Tuesday, November 1, 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! :)

89 comments:

  1. My silk popover arrived today, and it fits beautifully. If anything (like normal) my sleeves are a bit long, but I have to buy for the chest measurement. Very nice fabric, not too see through. I wish they made THIS top in leopard too. Someone commented the dots were not white. Well, maybe off-white. I love the color. I think if it were white-white it would be a bit bright.

    Also from the 25% off sale, the Biela patent loafers arrived today. TOO NARROW for me. The top of the shoe presses down on my big toe joint, and I do not have bunions! But I do have medium feet, not narrow. So sad, as they are very well made and the inside is comfortable - if it were a bit wider!

    If anyone is interested in them in the bronzed clay color, size 9.5, let me know b/f I return them Tues or Weds.

    bichonluvr42005 at yahoo dot com

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  2. Emmett flat boots arrived. They run large for me. I might could wear them if I wore a couple of pairs of thick socks but they are big. They look fine but the sale price is more appropriate for them.

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  3. This isn't a review, I just wanted to let people know that there's a new color for the NO.2 Pencil Skirt in Double-serge Wool! It's called Bright Blue, and it's slightly deeper than Yacht Blue. I'm not sure if I've discovered this too late, but I didn't see it posted anywhere!

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  4. The floral taffeta capris will be up on my blog tomorrow. I love the print but they do have an odd cut, they are very baggy around the hip area and make me look quite pear shaped, I thought about having them tailored but I'm just going to enjoy them as is. Thanks to Audrey S they went from £278 to £70 for me!

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  5. Vintage Tweed Jacket and Selvedge Chambray Shirt arrived. The jacket fits true to size and (like a couple of reviews I read) is indeed a bit boxy but I still like it. I could not have sized down cause it fits well now buttoned and the shoulders fit right, but when unbuttoned it looks like its got a lot of fabric hanging at the sides. I'm still keeping it as I think it looks ok like that and the tweed and color (mustard) are beautiful.

    Selvedge shirt is huge! But color is perfect if you're looking for that type of shirt. Does anyone know if this top shrinks well?

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  6. A review of the Keynote dress on my blog here. Unfortunately it is very poorly made, the zipper is not even sewn straight. Huge fail, huge disappointment.

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  7. Vintage PJ set- I love the cut,fits perfectly. The pants are pretty long and I"m hemming (pjs? hemming?) and the material is a bummer- I was hoping for a poplin cotton, something smoother and crisper. This is kind of rough and thin.

    Lodge slippers- if anyone is shopping, these are good for the price. The faux fur is actually really soft and close to Ugg feeling. TTS.

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  8. anyone have the MacAlister wedge boots (#28671)? how do they hold up? tried them on in the store in that light nut color and they're really cute and comfy, the display shoes were already scratched and dirty.

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  9. xoxo, thanks for the very detailed Keynote review. I'm totally disgusted by the cheap shortcuts and poor construction.

    pathos, I have the scuff slippers from a couple Holiday seasons ago and they are so comfortable. I really like JC slippers.

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  10. I put my reviews of the Paley pant and the Interoffice skirt in last week's post. Recommend both.

    No new purchases for me. I was hoping for a bigger rollout this last time, and an end to final sale since I won't buy when I can't exchange or return.

    Suzy, have you tried a shoe stretcher? Patent can be very snug and unforgiving but I've had really good luck stretching shoe toe boxes with a stretcher I bought on Amazon and the Kiwi stretch spray.

    XOXO, thanks for that detailed review. Very helpful.

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  11. I also love J.Crew slippers. The ones from years past are really high quality and you can usually get them on sale!

    Does anyone have a review of the Merino Funnelneck Cardigan?

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  12. Like Elizabeth, i also found that the Emmett flat boots run large. Even two pair of really thick socks didn't help with the overwhelming heel slippage. I think they are good boots for the sales price but overpriced at the regular price. I've ordered an exchange - a half size down - at the sale price to see if a 1/2 size down will work.

    I also tried on the Booker boots in store. I love the "look" or styling of these boots - I'm forever searching for a flat boot with no embellishments, something classic - but was disappointed with them IRL. The leather isn't great and both pairs on display had significant scratching as did the pair they brought me to try on. My regular size was also too large on me in the Booker style. The 1/2 size down fit but was a bit tight - probably would have opened up with wear but I passed on them. Just didn't like the leather and I didn't like the fit through the ankle.

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  13. I ordered the Miller Tall motorcycle boot in my usual J Crew boot size (have and LOVE the Vintage roadster flat boot in a 10). This year's 10 is running at least a half size large, for the flat rubber soled variety of boot. Thought I was the one going crazy. Decided to keep this pair as the heavy socks with jeans tucked in pair. The leather on these is absolutely decadent- soft, nice finish. Mmmmmmm. Was pleasantly surprised with the quality. They are comfortable instantly out of the box and onto the feet. Husband likes them (got the dark brown).

    So I contacted CS regarding whether the Emmett boots (and the other rubber soled flat boots) of 2011 are running large this season compared with last. No JCA reviews yet. CS clueless- says they run 'true to size'. Yeah, whatever....this year's size. So I ask whether they are the same manufacturer and got some weird beating around the bush. So I decided to get the 9 1/2 in the Emmett for lighter socks. Will get them today and update you. Got the warm sienna so it might be a different leather. Never know what you're gonna get.

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  14. I tried on the Crochet Lace Front Tee at my B&M last week and I really liked it. Usually I am hit or miss with their tees because I have a short torso and they are too long but the addition of the XXS small size seems to have made a difference. I tried on the XXS in black and it fit me perfect, hitting at high hip. I might size up to an XS just to have some length to wear with a skirt. The tee stretched perfectly over my hips which can be a problem sometimes. The lace detail on the front really worked well with the toothpick jeans I had on. It seemed well made although I would want to be a little careful with the lace. Overall I liked it and I think it will come in handy for the holiday season.

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  15. I am not sure if this is common knowledge or not, but the JCrew Tall is VERY long. I am 5'10" and the Blythe is nearly down to my knees (well maybe not that long but it felt that way).

    If I exchange in store, will they give me the 25% if I get another Blythe? If so does it have to be the same color? Love the white but I am sick of sheer... would like to wear just one shirt and be done with it sometimes!

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  16. @Miss JR, I have the McAlister wedges in nut and it's held up surprisingly well. Before I first wore them, I sprayed with waterproofing and I never wear them on days when there's even a hint of precipitation in the forecast. So far they're stain & scuff-free, but I do live in the suburbs so I rarely walk on dirty city streets.

    The only problem I had was slight discoloration where my dark skinny jeans touched the top of the suede shoes and the dye rubbed off. These weren't new jeans, but maybe the constant friction caused it. After that initial time, I've resorted to always rolling the hems of skinny jeans and wearing cute ankle socks scrunched down to avoid dye transfer. Haven't had an issue with twill, chinos, or light colored jeans.

    I do like the lighter nut color because I can wear it from early fall into late spring without the shoes looking too utilitarian or "heavy". Good luck!

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  17. Has anyone else tried the Schoolboy blazer in tweed? I've been going back and forth since receiving it late last week from the 25% off promo and finally decided it's going back today. With the discount, I still ended up paying $148 and it looks cheaper than that, plus I'm not sure about the color which is greener than it looks online with too much white mixed in. I also found it rather short as I'm only 5'3" and it looked too cropped to wear with jeans. Sad because I don't own a single blazer (I'm a cardis and skirts girl mainly) and I really wanted to love it. On a side note, and this is just a matter of personal preference, I don't particularly care for the "authentic haberdashery-inspired design details, like a lapel buttonhole" - who needs a buttonhole with no button to go through it?

    I know everyone has been talking about the Hacking jacket and I may try that one out instead. I dismissed it immediately as being too long, but given that the Schoolboy is too short, it may just work out.

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  18. Suzette Blouse item #59127 review: I had high hopes for this one as I liked the refined look of a bow blouse that can be worn both tied or casually untied. I usually am between a 0 or 2, depending on the cut (I have broad shoulders), and since this looked blousy I ordered size 0 in ripe melon.

    As soon as I saw the fabric, I was disappointed. It's silk, but feels like cheap polyester and is very sheer. Even though it comes with a matching cami, I decided the hassle of wearing a bra, cami & bow-tied blouse was too much effort to get dressed and promptly returned it. Definitely not worth full-price IMO (nor even deep discount). Runs a bit large so size down. Fit is similar to the boyfriend silk crepe de chine shirt, which I have in navy stripe and LOVE.

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  19. I just posted a few top reviews on my blog including: the flannel boy shirt, shimmer bow sweater, perfect shirt in paisley and the silk blouse in seine stripe.

    See here.

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  20. Vintage Thermal Sweatshirt: Sadly, a fail. The modern red colour is fabulous, and the material is very nice & soft, if a little thin. But the proportions of the sweatshirt are very odd. I went with my usual sweater size S. The fit was ok through the body, but it's quite short. I would have thought about sizing up to get a slighly longer fit, but the neckline is VERY scooped and sizing up would only make the neck that much sloppier.

    Definitly not worth FP, and possibly not even on sale. Too bad, I have wanted a replacement for my circa 1993 JC waffle knit shirt for a long time.

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  21. another review-

    Matchistick jeans in starlight wash- this wash was kind of muddy to me, like an old pair of levis from a thrift store. (not the cool old pair of levis from your boyfriend.) The material is STRETCHeee, the waistband and hips were loosish, and overall they felt like my Downtown skinnies but with a matchstick leg. Pass. Which could have worked, but I would want a stiffer jean material and a cleaner blue wash.

    Shawl collar cashmere sweater- I got this in the heather caramel and LOVE both color and fit. TTS. (-I think.) I ordered this in the heather grey back in Sept. when some colors went on sale, and that one fit kind of tight in the arms and short. I kept it. Now this caramel version fits me more like my normal Small sweaters do. So I'm confused, which is the right fit? A little tight and short, or TTS? hmmm?

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  22. @ Lainey: I bought my normal size in the selvedge chambray shirt...I think the fit is supposed to be more roomy and mine didn't shrink at all after washing so you might want to size down for a slimmer fit. That shirt is my most favorite wardrobe item - J.Crew pairs it with everything on the website and it really can go just about anywhere. I've even worn it to sleep in!

    @ Dara: I have a tweed schoolboy from last year and I love it, but I'm a blazer freak in general. Definitely check out the hacking jacket if you want a longer, leaner cut.

    Against my better judgement I bought the Blythe shirtdress without trying it on first. I sized up and it *still* pulls across the bust. Drat. It's a beautiful dress, though, and I think it will fit my mother perfectly, so I'll keep it and let her try it on.

    Hah! My verification word is "spenties". Like my bank account.

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  23. Well, speak of the devil, my Emmett flat boots (in warm sienna) in one half size smaller (I typically take a 9 and exchanged my huge 9s for an 8.5) came just a few minutes ago. This is the order I arranged through CS to exchange the ones I ordered in my normal size. The half size down fits perfectly, so Emmetts might be running 1/2 a size large this year. (Booker also ran 1/2 size larger for me, but Booker was tight in the smaller size so it is possible that if I tried on my usual size with thick socks it would have been the better fit). The Emmett sized down half a size are not tight at all and fit nice and slim through the ankle.

    carol, I'm guessing CS still hasn't gotten enough feedback on the Emmetts to give good sizing advice. When I was arranging my exchange, they told me they were surprised I needed to size down because they recommended ordering a half size UP to accommodate the thicker socks most people like to wear with boots. Had I done that, I would reallly have been swimming in them.

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  24. thank you, connor!

    they'll be my next order :)

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  25. @ Whitney: Thanks!! I think I will keep it, cuz you're right - they do pair it with everything on the website! I already have the XXS :( I don't mind the sides so much but the shoulders come down my arms a bit (I usually get the petite in JC shirts but this was not available in petite sizing).

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  26. Hi - I have a question; looking for new suiting dress pants for work. Durham 120's trouser or Cafe 120's trouser. The durham is on sale for $59.99 and the only real difference I can find is the button is on the side. Am I missing something? I have not tried either one yet. Thanks for your help! Christy

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  27. Lainey, I agree 100% with Whitney, the selvedge chambray shirt is my very favorite and most-worn piece of JC clothing. It goes with everything. I think I'm in a XXS as well and it's still a touch large, but it looks great!

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  28. I bought the vintage thermal henley tee (striped) and the regular vintage thermal crew neck tee. To say I'm in love in an understatement.They are super warm,soft and cozy. I wish I had them in every color.

    Also bought the Emmett ankle boots but returned them. I love the color and style, but not for the price (even after 25%). But probably will buy them when they were down to around $130 (if thats possible).

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  29. @ Clicquot: thanks! I was on the fence for a long time, then going to reluctantly keep it... but with all the comments, I definitely feel good about keeping it now :)

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  30. The double faced cashmere popover has been out a while now, but since it is pricey and a piece you would keep in your wardrobe for a long time, I figure I should do a review. I put it over at the True Crew Love blog (I tend to review Collection pieces there):

    http://truecrewlove.blogspot.com/2011/11/j-crew-collection-review-double-faced.html

    Quick takeaway...wonderfully soft, nice and warm for spring and fall, well constructed, but will definitely be too large (even in the extra-small) for many JCAs. It runs really big.

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  31. Jessie - How was the sizing in the Vintage Thermal tees. Did you order your usual size or size up? TIA

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  32. @maryeb, I ordered my usual jcrew size for tees, I think they fit tts. I am 5'8, size 4 in jcrew boy shirt, 4-6 in perfect shirt, S in sweatshirt, 6 in blazer and coat, bought M in these thermal tees. S might fit, but I just don't like anything too tight.
    hope this helps.

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  33. I received (from the 25% off) my neon azalea cashmere tee and I think I have to return. The color is so bright it's hard to look at in my closet. I want to love this bright of a pink but I cannot justify (even with 25%) wearing it once a year. Think I will exchange for the tulip pink (which is probably the color I want but looks light online and in catalog).

    The new thermal tees/henley is my favorite. I'm going to buy some for Christmas gifts.

    I love my MCALLISTER WEDGE boots and they have been great.

    I ordered the Biela Flat loafer as well and it's very comfortable. Find it a bit long in toe but not enough to exchange/return. I received tons of compliments when I wore (the green) color.

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  34. I received my order that included the selvedge chambray shirt. I actually didn't care for the fit. i have a larger chest and felt like even the small made me look heavier than I am. I exchanged it for
    Keeper chambray shirt which has a more fitted look. I am much more happy with it. I also bought the perfect paisley shirt, but am not 100% sold on it. The fit is accurate, but I'm somewhat underwhelmed by the colors in person.
    I also have the striped vintage thermal henley and a solid one. I agree that these are a keeper! I love them. I ordered smalls (typically a size 6) because sometimes waffles can make me appear bulkier. I love the fit!

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  35. Some recent reviews HERE

    Many chambray shirts, flair skirt, and outlaw blouse.

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  36. I also prefer the keeper chambray shirt. As much as I want to love the selvedge chambray shirt, it just didn't work for me. The short sleeve version looks better on me though

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  37. I ordered the Pixie Pant in Heather charcoal. I have the Outlet version of these leggings from about 2 years ago and love them. They are very soft. These new pixie pants aren't as soft or pliable.I still kept them and am wearing them today because I like my leggings to have structure- which these do.

    Yesterday in my shipment (with the pixie pants) I received the Biennial Satchel. UNFORTUNATELY, I ordered the Booker Boots. Nice, Jcrew. The Biennial is huge. Way to big and bulky for me, personally. Now I have to go to the store and explain what happened. I'm hoping they'll give me the Booker Boots rather than shipping them to me

    My word verification is latte :)

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  38. @ Jessie: does the short sleeve version fit smaller than the l/s? I'm considering picking it up if it goes on sale again...

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  39. The cashmere boyfriend cardigan is great--true to size (it is supposed to run a little large but I don't think it would work sized down). I'm tall and it hits to my hip. The cashmere is really soft and doesn't look like it will pill.

    I also got the cashmere snowbound sweater. It is also tts, slightly looser fit (not boxy but not form fitting). Overall I really like it--the cashmere is not quite as soft as in the boyfriend cardigans, which may have more to do with the color (I ordered navy in this one and the dark cashmere tends to be coarser as most companies use the coarser and darker hairs). I really like this sweater. I wish J. Crew would make more cashmere crew necks.

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  40. Can anyone comment on the fit of the double-cloth metro coat? I want the petite 0 thinsulate. I'm 5' 3" with pretty short legs, and I am a bit worried that even in petite it will be too long on me.

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  41. I found the Talia/scoopneck blouse to run TTS. Sad that the neck isn't as boatneck-like as the picture, but still nice. Beautiful in Wreath.

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  42. I absolutely love the Eden cardigan in the Viridian green color. I got it for less than $45 during the 25% off promo and what a great deal. It looks so cute w/skinny jeans and tucked into boots. I can match it w/all sorts of scarves and shirts. Love it! Today I'm wearing an all JC outfit: black pixies, really old black equestrian boots from maybe 5 years ago, and my St. James striped top which I got on super sale - 30% off in store a while back. Topped w/a red scarf and the JC field jacket in green. Super comfy, but pulled together looking. Can't ask for more than that.

    Also, got the Madewell Archive leather boots in the grey color and they are FAB! TTS and great sturdy, but soft leather. I really like Madewell's footwear.

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  43. lots of reviews:
    New Arrivals Part I here

    New Arrivals Part II here

    New Arrivals Part III - including polka dot popover here

    Crewlet reviews coming tomorrow!

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  44. Alexis, I have to say that I love this thread, it is my favorite. It's always extra-good after a promotion or sale when JCAs chime in with their recent purchases. I don't know how I ever shopped J.Crew without it. :^)

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  45. Emmett flat boot update: yes the smaller size DID fit, but the quality of these boots is off (#54643). The leather is not soft at all- it has a shiny finish that looks like it will scratch easily. Also, the soles are a slippery pressed material and not the wavy rubber that I love so much- the sole does not bend as easily and traction will be harder. They are going back. The search for a brown bootie continues.

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  46. I got the Honeycomb cable sweater last week, and while I am keeping it, just beware that it will shed EVERY.WHERE. I got the ivory color and by the end of the day, I had little white hairs all over everything. It looked like I owned a cat (I don't)! I love the sweater and it is so soft and lovely, but that is quite annoying...

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  47. Jruby18 - How is the sizing on the Field Jacket? I'd like to be able to layer it over a sweater. TIA

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  48. Some comments on my 25% off order...

    Cashmere Cable sweater in Heather Acorn. I’ve coveted this sweater for months, waiting for a promotion. Love the color, it is so very, very soft. It hits right at the hip, would have loved for it to be an inch or so below. Also, how did I not realize that the sleeves are three-quarter length? Haven’t decided if the length is a dealbreaker for me...will probably keep it, though.

    Hutton Trouser in Wool Flannel. Bought them in both black and pearl grey, as my winter work pants are looking tired. Fully lined, love the wide legs and the cuffs, but a warning...they mean it when they say high waisted. They are literally half an inch below my belly button. I think they look fabulous, but I know some will find the rise uncomfortable.

    Majesty Peacoat in Navy. LOVE. It is so soft, love the fabric’s texture, the buttons, everything. I sized up, as I live in Utah, as I will need to fit bulky sweaters under it. I probably could have gotten away with my normal size, but I think the back vent would gape when I wear thicker clothes underneath. This is my third JCrew Pea Coat and I love this one the best.

    Vintage thermal henley in modern red. I adore this top, great fit, the chunky thermal is thick and soft. Unfortunately, I don’t adore modern red. I always want it to be more of a true red, and it is an orangey red. So, back it goes, in exchange for the vintage champagne/navy colorway. I definitely plan to pick up another in the solid grey, possibly navy too.

    Argyle enameled bangle in black. DARLING. However, if you have a larger wrist, this might be too tight for you. I have small hands and wrists, and it was a tight fit to get it on. I adore enameled bangles, and this argyle will be great for the holidays.

    Finally...the Betsy sweater. Listen to all of the JCAs who have given this sweater a bad rap. I wanted to love it...loved the color, loved the fit, loved how soft it was, I even loved that it was a bit sheer. I should have known I was going to hate it after it shedded all over my new navy schoolboy when I was trying stuff on, but no, I went ahead and wore it to my son’s Halloween party at school, I had it on for MAYBE 4 hours. Pills. Not just one or two. The whole arm is covered in them. So disappointing. I just emailed my PS about it, will post back when I get a response.

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  49. @Lainey, actually i think the short sleeve version fit almost the same as the long sleeve one, but somehow it just look better on me and it is a good layering piece too.

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  50. Waffled cashmere zip sweater: my new fav sweater! Thicker than the cardigan and crewnecks, worn it whole day yesterday, no pills yet:)

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  51. I ordered both the Emmett flat boots and Emmett heeled boots during the 25% off promo. For the heeled boots, I went up a half size to size 8, and for the flat boots, I stuck with my regular size 7.5. Both pairs fit perfectly, so I would say that the flat boots run TTS and the heeled boots run half size small. Unfortunately, the zipper on one of the flat boots is broken, so that's going back. The flat boots are made in Romania, not Italy. The heeled boots are made in Italy, and they really nice - thick tumbled leather, leather lining, and manmade sole. I'm pleased with the heel shape (I obsess about heel shape so this is an important issue for me) so I think I will be keeping these.

    I also got the Clipper cardigan in black. Love the details: the heavy gauge seed stitch, the patent leather buckles, and the shiny metal buttons. Fits TTS.

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  52. As mentioned early, I picked up a vintage thermal tee and henley last week and love them! I wore each of these out over the weekend and was very pleased. When I’m in doubt, I size up…but in this case I stayed with my usual size S and was happy. I liked the fitted look. I think I will get a M though to sleep in because these are so comfortable. The sleeves are a bit long, but that’s really my only complaint. I did see three other girls out wearing the same tees over the weekend. Maybe other JCAs? :)

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  53. Almost forgot - I got to see the Harvest Tweed Cafe Capris in person this past Saturday, and they are a lot more attractive in person. The picture online makes them look somewhat like a muddy cornfield *after* the harvest, but in person the little tweedy strands of electric orange and acid green really pop. Styled right, these pants could be the star of an outfit (albeit one that you would wear while standing still - the nubby texture looks totally impractical for work).

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  54. To avoid confusion, I thought I'd add my Emmett boots are the flat TALL boots. not flat ankle. The ones I ordered and reviewed are item 54650.

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  55. Just got a box in the mail from my sale order, and haven't had a chance to do a proper try-on, but the Factory Blackwatch Tartan pants are adorable and yes, they are lined! Hooray!

    I took my normal pant size (4), and they are fitted in the rear, and are a full leg. Perfect for holidays, but also muted enough to wear beyond. Total love, and so thrilled I got them for just over $50 with the discount. Well worth every cent IMO.

    Will do a post of them in the next day or two, along with the Colorblock Sweater.

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  56. Christy, go for the $59.99 pants. They always put suiting pants on clearance and then release new ones, at full price (I have no idea why) that are essentially the same thing.

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  57. xoxo: I totally agree! Everyone is so helpful with their reviews- it makes shopping at J.Crew much easier. :)

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  58. Today I received my Factory Blackwatch plaid pants. Love. They are lined and will be perfect for the holidays!

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  59. Most of my purchases are boring (Jackie cardigan, anyone?) but I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried some patterned tights I found at my local b&m. They're a modified fishnet dotted with plus signs. I've never tried J.Crew's tights before, and they're well-made. The medium/large felt a little short on me, but I'm 5'8" with longish legs. Sadly, I snagged mine on the first wear, but that's more of a reflection on me than the tights. You can see a photo at my blog.

    :) Jen

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  60. Shopwithm, I too got my Factory Tartan Plaid Wool pants in the mail today and love them!!! I took a gamble on the order and am soooo glad I did. They are fully lined, decent quality, and fit true to size. And yes, the $50 price tag makes them an amazing deal. For those considering (with the 20% off offer the factory is offering) I say "Go for it."

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  61. Maryeb, mine's from a year or 2 ago, so not sure my assessment would apply to this year's version. But I took my usual size on top and the St. James which is pretty bulky fit just fine underneath. HTH!

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  62. OT, I am antsy for final sale to end so I decided to see if online chat knew anything. This was the response:

    CSR: Hello! How may I help you today?

    Me: Hello, will final sale be ending for the holiday season so that items may be returnable?

    CSR: Final sale items are still final sale and ineligible for a return or exchange during the holidays. We are extending the 60 day return policy for full-priced items.

    Me: that's not a very customer-friendly policy

    CSR: I understand your frustration and you are welcome to send your feedback to contactus@jcrew.com, if you wish.

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  63. Agree w Kelley, Betsy sweater pills all over immediately but shedding stops after first wear. Size XS is too short to wear w lowrise pants but size S is too generous in width. Also bought Dream Cardi in XS in heather aqua and it fits more snugly than I would like but will do.

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  64. Went to B&M with Rose this past weekend, posted about a few new arrivals HERE and HERE.

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  65. Ms JR - Wanted to reiterate the love for the McAlister wedges. I bought mine last year in grey. Loved them when I put them on. The good news is they've broken in beautifully and are even more comfy now. I try to baby them, but I have gotten a few sprinkles of water on them a few times - mostly buffed right out. They're great shoes, IMO. Go for them! :)

    Alexis - I also agree with you and xoxo about this thread. I sadly haven't had the time to read the whole blog (as in, every post and every comment!) as religiously as I used to, but I still read this thread every week, no matter what! Thanks again for all you do! :)

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  66. Oh, and thanks to all the JCAs who take the time to write out such detailed reviews for all of us! Of course, JCA wouldn't be JCA without the JCAs! :)

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  67. Just wanted to give a rave review for the quilted sweatshirt. It is a dressier version of your typical gray sweatshirt because of the quilting, and most importantly, it is this made of a soft french terry with quilting on the inside (except the sleeves). It looks a bit more marled irl than in the online photo, but I think it adds more interest to the look of the sweatshirt overall. I sized up for a looser fit as it has more of a shrunken fit if you were to order your normal J.Crew size. It is currently still in stock (final sale, though) in all sizes on the website. Hope this helps someone!

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  68. Ordered the Lulu Frost Red bangle with aqua stones in the recent 25% off sale. I know others have commented on the dainty-ness and cheapness of the gold/silver Lulu bracelets. Well, I want to add another disappointment to the Lulu jewelry. The bracelet looks cheap, cheap, cheap. Like something at Forever21 for $3.50, definitely not worth the $50 I paid for it. Really disappointed because I love these two colors together and it looked awesome in a past catalog (the one with all the bracelets stacked), but this jewelry is way to overpriced for its quality.

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  69. I posted last week about these items, but I've been wearing them non-stop and wanted to give another rave:

    Cashmere Isabel sweatshirt - it is heavenly. So comfortable and cozy, I can't get enough. No pilling, and I've worn my heather caramel color twice, heather grey once. Be sure to size down, usually I am a XS or S in pullover sweaters, but I needed this in XXS.

    Cashmere shawl-collar cardigan - have worn several times, all day long, and no pilling. I've worn it with my No. 2 pencil skirts, and also with my high-waisted skinnys. Love. This one is true to size; I went with a XS rather than a S because the description said it was slouchy/loose. The heather henna is beautiful; I thought it might be more brownish, but it has a nice red hue to it. Perfect for the holidays and beyond!

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  70. You can add me to the camp that loves the Macalister Wedge shoes. I got them in grey last year and they were FABULOUS! Warm, not slippery, super cute, lots of compliments and comfy. Highly recommend.

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  71. bootcut corduroy pants:

    Purchased in-store yesterday. In store they have different colors than online, but they are $10 cheaper! I sized up, and since I am 5'3", got the short length, which are long enough for me to wear with a low heel.

    I was able to zip up my normal size, and I know that they will stretch, but I'd rather have them a little loose than a little tight. I'm so glad I found them! For photos, they are up today on my blog.

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  72. A few reviews from me this week (a bit late, sorry about that):

    Vintage Thermal Tee in Stripe: I am jumping on the LOVE bandwagon! Super soft and cozy, but polished enough that I won't feel like I'm wearing sweats (I would probably wear this to work on a Friday, especially in the black and white stripe). I went up one size to a Small from my usual tee/sweater size of XS (although I have been an XXS in a few of this year's sweaters because of the ridiculous vanity sizing). I wear a 0/2 in perfect shirts and blouses and a 2 in blazers. The XS was okay, but I liked the slightly more relaxed fit of the S. Loved the Henley as well, thought it looked a bit more casual.

    Crochet Lace Front Tee: Meh. I tried on the Dusty Sage colour and found it to be a bit duller in real life than it looked on the website. I would recommend sizing up in this one, the XS was an okay fit but I found it to be quite short and would likely size up for length. The back was still a bit see-through even in the darker colour, I could see the outline of my nude-coloured bra. I'm also quite sure that the cotton part of the shirt is going to develop holes extremely quickly, so I'm staying away from this one.

    Honeycomb Cable Sweater: A bit big and boxy through the body in my usual XS, if I was going to get this one I would try the XXS for comparison. I found it to be a bit itchy, and it sheds all over everything. Great colours though, and I love the honeycomb cable pattern.

    Colorblock Minimalist Mockneck Sweater: Lovely sweater, but didn't suit me (I have a short, somewhat angular haircut and the mock neck made me look like I should be on Star Trek!). Fit was TTS and the merino wool was a nice tight weave.

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  73. Hi everyone, I just posted some pics of the Blackwatch Tartan Wool Pants and the Vintage Thermal Stripe tee here. Love both!

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  74. Got my Teddie dress today and love! I got the boring black but needed a LBD. I think I'll get the beige as well. Dress fits TTS or if anything a teeny weeny small. I normally take a P0 in JC, which is the size I got and it fits well but I would've preferred maybe half an inch here and there for movement. But I think if I sized up it would be too big.

    Also got my first pair of Minnies today, and like everyone, LOVE! Just ordered the Talia blouse and can't wait til it gets here!

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  75. I just received a big box of goodies - mostly gifts for husband and teens for christmas from the 25% off sale - but must say that the heather jungle is the most gorgeous shade of green ever! I ordered the cashmere long sleeve tshirt and I am besotted!!! I am now thinking of the next colour to ask for for christmas...

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  76. Has anyone else found the matchstick cords to be HUGE? I bought them in the 25 and they're HUGE. Granted, I have a 24 inch waist, but I tend to wear 26-27 in pants with no trouble at all...I'm going to attempt to shrink them in the dryer

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  77. Hi,

    I know this is a slightly odd request, but I'm wondering if anyone has tried on the crewcuts blazers and could give me a sense of how the boys' sizes translate into womens' sizes. I like the way boys' jackets fit (better than the women's "schoolboy" cut), but there is no crewcuts near me to try on - and I want to make sure my chest/shoulders will fit! For reference, I'm around a women's 4 at J. Crew, wondering whether a boy's L (6? 7? kids' sizing confuses me) would work. If anyone else has bought the boys' jackets, I'd be interested to hear.

    Thanks!

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  78. Irl pics of the metallic foil jacquard top in this post.

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  79. Does anyone have a review on either the Telegraph jacket or skirt? It says wool flannel and I'm wondering how the weight compares to the double serge wool. Any input is appreciated! I'm hoping it's closer to Super 120s wool.

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  80. I just got the double cloth townhouse trench in the heather caramel color.....and the color is divine! I think the color works well for all skin types. The only issue I had was that the shoulder/upper arm area was a little tight in my usual size, so I had to go up a size (which means I will have to get the rest of the trench tailored since it is a little big in those areas...gotta love having broad shoulders). I suggest if you have broad shoulders and want to fit a sweater underneath the trench, you might want to go up a size to accomodate (especially if you button all the buttons as this will make it tighter in the upper arm/shoulder area). If you aren't going to be wearing anything bulky underneath, you might be fine with your original size. Overall, I love this trench!!! So classy and chic looking!

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  81. Pics and reviews of the Colorblock Cardigan in both navy/grey and ivory/camel here.

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  82. I'm planning to buy my best outfit and I'm gonna show you the information.

    Christina @ Men Discount Suits

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