Ask Angie: the navy suit - saga continues - ETA: decision made - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: the navy suit - saga continues - ETA: decision made

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

You may remember my navy suit post from a couple of days ago and the horror of the blazer with uneven front sides (pic 1). I went to the store and managed to find a jacket with even sides - yay (pic 2) Sorry for taking a picture of it in my home clothing but this white tank did provide a good background to see the details.
Is it a happy ending? I thought so but now I have second thoughts because of Diana's post and Angie's comment on it. Diana compared 2 jackets there -one button style and the same one I have here. Angie's comment was that the one button jacket is more modern and that she likes the side fit of it better than the 2 button jacket.
This comment got me worried. Even on 40% sale this jacket is pretty expensive and I only want to keep it if it is a 10 for me. The color is good, no problem here so now it is all about the fit and style.
It is dark now and my light is not the best but I hope that the white background of the tank allows to see the fit and style well enough. I also compared the length to my other jackets. This one is the same length on the back as my yellow Gap jacket and it is about 2" shorter than my black tuxedo jacket.

I am not sure I like the view from the side but honestly I don't like my side view in general (even less than my back view).
What is your opinion: it this The Navy Jacket for me or should I keep looking? Is it modern enough or too conservative? There is also an option of Tall size I can order from US (for full price though as they do not have online discount on blazers), I think it will be the same length as it is on Diana, 2" longer than this one.
Thanks!

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32 replies

Latest reply was from Sveta

suzyq

Sveta, I'm here to learn so not much help but seriously this looks fabulous. You have your own magical style and a different body type than Diana. This looks pretty classic/ modern to my eye and I hope you aren't over analyzing out of context. Ok I admit I love it more without the house shoes and white tee but YLF woman!

Joy

Veteran

Not Angie, but as an expensive jacket I wonder if you are better off with the 2 button. The 2 button is still a modern style, I think, and may be around longer than the one button. The really low stance of the one button seems like it could look dated faster. The jacket you are wearing looks like a fabulous fit.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, suzyq. You may be right and I am over-analyzing here - I blame it on my spending the last two days sanding our new deck and getting my brain all dusty
Joy, one button jacket is not an option for me because I want navy and that one is black only. Angie's comment made me think if THIS one is modern enough for me...

Scarlet

Veteran

I agree with Joy about the classical aspect of the style. The jacket looks great on you, but it's hard to judge the length of the back over the tee. I would still think to order the long just to be sure you are happiest, especially knowing you are so tall, or do you feel your length is more in your legs than your torso?

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Scarlet, my length is all over. I think my legs and torso are average length proportionally for my height.
I really wish BR gets all Tall sizes available in Canada the way Gap does now.

Adelfa

Veteran

I usually prefer shorter blazers (on me) but I'm longing to see the Tall on you.

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, I think you may have the opposite problem than me with this blazer. On me, the length is good but stance is too low. On you, I think the stance is good but you might want it a little longer. I worry that the tall will have a lower stance as well, and you'll get the problem I have where the lapels pouf over the bust because the button is too low. I could be wrong though...

I think joy is right that this style is more classic, but I guess the question (for both of us) is whether we want to be so classic.

Lisa

Veteran

I think I'm going to be a spammer here, is this jacket too small? I am picky about sleeve length and it looks like it hits at your wrist here? I prefer when a blazer hits at the bone on my thumb, this way when I am sitting at the computer my wrist is still covered. I also generally prefer the fit of a single button blazer, I think with one button you get more curve as a pear shape, which is something I always look for in a blazer, just a little curve to give a nice shape on the torso.

Nicole D

Veteran

Sveta, I hear you about the tall sizes on BR Canada website. You know what though, I really like this jacket on you. I would love to be able to compare it to the tall one, but it is a gorgeous fit as is. Just really up to you whether you want more length and room. I would suggest getting a tall to compare. Sorry to put you through the trouble but nobody said looking great was easy! Nice slippers, BTW.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I disagree with Lisa about the sleeve length -- this looks perfect to me. But then I tend to prefer my sleeves shorter (probably from a lifetime of always having to alter them due to length). Whereas you are tall and have had the opposite problem! Still, this did not seem to bother you, so I am assuming you feel good about the sleeves.

I think the fit on this jacket is lovely on you overall. I actually see a defined but not overly defined waist here. The shoulders look great.

The real questions are: Is this the style you want, and is it the length you want. And you've already identified those.

I wish I had answers. I have identical questions, as you will see when I post my own suit thread! Well, the length is not an issue for me. But like you I am wondering if this is the right style.

Sveta, you have a gift for styling classic items to they look current and up to date. How about if you try to style this a few different ways? See how you feel, take pictures to see how we feel.

As you have told me numerous times, it is all in the styling. Okay, maybe you exaggerated a little. Not all of it is in the styling (cut is important, too) but styling does make a big difference.

I would try the suit with different tops and footwear and belts. I'd try the pants with different jackets. And try the jacket with different bottoms. If it has very high mix-and-matchability, then maybe it is worth it at the sale price, regardless of whether you would wear it as a suit. The fabric is a nice light weight and virtually wrinkle free. The colour is brilliant for you. These are factors not to be easily dismissed.

Last night, I compared this to some similar suit jackets at J. Crew that were three times the price and this was actually as nice or nicer than those. FWIW.

On the other hand, Hugo Boss, Theory, and other brands might also be worth a look.

unfrumped

Veteran

I still think the fit is really good. Follows curves but is not retro-curvy or peplum-y.
What Suz said--take it apart and see if the items say "Sveta" to you when using them as you would in everday stylings. Are the pants pants you will reach for? Will the jacket be fun to grab on the way out the door?
Meaning now, not 5 years from now. You'll need a new suit by then.

Gaylene

Veteran

Sveta, I think I've had the same questions about the BR suits that I've tried on in the past. I can get a good fit in their pants and their fabrics are usually quite good for that price point. But the jackets never seem to be a slam dunk. Either I'm not crazy about something in the fit, or the style seems almost, but not quite, what I want. But then I look at the price and think that it's such a good deal, maybe I'm just being too picky.

To be totally honest, the two-button jacket looks fine, and, if you need a suit, it would be a good buy, especially at that price point. But, if you want a suit that you will love because you feel amazing in it every time you put it on, I'm wondering if you will feel that you've settled for something that is almost, but not quite, right after you cut the tags. So I'm not going to vote to keep or return, because I think only you can figure out if the fit and style of this particular jacket is close enough to your standards to deserve a place in your curated wardrobe.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sveta, my almost 4 year old Theory Suit is a two button. See below. But the jacket is longer and more fluid, and therefore gives the impression of a more modern "now" cut. I chose the quintessential Calvin Klein suit look route here because I believed at the time of Theory suit purchasing it had modern longevity - AND I bought it full price. Each time I put on this suit, I feel magical. I want you to feel that way about your suit too.

I would love to have a suit with a one buttoned blazer from Theory - their current styles are too killer for words. But I do not want to spend another $850 on a Theory suit because I would rather purchase a stunning pink coat.

So that is my long winded way of saying that I STILL prefer you in longer blazers. They are more androgynous, and versatile for your style. The shorter two button is gorgeous here - just more classic than modern. (I sound like I'm splitting hairs, but to me these small things make a difference).

I would have suggested that you order Diana's one button blazer but it does not come in blue

Sooooooo, if you want a more modern suit. Send this one back. If you LOVE this suit when you look in the mirror. Keep it. xo

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Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Ah, life would be so much easier if bossy Angie just say "you should keep the suit, it is killer" or " return this suit, it is not a 10"! But no, I have to make a decision here... ;-)_
I cannot tell you how many times I tried on this jacket and these trousers for the last couple of days - both together and with other things from my closet - and was agonizing about this decision.
Here it is: I am returning both the jacket and the pants. I do it with the broken heart because I love the color and fabric so much...but it is not 10 for me.
I think the jacket hits me ta the bad spot on the back which is not very flattering, especially from the side. I tried to style it and it looked fine but then I put on my tux jacket instead and like it much better with everything (see pic 1 and 2 for comparison). I think I like the navy jacket but I don't love it and I don't have any room in my closet for items I don't love.
In addition I don't really need a suit for work. Even when have a business casual occasion I can get by with my current separates. So this suit is not a need but a want and I have a luxury of time to wait for a perfect MY suit.
Pants are a different story. they go back because the fit is not perfect and I don't think alterations can help. They have that weird bunching under the seat which does not go away does not matter how I try to adjust them. I wonder if the cut is not good: my black Martin pants from last season are the same size but they do not have this. Size 12 for straight pants came back in stock now so I have ordered this size to see if it fits better but honestly I don't keep my hopes high for them.
So no navy suit for me yet. If I am lucky and size 12 works I may have navy pants.
On the bright note I am keeping the plaid pants, They fit much better than the navy, no bunching on the back at all and they have that relaxed menswear vibe I am after. I have dropped them to my mom to let out 1" and taper 1" on the bottom. I am really excited about this addition to my closet and think they will be fun to build outfits with.
Thank you all for helping me make up my mind. As usual YLF wisdom is amazing!
Angie, are there any brands I can look at for my potential "modern" suit? I would love to try Theory but I understand their cuts are not the best for my body type and also they run small and the biggest size is 12 so I cannot size up. Any suggestions?

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Gaylene

Veteran

I think you made a wise decision, Sveta. If you needed a suit, this classic. business-oriented one could certainly have worked, but, if you want a modern suit to serve as a building block in your wardrobe, you deserve one that makes your heart sing every time you see it in your closet. Agonizing about whether or not to keep it sounds like it your head was trying to overrule your instincts. So, as Angie says, onward to something better!

But I'm happy to hear that you've decided to keep those plaid pant--it sounds like there was no agonizing needed to make that decision.

Adelfa

Veteran

This sounds like the right decision for you, but painful! You are inspiring me to be willing to go through the same pain when necessary!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sveta, this is such a toughie. I admire your resolve and am not sure I can approach it myself! But it sounds like the right decision for you and at least you will have one pair of great pants out of the adventure, so all is not lost. Also, those pants are gone from the website (or I can't find them) so it is good you jumped when you did.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Gaylene, your honest opinion helped me to make up my mind, thank you!
Adelfa, this is pretty much how I add anything to my closet lately, A LOT of pain in the process but it makes for painless dressing later
Suz, after I decided to return it I feel much better. As for the plaid trousers - they were already out of most sizes when I ordered them and now they are completely gone on both Canadian and US sites. At least I scored there!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This is the right decision, Sveta. I can hear your sigh of relief.

Have you tried a Theory suit yet? If not - TRY IT. There are many fits, and you wear a wider leg well. Keep on trying their styles. Yes - they are cut narrow, but sometimes there is more room in the legs.

Furthermore, try J.Crew. I have a friend who has a similar body type to you, and is 6 ft tall. She only ever wears J.Crew pants and blazers for suit looks. They come in Tall and she has extremely long legs - and wears heels.

Try Express suiting. Really. I have many clients in Express suits because the cuts are very good and the prices even better. It could be a placeholder suit.

BR keeps on coming out with suits, so don't give up on them either.

I would be very surprised if AT makes a suit to fit your height. Everything there is cut for a shorter lass.

Glory

Veteran

Sveta do you have a Femme de Carriere in your neck of the woods? They have suberb high quality wool suits that might be worth trying.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Angie, thank you for the recommendations.
I have never tried Theory anything: it is not easy being in Canada. Does Theory sizing run as small as Zara's? If so the I don't really have much hope here. I am going to US for vacation in October so maybe I can try it then?
I also have not tried JCrew anything yet so I have no idea if their cuts fit me. Your friend's experience is encouraging though...
I have already looked at Express suits but the jackets mostly pretty short - and would you say the cut is modern? It looks pretty traditional to me.
I will continue to check out BR, after all I got my tux jacket from there.
In the end I won't be surprised if my dream modern suit will remain just it - a dream...

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Glory, I have never even heard of this brand - definitely not in my neck of woods.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sveta, they have Femmes de Carrierre in Toronto. I have not examined their suits but the clothes in general have a very feminine looking cut. Worth checking though, perhaps.

They have Theory at the flagship Bay in Toronto at Yonge and Queen. They don't have a ton and may not have specific sizes, but they do carry the line and there are options. They also carry it at Holt's. The one thing that you would love about them is that their trousers tend to be on the long side. As I said to Diana, I think you would have a chance with their Emery pant. It is one of the wide leg styles. I have a pair that I got from my consignment store and the fit is supposed to be more generous than their other styles.

I am a 2 in Theory. I wear a S at Zara. A 0 in the BR suit. For reference sake. I would say Theory runs TTS if you are talking higher end sizes vs. the big box store sizes.

However...I just looked on the Nordstrom's site and most of the Theory jackets this year have a high proportion of polyester in them. That doesn't appeal to me a whole lot. I'm not diametrically opposed or anything, but if I am going to spend $400 on a jacket, I would prefer natural or mostly natural fibres.

There is also a J. Crew at the Eaton Centre (as well as Yorkville). I find that the selection in store there is pretty poor. But usually if you try on a bunch of stuff in store you can make better guesses for ordering. I have to say, though, I was not particularly impressed with the jackets I tried there the other day, especially at the price point. One of them was over $400 and truly (unless my eyes are crazy) it did not look better on me than the BR did.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote Sveta and Suz go on a suit shopping expedition together.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Definitely I don't shop in Toronto enough. Honestly I don't shop there at all!
Suz, we definitely need to organize a Toronto shopping trip!

Nicole D

Veteran

Femme de Carriere is lovely. Angela Angelozzi is the designer, I think. Too bad, I just consigned a suit from her, Finally gave up on getting the jacket to button - ha ha. It was a sassy one button with almost a tails feel to it. But it was black. They have a Femme de Carriere at Yorkdale I think.
Have you ever tried suiting from LTS? I have a nice grey suit from them (it's my serious female internist suit) and they also carry Louben...just a thought if you are having trouble with non tall proportions.

Nicole D

Veteran

PS, I would love to join you in TO some time (I am up the road in Waterloo).

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Okay, Sveta, you are on. I am coming the last weekend in October. Will you be away then?

Anonymous

Oh, I wish I could slip away for a day!

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