Just spent SO MUCH MONEY at J.Jill - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Just spent SO MUCH MONEY at J.Jill

Katja

(website)

My inventory of fall clothing is very low (yea, weight loss! boo, having to shop!).

The J.Jill catalog came, and there was just something about all that grey/tweed/mauve clothing that I found really attractive.

So I ordered a boatload of stuff. Two knit skirts, a couple of vests/waistcoats, a couple of knit sweaters/jackets, leggings (!) and a sweater dress. I kind of forgot about how large their stuff runs, and I'm afraid I may have ordered everything too large.

I haven't owned leggings since I was about 12.

Now to wait for it to come and see what works. Luckily I have a J.Jill store locally, so I can return/exchange things there.

Shopping

29 replies

Latest reply was from Jenava

Tanya

Veteran

Oh, how exciting! Please post photos when things arrive and I hope they will all fit well.

Anonymous

I was really excited about the fall J Jill stuff as well! But I can never get as much as I want from there because of their general color palate. I hope the sizes work for you. Luckily they are good about exchanges.

Sparky

Veteran

I thought their latest catalog looked great too. But I've had mixed experience with their fit and quality so have given up shopping there for the time being. I really hope your purchases work out for you!

Katja

(website)

Yes, the quality, sizing and styling really jump around. I may find after trying all that stuff on that I haven't spent that much money after all (after 3/4s of it goes back). We'll see.

I tried to concentrate on pieces that were sort of Eileen Fisher wannabe.

Louise

Veteran

*excited clapping* can't wait to see what you get x

AJ

Veteran

It's always exciting to wait for a purchase to arrive! Even if most of the pieces didn't work size wise, you at least have an idea about items that you want to add to your wardrobe and can look for elsewhere.

Katja

(website)

Ok, the stuff came (no pictures today - pictures tomorrow, I promise).

It's so interesting (maybe that's not the right word) to see how things actually look in person.

The rejects:

Both skirts - way too short. Going back. That's a pity, because I really like the tweedy one:
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....&sk=M (the model must be about 5'2", because that skirt is at least 6" above the knee on me)

Grey sweater jacket - the stance is too low (ooh, see what I've learned from YLF?!), and it's kind of flimsy and doesn't drape well when seated:
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....&sk=M

Sweater dress - looked kind of cute and comfy, is just bleah in real life. It's comfy and it fits, but it doesn't add anything, if you know what I mean:
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....&sk=M

Need to get a size smaller:

The vest - this is the single item that prompted this shopping spree, and the small had better fit, because the medium is ginormous, and I really want this vest:
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....&sk=M

Another sweater jacket - I got this in the fig (purple) and it's surprisingly structured and drapes really nicely, but I think it's a little too big. If the small is too small, I'll keep it but run it by you ladies:
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....&sk=M

And the keepers:

Thin wool cowlneck sweater - I didn't really think I was going to like this, but I do! I think it's going to make a nice base piece:
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....&sk=M

And, surprise, surprise, the leggings! Although when I show you the pictures I expect you to be honest and tell me if they make my ankles look fat. Thank you.

Sparky

Veteran

Well, I'm glad you found at least a couple of keepers! Hope the vest works out for you in the smaller size. Oddball idea ~ if the small is still too big, what about trying it in a petite size?

Katja

(website)

That's a great idea - thanks!

Marley

Veteran

Ooh Katja - pictures please! Sounds like fun - to HAVE to shop because you've lost weight! That's a great reason, I think!

Scarlet

Veteran

I love a good cowl neck myself. Looking forward to the photos.

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

Ooooooo - Katja, I'm excited to see you embrace leggings. They are such a comfy and practical change of season item of clothing. I also have a penchant for cowlneck sweaters, so am hoping you will post a photo of yourself wearing it soon?

Katja

(website)

Ok, here's what's left after the big returning trip to J.Jill (at which the SA said, "Didn't you buy the green knit dress?" and I said, "Yes, and I've worn it, and gotten compliments, and now that it's a little cooler I'm going to layer it over the cowlneck and the leggings," and she said, "Ooh, I would have never thought of that - aren't you just a fashionista!" which was kind of bizarre, but I took a picture of it, too, just in case it was fab).

The vest is on order in a Small Petite (thank you, Sparky!).

1. Purple tweed sweater
2. Grey cowlneck
3. Grey cowlneck, green knit dress, leggings (ankles=fat? be honest!)

And then, because J.Jill is near Nordstrom, I got sucked into the Nordstrom vortex, where this LBD, knowing that my one and only LBD at home is kind of too big and a little frumpy and lonely, followed me home. Can I keep it?

4 & 5. LBD (this one: Lauren Ruched Matte Jersey Sheath Dress)

I am of course, not as skinny as waif blonde model, alas, but I do have my husband's 50th high school reunion to go to in two weeks.

This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Katja --

Sounds like it was a lucky break you had to do such a big return at J Jill, since it took you into the path of the Nordstrom LBD (which looks so chic on!).

Of the keepers, looks like you have a lot of flexible items. I really like the purple sweater [disclaimer, just got something very similar I love] and the dress with the grey sweater and leggings layered underneath.

I do think the dress + greys needs some magic with the footwear to keep up with your style, though...not sure what you were thinking, but I bet sleek *or* rugged boots would work. [Bonus is that they'd take care of any ankle self-consciousness....]

Katja

(website)

Thanks, Vix.

I think the dress + greys is too low-contrast - if the underlayer were black, brown or dark purple, I'd like it better. I agree on the boots.

So the LBD is a keeper?

Vix

Veteran

You and your trick questions -- I thought you were going for a low-contrast look with the green/greys, ha!

But yes, agree that color will look great against richer hues.

I'll be interested to see if the LBD *isn't* unanimously loved.

Seems like a great dress up/down silhouette; it makes your arms look great; and other than it possibly needing a little tailoring around the armhole (could be the camera angle) the fit looks good to me.

I can't think why it should go back!

Anonymous

I vote keep for the LBD. It is a great length and drapes nicely. It may be a valuable wardrobe addition for many occasions modified by accessories. Of your other new pieces I especially like the cowel neck top. It looks so soft in color and fabric.

Lisa

Veteran

Oh yay, new loot! I especially like the leggings on you, so comfy!

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

LBD looks great to me Katja! I agree with you about needing a sharper contrast between the grey & the green, but both pieces individually look like they fit you great and look very comfy & cozy.

MsMary

Veteran

I love it all! Could you add a scarf or beads to give some contrast to the leggings outfit? And the LBD is FIERCE!!

Scarlet

Veteran

Actually I love the tonal look of the leggings outfit and I think it gives a soft, flattering look with your complexion and hair. I would top it off with something like mushroom-colored slouchy booties. Sorry if I am making anyone gag, but it's my honest reaction that I think that outfit is fab.

Love the purple jacket on you too, love that color. The dress is great as well--very flattering shape.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love the dress is photo #4!

catgirl

Veteran

Love the LBD. The link didn't work, but it looks fantastic on you!

bj1111

Veteran

love the lbd...best purchase. hugs your shape without being obscene. fab.

not so fond of the purple mauvy sweater. not enough definition. perhaps it's the photo, but it makes you look a bit squat.

lukewarm about the rest. is the turtleneck available in a deeper grey?

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I LOVE the outfit with the leggings. I love the soft colors, and I didn't notice ankles or anything else weird at all. It just looks sweet, modern, soft and graceful. I don't love the purple sweater. It's too shapeless, and made even more so since you are sitting. I vote return that one. The LBD works well because it is fitted so there isn't a lot of shapeless material floating around you, and also I love the neckline on you.

Reneeb

Veteran

First the LBD is great and look amazing on you. I also like the purple sweater cardi. it is a good color on you. I am not crazy about the colors in #3 but like the legging. I might have to check out J Jill petite selection. I bet you will enjoy the vest it is nice.

Katja

(website)

Argh, mixed messages on the purple sweater...what to do, what to do?

It would be hilarious if the net result of my huge JJill order was one dress from Nordstrom, though.

Maybe I should apply some sort of "keep it only if it's really, really fab" test here.

Sparky

Veteran

Love the LBD dress and the dress/leggings combo ~ I like the soft tonal colors there and how it all fits you. I think you could wear it that way as well as with darker colors under the dress. The gray cowlneck is great on its own as well. I like the purple sweater too.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Well, Katja, your own vote will have to be the tie breaker on the purple sweater! After all it is you that will be wearing it! If you feel good wearing it them keep it.