Tuesday, August 10, 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! :)

98 comments:

  1. I recently(ish) purchased the Brompton Hobo (item #29063). It is the most fabulous bag I've ever spend money on, and let me tell you that's a big statement coming from me! I have it in the color "henna" and it seems like it's the perfect shade of brown. That shade that you search endlessly for. It's large enough to cary: a large music book, a pair of heels, an assortment of makeup, wallet, a panera sandwich (it was wrapped up!) and other stuff I'm sure. It's lined on the inside with canvas which is great. I'm in serious love with this bag!

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  2. You all should look at the metallic military belt. OMG. It's so cute and only $25 full price. I wore it around my waist this weekend with my scalloped zipper cardigan, and it was just too perfect.

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  3. For those with the hockney satchel, is it HUGE. I know the description gives inches, but that's hard to interpret in terms of real life "purse". Does it look like a small, medium, large, extra large purse? Also, I have shoulder problems, and with those gold rings in the straps, is it heavy? I wish J Crew gave the weight of their bags. Thanks!

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  4. Hi. I just bought the Marled Knit Thandie Blazer. Of course, it is 900 degrees right now, so not sure why I thought I had to have it this instant, but it is a fabulous jacket. Feels like a stretchy wool - very comfortable on. Will be a great add on to jeans or pants, but will work as a chic alternative to a jean jacket as well. Two thumbs up.

    And!!! The new Camo pants??? They are fabulous. Perfect rise, and darling grosgrain ribbon detail at the waist. (Femme Camo Delancey)

    Both the pants and the jacket fit true to size. I feel like, even with my regular size of jacket, I can put a cardigan under it.

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  5. I recently bought the Sutton flat leather boots in black and they are great! The leather is very soft and they fit nicely over my (average size) calves without a struggle, despite the fact that they are pull-on! I own a pair of JC flat leather boots from Holiday 2008 and I have to struggle to get those up over Toothpick jeans, and they have a half-zip!

    I also have been wearing my black Infinity cardigan every single day in my office. Though it's 90 degrees here, my office is freezing cold and the Infinity goes with *everything*! I'd like to get it in another color maybe when it goes on sale.

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  6. I'm looking for any feedback on the Fortuna strappy sandals (heels). Do they run TTS, smallish, a little big? TIA!

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  7. Re. the military belt, I ordered it as a ride-along during the last 30% off promo and I find it running very small. I ordered my regular size S and I could barely make the two extremities touch when I tried it with my jeans. So unless you only want to wear it at the waist I would size up.

    Is there anyone who can comment on the Dorian wedges? Are they TTS? Comfortable?

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  8. can somebody comment on the flannel tuxedo tunic(#29931)?is the tunic` very long?
    i am petite and wondering if it is too long?
    TIA

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  9. ina- I have a flannel tuxedo tunic arriving today and I will leave a review.

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  10. Katelynn Ruffle Cardigan- I didn't love this one in the pictures, but in the store the pink color was so pretty I tried it on. Got my usual S and it was a touch baggy open but I think that's the look. LOVE it. Looks good closed over a cami or open over a ruffle tee. Length is bordering on too short (I'm 5'9") but it works.

    Cascading Sequin Cardigan- I really wanted to like this one as I'm looking for a gray cardigan and the sequins really spice it up, but the drape was weird. The fit was TTS, I got my usual S, but the sequins seemed to make the sides bubble out above the waist band and it was not a nice silhouette for me. Maybe I'd get it on FS for a steal, but definitely not full price.

    Leigh Chiffon Cardigan- LOVE this cardigan. It looks kind of plain online and I had just gone right past it, but I saw the green one in the store and tried it on and it is a beautiful color for fall. Fit is TTS, maybe running slightly small, I got my usual S but the arms are snug and it is a very fitted silhouette. Heather fog is a nice almost white color with a bit of gray in it, but it was somewhat sheer and washed me out so I passed. I bought it in black and it looks great with a lot of things I already have which is always nice. Can be easily dressed up or down!

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  11. Buffalo check boy shirt- Tried this on in the light pink color. Ran TTS, got my usual size 2. Really cute fitting blouse, but the color washed me out. Wanted to try it in orange but that's not available at my store. The blue and "white" one is not really a true white, it's a yellowed white.

    Tomboy Plaid Boy Shirt- I am debating on whether or not to keep this one. It runs TTS and the fit is nice, but the colors are really washed out and drab (even more than in the picture). It definitely looks like a men's shirt and fits a little baggy like one.

    Calista Cami- This ran big for me. I needed a 0 instead of my usual size 2. Aluminum was my favorite color by far. Very cute and planning on buying on sale later. Would buy it now if I had a job where I would wear this kind of thing!

    Bettina Cami- This ran TTS, got my usual 2. All of the ones in my store were really wrinkled so it was hard to tell, but I think I liked it. It was a little on the short side for a blouse for me, I'd have trouble if I wanted to tuck it in and keep it in (I'm 5'9"). I tried the olive and really liked it. Dried rose (pink) is not a very fall-ish color.

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  12. Beaten Twill Popover- this ran small in the shoulders for me. Needed a small instead of the usual XS I buy in blouses (I'm a size 2 almost always). Vintage gray has a purple undertone or tint, the blue is pretty true to the picture. Super cute but a little on the short side for me and sizing up to the S made it really wide in the torso, though the shoulders did fit better.

    Vintage Cotton Henley- This ran a little bit, which is normal for me for anything slub. I got an XS and it is very long (I'm 5'9"). The fabric was not as thin as some of the slub items are which was a nice change.

    Sparkle Waves Henley- This ran really big. I'm normally a size Small and the XS was big. I got an XS but it fit like the Small Vintage Cotton Henley. Smaller ladies will probably be sized out of this one. The XS is still a loose, casual fit and I would have preferred it to be tighter but I got it anyway because it is very cute.

    Perfect-fit stripe boat neck tee- I got this in a small, though I'm normally between a S and M for perfect fit items. This top looked better tighter, because if it is too loose the lines get all crooked.

    Merino Shirred Cardigan- This was awful. I didn't like it online but tried it on on the recommendation of my sales associate. It is really short in the front because of the shirring, and really short in general, and it was just a hot mess. I don't know how anyone could make this work. I needed my normal small.

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  13. Can anyone comment on the Langford high-heel platform oxfords? I haven't had a chance to check them out in person yet, but am loving them online. Hesitant to pull the trigger on a $275 price tag, but having fantasies of fall weather and me in these shoes. Thanks in advance!

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  14. @Amy: I have the Hockney Satchel and regarding the size it's more like a medium size bag to me. The leather is super soft and I like how the straps are made short (doubled up) to wear either on your shoulder or long as a cross body style (I don't think it was mentioned on the description).
    However, the metal rings of the straps make it slightly heavier than my other leather only straps. Hope this helps.

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  15. I recently received the double-serge pencil skirt in nordic blue. I ordered my usual size and it seems to fit just a touch smaller than W08 and W09 versions. I tried some of my older ones in the same size on, just to be sure it wasn't me and it is indeed the skirt.

    The wool fabric seems the same as W09 version, a slightly silkier hand feel than W08 fabric. The nordic blue is quite different from the W08 bright blue color and it is heathered, which is very pretty and makes the color more subtle. The waistband is much narrower but it wasn't a factor for me.

    I tried a few outfits and found it went well with my terra and island paisley shirts, as well as the jaipur and even the watercolor pastiche worked. Most of the purples, pinks and blues in my closet don't work, although a shell pink sweater had potential. It seems to look better with warmer tones like the papaya and dusty blossom Maya cardis, as well as some gray/charcoal tones. A (non-J.Crew) taupe, black and dark brown animal print sweater looked really sharp, as did a deep burgundy silk blouse.

    Overall, a well-made, gorgeous pencil skirt. One of the things J.Crew typically does very well IMO. I have the vintage wisteria in my cart now as well, just waiting for my next order.

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  16. Could anyone give me feedback on the fit of these shoes?
    - Langford platform high heel oxfords (28757)

    - Bridgeford lace up platform heels (26220)

    I always find it hard to find the right size with the newer 'platform' type of shoes. TIA!

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  17. I received my Cracked leather boots and the Short icon trench in light khaki and neither was a disappointment!

    The Cracked leather boots are not as distressed as pictured online but they are lined in black, not the natural leather as shown in the latest catalog. Very comfortable and my usual size 9 was perfect.

    Short icon trench is lovely, with same fit as my longer black icon.

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  18. Amy did you wear the belt/sweater combo with jeans? Sounds beautiful.

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  19. I noted in another post that the Island Paisley shirt I got this weekend is be-u-ti-ful! Really nice. It's a mixture of cotton and silk and is thin enough to be worn under a sweater without adding bulk. Now, the ends are super long, so I'm going to have them shortened and a straight hem put in so I can wear the shirt untucked.

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  20. Like a couple others, I'm also looking for feedback on the Langford oxfords. I really covert these and wouldl ove to hear some feedback about fit, the patina finish, and anything else of note.

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  21. I just put up a review of the Buffalo Check boy shirt in Autumn sunset. See it here.

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  22. Amy, I second jcrewphd. Hockney satchel is a medium size bag, a rarity for J crew recently. The leather is very soft. It is quite slouchy unless you fill it wit stuff. I put a rectangular piece of cardboard at the bottom to give it some shape. The rings are quite heavy but I have removed one strap and put the rings through the leather loops on both sides. This actually gives the bag more trapezoid shape which I like better. And I think it sits better on the shoulder that two straps and has more streamlined appearance. hth

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  23. @ajc: I'm going to have to try that cardboard and the strap trick. Great idea!

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  24. Tried the long alpaca sweater, Rimini cardigan, Betsey wrap cami, Minnie pants & Kelcey patent ballet flats. Review on the ABC site here:

    http://abiggercloset.blogspot.com/2010/07/jcrew-new-arrivals-rimini-cardigan.html

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  25. I'd love to hear about the langford oxfords and the britten booties, if anyone has them. Fit, comfort, shine, etc. Thanks!

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  26. Regarding the flannel tuxedo tunic - I am 5'4" and it does not seem too long - I plan on wearing it with black leggings and flats - looks super cute!

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  27. Thanks, Heidi. Well, maybe Clarks will do an imitation with more comfort.

    Has anyone seen the Striped Marche Jacket?

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  28. I ordered the Coddington suede pumps in red and received them today. The shoes themselves are beautiful, though the colour is a teensy bit more to the wine side than the pics would have you believe.

    That being said, the materials and craftsmanship seem pretty good.

    HOWEVER, the size is waaay off! I ordered 6.5, and they are too small (and quite narrow, be forewarned wide footed gals). WTH? I am always, always, always a 6.5. Especially in European made shoes. Ack! I can get my feet in them, but my toes are scrunched. So, back they will have to go. They aren't beautiful enough for me to walk around wincing all day. Sigh. I just hope the postage won't be too much. And do they charge you shipping again on an exchange? 'Cause I don't wanna pay. Pfffft. :-P

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  29. Flannel tuxedo tunic (29931) in coal. I sized down, as I suspected this would be the new (larger) vanity sizing. The medium fits well lengthwise (I am 5'9"). The length is 32" from shoulder, and the chest measures a generous 41". This will go with a lot of my closet, and will be great with Minnies and maybe a little grey sequin tank underneath. Not sure if its worth 78$, but I never know what will disappear in the Fall.
    Carol

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  30. I recently got the side-zip sweatshirt and was surprised by how much I like it. The fabric is substantial and a little distressed. The zipper is just on the one side, and the shirt keeps its' structure even when you zipper it up to show off your shirt. It's got the sweatshirt stitching at the v on the neck and along the raglan sleeves.

    I've got it on in this post - complete with post-movie popcorn grease! :)
    http://adventuresinsuits.blogspot.com/2010/08/fall-please-movies-are-excuse-for-cozy.html

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  31. Karenina: you don't have to pay postage if you're exchanging that returned item for a different size. Call CS and tell them the sizing is way off on that pair of heels. I'm sure they'll try to help you out to make a sale work.

    @Heidi: thanks for your review of the Langford. Just curious, what color did you try? Also, why do they have to make heels oh so high? I want to be able to walk around without worrying about tripping or falling.

    I worry about the new platform fits since it seems to be the general rule to size up 1/2 size based on my personal experience. But then when I ordered my Julienne I was fine with my regular size.
    I'm going to have to look for a similar look of the Langford heels since I like the look of oxfords on heels.

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  32. Hi! I just need an opinion on the fit of the Vintage Bateau Top. I currently own them in a size medium, but have recently lost weight and wonder if I should size down. They are one of my favorite tees and was so excited to see them still currently offered online. I was thinking of going ahead and ordering them online in small, but wanted to check here first to see if anyone had tried a size small and medium on and if there is a drastic difference?

    Thanks!

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  33. Here's is my review on the Coddington pump.
    http://thequickredfoxblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/j-crew-coddington-suede-pump-review.html

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  34. @Karenina
    They will not charge you for sending out your exchange request.

    Sometimes it's best to do it by phone rather than on the return packing slip, as they may be out of your size/product by the time the post arrives. Just let them know the order number for the one you have in your hand and that you'd like to exchange it for xx.

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  35. Forgot to say that I tried on the Microspun cowlneck tee which I thought I would want in every color to match my printed skirts. Due to JC's vanity sizing I have recently been an XS in all cotton tees, despite the length being way too long. The fit was OK in bodice but was too long and also too tight on the arms. I'm usually not picky about fit once I get my mind set on something I like, but I did not take this home with me. Also, it recommended "lay flat to dry" which is just plain annoying for a $40 cotton top.

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  36. Thanks jcrewphd; they will cover my shipping and insurance (I'm in Canada, so it kind of changes things).

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  37. Hey! Thought I would share this lucky magazine article link I found on CNN today mentioning J.crew

    http://www.luckymag.com/blogs/luckyrightnow/2010/03/around-the-web-jcrews-latest-c.html?mbid=outbrain&obref=obnetwork

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  38. Christine--the vintage bateau is my favorite as well and I am between a small and a medium. I found this is one tee I really like drape-y and the small while fitting rather nicely was snug in the sleeve. If you would like a snug fitting stripe try the perfect fit bateau stripe--it is a better fabric for that kind of fit--just my $.02.

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  39. I am sure this will elicit plenty of snickers but does anyone own the regular, flat, macallister bootie? I saw that it says order two sizes down but the in store clerk brought me that size and it was huge. I don't know now if she brought me the correct size or if I should order them smaller. Also, not sure if I should get the classic Clark's instead?

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  40. Ah good to know. I purchased the Classic stripe tissue tee this past spring, so maybe I will just keep that as my "snug" fit tee and my Bateau's as the flowy ones. :) Ugh I hate being between sizes.

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  41. fidele: Check out Clarks' hipper, more fashionable line called "Indigo by Clarks." They are my go-to brand in shoes for work...it's so hard to find comfy + cute and these always fit the bill for me!

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  42. Gem-Twin-
    I bought the original suede Clarks last fall, and was really glad I did.I think I only paid like $75 including shipping, and they came in women's sizing too. I don't care what they say, unisex sizing isn't unisex. Its always designed for the man (who tend to have wider feet), and always ends up looking odd on women.I think I got mine at Piperlime, and they had several different colors to choose from.

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  43. I was disappointed with the waxed canvas tote because the rough & unfinished straps rubbed into my shoulders. I had to change from a tank top to a sturdier cotton-sleeved shirt. I will not be able to use this while wearing knit sweaters & wool coats for fear of snags. This limits its use for me & I should have waited for a sale. Too bad it's light, very functional & roomy.

    Shirred merino cardi - looked like a shapeless blob even after sizing down. The drape was awful & did not work with a 16-gauge merino.

    Rimini cardi fits better, TTS. However, it looks best zipped-up & did not work unzipped for me. Left this behind since I want my cardi to be versatile - opened, partially opened or belted.

    Raye cardigan - This came w/ an online order. It is TTS, well-made & the quality is there. A bit thin but would work for the summer. However, the color is more of a rosy beige rather than the creamy white on the website. Because that shade of beige does not work with my skintone, will probable return.

    I would like to end on a positive note. I am very happy with the Bettina cami, Alpaca long cardigan & the Folded Petals tank (now downto 19.50) & would recommended these from the last rollout.

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  44. Egyptomaniac--that is just the review I was hoping for--thanks!

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  45. I bought the Whisper Glimmer cardigan in the Beechwood color and I love it! I had purchased the Metallic Beach Cardi on sale and returned it b/c I like the Glimmer cardi so much better. It's lighter weight than the Beach cardi, but also I think more subtle in terms of the shimmer. It runs TTS but is roomy. I also went to the JCrew outlet and bought a silk ruffle cami which was on a promo price of $34ish. I got the zebra pattern. It's really cute. Will look cute w/black skirt, pants, jeans. And I bought a corduroy pencil skirt at the outlet in plum. Very cute and runs a TTS to a little small.

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  46. Forgot to add that I also previously bought the camo pants w/the ribbon belt. I think they're really cute and fit great. I'd say they fit TTS.

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  47. These are already reviewed in this thread, but adding my comments:

    Katelynn cardigan: I really like this. Cotton/wool blend will be great for fall. In my opinion it runs big; I ordered two sizes and am keeping the smaller one.

    Sparkle waves henley--Agree that it is beautiful, and agree that it runs big. I am returning mine. I do like it, but will wait to repurchase in a smaller size when it goes on sale.

    Stretch wool minnies--Love the colors, but not the fabric--not nearly as much as I like the regular Minnies. I found it a bit itchy, so these may turn out to be a return for me.

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  48. @marie-
    what is the folded petals tank?

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  49. OT a bit but I was going to review the new slim cropped pant from the gaps new premium pant line. Many of you gals who don't like the "minnie" might like them as they are slim and stretchy but a bit more like a pant and less of a legging. The gap also has a fall lookbook this year and while I loved the JC fall lookbook some of you who didn't may like the styling on the gap's:

    http://www.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=58991&mlink=58966,2037902,17&clink=2037902

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  50. Novo-strip wrap top - like this one. Fits a little large (I normally take a 4 in perfect shirts, took a 2 in this and would not want it any bigger). There is a small stitch that holds the front in place. It is too low for me, but it shouldn't be a big deal to have it moved up a bit. Anyone who has any sewing skills (I don't) could do it themselves.

    Studio blazer - I think this has been reviewed a few times, but really nice fabric, especially for $80. TTS and looks good over the novo-strip top.

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  51. @sweetsy:

    Sorry, I meant folded flower tank. Lovely on its own or under cardis, not chiffon so unlikely to fray.

    My writing got mixed-up with the swirling petal tank in cobblestone which I missed last season.

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  52. Jezebel's look at the August catalogue: http://jezebel.com/5609443/operation-desert-porn-jcrews-wartime-glamour/gallery/

    Complete with apropos commentary: According to CNN, in June 2010, 32 Army soldiers killed themselves — the highest number in a single month since the Vietnam era. What's so chic about that?

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  53. Can anyone comment on the Smoky Graphite colour of the Langfords? The name suggests gray, but the photo online looks like a taupey/light tan.

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  54. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  55. Anyone interested in the 120s Banquette number? Here are my thoughts:

    Like many j.crew dresses, I found it to be cut narrow across the shoulders, or maybe it’s just that my life aquatic has left me with shoulders that do not fit j.crew dress molds unless I embrace the muumuu look. Oh well: I blame Jacques, he and his damn boat, Calypso, made me fall in love with frolicking in water as a child and I’ve done so effortlessly ever since. The V neck did expose a bit of my 34Decolletage, but I didn’t quite feel like I should be slipping Benjamins into my brassiere (speaking of which, fellow Mad Men watchers - $25 for a hooker in 1965? Turns out it’s $170 in today’s green). Lastly: Had the dress fit, I would have had to decide whether the blue was delightful or drab - seemed to border on the latter, at least against my skin. Bottom line: Back it went. Thankfully plenty of other companies make fabulously fitting frocks.

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  56. I just received these in the mail today. Some have been reviewed previously:

    Shirred merino cardi (charcoal): I wish I would have read a review before I ordered this. It fits TTS but is going back. I should have looked closer at the pics online! It is very "shapless" as one person noted and looked like a baggy sack on me - not at all flattering!

    Tissue double ruffle tee (dk charcoal): I am late to hop on the ruffle bandwagon. It is a tissue tee, it is thin but I really liked it. However, there are two large stains (looks like oil) on the front and back. Serious quality control issue IMO. Not what I would expect for a $42 tee shirt!!

    Stripe pocket tee: Meh. The stripes are printed on the fabric. While I thought this was OK, I was not impressed with the quality for the price. It is going back.

    Perfect fit folded flower tank (bronzed olive): I missed out on similar styles over the summer. I like this one but the color is much darker than expected (less yellow, more olive).

    Scout chinos: No review necessary but I was happy to score a pair on sale!

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  57. Thanks, Marie! No need to apologize;)

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  58. Completely OT, but is Michelle Obama still wearing JC, or does she, too, prefer the pre-2010 collections?

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  59. I add my vote of admiration for the zip-side sweatshirt. I find it a bit more fitted than in the photos, but the cut around the neck is so great it keeps it from looking weird. The fabric is awesome - distressed, almost rough exterior texture, soft on the inside. Sleeves slightly long, like I like 'em. My favorite JC item in months.

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  60. Here's an alternative to J Crew's MacAlister Wedge Boots. It's part of Gap's Fall looks.

    Suede Wedge Booties $79.50.

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  61. I received three items a few days ago: pebble jacquard pencil skirt, shirred cardigan, gusto cami.

    The skirt is fabulous. A nice "blonde" color with subtle metallic. The fit is TTS and it's a bit longer than the summer pencil skirts. Good for me since I'm tall. The weight is very much like last year's rosebud skirt. I love it and it's definitely a keeper.

    The gusto cami is great. It comes out the package pretty wrinkled, and I'm glad I didn't make a decision until it was pressed. The silk charmeuse is a very nice weight, it is not see through, and I am thrilled with the back zip. I am not a fan of the side zip tops. The ruffle is gorgeous, the pleating is very figure flattering. I can wear this now in the heat since it's sleeveless, and it will look great later with a cardigan or jacket over it. Another keeper.

    The shirred cardigan is, as several other reviewers before me have noted, just a mess. The shirring itself is pretty, but it brings the front up shorter than the back which looks odd. The garment itself is very wide and boxy. It ends up looking shapeless and huge yet short and unbalanced. Completely tragic. It has already been returned.

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  62. @Corry:

    I've been wondering that lately myself. Although today I saw a photo of the First Lady with one of the girls and she definitely looked to be wearing Crewcuts!

    These guys were not fans:

    http://tomandlorenzo2.blogspot.com/2010/08/shabby-shelley-o.html

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  63. Some recent fitting room adventures:

    1.Donegal Tweed Schoolboy blazer: Super flattering; I love the cropped fit. I picked up a 6 but ended up liking the 4 better on me. Not sure though if it would work if I was wearing some layers. Will wait to see if it goes on sale.

    2. Twill Denim Toothpick jeans (?) in dark green. I usually am frightened of how I look in the toothpicks, but these were great. I picked up my usual size (30) thinking they'd probably never work...and they're great. Love how easily I can pull tall boots over them. Bought these.

    3. Alpaca long sweater. This is lovely and soft. But also a bit expensive right now...will wait a bit.

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  64. @ Karenina - I also ordered the Coddington Suede pumps in the red, and my usual size 6.5 fit fine... no toe scrunching at all, and they didn't feel narrow to me, either. I would consider my foot normal width, not too wide or narrow. I also have them in the mediterranean olive, the 6.5 were perfect on those, too.

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  65. A little OT, but my first order from Madewell came, and I'm loving the Scholar Cardigan in hthr blizzard (#26382), especially for $39.99! It's about the same length as the JC piped and twisted cardigan from this summer (on the long side), but this one is a bit thicker. It's a very comfy summer cardi with cute little details, and I think it'll be a good transition piece.

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  66. I received the following in the mail today:

    crewcuts Girls' Zipetto Cardigan: LOVE. I got this in a size 14 and it fits me absolutely perfectly (I am a 0/XS/XXS if available). The cotton is much thicker and more substantial than I was expecting. My only problem with this is that the pockets are attached to the inside of the sweater VERY loosely and look like they might rip out within five minutes of wear. Regardless, I love this sweater. If you liked the zip-pocket cashmere cardigan and missed it and can fit a girls' 14, go for it! I'm planning to order the other 2 colors.

    Microspun cowlneck tee - super soft and the color (wisteria) is gorgeous, but as already mentioned, the sizing is way off on this one. The sleeves are way too tight throughout, and it's much too tight across the chest (it pulls across my small chest) while the body is boxy and long.

    Vintage cotton scoopneck tee - I love this in the English saddle color, but $32 for a super flimsy tee? No way. I might re-order if it goes on sale with an extra % off, but not worth anywhere near full price. It does fit nicely without the pulling across the chest I seem to get with most JC tees (especially the perfect-fits).

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  67. @karanena I tried the coddington on in local B&M and like you thought they were too tight in my usual size. The wonderful SA suggested that I try them with peds and walk around a few minutes. So glad I did. I ended up getting my normal size and I love love them. Totally comfortable and awesome cool. On the other hand was at a work event today and one of the sales.people was falling out of.hers. net net if you are buying the suede version, they may stretch. Hth

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  68. I just received the Rose vines Blazer which is on sale for $59.99 and it is fabulous! It is lightweight and machine washable which is perfect for my lifestyle! You can see what it looks like on my blog http://dressingmommy.blogspot.com/

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  69. i also picked up the twill toothpicks in dark forest (DFO) which is a nice dark dark green. and they're great. I'm excited to wear them but unfortunately it's been so hot I can't really deal with a full length pant these days. I also got the side zip sweatshirt ( the medium grey not sparkly- on sale at B&M for 39.99) and I love the way they look together. But I'm sure they'll dress up nicely too!
    I am between 29/28 in the toothpicks, but I sized down because I like my pants tight and tend to wear them a lot between washings which leads to some bagging issues. so i'd say TTS.

    BTW I sized up in the sidezip, the XS couldn't handle my shoulders! and the sleeves are kinda skinny.

    hth!

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  70. Thanks gem twin for the heads up about Gap's slim crop pants! I don't have any j. crew B&M minnies yet, but with the 45% off coupon I have for Gap, I'm thinking I'll be going to Gap instead :)

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  71. Here are my favorites:

    Size zip sweatshirt in the darker color. Gorgeous. Very cool and fashionable and can't wait to try it with a skirt when fall hits.

    Studio Blazer. Perfect. Jet, jet black. Shorter folks will need to roll the sleeves or get them altered, but it's nice and long waisted. Elegant. And, it really doesn't wrinkle after being smashed in a suitcase. If it pops back on sale, get it. It fits tts, with a slim cut.

    (I almost don't want to say, in case I can score another pair in my size): Bootcut jeans in pacific wash. Very flattering. Drapey without being baggy. Very soft denim and a nice intense blue color that will contrast with orangey-red shades or blacks. My favorite jeans now.

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  72. I received my Dream V-neck cardigan in nordic blue and love it! The fit is great and the color is really pretty. It feels so soft too. The price is great too, especially after my 15% teacher's discount.

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  73. Hi--I received the Exhibitor tote the other day -- the middle size bag in black. It was very nice, but heavy! Huge is a good word -- you could easily hit a laptop in that baby. I thought it looked classy and sharp but in the end I am returning it. I have back problems already and figured such a big bag might aggravate my shoulder and/or back. This will be a great bag for the right person. That being said, if it goes on sale and is still available, I may suck it up -- all in the name of beauty!

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  74. OT: Bettina cami in spicy russet and navy is on sale for $49.99. You have to access the item through the sale section and not through a search (the colors on sale won't come up). HTH!

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  76. Can anyone comment on the sizing of the Linen detache cardigan? I am a medium in slim stretch shirts, a 10 in perfect shirts, and generally a medium in cardigans (vanity sizing). But, I have pretty thick arms and for some reason it seems like this cardi might have tight/less stretchy arms.

    TIA!

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  77. MacAlister wedge boots, $198.00 (item #28671) come in whole sizes and 3 colors.
    I wear size 6.5 or 7 in JCrew shoes, and ordered size 7 in Dark Pewter. The fit is great, especially with socks. They feel very comfortable and soft to the step, because their platform is made of soft material. Gives just enough lift (the heel is about 2"? maybe 3"? I haven't measured) without being too high. The color is flat cold gray, no brown tinge to it whatsoever. Top opening is a bit too wide and is gaping just a tad, which makes my heels move a little, but not enough to be an issue, my heels are always slipping out of boots. Also, the lining of the footbed is pretty slippery and I am considering adding some thin lining for traction. Overall, I think I have found my ideal casual (weekend) boot for fall and winter.

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  78. OT -- BUT I have been looking at the camden brogues in black but thought a little steep at 250. LE Canvas now has wingtips for women in black and I think brown for 89.50. I am giving them a try!

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  79. Leslie, I too received my MacAlister wedge boots and love them. Very comfortable, they have a 3 inch rubber wedge and are made of tan suede leather. These are selling out quickly and I'm emailing IRL photos to Alexis if she wants to post them, maybe you could send photos of the grey? I really debated the color and the darkest color was backordered. Now that I see that the Nut color is darker than I thought, I'm glad I chose it. These will be great with jeans, cords or chinos in the cooler months, can't wait!

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  80. Leslie and Elizabeth, my MacAlister wedges should be waiting for me when I get home, cannot wait. I tried them in store on Saturday and they had 3 pairs left in my size but when I called on Monday they only have size 6 in gray. I have ordered them online and I am glad because now all colors are back-ordered. What I love about them is that the wedge is just the right height, a lot of shoes recently are too high for me. These are actually a copy of Marc Jacob wedges that retail for $350 but I actually like J crew version better because of the heel size. Btw, Asos has a $38 dollar version which might be worth checking as well.

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  81. I ordered the Tailored Denim Pencil Skirt and don't even mind that it's Final Sale once it arrived because it's the greatest skirt I've had. I usually can't wear pencil skirts, even a lot of J. Crew ones, because I'm inclined towards an apple shape, but this one (because of the thicker waist band? color?) makes me look sleek and fantastic. It's got a bit of stretch to it, too, but I still think it fits TTS. I think the petite would have worked for me as well even though I'm 5'10", because the skirt length is pretty long and hits at my knee even when high on my waist. It's the best $50 I've spent at JCrew in a long time.

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  82. ajc, I did see that these were like Marc Jacobs', they have them on the Neiman Marcus site. I like these better without the platform.

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  83. Elizabeth, that's a good idea to send pictures to Alexis, I will work on putting it together this weekend. I am glad to hear you are happy with the color and fit!! Now on to cooler days.

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  84. Hi everyone, I know this is belated but I had previously written about the Sutton flat boots and I received my pair today and feel I need to amend my statement! My local store had the high heeled pair, which I thought would be a good enough gauge of whether I would like the flat pair. Wrong. I had said that the high heeled pair fit great over my calves, and now I realize they must've been extended calf (which I thought they did not carry in store?). The footbed was also very tight on the flat boots, but fit fine on the heeled. The leather upper was just so flimsy and sad. Bad, bad quality. I am returning these ASAP. Not even close to former years leather boot quality. :( Just wanted to let fellow JCAs know.

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  85. JCREWPHD, yes, jeans. When I know I am going shopping, even though it's 90 and humid here, I will NOT wear shorts and a tank because stores are always a good 30 degree drop with their ridiculous A/C. Pet peeve of mine.

    MICHELLE, the linen detache cardigan fits TTS to larger. The fabric is very stretchy/loose weave. I am 125 pounds and 5'6" and I ordered the XS, expecting it to work after having owned the silk pockets cardi made of the same material. But ooooooh boy, get ready for some lint, shedding, and kid glove handling! The detache didn't seem quite as fragile as the other, but still was somewhat (I returned it). So, to attempt to answer your question, I would go either medium or small for you, depending on whether you like a more fitted or more average cut/feel

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  86. So there are a few things I got/tried on, but first I thought I'd review the new Madewell:

    - New Madewell store in Seattle - I really liked the feel of the store and the look of their items. The store feels similar to J. Crew but is probably more accurately something between Fossil and Urban Outfitters. The stuff in store looks a lot more colorful than what they have online, which I was a little put off by due to the drab colors. The clothes are definitely younger than J. Crew, which is fine by me as I fit that target audience. They're also very boho, with a lot of slouchy pieces. I tried on a few cardigans that came in great colors (one was a dark, rich yellow, the other was black with multicolored metallic threads that reminded me of the 90s) but neither of them worked for me because they were *too* slouchy and boho. They have a lot of things in interesting non-knit materials, including some skirts of a sheer printed fabric. Also great rugged-looking shoes, some very similar to J. Crew's. I really love the prints and colors they use but wish they made things more fitted, and in warmer, more wearable fabrics for Seattle's climate.

    - Rimini Cardigan in light pink (retail only) - I like the general idea of the cardigan, but feel the zipper should be off to the side more. It looks kind of arbitrarily tacked on where it is. However, I'm thinking it might not be too hard of a fix to up and move the attached zipper half over to the side more. They had this really light pink color in store that I thought was quite darling, and was a nice departure from all the darker colors they've been doing this season. I picked it up because there was only one of my size left and I thought it probably wouldn't show up online. I'll come back for the Nutmeg, hopefully when it's on sale.

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  87. Merino Whisper Ruffle Cardigan in Sour Lemon and Blossom - I thought the ruffled U-neckline looked like it might be a little weird online, but it's not that bad in person. The sweater is a bit baggy as I'm sized out of the size range now due to vanity sizing, lol, so I'll probably try to shrink it. The Sour Lemon is way brighter than it looks online, ending up as neon yellow that I won't be wanting, lol. The Blossom, however, is quite lovely and again is another color that breaks from the subdued earth tones in the rest of the collection, so I'll be keeping that one.

    Slim Square-Buckle Belt - This one is a popback. I got this hoping to match it with that retail only velvet skirt, but I think I'll go with another belt instead. Oh well. The belt itself has quite a glittery feel, which is what I wanted. It's definitely a more whimsical piece due to the metallic texture. It's also quite long for being a Small and is two pieces of leather sewn together, which doesn't bother me too much.

    Neon Magpie Necklace - Another popback. This . . . was kind of a mess, lol. For some reason the messiness looked charming online and in the catalog, but it really is just difficult to deal with in person. I'm determined to make it work, however as I got it on Final Sale. The problem is mostly that all the strands are the same length so everything overlaps and you can't get all the different elements to show at once. I think I may be able to make it work if I can fix that length issue though.

    Herringbone Tights in Heather Carbon Camel - Another popback. This is the color that was featured in the catalogs last fall. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality - they're really thick and have a nude color thread knitted in to make it look like the tights are sheer, but they're actually much thicker than that. These feel quite substantial and not prone to running (hopefully). The color was a bit cooler than I'd thought so I may get the brown version from this year as well.

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  88. Amy, thanks for the reply about the linen detache cardi! Your comments about it being high-maintenance were helpful (in my deciding not to get it for now).

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  89. Lia--

    I don't know if you'll ever see this note, but thank you for your review of the flat Sutton boot. I was considering buying them, but had some doubts. You confirmed them and saved me a day of trouble!

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  90. Alexander thanks for your thoughts on the Brompton Henna Hobo bag. I was wondering how yours has aged over the last few months. I got this purse three weeks ago as a birthday gift but I have been scared to actually use it. The leather is so soft that just taking it out of the felt bag made a few marks. Did the leather age gracefully? Also did you treat it with a leather protector? I am deciding if I should return it for the darker color or maybe for a more durable bag all together but I really love this bag. Thoughts?

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