j.crew reviews: striped thermal & factory blackwatch tartan pants.

Hello everyone!

I just got back from getting my hair cut and highlighted and I feel like a whole new person! It was getting ridiculously long and took waaaay too much time to dry, much less style in anything other than a ponytail. So, I went in and asked for a chop. I got an angled long bob with full bangs and love it! So much lighter and swingier and fun. It really puts a spring in your step, doesn't it?

New hair in tow (what?), I ran upstairs to take some pics of two lovely new items from J.Crew, both of which I'm thrilled to add to the wardrobe.

First up are the brand new Factory Blackwatch Tartan Wool Pants. I saw that these dropped at a promo price during the 30% off sale, and I had to give them a whirl. They looked too cute to pass up, but who knows when it's a factory item. They didn't disappoint at all IRL and actually exceeded my expectations. They are a lovely, classic blackwatch plaid (and not as bright as depicted online). Happily (and contrary to some misinformed CS reps), the pants are fully lined -- hooray!  The fit is TTS for me. I took my usual size 4 pant and it's fitted in the rear, but not too terribly so. I could have possibly gone up to a 6, but didn't want any weird stretching.  It's their Favorite Fit, so not too low-waisted, which will be nice during the holidays (i.e. no muffin top).  The leg is nice and full, and the 32.5" inseam length is actually perfect for my 5'5" height. I don't need a skyscraper heel, which would never happen. That said, it might mean they're too short for tall ladies. The material isn't too thick or thin and didn't feel itchy.

Overall, love these and definitely recommend them. They were a steal at just over $50 for me, but I would have paid the promo price (currently $74.50, plus they are offering 25% off in store right now!).

(Showing off my multi-tasking skills, and also you can see my haircut!)

Here you can see where the waistline hits. 

Next up is a new retail item. When I saw the Vintage Thermal Tee in Stripe, I knew it would be mine. Stripes + cozy + delicious cinnamon colorway? Sign me up. I expected your usual waffle tee, but this one is definitely lofty and thick, which I really like. The color is yummy and is lovely paired with all the warm fall colors. Put up against my cinnamon stick double serge pencil skirt, it was maybe a shade lighter, but I'd be totally fine with pairing them, maybe with some boots and a denim shirt. It matched up quite exactly against the Aurora Tweed pencil skirt, if that helps anyone.


I went with a small, as I didn't want it to be uber-tight so I could wear it alone, and that was the right call. It's fitted, but not too tight. A nice length. Hopefully it won't be a shrinker. I now have the striped henley thermal on my radar.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(p.s. The pants above are the Comrade Pant in Camo, which I found in store for $14 with discount.)
 
Are you trying out either of these items? If you ordered anything from the recent promos, what's your favorite?
 
Also, go check out Egyptomaniac's awesome blog. She's hosting a fab giveaway of an adorable Land's End bracelet and a cozy and cute American Eagle scarf!