Tuesday, August 3, 2010

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Cass (in this post) who suggested a "weekly 'Did you try on/receive any JC items this week?' post where we could all "deposit" our reviews for various items". I think it is a brilliant idea. Hopefully this will help out our fellow 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! :)

54 comments:

  1. I mentioned this in an earlier comment but in case anyone is interested: tried the glen plaid wool minnie. it seems to run larger and not quite as tight as the regular wool minnies. The fabric is a little thin but I had CS do a search for my size as the store didn't have it and they found it. Hoping it really does fit when it arrives and I like it.

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  2. Received the tailored denim skirt and it is fantastic! What I like best is that it zips in the back so no big bunchy zipper on the tummy. The pleats in front are very slight (lay flat almost). It'll be perfect for casual work. I am a standard 8 (though short) and ordered an 8P. Fit beautifully. I think the regular 8 would've been too big.

    Also got the ink blossom skirt (in 8). Fit nicely except at waist, which was rather loose. Doesn't look good with anything tucked in b/c makes my waist look too wide. I think I'll keep though and wear with shirt out or cardi. I'm at a real loss though as to what to mix with this other than crispy white boyfriend type. I need something besides white or gray to put up to and the purple or pink would just be too much! Ideas?

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  3. I bought the new cord skirt. Love it! Way better fit than last year's version, which I ended up returning. Fits TTS - I'm a size 4 and the size 4 fit perfectly.

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  4. the black caswell jacket is beautiful, elegant and stylish. got it with 30% off plus there were petite sizes. great deal. feel very good about this purchase. took a gamble on a final sale item and it paid off.

    the super 120s elan pants are very nice but i'm not sure about the fit. fabric is beautiful. i'm short and the rise in the front is a bit long i think - the pants don't sit up; a belt if needed. luckily, these are not final sale so i can still decide.

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  5. So I posted this earlier today but I realized it was in the July 20 review thread, so no one will probably see it. Thus, here it is again.

    Camden Two-Tone Brogues - First, let me remark that I did some preliminary work to check up on the authenticity of these since they were on Ebay. Something like five other buyers had bought brogues from my seller previously, and they'd all left good feedback, with one even specifically remarking on authenticity. I then sent out messages to all of them, to which one replied and further affirmed the quality of the product.

    So I got these in today, and they do indeed appear to be genuine by all counts. I mentioned here before that the seller listed that they had a line through the logo to prevent store returns. That seems to be a reassuring sign of authentic origins. The leather is also surprisingly soft and supple. There are also just nice additional details that seem fitting of J. Crew. The (wooden?) sole is beveled where it meets the bottom of the shoe so the sole slants diagonally (in cross-section) through the several millimeters of its width. Also the insole is leather as well, not synthetic.

    They're a little bit narrower looking in person than they seemed in pictures, at least toward the tip. Or maybe this is because I've gotten used to seeing them from the front, foreshortened. In any case, I looked at the picture in the July catalog again and it does look like the two-toned one visually appears narrower at the tip due to the two color blocks and the black. The narrowness looks slightly odd because I feel as a shoe, it should look wider and flatter. Instead it has somewhat of a tubular look; I keep thinking of various tubular vegetables for some reason. Chili peppers? Carrots? Or maybe some sort of pointy dance shoe. It could also be that my feet are kind of narrow - I sized up from a 5/5.5 to a 6 in these because 6 was the smallest size offered.

    Other than that, I'm quite happy with them. I tried them on with a few outfits, inspired by the catalogs, and they look great. One thing though, since the insole is leather they'll squeak if you wear them barefoot. So slipper socks may be a good idea. Yeah my main issue is that they look slightly tubular and narrow, but that should be less of a problem with the solid colors. I may start a blog and put up pictures later.

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  6. Rebecca, The tailored denim skirt is great. That has been my favorite item of my summer purchases.

    I purchased the wool serge skirts in the wisteria and the dark grey color and am a bit underwhelmed. I really loved my '08 and '09 versions, but I do not think these are as well made. They fit me a little wider in the waist and the back waistband does not lie flat. Also, since the waistband is not stiched together at the bottom, I found the grossgrain portion and lining on the grey one especially tended to inch upward out of the top of the skirt. For $118 each, I am not that impressed.

    I also purchased the Jenna cardigan in the dark carbon in my most recent order and I am going to order the black also. I sized up on this and really love it. I plan on wearing it with the heart print Frances cami and my plum perfect skirt from last fall. I have really sensitive skin and did not find them to be itchy at all.

    I also finally broke down and bought the tulip manic liberty shirt and adore it. It is more vivid than it appeared on line and is made very well.

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  7. I tried out the burnout baseball tee, item 29452. It was far too thin and would definately need a cami. It was also REALLY big. If you decide to try this one on sale, size down AT LEAST one size. I will not be searching for this one on sale. I was not the least bit impressed. It feels good, but the need for a cami, and the crazy price, takes away the attraction for me.

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  8. This isn't actually a review, but my PS told me yesterday that the "Friendship Bracelets" were selling like crazy. The Prince Street store (Soho) only has one left and the South Hampton store has 4 of the vintage style left.

    Also, I got the Crinkled Chiffon Tunic in neon pink on the last promo. While the neon pink is an absolutely stunning color the overall drape of the tunic disappoints. The size 0 was boxy on me and made me look heavy in the midsection. The cap sleeves, on the other hand, made my arms look super skinny. Also, the V-neckline is rather deep, but I was afraid to layer anything under the top for fear of adding on more bulk. Since this was FS I will have to find a way to make it work. If anyone has this top suggestions would be appreciated. :)

    I also ordered the Metallic Beach Cardi and it is fabulous. Fits TTS although you could size up one size and still get an excellent fit. One of those toss and go type sweaters. Looks great with jeans or dressier pants. Highly recommend!

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  9. I was in the US this past weekend and hit a B&M store as well as a Crewlet. My observations…
    1. Pilar Paisley Cami – I’m very new to this style top, some look great to me and others…way too much ruffle. The Pilar is lovely; the colours are so pretty and the ruffles are interesting but not too ginormous, so this will work nicely under a cardi or blazer in fall/winter as well as on its own for spring/summer. This one came home with me :)

    2. Donegal Tweed Schoolboy Blazer – this is such a nice jacket! My usual size 4 fit perfectly and I was happy to see that the arms and armholes seemed slightly more generous in this style (I’ve found them unusually tight in other similar blazers) so that it was even more comfortable. The gray is pretty, but unfortunately I don’t need more gray. If they came out with a chestnut or plum in this jacket I’d snap it up.

    3. Waverly Chino – These were only ok for me. I took my usual size 4 and the fit was good. They are definitely much slimmer cut than the JC chinos of old, but I’m not sure I’m crazy about them. I think I’ve gotten used to my boyfriend chinos that are slouchier (the way I like them) and the Waverlys just seemed too…I don’t know, boring? I may try them again when I’m in the US again, but they were a pass for me this time.

    4. Cashmere Crewneck Cardigan – I keep telling myself, no more cashmere cardis! But I fell in love with the Heather Cobblestone colour and it followed me home. It’s the loveliest brown/gray, I know I will wear it with everything and hopefully the pilling won’t be too bad! They didn’t have all the colours in stock, so I’m still curious as to the true colour of the Autumn Pumpkin. I hope it’s not too overly bright because I really want this one!

    5. Rimini Sweater – I don’t really understand this one, to be honest. It looks weird to me, and unless it’s done up I can’t see it working very well, at least on me. I’m sure some of you JCAs will rock it and I’ll be dying to own it come November when they’re sold out :) but for now it’s a pass.

    6. Double Serge Pencil Skirt – I bought this one in dark charcoal as kind of a reflex since I wear JC pencil skirts to death. I have the Ochre from 2008 and by comparison I find this year’s version to be a smoother, softer wool (not quite as structured or as textured as 2008), and as the description points out the waist band is narrower. I took my usual size, but I measured it against the 2008 style and the new one is about an inch longer (too long for me), so off to the tailor I go. Although now I’m wondering if maybe I’d prefer the black. Hmmm…

    7. Zip-side Sweatshirt – I was excited about this one, but it did nothing for me when I put it on. I tried the darker gray, it’s a nice material and I like the idea of it. It fit ok, but I simply wasn’t feeling it and figured I could spend $65 better on something else.

    8. At the Crewlet, I was DELIGHTED to find a Monterey Stripe linen skirt on the sale rack in my size! I have been kicking myself all season for not buying it last year, so to scoop it up for about $21 made my summer! I’ve already worn it twice.

    9. My receipt calls it the “Sylvia” skirt, but it’s identical to last year’s Shirred Wool skirt right down to the side zip and front pockets. It’s a very nice wool blend and it comes in charcoal, black and a dark denim (I bought the charcoal). I think it was around $60.

    I was disappointed that my store didn’t have the corduroy pencil skirts in stock yet, that one’s still on my wish list! HTH someone…

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  10. I just wanted to thank all of the JCAs for writing reviews and posting pics...it has really made shopping a lot easier because I can cross some things off my list right away (and add others, ha!). This is truly an invaluable resource.

    I got an "email from Jenna" with a sneak peek at the mongolian stole ($98). Um...yeah. My cats would probably attack it!

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  11. Another perspective on the Caswell--I had previously ordered it and returned it. It's completely unlined and just didn't lie on me in a flattering way. I have a larger chest so it probably works better on small busted ladies.

    Some reviews on the new jersey dresses:

    Sunrise dress: I actually liked this one, found the style to be flattering. Above the knee but not too short. However, I am normally between a L/XL in JC dresses and found the XL to be too small. Like a full size too small. So I had to return it. (For reference, I am still wearing my size L JC jersey dresses from last year and they fit great).

    Sunset dress: Just didn't like the style on me. Too short and made my chest look wide.

    Ruffled jersey dress: Just not good on. Too short, not flattering around the hips.

    Sad, but all were returned.

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  12. Name: Tissue Ruched V-neck tee (item 29682)
    Price: $39.50
    Size: X-Small
    Fit: TTS (Fits very close to the body, if you would like a baggier fit size up once to match J.Crew styling)
    Pros: Ruching at chest added detailing to elevate it from a normal tee.
    Cons: Very light, boardering on sheer; color selection is a bit pale and boring.

    Name: Bettina Cami (item 28505)
    Price: $79.50
    Size: 2
    Fit: TTS
    Pros: Easy to pair piece that could get some mileage at work.
    Cons: The bottom hem is snug despite the rest of the garment. I would have to tailor the item for this to be comfortably wearable. The item also needs a good steam.

    Name: Donegal Tweed Schoolboy Blazer (item 29073)
    Price: $198.00
    Size: 4
    Fit: TTS to large*
    *I'm saying tts to large because normally I have to size up to accommodate my broader shoulders but I was able to wear my normal size.
    Pros: Great structured jacket that I can use to dress up jeans during fall. I typically don't like blazers due to my small chest but this blazer fit nicely and looked feminine. The construction and materials were also high quality.
    Cons: n/a

    Name: Double Serge Pencil Skirt (item 28360)
    Price: $118.00
    Size: 6
    Fit: TTS to large
    Pros: Versatile, simple pencil great for the office during the colder months.
    Cons: Extremely long and the waist is a big compared to the hips.

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  13. Socialscientist, If you ever want to sell your size 5 shoes, email me!

    continentaldesign AT earthlink DOT net

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  14. Caryn Dress. I know a few reviewers found it big and sloppy on the top but this was not a case for me. I am bigger on the top (34D) than the bottom (size 4) and the fit was quite nice. I took my regular dress size (6) so definitely size down if you are below C cup. Sometimes I have to size up to 8 to accommodate the girls, but not here. The scoop neck was not too low on me and there are bra straps built in, which is a a bonus. The fabric is very nice and smooth, although it did arrive quite wrinkled. The skirt portion fits very well. It is a nice a-line and I love the pocket shape and placement. The length is just above the knee on me (5'7"). Now, for a dusty cedar color. It is an unusual shade and I am just not sure if I like it on me. It looks different than on the website. It is hard to describe. I would say dusty light cocoa with pink and purple undertones. I will probably return and maybe buy later on in different color when it goes on sale.

    Banquette dress in Seaport Blue. I really like this one. It fits me perfectly in size 6, so you can see my measurements above for a reference. It is a tad longer than Caryn hitting me almost at the knee. The neckline is rather low, but I don't have to wear a cami as it does not seem to gap. So I think it is a little higher that last year but not significantly. I think that in general probably looks better if you bigger than A/B cup but it is perfect on DaniBP so you have to try it. I would say that if you are usually not comfortable with low v neck it may not work for you. The blue shade is divine, deep blue but not too garish, with some dark green undertones.

    Caden Cork wedges in bronzed avocado. They look very nice and stylish, the color is perfect, and the shape very current. Wear them with an older dress and they will make it modern. However they are not very comfortable which should not be a surprise with JC shoes but I keep on trying, lol. First of all, they are very heavy for cork shoes, I felt like I had a brick tied to the soles. And the heel is not held securely (straps too long?), so the heavy sole pulls as you walk emphasizing the clunkiness. Oh, and I am betwen 8 and 8.5 and sized up to 9 and it was a good move. They size was perfect.

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  15. Went to a B&M and had a ton of fun:

    Marled Knit Thandie Blazer: Gorgeous, and fits like a dream. The fabric is perfect for fall as outter wear with a scarf, and in winter as an office jacket. What I loved about this jacket was that it instantly updates EVERY outfit, and adds some edge. The color is a deep, deep gray, and the edges of the collar and hem are properly stitched but left rough. So chic! It's an of the moment jacket, that even afterward, will be a great workwear staple.

    Merino Vest in Heather Carbon: I usually don't wear open front sweaters that are this long b/c they often emphasize my pear-shape further by not lying straight down in front, but this vest performs that little miracle perfectly. And for that I am grateful. This is a light enough to start wearing in early fall, and all the way through winter into spring. Just keep the rest of the layers season appropriate. Plus, it looks fab with a brown belt over top.

    Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt in Heather Carbon: Fabulous sweater that manages to tame curves if needed. I really liked this sweater b/c a) it was incredibly soft, thin and easy to wear. Layer it over a button-down/t-shirt/tank depending on the season, and you have a wardrobe staple. It can even be dressed up with some black skinny trousers, kitten heels and some carefully selected pearls. Lovely.

    STORE ONLY- Super low cut black suede ankle booties: These are amazing, and even more beautiful than the online/catalogue versions. The associate told me that J.Crew has just this season started having their boots crafted from a new company that places extra cushion in the sole, and believe me- it was obvious. These are probably 3.5-4 inch heels, but the cushion and fit of these boots are incredibly comfortable. I have a narrow foot, and these shoes fit true to size for me (a first!). Most obvious right away though, is the low cut of the ankle. It's on an angle and so it creates an elegant line and elongates the leg, whereas the regular booties tend to cut one off at the ankle a little severely.

    Well, I hope that was helpful to all the JCA's out there! Happy shopping!

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  16. Hi JCAs,

    I took advantage of the extra 30 promo and received my order today.

    I know that most of the reviews of the Andre dress have been unenthusiastic but I had a different experience. I'm 5'3"" and 130lbs. I ordered a 12P and it fits perfectly. I think that the v-neck is tastefully cut right. If you were wearing a 16" necklace that's where the 'v' comes to a point.I wear a C-cup and I'm not over-exposed. The hem hits me about 2.5 inches above the knee. This probably won't suit conservative office settings but if you're looking for a simple, timeless, and fun lbd, the I would strongly
    recommend it!

    I also purchased the Frances stripe ruffled tuxedo shirt in a 12. It's super lightweight and comfortable. It is quite sheer so I would wear it like the model (as a shell) or with a cardigan. The riffles at the collar are quite high (dramatic) but I steamed the shirt and it has a more relaxed feel now.

    :D

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  17. 1. Knotty Pearl Necklace (Item 31610) in gold: beautiful at a very affordable price for a multi-strand necklace ($78, plus my 15% teacher discount). You can also take the knot out, which makes it pretty versatile. I can't wait to wear it!

    2. Merino Boyfriend "Sweatshirt" (Item 23424) in heather graphite: I like this sweater because it's sort of roomy, but still has structure. It will be a good weekend sweater.

    3. Microspun Pocket Tank (Item 28401) in bronzed twig: picked this one up because I'm trying to expand my color horizons in terms of layering pieces. I like the material and the fit.

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  18. Not a review, but just wanted to mention that this morning I got a call from someone (customer service? they didn't identify) that one of my items (an old-school neckalce on popback) in my most recent order had to be cancelled. She said there was likely only a couple and that I might have just missed it, etc, yada. She was very polite and offered to remove shipping costs for that order. She said that the ship cost for that order was actually pretty low, so if I'd prefer, she could note that I should get free shipping on my next order, which might be larger/pricier. I thought that was nice to offer a choice (or anything at all). Has anyone else gotten a similar call?

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  19. shopwithm...yes I got a similar call last week. I ordered some swimwear and they called to tell me the top was now unavailable. Since I already had free shipping, no similar offer was made.
    I'm curious if they offered you a similar product? I would have liked to have them offer me another color (I checked 4 others were available).
    The one thing she did do was remove the swim bottom from the order so that I didn't have to return. I really appreciated that they did that. I would call this a step in the right direction for sure!

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  20. Caroline - good to hear that this may be a new CS thing of theirs - I like it. Definitely better than a generic email.

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  21. Linh -- welcome to the cult of the pencil skirt ;)

    I have been wearing a size 4 in the pencil skirt since I bought my first one in 2008 and I haven't found that the sizing has changed, at least for me. If you took a P2 in the last pencil skirt you bought, I'd recommend sticking with that.

    The only difference in size in this fall's version is the length, which is about an inch or so longer than last year. The waist (again, for me) is about the same, and maybe just a touch roomier around the hips.

    The fabric seems softer than previous years -- the 2008 version I have is a stiffer, more textured wool. This year it's more pliable and less "wooly" to the touch. It's not better or worse, just different.

    HTH!

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  22. Cliquot, DITTO on the heather cobblestone cashmere crewneck, I am trying to resist but I am in love with it since I saw it on the model in the catalog (page 23, love the entire look!)
    How is the sizing this year? I am between a S and XS in crewnecks but last year I ordered a XS and it fit perfectly.

    Also, is the Sylvia skirt a crewlet one (I am kicking myself for returning my black shirred one last year)? TIA!

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  23. I'm wondering about a now older item, the Reese Studded Gladiators. Can anyone comment on how they have liked them this summer, how they hold up, if it bothers them to have a non-leather insole where your foot can perspire and be slick against (gasp) plastic insoles? I know, it sounds like I am talking myself right out of them. But would love some feedback from those that have had time wearing them. TIA=)

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  24. Ema -- actually, I did feel like the cardi was a smidge roomier this year over last, so I'd stick with the XS if that's what you took last year. And yes, the wool Sylvia skirt (item GY6397) was from the crewlet (Orlando Prime Outlet) and cost $69.50. The fit is the same as the Shirred Wool skirt from W09.

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  25. Sweetsy -- I bought the Reese studded gladiators in the spring and have liked them very much. They were somewhat tight when I first got them, but I wore them around the house with socks on (!) to stretch them out a bit, and that helped. To be honest, I didn't even realize the foot bed wasn't leather, my feet haven't perspired any more than in any other shoe. They've held up well and still look practically new.

    HTH!

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  26. Beaded bloom clutch. I really liked the concept of this clutch. To use a J.Crew expression: I'm obsessed with rosettes. Unfortunately, the execution left a bit to be desired. Silly me, i thought the entire clutch would be made of leather, if only the backside. Instead, only the rosette embellishments are leather with the clutch crafted of a modest cotton twill, without structure, and of the same class of material as the inner lining. The color reminds me of the light ginger of the Cotton Blakely dress (for which it would be a cute match.)

    Consider that the clutch is without shoulder straps, so if you carry it under your arm, you cover up the nice detail. Too bad.

    See other reviews at my blog.

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  27. Has anyone tried the wool bell skirt or the herringbone version ? I thought I might try to size up and get a bit more length. I like the shape of the skirt and the henna color especially.

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  28. xoxo-

    I have the wool belle skirt. I was able to pull it down some on the hips for more length in my regular size, but I am considering another color, and may try to size up. The only thing is, I don't want too much extra fabric around the hips.

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  29. i would say the caswell runs true to size. but if you're petite, get the petite size.

    it is also not completely unlined. the sleeves are lined.

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  30. Just got back from the Crewlet this afternoon. They have:

    -cotton Maya cardigans in the same colors as the merino wool ones from last fall. They fit a little tighter all around and shorter in length. Also, bracelet sleeves. I tried a small (my usual size) and it was a little tight, but didn't try the med to compare.

    -cord pencil skirts in last year's colors - I think brown, burgundy and gray. Fit TTS and are almost identical to the cord skirt offered on the website - maybe 1" shorter. Either $45 or $49 with $5 off. Also in dark denim.

    -forever merino cardigans. fits TTS and gorgeously made. $69 plus $10 off. Quite a few colors including black w/ cream stripe.

    -Imperial tees in cotton, but not slub - a little thicker than tissue. TTS. $29 plus 30% off

    -Primrose pattern in belle skirt, brynn dress and jackie cardigan and a scarf, but the scarf had upholstery tassles sewn around it. All TTS

    -ocelot cotton jackie cardigan

    -Victoria cotton button down shirts in different colors and stripes

    -bootcut cords in different colors. fits TTS

    -open cotton cardigans in various colors

    -outlet version of last year's dream shawl open cardigan. fits large and really itchy - material is not dream. grey, black, champagne, navy.

    Sorry for the long post. HTH :0)

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  31. Kris, thanks for the info on the bell skirt. I don't have hips so I also don't want extra fabric there. I'll check with my PS and see what she says for measurements and maybe I can SU. If it doesn't work I guess I can always go back to my wool bistro minis from last year. They aren't in the gorgeous brick red color but they are fairly straight and can sit lower on the hips for added length. I could always try brick red tights to liven them up.

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  32. Ok! So I put up some pics of the Camden Two-Tone Brogues I got from Ebay (+ outfits!) like I said I would. Here they are!

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  33. Has anyone else seen the in-store only booties that H mentions in her post? And are there pics somewhere?

    I'm on the fence between a pair I purchased at Madewell (no longer available, but still within the 60 day return) and the new Kingston's. I regret not jumping on the Metropolitan wagon.

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  34. xoxo -- I tried the Belle skirt in the herringbone. I love the colour and the material. They didn't have a size 6, which is what I wanted to try wearing lower on my hips. I tried the 4 which fit but was waaay too short. Also, the elastic waist does ZERO for me, always has. So even if I had tried the 6, I just know the elastic would have been terribly unflattering on me.

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  35. Received my Julienne Heels yesterday and they fit true to size and super comfortable. I got it in Bronze Avocado and it's golden olive-ish color and I like it since it blends with my skin tone. I was so excited except the heel in one side has a little bump underneath the leather so I have to call CS for an exchange.
    I went online to check for availability and my goodness JC put it back to full price! I absolutely hate that a retailer this big would play this kind of dirty tricks by putting something from Final Sale back to full price when all three colors were on the sale section for more than a week!

    I have more reviews later today...s

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  36. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  37. It's not JCrew, but if you haven't gotten your fill of ruffles, check out the adorable ruffled cardigan in Talbots *final sale* section for only $16.99. I have this cardigan in several colors and I really like it. They also have some "charming" cardigans (very similar to jackies) for only $14.49. I highly recommend sizing down unless you plan to layer the cardigan over something bulky or you prefer a loose fit. I wear a large in JC jackies but the medium in Talbots cardigans fits me perfectly (fitted).

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  38. Kris and others who tried the Bell Skirt,
    Is there some fabric at the hem you can let out? I was able to do it with most of lats year skirts and the extra inch makes them much more wearable. And how is the drape? I am planning to size up 2 sizes to wear it lower on my hips but they have to drape well to be able to do it. When I wear skirts on my hips I never tuck in so the elastic band is OK and it can also be helped by wearing a wider belt.

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  39. Alpaca long cardi in Heather Umber: First impression - love it. Color/fit/length perfect. I am usially not a fun of open cardigans but this one belts very nicely. I would say size down, I am in between S & M and S fits me perfectly. It is a little itchy, so if you are super sensitive it may not be for you. My question is, will it shed or pill?

    Size zip sweatshirt in charcoal:
    Loved the idea of this but it was meh for me. Size down from other Jaspe swaetshirts. XS Jaspe was perfect on me but I took M in this. Fabric was rather scratchy, definitely rougher than Jaspe.

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  40. does anyone know whether the outlet evening primrose cardi is identical to the original? I saw it in the outlet this weekend, but to me it seems a little different, less vibrant maybe

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  41. @ Belle de Jour- the black suede boot is called the "Bronson suede platform bootie." I checked for it online, after looking at my receipt but it didn't come up (just in case). If someone can help me figure out how to post a picture onto my comment- let me know, I'd be happy to post it for you :) I thought the name might be helpful in case you want to call around and ask for it.

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  42. From the final sale section, I just recvd the drawstring henley shirtdress (27423). I chose M in sandalwood & faded black. Love it. The slub is not thin or see through from what I can deal. The fabric is heftier than I expected. The dress has pockets. The silhouette is similar to the Olivia shift (scroll down for pis). The henley has a longer sleeve, even when it's rolled. You can unroll it as well. The material is soft and flows more than the structured fabric of the Olivia shift.

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  43. Clicquot, thanks for your comments on the Bell herringbone skirt. It is short, and I'm a leggy 5'9", but my husband loves me in a mini with tights and boots on the fall weekends so I am thinking I can work it. I don't have hips or much of a butt so it could likely ride a little lower if I need it to. I'm going to try it anyway. Have to have the red wool skirt!

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  44. Hi JCAs,
    Just to let everyone know, I received the Novo-stripe wrap top $98.00 item 28560. The color way is different in person than how it looks online. The color description is dark charcoal and that is accurate. But the other stripe looks ivory/almost white when it is actually closer to beige/taupe. I am going to keep it because it is really more sophisticated looking than the photo but just thought I'd let you know in case anyone is trying to match it back to white/ivory.

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  45. Got a few things in the mail:

    Skimmer Pant, Petite, in Irish Moss - Love the color. The thighs are way too baggy on me. Granted, I have disproportionately skinny legs compared to my body frame, but I can't imagine how this cut would be flattering. The calf opening is really narrow too, so I can't decide what size they think their customers' legs are! Length is perfect on me. Stretches out kind of a lot during the day. Here they are on me.

    Suckered Gingham Shirt in Sea Mist - Love it. I already have this shirt in the yellow and purple color. I love shades of light blue like this and wish J. Crew would make more of them. I'm fond of the Light Pool that the Jackies came in this summer, but I don't usually wear Jackies. These are a bit roomy and long on me but shrink a lot if you dry them on high. They get extremely puckered if you do that though, but I kind of like the resultant texture for its character.

    Palisade Cardigan in Warm Sandalwood - Gorgeous. I really adore the shape of this cardigan. I feel robe-type cardigans are so elegant and the tie gives you a waist. At first when I saw this I thought it looked a little tacky and cheap because the silk trim was thin and looked tacked on, and is stitched on with very thick, obvious stitches (actually French knots, I think) that gives it a childish, whimsical look I didn't care for. However, the sheerness of the silk looks absolutely lovely laid over something else. This will definitely be a go-to pull-on. As one reviewer mentioned before, the Sandalwood color is a bit strong and can be hard to match, but I actually found it to be rather warm and would probably go with other warmer tones. I may just go back and get this in the other two colors!

    Silk Taffeta Riveter Coat in Burnished Yellow - Huh. This'll be interesting. As it is it's a borderline hot mess because it's way too baggy on me, but granted I need a size 00 and the smallest was a 0. Right now the sleeves are too poofy and kind of round looking, but I'll take them in and hopefully that'll make a large difference. The shoulders are also a bit too far out for me, giving this a bit of a droopy look. The yellow color is ok, bright but workable with the right pair of jeans/pants. The fabric is thinner than I thought it'd be, but it still manages to provide warmth. It's also flatter and less dynamic than it looked in the front-on pic on the site. I think it would've helped if it had a slightly poofy hem to balance the radical-ness of the yellow color. Overall this should work with a bit of tweaking though.

    (cont'd)

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  46. (cont'd)

    Silk Motorcycle Jacket in Mink - Huge mess. Holy cow I don't even know what I'm going to do with this as I got it on final sale, lol. Probably the ugliest thing I've ever tried on from JC. First, the silk is way thin. It feels like it could tear and any moment and is unlined too. This and the Silk Taffeta Riveter Coat are challenging the idea for me that "nicer," wedding dress fabrics make nicer regular garments. If they wanted to use silk in this, they should've manufactured it specifically for the desired qualities. The current material adds nothing to the jacket - it doesn't have a nice luster or pearly sheen, rather the gray of the Mink is rather dull; it's way too thin and doesn't stretch. Since I wear a 00 and got a 0, it's too boxy on me. The shoulders have no shape either. I examined the back and the panels used to construct it aren't even contoured to the curve of the back! Sleeves are too wide, but that could be fixed. Armhole too large too - difficult to fix. The neckline is completely square when it's fully zipped so that makes it look even boxier, lol. Wow, I don't think I could offload it on Ebay to break even (~$100!), so I might just have to work with it...sigh.

    And now a few things only in stores:

    That velvet skirt (pic courtesy of isnotfashion), style # 29086, $78 - Looked better on the hanger I think, but I got it anyway (partly because the SAs were so coddlingly helpful, lol). The length is actually quite substantial if you wear it low, above the hips. I tried to wear it higher, as it appears it's styled in the pic but it was difficult to find a top that worked with that. The velvet is absolutely gorgeous with superfine threads (due to being rayon) and a lovely sheen. Soft to the touch too. Also has a lining, which is great. And slit pockets! It was a bit hard to find colors to match the rich umber of this skirt, but ivories are a no-fail and light pinks work as well. I wanted to wear it with a tee tucked in as in the pic, perhaps belted with a gold glittery belt, but most tees looked better worn on the outside. Wearing it high on the waist with tops tucked in was difficult because it frequently made your torso look boxy and short, especially with low-cut tops. I found a tee (below) that worked with it perfectly and may put up pics later.

    Cotton ruffled henley (not on the site), # 29685, $42.50 on sale for $29.50 - Rib knit and fitted, it has 3/4 sleeves and the ruffles cover a wider area than those on the Perfect Fit Ruffled Henley. The cotton is thinner and somewhat more textured than the prior too. What I like about this one is that it also has stand-up ruffles on the neckline, so it looks like it has sort of a mandarin collar, and slightly sheer too for a beautiful effect. I got this in an ivory color so it didn't compete with the skirt, and it looks quite lovely worn tucked in or out. I prefer out because it actually looks nice over the top of the skirt with the shirt kind of showing through, and the volume of the skirt underneath creates an hourglass shape.

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