Product Review: Twill Bomber Jacket

Twill Bomber Jacket
Click here for product page
Item 22366
Regular: $128.00
Now: $89.99

J.Crew describes this take-flight jacket as the following:

Inspired by a vintage bomber jacket, with classic styling and authentic details (we're throwing it on over our daintiest of dresses for a tough, tomboy-chic edge). Specially washed with an antiqued finish, it's the piece that will slip into your closet and seem like it's been there forever. Cotton. Standing collar. Zip front with button-flap closure. Long sleeves. Welt pockets with snap closure. Functional snaps at cuffs. Fully lined. Hits at hip. Import. Machine wash.

When I first saw this jacket, I admit I was intrigued. But I knew if I waited long enough, I would snag one on sale. ;)

First, I love that this jacket is machine washable. What a lovely feature!!! Seriously, yey! :) The cotton is a nice material which isn't rough. It is also lined to the point wear I think it's a medium-weight jacket. Perfect for Spring and Fall's crisp nights.

What makes this jacket a must-have is the standing collar. The way the collar sits up in the back and falls in the front, instantly makes anyone look a bit cooler. ;)

This jacket comes in two shades: Wild Mushroom (aka: rich brown) and Fatigue. I choose the Fatigue and it definitely is a nice shade of moss green. It also has a soft wash look to it, so it feels like its been around for awhile (in a good way).

To close the jacket, you have to zip it up. There are buttons, but they are located at the top (two snap buttons which are seen on the image to the right) and the very bottom (one snap button). This is a bit odd for me. I would have liked snap buttons all the way down the jacket. Ah well!

When it comes to fit, I went with a size 0. It fits fine on my shoulders even though it is a bit boxy in the body. But it's not terribly boxy since the cotton elastic hem on the bottom keeps it all in check.

Lastly, the pockets. The jacket is full of pockets which are a nice have. Except for one thing, there is no where to comfortably put your hands. The two bottom pockets have this weird side pocket built in front of them. No adult hand can entirely fit in it, so what's the point of them? And its awkward putting your hand through the top slit of the bottom pocket with button closure.

For some more reviews & real life images, check out:

• "J Crew - twill bomber jacket" post at Gigi's Gone Shopping
• "Anthroholic Reader Outfits" post at Anthroholic
• "J Crew new arrivals-lieutenant jacket, toothpick z..." post over at Fashion Dork
  

What are your thoughts on the Twill Bomber Jacket? Have you seen or own this jacket? If so, what is your review of the fabric & print? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

J.Crew Spotted in Ladies Home Journal

A big "thanks!" to Desert Flower, who not only let us know about a J.Crew item being spotted in the July 2010 issue of Ladies Home Journal, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the image to see it larger.)

The item featured is the classic staple: black jacket. Unfortunately, I have no clue which black jacket it is! ;) But it does look amazing how its style above.

What are your thoughts on the jacket featured in the magazine (do you know which one it is)? What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Jackets of this season? Please share! :)

Product Review: Rose Vines Blazer

Rose Vines Blazer
Click here for product page
Item 25959
Regular: $168.00
Now Online: $99.99 $59.99
Now In-Stores: $59.99

J.Crew describes this floral jacket as the following:

Our favorite schoolboy blazer, refashioned in a fabulous floral pattern (our designers fell in love with a vintage print they stumbled across at a flea market in the South of France and had it recolored exclusively for us). With a touch of ruching at the back for a sleeker, more feminine silhouette. Specially washed for softness and that broken-in, had-it-forever look and feel, this is a piece that will slip into your closet and seem like it's been there forever. Cotton. Fitted. Lapel collar. Long sleeves. Welt flap pockets, chest pocket. Fully lined. Hits at waist. Import. Machine wash.

Let me start by saying, "WTF?!?" about the price discrepancy between the store and online. I don't understand how stores are selling it for $59.99 and online it is $99.99. Whatever...

This jacket has gotten a lot of press from the JCAs and I can understand why. It really is a super cute piece to wear.

Let me start with the fabric. The cotton used for the jacket is super light, which makes it comfortable to wear during the cool Summer evenings. Since the cotton is so light, it also does not have too much structure to it. As in, it doesn't look as crisp as a suit jacket. But this isn't meant to be a suit jacket, so I do not mind this.

The cut of the jacket is super feminine. It is fitted, which is a delightful treat (considering how many boxy jackets J.Crew offers now). There is also ruching at the back which actually showcases the contour of your back. Super lovely!

As for the color, it is a light print. From far away, it almost looks white/grey-ish. But when you are close, the adorable floral pattern shines through.

The jacket actually looks better with the sleeves rolled up. I don't know why, but they just do. (I don't think I see myself wearing it with the sleeves down.)

When it comes to sizing, I would say its true-to-size. (As far as J.Crew's new sizing goes. What do I mean by "new sizing"? A few years ago I was a size 2 in tops. Now I am a size 0. I didn't lose weight, it's just vanity sizing on their part.) For this jacket I went with a size 0 and felt it was the perfect size.

For some reviews & real-life images of this jacket from fellow JCAs, check out:

• "J Crew - rose vine blazer" post at Gigi's Gone Shopping
• "J.Crew New Arrivals" post over at Trousseau Adventures
• "blossom" post at très tippy
• "Outfits from the weekend!" post over at Sum Sunshine
• "Flower Power (The Rose Vine Blazer Styled in Real Life)" post over at My closet, my baby and I
• "Rose vines blazer" post over at StuffIWear

What are your thoughts on the Rose Vines Blazer? Have you seen or own this jacket? If so, what is your review of the fabric & cut ? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

Product Review: Lollipop Ribbon Jacket

Lollipop Ribbon Jacket
Click here for product page
Item 23162
Regular: $350.00
Now: $149.99

J.Crew describes this sweet jacket as the following:

An exquisite candy-hued weave (from an esteemed Biella, Italy, mill specializing in magnificent tweeds) sweetens this ladylike jacket. Silk chiffon taping and raw-cut edges add a modern couture feel. Nylon/cotton/linen/rayon. Notch collar. Bracelet sleeves. Flap pockets with button closure.

This jacket has been getting a lot of attention from fellow JCAs. Luckily for us, we have a few reviews.

A big "thanks!" to ajc (in this post) who shared the following review:

For those considering the Lollipop Jacket. I bought it FP, decided it was way too much, returned and now I ordered it again. Imo it fits tts. It is somewhat boxy and on me it was similar in fit/sizing to Rose Vines blazer with not much waist definition. I took 6 in this jacket and wondered if I need an 8, while I bought 4 in Dauphine and 2 was a great fit everywhere but the armholes. I am 34D for a reference.

The tweed is very nice but delicate and it will have tendency to snag, I think because of the 'ribbon' content. Overall workmanship, and quality is very good. It reminds me of similar Kate Spade jacket from this season but at $120 it now it has a very good price. It has unfinished edges but from my experience they do not unravel.

The tweed is very different from Collier or Dauphine, thinner and making it much more suitable for spring/summer. It is definitely a 'special' jacket and it will be noticed.

The color is actually quite subtle I think more peach than orange. Overall, if you like it in the picture you should not be dissapointed. When I bought it FP I thought I would never wear it enough to justify the price but at $119 I think it is reasonable for the quality.

Another big "thanks!" to Summer (in this post) who shared the following review:

Just got the lollipop jacket. It is nice but does not super excite me. Lots of fraying bits on my trim. Yes, I could cut them off but for $120 I know this could/would become bothersome.

I am in like/not LOVE and I surprisely LOVED my Dauphine I got a couple of weeks ago in the mail. So while the jacket is pretty just not $120 pretty or something I know I would wear a lot.

I know I would grab another jacket I already own first before this one.

"Thanks!" again to ajc & Summer for their great reviews of this jacket!

What are your thoughts on the Lollipop Ribbon Jacket? Have you seen or own this jacket? If so, what is your review of the fabric & cut ? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

Madewell: Spring's coolest jacket

"Thanks!" to Marietta & Jaden, who shared the latest email Madewell (click here) sent yesterday.

The email features the Cropped Suede Biker Jacket ($298.00) which is described as the following: "soft, weathered suede in a cool vintage shape— it's beyond covet-worthy".

I am usually not a fan of cropped jackets although this one looks okay. But the price tag totally kills my budget, so it is "a pass" on that point alone. ;)

What are your thoughts on the Cropped Suede Biker Jacket? Do you like or dislike the style?

J.Crew's Camouflage-Print Military Jacket for Women

"Thanks!" to Rosa in DC who shared with us a J.Crew-spotting in Washington Post's DC Scout (click here) newsletter for March 2010.
The item featured is the Printed Lieutenant Jacket (Item 22562; $128.00) which J.Crew lovingly describes it as:

One of our favorites of the season, with an authentic camouflage print and true-to-tradition military details such as twill taping and buttoned epaulets. Borrowed from the boys styling with a fit that's slightly shrunken (and unfailingly feminine), and finished with a special wash to give it that broken-in, had-it-forever feel.

I do like the style of some military jackets. I especially adore the Downtown Field Jacket (Item 19034; $148.00) which I was able to snag last winter. (I love, love, love that jacket!) However, when I saw the Printed Lieutenant Jacket in-person I couldn't help think that the camouflage-print limits the jacket (in terms of what to wear it with and where to wear it). Ultimately, I wasn't thrilled with it.

Lastly, Fashion Dork shares a real-life image of this jacket over at her "J Crew new arrivals-lieutenant jacket, toothpick z..." post. (She looks great in the jacket by the way.) :)

Do you like the camouflage print? What are your thoughts on this jacket? Have you tried it on or seen it in-person? If so, please share! :)