Tuesday, September 27, 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! :)

77 comments:

  1. Does anyone have a review of the Long Shore Sweater?

    I like it as a basic in navy but it could look awkward depending on the fit.

    Thanks!

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  2. Any comments about the flat-heeled Booker boots? I love the style but worry about the fit and quality.

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  3. Same question as Meredith: Any reviews on the flat-heeled Booker boots? Curious about the quality in particular???

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  4. Any reviews on the Silvia snakeskin pumps?

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  5. Any reviews on the Lulu Frost deco bangles (other than jcrewchick)?

    Would love just a second review.

    Thx

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  6. Oh the Cambridge cable chunky turtleneck, how I loved you so...last year. This year the fabric content has changed and not for the better: there's more nylon, which gives it a bit of a cheap sheen and now angora instead of cashmere, which means it pills more. Of course it's the same price as last year's version. I am disappointed with all these cost-cutting measures at the expense of quality.

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  7. I bought the Betsy sweater in heather acorn - wanted to love it. Purchased on Monday, worn on Saturday, pilling all over about four hours into my day. By the end of the day the sweater looked about ten years old - SO disappointing because I loved the style and color so much. I've never returned something worn to J.Crew but I'm going to try to take it back to the store today - there is no way that sweater was worth $80. Any suggestions about how to return something for crappy quality and not a general defect?

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  8. Any reviews on the suede Flannery platform ankle boots? Quality, size, comfort?
    I am on my BB and can't find a thing. Thank you!

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  9. Can anyone comment on the sizing of the flair skirt in floating rose? I've been trying to access the live chat option but it seems to have disappeared from the website. I typically wear a 4/P6 in J.Crew pencil skirts, occasionally fitting into a 2 or 6; and I wonder if I should order a 2 or 4.

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  10. Taais - I tried on the red bangle and I agree with Slastena. It wasn't a true red and the material felt cheap. Also I felt like the design was off and the embellishment looked cheap. I returned it without any regrets and won't get them even on sale. Hope that helps.

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  11. Hi A - I tried the Flannery's last year (same boot) and found them to be too high for comfort. If they were 3" I would've been fine (even 3.5"), but the 3.75" heel just lurched my foot forward, making them too uncomfortable to walk in. They fit TTS, but I can't really speak to the quality 'cause I didn't keep them - not a fan of the synthetic materials though, especially at that price.

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  12. Silver_Lining - thank you so much! I am all about comfort and quality for my shoes so I will be staying away.
    PSA - check out Roxy's blog for info on Anthro's boot and outerwear sale.

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  13. I purchased the herringbone minnie pants. These are fully lined, but I don't feel like the fit is that great. The zipper is on the side, which is different from my dahlia minnies from earlier this year.

    I think I may exchange them for the minnie bi-stretch wool pants in redwood. I think I may like that color better for the season.

    www.inboximpulse.com

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  14. OT: has anyone else noticed that Banana Republic has been using the J Crew look for their models? The current photos online feature a pop of coral lipstick and tousled hair. And this young lady looks familiar... is she from the J Crew catalog?

    http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=51420&vid=1&pid=858910&scid=858910052

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  15. I really love this item and hope it helps somebody else!

    I reviewed the Perfect shirt with bronze buttons in russet plaid item 49199 here: Polyvore Review of Perfect shirt with bronze buttons in russet plaid item 49199

    Here's the review if you can't get to pv:
    The Perfect shirt with bronze buttons in russet plaid, item 49199, is not as vibrant irl as in JC's photo's. In an attempt to capture the irl color with my camera, I had to disable the flash. Otherwise, the red was overly 'bright'. It is mostly red but more of a subdued brick red, and where the navy overlaps or intertwines the red (obviously) is yet another darker shade of red. It's very thin, and although others have been complaining about the quality, I haven't had any issues with any of mine. I did size up to size 6 because my upper arms are flabby & I can't stand the too tight feeling. Also, sizing up I did not lose the fitted look of the shirt.

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  16. JenLynn -- I revied the Floral Flair Skirt here.

    I wear a 4 in their pencil skirts, and went with a size 6 in this, and think it's a great fit. I've read a couple people that have gone TTS, but I wouldn't size down. It's a gorgeous skirt!

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  17. JenLynn - some flair skirt/floating rose measurements from my list of irl links:

    Size 4 - waist = 28.5", hip = 42"
    Size 6 - waist = 29.5", hip = 43", length 22"

    Size P6 - waist = 28.5", hip = 42", length 19.75"
    Size P8 - waist = 29.5", hip = 43"

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  18. Pipe dream zip hoodie: item no. 50713, still at regular price at $59.50.

    I purchased this one at full price in the Heather Barn Red. Great color, a pure red, but definitely heathered. I love J.Crew hoodies, and have taken to wearing them with anything less than "formal", interchangeable with cardigans. This is a very very nice color; as we all know, J.Crew does colors well. The material is very comfy, and although the description says it's a slimmer fit, I went with an XS (I am between an XS and S in J.Crew tops).

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  19. I just zoomed in and realized the floating roses skirt has buttons down the front. Not for me afterall. Don't care for the buttons. Glad I did not buy it as it is final sale!

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  20. Has anyone tried on the Sash Skirt? I think it's really cute but they don't have it at my local B&M store :(

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  21. OT -- had to add that Kate Spade is having a flash sale for today only, online at katespade.com (click on the banner for the flash sale).

    Some very cute bags (I got the bixby bag (marked down from $500 to $200) and the killington stevie in a darling animal print, which already seems to be sold out. Also a very cute merino sweater dress...

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  22. Has anyone seen the Factory version of the Elements coat? I see that they don't label it as "stadium cloth," and I've found the Factory coats to be a lot thinner/less warm than the retail versions...but I loved the style of this coat last year and am tempted to grab it for $150/free shipping online.

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  23. Can anyone comment on the Excursion quilted jacket? Will it stand up to a little rain or is it strictly dry weather?

    TIA

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  24. frugalprepster - that is awful to hear about the Betsy. I fell in love with the aqua one but the store I was at did not have my size. Now I know not to bother.

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  25. Taais:

    I have the white and the light brown/tan wider lulu frost bracelets, and I am very happy with them. I love that they are light, they fit great, and look pretty as well. Maybe b/c these are neutrals, the colors were just as I expected.

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  26. What a shame to hear the Betsy Sweater pilled so bad, and so quickly! I just fell in love with them too.

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  27. Hexicon: I ordered the Excursion jacket to try on for size before it hits the dreaded final sale. It is a very nice jacket IMO, just not $158 nice. I'll wait for it to be marked down. Definitely can stand up to rain and actually I wish I had it now because it's been raining three days straight with no end in sight! The fit is slim but TTS; I tried my usual XS. I think sizing up might be necessary if you plan to wear something heavy underneath.

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  28. Frugalprepster, take in the sweater and explain what happened to the manager. Both issues I’ve had were quality issues after one wear and both items were replaced with no issue. I had a perfect shirt that unraveled all over after one wear (no wash) and a double serge pencil skirt that spit in multiple locations along the seams within a few hours of wear. A replacement in your case probably won’t work…so maybe something else will come out of it. Good luck! :)

    IRL, thanks for your review on the perfect shirt in russet plaid. I had the same thoughts on the shirt. I ended up falling in love with the color of the similar shirt in navy plaid, though. Less red, and more blue which looks great with denim. I had to size up in the shirt due to the spandex in the shirt. Not a fan of spandex blends due to it causing my button gapping issue I have to go into high gear, but sizing up wasn’t an issue with this shirt. I will say, I loved this shirt (in navy plaid) more than the perfect shirt in Blackwatch Plaid. That shirt seemed thinner than this one. I hope it goes on sale…I want! :) Plus, I really dig those bronze buttons.

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  29. Thanks, IRL and TXgirl14, for the Perfect Shirt reviews.
    I'm wondering how these compare to the Stretch Perfect Shirts. Do you size up in these as well?

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  30. Frugalprepster,

    I had no problem returning a dream sweater under similar circumstances. I asked for a full refund as opposed to an exchange or credit and got one without any problem. I think that you are going to take the sweater back to the store in a very timely manner helps.

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  31. well, the betsy sweater is officially off my wish list now...

    anyone have the fair isle (47293) or cambridge zip crewneck (47932) sweaters? thoughts on quality/sizing?

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  32. Got the Bennett chinos in vintage elm - LOVE them! They're basically skinny khakis, but the color is great and the fit is fantastic. The color looks more brown online but it's definitely an army green.

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  34. Josephine - Just a heads up that I believe all of the minnies have a zipper on the side. I think you are refering to the Cafe Capri in the dahlia color. That is a different fitting pant. I have several of both. . .all my twill minnies have the side zipper, and all Cafe Capris zip up the front. Just wanted to give you a heads up in case you ordered the redwood color if that is what was turning you off.

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  35. For anyone looking for IRL shots of the Edie in Italian Calf Hair, I have some on my tumblr.

    Reviews:
    Tall Silk Peplum Blouse - ordered this in poppy, I sized up one size from normal for additional length. This looks great paired with a pair of dark high waisted jeans! The waist on the tall falls just above my natural waist. The red is very intense in real life as the product shot shows.

    Summerby Sweater - purchased this in natural. I bought my true size medium which fit well, though be warned it's long. I like that it's long but petites may find overwhelming. The scoop front comes down quite a bit so I'm layering a blouse underneath it. The material is SO ITCHY. I'm very itch tolerant and I can't believe how much this sweater bothers me. I'm hoping a spin through the dryer will fix that.

    Silk Lucinda Blouse - deco blue in 8/tall. I ordered one size up from my usual 6 which was a good move; I don't think the 6 would have buttoned over my chest. This is the blouse I'm layering below the Summerby Sweater. The icy blue color is very nice and I love the princess seams on the shoulder. Not too poufy.

    Hope that helps!

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  36. Rosie-that is the model from J Crew, her name is Heloise Guerin and she is adorable. I noticed Anthro this season is using a JCrew model from the 2007-2009 era, Anouk Lepere.

    I strolled through LOFT on my way into the mall today, and felt like a truck ran me over, as everything in there looks like a grade lower version of JCrew. They had the red dress with the back exposed zipper, camel pants, rugby striped sweaters, blah blah. Everyone is ripping everyone off I am getting a little less enthusiastic about getting all dressed up and feeling more like a child of mainstream marketing. sniffles.

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  37. Sad to hear that about the Betsy, I was seriously considering that one too :<

    I am wearing today my cashmere shawl collar sweater that I just got from the mail from the last 30% off. Happy to say that I love this little sweater. I got the heathered grey and it is a nice, creamy grey, not dull at all. The collar is high in the back but stands away from my neck so it doesn't rub the hair line. And the sides of the collar lay flat and open in a nice v-neck. I am wearing it with a scoop neck cami, and it is neither too low cut or too wide for that; nor is it itchy.

    There are some fit issues. I ordered my regular size S, and the sleeves seem shorter and the body seems short compared to what I expected. It hits at the top of my jeans, and when I raise my arms, the sleeves ride up past my wrist bones, and the bottom rides up to my belly button. Also, the chest and shoulders is "blousy" with the arms rather fitted, so the armpits hit you a bit low. I would have preferred a lean, longer version, but this still comes off as nicely tailored. wearing with toothpick cords, and imagine it working well with wool trousers too.

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  38. I too tried the Excursion jacket in Vintage Elm. The color was darker than shown on the website. I even got a call from cs before my jacket arrived giving me head's up that the color is not as depicted online. Nice jacket, but I agree it is not full price nice. Sent it back to wait for sale.

    Has anyone seen/tried the Bundle Zip Hoodie? I saw it on Net-A-Porter listed as the "Gilligan Hoodie." The cotton/wool material sounds interesting.

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  39. Third, fourth and fifth the Betsey sweater comment. I love the sweater, bought it in the camel color, wore in once, and HORRIBLE pilling in the arm/underarm/side area. It looks terrible. Its also somewhat stretched out and mis-shapen. I will keep it and wear it this fall for errands and very casual wear, but its no longer nice enough looking for work. Thanks, J. Crew for an $80 ONE TIME USE sweater.

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  40. Sorry to ruin the Betsy sweater for everyone - it had so much potential! I loved the thickness of the knit and the colors offered. JCrew, please make things more durable! I swear if it hadn't pilled like that I probably would have purchased two or three more in other colors.

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  41. OMG the Betsy. I ordered it in 2 colors and returned it as I found it be be oddly fuzzy and sheer at the same time!

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  42. I can't comment on the flat Bookers, but I had the tall mid-heel Bookers in black in my possession for several weeks before I finally returned them. I really loved these boots, and I am a bit of a skeptic when it comes to JC shoes and bags. The leather was very nice and the boots were absolutely perfect in every way, except the shaft was way too high on me (it hit in the middle of my knee cap; I'm just under 5'4"). It was not the look I was going for, so I reluctantly returned them. I didn't try the flat Bookers instead because 1) I really wanted a heeled boot and 2) I didn't think the 1" difference in the shaft would translate to any real difference on my leg. Anyway, gorgeous boot. I wish they had worked out for me!

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  43. @pathos -- Brilliant! I'm impressed with your sleuthing.

    She is adorable. Girl crush! Wish I could get my hair to look like that.

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  44. Hannah- saw the factory version of the elements coat and it seems nice enough if you can get it for the right price. It was on sale in my store and then they had the 20% off that ended yesterday so it was a great deal. I have last year's version in green and I don't like the factory store's green color as much, it is darker and more forest than army. The camel one is a nice color. Those are the only two my store had, I don't know if there are others. It seemed to be plenty warm and nice, I think at 150 or less it would be a good buy.

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  45. frugalprepster, sorry to read about your Betsy ordeal! I would definitely take it back. It seemed like such a nice, soft sweater when I tried it in the store.

    I should stick to the merino sweaters then. All the ones I got last year have held up very well.

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  46. CCS - Thank you for the correction. It's hard to keep all of the shorter length capri pants straight this season!

    I think the side zipper requires a size up for me, as I think I am close to being in between sizes.

    Has anyone tried on the bi-stretch minnies? I know they aren't lined, but the description makes them sound heavenly.

    www.inboximpulse.com

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  47. I love the Jester merino argyle sweater in red/camel. It's the only thing I bought from J Crew so far this fall. It's beautiful, and I feel I shot two birds with one stone since it has two of my most coveted colors this season. It is quite fitted but TTS. Most of my sweaters are in solid colors, so this one will be kind of unique for me.

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  48. Darn you Betsy Sweater! I ordered it and it will arrive tomorrow. I'm sending it back asap. I can't stand pills on sweaters. What a disappointment!

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  49. Amy--Thank you for the review of the Booker boots--I've been checking this page all day hoping someone would comment! It sounds like the quality may be acceptable for me to try them out. I can't find that particular style (black leather, flat, no buckles or zippers, tall straight shaft) anywhere else.

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  50. there is a NWT library dress on ebay right now -- size 2
    bin 150

    110750489548

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  51. I know there is a lot of love for the lady lace popover. What I would like to know is can it be worn dressy? Could you wear it out to dinner? The merino and lace make me think yes, but some people describe it as a "nice sweatshirt" in which case then I think no.

    Thank you so much!

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  52. Kristin, I am certain the lady lace popover is dressy enough to wear it out to dinner. Add a cute necklace or a bracelet (or both) and you are done. It's too pretty to wear as a sweatshirt only. JMHO

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  53. I had an order shipped to my hotel in the U.S. and had a few minutes to try the items before rushing out to a social event.

    Super 120's Emmaleigh dress in peacock feather. I love this style of dress and own it in the superfine cotton version in two colors, which I wear frequently. My usual size fit fine and it's a wonderful dress. The only problem is that the peacock feather is a dark emerald green IRL and it looked more blue on my monitor. I really cannot wear green near my face so back this one goes. Wish it came in a nice blue or deep purple color. Maybe next year.

    Sightseer dress in heather flannel. I love knit dresses and this one is perfect for fall. The fit is flattering and comfortable, I like the 3/4 sleeves and cowl neckline. The knit fabric is similar to the older gray Jaspe sweatshirts but feel more cottony if that makes sense. It's 100% cotton and machine wash. So cute, I have to order it in the other color as well. This is still full price and online only so I will try to put up some photos next week once I am back home, in case it makes it to sale.

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  54. Posted the Cavalry skirt and Puff Sleeve popover HERE

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  55. Rose - thank you very much for your opinion. I just ordered it in champagne. I figured with the discount, free shipping, and no final sale on this item I could at least try it. I hope I find it as lovely as everyone else seems to!

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  56. Shopalot and Shannon, thanks for the tips on the Excursion. Maybe we will have an outerwear promo soon. And isn't it about time for another cardholder promo?

    XOXO, thanks for the info on the peacock feather color--I was interested in that dress to go with a couple of my 2007 peacock print items, and green would not work at all!

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  57. Kristin, you can definitely wear the lady lace out to dinner. It is so pretty and can be dressed up or down.

    I am so disappointed about the Betsey sweater!! I was at B&M Sunday and tried it on in 2 colors. Was planning on ordering it if ever there was a decent sweater promo. I don't understand how JC can charge $80 for a piece that looks old after one wear.

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  58. Bought a pair of twill Minnies in navy (think it's a store-only color at the moment) and they stretched out terribly during the day. Haven't had this problem with any of my other Minnies (twill in black). Ugh. Is this a known issue this season? How about the red-shade?

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  59. I bought the silk Lucinda blouse in (store only?) midnight blue, gorgeous, gorgeous! Also the Memo dress in navy super 120's. It's funny, on the hanger this dress didn't look like much but on it was stunning. Fits slightly large, esp in bust. I can see this getting so much wear both work and going out. Lastly, stripe puff sleeve popover instore for $29.95! SO cute. TTS. I also tried on the Majesty peacoat which was really nice, more tailored in than previous peacoats. I sized down. A good shopping day! Still contemplating cashmere cable sweaters- can anyone comment on their length as I'm on the long waisted side. Thanks!

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  60. So I really don't know how helpful this will be, but I have some photos of the No 2 pencil skirt in the viridian green on my blog from a post I did yesterday. The color is so beautiful and really goes quite well with quite a few of my already colorful items in my closet.

    It is meant to be close-fitting, but I need it to be comfortable, so I went with a size 8, which is one size up from what I took in the perfect pencil skirts from the past two years. So I say if you are more pear-shaped and want to feel more comfortable the whole time you wear it, go up from your regular skirt size (I have a ton of skirts from J. Crew in the past two years that are a size 6). I don't mind a bigger waist if my hips fit. All you pear-shaped ladies out there probably get it. LOL.

    Anyhow, I have blathered enough. :)

    http://mysuperfluities.blogspot.com/2011/09/mommy-style-monday-22-turn-it-into.html

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  61. Betsy sweater update: I took it back and the SA gave me a refund with no trouble at all. She said that "tons of them" had been returned due to the pilling, and apparently they look even worse after a wash. Betsy sweater = J.Crew fail.

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  62. frugalprepster - thanks again for posting about your experience with the Betsy. J Crew should just pull this item from the shelves. Thank you for saving me the time and trouble with this sweater. It's too bad too - it is nice when you try it on and the colors are divine.

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  63. Some reviews : Elodie Stripe, Fisherman Sweater, Saturday Pant with Zip and Fairisle Vest here

    More to come tomorrow including Foil Jacquard Top and Deck Stripe Boater Tee

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  64. I received the Linen Crespi Tee a little while ago. Normally I'm not big on graphic tees but I was really interested in this one. I went with my normal t-shirt size (for drapey tees) and it fit fine. I was surprised at how peachy/beige the color was though. From my computer monitor I thought it would be more ivory or maybe even a little grey but I didn't expect the peacy color which I think makes it harder to match to items. ALso, it is very sheer. Since it's handwash only I'm worried that it will develop holes quickly due to the material and sheerness. I think I'm sending it back.

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  65. Anyone have fit information on the Merino Bomber Jacket (46748)?

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  66. Josephine,

    I tried on the bi-stretch Minnies in store yesterday as a recommendation from the SA. They are large in the waist but tight in the thigh area, I thought I would need to size up from my normal size but the SA said they were the right size for me. The side zip didn't affect the fit of the pants like side zip items usually do. They aren't too tight around the ankles and are cute with a longer tee or sweater (I tried them on with the September sweater, more like a tunic and the Mona heels in brick red). I don't think I'm going to pay full price for them, I will wait for the 20% cardmember email or use my rewards cards.

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  67. Has anyone tried on the Sash Skirt?

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  68. You girls are the best! Thank you for your reviews on the Lulu bracelets!

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  69. Herringbone Popover, Marching Mini, Metallic Foil Jacquard Top and Deck-stripe boater tee reviews
    here

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  71. Hello everyone! I too was strangely attracted to the Meander pant, so could not resist when the extra 30% off sale offer popped up in my inbox. I ordered a size 2 and the fit is ok--I am 5' 2", 110 lbs. I have found that size 0 pants are too narrow in the butt (or my butt is too wide--but that's another story...), so I get size 2 and have the waists taken in. The Meander pant is a bit blousy in the hip/crotch but the style is intended to be a bit looser than, say, dress pants, so the looseness is ok and adds to the slouchy/loungey look. The wool fabric is gorgeous and elevates the pants from looking like sweat pants, but is not at all itchy. However, lining would have been a nice plus. The 26" length is just right for me but may come up too short on you taller ladies. I bought this as a cold weather alternative to jeans and for travel, so I am very happy with my find!

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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! :)