Fall sale…new styles added. Really?

Oct 31, 2008 By Shann in Uncategorized

I received an email from J.Crew advertising new markdowns. However, I can’t say that I found many items that have been added to the Fall Sale.. I did see the following, plus a few random things from last year.

Cashmere turtleneck sweater My coveted Dark Poppy tneck is not included, booo.
Tweed Astor jacket – From last year, I am assuming.
Matchstick jean in crisp blue-I’ve been wanting these for awhile. Anyone know how they fit?
Taffeta a-line skirt -On promo already, wow!

What am I missing? Did you notice anything new added to the Sale section?

On a related note, I am loving all the promos J.Crew is offering this month! I have already purchased a few sweaters and tee on sale. There are several items that I am patiently waiting for markdowns on. Including: Lea cardigan, Cashmere heirloom henley (obsessed with this one), Cashmere keepsake cardigan, Dream tie-neck cardigan, Double serged pencil skirt, Francie skirt, and the Pembridge dot shell.
Which items are you “just waiting for a sale” to purchase? Let’s hope J.Crew is listening ;O)

Super 120s Blair dress

Oct 31, 2008 By Shann in Uncategorized

Guest Blogger Hexicon shares her thoughts on J.Crew’s Blair dress.

Blair Super 120s Suiting Dress in Dark Peony.
First, the color is even prettier than I was expecting. Rather than a bright magenta, it’s a rich, almost raspberry shade. Second, fit: For comparison, I am 5’4″, hourglass shape with square shoulders and thigh “issues.” In J.Crew suiting dresses, I most often wear a 6P, but the three suiting dresses I’ve purchased this year did not fit properly in 6P, and I had to exchange for 4R or 6R. For that reason, I ordered a 6R in the Blair. I will have to exchange the 6R for 6P. It was long in the torso and the bust darts and waist seam did not hit at the correct spot. When the dress fits properly it appears the waist seam will hit slightly above the natural waist. It was also too large at back and waist but that is typical for me. The dress had enough room for my problem areas of shoulder and thighs.
By way of comparison, this fall’s gab suiting dress was very small in the shoulders, and this fall’s button-back 120s dress ran short and wide. Even though the 6R was not the right size, I can tell that it will be a beautiful dress when it fits properly. Overall I would say it is TTS and you should order your regular size.

Thanks so much for your detailed review Hexicon!

Updated Note–the petite, which fit me properly in the bust and shoulders, hit about three inches above my belly button and about two inches above the smallest part of my waist. I like this look (it’s not an empire waist), but if a high waist will bother you then this dress will not work for you.

Merino turtleneck sweater

Oct 29, 2008 By Shann in Uncategorized

I posted a mini review of the Merino turtleneck last week after I tried on the Bright Fuchsia in store. If you read the review, you’ll know I ranted a bit about the sheerness of it. Well, even though I was disappointed in the thinness of the fabric, I totally caved and bought the tneck in Dark Peony over the weekend. I was worried that all of the sweaters would be as see through as the fuchsia but thankfully with the right shade underthings, the Dark Peony is not sheer.

As I said in my earlier review, the Merino Turtleneck runs true to size. It is fitted in the arms and relaxed in the waist without being boxy. If you want a slim fit in the waist, you may have luck sizing down.
The sweater hits at the hip when pulled down but it usually sits at my waist. The fabric is similar in weight to the Jackie cardigan. Of course, the Jackie is cotton and the turtleneck wool, so there is a slightly different texture. I don’t find the merino itchy in the body. Occasionally, the neck has a slight itch but it does not bother me. If you have very sensitive skin you might find it irritating.

**Update** The neck itchiness is getting to me and the fabric is starting to show some wear. I’m downgrading this sweater to 2 1/2 stars overall **

Retail Description: The must-have sweater for chilly weather and the chicest counterpart to pencil skirts, trousers and jeans. Merino wool in a 14-gauge knit. Fitted. Turtleneck. Rib trim at neck, cuffs and hem. Long sleeves. Hits at hip. Import. Dry clean. $78.00
See this item at JCrew.com

Sizing: TTS relaxed
Overall: ** 1/2

Quickies: Shoes & Sweaters

Oct 28, 2008 By Shann in Uncategorized

I visited my store this weekend and have a few quick reviews to share with you.

Juliet patent-leather midheels-The Juliet heels are true to size. They have a comfortable and sturdy low heel. The fit felt good every where except for the top opening around the toes. The patent is a little stiff here and was a slightly snugger than I like on the top of my foot. These heels have more toe cleavage than I was expecting. I tried on the Peacock color which is very pretty and unique.

Serengeti Flats- The Serengetti Flats are true to size but a little less snug in my size 7 than other J.Crew flats are running. They felt comfortable for the few minutes I had them on but I’m not sure if they would start to rub around the toes with extended wear.

City metallic ballet flats-The City flats in platinum gold are true to size and were the most comfortable of the 3 pairs of shoes I tried on.

Merino Lea cardigan-The Lea cardigan is true to size. It is snug in the arms and relaxed in the waist. The cardi was not cropped on me as it is on the model. I’m 5’4″ and the Lea hit at the waist. Like many of the other cardigan this season the Merino wool is not a winter weight. It is not as thin as the feather weight ruffle cardigan though. The buttons on the Lea are gorgeous and unlike the City cardigan you won’t be stuck in the dressing room until closing try to get the buttons undone. I tried the Lea on in Dark Peony, which is beautiful. The shade is depicted pretty well online. I would say it is just a little bit deeper and less pink in real life.

Perfect-fit flower tank- I tried on the Lea cardigan over the Perfect fit flower tank. By pulling the tank over a little to center and the cardigan open, you could get the flowers to show. I think a bit of Fashion tape could be used to keep the cardigan from slipping over the flowers. The tank runs true to size. I took an extra small, as I do in the Favorite tanks. The material is a little more stretchy in the Perfect fit, hopefully it does not lose it’s shape with wear. The flowers on this tank are quite pretty. I will probably end up buying this tank in the Bright Poppy.

Cashmere turtleneck sweater- The Cashmere turtlenecks are listed as online only but my store had a few. I tried on the Dark Poppy which is a beautiful true red. The sweater fits true to size and has a flattering non-boxy cut. It is not snug in the waist but it drapes nicely. The turtle neck is soft and comfortable around the neck. This sweater is a little longer in the waist than the Merino turtlenecks, hitting at the hip. The only thing that kept me from bringing this home immediately was that it is a little sheer in the chest. This can be easily solved with a tank or cami underneath but I think a sweater drapes so much nicer without that extra layer. I may wait for a sale on this one.. Although, don’t be surprised if I cave lol, I just love the Poppy color.

Victoria ruffle shirt-I tried on the Victoria blouse in black. I will say it runs true to size to a little big. I tried on the 0 but I would need a petite0. It was a little too loose in the waist and slightly long on me. This shirt is beautiful and unique but it is not for me. The ruffles on the Victoria are a little too big for my frame. I felt they overwhelmed me. Also the ruffles are a bit stiff and too architectural for my taste.