Wednesday, October 10, 2012

J. Crew Factory Fitting Room Reviews

A couple of weeks before the move, my husband announced that he needed to go to the outlet mall to return something.  Truth be told, I was itching to do something besides prep for the move so I was positively elated.  While there, I stopped by the J. Crew and Banana Republic Factory stores (BR reviews coming up soon).

And just a note on sizing: Since taking up running and watching my food intake (gasp, a diet...kind of), I've lost 2 inches each in the waist, gut and hips.  Guess there was quite a bit of extra insulation there, LOL.  So while I used to go for a XS / 0 at J. Crew, I am now also trying XXS when available.

Factory Downtown Field Jacket, XXS, $125 (don't see online)
(Left: waist snaps normally and Right: tightened)
After seeing this on bloggers like Amber (retail version) and Gigi (thanks for the alert on Factory availability!), I was really interested in seeing what it would look like on me.  This is the XXS with a sweater underneath.  The torso is a little boxy on its own, but if you tighten the waist snaps, it will give you more of a fitted effect.  XXS fits nicely in the shoulders and arms, sleeves are a little long and hit at tip of thumbs, a little roomy in the chest (a good thing as I hate when buttons pull there), and the length hits me at mid to low hip.  I LOVE the gold buttons and I loved the way it looked in the mirror, but upon reviewing the photos, it didn't seem as flattering as I had thought.
Verdict: No for now, but would consider on further sale

Factory Classic Pea Coat, Warm Lemon, Sz 0, (buy here)
I was really drawn to the gold buttons (I'm a magpie drawn to shiny objects, I tell ya) and the bright yellow color of this coat.  It fit pretty well - sleeves not too long, torso not too tight nor boxy, but ultimately I felt like the collar was too big for my taste.  Too much framing of my head - reminds me of the Cabbage Patch Kids:

Verdict: No

Factory Wool-Blend Long Open Cardigan, XXS, $60, (buy here)
I've been looking for a classic camel cardigan and thought this might be a good option.  Unfortunately, I felt a little too "Mr. Rogers" in this particular style.  I think it's the length?  For XXS, I felt like this fit a little big, but I'm not sure if this is due to the open nature.  This was also a little on the itchy side.
Verdict: No

Factory Cap-Sleeve Pocketed Dress, Sz 0, ~$30 (buy here)
This was another one of those that I liked in the mirror until I looked at the picture.  It fit very nicely and provides that tummy hiding that I love so much about J. Crew dresses.  What I didn't like in the picture was that it seemed to make my top look a little wide.  I tend to look for things that help cut me a slimmer silhouette if possible and am a little sensitive about things that make me look bigger.
Verdict: No, but would look great on a different body type - great price too!

Anyhoo, it appears that being on maternity leave for a full year has left me feeling picky and semi-stingy.  Too bad it takes a year without income to make me more fiscally focused.  How do you exercise shopping restraint (if applicable)?

13 comments:

  1. Oh, you look great on downtown field jacket. You were lucky to find XXS... (I didn't! I love my jacket now so it does not matter...but...) I like the last dress on you too. I can understand what you mean, but still pretty on you!

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  2. I didn't know they made the field jacket in xxs. :) Thanks for the reviews!
    I'm on a break which mean no income so I'm trying to really focus on figuring out what I need in my closet and trying to find the best deal for it. xoxo, Phoebe

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  3. I don't shop at much now but when I do I have to make sure that I will wear it multiple times to make it worth it. So lucky you were out for a year, I was only out for 6 weeks :(

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  4. "I tend to look for things that help cut me a slimmer silhouette if possible" -- who doesn't, haha! I'm also very sensitive to how the top fits, even though I have little to no bust. Weird huh? Anyways, glad you showed restraint. I think restraint is wonderful. Who needs clothes that don't fit right and that you don't love! I wish my hubby would say he needed to go to the outlet ;)

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  5. I'm wondering what you do for jackets that fit well in the body, but the sleeves are too long. I've run into this problem a lot. Is the only solution to get it altered? As always, I love your reviews! :)

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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  6. Ive decided that i wont shop until I wear everything in my closet atleast once! Exception being the Thanksgiving sale :)

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  7. My shopping restraints has improved with blogging, like if it looks bad on camera, don't buy it or return it! Also, I think making a list of what I need and sticking to it has been helping. I do enjoy your fitting room reviews, so even if you don't buy anything, I still like the pictures! : )

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  8. Man, that Downtown Field jacket looks great on you! Good for you for exercising restraint, I don't know how these days :-)
    When are you moving to the Bay? Best of luck with your move, and I'm sure you're going to fall in love!

    Another Anthro Blog

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  9. i tried on that downtown field jacket today! i loved it, but i had to pass b/c of the price... maybe if it goes down more...

    xo,
    Sandy
    Sandy a la Mode

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  10. congrats on losing 2 inches. =) I like that dress, although it may need some alterations for me.

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  11. Keep up the good work. I'm trying to shop better and shop less.

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  12. The field jacket looks good. Its perfect when I go biking...
    I love the pocketed dress too!
    Thanks for this review, doll!!!
    Hope you'll visit my blog as well! :)
    Do follow too if you like it! :)
    FASHION PANACHE BLOG

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  13. I rarely find things that fit me well at JCrew Factory. I always leave feeling disappointed (albeit a little relieved I didn't blow lots of money)

    Maggie
    lovestylehappiness.blogspot.com

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