Friday, May 1, 2009

J.Crew: Colored-Linen Monterey Skirt Review

This is J.Crew's Colored-Linen Monterey Skirt (item #14807), which retails for $59.50.  It also comes in petite (item #15924).  It is numerically sized.  J.Crew describes the skirt as such:
Soft and slouchy, flouncy and feminine, this relaxed linen style is one of our favorite summer skirts. Full silhouette. Sits just below waist. Elastic waistband with drawstring closure. Curved pockets. 18" long. Import. Machine wash.
It is available in light khaki, bistro orange, and azalea online.  I think there may have been other colors available in-store, but I cannot recall.  I tried this on in a size 4, in the azalea color.  To be honest, I really tried this on for the blog, as I didn't really leven like it hanging on the hanger.  I believe the skirt runs true-to-size.  It has an elastic, tie-front waist though, which is a huge turn off for me.  I really dislike elastic waists, and I prefer my tie-front waists on sweatpants, not skirts.

That aside, I think the fabric is a little too stiff for my liking.  I don't think it moves particularly well, but I do think the length is really nice.  It fell to just above my knees, which is probably my favorite skirt length.  The pink color was a little too bright for me, and I wasn't really a fan of the other colors in the store.

From the side, I think it's weird - kind of hanging and shapeless in the back, and a bit too voluminous in the front.  I don't think the back is anything special (and please forgive unfashionable peeping bra straps), and can I say again how much I dislike elastic waists?

I left this skirt at the store.  Aside from the waistband, I don't think there was anything terribly awful about it, but I certainly didn't find it cute or flattering on me, so this was a definite pass.  Interesting enough, I had e-mailed my personal shopper to ask her about a dress I saw in the upcoming J.Crew Collection, and it is actually this skirt, but in a cute pattern.  Suffice to say I'll be passing on that one as well.

What do you think?  Do you like this skirt?  What do you think of elastic waists?  What color do you like this skirt in?

7 comments:

AppGal May 1, 2009 at 12:16 PM  

Thanks for the review. I've been intrigued but not enough to bother getting it. I, too, hate the elastic waistbands on skirts, esp. if there is a drawstring. I almost NEVER tuck in my shirt, so with a drawstring, there's always a lump at the bottom of my shirt that looks awful. Looks like a pass for me!

KatyO. May 1, 2009 at 12:55 PM  

You are a brave soul. That skirt is just a total "miss".

Jordyn May 1, 2009 at 8:08 PM  

This skirt also comes in white...I saw this at my JCrew and tried it on and it was HORRIBLE!!! I don't think that it is very flattering at all.

C May 1, 2009 at 9:18 PM  

Did you try a size 2? It just looks like too much fabric for you...but maybe a straight A-line would just be better.

post-fab princess May 1, 2009 at 10:06 PM  

Agree - elastic waists tend to be bulky and unflattering. The cami is lovely though!

jjc May 3, 2009 at 6:17 PM  

Thanks for the review. I don't regret not getting/seeing it at B&M during my red card splurges.

JTS May 17, 2009 at 9:29 PM  

@AppGal - Ugh, I saw shorts this weekend with elastic waistband and drawstring...reminded me of gym class!

@KatyO - haha, thanks :) I agree - I don't get this skirt at all!

@Jordan - I saw a bunch of colors, including some burnt yellow, too!

@C - that is a good point, thanks for reminding me - the waistband was even hard to pull completely "open" if that makes sense. I'm not sure how much of a difference sizing down would have made.

@Paper Bag Princess - I love this cami! I got this one, but will be wearing it with something else :)

@JJC - Glad you found it helpful! :)