Oh Helmut Lang, why do you do this to me?

OK, this is a terrible picture of me, and it's from a couple of days ago, but I snapped it quick because I was in a hurry, and I was disheveled from trying on jeans (ugh, don't even get me started on that).

But this jacket is so buttery soft and drapes so well and fit me so nicely that I was sorely tempted to buy it and then go home and put my other black leather jackets on eBay. Or return the Yigal Azrouel convertible jacket I bought at NAS. Well, maybe.

Or maybe it doesn't look all that great, and I just fell in love with how it feels? I'm doing a lot of questioning myself these days. Here it is online: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/he.....dsearch-pe It's one of the unusual cases where I think it actually looks better on me than in the pictures online.

BTW, the black Helmut Lang blazer arrived, and I'm not sure it's The One for me. It's one of those garments that seems to emphasize how very crooked my body is -- one side fits beautifully, and the other side bunches up in the back, like it's slightly too big, but just on one side. Sigh. I feel a little like a freak of nature. What a shame you can't correct scoliosis at age 48.

Sorry that I'm whining. It's been a rough day that started with some sad news, and I've been out of sorts all day long.

So anyway, what do you think of this jacket? Maybe I should just ditch the thought of a new black blazer and always wear black leather jackets instead.

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12 years ago

cciele

Veteran

*plonk*

milehighstyle (Linda)

Love, it's perfect for you!

catgirl

Is this instead of the blazer? Because I love it but I don't see it as a blazer substitute.

Janet

(website)

Una, I was joking about that part. It's just that for some reason I find leather jackets so much easier to fit on me than blazers. A blazer is not a pressing need. My life is casual, and I have my Gibson from a couple of years ago, which is still in fine shape. I was anticipating the need for a newer black blazer maybe by the end of the upcoming winter season.

If I were to get this, I would probably sell at least one of the black leather jackets I already own, possibly two. I have a Hinge from two years ago that is nice but difficult for me to style and not as versatile or comfortable as this one.

unfrumped

It's pretty short so it depends on what you want to wear it with. Jacket proportions are the devil for me, so I've got to try them on with all of the bottoms I'm thinking of wearing with, and then see if the jacket is fab for that purpose.
I hear you on feeling the leather--I've had to tear myself away from items that I wanted to take home and pet even though they did not fit me. And also drape. Sometimes one thing is right (the front drape) but another part is off. Very frustrating.
So you do want to aim for both the style and the great buttery type of leather.
Just see if you can tell what's driving you.

Unfrumped, great points.

The older leather jackets I own are more of the stiffer, non-drapey variety. The fact that this one doesn't have the usual moto style zip and a bunch of hardware actually really appeals to me for a nice change of pace. The style is definitely a newer one for me that I like. Drapey is not always easy for me. Too much drapey makes me feel frumpy.

The jacket(s) this would replace are this length or shorter. I think this would be a nice length with dresses and skirts, but also with jeans with untucked tops layered underneath. I think it is also not so short that I couldn't do tucked shirts with jeans and belts.

Good food for thought, thank you!

CocoLion

Stunning!

Lyn D.

Well, I can see why you like this jacket!
If you are embracing drapey blouses it seems to complement them beautifully.

Then for pete's sake get it.

Nicole D

I would love to see a full body pic and see it with a dress. It is kind of short and gives me a feeling of IT on you - I actually think IT is a fab silhouette, so that is not meant as a detraction, just an observation. The drape is luscious. You should take it home and see if it plays well in your closet.

LOL! You enabling lot, you!

RoseandJoan

I cannot get past those sharp shoulders. I do think this is worth bringing home for playdate with your wardrobe

Nicole, I would LOVE to have a bit more of an IT silhouette! Anything that helps balance out my hips and thighs without making me look big all over is a big plus.

ironkurtin

I'm so sorry, I'm going to be a spanner.

I think this draped front is going to trend out quickly. Can you close it? What does it look like closed?

Tactility is HUGE, I totally get it! But... for what that jacket costs, surely you should be able to wear it for years and years?

Caro in Oz

I have an unlined one in this shape & I find it REALLY versatile - I only wish I could get it in ivory or nude or dark blue as well.

To IK's point about trends - this shape has appeared in European edgier labels for many years. It may sometimes be more on trend than others but imo I don't think it will "date" anytime soon.

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm not pulling the trigger on this right now. Triple Points days are coming up.

MsLuna

That look soooo goooood!

rae

I had to stop and pet that jacket yesterday! Didn't dare try it on, lol.

I'm going to have to go back and look at your YA jacket pics, but first impression is that that one was much more flattering on you. It left a wow impression even after all this time, and I don't much get that from this one.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You are shopping for leather jackets again Janet, and you have many, many of those already. So I am the very cautionary enabler on this thread.

We need to see your leather jacket capsule and take it from there. This is crucial. I'm not sure this is the way to go in terms of colour and styling. At least with the burgundy NAS jacket, you bought something very exclusive, convertible, and in a colour that was not covered already.

This is not a replacement for the Gibson jacket - just reminding you of that too.

Oh, absolutely in agreement, Angie! This is not a need.

BTW, I have not had a chance to put on the Helmut Lang blazer and take any decent photos. It is a very nice blazer, but I don't think it's right for me. It's very close, but I think the fit is off (see my comment upthread about how it highlights my asymmetry). It's quite a substantial weight too, which is not a bad thing, but I'm not sure that's what I really want, especially in a cut with sleeves that are not full length. Fortunately, there is not a pressing need for a Gibson replacement -- I can take my time.

This jacket was just staring me in the face while I was waiting to do some returns and I had to pop it on. The feel and the streamlined nature of it made me realize that there are a couple of old jackets I have that I'm not as excited to wear. That does not necessarily mean I need to buy more!

That's what I like to hear, Janet. You are thinking with your head and your heart.

Mochi

I'm on an iPhone (and on vacation, so was not checking in). It's hard to see your pic with the HL jacket, but from the store pic, this jacket looks striking and unique. It's not great if it brings out the self-conscious, but if you can overcome that, it would be a consideration--I'd support it, heh.

Now you did not ask for my opinion but since you mentioned the YA jacket--I've been thinking about it, and that overall style. The leather and the color are gorgeous. However, I think the huge flaps that hang open in the front (obviously when the jacket is open) are going to date within a season or two. So with the YA jacket, if you enjoy it great, but as an investment piece, very possibly no. The HL strikes me as having more staying power.

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