J.Crew: Poplin Cargo Jacket Review

This is J.Crew's Poplin Cargo Jacket (item #14962), which retails for $98. It is alpha-sized, and is available in two colors, utility green and bronzed sand. J.Crew describes the jacket as such:

A stylish update on a utilitarian silhouette, in cotton paper poplin, with a chic cinch tie at the waist. Classic fit. Straight shape. Hooded, with zipper and snap closure. Long sleeves. Functional buttons at cuffs. Chest pocket, patch pockets. Stitching details on jacket. Unlined. Hits at low hip. Import. Machine wash.

I tried this jacket on in a size small, but I think it runs a little on the larger size. I looked at a size extra small on the hanger, and initially thought I should try that size, but I am not the best judge of sizes on hangers, and I'm lazy, so I just went with the small. The size small was a bit too big. I think your regular size might be okay if you were wearing a lot of clothes underneath or were going for a much looser, relaxed fit, but if you want a bit more fitted shape, then I would size down in this one.

The fabric is a light cotton, that I would say almost has a papery feel to it. It's a pretty smooth fabric on its own, but I think it has purposely sort of rumpled look to it. The fabric is very comfortable, and is extremely light, both in texture and in actual weight. It's a great fabric for a summer coat.

The fit of the coat is very generous, with a fairly shapeless silhouette. However, there is a drawstring around the waist that allows you to cinch the coat and create a nice, relaxed shape. At the same time, I wouldn't look to this coat to be super shape-defining, as it seems like it's more meant to be a casual jacket. I like the length of the coat, as it hits at the top of the thigh for me The coat zips up the front, and snaps closed. Even though the ran a bit big and was pretty loose, it doesn't add much bulk around the middle, which is a plus.

The coat itself includes a hood and a bunch of pockets on the front. I thought the pockets were okay, and actually didn't notice them that much. I don't know how functional they would be, as the fabric is very light, and if you put a lot of things in the pockets, they would look bulky and/or weighed down. I did not try this on with the hood on, but it's the same fabric as the rest of the coat.

The green color is pretty true to the picture in real life, and in the way its depicted online. It's a warm, green-grey color that works with a variety of other colors.

I'll be honest - I really expected to dislike this coat, but I actually think it is kind of cute. I think it works well as both types of jackets - a layering jacket (similar to a blazer), and an outdoor, worn-for-the-weather jacket. But I also think it's a bit pricey for such a lightweight jacket, and I know I probably wouldn't end up wearing it that much. To be honest, if I were to get a jacket like this, I would probably pick up the military jacket from earlier this season.

What do you think? Do you like this jacket? Do you own it or have you tried it on? Which color do you prefer?

Gap: Cropped Pleated-Sleeve Jacket Review

This is Gap's Cropped Pleated-Sleeve Jacket (item #498629), which was originally $68.00, but was on sale online recently for $49.99.  It comes in this blue color and white as well, and is alpha-sized.  Gap describes the jacket as such:

This cropped jacket is the ideal fashion piece to keep your wardrobe fresh throughout the seasons. Layer it over a long-sleeve blouse for a creatively chic look. Or, let it stand alone to show off its swingy sleeves.

I remember picking this up because of the way it was styled on the mannequins, but now I can't really remember what else it was paired with.  I tried this on in my regular Gap jacket size, and I found that it fit true to size.  If you are on the really small end of your size, you could probably get away with sizing down.

This jacket has a more fitted empire waist, with a flared, slightly pleated body.  It has short, sort of "notched" sleeves.  The sleeves are sort of pinned to (allegedly) give the sleeves a bit of puff.

The jacket has front, off-seam pockets.  These seem a little non-functional to me, as they are a little high, due to the empire waist.  It's nice that the pleating isn't all around, because I think that would be a bit overwhelming.

I was pretty underwhelmed by this jacket.  I didn't love it, but I didn't intensely dislike it either.  For me, it was just kind of blah.  The sleeves definitely do not puff out the way they do in the picture on the model.

Here is how the jacket looks with the buttons buttoned.  I still don't think it creates too much of a figure, but is definitely an improvement over the jacket open.

Below are the product details from Gap.

I left this jacket behind.  I just wasn't in love with it, and thought it was just okay.  Interestingly enough, I was back at the Gap after I tried this on, and picked it up again in white, in a size down, without even realizing I had already tried it on in blue.  I really liked it in the white, but it was a hair too small, and I still didn't love it, so I left that one behind as well.  (I tried to take a picture, but I left my phone at home.  Sorry - I was definitely thinking of my readers though!)

What do you think?  Do you like this jacket?  Have you picked it up or seen it in person?  Do you like the blue color, or would you prefer the white?

Old Navy: Belted Trench Review

This is Old Navy's Belted Trench (item #633439), which is alpha-sized, and was available in a number of colors, including this khaki (above), black, and this fuchsia-y color (below).  This trench retails for $49.50.  Old Navy describes the coat as such:

Classic, confident and eternally cool, the trench coat exudes a mystique that still feels modern. Smooth brushed twill, an eight-button double-breasted front and tie belt add signature style to any outfit.

I actually initially picked up this coat in black, as a classic wardrobe staple (and, I'll be honest, I saw Angelina Jolie rocking a black trench).  I also picked up another red waterproof trench that Old Navy was carrying at the same time, and I didn't really consider another color at the time.  (These pictures are from the Old Navy dressing room, but I have owned this coat for awhile.  I wore the coat out shopping that day, so just took pictures of it since the mirror was right there!)

During the Gap Give & Get promotion though, I saw the fuchsia one in person, and I loved it!  Since I had 30% off, I picked it up.  (Just a side note here: I wish I had tried it on first, as BOTH pockets have holes in them!  I probably could have gotten an additional percent off for that, as it was the only one in my size and this color.)

Anyway, I simply love this coat.  The brushed twill fabric is super soft and light, and moves very nicely - not stiff at all.  (The waterproof trench is very stiff.)  The coat body is not lined, but the sleeves are.

The coat has a classically trench appearance - double-breasted with a waist defining self-tie.  I picked this up in my regular Old Navy top size, and it fits perfectly.  It has slightly off-seam pockets that button closed.  The coat falls about mid-to-lower thigh for me, which I think is a nice length for a spring coat.

Here is how the coat looks when it's not buttoned or tied.

Here are the product details from Old Navy.

Overall, I love this coat.  I wear it pretty much every single day now that spring seems to have finally asserted itself over winter.  It's soft, fits well without looking too mature, and I love the fun color.

What do you think?  Do you like this coat?  Do you own it?  Do you have another trench that you love?

J.Crew FO: Fiona (?) Jacket Review

I believe this is J.Crew Outlet's version of the Fiona Jacket.  It is item number 12735 (I think), and was marked $79.50.  It was available in a number of colors, including white and navy.

This jacket is numerically sized, and I tried this on in my usual top/jacket size.  I found that it fits true-to-size.  The jacket is made out of a soft canvas-like material, with a poly-cotton body lining and a polyester sleeve lining.  The jacket has a thick ruffle up the front and on the collar, with three oversized buttons.  It has bell sleeves that start at the elbows.

I know there are a lot of people out there who like this jacket, but I am just not a fan.  It might have been the color (I didn't try it in white as I already own a couple white jackets), but I think it is the ruffle.  I think the fabric is a little too heavy to really pull off this ruffle.  I think it might also be the bell sleeves.  I don't mind sleeves with volume, but I just can't get behind these ones for some reason.

The back is just okay for me.  Don't get me wrong, I don't intensely dislike this jacket, but it just doesn't do anything for me.  I think it's just kind of bleh.  One thing I like about this jacket is that it seems like it is fairly versatile.  I think you could easily dress it up and down, and wear it with all kinds of tops and layers.

So as you can probably guess, I left this jacket behind.  Maybe I would have liked it in another color, but I'm getting close to being out-jacket-ed this year.

What do you think?  Do you own this jacket?  Do you own the retail version?  

J.Crew: Boyfriend Military Jacket Review

This is J.Crew's Boyfriend Military Jacket (item #12542), which retails for $98. It is available in pale surplus (grey) and utility green. J.Crew describes the jacket as such:

His military-inspired jacket—in a fit that's so chic on her. Cotton with utility details—heavy stitching and chunky top and bottom patch pockets on the front of
the jacket. Relaxed fit. Straight shape. Pointed collar with trapunto stitching
(three different layers of topstitching that run parallel to one another) and a
tab extension on wearer's right side. Long sleeves with button cuffs. Interior
hidden pocket. Locker loop. Partially lined. Hits at low hip. Import. Machine
wash.

This is the stock photo in utility green.


I know there are a lot of people out there who really like this jacket, but I am not one of them. This jacket is alpha-sized, and I think it runs large. I cannot remember if I officially sized down in this jacket, but at the very least, it was pretty loose on me, and I probably could have gotten away with sizing down.


I really don't have much to say about this jacket. I'll let The Boyfriend say it all. While taking the jacket off the rack:

"Are you Fidel Castro or something?"

After I put it on, he continued the joke:

"Why, hello, Fidel!"

Honestly, my feelings about this jacket don't differ too much. It's not that it's a bad jacket - it's just not really my style. I felt very goofy in it. And shapeless. I do like it better from the side.

And practically passable from the back! I will say the fabric is pretty nice - fairly soft and moveable, which is always nice in a coat.

I think I would have considered this jacket if it didn't have those ridiculous pockets splattered all over the front of it. Heck, if J.Crew made the sleeves detachable, I'd have a military jacket and fishing vest in one!

So what do you think? Do you like this jacket? Do you own it? How many pockets is too many?

J.Crew: Frenchie Slicker Review

J.Crew's Frenchie Slicker (item #11293) originally retailed for $165, and is on sale in select colors for $99.99. J.Crew describes the jacket as such:

The perfect lightweight jacket for spring showers. Cotton. Classic fit. Straight shape. Ruffle trim at collar and cuffs. Bracelet sleeves. Self belt. On-seam pockets. Interior piping. Falls to low hip. Import. Machine wash.

It comes in the papaya color above, and the spring favorite, light pewter (below).

I tried it on in light pewter, in my normal J.Crew jacket size. I am not a fan of this jacket at all. This was another one where as soon as I put it on, I started laughing. I think it fits fairly true-to-size, although I think you could size down, and honestly, I'm a little curious now how sizing down would look on me.

I think the jacket makes me look bigger on top than I really am, and does little to create a waist as shown in the model pictures. The fabric was way too thin for me, and in my opinion, felt kind of cheap. I thought the collar was too severe, and because the sleeves were too long, the ruffled cuffs were wasted on me.

From the back I could be fooled into thinking it was a cute jacket, I guess.

I really disliked this jacket. I had had higher hopes for it after reading other people's comments about it, but I think it is an unattractive design, and not flattering for me. I definitely left this one behind.

What do you think? Do you like the Frenchie Slicker? Do you own it?

J.Crew: Faille Maisey Jacket Review

This is J.Crew's Faille Maisy Jacket (item #11977), which originally retailed for $148, with select colors on sale now for $89.99. This jacket comes in a navy, natural, and dusty pink color. J.Crew describes the jacket as such:

Simple, sweet and detailed with pleats. Our designers gave it a classic fit with pleating at the waist seam for a flattering feminine shape and inverted pleats at the back. Cotton/poly/nylon. Rounded collar. Long sleeves. Vertical hidden pockets. Sleeves are lined. Hits at hip. Import. Dry clean.

I just sort of stumbled upon this jacket in-store, and I tried it on in the natural color. Here is the online picture of the natural color for reference.

The jacket fits true-to-size with a little wiggle room, I think. I think it looks a little shapeless from the front. The fabric is nice and moveable, and a little more durable than a regular cotton jacket.

From the side I think it's pretty cute. The bit of flare at the natural waist is cute. I also like the contrasting lining that you can see when you roll up the sleeves (navy, in my case).

I am not typically a fan of pleats - I don't own any pleated pants. But I thought the inverted pleats on the back were kind of cute, and made this jacket more interesting beyond being another neutral colored jacket.

The Boyfriend loved this coat on me - he thought it was really cute, so he ended up buying it for me! After I steam this jacket, I'll be definitely be wearing it around!

What do you think? Do you like this jacket? Do you already own it? Do you like the pleats?

Victoria's Secret: Spring Holiday Sale

Victoria's Secret is offering 20% off select dresses, pants, jackets, skirts, and shoes, just in time for the spring holidays. To take advantage of this offer, enter the code 20SPRING when you check out. This offer is only good for today, April 6, 2009.

American Eagle: Boyfriend Blazer Review

This is American Eagle's Boyfriend Blazer (item #0389-1302), which originally retailed for $59.50, and is currently on sale for $49.95. It is a cotton/stretch blend, and comes in white and black. AE describes the jacket as such:

Top off any outfit in our great boyfit blazer.

• Soft sturdy stretch cotton
• Perfect feminine boyfit
• Two large front flap pockets
• Two-button front placket
• Three-buttons on cuffs
• Pinstripe interior lining
• Inside button-close pocket

Imported, Machine Wash

I personally think this blazer runs a little large. I sized down in this jacket from my usual size in AE tops, and there was still wiggle room. Maybe I am just a different size in jackets, or maybe it is designed to fit larger - it is "boyfit" after all.

I really liked this blazer. From the side, it sticks out a bit, but I think a little ironing/steaming and a lot of wear would help mold this jacket into a nice shape.

I also like this jacket because even thought it is a boyfit, it doesn't look boyish or manly at all. I think it is just a nice, relaxed fit, that makes the jacket a really nice staple.

This is how the jacket looks in the front when it is buttoned up.

This is how the jacket looks from the side when it is buttoned up. As you can see, it's definitely not creating extra weight or anything, even if it looked that way when it was open.

I think what makes this jacket different from other white blazers is the details. If you wear the cuffs rolled, there is a cute navy pinstripe cuff detail, which I think is really nice, but subtle at the same time.

The buttonholes are also lined in a pale blue, which I think is a really cute touch.

I initially left this jacket behind, but after I got home and looked at the pictures again, I decided I really liked it, so The Boyfriend was nice enough to take me back to the store the next day and get it for me!

What do you think? Do you like this blazer? Do you own another white blazer?

Gap: Belted Trench Review

Gap's Belted Trench (item #498619) was one of Gap's first spring new arrivals. It is a classic, short trench coat, and comes in a variety of colors. It originally retailed for $78, but is marked down right now, with select colors at $59.99, and others at $49.99. It comes in regular, tall, and petite (tall and petite come in limited colors).

Gap describes the coat as such:

An iconic staple offers chic versatility to any outfit in an array of fresh shades. All the essentials of a classic trench, plus you can customize your own look, cinched with either a feminine grosgrain ribbon or a traditional belt.

This coat is a wonderful spring and summer coat. It is a cotton/nylon blend, and is unlined, with faux-shell buttons. The coat is nice and light, and is a nice cover up on days that are just cool enough for a coat, and just warm enough not to need a sweater or sweatshirt.

The coat comes in some nice, muted spring colors; I picked it up in yellow. As you can see below, the coat is rather shapeless and somewhat boxy without the belt tied. It is a nice, medium-length coat. It is supposed to hit at mid-thigh, but it is a little longer than that on me. I think the sleeves are supposed to be 3/4 length, but they are the perfect length on me.

The coat fits very true to size. It fits well - not too tight on the shoulders, and moves well. I would imagine that after a few washings, the fabric would soften, and become even more pliable.

There is some nice detailing on the coat - shoulder epaulettes, and square shoulder flaps on the front. The coat buttons up the front, and also has a tab button at the top color.

The coat looks much better (in my opinion) when it is tied around the waist. Here is a picture of the coat belted from Gap's website.

Below are some IRL pictures. I think it gives the coat a much more tailored and classic look. Tying the belt erases that shapeless, boxy look that you get when it's not tied, and I definitely prefer it this way. The on-seam pockets are nice and roomy, but I'm not sure how much I would keep in there because they're not lined.

This coat actually comes with two belts - a heavier, fabric belt with the same topstitching as the coat, and a thinner, more feminine grosgrain ribbon belt.

I think this coat is a great lightweight coat. It's a nice alternative to lined trench coats when it's a lot warmer out, but you still want to wear a coat. I think it comes in some nice, fairly neutral colors for spring and summer.

What do you think? Do you like this coat? Do you have it? Do you have any other trench coats that you love? (I do - keep an eye out for upcoming reviews.)

Product details and color palette are below.