For those who have not been following the poll comments, for me the Maggie jacket is running a little big. The main issue is in the chest right next to the arms. The jacket is too full here and it sticks out in an odd way. The waist could also be a little smaller.
In the petite, the jacket hits about 2″ above the widest point of my hips. The jacket flairs out at the hem. This does emphasis the hips. The regular size adds an inch to the length. I am hoping a slightly longer hem will drape closer to the hip and give me a leaner silhouette.
I also find the sleeve length a little awkward in the petite. It breaks right below the wrist. To me, it looks like the sleeves should be either shorter or longer.
The Maggie’s fabric is very nice. It is a mid-weight wool lined in acetate. The jacket is more outwear in my opinion. A good fall, mild winter, and cool early spring coat. Once it gets warm, the Maggie will be too heavy for me. The construction of the jacket feels strong and good quality.
I purchased this jacket in the Heather Bright Berry. It is a muted slightly reddened pink. The color is very pretty, not garish at all. The Berry is not depicted well online, so I took a swatch for you. My photo of the fabric is not perfect but it is very close to the in real life shade. The heathered aspect of the fabric lightens the pink with a faint white thread weaved in. You can really only see the white if you look very close in bright light.
The Maggie has a distinct double collar. I think it adds character to the jacket. The extra collar does not distract at all in my opinion and it’s not itchy. I do wish the full collar of the jacket was a little less rounded. It’s a bit too peter pan for my taste.
Overall, I like the Maggie quite a bit. But I don’t feel like I can give it a full 3 stars. The fit is a bit difficult and the original retail price is, well outrageous. You know I often spend more than I probably should on J.Crew pieces that I love. But I cannot wrap my brain around the a $250 price tag for this jacket.
Retail Description:The midweight wool on this beautifully tailored jacket comes from one of Japan’s most exclusive mills—and its fine craftsmanship is evident at first touch. We love the way it moves with you, with a bit of flounce, thanks to the shirring under the backbelt. The double collar adds a slight vintage feel, like the ultimate find in a high-end vintage store. Classic fit. Slight A-line shape. Fixed collar with rounded edge and inside standing collar. Long sleeves. Slits on sleeve cuff. Button closure. Interior contrast piping, inset waistband with side tab; self-fabric details with shirring for shape. Fully lined. Hits at hip. Import. Dry clean. Catalog/jcrew.com only. Org: $250, now $89.99
Overall: ** 1/2
Sizing: TTS-Slightly large
Measurements:
Petite 0- Chest: 34; Waist 30.5; Length: 37; Sleeve (mid back to hem) 29.5; Back: 22; Shoulder: 14.125
Petite 2- Chest: 35; Waist 31.5; Length: 38; Sleeve (mid back to hem) 29.87; Back: 22.25; Shoulder: 14.37
Regular 0- Chest: 34.5; Waist 31.25; Length: 39; Sleeve (mid back to hem) 31.75; Shoulder: 14.37
Let’s talk about those shoes! Cute!!
I’m the one who suggested a full length photo, and it really does make a difference!
To me it looks like it fits comfortably in the shoulders, while leaving extra room in the waist. Going down in size might make it uncomfortable in the shoulders-but that’s your comfort level and choice.
Now that I see it full length, I do agree that higher rise jeans or trousers would look better, although those aren’t that bad.
I agree proportions are off but I think I need a longer jacket not different pants. I tried it with high rise jeans and it still looked wrong. With wide leg trousers, I looked about 50lbs heavier. In fact, I should probably sell or burn my wide leg pants lol.
Dear Shannon, I am a fan of your blog and a fellow J.Crew lover. I have the Maggie in PO and I have the same doubt with my jacket. The armholes fit kinda high and even a superpetite person like me can feel it pulling a bit. I thought about exchange it to a regular O, too, but afraid the chest might be too big. Anyhoo, after seeing your full length photos I say KEEP IT. It looks great on you and the color really flatters you. Regular size may be too long. I have mine in heather silver.
Shannon
I love the color but I agree with you the jacket is too short. I vote return it.
Shannon, I think it looks much better in the full-length photo. Are those the same jeans? I’d say keep it as is. Looks a little loose but I think it is really flattering. The extra room allows you some comfort if you are driving or if you want to add a thicker top underneath (those candy tees are so thin!).
I ordered this jacket and just couldn’t get it to work on me. But it looks great on you. I like it much better than the chunky knit cable sweater. The color will work through spring as well.
PS. I linked to your blog from mine, hope that’s okay!
The fit of the jacket is fine–actually its really quite good for off the rack. The sleeves end where the should. Longer will make you look like a member of the ape family. And a longer body is going to make you look like an oompah-loompah!! You will improve the fit if you spend $20 and have the seems taken in to better compliment your narrow waist.
Truthfully, all this agonizing about fit after getting a huge number of compliments on the fit suggests that you are really not happy with the design. May be you ought to just let it go?
I don’t think I am agonizing over it. I appreciate the compliments and the critics. Right now it is 50% keep, 50% return, so that is why I have not decide 100%.
Discussing it has really helped and like the review says, I am fairy certain now that I will exchange for the 0r
that should say: critiques, not critics
I think it looks really good as is on you. If you get a smaller size I think the shoulders would be too tight. I don’t think it’s too short either.
I vote for keeping it in this size.
I think it looks perfect. The shoulder does end right where it should, the length is good on the body and the sleeves and the jacket has a slighly raised waistband, which I think was intentional. It skims your body, but is not so tight that you can only wear it with a tee.
I have this jacket in a 4 in nickel and camel. Now that I see this color (which is sensational on you!) I want this one too.
Based on J Crew’s pictures and description, I think this jacket was supposed to have a looser, swingy fit. I think a lot of people who ordered this and don’t like the fit, like a more tailored nipped-in-at-the-waist style.
The only flaw I can see on the design is the armholes. I think they need to be just a tad bit deeper. Everyone keeps commenting that they are a little snug. I think this also contributes to that funny little wrinkle (see your first picture of it unbuttoned) from the shoulder to the armhole that makes it look too big when unbuttoned. It does this on everyone I have seen wearing it, including the model in the catalog.
This is one of the best pieces I have seen on you.
By the way, I have also decided to burn my wide-leg trousers. I am a little heavier than you at 5’4″ and 124,” but they make me look at least 20 pounds heavier.
I’m returning the petite 2. I just ordered the maggie in regular 0 with an extra 30% off! EXTRA30 is the code for 30% off sale itmes
The jacket is supposed to fit the way it looks on you…I think it looks nice. Not every jacket is meant to be form fitting. This one is meant to be relaxed…more like a coat.