K/R Bernardo White Moto Jacket - sort of - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R Bernardo White Moto Jacket - sort of

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

The Bay in Canada is selling the white faux leather Bernardo moto jacket, but under the label Material Girl. Ceit has ordered it, so when I was in The Bay this evening passing through to return my Cleo items, I decided to have a look at it and try it on - and promptly brought it home.

Unfortunately, Material Girl is not selling it in a petite size and I do suspect the petite would fit me a bit better, however that being said, I quite like the fit of this size. It zips up (bonus) and is a little slouchy when unzipped, which I absolutely love. It is almost an oversized look, which again, I quite like.

The sleeves are at least two inches too long so I have scrunched the sleeves for these pics. Unfortunately the scrunching of the sleeves pushes the arms up a bit into the shoulders so may make the shoulder fit look a bit off. If I keep, I will pay to have the sleeves shortened.

These aren't the best pics as it's almost 10:00 p.m. here and I'm winding down for the day, but I was so eager to show you. I'm giving it a 9 out of 10 for me and can see it styled with several of my bottoms (jeans, slouchy trousers, tweed trousers, white jeans) and over a few frocks as well. I also really like that it's machine washable. I'm known in my office as Mrs. Spilly-Pants and white leather just scares me. BTW, a 9 out of 10 for me is a Keep.

So over to you... is it a Keep or a Return in your eyes?

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30 replies

Latest reply was from Glory

ElleH

Veteran

Is there any way you can get the Bernardo in a petite to try on? It doesn't look bad but joining YLF for me is about learning how to only spend money on great items. 9 out of 10 is great but you did post the question & it doesn't fit you in the arms. I just saw that you will have them shortened but it may be easier to buy a petite if you can. Is it lined? That makes shortening harder.

Beth Ann

Veteran

OK -- before I weigh in -- were you waiting for a Danier? I realize leather isn't machine washable, but I wanted to make sure. I'm not looking for leather, myself, because I run warm and hate anything confining and would choose this jacket first for that reason. But the Danier jackets are extraordinary.

I like this alot open --- definite 9 of 10. I'm not liking it as well closed, I think this is because of the placement of the metallic inserts at the sides. Still, this is only one pic, and I suspect that I would likely wear it zipped only about 1/2 way up.

This style is a natural for your wardrobe -- very versatile.

catgirl

Veteran

Hey Shannon, I'm just going to ask, since you've said this rates a 9/10 to you and is a keep, whether you really want different opinions. Not saying mine is necessarily different, but I'm trying to be more cautious about K/R posts vs. other types of questions so as not to hurt feelings!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I like the style, fit and color on you. I personally cannot wear faux leather at all, it just does not look right to my eye and does not feel right for my skin. So this is all very subjective. It looks like this jacket's fabric is pretty wrinkled: is it what its texture is or does it wrinkle easily?
Sorry, I am not much help here

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Elle - I am not able to get the petite here unfortunately. The jacket is lined but my seamstress has shortened lined sleeves for me before. Other than the sleeves, what do you think of it?

Beth Ann - I decided against a white leather jacket at this time. I want to see if I will actually wear a white jacket enough before investing in leather.

Una - I definitely want honest opinions and if enough people felt this jacket was not good for me, I would take this seriously and give it consideration.

ElleH

Veteran

Shannon I don't love it. It looks ok but the black leather Danier blazer looks killer! I know you don't want to buy white leather yet but it wouldn't be a good trial if you have a better jacket to reach for you will always reach for it which may be about how it looks rather than the color so you will think you prefer black over white.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Shannon --- I completely get "test driving" a look with a reasonably priced items. I'm doing that with oxfords, myself. I only have one white piece --- a white linen-like anorak. I'm surprised it doesn't get as dirty as I expected, and it's washable, which is essential, I think. I predict that you'll love white. This one is a lovely creamy white in my monitor. Is that accurate?

Deborah

Veteran

Shannon would the alterations make it a 10 for you? If not what 's making it only a 9 and not a 10?

Anonymous

I am picking mine up today! I can't wait to try it on!

I like it on you, and for once something is cheaper for us than in the US! I think this would be a great bridging piece for spring and summer into fall, especially as you continue your program.

Thistle

Veteran

I like it on you, especially in #3. Is it machine washable?

Anonymous

Hi Shannon,
Are you looking for opinions on fit etc, and/or if we like it for you? Also, is this sort of a placeholder for a leather one?

kellygirl

Veteran

I really like it on you, Shannon! I'm thinking the length on this is just perfect. I should have taken a picture of the large P that I tried but it seemed even wider than the regular--probably because it was slightly shorter. It looks great with jeans and the sheath. I honestly don't think you can go wrong with it--isn't it a great weight for spring? Love the side panels--soooo cool!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Elle - I totally get that my black leather blazer is far superior to this jacket, but I'm not trying to duplicate that same sort of fit. This is a different style for different purposes, if that makes any sense.

Beth Ann - it is a creamy white, not an optic white.

Deborah - getting the sleeves shortened would make it a 9.5. In my opinion, the fit is not absolutely perfect in the shoulders and that's what is keeping it from being a 10.

Thistle - yes, it is machine washable...HUGE plus!

Zap - yes please, I would like opinions on fit and whether you see this working for my style.

Kelly - those side panels are so cool, aren't they?

So here's the scoop: I know it isn't an absolutely perfect fit. But I'm wondering if there are times when the PERFECT item isn't going to be possible and you have to do a bit of settling for something else. Now I'm not talking settling for something that's a 5 out of 10 for you. But when something is really, really close - maybe it's ok to have it anyway?

I'm not going to purchase a white leather jacket as this point because I'm not sure I will wear white as much as I'm hoping to and want to "test drive" the look first, and I'm not sure what my size is going to be in 3-6 months and don't want to spend that type of money for something that will fit now and not later. So that leaves with me faux leather options. There are absolutely NONE available in petite sizing - Ricki's and Revolutions in Canada have a beautiful white quilted faux leather jacket but it is very thick and would be even costlier to have the sleeves shortened than on this one.

The other thing is I have a white cropped denim jacket - maybe I should just stick with that?

I'm just musing here and please PLEASE know that I always want an honest opinion even if I end up being disappointed. I've worked hard to bring my style to a better level and have no desire to slide back down the hill.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, this is a tough one!

First off, I LOVE you in white! You are going to love wearing more of it.

Secondly, I am not against stop-gap purchases or "try-out" purchases, as you know. I think they can be a great way to test the waters.

Third, this is a fun jacket, and looks pretty darned good on you with both jeans and a dress.

Fourth, practicalities are relevant -- the fact that it is washable is a plus, for sure.

Fifth, it's a good price.

Now for the "buts."

I am like Sveta. I have tried and tried, but I cannot wear faux leather. It feels sticky, icky, hot, unbreathable (even with panels like so) and if there is even a whiff of humidity in the air, just plain yukky. Whereas leather breathes and feels gorgeous against the hand and skin.

I am not a fan of what appears to be the crinkly texture on this. That might fall out a bit with wear as you "heat" the jacket with the warmth of your body.

In the end, only you can say if this is the right addition to your closet. If it suits your style, your shape, your pocketbook, and your goals, AND the comfort factor is there for you, I say yay.

For myself, it would be ticking a whole lot of boxes but not the comfort boxes. Now, if it were a faux leather VEST, that I might try, but for a jacket, I'm either going fabric or real leather.

By the way, I have a cropped white denim jacket that I do enjoy a lot. I don't think they are exactly substitutes, but perhaps similar enough that you would feel it was duplication. However, if you found yourself wearing one constantly and the other not at all, it would be easy to consign or donate the unused one. Or offer to a YLF friend.

One final point. Remember how I tried a leather moto in the fall, and ended up returning it (due to fit) and instead bought a waxed denim moto?

Well, I know. Waxed denim is not faux leather. But there is something a bit similar in the "hand" of these materials.

Guess what? I wore that waxed denim moto a grand total of about 6 or 8 times. And I just donated it to my stepdaughter. I HATED the way it felt, hated the way it LOOKED, even. It just could not compare to the feeling of leather. In the end I decided, for me, it's a proper fabric or it's leather -- no in-betweens. The waxed thing felt too cheap.

Anonymous

Ok, I think the fit could be sharper, as you have identified. I think, though, that pleather jackets need time to mold, they all seem so rumpled at the beginning. To me, the fit is acceptable, not stellar but not bad either.

I would keep it only if you think you will not be investing on a leather one soon,. If not, I would say make do with your lighter toppers until you can go for the Danier one.

Anonymous

And another thing, I find it really hard to adjust to the feel of pleather or synthetic materials, especially on tops. as the weather gets warmer. is that the case with you?

Vildy

Veteran

To me, the side waist panels are a version of the fun trend of McCartney's hourglass illusion dresses. Only without trying so hard. I really like this on you. Even in warmer seasons there's nights, there's air conditioning, there's cooler days...

If it were me, I'd wear it around the house or out to a movie to get the real feel of it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like the silhouette over pants and jeans! Less so over a frock and skirt. The fit is good too. It looks smashing zipped up which is often not the case. Fab side panels.

As far as pleather goes. It's a hard one. I personally don't wear it, but I have many clients in pleather and it *can* work beautifully. If you run warm - do not opt for pleather.

You look stunning in white!!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Wow - this is really a conundrum, isn't it? Suz, Zap, and Angie, you all make EXCELLENT points (as usual). And this is exactly why I post K/R threads.

The issue of pleather vs. leather is significant for sure. And Angie comes right out and asks about "running hot". And the answer to that question is I do. And now that I'm thinking about this, I know I'm definitely warmer in my faux leather cognac jacket than I am in my black leather jacket, even though the actual weight of the jacket is the same. I guess that's because leather breaths better, correct?

So even though the weight of this white jacket is very light, it could indeed end up being too warm in the spring and summer for menopausal me.

And Suz, your own experience with the waxed denim and faux leather comfort level is invaluable to me and I thank you for sharing it.

So I'm now thinking of returning the jacket and waiting to see if I can find either a faux leather white vest, where the breathability will be less of an issue or waiting to buy a white leather jacket at some point in the future. I also want whatever I purchase to work equally well with trousers/jeans and dresses/skirts and this does not seem to be the one for that.

Gonna think on it some more. It is nice to know I look good in white though - you know, for future reference.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You look SMASHING in the white.

Ceit is making herself a pleather vest from F21. She had a thread yesterday.

Then I looked at the site and saw they have a ton of pleather vests already -- pricier than her homemade version but not by a lot. (We are talking $20-$40 range for a pleather vest). http://canada.forever21.com/Pr.....VariantID=

http://canada.forever21.com/Pr.....VariantID=

catgirl

Veteran

Okay, then I see what Zap sees, and that little tab across the neck makes me crazy, both on myself and visually on others. Does it tuck away? I have a bit of a poison eye for this particular style, as you know. However, I think you can find something better.

Personally, I've decided to be done with "placeholders" for must-have items - I have no real needs, and therefore I really should wait for the perfect item if I KNOW I want it. If I'm experimenting (as with white) I might go cheap.

XO, thanks for clarifying for me!

Sarah A

Veteran

I dont have anything useful to add as I think all the bases have been covered for this jacket. But, I did find the frank discussion enlightening and i wanted to thank you for opening the conversation. I often wonder what to do on my own K/Rs and I appreciate hearing your analysis process and the feedback from others.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Suz - thanks for the F21 links. Both of those vests are really cute and could potentially work for me. Pleather without the "full body" coverage/sweaty factor! We have a F21 here finally so can go check these out in person.

Una - you know I have always appreciated your honesty with me in my K/R threads and this is no exception. And I'm coming around to the same way of thinking about placeholders. Thanks sweetie pie!

Sarah - I always find my K/R threads extremely useful. Often I don't see on myself what others can see. Sure, it can be disappointing if you really love something, but it can also be enlightening and is always a learning experience. For example, with this thread I have learned I look good in white and that I don't want to be sweaty - both useful points!

Thanks everybody

Sarah A

Veteran

That is a very good point. I tried to take a photo for K/R this AM but DH said he loved it and to cut the tags and wear it today so I did.... now I feel like it would be silly to post a K/R since I cant return it! I suppose my team wear side gets too impatient sometimes....

Anonymous

Here's mine -- I think the perforations will help a lot with the sweaty issue. I am not even posting a K/R because I am keeping it! It's the perfect way for me to experiment with a trend and see if upgrading down the road would be useful. I love the silver panels and I love that it only cost $68 plus tax instead of the $78 the Barnardo version is listed for!

Excuse the crap photos -- not much chance at home to take good ones!

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Transcona Shannon

Veteran

It's absolutely FANTASTIC on you Ceit! I guess that's what some extra height can do for a person - lol! So glad it's worked out for you

pil

Veteran

The jacket does look nice on both of you! The one pleather piece I had went to the consignment shop in the fall because it didn't breathe. That was something that didn't even occur to me when I bought it.

Day Vies

Veteran

I especially love how you styled #3. The other looks are volume +volume but you know I have a fit bias any way. By itself I the jacket is just OK. I think it's your styling eye that makes me like it and for that reason I say return.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Shannon -- I like it on you.

Having said that, if you like it, why not actually get a white leather jacket? They have more longevity than you think.

True story: my brother bought his girlfriend a white leather jacket. It was something like 1997-1998. She "hated it" even though it was superb quality. I told him, I like it. He then told her that that I thought it was fabulous and super cool, and that I would take it . OK, now she wants the jacket after all, now that it's been vetted by someone. I think it was a moto style jacket.

That jacket could still be worn today.

Oh and she also "borrowed" my Romeo Gigli jacket (navy pinstripe) that I left at his house. (He is married to someone else.)

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