J.Crew winter sale reviews part 1

Hello again! I have some more December reviews to share before delving into the January items, which came out a few weeks ago. Many, if not all, of the upcoming December review items will be on sale now, so if they're not online, you can call Customer Service to see if stores have them, or try waiting for popbacks. So far the January selection has been fairly small, so I will get to those items once there is more to review, or when we see some full-fledged Spring arrivals! Also, I have the January 2013 Style Guide up on The J. Crew Archives. Below is a list of the items I've covered so far from the December rollout. As always, I'll be indexing the items in this post to the Index of Review Posts.

- Part 3:

• Farmyard Fair Isle Sweater
• Circle Lace Top in Ivory
• Colorblock Shell in Mauve Blush Papaya
• Funnelneck Hoodie
• Velvet-Dot Ponte Top

- Part 2:

• Handknit Popcorn Sweater in Heather Pond
• Bow-Neck Top in Bow Print
• Tuxedo Pencil Skirt
• Boucle Peplum Jacket in Black
• Bow-Neck Top in Byzantine Blue

- Part 1:

• Heartbreaker Sweater in Lavender Burgundy, Dusk Navy
• Toothpick Jean in Velvet in Navy, Rustic Brick
• Colorblock Top in Stripe in Fuchsia Stripe, Navy
• Chiffon Top in Sail Pink
• Velvet Tee in Admiral Blue, Neon Azalea
• Mixed Leather Rivet Belt in Camel Black

Giant Bow Sweater, style #32831, Mist Black, size XXS (similar here, here, here)
This sweater is a little loftier than the Tippi due to its lower-gauge knit, and isn't as dense. There is a discernible fuzziness due to the angora content (see below). The material is also somewhat itchy, which is more noticeable as you're pulling it on, but isn't as much once you're wearing it. I think I could wear it for a day without a tee underneath. The length is on the shorter side, but should be fine with mid-rise bottoms. The hem would probably cover a low-rise bottom, but you may end up pulling the sweater down over the course of the day. Otherwise, the fit is good -- not boxy, but not body-conscious, either. This will be a versatile, wearable sweater if the cute/sassy attitude suits you.

Giant Bow Sweater (similar here, here, here)
No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Dot Brocade (at Net-A-Porter)
(similar here, here, here)

From the side: allows you some room in the waist, but comes in nicely with the ribbed hem.

Giant Bow Sweater (similar here, here, here)
No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Dot Brocade
(at Net-A-Porter) (similar here, here, here)

Fabric contents.

Giant Bow Sweater (similar here, here, here)

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Dot Brocade (also at Net-A-Porter), style #26536, size 00 (similar here, here, here)
I found this to be quite an interesting material. The fabric is quite thick but light, and tends toward holding whatever shape it's bent into, somewhat resisting gravity -- kind of the opposite of drapey. It reminds me of some curtain fabrics, though I don't think it's undesirable for clothing. The skirt has the standard No. 2 Pencil Skirt fit from this year -- wonderfully tailored, coming past the knees, and hitting at the belly button.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Dot Brocade
(at Net-A-Porter) (similar here, here, here)

Wonderfully fitted from all sides.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Dot Brocade
(at Net-A-Porter) (similar here, here, here)

Here are some closeups of the fabric. This is from the front: you can see that the blue dots are raised out of the fabric.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Dot Brocade (at Net-A-Porter) (similar here, here, here)

From the inside: the fabric is indented where the dots are raised up.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Dot Brocade (at Net-A-Porter) (similar here, here, here)

Merino Turtleneck Sweater in Abstract Diamond, style #29052, size XXS (similar here)
The material of this turtleneck is about the same thickness and weight as the Tippi, perhaps slightly more loose-knit, though any difference wasn't obvious. The length is quite adequate and is longer than the Giant Bow Sweater above, coming several inches past the waist of my mid-rise jeans. The fit once again strikes the perfect balance of being fitted without being skintight. The tag notes that the sweater is hand-printed, and this process is evident when you turn to the inside where some of the seams are white.

Merino Turtleneck Sweater in Abstract Diamond (similar here)

Fit is perfect from the side.

Merino Turtleneck Sweater in
Abstract Diamond (similar here)

Shoulder seams are white, interestingly, thanks to the hand-printing process.

Merino Turtleneck Sweater in Abstract Diamond (similar here)

Collection Cashmere Herringbone Sweater, style #33956, Dusk Pink, size XXS (similar here, here, here)
I was quite pleased at how thick this sweater is. It's a good bit thicker and denser than the typical cashmere pieces, like the Cashmere Tippi, thanks to the herringbone knit pattern. The length is quite adequate, like the merino turtleneck above, and I didn't have a problem with this being too short. The cut is the same fitted shape as both sweaters so far, though it hugs your arms (not tight or uncomfortable, though) whereas it leaves some room on the body. There's a short button placket at the back collar, though it wasn't hard to get this sweater on without undoing the buttons.

Collection Cashmere Herringbone Sweater (similar here, here, here)

From the side: well-fitted, just like the two sweaters above.

Collection Cashmere Herringbone
Sweater (similar here, here, here)

Closeup of the knit pattern and button placket.

Collection Cashmere Herringbone Sweater (similar here, here, here)

Sequin Stripe Tee, style #33540, Vintage Champagne, size XXS (similar here, here, here)
This top is somewhat short and only made it to the top of my jeans. It's also boxy, so maybe it's meant to be worn with a longer top underneath? I've seen others style the earlier Polka-Dot Sequin Top (review here) this way to great effect, so I'm kind of wondering if these sequined tops are meant to be worn alone at all. The all-over stitching does make this top a bit itchy, but again, I could probably wear it for a day without a tee underneath. I didn't have trouble getting this top over my head, unlike some of the other recent sequined tops. From a distance this top has a slightly swingy silhouette, which, combined with its short length, conveys a 60s attitude.

Sequin Stripe Tee (similar here, here, here)

This top is boxy, so I'm showing how much excess fabric there is.

Sequin Stripe Tee (similar here, here, here)

Boxy and short from the side, too.

Sequin Stripe Tee (similar here, here, here)

Showing the excess material.

Sequin Stripe Tee (similar here, here, here)

There are flaps of fabric -- a smaller one in front -- at the neckline in both the front and back.

Sequin Stripe Tee (similar here, here, here)

Detail of the stitching on the inside.

Sequin Stripe Tee (similar here, here, here)

Sequin Stripe Tee, style #33540, Burgundy, size XXS (similar here, here, here)
Here's the purple color; I think I rather like this color combination.

Sequin Stripe Tee (similar here, here, here)

I'm trying to show the swingy feel that is evident from a distance, but I don't think it comes across well here since I have my arm raised . . .

Sequin Stripe Tee (similar here, here, here)

Have you made any exciting scores during the recent sales? Have you picked up any of the new January rollout items?