The Astrid runs true to size to a little big. It felt good in the shoulders and the lengths were nice. I am 5′4″, the sleeves were bracelet length and the jacket hit at the waist, lower than on the model who is no doubt 5″10″ or taller. I tried on the size 0 and although it looked good, once hooked closed, it was a little bit too big in the waist. It did not look boxy but I wish it would have been snugger at the sides. I would have loved to try a size smaller because I think my shoulders are narrow enough that it would have fit even better. But of course, J.Crew doesn’t make a 00 and this jacket is not available in petite.
Regarding the hook closure, I don’t like this aspect of the jacket. Like the Ecole’s, the Astrid gaped out oddly on me when hooked. However, unhooked it was very cute. I especially loved how it dressed up jeans, very Jenna.
As many have reported, the flower on the Astrid is droopy. Instead of stacking the flowers petals flat on top on one another and sewing through the center, J. Crew gathered the flowers into a bunch at the back. Which makes the bouquet tip forward. I still think the flower is very pretty and the jacket would be lacking without it. If I purchase the jacket, I may try adding a pin to the top of the flower to keep it more upright.
Even though I wish I could have sized down, the jacket did not look over sized on me. I keep thinking back about it wishing I would have brought it home. Perhaps soon 
Retail Decription:An exquisitely tailored creation featuring amazing bouclé with a removable flower pin. Wool/nylon. Classic fit. Straight shape. No collar. Bracelet sleeves. Hook and eye closure at center-front. Attached flower pin. Front patch pockets. Fully lined. Hits at high hip. Import. Dry clean. Sale price: $160.00
See this item at JCrew.com
Overall: ***
Sizing: TTS-SD
I ordered this over the weekend, and just checked my tracking number, it should be here tomorrow. I can't wait. My b&m store didn't carry it, so I hope I like it!
Thanks for the "preview".
I wish JC would offer an XXS and a size O.
Don’t you wonder why/wish we all could have the flower on the model? I love this jacket IRL and the fit but I would have to do something about the flower. I truly think it was the only reason it dropped in price so quickly–a simple floppy flower makes all the difference. Truly a bummer for J Crew:(
If it gets addl markdown I will own it and do something with the flower situation;)
Anon 7:45_ Let us know what you think! I hope you love it
Anon 5:10- I now XXS, or stop being silly with the sizing!
Covert-Doesn’t it seem like Jcrew needs some in house reviewers to catch these details that make beautiful items fail? Perhaps they have a few too many yes-men on the design team
I like the jacket but not without the flower…even for $160 it is a pass….Now, if it went to say $80 like someone got at their B & M then I would consider it! Otherwise, it is a plain, basic boring jacket!
Hi, this is Anon. @ 7:45, and my jacket arrived today. It fit perfectly. I can sympathize with those out there who long for smaller sizes….I used to long for larger ones, due to a large frame and bustline…I am dieting and working out again (long story), but am so glad to finally be able to buy the jackets!!!
I haven’t unwrapped the flower yet, but honestly, I think this jacket would be boring without it.
I’m so anxious to wear it, I’m looking to see if it will look good with something for work tomorrow!
I wanted a bright jacket to wear over sheaths for work and to dress down with jeans. Just before this jacket went on sale at jcrew.com, I purchased it–without the flower–on eBay. I thought I could skip the flower (I’m a little older than some of you girls and I did the flowers the first time around, circa SATC 1998) but really, the jacket does need a little something.
I purchased my regular size and unfortunately it was a mistake. I am usually a 6 in J.Crew suit jackets and I think I would need a 2 in this. At 5′4″ I’m fairly short but not a true petite, and the fit was not at all the way it appears on the model. Even allowing the height difference, the jacket is much larger in scale than the cropped, shrunken fit depicted on the model. It hits well below the waist and as it presently fits me it is more Nancy Reagan than Jenna Lyons!
Unfortunately since I purchased on eBay I’m stuck with it. I am going to take it to the tailor and hope for the best. The color is great and if I can improve the fit it will fill the wardrobe niche i’d intended for it.
Wow Hex, I didn’t realize it was 2 sizes too big on you! I hope the tailor can make it work. I think I didn’t have as much of an issue with it because even though I am 5′4″ as well, I’m not neccessary petite on top. I think I am shorter on the bottom than on the top.
Anon- Yay, I’m so glad you got a good fit!
Shannon-
I called up that B&M and got it today at $80, plus the Ivory Peacoat for $90, 2 patent wide belts for $15 each and 2 hammered silk tops for $25 each. I am STOKED (wow that's a word from the past;) I am curious about what hex found with sizing as I remember trying this jacket on in my typical sz 2 at the store and it fit me very well. I am 5'7" and 32D with broad shoulders–not sure if that makes a difference. I am somewhat concerned now but I will let you all know what I find. I will also let you know what I do about the "floppy flower"
Shannon/Covert5,
The tailor said it was just WAY too big. Even though it has the tag with the same item number, I guess it’s possible that this was a sample and the actual jacket is different, since this eBay seller does sometimes have samples, etc. Also, the bottom edge of the jacket looks a little different than in the photo.
So, I’m sending it back (even though it was eBay the seller will give me credit toward a future purchase) and will probably need to order from the Crew . . . but I just have to decide whether to order a 2 or a 4. Given what I’ve experienced this year I am starting to think my actual J.Crew size is really a 4. Gah, cannot decide . . .
Covert-Great deals, congrats!
Hex- Do any of our stores have the 2 or 4? I know the trip is a pain but after all you’ve been through you want the perfect fit.
Have you called online and asked for measurements for each? If the size 6 measurements don’t match up with the one you have, you might consider saying something to the seller. It’s not right imo for her not to disclose if it is a sample. Since you are a repeat customer, she might be willing to refund you cash
Oh–that’s a bummer Hex! Maybe they will reconcile and give your money back. That is always tough (I have been stuck re-selling a couple J Crew items on Ebay for similar reasons).
Hope you get to try one on in the store–the jacket really is a great fit and fun little style. Sounds perfect for the ways you are looking to wear it.
Hi,
What store has this jacket for $80? I am looking for it in a size 10. Thanks for any help.
Clare
Anon at 4;14, Bellevue Square had it on sale for $160 plus 50% off last week but I called them a few days ago and they no longer had it 50% off, and the other Seattle-area stores never had it at the additional % off.
Shannon and Covert, thanks for your comments. I wound up ordering both a 2 and a 4 from J.Crew since shipping was free. I did call for measurements and the one I received was actually a 6. From the measurements it sounds like I need the 2 but it’s hard to say for sure.
The eBay vendor won’t give a refund–and to be fair to them, they sold it to me for $147 when it was $225 retail, and I doubt they’ll be able to get that much for it now that Crew has dropped the price to $160, esp. given that there’s no flower–even if it’s a lousy flower
This seller gets lots of J.Crew stuff and the credit is good for a year, so it’s not so bad.
Got mine today in the sz 2 that I had tried on in store when it first came out. It fits like a dream, is just really fun in both fabric and color and I tried some of my own flower pins and they are a peerfect, darling replacement;)
Their pin–sadly–is so wilted with no will to live. Such a sad little flower. Not sure it is usable in any capacity:( Oh–unless someone wants to collect a bunch and make this jacket into the Cascading Flowers jacket..as that is exactly what this flower is!
My 2 and 4 arrived today. Turns out I definitely needed the 2! So strange. I think that perhaps except for skinny pants (gah, my thighs) I really am a size 4 now in Crew.
Hee, Covert, love your suggestion about collecting these POS flowers and turning them into a Cascading Flowers jacket.
I am hopeful that with a steamer and some spray sizing I can perk up the flower because the jacket does need a little something.
Lmao @ pos flowers! Thanks for the updates ladies. I’m glad you finally got one that fit Hex!
Hi all,
This is my first time visiting this blog and I definitely think I will be back. I just got this jacket in the mail (a size 14 because of my chest size, while I am normally a 12/14 petite in other stores.) I’ve already made arrangements to return it and ordered the 12. The sleeves and shoulders are just too big on the 14, espcially for the boxy cut of the jacket. It does fit my bust when clasped, but the rest is just too big. So, keep your fingers crossed that the 12 works well. I got it priced at $69 dollars too! Amazing huh?
Merry Christmas!
Hi Lara- I hope the smaller size works for you. $69 is such a great price! I’m hoping it last until after xmas so I can pick one up myself
Hello everyone,
I purchased this yesterday for $40 at my local j crew store! :] It was tagged $160 but I mentioned the online price of $70 & they honored it, plus I received the additional 30% off in the store & my student discount. Such a good find!
I got this in a size 0, but I wish j crew would make a 00 or xxs! However, given the price, I couldn't pass this one up! Very cute despite the "floppy" flower.