j.crew reviews: trompe l'oeil lace blouse and corkscrew jacket

Happy Saturday everyone!
Before I get into reviews, I wanted to mention that Boden has offered up a preview of their spring line, with 20% off and free shipping/returns (code PRV3). Go to www.bodenpreview.com and check it out -- sooo many pretties! Would love to hear what you love as well. 

Today I have a couple more J.Crew reviews for you. Alas, neither of them worked for me, but perhaps they will for you.

First is the Lady Jacket in Corkscrew Tweed in the vibrant fuschia. I like the color of the tweed. You can see it below next to my dahlia pants from last year (year before?). The gold dome buttons feel nice and from Connecticut's Waterbury Button Company, which I appreciate. Those are the good things. However, the cons are dealbreakers-- the material is fuzzy from the get-go and I imagine will become an absolute pilly/fuzzy/snaggy mess, probably just by hanging in a closet up against other wool jackets. It was soft to the touch, but I could just see how it might look after a number of wears.

Also, I really disliked how the yarn fringe came up around the bottom on the one side and just stopped. You can see it below in second pic. So it really only worked buttoned up for me. Also, it was too short, coming to the top of my jeans, which aren't even very low-rise. This was my normal size 4 and felt like it fit fine in the arms, chest, shoulders, etc.  Anyway, as you can probably guess, it's a pass for me.

Next is the Trompe L'oeil Lace Blouse, which I thought looked elegant, even if it's in the same ol' shape they've been doing for a while now. It's a lovely silk georgette and honestly, it really does look like lace. That's cool. It is a simple ivory and black, and wasn't see-through at all. I just didn't love that striped look on me, for whatever reason. It just seemed a little harsh or something. It also just seemed a bit boring, especially for the price. For a smaller price tag, you could get the gorgeous Boden Jewel Neck Top I recently reviewed as a more special piece. I happened to get them both on the same day and it was no contest.

What do you think of these two?  I've haven't had much luck this rollout. The one sale item I was soooo excited to get arrived, and it was the wrong item. Of course it's now sold out, boo. Oh well, wasn't meant to be.

How did you do with the 30% off sale this week? Find any good popbacks? Did you try out any of the newly-discounted (to rational prices) Collection items?

Also, Madewell has started their own promo: 25% off sale and free ship on $100+ with YIPPEE. I love the Library Loafers in Calf Hair, the Tree-Twig Cuff, the Art Dot Novelist dress, and Over-the-knee Cableknit 1937 Socks.

Have a wonderful weekend!