season.
Delete@shopgrrrl that one is pretty indeed!
DeletePrint-wise I went with Abigail Borg (long sleeve tee) and the jungle cat top & bottoms.
Maybe some pretty pencil skirts that come in a petite length. Lately none of the patterned ones I like come in petite which is weird, especially since pencil skirts lose proportion if you shorten. As a basic staple in their offerings, plus a work item, I don't understand why no petite. I'm still annoyed about the gingham pencil from last year, I really wanted it.
Delete@Natalya, Unfortunately for some I believe cropped pants are here for awhile. I happen to be long legged so they’re not a problem fit wise. I’m tired of them though.I would still prefer full length or ankle length.
ReplyDeleteI was exhausted after returning from Paris and being delayed in Philly. My sweet son picked up my in store orders. Here are my thoughts.
ReplyDelete1. Collection ruffle skirt in striped shirting fabric - This skirt was shown at NYFW and it was a lucky pop back. I really like this skirt & fit is tts. I have the plaid taffeta version and know I will wear this one too. The fabric is cotton, so it's lighter & "quieter" than the taffeta. Happy to find this one. Keep.
2. Collection double cashmere wrap coat - Really like the fabric and the idea of a wrap coat. This fit big on me in my usual size & my son said it made me look 30 pounds heavier because it fit so wide. Return.
3. Stewart Plaid Tippi - Fit is tts; merino wool feels nice & I really like the style & colors. It is a little thin in that I could see a bit of my black bra. Keep.
4. Jackie wool sweater (gold buttons in navy) & Jackie cotton cardigan in fresh peony - Both were pop backs. Fit is tts. Keep.
5. Classic Tartan plaid flannel pjs - Love. Fit is tts & they were $9. Wearing tonight.
6. Collection silk nightfall fressia blouse - Lucky popback from 2015. Tags attached and new. Was a little worried after the experience of others with old pop backs. Fit is tts. Planning to pair with silk joggers for an easy look. Keep.
7. Parke green wool blazer - Took my usual blazer size. Fabric is nice & really like the color. The pink detail under the collar is a fun detail I really like. Keep.
I received my final sale order from the big surprise popback update last week. My big unicorn was the red Andover peacoat. I missed out on the coat in red in my size and stalked it ever since. Every time an Andover peacoat popped back in my size I ordered it thinking it was just enough to have the coat and any color would do. After getting and returning the coat in purple, gray and olive, I realized I was not going to be happy with anything but the red that I originally wanted. So I gave up thinking I would never be that lucky to get the coat in the color I wanted AND my size. So imagine my surprise when the stars aligned and one popped up last week. I immediately ordered it and when order status seemed stuck on placed for nearly a week, I assumed it was an error and I was going to get a cancellation email. Yesterday the order went from placed to shipped and today it actually arrived, and I can’t believe I have a red Andover peacoat in my size in my closet now! I had almost given up on checking for popbacks and this goes to show that unfortunately, it does pay to stalk those stupid sales updates! Luckily I don’t have anything else I wanted as much as this coat, so I don’t have to be so diligent with checking anymore.
ReplyDeleteFun for you @eeps! Perfect on a gloomy day.
Delete:D
DeleteThat's awesome! I can't believe you were able to get it a full season later! I had to stalk really (underline really) hard to get the navy Andover on super sale last year and I am so pleased with it. Enjoy!
Delete@eeps, good for you it’s a great coat. I love the Red!! Red is so on trend too. It will certainly brighten up gloomy winter days where you are. Purchased the navy one last year cheap $36.00.
Delete@shopgrrrl, I wore this last night to dinner with a pair of white ankle length jeans, a Hermès scarf and guess what, a pair of Kiki ballet flats in Bistro Blue. The jacket captured a lot of compliments here on Palm Beach Island. One female asked if this was a new unreleased Chanel jacket or sample. Too funny! At first I thought she was joking but no it was for real! A little overboard to say the least. Another love, the Jcrew Rowing Blazers Ltd Edition 1984 rugby shirt “With a fine disregard for the rules”. This too, always generates a lot of compliments and comments. I get a lot of wear out of this one and it is so well made and has held up very well.
ReplyDeleteSounds perfect, Lynn.
DeleteI’m glad the jacket was a hit!
DeleteCross posting from Weds vent thread since these are reviews.
ReplyDeleteSurprises today, my packages came earlier than anticipated.
Everlane. I got the bronze day boots and the chunky knit merino turtleneck.
I ordered the turtleneck in size XS since it ran big and I'm between XS/S. The fit is slouchy enough. I love it. I tried it on wit the Blythe silk blouse under it and remembered one of the reasons I got the silk blouse was for layering under sweaters like this.
I ordered the boots in 8.5 my usual size. The length is a tiny bit long but they're narrow. The leather is very soft and they'll break in. Almost like a cross between a sock boot and a leather bootie. They look good with skinny jeans. The bronze color is very subtle. For me they're good going out shoes when I don't want to wear heels. I think the choose what you pay price for both of these items is fair. I'll wear the sweater to death. The boots less.
Also got the j.Crew Sadie boots in redwood suede. I sized up to 9 and the fit is perfect. They match my Parke Topcoat from last winter perfectly which is what I hoped. They're an earthy brick red, a little darker than terra-cotta. I will wear them with black and maybe dark gray. These also probably won't get tons of wear but I love that they match the coat.
A few of my Jan 1st orders arrived today. Commenting on the earlier thread related to off-season shopping - if I buy off season it's usually winter items for some reason (coats, boots, etc) likely because my summer season is so short. That being said, we are headed to the Caribbean in a few weeks so I did take a risk with a few final sale summer dresses that ended up working out.
ReplyDeleteRuffle eyelet dress in black g4621 - this is from summer 2017. reviews were very good and said it ran a bit generous so I bought the 6 - was a little hesitant with the straighter skirt and ruffle hem and the fit is perfect. it's 100% cotton, lined and hits me mid calf. I'll wear with heeled sandals or the ivory/black striped espadrilles.
Midi slip dress in navy j1681 - also had really good reviews, went with an 8 due to the straight shape of it which was a good call. It's a slim fit but really cute and can definitely be dressed up or worn more casual. I'm carrying a few holiday pounds so hoping it looks even better once I've shed those but even being curvy this dress is really cute and for $20 it was a great deal. It is poly though so a little hesitant of how it'll be in the heat.
Silk poppy button down k1835. Have had my eye on this and love the poppy print so decided to go for it with the sale. Went with an 8 because I like my button downs to be a little looser and that was a good call. The silk is on the thinner side but still nice - you can definitely see through it though so I will layer with my Commando whisper tank which is the savior for all things lightweight/semi see through.
Lastly, the Daphne topcoat in Glen plaid. This was a snap decision with the 60 off and some gift cards. I am a 6 in most coats - my cocoons are a 4 and went with a 6 in this which was perfect. I have room for a heavy sweater underneath and can button it across my chest. It's a blend which I'm ok with and I think it'll be a nice spring/fall coat. Lining is navy/pink and there's a light pink stripe in the plaid. I've been wearing more and more neutrals on the weekends and this will be a nice statement piece. It's lighter than the oversized topcoat in tweed (which I also really like - sized down to a 4 in that - dropped shoulders don't bother me). I wasn't sure I'd add any coats to my collection this year but am happy with two printed coats.
Earlier this week I got the snakeskin elsies with pave strap that were a popback and I love them. The Elsie is one of my favorite J.Crew fits - I find the heel reasonable and I'm able to go all day in them.
Very happy with my recent purchases - no purchases today with the 60, I should quit while I'm ahead (although I know sale updates are usually Thursday so will be curious how the sale looks tomorrow...#icantquit
I’ve been eyeing that midi slip dress but was worried it would be see through and/or look like an undergarment. Is it OK to wear on its own without looking like you left the house in your under-roos? Was thinking it could be great for the gross humid NYC summer months.
Deleteeeps, it is not see through at all - it's lined to the knees or so and then the section below the knees is unlined but that part is not see through either. the straps are adjustable too. I'm 5'8" and it hit's me pretty much at mid calf.
DeleteThat's good to know! I had it in my cart this morning and then it sold out. I'll watch for the popback.
Delete