Second Thoughts On the Armani Suit - YouLookFab Forum

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Second Thoughts On the Armani Suit

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Dear all,
I hope you are enjoying your Labor Day Weekend, wherever you are, if you are celebrating it. We don't celebrate Labor day in Norway, but we had the (probably) last barbecue of the season last night, and the 1st of September arrived with a distinct drop in temperatures, so winter is coming.

My initial enthusiasm over the thrifted Armani suit has somewhat cooled down a little. I think the costs for alterations will be significant, at least 100 dollars, probably more. Alterations are pricey here. What is more important, I'm not that sure that the blazer is different enough to qualify as a "full skirt" blazer next to my BR blazer, which is good for pencils and pants. They are after all about the same length in front. I would still need a shorter blazer to fill this hole with several skirts and dresses. I'm also still thinking about finding a pair of brown flat riding boots, and I need a utilitarian jacket/parka for fall. Frankly, I'm not sure what to do. Keeping the suit will set my other purchases on hold a little longer, but I will eventually manage to get it all.

I have a few options:

Keep it and love it for what it is, including paying for the alterations
Return it
Try to sell it on eBay or similar. How much could I expect to get for it then?

What do you think? What would you do? Your thoughts are appreciated, thanks for reading.

Shopping

30 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

unfrumped

Veteran

Can't tell you what to do, but....
Sounds like some lack of love and maybe Armani eyes? It's no crime to decide that even if something looks good and gets thumbs up and EVEN if it's Armani, if you're not drooling to wear it, it might not be right for you. There are more great things ahead in
the Universe.
Now, the expense of alterations is part of the story but different. If the alterations will make it fab so you just can't wait to wear, it then budgeting for that is reasonable. But if it's added to nagging doubts, then it sounds like a deal- breaker compared to say an outfit you could start wearing as- is at low outlay and then pass along/ re- consign if it doesn't work out.
I'm having some second thoughts about a couple of items I got recently( tags still on), and I'm really finally learning to listen to that little voice, and to identify better the true fab- ola looks for me.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I'd return or sell it. I was not the biggest fan in the beginning though.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I loved it without the alterations. What are you getting altered? I'm not sure what the second thoughts are. It is noticeably different from your other blue blazer.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

IK, I'm comparing it to my othe black blazer, which I also have pants for, btw. You see it in the pics with the påolka dot skirt, to the right. The alterations are hemming the sleeves and pants + letting out the side seams of the pants.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It's too bad that alterations are so expensive, Ingunn. Here, hemming is inexpensive, although the pants alteration might be more.

I honestly don't know what to think. It's tricky. How does the quality of fabric compare to the BR? Can you imagine keeping the Armani longer? Although it is not all that different in length than the BR jacket, it has a more retro feel. That might save it from dating in quite the same way -- but it also might make you leave it on the hanger because you might want more "modern" in your modern classic.

I almost wish this had been in navy or another colour. Then at least it would be different in that respect (while still being dark) and perhaps could have felt more justified.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I looked at the pics again and this jacket has SO much more personality than the BR one. I don't even think it or the pants really need those alterations. I think the pants will give with wear.

Honest.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I know, it's a little like comparing apples and pears. I guess I just need to ponder a bit more on this. IK, I hear you. You do have a point.

Glory

Veteran

So hard to be in the area of undecided - I can certainly relate. Is it too late to return to the store?
I think if you are not loving it that might be the best option. You have a great sense of style and your purchases are so spot on. Follow your instincts and I am sure it will be the right decision.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I agree with Anna - if you don't LOVE it return it.

Deborah

Veteran

Ingunn I have only just caught up on your earlier post where you posted some pics of the suit. Perhaps I am an outlier, but I suggest if you are not 100% sold on it, return it. I think it looks great, however I think the blazer reads as dated. I recognize that it could be viewed as retro, but for I see 'sharper' looking blazers as beeing more you.

Gaylene

Veteran

It's a hard decision, but you don't want to spend $$$ on alterations only to have a trophy piece in your closet. I really like the look of the jacket and pants on you, but I'd say trust your instincts about how it will fit into your closet and your lifestyle. Maybe wear the jacket out in public for a few hours one day just to gage how you feel about it? I've found that a trial run can sometimes help me decide if something is worth keeping or purging.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I did really like the blazer on you and am tempted to tell you to just keep that if you think the pants alteration is not worth it.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It's so difficult, isn't it? If we took the name "Armani" out of the equation would you love it as much? Probably -- you are not seeking status with your clothing. But you are seeking quality of a certain kind, and the name guarantees (or seems to guarantee) that level of quality. No wonder the decision is so difficult. It is not so easy to find that quality at retail in a price range we can afford.

I have been through this, too, to a lesser degree. No Armani -- but I have a couple of consignment jackets from good Canadian designers. Lovely pieces and I got them for a very low price (relatively speaking) ... but but but ... they read as dated to me rather than "retro" and after two winters in my closet it is time for me to pass them along. Do I regret buying them? No -- they served an important purpose. And part of me is sad to see them go. It is just so difficult to find that quality of workmanship in a price I can afford.

nancylee

Veteran

Ingunn, Suz makes a good point about the Armani label. Even if the suit is of great quality, if you don't love it you probably won't wear it (I speak from experience!). Sounds like you'd be better off trying to sell it on Ebay than paying for alterations and then having it potentially sit in your closet unworn.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Thank you for helping me clarify this. I definitely have some interest in the suit, but it occurred to me that I haven't wanted to wear it even once during the last week. Why is that? This is THE blazer season here, before the coats are to be pulled out. I think it is because there are some fit issues at play that I didn't notice at first: On the left (?) shoulder, the fabric scrunches just below the shoulder pad, even if I don't scrunch the sleeve. It doesn't look right. I also think it looks a little strange seen from the front. The back is much better.

No, the brand is not very important to me, but of course it's fun to have an Armani.

Niefern

If you are having doubts and altering is going to be expensive, I would sell it on Ebay as it seems you can actually make a profit doing so!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote sell too. I don't think the alteration cost is worth it, Ingunn. Onto something better.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Thank you for all your advice. Ido actually feel a bit embarrased because I asked you to give advice on this, and now I'm turning this decision up side down. But like Angie, I don't think the alterations are worth it. I do think that this is an interesting piece to sell on eBay - who knows? I could make a small profit.

Diana

Veteran

I vote sell. I was not a huge fan in the original post either though.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I missed the original post, but to be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of this suit. If you hadn't said Armani, I would not have identified it as such. It has some retro appeal, but the fit and style don't wow me. It sounds like you'd be working too hard to make this work for you. I understand, I've done that too, and ended up taking a loss and eventually selling on eBay.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Man, I do not understand this forum sometimes. I thought this suit fit well and was charming, feminine and one step up from your usual boring two-piece. I especially liked how the lapels worked with Ingunn's face and hair, and I thought the cut flattered her figure. I also liked how well the suit top worked with the bottoms to create a shapely woman form. I didn't think it was dated and that the fabric looked expensive and nice to touch.

I do agree that if Ingunn isn't wearing this, then she should pass it on. That's the ultimate test.

But I'm gonna go back to not getting why people didn't like it in the first place. It is not "me" at all but I loved it on her.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Dana, IKWYM. There are times I completely don't get why everyone is gaga over a certain look (I usually keep my mouth shut at those times), and other times I feel like a lone wolf for appreciating something everyone else is lukewarm on. I agree that there is some appeal to this cut on Ingunn, for her style and her features, but there is something not quite there for me. Her latest hesitation makes me think there is something not quite there for her as well.

I actually like it when not everyone here is in lockstep with a certain opinion. It's reassuring that we have a variety of perspectives!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I agree that it is good when we disagree! When I'm the one asking questions I actually enjoy the give and take when people feel differently about an item or an outfit. It's often quite instructive.

I was one of those who was neither super hot nor super cold on this suit. I liked it on Ingunn, but did not think it was perfect. And right now, she's looking for 10s. They have to be 10s not only in how they look, but how they perform, and she has indicated that this one might not perform the way she had hoped for it.

The other issue is this: however well it might suit her (ha ha) is it consistent with Ingunn's style goals? And I'm not sure that it is. It's not outright INconsistent, mind you. But it's a bit of a side-trip for her. I think this is why we're suggesting she pass it along.

If she adored it, I would be cheering her on over it. But since she's unsure, that makes me think maybe it's not so great for her. Usually we have these inner reservations for a reason, and sometimes it's a reason that doesn't fully show up in the photos.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Dana, I really, really appreciate your honesty in this. You've been in favor of the suit on me, and given great advice. I do agree that the suit has some features that are quite special. That is after all what attracted me to it in the first place.

But, as Suz so wisely points out, this is not a 10 for me. It needs alterations, particularly the trousers. I also don't quite like the fit of the jacket on me, and I don't feel fab in it.

I appreciate that the forum is divided in its opinions, and that one gets different answers on the same topic depending on how the question is posed. That is only natural. I think we are doing just fine here

Adelfa

Veteran

I also think that sometimes the opinion I disagree with is the one that helps me the most to figure out what I really think. I am grateful for members who are willing to do this!

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Yes, Adelfa, I agree. Thank you for mentioning this.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

What Adelfa said. I want to hear why people don't like something as much as I want to hear when they do

To my eye the suit did look somewhat dated & the fit is not 100% that is why I asked if it wasn't Armani would it still be under consideration

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I don't think the suit looks dated, I think it looks conservative though. You could try selling it on eBay if you don't want to return it but be aware that eBay is time consuming and unless you are already skilled at selling, I found there was a learning curve with eBay. They put a limit on what and how much I could sell and were slapping me on the wrist for various minor incursions.

Anonymous

I am late to the party so you might have sold or returned the suit already - but I just wanted to say that you might get more money back by consigning it than by returning it or ebaying it. Consignment stores love those designer labels, and I think people are more likely to splurge on a suit in person where they can feel the quality and fit. (I am with the "sell it" crowd on this one because I don't think the suit is as sharp as your usual style.)

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