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Ask Angie and all: Smythe jacket on me

Janet

(website)

Veteran

First ever time trying on a Smythe jacket, even though I have been wanting to check one out for a long time. I like the houndstooth and equestrian vibe.

I'm surprised that the fit isn't bad, after seeing so many people lament that they didn't work for them.

I normally wear a 6 or 8 in jackets -- glad I sized up to a 10. It's a fitted jacket and the shoulders seem right, so I don't think I could really go larger, could I? The sleeves are *just* long enough -- I would actually prefer then slightly longer and I wonder if they could be let out a bit. I don't care for it buttoned up, but I don't wear this kind of jacket buttoned anyway.

Pardon total lack of styling and really weird facial expressions as I contorted and considered. I also included a lot of shots in two different light situations to try to get a more complete picture, as flawed as iPhone selfies are.

What do you think? I would have to consider whether this is truly useful for me. It is a classic, but we've seen lately that I sometimes use the label "classic" as a reason to hang onto something I don't truly use. If this is a keeper, it's not going to be the kind if thing I wear more than once every two weeks, but 1) if it's a true classic and will stay useful for many years to come, and 2) I can style it with relative ease to suit my style, I could perhaps justify adding it to my closet. Considering I just purged 6 blazers, should this be a possible replacement?

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33 replies

Latest reply was from

carter

Veteran

Love it from the front with your arms down, but when you raise your arm for the photo, the sleeve does look very short. Have you had good luck lengthening sleeves? Does it hit you where you want it to in the back? I tend to go a bit higher or a bit lower, but my rear view is super wide at that point, so it may just be me.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I dunno Janet. It's not screaming " fab" to me, as many if your items do. But I can't put my finger on why. The muted colour? The rounded design lines? Sorry to be so ambiguous.

Echo

Veteran

This is a VERY flattering jacket. I don't like it fastened, but you likely wouldn't wear it that way, anyway. And I am not bothered by the sleeves. While upon examination they are perhaps not the ideal length, I never would have noticed had you not mentioned it; I don't find it troublesome, even when you raise your arm for the pics.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I've never had a sleeve lengthened, so that would be something I really need a tailor's advice on.

As for the back, like I said recently, I generally avoid my back view as much as possible, except to make sure the fit is OK across the shoulder and not too bunchy or tight. Keep in mind that with my crooked spine, nothing ever sits perfectly flat across my back. If you think this length hits me at an unflattering spot, please feel free to say so, but in general, I *think* this is not a bad length because it's not straight across my widest part (saddlebags, which are a little lower).

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

I don't know you all that well, but from what I've seen of you in your posts here, you are "edgier" than this blazer would suggest. I don't know what it is, but it seems a bit too soft and girly for you.

Fit wise, it seems small. And I just read your faded jeans back view post: honestly? This jacket seems to fall at the widest point back there.

Sorry--and if I'm in the minority, feel free to disregard my remarks--'cause I believe that if you like it, you'll make it rock.

pastrygirl

(website)

Veteran

My first thought was similar to Alana's. Though I think the fit is great...it just looks a little ho-hum for you.

DonnaF

Veteran

I think it's the windowpane gray; not enough drama. I could see this style on you but in a tweedy rich expresso or something along those lines. Otherwise, the style looks great on you!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I really appreciate the responses. I kept my initial post kind of vague when it came to my feelings so that I would get honest feedback. But here's what happened.

The box with some Nordstrom items arrived yesterday while I was out for a long day/night, so late last night I tore into it out of pure anxious curiosity. I did try this jacket on really, and I mean really, briefly, just to get the quickest idea of whether it was worth further inspection. My reaction was, OK. Not excitement, but OK.

So today, when I read Angie's recommendation of this jacket, in my mind I thought, "Oh! I need to give this jacket a better chance." So when I got home, I put it on again and I think I've been trying to make it work, trying to get more excited about it than I am. Part of me is talking myself into it because it's a SMYTHE jacket, y'all, and it FITS and it's a popular item and label. Oh yeah, and it's CLASSIC.

But am I going to be working hard to style this in a more rock'n'roll edgy way? True, I combine modern classics with other pieces to find balance in my style. But is this the right modern classic piece?

I'm just thinking out loud (out written?) here, so bear with me, and feel free to chime in or ignore my self-analysis. I'm getting smarter about my purchases, but clearly there are issues I have to talk myself through.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

You really don't wear heavily distressed jeans. That would be a good juxtaposition.
I'm still lusting after that plaid Band of Outsiders blazer.

Thistle

Veteran

There is something in the fit that is a hairs breath off to my eye. I like it through the waist and over the hips. It does seem to fit well through the shoulder. Does it?

Finally, what hole does this fill for you? It really reads corporate to me not artist.

christy

Veteran

Wowza! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous jacket! And I think it's extremely flattering on you. BUT...I'm wondering if it's rock n roll enough for you. Didn't you just purge several "classic" jackets? I love it on you, but would suggest you try styling it and make sure it's something you would reach for often enough.

*sigh* someday I'll have a Smythe jacket! Or a Burberry trench...those items are on my bucket list! ;0

rabbit

Veteran

My take is somewhat similar, that it doesn't look rock n' roll enough for you although it might in another color. Like Anna suggests in my mind it would need to be paired with something quite grunge/distressed to get away from the conservative staid (but nicely tailored) vibe.

jinx! I posted at the same time as christy

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, I think it's too short and not dramatic enough. It's a little bit generic maybe. I admit that I have a very specific image in my head of what a Smythe jacket should look like - basically the way Angie's looks here:

http://youlookfab.com/2012/01/.....w-patches/

What hers has that this one does not: a more dramatic, longer "tail", a curved hem in back, a more peplum-y shape, and a bolder color.

Echo

Veteran

If you are interested in the jacket simply because of the name or the reviews on it, then it probably isn't for you. But if you are actually attracted to the jacket, I think you could make it work. While it is all fine and good to have a personal style, it becomes limiting if a person feels they cannot explore outside that box. Juxtaposition between different materials or different styles IS edgy, and styled in that way I think this piece could be a winner - but only if you start from a point of loving it.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So jealous!! I wanted to buy this but they sold out of my size really fast, alas, and it never came back into stock.

What a delight to see it on you!

Here's what I think. If you are still ambivalent, it's probably not right. Send it back. You're not in love.

But if you go to package it up and can't make yourself do that -- if something is making you continue to think about it -- then please please please STYLE it. It's almost impossible to make a judgement about an item like this unstyled. It just can't be seen properly this way. Nobody can really tell how YOU would wear it, so they are reacting to the item as it looks here. Once we see it with the top you'd actually wear, the pants, etc. -- then we know if it is a Janet look.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Diana, I think you hit on it -- I prefer that jacket that Angie has -- it *does* have more drama. You're exactly right. Yep. Well, now I have an idea of how their jackets fit me, which is encouraging. But my lack of excitement was my first clue that this is not THE ONE!

Onwards and upwards. Very nice jacket, but it's not the one for me. Thank you all so much for helping me figure this out!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I have to concur with others: it is a great jacket and looks like it fits well but somehow it does not scream "Janet" to me. Now those to BCBG jackets you got in Boston - they do and loudly!
On the other hands there are wildcards, right? So what do you feel about it? Do you love it? Do you get tingling all over when wearing it? If you do then it may work for you as a beautiful wildcard...but if not - then it may be not your jacket.

What else was in that box?

missvee

Veteran

I think you've made the right decision. It's an interesting jacket but the fit seems a bit blocky across the shoulders to me. Onward and upward!

Peri

Veteran

I'm not one to think we have to stick with one style. Why can't we be rock n' roll one day and classic the next?

That said, I'm sorry to say, but I don't love it on you the way I love just about everything on you. And it isn't exactly the style, it is more the fit. It just seems proportioned short for you somehow. Like you are wearing a petite when you are a regular. It seems like I would like something better that hit the waist lower and was a longer length.

My two cents is only worth two cents though, remember that! Suz has a good idea to try some styling. And then, as I have often been advised, if you have doubts that is telling you something.

catgirl

Veteran

I agree 100% with Diana. If you are going to splash out for a jacket like this it needs to be more than just good. This is nice, but I don't see special the way I did with your patina vest. And I covet Smythe with all my broad-shouldered-thus-unable-to-wear-it heart. It's not you, it's the jacket!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Suz and Sveta, yes, thanks for the additional wisdom!

I feel better about letting it go. It fits nicely and is even conventionally flattering, but that's not enough for a significant wardrobe addition. Jackets are one of the ways I show an edgier side of my style, and if I'm going to get a Smythe riding jacket some day, it's going to have a more dramatic, exaggerated silhouette.

Funny thing is, I have a funky fitted blazer that's a twist on an exaggerated riding style -- it's plaid in shades of brown, so I was just looking at it thinking it may have to come back out to play this fall. It's a little challenging to style, but I have a couple of combinations in mind, and it's already in my closet!

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, there you go! The jacket you need and want is right there to hand! Send this one back and make some other woman very happy. Too bad we're not the same size or that woman could be me!

karymk

Veteran

Janet, wait. You just purged 6 blazers. You don't need to replace it immediately. Check out the other options. Seems awfully classic for your style, but maybe you will trick it out with some cool boots and a hat? Scarf? I didn't hear you say you LOVED this jacket. Although the fit is great, including the sleeves.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I like the one you already have much better than the Smythe on you. It's very you.

viva

Veteran

No need for me to chime in, but I will anyway. I prefer the one you have to this Smythe, and if you are going to get a Smythe, get the one Angie has -- and so will I. That one is MUCH more interesting and has a stronger character that can interact with your rock-and-roll style.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Janet, I think it's a little too short for you, and on the sleeves too - therein lies the problem. Glad you tried it though. It's such a beautiful jacket. I'm shorter than you, and this jacket falls longer on me. To my eye, that looks more proportional. Hope that makes sense.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, Angie! Makes total sense. I agree -- I feel like this is close but not perfect in fit, and not quite the right fit for my style either, but I'm really glad I tried it! I will hold out hope that something like your longer charcoal jacket becomes available again, and then I will pounce!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I didn't read everyone else's comments but I would say you should pass on this. It's just not *your* style, though sure, it fits and all. It seems out of place along with all the posts I see of yours.

retailgirl

Veteran

Janet, I don't think this jacket is for you, but in the future, don't be put off by too short sleeves. I have long arms and I have to have the sleeves let down on every jacket or coat I buy. (About an inch to an inch and a half.). The only time it can't be done is if the sleeve has working buttonholes. My tailor even did a jacket that had buttonhole stitching, but not a working buttonhole...he took out all of the stitching, let the sleeve down, and reattached the buttons. You would never know.

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