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Light Blue Moto Jacket: ETA AT review & Final Decision

Chris987

Veteran

I’ve been looking a light blue moto jackets for a while, including seeing one on a woman recently styled with white jeans, a white top, and grey/taupe block heel cage sandals. She was just stunning! I wear my light blue denim jacket a lot and would like to expand my topper collection,. I love the moto jacket style because it is structured but also just a bit RATE, but in a light color it seems less edgy. A light blue moto would be a good addition for me.

Find #1 followed me home from H&M. I found a similar one in the finds here on YLF, from Club Monaco, find #2, although I have not seen it in person. In my mind I’m thinking the one from Club Monaco is probably higher quality and definitely higher price but I’m not sure the quality differences are important in this particular case. I’m having a tough time deciding what to do. I have until June 22 to return the H&M one.

H&M; the fit is great, including the sleeve length, which is a total miracle! It's a synthetic polyester faux suede with a hint of stretch and feels a bit like the old “Ultrasuede”. It be wearable now as an outdoor topper and later as an indoor one. The styling and zipper pulls, belt buckle etc are all a bit bold for my style but I kind of like them. I’m not so loving the belt, not sure it’s flattering on my body, and it feels fussy when unbuckled although I know that is the style. It is attached at the side seams and it and the belt loops could easily be removed although there would be small marks remaining; I’m not sure I’d care about that. In the photos I've not styled it, just wearing what I happened to have on at the time and those cropped chinos are not all that great looking. $70 US.

Club Monaco: the fit is unknown, not available in any stores near me so I’d have to order it. Fabric is viscose, so also unknown. It's described as lightweight for spring and summer so maybe not useful for quite as many seasons as the H&M one. The styling seems a bit more refined than the H&M one, with smaller zipper pulls etc. . $268 US

I have tried on Club Monaco clothing before and it is generally too slim for my body shape. H&M is hit or miss for me in sizing/shape.

All suggestions welcome!

UDATE: See the end of the posting for a review of the Ann Taylor version and my final decision

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Faux Suede Biker Jacket

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45 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Anonymous

I'm intrigued here, and not sure what to think. I like the idea, but wonder if this particular style is proportionally wrong for you .....as in, cutting you right in half, whereas a fit/flare style of jacket (still with moto details) with a slightly longer cut might work better? I'm thinking aloud here though. Of the two, I do prefer the CM , as the hip belt on the H&M seems a little too fussy ....you'd probably be wearing the jacket open most of the time anyways, wouldn't you?

Joy

Veteran

The Club Monoco version would be good for summer and air conditioning, although the polyester lining gives me pause. It may make it too warm for summer. It is also described as "straight", so maybe too slim cut for your beautiful curves.
I would take the H&M to a tailor and see what they say about removing the belt and loops. You know that jacket fits well.

Aquamarine

Veteran

I think you are heading in the right direction. The color works for you and is a fresh addition to your wardrobe. My problem with light colored toppers is that, depending on the fabrication, the times to wear them are short. Too heavy, and the item can be become unbearable in the humidity. Too light weight (which is how I think of viscose) and the season is equally short in the N.E. I guess that’s why denim jackets work so well...they are a combination of structure and cottony comfort. So, no real advice, just random thoughts! One last point...Moto belts drive me bonkers. If you are considering keeping the first one, definitely investigate getting it removed.

Like the Season

I like the H&M, but agree about trying to remove the belt. Its visual weight draws the eye downward, rather than upward.

The soft blue is a lovely color on you.

Jane

Veteran

I would go for CM one. I think, but I am not sure that I have seen this in store, and if it what I recall, the detailing is very good and an elegant take on a moto jacket. The H&M one looks good, but I think for the longer term the CM may be better. Both will look great when the dream red dress is found (apologies if it is found already and I have missed its arrival :))

JAileen

Veteran

Have you seen this one? Nic and Zoe make nice things. Linen might work for your climate.

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/n.....IGO%20WASH

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wow. The H&M fits perfectly. Make sure you like it unzipped, and that the belt detailing doesn’t bother you by dangling around.

I think it’s wise to see a few silhouettes side by side. Create looks with them. Then make the final decision.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I agree with others,the H and M looks a good fit on you but I would only buy it if you were sure that you could get rid of that belt without spoiling the jacket.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I would definitely have the belt removed on the H&M one if you keep it -- I would prefer it without belt for your style. The color is wonderful on you, and the fit looks nice. If you can, I would want to order the CM one to try, just in case, because I really like the cut on that one and the side/back detailing is cleaner than the belt yet still provides structure and interest. Do you ever plan to wear it zipped closed? Because I pretty much never close my cobalt blue moto. I'd also pay attention to the length if you plan on wearing this with skirts/dresses -- this one may be a little long for that, but great for pants and jeans.

Marilyn

Veteran

I will chime in since I'm the one who originally posted the find for the CM jacket. I have the same jacket in a soft olive colour from two seasons ago and like it enough that I'm considering picking up the light blue version as it has a more summery/warm weather feel to it.

It is a light weight jacket. The fabric is soft with nice drape. It's really nicely finished....details like elbow patches. It IS a straight cut. I am fairly slim and would never wear it zipped. But, I think this style of jacket looks best open anyway. It is light enough that it could be be layered under a coat for more warmth.

CM is currently having a 25% off sale. Shipping would be free and it's only $5 for returns.

I'm not a fan of jackets with with a belt buckle. I think they add bulk to the midsection and look awkward when the jacket is open. They just hang there dangling like they don't know what to do with themselves.

Chris987

Veteran

Lisa p yes that is the crux of the question. Yes I'd probably be wearing the jacket open most of the time which is why I might remove the belt permanently.

Joy, you are right about the CM one, and I rarely spend time in AC so it would get limited use. I do a lot of my own tailoring so I can already see that removing the belt would not be too difficult.

Aquamarine, good comments on light colors. I tend to wear only dark colors in winter but this got really old for me this past winter, and I yearned for lighter colors as winter dragged on into spring. Of course the winter clothing was gone from stores by then, so I'm thinking I want to get some lighter cold weather wear this fall.

Thanks Like the Season,

Thanks Jane. Ah you remembered my red dress hunt! Still haven't succeeded on that one.

Jaileen no I had not seen that...and I do love Nic & Zoe, thanks Linen would make it just a spring/summer item probably, and the front length is probably a bit too long based on the measurements given. I'll check it out!

Thanks Angie. Of course I should do outfit creation before deciding. Duh!

Cardiff Girl excellent advice.

Janet thanks. I think you're right that I would never wear it closed, and good point about trying it on with both dresses and pants. I need to do that.

Marilyn, great review, thanks, and you have convinced me to order the CM one to try it. I have plenty of time before I have to return the H&M one, and there is a CM store nearby so returning to them would be free. They only accept returns for 30 days so I'll have to decide quickly but that's ok.

anchie

Veteran

I would like to see the picture with the jacket opet. Belt is tricky, I am not very fond of it.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I can't wait to see the contest when the CM one arrives! This is a fabulous idea for you. How nicely will this bookend with your blue sandals?

My tendency would be to get rid of the belt if you keep the H&M. And unless the fit of the CM is spectacular, I'd probably do that, since it allows you to experiment with the style at lower cost.

Chris987

Veteran

Great idea Anchie I'll do some outfit creation and post pics.

Suz you are right about the sandals! I agree with you..the CM is going to have to be spectacular to keep it, due to the cost. It was 25% off (thanks to Marilyn for telling me that) but still it's pricier than the H&M so it has to work harder to earn a place.

lyn67

Veteran

It is a great color(I am nowadays enamored to icy blue) but I like my motos to be longer-which is so rare(retailers shoud listen!!!)so I don't own any at the moment---and so sad! This one has potential if worn open, no belt and I feell like it requires mainly longer, fluid tops and would look fab with skirts and dresses-but am not an expert, just my own experience.

Mainelady

Veteran

You definitely should have a light blue moto. The color is gorgeous on you! I do like the H and M. The fit is nice. I agree with removing the belt and loops. While you are thinking about alterations, can you see what it would look like a bit shorter? I think the length is just a tad too long as it is. Just my two cents worth, though!

BrieN

Veteran

Aa a lover of Moto jackets I am chiming in I think the blue HM jacket is beautiful and I have never considered removing the belt/loops before. That's a really interesting idea. I would like to see a photo of it worn open with the belt removed.

Thing is the sleeves fit. That's a big deal when it comes to Moto jackets, as the alteration with the zipper at the sleeve is a bear--- $$$ (unless you are shortening so much you take off the entire zipper!)

Christina F.

Veteran

I think it can be hard to find a moto that’s the right proportions. So you have a great start and with a lovely color on you to boot. I hope the belt can be removed, if your CM purchase doesn’t work as well. That belt would bug me too.

Chris987

Veteran

Thanks Lyn67, Christina F

Mainelady, thanks, i don't think getting the H&M one shortened would be all that easy to do...but I will think more about the length.

BrieN EXACTLY! I could not believe the sleeve length worked for me! On a person with regular arm length (not short like me) it would be too short!

p.s. just noticed yet another option showed up in finds....here it is....

Canvas Moto Jacket

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Chris987

Veteran

..and here is a find for the Nic & Zoe one JAileen suggested...

Nic + Zoe Linen Blend Biker Jakcet

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Marilyn

Veteran

Love that Ann Taylor jacket, Chris987. I like that it's cotton and I like that it doesn't have zippered sleeves. It's very crisp looking....the Nic + Zoe is not. If Ann Taylor wasn't so unfriendly to Canada I'd try it myself. It's coming up at $190 CDN and that's before duty is tacked on.

Style Fan

Veteran

The light blue is a lovely colour on you, Chris. The H and M moto certainly fits you very well. I agree that removing the belt would be an improvement. Of the four motos that have been shown I like the Ann Taylor one. It does not have a belt and might be more like a light denim.

Marilyn, there are Ann Taylor stores in the Toronto area. I wonder if they would have the jacket.

Chris987

Veteran

Thanks Marilyn.. it looks like I could check out that Ann Taylor one in a local store. Thanks Style Fan and hope your suggestion of the Toronto store might work for you, Marilyn.

Chris987

Veteran

The Club Monaco jacket arrived. The fit is completely wrong for me but I thought I’d post a review anyway.

I got a large. The shoulders fit, the sleeves and hem are too long, and it doesn't come even close to closing at the bottom of the zipper. I would wear it open but it needs to look like it could be worn closed. CM fits
are generally made for thinner/taller body types, which I already knew, so I’m not surprised.

I do want to say that the design, construction, and fabric are much more refined than the H&M one. The fabric was quite wrinkled but has a lovely feel. The silver hardware is smaller and seems better made. The fabric is thinner, softer, nicer. So, I’m returning both and am going to add “refined” to my search criteria. I guess the purpose of the CM jacket was to lead me in that direction

I may be near an Ann Taylor next week and will see if their version is available to try on. I don’t see the Nic & Zoe one anywhere in blue in petite sizes and I know I’d need a petite in that brand.

Marilyn you said you had a similar jacket from CM in another color and were considering this blue one. It really is lovely, I vote give it a go.

Christina F.

Veteran

Thanks for the review! I'm in the market for a light colored summer topper and like the look of the AT one as well. I'll post here if I see it in store or order it.

3style

Veteran

I think that the H&M jacket might look good with full-length wide legged pants or jeans. I’m finding it to be too much of a seasonally confused look with cropped lightweight pants. I think that the pants are making the belt seem like more of a problem than it would be in reality for wearing in cooler weather.

tulle

Veteran

At first I thought, oh the Club Monaco jacket is so breezy and nicely draped, such a pretty blue--pick that! Then I realized that the H&M jacket is a nearly miraculous fit on you, and that the only thing standing in the way of perfection is that belt--so clunky, and so bad on hips (I avoid belts like this on myself for that reason) forcing you to wear it always zipped up & buckled. Given the very reasonable price, I would take the H&M jacket to a tailor, as you've considered doing, and get rid of the belt & loops. Then I would style it worn open over white jeans and top just as you planned. I think you will love it.

Chris987

Veteran

Thanks Christina F

3style yes you are right that the jacket didn't work with the pants. I didn't really style it, just tried it on. I should probably pay a little more attention to styling when I take initial photos

Tulle, I was thinking of doing exactly as you suggested, but that H&M jacket is just too clunky when compared to the CM one. The zipper pulls were much bigger and almost got in the way, the zippers were not quite straight/flat, and the fabric felt thick and heavy. I want one that fits AND is more refined. I'm willing to wait for the right one

tulle

Veteran

I certainly get that, Chris. Quality is so important. When you've seen a beautifully constructed jacket, it's hard to settle for one that's less well made.

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