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WIW - trying not to be Precious!

Bijou

Veteran

DH and I were talking about the wardrobe item that in my fantasy world I would wear, he mentioned the concept as a "Grail" item. For me it is an Alexander McQueen Black Watch Tartan coat. Now there are a few reasons why this is never going to happen:
1. where I live it doesn't get cold enough for a coat like that; and
2. impossible to find to buy...
3. outrageously expensive and I would hate to be so precious about an item - I have the dog chew test - how upset would I be if my dog chewed this up - because I love my dog and don't ever want to be too precious about any item.
So as I said to DH, my jackets from now on are likely to be denim jackets, not fabulous McQueen coats...

DH decided that I needed a McQueen denim jacket, as luck would have it I found this one on the Real Real. They classified it as being in "very good" condition. Honestly, I think it was brand new and probably only worn once or twice because the buttons were so stiff, like they had never been used. I am so grateful to the person that let this go - they did not want or need it and their generosity means I now get to wear and treasure this jacket at a price where I don't feel precious about it. I cannot believe how beautifully made it is and it fits perfectly.

Do you have a 'grail item' or like me, a modified grail item - inspired by the precious item but able to be worn and enjoyed in your real life?

Photos

Photo 1 - the "Grail" coat
Photos 2 - 5 me wearing my jacket - I love the peplum detail and I am trying not being precious about it
Photo 6 - 10 Some daily outfits - some 90's inspired and check pants

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25 replies

Latest reply was from AJ

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I like your version! Is it too uncouth of me to mention that the original brings to mind that when I signed a work contract yesterday, I had to sign an extra agreement not to take pictures of the film studios and lot next door, because they don’t want details getting out? The example given was that Keanue Reeves is currently filming Matrix 4 there. (Unfortunately, that’s a bit lost on me, because idk what he looks like). Anyway...
I love it with the shorts! Your legs look fantastic and the peplum gives the whole outfit pep. Really like it with the plaid pants too—they could be so serious, and that ruffle just makes the whole outfit fun. The soothing, pulled together look in #6 with the pop of color is great too—classic you to add that bit of fun.

Bijou

Veteran

Fashintern - that is so exciting and congratulations on the job. I think the original would be my Matrix outfit - if I ever lived in that universe, but my denim jacket is the reality being useful version. I was in Sydney when they filmed Matrix 2 & 3 there, it was fun to see local landmarks pop up in the Movies.

Minaminu

Veteran

Few years ago, I went to the McQueen exhibition and it was breathtaking! Such a talented and skilled designer! The denim jacket is so beatiful and well tailored on you, I am sure it will be a workhorse for a very longtime! Enjoy it!

RobinF

Veteran

Wow, how fun is that! Great jacket and I love your dog-chew analysis. I don't have a dog but totally get what you mean.

cat2

Veteran

My husband and I would love to dress for dinner out but the reality is that we live in an area where there is a sartorial race to the bottom. Our last major anniversary dinner was at a Michelin-starred restaurant. We dressed up but ended up sharing the small dining room with a prominent investor in jeans and Tevas and his yoga panted and fleeced dinner companion.

Bijou

Veteran

Minaminu I would have loved to see the Savage Beauty exhibition. Luckily I can still see McQueens fashion shows on U Tube, but it would be amazing to see the actual creations.

Robin, my dogs are generally very good but I known with delicate fabrics and puppy claws accidents can happen. My denim jacket is super robust and Margot is a good girl.

Cat2, I am sure the Restaurant staff were happy to see you dressed up for your Anniversary dinner.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Having seen Angie’s blog post today, I now think you cribbed it ahead of time to inspire #6. LOL—all in jest, of course.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

The original coat is so amazing, and the elegant drama of it is perfect for your style. But, the denim grail is also very fine indeed and you're clearly already making good use of it. It's always better have beautiful clothes that you can actually wear frequently.

kellygirl

Veteran

I love how you were able to find a suitable replacement for the grail item! This is something that you can enjoy freely and also really suits your style. It's beautiful and fun--just like you. Love all of these outfits - the jacket fits seamlessly into your wardrobe! You have great footwear choices too--I love the white booties on you. Really like how the black booties look in the column of red--high contrast but totally works!

Bijou

Veteran

Fashintern, that was what I wore on the weekend, inspired by Angie’s 90’s post of jeans, camisole and blazer.

UmmLila, you are so right. Whilst I love coats, my window of wearing them is very narrow. Jackets and blazers are far more useful toppers for me. I have a few denim jackets that are worn frequently, but this one is the new favourite.

Kelly, my white boots get worn often. It was fun to wear my black boots with slip dress, a nice reminder of the 90’s.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I love McQueen and that coat is gorgeous! I think your denim substitute is a fun and practical nod to the “grail.”

JAileen

Veteran

Oooh, I want a Black Watch coat, too, but like the one the former Meghan Markle wore. It’s Burberry and sold out of course. Even if it weren’t, it was a little pricy. Right now Macy’s has one that I’ve been eyeing. It’s not at all the same. I’m resisting because I bought a Pendleton duffle coat during NAS.

I hope you get your coat.

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slim cat

Veteran

Pretty denim jacket with fun details - fits right in your WFH wardrobe!
Love the red outfit #10 ( I guess I'm craving bright colors ) and #4 with checkered pants.
I admire the original coat but it's too precious for our current life ( pricy too ) and I like your idea of finding something that reminds you of it.

Runcarla

Veteran

It’s amazing how the jean jacket has the same silhouette as your dream coat. I can see why it would deliver high sartorial happiness - it scratches the itch and meets the Bijou test.

I noticed from the OBG posts that a fair number of sartorial faves had been bought at thrift or consignment. The closest thing to a ‘grail’ item, is a HEWI white sheath dress - bought at thrift. Where I might normally be nervous about wearing an all white dress, the fact that I paid $35 for it diminishes that concern!

Anonymous

Speechless over here. What a great score! I much prefer it over pants to the skirt - it's far more flattering . And that black watch coat is you - but I can't even imagine owning an original piece like that. He/now they, are still and always have been one of my favourite design houses.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Bijou, YOU ARE SO STINKING CUTE!!! My word. Your KILLER outfits bring as much joy to us as they bring to you. Thank you for sharing

KILLER to the Power of KILLER denim jacket! Brilliant alternative, and you've styled it in your very special and skilled way. I'm wowed!

#7, 8 and 10 are my favourite outfits, but all sooooo fabulous! Try the new denim jacket over #10...

Cardiff girl

Veteran

What a beautiful and unusual piece .You look lovely as always ,l especially like your red jumper.l totally agree that it’s not a good idea to have clothes that you are so precious about you end up not wearing them.

Tanya

Veteran

I love McQueen designs, and that fantastic coat is no exception. I love your new denim jacket, it is a very unique piece and styled very well. Enjoy!

Bijou

Veteran

Janet, the McQueen coat is amazing but if I had that in my wardrobe it would have had zero wears because it is too warm for a coat. My jacket has been worn many times already.

Janet, you need a black watch coat to wear when out and about with Mr Skunky. I love the Macy’s one as it looks very versatile. The Burberry coat is fabulous.

Slimcat, the slip dress and red sweater is one of my favourite outfits. It is so comfortable to wear and I love the vibrancy.

Carla, your white dress is gorgeous on you. I know that price and also robustness of fabrication influences whether I will wear things regularly. For this reason I rarely buy dry clean only dresses and tops.

LisaP the coat is just amazing art, a shame that in my life I have no need for such an item.

Angie, thank you so much, it is great to have the YLF seal of approval. My white boots always help make an outfit. I will have to give the slip dress and jacket a try. I did do a try on on the jacket and pencil skirt and that silhouette works.

Cardiff Girl, I love the red sweater too, it is such a fun knit and combines two of my favourite things, red and leopard.

Tanya, I can definitely see you wearing the McQueen grail coat!

Brooklyn

Veteran

Wow, I can see why you lust after the tartan coat. I do too now

Honestly, I think I wore a coat about 10 times last winter. I can easily get by with a jacket and knit top. I’m sure it’s the same where you are, so I think you made the right decision. And the denim jacket is super cool and very you. Has Angie crowned you Queen Peplum yet? You wear the style so well.

Of the non-grail outfits, my favourites are 6, 7 and 10 but all are fab.

Lynne

Veteran

Stunning, and I love your "dog-chew" test :). I think your peplum jacket captures a lot of the essence of your HG coat, and I love to the power of love your red outfit!

Jane

Veteran

Oh wow on the grail coat. I love it! The denim jacket though is equally fab and much more suited to real life. I love the peplum!

How lovely that DH is interested and asks such questions. So nice! My DH does too although I am very careful not to over share on fashion (I am very comfortable doing this on YLF!).

Love the dog chew test.

I yearn for a D&G Sicily bag but I think a really good alternative will be a Polene bag that Minaminu has recently shown on a thread. I have been stalking the Polene website!

Bijou

Veteran

Brooklyn, I will happily be queen peplum as I really love a good waist defining jacket.

Lynne, it is fun how the dog chew test resonates. We also had the same test when buying a lounge. I saw a white leather lounge in the showroom and DH questioned how Westie proof it would be. The brown leather sofa was a much better and robust choice.

Jane, it is fun that DH is interested in fashion. He buys most of his clothing from Japan and is very knowledgeable on fabrication and street wear designers.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

The denim jacket is a great alternative to your admittedly stunning grail coat, and much more versatile and wearable. It is really perfect for you! All your outfits make me smile!

AJ

Veteran

Aw, that is FAB that hubby came up with a modified grail idea! How sweet!

The denim jacket is amazing and I really like it in outfit #4. Look forward to your future outfit posts with it!