/ Reviews

I found two set of J Crew Factory items from the last roll-out that I hadn’t reviewed. I am hoping to get to the Factory in the next few weeks to see the latest Fall arrivals.

~ Grid Jacquard Keyhole Tee, White, Medium ~

I really liked this shirt on the hanger but it is really square and boxy. The sleeves just fit on me so there’s no sizing down to a Small. I have room in the chest and shoulders but I think the black colorway looks less ratty, a lot nicer.

There’s a keyhole in the front with a hook-and-eye closure. There’s also a skirt in the same material and pattern.

 

I love this print in the Floral Piqué Dress and since the dress didn’t work out, I was happy to see this print and texture in a pencil skirt. I haven’t bought any pencil skirts in a while and have culled my closest to only a chosen few. The size 6 fit fine on me and the length hits just below the knee. I wanted just a little more wiggle room so I bought the size 8.
 
~ Swing Top with Zip Back, White, Medium ~
I’m not sure how this is a swing top but it is boxy. The Medium is a good fit for me with it fitting a little loose in the shoulders and arms. The back has an exposed short zip. I did need it to take the shirt off and on so it’s not just for show.

I have a linen shirt similar to this one as well as one in black so I can sub either one of those in for this outfit. The cotton is a nice quality and once ironed would seem crisp and polished.

 

~ Floral Eyelet Pencil Skirt, Autumn Crimson, size 6 ~
This skirt runs small and the size 6 was pretty snug. I definitely need a size 8 in this one. It is cotton and lined but there is no give what-so-ever. The red color is saturated and a nice shade; a blue undertone as opposed to orange.
 
I loved the Basketweave Pencil Skirt and can’t wait to wear it. I’ll be sure to post the Que Bella when I do.
What do you think of these skirts from the last roll-out?

/ Reviews

The latest set of new J Crew Factory arrivals are very Fall-like – Sweaters, Long-sleeves, Booties. Before I share my picks and what I purchased during the Early Access I wanted to let you know I did a mock check-out with the Quilted Vest and the Gilt City coupon of 30% applied.

I saw the Dachshund Sweater in the store in the Crewcuts section and lamented about how I couldn’t fit into the largest size. I really wanted that sweater. I was excited to see an adult version of the Dachshund Sweater in the latest roll-out. Of course I ordered it. I already see myself layering the retail version of the Sleeveless Printed Blouse under it. I’d also wear it with the Plaza Skirt in Glen Plaid. I see that the Tweed version is available at the Factory so I would think the Glen Plaid version can’t be far behind.

It’s very interesting to see the Leather Pocket Tee Dress because that was a Madewell item I purchased last October. You can re-visit my Que Bella and review of the Madewell Leather Pocket T-Shirt Dress. Have you noticed any other Madewell items being made for J Crew Factory? This is the first one I’ve noticed.

I also ordered the Suede Sawyer Boots in Olive Moss. The color looks really nice online so I’m excited to see it IRL. I like the lower heel even though the style is a little Western. Those will be coming up on a Shoesday in about two weeks.
Do you have any favorite picks from the latest Factory roll-out? It looks like a retail roll-out will be happening next week.

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I must have had this outfit in my sub-conscience when I put these pieces together. These three pieces are still so easy to put together. Even with the longer length of the Striped Infinity Shirt. I wore of version of this outfit all the time through the Fall, using a cardigan similar to the University Sweater instead of a pull-over sweater.

Current Sweater/Top Size: Medium
Current Skirt Size: 8

~ Mixed-Media Merino Sweater, Navy, Medium ~
The Factory version of this sweater is Merino wool like it’s retail counterpart. The back stripes are more faded on this sweater though. The Medium was the best fit as I would probably layer this more than wear it alone. The Navy is a nice color and also comes in Stone and Heather Graphite. 
~ Striped Infinity Shirt, Endless Red Stripe, Medium ~
This looks pretty much like it retail sister as well. In fact, all three items are great duplicates of the retail versions. Makes me wonder if these will transition as Mercantile items? Anyway, the size Medium is a nice fit and not pulling anywhere. The sleeves are long and I have them cuffed. My store didn’t have it but I like and prefer the Sleeveless  version more, though it only comes in Navy in the stripe. 
 
~ Pleated Skirt, Navy, size 8 ~
This is a total recreation of the retail version. I can’t tell the difference. I love my Distressed Quartz as well as the Black. I regret not getting the Navy version but will get this one along with the Warm Mineral Color. The size 8 is the right size in the Factory version. It’s what I took in the retail version. Here are several outfit ideas.
 
The length is my preferred length at just above the knee.

High-fives all-around for all three of these items! What do you think? 

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I did not realize until after I was in the fitting room that I grabbed the wrong top to try on with the Quilted Wool Puffer Vest. But I do like the overall look, even if I’m wearing a Sleeveless Blouse. Let’s see how it all fits.
Current Shirts Size: 8/Medium
Current Skirt Size: 8
Current Vest Size: Small
~ Sleeveless Blouse, Ivory, size 6 ~

I have the retail version of this blouse, in silk, in almost every color. I sold the Ivory and Rose colors since those were a little sheer. This Ivory blouse looks White IRL and I am very pleased that it does not seem as sheer as the retail Ivory color. The size also is the same as the retail, as I have them all in a size 6. I would probably get this color and the Deep Orchid. 

 
I am always a size 8 in mini skirts, especially if they are a square with no shape. This one is no exception. The colors look to be pink and grey/blue with metallic gold mixed in. This is a mini skirt so it’s short. I don’t have a need for it but it is very nice IRL. 
 

This is different from the Quilted Puffer Vest in that the body of this is a wool or wool-blend or a poly made to look like wool. It’s not shiny or very smooth in texture. It fits like my other Vests in a size Small. I am so happy I ordered this during the Early Access when it was 30% off. The vests are rarely included in any promos. I couldn’t even use by 20% off Birthday coupon on it. The in-store promo was only $10 off.
 

 
What do you think of these three items? I know the store had 40% off shirts and I believe skirts as well. Prices fluctuate during every sale or promo it’s hard to pick the right one to get the best price. Of course, the Factory in-store 50% off is probably the best promo but that is averaging on once a quarter.
Have a Great Day!

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As promised, here are reviews of three dresses I tried on last week. Before we get to that, did anyone else see the J Crew Factory heading with the new tag line of “The Online Home of J Crew Mercantile“? There’s a little more information about that here that also announces a store opening in Dallas this month. Very interesting, don’t you think?

Current Dress Size: 8/Medium

~ Floral Piqué Dress, size 8 ~
Well, let’s talk about the obvious first. The v-neck is very low cut showing an abundance of cleavage. Even on the model image at the dresses landing page it looks low. As pretty as this dress is, it’s definitely not a work or church dress. You’d need to button your cardigan to the top. 
Despite the cleavage, the dress is really pretty. I love the print and am happy that it comes in a pencil skirt as well as the Boardwalk Pull-on Shorts, a Printed Scarf and a Tumbler. The size 8 didn’t fit me. I couldn’t get the zipper past the seam on the waistline. Of course, sizing to a 10 or 10 Petite would only add to the neckline issue but I think either of those sizes is what I need. Maybe I could have it brought up from the shoulders to help raise the neckline? 
 

The material is a piqué cotton and seems very well constructed. It’s also lined and has pockets. I noticed on the stock image the skirt has pleats but it doesn’t on the dress in-stores. The length hits me just above the knee. Despite the neckline issue, I really like this dress.

~ V-Back Ponte Shift Dress, Fresh Raspberry, Small ~
I liked the fit of the Small though I would wear some Spanx to smooth things out. The Fresh Raspberry color is very pretty IRL and this also comes in Grey and Midnight Shadow. The length is about two inches above the knee and will hike up a little more when you sit down. Since this is a ponte-knit you could stay in your normal size, which for me is a Medium. 
 

~ Drapey Knit Dress, Heather Pewter, Small ~
I was unsure about the drapey part of the dress, since it looks like a wrap, but it is just another piece of material over the full body of the dress. The Small actually fit quite well and I’d stay with that size. The length is about two inches above the knee on me. The Woodland color looks very pretty for a Fall season transition. The material is a cotton-blend and feels soft, not scratchy but not jersey either. 
 

 

I really wish the Floral Piqué Dress had worked out, especially since dresses were an additional 40% off in-store.

Which of these dresses are you interested in? What do you think about J Crew Mercantile?

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