Jackets, cont. - YouLookFab Forum

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Jackets, cont.

Maya

Veteran

OK, I have reached a point of desperation. Yesterday I had to go to work without a jacket because I could barely even get it on over my chunky sweater. I thought the sweater and my pashmina would be enough to keep me warm, but I was very much mistaken and I was freezing. So now getting a jacket is more of a practicality issue and less of a style issue, but I can't bear the idea of getting a jacket I won't like. I'd rather just get it right the first time.

Here are two I have been thinking about:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....1&P=1

I would probably get the tomato color. Unsure about the double breasted style, and it seems a bit heavier than what I was looking for. I was looking for more of a lined blazer. I think it's adorable on the models, but on busty and short me I'm unsure.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....6&P=1

It's fleece. I don't know about that. And I fear the pleating is going to make either my hips or my tummy look big, depending where it falls. I'd be getting the white one.

Ideas?

If nothing else, I might just go to Target and get a boring cheap jacket to keep me warm, but I'd rather not do that. Seems like a waste of $25 I could put towards a jacket I actually like.

Dressing

38 replies

Latest reply was from Antje

Amanda

Maya - I really like the first one (and tomato red would be great!) but it's to tell what it will look like on you. I actually like fleece and am always on the lookout for fleece that's stylish so I like the second one. But I know a lot of people don't like fleece. I think it definitely would look more casual so might not be as versatile.

Kyle

Veteran

I like them both...the red would look great on you, though.

Maya

Veteran

They're sold out of the red, apparently

This is just not a good jacket season. Jackets are now pure style and no substance. Sigh.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Are you looking for a work blazer or a jacket or....? And what's your price range? Under $100 probably?

Julia

Maya do you want to have an indoor jacket or outdoor one? If it's outdoor do you want to consider a short trench? I bought one from AT in berry, it's pretty good.

Maya

Veteran

Ana + Julia, I am looking for a jacket that I can wear outdoors but also keep on inside if I'm cold. Same idea as these in terms of function and weight (though not necessarily style):

http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....=DARK+GREY

http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....Name=BLACK

Julia, I'm looking for something I can wear with jeans and skirts, and trenches are generally too long for that.

As for price range: Definitely under $100...preferably way under $100.

Alecia

Veteran

I like the first ones you posted, too bad about the tomato. Of course, the key would be fit. The anthropologie links don't move me. I hope you find something. I really don't like jacket shopping. I don't think there's ever a good jacket season.

Maya

Veteran

I don't want the Anthropologie jackets. I can't even afford them. As I said, they were just an example of the type and weight I was looking for. Normally I like jacket shopping, but I think I have given up this season. It's absolutely maddening. My trench is going to be too warm for the weather right now, but hopefully soon temperatures will drop and I won't have to think about it anymore. For now I think I'd rather just bulk up on layers rather than continuing to frustrate myself.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Maya, indulge me. I am trying to understand why jacket shopping is frustrating. There are plenty of jackets around that suit your requirement and price point. Help me out!

Maya

Veteran

Hi Angie,

My biggest frustration so far has been that the jackets I like often have 3/4 or shorter sleeve lengths. I have to automatically disqualify all of them. It's just not practical.

Second, I know it sounds picky of me, but I do want something that's funkier and more fun to look at than just a plain cord jacket or black blazer. The reason for this is because I get cold easily and quite frequently go an entire day without taking off my jacket. So if I have to cover up the cute top that I'm wearing, I want to cover it up with something that is at least as interesting to look at. When I think of the details I like, I think of big shiny buttons, slightly (not very) puffed sleeves, pickstitching, contrast piping, patterns (though subtle), etc.

I am also unsure of how to deal with layering. Most of the jackets I see are shorter than my shirts and sweaters, so do I have to make sure they coordinate if I'm going to have a bit of shirt peeking out from below?

And of course there are some things I am either sure I can't wear, or unsure if I can wear. I know I can't wear pockets on the bust, for example, so anything with chest pockets is automatically out. I'm not sure if I can or should wear jackets that button all the way up, or if I should stick to the 1-3 button "lock and load" effect. That's why I waffled over getting that funnel neck jacket.

Remember that Tulle jacket you once posted? Let me see if I can find it.

http://youlookfab.com/2007/09/.....ze-jacket/

The polkadot one. I love it. It has cropped sleeves, but other than that, it's everything I'm looking for stylewise.

If there are plenty of jackets that suit my requirements, please point them out to me. I'm more than eager for suggestions.

BTW I am also very open to a white nonleather moto jacket. I would really like one of those but it seems hard to find so I'm not holding my breath.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I hear you, Maya. Long sleeved jackets are about to come out so it might be a question of waiting. But in the mean time, have a squizz at these:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....6&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....6&P=1

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com.....038;color=

Are you open to a black non-leather moto jacket?

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com.....038;color=

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com.....038;color=

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com.....038;color=

This one is cream:
http://shop.guess.com/ProductD.....t_category|46=Women&category|60=Outerwear&browse=1&rpt=Department.aspx&pt=ProductListing.aspx

The esprit links don’t work when I copy them, but look at their jackets too. Quite a few nice looks.

I know you don’t like Macys, but their junior department is full of sweet, fun and affordable styles. Muster up the courage!

Also, don't worry about layers peeking out and having to match them with the jacket. I like a mismatched look.

Debbie

OMG I LOVE the first red coat!

Amanda

Maya -- do you prefer jackets to sweaters? I wonder if the issue is being cold inside, you might find a couple of cardigans that would work with a variety of tops that you have. Then you could maybe find an inexpensive raincoat to wear while it's still too warm to wear your trench. You could wear that outside and then take it off and still be warm inside.

I was also confused about whether you were looking for an outwear jacket or an non-outwear jacket. It sounds like you want something that works as both. I agree that the 3/4 length sleeves are frustrating -- same problem with trench coats. It's good that you seem to know exactly what you want -- but I feel your frustration -- knowing exactly what you want sometimes makes it even harder to find.

Maya

Veteran

Angie, I'm not so sure about a black biker. It just seems harsh. I like the biker jacket look, but I feel like I would probably prefer a softer version, and since so many of my clothes are dark, a lighter one would give a nice contrast.

You read my mind about the Guess one. It's lovely, but I'm just not sure about the fleece. I think it's going to get gray kitty fur all over it, and it isn't wind-proof. The look of it is spot on though.

I'm tipping towards this one right now:

http://www.ardenb.com/catalog/.....259c3b63b5

I would like to see it in person first though.

I really liked this one too from the front, but I find all that corseting on the back a little fussy:

http://www.armaniexchange.com/.....sentials/a|x+logo+moto+jacket.do?asc=&sortby=&size=

I checked Esprit but all their jackets seem to be in the black/gray family as well.

As for Macys, I actually did go there a few days ago but I didn't have that much time. I wanted to check out the Kensie department anyway so I might go back.

Maya

Veteran

AJ, that's exactly the problem. I want a jacket that works for both. Right now I have a lined blazer which would do the trick but for the fact that it's too small. I just want something comparable to that.

I tend to be very specific with what I want, which is why I don't tend to enjoy shopping much. But I can't have 10 different things to fulfill 10 different purposes. I can only afford one jacket, so it has to be one hell of a jacket, y'know?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That’s a good point. I suppose I was hoping you’d have light coloured tops! The Arden B jacket is great. Have you seen the red Guess jacket? I had it on my blog post. It might not be warm enough, though.

http://shop.guess.com/ProductD.....t_category|46=Women&category|60=Outerwear&browse=1&rpt=Department.aspx&pt=ProductListing.aspx

Nice suggestion aj.

Maya

Veteran

I really like the red Guess jacket, Angie. It's actually about the right weight. I'm not looking for something to carry me through all of fall. Just for the early transitional part, September-October, when it's windy and cold in the morning, but warms up a bit in the afternoon. That's why waiting doesn't really make sense: By the time the full length sleeves come out, it will be too cold and I'll be in my trench anyway.The only thing that's "wrong" with the Guess jacket is the price. I'm trying to stay well under $100.

I also am drawn to this one, even though it's black, because of the satin material.

http://www.express.com/catalog.....egoryId=32

I'm going to try them both (the Express and Arden B one) on tomorrow.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I've had the Express satin biker jacket on a few bodies - masculine and quite ill-fitting. I’ll be interested to hear what you think. That’s why I didn’t suggest it to you.

Try Bebe too. There are great satin moto jackets on sale for under $100. I had two clients purchase them last week. Unfortunately I can’t find links to show you.

I’ve seen the red Guess biker in the flesh – gorgeous. Can you come up with a few discount codes to bring down the price?

Report back please!

Maya

Veteran

That's sad! I was counting on the Express one. I have not been able to find any discount codes for Guess so far. I even signed up for email list, but they haven't sent any promos codes so far. I do have one for Arden B though, so I guess that jacket is my best bet. Have you seen it in person Angie?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Don't give up on the Express jacket yet. Try it on and let me know what you think. Go to Bebe too. For me! Do you find that regular length sleeves are too long for your petite frame?

I have not seen the Ardeb B jacket in the flesh. But I’m hopeful. Their woven items are pretty good.

I know it’s not long sleeved, but this Loft jacket is fabulous on and well made. You might not like the ruffle on the chest, but it’s an impressive little style.

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....ory=Misses

Tanya

Veteran

I hope you find something Maya. I have been to the mall today ans saw this ATL jacket that Angie posted, it is really pretty!

Maya

Veteran

Angie, I saw that ATL jacket too and it's very pretty, but the sleeves are no good. I really need the full length. Actually, I was considering this one from VS because of the ruffle:

http://www2.victoriassecret.co.....%20Catalog

I will also check Bebe. Luckily Bebe, Express, Arden B, and VS are all on 5th ave right where I am. I got all my homework done this weekend so I don't have to work in the labs during my break between classes and I can use that time to shop :p

Tanya

Veteran

Maya, I really like the VS one ! I hope that it will work for you! I have a completely different jacket from them but from the same material, and so far it's holding up quite well.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for the validation, Tanya. It truly is a beautiful little jacket. But I hear you on the sleeve length, Maya. Like the VS jacket too. Beware of beige! But it’s so pretty.

Have fun shopping

Alecia

Veteran

The VS jacket is SO adorable. I've got my fingers crossed that it works for you, Maya!

Maya

Veteran

It also comes in black Angie. Wish it came in white though, but who knows.

Maya

Veteran

Not a successful day I quickly discovered that a black moto jacket is just too harsh on me, regardless of material and fit. It just does not suit me and almost looks comical.

I did not find the Express one ill-fitting and masculine, but I felt like it was hitting me at a weird place. That seems to extend to all cropped jackets. My torso is too short for them to look cropped, so instead they just look like they're too short.

Zara seems to have a love affair with shoulder pads right now, so that trip was not successful either. H&M had a lot of wool/winter jackets but not much else. Wasn't too impressed with Esprit. VS apparently does not carry their clothing in store, so I felt a bit silly going in there and coming right back out, but I did not get to try on the ruffle jacket. Anthropologie had nothing (though the only place I checked was the sale rack, since that is the only part of the store I can afford). The white moto jacket from Arden B was the best by far, but the shoulders were HUGE. Not only did they drop down too much, but they were gathered. I normally like puffed/gathered sleeves, but not with such a bulky material. Since it's faux leather, I imagine it would be a difficult to impossible alteration. Finally, Filene's basement had nothing. Maybe it's just me, but functional jackets seem to be obsolete. It's either about layering/suit/indoor jackets, or coats. Nothing in between.

So I'm abandoning the hunt for now. But thanks for everyone's help. I appreciate it very much.

Dani

Veteran

Sorry Maya Maybe now that you've stopped looking, one will fall in your lap.

Tanya

Veteran

I am so sorry to hear this Maya. Did you ever get to try that navy Guess moto jacket you liked?

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