Tuesday, March 31, 2020

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

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! :)

28 comments:

  1. Has anyone ACTUALLY managed to get free returns and how did you handle it? I have a big box of returns and none of the sizing worked aside from two small items. I have never returned by mail.

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    1. I was hoping to wait to do an in store return but it seems that won’t be too quick.

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    2. Hi Suz - I can't speak to the free returns, but I've returned a few things by mail this year and each time something has gotten screwed up. Either they don't process all of the items returned at the same time, or charge the $7.50 label fee more than once. One time they said they couldn't process one that was shipped back because their system showed that had I returned the item to a store (I have no stores, which was why I had to mail them back - that was a fun one to resolve). CS always resolved these issues eventually, but I had to watch them like a hawk, even though I used the Narvar return label generator on their website.

      On the bright side, they had been processing returns a lot faster in February (like, within a day or two after it being received at their warehouse) than they were around the holidays. I don't know if that's changed this month. All this to say, just keep a close eye on them - and if they make a mistake in processing, an even better argument to have them waive the return shipping fee. ;)

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    3. I’ve been using Instagram to DM and they seem to respond quickly, even if I sometimes have to explain things a bit. I arranged a USPS pickup and will include the packing slips and hope it processes smoothly.

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    4. I'm in the same boat. I have a big box of returns from 2 orders, and I haven't returned to JC by mail since the late 1990s. I'm wondering if I should wait until maybe 2 weeks before the return window closes (mid-May for me) to see if stores reopen before then. It seems the return by mail process is full of mistakes and delays, whereas it's so darn easy to return to store if you're lucky to have a store nearby still.

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    5. I'm with eeps on this. Though if it works out for @Suz I may try calling and going that route sooner. I have less to return, just a sweater and maybe the watermelon stripe sequin dress if it does not work out.

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    6. @pbanos, just received the sequin watermelon dress and it’s going back. The stitching is terrible!!! Lining shows at the sleeves and the neck. Color is pretty but I would call this a big defect. The dress isn’t worth it at any price. Also runs large in the bust. Very disappointed. If any of you have sizes that don’t fit or there are flaws you will get free shipping returns and a big apology. Mine go in a UPS neighborhood drop box.

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    7. I packaged up returns for three orders in one box and took to the UPS store - fingers crossed, but I didn't want to wait it out for several weeks. I printed separate Narvar return slips for each, and used the UPS label for the largest part of the return.

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    8. I've had several returns as prices have dropped and trying to get the right sizes, etc. I always return in store, but I've been calling and getting the shipping waived. They advised putting each return in separate bags, which is wasteful but gets better attention, and calling again if the return doesn't process within two weeks and they will initiate the return. By printing the return labels and forms, I feel like I have a good record of returns that I'm waiting to be processed.

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    9. Yes Debby, I saved all my slips and have emails. It’s really hard to tell Sizing, especially when there aren’t many reviews and size charts are not accurate.

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  2. Some new stuff added to sale. I’d like to try the pleated crepe shorts in black, has anyone tried them?

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  3. There should really be a *Recently Increased* category for Trending.

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    1. Oh no. What was raised in price.
      I’m tempted now to get the cashmere hoodie.

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    2. I have the cashmere hoodie - got it back when the pink was on sale. It's thicker cashmere than I've seen lately with J.crew which I appreciate! It has pilled a little (I've worn it quite a bit), but it's still one of my favorite recent purchases!

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    3. Lets see:
      sherpa jacket sent to stepdaughter was $49 now $93
      shirts sent to stepson were $19 now $34 and $43
      topcoat for husband was $129 now $332

      On top of that I purchased at 60% off sale, now 50% off sale.

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    4. Yes I think I will wait for the 60 off sale which I assume will be coming again at some point!

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  4. OT: how do you launder or clean your silk Drake's pieces?

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    1. Hello - I use the Laundress Delicates wash and will put silk items in mesh bags and run on the delicates cycle. I will handwash as well, but have found that the above steps have had no adverse issues for me. I have washed silk blouses, silk button ups, the drakes silk pajama top, and silk PJ bottoms this way. The Laundress products have been a great for me! Hope that helps!

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    2. I use Tocca delicates wash and handwash - mostly just dunking, swishing, squeezing - no agitation. Also I wash them inside out. Of all of my JC silks, only my Piamata x JC monkey pants are starting to lose their colors (not terrible, just not as vibrant) but it's been several years!

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    3. Thank you! I haven't worn my Drake's unicorn PJ top in a long time, but it isn't very... fresh. I don't want to experiment and ruin it!

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  5. I've ordered a few things lately with the stackable 20% on 40 or 50 off - the supercozy mockneck pullover in black, metallic pullover sweatshirt in grey ($6.79), and the shawl collar cardigan in grey. I've been successful about 3/5 days getting "dressed" and sweater jackets are my go to. I also have a return but might hold at this point.

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  6. I ordered the pink/brown lion print blouse and dress. Blouse was a true fit in my larger of two sizes (same as the last few silk blouse purchases and same as the blue lion print which I also have). Dress was cute but at least a size if not two sizes larger -- I had gotten a 12 (same as the blouse) and I think I probably would have fit an 8.

    Also ordered both one shoulder swimsuits with the laser cut eyelet -- both super cute and flattering.

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  7. no promos have been offered to Canadians recently. I'm not paying full price for clothes I won't wear for the next couple of months or maybe even until next year if the weather gets too warm.

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    1. Canada routinely left out of promos. good for my wallet..
      but it still is nasty on J Crews part.

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    2. Has it been a year since they offered a promo in Canada? I know it’s been a year since I ordered anything here. I snagged a few items on my two US trips last year, but haven’t shipped to Canada since ~March 2019.

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  8. Just realized I never reviewed my orders from March:
    High-rise pull-on Peyton wide-leg pant in lace - took my usual bottoms size. The wide leg did not look good on me - made my butt look even bigger due to the abundance of fabric. The length hit me at a funny place too - too short for regular length but too long for cropped. Returning.
    Relaxed jogger pant in Cloud fleece - omigod so soft and fluffy. I washed them and they were even softer. Took my usual bottoms size S. I'm short so the short length made sense on me. I can't wait to travel in these (or travel anywhere really).
    Sleeveless sheath dress in mini medallion print - took my usual JC dress size. The sheath neckline wasn't so high that it bothers me in the other sheath silhouettes. I love the purple print, it reminds me of 1950s scarves.
    Button-back shift dress in paisley print - also took my usual JC dress size. It is a little wrinkly out of the bag, been hanging it out in hopes they'll disappear. The armholes are not too tight or high; the chest is a little loose and the rest of the body is also loose, but it really does have that 1960s shift dress feel so I'm ok with the looser fit. Love the pink.
    Mockneck top in floral lace in blue - I have this in a 4 and got a 6 because the shoulders in the 4 were starting to feel a little tight. The 6 had the same shoulder fit issues even though the body was def too loose (started to look a little sloppy). Returning.
    Collection leather legging in burgundy - took my usual JC bottoms size (4). Had to wiggle to get my butt past the elastic waist. I felt like old Britney Spears in the Oops I Did it Again video. The burgundy did nothing for me, and at 5'1, the length was too long and looked like I was wearing leather leg warmers. The leather felt thick and supple, not very buttery soft. I did a few lunges to see if anything was too tight and luckily nothing ripped, but I didn't feel like I could wear these for a long time. I also tried them with a few options like boyfriend sweaters and white button downs, and really didnt like how the elastic waist looked and gave me a bubbly waist. I give up; I'm not a leather bottoms person. I prefer the burgundy faux-leather midi skirt.
    Cable-knit mockneck sweater - took my usual JC sweater size (small). It is MASSIVE. The neckhole was bordering too tight but the body was huge, made even wide by the shorter body. My back looked like a yellow expanse of cornfields (I got the warm amber).
    Long-sleeve scalloped blouse in mixed Liberty® prints - took my usual JC top size (small). I love the contrast material for the scalloping is also a Liberty print. Fit was TTS, it was super cute tucked in.
    Short-sleeve Michigan cherries T-shirt - took my usual JC tee size. The fabric was a little sheer. Didn't love it; I haven't had luck with JC tees in a long time. Which you'd think is easy to get right.
    Dreamy short-sleeve cropped pajama set - took one size big. So soft and comfy. Already washed once and wearing. Since I went up one size, I expected the bottoms to be really loose as they are in my French bulldog PJ set, but these were just loose enough to be comfy but still stayed on without tying the waist ties. Love love.
    Lodge moccasins in snowy Stewart tartan - took my usual shoe size. Was a popback, fit was great out of the box. So warm and toasty, mine don't have much of the plaid print - looks almost like white mocs with a few lines.

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    1. Thanks for the comprehensive reviews. I eyed those leggings as the price was great with the double discounts but passed since I have muscular+chunky legs. Sounds like a good choice, I'm not built for leather bottoms either.

      I ordered and returned the cotton cable sweater before the lockdown started. I tried to wear it one day, but took it off right away. I have been looking for a cotton cable sweater in black for ages. But agree the body size - for me the wide swing back - was too much. I also ordered my usual S.

      Today I received the watermelon stripe sequin dress. I'm not as down on it as @Lynn. Agree that the finishing at the neck line is lacking. On the dress I received, the neck and sleeve hems are piped and the lining does not show, but the sequins can't line up evenly on the neck curve, so some stick out a bit. I love the colors & the shine is fun. The modest cut is a plus with the wild fabric. This is a longer midi, so at 5'7" it's still lower than the fat part of my calf. Could be long on a petite. The larger top works great for me, as I am muscular and a size larger on top than in the hips. I actually wished the top was bigger, so I could size down and get a better fit in the waist and hips. It may run a bit short-waisted, since it's good on me with my short back. I thought the model photo looked short-waisted. The pattern is well matched across the sleeves/chest. I've got plenty of time to decide...not like I'll be going anyplace in a dress soon!

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    2. Thanks for all the reviews!
      Your description of the sweater and the leggings is very entertaining. It’s too bad about the sweater. It has so much potential but the cut is just off. The leggings are exactly what id be afraid of. That waist band doesn’t look like it would be that flattering. As tempting as the price is I know I need more structure, like a real waist band.
      Oh and the lace pants. Yes this is exactly what I would be concerned with as well. I wish they’d stop with the elastic waists.

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)