/ Reviews

Shorts and skirts are finishing out my reviews from J Crew. I’ll have some J Crew Factory/Mercantile reviews in the next few days.

~ Cotton Jackie Cardigan in Dot, Small ~
~ V-Neck Linen Tee, White Navy, Small ~
~ Mini Skirt in Nautical Stripe, size 8 ~

I thought the whole outfit was cute, mixing the dots with stripes. The blue on the Jackie and skirt are slightly different shades though. I think maybe a different colored tee/shirt would make that a little less noticeable. My store had two sizes left in the Jackie Cardigan in Dot, a Small and XS. Since this is a cotton knit and I don’t button my cardigans much the Small fit fine. Husband hates this cardigan, calling it “old lady” but I really like it. So much that I’ve already worn it twice since purchasing it last week.

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My VPS put the skirt in the fitting room for me. It’s really odd to me for a few reasons. First, the title has “mini skirt” in it but this was 19-inches long. It hit me just at mid-knee. Second, there are pleats in the front and an elastic waist in the back. Those two things together make the skirt lay weird on me. I also think because of the pleats and elastic waist, it dropped the skirt lower, hence the visual longer length. I did like the cotton poplin material and that it’s machine washable.

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~ Gingham Pleated Mini Skirt, size 8 ~

This skirt is now on sale and is really cute IRL. This mini skirt hit me just above the knee. The waist fit well in the size 8, my normal pants/skirt size. I did see the description states this could only be “spot-cleaned”. That’s a bit disappointing and could be why it’s in the sale section now. I do wish they would have offered this in the pink as well, like the blazer and pants. I probably would have bought it at full price in that color.

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~ Cuffed Bermuda Short in Linen, Tuscan Olive/Byzantine Copper, size 8 ~

I have been waiting for these shorts FO-EVAH! I bought a pair of Collection Linen Bermuda Shorts almost three Summers ago, on sale (YAY!), and love them. They had been offered in black and white and only the white was in my size. A similar version was offered last Summer in a color similar to the Byzantine Copper below. Those were hideous. The length was well below my knees but not close to gaucho-style or super-cropped pant.

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But these Linen Shorts are exactly what I wanted. I ordered all three colors (they come in Flax too) because I didn’t want to miss out on them. The size 8 is perfect and the 7 1/2 inseam hits above the knee. I was a little hesitant about keeping the Byzantine Copper color but found I have several items in my closet to go with this color. The linen is not heavy or thick but fairly lightweight.

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There are a few differences between the Collection Linen Shorts and the current Cuffed Linen Shorts. First, the Collection Linen Shorts are pleated while the current shorts are not. They have a flat front, which I like a lot more. Second, the Collection shorts are lined, probably because they are white. I have no idea if the black color was lined. Lastly, the current Cuffed Linen Shorts have a cuff while the Collection shorts do not. The pockets are also slightly different with the Cuffed Linen Shorts having an on-seam pocket and the Collection short are placed a little more in front.

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~ Sunday Slim Chino Short, Chrome Green, size 8 ~

The Chrome Green color was really pretty IRL. I don’t have a color like this in my shorts drawer but eventually decided to pass on them since I have way to many casual shorts. The size 8 was a good fit for me, as I like the Sunday Slim shorts to be a little more on the loose side.

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~ Sunday Slim Short in Vintage Plaid, Bohemian Red, size 8 ~

I did not like the color of the Bohemian Red as much as the Patchwork. The red was too bright for me, IRL. Also, this version of the Sunday Slim Short is not chino material and feels a little more snug and not so loose in the size 8. I think I’d have to size to a 10 to get that loose feel I have with my other Sunday Slim shorts.

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It’s not even June and I have already worn the Cuffed Bermuda Shorts in Linen all at least twice. They will all be in rotation heavily all Summer long.

Have you tried the Linen Shorts?

/ Reviews

Pants and a romper are next, with shorts and skirts finishing out the J Crew reviews tomorrow.

~ Gazebo Pant, Navy, size 8 ~

I had ordered the petite size and saw the regular size in-store so I tried them on. I wanted to make sure I picked the right size, whether it was regular or petite. The length in the size 8 is good but not as cropped as I’d like it to be. The waist and hips fit well and I like how the leg just falls straight down from the hip. The wide-leg is a good width and not exaggerated. I love Navy Linen anything and these were really nice and saturated IRL.

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~ Petite Gazebo Pant, Vintage Kelly/Navy, size 8P ~

I was able to order these when there was a 25% off promo. I liked the 8P much better because the cropped length is so much more defined. The pant does pull a little more across the hips at first but does stretch some after a little while. The Vintage Kelly is so gorgeous IRL and I just love the Navy. I missed out on the Market Stripe so I’ll try to get the White on promo next.

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~ Petite Wide-Leg Ponte Pant, Black, size 8P ~

I’ve reviewed these in the Navy Petite and have worn them quite a bit since then. They are my perfect cropped length and so very comfortable. I bought the regular size 6 in black but once the Petite size was available I ordered that as well. They look great but I decided on returning these and keeping the size 6 just so I could have a floor length option of this pant. I will probably pass on the gray, or any other lighter colors that might be offered in the future. Due to the material, darker is better for me.

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~ Drapey V-Neck Romper, Black, Small ~

I was so disappointed last year when this romper sold out so quickly. I couldn’t get it in either color or sizes. As soon as it arrived back online this year I ordered it…and I love it! It’s a bit wrinkly in these pics since I wanted to make sure it fit before ordering another size. This run a bit large so the Small is a great fit. It’s still loose at the waist, doesn’t pull anywhere (shoulders, chest, hips), and has a good inseam. There’s a drawstring at the waist if you want to cinch it a little more, as well as a single button at the back of the neck. The only way in and out of this romper is via the neck. It does open wide enough to step into and pull up. The romper looks really cute with flat sandals and Summer-night dressy with heels.

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I am really happy to see a lot more Linen options at J Crew this season. I have been looking for pants and shorts for quite a while in Linen and have purchased at least one of almost every item.

Have you tried the Gazebo pants yet?

/ Reviews

During one of the promos a few weeks ago, I noticed that a few of my wishlist shoes went on sale. I had to try them to see if I really wanted them so I placed a really big order. Let’s see how they all worked out.

~ Elsie Pumps in Mixed Plaid, size 7 ~

These are not on sale but I wanted to try them before they sold out. I love the colors of this plaid and I have the shirt-dress in this print. I am a 7 in most J Crew shoes but am a 6 1/2 in the Elsie. That size was sold out so I ordered the 7, knowing it would be a little big. I would need an insert to make sure they didn’t fall off while I walked but otherwise they felt fine. These are really cute IRL and the heel is a blue plaid. Unfortunately, I really think the 6 1/2 is the better fit in the Elsie and so these were returned.

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~ Elsie Plaid Pumps with Bow, size 6 1/2 ~

I was in love with these the moment I saw them online. The print is one of my favorites and there are several shoe styles to choose from (espadrille, flat, slides, sandals) in this print. The size 6 1/2 in these Elsie Pumps are a much better fit. The little bow is set off to the side giving the pump a little sass, IMO. I did end up returning these, even though they were gorgeous IRl, but only because of the next shoe.

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~ Printed Multi-Strap Sandals, size 7 ~

These babies are lovely. Surprisingly, I don’t have a lot of heeled sandals. Espadrille wedges or flat sandals are what I usually wear in Summer. But these are perfect for jeans, skirts, shorts, everything! I chose the size 7 because I was afraid the 6 1/2 would be too tight across the toe. These are perfect at that point thought a little on the long side, as you can see from the slight gap at the heel. The straps around the ankle are a little short and could be about a quarter inch longer with one more notch to buckle.

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I wearing these today with some cropped jean and they have been comfortable so far, with the exception of the strap, which I moved to the last notch.

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~ Gemma Tortoise Flats, size 6 1/2 ~

I’ve finally found some Tortoise shoes I will wear. The Gemma are a PVC upper with leather lining and sole. There are three little holes at the arch, for a little airflow I’m sure. There’s a little protector at the toe tip inside the shoe that you can barely notice. The size 6 1/2 works for me in the Gemma. I slip out of the size 7s. I haven’t worn these yet and am worried about one reviewer online who said that hers started cracking. I’ll certainly report back if there are any issues found after wearing them for a bit.

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I kept both the Printed Multi-Strap Sandals and the Gemma Tortoise Flats as they were at the top of my wishlist. I tend to wear solid-colored heels and didn’t think I would get enough wear from the Elsie Pumps in Mixed Plaid and Elsie Plaid Pumps with Bow.

Happy Shoes-Day!

/ Reviews

~ Bow-Shoulder Top in Oversized Gingham, size 8 ~

I liked the look of this top but the fit was odd for me. I don’t know if the bow, which unties, was the reason but the top felt uneven. The only way to get this on was to pull it over your head. The bow does untie so you have a little more room at the opening. It could also be that there’s extra material in the top, to accommodate for the bow. Either way, I wasn’t a fan of the style though I like the print and colors.

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~ Off-the-Shoulder Top in Ratti Happy Cat Print, size 6 ~

I’ve read several reviews of the off-the-shoulder tops from J Crew that they are not staying put so I haven’t tried them. My VPS added this to my room. This should have been called “confetti print”. I don’t see a “happy cat” anywhere on here. But the print itself is fun and would be cute for Summer. It looks ok as a regular top, not off-the-shoulder.

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But the off-the-shoulder is so much more fun. I’m in a size 6 and that fit really well. I passed on this only because I bought one I’ve been wanting for months from another brand. I’ll share that review soon.

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~ Tippi Sweater in Blue-Emerald Gingham, Medium ~

This blue-emerald color of the Gingham Tippi is really pretty IRL. I happened to be wearing an ivory tank that day so it helps hide some of the sheerness of the sweater. I wish this had been in a lightweight cotton instead, as we are now too warm to be wearing thin merino wool. Of all the colors in the Gingham Tippi, I think I liked the Vivid Canary best.

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~ Short-Sleeve Popover in Vintage Plaid, Berry Multi, size 6 ~

I immediately wanted this top when I saw it online. The purples looked so pretty online. When I saw it in-store, the colors were more muted and faded. I prefer the blue in the shirt-dress. This runs big through the body but I can wear both the size 6 and 8. I prefer the fit of the sleeve in the size 8, over the size 6.

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You’ll have to fuss with the shirt a bit to tuck it in and make it look presentable and less sloppy but it does look nice.

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~ Short-Sleeve Popover in White Irish Linen, White, size 8 ~

The linen popover shirts were my favorite of all the popovers. I’ve been searching for some linen tops with short-sleeves for a while. I found one a Zara, in White, a few years ago, and one in Black and Gap last year but I wanted additional colors. This fit like the Vintage Plaid popover and, though this runs big, I do prefer the size 8 over the 6. Go ahead and size down in this one. You will still get the slouchy, casual look that your normal size would create.

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~ Short-Sleeve Popover in Irish Linen, French Blue, size 6 ~

The only real different I felt in the size 6 was the length. It wasn’t cropped but did feel a little shorter than the size 8. The French Blue is a pretty color IRL but I already have 3 various blues in long-sleeve linen.

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~ Short-Sleeve Popover in Irish Linen, Golden Rose/Warm Emerald, size 8 ~

Out of these two colors, I preferred the Warm Emerald over the Golden Rose. These were taken after my vacation so you can see how they both look with a tan.

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~ Short-Sleeve Popover in Candy Stripe, size 6 ~

Again, this fit like the other popovers above but the stripes, yeah, not my taste. I do think you can pull this off with skinny white jeans or a denim skirt. Nothing too wide-leg or flowy on bottom.

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So, as you can see, I liked the popovers and it was just a matter of deciding which print and material I wanted to get. I chose the linen over all of them. You can still take 25% off with SUMMER or 30% off with your J Crew Card and CARDSONLY, through today.

Happy Shopping!

/ Reviews

I’m excited to share these reviews with you. I really liked a lot from the last few roll-outs. The Linen and Plaids have been some of my favorites. I do wish there were a few more fitted shirt styles but I can find those elsewhere.

~ Gallabia Peru Mini Dress, Small ~

The description for this dress stated it was a slim fit but it looked a bit over-sized on the model image. (A quick note, this is in the Beach and Cover-Up section and not the Dresses.) I ordered the Small due to the image and it does fit. The shoulders and arms are good to a little bit, especially in the arms. The arm-length is a bit long for me. If it wasn’t for the elastic band at the end this would extend to the middle of my hand. The body is a bit more fitted, just skimming my chest and hips. Since this is a cover-up the Medium would work better. You don’t want to struggle getting out of a cover-up while at the pool or beach.

The embroidery is beautiful. The front closes with a hook-and-eye at the bottom. Above that are two sets of tassels. Here, I’ve tied the bottom set and left the top undone.

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I tried this on without the belt first and the dress shifted around a bit. The belt did keep it a bit more in-place. You can also see the pockets so this is see-through, again, perfect for a cover-up; not so much for a dress unless you wear nude lingerie under. Overall, I ended up returning this. I didn’t think this was worth $250 price tag.

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~ Classic Short-Sleeve Shirtdress in Gingham, Small ~

These shirt-dresses are my favorite and I’m glad they are offered in different prints and material this year. I was tempted to order the solid black but was happy to see the black-and-white gingham as an option. The Small fits fine and I like how it gives me some shape at the waist. I have the white and navy from last year in a Small and wear them with wedges. That brings the length up some making sitting down very lady-like.

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~ Classic Short-Sleeve Shirtdress in Gingham, Medium ~

The medium was a bit looser through the body but the length was much better. Especially since I’ll continue to wear it with wedges. I don’t have a lot of black clothes in my closet so it’s nice to have this as an option.

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~ Candy-Stripe Dress, Small ~

I was interested in this dress when I saw it online but the fit is definitely TTS. The material is a little thicker cotton than the gingham and solid shirt-dress which may be contributing to the fit issue. I would need a medium in this dress though it would probably be way too big through the waist and hips.

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~ Short-Sleeve Cotton Shirtdress, Coral, Small ~

Here’s the solid coral shirt-dress. You can really see the length and how short it can get with heels or wedges on. The coral is really bright as well but I felt like it blended a little with my skin tone.

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~ Shirtdress in Vintage Plaid, Small ~

Most reviewers really don’t like this shirt-dress but I love it. It does run large and I felt the Small was a really good, to somewhat oversized, fit. I bought this for my trip and wore it several times. The material (cotton) is thin but it worked so well in the heat and humidity I was in. I didn’t find it see-through but what I wear underneath are usually nude and not something bright. I’ve wear this at least once a week. It’s a bit wrinkled here but irons nicely.

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The last shirt-dress is my favorite. I’ll be wearing the Gingham Dress soon, hopefully this weekend.

Which of these shirt-dresses have you tried?