Wednesday, April 29, 2009

J.Crew: Victoria Ruffle Cami Review

This is J.Crew's Victoria Ruffle Cami (item #99742), which also comes in petite (item #10523).  It retails for $88, and I thought it was on sale, but now it's not showing up as such.  This top is numerically sized.  J.Crew describes the item as follows:
Easily the most versatile shirt of the season—it's as perfect for work as it is for a party. The design, in silk habotai, features a sophisticated double-ruffle micro-pleated collar that makes a chic and unforgettable statement. Layer it or wear it alone. Classic fit. Sleeveless. Button placket closure. Straight hem. Hits at hip. Import. Dry clean.
I will tell you, I was pretty wary when my PS brought this to me to try on.  We had been discussing how to style the Watercolor skirt, and she brought me this to go with it.  I had seen it on some other blogs, and wasn't into the dramatic ruffle, but I'm always willing to try on anything, no matter how ugly it looks (unless I'm at Abercrombie, who subscribes to the exact opposite of vanity sizing.  I won't try on just anything at Abercrombie.).  This is a size 2, in some grey color (labeled STO on the tag).

I will admit, I liked this cami more on than I did on the hanger.  I think the cami runs a little big.  I was already sized down one size from my regular top size, but I think I would have preferred to try it on two sizes down, in a size 0.  

I am not sure how I feel about the neck ruffle - I think it is a little dramatic (not in a bad way), and is really nice and soft, not stiff at all.  I think the reason I wasn't in love with this cam is because of the ruffle down the front.  It just seems to sit there, and I realize that it needs to be crimped and ruffled, but that's too much work for me, especially since when it's not being worn, it will just get smushed in my closet, and I'll have to re-fluff it all over again.

From the side, the collar reminds me of those Elizabethan ruffle collars.  Maybe that's the idea.  There is also something about the fabric, at least in this color, that I just don't like.  It's almost like the fabric couldn't decide if it wanted to be matte or shiny, and so it's just some sort of in-between, and I'm just not a fan.

Other than that, the cami does fit nicely.  It has some front darts to give you a little bit of shaping around the bust, but doesn't give you too much help around the waist, which I'm always hoping for in tops.  This color is a nice neutral, and is not really that sheer.   I can see pairing this with a lot of different colors.

Here is a picture of the ruffles up close.

I left this top at the store.  It was a bit too much for me, and just thinking about the ironing, steaming, crimping, and/or fluffing required is enough for me.  I'm not even sure I could be tempted with a more reasonable price.  With all that said, I have seen some ladies really rock this cami!

What do you think?  Do you like this cami?  What would you pair it with?

7 comments:

Jayna Wallace April 29, 2009 at 7:33 PM  

I'd seen one of the SAs wearing the olive color under a herringbone ecole jacket - so I tried the same look myself. I DEFINITELY cannot pull off the high ruffled collar. I looked positively ridiculous. I've seen so many others who look lovely in their Victorias (SA from the store included) - but just not for me.

ashley April 29, 2009 at 8:49 PM  

i didn't realize the neck ruffle came up so high. but it does look like a beautiful blouse! and that skirt is so pretty on u! :)

Kristie April 29, 2009 at 9:23 PM  

I have this in orange and love it! I wear it with the navy canvas jacket and jeans. It also looks really cute with jeans and gold heals.

Jordyn April 29, 2009 at 10:25 PM  

I think you look great in this top but I totally can see what you mean about the collar...I think you need to have a really long neck for this not to bother you. Everytime I see this on someone I just love it; but, on me, not so much! Thanks for the review.

Melissa@AllThingsSimplified April 30, 2009 at 11:35 AM  

I LOVE the Victoria Camis! I have it in Bright Fuchsia and wouldn't mind having one in black or champagne...even the dotted one would be nice, too. I definitely don't think they are for everyone, but that's a good thing...if we all dressed the same life would be really boring! :) Have a great day!

JNJ May 3, 2009 at 3:32 PM  

late to post, but i personally love the victoria camis. i own four of them. i found that you can flare the front pleats out with a little steam and your fingers (or using a soft, clean cloth) to give it a soft fuller ruffle rather than the flat pleated front. it looks great under suit jackets. and i agree with FFM,, it's not for everyone, but with my suits being so staid it's an insta-chic touch that transitions from work to evening for me.
i think you look pretty in it. instead of the particular skirt the SA recommended to you, i'd pair it with a solid pencil skirt or slacks though.

JTS May 17, 2009 at 9:38 PM  

@RatsOnParade - I agree - there are people who can pull this off, and other people that this is just not really flattering for!

@Ashley - Thank you! I think the blouse is pretty if it's styled right, but I just think the collar is too much for me.

@Kristie - that sounds like a really cute outfit - orange and blue is one of my favorite color combinations!

@Jordan - Thank you! That's how I feel - I like it on others, but not so much on me!

@FFM - I have seen your pics of the fuchsia - and I think you look fantastic! :) Good point about everyone dressing the same - what a great way to look at it!

@JNJ - Thank you! I think it would look nice with a simpler outfit, like you said - suit, or solid skirt. I don't have the patience to take care of the front ruffle :)