Tuesday, June 5, 2012

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! :)

70 comments:

  1. I just received factory skimmers in red and factory pencil skirt in pumpkin! What a disappointment! Skimmers are the color of crossing guard orange and skirt is thin and pattern looks cheap - after being on the waitlist for weeks sadly these are both returns

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    1. Re: the factory skimmers, I was disappointed in them because they were thin (although I did try them in dark beechwood), and the cut is not as flattering as cafe capri's or the scout chino's.

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    2. I like the skimmers. They *are* lightweight, but that's good for summer. For whoever doesn't know, pretty much anything JC has in modern red is not red. The skimmers are similar in color to the orange linen Maddie pants that Marissa Webb wore last year.

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    3. Re: the factory pencil skirt in pumpkin: can anyone tell me how this version differs from the retail version from last summer? Are the pattern/colors different, or texture? So sad to hear you didn't care for it...I am still upset that I didn't buy the retail version last year, so I was planning to purchase the factory skirt. Can anyone help with advice?

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  2. Hi! Some new reviews on my blog:

    www.beachchicstyle.blogspot.com

    Have a great day!

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  3. I recently tried the Hutton linen trouser in white. I was impressed! The linen is substantial and slightly slubby with a great drape, and the rise was high and chic like I love. The clincher though was that these pants were lined in light white cotton. That left them still breathable, but not at all see-through. I speak of them in the past because I had to return them for size issues. I should have taken a 6, not an 8, and they were too big.

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  4. I have just reviewed Selima Belle shades in Kiwi here. Love the shades, so fun!
    My older reviews are all sorted under here.

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  5. I recently purchased the Off the Shoulder Tank swimsuit (item 59309) and am extremely impressed with it. It is super cute and very flattering on my not-so-flat post pregnancy tummy.

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  6. I reviewed a number of things from factory today, including the anchor cardigan (which is orange, not red), here.

    Also, reviewed the Linen Slicker here. Love it, and it runs small.

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  7. @Firefighter Wife - How is the coverage in the rear and leg area for the Off the Shoulder Tank? I'm looking for a onepiece swimsuit that fully covers the rear and isn't cut high on the side of the leg. Thank you!!

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    1. It has perfect coverage on the front and rear areas! I am still two sizes larger than my normal self and wanted something to cover me up a little more than my regular two piece swimsuits. I'm a pretty modest person. This suits fits the bill wonderfully! I don't think you'd be disappointed especially with the free shipping and free returns on swimsuits right now.

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  8. Reviews of Tessa top in Safari cat, scout chinos and short sleeve sweatshirt HERE.

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  9. I was wondering if anyone knows the price of the villa dress in stripe in store? Thanks!

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  10. I have a couple new fitting room review posts up: Lucille Eyelet and Amie double-stripe dress here and Raj paisley and Porcelain paisley pencil skirts here.

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  11. Just noticed BaubleBar has a blue and cream version of the Bubble necklace!

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  12. Also...I know there have been many who have reviewed the Jardin maxiskirt, but I will throw my two cents in as well. You can see my detailed review here.

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  13. I tried on a couple of things yesterday.
    Perfect shirt in small gingham. Yep, I'm a sucker for these! Tried on in a pink that was not the same as the dahlia, i bit lighter and brighter. Maybe instore only? Weight was a little more substantial than my spring 2012 gingham shirts and not as sheer.
    Tippi sweater in linen in brilliant purple- loved the color, loved the lightness of the fabric but its not as soft as the other Tippi's.
    Basket weave shift in a bright yellow. Oh my goodness what a beautiful yellow! Unfortunately, it was just a little too short on me. Like, mini! I just don't get J.Crew's thing with short waist-ing their dresses. If the waist was where it should be, this dress would be the perfect summer length (eg. like it looks on the online model :)) I may still buy cos I love the color so much tho.

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    1. Totally agree with you on the basket weave shift, Bindi. I am five feet 6 (i.e., not even that tall) and the length was downright indecent on me. Returned immediately.

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    2. The basketweave actually worked out for me, and I got it in both colors. I am almost 5'5" with a slightly short torso, but I don't have petite proportions, and I often have the problem of the straps being too long. I have to say, I do wish it came down a little closer to my knee; it's about an inch above. This is perfectly respectable for my purposes though (if I were still practicing law, maybe not so much). I can see it not working for a lot of people, but there are so many things that J.Crew cuts for straighter, longer figures than mine that I can't come down too hard on them for this one ;)

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  14. OT - I put this in the other retailers section from last week, but in case you don't check that...LEC is having an awesome $34 dress promo. I posted a free ship no minimum code, but ShopWithM shared a 20% off + fs no minimum, so the deal is even better. ICECREAM with pin 1040. Remember to launch Ebates.

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  15. Really happy with the crochet lace tee I ordered with 30% and Tretorn sneakers I ordered at FP. Got the navy in both and think I will wear them a lot.

    Did not love the broken in boyfriend shorts. Didn't realize they have small frayed patches and think they are probably too short for my age. Didn't seem like anything special.

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    Replies
    1. I wasn't a fan of these shorts either. GAP's roll-up shorts are a more flattering version of this style, IMO (they run large, if you try them).

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  16. I received the striped derby dress in the mail this weekend. I took my normal size. I'm 5'3" and the dress went to just above my knees (the straps are not adjustable so that is the length). I thought it fit really nicely, but even better, the material seems to be really high quality. Plus, it's lined and has pockets. I think the color is black, but it could be navy, the other color is a poppy red. I'm definitely keeping it.

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  17. I tried on the Jardin maxi. I agree w/the others who say you can size down. Although, I'd probably have stuck w/the larger of my 2 regular sizes so it sat looser on me, there was only a sz. 10 (I bounce between a 10 and 12). It did fit, but I continually try to hope that that full skirt style will look good on me and it just doesn't. I think it makes me look huge b/c I'm a "ruler" shape. Maybe it would've looked better in the bigger size? Eh, I doubt it. I got the Jayne black leather t-strap ballet flats and they are so cute! I am on the fence if I should keep them since I have my trusty black TB Reva's that I wear all the time. But those are getting pretty beat up after 3 or 4 years, so maybe I'll hang onto them. I got the cashmere boyfriend sweater on the 30 off promo also and love it. I bought and returned the elephant necklace. It's really cute but feels too big and heavy to me. I tried on the Keri dress (I think that's its name). That got returned. I tried the Medium b/c that's the size I took in the Amie and I would have needed the L, but it just wasn't a great dress on me, and I don't think sizing up would make any difference. Too bad b/c I thought it would be flattering.

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    Replies
    1. Jruby18, if it makes you feel any beter, I honestly haven't seen the Jardin skirt look particularly good on anyone. A tea-length full skirt (which is basically what it is even though they call it a maxi) is just not flattering, IMO, especially in a casual style. And if it was touching-the-floor full length, then I think it would look way too frumpy. The sleeker maxis are a much better option!

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    2. I have to agree... I'm not a fan of it as a maxi either. I have and like the original incarnation where it hits just past my knees and I can wear it with flats or heels. I would search for that version if you like the skirt but not the maxi length. And I'm a "ruler" shape too.

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    3. I agree. I saw an SA wearing it and she has a good figure and it just didn't look great on her. I kept thinking about that Manrepeller blog, lol! I had the purple Jardin and sold it. I loved the concept of it, but it just isn't the right shape for me. No biggie, it looks great on others, so at least I get to admire it on other people!

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  18. Do anyone have reviews on the heart throb bikini? I'm usually a small in shirts, but a 34C to 34D in bras...so not sure what to order here. And the bottoms?? I need coverage...I'm a 6 in J.Crew bottoms...and need the coverage..ha

    For the record, I got two totally different answers from Customer Service on size...so I'm lost.

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    Replies
    1. Didn't order the heart throb but did get two others and sizing has not seemed consistent. Would recommend ordering two sizes and returning what works.

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    2. I am a 34A and usually a 4/small in J Crew Bottoms. I bought the small Heart Throb Bikini and had to return for the medium. It gave me much better coverage.

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    3. Thank you both..very helpful! I'll have to wait for my size to pop back, but now I have a better idea. :)

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  19. Review of the Drawstring Mini and Lilibeth Patent Sandals on my blog HERE.

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  20. Has anyone ever tried on the wedding dresses from J.Crew? Well, my sister is getting married next year and we made the trip from Toronto to the Bridal Boutique on Madison Ave. We had such a terrible experience. The dresses were dirty, ripped and most had broken zippers. Apart from that, the quality just wasn't there. To top it all off, the consultant was rude and completely disinterested. I was just wondering if anyone else has been wedding dress shopping at the boutique and had a similar experience? Also, I would love any feedback on the dresses from other JCA's. Thanks :)

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    1. I went in last month with a friend just to browse the store, not for bridal shopping, but we poked in that section anyway. First thing we noticed was how dirty/dingy the wedding dresses looked. Did you make an appt? I'd like to think they would give you something better to try on. The rest of the store looked clean and lovely, ironically not the bridal section. I can totally see how you'd be turned off.. I had ordered a dress awhile back and loved it. But that was an online shopping experience.

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    2. Ps. You should write a letter! Especially coming from out of town to visit the store, if those dresses were what they offered you to try on, that's just unacceptable.

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    3. The last time I was there was told that the bridal section is moving out and the store is going to become entirely Collection (not sure when this is going to happen). Maybe this explains the lack of interest even if it doesn't justify it.

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  21. I haven't been to their wedding store -- only ordered wedding dresses online and was really happy with the packaging and quality and state (clean, in perfectly new condition) of the dresses when they arrived in the mail. For the ones I tried on, the fit was just like the fit for me of their other dresses. They were easy to return, too, via mail or via store.

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  22. I just wanted to add my 2 cents re: J.Crew's Bridal Boutique. I worked in a bridal boutique for three years in college and, in J.Crew's defense, it can be nearly impossible to keep the in-store stock clean. I can't even imagine how many brides-to-be try those gowns on in a high-traffic location like Manhattan on a daily basis, and that doesn't even include those people who like to try wedding gowns on just for fun. At the end of the season, you have a bunch of wilted-looking gowns that nobody wants, so you cut prices and take a loss on all of that stock. For those brides who want a really good deal, you can usually haggle the price way down on one of these stock gowns and it might only need the help of a seamstress and a good dry cleaning. For those brides who want a brand new gown, just think of the store stock as "fitting purpose only" gowns and the SA will order your style for you when you find the one you love.

    Sorry for the long post :p

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  23. Has anyone worn the Audra Patent Sandals (http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/sandals/PRDOVR~85665/85665.jsp) for any extended period of time (e.g., walking around in the city)? I love the look of the sandals, but am curious about comfort before I purchase. TIA.

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    Replies
    1. I have worn the leather (not the patent) ones for a few hours walking and the right one cut up the top of my right foot right where the straps criss-cross. It is possible that I had it tightened on the wrong setting or that my arch is high and caused the problem. A few ladies here gave me suggestions for what to try to prevent this (try a search on Audra here) but I haven't tried them yet because it's gotten too cold for sandals again. That was the only bad part about the sandals, which wasn't apparent until I'd worn them longer. I still really like them though and I am going to find a way to make them work. They were very comfortable otherwise.

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  24. Is the factory gallerista strapless dress the same as the one from J crew winter 2011?

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  25. Hi, all! Had a moment to get some fitting room reviews up on my blog today. Was really nice to be able to visit an actual store. :)

    J. Crew Reviews Miami Edition.

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  26. Review of the whisper gauze limbo top in this post.

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  27. While I love the turquoise linen swing sweater, it seems it is not the right thing for a busty short woman - my daughter told me I look like I am pregnant - back it goes.....Wish I lived near a JCrew!

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  28. Has anyone seen the Seville canvas and satin wedge espadrilles in a B&M store for less than the $98 on-line price? I'm looking for an 8, apparently.

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  29. The sale section has turned to Summer Sale now, and there was a huge update this morning, too. The promo-priced items have also changed up again, so I've updated both the Women's and Men's lists.

    You can see the updated Women's list here and the updated men's list here. :)

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  30. I just reviewed the popover tunic in lifesaver print here on my blog.

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  31. Hi, here are my latest reviews. I'd love for you to check them out!
    http://colorfulcorporate.blogspot.com/2012/06/jcrew-dressing-room-reviews.html
    Thanks!

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  32. Kind of a silly question, but I recently purchased some Tippi sweaters and started thinking overall, how does everyone store their sweaters? Folded in a drawer or closet or hanging on a hanger? I really love these new sweaters and want them to last...I usually hang them but I am thinking of moving my sweaters to a drawer, hopefully they will preserve better. Was just curious what most of you ladies do...

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    1. I fold and stack all of my sweaters, and stick a few cedar sticks and lavender sachets in between the stacks to ward off moths. Ideally I would love to have an arrangement like Shekster (below), but I haven't got the storage space, only shelves. The only time I ever stored my sweaters in drawers, I lost a couple of them to moths, so I keep them out in the open. I have never used hangers for sweaters since it does tend to stretch them out.

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    2. Like Whitney, I fold all my sweaters and also all my knits. They will fare better in the long run. I keep my cashmere sweaters in long clear sweater storage bins that I got from the Container Store. I first dry clean/hand wash them, spray them with the Laundress cashmere spray and add a few fragrance satchets. They come out perfect every fall/spring.

      I think cedar is a must for any closet. You can't imagine the number of tiny insects that actually eat through clothing, especially the woolens like cashmere.

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  33. Nicole, I store mine in one of those see-through plastic bins with a lid since we really only have HOT and less HOT where I live. I won't need them again until November. I find hanging them makes them stretch out and collect dust. HTH :)

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  34. Has anyone tried the No. 2 Pencil in Pop Art Polka Dot? If so, how was the fit? I only ask because I found the No. 2 in Garden Floral to fit a bit bigger than normal (I went down a size from my very consistent pencil skirt size). Thanks!

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  35. I ordered the tessa top and mini brompton hobo both in the safari cat print. The box arrived DESTROYED! It was completely open on one side. I often find that to be the case when I order something that comes in a big box, like a purse. Everything inside was perfectly fine.

    Tessa top was super cute, but I'm glad I went went with my larger of two top sizes, because I found it a little tight fitting in the shoulders and chest. Yet the bottom part was baggy and a little boxy. I liked it a lot and thought it would be adorable with a pencil skirt but it just wasn't flattering or very comfortable so it's going back. ):

    The hobo is a keeper though. It's a fun, casual summer bag. I think it's hard to find an understated leopard bag but this fits the bill. It's kind of a heavy linen or canvas material, but the handles and strap are leather. I'm a big-bag person and I'm not finding the mimi brompton too small, although I usually carry a slightly bigger bag. It's pretty roomy inside. I think it adds a fun little pop to more basic work outfits.

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  36. ^Oh, I would add re. the brompton hobo that I wouldn't have paid full price for it I don't think. I got it with the 30% promo. It isn't quite as good quality as jc's all-leather bags.

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  37. I had no idea which thread to post this question in, but as this one seems most appropriate, has anyone purchased jewelry from the seller "2009happycandy" on eBay? The seller is located in Hong Kong I believe and I just purchased the Crystal cupcake necklace for $17.99 shipped after admiring it in the store at lunchtime today, where it is priced at $118. All of this seller's J.Crew jewelry items are awfully cheap, and while I felt it was totally worth risking $17.99, I'm just curious if anyone else has purchased from this seller and can verify that the items are authentic as claimed.

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    1. I haven't purchased from this seller, but I don't believe any seller who is located in China and claims items are authentic while selling them for 10% or less of retail. Something just stinks about that!

      I knowingly bought a fake bubble necklace from a different China seller, though, and I am very happy with the purchase. I guess I don't really care if it is authentic.... it is plastic and metal costume jewelry, after all. And well, authentic J.Crew jewelry is also made in China, so... I don't know.

      I hope the cupcake necklace you receive is nice - I LOOOOVE that necklace!

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    2. I am referring to the bubble necklace I bought which was something absurd like $12.99, shipped, with my 10% figure. Anyway... if something is that cheap, there's no way it's authentic. Just no way. Right?

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    3. I have learned the hard way that in ebay listings, "auth" does not mean "authentic." With that being said, however, I also have a fake bubble necklace from another seller that I am very happy with. I hope everything works out with your cupcake necklace!

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    4. I purchased a Tiered Crystal Libretto Necklace from a seller named dave.zou (who apparently doesn't have any items for sale anymore) who listed one of the necklaces for sale every 4 days or so for about $19.99, from China. From what I can see, the necklace looks authentic - the crystals are sparkly and high quality, the materials feel heavy, and it comes with the little J. Crew charm at the end. Even if it isn't authentic, I'm quite happy with it. I have no idea how a seller from China ended up with so many of a necklace that retailed a year or more before when I bought mine on Ebay - perhaps they came from the factory that made them? At any rate, I'm quite happy with the necklace.

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  38. I would love to hear thoughts on the Martha necklace and bracelet.

    I bought the Venus Flytrap necklace and love it. I'm considering purchasing the Martha as well, but want to know how similar or not the two are.

    Thanks!

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  39. I reviewed the Bateau Trench Dress and the Silk Crepe Tee on my blog today. I really like both items, they are very well constructed and the fabrics are beautiful. The silk of the crepe tee is heavy and luxurious, similar to the luxe silk blouse released last fall.
    The dress is very structured,like a summer coat-dress. It looks terrific with the straw Brompton.
    The dress is no longer showing on the website but I am guessing it will be back, the interior tag lists it as an item for Fall 2012.

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  40. Has anyone purchased the Cafe capri in geranium lace? Opinions on them?

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  41. Here are my most recent reviews:

    http://handbagaficionado.blogspot.com/2012/06/birthday-shopping-at-tory-burch-jcrew.html

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  42. I know a lot of you have Viv flats. Those of you who purchased the printed canvas, did you go up 1/2 size like for the patent?

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  43. Can one of you ladies give me a review of the Edie calf hair bag? The bigger one of the edie's.
    Thanks you!

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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! :)