J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Cass (in this post) who suggested a "weekly 'Did you try on/receive any JC items this week?' post where we could all "deposit" our reviews for various items". I think it is a brilliant idea. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Cass (in this post) who suggested a "weekly 'Did you try on/receive any JC items this week?' post where we could all "deposit" our reviews for various items". I think it is a brilliant idea. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Cass (in this post) who suggested a "weekly 'Did you try on/receive any JC items this week?' post where we could all "deposit" our reviews for various items". I think it is a brilliant idea. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

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?

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?

Product Review: Impressionist Floral Cami

Impressionist Floral Cami
Click here for product page
Item 26996
Regular: $88.00

J.Crew describes this colorful top as the following:

We love this sumptuous silk cami for its enchanting waterfloral print (it comes straight from a vintage swatch that our designers re-colored) and the sweet-but-sassy front overlay that ties at the neckline. We're wearing ours with ladylike skirts or over our most broken-in jeans (and shorts) for a cool contrast.

This description is full of pop, like the "sweet-but-sassy" line. It reminded me of the lively J. Peterman catalog descriptions from the show Seinfeld. ;)

A big "thanks!" to Desert Flower who shared the following review:

I received the impressionist cami today. I wasn't quite sure when I ordered it if it would be a keeper. I loved it before I took it out of the bag! The print is truly gorgeous, much prettier in real life than in the catalogue/online picture. The base color is a light peach, which you can't really see online, and there are some areas of green that are also not visible online.

The fabric is a gorgeous light silk twill, very similar to the fabric of the Giverny print bateau top. It has a beautiful drape. The top goes over the head, no zipper or fastener. It has bra strap holders, something I always appreciate. The wrap front is attached at the side seam. The bow can be undone and the wrap front falls away. There is a band across the bottom which makes the cami more tailored. The cami is not fitted, however, the draping really enhances the fit and it is not baggy or boxy at all. I tried my usual top size, which is 0, and I felt the drape was nicer with a bit more bust room so I sized up to a 2.

I think I will wear this a lot. It will dress up jeans for evening. It would be cute for lunching or Sunday brunch with more casual pants like the skimmer pants. I can wear it to work with my polished slub pencil skirt in natural, and a longer cardigan belted at the waist. In my opinion, it is worth the $88 price tag.

"Thanks!" again to Desert Flower for her great review of this top!

What are your thoughts on the Impressionist Floral Cami? Have you seen or own this top? If so, what is your review of the fabric & cut ? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

Product Review: Girls' Heathered Shawl-Collar Cardigan

Girls' Heathered Shawl-Collar Cardigan
Click here for product page
Item 24992
Regular: $49.50

J.Crew describes this {fabulous} Crewcut top as the following:

This über-cozy cotton cardigan has the versatility of her favorite sweatshirt, with chic, sweetly feminine styling and details. Gathered silk ruffles peek out from the two front pockets and bottom trim, and the shawl collar is covered in silk. Sure to be a staple for everything from school days to playdates.

When I was looking through the Crewcuts section of J.Crew's website, I ran across this amazing little shawl cardigan. At first I thought, "why-oh-why is this Crewcuts-only!" Then it dawned on me... "yes, I will raid the kids closet today!" And so with the offer of free shipping on any Crewcuts item (& 15% off with my educator discount), I took the plunge and purchased it.

Let me start off by saying... I love it!!! For the price, it is a well-crafted piece. It looks absolutely amazing with its silk shawl collar and subtle ruffles around the pockets & hem. The fabric and shade of the Marled Grey is perfect for the breezy days of Spring.

I normally take a size xs (or a size 0, sometimes a size 2) in the adult sizes. Since there is no conversion from Women to Crewcuts, I took a chance and went with a size 12 in this top. (Incidentally, Crewcuts Girls goes all the way up to size 14.) The size 12 worked out great! It fits me perfectly.

Since I am 5'8, the full-length sleeves are not exactly full-length. Instead, they are bracelet sleeves on me... and it works! I am also surprised that the length of the cardigan works very well on me too! The cardigan is quite long and hits at my hip (not quite low-hip, but not high-hip either, just somewhere in between).

So ladies, I would highly recommend getting this cardigan! I know it's on back-order until 8/09/2010, which is a bummer. However, it was back-ordered (to that date too) when I purchased it and somehow I got it shipped to me one-week later. (Go figure?!)

What are your thoughts on the Girls' Heathered Shawl-Collar Cardigan? Have you seen or own this top? If so, what is your review of the cardigan? Have you tried on or own other Crewcuts items (for yourself)? If so, please share your review too! :)

Product Review: Ripstop Cargo Pant

Ripstop Cargo Pant
Click here for product page
Item 19952
Regular: $79.50
Now: $39.99

J.Crew describes these back-to-basics pants as the following:

One of our designers' favorite pants of the season, a new supersoft cargo in authentic cotton ripstop fabric that's been garment-dyed and washed for over 300 minutes to get the most broken-in shades (we love how the color changes in the puckered seams). The ultra-flattering fit is amped up with boyish details—we're pairing ours with a feminine blouse and heels for a fabulous look. Drawstring waist with zip fly. Slant pockets, back patch pockets with flaps, patch cargo pockets with flaps.

Did you catch all of J.Crew's favorite catch phrases in the description like the "designer's favorite ... of the season", "boyish details", and "pairing with feminine ... and heels". LOL! But I digress...

A big "thanks!" to Belle de Jour who shared the following review:

I purchased these in the safari colour featured on Molly in the March Catalogue. I ordered my usual size 6. I am looking for something to replace my chinos which seem dated (chinos are what J Crew was built on, lol) and don't fit very well.

The pants appear to be slightly baggy on Molly. Well, I must say I could pull them on without even undoing the top button. The fabric is lighter than my old chinos but I can't compare it to any of the new fabrics. It certainly is a great weight for cooler summer evenings, though not as breathable as linen.

The pockets on the thighs add volume and don't compact. You may want to keep this in mind if you are concerned about your thighs.

When I called to make an exchange, I asked for detailed measurements. The size 4 didn't take enough off to make up for how big they are. In the end, I went with a size 2! Yes, 2 whole sizes smaller. I was anxious that I'd made the wrong choice, but no problem. They are a better fit in the leg, and won't fall down. In fact, they fit perfectly. My only hesitation is they are too casual (mind you they can't compare to the un-sweatpant). My comment is a reflection of the number pockets and the drawstring.

I am interested in the Delancey's (Item 22735; $85.00, now $49.99), but I'm not a camo girl. I like the clean legs. Overall, I'd say the Ripstop's are going back, and I'll replace my chinos with Minnie's.

"Thanks!" again to Belle de Jour for her great review of these pants!

What are your thoughts on the Ripstop Cargo Pant? Have you seen or own these pants? If so, what is your review of the fabric & cut? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

Product Review: Adriana Silk Rows Tank

Adriana Silk Rows Tank
Click here for product page
Item 23399
Regular: $79.50
Now: $69.50

J.Crew describes this ready-for-warm-weather-top as the following:

Our office is buzzing over this update to the classic tank. Our designers hand draped rows of raw-cut silk on the bodice to create a beautiful back-and-forth detail. The silhouette is slouchy but slim, with a slight empire cut. Silk

A big "thanks!" to Phyllis who shared the following review:

I purchased the Adriana silk rows tank in navy with the intention of sprucing up my wardrobe with a few dressier tops that would work in a variety of outfits. In theory this tank should have done the trick but it ends up in the return pile because it just wasn't quite right for me.

I usually wear XS/0 and so I chose the top in 0. I considered buying it in P0 but think I read somewhere that the top is a bit short and I didn't want to sacrifice length. Right off the bat it definitely did NOT look like the model's top -- I think the top in the photo was manipulated to look more textured/ruffled, etc. Real product is very smooth and flat. I personally liked the navy color but I can see this being more of a statement in a lighter color.

Fit on me is a bit too loose though it can be hidden under a cute cardi. But without something to cover up the looseness, you would tell that the armholes are much larger and looser on my frame. Other than that, the rest of the tank fit nicely down the sides with a bit of flare at the bottom with the hem hitting just below my hip, which I thought was a perfect length.

The rows of silk look little underwhelming in person, very flat and kind of blah (again, not as cute as ruffled as the picture). Detailing on the flaps are a nice touch. Definitely easy to dress up or down.

I suppose someone more familiar with J.Crew's silk tops and a bit more daring could have played around with this top to get the desired look/texture. But even so, without the proper fit, I can't really justify paying what I did, even if it was on sale. All in all, a pretty top with potential but not just didn't make the cut for me!

"Thanks!" again to Phyllis for her great review of this top!

What are your thoughts on the Adriana Silk Rows Tank? Have you seen or own this top? If so, what is your review of the fabric & cut ? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

Product Review: Pima Cotton Agadir Top

Pima Cotton Agadir Top
Click here for product page
Item 24643
Regular $49.50
Now $39.99

J.Crew describes this ready-for-warm-weather-top as the following:

We love this simple cap-sleeve top in thinly striped, light-as-air cotton (especially the neon thread detail on the button placket). It's the perfect throw-on-and-go spring top. Scoopneck. Cap sleeves with elastic ruching.

A big "thanks!" to Belle de Jour who shared the following review:

Not much to say about this one.

I purchased this one for a casual summer shirt that wasn't a tee. The sizing was a concern as I am broad in the shoulders and have problems with broadcloths which don't have any give. I did however order a small because it seemed boxy. I take a small or medium in tees - small in the tissue, and mediums in the jerseys.

The small fits well, but not perfectly. There is some volume around my waist and hips, but the shoulders are right. It's a little long, but nothing that I can't live with; and it could easily be hemmed were you so inclined (may consider that yet, it's just straight).

It will look best tucked in. The fabric is a good weight, not paperthin or see-through yet light enough to offer protection from the sun when you want something other that a tee.

It's definitely casual not work attire; but someone with better styling ideas than me could probably figure out how to wear it. I can see that it will work well layered, as pictured. Don't plan on unbuttoning more that one button without something on underneath! The collar and the sleeves look as though they're elasticized, however it's painstaking gathering.

"Thanks!" again to Belle de Jour for her great review of this top!

What are your thoughts on the Pima Cotton Agadir Top? Have you seen or own this top? If so, what is your review of the fabric & cut ? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

Product Review: Sunshine Peony Skirt

Sunshine Peony Skirt
Click here for product page
Item 22591
Regular: $98.00

I can't believe the image for this skirt has not been changed from its current paper-doll status! (Refer to the "J.Crew Mini-Blooper: Sunshine Peony Pencil Skirt {paper doll edition}" post for more.) Ah well! ;)

J.Crew describes this little number as the following:

Our perfect pencil silhouette—leg lengthening and fit to flatter—in a fetching floral honeycombed matelassé (the print reminds us of a work by one of our favorite Impressionist artists—and it's exclusively ours). Prepare for compliments.

A big "thanks!" to Belle de Jour who shared the following review:

This skirt is the same fabric and cut as last year's Watercolor Floral Pencil skirt (Item 14864; $88.00— Gigi has reviewed last year's model here and this year's here). I purchased both the size 4 & 6, not being sure how sizing was running this year. The size 6 fits exactly the same way as my size 6 from last year.

The colours are not quite a match to the website. This has to do with how the fabric is cut. One of the skirts is more pink/white and the other is more mustard. I would suggest purchasing multiples (if your wallet allows in the short term) in order to have the colourway your looking for.

I will be returning this skirt. It's lovely, and if I didn't already own last year's incarnation, I would keep it. I'm still looking for a Silk Floral Indigo Skirt (Summer 2009) and hoping J.Crew has something as stunning in the next few months.

"Thanks!" again to Belle de Jour for her great review of this skirt!

For some reviews & real life images of this skirt, you have to check out:

• "J.Crew - sunshine peony pencil skirt" post
  over at Gigi's Gone Shopping blog
• "J.Crew New Arrivals: IRL Pics" post
  over at the Fabulous Floria Mommy blog
• "A Little Sunshine Our Way.. Preview" post
  over at About All and Nothing at All blog
• "Some J Crew Fitting Room Reviews" post
  over at Modestly Styled. Modestly Me. blog
• "Fitting Room Reviews--J.Crew" post
  over at the Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice blog
  

What are your thoughts on the Sunshine Peony Skirt? Have you seen or own this skirt? If so, what is your review of the fabric & print? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

Product Review: Wool Floral Scarf

I love it when JCAs share their product reviews! I find myself looking for a review from a fellow JCA on the blog roll, before making any purchases now. Not only has it saved me a few returns by purchasing the right size, I have also picked up a new piece or two that I would not have otherwise. :) Now to the review...

The Wool Floral Scarf (Item 23288; $59.50), aka Potpourri Scarf, has been very popular with the JCAs. I can understand why, with both its delicious Papaya & Cotton Candy versions. J.Crew describes it as:

Our classic fine-wool scarf/wrap, updated in buoyant spring florals. We borrowed two of our favorite prints from the women's collection for this style, which adds instant spring glamour to absolutely anything. Plus, we've perfected the wool blend to be floaty and light but still superwarm, so it's as chic over blouses and tees as it is knotted under your Macintosh coat on a brisk day.

A big "thanks!" to Belle de Jour who shared the following review:

There were two colourways for this scarf. This is the one with black, pink and papaya and matches the Ames dress. It's also available in a mini and a jacket.

I loved the colours on-line. As it was sold out, I rushed to call one of the stores listed by some friendly JCA. With some confusion on their part (they haven't done many phone sales, particularly to Canada), they promptly sent my beauty on its way.

I was thrilled when the parcel arrived. But not so thrilled when I opened the package. I'm a redhead with typical redhead colouring. I can wear black beautifully, and the papaya is stunning on me; however, the pink is pink and only makes me look pinker.

The scarf itself is soft and easily maniputable. It unwraps and untwists and unknots without a wrinkle. Unfortunately, this is a print not a weave, and you have to be careful how you wrap it. One side is vibrant and the other is faded.

This is as good as any of the J Crew scarves, just doesn't work for my colouring.

"Thanks!" again to Belle de Jour for her great review of this scarf!

For some reviews & real life images of this scarf, you have to check out:

• "JCrew New Arrivals: More IRL Pics" post
  over at the "My closet, my baby and I" blog
• "New J.Crew Items: Part I (Ruffle Henley, watercolor potpourri scarf, slub v-neck)" post
  over at the "Objects of My Closet's Affection" blog
• "Watercolor, Ruffles, and the Schoolboy: IRL Pics" post
  over at the "Fabulous Florida Mommy" blog

What are your thoughts on the Wool Floral Scarf? Have you seen or own this scarf? If so, what is your review of the fabric & print? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

Product Review: Reese Studded Back-Zip Gladiator Sandals

You know Spring is just round the corner when retailers start bringing out the sandals! J.Crew has introduced several new additions to their sandals collection, including the Reese Studded Back-Zip Gladiator Sandals (Item 22862; $138.00). I really love the style of these sandals (with and without the studs, they look amazing!)

J.Crew describes them as the following:

For those curious to venture into gladiator territory, we highly recommend this sandal, a wear-with-everything strappy flat in studded vachetta leather, finished with a gladiator-inspired back zip. Regenerated leather footbed. Man-made sole. Made in Italy.

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

Mini-review on the Reese studed gladiator sandals that I received last week.

I got the black colour, and I love how they look. They're strappy enough to look cool and trendy, but thankfully don't go overboard with a crazy amount of straps that go halfway up the calf. The zip at the back of the heel make it much easier to get them on and off.

My only concern is that the straps that cross around the ankle (the highest straps on the shoe) are a bit snug. I would assume my ankles are no bigger than anyone elses (not as skinny as a model's, though), so I don't know if the snugness is typical of this kind of sandal. I can slip a finger under the leather so it's not as though the straps are cutting into my ankle, and they're fine to walk in, I just worry that in the heat of summer, after walking around all day, will they be uncomfortable?

I do love the style and know I would wear them a lot...maybe I'll see if a shoe repair can stretch the leather a bit.

"Thanks!" again to Clicquot for her great review of these sandals! I, along with many other JCAs, had been curious about them— especially since they had a zipper on the backside of the sandals.

Again, these sandals look great! I should also add, that like every other flat leather sandal from J.Crew... they are not the comfiest. I own several sandals with similar foot-beds (like the Capri and Vachetta) and they are painful to wear if walking around for an entire day.

What are your thoughts on the Reese Studded Back-Zip Gladiator Sandals? Have you seen or own these sandals? If so, what is your review of the size & style? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

Product Review of J.Crew's Helmet Bag

"Thanks!" to Trip who let us know about his review on J.Crew's exclusive Helmet Bag (read his "J. Crew Helmet Bag" post for his review).

J.Crew has described these types of bags as the following:

This bag is derived from the military pilot bag used to carry helmets worn on the head during flight. Perfect to carry your laptop around in the city or just as a day bag.

Trip provides several real-life images, including an interior shot. The most amazing part of his post... he scored this bag for $50! I know, what an amazing deal! Now I am searching for this bag at this price too. :)

What are your thoughts on the Helmet Bag? Are you a fan of the style and/or design? Do you currently own this bag? If so, please share! :)