J Crew Spring Arrivals - Sweaters and Lots of 'Em

Well, dresses will have to wait for another post...this sucker is long. You all know how much I loooooove sweaters, so not surprisingly, that's where I gravitated when I headed into the J Crew to check out the new release. (like I said, dresses in another post, since they're my other fave.)

Sweater #1 - This one is actually from the previous release in January, but I hadn't posted it yet. Boyfriend Beach Cardigan (#24597, $118) in heather dusk. Nope, didn't do it for me. I have on size M here.

I really had high hopes for this one. I am still looking for this year's library shawl cardigan...something long and cozy and that I'll love as much. This isn't it. I know I love a slouchy silhouette, but this just felt all kinds of boxy on me. And this was the better picture - the other one, for some reason, gave my tummy rolls that I don't really have - and that shouldn't be showing in such a thick sweater.

It's a thick cotton knit, very cozy. I think it's just totally the wrong cut for me. If you are curvier and/or shorter, I think this sweater will be fantastic on you. Boobs definitely would have helped this one out.

The length was just not good because it was too short to be long and just long enough to not be short. Does that make sense? It does to me. If it doesn't to you, have another cup of tea (or glass of wine).I would also like to note that I swear it looks longer in the online pic than it does on me, and I know their models are taller than 5'10".

But to solve my library shawl cardi woes, I did order the Long Beach Cardigan - the navy isn't backordered like the light pewter, so hopefully I'll see that this week, and will post when I do.

Sweater #2 - Merino-Linen Camp Cardigan (#21831, $98), in fawn. Right, because when you think of the one fabric, you automatically think of the other. Ok, that just sounded snotty. Sorry. I didn't really love or even like all that much this sweater. I did like the fawn color. This is a sweater that would be a bit difficult to wear closed unless you are really sucked in underneath or you are wearing it large. The thinness of the knit shows every flaw - I found that it clinged on me instead of flowing. Like how I added the watermark to camouflage the tummy ripples? This would probably work best over a structured underlayer like an actual shirt instead of tank or tee. I love how they styled it online with the dark tank underneath.

I do like the sleeves - the button you see on the sleeve enables you to roll up the sleeves to just above the elbow and fasten. So it works well rolled up...but the button is just kinda hanging out there when the sleeves are at full length.

Here's the thing...I was trying these tops on with a cami and my Chicos slim jeans...the most basic of canvases for these sweaters. And if it doesn't look good with that as the backdrop, chances are that it's not going to work well with much else. Pass for me...especially at full price.

Here's another shot with the sleeve rolled up. See...better, but still not great. And if it's not something required (e.g., uniform, bridesmaid dress - well, I guess that *is* a uniform), why wear something you don't feel great in?

And like the boyfriend beach cardigan above, I don't necessarily want to pay full price for a cardi that only works open...esp when that full price is awfully close to $100.

Back to the fabric blend itself - anyone have any thoughts on the wool/linen pairing? I found it a little odd. Different strokes for different folks and all that...

Sweater #3 - Scalloped Zipper Cardigan (#23423, $98) in heather stone. See it also on dinagideon here, who has the figure to wear it, and on Pamela, who also looks great (and has a great close up of the ruffle/zipper detail..

I like this cardi...I really do. Zippers, ruffles, cardigan...what's not to love? Other than the length. Oh, I had high hopes for this one, too...but as soon as I saw it IRL, I had an inkling that it wouldn't work. Why? Length again. Let's be honest, I would probably be most likely to wear this with a tee/tank and jeans or Minnies...since that's my usual everyday uniform.

I have a size M here, and the fit is fantastic, except that, darnitall, I want an extra inch or two at the bottom. It's not even as cropped as the dream cabin cardigan from last season, but it's still just short enough that it doesn't feel long enough. I just wasn't feeling it...at least not at full price.

This would be a fantastic sweater with a dress underneath, esp an LBD. But I don't wear enough of those to justify. So it's a pass for me...maybe I would consider on sale, but given how cute this is on dina and the SAs I've seen wearing it, I doubt it will get there. And as I've said before and will continue to say...wouldn't it be boring if we all were wearing the exact same things from J Crew???

Sweater #4 - This appears to be retail only, at least for now. Per my receipt, its the "Cashfeel Kyla Long Yoga Cardi". (#25135, $88).

Again, I must refer you to Dina's post that I linked to above, where she referred to this as the "UGLY SWING STYLE MERINO CARDIGAN IN A PRETTY COLOR". Clearly she only feels lukewarm about it.

But before we get to fit, how gorgeous are these colors? BLI (bright lilac?), plus honey - in Dina's post (and there were several neutrals as well). Yum. If we see more of this as the spring line continues to roll out, I will be a happy woman. Unlike the warm, fleshy pinky corals, these colors I love. And wear.

However, when you are shaped like a brick, or have wide shoulders with not much chest - sorta like a big, wide clothes hanger, like me you can pull this off. Dina thought it made her shoulders look small. So I said, sweet, I am all over that!! Smaller shoulders? Sign me up.

Yes, it's swingy, but if you have the shoulders for it, you can do it. You just need to make sure your underlayers are fitted to balance out the shape of the sweater.

I bought this sweater, but then I returned it. So why didn't I keep the sweater? Much as I love the shape, I just wasn't sure I wanted to spend FP on a yoga sweater. And over the weekend, I ordered the long beach cardigan, so I wasn't sure I really needed it at this point. I can definitely see this going on sale later, so maybe I'll pick up one then.

I would like to draw your attention to the tank I am wearing underneath - the Tissue Tier Tank (#23338, $39.50). This is a fantastic underlayer...as long as you keep your sweater/jacket closed. Can you see how appallingly sheer the not tiered part is? I wish it had come in darker colors. This is an M, by the way.

Now...don't laugh too hard...this is the sweater I bought and actually kept.

Sweater #5 - Jackie Cardigan (#85613, $62), in pearl. First of all, the picture does not do this cardi justice. Or the online pic. The color is neutral, yes, but gorgeous - pale khaki, like the color of a chocolate-vanilla milkshake. You know, made with vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce, instead of using chocolate ice cream. Yum! Add a shot or two of Godiva white chocolate liquor and now we're really talking...

Um, back to the sweater. I pounced on this as soon as I saw it in the store. For me, the Jackie is the perfect summer cardigan. And I love that it's light, but it's not quite white - so it won't show dirt quite as easily. M & E are growing up but, hello, they are still kids. And well, I'm still one of the clutziest people on earth.

And I love, I mean really love, this color cardi with a white tee underneath - so crisp. You will definitely see me in this cardi with a white tee & white jeans this spring.

And I did get 2 perfect fit tanks, since they're on special in store for $14. Always a good time to stock up. Basic, boring, but necessary.

Next post....dresses from the spring rollout. But it's time to head to the bus stop.

ps - if you've tried these items on, please let me know and I'll add the link - but I hadn't quite caught up on blog reading before posting.