Italian houndstooth Greta jacket, $375.00. Item 96180
I received the Italian houndstooth Greta jacket last week and I LOVE it. I usually have a love-hate relationship with J.Crew outerwear. It must be that I have long arms for my body. The regular sizing is too big in the body, but the sleeve length is perfect, while the petite sizing is perfect in the body, the arms are too short. And if the coat runs full, I am just out of luck.
But the fit of the Greta jacket is made to be roomy. Because of this, the sizing is great and the sleeves are just perfect for me. The coat feels every expensive and plush. I can’t wait to wear it when the weather gets colder. The only drawback of this coat is that the color is not vibrant in real life. The orange and white is so stunning in the photographs online, but in real life, the orange is more subdued and white looks more yellow.
Berry-trim Astrid jacket, $248.00, Item 96309
I ordered the Berry-trim Astrid jacket in all three colors: the charcoal and plum in regular sizing and the blue in the petite size because the regular was sold out. The sizing in regular versus petite is not noticeably different. In fact, I really did not even notice one. Because of the boxy fit of this jacket, the regular and petite sizes are pretty interchangeable.
While I did think the Astrid jacket in the blue color was pretty, I also thought it was a little bright for me. Too bright. The color makes the jacket look cheaper than in the plum and charcoal versions. The plum color is pretty, too. It’s a statement piece. When you wear it, people will definitely notice you in it. And while purple is the “it” color of the season, I don’t know that I will love it in the plum color year after year. I absolutely adore it in the charcoal color. It’s subdued and understated, yet fun and quirky at the same time. The charcoal color plays the jacket down, while the berry detailing brings it up. It’s the perfect combination.
French serge day coat, $350.00, Item 96311
I was so excited to receive the French serge day coat! And with that excitement, I was also super disappointed when I tried it on. First of all, the yellow color of this jacket is much brighter in real life and it is not very forgiving against my skin tone. The coloring heightened any imperfections I saw in the mirror. I felt like I could only wear this jacket if I were a flawless supermodel. And the jacket runs on the large side. It’s very roomy. I would even go as far to suggest ordering 2 sizes down! I know that sounds crazy, but this jacket hung on my small frame like drapes. I felt like I was wearing a big yellow curtain. I was so disappointed and now I am happy that I did not order the Metallic Giraffe Day coat.
Have you purchased some fun items from the October arrivals? Were they what you expected? Share your reviews here!
October 9th, 2008 - 12:55 am
Leigh! Thank you for posting about these coats.
Which ones are you keeping?
I have been debating and debating buying the serge coat. I saw it in the store and loved how soft it was and felt that the color was pretty against my skin. And I totally dig the bow. The way it drapes on the mannequin, though, makes it look like it would turn any figure into a lumpy potato. I am wondering if that is just a trick of the photograph or not?
October 9th, 2008 - 4:57 am
I have the plum Astrid. I prefer it much more to any of the other colors and I tried them all. I had 3 friends over and they all agreed…the purple is me! I am a purple girl:)
October 9th, 2008 - 9:12 am
I bought Metallic Giraffe Coat as a “fun” piece. No way I would have paid full price for it, but with heavy discounts it is a good piece to have. Fabric is very pretty ( much prettier IRL vs.pics), the cut is slim, it fit TTS, BUT options of wearing it are prett limited. I could only think of 2-3 ways of wearing it.
The Serge Coat cut remarkably similar and it is still sellling at full price. While it is a pretty coat, it is not a very functional one IMHO. Color is pretty though.
October 9th, 2008 - 9:18 am
Leigh, I am curious too which coat you are keeping. Greta looks stuinning!
October 9th, 2008 - 10:34 am
I bought the Felicia coat in black in store and I am totally loving it. It fits TTS. This was my first full-priced Jcrew coat purchase and it was worth it. Kept me warm and stylish throughout this week. I can see myself wearing this coat for many more years.
October 9th, 2008 - 7:26 pm
Leigh,
That’s a great review of all the pieces you received.
Because of your review I am now seriously considering the Astrid Berry-Trim Jacket. I really shouldn’t be buying anything else but I agree with you, it’s “subdued and understated, yet fun and quirky at the same time”. I Love it!!!
I don’t know where you live but do you think this would fit under a winter coat easily? Do you think it would be too bulky with the berries?
October 9th, 2008 - 7:30 pm
Karen, that’s a good question. I will try it on under a coat and report back what I think.
I live in the Philadelphia area so we do get cold winters here. I would definitely want to make sure this fits nicely under a coat.
I highly suggest the Astrid jacket! What color are you thinking of buying? Use the private sale code!
October 10th, 2008 - 4:55 am
Leigh, I had been thinking about the orange Greta. But the color doesn’t sound right for me know with what you described…..How yellow is the cream????Is the orange like a deep pumpkin? Thank you:)
October 10th, 2008 - 4:56 am
NOW not know:)
October 10th, 2008 - 4:56 am
P.S. I really enjoy your blog and check it out almost everyday during the week:)
October 10th, 2008 - 6:51 pm
Ann, I can send photos to the coat to you if you would like. And I am so glad you enjoy my blog. As always, I am super open to suggestions for blog content or guest blogging. Have a good weekend!
October 13th, 2008 - 12:54 am
I noticed that no one really answered my question about the serge coat so I thought I’d try again?
“The way it drapes on the mannequin, though, makes it look like it would turn any figure into a lumpy potato. I am wondering if that is just a trick of the photograph or not?”
October 19th, 2008 - 2:34 am
Hi Leigh,
I am LOVING this blog!!!
I’m also loving the Greta. I’m very torn between the Greta and the Tulip - I think I’ve made up my mind that the Greta is for me but I am torn on sizing. I have broad shoulders but I hate baggy clothes. I’ve never worn J.Crew Outerwear, and my blazer size is between 6 and 8. I usually go with a 6 or if the shoulder is too tight, I get an 8 and have the torso taken in.
SO… my question is, if I want a coat that I can wear a blazer underneath, would you get an 8 or a 10? In the Greta, does a True to Size coat look baggy? Does it feel roomy in the shoulder?
Thanks!
Jen
October 20th, 2008 - 10:04 pm
Hi Jen! I actually ordered the Greta and love this coat! I ordered it in the orange houndstooth. I would order this jacket in your normal J.Crew sizing. It does run a little bit big. It is more fitted in the shoulders and billows out. I tried this coat on with the berry Astrid jacket underneath and it still looked beautiful and not bulky.
I love the shape of this coat. The sleeves hit at the perfect spot on your arms, too.
This coat is all about being fitted in the shoulders and you will not have to have it altered to be fitted to the body. It is meant to loose. I would order the 6 and try it.
Don’t forget to use the free shipping code on the blog! Please let me know if I can help you with anything else.
November 6th, 2008 - 7:22 pm
Can I have the free shipping code, please?
Thanks!
Kesha