Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Product Review: The Harlow Blouse

Solid Harlow blouse
Click here for product page
Item 97955
Regular: $88.00

A big "thank you!" to Kater who guest blogged about J.Crew's Harlow Blouse. The following is her review:
I received the Harlow blouse in fresh guava a few days ago, and I love it! The first thing I should mention though, is that the color is much more saturated than it appears online. It is much more deep and peachy in person. I personally like this as I am planning to use the blouse as a “pop” of color under neutral sweaters or suits, but the online color is a little bit misleading.

The fit could not be better! I sized down (although this has become a theme with me and J. Crew lately), and although the description on the web defines the fit as “blousy” I didn’t think it was overly loose. The sleeves, though, are looser on the forearm than they look on the model. The blouse nips in at the waist, which I think will look great with a pair of pants or a pencil skirt, and the buttons that go all the way down the back or stunning! When I ordered this, I got two sizes because my store does not carry it, and although I ultimately went with the smaller one, I didn’t notice a huge difference between the sizes. So any aficionadas out there waiting on a sale for this one, don’t despair if your size runs out! Depending on your typical fit in J. Crew clothes, you can probably go up or down a size without a problem!

The last thing about this blouse is the material – so pretty! As the website says, the fabric is silk crepe de chine, and it is light, flowy, and slightly sheer but also has a sheen at the same time. I put a cami on under the fresh guava color and would probably really have to do that if I had gotten the ivory. I think you could probably do without the cami though with the right under garment with the guava, and especially the honey glaze. Overall, this blouse, especially with the pleats down the front, reminds me of a more structured and fitted Joelle that is very feminine and flattering!
"Thanks!" again to Kater for her wonderful review. Molly also reviewed this same blouse, which you can read here. :)

What do you think of the Harlow Blouse? Do you love it or would you leave it? Do you already own this blouse? If so, please let us know what you think. :)

41 comments:

  1. thanks, kater & molly, for the great review! i think the blouse looks gorgeous on the model (pg 14 of the catalog), but alas the carrot/freshguava probably doesn't work on many other people. do you think the color is different IRL than printed in the catalog?

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  2. Very good review. The Harlow blouse is definitely not for me, but I can appreciate its beauty through reviews like these!

    Speaking of reviews, I recently received the khaki Tuesday Trench, which has garnered split opinions among aficionadas. I really like it. The cut is cute, and TTS to slightly big. I wear a 2 in suiting jackets, and anywhere from a 2-4 in outerwear, and I got this one in a 2. It fit great throughout the shoulders (but I tend to be a bit broad shouldered), but I could stand it being slightly smaller in the midsection. But it's not enough to make it look bad.

    I actually think this is a well made jacket with great details. Contrary to what other people have said, this jacket is, indeed, fully lined. The lining in the body of the jacket is the same color as the outside material, which might have led people to believe that only the sleeves were lined. Some have said that this jacket is too flimsy, but I disagree. Perhaps it is because I live in a very warm weather climate (Dallas), but I think it is perfect and exactly what I expected it to be. It's a lightweight jacket for slightly brisk days, and definitely not something I would just wear "for fashion" purposes indoors. At 20-40% off of the current selling price, I think it is a very good buy. Just my 2 cents!

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  3. Ashley: I think I would be sold on the khaki Tuesday trench if the front didn't have flaps. I feel like it calls attention to my middle and I'd rather minimize that. :) What are your thoughts on it?

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  4. This is a leave it for me. I am just not into these long sleeve older looking blouses...and I am 39! I don't care for the color choices either. I did like the Joelle and have one in the deep bluish purple. That blouse is more my style b/c of the sleeve detail.

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  5. THE DOUBLE SERGE TUESDAY IS ON SALE!!!!

    I think final sale for $199.99 from $275!!! EEEEEEEEE

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  6. I meant the double serge tuesday trench wool coat... i can't believe it's already on final sale...

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  7. konosur, when did that coat first come out? That does seem fast!

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  8. Anon@4.52am: I think probably for Fall, so probably like August? I don't understand this final sale concept. It's weird, but it's on final sale, I didn't find it on the main OUTERWEAR page but if you do a search for it it shows up.

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  9. Yes, I didn't find it on the final sale outwear section OR the main outerwear page either. Had to do the general search...it is such a cute coat. I like both colors....Which one might you get? That is a good find on your part. Really weird things going on with the website???

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  10. Thanks for the review on the Harlow blouse, ladies - especially the note on the colors. I was looking at the July catalog last night, trying to decide if I should order the Frankie bag, and which color. The page that features the Guava bag in full looks really peachy - but on the following page, the model is carrying it, and it looks more pink than anything else - and the background colors are extremely similar! So confusing! I folded the first page bag to compare them and they definitely look like different shades. Of course, the bag is on Final Sale!

    BTW, Private Sale is on (20% off $175 or more, in stores and online - now through Friday, code PRIVATESALE).

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  11. i ordered this blouse too but haven't gotten it yet. i tend to like the orange/ peach colors so hopefully it works. i'm hoping it fits too, i am usually a 0 and the joelle 0 was too big. thanks so much for the review!

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  12. Great Reviews, thanks guys.

    These types of blouses that are popover and not more fitted tend to not work on me so I probably wont even look twice. But I am thrilled it works for you guys!

    WHOA that was fast for the Tuesday. I had been thinking about buying it in November. Maybe its time to head to the store and try it on. Sadly I have no time for that until saturday. But whoa that is bizarre. This came out in August--- it was only FP for a month!

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  13. Thanks for the review! :)I personally love this blouse and plan to get it with my next order...probably in the Ivory or Honey Glaze.

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  14. Ashley: Congrats on the Tuesday Trench!!! :) I got the Tuesday Trench too and I love it too! I decided to get it after the reviews and also found that it is fully lined. I wonder why the website wouldn't mention that. :)

    The Konusur: Congrats on the Double Serge Tuesday Trench Coat!!! I would love to hear your review once you get it too. :)

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  15. ashley and Alexis: do your Tuesday's have the orange piping on the inside seams? I swear, mine does not seem to be lined (I even held it up to the light, ha!) but maybe it's just too early. Have not had my coffee yet!

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  16. Silver_Lining: Yes, there is orange piping on the inside seams that show (when you open the jacket) on my jacket too. :) I thought because of this, J.Crew didn't mention that the body of the jacket was lined. However, the body is lined with a cotton fabric as the tag reads "70% cotton, 30% Nylon, Body Lining 100% Cotton, Sleeve Lining 100% Acetate". I just thought it was weird that the website would mention the sleeves being lined but not the body. :)

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  17. just checked the final sale- there is a bunch of recent fall stuff there now! and the PRIVATESALE 20% off coupon works even if you don't buy any full price stuff. i got a few featherweight merino sweaters and a tunic.

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  18. Ah, thanks for clarifying, Alexis - I see it now! That is so WEIRD that they would only note that "sleeves were lined", especially for the original price!

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  19. I purchased the Harlow blouse in both honey glaze and ivory. They are going back today. I bought 0s based on the fit of the Marcella and they are huge on me! I have a very small ribcage and waist, and they are so voluminous around my torso that they look awful. Also, I did not like the fact that the sleeves were so loose around my forearms as mentioned in the review. Too many loose points on this shirt just made it look sloppy on me instead of blousy. It was made beautifully, however.

    I ordered the Tuesday trench and the Greta both in 4s and both in persimmon a couple of weeks ago. The Greta was perfect, but the Tuesday was a little big. I definitely recommend sizing down. I just repurchased a navy in a 2 with the the private sale code this morning. What a buy! Also, while I liked the color of the Greta (it is a rich coral) the Tuesday was more of a traffic cone orange and not redish as it appears online. It would still look good with jeans and brown or khaki, but it was a little to bright for my taste. (And this is someone who has an adores the Bright Alpine Gramercy from last year, so I like brights).

    I also purchase a couple of the cableknit cashmere crews which are marked down to $130. I went with smalls on those after getting measurement from CS, because I always have to size up for any sweater they describe as "shunken." I hope they fit because I really like them.

    I am annoyed because so many things are on final sale after the first markdown. Is this normal?

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  20. Yes, what did happen to just a regular sale? Have the August items gone directly from full price to final sale? That's ridiculous. I wish in the next interview someone would ask Mickey Drexler why his company has this "final sale" concept when so few other stores do it (I can't even think of any, actually. Nordstrom, Talbots, BR ... you can always return). Grrr!

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  21. it seems that web site update time is early now...

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  22. I see the Collection metallic jacquard mini (item no. 93448) is marked down from $125 to $29.99. How come nothing I want is ever marked down that drastically? :-)

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  23. La Belle Helene: Maybe cause nothing you want is ever that gaudy? That skirt seems pretty ugly to me

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  24. But Blumre, it's Collection!!! :-) Lol, you're right, I suspect its gaudiness has something to do with a $95 price drop ....

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  25. But La Belle Helene: Remember people collect trains, porcelain dolls, wedding cake toppers, and other totally bizarre things... just cause its a collection doesn't mean its attractive! LOL

    -When someone says, "Well, I collect such and such." I normally shy away because unless its a Channel Bag Collection then its probably not worth looking at

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  26. The Harlow is not my style (I remember when blouses like that were around the first time) but I am glad to hear that it has more structure than the Joelle.

    I got the short-sleeved Joelle in purple because I loved the color, but it was a sack! The pleats did not provide any shape or hang. I ordered my usual size and had to have it taken in four inches in the body. Since I paid $19.99 I wasn't that upset about it, but I would have been furious if I'd paid $98.

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  27. Silver_Lining: I agree with you about it being weird that J.Crew would only mention the sleeves being lined. That line is what prevented me from buying it a lot earlier (and at a more expensive price point). :)

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  28. I got the harlow in the guava with the 20% off and I sent it back.

    The fit was fine, but the color was so neon bright (and I have other neon bright flame colors) it doesn't really look good on me. I also got the kayla blouse in guava because that blouse is cotton instead of silk the color is a little more subtle. But it's still too peachy.

    Probably works for very pale skin, but with my suntan it just competes a little too much.

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  29. I am returning the Harlow blouse in guava. It definitely is more peachy with too much yellow untdertone. The color looks almost harsh on me - I was hoping for much softer color. I like the material and the cut and may be reordering it in honey glaze. I wish there were more color choices. Also, I didn't size down becuase I have broader shoulders. I ordered my usual size and was happy with the fit.

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  30. I absolutely dont care for this blouse. i think it very unflattering even on size 0 model. And I hate the sleeves too. Not to mention the cut in general. Dont even have intentions to try it on - thats how much I dislike it.

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  31. Thanks for the shoutout Alexis!

    I'm going to post a review of the Annette in cotton lawn later today.

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  32. blumre: I can't remember if you ever got the florentine-print cafe capris, or maybe tried them and they didn't work? But they're back in the sale section in a size 4, and I just wanted to make sure you knew!

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  33. thanks kater, I actually decided they weren't worth it for 69.99 if they ever drop for more than that I will. I need them in a size two though. Oh well. And I am on a Jcrew fast for a while... I dont need any more clothing!

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  34. OT:
    Kater: I believe it was you who mentioned a double strand green/blue flower necklace. Did you buy it? I haven't seen it in any of the stores in my area.

    Also, I mentioned in one of the older posts that I bought the cashemere butterfield jacket in gray and liked it to the point I was considering buying another one in orange when it goes on sale. I just checked on it and it is sold out in my size (Small). Did anyone see it in the store? I was thinking maybe in NY? I don't want to do "we'll find it for you" - I'd rather order it myself. Thanks!

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  35. Sky: I've been lusting after the Butterfield in Orange but haven't ordered it yet. Now thinking I will because of the 20 percent off. Was excited to see that someone actually has it. Do you love it? Did it run true to size? I'm panicked that some sizes are showing sold out.

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  36. ladolcevita: I also didn't expect the butterfield jacket to sell so quickly. I personally love it. It is very soft but holds its shape nicely. I like the shorter length, the little pockets, and the wide ribbon trim. It has this clasic shape I hope to enjoy for many years. The buttons are light and don't pull down, with the exception of the back belt. The two buttons there add a bit of weight and slightly pull on the sides of the sweater. I might remove them alltogether because I don't think they will be comfortable to lean on. The jacket came in a gift box with the garmet bag and a pouch of scented moth balls - I liked that little touch. Also, I thought I made a mistake ordering the small one, which is my normal size, because it looked so tiny when I took it out of the box. However, it fits great. I definitely recommend it - especially now with the 20% off coupon. Another thing to consider - it is not on final sale and you could always return it if you don't like it.

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  37. sky: thanks for the encouragement.... in the meantime my box arrived with my greta coat and andrea jacket and I love both...so trying decide whether I should order the butterfield or stay put until I see the Oct rollout....in the meantime made the mistake of visiting the b and m today on my lunch hour - two minutes from my office :) and have the pencil skirt on hold in black and mustard, several tops, a sweater, two belts, the pumpkin wool pants (thank you ffm) ...well...you get the picture...that I have to purchase by tomorrow for the extra 20%.....oh what to do!!!!! But seriously, may return the greta in sea salt because not sure I can keep it clean!

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  38. oh, and I forgot to mention that after reading this darn blog I had to order the harlow just because.....

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  39. Love the blouse . . . got it in honey glaze but have to exchange it b/c it arrived with weird splotchy stains!! The fit is definitely boxy -- which I love, being strong-shouldered and boyishly built. Makes me more "lady" than I am constructed to be. Definitely runs big, so my normal 0 is definitely on the "blousy" side, but I dig it.

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