Tuesday, December 11, 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! :)

79 comments:

  1. Madewell - LOVEIT gets 30% off sale styles & free shipping thru Mon, 12/17.

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  2. J Crew - Similar promo as yesterday. Slight tweak.

    HOLIDAY for 25% off your order, plus free shipping on $100+ thru 12/12. There's our 12/12/12 promo.

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  3. I posted reviews on the Giant Bow Sweater, Long Sleeved Tweed Dress, Boys' Anchor Sweater, Gabby Top in Dot here if you're interested :)

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  4. Two Collection Pieces Reviewed:

    Collection jeweled tsrap ballet flats in perwinkle (to die for!):

    http://onecantgetoverthehabit.blogspot.ca/2012/12/shoes-glorious-shoes.html

    Review of the new JC Ivory Georgette Collection Blouse with the ruffle collar here:

    http://onecantgetoverthehabit.blogspot.ca/2012/12/christmas-tree-sunday-and-jc-collection.html

    Have a great day!

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  5. Trompe l'oeil lace blouse - Ordered my usual size 6 and found it to fit a bit tight in the shoulders, which is odd because I have smaller shoulders. The big disappointment though is the fabric. The silk is a very light and sheer silk chiffon (snag city). The sleeves are not long but not quite 3/4, they hang awkwardly in between. The seams look cheap. If I had found this blouse for $24.99 at H&M, I might grab it to wear under a bright sweater, but in no way does it look like a $135 blouse. It's going back next week along with the Booker Mid-Heel Boots that arrived in the same order.

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  6. Update to inventory. Hacking jackets have dropped in price. Hothouse blouse on sale, though few sizes.

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  7. Has anyone seen the factory funnelneck sweatshirt in person? How does it compare to retail? I seen it pop back on the website this morning but before i could even look at it, it sold out ;(

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    Replies
    1. I have seen it, and to me, it seemed identical to the retail one. The funnelneck is equally HUGE. It is very cute!

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    2. I have it and LOVE it. So did all my friends the last time I wore it. I actually like the contrast between the cowl color and the body color better on the factory version. Haven't washed it yet so can't speak to durability but it's really cute and cozy.

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  8. Please could somebody review the perfect shirt in gingham flannel(style nr 24801).
    I am thinking about the navy,it got restocked today.
    Is it worth FP?
    How is the fit?
    TIA

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    Replies
    1. Nice enough but not worth full price. It's the soft, thicker flannel like their PJs, and J. Crew's thicker flannel shrinks and can get a bit puckery if you hang it dry instead of putting it in the dryer. I have this shirt in the orange and white gingham. I haven't put it in the dryer because my flannel PJ bottoms shrunk so much. I like this top, but not for full price.

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    2. I also have the gingham flannel shirt in the orange color. I like it but I agree with Cate in that I wouldn't pay full price for it. I haven't washed/dryed mine yet either. I wear an xs/s and this shirt fit me well in a size 2.

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  9. I see the Telegraph skirts in green and sienna are back in the sale section, for $81 after discount. I own both these colors, and these skirts are fantastic. The wide waistband makes for a very elegant fit. They fit well in my usual pencil skirt size, with the green one being just slightly roomy. Totally worth $81; I paid more and am not sorry at all.

    By contrast, I would warn you away from the "High-waisted denim pencil skirt in rinse wash". The picture on the website shows the "farmstand wash" version, which was nicer. But the "rinse wash" is darker, dull, very thin flimsy denim, and it also runs small.

    Finally, I have a question for those of you who own a pair of "Stovepipe trousers in wool flannel". Do they hold their shape over a day of wear? Do they pill quickly? I have a pair sitting here; fits beautifully out of the bag but I wonder whether they will hold up at all...

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    Replies
    1. I love those skirts-- Have ie in navy and sienna. Classic piece well executed, got my usual size, waist can be a bit tight but if i don't indulge on chocolate it fits fine

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    2. I love the telegraph too. I have it in black and really want a navy and sienna. Great skirt.

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    3. I have the stovepipe in the wool check and love them. Not sure how the wool flannel are. The check are lined and hold up very well. I took the larger of my two sizes in these.

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  10. Stovepipe trousers in check styled HERE. Last week I reviewed Sperry top sider boots and no2 skirt in dark poppy, see my blog.

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    Replies
    1. the pants are great!!!! (I initially thought it was Rose who bought them. Obviously I need another cup of coffee.)

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    2. Haha! I don't think that you do (need another cup of coffee). I did try them on but I wasn't crazy about them.

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  11. I orderd some of the Factory flannel sleep pants and love them! They are really cozy and soft and comfy. I'm 5'6 and the regular are a touch long, but nothing crazy. Highly recommend!

    I also received the black Jules dress (all colors are now $59.99 before promo), and while I've been wearing the other colors as tunics with skinnies, the black is very cute with black tights for a night out or a party. Just thought I'd mention. I also tried the grey, but the color was to corporate-y for my purposes.

    Finally, I have the golden paisley swimsuit, and finally ordered the tunic/cover-up, and it's perfect (I ordered a small). I wouldn't wear it at all as a top, but it's very cute as a more sophisticated cover-up.

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    Replies
    1. What's the sizing on the Jules dress? Thanks!

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    2. I've been sticking with my normal dress size for them!

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    3. Did you get the golden-paisley tunic/cover-up on popback? I've been wanting that for awhile, but I feel like it's been sold out for ages!

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  12. Question for experts-is it normal to have do many promos?

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    Replies
    1. Yes, they typically have these promos from Thanksgiving to Xmas. This year it is more 25% off than 30% off compared to last year, I think. After Xmas, no more sitewide promo until President's Day, so take advantage of them now!

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  13. Can anyone tell me about the Maritime dress in Heathered Stripe? (it's the black and gray striped one) Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi cate - it's the same material as the loomknit sweatshirts if you've seen those IRL. I thought it ran big - I was swimming in my usual S. The buttons on the cuffs were cute. At 5'5" I didn't find it to be too short as to be indecent. I think it would look cute with either tights or Minnies. I didn't bother with the XS because I personally didn't like the way it looked layered over a button down (the way I wanted to wear it) - too lumpy looking. Hope this helps!

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    2. cate - Review of the maritime heathered stripe dress in this post.

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  14. I tried both the black watch plaid shirt and the perfect shirt in tartan with the last sale; I compared them/posted a review here:

    stethoscopes, style, & grace

    Didn't end up keeping either, but the black watch plaid is a great shirt/fabric (the tartan is nice too but just not for me).

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  15. Reviews on the sequin polka dot top please! I'm worries about the sleeve length. Because I'm short and have short arms, I'm afraid the sleeves would go past my elbow and that would really get on my nerves. Anyone have this problem? I'm really debating this top.

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    Replies
    1. I am not short and I found the top to be too matronly. I think the neckline and the sleeves are off.

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    2. I agree, the longer sleeves gave it a more matronly look on me.

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    3. I have this top - and wore it for the first time on the weekend. I'm average height, and didn't find the sleeves to be too short. Check Gigi's review as she is around 5'3, I think, so she might be a good reference point for you. I didn't find it matronly (maybe because I layered it over a white PS), but found it difficult to get on and off (I have long hair and it kept getting caught in the sequins.

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  16. are there any promos in store currently?

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  17. Collection crepe shift - huge, unflattering, shapeless. Basically a mess on me. I'm 5'2" and this dress was just way too much fabric; yet at the same time, it hit just above my knee so I'm not sure how it would work on someone taller...

    Pear sweater - cute! Fit and fabric similar to La Parisienne and the in-store only cat sweater. I'm going to keep this one and return the cat since I find grey easier to wear than navy. Fits TTS.

    Collection handknit mixed media sweater - I wasn't sure about this at first, but am loving it now. It's a bit boxy and bulky, but works with the right pants. I'm also going to try it with pencil skirts. It's short. Fits TTS.

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  18. Off topic, but here are two 20% off coupon codes from Bloomingdales. Please post if you use them. :)

    XE0IH6BK8V4R
    XK06P6B71VCB

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  19. Holy Moly...

    Just received the Merino V Neck in Wild Petunia yesterday. Runs slightly big....

    I wore it to work today and just looked down and the V neck stitching is undone and unravelling right before my eyes.

    I am not impressed and its going back. I cut the tag but still have it, and the bag. I also bought a navy one and will take that back as well.

    NOT Happy! When will they address these quality issues.

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    Replies
    1. Oh no! I ordered a merino v neck sweater, too. Now I'm thinking it will be a return. :(

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    2. I have two of them, and they've been just fine. Sleek and non-itchy.

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  20. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  21. Lambswool diamond sweater in the navy/green combo: love the colors, it's a well made sweater of 100% lambswool, and it's well worth the promo price I paid. But there's something that is making me leave it in the closet after every try-on attempt. It's kind of short and boxy and the sleeves are juuust long enough on my long arms, but these things are easily disguised with a chambray shirt layer. I think what's bothering me is that the pattern reminds me of a jockey's shirt, and I'm hung up on thinking that it looks too young for me. Not sure if I'm keeping or not.

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  22. I definitely second the quality issues. I got the short sleeve pajama set, which I love but the drawstring on the bottom was obviously sewed on wrong. I can't believe no one noticed that when doing quality control!

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  23. It's most of what I bought these past 3 weeks us going back.

    Jewel neck top in navy-t arrived with much ta-do in a garment bag and all. I got the size 2 which is one size too big. It is boxy and wide at the bottom. Tried over a white button down. Still too wide. I reordered in a size 0 so will see. Not sure how to wear it. Wish the navy were darker.


    Sailor tee in engineer stripe- ordered my xs and it seems big in the shoulder- chest- area. Also bit boxy. Wish sleeves were tighter so I might size down to an xxs. Cotton is thick. Wanted to wear the blk/tan one with black cafe capris but not sure if it will work. Has a prison feel to it.

    Cafe capris in navy tweed- didn't know there was silver thread. Looked like a 1950s sofa. Threads coming undone already. Not cute.

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    Replies
    1. So glad you reviewed the sailor tee, I was just going to post and ask if anyone had tried it. Seriously, contemplating the navy, but still on the fence.

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    2. I actually loved the sailor tee in black stripe. Also found it a bit roomy but that was fine with me. I am thinking about buying the red and navy too. Great for a weekend.

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  24. Has anyone reviewed the Collection Pencil skirt in tile sequin? I am considering if it hits sale but wondered if anyone has tried it on?

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  25. Posted an outfit on Sunday that had a review of the Farmyard Fair Isle Sweater. Please excuse my poor choice of pants. :)

    Today I have posted an outfit that features a review of the Sequin Bird Tee .

    I think both tops are darling, but the farmyard sweater runs a bit small and the sequin bird tee runs a bit short.

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  26. People have mentioned this previously and I have to agree - the Factory wool skimmer pants (Factory version of the wool cafe capri) are really nice quality - better than the retail cafe capri. They are lined and the fabric is very nice. The bright dahlia colour is to die for. The only issue is sizing - I tried my regular cafe capri size (too snug!) but the next size up was a little too big. I'm kinda between sizes in the skimmers and it's too bad because I prefer them to the cafe capris. I'm tempted to keep them but I feel like the bright coloured skimmers can border on Golden Girls territory if the fit is too loose...or am I being paranoid?

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    Replies
    1. I totally feel your pain on the factory skimmers! My normal size is too tight, the next size up will be too loose if I lose .5 or more pounds! But I think as long as they aren't SUPER loose, they look fine. Slightly loose is good for these since they are supposed to be trouser-y, right? My normal size was so tight... most unflattering things EVER! I bought them in the larger size, in the plaid, and I really like how they look even though I have to wear a belt.

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    2. I'll trust your judgement JCJD. And I think I'll have to be extra cautious to style them with un-frumpies. I love the JC brights/colour blocked/lady-like look so much, but I can quickly take it to frumpy-town if I'm not careful. /:

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  27. Boucle Peplum Jacket in black - I really loved this jacket in the indigo, but missed out waiting for a sale that never came. When I saw that it had returned during the 25% off promo, I caved. Currently, it's only available in black. I love it. I tried it on over a perfect fit shirt and it fit great in my usual size, with plenty of ease in the sleeves. I think if you want to wear it over a cami, you might want to size down.

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  28. The Geometric Bouquet necklace arrived today. It is much, much brighter than you what you see on the internet. I wasn't sure I wanted this necklace at all as the color palette online makes it look pretty much like the coral version of the Flower Lattice Necklace (which is now only for sale in the clear color). But the organge in the Geometric Bouquet is fluorescent and the violet really violet.

    *I* like it myself. And you can apply codes to make it cheaper.

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  29. I just reviewed the Biennial Briefcase and should be posting the Polka-Dot Ponte Dress later this evening.
    http://audreybella.blogspot.com/2012/12/j-crew-biennial-briefcase.html

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  30. I tried on the Factory classic chambray shirt and a factory gingham button down (on the clearance rack). I tried both in medium and the chambray fit just as described online, perfectly with "slightly loose boyish fit" and awesomely did not gap in the chest...whereas the gingham (also a perfect shirt) in a medium gapped like crazy, made it seem like it was a size too small and they did not have a large to try. I'll be getting the chambray for christmas...not the gingham. Factory also had the matchstick cords in vibrant flame and summer plum on clearance + 40% off. I have those and love them!

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  31. What do you think of the Velvet-dot Ponte top? This seems nice but a little on the short side. Has anyone washed it, and how well did it survive?

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    Replies
    1. I think Gigi reviewed it on her blog. I bought the dress version and the ponte is thick, comfy, and holds it shape well but I haven't washed it yet.

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    2. Thanks Danielle, I just went and found it. Thumb to the side, but it seems like it was for 2 reasons that don't bother me. 1, the price, which is corrected now with the sale, and 2, the raglan style sleeves, which I like on me. I'm mulling it over but I like it for now. I need an easy, semi-dressy/casual top to throw on with anything and this might be a good one to have on hand.

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  32. Lady jacket in double serge wool-- took my regular size, fit great everwhere except TIGHT in the arms...back it went!

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  33. This may have been reviewed before, but I tried out the Velvet Schoolboy blazer in Poppy, thinking it would be a reddish, maybe orangeish hue. In person it was an almost fluorescent orange, enough to give you or those around you a headache. I returned it. I wish they would do the Velvet Schoolboy in a dark red color.

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  34. The pea coat popover in bright flame came and went today. I was curious about it but decided the hassle of pulling it over my head was too much. It was hard to get on and off ( no zipper on the side) and I knew I'd be annoyed by it. The color was very bright, I thought more orange than red and the big gold buttons were also bright. Cute, but just not practical. I wonder who thought a wool coat as a pullover was a good idea?

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  35. A review of a recent color of Blythe blouse here

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    Replies
    1. Why IS it shiny? Are Blythes usually shiny?

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    2. I think so, exept black, ivory and some special patterns. I returned this color because of the shine. Looked synthetic to me.

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  36. Can anyone comment on the length of the Cashmere Tee Dress? I see that they are on promo now, but am concerned about it being too short. TIA!

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  37. Jessica VanWinkle - I'm 5'2"-ish and I reviewed the black polka dot sequin top HERE and the champagne polka dot sequin top HERE. I didn't find the sleeves too long. I thought the black one easier to get on and off because the sequins are smaller or less stiff and the champagne runs a little looser and longer.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! I ordered two sizes because I can never tell what will work. I like the button down you have on under it- is it from J Crew?

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  38. I got the chiffon dot top yesterday in Dublin Green; I ordered a 6petite since all other colors in the green have been sold out. This top is seriously amazing, probably my fav J. Crew item this year other than the swiss dot tippi. I don't own much green (other than mint) but this shade is stunning. It's also not nearly as sheer as the warm ivory chiffon dot top. I actually think this top is almost worth full price (!).

    The 6petite was a little short on me but fits better in the arms than the regular sizes (the sizing is very large in this top). This morning I checked around 6:30 when I got up, and it popped back in sizes 4 and 6 regular (so if you are interested in it, it's still popping back online in the dublin green!) A word of warning on how large it runs, I am almost always a size 8 and the size 6 is still large on me.

    I also just got a couple Madewell items, I've only ordered from them once before and didn't end up keeping anything but this time everything was great. The snow dot pullover is amazing, and the ballet pink flannel shirt is very fun and comfy. I also found the retroplaid boyshirt on popback and the colors are super fun, although the shrunken boyshirts gap on me so I have to go one size up.

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  39. Just posted a review of a new critter sweater on my blog. It is Factory, it is merino, and it has an anchor on it! I loved it.

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  40. I am loving my wintress puffer in cobalt- such a pretty color! I think I am going to sew a brass slide buckle onto the end of the sash to make it look more like a trench belt. The sash just says "bathrobe" to me. Other than that, I love it. True to size, cozy, and has a very functional hood. If you're on the fence about giving the color a try, go for it!

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  41. I was so happy to get the fair isle ski sweater (the white red grey black one). It doesn't have the wierd shoulder constriction that the orange/red one did. It fits me in my regular size. It's cozy. It's not itchy. Probably because it's merino wool.

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  42. Received the Tartan Perfect Shirt today and I love it! It fits perfectly and there are so many ways to style it. The tartan pattern lines up along the buttons. The CPW is going to be going down faster than some other items in my closet. If you can get it, do so!

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  43. J. Crew just started 30 off plus free shipping on every order! Code is "Wishlist."

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  44. Received the collection cafe capri in photo floral. I was almost sure I wouldn't care for them because they have front pleats but what a surprise! They are beautiful! I tried pairing them with all my cashmere turtlenecks and they look gorgeous with every color. Fit: I am usually either a 0 or a 2 in the cafe capri. These are fully lined so I took the 2.
    Fabric is 52% wool, 48% silk. Lining is 100% polyester.

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  45. Jessica VanWinkle - yes, I wore the Oxford boy shirt in polka dot under the black polka dot and the Perfect shirt in chambray polka dot under the champagne polka dot sequin top. It was a lot of dots. ;)

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  46. Review of the pear sweater, tabby (cat) sweater & what goes with the geometric bouquet necklace in this post.

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  47. Anyone who has the Madewell Camden Satchel, have you tried to fit a 13" macbook in it, or a similarly sized laptop? Based on the measurements it looks like it could be a tight fit, but doable. I'm just wondering if it leaves any room for anything else... Thanks in advance!!

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  48. Has anyone seen the Perfect shirt in gingham flannel (online only item)? If so, what is the fabric weight like, and color intensity?

    I'm also interested in reviews on Perfect Shirt fit in general, because I haven't tried them. How short in the body do petite sizes run? (I generally want petite-length sleeves and regular-length torso, alas.)

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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! :)