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New purchases - need advice

marianne

Hello everyone,

I need some help with these new purchases - I hope the pictures are not too dark. Please ignore the hair

1. Black blazer. I bought it online to comply with every-woman-should-have-a-black-blazer rule. It is good quality and was a great deal. I am leaning toward returning it, because I think it's too padded in the shoulders for me and a bit long. I am also not sure if it's suitable for wearing with jeans. What do you think? I don't own a dressy black blazer but it's not a high priority.

front: http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....ylf025.jpg
back http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....ylf026.jpg
closer: http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....ylf024.jpg

The other 2 items are from Zara and were purchased for me by someone edgier than myself.
2. Raincoat/anorak. I don't think I would have picked it but it's grown on me. I think I could use it casually with maybe converses? It probably needs a bright scarf to break up the black, any suggestions on the type?

http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....ylf031.jpg
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....ylf033.jpg

3. Cardigan - it's actually navy and pretty close to the color of the jeans. I like it a lot, but could I wear it with jeans and not look too monochromatic? I think it needs a ruffly or tie-neck blouse, but I currently don't own any... I would be interested in getting one that's not too expensive. Any other ideas?

http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....ylf034.jpg

Thanks!

General

25 replies

Latest reply was from Patience

Nicole

Veteran

Hi Marianne, you are looking lovely, if I may say so.

I think the blazer is a solid 9. I particularly like the stance on the top button. I don't think the shoulders look overly padded, and the sleeve length looks good. Maybe you are just not used to wearing a blazer? I know that's how I feel when I wear something unfamiliar to me.

The black Zara Jacket...eh, I'm not crazy about it. I don't think it's very flattering on your adorable figure. But, I could be totally off base on that. I know some women are not always out to show off their figures. (Usually the ones with the best figures (-: ) I'll be curious to hear others opinions.

The cardi---I love. It fits you really well, and I don't think it'll look too monochromatic worn with jeans. Just add two other colors with it, maybe red cami and yellow shoes? Or orange cami and pink shoes??

shiny

Veteran

I think the blazer fits you perfectly, is not too long nor too padded in the shoulders, and I personally WOULD wear it with jeans. Keep!

The cardigan is fabulous! I love it. I'll let Tanya suggest styling ideas, but I don't think it's too monochromatic (perhaps your eye simply isn't yet accustomed to fall/winter colors?) and you can easily wear this with a pop of color in shoes, cami, belt or bag.

The anorak - I'm on the fence. I love the concept, love the idea of something edgier... but it is doing something unflattering to you .... I'm afraid it makes you look enormous.... and you're not!!!

Tanya

Veteran

I also think that the blazer looks perfect on you! It fits you great everywhere, and it looks great with jeans. i would add a white or printed blouse and some bright shoes and there you have an amazing outfit!

I love the cardigan and i think it;s great with jeans as long as you add a pop of two of color as Nicole suggest. i second your idea of a blouse with either a tie-neck or ruffle collar. I also think that it begs for skinny patent belt. You could wear it completely buttoned with the belt or completely unbuttoned so that we see the top at the waist or even just button the middle button where the belt would be.

How about this blouse in plum under it
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../97751.jsp

with this skinny patent belt in buttercup
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../98093.jsp

and denim or white skinnies?

I am also not a big fan of that anorak. I like it in theory, but I don't like how it looks on you. I think you can do much better.

Julia

I agree with Nicole and Shiny. Both the jacket and cardigan are perfect fit, they look really nice on you.

I like the anorak especially from the back. It does look like overpowering you from the first picture but if you unzip it a little and change your hair style to give it more volume, it could work IMO.

Amanda

Like everyone else I like the blazer and the cardigan -- I recently bought a navy cardigan and was afraid it wouldn't work with jeans but was encouraged to just add color to make it pop. I think the blazer just needs a longer top under with jeans. It looks classy and stylish.

I'm with Julia on the anorak -- I actually like it. It's blousy and I think that takes a bit of adjustment when looking at it. I think it would look good with skinny jeans, a bright scarf and bright shoes.

Sihaya

Veteran

Marianne - responding without reading what everyone else has said. I love all 3. The blazer fits you well - and is a great sleeve length too. The anorak is awesome, wish I could duplicate it. I really like the cardi too - you can wear it with jeans, just pair with much lighter and brighter pops of color and shoes. All of these pieces seem to fit you very well and really accentuate your body in all the right ways. Go ahead - strut your stuff in them

Maya

Veteran

I think the cardigan would look great belted and/or layered over a ruffled/neck tie blouse. The blazer fits well. The anorak just looks like a whole lot of fabric and volume. I think you need to be very tall to pull that off. I like the idea and it's wonderfully crafted though.

julijuli

Hi Marianne, chiming in late here. I love the jacket on you and I think the cardigan is nice too and I like the suggestions of having a pop of color under both. I think the anorak is just too puffy at the bottom and doesn't flatter you because you have a great figure! I'd pass on it.

Antje

Veteran

Hi Marianne, great new purchases!
The blazer is perfect, looks super with jeans, and I think you'll get tons of wear of it.
Same for the cardi. I agree with the skinny belt suggestion (bright red would look swell, too, or grey/silver if you add color elsewhere in your outfit). Perfect.
I'm on the fence with respect to the anorak. I like it cause it's very unique and dramatic. I'd keep it if it makes you feel good (it's not unflattering) but if you're unsure then you might want to pass since I think it takes a little bit of "attitude" to pull it off if that makes sense.

marianne

Thank you so much for our advice and opinions! It's amazing to be able to get all this feedback in such a short time.

I almost packed up the blazer for mailing it back, so now I am reconsidering. Nicole, you're probably right about not being used to it. All my casual blazers are not padded at the shoulders and I am always afraid of making my shoulders look broader. I guess I'll keep it, since I got it at a great price and fit and versatility were my biggest concerns. I was afraid it looks too suit-like. Thank you all for wonderful suggestions for the cardi as well!

I see that opinions are divided on the anorak. It's not a big financial investment and I like having coat variety. It's also very practical in our weather. I am not that worried about it making me look big - I think it's the angle because the camera was at my butt level. I am wondering more about me being able to pull the look together, so I know what you mean, Antje. And Julia, yes, I'd wear my hair down normally, I just pulled it up to show the collar. Anyway, I'm going to play with it some more, and if you have any more ideas about it please send them my way.

Again, thank you all very much!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yoohoo. I'm late but here's my 2 cents:

First of all, Marianne - you are looking SO FAB. Even better in person

o Love the jacket and cardi – both solid 9’s. Super!
o I’m into the anorak, but I can’t see it clearly enough. I’ll reserve judgment until I see it in light. If the energy grabs you, perhaps you can post another picture?

judy

Veteran

Chiming in here a bit late, but I too like all three...and just wanted to add a vote in favor of the anorak...I REALLY like it!

marianne

Thanks Judy and Angie!
Angie, I'll try to take a better picture. Lighting is a bit of a problem, especially with dark colors. Otherwise I'd inundating the forum with pictures!

marianne

I tried to take a photo of the anorak outside:

http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....ylf037.jpg

Is this better? Any thoughts?

Tanya

Veteran

Well, I actually like it now, even if I didn't before. I guess the lightning made me change my mind

judy

Veteran

That is totally adorable on you, Marianne! It's a great length. I like how it gathers, I think it's very flattering. I want one too!

julijuli

Marianne - I think it looks much better outside too! I couldn't really see your long legs. It's a good length and the cinched waist looks great.

naf

hi Marianne,
Late to the thread, but wanted to chime in and say hi You look lovely in all your purchases, keep all of them I really like the anorak, unusual and very cool! Definitely keep it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

THUMBS UP. I'm gloating because I knew this had potential! KEEP! You look fab

Julia

Love it! Thanks for the new picture. It looks a lot like the one I got from HK but mine has short sleeves, we could be twins except I'm only 5 feet.

marianne

Thank you ladies! Julia, I remember the picture you posted, it was actually the first thing I thought about when I saw it.

Nicole

Veteran

I agree...looks much better now that we can actually see the details of the jacket and you.

Dani

Veteran

Ooohh, I like it! Thanks for posting another picture. It is much easier to see. Can't wait to see how you wear it this fall!

Alecia

Veteran

I'm late, too. But I am so glad you're keeping the jacket. It's amazing. And the anorak is really fun. It's all great!

Patience

Veteran

Love everything!