Janet - the piped trousers would be very VB. Try them!!

Another thumbs up for the jacket and boots...even though red may not be a color you wear it looks totally fabulous on you, and it doesn't read "RED" to my eye, more an interesting plaid with lots of colors including red and terrific piping.

If you are already worried about doggie claws damaging the coat I'd say listen to your little voice.....

LOL... I’ve been in and out of my clothes so much today, trying on stuff from my closet! What’s another wardrobe change, right?

I discovered a couple of things about the VB jacket — 1) it does accommodate a dickey, I’d be seriously tempted to check out their offerings for a piece to casualize the blazer even more, without adding the bulk of extra layers (I’m not into so many layers these days). 2) The sleeves unbutton and fold up really well for a scrunched sleeve effect. Again, just another way to casualize it. 3) the pocket flaps tuck away into the pockets once you undo the stitching that holds them shut — I suspected that might be the case. This is helpful when a more streamlined look is desired. Nice that the jacket has some versatility that way.

I put it on with pockets tucked and sleeves cuffed (just with my shorts and tee) so you can see.

And here it is with my Calvin Klein side stripe trousers (my only real pair of trousers!) and Kori boots. I have never had the trousers properly hemmed (they have some allowance and are just tacked — I need to have them let down a bit). It’s certainly matchy!

Perfect with the black and red pants, and a graphic tee. A different look, but still you.

The blazer integrates so well in your wardrobe and looks fabulous with the new boots. It is very figure flattering - more so than the zebra jacket.

The boots are fab too. I am super-keen on the blazer, but I know it's not something you *need* right now, so think about it.

The zebra jacket looks good in both sizes, but not as good as the red jacket, which is why I hesitate. I can't tell the difference in size between the 6 and 8, but I don't have a good eye for sizes, so take that fwiw.

Great colour for you.

I was “yeh, the VB is nice but...” until I saw it with those piped trousers and black boots. Now THAT is a solid 10 in my books! Keep.

Love the boots as well, but I’d be iffy about the coat for its tendency to become too precious.

Wow, keep it all! But think hard about the VB blazer and its place in your wardrobe only because of the price. It really works for you! Love it with the side stripe pants and a graphic tee, super super cool.

Mmmmm, those boots! Those are very you!

Wow! Does that blazer jacket ever integrate into your wardrobe! I just loved the photo with the jacket and boots (jeans rolled), then you styled,it with the striped trousers. Holy smokes, Janet!

I'm thinking the zebra coat doesn't meet standards, and should be returned. Sorry.

VB jacket = KILLER to the POWER of KILLER

Booties = KILLER

Return the zebra jackets.

What Angie said times 10. LOVE that jacket on you. Wow.

I couldn't find it to try in store. I am going to see if I can order online. Just to try. Because it is just so great on you!

The blazer is incredible on you. You have such a fabulous collection of jackets and this is one of my favorites among those many treasures. LOVE it with the graphic tees.

Thanks, everyone! Especially Angie since I know you are working long days!

The boots are definitely keepers.

The more I wore it and played with it, the more I like the VB. I will have time — 2.5 months until we have any kind of jacket weather — to be sure before I cut tags. I’ll be honest, red makes me pause, but it’s a good shade of red for me, it does seem I have plenty of options that work with it, and I don’t want my wardrobe to be stuck in a blue rut. I like that it doesn’t duplicate anything else in my jacket collection (which I am actively reviewing and editing). I like that it’s a plaid grounded with plenty of black and cream. The black piping makes it work for me — I think I need to play up a bit of sophisticated punk edge with it. Suggestions welcome!

I like you in red! It’s fun to change things up. To make it more punk I say do your hair spiky and add some safety pin jewelry! Ha!

So glad you are sending the zebra coats back, those pulls will only get worse.

VB jacket and boots are totally fab and a great red on you. So fun to see how you play with it, and I really like it with an edgy t-shirt underneath.