Leather jacket hunt continues... - YouLookFab Forum

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Leather jacket hunt continues...

shiny

Veteran

I just keep striking out. No pictures, because I knew right away none of these were "it" and they were all going back.

First I ordered this, since it was on sale:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/be.....01?origin=

It was close. It fit. Perfect sleeve length, perfect across the chest, waist, and in the shoulders. Lovely color. Leather a bit heavier/stiffer than what I'm looking for - more of an outdoor coat. But there was just something about the collar that didn't work. It doesn't lay flat but sticks up annoyingly, shortening my neck which is already short. Would totally work for someone with a longer neck.

I also ordered this, even though it is faux leather:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/be.....rigin=keyw

It had a horrible, horrible odor. And fit was all wrong -- it was HUGE all over. Yuck.

Then I took a chance on this:
http://www.truereligionbrandje.....10135.html

Oh, so close... lovely lovely leather.... lovely soft shade of white... right length, fit everywhere but the sleeve length, which I am willing to hem for the right jacket. The only problem? The collar lays flat, but it is HUGE. I sometimes wear dramatic over-sized collars, but it has to be scaled just so, and since this isn't petites, it wasn't. It was just too much collar for 5'0 me. Ultimately I decided to pass, but if anyone is interested, check this jacket out, as it may work on taller gals.

On a total whim, this is now on order:
http://www.6pm.com/michael-mic.....ket-cherry

It's petite. There's no collar to frustrate me. 19 inches is perfect length for me. I suspect the leather is soft and subtle. The price is great. But the color? Can I pull that off?

I do not have any cherry red at all. Oh wait, I have a pencil skirt that makes me feel like Santa every time I wear it. I tend to gravitate instead towards a deeper blue-red since it's more flattering. If it fits nicely, I may need some advice on how to get it to play in my closet, which is heavy on the muddy shades rather than the clear brights like this. However I was thinking my favorite wool coat is a clear bright cobalt, and I got that to work? So maybe... just maybe... ?

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from Jorja

Anonymous

Shiny, I hope the cherry red jacket works out for you. Maybe it will be more of a blue-red in r/l.

Thistle

Veteran

I am not sure how to help get it to work in your closet. I am terrible at color.

I wills ay if you are nervous about ti now, and don;t find at elast 3 outfits to work with it, I would return it. Or resell it. I have elarned far too often that if I am not in love when I get it, I don't reach for it later.

JAileen

Veteran

I sympathize. I've been going through the same thing, ordering leather jackets and returning them (I've got one right now that I have to return). I love the color of the first one best, but sometimes the unexpected just seems to work. So who knows? This might be the one!

April

Veteran

Shiny, can you say more about what kind of jacket you're after (apart from a good fit, of course)? Did you want something more tough looking, or more elegant? A lighter weight, "indoor" coat?

Would you consider something this edgy: http://www.bcbg.com/Petar-Plea.....r_IAA4G876

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Try this one in a petite if you haven't tried it already:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....gory-perso

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Angie, I've been eyeing that one, too. Indoor weight or outdoor? How is the fit? Would I be better to try petite or regular?

shiny

Veteran

April, I'm looking for more of an indoor jacket -- something soft and supple. The Vince paper scuba was perfect in that regard -- loved the leather. And yes, "elegant" more than tough looking. Something I can wear for work, instead of a suit jacket or cardigan.

I would love to find a replacement/upgrade for my pleather cream Bagatelle - bought years ago at AT - it's petite. Very similar style to that MK red jacket I just ordered. I have worn that pleather jacket to death -- it has been so incredibly versatile. Unfortunately, the pleather around the neck is starting to crack, on the inside only - I have actually considered it may be worth having a tailor replace that strip with a fun fabric, but I fear it's only a matter of time before the rest of the pleather starts cracking too.

I also wouldn't mind a replacement/upgrade for my pleather F21 cropped moto, 3/4 sleeves. That item was dirt cheap and I bought it on a whim but I wear it constantly with dresses. I baby that piece and I'll be sad when it has to be retired.

Finally I have a black H&M pleather jacket very very similar to that Halogen jacket Angie linked to. There's a role for something like that, and navy would be nice. Guess I should try this one out. I did hesitate because I've not had much luck with Halogen brand in the past (tops etc). I don't know what it is - fits me funny. I guess it's worth a try?

Angie: what is the leather like? And also that "tan taupe" version - is it more of a beige than cream?

April

Veteran

I'm sure I missed this part, Shiny, but did you not get the Vince paper scuba, or you did but something was wrong about it?

Gigi

Veteran

Do you like this one? Or do you think the collar is too big?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ha.....=related-3

I have the same problems as you. I like larger collars, but not so large they overwhelm me. I've been having problems with the neck not being just right. Oh well! I never did find one I liked either. Misery loves company!

catgirl

Veteran

The Allsaints cargo jacket is fab and a great shade of cool blue -grey but may be too RATE for work...

http://www.us.allsaints.com/wo...../size,any/

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Jennifer and Suz, the leather is really nice. Not as soft as lamb leather - which I personally will not wear - so it's nice to have the option of lovely cow leather. The inset on the underside of the sleeve is excellent for larger shoulders, but it does make the look more casual. As does the the top-stitch detail. That's the only reason I don't own it. I am after something a little dressier. The sleeves are an easy shorten - no zips. Fit is a little fluid - nice and modern. LOVE the ink. The beige is not a cream or taupe. It's a light tan with a spot of cool pink and very pretty. Definitely lightweight. Not heavy at all.

Suz, I would try the regular. It's pretty short already.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, Angie!! That's a superbly detailed review. I am still debating and might wait to see what Danier produces for spring. But I did notice that great sleeve feature (easy alteration) and also, I really, really like the knit panels for comfort -- it allows for easy scrunch. I notice I wear my taupe leather jacket much more than my white one, precisely because it has that feature. Makes it feel more "indoors" to me, as well.

The one thing I wondered about was whether the little neck flap would be irritating. I have this on my white jacket and don't mind it a bit, but there, it does not also come with the wide collar. I felt the double detail might be a bit fussy for my style. Either/ or seemed better. But...not ruling it out!

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

I think i may look into that white leather jacket from Nordstrom since they have a petite.

abc

Veteran

I'm debating a leather jacket myself and appreciate the info on this thread.

Suz, just curious, when does Danier release more spring weight jackets? I keep going back to drool over some of their pieces and really NEED some Danier in my life hahahaha but prefer exactly what shiny described, a supple indoor weight jacket. Thx!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Shiny, I am virtually sending you some of my jacket mojo. It's a mystery to me why I have such an easy time finding so many jackets (I guess my payback is that I have an awful time with bottoms) but maybe I need to go shopping with you and let my jacket luck rub off on you!

It's a shame that True Religion one didn't work -- that looks beautiful. Good luck with the red one. It seems to me the red could be gorgeous on your coloring (I think blondes can look especially fab in red). Keep trying -- you will find your perfect leather jacket!

shiny

Veteran

April - no, I did not get it, for the price it had to be a 10 and I wasn't getting that from the YLF poll. I did go back again and try it on, at Neiman Marcus instead this time, since I did not trust the slanted mirrors at Nordie's. Not sure it was exact same version (paper weight) but the ones at NM (I tried on several) just did not seem quite right, fit wise. Size up to eliminate the issues at the chest/belly, it was way too long all over.

That is always my dilemma when shopping in regulars for anything: -- I need the vertical scale and proportions of an XS or even an XXS, but the width (all over- shoulders, chest, waist) of a small. I have way better luck in petites, as the vertical scale does not jump quite so dramatically when you size up from an XSP to a SP!!

I know I'm like a whiny broken record. I just get so frustrated. Sigh.

Gigi - which one? I'm not familiar with that brand - tell me more!!!

Angie- thanks; that is the nudge I need, I will try it in the ink.... if it hasn't sold out since I last posted. Ha!

I hope *someone* in here tries that True Religion jacket. It really is beautiful. Even just a couple extra inches in height could pull it off, I think.

Please keep the recommendations coming! Cuz I am determined and on a mission!

shiny

Veteran

LOL... the navy Halogen is sold out in petites...

Jorja

Just called Nordstroms since I'd love the Halogen jacket in a petite in ink. But petites never came in ink, only the tan taupe.