I’m not sure what J.Crew is calling this tee, so I will just label it chiffon bouquet tee. It is a mix between the chiffon roses tee from earlier this year and the current printed bouquet tee. In the past, I have always sized up in the art tees but after a few wears they stretch out and look sloppy. So, this time I grabbed extra smalls in this and the antler tee. These definitely run larger than graphic tees of the past. Do not size up!
The chiffon bouquet tee in XS is actually too big for me and it is so long. I couldn’t believe how long, almost past my butt. The material has a lot of stretch in it. It already fit very square on me. Hopefully the stretch bounces back but I have the feeling it may not…
Here I am trying out the size 0 Floral fan perfect shirt with the tee. It doesn’t work because the tee is awful on me lol but I did like the floral shirt. The mandarin collar works really well with a tee and it had a nice waist fit. The sleeves though are way too long for me and it gaped in the chest, as usual. So, although I like it for layering I won’t buy it unless it goes on sale
I am behind the times on this one but I’ve been wanting to try on the Ruffle front coat for awhile. Since I don’t recall anyone saying it runs large, I thought I’d share my pics. This is the size 0 and it is definitely a full size too big. I love the length and pretty but casual style of the coat. The color shown here must be an in store only shade. It is a purple undertone beige grey. Not really loving this color, the camel is the best in my opinion.
You can see in this pic just how large in the chest this coat is on me. It’s probably a good 3-4″ too big in the waist as well.
Rather boring review but I like to try and keep a record of the basics,. This is the Cambridge cable vneck in a size XS. I’m not sure why it is listed as online only. My store had a ton. The sizing and fit are the same as last year’s cables, maybe slightly larger. A bit big and boxy but it can be cute under a blazer. The material is sightly itchy. It’s really not a $74.00 sweater in my opinion.
Now this one I really liked! I don’t see it online, so I’ll call it the Merino sequin cardigan. This is the XS in black. It fit very well I think. The length is almost cropped, it hits right above my jeans. It has a nice sleeve length with fitted arms. There is a wide placket of black sequins down the front of the sweater. The sequins do not have any shine added to them but they catch the light in an understated way. I don’t normally go for sequins at all, so I was surprised by how much I liked this. I didn’t bring it home but I keep thinking about it. Not sure what I would wear it with though…It can be dressed down with jeans easily but I’m not sure about a top. This was priced at $138 I believe. Maybe $148. There is no separate collar, the knit and sequins just curve up and rest against the neck. There is also no button or hook to close the cardigan that I saw.
Here we have the Tuxedo scout chino in size 0. They look completely different on me than on the model. They look like they have a short, snug waist in the online pics but I found them very full in the crotch and butt. The legs really are not skinny but the pants were pegged tightly. They have more of a boyfriend fit than I expected. I do like them though and I think they could be really cute, except….
I could fit another person in the waist gape. Wth?
Another currently in store only item, this is a Merino ruffle front cardigan. It has a shorter fit with what looks like 3/4 sleeves. The neckline is between a sweetheart and vneck with cascading ruffles. The ruffles are the same knit as the sweater. It came in several pretty colors but they all looked a little too sweet to me, so I grabbed the black.
This is the XS. I believe the price was $78 or $98. I need to start taking pics of the tag!
Last we have the beaded Antler tee. This is the XS, like I said earlier there is no need to size up. It is already relaxed in the waist. This is a different fabric than the roses tee. It is closer to what I think of as jersey although not stretchy. The roses tee has that variegated cotton and this one is smooth and silkier. The antlers are made up of gold colored clear seed beads. They catch the light and sparkle without being obnoxious. I did not originally have any interest in this top. Why would I want antlers on my chest? But when I tried it on, I really liked it. Maybe I have J.Crew withdrawals because I haven’t bought anything in ages.
This tee won’t be for everyone because the antler definitely cup the chest a bit lol. However, I think the casual fabric and slouchy fit keep it from looking tacky. This is a case where I actaully think the sloppy look JC is trying to sell us actually works to balance the tee. This is the light amethyst which is a purple undertone brown grey.
I did bring the Antler tee home. I’m wearing it today with my beat up jeans and a black cardigan. The embellishment does show across the waist under a cardi and peeks out around the chest. I will try and share an ootd with it later this week 
One last thing I want to mention, what the hell did J.Crew do to the Jackie cardigan?? I tried on the XS and it was big and boxy and fug on me. I’m so sad because my navy jackie from 2 years ago is a size S and is perfection.
What do you think of these J.Crew items? Have you tried them on yourself?
Also, should I go back for that sequin merino cardigan??
I saw the sequin cardigan the other day and loved how they paired it with a really casual plaid button up.
Curious how you got the little cutie in the background to behave so well?!?!
I'm envious!
i think it is CRAZY what has happened with their sizing! i think it's all market-driven, EXTREME vanity sizing. and now, as you've shown, for the most part small people can't shop there anymore! and it seems like it's happened in the last 2 years — i have things from 3 or so years ago that fit just fine that aren't even in the tiniest sizes.
I just came back from JCrew and I got the Merino ruffle front cardigan but in the gray. I loved the ruffles and it was a cute little sweater.
I had the same issue with the ruffle coat, it was way too big on me.
Besides that and another sweater, I just did not find much at JCrew.
I heard that JCrew is having more new arrivals sometime this week.
Eleanor- Lol, she is usually pretty good on my shopping trips. Yesterday though she was being a butt! She was freaking out if I wanted to try on anything not pink lol.
Sarah-It's strange. I don't know if they are doing it on purpose of it's just really bad quality control. Why would you want to size out so many women?
Rosa- Ahh I wonder what is on the way! Maybe another trip will be in order. Thanks for your thoughts on the coat. Sometimes I feel like the incredibly shrinking woman
Shannon, I feel the same way. I mean, my weight has not change for years, however, JCrew clothing keep getting bigger and bigger. I was wearing my lexington jacket from 2007 and it fits great. Then I tried a couple of the jackets this year, and they are huge on me. Also, none of the coats worked on me this year.
I will let you know if I see new thing at my store this week.
I think you should totally get the sequin cardigan. It would be gorgeous with jewel toned camis underneath for sure, like a dark teal, a plum, or a wine color. As for bottoms, beyond jeans, I think it would also look great with a pair of charcoal or pin stripe slacks, as well as with a pencil skirt.
I also like the merino ruffle front cardigan on you. It's very flattering.
Thanks for sharing!
I'm not quite sure about the chiffon bouquet tee either- I think I will need to actually see it IRL to decide!?! I have had my eye on the antler tee since it came out online- I will definitely be checking that one out as well. I am anxious to see your OOTD w/ it!
Oh, and your daughter looks just adorable in the background- I don't believe that she was a "butt!" Hee, hee!!
Shannon, the sequin cardigan looks great on you! I tried it on and recall seeing hook and eye closures.
I hear you about the sizing. I think J.Crew has sized out the smaller and larger crowd. It's a pity. I've gained a little weight over the past months, and noticed that others are saying they sized down while i stayed the "same" size. What does that tell you about vanity sizing?
Why why why are all tees so long? It makes no sense to me, and frustrating to find a normal-length tee…and I am NOT going to take a tee to get tailored!!
I bought that tee with the rosettes today, and I bought a small, and it is just right. It will probably stretch a bit, but I wasn't so overwhelmed in fabric that I wanted to go with an xs, but I hear ya. I am 5'8" and even though I have a smaller upper-body considering my height and weight, a small should probably never be too loose. That said, I have noticed that I am turning to x-smalls more often in their tops (I now wear a 4 in many of their jackets) whereas years ago, same size upper-body, I was wearing a 6 at the smallest.
My lower measurements are even crazier. Granted, I have been losing weight, but I have NEVER worn a 6 in J. Crew bottoms. Even at my thinnest. Now, I own two skirts in a 6. The pants I own in a size 8 from my skinny days still don't do up, but pants in an 8 now are *kinda* loose. Hmmm…
You look cute in all of these, but I get the comfort level thihg…key to whether or not you buy!!!
Thanks for the reviews!
You're right about the sizing. I don't know what truly small or thin people do anymore. Some of the size 0 pants from this year fit the same way 2s from earlier do, and I have some size 26 jeans that fit the same as a 28 from years past! Only the shoes seem to hold the same, or even shrink.
But anyhow, thanks so much for the real life modeling. It's much appreciated, especially for us shorties!
Thanks for the reviews, Shannon. The sequin sweater and the merino ruffle are both really cute. You said the colors were sweet–does that mean blah pastels? In the 80s I had a very similar sweater in brilliant cobalt blue; wish I hadn't given it away!
ITA about the sizing. I am slender but I am a grown woman with hips and boobs, not a teenager who hasn't filled out yet. There is no way that I can be a size 0, yet that is what I need these days. So many people must be sized out. It's nuts.
At this point I've almost accepted the crazy sizing but I am really pissed that they messed up the Jackie. That was my most favorite cardigan ever and I don't have enough of them *cries*
What are you ladies thinking about the recent JC pants?? I haven't reviewed them but every Jcrew pant I have tried on has been awful! The denim matchsticks ran a size big and were not skinny in the leg. The Minnies in a 0 were bunch city in the crotch! I mean really bad. They were not flattering on my legs either. Maybe I should have tried the 00, phfft
Then yesterday I tried the matchstick cords. I sized down to get a decent waist fit but the rise was too low and they were griping the thighs and lower hip.
I don't care what size you are. When something looks like crap big or small, it doesn't matter what the tag says lol.
Hex- The were not pastel. They had a coral, the bright berry, and a couple others. It is a cute sweater. If it goes on promo I might get one. I'm not sure what color though. Maybe I'll copy Rosa and get grey.
Cleo- Oh thank you! I felt around for one but didn't look close. I'm glad it has something
Emily- Jewel tones would be gorgeous. Oh I think I need it
MMM-Nobody ever believes me lmao! She is too cute for her own good
I should mention, despite the sizing issues this was the first time in a long time I felt I could actually spend some serious money at Jcrew. There was pretty colorful sweaters everywhere. In the cashmere, ruffle cardis, and tnecks. There was subtle pretty glitz on the sequin cardis, beaded tees, and layering necklaces. It had more of the old Jcrew atmosphere then I have seen in the last few months
Great reviews Shannon! I really love all the sequin-y pieces, the cardigan and the antler tee! And the ruffle front cardi looks pretty darling.
Sorry to hear that the ruffle coat fit was so off — I tried one in black and it fit fine on me but maybe I was just flattering myself when I picked the size
haha… I start liking J Crew A LOT since last season. I don't have problem w/ their sizing since I haven't bought any pants from J Crew for the longest time. As for top, I always get the smallest I can find.
You are cute in everything you picked…except that too loose pants.
Oh, I have someting special for you on my blog. Check it out.
litlstrawberry.blogspot.com
Hm. I think I like that first shirt. It's unusual, but the colors are to die for (and look awesome no you!). I might have to go check that one out!
Shannon about the sizing, the problem is not unique to J Crew, it exists everywhere, the GAP is really bad for this at the moment. I am surprised no one picked up on the article that CNN had this summer about sizing. It said due to the obesity factor the average size in the US is size 12, people are getting fatter so the Amercan retailer is making clothes bigger for the average consumer.
My size can flucate between a size 6 to a size 10 with the same store, depending on the garment and where the item was made. You have to try everything on and try on 2 of the same size to get the right fit.
About the Matchsticks cords. I have ordered 4 pairs of Matchsticks this Fall (I lost 40 lbs) 2 cords and 2 jeans. I can't say I sized down because I do not know what my true size is now. The cords stretch out, so the smaller size you tried on probably is the size you need. The jeans I took a 30s, I probably should have ordered the 29s, I will get the waist altered and belt them to make them fit. The 29's woulds have been too tight in the leg for me. The Rinsed Matchsticks however stretch out at least 2 sizes, I am not happy with them.
The GAP has good straight leg jeans, however the SA told me they also stretch out a size or two.
I loved the ruffle front cardi and the floral fan perfect shirt. The cardi is darling and the color so versatile! The shirt looks to be workable for work or casual. I wish it didn't gape- I would be interested in it at sale, but if it gapes forget buying it at all… I am 5'4" like you, but a bit more of a curvy figure.
out of all that I'd snatch up the sequin cardigan!!!!
I have to get myself to a J. Crew now.
P.S. I've just started, so I'd love it if you could come by the blog and check it out
http://www.StyleString.com
Love the rose bouquet tee, thanks for the sizing info. I need to go and see it, but i am a sucker for their rose tees………thanks SO much for posting this!!!!!!
Great reviews, Shannon. Thanks! I agree w/ others about the sequin cardi in black — you look very chic in it. The merino ruffle cardi is another hit, but black is probably the best for that one. I just took another look at the November catalog, and, I am really depressed. It has to be one of the worst catalogs from the Crew in quite a while. Yawn.
Hi Shannon. Appreciate the helpful reviews on all these items. You're so tiny!! I'm sad to read that everything was too big for you. JC really shoots themselves in the foot when they change sizing so much from season to season. The ruffle front coat, ruffle cardi and sequin cardi are my favs on you. All very flattering. It's really too bad that the jacket doesn't fit because it's just lovely otherwise.
Litlstrawberry- Ahh thank you for the award
Chloe- It is a pretty design! Too bad it's like a nightshirt on me lol
Casual-crew- Omg Gap is out of control. I tried on their crewneck sweater in XS. I literally looked like I stole it out of my grandpa's closet. It was terrifying.
Meli- I do love the ruffle cardi and perfect shirt. I hope they make it to sale!
Serena- Cute blog! I'll keep an eye on it!
Mrs Anketell- No problem!
JKW- Oh I know. The catalog is spastic. I showed the silk pants and pom hat pic to dh and he said WTH is that!? Lol
Bigger closet- I'm bummed about the coat. But money saved I guess
It's a shame that the coat is too big on you. It is adorable. I looove that sequin cardi… I feel a new lemming coming on.
Also, I can't stop smiling at the little cutie behind you. I adore the stripey tights. I have a little girl too. The only way she'll sit while I try on clothes is if I give her something to "try on" too. LOL
Shannon: I just re-read my post and I sounded a little harsh about the sizing. It must be hard to be sized out of clothing, I wish I email the Cnn article to Alexis it really explained what was going on.
BTW I love the sequin cardi on you.
J.Crew's sizing is so heart breaking. I really can't shop there anymore because the clothes are too big for me. (I'm similar in size to you – 5'3", 108). I remember reading that they were going to start offering size XXS, but I haven't seen it at all. Have you?