J Jill picks

With the recent move toward more fluid and oversized fits, suddenly the J Jill vibe seems more current. Some stuff that caught my eye from the most recent catalog:
ponte midi length full skirt, would be nice with boots
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....g&
tunic-length knit topic with interesting seaming details
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....g&
boyfriend jeans in fall earthy colors (and in tall!)
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....&sk=M
cozy stripey cardigan for fall
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....g&
indigo slim pants - an alternative to jeggings
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....g&

11 years ago

Shopping

8 replies

Latest reply was from Gigi

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Laura, I used to be such a J.Jill fan. I bought a LOT of stuff there and felt fab in it. I agree the looser, more fluid fits they are showing are more in line with current trends, fit-wise. I have to say these are are not tickling my fancy, though. They could have potential; it may be that I can't see past the catalog styling, which I find kind of plain, rather than, say, a look of simple elegance. Of the pieces you posted, I am drawn to the jeans. I wish they showed the back view, though, and the waist. [sigh] I wonder if it's more me and my taste that have changed than J.Jill?

11 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I've had several pieces from them too, bought both first and second-hand. I do think they tend to make high quality pieces that last for a really long time.

The styling in the actual paper catalog was better than that on the website, for most of the items. More curated and with a little bit more going on in the outfits. Maybe they think they need to simplify it for the item view?

11 years ago

Anonymous

Laura, I've been eyeing a lot from J Jill and bought a shift dress (which I'm still on the fence about). I agree that the currency of fluid fits make their clothes look more modern. Firecracker, I think you're onto something with how they style their clothes. The ponte skirt...i like the longer length, but the way it looks in the catalog is just meh. It's kind of like Talbots. Most pieces on their own can be current, but an entire outfit of their pieces can be bland.

11 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Yeah. J Jill used to be a bit more boho - kinda like nutty art teacher boho, some florals and a ruffle or two, non-functional buttons, that sort of thing - which was not to my personal taste, but it did give them more of a distinct point of view than they have now, which... I dunno what it is. "Shop here because we're still in business and Coldwater Creek isn't"?

11 years ago

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

Exactly! One of my oldest skirts is by them, but a little bit goes a loooong way. If you compare their catalogue with madewell's a lot of the individual pieces sort of overlap, but the overall effect at JJill is that unfortunate 'after the change I started using my ladybits to store tea towels' look. Ugh! So buy a few well cut pieces and then style them with different inspiration....

11 years ago

Marlene

Veteran

I was just in J Jill this week, looking at the new fall stuff. A couple items that I really like:

http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....&sk=M

J Jill has 3 different "crisp white shirts" in longer lengths right now. This one is the best. The forward side seam is really a nice detail. Keeps it from being too stuffy.

I also liked this pullover:

http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....&sk=M

The hemline is really flattering, curved on sides with a slight A-line. The red is amazing. Nice quality.

I didn't buy either because I haven't yet made my decision on what I want to purchase for the fall season. But these are on the top of my list.

11 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

Laura, I have that ponte midi skirt from last year. It is a bit longer on me than the picture shows. I wear it with boots. I feel a little Farah Faucett-ish with that combo though so I am going to have it shortened a bit. But it is a great skirt !

11 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

Laura, I used to be a big J. Jill fan too, but then I got sized out. Now I hate them since I have been spurned.

I agree with the others that J. Jill seems to style its pieces in the most bland and uninteresting ways. The pieces themselves, though, are usually quite simple and could work well in a variety of outfits. And like you point out, the fluid fit J. Jill is known for helps make the pieces current.

I did go into J. Jill this past weekend, for old times' sake (ha ha), and the sales associate showed me a catalog that had drawings of the new stuff coming out at the end of this month. There were some nice coats if I remember right.

J. Jill quality really can't be beat. I have items from there that are years old that have seen heavy wear and are still going strong. The black maxi skirt is getting faded, but the fabric itself is still really in good shape aside from the color, and the hem is still strong. J. Jill costs a decent amount of money, but it is so worth it!

11 years ago

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