Tuesday, July 20, 2010

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Cass (in this post) who suggested a "weekly 'Did you try on/receive any JC items this week?' post where we could all "deposit" our reviews for various items". I think it is a brilliant idea. Hopefully this will help out our fellow 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! :)

64 comments:

  1. I ordered the leopard print patent belt and was sorely disappointed. It was constructed from two halves of leather stitched together in the middle. Not cool, JC. This is the first time I've noticed this on any of their belts, and believe me I own farrr too many JC belts.

    On a more positive note, I also received the Crystal Tides necklace and bracelet in the crystal color, both of which I really love. The stones have a great sparkle to them. One thing worth noting is that the brass plating is less gold looking than it appears in the online photos, but I still think they are beautiful pieces.

    You can see IRL pictures of the belt and the jewelry in this post.

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  2. spoiler alert: female reviewing a mens item: sunfaded fleece crewneck sweatshirt.

    I own a couple “pricey-designer sweatshirts” that I always “save” (am I the only freak that does this?) wanted something I could throw on for weekends. Got this in XS and LOVE IT. I wear a 4 in the perfect shirt or jacket and XS-M in women’s tees and sweaters and the fit is great. usually men’s sweatshirt are voluminous and sort of bunchy at the waist--this is narrow all the way down so flattering but comfy. It is not “distressed” but sun-faded perfectly. Super nice quality. I already had the obligatory greys so I got the nantucket-y red shade which is fun. I am only bummed as I see today they have introduced it in true indigo (albeit for twice the price) and will have a hard time not throwing it in the bag!

    http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/MensBrowse/Men_Shop_By_Category/polostees/fleece/PRDOVR~26464/26464.jsp

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  3. Received my lovely box of J Crew items Friday and have been waiting to share my review of them with all of you! Here they are:

    First, the Embroidered Ikat Pencil Skirt (item # 26358) This is such a cool item. I am absolutely in love. Fits perfectly and isn't too short or too long. I actually logged on the evening I bought it and purchased a jackie shell and a cashmere tee to wear with it (they should be here this Friday) The pattern is so cool---it reminds me of a pixelated photos or something.

    Second was the Vintage Lattice Popover blouse (item #25321). Beware this top! In the photo on the site, the colors look much more subtle. IRL it is ORANGE and purple...like neon orange. Back in the box...

    Third was the Lace Panel Camisole (item #25621). Colors were beautiful together but this was just a bit big and shapeless on me. I ordered a medium and should have ordered a small. Back in the box it went.

    Fourth was the Skimmer Pant in Natural (item # 22526). They had these in the stores and they never caught my attention but I really need pants so I forced myself to purchase something...I ordered a size 8 because I have the same pants in terra cotta in a size 8 but these were too big. And I still was kind of bored by them. Back....

    Fifth was the only Final Sale item I bought--a pair of bikini bottoms (Solid bikini with detachable ties item #24131) in Rosy Peach--a bit too pink in color for my taste. I thought they were more "blush" than pink but I can't return them so I'll live. They were cheap...

    I brought the other three items back to my local B&M and then ordered the Ares Platform Sandals in Sand Dune in exchange. I cannot wait for them to arrive!!

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  4. I ordered and received all final sale items:
    Piped & twisted pocket cardigan in pale buff: Fabric very thin but I had already tried this on so no surprise there. Color seems darker online than what it actually is. Fits TTS.

    Silk Twila tank in sea spray: I love this one. I ordered the petite 0 and i'm glad i did, fits perfect. It is loose enough without looking boxy. The silk feels great.

    Slub cotton perfect shirt: Also no complaints here. It's just so crisp and cool and the fit is great. I ordered my usual size 0 and it fits TTS.

    Tissue Ruffle tank in ivory: I also loved this one but i found a small hole! First time i get a defective item from JCrew. I'm not sure what to do as it is final sale. I'm thinking just fix the hole and save me all the hassle from trying to return.

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  5. Lisa, thank for including the item #. Some of the product names repeat (ruffle!), so it's nice to be able to search by the product.

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  6. I forgot about this new weekly feature and posted this comment in another spot but I will repost it here.

    Just received an order with some fall sweaters in it to try out.

    Love the merino vest. Menswear styled. Not too long which is a problem I usually have with J.Crew tops in general. Hope it will come in more colors (charcoal and a greenish color currently).

    Also ordered the cody cashmere cardigan. Really like the bronzed olive color, but the fit is really wacko on me. The vee is pretty deep in front and the pockets hit my stomach in a most unflattering spot. Would probably look better on someone taller and longer waisted (I am very short waisted.)

    Looking forward to trying on more items in the store soon. I heard that stores in Seattle area getting new fall stock on Friday.

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  8. Cropped seaside madras zipper pant item 25950
    Was $88.00
    Now online $29.99
    In Danbury B&M 20.99

    A delightful pair! The colors are cheery w/o being obnoxiously vibrante,the cottan a nice and light, and the exposed zippers add just a touch of an edge; terrific for summer. However, these babys run a touch large, I ordinarly sport a 4-6 in J Crew but a 2 was sufficient for this cottony cut of madresy goodness.

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  9. I purchased the Wildcat Ombre Pencil Skirt which I found to run on the smaller size (at least for me it did). After returning my size 0 I reordered in a size 2 and am very happy with the fit. For more conservative days, I plan on wearing it with my black Jackie w/black shell and pearls. On days when I am feeling adventurous I am wearing it with my Marina-stripe perfect shirt in deep atlantic, skinny leather belt in neon coral, and the crystal draped glass necklace. You have to see this to believe how incredible this looks (my SA at Easton put it together for me!)

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  10. I am wearing the Silk Cargo Dress, item # 26669, today. I ordered it during the 20% off/free ship dress promo a week or so ago and it came last week. Color is true to what I see on my computer monitor but the dress is definitely not "silk". I was expecting a true silk dress but instead got 55% silk/45% cotton. It really annoyed me and I went back and forth on returning it, as I was expecting something dressier. Ultimately decided to keep it, I am 5'4" size 4 and fit is pretty good, a little on the short side for the office. For the belt lovahs out there, this looks pretty good with different belts depending on what shoes I pair with it.

    http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/dresses/solidstextures/PRDOVR~26669/26669.jsp

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  11. New convertible glamour top (#27614) - I ordered this in white in 34B. The sizing confused me because I ordered the convertible glamour top last season (#10207) and it came in 0,2,4, etc. I ordered my usual 0 size and it was so tiny, a 4 ended up fitting me. Keep in ming 0P tops at J.Crew are usually too big for me! So this year I ordered a 34B (my normal bra size), and the top was HUGE! It looked like I was wearing an XL. So, I plan to order a 32A or B and see what it is like.

    Cleo platform sandals in graphite (#20286) - I wear a size 6.5 and the 7 fit me in length. However, the ankle strap was placed very strangely. It doesn't strap in a natural place on your ankle. I have never had this problem with other J.Crew sandals. Because of this strap problem, it pushed my foot forward in the shoe when I walked. So, even though I loved the color and look, they had to be returned.

    Caden suede cork wedges (#25623) - I ordered the metallic gold on sale in a size 7. The length fit well and surprisingly so did the strap across the toes. I have a narrow foot so I have problems with the width of shoes. So, if you have a wide foot, I would suggest passing these up. The gold color is *much* brighter IRL than the picture on the website. They are also fairly heavy for cork wedges but I ended up keeping them. They are cute and comfortable enough to dress up a casual outfit.

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  13. Updated with links and old post removed.

    A couple of recent items I recently received that did not make the cut:

    Perfect-fit stripe boatneck tee in white - very thin and almost sheer. I agree with the recent poster who said these shirts are getting thinner each season. Too revealing for my taste.

    Blushed tweed collier jacket - I love the pencil skirt but was hesitant to try the jacket because of the blouson shape and the fact that I need to SU in jackets to fit my ample chest. Could not resist when it was available on the recent promo. I should have stuck with my instincts because it was ridiculous on me. The fit was much too generous in the waist and the arms were so baggy, I looked like I was wearing my father's coat. In a different cut I would have been all over it. Sadly, back it went.

    A couple of items I did like:

    Neon bling-button cardi in neon azalea - this is really cute and the neon version is slightly heavier knit than the regular version. The pink is really pretty, definitely neon, but wearable.

    Ripstop cargo pant - I have 3 pairs of these, all size 4 and they all fit different. Not a big problem since they have a tie waist and I wear them gardening or walking the dog so baggy is fine but it is a little strange. Really functional and comfortable pants. I can see that where the pockets are stitched to the leg it is already wearing out a bit but hopefully will last long enough to get my $ worth, although they were pretty cheap on sale. Love all the pockets.

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  14. Quick question: I ordered the Kid's Military Jacket online. However, in stores it's much cheaper now that they all have the 30% off. Do you think they'd do a price adjust for me?

    And by the way, since we're in a review post, the jacket - item 21515 - is awesome. I ordered it for myself even though it's a crewcuts item, and it's just really well made for a little boy's jacket!

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  15. Cropped Matchstick jeans (26521)-I ordered the size I usually take in cords, and these cropped versions hit me mid calf. I'm 5'5" and ordered a 26. Plus, they are tapered-not straight, which accentuated a calf-hugging action. (BTW none of the jcrew pants worked on me this summer b/c of tapering-i'm shaped like a string bean or "banana" as stylists call it now.)If tapering works on you, these are comfortable with stretch.

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  17. I ordered few things on the recent promos:

    Ink dot pencil skirt: I love it. Fits tts on me, a bit snuggier than spring floral skirts. I love the fabric, the pattern and a shorter length. Nice transition piece since it is linen but darker colors. At the store I was wondering what to wear with it other than white but flamingo v neck works perfect, also violet/purple/navy and black plum pieces.

    Ink dot tunic top: I love this one too. A little of hippie vibe and for work I would have to wear a cami. Surprisingly, I like the skirt and tunic together, almost looks like a dress and nice cotrast with longer, loose fitting tunic over more fitted pencil skirt shape.

    Madras shirt - Not really my style but I actually neednice casual piece fits nicely. TTS.

    Starfish shorts - nice fit but they wrinkle a lot. could not resist the price. For some reason I think they make my butt look bigger but I am small in this area, so it is not really a problem.

    Slub cotton pencil skirt in natural. The color is really ivory. Nice and substantial fabric. L O V E . Goes with everything. Wrinkles when you sit but straightens up quickly when you start walking. My favorite skirt this summer.

    Bazaar shell. Love it. Size down. Perfect colors. Can go dressy to casual. NOT see thru. My favorite top.

    I am getting Edie paisley dress (still pops back often so I think is is worth review), Coralie cami and Castillio cami today so will report later on these.

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  18. Regina,
    How much is the military jacket in stores & where have you seen it? Any crewcuts reviews and sale spotting would be helpful for those of us w/o a B&M!!

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  19. I'd beware of the Spring 2010 Jackie Cardigans. I just got a hole in the shell after two washings! I washed it before I wore it. I wore it twice and the second time I washed it, I got a small hole in it! I'm so mad because it's such a crazy color and not a neutral that I could easily find some thread and repair it with. J. Crew's merchandise is soooo cheaply made now. I use gentle detergent (no fragrance, no softeners) and I washed it inside out in a garment bag. No dryer either! The list of things I feel ok buying at J. Crew becomes shorter and shorter. I can't afford disposable clothing. I'll try to call catalog and see if they can send me a replacement but I don't even know if I want it at this point because I'm afraid it's going to fall apart. :(

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  20. Has anyone bought the Featherweight Cashmere Contrast Henley?

    I loved it at full price but took a gamble on waiting for a sale, and it sold out in my size.

    But now it's back, and I'm contemplating getting it - except it's on final sale. At $99.00 that's a leap of faith.

    Tips? Thoughts?

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  21. Regina,

    That jacket is cute! Do you minding sharing what size you normally wear in women's and what CC size you ordered?

    Thanks!

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  23. They won't let me price adjust on the Kid's Military Jacket!

    To those of you who asked, the jacket (item 21515) is pretty much available everywhere in the pink color. I live in Northern NJ, and it was at every local store. The green, however (dill) wasn't as widely available.

    I normally wear a 0/2/XS in most J. Crew items, and I'm 5'4". I ordered the jacket in a size 14, but I really could've fit into a 12. The 14's sleeves are a little long, and the coat isn't as fitted, but that was the point as it's for a cold-weather vacation and I wanted to be able to put sweaters underneath.

    I also ordered the Solid Lieutenant Jacket (adult sizes) and honestly... the CC jacket is nicer, better made, and warmer. With a hood! CC wins in my opinion ;) HTH!

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  24. Erica,

    I had a similar problem with J.Crew swimsuits earlier this season. I ordered the Underwire Twist Bandeau top (#27619) in my normal 34C. When It came it was absolutely too huge, so I sent it back for the 32C. The band was still too loose around me, so I took one last try at the 32B. That band fit me snugly, but the coverage was definitely not decent enough, so back it went. I just gave up and ordered the regular Twist Bandeau top (#10210) that ties in the back.

    I hope you have better luck with yours!

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  25. Leopard print patent peep-toes in graphite: Very cute to add interest to an understated outfit, they look expensive, and the 3" heel height is pretty walkable. Like many JC pumps they are slightly narrow in the toe area so if you have wide feet they probably won't work.

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  26. I got the broken-in china (classic twill) in buttery twill (mustard-ish) at the Lake George outlets in Lake George, NY. These shorts were just perfect! The rise is just below my belly button and I loved that they weren't low rise! The best part of my purchase is that they were marked at 14.99 (?) down from 34.50 and it was another 30% off all clearance so I think I got the shorts for a little over $10! What a steal. This outlet was one of the bests that I have ever seen. My favorite JC outlet store is in Manchester, VT. It always has tons available and always 30-40% off clearance!

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  27. MY FIRST JC SKIRT!
    just arrived fall cord pencil skirt. I wear 0-4 in pants--got the 2 and it's perfect. the golden color is so versatile--black, navy, charcoal, camel will all look great. Now to see if it will hike up when I walk in it with tights.... I must own a slip (!) someplace in a drawer. all you pencil fans got me to take the plunge :-)

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  28. Ladies, if anyone has feedback on the fit and/or wearability of the crackled copper pencil skirt and the surf tweed charter skirt, I'd really appreciate it! I'm trying to catch these two on popbacks in a size 4, but I'd love to have a better idea of what I'm getting myself into.

    (Side note: If you ordered either of these items on FS and they didn't work out for you, let me know!)

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  29. Hi All,

    I am new to jumping in, but have been following this blog for months. A question - would I be able to wear the Fleurette skirt into fall with some sweaters? Could it also be a transition piece?

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  30. I was also disappointed (misled?) with the Silk Cargo Dress, item # 26669, and took it back - too short, overly blousy, no real tailoring. I had wanted a cargo or military dress for travel, ordered several from different sources on different promos, alas, this was not the one I kept.

    And speaking of no real tailoring, the chic velvet jacket arrived today. It's going back. I do want a deep/hunter green jacket for late winter and thought I'd start looking early, but this manages to be boxy and floppy at the same time. Back.

    BTW has anyone tried on the Liberty Bustier? Just curious, it's clearly not for me, but there must be someone out there....

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  31. WMM-

    I ended up returning the Fleurette skirt because I couldn't get the sizes to work for me, but I don't think it is the best transition piece. It seemed very lightweight to me (nice for right now) and the colors are pretty summery. I ordered the ink dot skirt as more of a transitional piece, and I'm happy with it. I'm also planning to wear the ikat skirt in early fall with a chambray shirt or light sweater. HTH!

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  32. Pear Picker: Thanks for the Madras capri review.... I got them in my normal size 2, which should be good for the fall while I'm getting the baby weight off! Glad to hear they run a bit large!

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  33. Hello, JCAs:

    For those of you who love the Minnies, I just scored a pair in blackberry for $29.99 and the draped glass necklace for $39.99 (both less 30% off final sale) at the downtown San Francisco store. Things are pretty much picked over. Way too many art tees in large sizes to count. The SA said that new arrivals will be out on 7/22. It's so cold here that we can wear fall clothes now!

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  34. Received a box from J Crew today and here are my reviews:

    Flutter Fold Shell (27564)-if I can, I always try to purchase petite sizes because I like where they hit me on the upper hip area. I have been loving the neon colors this summer, and this is no exception. I ordered the neon peach in 4P and am wearing it as I write this (with a pair of 3" pebble chino shorts). Very feminine and fluttery. LOVE.

    Paper Poplin Perfect Shirt (26080)-I have blue eyes and the orchid shadow color really enhances them so I have been buying lots of items in this color! I wear either a 2 or 4 in the perfect shirts and they go with so many things...casual (pants/shorts) or dressier (skirts).

    Dizzy floral perfect shirt (26239)-neon orange...look above and you will see two reasons why I absolutely LOVE this shirt!

    Fiesta Floral Tunic(27013)-I personally found this to run HUGE as the Small absolutely enveloped me. Sized down to an XS and still may have to shrink. Love the feminine details and the black plum color is beautiful. This piece will transition nicely into my fall wardrobe.

    Tie-dye perfect shirt (26345)-I am still undecided on this one. Love the colors, love the fit (of course), but I have long, blonde hair and the color at the TOP of the shirt sort of blends in with it making my skin look sort of tired.

    5"chino short (20859)-got the pale cinnabar color and LOVE it! I also love the way these shorts fit. Not too too short so that when we first go back for teacher's meetings (which are semi-casual) I can wear them with my black patent leather Tabitha T-strap sandals, the Embroidered Flower Patch shell, and a cashmere sweather (air-conditioning in my school is brutal).

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  35. I bought the Torque Moto Cardigan in Charcoal in my B&M today. I had NOT been interested in this based on previous JCA reviews, but it was 29.99 - 30% so I tried it. I usually wear a 2-4 in tops so I tried the S first, which was shapeless. Then I sized down to the XS ... BIG difference! The trimmer fit is much more flattering. The upper arms are a little snug but the torque cotton will stretch just enough. Scored it for 20.99 and well worth it for fall, if you can find it for that price and can size down.

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  36. Lisa - I too had to return my Lattice Top due to the orange color! It looks yellow on the website. I was so upset because I really loved the print

    SFC - too funny but the Manchester, VT store is my favorite crewlet too! I just wish it had kids stuff

    My most recent order was:

    Rimini Cardigan in cobblestone. This sweater is very flattering and comfortable, great fit if you are larger on top, excellent soft merino on the heavier weight side, ribbed cuffs are extra-long so meant to be folded. My only problem was the color! I thought it would be a camel-ish color but it is a dark fatique greenish/gray. It's an awesome color, but just not what I expected, so for that reason it may go back for another color.

    Drawstring swing tee in bright lilac: I cannot believe it, a slub tee that isn't transparent! Soft and cute, not overly long either (I hate that). The color is like the winter berry color, LOVE it

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  37. Has anyone tried the Aigle jumping boots? They look amazing, I was just wondering about fit, especially in the calves.

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  38. Does anyone own the Solid Schuyler dress in Ivory (item #26698) or the Petite rugby-stripe Ginny dress in natural (item # 27465)? How do they fit? I'm considering a final sale commitment! (I'm having a wedding and for the reception, I wanted a fun, white, short dress...any thoughts?)

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  39. ...Also, I recently purchased the tortoise patent leather peep toes...very happy with the level of fun they bring to an ensemble--had to size up a 1/2 size as my toes were feeling pushed together in the 7's. The knotted starfish dress was very flattering, fun, and cute! I tried the fleurette bustier dress and found the stomach area's fabric to bulge out, giving the appearance of a belly where there was none. I also thought the print was not as much fun in person as it appears online...I returned it.

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  40. WMM: I think you could wear the Fleurette pencil skirt as a transition piece, but not through Fall. I'd pair it with a pair of thick black tights and a sweater of your choice; it all depends how autumn weather is where you live. I'd say go for it if the temp. is above 60 :)

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  41. Slightly OT: Does anyone have any reviews/comments on Madewell "rail-straight" jeans? Do the back pockets come up high enough or are they placed ridiculously low? Also, has anyone had any experiences with in-house jean hemming at Madewell?

    TIA! :)

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  42. Chrissy, I have two pair of the Madewell Rail Straight jeans and I think the pocket placement is great. These jeans also look great folled at the bottom. I have had jeans hemmed and I think there is an $8-$10 charge, but they looked great when they were done. At our Madewell, they measure in store and then a tailor comes and picks them up , hems and brings them back and you pick up in-store. Took a few days.

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  43. Perfect! I was wanting a comparison of the railstraight to the JCrew matchstick. ???

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  44. Suckered Gingham Shirt, Abyss Blue: I recently purchased this in store after admiring it online and I LOVE it. I was hesitant to buy at full price but it is so versatile and comfortable I am glad I got it. I am normally a size S and between a 0 and 2 up top and I got this in 2 as the 0 was tight through the shoulders.

    Palisade Cardigan, Warm Sandalwood: This item looks nothing like pictured in real life. The sandalwood color is definitely shades of taupe in real life but the picture shows pink undertones. The color combo is terrible, I don't think it would look good on anyone. The trim is a weird dark taupe that I really don't like and the body is a lighter taupe that is tolerable but not great. I have sent it back to try the charcoal one. The fit is great, I am usually around a 2 and got a S and it has a nice drape. The sweater itself is very thin and delicate.

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  45. I'm just back from my local store and picked up some fall items. They didn't have everything out from the lookbook, but I managed to still pick out some things. I reviewed several here, with some (terrible, sorry) IRL pics.

    Best part -- My PS gave me 15% off the new fall items b/c it was an "event."

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  46. Ok...it has been a LONG time since I've purchased anything from J.Crew, but this past weekend I noticed that the Surplus-Shirt Jacket got marked down to $39.99. I've wanted this one since it first came out, so when I saw it on sale I immediately ordered. It arrived today and I am extremely pleased, even though it looks much different IRL than it does in the online pic, but in a good way, IMO. I ordered the XSmall and it is roomy, more like an oversized *boyfriend* jacket, which is what I wanted anyways, since I don't plan to wear it buttoned up as a shirt. It is much longer on me than the model in the pic, hitting me at the top of my thigh, not at the top of the hip like it does on the model. The color is actually an army/olive green IRL and not the mushroom brownish color it looks like online. It's actually closer to the color of the Ripstop Field Jacket that was featured in this pic that Alexis posted last week. The sleeves are long, not 3/4 and look cute worn rolled up or buttoned at the wrist. The cotton is super comfortable and the jacket is lightweight enough to be worn indoors in the A/C now, but will also transition well into fall, and even into winter as a layering piece. I think it's going to be very versatile and plan to wear it with skirts, dresses, jeans, and pants. I'll probably wear it belted at some point, too. I also think it's a good alternative to the jacket shown in the New Arrivals pic here , since the fit/color are much closer to it than the product picture on the website. :)

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  49. Sorry for the triple post! Google kept saying it was too large and couldn't post it, but did it anyways, and 3 times, at that! :0

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  50. I have the surplus shirt too! I love it, and of course like a fool, I purchased it FP about two weeks before it went on sale, but I had already worn it 4-5 times. It's great, I throw it on over EVERYTHING and it looks cute. Perfect weight for fall in Texas, too.

    I just got the Rimini Cardigan, and I ordered the small in black pine. Great weight of merino, but for some reason the arms felt too tight. I really didn't like the fit. It was fine in the torso, but I sent it back and reordered the medium and I'm hoping that will work. It has these buttons on the inside so you can adjust the width at the waist a good 3-4 inches, and I think that might make the medium work. Black pine is a gorgeous color, deep and dark but different enough from plain black.

    Bridget painted dress, size 8, that I ordered for a wedding. The dress is adorable, but it fit really strangely in the bust. It wasn't tight, but it made my boobs look flattened in an odd way (like they looked plateau-like from the side instead of rounded? weird). Granted, I'm a 34D/DD, so just asking J. Crew to make a dress that fits my chest and my waist/hips simultaneously sometimes seems like a lot. If you have a smaller chest it might work.

    The denim vest in a size small.....it's a little big but I think it'll work because I want to wear it over sweaters when it gets cooler. It looks great belted over a sundress.

    I also bought a juliet dress in deep rose, sz 6 (FS without trying it on....not sure what I was smoking), and I know it has a very bridesmaid-y connotation, but I love it! It's a little bit tight in my bust and maybe a little big everywhere else, but not noticeable. In fact, I generally think tight busts do well in strapless stuff for me so they stay up all day. I wore it with the surplus shirt-jacket belted over it and it completely changed the dress. It also looks cute with a denim jacket, or a little more dressy/feminine with a cardigan. Long story short, surprisingly versatile dress that sucked me in because of the color, but I'm really glad I purchased it. It's one of those dresses that has been around FOREVER and I'm still not why it suddenly started calling my name, but it might be worth a shot.

    Finally, I ordered silk moto jacket in blush. Adorable, but cropped. I haven't worn it yet but the silk is such a great twist on the style that I think I'll wear it a lot once it gets cooler (although that's MONTHS from now).

    Has anyone tried the taller Minnetonka moccasins? I can't decide if they're cute or ridiculous....although I'm pretty sure if I have to ask this question, ridiculous is going to win :-)

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  51. I bought the Surplus Shirt also on their last 20% off! It was just calling out to me---planning on wearing it "jacket like" or under a chunky cardigan in the winter.

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  52. Amelia Wedge Espadrilles: these are from last year and I scored NWOB on eBay for $14.99. I'm posting in case anyone else here is considering buying from eBay.

    WTF with the ankle strap? Unlike most espadrilles, it's not a ribbon tie but rather a wrap ankle strap with a buckle. I have teeny twig ankles and I had to limp around all day even when the shoes were fastened at the loosest setting. There is enough room for me to punch a couple of additional holes in the strap, but just barely. If you have an athletic or full build, these will be unwearable.

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  53. Does anyone have any reviews on the silk rompers? :)

    TIA!

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  54. For those of you who have the Suckered Gingham Shirt, does it shrink? I'm debating whether to get a Regular or Petite size in it. Or for those of you who are familiar with both sizings, how much shorter is the Petite than the Regular? Thanks in advance!

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  55. socialscientist - There is usually a difference of an inch or two in regular vs petite length. It depends on the garment. I would as CS for measurements thru email or the chat feature if no one here answers your question.

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  56. Woohoo!!! I got the brogues I ordered from Ebay in the mail today! So here it is:

    Camden Two-Tone Brogues - First, let me remark that I did some preliminary work to check up on the authenticity of these since they were on Ebay. Something like five other buyers had bought brogues from my seller previously, and they'd all left good feedback, with one even specifically remarking on authenticity. I then sent out messages to all of them, to which one replied and further affirmed the quality of the product.

    So I got these in today, and they do indeed appear to be genuine by all counts. I mentioned here before that the seller listed that they had a line through the logo to prevent store returns. That seems to be a reassuring sign of authentic origins. The leather is also surprisingly soft and supple. There are also just nice additional details that seem fitting of J. Crew. The (wooden?) sole is beveled where it meets the bottom of the shoe so the sole slants diagonally (in cross-section) through the several millimeters of its width. Also the insole is leather as well, not synthetic.

    They're a little bit narrower looking in person than they seemed in pictures, at least toward the tip. Or maybe this is because I've gotten used to seeing them from the front, foreshortened. In any case, I looked at the picture in the July catalog again and it does look like the two-toned one visually appears narrower at the tip due to the two color blocks and the black. The narrowness looks slightly odd because I feel as a shoe, it should look wider and flatter. Instead it has somewhat of a tubular look; I keep thinking of various tubular vegetables for some reason. Chili peppers? Carrots? It could also be that my feet are kind of narrow - I sized up from a 5/5.5 to a 6 in these because 6 was the smallest size offered.

    Other than that, I'm quite happy with them. I tried them on with a few outfits, inspired by the catalogs, and they look great. One thing though, since the insole is leather they'll squeak if you wear them barefoot. So slipper socks may be a good idea. Yeah my main issue is that they look slightly tubular and narrow, but that should be less of a problem with the solid colors. I may start a blog and put up pictures later.

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  57. gigiofca -

    Thanks for the tip on the Suckered Gingham Shirt! Well I found out my answer anyway as I put the Regular sized ones I had in the dryer on high, lol. They shrank an absolute ton just as I had hoped, and also became really puckered due to the nature of the fabric. I don't mind though, the size is perfect now and the texture is actually kind of cool. The puckering can however be flattened out a bit with some ironing, so I'm curious to see how much they've actually shrunk compared to a non-dryered one, which I will be getting in the mail soon.

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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.

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