This is a continuation of my J.Crew fitting room reviews from last weekend.
I tried this dress thinking of my friend DaniBP, because I remember her posting about liking this dress when it debuted on the J.Crew website. I have previously tried on the Lucille dress in eyelet HERE, but the solid silk one is refreshing in its simplicity and pretty colors. I think they had some other color in store (maybe green), but I decided to try on the black one, to see if it can work as an LBD.
I tried this dress thinking of my friend DaniBP, because I remember her posting about liking this dress when it debuted on the J.Crew website. I have previously tried on the Lucille dress in eyelet HERE, but the solid silk one is refreshing in its simplicity and pretty colors. I think they had some other color in store (maybe green), but I decided to try on the black one, to see if it can work as an LBD.
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I took the same size as in eyelet Lucille and the size I have been wearing in J.Crew dresses this year.
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| Size 8, fits TTS. Pockets! |
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| Shoes reviewed below |
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With Madewell anchor belt |
I liked the dress with a belt, it is also my trick for visually lowering the waistline.
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| Size 8.5 TTS |
Please ignore the ugly sock line indentation marks
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| Slightly narrow |
So no, they will not be my navy sandals. Plus I think they are seriously overpriced, like most J.Crew shoes, btw.
To get to J.Crew store at the mall I usually enter through the Lord & Taylor shoe department, which I would consider your average department store selection. Every time I walk by, I see many better priced, nicer looking, better made shoes there at lower price points. And yes, I do buy there, they also have excellent sales always going on. I try J.Crew shoes, but with exception of Valentinas, they just don't cut it for me. Jmho.
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| Comfortable height wedge |
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| Margate purse |
The Margate purse was an item that got my attention in recent rollout, I even posted about it here.
Many of you prefer the Margate satchel, but I do have a cobalt blue Coach bag (love it) that fulfills the bigger bag function, but I don't have a smaller navy blue purse. Not that everybody needs to have a smaller navy blue purse, but since navy is my new black...
Many of you prefer the Margate satchel, but I do have a cobalt blue Coach bag (love it) that fulfills the bigger bag function, but I don't have a smaller navy blue purse. Not that everybody needs to have a smaller navy blue purse, but since navy is my new black...
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| Soft leather |
It did not dissappoint me irl. It is beautiful. The leather is soft and it feels luxurious nad the size is just right. It would fit all my essentials, and would be roomy enough to wear everyday, but that's also because I always carry a backpack to work.
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| Just the right size |
The strap is adjustable, so you could carry it over the shoulder or cross body or stuff the strap inside and use it as a clutch, I like to have all those options. There is just one compartment inside and zippered pocket, personally that is just enough for me, I never know what to do with all the compartment and pockets.
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| Zippered pocket inside |
If a smaller bag is in your plans and budget I would recommend it, especially if we get 20% off full price (fingers crossed).
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That's all folks!
Are you tempted by any of these?
What did you spend your rewards cards on (if you got one)?
What do you think of J.Crew shoes in general?
I am working on more reviews, including linen striped shirt, Nolita jean jacket and more, so please stop by.
Please share, it would be no fun without you!!!
i love the dress on you. it reminds me a little bit of my vintage black dress that i'm wearing to death. i like it b/c you can change up the belt and it becomes a whole new dress! i love that anchor belt too, so charming.
ReplyDeleteand i really like the shoes too. i don't think they make you look old at all. i think they look stylish and comfy at the same time. but i am old so maybe you shouldn't listen to me!!!
funny that you mention your dress I was actually thinking about it when I tried the black Lucille on.
DeleteHi ajc thanks so much for the reviews and for trying on that dress I've had my eye on, so helpful. It looks great on you and the fabric seems nice, I always like a back zip too. What was it lined with? I hope it wasn't polyester.
ReplyDeleteThat anchor belt is so cool!
Thanks too for the review on the wedges and the purse. I have to say I think the purse is very you. Luxurious looking yet clean lined and modern!
Thanks Dani! Unfortunately the dress is lined in polyester, I think these days that's all they do except for some summer items that do in cotton.
DeleteI do like the purse so maybe one day on sale...
Hi AJC!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your reviews; always very helpful. Even though I am desperately trying to curb my buying tendencies...
Did you try these shoes, which Gigi reviewed (except hers were black):
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/sandals/PRDOVR~64193/64193.jsp
I haven't seen the navy, but I do love these little sandals. I also got the black ones on sale, I think they were something like $80. Very comfy too.
I have these Boden navy heels, and I like them quite a lot. Dina reviewed them recently. They are very comfortable, but run a bit larger than most Boden shoes -- I usually have to size up in Boden, but this one I took my normal size.
http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Shoes-Boots/Heeled-Shoes/AR513/Womens-Uptown-Heels.html?NavGroupID=11
And I agree with you about L&T shoes. I actually never make it to an actual store, but I sometimes get great buys online on Chie Miharas, which I love love love.
As for the bag, it's pretty but to me does not have anything interesting about it. What do you think? These are the purchases that I am cutting out -- the pretty, but basic. (Except JC pencil skirts, which I will unfortunately continue to get in every new color!)
Have a great day!
Hi Audreys, thank you for all the suggestions. I think Boden shoes are also so much better (and lower priced) than J.Crew. I think I will order their bow espadrille wedges, they seem cute and very reasonable price with the discount. Too bad they are 6 weeks on b/o. And yes to Chies from L&T, I ordered them from there too!
DeleteI am tempted by the Margate purse. I always like the cross-body option, and this purse is just the size I like too. I will have to wait for a sale too, though.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about the Marci patent wedges for a while now, in the clay color. The price is still too high for me, but I liked them. I don't like them as well in navy. I am considering the grandma-vibe problem, though, I don't want to go there!
J. Crew shoes are very hit-or-miss for me. I find a style I love, sometimes, but usually the shoes aren't as exciting once I try them on as I expect them to be. The catalogs really sell them, though, they always look great. I always want to love their ballet flats, and I have a few pairs, but I don't love them like I should. The Monas look great but are too high for me. The Drea Patent Peep-Toe pumps felt awful on, so uncomfortable. The Valentinas look great and although they don't feel terrific on, I love them anyway. I haven't got a pair of wedges, but the ones I've tried haven't been quite right. I think my arch might be too high for them. Overall, I don't think J. Crew shoes fit my feet that well, but I like them anyway because they are usually stylish.
hi cate, I am totally with you on JC shoes, stylish but not great quality, despite all their made in Italy spin, and uncomfortable to the point of being painful.
DeleteTheir handbags are mostly overpriced too but I feel they are better quality in comparison, I do like the Margate line.
Thanks for reviewing the Lucille dress! It is by far my favorite item from the recent rollout. I have been eagerly searching the blogs for comments.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the ladies above, it does look great on you. I also prefer the solid version to the eyelet. The cotton silk faille fabric seems to support the retro shape better. Very pretty, indeed. Can you comment on the "hint of sheen," is it subtle?
As for J.Crew shoes, I'm generally not a fan either. They're pretty to look at, but rarely even remotely comfy when worn. To me, they're not real shoes, but accessories meant to serve their clothing line (i.e., complete the J.Crew look). Cole Haan, Franco Sarto, Sam Edelman, Butter...that's where my shoe budget goes. :)
Allegra, the shee is very subtle I think, I didn't even notice it, maybe it is more pronounced in other colors.
DeleteThat is a great way to put it, about the shoes, they are accessories!!! Look great in pictures but not meant to be actually worn, I was duped all this time, lol.
Ooh, thanks for these reviews! I've been wondering about the Margate purse and this pretty and simple dress. I might be tempted by both at sale time. I think the sandals do look cute on you, but I imagine in the heat of a humid summer, the patent is going to dig in and not be comfortable at all. I love the Lilibeth style, but wish it had been a navy leather instead of patent. I have the leather ones from last year and lived in them.
ReplyDeletehi M, I think the sandals will be unbearable in the summer heat. But I do have medium wide feet and high insptep, seeing the pictures of the space you have between your toes and the top of the vamp in most shoes I think you would do fine, I have no space there EVER, it is always puffy and mushy there for me :(
DeleteThe Madewell anchor belt is in the sale section (for past couple of weeks): Madewell Best Mate Belt sale link
ReplyDeleteYour grandma vibe feeling made me laugh. I'm opposite of you since I think the Margate has the grandma vibe & the shoes do not. No offense intended since I think you've very non-matronly, & I think we're in the same age group! :)
Thanks for the link top best mate belt, I updated my posts, I could not find it before.
DeleteOur grandmas must had different style, lol. Mine would totally wear the Marci wedges (especially if they had cork wedges) but her bag was more like Biennial Satchel, just smaller scale. Somehow grandma style bags don't bother me, I think bags age much better in general.
Love that dress on you! I may give it a try if it goes on sale. And thanks for your input on the Marci sandals--I've been eyeing them in the Dahlia and may bite if they go on sale. Like Just Visiting, I don't think they're grandma-ish, but as an online shopper I need to seek out multiple opinions before I buy.
ReplyDeleteHexicon if you have narrower feet I think they will work much better, especially in Dahlia.
DeleteThanks for the reviews. I've tried the wedges in 3 colors, bright dahlia, clay and navy and really like them, but not for the price. The heel is just a bit too high for me to wear frequently enough, and I need more practical options. Sadly, I can't find cute, colorful shoes that I like, so I nearly bit the bullet and kept the bright dahlia marcis at full price.
ReplyDeleteOh Julie, I really think you can do better at full price, go check the Lord & Tailor, if you have a chance.
DeleteIf you like lower wedge, what do you think of Boden espadrilles, I am thinking of ordering them? They have free returns, so no risk really...
I've been spying the marci in that tan color but honestly I've never had much luck with JC shoes - I always find them a bit narrow and very stiff. It's a shame because I think they make such pretty shoes!
ReplyDeleteNarrow and stiff, yes! I think Allegra hit the nail on the head here, they are accessories, not shoes!
DeleteThank you for reviewing the Margate purse (I'm really interested in it now) and I agree with you, the price is too steep. But it's a beautiful color and it seems like the leather is good.
ReplyDeleteI love the dress on you, it looks beautiful. I tried the eyelet (white) version and though it looked okay I have a problem with it, the size 2 is too big for me in the back and front but the size 0 pinches at my rib cage :( Perhaps I need to make some alterations.
It's so funny that you got the Madewell belt, I love that belt and have been debating whether to get it. I think it looks great on the dress.
yes, to Madewell belt, I love it, you will see it in my upcoming reviews because it works with everything...
DeleteIf I don't get bored with it or start lusting after something else (which is very likely) I may get the Margate on sale, I did like the leather and the size.
The Lucille dress looks quite nice, a very retro silhouette that is basic enough to dress up or down. Too bad about the high waist though, it seems that J.Crew is cutting patterns more for pear-shaped gals this season and not those of us who are larger on top. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteI was interested in the Margate purse but the blue is too blah for me. If it were a nice cobalt blue I would have picked it up for sure. The leather looks nice and the hardware is classy, I'm sure it will be a hit for many.
Thanks for the reviews and photos, always appreciated!
This dress is better as far as high waist goes but still do not hit at natural waist if you are bigger on top. But I always had this issue with J.Crew, even my beloved Emmaleigh dresses are not exactly sitting at waist. I think J.Crew usually cuts their patters for about a B cup.
DeleteI love the dress. Do you think it's casual for day wear, or leaning more towards dressy? Boo on the sandals. I agree w/your assessment, at least in that color. The margate is pretty. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI think it is leaning towards dressy and it is dry clean, lined with polyester. But in another color and casual belt and sandals it can definitely be dressed down.
DeleteHi, thanks for the reviews. I'm all over the board in JCrew dress sizes. Can you tell me how the size of this Lucille dress compared to your basketweave dress size? I thought you reviewed that one in yellow, but I can't find it! Thanks, Megan
ReplyDeleteHi Megan, I never tried the basketweave dress, I think it was shopwithm maybe, or rose from 1moreshoppingblog. I took 8 in almost all dresses this spring, last year it was mostly 6 and they still fit so I think they are running slightly smaller this year. I am bigger on top so I size up in dresses, I wear 4 in pencil skirts and pants, but 6/8/Medium on top. Hth.
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