Monday, May 14, 2012

J.Crew Java Tunic Dress (and more reviews)


Remember this dress from my May Preview Post?

Java tunic dress

My PS has emailed me on Friday that the dress already arrived in store, so of course I had to go to check it out. 

Size 8
The dress is very pretty Mod shift. It is similar in cut the  Big apple tunic dress, but the print is more grown up and the color is very flattering, imo.  If you look closely, you can see that the sample dress on mannequin is a little longer, there is 5 diamond repeats, while the retail version is about 4.5 repeats.  I wish the dress was as long as the sample dress, but since I would not plan to wear it to work, and with the Mod shape, I think it is acceptable. I still don't like how they will probably use the sample length on the models, once we see the catalog/online pictures.  There is about an 1.5 inch in the hem that can be let out, which would create a pink band of fabric at the hem, also OK because  there is similar banding at the neckline.    

Size 6

I like the print placement on this dress, with vertical strip of print not running full width of the dress, which creates a  slimming effect.  The dress fits TTS to slightly bigger. I tried size 8 first, which has been my size in most dresses this year, but it was a little shapeless and the size 6 was a better fit for me. The neckline opening is not revealing, at least not on me. Sleeves are past the elbows, unfortunately I don't have a picture with sleeves unrolled, but they widen a little at the cuff.

100% linen, lining 100% cotton
It is 100% linen with 100% cotton lining, finally a dress without the polyester.


Overall, I like the dress a lot and I brought it home. I don't have anything similar and I think it would be nice for vacations, weekend wear and going out. If I decide to keep it, I may bring it to the store to have the hem let out. I was told it will ship in the mid Jun on pre-orders.

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Another dress I noticed on the hanger, was this little striped number. I know we are all striped out at this point, but this one at least is in different colors.

Size Small
They did not have a Medium, so I tried a Small, which was a little clingy and showing every lump and bump.

cute colors but thin and flimsy

The dress is rather flimsy, thin and rather shapeless, it looks more like a nightgown to me, but the colors are cute and flattering. The length is good for this type of dress.

for half the price, I will consider it as a nightgown

If you don't have any bulges to hide, it may be a cute easy weekend dress, although overpriced for the quality it represents, I would not expect it to last through too many washes before it develops holes.

$68, 100% cotton
***

I also tried Soludos espadrilles and I wanted to warn you about them. 
Soludos® classic espadrilles
Soludos® classic espadrilles
They are very cute, TTS and comfortable.  But the fabric is thin and flimsy and when I tried them on the it ripped all the way to the sole. I seriously did not force it, just tried to get my foot inside.  I showed it to an SA and she said it happened to another customer, so definitely beware!

Too bad, because I was actually considering them.


On another note, you might have noticed that I have cut my hair and changed the color.  I am very happy with change, I think I prefer my hair shorter and darker, it seems to feel more 'me'.


***

That's all folks !!!

Do you any of the dresses?
If I keep the Java dress, should I let the hem out or is it OK as it is?
Should I keep it at all?
Would you consider purchasing any of the dresses?

Please share, it would be no fun without you!!!

30 comments:

  1. the java tunic dress in the size 6 looks very nice on you,the fit is perfect and color is very flattering.
    i would not let the hem out,i like it as it is.
    does the linen feel soft or rough?
    i also like the striped little number,but you are right it looks like a long tee rather than a dress.i might be tempted when i see it online,because i dont have anything in orange/red stripes.
    thanks for the reviews!!

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    1. Thanks Ina, the linen feels soft and comfortable.
      I think the striped dress maybe cute on you as you have nothing to hide and it will go with your coloring.

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  2. That first dress is so pretty and perfect for summer holidays. Have you had your hair trimmed? It's very sharp looking. ( I mean that an good way!)

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    1. Thanks Tabitha, yes, I bobbed it after reading your post on Vidal Sassoon, lol. Your post had a perfect timing for me, and we discussed the whole VS school of thought with my hairdresser, who trained with him.

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  3. love the first dress on you, it's very pretty and looks comfortable. i'd love to see your new haircut and color!

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    1. Thanks Janet, actually my haircut is now very similar to yours.

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  4. The tunic is feminine on you and the colour is perfect.I can't wait to order this. Let's see that haircut ! Have you ever tried the raindrop lace dress?

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    1. hi Marsha, reviewed of Frances dress in raindrop lace HERE.
      I am thinking to do a post on hair this weekend.

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    2. Oh my I'd better take a pass on that one. Wow I can't believe the backside shot! Thanks you saved me the return shipping charges.

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  5. I like the tunic dress a lot, and I would consider taking it out a couple of inches, only because it would give you more range of motion. The dress looks fine in the pictures, length-wise, but I'd be worried about what it would do if you raised your arms. And I think you are right that it would look great with the hem let out, if it looks like the neck trim.

    I am interested in that green top in the first picture (under the blazer and paired with mint jeans/Soludos). Did you catch what that is? I've never liked green much but all of a sudden I am drawn to it.

    Sorry to hear the Soludos are not well-made. I was going to give them a try, but probably not, hearing this. Thanks for the great reviews!!

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  6. I agree, let's see more hair shots! From what I can see it looks wonderful, very chic!

    I tried on the soludos in the store and I felt like my toes were going to punch through the fabric. I didn't think they'd last a summer.

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    1. I thought it was that my feet were too wide but I am relieved to find out it is not just me...

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  7. I want both of those dresses.

    #shortcomment

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  8. Your hair looks great, I noticed it right away. I love a precision cut but can never do it with my untamed mane.

    I don't like either dress, they are nothing special and rather boring IMO. Thanks for the tip on the Soludos, I was actually considering them but was skeptical about the quality, given the price.

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    1. Thanks xoxo, my hair is only so tamed after the haircut, I think I will not wash it for weeks, lol.
      I would say stay away from Soludos, although I think your feet are narrow which may help, but still, who wants disposable shoes?

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  9. The java tunic looks gorge on you! That's a great buy - and lined in cotton too, bonus!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Lisa, I love how it feels, nothing like natural fabrics.

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  10. The Java Dress is so cute. I like the color and you can't beat natural fibers.

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  11. I love your new do! It's fresh yet sophisticated. I like the tunic dress on you. Can totally see you rocking it with a pair of sandals and long necklaces. Thanks for the reviews.

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  12. How did I miss this post?
    Love the java dress on you, the color is beautiful.
    Agree about the nightgown.
    I have the espadrilles in the stripe, I've been wearing them indoors only. On the weekend I tripped on "something", it was the rubber bottom of my espadrille, it had peeled back. So now when I wear them I keep tripping and falling, it's entirely stupid!

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  13. Absolutely love the java dress on you! (I think I would love it on me too:))

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  14. The Java dress looks beautiful! Jcrew is really doing well lately with some classy designs. I love your haircut and color as well!

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  15. Love your hair! I like to change it up for a new season. The Java dress is very pretty and easy. I'd consider at sale price. The striped dress is just ok. I received the navy/green striped Old Navy dress for $11 and love it. Probably same quality, haha.

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  16. The first dress is great, but I like it in the size 8 on you better. It's the type of dress that should be a little loose and not quite as structured, as it looks in the 6. I absolutely would leave it the length is it - it's looks excellent with your legs.

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  17. Great details about the sample/display vs the real life version. These dresses usually work on me because I'm short, but it amazes me how they are the perfect length on the models. Your haircut is lovely. It really accents your bone structure.

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  18. I loved all of them but the first one is most attractive. But I wish the split would have been a bit lesser then it would have entered my comfortable zone.
    Women Tunics

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