Wednesday, October 7, 2009

J Crew Sherpa Hoodie

The camera is still in the trunk of hubby's car from soccer games this weekend. What is it, Wednesday? So no outfit pics this week so far. (And hubby is getting irritated enough at my constant borrow, take pics, download, toss camera back in bag routine that he suggested I ask for a pocket-size camera for Xmas since that's what I'm getting. Silly hubby... Of course the camera is, technically, "his"...) But I realized in my haste to post new arrivals on Friday that I completely blanked on my originally intended post about the sherpa hoodie. Without further ado...

J Crew Sherpa Hoodie (#17590, $69.50). Is this a lot to pay for a hoodie? Um, yeah. But for me, totally worth it, as I had nothing like it in my wardrobe. I got this back at the August Tysons outing, so I did have the 25% off. But I have worn it a ton since then. Admittedly many times as a top layer with yoga pants and a tee, but it makes them look nicer, I swear. It's also a great top layer for any other combo as well.

I got the hoodie in ivory (I love warm white). Even before you put it on, it just *looks* cozy. I did size up to an L because I wanted it to be a bit roomy. The sleeves are plenty long on the hoodie, and the overall length is at low hip (longer than previous versions, per the website) - so it covers a bit more than a traditional hoodie. Summerilla loved hers so much that she got a 2nd one at the Tysons outing.

Did I mention the sherpa part? That's the best feature! Per the website - "extremely cozy poly sherpa lining." Oh yeah, baby, it's SO cozy.

Last Friday, I wore the hoodie with a coal tissue bf tee (crewneck this time, woo!), black Minnies, my cap toe ballet flats, a pile of necklaces, and my new Gilded Daisy Ring (#19497, orig $50, curr $29.99 and totally worth it, IMO). Closeup ring pic below. As you can see, the glass stones are actually clear - they looked a little gray in the online pic. The sweet Tysons JC SA loved the necklaces with the hoodie. Well as you can see (top right), I totally cribbed that idea from the online pic...

Is there a downside to this hoodie? Yes. The fleece is so cozy and thick that this sucker just does NOT fold flat. My plan when traveling will be to wear it so that I don't have to pack it. Otherwise, it's pretty much dead-on perfect in my book.

Back to the price question...I can't tell you if it's worth it for you to spend that on a hoodie. Like I said, it was a definite yes for me. But I would most definitely wait for a sale to possibly get another. Even if you aren't crazy about the price, I would highly recommend nabbing it on sale later. Is it better than cashmere? Hmmmm, will have to think on that. If not, it's definitel close.

Polyvore from Friday:



Another outfit idea - it's fantastic with the dressy jersey strapless dress (never got pics, though):

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ah I agree with you 100%, I love this hoodie. I have worn mine and I have received many compliments, it is fitted enough it is going to make a great layer underneath my winter coat and it look great with my Matchstick cords. I do not mind paying fp for something you can wear over and over again.

Anonymous said...

love the nail polish colour - what is it?

Ema said...

I love Jcrew sherpa hoodies. This is one of the items of the pre-Jenna "preppy" Jcrew era that I really hope they will still make in 10 years.
My only "complaint" about it is that I can't layer it under a coat (it feels too bulky), so the season for wearing it in NY is kind of short.
I don't think that I will buy another one this year (unless I find the antique stone one on supersale), since mine still looks like new (and I have laundried it many times).
But I'm still kicking myself for not buying the shawl popover two years ago.

AppGal said...

Great pics! I agree...a nice-looking hoodie can "jazz up" an outfit--even yoga pants! I won't be getting one of these since I now have my jaspe hoodie (definitely not as cozy, but i love nonetheless.) I also already have a cozy sherpa-esque hoodie, but now I know where to go when I need a replacement!

AppGal said...

oh, and I thought of you today when I bought my first bf tee in months...the v-neck in the plum raisin color (swoooon). Gosh I love that color. I couldn't resist, esp. with the no min. shipping promo.

Patina said...

oh, pearls and a sherpa hoodie...a patina outfit for sure (smile)

Kathy said...

I got Seashell a couple of these last winter and she LOVES them! I did get them both on super sale, less than $20 a piece and I think I would pay the full price for myself (not her!). Don't tell her though. Looks so cozy on you!

Sweetsy said...

Have one and got it on great sale last year--love it! Would NOT pay $80 for it but a decent sum (more than I had to, anyway;)

Now let me tell you all about a cute knock-off version at Target for $20 in darling colors including Plum Raisin!! Run ladies--it is not the same fabric but it is prit-tee, prit-tee close:) You can have 4 colors for the $$-LOL!

C said...

I have one of these....sometimes they are in the outlet stores for less...I have a Target one too...and LL Bean has a nice version as well. You can easily layer it under a down vest BTW.

Summerilla said...

Definitely my favorite hoodie! And I'm NOT done buying them - I'm thinking about getting a new color, maybe the pink.

I know what you mean about packing it - I just folded and packed mine in my suitcase for my weekend in MD! It took up A LOT of room for sure. Didn't even think about wearing it.... may have to rethink my outfit for the drive tomorrow.

My mom saw the photo and feel in love with the hoodie, looks like I know what to get her for Christmas!

HeidiG said...

casual-crew - Ditto!

Anon - OPI Tickle My France-y from last Fall's France collection.

Ema - You're right about layering a coat over - would probably only work with a major parka. that shawl popover was pretty cool...

AppGal - Since I had already purchased this one, I didn't feel like I could rationalize getting the Jaspe hoodie. But love yours!! And, yeah, I keep waffling about getting the bf in plum raisin. It is so pretty... I think it would be great with my tan/taupe-y sweaters from last fall. Ok, you talked me into it...

Patina - oh yeah, so you.

Kathy - my lips are sealed. I would definitely get a couple more for $20!

Sweetsy - I will definitely check out the Target version. This one did end up closer to about $50 with the discount - I would have had a harder time paying the full $69.50.

C - layering under a down vest - great! A friend of mine got the Bean one and felt like the sleeves shrank too much (always a concern of mine). But both my kids have the Bean kiddie version and it's a perfect fall jacket.

Summerilla - check mom off the list, definitely! Wouldn't this be soooo comfy for traveling????

Jenni said...

Yep, yep, the sherpa hoodies are wonderful, especially with the sherpa puffy vest!! Do you dry yours in the dryer? Mine shrunk a bit in the arm length, so I hang it out but it just takes so darn long to dry!

Anonymous said...

Heidi not to an enabler the Jaspe hoodie is more of a year round item than the Sherpa, so you would get more wear out of it, so it is easy to justify purchasing the Sherpa and Jaspe.

This years Sherpa has a more streamline fit so I have tried it on with fitted jackets and it works. I did not size up on the Hoodie so maybe this is why I am able to get it under a coat. I am really thinking about buying a 2nd one with the fs promo.

DaniBP said...

Love this on you!
Interesting discussion on whether or not it's worth the price. I think if it washes up well and can be worn for at least two years it is worth FP.
I think I'll head over to the website now and have a look-see of my own!

Ann said...

Heidi, thanks for this review--I love the outfit with the Minnies!

I ordered this hoodie and loved the feel of it, but decided it was just too much $$ and returned it. I got the LL Bean version instead, which was less expensive and "almost* as nice. Sleeves are plenty long enough for me. Lands End has one also (even less than the LL Bean one); I ordered the kids' version for my three girls. They have a nice assortment of colors. I think their adult version is around $39 right now.

I agree with casual_crew...the Jaspe hoodie is the best!!

A said...

Beware Heidi because you may have just started a new addiction...to sherpa hoodies. :) I got 3 of them last year on clearance (they were cheap, cheap). Love 'em. I'm also coveting one in the antique stone color this season. They're so versatile - even look great with a skirt.

dinagideon said...

I keep eyeing those hoodies, and darn it, I may have to get one...although I have more than enough cardis and hoodies (but what about a hoodie that is all cozy for you know, driving, or taking a quick walk--this would fit the bill)...

I got your e-mail, and would love to see you...can you call me (again, man, I have missed so many calls lately) tomorrow morning? I think a trip next week to a mall could be a TON of fun... :)

Anonymous said...

Lands End makes a gorgeous sherpa for $40 with free shipping, no minimum!!! I keep thinking more and more these days that J.Crew is a rip off.
http://www.landsend.com/pp/SolidSherpaFleeceZipfrontHoodieJacket~200366_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::OOK&CM_MERCH=SRCH_00001&origin=search

Pamela said...

Heidi-the sherpa's are on promo for $59. I just picked one up-in the grey color. Weird thing is, the sign says they were originally $88. The tag says $69.50. so comfy and warm. I couldn't resist-esp. after your post here!

post-fab princess said...

No price is too high for a wear-all-the-time hoodie. This one looks particularly fabby on you Heidi!

Jemma said...

I never had a sherpa hoodie, but I did try one last christmas in the store for the heck of it and they are wonderful! I didnt get it in the end because I just would not get that much wear from it here in the desert. I love that ring, so pretty!!!!

Kathy said...

We have an award for you, please stop by and accept!

Unknown said...

Sherpa w/the strapless jersey? Me loveth! You look so beautiful in that dress & it's why I own 2 of them.

HeidiG said...

Jenni - yes, I dry it in the dryer but since I got the L, I have a wee bit extra sleeve length, so it's ok. Also, I dry on medium and I usually give the sleeves a little tug before putting in the dryer so they start with a bit of extra length.

casual-crew - "not to be an enabler" - hehe, I think I've said those words myself. :) excellent point about the difference in weight, I will think about it...while the cash slowly empties from my pockets... :) I haven't even tried this with a coat because it hasn't been cold enough, but we are getting there, weather-wise.

DaniBP - TY! I am trying to give more consideration to cost per wear, and I think this one fits, for me.

Ann - good point on Bean & LE. My issue is sleeves, so that's why I was willing to pay for this one. But the Bean kiddie one is perfect!

ABC - oh great, another J Crack addiction! :)

dina - honey, you could use this as a winter coat!!

Anon@2:40 - The LE is a great buy - but only if it fits. Their fit 2 doesn't always give me enought length in the sleeves - and their sherpa falls to high hip - which for some people would actually work better than the JC version. Nice to know there are alternatives out there. I really want to try the fit 1 tees from LE since they run longer in length. And I agree that their free shipping is just so fab. And so smart - because we are more likely to give something a try if we don't have to eat the shipping costs.

Pamela - enjoy yours! I may have to wait for a better sale than that, but it's good to know. I think mine ended up at about $56 with the 20% off, so it's still lower than that. And I'll justify 1 at that price, but probably not more...at least for me.

PFP - TY!

Jemma Ruby - yep, prob not the best investment for you right now! :)

Kathy - TY!

Gigi - TY! sherpa + strapless = perfect for warm days with chilly mornings. Glad you are enjoying your dresses!