J.Crew Email: Pretty as a picture - art tees

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Desert Flower & Marietta, who shared the following email from J.Crew this morning.

The email features "Art Tees" from the Women's Tees & Knits line (click here to shop online). In particular, it showcases the Tissue Ruffle Tank (Item 26519; $39.50) which J.Crew describes as:

Our much-loved ruffle tank updated with manicured rows of cotton lawn ruffles cascading across the front. (We love turning an everyday summer staple into something special.) Fitted. Tissue cotton—a lightweight, bias-cut fabric with a very soft wash.

For some reviews & real life images of the Tissue Ruffle Tank, check out:

• "J.Crew New Arrivals" post over at Trousseau Adventures
• "She's Alive...and in a Silk Cargo Dress, Too!" post over at My Superfluities...
• "J. Crew Tissue Ruffle Tank and Tissue Brushed Bouq..." post over at Confessions of a Shopaholic Med Student
• "OOTD: Catching up (and Floral Week!)" post over at Effortless Anthropologie

Is it just me, or does it feel like J.Crew has done almost every variation of ruffles on tees? And somehow, they still manage to find new ways to ruffle tees up! Seriously, every time I feel ruffle-fatigue, J.Crew comes out with a new ruffle art tee that I have to have! ;) (Yikes! I just re-read my paragraph and I used the term "ruffles" way too much.)

What are your thoughts on the J.Crew's tees? Do you think you will pick up the Tissue Ruffle Tank at your local J.Crew store? From the current offerings of tees (both new arrivals & sale), would you recommend any to buy (& any to avoid)?

Cardmember Email: Just for Cardmembers: a chic peek for summer

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Desert Flower, Marietta, Cass, & Irina, who shared with us the latest email from J.Crew to its card members.

The email above features the not-yet-officially-released-online Embroidered Flower Patch Shell (Item 27285; $148.00). J.Crew describes this silk top as:

We love a rich mix of textures , as seen in this dressier silk top all done up with a front panel of embroidered flowers and bedazzling sequins. For a modern touch, our designers finished it off with an exposed back zipper, bracketed by strips of the same embroidered flowers. Part of the J.Crew Collection.

From what I am seeing so far, not a fan of the design for the price tag. It's cute but does n0t necessarily stand out as a "must-have". But that is just me. :)

On a better note, this email means that new arrivals and a new June catalog are just around the corner! :)

What are your thoughts on the Embroidered Flower Patch Shell? Do you like the style- from the sequins to the style with its flowers?

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?

J.Crew Spotted in InStyle Magazine

A big "thanks!" to DrDrama (check out her {lovely} drbabymamadrama blog), who not only let us know about several J.Crew items being spotted in the May 2010 issue of InStyle Magazine, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the images to see them larger.)

The article on the left features a pair of chinos. Not sure which exact pair they are, but they are similar to the Broken-in Boyfriend Chino (Item 12953; was $69.50 select colors $59.50) in Light Khaki. The article mentions putting together a look with a tailored jacket & pants that are cropped. They suggest rolling the legs about 3 inches above the ankle. When the rolling-up-pants look made its comeback a few months ago, I scoffed at it. All these horrible visions of pegging my acid-wash jeans in the 80's came rushing back. However, the look has grown on me. I now think it is quite cute to wear!

The article on the right features the Suckered Gingham Shirt (Item 26238; $69.50) in Golden Mustard & Abyss Blue. I love the classic look of these shirts! Apparently the gingham style is making a comeback too because I have been seeing versions of this shirt everywhere this Spring. For example, Land's End Canvas has the Women's Gingham Poplin Shirt (Item #39093-6X42; $44.50) and the Gap has the Gingham Western Shirt (Item 735443; $54.50).

What are your thoughts on the rolled-leg look for chinos? What are your thoughts on the items featured in the magazine? Have you tried on or purchase any of the items listed here? If so, please share! :)

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! :)

20% Off & Free Shipping on Knits & Tees {for women}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including GigiOfCA & Heidi (in this post), as well as Heather & Genny (in this post), who let us know the following promotion.

J.Crew is offering 20% off *and* free shipping on select full-priced Women's knits & tees (click here to shop online). The fine print of the offer includes:

Prices as marked. Offer valid on jcrew.com only. Offer does not apply to previous purchases. Free shipping offer is valid through April 12, 2010, 11:59pm EST on Internet orders shipped via regular shipping (4 to 7 business days). Free shipping applies only to women's tees & knits online orders. Free ground shipping on women's tees & knits is applied automatically at checkout. Offer not valid on phone orders.

Much like the last time (for pants), I am loving that this offer is automatically applied (no need to input a code) and that they are throwing free shipping with this offer. Way to go J.Crew! :)

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, what items are you planning to get. Please share! :)

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?

J.Crew Email: Bye-bye, basic

"Thanks!" to many of you who shared the following email from J.Crew this morning.

The email features the Alice Ruffled Tank (Item 26725; $79.50) which J.Crew describes as:

We love a rich mix of textures, as seen in this ruffled tank bedecked with rhinestones, pallettes and strips of grosgrain ribbon and silk habotai along the placket. Cotton/silk. Side zip. Fully lined.

This top reminds me of the Teagan Ruffle Swiss-Dot Top (Item 99679; was $98.00) from a few winters ago with the ruffles down the front. I do like the jewels on the Alice Tank, although the ruffles look a bit messy. It might look better in real-life.

Lastly, I love that J.Crew used the phrase "bedecked with rhinestones". It made me laugh out loud, because it is a much classier way to say "bedazzled with rhinestones". ;)

What are your thoughts on the Alice top? Have you purchased or tried on this top? If so, please share! Do you think you will pick one up at your local J.Crew store? :)

20% Off Knits & Tees {for women}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including CrewCricket, Heidi, & MommyDearest (in this post), as well as Marietta, who let us know the following promotion.

J.Crew is offering 20% off select styles of Women's Knits and Tees (click here to shop online). This offer is expires 2/25/10 and is available online only.

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Are there any knits & tees from the new arrivals that you are interested in?

J.Crew Email: Our latest layers

"Thanks!" to Desert Flower & Marietta who shared the latest email J.Crew sent today.

The email touts their Spring Layers as the follwing: "when it comes to our supersoft knits, two are definitely better than one". To shop the Women's Knits & Tees collection, click here.

The email features the Tissue Garland Tank (Item 23337; $42.50) under the Ruffled Henley Tank (Item 24334; $36.50), which is topped off with the Black Blossom Brenna Shorts (Item 22614; $54.50).

I can't decide if I like how the tops are styled together. Part of me thinks it might be too much flowers & ruffles goin' on, while the other part of me screams in joy like the total girly-girl that I am. ;)

What are your thoughts on the latest offerings for J.Crew's Knits & Tees? Are there any pieces you currently recommend to buy (or even to avoid)?