Beware! This is a really long post. I tried on many of the new arrivals at the store yesterday. I couldn’t wait to get to the store and see everything. I was pleasantly surprised to see many of the items that caught on my eye in the catalog were on the racks. I did not want to order anything from the catalog so trying items on without having to charge them to my credit card was a special treat.
What are some new arrivals that you have tried on? Did you love them even more in person? Do they look better in the catalog? Or are you still trying to digest the August arrivals?
Abstract rose-print dress, $165.00, Item 96517
The abstract rose-print dress was an item that I really wanted to try on, but when I got to the store, they only had a size 4 and 10 left. I needed a 0 or a 2. My personal shopper offered to place an order online for me. I immediately declined his request. It was not even worth thinking about. I told him to call me if the store was getting more in. I like the dress. It looks very similar to the Rapallo ring print dress from the spring. Same crisp fabric and look.
Wool flannel abstract rose dress, $188.00, Item 96378
I tried on the wool flannel abstract rose dress for fun because I was interested in the fit. I love the look of two separate pieces that is really a dress. Luckily, I don’t have a job that requires me to dress this formal. The dress fits true to size, but I would suggest ordering a petite if you have a smaller torso. I had a lot of excess fabric around the bust area. Overall, it is a great look for the office or a day into evening event.
Fontaine dress, $650.00, Item 96056
I did not try on the Fontaine dress in stores, but I had already purchased it back when it debuted on the website on August 12th. I ordered a size 2 because I had already ordered the Fontaine wedding dress and saw the fit of that bodice. The pine forest color is stunning in person, while the root color is a little less dramatic. This dress is basically a short and colorful version of the wedding gown. I can’t wait to wear to some of the Fall parties that I have coming up.
Snow-leopard Simone peacoat, $260.00, Item 96475
The snow-leopard Simone peacoat was actually the only item that I purchased. I tried it on and knew that I had to have it. I justified it by telling myself that I was receiving the 20% off discount with my personal shopper appointment. It’s a great lightweight jacket, perfect for cool, fall nights. I love the print and it’s roomy enough to throw on over a sweater. I could wear it with jeans or even black pants. It fits true to size.
Floral-ruffle Astrid jacket, $285.00, Item 96281
I was drawn to the floral-ruffle Astrid jacket because of its great color. The texture of the fabric is really rich. I love the little chiffon accents. The extra ruffles make this jacket super girly. It fits true to size. However, I don’t like that the only way to close this jacket is a hook in the front. It’s not very substantial. Also, at that price, I could just pay a little bit more and get a great winter coat.
Lydia solid blouse, $88.00, Item 97751
The Lydia blouse is so feminine. I love the collar. It’s perfect for a summer night paired with jeans or a cute skirt. The ruffles also look great peeking out from under a cardigan. The blouse is versatile enough that it can be worn alone or with a jacket. I love the color assortment and will probably purchase this top on sale. I found that it ran true to size.
Dream taffeta-sash cardigan, $148.00, Item 97467
I tried on the dream taffeta-sash cardigan at the suggestion of my personal shopper. This cardigan is a mess and has too much going on. The available colors are drab and boring. I did not like how the cardigan hits so high on the waist. This fact and the three-quarter sleeves make this cardigan look as if it were meant to be longer, but someone ran out of yarn when creating it. The ruffle stand-up collar was also unattractive. I would pass on this sweater.
Double-serge pencil skirt, $128.00, Item 96477
I love the fit of J.Crew’s pencil skirts and the double-serge pencil skirt did not disappoint. It fits like a dream and I love all of the colors that it’s available in. It’s perfect for the office and the vibrant colors make it wearable for other occasions. It fits true to size and I will probably buy it on sale.
Wool jersey Stephanie dress, $98.00, Item 96809
I love jersey dresses so I was super excited to try on the wool jersey Stephanie dress. To my disappointment, the dress runs rather large. It’s very boxy. I tried on the XS and there was enough room to fit another one of me in the excess body room of the dress. What a shame.
Cashmere Flora dress, $238.00, Item 97455
My brick and mortar store had the cashmere Flora dress in stock with the August arrivals so I was able to try it on weeks ago. It’s beautiful and fits perfectly. The cinching detail on the front is replicated in the back. It’s an easy sweater dress that can be worn on a day when you don’t want to think about what to wear. Add a pair of tights and it’s great for a fall day. I couldn’t justify purchasing it just yet with the 90-degree weather, but I will probably be back for this dress.
August 28th, 2008 - 9:18 am
Hey Leigh, thanks for all the feedback! Right now I am not close to a store so haven’t been in yet to try stuff - my personal shopper I am sure has lots of things pulled for me. I live in all my cashmere dresses - the classic style one that always goes on sale (look out for it on the sale pages everyone, it’s actually a collection piece and goes as low as $69 :), as well as the Biarritz, that I picked up recently. I wondered about the fit of this one since I like the different style and the flower trim. Re the Astrid jacket - I liked this one too (versus the plain colored one), but at that price….maybe something to wait for on sale as you say. Hook and eye closures are a bit fiddly. I was interested in your feedback on the Dream taffeta tie cardigan as I had my eye on the Cashmere versions..I really liked them in the picture. I am very small - many jackets and cardigans in the zero are too big, so I often like things that hit at high hip - but since this is the exact same cardigan as the cashmere one, sounds like definitely something to try on would you say? Ok well thanks again for the feedback - and I love the snow leopard peacoat - definitely a cute piece. Did you buy the Giraffe Coat? Did anyone on this blog? It is nice, esp on sale…It appears to be the exact same cut/style as the yellow wool coat that is to come next month that is in the Look book. I’m hanging in there to see if they do a 20% or something coupon forthe sale for Labor Day weekend - they often do on holidays. I also haven’t yet spent my personal shopper coupon yet but am about to…
August 28th, 2008 - 9:49 am
Aasha, I am so glad that you enjoyed my review of the all the items that I tried on at the store. It’s really nice to live so close to a big mall. I used to take it for granted until this summer, with J.Crew’s shipping problems.
I am definitely going to get the cashmere sweater dresses. I just want to wait a little bit. I am thinking that they will probably go on sale.
I agree about waiting for the Astrid jacket. It’s price like one of the J.Crew’s winter coats. For just a bit more money, I could get something that I would wear more and keep me warmer.
I would definitely wait to try on the Dream tie taffeta cardigan. I am rather petite, too and I felt like it fit like a cape instead of a sweater. It was very billowy.
And I did not buy the giraffe coat because I am worried that I may not love it in person. I am kicking myself for not ordering it at full price, to at least try on. Then I could return it and buy it on sale. (Horrid, I know, but J.Crew forces me to think of ways around their system.)
Let me know if you get any J.Crew items after the holiday weekend! Happy Shopping!
August 28th, 2008 - 11:03 am
Leigh,
Thanks - a ‘cape’ look is definitely not what I am going for!! So that is a help re the taffeta tie cardigan. The various shrunken fit styles of cashmere have been my favorite by far…Re the Giraffe coat - no I mean what are they doing going right to “Final Sale” with August pieces……what about giving us 40% off online not just in stores since they lost $3 million and have all that excess merchandise?!!!
I think the more posts we have like these where you an others give info on the fit of items, the better….
August 28th, 2008 - 12:10 pm
I would love to hear from anyone that has tried on the abstract rose print dress. I would love to purchase this dress but I’m afraid it might be a little too fitted for my body shape.
August 28th, 2008 - 12:34 pm
Hi Lauren. I really like this dress, too. Unfortunately, my store only had a 4 and 10 left. They said it was a hot item and selling out in stores fast. If I see it again and am able to try it on, I will review it for you.
August 28th, 2008 - 4:22 pm
has anyone tried the jersey knit pant? i’m worried that it will look terrible on me, but it looks so cute on the model.
August 28th, 2008 - 4:39 pm
I don’t know if this is out of topic and i have already posted this before but i have my first PS appointment ever and was wondering what is their reaction to customers who want to purchase the sale items- like do they mind?
August 28th, 2008 - 5:34 pm
No!!! If the one you work with does, go and find a different one! Mine is great and lets me know when something I was wanting but was on the fence about goes on sale….and also tells me when she thinks I don’t need something. So, you should NOT worry about this at all. A good personal shopper should do everything possible to help you with your overall shopping needs, not just sell you the most expensive things… mine is great - I love her. Hope this puts your mind at ease
August 28th, 2008 - 5:38 pm
Hi Japannjcrew. Congrats on your first personal shopper appointment. My personal shopper and I have developed a good relationship where he knows that I like to buy what fits me and suits my lifestyle. Sometimes, that item might be on sale, sometimes it’s not. And if I see something I really like, but think it’s too expensive, he will remember it and call me when it goes on sale.
It’s all about establishing a good relationship with them. I find that most J.Crew employees are super helpful and want to help you put outfits together or try on new things. They don’t just push stuff on you just because it’s expensive. And if you feel like this is happening, you should let them know.
Let us know if you can use your 20% off personal shopper discount on top of the 40% off of final sale discount. Let us know what goodies you get!
Happy Shopping!
August 28th, 2008 - 5:48 pm
Thanks so much- Aasha and Leigh. That is a relief since I am a student and sometimes the sale section is much more inviting than paying full price for an item. Although I have purchased many of their goodies for fp, I still prefer to buy the sale items if possible.
August 28th, 2008 - 5:53 pm
Japannjcrew, you’ll have to let me know what items you get and review them for us. I’d also love to hear your thoughts and impression of your first personal shopper experience. I will post it to the blog for everyone to read. Let me know if you are interested!
August 28th, 2008 - 7:17 pm
Sure I would love to talk more about JC clothes, that is if I get my hands on some special items (which I am really hoping). I am also very excited about my 1st PS experience.