Tuesday, June 21, 2011

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! :)

42 comments:

  1. Some reviews from the crewlet as well as from the regular store (scroll down) here.

    sub

    ReplyDelete
  2. can someone comment on the new wide resin bangle#52364 in the maraschino cherry?
    is it a true red or more of a pink?
    how is the fit?(i have a small wrist)?
    my other question is the rowboat dress.is it worth full price?
    TIA

    ReplyDelete
  3. ina - I haven't tried on the rowboat dress. However, if you go to this post you can Ctrl+F (on pc) to search 'rowboat' and find links to 7 bloggers' irl pics. The resin bracelet looks pink-red on my monitor, but I haven't seen that one in-person either.

    ReplyDelete
  4. ina, IMO the Rowboat dress is not worth full price but I am one of the bloggers who panned it in this post. The seaming is cheaply done and the fabric fairly thin for pique - I doubt it will hold up to several wash/wears as far as durability and shape retention are concerned.

    Of course others love it so it's probably a good idea to check out the links on gigiofca's blog.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have the Souvenir Dress with the sleeves, bought it last week.
    Love the back zipper and the short, cute sleeves. I wore it out to a cocktail party on Friday and it was perfect. It's a little short when I sit down, but I am on the taller side.
    The silk is very nice quality, thought the lining is poly and I prefer an acetate.
    I bought the black! I love the subtle ikat pattern, which is about as much ikat as my personal style can handle.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've tried the wide resin bangle in the maraschino cherry color in my local B&M. I think it would be too large on someone with small wrists - I say this because it easily slipped on my wrist, and my wrists are a good 6.5-6.75 inches in diameter (bangles must be at least 2.5 inches in diameter to fit over my hand). The color definitely reads red, not orangey at all, but maybe with a teeny tiny hint of pink. It's pretty close to a true red.

    I felt the rowboat dress in my B&M and didn't bother trying it on because I thought it felt cheap.

    HTH!

    ReplyDelete
  7. ina, I have seen the new bangle and it looked red to me. It's the same color as the patent belt in chili pepper and the new ikat scarf in rose. Sure do wish they'd use the same color code when colors match! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I would love to hear any reviews on bathing suits, especially:

    twist-front bandeau top
    retro dot underwire top

    and

    Ruched and knotted twist-front tank

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Attache Dress in Superfine Cotton: Love this! The material feels fantastic, the workmanship seems good and the fit is very flattering. I found it to be TTS, maybe a tiny bit on the bigger side for suiting dresses (I find the Super 120s Allura to fit a little bit smaller through the waist and chest) but not enough for me to size up.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The schoolboy herringbone is cute and perfect for spring/summer, but it turned out to be like that indigo pea jacket. The lining is scrachy! The sleeves makes you feel itchy as thought the metallic thread is poking through the lining. Very uncomfortable, especially considering that you'd most likely wear a short sleeve top or a tank top underneath the jacket.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I loved the rowboat dress, but I agree it is not worth the full price.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I tried the Rowboat on in the store. It was cute, but definitely not worth FP IMO. I ended up w/the darker striped Maritime dress and LOVE it! I sized down from a L to a Medium. I'm not that tall and it hits just above the knee on me. I also splurged on the red ballet shoes at FP. They feel really comfy. I love the color and they were down to only a few pairs left in my store.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I ordered the Presentation linen pencil skirt (#37882, on sale now for $78) and was very disappointed with the colour. The onscreen colour looks like a light golden/camel colour. IRL, it is a dull pinky beige colour that is very unflattering. Otherwise it's a nice skirt that fits TTS. But the colour is so dull, I am sending it back.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Has anyone tried the matchstick in the dark rinse wash? I have a pair of matchsticks from 2 years ago which I LOVED but have now got holes in them, and want to replace them, but these ones look so dark I'm not sure what I think. Any thoughts? Did the colour stay on the jean or rub off onto the skin?

    ReplyDelete
  15. I purchased and then returned the Summerlong sweater in tropical pink white even though I loved the color. It is almost a bit neon, but not quite.
    The reason I decided to return it is because I'm sure the linen content is going to make the sweater fuzzy and messy looking after wear. It already looked a bit suspect when I took it out the bag at home. In addition to the material being problematic, it is see-through. I felt like the cost couldn't justify it possibly not lasting through the season.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Cafe trousers in linen.
    I sized down to 2 in lined version but the unlined ones felt better in my regular 4.
    The fit is fantastic if you only have very little curve in your hips and rear. If you are pear/hourglass these are NOT the pants for you, there will be waist gap.
    For me, this is finally a pant that does not sag in the back and stick out in the hips.
    The fit is similar to cafe trouser in cotton (also size 2 on me) but the cotton ones had little more room in rear. As another comparison I also take 2 in this year's cafe capri but on me they do stick out a little in hips and sag in rear.
    The fabric was a little bit scratchy in black but I think they would soften with few washes since they are 100% linen, I love the herringhbone pattern.
    I am 5'6" with 33" inseam and I need 3" heels to wear them without hemming.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I ordered and returned the Prabal Gurung "Exploding Bow" dress. I ordered the kelly green in a size 00. The dress was MUCH too big; I was swimming in it. (For reference, I'm 5 ft. 2.5 in. and 93-94 lbs.) Also, the color is lighter than the color pictured on the website. The material was lovely, though. And the bow was really cute. After waiting weeks for the dress, I was pretty disappointed.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Just got the Short-sleeve selvedge chambray shirt today in the mail. It's very boxy and oversized. I'm a 36D and I was swimming in the medium. The sleeves have side vents at the edge of the hem to add a feminine touch. I will, however, be returning it as it is just too boxy.

    ReplyDelete
  19. The Rowboat dress has been worth the price to me. I've worn it a lot and love it. I agree though, it is not for everyone, but it is my style and great for my lifestyle.

    So...I'm curious to know if the Martitime dress will still be in come fall. I mean, will I look silly? :) I want the navy now (I have the blue), but no way I can wear this for another few months in TX..unless I go on vacation somewhere...hmm. :)

    Btw, both B&Ms near me don't have this dress in smaller sizes anymore. :(

    ReplyDelete
  20. I broke down and ordered the Nili Lotan caftan (long white thing). Thought it would be perfect for summer. Huge disappointment. This could give SAS (skinny armhole syndrome) a bad name. I like the band collar and the French seams; that's about it. The fabric is tissue-thin and flimsy. Not only that but it arrived wrinkled to a fare-thee-well. I called CS about the wrinkles and had a surrealistic convo about cutting-edge stylistic touches. It has been returned!

    Another package arriving soon (back-order).

    ReplyDelete
  21. I ordered and love the Ink Dot Pencil skirt, which is currently on sale. It's a great length, nice quality fabric, and of course perfect fit (I've never met a jc pencil skirt I didn't like!) Pics and review here.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Detailed review of the Indira Ikat Dress posted on my blog here.

    I'm really undecided on this one, would appreciate opinions if anyone would care to weigh in.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Just received the Lace Cottage Skirt in black today and love it! I'm really into lace this year and the lace on this skirt is very pretty. The scallop detail at the hem is lovely (but know that you won't be able to lengthen it). Also like the easy pull-on style and the side pockets. I ordered my usual size 4. It fits true to size. The elastic waist makes it possible to pull it down a it. Wish it was slightly longer but it hits about 3" above my knee which is fine. Tried it on with a striped tank top and the effect is very casual chic :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Rowboat Dress is worth it and I am a bargain shopper that never pays full price! Just ordered it in faded black. I tried on in a medium earlier because that is the smallest size I ever saw at our store. I usually wear about a 4 and might could wear a small but nothing is left online and you don't want to wear wide horizontal stripes too tight!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Also on my full price radar: The Seacomb Sweater in rustic ochre on page 12 in the new July catalog. Crave it but need an extra small which was already gone in my local store. To complete the look I love the linen Caravan pant in pearl too which were already marked down ( not sure why) but of course no size 2 was left! I bought them already in the fatique (olive) color but really want the pearl or vintage amber.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Shopping Celle, another JCA posted in a previous thread that the seacomb sweater stretched out quite a bit during he day. Just FYI, you may want to SD if you like a closer fit.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Just received the Harbor Silk Tunic - Love it, the paisley pattern is beautiful, the fit is very loose and boxy but it supposed to be a swim cover/tunic so that is expected.

    Jersey one shoulder tank suit in slate- Love it. The fabric is shiny and beautiful and the rusching (sp?) hides my post baby belly.

    Chambray tuxedo cami - love. The construction is really nice and well done. the fabric is fairly substantial. They have these cute buttons on it too with the jcrew symbol.

    Silk layering cami - love, size down though, runs a little big. Not too boxy as the silk henley was. I am surprised these are hanging around in the sale section, it is a great utility top.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I brought home the casbah dress in that gorgeous jade paisley. After stalking it for weeks I am ecstatic to have snagged it for $90 (129.99 with extra 30% off)!

    I did size up, which helped the pleats lay flatter & generally decreased the poufiness of the style. I am tall-ish (5'9") and pear-shaped, and find it very flattering.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Got the Maritime Dress in navy and LOVE it. Very comfy, cute, and perfect!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Does anyone have a review on the new Seacomb sweater?

    Also, a bit off topic, anyone see the new Sun-drenched sweatshirt colors in the stores yet? I love these and wear mine a ton...but noticed the price jumped to $65. :(

    ReplyDelete
  31. Heya! Can anyone comment on the Bluebonnet dress (item #375550)? I've been eying this piece for sometime now and am debating between a small and x-small. I've found their sizes to run on the big side this summer so I've been sizing down to the x-small for a lot of items. Thanks in advance for any insight!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Can anyone tell me what you are pairing with the Paradisa dress? I am so clueless as to what color cardi I should wear with this dress. Today I've gone with a sheer beige cardi but between that and my nude patent pumps I feel a bit monochrome... I'm thinking a brown cardi would be too harsh and orange would be too matchy-matchy. Would love some advice!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Dara, what about navy? I am hoping to get the dress on sale and that's the color I plan to pair with it. I may also experiment with teal/turquoise.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Can anyone comment on how madewell bottoms fit? Particularly, skirts? I want to order the staircase skirt, and I am a 4/6 in J.Crew... but I think I've heard that Madewell runs smaller. Is that true?

    ReplyDelete
  35. Wowza shopping spree! I bought most of these items a month ago, but had them delivered to my moms (because I'm unfortunately without a mailbox at the moment....grrr) and I'm just picking them up now! Thank god everything fits perfectly. And most is even more on sale now. *sigh* reference, 32dd-23-33 and 5'6

    Indio Pursette in cobblestone. LOVE this, perfect tiny sidebag. Strap is a diff color than rest of bag, but close enough that it isn't noticeable. Strap is very stiff tho. Purse material scuffs easily.

    Forever cardigan in cotton. Just got in melon, also have light spearmint and flamingo. Fits TTS. Extremely lightweight! But nice for hot days when you need something to protect your arms from the sun, or for a warm windy night. Melon color is kinda neon. Flamingo is darling. Spearmint is more green than blue.

    Slim knit pants in marled charcoal. Never bought J. Crew bottoms before in size xxs-l range. I am almost always a 00 in skirts and dresses, so I went with xxs in these and they fit great. FYI waistband is tight - doesn't have a lot of stretch to it.

    Oval heirloom locket necklace in gold. LOVE this!!! Great length.

    3" chino shorts in shocking pink. pink is NEON! amazing. I went with the same size as my skirts (00) and fits great. they are def have the "broken in" look. Kinda wish they were most saturated.

    Dorrie Skirt in toffee, fits TTS, love this material. Seems very well made. LOVE the placement and size of the pockets.

    Thessaly Beach Dress in embossed silk and cotton in dragonfly blue. Went with normal 00 size. Lots of room for a dd cup! I feel like this dress runs slightly big. Very cute, very soft - loving the silk/cotton blend. Wrinkles terribly :) haha

    Shortcut Sweater in seashore green, fits TTS (got xs) I may never take this off. Loose at the waist, but tigher at the arms, very cute. Color is more dull than appears online.

    Delaney Eyelet Skirt in tawny sand. I got a 2 for this one because its so short, and it fits great. I wear it at the hips (if I got my normal 00 would only be able to wear at my natural waist...aka waaay to short) and it looks really cute. Material is very soft, will be great for hot days. Color is def a more beige than a pink IRL. I find it looks kinda pink online, its totally not IRL.

    Hope this helps someone - esp since the indios are mega on sale right now!
    Tasia

    ReplyDelete
  36. J.CrewJD: I have found Madewell to run pretty much the same as J.Crew, and normally order my J.Crew size from there. I am also interested in the Staircase skirt and asked CS for measurements back in May for sizes 0, 2, and 4. Here is the reply:

    Heidi: Hello! How can I help you today?
    You: Hello Heidi! Can you please give me waist and hip measurements on item #41703, the Staircase skirt, sizes 0, 2, and 4?
    Heidi: I'll be happy to help with that!
    You: Thanks! :)
    Heidi: A size 0 has a waist of 28". A size 2 has a waist of 29", and a size 4 has a waist of 30".
    Heidi: I'm sorry, but we don't have any hip measurements available.

    Hope this helps! :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. I posted a few items that I purchased from a B&M, trying to give everyone a heads up on great sales prices before they discontinue the extra 30% off. (The Indie Dress, The Jaspe LInen Rosalie pencil skirt and the Peasant Blouse). Also the Mirabel pencil skirt is marked down in stores!!

    Click here for pics!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I just wanted to update my previous post about the Rowboat Dress. I am ordered the blue in a small and the faded black in a medium. I was mainly interested in the faded black color but as usual the size I need isn't available online but it pops up later after the special is over! I usally wear about a 4 and I really needed the small in this dress. The blue is really nicer than I thought it would be.
    I also ordered the linen tie back sweater in cinnamon spice in size s because the xs was gone. Of course I really needed the xs and now it is available back online after the extra 30% is over. The sweater is cute but roomy and being linen will probably stretch so size down. Perfect color for going into fall. Is anyone else frustrated by the sold out sizes magically returning to the site after the sale is off???

    Note to xoxo: Thanks for your comment about the seacomb sweater. Still haven't ordered it but it is in my shopping bag and am watching for it in my b&m!

    ReplyDelete

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

And now back to J.Crew! :)