I love both of them, especially the first one (very $$$ though). I don't think they will look dated, but the second one is a little more safe to me.

Wow, I love both of those jackets. I agree with Maya, I'm not sure that either one would look dated, but the second has a more "classic" style, while the first one is a bit more arty/avant garde.

They are both killer. If you can pull off the dramatic collar I would lean toward the first one. It's just more distinctive and, in my opinion, will stand the test of time.

I'm a little confused. Did you return the Express jacket?

I love dramatic collars and don't think they'll date at all. I have a Mackage trench from 5 years ago with a large pointed collar and it still looks super modern. I like both the jackets you linked to, but prefer the second one slightly. Might be blinded by the lovely brown colour, though :)

Thanks for the input ladies
I may try that second one and see how I feel in it
Angie:I am just fixated on a brown color.still have that wicked express jacket :-)

I'd vote for the first one - I can see it standing the test of time if you're comfortable carrying off that collar. It really stands out in a crowd.

Two thoughts:

With a complicated neckline, proportion is everything--don't let it overwhelm your face!

Curious--does either jacket button, zip or snap closed into a more conventional shape? (Also good for those colder days!)

I am also drawn to dramatic collars. I just have to be careful because it can make my shoulders look even more broad. The scale has to be perfect. For example that Soiya Kyo rain coat didn't work because the collar was TOO overwhelming and swallowed me up.

But, I like the effect particularly as I reach that age where I don't like my neck so much anymore! I think it's a great look to frame your face and draw attention up past your neck. It seems like it would do the opposite, but somehow it works. I see a lot of women of a certain age wearing dramatic collars, so in my opinion it is a timeless look, not necessary trendy.

I think it is a very Royal look, so you also have to have the personality for it. And if you are pear shaped, I think it would provide excellent balance on top.

(Sorry Palm, I don't remember your body shape or your age! So take this as "in general".)

The A+O jacket is gorgeous.

Both jackets are gorgeous! I agree with the ladies that proportion is very important. I guess you won't know how they work until you try them on. I don't think either style will look dated.

Both jackets posted are beautiful and best on those with long necks and daintier shoulders. These styles will not work on lasses with short necks.

It really depends on your style, PF. If you’re Kyle, you’d go with the first one. If you’re me you’d go with the second. “Tough edge” has been part of my look for 25 years and it’s not a fashion thing. Kyle prefers an avant-garde look which is why she favours the first. Body type aside, it’s really all about your personal style when it comes to selecting between the two jackets linked. I hope that makes sense.

Remember that you look KILLER in the Express jacket.

Not to steal the thread, but Angie how do you define avant-garde and what elements make the first jacket so? Can you give any other examples of avant-garde (hmmm, maybe a blog post someday?)

I'm curious because I am much more drawn to the first than the second, and now that you mention it, it's probably because the "tough edge" look just doesn't work on me. I appreciate the look completely and wish I could pull it off - but for some reason, as hard as I try, it feels all wrong on me.

Avant-garde might be just the ticket... I don't ever want to look too "sweet" since I'm short and, well, sweet-looking enough, LOL. I crave some sort of edge but the tough biker chick thing just doesn't work.

You can have a "tough" edge, an "avant-garde" edge... is "cheeky" an edge?

Yes to your last question, Jennifer.

Have you read the thread on "edge" that jewelry girl started, Shiny? That is a good place to start. I’ll fill in the gaps once you’ve read the thread:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....replies=31

Another 'yes' vote to dramatic collars on the jackets, I am drawn to those myself. Both jackets are 'killer' and I do not thing either of them will be dated any time soon.

Angie I definitely have one firm hand on that Express jacket and will return it ONLY if I find another one in brown that makes my heart skip. I love the fit of that Express jacket and like the black color, but would prefer brown I think.I spoke to alot of sales people in stores this season and they do not expect much in the way of brown jackets(or white either), most of what they plan on seeing is black this year I guess.

I have always liked interesting necklines as long as they are in proportion as Garmenta pointed out. I love the Alice and Olivia jacket but it is so WAY out of my price range, no chance there, and it is in black only.Plus t is a shorter length, and I think slightly longer suits me better. But looking at it and the others I liked,I realized a big feature I was being drawn to was the neckline.
This is another one I craved(and my husband loved for me too) but talked myself out of quickly between the price tag and the thought of cleaning a white jacket every week:

http://www.bluefly.com/Andrew-.....detail.fly

So, deep breath, I ordered the second one(the Andrew Marc Envy) in brown and hope it will arrive soon to try.I found it on Ebay, with a reasonable return policy so if it doesn't work out it's not a huge loss.Atleast I would have tried it and can then put it out of my mind. Unless it looks plain old heinous when I put it on, I'll post pics for some feedback :-)
Thank you all for your honest opinions, it helps a TON!

Thanks for that little extra push there Tanya :-)
I checked out some of the past blogs and really admired your style. It's not completely me, but some elements would be SO fun.Must inject some more fun into wardrobe...

Sounds a like a good decision. Looking forward to the photos!

My final update, I am sorry to say there will be no pics :-(
The jacket I bought is too big on me, and interestingly enough the big collar looks not-great. I recently cut my hair into a pixie but and combined with the huge collar, I look like a pinhead.Very, very bad look.That's what I get for being greedy!
Aside from that the color was amazing brown, and the leather was wonderful.Sigh...
So BACK it goes in returns.No more Ebay for me. Wicked Express jacket it is.
Unless I find something in London where I am heading tomorrow ;-)

Thanks again for all your input ladies!

I'm sorry to hear the jacket didn't work out for you PF! I absolutely love dramatic collars, that's the first thing I look for in jackets and coats nowadays. I have a pixie cut too and those kind of collars tend to look good on me. But I'm sure there are other factors at play too.
Perhaps you could post a picture if you ever try a dramatic collar again which you are having doubts about?

Oooooh you're leaving for London!! Have a marvelous time and do report back!

Thanks for the kind wishes Inge! You were one of the YLF family I thought about when I got my haircut because I had seen a pic of you in a leather jacket too I think and you looked fantastic :-)

I am excited about London. I am about to get pounded by the pound, but I'll do a little shopping anyway. Can only sightsee so much ;-)

Wow, really PalmFronds! I'm quite taken aback and consider this a beautiful compliment. Thank you so much!!
I'm convinced your new do looks fab too and that you'll find the perfect jacket for you soon. (and the Express one looks stunning on you as well, by the way).

By the way, I posted this in Jean's thread too (she's in London now as well). I don't know if these are your style, but if you're in the neighbourhood perhaps you could stop by AllSaints. They have a number of leather jackets.
http://www.allsaints.com/womens/leather/?all=1

And yes, I wish they would do something about that pound!-) And of course you need to go shopping. You would never forgive yourself if you didn't;-)

Happy travels!