Jackets are just as important as trench coats and coats at this time of year, and here’s why:

1. A jacket provides adequate warmth and coverage in warmer climates where there is no need for a wool coat or trench coat.
2. Jackets are ample when you’re commuting from one heated environment into another and don’t need to venture out into the elements. For example, traveling from heated home to heated car to heated shopping mall may not require a coat.
3. The more sleek jacket styles layer well under coats and this is something I do all the time. That way you still look tailored when you  take off your coat indoors. There’s nothing quite like a jacket to make an outfit feel pulled together!
4. You need jackets in different weights when you have cold Springs and cool Summers, like we often do in Seattle.

Here are my top jacket picks right now, some of which are on sale:

1. muubaa Belted Biker Leather Jacket: This style makes a nice change to the endless supply of regular biker jackets in stores at the moment. Love the belt detailing and it’s offered in two colours.
2. Vero Moda Zip Detail Peplem Jacket: Adorably different and full of 80’s fun.
3. DKNYC Ponte Motorcycle Jacket: If woven biker jackets are hard to fit, try a knitted version for stretchy comfort.
4. Max & Cleo Short Sleeve Satin Bolero: Think beyond regular Pashmina type cover-ups for party dresses. This type of retro jacket feels more updated.
5. INC Puff Sleeve Zip Front Ruffle Jacket: It might look like “a lot of jacket” but it’s quite flattering once on the body. It’s a knit and will stretch in all the right places. Cozy.
6. Banana Republic Bouclé Zip Jacket: A versatile piece both for the office and to wear with jeans. Great to dress up or down and rather Mad Men inspired.
7. BB Dakota Matheson Sharp Shouldered Blazer: A gorgeous 80’s inspired look. Fashion forward and fun.
8. Free People Sargeant’s Short Jacket: This one’s almost like a cardigan and perfect for casual Mums on the go. Will layer well under coats too.
9. Gabriella Rocha Tyedye Pleather Jacket: I can get behind this tie-dye. It’s really more of an ombre effect but very interesting.
10. Gabriella Rocha Brown Bomber Jacket: Not what I would call a bomber jacket but its sweet and in a beautiful rich chestnut brown.
11. Hy & Dot Chiffon Trim Military Blazer: A softer and more casual military style jacket available in two colours.
12. Kenneth Cole New York Velvet Jacket: So many 70’s inspired looks around and on the horizon. I like the sharp shouldered integrity of this one giving it more of an 80’s flair.
13. Sanctuary Uniform Belted Jacket: A different kind of military look.
14. Steve Madden Cadet Jacket: Could be sweet over skirts and dresses just to change things up.
15. Sejour Faux Suede Shawl Collar Jacket (Plus): The tuxedo detailing is gorgeous as is the fabric. Structured but lightweight.
16. Halogen Liquid Velvet Jacket (Plus): Start the nod to 70’s fashion early with a soft velvet blazer. Luxurious, hip and fun. Dress it up or down.
17. Lucky brand Kennedy Plaid Jacket: Casually retro in a fun and modern way.

Go Team Jackets!

Often people resist the purchase of a military-inspired item in fear of it looking dated too quickly. But I don’t think military items go out of style. At the moment they happen to be trending, which is why there are military style coats and jackets everywhere. Rest assured you’ll look just as fab wearing them several years down the line as you do now.

There’s something classic and timeless about the military look, which is why it’s available at least in small doses each season. Some items are dramatically military, whereas others have more subtle inspiration. If you are worried about the item becoming dated, opt for subtle military detailing instead of something overly recognizable.

I have a few several-year-old military jackets and coats that come out to play every season. I might refresh their look by remixing outfit combinations and accessories, but I never stop wearing my military jackets. They might not always be in fashion, but they are always in style.

It was a public holiday in the US last Thursday, which meant catching up on errands and working from home. My outfit for the day had to be casual and extra comfortable. Granted, my casual outfits are dressier than most. But style is a celebration of individuality and this is my casual.

The day started early with a trip to the vet for Jasmine, one of our little Yorkies. It wasn’t raining so I could wear bootcut jeans with my much loved, apple green Miz Mooz Carlito Cowboy boots. No soggy hems! These jeans are one of the first items of clothing I bought when we came to  America seven years ago and they are still going strong. They are AG’s Angel fit premium denim with a wider cut leg. I’m feeling quite hip in them since the resurgence of 70’s fashion.

You can’t see the grey jumper I popped over the jeans, but it’s the twist cashmere sweater from this year’s Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale (I’m always so happy to find knitwear that doesn’t itch). I covered up with an another wardrobe item I’ve had for years – a 70’s inspired leather jacket with faux fur trim. I topped off the look with colourful scarf, cobalt blue snake skin patent satchel and was out the door with doggie in tow.

After dropping off Jasmine I continued the errand run with grocery shopping and a trip to the UPS store. In the afternoon Greg and I walked to one of our locals, the Hi Spot Cafe, for a late lunch (we took these pictures in a park that we passed on the way). Oh how I love, love, love Autumn. I will miss the rustle of the leaves when they are gone.

Back home, the scarf, jacket and shoes came off and the slippers went back on. With tea and biscuits on hand it was off to work at my computer for the rest of the afternoon.

Today’s post is written by wonderful Veteran forum member and Seattle local Kari from InKarisWardrobe. Kari is a full time HR professional with fabulous style. Her colourful wardrobe matches her cheerful persona and beautiful smile! Kari recently organized a Seattle gathering and we had a ball. We virtually laughed from start to finish!

On a drizzly Saturday morning, nine YouLookFab members and friends braved weather, traffic, and family commitments to gather in downtown Seattle.  We chose to start our day at Nordstrom, and it was a thrill to spot Jenava, Julie (julijuli), Anna (annagybe), and Angie already engaged in animated discussion.  It is so fabulous to meet online friends in real life, and then find that you hit it off even better in person!

We walked over to the Steelhead Diner – a restaurant Anna had suggested that is located just above Pike Place Market – where Antje, Shanette (sinead), and new moms Laurel and Phoebe joined us.  Some of us had met before, but most were seeing each other in person for the first time.

During a fun and energetic meal, we barely took a break from our laughter to eat.  Several of us discovered that we work in similar fields or share common career goals, and many found that they actually live near to one another.  Angie entertained us with a hilarious story about misadventures while shopping in a Parisian retail store, and the table was soon buzzing with stories of our various travel experiences. Antje generously shared a delicious, large slice of chocolate cake with all of us.

I couldn’t resist snapping photographs throughout the meal – so many smiles, and such exuberant expressions to capture!  Julie has an absolutely dazzling smile, Anna and Antje have genuine and contagious laughs, and Angie is so incredibly expressive when she is talking and gesturing.

Looking around the table, I was amazed at the very distinct representations of different styles – from sophisticated and elegant Shanette, to Jenava’s ability to perfectly pair contrasting items, to colorful and quirky Antje, edgy Anna and urban Laurel.  I was mentally taking style notes.  What an inspiring group!

Due to the damp weather, boots and patterned scarves ruled the day, and many eye-catching handbags made an appearance (such as Phoebe’s animal print bag, and Laurel’s structured green vintage purse, and of course the famous Valentino.)

Anna had brought an item that she greatly wanted feedback on: her Vince shearling aviator jacket, which you may have already seen on the forum.  Anna wasn’t initially sure whether the jacket was a keeper, but after receiving a KILLER rating on the quality and fit from Angie and from the rest of us, she happily opted to keep it.  The leather is buttery soft, and the jacket fits Anna and her trendy, fashion-forward style to a T.

After wrapping up our lunch, some had to depart, but others were ready for a little shopping.  I had never had the pleasure before to really shop with Angie or any other YLF members, so I was doubly excited! We made a detour to AllSaints Spitalfields, a UK newcomer to downtown Seattle.  Our group was intrigued by the creative use of antique sewing machines to line the windows of the store – as well as the ultra-stylish baby wear collection!

Next, at Nordstrom, I mentioned interest in the infamous peacock scarf, and received helpful input about which color would be the best complement to my mossy green trench coat.  We spent a great deal of time combing the shoe and handbag departments, particularly browsing through the sea of beautiful boots.  Julie tried on a couple pairs of sleek, faux-fur lined Aquatalia boots.  After tracking down a pair of black studded Stuart Weitzman boots, Angie brought us to laughter by modeling some truly hilarious over the knee, white, furry Chanel boots.  (Picture a white, shaggy, furry vest wrapped on top of a clear plastic pump.)  After we calmed down a bit, we conceded that the mid-calf furry black pair was a bit more wearable!  Angie and Anna very generously walked me through the purse department and gave me some great suggestions for where to start when buying a statement handbag, as this is quite a baffling bottleneck in my wardrobe.

In the accessories department, we took a look at the glass pearl necklace from the YLF store, where Angie gave Laurel, Anna, and me a follow-up lesson to her video blog post on knotting long necklaces.  I couldn’t wait to try out this technique at home!  We all explored which shades and bead shapes were the best complement to our styles and coloring.  Before too long, it was time to say goodbye and go our separate ways.

As much as I had a blast shopping with such a fun and helpful group, my favorite part of the gathering was sharing so much laughter and information about our evolving personal style, learning new details about one another’s lifestyles, discussing our beloved children and pets.  I was smiling all the way home just thinking about the uplifting day I had, and cannot wait to see all of you again (and also meet others who were unable to join us this time.)  Thank you to Angie, Anna, Jenava, Julie, Antje, Shanette, Laurel, and Phoebe for making time to meet and for bringing such energy and enthusiasm to the afternoon – and thank you Angie and Greg for creating the opportunity to get to know such a fun and fabulous group!