J Crew Fall 2013 (4)

I was excited to attended another round of Style Sessions at J Crew Thursday night and tried on lots of new arrivals. So sit down and grab a nice big glass of wine and take a look.

Excursion Quilted Vest in Camo, Small – The collar is higher/larger this year than last year. I sized to a Small, just like last year’s version. I really like it and can’t wait for cooler temps.

Excursion Quilted Vest in Stripe, Small – If I hadn’t purchased the Camo Vest I would have snatched up this Striped Vest. I love the Crewcuts version of this vest with the Sherpa lined collar. Wish I could fit into those sizes. Umm, sooooo I might have bought the Factory versions in both Herringbone & Cranberry Punch so I don’t really NEED the Stripe vest. But if it makes it to sale….

Toothpick Jean in Distress Cone Denim, Size 30 Though I have gravitated to the Matchstick Jean, I am a fan of the Toothpick from year’s past. And I can’t get enough of distressed denim…though I should probably act my age on that thinking. I size up in the Toothpick as they are pretty skinny. As of this writing they are on promo for $108, from $135, I almost bought them but decided on a different pair instead.

Merino Tippi Baseball Sweater with Removeable Collar, Medium – We certainly are seeing a lot of this removeable/jeweled collar. It’s cute but not enough to make it to my Wishlist. It seems to fit a little tight in the arms in a Medium. I tried on the non-collar Baseball sweater below and it was slouchier/roomier.

Schoolboy Blazer in English Tweed, Size 6 – I knew I loved this the moment I saw it. I have a Robert Noble in Brown so I could justify this one, if I really needed to. But I will just add it to my Wishlist, since I have 4 new Excursion Vests to wear instead. This fit well but my normal size is an 8 in blazers/jackets to give me some wiggle room in the arms. 
Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic, Size 6, Ivory & Bright Cerise – This was a very cool tunic and something I would definitely gravitate towards. It’s not lightweight or see through and comes in your basic colors and a little pop (see the Bright Cerise below). I did notice a good snag on the Ivory I had on but I couldn’t tell you how easily it does snag. It isn’t a delicate feeling blouse. Wishlist in Black and Hammock Green. Check it out on Shop With M.
Contrast Knit Blazer, Size 6 – Though I’m wearing a 6 and you can see that the sleeves are a bit long and the arms are tight this was an unexpected love. I’d have to size to an 8 if I wanted to layer anything other than a short-sleeve or sleeveless blouse. Wishlist
Linen Bazaar Tee, Medium – Very cute tee but odd that a Linen Tee would be offered for Fall. Passed

Merino Tippi Baseball Sweater, Medium, Parsley Breeze – This is a great little casual Tippi to throw on with some jeans and, hmmm…what else? Oh, Excursion Vest! Purchase

Horsing Around Sweatshirt, Size Small – I could have sworn I had ordered a Medium in this for a roomier fit. The Small fits nicely but doesn’t have much room for layering. Purchased but deciding

Unknown Ruffled Collar Blouse, Size 8, IBL (Ivory Black?), #03535, $128 – This is so prim-and-proper for me but I LOVE IT! It’s not online so I may have to run back and grab this blouse. Absolutely adorable. Want now

Eaton Boy Trouser in Glen Plaid Wool, Size 6 – Love the fit of these pants! Though it’s supposed to be slimmer than the Cafe’ Capri, I did take my normal size of the Cotton version. I wear an 8 in any other blend of the Cafe’ Capri.  The solid in Pinot Noir is gorgeous! Wishlisted

An outfit idea with the Fluted Skirt in Double Crepe. I ordered this in Ivory as well.
Midrise Toothpick Jean in Carbon, Size 30 – I bought these instead but not in the store. When I came home after the event I naturally went online to see everything I had just tried on, read the descriptions, check out what else was on sale, etc. That’s when I found these, on promo for $88, down from $125. I ordered it along with a few other items, making these jeans $66…almost half off! I should have purchased a 2nd pair. 
They fit well and I really like the higher rise. I’ll have to get these hemmed just a few inches but adding $12 to that $66 is worth it.
Merino Leather-Pocket Sweater, Small, Black –  I don’t have a lot of Black items in my closet but am really loving the outfit below. I’ve lightened it so you can see how both the sweater and pants fit. I sized down to a Small and this fits great in that size. I think I would consider the Heather Granite over the Black but this color is growing on me. Wishlisted
Pixie Pant in Leather Tuxedo Stripe, Size 6 – Getting these pants on was hysterical. My friend Catalina was in the dressing room with me and I kept saying they wouldn’t fit and needed a bigger size and she kept telling me to “Keep Going. They’ll fit.” She was right. She did have to zip me up in the back but only because I was tired from all the tugging and pulling to get these things on. These felt like Spanx once I had them on. They seem to suck and tuck me in at all the right spots.
Silk Keyhole Top, Size 6, Bristol Blue – This color is divine! And goes so well with the Collection Cafe’ Capri Tile Jacquard. One thing about the top is the keyhole goes was cut down to my breast bone, showing my bra. I’d have to pin or tape this to stay shut somehow.
OH do I LOVE these pants! I’m wearing an 8 in the pants. Though there is a little room in the hips and legs while standing, when I sat down everything got a little tighter. The waist was a perfect fit. I will need to get them hemmed up as they are currently just about to hit the floor. I cannot wait to wear them. I have many Cashmere Tees and Tippi Sweaters to go with these pants, though I do love the blouse I have on in the pic too.

And of course they go with my Etta’s! I returned the mini skirt because I knew I would love the pants more.
All done! Finish your wine? So what have you tried on? What has caught your eye? 

24 Comments

  1. August 23, 2013 / 10:08 pm

    Whew, you're a rockstar for posting all of those at once girl! You look fab in everything. And don't worry, I have an excursion vest collection as well. But they seem to be what I grab all the time these days. Also, I loved the toothpick in cone denim as well, and I normally don't love the toothpicks on me. I'm into the distressed look too, and I'm sure I'm too old for it, and just don't care. 🙂

    • August 26, 2013 / 1:26 am

      ShopWithM – Thanks! I like layering with the Excursion Vest instead of grabbing a coat. I'm glad someone else likes the distressed jeans too!

  2. August 23, 2013 / 10:46 pm

    Great reviews, thank you! There were some things there that I hadn't noticed before (I love that silk keyhole top & the pants!).

    • August 26, 2013 / 1:26 am

      Thanks Cate! The pants are my fav!

  3. August 24, 2013 / 1:08 am

    Thanks Audrey! Awesome for those of us not near the crew! I do love the pixies Nd last pants on you especially and now I am thinking of the tunic sweater. I was not sure how it would look on shorties like us and women who have ample chests, but you are rocking that – so chic!

    • August 26, 2013 / 1:33 am

      WMM – When I saw the Jacquard pants I immediately thought "WMM Crazy Pants"! Now I get it!

  4. August 24, 2013 / 1:09 am

    the camo vest is a little too Duck Dynasty, imo. ;(

    • August 26, 2013 / 1:34 am

      Kitty Crafter – Yes the Camo vest can be but it seems Camo will be a popular trend this year. Since I'm in Texas I'll blend right in after the trend is gone. 😉

  5. August 24, 2013 / 7:23 am

    OMG what a pretty shoes. i really like your blog, you really rocks.
    Arm Bracelets

    • August 26, 2013 / 1:34 am

      Thank you Adina.

  6. August 24, 2013 / 10:34 am

    Thanks for these reviews! Love the tile jacquard capris on you!
    Also love the keyhole top – would you say it runs tts? I'm thinking of ordering it as it would be great for our upcoming summer!

    • August 26, 2013 / 1:28 am

      Ruth – Thanks! I think the keyhole part runs a bit long but otherwise does fit TTS. I wear a 6 in sleeveless tops.

  7. August 24, 2013 / 5:42 pm

    Oh, thank you Audrey for all these reviews and pics! It's so helpful, even for those of us near a B&M — at the one closest to me, I find the SAs just a little too pushy for my liking, to the extent that I would rather order online and return (quickly) than try on in-store, so your sizing info and photos are very much appreciated.

    Did you get the pixies? They do look great on you. I am a minnies fan, so tried the pixies when they first came out (as they sounded perfect) and they were as hard to get on as wet suits… and then I looked like a burst sausage. I have never been tempted to try the later iterations — are they still the same fit?

    • August 25, 2013 / 3:17 am

      So funny you should mention pushy SAs. Today I felt one of the SAs was circling me like a vulture the entire time and kept trying to push things on me. It made my shopping trip very stressful. I typically like to shop on my own and just use the SAs as a resource if I need anything or have a question. Sometimes it is just easier to shop online where you can do things at your own pace.

    • August 26, 2013 / 1:32 am

      audreys – You're welcome! I do feel I get either pushy SAs or ignored when I go to any other JC other than the two of mine. I did not get the pixies but really really want them. I kind of felt a little like a sausage casing when I first put them on but I guess b/c the black was slimming I didn't notice it after that. I've only tried/have the Factory version Pixie and they are a litte too low rise for me. These were good but I want to try the 8 to be sure.

  8. August 25, 2013 / 3:08 am

    Hi, Audrey. I've read your blog for a while now, but have never commented before (I FINALLY opened a blogger account). Thanks for the great pictures and reviews. You picked a lot of items I've been eyeing in the new roll out. I am obsessed with that ruffle collared top that's not online yet. After seeing your review, I looked for it in my local stores when I went to visit today and neither carried it (including one that is supposed to be a "flagship" store). Like you, I must have that top. Do you know if it's going to be online soon?

    • August 26, 2013 / 1:36 am

      312JCgirl – You are welcome! I have no idea when, or if, the ruffled collar blouse will be in stores. You could do a WWFIFY with an online VPS or call stores yourself. Mine is in San Antonio, TX at La Cantera.

    • August 26, 2013 / 2:00 am

      Thanks!

    • August 29, 2013 / 3:57 pm

      ETA I called customer service and was able to order the top over the phone and combine with the rest of my FALLSTYLE purchase. I just received shipping confirmation this AM. Thanks for providing the style #!

  9. August 25, 2013 / 11:42 am

    Hi Audrey, I think you tried on almost all of my favorites from the new arrivals in this post! Thanks for sharing the photos and reviews. You look great in everything. The keyhole cami and jacquard pants combination is gorgeous! And I especially love that merino tunic with leather pockets outfit on you – looking sleek and chic lady! 🙂

    • August 26, 2013 / 1:37 am

      ABC – Thanks so much! I felt sleek and chic in that tunic and Pixie Pants! Can't wait to see what you've picked!

  10. August 27, 2013 / 10:39 pm

    I found your blog when I was googling for reviews of the Excursion Vest and I love it! I've had a great time browsing some of your back entries and I love this series of J. Crew fall review posts. You look smashing in that Tippi sweater, the collared blouse/fluted skirt and in the Capri tile pants!

  11. November 26, 2013 / 3:27 am

    Hi!! Long time blog reader! I know you have an Etta obsession 🙂 I'm dying for a pair and am always a 7 in jcrew shoes. Do you find these true to size?? I've heard size up a half size!! Help!

    • November 26, 2013 / 5:46 pm

      Whitney – I am a consistent 7 too. If anything, on some shoes I'll goes down half a size (Lillian sandals from this Summer are a good example). For the Etta's, they are TTS for me. Email me and I'll send you some measurements from them (insole, width, etc,).