/ Reviews

J Crew Factory is having a flash sale, through June 2, with code CUTESALE. I’ll round up my Factory reviews today, in case you are shopping this sale. There are some hits and miss with tops today. Take a look below.

~ Embroidered Peasant Top, White, Small ~

I recall the retail version just barely. The Small fit surprisingly well so I would say this runs a size large. It’s loose all over, including the shoulders and chest. I didn’t like the square neck, preferring a v- or crew-neck. It’s really boxy with no shape at all. The linen didn’t seem too thin. This also comes in Fiesta Orange, which I think I would have preferred but the Mercantile store was limited/sold out in sizes and colors.

JFC_WhiteBlouse

~ Short-Sleeve Linen Sweater, Pozzoli Pink, Small ~

I grabbed this to try on with the various shorts and quite liked it. The Small fit how I would want it, though I could also wear a Medium to have a little more room in the arms. The retail had a cable knit linen sweater several years ago and it was really thin and see-through. The linen seems to be knitted a little tighter and is not as sheer. If I lived in a little cooler climate I would have probably bought this in a few of the four colors, including this pretty pink. It went well with both the Summer Plaid Shorts and the Flamingo Shorts.

JCF_SweaterMadrasShorts

~ Linen 3/4 Sleeve Blouse with Lace Hem, Vibrant Lemon, Small ~

I feel really dumpy in this blouse. I like it in the yellow but is very wrinkled from just try-ons and the neckline is elastic. I thought that maybe it could be an off-the-shoulder but it doesn’t look right if you try to stretch it any. The Small was the best size, so it also runs a size large. The 3/4-sleeves are hitting me just above my wrist. The White colorway looked sheer on the hanger.

JCF_LinenPeasant

~ Gingham Shell Top, Bright Red, size 8 ~

I liked this one immediately online and it was just a pretty in person in the Bright Red, which looks more like a dark pink to me. The size 8 was a great fit though I wish it had a little shape to it, even a few darts in the back would be good. I passed on it when I was in the store but it is on my wishlist.

JCF_GinghamTop

~ Printed Embroidered Tank Top, Neon Seamist, size 8 ~

I can’t remember the colors from the retail version of this top but I really liked the Neon Seamist that the Factory/Mercantile is offering. I could do without the tassels. I originally thought this fit a little loose on me but seeing the image from the front tells me this is a good fit as there is no pulling across the chest. The Reef Blue looks pretty online but it was not available in-store.

JCF_EmbroideredSleevelessTop

~ Scalloped Embroidered Linen Shirt, White, size 8 ~

This was a little more visually interesting with the scalloped hem and sleeves as well as the embroidered front. The size 8 fit good. I wouldn’t size down in this. The linen, especially in white, doesn’t seem too sheer. I know that’s an issue for some. This comes in four colors and with the Sandy Reef having a contrasting thread for the embroidery and scallop detail. Again, I wish there were some darts to give it a little shape.

JCF_EmbroideredBlouse

I didn’t bring any of these home with me though I did like the Gingham Shell Top and the Printed Embroidered Tank Top.

Anything you’re liking here?

/ Uncategorized

J Crew Factory currently has 50% off on almost everything, both online and in-stores. Prices are already marked so there’s no code needed. I had placed a few orders as well as visited our brand new J Crew Mercantile located in the Quarry Market. I’ll share my thoughts of the store at the end.

~ Linen-Cotton Pocket Skirt, size 10 ~

I really liked the Chevron Dress from retail last year so I was happy to see the print in a mini skirt. I seem to have jumped a size from an 8 to a 10 for Factory bottoms, so I’ll say that it runs TTS. The two pockets in front have pleats under them but it doesn’t add any weight or width to the hips. This is still true to an A-line shape, even with the pleats. I really liked this skirt but am debating on whether or not to keep it. I’ve been wearing dresses and linen shorts lately so I don’t know how often I’ll wear this skirt.

JCF_StripeSkirt

JCF_StripeSkirt_Detail

~ 5″ Summer Plaid Short, size 8 ~

I really liked the colors and patchwork of these shorts but the size 8 was pretty snug in the hips and butt. The size is the only reason I didn’t keep them. If I can find them in the Factory store in a size 10 I’ll get them. I don’t really need them so I won’t order them from online.

JFC_PatchworkPlaidShorts

~ 3″ Summer Plaid Short, size 10 ~

I really liked the colors of this plaid short. When I saw these online I debated between ordering these and the Flamingo Shorts. I chose the Flamingo Shorts but really like these too. The size 10 fit well, so TTS. I like variety of pink on these plaid shorts with a little olive mixed in. Super cute!

JFC_MadrasShort

~ 3″ Eyelet Short, size 10 ~

I didn’t originally notice these online but they are really nice IRL. The eyelet is black diamond-shaped. These are a nice alternative to the plaid and solid shorts the Factory/Mercantile is offering.

JFC_IkatShorts

~ 3″ Flamingo Short, size 10 ~

These are the shorts I ended up getting, out of all the cute ones I tried above. I think it was a mix of the color and the flamingos scattered on the shorts. They were just too cute to pass up.

JFC_FlamingoShorts

The J Crew Mercantile Store had men, women and crewcuts clothing. The store is much smaller than my Factory store in San Marcos. I wasn’t all that impressed by it. I would prefer to drive the hour to the larger Factory store than 20 minutes to the Mercantile store. There were a lot of sizes sold out and no help anywhere. I only saw one SA on the floor and no one in the dressing room or at the register. I’ll give it another shot in a few weeks but I don’t have high hopes.

/ Bella Picks

I am successfully decompressed and un-jetlagged from my trip. It took me a few days but I’m not walking around like a Zombie any longer. We had an amazing time and I hope you following along on my Instagram! I’ll share thoughts and more pics as soon as I can.

Currently J Crew Factory has a new promo with up to 60% off everything and an additional 20% off when you buy three or more items, using code THISISNICE. BUT!! I did receive an email from GiltCity today that has a J Crew Factory coupon for 30% or 35% off if you spend $135 or more. If you are not a member, join here to get your exclusive coupon code. The limit is one coupon per person.

Here’s what I have in my shopping cart. I like the Polo Dress in Navy and I ordered the Summer Plaid Shorts over the weekend. I have the Pleated Short in Scarlet. It’s a really deep red, not bright with an orange undertone.

I am still wanting the Keating Boy Blazer in the Navy Linen but the Petite size I need is now sold out. And of course, you’ve seen the Orange/Tangerine Shirt is back. I like the pretty little Gingham Shell and would get it in the Bright Red. I would hope it looks more like the online image and not be too red.

The Boy liked his short-sleeve shirts I bought him last year. I will be getting him this and the Linen in Deep Harbor and Royal Blue White..

The GiltCity coupon is good until May 15 and can be used one-time only in-stores or online.

Happy Shopping!

/ Bella Picks

J Crew Factory dropped some new arrivals on us Wednesday. They are gearing up for Summer in this latest release. The accessories are some I’ve already added to my wishlist with the Striped Espadrille my number one pick! I took a 6 1/2 in the Gingham so I have no doubt these fit the same.

It seems they have decided to offer the popular and eternally wait-listed short-sleeve popover in a Factory version. And it looks like the Oranges Popover is back as well.

Don’t forget – Through today, April 15, you can use HEYSPRING for 20% off your purchase of $100 or more. If you have a J Crew Card you can use SPRINGCARD for 25% off $100 or more.

Are you shopping J Crew Factory new arrivals? Because I’ll be on vacation, I’ll wait and see what has gone on sale when I get back.

/ Bella Picks

J Crew Factory has gone Gigi “Stripe-sick” this week. Through today, striped items are 40% off, prices as marked. What makes that better is the HEYSPRING promo where you can take another 20% off if you spend $100 or more. I received that promo in one of my Factory orders. You can take 25% off by using your J Crew Card and code SPRINGCARD.

The nice thing about this promo is they have already picked out all the striped options for you and have them linked at the top of the web page. How cute is the girls’ Sateen Striped Dress? I want the mens’ Striped Hoodie for myself.

I reviewed the Striped Knit Dress and took a Small in it. The Striped Racerback Cami is TTS and I took my normal size 8. It’s nice and lightweight and I originally purchased it to take on my trip but decided to take a few different items instead.

There are not a whole lot of items to choose from in the men/girls/boys categories but enough to get you to $100 to take 20% off with code HEYSPRING, or 25% off with SPRINGCARD using your J Crew Card. Those codes are good until April 15.

Are you stripe-sick shopping at J Crew Factory?