Tuesday, October 5, 2010

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

95 comments:

  1. JCA's who own the Microspun Pocket Tank:

    The label on the inside of the tank says handwash. You would be well advised to heed the instructions and physically handwash the item... I put my two brand new ones in the machine on the handwash setting (as I do with all my other JC knits, tees, and shirts) and they came out completely ruined.

    The seams were stretched and twisted around (during the spin cycle, I presume) so that when lying flat, one side seam was coming diagonally from the top to the middle of the tank. and the other was rotating around from top to the back. I hope that makes sense, but I'm quite tired so if it doesn't I would be happy to clarify.

    If you do need to machine wash the tank, I'd suggest placing it in a mesh bag so that the material won't be pulled and stretched during the cycle.

    I took my tanks back to J.Crew before they were even fully dry and the sales associate took them back, no questions asked. I was happy to see that they stood behind the product after it had been worn and washed.

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  2. If anyone has tried on the stadium cloth peacoat (with gold buttons) - if you could share any FIT tips I'd appreciate it! going to order soon and living in China, so it's going to take awhile to receive! no room for error ;)

    thanks!

    MsHark

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  4. Good morning! Forgive me if I have missed or overlooked a review already but I was hoping that someone could comment on the fit of the merino ruffle moto cardigan. I think it looks interesting but it isn't available in my store and I do not need to do FS roulette :)

    Thanks!

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  5. Laurie -- I tried on the ruffle moto sweater with pics
    here. I thought it fit pretty TTS. I wear an XS or S in tops, and I went with a S, just b/c I like to have a bit of room for layering. HTH!

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  6. MsHark,

    I have that jacket and really love it. I ordered my usual size 4 and feel it runs tts. It is very well made. I bought the grey and it is very nice with the brass buttons. I do feel this is a slimmer cut than the peacoats they have put out the last few years. It isn't boxy. HTHs!

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  7. Andrea, I am so sorry for your tanks but thank you for the warning. I have ordered two of those during the last promo and I will make sure that I hand wash them (if I keep them). I just ruined my suckered gingham shirt by putting it in the dryer (my mistake) so I don't need any other death by laundry in my closet!

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  8. I just bought the gold sequin skirt. I knew I wanted this from the second I saw it, however I thought I'd wait till it went on sale...no dice. Since I got the 25% off card, I decided to scoop it up before it was no more. I got a size 4 so that I could belt it and make it more of a paperbag waist. The first skirt's sequins began falling off but I think it had been a return, so I exchanged it and so far, the skirt's a beauty though I have to be really careful with it (the sequins do pull on each other).

    I also bought the sherpa hoodie in grey which as luck would have it, was marked down accidentally (so I got the discount plus the accidental sale bringing it down to next to nothing!!). It is so warm and thick. I love it. May change out the drawstring for something more fun!

    www.plentyforpennies.blogspot.com

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  9. I picked up a couple of items; one sale one a new item.

    The Woodland Jacket #29666 is $278, but my PS offered it for 20% and free shipping. The coat fits great and is very nicely done. The fireman's closures on it are a nice touch, but I'm unsure if they are any better than a regular button. The jacket is a great drab olive green colour and it is well worth the money.


    The marled cotton pullover #29069 was regularly $70, but on sale for $49. I was really impressed with this sweater. I expected it to be like a sweatshirt, but it's actually a fine cotton knit. The fit is good and the navy contrasts with the collar and cuffs. I really like shawl collars and this is a good one. It would work well with jeans, cords or wool pants.

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  10. Stadium Cloth Peacoat- I tried this on in stores and I LOVE it. I am normally a 0 (sometimes a 2) and they didn't have a 0 for me to try but the 2 seemed to fit perfectly, so it may run a *smidge* on the small side. It is very flattering and a bit longer and slimmer than pea coats of years past. The material seems a little bit thin and I don't think there is a thinsulate version, but hopefully it will be warm enough.

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  11. i just bought the double cloth colletta coat... LOVE!

    fits TTS (i usually wear a 4 in dresses and bought the coat in a 4)... beautiful slimming cut, not bulky but def warm. got the deep plum color (i'd call it eggplant)... may have a problem with wearing bulky sweaters underneath it, but otherwise i see this coat staying with me for years.

    p.s. thanks to customer service who did a locate for me and had the store hold it until i could pick it up :)

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  12. This weekend, I tried on a cashmere V-neck in a beautiful cream color that I haven't seen online or in the catalogs (color code AMI). Well, I'm a 6 in tops and 10 in pants, and usually wear a S or XS in the cashmere tees (depends on how they're built). With the cashmere v-necks, both the XS and the S were too tight in the arms and too big in the body. Sigh....

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  13. How did I miss that Dollop coat and cloud perfect shirt online?

    I may order both of those to try them.

    I have an unhealthy addiction to LOL shirts and wore my new buttercream one yesterday with an old chocolate brown tweedy skirt. I had several compliments on the outfit. Very pretty little shirt with year around potential...

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  14. Laurie: I also tried on the Merino Ruffle Moto cardi here. I wasn't a fan simply because it is so asymmetrical. It also looks really weird if you leave it unzipped, but some people may like it! HTH!

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  15. Dream zip henley in the olive color - I just love the color. The fit is tts, maybe a bit big (I am an xs or a small in tops and I took the xs in this one, the small seemed baggy). I really like this belted. I'm holding out hope the fabric is better than last year's, we'll see.

    Suede floppy belt - I liked this in concept, but I just can't get it to work. I think it may be too wide for me, may work on someone taller (I'm 5'4). I think this fits larger than some of J. Crew's recent belts.

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  16. Ema, I'm glad I could be of help. I was really surprised about the tank because all of my other JC stuff that says handwash on the tag does just fine in the machine on the most delicate cycle (and then I hang it up to dry).

    The SA was so helpful and friendly though, and she helped me re-order the tanks from the red phone, waived the shipping costs, matched the in-store price (%19.99 instead of $25), and made sure they applied my Mickey Card. In the end I really love the colors, fit, and feel of the tank... so for $15 a pop I won't mind handwashing them this time around.

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  17. Ps - so sorry to hear about your suckered gingham shirt! It looked great on you :(

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  18. I wish they had they stadium pea coat with brass buttons in other colours. I have 2 navy coats already and I don't like the light grey colour.

    Thanks for the review on the coletta coat. I am thinking about buying it in the eggplant shade. I'm 5'4 and worried it will be too long. Can someone write about how long it is? Thanks.

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  19. Good morning ladies,
    I am wondering if anybody have tried and can comment on the sutton midheal booties. How are they compare to last year's cadogan ankle boots? TIA!--Issy

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  20. Wore my Bettina Cami once, washed it and the entire seam at the bottom fell out! Has anyone else had this problem?? I would return it but there are none left in the color and size I need. Grrr...

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  21. Andrea, sorry to read about your destroyed tanks.

    Subscribing...

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  22. I bought the moss tweed pencil skirt yesterday - total impulse buy - didn't need another pencil skirt, didn't need any more tweed, but I tried it on and fell in love :) the colors are amazing - much better IRL than the online photos. Fit was TTS for me. (The SA also recommended the super dark green eternity cardigan with it, which looked AMAZING, so I ended up with that too :)).

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  23. Received my Silk Tempest skirt yesterday which I was soooo excited about, so I was absolutely horrified to discover that it looks like a diaper on me! I immediately went back to pics of the model online and found it interesting that in the side shot, her arm is placed so that you really can't see the diaper effect... it's too bad because this is gorgeous on the hanger but I can't imagine what body type it would work on (for reference, I'm skinny with no butt whatsoever). Keeping my fingers crossed that I can get authorization to return...

    Also received the Leigh chiffon cardi - so glad I liked this one because I also ordered it in black to round out another order. And while it is gorgeous and well worth the $24 I paid during the last sale promo, it arrived with a small but instantly noticeable snag on the back that appeared to have been pulled through to the inside. I'm guessing it's a return that flew right by their quality control. Great. Nonetheless it's all sold out in my size so I'm keeping it as it's too pretty to give up for $24. I should mention that both the desert tan color and the fabric/knit remind me EXACTLY of my Maya cardi from last year in the dusty blossom color (which I just spilled red wine on so I may have needed to replace it anyway, oops!)

    Lastly I received the Perfect fit ruffle henley. The neckline is really nice and flattering, somewhere between a crewneck and a scoopneck. I think I'm sticking with the Perfect fit tees from now on as they seem much less likely to rip on the first wearing, and in fact my tanks have held up for several years. Sometimes I find the Perfect fit tees a bit stiff but this one is quite soft. The style number is 29382. May need to order another, I'm really liking this today paired with my Gunmetal matelassé skirt for work :)

    Receiving another package this evening with a couple cardis and a couple tees... will report back!

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  24. Shopwithm and Appgal: Thanks so much for the info - I had read both of your reviews on that cardigan but at the time it didn't register since I had other items at the top of my list. Now that those items are on their way to me, I find myself suddenly very interested in the ruffle moto cardigan...funny how that happens :)

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  25. Dara, what size did you order in the perfect fit ruffle henley? Are the sleeves really tight? I am between an XS and S in perfect fit tees. Since they're final sale, I want to make sure I order the correct size. Thanks!

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  26. Regarding the Microspun Pocket Tank:

    I washed mine in the machine, on delicate, in a mesh bag. It came out with the seams all twisty, too. I was so irritated, because I had returned that falling ruffles tank (whose tag actually said "machine wash" and I did so in a mesh bag) because when it came out of the wash, the ruffles no longer fell vertically but went diagonally across the front of the top. I exchanged the falling ruffles tank and the same thing happened to my second one, so I got a refund. JCrew c/s told me they'd send it to their factory to find out what happened.

    Anyway, I thought the same fate was in store for my microspun tank. I took it out of the wash and it was all twisty, but I draped it over a drying rack, and when it was dry, the seams were fine again! Don't know how that happened, but I'm not complaining since I love the feel/look of it.

    In summary - I recommend handwashing this one, not even putting it in a mesh bag and washing on gentle. HTH!

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  27. I love these reviews.
    I have a review of the Velutto Shift Dress up on my blog today. It was a real LOL.
    Enjoy your day, JCA's!

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  28. Firefighter Wife,
    I had the exact same problem with my Bettina Cami. The seam actually started coming apart during my first wear, and after washing if came out completely. I haven't brought it back yet, but plan to! Can't imagine how upset I'd be if I'd paid the original $79.50. Still planning on re-ordering, cause I do love it!

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  29. I have the Ripstop Field Jacket in bronzed twig and I love it. Fit is TTS and there is an interior drawstring to cinch the waist. The fabric is sturdier than the ripstop cargos, which is great because my cargos almost instantly developed holes where the pockets were sewn on. No such issue on the jacket, which I've worn several times and machine washed/dried once already.

    The zipper is covered by a snap placket that keeps the wind out and can be used without the zip to keep the jacket from being open without totally doing it up. Lots of pockets, including 3 with zippers. Fully lined soft in cotton lawn. Snaps and elastic-bound self-fabric pleat at the cuffs make it easy to roll or push up the sleeves and they stay in place. Very well-made and functional jacket, perfect for fall. Has been popping back in bronzed twig and camp green in various sizes for $69.99 and is worth every penny. A steal if you can get it with an additional % off.

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  30. shopalot, I ordered an XS in the henley and I find that it fits TTS and that the sleeves are not overly tight as has been the case with numerous recent items. For reference I usually take an XS/0/P0. Haven't washed it yet but I guessing based on previous experience with the Perfect fits it should not shrink too much. HTH!

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  31. I heart the Minnie pant, especially the city fit. It gives me my Audrey Hepburn moment and allows me to be perfectly comfortable.

    I also bought the lace tees --one in black and one in the gray color. I love both of them. I don't mind the boxy fit so much and am glad to JC do something other than a cami or a henley.

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  32. Hi everyone, and thanks for your reviews which are always so helpful! Just wondering if anyone has tried the Elsbeth oxfords in leather or patent, and if so what'd you think re: sizing and comfort?

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  33. Can anyone comment on the fit of this season's Dream V-Neck Cardigan? I ordered in light purple about a month ago and it was a bit big, but I know sizing is somewhat inconsistent. I'm hoping to try again and get one that fits -- are they shrinkable? I usually wear an XS (if that).

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  34. reviews on the cocoon concerto coat or the sherpa-lined squall coat? they're sold out in the stores in NYC, and I"m hesitant to buy both to judge the fit. any comments would be helpful!

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  35. Firefighter wife & Whitney: I've had several issues with other camis' hems coming undone and instead of returning them I've had my local B&M store fix it. I think they'd rather prefer it that way than a return. I also do that when things are not replaceable. However, if it troubles you then I guess you can return it. I've noticed that all my camis that are machine washable, I still put them in a mesh bag since I don't want to risk the hems coming undone due to their "hidden" stitch that are so delicate. Just my $0.02.

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  36. xoxo: It's funny cause I wore my Ripstop Field jacket pretty much all day today cause it's raining here. I was driving home and telling myself I should do a review of it cause I absolutely love it and your reviews are so spot on.

    I got it few weeks ago when it got marked down for that price and it is so worth it. I love the bronze twig color and the waist cinching does make it less boxy. I did size down to a XS when I normally wear a small in tees and sweaters. It is super soft and I love it so much better than last year's Downtown Field jacket which was very stiff when I sized down.

    I'm glad it has held up well in few washes. I plan to keep this for several seasons.

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  37. jcrewphd, it's such a versatile jacket, I'm glad you got one, too. I also bought it when the price was recently reduced and wished I would have been able to review it earlier since there doesn't appear to be much stock left and it is really a great piece. The pockets are incredibly useful for outdoorsy activities when you can't drag a purse along and oh yes, it is so soft and comfortable. I plan to take it on my upcoming trip as it will be a great travel jacket too. This jacket will be a long-term keeper for me as well. I love it when J.Crew has these functional, stylish pieces. :)

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  38. jcrewphd,

    Do the items need to have been purchased with a JC credit card in order for them to fix it? And will they do it free of charge? TIA!

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  39. In case you're thinking about the double-serge pencil skirt:

    I ordered the same size as last year and this year's is a full one inch smaller in the hips (i.e., 1/4" on each side). I believe that it is also much smaller in the waist, but I can't do a comparison because I had to have last year's skirt altered to fit my figure (waist is 2 sizes smaller than hips). I think this year's version actually fit me *better* this year as the cut was curvier rather than straight up and down.

    Of course, it's hard to know whether they're actually cut differently this year or whether this is "normal" size variation due to cutting practices.

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  40. Jackie: I haven't had to show my JC card. And yes, free of charge. I usually bring the receipt (retail/online) but most of the times the SAs don't ask. When something like that happens they either ask me whether I'd like to return it or fixed. Somethings like knits/sweaters cannot be fixed but hems can be easily re-hemmed. HTH!

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  41. xoxo: I've been frustrated lately with a bunch of stuff not lasting one wash (mine and crewcuts for my girls) but I am really happy with this jacket and hope it lasts us long seasons. This is the JC I long for. :-)

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  42. Any one have the Dixon short boots? TTS? Particularly wondering about the calf fit - most of the shorter boots I've tried are huge in the calves (or maybe I just have really skinny calves - I have the same problem with tall boots). They look very reasonable in the picture online, but I've thought that before. :)

    TIA!

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  43. Anna, I bought and returned the Cocoon Concerto Coat. I ordered XS which is my usual size. It is a bit big and long on me. That said, I am only 5'2". The fabric is not thick at all. I don't really care for it. It feels like boiled wool, definitely not a winter coat. I like the shape even though it looks kind of like coats from the 80s without the shoulder pad. I think it will look much nicer on someone who is taller. It is a bit overwhelming on me. HTH...

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  44. I bought the motozip cardi on sale w/my 25% off card in the dark raisin color and I really like it. I wasn't sure about it until my PS had me unzip it at top and bottom each way a little bit. Very cute w/a t-shirt peeking out underneath. I wore it w/a peach t-shirt underneath w/my zippered Minnies and it was really cute IMO.

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  45. BTW, I ordered the Ripstop Field Jacket in the olive color. My online PS found it for me. It's on it's way to me and I am so excited!

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  46. I would love it if you bloggers who mention reviews would link us to them. I absolutely love seeing how all you fabulous JCA's style your things and it gives me such fabulous inspiration. Thanks!

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  47. For those of you who bought the Ripstop Field Jacket, do any of you have links to IRL photos? would it be too long for petites? I'm 5'1. Thanks!

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  48. washed the open merino cardigan for THE FIRST TIME, in cold water, extra gentle cycle, and it came out with 2 holes, on the front too! I don't get it. I have cheaper sweaters from Target that last longer. Not pleased. If it weren't for this blog, I would chalk up this incident (and others like it) to bad luck. But it's not just bad luck!!

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  49. JulieY, here is a link to Gigi's Gone Shopping blog review and IRL photos. Gigi is fairly petite so these pix may be helpful to you. Hope you don't mind Gigi, your reviews and photos are always so helpful! I'm 5'9" so no point in telling you where it hits on me. It is a shorter jacket, but very cute that way - it doesn't look like a boyfriend loaner.

    I can tell you the measurement from the seam where the collar is stitched to the back panel, to the bottom of the hem is 25" in size Medium. There are a few other IRL and model shots out there, just google "J.Crew ripstop field jacket".

    Jruby18, hope you love it as much as jcrewphd and I do!

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  50. Hi JCA's,

    I don't have a review as much as a question.

    I have been OBSESSED with the Imogene + Willie t-shirt which appeared for a brief moment on the website. I called the 800# and asked an ambitious SA and neither knew of the t.

    In any case, I asked my personal shopper to track it down for me (I'd saved a picture). She promised to look.

    A day later, obsession not abating, I called the 800# and had them do a search. Within 30 minutes, my t was on its way!

    So, here's my question: should I be relying on my PS to find these odd items for me? Or should I just use the find-it service?

    The thing is, I want what I want, and I want it now.

    Thanks for your insights!

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  51. Interesting to read the reviews on the Bettina cami because I had the exact same issue. I will likely return this next time I'm in.

    Has anyone had any luck with the "lay" of the ruffles on the Callista cami? Are there any tricks? I love this top because of the burgundy color, but I feel like the ruffling looks slightly awkward.

    I'm not sure if anyone has commented on the Betsy wrap camis. I have both the dot chiffon and the silk - size down at least one size.

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  52. Has anyone seen, tried, or bought the sherpa lined squall coat (29527)? Any thoughts??? Nice casual coat? Is the fabric soft? TTS? Very curious. TIA!

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  53. Wow, just read Dinster's comment about holes in the merino. The same thing happened to my merino popover tunic THE FIRST TIME it was washed on handwash cycle, as I do all other delicate items, and it came out with two holes in the lower front section of the sweater! I was shocked to see the holes! I'm really disappointed as I finally scored it as a popback after it had sold out in the pretty wild plum color.

    I almost feel like putting my wallet away until the economy improves - hopefully quality will follow suit.

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  54. Bronson Suede booties: look very nice IRL, but the shoe is cut so low on the top and by the heel that my feet slipped out of them with every step. I couldn't size down because then they would have smooshed my toes. Had to return.

    My 2 cents on the moto cardigan: I liked the asymmetrical style but I found the sweater to be too cropped=looking on me. Also, the L was too tight across the chest but the XL was super baggy in the sleeves.

    I'm also interested if anyone can comment on the comfort of the sutton midheel booties?

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  55. I have some MAJOR news.

    Got a cashmere v-neck cardigan on the 20% off thingy a few weeks ago. The colour (Matisse blue) is gorgeous and I wanted something in that colour although I was hesitant because the cashmere, as we all know, pills like crazy these days.

    Well, the big news is that I've worn it 5 times and so far there is VERY minimal pilling. Maybe they've smartened up the quality? I don't know. But the difference between this sweater after 5 wearings and a pullover from last year after about 5 MINUTES is vast. Yay!

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  56. jcrewphd and xoxo,

    I completely agree about the fabulousness of the Riptop Field jacket. I bought mine in July (at FP... a very rare occasion for me but I don't regret a single penny of what I spent on it) and wore it basically nonstop throughout the summer.

    One question though, when you washed it did you notice any shrinkage in the dryer? Mine is an XS and the sleeves are a *little* looser than I'd like them to be so I was wondering if there was a possibility I might be able to shrink it down a bit.

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  57. Hallie829, thanks for the info on washing the microspun tanks in a mesh bag. When my replacement order arrives I'll be sure to handwash :)

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  58. MsHark -- The stadium cloth peacoat runs pretty TTS. It seems a little bit tighter under the arms than past peacoats. That is the only place that I notice a difference. Definitely a slimmer, less boxy fit than past peacoats. If you are between sizes, I would go with the bigger one. I seem to consistently take the same size in J Crew coats, so I went with that and it works.

    Happenings -- I am around between 5'4" and 5'5" and the Colletta coat hits me above the knee (length seems to run the same as similar coats from past seasons). Hope that helps!

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  59. Hexicon, I had the same experience with this year's double serge pencil skirt. It definitely fits smaller/different. But it worked for me, somehow!

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  60. I ordered my usual size in the serge pencil skirt and it made me look like a box. Compared to my 08 & 09 models, it was much larger in the waist and hip. I also was unimpressed with the quality, so both colors I ordered went back with no regrets.

    I did order the striped serge one that came out last week and I really love it.

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  61. Andrea, I only washed my ripstop field jacket once and I didn't notice any shrinkage, although I am careful with cottons and hang them to try when they are still a bit damp. You might be able to shrink it by washing in hot water and drying on high until completely dry, but that can be hard on the fabric and shorten the life of the jacket. I found the fit just perfect for me, a rarity.

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  62. kitsmommy, did you get your usual size in the striped serge pencil skirt? How do you find the front zipper, does it give a more casual look?

    Thanks!

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  63. Yes, I bought my usual size. I tried it with a silk shirt and dressy cami and didn't find it to be that casual. I think this is skirt you could dress up or down. It is much better made than the pencils and has a really cute shape. Be aware that it is shorter than it is listed in the description.

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  64. Gah! I swore I wouldn't buy into the ubiquitous military jacket look, since I have a similar (safari) jacket already. But all this talk about the solid ripstop field jacket has made me start lusting again & I just placed an order for the last one in bronzed twig. I've tried it on & liked the look at the store, but managed to walk away twice. This time I caved. Ladies, LOL, witness the power of your reviews!

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  65. kitsmommy, how short is it? Its listed at 19 5/8" long. If it's creeping up to 17, maybe I could size up for a bit more length or just not wear it to work.

    Connor, too funny! I am one who buys based on reviews as well. Things you never knew you needed, right? Hope you like the jacket.

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  66. They must have fixed it after I emailed them that their measurements were wrong. It is around 20" but they had it listed as 23."

    I am 5'4" and it is fine for work even with bare legs. It is cute with patterned tights too...

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  67. Thanks kitsmommy. I'm 5'9" and quite leggy so it may be too short for work. I do like wool skirts for casual wear so may have to get it anyway. I ordered the moss tweed skirt, which is listed @ 20 5/8". I sized up hoping I can wear it to work so will see if that works out.

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  68. I tried on the Waverly chinos in the store yesterday. Love them. . . they're cut slim (no, they really mean it this time!) and fit TTS. They don't run large like the other chinos lately. The fabric is very soft and drapey, and the pockets are cut so they don't bug out.

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  69. I received the rhodie satchel and arrow sweater jacket. The arrow has been reviewed a number of times, so I won't go into detail on that, but I do really like it.

    A little undecided on the rhodie. I was hoping for it to be a little "mossier", it looks pretty much brown to me. Also, the strap is so long it will have to be shortened, which I'm hoping I can have a cobbler do. I do like the "vintage" feel, and it seems very well made. Also like the size, which is plenty roomy but not huge like so many J Crew bags.

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  70. I bought the leather washed moto jacket http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/outerwear/leather/PRDOVR~29573/29573.jsp and I am in love!! I sized up to a 2 to allow for some layering and such. It is not too cropped on me I love where it hits. The length is just barely touching my wrists in the arms and the color is really beautiful. It seems really well made IMO!

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  71. @Andrea: in response to your question regarding washing your beloved jacket. I use to work at the Gap, where I learned that most cotton weaves are woven "1-way". The direction of the weave usually runs north-south on a garment. If it shrinks, it'll most likely shrink up/shorten up.

    If the sleeves are too long, you can try shrinking the length in the dryer (low setting, 20-30 minutess, cool, try again 15-20 minutes...don't just toss it in and forget it). If the sleeves are too wide (too much room around), washing and drying won't help. HTH

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  72. Just received my Dream V-Neck cardigan (item #28764) in Heather Nordic Blue. The color is fantastic IRL and the material is incredibly soft. One minor gripe I have with the sweater is that I wish it was longer; I have a pretty short torso and it still hits a little above my hips. Definitely keeping it, though!

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  73. I also liked the Waverly chinos, but I think those will get marked down quickly, so I didn't buy them.

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  74. Adding to Kris' review of the Rhodie satchel... I also ordered in the olive moss. I LOVE the color, the leather, the texture... BUT, two things I don't love: (1) the buckle -- it is an actual buckle that you have to buckle and unbuckle to close/open the bag to get to your stuff -- a PAIN! I have other bags with this look, but the buckle is actually faux, with a magnet underneath. (2) while the satchel looks really great if you use the handles, it looks off balance if you use the cross-body strap. I think the body of the bag might just be too wide or something -- it sort of wobbles, and just bugs me. I am undecided about whether to keep -- any thoughts??

    A second review, the cashmere cody cardigan (29607). I picked it up today in a local B&M in the heather plum. All sweaters, including sale, are 30% off in-store, so this was $100, less 30%, less 25% using my 25% off card for a fabulous price of $52.50!! Like many JCAs, I have had horrible experiences with JC cashmere over the last two years, but a SA told me that her personal experience was that this year's cashmere holds up much better. Fingers crossed! Also, this particular sweater is a shorter fit, and I really prefer looser slouchier fits, so I bought a L even though I am 5'2, 105 lbs -- LOVE it! (This sweater promo, in conjuction with the red card, is FABULOUS!)

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  75. Anyone have information about the Katzy Cami?

    TTS or not?

    How scooped is the neckline?

    Is lined?

    TIA!

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  76. Audreys - I think the reason the satchel seems off balance with the cross body is because the strap is so long. On me at least, it seemed better shortened up, but then there is a long strap hanging down that bugs me. If you're taller, though, that may not be the problem.

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  77. I love the cashmere colours this year, but am TOTALLY hesitant on buying any since the few that I got over the last year and a half have pilled horribly. Ignoring what the SA's are saying, would any JCA's please offer some real life reviews of this year's cashmere crop? Holes, pilling after a few wears? Performance of 12 ga vs 14 ga? TIA!

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  78. Closet Crisis, that is very helpful information! The length on the jacket and the sleeves is perfect, but even in the XS it's slightly baggy all around. I still love the jacket and it's really not that big of a deal... so I won't even bother messing with the dryer. Line dry it is!

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  79. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the women's Belstaff Roadmaster jacket? In particular, how is the sizing? Is it a slim-fitting jacket? Any input would be greatly appreciated, especially since I am unable to find any online reviews for it.

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  80. Meme, the Katzy is TTS, I'd say - the neckline is quite scooped and has the little keyhole part so you may be able to see the front part of a bra under it. The ruffles on the neckline kind of weigh down the front. It is NOT lined, despite what the description says. That being said, the warm taupe color is nice.

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  81. Thanks silver lining - That's just what I needed to know!

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  82. I tried to post this yesterday to Anna & Elizabeth in MO about the Squall Coat.
    I received it a couple days ago and it is very TTS, I got my usual size 0.
    The material is soft and very warm when you wear it with the vest.
    I like that you can remove the vest and hoodie, but I'm still trying to decide if I like the look of a very plain gray coat ??? I still don't know if it looks very 'european style' or like an industrial robe...I hope that makes sense.
    HTH

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  83. Lili en San Diego: Not sure if you'll get this since this posting is older. But - THANKS so much for the info on the Squall coat. I appreciate it SO much!

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  84. Thanks Elizabeth in MO, what are your thoughts on the Squall coat...I'm still debating if I like it or not, it was totally an impulse buy, I paid $220 + shipping for it, but can't decide if it's worth it.

    Anybody else has this coat?

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  85. Thanks Elizabeth in MO, what are your thoughts on the Squall coat...I'm still debating if I like it or not, it was totally an impulse buy, I paid $220 + shipping for it, but can't decide if it's worth it.

    Anybody else has this coat?

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  87. I am wondering if anyone can comment on the fit of the Infinity Cardigan (27925) - it makes me nervous that they offer it in an x-small and xx-small - does it run big? Also wondering about the colors - hard to see exactly how they will look in real life. Thanks!

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  88. Operach: The Infinity cardigan has really snug fitting arms so I wouldn't size down. I normally wear a small in JC and when I sized down to XS the arms were so tight it felt uncomfortable. With my Michelle and Forever cardigans I was able to take XS and didn't have that issue but with the Infinity I took my normal size. HTH!

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  89. Thanks, jcrewphd, that is really helpful!

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  90. Can anyone comment on the fit of the Sunrise Dress (29857). I have found that J Crew's cotton dresses have been running large this season (usually I would take a small but seem to need an x-small). Any advice would be great!

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  91. Just a question: Does JC have a black list if you return a lot of items. I do not live by a jcrew -- and the sizes are never reliable - so I end up getting several sizes and returning half of what I buy. But I've been a loyal customer for a decade. Then today, when I called in to exchange a size, the sales assoc. was a jerk, left me on hold for a long time doing who knows what (probably talking to a supervisor about the "black" mark on my account?????) then finally came back to say they were sold out in my size. So I asked about another item, and without even hesitating to look - said they were sold out of that one too. So I looked that 2nd item up online to find out that they DID have it in my size. Coincidence? Or am I black listed now and doomed to bad customer service? Maybe it is time to shop else where.

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