James Perse Brushed jersey split skirt | size 2
James Perse casual tee | size 2
James Perse twill open blazer | size 2
Melissa Sin Sandals | VERY VERY old, newer version
Kristen Elspeth necklace
James Perse knit twill parka | size 2
Well, hello! I’m back from traipsing around the southeastern United States. We had such a great time… But more on that later, first, reviews of my James Perse sale purchases.
I’d had a version of this skirt a couple years ago and returned it, always regretting it, so I jumped at this one on sale. It’s not BLACK black, it’s more of a very dark coal, similar to my maxi dress with pockets from last year, although not lined, so not nearly as warm. I’m wearing a size 2, which is the best size for me, even the length is perfect. The skirt is ruched a bit at the hips, and has a very long side slit, so it’s narrow, but really easy to walk in at the same time. And I don’t find the slit to be too revealing at all. you can see from the bottom picture it does nothing for my saddlebags, in terms of holding them in, but I do think it “minimizes” them slightly. I’m wearing these boyshorts underneath.
I was a little unsure of this purchase at first, but thought it would be a good addition to my wardrobe, considering that I don’t have any thing remotely similar. I had never tried it on, but Jen mentioned that she did and loved it, so I gave it a chance. And I LOVE it. Like, REALLY love it. It’s snug in my upper arms, as you can see from the side closeup picture, and I’m not sure it will stretch much, but it doesn’t bother me too much. The size 3 would have been much too big/long on me to size up, so I think the size 2 is “my size” – it’s just that I do have slightly flabby upper arms, and anything with slim arms does tend to be a little tight on me there. It’s very wrinkled from being folded up in a box for so long, so it needs a good steam. The fit is very nice, and drapey, but not overly so. I roll the sleeves up and push them up on my arms, but they don’t stay very well, which is slightly annoying, but again, I just love the way this looks as an open blazer, I can deal with the sleeve issues. And the color is definitely more gray than it looks in the photos at James Perse, which I’m very happy with. I’m really excited about this actually, because I had been looking for a good casual open, soft blazer, and this is a good one…
The parka was truly the only thing I was waiting for to go on sale because I’d tried it on earlier this year when it first landed and fell in love. I got a size 2, which is the right size for me. I can zip it up if I want to, and wear it over sweaters without it getting tight in the arms or body. Most of all I love that the sleeves push up easily, and that you can cinch the waist in a bit. It’s not a “utility’ or weatherproof parka (there is a Yosemite parka on sale that IS more practical for all-weather situations), but it’ll be good as a cool weather jacket, and nice for traveling.
This isn’t on sale (it NEVER goes on sale), but I needed to replace my old size 3 casual tee with a better-fitting size 2, so I used the free shipping to go ahead and order it. The James Perse casual tee is my favorite white t-shirt…it just fits me exactly as I want a white tee to fit.
I’m very pleased with all my purchases this time, I hope you are too…although I know some of you weren’t – with the sizing anyway. Some of you have already left comments on your purchases on this post, but if you haven’t yet, please do so here, on this post. Also, if you have a size you’re interested in swapping for a different one, or you put something up on ebay, let us know in the comments (if it’s on eBay, just leave your username, don’t link to your auction, it will get stuck in spam). I am happy to connect people who want to swap or sell final sale items, but I cannot take any responsibility for transactions or issues that may arise!
If you have any questions about anything before you place an order, please ask!!
Durn it. I wavered over ordering the parka for the longest. The ONLY reason I talked myself off the ledge about it was because it just happened to be close to 100 degrees the day I was considering it & just couldn’t imagine there might ever be a day again that would be chilly enough to wear it.
I can be my own worst enemy. LOL
P.S. your sandals are completely 100% awesome!
ha! well, i’m DEFINITELY not wearing it now, it was hard enough to take a photo in either of the jackets…it’s so hot and humid here today. it gets cold here though, so I’ll be glad i have it. it’s also good for traveling/airplane with the pockets and hood.
i love these sandals SO MUCH. they’re mostly my rainy day sandals (which is why i’m wearing them today), but i’ve been known to wear them on dry days too, because i love them so much 😉
You look GREAT in your new purchases. I bought the long striped cardigan and 2 skinny tees and I love them all. Now considering the Parka in black, as I have 2 olive coats. Thank you for the heads up on the sale! AND the free shipping code – that helps!
Anyone interested in a size 4 jacket like the one Grechen is wearing, please let me know! Will sell for what I paid + no tax + free shipping.
I originally recommended it to her, but should have stuck with the size 3 or not bought at all–I’m in between the 3 and 4 in this jacket I think.
thanks becky!! i’m so tempted by the parka in black as well, but i know i wouldn’t wear it as often as the olive one…
so glad you like the striped cardigan! it’s one of my favorites 🙂
I got it because you looked so awesome in it!
I just received two Yosemite tanks in size 2 — I wore the wine colored one to barre yesterday and really liked it. The size is just right for me (I wear a Lululemon racerback tank in size 6 for comparison) – the size 1 i think would’ve been way too tight.
What I love: great color and most of all the cut – the higher neck and boy tank style (including ribbing) are really different from anything I’ve seen in technical fabrics. also love the generous length. Also, the arm holes are cut low – not low enough to show side boob or anything, but so that on me there is zero armpit chafing risk (sometimes i feel my lulu tank armpit holes could be a bit bigger). also made in USA!
What I don’t love: the fabric is pretty thin – and “holds me in” less than lulu. But given the nice features above, and the sample size price, overall it’s a win.
Yeah, I didn’t want to add to the Debbie Downer-dom of the original sale post, but the GG sneakers are ginormous. 🙁 Not James Perse’s fault, but it certainly fits the theme of the problems!
I did pop them on eBay if anyone is interested. They are the Golden Goose camo slip on sneakers. SO DAMN CUTE and I am so bummed. They are a size 39. I’m a 39 in Birks and US 9 in most everything else. Even if I wore the thickest socks I own, they would still be too big. My eBay ID is b4324t and I am happy to sell them for less to anyone here, just message me and let me know.
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The skirt is VERY good on you! I kept scrolling through your pics going, “Saddle bags? Saddle bags? I DO know what saddle bags are, right?” But I think what you call “saddle bags” look more like curves…especially smoothed over.
Love love love the green jacket on you. It’s another personal best.
I’m so danger tempted by the striped long cardi, and it’s still available. But will a size 4 fit a size 14??? Probably not…
I am looking to sell the twill Moto Jacket, in black, size 2. It’s not the Yosemite version but the regular version in the same fabric as the parka in Grechen’s pictures. It fits solidly like a medium. I am normally a size 4 or 6 on top (in Vince, for example), and this fits more like a 6 or 8. I take a 2 many of the shirts in JP, and I should have sized down in this. I’d love to get what I paid for it (no tax, no shipping), but am open to reasonable offers.
I also ordered the twill parka in black, size 1. It’s definitely the right size for me. As much as I love all things black, I do think the green showcases the details much better and is overall more interesting visually.
If anyone bought the military jacket/blazer and has a review, I’d love to hear it. I was intimidated by the price/fits small/no returns combo on that one.
i wanted to order that one too! the shrunken blazer…but i was afraid of the fit. some of the fleece things seem to run rather small.
there it is!! in that last picture, that bulge on the left, sticking out below my hip 😉 THAT is a saddlebag.
i think the size 4 in the striped cardigan would fit you, no problem, but maybe someone else has some input on that?
No matter what weight I’m at, whether scrawny or otherwise (and I’ve been up there at times) – I always ALWAYS have saddlebags. A.l.w.a.y.s.
i know i will too. i can shrink them a bit more i think – actually they shrunk a little this last week from climbing a mountain every morning…but they will always be there. as will my “sturdy” legs LOL – which i am infinitely thankful for!
Input please! That would be greatly appreciated!!!
Hi MamaV
I am a 36DD/ 12-14 in tailored things like Banana and JCrew, 29 in pants and JP 4 fits me. (Apple shape with all my weight up top.)
I bought several of the button downs,and tees. This sale the twill moto and knit twill parka both are good, with room actually. Happy Shopping.
Yes, it will. I am size 14 and sometimes even 16 in bottoms and size 4 JP for this cardigan fits Ok. I can button it up easily in my chest area (I need like 42 inches there) and with some stretch in my hips (I need like 46″ there). You are taller than me (I am only 5’3″), so it will look even better. The fabric has fantastic softness and stretch to it. You will love it!. I ordered also the striped pullover (after I had received and tried the cardigan) beacuse it should be exactly the same fabric (I have not receive it yet). Hope it helps!
Apple with it all in my tummy and small boobs. Of course, I wouldn’t wear it buttoned, so it sounds like it will work! Thanks, Katy! And Grechen!!
Thanks, E!
I’m interested – I ordered it and it was confirmed and then a few days later, they wrote back to say it was “out of stock”. Just need to check with you about the sizing of it! But definitely would like to buy it.
Chris
That parka is awesome!
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I’m a size 14 and I bought the long striped cardigan. It fits well.
Hi Chris! Grechen mentioned that she gave you my email–so would love to get the sizing info to you!
also a 14…and also got the striped cardi and pullover. Both fit well and I’m wearing the cardi today…unbuttoned, but van button it ok. The pullover is extremely comfy and cozy. I’m a pear shape with size 14 hips and size 10 top and the pullover fits perfectly on my hips.
Grechen, your readers are so helpful! Thx everyone, for the input! Now I want it more than ever!!!
I GOT it!!! And FYI: This code still works for free shipping!: JPFIREWORKS
awesome!!! you MUST let us know how it works out 🙂
How could I NOT after all that helpful input?!? AND finding a free shipping code!! 😉
(Oh how we talk ourselves into purchases!)
Hello Ladies.
The black knit twill parka in 4 is on the block. Like Grechens green one. Its really nice, but just a bit longer than I like.
my eBay user id is hineyb. Will happily sell to anyone here with free shipping, love to get 89.00 back.
Thank you,
E
I bought the “thermal henley dress” (black) in size 1. I usually take a 0, sometimes a 1 in the JP dresses, but this one is really big and fits long – I’m 5’2′. So sad, but it will go in my “get rid of” pile. Wish I had bought the 0 :(. It would be nice, but overall, just too big, loose, and long.
Grechen, I LOVE your striped long cardigan – it’s very pretty on you. I’m tempted to order, but not sure of sizing. Is yours a 2? Thanks!!
Yes mine is a size 2!
Am I wrong, or are there more “this final sale item did not fit” than those that did fit?
If that’s the case, is the sizing off on items that typically end up in a final sale situation with James Perse or is it more “user error”?
Thanks Grechen for creating this community and JP sale forum!
I got the JP cotton gauze top in white, size 2. I’m normally a 8/10 or a 2 or 3 in JP and the fit is fine, but it’s more sheer than I would like. Not see through, but not opaque. It’s sold out now in white, but you can still see the black one on the JP sale site. Looking to either trade or sell. Hoping to sell for $45 including shipping. Or trade for one of the muscle tees, or a v-neck tee.
Reach out if you are interested – jules_jg(at)hotmail
I’ll be listing this jacket and possibly the other one on eBay at a lower starting price. User name impoeage4.